Battery cell monitoring circuit capable of wireless communication and battery module provided with same

Abstract

The invention relates to a top plate assembly and a battery module provided with the top plate assembly. The top plate assembly is installed on the battery module and is provided with a main-stage battery control circuit and a battery cell monitoring circuit capable of performing wireless communication. The top plate assembly comprises a metal top plate; a plate accommodating hole provided in a portion of the top plate; a plate accommodated in the plate accommodating hole; a wireless communication antenna mounted to the board; and a non-metallic housing that accommodates the plate and fixes the plate to the top plate. The plate accommodating hole is provided with an anti-noise groove formed by cutting the metal top plate so as to be separated from the wireless communication antenna to a certain extent. The housing includes: a lower housing made of a resin material and supporting a lower portion of the plate from a bottom surface of the top plate; and an upper housing made of a resin material and covering the plate and the plate accommodating hole from an upper surface of the top plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cell monitoring circuit and a battery module equipped with the cell monitoring circuit, and more particularly to a main battery control circuit installed in a battery module and a wirelessly connectable cell monitoring circuit. Background Art

[0002] In order to increase the driving range of electric vehicles, the number of battery modules installed in each vehicle must be increased, and the energy density of battery cells must also be improved within a limited space.

[0003] As the number of battery modules installed in a vehicle increases, the number of modules that one battery control circuit must control also increases. However, when the battery control circuit is connected to each cell monitoring circuit installed in a large number of modules through a wired connection, the wiring structure becomes more complicated, and damage to the wiring may cause a fire. That is, as the energy density of the battery cell increases, the safety risk also increases.

[0004] Furthermore, in order to establish a wired connection between the cell monitoring circuit and the battery control circuit mounted on the battery module, a connector or terminal exposed to the outside of the housing must be provided on the housing of the battery module. As a result, exhaust gas leaked from the battery cell and discharged to the outside through the connector or terminal may catch fire when it comes into contact with the outside air.

[0005] Korean Patent Application Publication No. 2021-0058540, Korean Patent Application Publication No. 2017-0117118, and Korean Patent Application Publication No. 2021-0149482 disclose technologies for connecting a battery control circuit and a cell monitoring circuit via wireless communication. However, the above documents do not disclose any structure for preventing exhaust gas leaking from a battery cell from being discharged to the outside.

[0006] In addition, in order to protect the battery cells contained inside the battery module, the housing of the battery module is made of metal to ensure its strength. However, the housing made of metal material interferes with the wireless communication between the cell monitoring circuit and the battery control circuit of the battery module. However, the above-mentioned documents fail to provide any solutions to these wireless communication problems. Summary of the invention

[0007] Technical issues

[0008] The present invention is developed to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a battery cell monitoring circuit and a battery module equipped with the battery cell monitoring circuit, which can wirelessly connect the battery cell monitoring circuit and the battery control circuit without wiring therebetween.

[0009] Furthermore, an object of the present invention is to provide a battery module which ensures the strength of a housing of the battery module without interfering with wireless communication between a cell monitoring circuit and a battery control circuit.

[0010] In addition, an object of the present invention is to provide a battery module having a structure that facilitates installation of a cell monitoring circuit.

[0011] Furthermore, an object of the present invention is to provide a battery module which prevents moisture from penetrating into the interior through a mounting structure of a cell monitoring circuit.

[0012] Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a battery module having a cell monitoring circuit which is installed in a maintenance-friendly manner.

[0013] Furthermore, an object of the present invention is to provide a battery module which is capable of delaying the spread of flames as much as possible in the event of a fire.

[0014] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned purpose, and other purposes and advantages of the present invention that are not described can be understood through the following description, and these purposes and advantages will be more clearly understood through the examples of the present invention. In addition, it is obvious that the purposes and advantages of the present invention can be embodied by the means and combinations thereof indicated in the claims.

[0015] Technical Solution

[0016] In order to solve the above problems, according to the present invention, a circuit board is mounted on the top plate assembly covering the upper part of the battery module, a cell monitoring circuit (slave) is implemented on the circuit board and a wireless communication antenna is mounted. By placing the wireless communication antenna on the upper part of the battery module, wireless communication between the cell monitoring circuit and the battery control circuit (master) is further facilitated.

[0017] The top plate assembly includes a top plate of a metal material and is provided with circuit board receiving holes in some areas thereof. When the top plate is made of such a metal material, the top plate maintains sufficient rigidity.

[0018] The circuit board receiving hole may be a generally rectangular shape having long sides and short sides. The top plate may also be a rectangular shape having long sides and short sides. The circuit board receiving hole may be arranged at the center portion of the top plate, and the directions of the long sides and short sides of the circuit board receiving hole may be arranged to correspond to the directions of the long sides and short sides of the top plate. Therefore, by forming the circuit board receiving hole to have a sufficient distance between the outer edge of the top plate and the inner edge of the top plate defined by the circuit board receiving hole, a reduction in the rigidity of the top plate due to the formation of the circuit board receiving hole may be prevented.

