Battery module

Abstract

Disclosed is a battery module, comprising: a plurality of battery cells aligned in a first direction; a pair of end plates respectively on the outside of the outermost battery cell among the plurality of battery cells; a pair of sub-end plates between respective end plates of the pair of end plates and the outermost battery cell; and elastic members between the end plates and the sub-end plates to elastically support the end plates and the sub-end plates, respectively.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a battery module capable of maintaining appropriate pressure between battery cells. Background Art

[0002] The battery module may include a plurality of battery cells arranged in one direction, and the plurality of battery cells may be configured to be connected in series or in parallel depending on a suitable output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0003] Gas may be generated by chemical reactions during the charge and discharge of the battery cells. As the cycle progresses, a so-called swelling phenomenon may occur, in which the width of the battery cell increases due to the generated gas. As one of the methods for suppressing swelling, a method is proposed in which the end plates of the battery module restrict the battery cells in the swelling direction. In one or more embodiments, as the cycle progresses, the pressure applied to the battery cells gradually increases, and it may be difficult to evenly maintain the appropriate pressure between the battery cells from the beginning to the end of the battery life. In one or more embodiments, since the swelling pressure is expected to be borne only by the end plates, it is desirable to increase the thickness of the end plates, which may make it difficult to compactly construct the battery module, resulting in an increase in manufacturing costs.

[0004] The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the background of the present disclosure and therefore it may contain information that does not constitute the prior art. Summary of the invention

[0005] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a battery module capable of controlling displacement and load variation due to swelling of battery cells by providing elastic members and sub-end plates, reducing the thickness of end plates, and eliminating the need to arrange separate buffer members between battery cells.

[0006] A battery module according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure may include: a plurality of battery cells aligned in a first direction; a pair of end plates, respectively located on the outside of the outermost battery cells among the plurality of battery cells; a pair of sub-end plates, between corresponding end plates in the pair of end plates and the outermost battery cells; and elastic members, respectively between the end plates and the sub-end plates to elastically support the end plates and the sub-end plates.

[0007] The battery module may further include a pair of side plates facing each other along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0008] The end plate and the sub-end plate may have a rectangular plate shape.

[0009] The battery module may further include an elastic member receiving portion on one of the end plate and the sub-end plate for receiving a first end of the elastic member, wherein the other of the end plate and the sub-end plate defines a groove for accommodating a second end of the elastic member.

[0010] The elastic member may include a raised disc spring.

[0011] The elastic members may be arranged in an odd number or in an even number.

[0012] Each elastic member may include two or more disc springs.

[0013] Two or more Belleville springs may face in the same direction.

[0014] Two or more Belleville springs may face in different directions.

[0015] The two or more disc springs may include a pair of disc springs facing in opposite directions, respectively.

[0016] The two or more disc springs may include: a first pair of disc springs overlapping and facing in one direction; and a second pair of disc springs overlapping and facing in another direction opposite to the one direction and stacked with the first pair of disc springs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a battery module according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 2 is a plan view of another battery module according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of an end plate, a sub-end plate, and an elastic member of a battery module according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of an elastic member of a battery module according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of an elastic member of a battery module according to one or more other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of an elastic member of a battery module according to one or more other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of an elastic member of a battery module according to one or more other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0025] Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of an end plate, a sub-end plate, and an elastic member of a battery module according to one or more other embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] By referring to the detailed description of the embodiments and the accompanying drawings, it is easier to understand the various aspects of some embodiments of the present disclosure and the methods for realizing them. The described embodiments are provided as examples so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete, and the various aspects of the present disclosure will be fully conveyed to those skilled in the art. Therefore, redundant, irrelevant or irrelevant to the description of the embodiments, or unnecessary processes, elements and techniques for a person of ordinary skill in the art to fully understand the various aspects of the present disclosure can be omitted. Unless otherwise specified, throughout the drawings and written descriptions, the same reference numerals, characters or combinations thereof represent the same elements, and their repeated descriptions can be omitted.

