Battery module

Abstract

A battery module is provided. In an example embodiment, a battery module includes: a battery cell; a bus bar holder disposed to face the battery cells; a first substrate disposed on the bus bar holder; a second substrate extending from the first substrate and including a first surface facing the battery cells and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a detection member mounted on the second surface and configured to detect a temperature of the battery cell; a support member mounted on the first surface and in contact with the battery cells; and a pressing member connected to the bus bar holder and configured to press the support member toward the battery cells. In the battery module according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the support member may be in close contact with the battery cells through the pressing member, so that the relative position of the detection member with respect to the battery cells may be prevented from being arbitrarily changed, and the temperature detection precision may be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a battery module. Background Art

[0002] Unlike primary batteries that are not designed to be (re)charged, secondary (or rechargeable) batteries are batteries designed to be discharged and recharged. Low-capacity secondary batteries are used in portable small electronic devices such as smart phones, feature phones, notebook computers, digital cameras and video cameras, while large-capacity secondary batteries are widely used as power sources for driving motors in hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles and for storing electricity (e.g., household and / or utility-scale power storage). Secondary batteries generally include an electrode assembly consisting of a positive electrode and a negative electrode, a housing for accommodating the electrode assembly, and an electrode terminal connected to the electrode assembly.

[0003] The above information disclosed in this Background section is provided to enhance understanding of the background of the present disclosure and therefore it may contain information that does not constitute related (or prior) art. Summary of the invention

[0004] Aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to providing a battery module capable of stably fixing the position of a temperature sensor.

[0005] These and other aspects and features of the present disclosure will be described in, or will be obvious from, the following description of some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0006] According to one or more embodiments, a battery module includes: a battery cell; a bus bar holder configured to face the battery cell; a first substrate disposed on the bus bar holder; a second substrate extending from the first substrate and including a first surface facing the battery cell and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a detection member mounted on the second surface of the second substrate and configured to detect a temperature of the battery cell; a support member mounted on the first surface of the second substrate and in contact with the battery cell; and a pressing member connected to the bus bar holder and configured to press the support member toward the battery cell.

[0007] The second substrate may be a flexible printed circuit board.

[0008] The second substrate may be provided in plurality, and the plurality of second substrates may be arranged in a length direction of the first substrate.

[0009] The second substrate may include: an extension portion having one side connected to the first substrate and the other side protruding to the outside of the first substrate; and a mounting portion connected to the other side of the extension portion and configured to support the detection member and the support member.

[0010] An insertion hole may be formed in the bus bar holder, and the mounting portion may be inserted into the insertion hole.

[0011] The detection member may include: a temperature sensor fixed to the second surface of the second substrate; and a coating layer disposed to surround the temperature sensor.

[0012] The support member may include: a support plate fixed to the first surface of the second substrate; and a contact member protruding from the support plate toward the battery cell and contacting the battery cell.

[0013] The contact member may be provided to be elastically deformable.

[0014] The contact member may include one or more bridges, each of the bridges having two end portions connected to the support plate and a center portion spaced apart from the support plate.

[0015] A side surface of the bridge may be separated from the support plate.

[0016] The contact member may include one or more tabs, each of the tabs having one end portion connected to the support plate and another end portion spaced apart from the support plate.

[0017] Each of the fins may be arranged to be inclined relative to the support plate.

[0018] The contact member may include one or more contact protrusions, each of the contact protrusions having a curved outer surface.

[0019] The contact member may include one or more shutters, one side of an outer surface of each of the shutters having a curved shape, and the other side of the outer surface of each of the shutters being open.

[0020] The support member may further include a slit formed through the support plate and disposed to face the contact member.

[0021] The pressing member may include: a first pressing body fixed to the bus bar holder; a second pressing body extending from the first pressing body and having an end portion contacting the second surface of the second substrate; and a receiving hole formed through the end portion of the second pressing body and into which the detection member is inserted.

[0022] The second pressing body may have a cross-sectional area that decreases toward an end portion thereof.

[0023] The cross-sectional area of ​​the receiving hole may be greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the detection member.

[0024] In the battery module according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the support member may be in close contact with the battery cell through the pressing member, thereby preventing the relative position of the detection member with respect to the battery cell from being arbitrarily changed and improving the temperature detection accuracy.

[0025] In the battery module according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, even when the support plate and the battery cell are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance due to the height of the contact member itself, a contact state between the support plate and the battery cell may be maintained.