[0019] The shape of the outer edge of the circuit board can substantially correspond to the shape of the inner edge of the top plate defining the circuit board receiving hole. Therefore, sufficient rigidity of the top plate can be ensured by minimizing the size of the circuit board receiving hole.

[0020] The circuit board is received in the circuit board receiving hole. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the top plate of the metal material from causing wireless communication failure of the circuit board.

[0021] The top plate assembly includes a housing that accommodates the circuit board and secures the circuit board to the top plate.

[0022] The housing may be made of a material that accommodates the circuit board to protect the circuit board without affecting wireless signals generated from a wireless communication antenna mounted on the circuit board.

[0023] The housing may comprise a non-metallic material.

[0024] The non-metallic material may be a resin material, in particular a synthetic resin material.

[0025] The case may include a lower case supporting a lower portion of the circuit board from a bottom surface of the top plate, and an upper case covering the circuit board and the circuit board receiving hole from an upper surface of the top plate.

[0026] The circuit board receiving hole is provided with an anti-noise groove formed by cutting a portion of a top plate of a metal material to ensure a predetermined spacing distance between an edge of the wireless communication antenna and a member constituting the top plate.

[0027] The position of the wireless communication antenna mounted on the circuit board can be near the outer edge of the circuit board. Therefore, the influence of the radio waves of the wireless communication on other components of the circuit board can be minimized.

[0028] The wireless communication antenna may be mounted as the first portion closest to the outer edge of the circuit board.

[0029] The anti-noise groove may be formed at an inner edge of the top plate corresponding to a first portion of an edge of the circuit board adjacent to a location where the wireless communication antenna is mounted.

[0030] The anti-noise groove may have a shape in which an inner edge of the top plate is further recessed toward an outer edge of the top plate.

[0031] The anti-noise groove may be defined by a further recessed portion of the inner edge of the top plate such that the portion of the inner edge of the top plate is further spaced apart from a first portion of the outer edge of the circuit board corresponding to the portion of the inner edge of the top plate.

[0032] The anti-noise groove may be formed in such a manner that the anti-noise groove communicates with the circuit board receiving hole.

[0033] The spacing distance maintained by the anti-noise groove can be equal to or greater than 10 mm. When the spacing distance is maintained above 10 mm, the noise phenomenon caused by the metal components constituting the top plate interfering with the wireless signal of the wireless communication antenna can be significantly reduced, thereby facilitating wireless communication with the battery control circuit.

[0034] The spacing distance maintained by the anti-noise groove can be equal to or less than 20 mm. When the spacing distance exceeds 20 mm, only the rigidity of the top plate is reduced, and the noise is hardly further reduced.

[0035] The lower case may cover a lower portion of the circuit board receiving hole.

[0036] Furthermore, the lower housing may cover the lower portion of the anti-noise groove.

[0037] A circuit board connector connected to a sensor that detects the temperature of the battery module may be mounted on an edge of the circuit board.

[0038] The connector receiving groove formed by partially cutting the top plate may be provided at a portion of the top plate corresponding to an edge portion of the circuit board on which the circuit board connector is mounted. Therefore, access to the circuit board connector may be facilitated.

[0039] The top cable connecting the circuit board connector and the sensor can be mounted on the bottom surface of the top plate.

[0040] The top cable may include an fPCB cable arranged to protrude from the housing (ie, the lower housing). The top cable may be connected to the bottom surface of the top plate.

[0041] The lower housing may include a base member and an inner wall member extending upward from the base member.

[0042] The circuit board may be accommodated in a space of the base member provided inside the inner wall member.

[0043] The inner wall member may have a ring shape corresponding to the circuit board.The inner wall member may have a closed loop shape or a ring shape with some parts removed.

[0044] The base member may be provided with an inner snap fitting extending upward from the base member and elastically fastened to an outer peripheral surface of the circuit board.

[0045] A hook-shaped locking portion may be provided at an upper end portion of the inner snap fitting. The locking portion protrudes further inward than the inner wall member to support an upper surface of an edge of a circuit board accommodated in the inner wall member.

[0046] The internal snap fitting allows the lower housing and the circuit board to be handled while they are temporarily assembled during the assembly process of the top plate assembly of the battery module, making the assembly process more convenient. In addition, by adopting the snap fitting structure, the circuit board can be easily removed from the lower housing during maintenance of the cell monitoring circuit that may occur in the future.

[0047] The inner wall member may penetrate the top plate through the circuit board receiving hole.

[0048] When the upper end portion of the inner wall member is placed higher than the upper surface of the top plate, it is possible to effectively prevent moisture from penetrating along the upper surface of the top plate to the circuit board.

[0049] The base member may be provided with an external snap fitting extending upwardly from the base member and resiliently fastened to the inner edge of the top panel.

[0050] A locking portion provided at an upper end portion of the exterior snap fitting may protrude further outward than the inner wall member to support an upper surface of the top plate.

[0051] At least a portion of the outer side portion of the base member disposed outside the inner wall member may be in contact with or fixed to the bottom surface of the top plate.