[0027] The described embodiments may have various modifications and may be embodied in different forms, and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments shown here. The "can", "may" or "may not" used in describing the embodiments corresponds to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The present disclosure encompasses all modifications, equivalents and substitutions within the scope of the ideas and techniques of the present disclosure. In addition, each feature of the various embodiments of the present disclosure may be combined with each other in part or in whole, and various interlocks and drives are technically possible. Each embodiment may be implemented independently of one another, or may be implemented together in combination.

[0028] In the drawings, the relative sizes of elements, layers, and regions may be exaggerated for clarity and / or descriptive purposes. In addition, the use of crosshatching and / or shading in the drawings is generally provided to clarify the boundaries between adjacent elements. Therefore, the presence or absence of crosshatching or shading does not convey or indicate any preference or requirement for specific materials, material properties, dimensions, proportions, commonalities between the elements shown, and / or any other features, attributes, properties, etc. of the elements, unless otherwise stated.

[0029] Various embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional views, which are schematic illustrations of embodiments and / or intermediate structures. Therefore, changes relative to the illustrated shapes due to, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances will be expected. In addition, the specific structural or functional descriptions disclosed herein are merely illustrative for the purpose of describing embodiments according to the concepts of the present disclosure. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein should not be interpreted as being limited to the illustrated shapes of elements, layers, or regions, but will include deviations in shapes caused by, for example, manufacturing.

[0030] For ease of explanation, spatial relative terms (such as "under ...", "below ...", "lower part", "lower side", "below ...", "above ...", "upper part", "upper side", etc.) may be used here to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another (some) element or feature as shown in the drawings. It will be understood that in addition to the orientations drawn in the drawings, spatial relative terms are also intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the drawings is turned over, the elements described as "under" other elements or features, "under" or "below" will be oriented to be "above" other elements or features. Therefore, the example terms "under ..." and "below ..." can cover both above and below orientations. The device can be oriented otherwise (for example, rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations) and the spatial relative descriptors used here should be interpreted accordingly. Similarly, when a first part is described as being arranged "on" a second part, this means that the first part is arranged on the upper or lower side of the second part, without being limited to its upper side based on the direction of gravity.

[0031] In addition, the phrase "in a plan view" means the situation when the object portion is observed from above, and the phrase "in a schematic cross-sectional view" means the situation when the schematic cross-section obtained by vertically cutting the object portion is observed from the side. The term "overlap" or "overlapping" means that the first object can be above or below or on one side of the second object, and vice versa. In addition, the term "overlap" can include stacking, facing or facing..., extending on..., covering or partially covering or any other suitable term as will be recognized and understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. The expression "non-overlapping" can include meanings such as "separated from..." or "placed aside..." or "offset from..." and any other suitable equivalents as will be recognized and understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. The terms "facing" and "facing..." can mean that the first object can be directly or indirectly opposite to the second object. In the case where a third object is inserted between the first object and the second object, the first object and the second object can be understood as being indirectly opposite to each other, although still facing each other.

[0032] It will be understood that when an element, layer, region, or component is referred to as being "formed on," "on," "connected to," or "(operably or communicatively) coupled to" another element, layer, region, or component, it may be directly formed on, directly on, directly connected to, or coupled to, or indirectly formed on, indirectly on, indirectly connected to, or coupled to, such that there may be one or more intervening elements, layers, regions, or components. Furthermore, this may generally represent direct or indirect coupling or connection and integral or non-integral coupling or connection. For example, when a layer, region, or component is referred to as being "electrically connected" or "electrically coupled" to another layer, region, or component, it may be directly electrically connected or coupled to, or there may be one or more intervening layers, regions, or components. One or more intervening components may include switches, resistors, capacitors, etc. In describing the embodiments, expressions of connection indicate electrical connection unless explicitly described as directly connected, and "directly connected / directly coupled" or "directly on..." means that one component is directly connected or coupled to another component or directly on another component without intervening components.