[0026] In the battery module according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, by making the contact member having an area smaller than that of the support plate contact the battery cell, the support member may be more securely brought into close contact with the battery cell.

[0027] In a battery module according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a contact member is provided to be elastically deformable so that the adhesion between the contact member and the battery cell can be enhanced, and the contact state between the contact member and the battery cell can be continuously maintained even when the interval between the battery cell and the support plate changes.

[0028] In a battery module according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a partial section of the contact member can be inserted into the space in the support plate when the contact member is elastically deformed, and the slit can be provided, thereby preventing the interval between the support plate and the battery cell from increasing excessively and further improving the accuracy of the temperature sensor. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The accompanying drawings attached to this specification illustrate some embodiments of the present disclosure, and together with the detailed description of the present disclosure, further describe aspects and features of the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure should not be interpreted as being limited to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of a battery module according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 2 is an enlarged perspective view schematically illustrating a partial configuration of a battery module according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 3 For illustrative purposes Figure 2 A side view of a partial structure of a battery module shown in FIG.

[0033] Figure 4 For illustrative purposes Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of a partial structure of a battery module shown in FIG.

[0034] Figure 5 For from Figure 4 Different perspectives of view Figure 4 An exploded perspective view of a partial structure of a battery module shown in FIG.

[0035] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the configuration of a detection member according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 7 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of a supporting member according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 8 is a bottom perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of a support member according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Fig. 9 and Fig.10 A diagram schematically illustrating an operation process of a battery module according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] Fig.11 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of a contact member according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] Fig.12 is a bottom perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of a contact member according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0041] Fig.13 and Fig.14 A diagram schematically illustrating an operation process of a battery module according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0042] Fig.15 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of a contact member according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0043] Fig.16 is a bottom perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of a contact member according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0044] Fig.17is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of a contact member according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0045] Fig.18 It is a bottom perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of a contact member according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] Herein, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as limited to the ordinary meaning or dictionary meaning, and should be interpreted as meanings and concepts consistent with the technical idea of ​​the present disclosure based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the term for his / her own lexicon compiler.

[0047] The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the figures are provided as some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and do not represent all technical ideas, aspects and features of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that when submitting this application, there may be various equivalent substitutions and modifications that can replace or modify the embodiments described herein.

[0048] It should be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, connected to, or coupled to the other element or layer, or one or more intervening elements or layers may also be present. When an element or layer is referred to as being "directly on," "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers. For example, when a first element is described as being "coupled to" or "connected to" a second element, the first element may be directly coupled to or connected to the second element, or the first element may be indirectly coupled to or connected to the second element via one or more intervening elements.

[0049] In the figures, for clear illustration, the sizes of various elements, layers, etc. can be enlarged. The same reference numerals represent the same or similar elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more related listed items. Further, when describing the embodiments of the present disclosure, the use of "may" relates to "one or more embodiments of the present disclosure". Expressions such as "at least one of" and "any one of", when following a column of elements, modify the entire column of elements and do not modify the individual elements in the column. When phrases such as "at least one of A, B and C", "at least one of A, B or C", "at least one of the group selected from A, B and C" or "at least one of A, B and C" are used to represent a column of elements A, B and C, the phrase may refer to any and all suitable combinations or subsets of A, B and C, such as A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. As used herein, the term "use" may be considered synonymous with the term "utilize". As used herein, the terms "substantially," "about," and similar terms are used as terms of approximation, not as terms of degree, and are intended to take into account the inherent variations in measurements or calculations that one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize.

[0050] It should be understood that although the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. may be used herein 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 are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another element, component, region, layer or section. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0051] For ease of description, spatially relative terms such as "under", "below", "down", "above", "on", etc. may be used herein to describe the relationship between an element or feature as shown in the figure and another element or feature. It should be understood that spatially relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figure. For example, if the device in the figure is flipped, the element described as being "under" or "under" other elements or features will then be oriented to be "above" or "on" other elements or features. Therefore, the term "below" can include both above and below. The device can be oriented in other ways (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0052] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing the embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular form "one" is intended to also include the plural form, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should be further understood that the terms "include" and / or "comprise", when used in this specification, specify the existence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the existence or increase of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or their groups.