[0052] Therefore, when the lower housing is inserted upward from the lower side of the circuit board receiving hole of the top plate, the outer side portion of the base member can regulate the upward movement of the lower housing, and the hook-shaped locking portion located at the upper end of the external snap fitting can regulate the downward movement of the lower housing. Therefore, the lower housing can be temporarily fastened to the top plate, making the assembly and maintenance process more convenient.

[0053] The outer side of the base member may cover the lower part of the anti-noise groove. Since the anti-noise groove is a structure in which metal material is removed to reduce noise generation in wireless communication antenna signals, the lower case of the resin material may cover this area instead.

[0054] The receiving groove exposing groove may be provided in an area corresponding to the connector receiving groove in the lower housing. The receiving groove exposing groove may be formed by removing a portion of the base member and a portion of the inner wall member of the lower housing.

[0055] The upper case may cover an upper portion of the circuit board receiving hole.

[0056] The upper housing may cover an upper portion of the anti-noise groove.

[0057] The upper housing may cover an upper portion of the connector receiving groove.

[0058] The upper housing may include: a seating member seated on an upper surface of the top plate; an outer wall member extending upward from the inside of the seating member and surrounding an inner wall member of the lower housing; and a cover member connected to an upper portion of the outer wall member and covering the circuit board and the circuit board accommodating hole.

[0059] A downward step may be provided at the lower portion of the outer edge of the placement member. Therefore, the sealing capability between the edge of the upper housing and the upper surface of the top plate may be further improved to prevent external moisture from penetrating.

[0060] The upper surface area of ​​the top plate located inside the downward step may have a step shape that slightly protrudes upward compared to the outer area. Therefore, the effect of preventing external moisture from penetrating can be further improved.

[0061] The outer wall member of the upper housing may be positioned further outward than the inner wall member of the lower housing.

[0062] The upper housing may be fixed to the top plate by a fastening member.

[0063] The fastening member may pass through the placement member and the top plate to be fixed to the outer side portion of the base member disposed outside the inner wall member. When the above-mentioned fastening member is used for assembly with the lower housing pre-fastened to the top plate by the external snap fitting, the assembly process can be simpler. In addition, when accessing the circuit board for maintenance, even if the fastening member is separated and the upper housing is raised, the lower housing remains temporarily fastened to the top plate, thereby making the work more convenient.

[0064] Beneficial Effects

[0065] The connection structure between the cell monitoring circuit and the battery control circuit according to the present invention allows wireless connection therebetween, thereby eliminating the need for wiring. As a result, the structure and assembly of the battery pack become simpler, and accidents that may occur due to damage to the wiring can be prevented.

[0066] In addition, according to the present invention, by arranging a cell monitoring circuit on the upper part of the battery module and providing an anti-noise groove on the top plate, the shell of the battery module made of metal can maintain sufficient strength, and the wireless communication between the cell monitoring circuit and the battery control circuit can also be enhanced without any problems.

[0067] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the cell monitoring circuit is mounted on a board constituting a case of a battery module to facilitate assembly and installation, and external moisture can also be prevented from penetrating into the interior through the mounting structure.

[0068] Furthermore, according to the present invention, when the cell monitoring circuit is mounted on the top plate of the battery module in a simple structure, access to and maintenance of corresponding components is facilitated.

[0069] In addition, according to the present invention, even if a circuit board accommodating hole for installing a cell monitoring circuit therein is provided on the top plate of the battery module, the interior and exterior of the shell are completely isolated, so that in the event of a fire inside the battery module, the spread of the flame can be delayed as much as possible to ensure that passengers have enough time to escape.

[0070] In addition to the above-mentioned beneficial effects, other specific effects of the present invention will be further described while describing the specific details of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0071] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a battery module equipped with a cell monitoring circuit capable of wireless communication according to the present invention.

[0072] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a top plate assembly of a battery module.

[0073] Figure 3 and Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Exploded perspective view of the top plate assembly.

[0074] Figure 5 is an enlarged plan view showing the area where the wireless communication antenna is located, wherein the lower housing accommodates a circuit board fastened to the top plate.

[0075] Figure 6 is a plan view of a lower housing housing a circuit board secured to a top plate.

[0076] Figure 7 is along Figure 1 An enlarged cross-sectional view of the top plate assembly taken along line VII-VII.

[0077] [Description of Reference Signs]

[0078] 1: battery module; 10: housing; 11: bottom plate; 13: end plate; 15: top plate (metal, aluminum); 16: circuit board receiving hole; 162: connector receiving groove; 164: anti-noise groove; 17: board fastening hole; 18: top cable (fPCB cable); 19: heat dissipation member (elastic deformable material); 20: circuit board; 22: circuit board connector; 24: wireless communication antenna; 40: lower shell (synthetic resin); 41: base member; 412: shell fastening hole; 43: inner wall member; 45: internal snap fitting; 47: external snap fitting; 49: receiving groove exposure groove; 60: upper shell (synthetic resin); 61: placement member; 612: downward step; 63: outer wall member; 65: cover member; d: spacing distance; B: fastening member (bolt); C: battery cell DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0079] The above-mentioned objects, features and advantages will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can realize the technical ideas of the present invention. When describing the present invention, if it is determined that the detailed description of known elements unnecessarily obscures the principles of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to represent the same or similar components.