[0033] In addition, in this specification, when a part of a layer, film, region, plate, etc. is formed on another part, the formation direction is not limited to the upward direction, but includes forming the part on the side surface or in the downward direction. On the contrary, when a part of a layer, film, region, plate, etc. is formed "below" another part, this includes not only the situation that the part is "directly below" another part, but also includes the situation that there is another part between the part and the other part. In addition, other expressions describing the relationship between components (such as "between...", "immediately between..." or "adjacent to..." and "directly adjacent to...") can be interpreted similarly. It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as "between" two elements or layers, it can be the only element or layer between the two elements or layers, or there can also be one or more intervening elements or layers.

[0034] For purposes of this disclosure, expressions such as "at least one of" or "any one of" or "one or more of" when following a list of elements modify the entire list of elements rather than modifying the individual elements of the list. For example, "at least one of X, Y, and Z," "at least one of X, Y, or Z," "at least one selected from the group consisting of X, Y, and Z," and "at least one selected from the group consisting of X, Y, or Z" may be interpreted as any combination of only X, only Y, only Z, two or more of X, Y, and Z (such as, for example, XYZ, XYY, YZ, and ZZ, or any variation thereof). Similarly, the expressions "at least one of A and B" and "at least one of A or B" may include A, B, or A and B. As used herein, "or" generally means "and / or," and the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. For example, the expression "A and / or B" may include A, B, or A and B. Similarly, expressions such as “at least one of,” “a plurality of,” “one of,” and other prepositional phrases when preceding or following a list of elements modify the entire list of elements and do not modify the individual elements of the list.

[0035] It will be understood that although the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. can be used here to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms do not correspond to a specific order, position or priority, and are only used to distinguish an element, member, component, region, area, layer, section or section from another element, member, component, region, area, layer, section or section. Therefore, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, the first element, component, region, layer or section described below can be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer or section. Describing an element as a "first" element may not require or imply the existence of a second element or other element. The terms "first", "second", etc. can also be used here to distinguish elements of different categories or groups. For simplicity, the terms "first", "second", etc. can respectively represent "first category (or first group)", "second category (or second group)", etc.

[0036] In the example, the x-axis, y-axis and / or z-axis are not limited to the three axes of the rectangular coordinate system and can be interpreted in a broader sense. For example, the x-axis, y-axis and z-axis can be perpendicular to each other, or can represent different directions that are not perpendicular to each other. The same applies to the first direction, the second direction and / or the third direction.

[0037] The terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "one" and "an" are intended to also include the plural forms, and the plural forms are also intended to include the singular forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that when used in this specification, the terms "comprising", "comprising ... ", "having", "having ... ", "including" and "including ... " specify the existence of stated features, wholes, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or their groups.

[0038] As used herein, the terms "substantially", "about", "roughly" and similar terms are used as approximate terms rather than terms of degree, and are intended to illustrate the inherent deviation of measured or calculated values ​​as will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, "substantially" may include a range of + / - 5% of the corresponding value. As used herein, "about" or "roughly" includes the stated value and means within the acceptable deviation range for the particular value as determined by those of ordinary skill in the art, taking into account the measurement in question and the errors associated with the measurement of the particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). For example, "about" may mean within one or more standard deviations, or within ± 30%, 20%, 10%, 5% of the stated value. In addition, the use of "may" when describing embodiments of the present disclosure refers to "one or more embodiments of the present disclosure".

[0039] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. It will also be understood that terms (such as those defined in general dictionaries) should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and / or the context of this specification, and should not be interpreted as an idealized or overly formalized meaning, unless explicitly defined as such herein.