[0053] In addition, any numerical range disclosed and / or listed herein is intended to include all sub-ranges with the same numerical precision contained in the listed range. For example, the range of "1.0-10.0" is intended to include all sub-ranges between the listed minimum value 1.0 and the listed maximum value 10.0 (and including the listed minimum value 1.0 and the listed maximum value 10.0) (that is, having a minimum value equal to or greater than 1.0 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10.0), such as 2.4-7.6. Any maximum numerical limit listed herein is intended to include all lower numerical limits contained therein, and any minimum numerical limit listed in this specification is intended to include all higher numerical limits contained therein. Accordingly, the applicant reserves the right to modify this specification including the claims to explicitly list any sub-ranges contained in the range explicitly listed herein.

[0054] Referring to two compared elements, features, etc. as "the same" may mean that they are "substantially the same." Thus, the phrase "substantially the same" may include situations with deviations that are considered low in the art, for example, 5% or less. In addition, when a parameter is referred to as uniform in a given area, this may mean that it is uniform in terms of average value.

[0055] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specified, each element may be in the singular or in the plural.

[0056] When any element is referred to as being disposed (or located or positioned) "on (or below)" or "on (or below)" a component, this may mean that the arbitrary element is placed in contact with the upper (or lower) surface of the component, and may also mean that another component may be interposed between the component and the arbitrary element disposed (or located or positioned) on (or below) the component.

[0057] Furthermore, it should be understood that when an element is referred to as being "coupled," "linked," or "connected" to another element, the elements may be directly "coupled," "linked," or "connected" to each other, or one or more intervening elements may exist between them through which the element may be "coupled," "linked," or "connected" to the other element. Furthermore, when a component is referred to as being "electrically coupled" to another component, the component may be directly electrically connected to the other component, or one or more intervening components may exist between them so that the component and the other component are indirectly electrically connected to each other.

[0058] Throughout the specification, when "A and / or B" is stated, it means A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise specified. That is, "and / or" includes any or all combinations of the listed multiple items. When "C to D" is stated, it means more than C and less than D, unless otherwise specified.

[0059] Figure 1 2 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of a battery module according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is an enlarged perspective view schematically illustrating a partial configuration of a battery module according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 3 For illustrative purposes Figure 2 A side view of a partial structure of a battery module shown in FIG. Figure 4 For illustrative purposes Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of a partial structure of a battery module shown in FIG. Figure 5 For from Figure 4 Different perspectives of view Figure 4 An exploded perspective view of a partial structure of a battery module shown in FIG.

[0060] refer to Figure 1 to Figure 5 , the battery module according to the present embodiment includes a battery cell 100 , a bus bar holder 200 , a first substrate 300 , a second substrate 400 , a detection member 500 , a support member 600 , and a pressing member 700 .

[0061] The battery cell 100 may be used as a unit structure for storing and supplying power in a battery module. The battery cell 100 may be exemplified as a prismatic secondary battery, in which an electrode assembly including a positive electrode plate (not shown) and a negative electrode plate (not shown) on both sides of a separator (not shown) is disposed in a cell housing and is capable of charging and discharging a predetermined amount of power. The electrode assembly may be formed as a winding type in which a separator, a positive electrode plate, and a negative electrode plate are wound in the form of a roll, or as a stacked type in which a separator, a positive electrode plate, and a negative electrode plate are stacked relative to each other.

[0062] A pair of cell terminals 101 electrically connected to the electrode assembly and a vent 102 opened as the internal pressure of the battery cell 100 increases may be formed in an upper surface of the battery cell 100. The pair of cell terminals 101 may be formed to have different polarities.

[0063] A plurality of battery cells 100 may be provided. The plurality of battery cells 100 may be arranged in a direction (eg, in parallel with a direction based on Figure 1 The adjacent battery cells 100 may be arranged so that their respective front surfaces and rear surfaces face each other in parallel. The number of battery cells 100 is not limited to Figure 1 Those shown in , and various design changes can be made according to the size of the battery module.

[0064] The battery cell 100 may be disposed in a module case 10 including a case body 11 having a box shape with a hollow interior and an open upper surface; and a case cover 12 configured to cover the upper surface of the case body 11. The module case 10 may perform a function of protecting the battery cell 100 from external foreign matter and impact, etc. The specific shape of the module case 10 is not limited to Figure 1 The shape shown in , and various design changes can be made within the technical concept of the shape that can accommodate the battery cell 100.