[0080] Although "first", "second", etc. are used to describe various elements, these elements are certainly not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element, and unless otherwise specifically stated, the first element may also be the second element.

[0081] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specified, each element may be in the singular or in the plural.

[0082] Hereinafter, arranging one element on the upper part (or lower part) of another element or arranging one element on the top (or bottom) of another element not only means arranging one element to be in contact with the upper surface (or lower surface), but also means arranging one element above the upper surface (or lower surface) with another element interposed therebetween.

[0083] In addition, when an element is described as being “connected,” “coupled” or “in contact with” another element, it should be understood that the element may be “directly connected,” “directly coupled” or “directly in contact with” the other element, or the element may be “connected,” “coupled” or “in contact with” the other element with another element interposed therebetween or via another element.

[0084] The expressions in the singular form used herein include the expressions in the plural form unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms such as "consisting of" or "comprising" used herein should not be interpreted as necessarily including all the elements or steps described in the specification, but should be interpreted as excluding some elements or steps, or including additional elements or steps.

[0085] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specifically stated, “A and / or B” means having component A, component B, or both component A and component B, and unless otherwise specifically stated, “C to D” means from equal to or higher than C to equal to or lower than D.

[0086] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0087] In an embodiment according to the present invention, the battery module 1 is equipped with a slave cell monitoring circuit capable of establishing wireless communication with a master battery control circuit (not shown). The cell monitoring circuit is implemented on a circuit board 20, on which a wireless communication antenna 24 is mounted. The circuit board 20 is mounted on the upper surface of the battery module 1. Therefore, the cell monitoring circuit can smoothly communicate wirelessly with the battery control circuit.

[0088] The battery module 1 may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape, wherein the length (depth) in the front-to-rear direction is longer than the length (width) in the left-to-right direction, and the length (height) in the up-down direction is shorter than the width. The battery module 1 may have a structure in which a plurality of battery cells "C" are housed in the above-mentioned rectangular parallelepiped housing 10.

[0089] The shell 10 includes a bottom plate 11 made of metal material (such as aluminum material), a pair of end plates 13 and a top plate 15. The bottom plate 11 has a bottom and two sides of an integrally formed rectangular parallelepiped. The pair of end plates 13 respectively cover the front surface and the rear surface of the battery module 1, and the top plate 15 covers the upper surface of the battery module 1.

[0090] The bottom plate 11 may be manufactured by bending a metal sheet. The end plate 13 may include a sensor for detecting the battery temperature. The top plate 15 may include a circuit board 20. The circuit board 20 and the sensor may be electrically connected via a top cable 18 attached to the bottom surface of the top plate 15.

[0091] The top plate 15 may constitute an assembly including the circuit board 20 and the housings 40 and 60 for accommodating the circuit board 20 .

[0092] The top plate 15 may be made of a metal sheet to ensure the rigidity of the housing 10 . Metal materials may interfere with wireless communication and cause noise. Therefore, a circuit board receiving hole 16 is provided in the top plate 15 to receive the circuit board 20 .

[0093] The top plate 15 may have a generally rectangular shape with a long side extending in the front-to-back direction and a short side extending in the left-to-right direction. In addition, the circuit board receiving hole 16 may also have a generally rectangular shape with a long side extending in the front-to-back direction and a short side extending in the left-to-right direction. The circuit board receiving hole 16 is disposed at the center portion of the top plate 15 so that the distance between the inner periphery of the top plate 15 defined by the circuit board receiving hole 16 and the outer periphery of the top plate 15 is maximized. As a result, the circuit board receiving hole 16 may prevent or minimize the deterioration of the rigidity of the top plate 15.

[0094] The circuit board 20 may have a shape and size corresponding to the circuit board receiving hole 16. That is, the circuit board 20 may have a rectangular shape with long sides extending in the front-rear direction and short sides extending in the left-right direction.

[0095] A wireless communication antenna 24 may be mounted on a long side edge of the circuit board 20. The wireless communication antenna 24 is mounted at the edge of the circuit board 20 to minimize signal interference with other components within the circuit board.

[0096] The top plate 15 is made of a metal material and may cause noise in the signal of the wireless communication antenna 24. Therefore, an anti-noise groove 164 formed by further cutting off the top plate 15 and enlarging the circuit board receiving hole 16 may be provided at a portion of the inner circumference of the top plate 15 adjacent to the wireless communication antenna 24.

[0097] The anti-noise groove 164 allows the metal member constituting the top plate 15 not to exist in the space spaced apart from the wireless communication antenna 24 by a predetermined distance d.

[0098] The spacing distance d may be equal to or greater than 10 mm. When the spacing distance d is less than 10 mm, the metal material of the top plate 15 causes noise in the wireless communication signal. That is, when a spacing distance d of 10 mm or more is adopted, the noise phenomenon occurring in the wireless signal of the wireless communication antenna 24 due to the interference of the metal member constituting the top plate 15 can be significantly reduced, thereby improving the wireless communication with the battery control circuit.

[0099] The spacing distance d maintained by the anti-noise groove 164 may be 20 mm or less. When the spacing distance d exceeds 20 mm, only the rigidity of the top plate 15 is reduced, and the noise is hardly further reduced.