[0040] Hereinafter, a battery module according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] Reference Figures 1 to 3 , the battery module 10 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure may include a plurality of battery cells 100, a pair of end plates 300, and a pair of side plates 500. In one or more embodiments, the battery module 10 may further include a top cover, a bottom plate, a bus bar, and a circuit board. In addition, the sub-end plate 700 may be located between the end plate 300 and the battery cell 100. A plurality of elastic members 900 may be provided between the end plate 300 and the sub-end plate 700.

[0042] The battery cell 100 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and a plurality of the battery cells 100 may be aligned in a direction (eg, a predetermined direction). In one or more embodiments, the respective battery cells 100 may be arranged such that relatively wide surfaces face each other.

[0043] Each of the battery cells 100 may include a case in a rectangular parallelepiped shape, an electrode assembly accommodated inside the case together with an electrolyte, and a cell cover for sealing the case.

[0044] The electrode assembly can be formed by winding or stacking a negative electrode plate, a separator and a positive electrode plate in sequence. A negative electrode active material (such as graphite or carbon) can be applied or coated on a negative electrode plate formed of a metal foil (such as copper, a copper alloy, nickel or a nickel alloy). A positive electrode active material (such as a transition metal oxide) can be applied or coated on a positive electrode plate formed of a metal foil (such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy). An uncoated portion can be formed in an area where an active material is not applied to each of the negative electrode plate and the positive electrode plate. A negative electrode tab can be connected to the uncoated portion of the negative electrode, and a positive electrode tab can be connected to the uncoated portion of the positive electrode. The connected negative electrode tab and positive electrode tab can be electrically connected to a negative electrode terminal and a positive electrode terminal formed on a cell cover, respectively. The negative electrode terminal and the positive electrode terminal formed on the cell cover can be electrically connected to a bus bar.

[0045] A pair of end plates 300 and a pair of side plates 500 may be provided, which serve as a cell frame for aligning the plurality of battery cells 100. The pair of end plates 300 are arranged in a direction in which the plurality of battery cells 100 are aligned (e.g., along Figure 1 The pair of side plates 500 is located outside the corresponding outermost battery cell 100 (in the X-axis direction). The pair of side plates 500 is perpendicular to the end plates 300. The pair of end plates 300 face each other, and the plurality of battery cells 100 are between the pair of end plates 300. The pair of side plates 500 is arranged along Figure 1 The Y-axis direction of the pair of side plates 500 faces each other, and the battery cell 100 is between the pair of side plates 500. In one or more embodiments, the bus bar, the bus bar holder for supporting the bus bar, and the circuit board can be located on the battery cell 100, and the top cover can be located on the bus bar, the bus bar holder, and the circuit board. In one or more embodiments, the bottom plate can be located below the battery cell 100, and the pair of end plates 300, the pair of side plates 500, the bottom plate, and the top cover can be combined to form a housing having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and the battery cell 100, the bus bar, the bus bar holder, and the circuit board can be stored in the housing.

[0046] Reference Figures 1 to 3A pair of sub-end plates 700 are respectively located between the end plates 300 and corresponding outermost battery cells 100 among the plurality of battery cells 100. The sub-end plates 700 may contact outer surfaces of the outermost battery cells 100. The end plates 300 may face the sub-end plates 700.

[0047] The end plate 300 and the sub-end plate 700 may have a square or rectangular plate shape. The shape of the end plate 300 and the sub-end plate 700 may substantially correspond to the square or rectangular shape forming the side surface of the battery cell 100 .

[0048] The plurality of elastic members 900 are inserted between the end plate 300 and the sub-end plate 700. The end plate 300 and the sub-end plate 700 are elastically supported relative to each other by the plurality of elastic members 900. The end plate 300 may be configured to extend in a direction in which the plurality of battery cells 100 are aligned (e.g., in Figure 1 , the sub-end plate 700 is fixed in the X-axis direction of the battery cell 100. As an example, the end plate 300 can be configured to constrain the movement of the battery cell 100 in the alignment direction by combining with the side plate 500. The sub-end plate 700 can be configured to be movable in the direction in which the multiple battery cells 100 are aligned. In a comparative example, the sub-end plate 700 can be inserted only between the end plate 300 and the battery cell 100 without being fixed, and if swelling of the battery cell 100 occurs, displacement of the sub-end plate 700 can occur depending on the swelling direction. In one or more embodiments, the degree of compression of the elastic member 900 varies depending on the displacement of the sub-end plate 700.