[0065] The bus bar holder 200 may be used as a component that fully supports the bus bar B and the first substrate 300 on the battery cell 100. The bus bar holder 200 may be formed to have a substantially flat plate shape. The lower surface of the bus bar holder 200 may be arranged to face the battery cell 100, more specifically, to face the upper surface of the battery cell 100 in which the cell terminal 101 and the exhaust port 102 are formed. The area of ​​the bus bar holder 200 may be greater than the sum of the areas of the upper surfaces of a plurality of battery cells 100. The bus bar holder 200 may be supported by being connected to the case body 11 or the case cover 12. In the following description, the length direction of the bus bar holder 200 may refer to the direction in which a plurality of battery cells 100 are arranged, that is, parallel to the direction based on Figure 1 The Y-axis direction of the bus bar holder 200 may refer to a direction parallel to the Y-axis direction based on Figure 1 The direction of the X-axis.

[0066] A bus bar B configured to electrically connect the plurality of battery cells 100 to each other may be installed in the bus bar holder 200. The bus bar B may be exemplified by various types of bus bars that contact the cell terminals 101 of the battery cells 100 and may be electrically connected to the cell terminals 101. Figure 1In the example, a single bus bar is illustrated, but it is not limited thereto, and a plurality of bus bars B may be formed. In this case, the plurality of bus bars B may have various numbers and arrangements according to the number of the plurality of battery cells 100 and the series and / or parallel structures between the plurality of battery cells 100.

[0067] An insertion hole 201 for forming a contact path between the battery cell 100 and the detection member 500 may be formed in the bus bar holder 200. The insertion hole 201 may be formed to have a hole shape that vertically passes through the bus bar holder 200. A plurality of insertion holes 201 may be provided. Each of the insertion holes 201 may be provided to face the upper surface of a different battery cell 100 individually. The number of the insertion holes 201 may be less than the number of the battery cells 100, or may be the same as the number of the battery cells 100.

[0068] The first substrate 300 may be disposed on the upper surface of the bus bar holder 200. The first substrate 300 may be a flexible printed circuit board including a conductive pattern (not shown) for conducting current and a flexible insulating film (not shown) for insulating the conductive pattern (not shown). In some examples, the flexible printed circuit board may be referred to as a flexible printed circuit board assembly (FPCA) or a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). The area of ​​the first substrate 300 may be smaller than the area of ​​the bus bar holder 200. The length direction of the first substrate 300 may be set to be parallel to the length direction of the bus bar holder 200. The first substrate 300 may be fixed to the upper surface of the bus bar holder 200 by various types of fixing devices such as adhesives, double-sided tapes, bolts, hooks, etc. The first substrate 300 may be connected to an external control system such as a battery management system (BMS) by a separate connector (not shown) or the like.

[0069] The second substrate 400 may extend from the first substrate 300 and may support the detection member 500. Similar to the first substrate 300, the second substrate 400 may be a flexible printed circuit board including a conductive pattern (not shown) for conducting current and a flexible insulating film (not shown) for insulating the conductive pattern (not shown). The second substrate 400 may have a partial area inserted into the insertion hole 201 and may be disposed to directly face the upper surface of the battery cell 100. The second substrate 400 may include a first surface 401 facing the battery cell 100 and a second surface 402 opposite to the first surface 401. In one example, based on Figure 1 to Figure 5 , the first surface 401 may be a lower surface of the second substrate 400 , and the second surface 402 may be an upper surface of the second substrate 400 .

[0070] A plurality of second substrates 400 may be provided. The plurality of second substrates 400 may be arranged at predetermined intervals in the length direction of the first substrate 300. The number of the plurality of second substrates 400 may be the same as the number of the insertion holes 201. The intervals between adjacent second substrates 400 may be the same as the intervals between adjacent insertion holes 201.

[0071] The second substrate 400 may include an extension portion 410 and a mounting portion 420. The first surface 401 and the second surface 402 of each of the extension portion 410 and the mounting portion 420 may refer to the same surfaces as the first surface 401 and the second surface 402 of the second substrate 400, respectively.

[0072] The extension portion 410 may have one side connected to the first substrate 300 and the other side protruding to the outside of the first substrate 300. The extension portion 410 may be formed to have a band shape, and its extension direction may be freely changed. The length of the extension portion 410 may be greater than the distance between the edge of the first substrate 300 and one insertion hole 201. Accordingly, the extension portion 410 may guide the mounting portion 420 to be described later so that it is smoothly inserted into the insertion hole 201.