[0100] Preferably, the wireless communication antenna 24 is disposed at the edge of the long side of the circuit board 20. Therefore, the four sides of the rectangular circuit board receiving hole 16 are adjacent to and face the four sides of the circuit board 20, so that the front-to-back position and the left-to-right position of the circuit board 20 can be limited by the inner side of the top plate 15 defining the circuit board receiving hole 16.

[0101] For example, when the wireless communication antenna 24 is disposed on the short side edge of the circuit board 20, the anti-noise groove 164 should be disposed on the short side of the circuit board receiving hole 16 to ensure the spacing distance d from the wireless communication antenna 24. However, when the width of the anti-noise groove 164 is greater than the width of the short side of the circuit board receiving hole 16, the entire inner circumference of the top plate 15 corresponding to the short side of the circuit board receiving hole 16 is cut to form the anti-noise groove 164. Thus, the inner side of the top plate 15 corresponding to the short side of the circuit board receiving hole 16 can no longer limit the position of the short side edge of the circuit board 20 on which the wireless communication antenna 24 is mounted.

[0102] The circuit board 20 is connected to a sensor that detects the temperature of the battery module 1. As described above, the sensor may be mounted on the end plate 13 and connected to the circuit board 20 through the top cable 18. The top cable 18 may be, for example, a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) fixed to the bottom surface of the top plate 15 in such a manner that the top cable 18 protrudes from the circuit board receiving hole 16.

[0103] The circuit board 20 may have a circuit board connector 22 connected to the top cable 18. The circuit board connector 22 is disposed at an edge of the circuit board 20, and an entrance of the circuit board connector 22 may be arranged to face a direction laterally away from the edge of the circuit board 20.

[0104] The connector receiving groove 162 formed by further cutting the inner side of the top plate 15 may be provided at a portion of the circuit board receiving hole 16 corresponding to the edge portion of the circuit board 20 where the circuit board connector 22 is mounted. Therefore, the connection between the top cable 18 and the circuit board connector 22 may be facilitated.

[0105] It is also preferred that the circuit board connector 22 is disposed at the edge of the long side of the circuit board 20, similar to the wireless communication antenna 24. Therefore, although the connector receiving groove 162 is disposed at the above-mentioned position, the four sides of the rectangular circuit board receiving hole 16 are adjacent to and face the four sides of the circuit board 20, so that the front-to-back position and the left-to-right position of the circuit board 20 can be limited by the inner periphery of the top plate 15 defining the circuit board receiving hole 16.

[0106] In order to fix the circuit board 20 to the top plate 15 when the circuit board 20 is placed in the circuit board receiving hole 16, the top plate assembly further includes: a lower housing 40 supporting the lower portion of the circuit board 20 from the bottom surface of the top plate 15 and an upper housing 60 covering the circuit board 20 and the circuit board receiving hole 16 from the upper surface of the top plate 15. Since the circuit board 20 is required to establish wireless communication, the lower housing 40 and the upper housing 60 can be made of a material that does not interfere with wireless communication. For example, the material can be a synthetic resin material.

[0107] The lower housing 40 and the upper housing 60 accommodate the top plate 15 , are fixed with the top plate 15 , and protect the circuit board 20 without affecting a wireless signal generated from the wireless communication antenna 24 mounted on the circuit board 20 .

[0108] The lower housing 40 may cover the lower portion of the circuit board receiving hole 16. In addition, the lower housing 40 may cover the lower portion of the anti-noise groove 164. In addition, the lower housing 40 may expose the lower portion of the connector receiving groove 162 without covering the lower portion of the connector receiving groove 162.

[0109] The lower case 40 may support a bottom surface of the circuit board 20 and an edge of the circuit board 20 .

[0110] The lower case 40 may include a base member 41 and an inner wall member 43 extending upward from the base member 41. The inner wall member 43 may have a rectangular ring shape corresponding to the circuit board 20. The inner wall member 43 may be a closed ring shape or a ring shape with some parts removed.

[0111] The circuit board 20 may be accommodated in a space of the base member 41 provided inside the inner wall member 43. Therefore, the base member 41 may support the bottom surface of the circuit board 20, and the inner wall member 43 may surround and support the edge of the circuit board 20.

[0112] The base member 41 may be provided with an inner snap fitting 45 extending upward from the base member 41 and elastically fastened to the outer peripheral surface of the circuit board. At least the lower portion of the inner snap fitting 45 may also be connected to the inner wall member 43.

[0113] A hook-shaped locking portion may be provided at the upper end portion of the inner snap fitting 45. The locking portion protrudes further inward than the inner wall member 43. Therefore, when the circuit board 20 is inserted into the inner space of the inner wall member 43, the hook-shaped locking portion may be elastically deformed outward to accommodate the circuit board 20, and the locking portion elastically recovers after accommodating the circuit board 20, thereby supporting the upper surface of the circuit board 20 accommodated inside the inner wall member 43.