[0049] The elastic members 900 may be provided in an odd number or an even number. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The case where five elastic members 900 are provided is shown by way of example, but the number and arrangement of the elastic members 900 are not limited thereto. For example, according to other embodiments of the present disclosure, an even number (such as 6 or 8) of elastic members may be provided.

[0050] A first end of the elastic member 900 is supported by the sub-end plate 700, and a second end of the elastic member 900 is supported by the end plate 300. Figure 4As shown, an elastic member receiving portion 310 (which may be substantially cylindrical) may be formed on the end plate 300 to receive the second end of the elastic member 900. A circular groove 710 (in which the first end of the elastic member 900 is disposed) may be formed in the sub-end plate 700. The second end of the elastic member 900 may be supported on the end plate 300 in a state of being inserted into the elastic member receiving portion 310, the first end of the elastic member 900 may be supported on the sub-end plate 700 in a state of being located in the circular groove 710, and both ends of the elastic member 900 may be supported in a state of being more firmly disposed on the end plate 300 and the sub-end plate 700. The shapes of the elastic member receiving portion and the groove are not limited to cylindrical and circular, and may include various other shapes.

[0051] In one or more other embodiments, Fig. 9 As shown, the elastic member receiving portion 710 ′ may be formed in the sub-end plate 700 ′, and the circular groove 310 ′ may be formed in the end plate 300 ′.

[0052] Reference Figure 5 , the elastic member 900 may be a disc spring 910 protruding in one direction. One elastic member 900 may be composed of a plurality of disc springs 910. For example, Figure 5 By way of example, the case where one elastic member 900 is composed of two disc springs 910 is shown. In one or more embodiments, Figure 5 As shown, the disc springs 910 may be stacked in opposite directions. In one or more embodiments, two disc springs 910 may be stacked such that the raised portions of the disc springs 910 contact each other to form the elastic member 900.

[0053] Figures 6 to 8 2 shows elastic members according to other embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 6 As shown, the elastic member 900a may be positioned such that a plurality of disc springs 910a overlap in the same direction.

[0054] In one or more embodiments, Figure 7 As shown, the elastic member 900b can be formed by stacking a plurality of pairs 910b', each of which is composed of disc springs 910b stacked in opposite directions. Figure 7 The elastic member 900b of one or more embodiments is configured such that a plurality of Figure 5 The elastic members 900 are shown stacked.

[0055] In one or more embodiments, Figure 8As shown, the elastic member 900c may be formed by stacking a plurality of pairs 910c', in each of which two disc springs 910c overlapping in the same direction and another two disc springs 910c overlapping in the same direction are stacked in different directions (eg, opposite directions).

[0056] As described above, the displacement and load of the battery cell and the sub-end plate can be controlled by various combinations of the number of disc springs, stacking direction, etc. In one or more embodiments, the appropriate pressure between the battery cells in the battery module can be maintained, and the life of the battery cells can be maintained or extended. In one or more embodiments, the possibility of rupture of the can and the cell cover due to swelling of the battery cell can be reduced or prevented.

[0057] In the elastic member 900 of the above-described embodiment, the battery cells 100 may be positioned such that the compression and restoration direction of the elastic member 900 is the same as the alignment direction of the plurality of battery cells 100 .