[0073] The mounting portion 420 may be connected to the other side of the extension portion 410 and may support the detection member 500 and the support member 600 to be described below. That is, the mounting portion 420 may refer to an area of ​​the second substrate 400 where the detection member 500 and the support member 600 are mounted in the entire area of ​​the second substrate 400. The mounting portion 420 may be formed to have a substantially flat plate shape. The mounting portion 420 may be inserted into the insertion hole 201. In this case, the first surface 401 and the second surface 402 of the mounting portion 420 may be arranged to face the upper surface of the battery cell 100 and the lower surface of the bus bar holder 200, respectively. The area of ​​the mounting portion 420 may be smaller than the area of ​​the insertion hole 201.

[0074] The sensing member 500 is mounted on the second substrate 400 , more specifically, on the second surface 402 of the mounting portion 420 , and may sense the temperature of the battery cell 100 .

[0075] Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the configuration of a detection member according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0076] refer to Figure 6 , the detection member 500 may include a temperature sensor 510 and a coating 520 .

[0077] The temperature sensor 510 may be exemplified as a thermistor, such as a positive temperature coefficient thermistor (PTC) or a negative temperature coefficient thermistor (NTC), which measures temperature using the characteristic that its resistance increases or decreases according to temperature. The temperature sensor 510 may be fixed to the second surface 402 of the mounting portion 420. More specifically, the temperature sensor 510 may be weldably coupled to the second surface 402 of the mounting portion 420. The detection signal of the temperature sensor 510 may be sequentially transmitted to the first substrate 300 via the mounting portion 420 and the extension portion 410, and then transmitted to the battery management system (BMS) via the first substrate 300.

[0078] The coating 520 may be provided to surround the temperature sensor 510, and may protect the temperature sensor 510 from external moisture, foreign matter, impact, etc. The coating 520 may be formed to have a substantially dome shape, and may be provided to completely surround the upper space of the temperature sensor 510. The coating 520 may be formed of a material such as epoxy, acrylic, polyurethane, silicone, or polyparaxylene, etc., to completely seal the temperature sensor 510 from the external space. The coating 520 may be applied to the temperature sensor 510 by a method such as spray coating, dip coating, etc.

[0079] The support member 600 may be mounted on the second substrate 400, more specifically, on the first surface 401 of the mounting portion 420. In the process of the temperature sensor 510 being mounted on the second surface 402 of the mounting portion 420, the support member 600 may be used as a component that structurally supports the mounting portion 420 by its own rigidity. In addition, the support member 600 may be used as a component that contacts the battery cell 100 to support the mounting portion 420 relative to the battery cell 100 and simultaneously transfers the heat generated from the battery cell 100 to the temperature sensor 510. Accordingly, the support member 600 may be formed of a metal material (such as aluminum, nickel, etc.) having high thermal conductivity and rigidity. The support member 600 may be in close contact with the battery cell 100 and fixed to the battery cell 100 by a pressing force applied from a pressing member 700 to be described later.

[0080] Figure 7 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of a support member according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 8 It is a bottom perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of a supporting member according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0081] refer to Figures 1 to 8 , the support member 600 may include a support plate 610 and a contact member 620 .

[0082] The support plate 610 may be formed to have a substantially flat plate shape. The support plate 610 may be disposed between the first surface 401 of the mounting portion 420 and the upper surface of the battery cell 100. The upper surface of the support plate 610 may be fixed to the first surface 401 of the mounting portion 420. In this case, the support plate 610 may be fixed to the first surface 401 of the mounting portion 420 by various types of fixing means such as an adhesive, a double-sided tape, a bolt, a hook, etc.

[0083] The contact member 620 may protrude from the support plate 610 toward the battery cell 100, and may contact the upper surface of the battery cell 100. Accordingly, even when the support plate 610 and the battery cell 100 are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance due to the height of the contact member 620 itself, the support member 600 may maintain a contact state with the battery cell 100. In addition, when the contact member 620 having an area smaller than that of the support plate 610 contacts the battery cell 100, the magnitude of the pressure per unit area acting between the support member 600 and the battery cell 100 increases, and the support member 600 may be more firmly in close contact with the battery cell 100.

[0084] The contact member 620 may be provided to be elastically deformable. Accordingly, the contact member 620 may be elastically deformed by a pressing force applied from a pressing member 700 to be described later, and may be more firmly in close contact with the battery cell 100, and even when the interval between the battery cell 100 and the support plate 610 changes, the contact state between the contact member 620 and the battery cell 100 may be continuously maintained.