[0114] The internal snap fittings 45 facilitate the assembly process by allowing the lower housing 40 and the circuit board 20 to be handled in a pre-assembled state, and facilitate removal of the circuit board 20 from the lower housing 40 during maintenance procedures.

[0115] In the process of mounting the lower housing 40 to the top plate 15, the inner wall member 43 may pass through the top plate 15 through the circuit board receiving hole 16. Therefore, the inner wall member 43 may be interposed between the outer periphery of the circuit board 20 and the inner periphery of the top plate 15 defining the circuit board receiving hole 16. The inner wall member 43 prevents the edge of the circuit board 20 from directly contacting the top plate 15. In addition, the upper end portion of the inner wall member 43 is placed higher than the upper surface of the top plate 15, so that the penetration of moisture flowing along the upper surface of the top plate 15 to the circuit board 20 can be effectively prevented.

[0116] During the assembly process, when the inner wall member 43 of the lower housing 40 is inserted into the circuit board receiving hole 16 of the top plate 15, the lower housing 40 may be temporarily fastened to the top plate 15. To this end, the base member 41 may be provided with an external snap fitting 47 that extends upward from the base member 41 and is elastically fastened to the inner periphery of the top plate 15 defining the circuit board receiving hole 16. The lower portion of the external snap fitting 47 may also be connected to the inner wall member 43. The external snap fitting 47 may be provided at a position that does not overlap with the internal snap fitting 45 to prevent mutual interference.

[0117] The locking portion provided at the upper end of the external snap fitting 47 protrudes further outward than the inner wall member 43, so that the locking portion can be elastically deformed inward when the inner wall member 43 of the lower housing 40 is inserted into the circuit board receiving hole 16. After the inner wall member 43 passes through the circuit board receiving hole 16 to support the upper surface of the top plate 15, the locking portion is elastically restored.

[0118] On the other hand, the portion of the base member 41 disposed inside the inner wall member 43 (inner portion) can support the lower portion of the circuit board 20 , and the portion disposed outside the inner wall member 43 (outer portion) can be fixed to the bottom surface of the top plate 15 .

[0119] That is, when the lower housing 40 is inserted upward from the lower portion of the circuit board receiving hole 16 of the top plate 15, the outer side portion of the base member 41 can limit the upward movement of the lower housing 40, and the hook-shaped locking portion at the upper end of the external snap fitting can limit the downward movement of the lower housing. That is, even before using the separate fastening member "B", the lower housing 40 is temporarily fastened to the top plate 15. This provides convenience for assembly and maintenance.

[0120] The outer side of the base member 41 covers the lower part of the anti-noise groove 164. The lower case 40 made of the resin material does not interfere with the wireless communication of the wireless communication antenna 24.

[0121] The receiving groove exposing groove 49 formed by cutting off the outer side of the base member 41 and a part of the inner wall member 43 is provided at a portion of the lower housing 40 corresponding to the connector receiving groove 162. That is, the receiving groove exposing groove 49 does not cover the lower portion of the connector receiving groove 162 but exposes the lower portion of the connector receiving groove 162 in the downward direction, thus facilitating the connection between the top cable 18 and the circuit board connector 22.

[0122] The upper case 60 covers the upper portion of the circuit board receiving hole 16. The upper case 60 also covers the upper portion of the anti-noise groove 164 and the upper portion of the connector receiving groove 162. That is, the upper case 60 completely covers the hole portion of the top plate 15.

[0123] The upper housing 60 includes a seating member 61 that surrounds the circuit board receiving hole 16 , the anti-noise groove 164 , and the connector receiving groove 162 and is seated on the upper surface of the top plate 15 .

[0124] The placement member 61 is provided with a hole through which the fastening member "B" passes. In addition, a plate fastening hole 17 through which the fastening member "B" also passes is provided in a corresponding portion of the top plate 15. In addition, a corresponding outer side portion of the lower housing 40 is provided with a housing fastening hole 41 fastened to the fastening member "B". The fastening member "B" may be a bolt that passes through the hole of the placement member 61 and the plate fastening hole 17 and is fastened to the housing fastening hole 41.

[0125] A downward step 612 is provided at the lower portion of the outer edge of the placement member 61. Therefore, when the fastening member "B" is tightened, the downward step 612 is in close contact with the upper surface of the top plate 15. The downward step 612 forms a closed loop. Therefore, a seal is achieved between the edge of the upper housing 60 and the upper surface of the top plate 15, thereby preventing external moisture from penetrating.

[0126] The upper housing 60 extends upward from the inner side of the seating member 61 and further includes an outer wall member 63 surrounding the inner wall member 43 of the lower housing 40. The outer wall member 63 of the upper housing 60 is disposed further outward than the inner wall member 43 of the lower housing 40.

[0127] The upper housing 60 further includes a cover member 65 connected to an upper portion of the outer wall member 63 and covering the circuit board 20 .

[0128] The upper housing 60 is fixed to the top plate 15 by the fastening member "B". The lower housing 40 is temporarily fastened to the top plate 15 by the external snap fittings 47 in such a manner that the circuit board 20 is accommodated therein. When the upper portion of the top plate 15 covers the lower housing 40 with the upper housing 60 and the fastening member "B" is fastened, the lower housing 40 and the upper housing 60 are closely attached to each other.