[0058] In one or more embodiments, in a general use environment, the restoring force of the elastic member 900 is applied in the direction in which the battery cell 100 is subjected to pressure. If the battery cell 100 swells due to the charging of the battery cell 100, the swelling force may increase. In one or more embodiments, the direction in which the battery cell 100 swells is directed to the end plate 300, and if the battery cell 100 swells, the swelling force is transmitted to the sub-end plate 700. The swelling force transmitted to the sub-end plate 700 can be absorbed by the elastic member 900 and can be kept constant. In one or more embodiments, since the swelling force is not transmitted to the end plate 300, the end plate 300 and the side plate 500 can be maintained in a fixed state. In addition, although the elastic member 900 is compressed by the swelling force, the force supporting the battery cell 100 can be greater than the case where only the end plate 300 is provided, and the thickness of the end plate 300 used to constrain the battery cell 100 can be reduced. By reducing the thickness of the end plate 300 , it is possible to secure installation spaces for the elastic member 900 and the sub-end plate 700 , and to absorb swelling force without increasing the size of the battery module 10 .

[0059] In one or more embodiments, if swelling of the battery cell 100 is reduced due to discharge of the battery cell 100 , swelling force transferred to the elastic member 900 is reduced, the compressed elastic member 900 may be restored, and the battery cell 100 may be compressed.

[0060] In this manner, if there is no swelling, the elastic member 900 applies pressure to the battery cell 100 and supports the battery cell 100. If swelling occurs, the elastic member 900 absorbs the swelling force and supports the battery cell 100. In one or more embodiments, since the elastic member 900 always supports the battery cell 100 regardless of whether the swelling of the battery cell 100 increases or decreases, the plurality of battery cells 100 can be maintained in a state of close contact with each other without being spaced apart from each other, the buffer member between the battery cells can be removed and the internal space can be ensured, thereby increasing the capacity of the battery cell 100.

[0061] As described above, according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, by providing elastic members and sub-end plates, displacement and load variation due to swelling of battery cells can be controlled, the thickness of the end plates can be reduced, and there is no need to arrange separate buffer members between battery cells.

[0062] Although the above content has been described to practice the battery module according to the present disclosure, it should be understood that the embodiments described herein should be considered in a descriptive sense only and not for the purpose of limitation, and that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims (functional equivalents thereof being also included therein).

[0063] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0091505 filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on July 14, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Claims

1. A battery module, comprising: A plurality of battery cells are aligned in a first direction; a pair of end plates, respectively disposed on the outer sides of the outermost battery cells among the plurality of battery cells; a pair of sub-end plates, between corresponding end plates of the pair of end plates and the outermost battery cells; as well as The elastic members are respectively disposed between the end plate and the sub-end plate to elastically support the end plate and the sub-end plate. 2 . The battery module according to claim 1 , further comprising a pair of side plates facing each other along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. 3 . The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the end plate and the sub-end plate have a rectangular plate shape.

4. The battery module according to claim 1, further comprising an elastic member receiving portion on one of the end plate and the sub-end plate, the elastic member receiving portion being used to receive the first end of the elastic member, The other of the end plate and the sub-end plate defines a groove for accommodating the second end of the elastic member. 5 . The battery module according to claim 4 , wherein the elastic member comprises a raised disc spring. The battery module according to claim 5 , wherein the elastic members are arranged in odd number. The battery module according to claim 5 , wherein the elastic members are arranged in an even number.

8. The battery module according to claim 5, wherein each of the elastic members includes two or more of the disc springs. 9 . The battery module according to claim 8 , wherein the two or more disc springs face the same direction.

10. The battery module according to claim 8, wherein the two or more disc springs face in different directions. 11 . The battery module according to claim 8 , wherein the two or more disc springs comprise a pair of disc springs facing in opposite directions, respectively.

12. The battery module according to claim 8, wherein the two or more disc springs comprise: a first pair of disc springs, overlapping and facing in one direction; and a second pair of disc springs overlapping and facing in another direction opposite to the one direction and stacked with the first pair of disc springs. 13 . The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the elastic members are arranged in an odd number. The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the elastic members are arranged in an even number.

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