[0085] The contact member 620 may include a bridge 621 .

[0086] The bridge 621 may have two end portions connected to the support plate 610 and a central portion spaced apart from the support plate 610. The side surface of the bridge 621 may be separated from the support plate 610. Both sides of the bridge 621 may extend to be inclined toward the support plate 610 relative to the central portion of the bridge 621. That is, the bridge 621 may be formed to have a substantially trapezoidal shape or an arc shape. The central portion of the bridge 621 may contact the upper surface of the battery cell 100. The contact surface of the central portion of the bridge 621 that is in direct contact with the battery cell 100 may have a planar shape parallel to the upper surface of the battery cell 100.

[0087] A plurality of bridge members 621 may be provided. The plurality of bridge members 621 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other. Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown in , the bridge members 621 may be formed as a pair, and the pair of bridge members 621 may be disposed parallel to each other.

[0088] The supporting member 600 may further include a slit 630 .

[0089] The slit 630 may be formed to have a hole shape that vertically passes through the support plate 610. The slit 630 may be arranged to face the contact member 620, more specifically, the bridge 621. The slit 630 may be arranged so that its length direction is parallel to a straight line connecting the two end portions of the bridge 621. That is, the two end portions of the bridge 621 may be arranged on the inner side of the two end portions of the slit 630, respectively. The number of slits 630 may be the same as the number of bridges 621. Each of the slits 630 may be arranged to face different bridges 621 individually. Accordingly, the slit 630 may prevent the interval between the support plate 610 and the battery cell 100 from being excessively increased by providing a space in the support plate 610 where a partial section of the bridge 621 can be inserted when the bridge 621 is elastically deformed, and further improve the accuracy of the temperature sensor 510.

[0090] The pressing member 700 may be connected to the bus bar holder 200 and may press the supporting member 600 toward the battery cell 100. Accordingly, the pressing member 700 may prevent the relative position of the detecting member 500 from changing with respect to the battery cell 100 by bringing the supporting member 600 into close contact with the battery cell 100.

[0091] The pressing member 700 may include a first pressing body 710 , a second pressing body 720 , and a receiving hole 730 .

[0092] The first pressing body 710 may form an upper outer portion of the pressing member 700, and may be fixed to the bus bar holder 200. The first pressing body 710 may be formed to have a substantially plate shape, and is disposed to face the insertion hole 201. The first pressing body 710 may be disposed above the insertion hole 201, and may also be disposed inside the insertion hole 201. The first pressing body 710 may be directly fixed to the bus bar holder 200 by welding, bolting, an adhesive, a double-sided tape, etc., or may be indirectly fixed to the bus bar holder 200 by a separate bracket (not shown), etc.

[0093] The second pressing body 720 may extend downward from the lower surface of the first pressing body 710 toward the battery cell 100. The end portion of the second pressing body 720 may be in contact with the second substrate 400, more specifically, in contact with the second surface 402 of the mounting portion 420. When the bus bar holder 200 is placed on the upper side of the battery cell 100, the second pressing body 720 may press the mounting portion 420 toward the battery cell 100, and may bring the support member 600 into close contact with the battery cell 100. The second pressing body 720 may be formed to have a cross-sectional area that decreases toward its end portion. Accordingly, the second pressing body 720 may increase the size of the pressure per unit area applied to the mounting portion 420 to more forcefully bring the support member 600 into close contact with the battery cell 100. The cross-sectional shape of the second pressing body 720 may be changed in design to various shapes, such as a circular shape, a quadrilateral shape, a polygonal shape, and an elliptical shape. The upper surface of the second pressing body 720 may be formed as follows: Figure 4 The assemblies may be shown open, or alternatively, may be formed closed.

[0094] The receiving hole 730 may be formed to have a hole shape passing through the end portion of the second pressing body 720. The cross-sectional area of ​​the receiving hole 730 may be greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the detection member 500, more specifically, greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the coating 520. When the end portion of the second pressing body 720 contacts the second surface 402 of the mounting portion 420, the detection member 500 may be inserted into the receiving hole 730. Accordingly, the receiving hole 730 may prevent the detection member 500 from being damaged in the process of pressing the mounting portion 420 by the second pressing body 720.

[0095] Hereinafter, an operation process of the battery module according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0096] Fig. 9 and Fig.10 FIG. 1 is a view schematically illustrating an operation process of a battery module according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0097] refer to Fig. 9 and Fig.10 , a plurality of battery cells 100 are mounted on the housing body 11 (see for example Figure 1 ), the bus bar holder 200 may be placed on the upper side of the battery cell 100 .