[0129] During maintenance of the circuit board 20, the fastening member "B" can be simply loosened and the upper housing 60 can be raised. Then, the lower housing 40 remains temporarily fixed to the top plate 15. In this state, tasks such as accessing and replacing the circuit board 20 can be facilitated.

[0130] With the upper case 60 and the lower case 40 fastened to the top plate 15 and the top cable 18 attached to the bottom surface of the top plate 15 , the heat dissipation member 19 made of an elastic and deformable material may be attached to the lower portion of the top plate 15 .

[0131] like Figure 7 As shown, a plurality of pouch-type battery cells "C" can be accommodated in a vertically upright manner inside the housing 10, and the wires extending upward from the battery cells "C" can be electrically connected to the busbars. Then, the assembly of the battery module 1 can be finally completed by covering it with a top plate assembly.

[0132] According to the battery module 1, the cell monitoring circuit and the battery control circuit can be wirelessly connected, thereby being able to omit the complicated wiring connecting the battery module 1 to the battery pack. As a result, a simpler structure and assembly of the battery pack is achieved, and accidents caused by damage to the wiring can be prevented.

[0133] In addition, according to the battery module 1, the circuit board 20 is placed on the upper part of the battery module 1, and the anti-noise groove 164 is set on the top plate 15, so that the shell of the battery module can be made of metal to ensure strength without interrupting the wireless communication between the battery cell monitoring circuit and the battery control circuit.

[0134] In addition, by installing the lower shell 40 and the upper shell 60 at the top plate 15, external moisture can be prevented from penetrating into the interior, and the gas leaked from the battery cell "C" can be prevented from catching fire when it comes into contact with the outside air, thereby delaying or preventing a fire even when gas leaks from the battery cell "C".

[0135] Furthermore, since the circuit board 20 implemented with the cell monitoring circuit is mounted on the top plate 15 of the battery module 1 by using a simple structure, it is easy to access and remove the circuit board 20, thereby facilitating maintenance.

[0136] The above embodiments should be understood in all aspects to be illustrative rather than restrictive, and the scope of the present invention will be defined by the claims rather than the detailed description given above. In addition, all changes and modifications derived from the meaning and scope of the patent claims described later should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the claims.

[0137] As described above, although the present disclosure has been described with reference to the exemplary drawings, the claims are not limited to the embodiments and drawings disclosed herein, and those skilled in the art may make various modifications within the scope of the technical concept of the present disclosure. In addition, although the effects of the configurations according to the present disclosure are not explicitly described in the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure above, it should also be recognized that the effects that can be predicted by the corresponding configurations.

Claims

1. A top plate assembly, the top plate assembly covering the upper part of a battery module, the top plate assembly comprising: A top plate, wherein the top plate is made of a metal material; a circuit board receiving hole, the circuit board receiving hole being disposed in a portion of the top plate; A circuit board, the circuit board being accommodated in the circuit board accommodation hole; A wireless communication antenna, wherein the wireless communication antenna is mounted on the circuit board; as well as a housing, the housing being made of a non-metallic material, accommodating the circuit board, and fixing the circuit board to the top plate, Wherein, the circuit board receiving hole is provided with an anti-noise groove formed by cutting off a top plate made of a metal material to ensure a predetermined spacing distance from the wireless communication antenna.

2. The top plate assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The wireless communication antenna is mounted to a first portion closest to an outer edge of the circuit board.

3. The top plate assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The anti-noise groove is defined by a recessed portion at a second portion, wherein the second portion is a portion of the inner edge of the top plate defined by the circuit board accommodating hole adjacent to the first portion, and the recessed portion further spaces the second portion apart from the outer edge of the circuit board.

4. The top plate assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The shape of the outer edge of the circuit board substantially corresponds to the shape of the inner edge of the top plate defined by the circuit board receiving hole, and The anti-noise groove is defined by a recessed portion at a portion of an inner edge of the top plate, the recessed portion further spacing the portion of the inner edge from a portion of an outer edge of the circuit board corresponding to the portion of the inner edge.

5. The top plate assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The spacing distance is equal to or greater than 10 mm.

6. The top plate assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The housing comprises: a lower case made of a resin material and supporting a lower portion of the circuit board from a bottom surface of the top plate; and An upper case is made of a resin material and covers the circuit board and the circuit board accommodating hole from an upper surface of the top plate.

7. The top plate assembly according to claim 6, wherein: The lower housing covers the lower portion of the anti-noise groove, and The upper housing covers an upper portion of the anti-noise groove.

8. The top plate assembly according to claim 6, wherein: The lower housing comprises: a base member; and an inner wall member extending upward from the base member and penetrating the top plate through the circuit board receiving hole, The circuit board is accommodated in a space of the base member disposed inside the inner wall member.

9. The top plate assembly according to claim 8, wherein: At least a portion of an outer side portion of the base member disposed outside the inner wall member is fixed to a bottom surface of the top plate, and the outer side portion covers a lower portion of the anti-noise groove.

10. The top plate assembly according to claim 8, wherein: The base member is provided with an internal snap fitting extending upwardly from the base member, The inner snap fitting has a locking shape provided at an upper end portion thereof, the locking shape protruding more inwardly than the inner wall member, and The inner snap fitting is resiliently fastened to an outer edge of the circuit board.

11. The top plate assembly according to claim 8, wherein: The base member is provided with an external snap fitting extending upwardly from the base member, The external snap fitting has a locking shape provided at an upper end portion thereof, the locking shape protruding more outward than the inner wall member, and The external snap fitting is elastically fastened to an inner edge of the top plate defined by the circuit board receiving hole.

12. The top plate assembly of claim 1, wherein: A circuit board connector connected to a sensor detecting the temperature of the battery module is mounted at an edge of the circuit board, and A connector receiving groove formed by cutting out the top plate is provided at a portion of an inner edge of the top plate defined by the circuit board receiving hole corresponding to an edge portion of a circuit board on which the circuit board connector is mounted.

13. The top plate assembly of claim 12, wherein: A top cable connecting the circuit board connector and the sensor is attached to the bottom surface of the top plate, and The top cable includes an fPCB cable arranged to avoid the housing.

14. The top plate assembly of claim 12, wherein: The housing comprises: a lower housing made of a resin material and supporting a lower portion of the circuit board from a bottom surface of the top plate; and an upper housing made of a resin material and covering the circuit board and the circuit board receiving hole from an upper surface of the top plate, wherein the receiving groove exposing groove is provided at a portion of the lower housing corresponding to the connector receiving groove, and The upper housing covers an upper portion of the connector receiving groove.

15. The top plate assembly of claim 14, wherein: The lower housing comprises: a base member; and an inner wall member extending upward from the base member and penetrating the top plate through the circuit board receiving hole, The accommodation groove exposing groove has a shape in which a portion of the base member and a portion of the inner wall member are removed.

16. The top plate assembly of claim 8, wherein: The upper housing comprises: a placement member, the placement member being placed on the upper surface of the top plate; an outer wall member extending upward from the interior of the seating member and surrounding the inner wall member of the lower housing; and A cover member is connected to an upper portion of the outer wall member and covers the circuit board and the circuit board accommodating hole.

17. The top plate assembly of claim 16, wherein: A downward step is provided at a lower portion of an outer edge of the seating member.

18. The top plate assembly of claim 16, wherein: The outer wall member is arranged further outward than the inner wall member.

19. The top plate assembly of claim 16, wherein: A fastening member passing through the mounting member and the top plate is fixed to an outer side portion of the base member disposed outside the inner wall member.

20. A top plate assembly, the top plate assembly covering the upper portion of a battery module, the top plate assembly comprising: A top plate, wherein the top plate is made of a metal material; a circuit board receiving hole, the circuit board receiving hole being disposed in a portion of the top plate; A circuit board, the circuit board being accommodated in the circuit board accommodation hole; A wireless communication antenna, wherein the wireless communication antenna is mounted on the circuit board; as well as a housing, the housing being made of a non-metallic material, accommodating the circuit board, and fixing the circuit board to the top plate, Wherein, the housing comprises: a lower case made of a resin material and supporting a lower portion of the circuit board from a bottom surface of the top plate; and an upper housing made of a resin material and covering the circuit board and the circuit board accommodating hole from an upper surface of the top plate, and The lower housing comprises: a base member; and an inner wall member extending upward from the base member and penetrating the top plate through the circuit board receiving hole, wherein the inner wall member protrudes upward further than the upper surface of the top plate, and The circuit board is accommodated in a space of the base member provided inside the inner wall member.

21. The top plate assembly of claim 20, wherein: The base member is provided with an internal snap fitting extending upwardly from the base member, The inner snap fitting has a locking shape provided at an upper end portion thereof, the locking shape protruding more inwardly than the inner wall member, and The inner snap fitting is resiliently fastened to an outer edge of the circuit board.

22. The top plate assembly of claim 20, wherein: The base member is provided with an external snap fitting extending upwardly from the base member, The external snap fitting has a locking shape provided at an upper end portion thereof, the locking shape protruding more outward than the inner wall member, and The external snap fitting is elastically fastened to an inner edge of the top plate defined by the circuit board receiving hole.

23. The top plate assembly of claim 22, wherein: At least a portion of an outer side portion of the base member of the lower casing, which is disposed outside the inner wall member, is in contact with a bottom surface of the top plate.

24. The top plate assembly of claim 20, wherein: The upper housing comprises: a placement member, the placement member being placed on the upper surface of the top plate; an outer wall member extending upward from the interior of the seating member and surrounding the inner wall member of the lower housing; and A cover member is connected to an upper portion of the outer wall member and covers an upper portion of the circuit board.

25. The roof assembly of claim 24, wherein: A downward step is provided at a lower portion of an outer edge of the seating member.

26. The top plate assembly of claim 24, wherein: The outer wall member is arranged further outward than the inner wall member.

27. The top plate assembly of claim 24, wherein: A fastening member passing through the mounting member and the top plate is fixed to an outer side portion of the base member disposed outside the inner wall member.

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