[0098] In this process, the mounting portion 420 may be inserted into the insertion hole 201 (see, for example, Figure 1 ), and a lower surface of a central portion of the bridge 621 may be in contact with an upper surface of the battery cell 100.

[0099] Thereafter, the bus bar holder 200 moves toward the upper surface of the battery cell 100 , and thus, the end portion of the second pressing body 720 presses the second surface 402 of the mounting portion 420 toward the battery cell 100 .

[0100] The pressing force applied to the mounting portion 420 by the second pressing body 720 is sequentially transmitted to the bridge 621 via the mounting portion 420 and the support plate 610 , and the bridge 621 is elastically deformed in a direction in which a central portion thereof moves upward by the pressing force.

[0101] The bridge 621 elastically deforms and strongly and closely contacts the upper surface of the battery cell 100 by the accumulated elastic restoring force, and the position of the temperature sensor 510 relative to the battery cell 100 can be fixed by the friction force applied between the bridge 621 and the battery cell 100 .

[0102] Hereinafter, a battery module according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0103] The battery module according to this embodiment can be Figures 1 to 10 The battery module of the first embodiment of the present disclosure is described to be configured based on the detailed structure of the contact member 620 .

[0104] Accordingly, when describing the battery module according to the present embodiment, only the detailed structure of the contact member 620 that is different from the battery module according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. For the remaining components of the battery module according to the present embodiment, the description of the battery module according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure can be applied.

[0105] Fig.11 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of a contact member according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, and Fig.12 It is a bottom perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of a contact member according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0106] refer to Fig.11 and Fig.12 , the contact member 620 according to the present embodiment may include a wing 622 .

[0107] The fin 622 may have one end portion connected to the support plate 610 and another end portion spaced apart from the support plate 610. The side surface of the fin 622 may be separated from the support plate 610. The fin 622 may be arranged to be inclined relative to the support plate 610. That is, the fin 622 may be formed to have a plate shape extending to be inclined downward from the support plate 610 at a predetermined angle. The other end portion of the fin 622 may be in contact with the upper surface of the battery cell 100. The fin 622 may be rotated in a direction toward the slit 630 by the pressing force applied from the pressing member 700, and the area of ​​the fin 622 in contact with the upper surface of the battery cell 100 may gradually increase.

[0108] A plurality of fins 622 may be provided. The plurality of fins 622 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other. Fig.11 and Fig.12 As shown in FIG. 6 , the fins 622 may be formed as a pair, and the pair of fins 622 may extend to be inclined in different directions from the lower end portion of the support plate 610 .

[0109] Hereinafter, an operation process of the battery module according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0110] Fig.13 and Fig.14 FIG. 2 is a view schematically illustrating an operation process of a battery module according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0111] refer to Fig.13 and Fig.14 , a plurality of battery cells 100 are mounted on the housing body 11 (see for example Figure 1 ), the bus bar holder 200 may be placed on the upper side of the battery cell 100 .

[0112] In this process, the mounting portion 420 may be inserted into the insertion hole 201 (see, for example, Figure 1 ), and the other end portion of the fin 622 may be in contact with the upper surface of the battery cell 100.

[0113] Thereafter, when the bus bar holder 200 moves toward the upper surface of the battery cell 100 , the end portion of the second pressing body 720 presses the second surface 402 of the mounting portion 420 toward the battery cell 100 .

[0114] The pressing force applied to the mounting portion 420 by the second pressing body 720 is sequentially transmitted to the fin 622 via the mounting portion 420 and the support plate 610, and the fin 622 faces the slit 630 at its other end portion (see, for example, Fig.12 ) direction.

[0115] As the tab 622 is elastically deformed in a direction in which the other end portion thereof faces the slit 630 , an area of ​​the tab 622 in contact with the upper surface of the battery cell 100 may gradually increase.

[0116] The fin 622 is elastically deformed and strongly and closely contacts the upper surface of the battery cell 100 by the accumulated elastic restoring force, and the position of the temperature sensor 510 relative to the battery cell 100 can be fixed by the friction force applied between the fin 622 and the battery cell 100 .

[0117] Hereinafter, a battery module according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0118] The battery module according to this embodiment can be Figures 1 to 10 The battery module of the first embodiment of the present disclosure is described to be configured based on the detailed structure of the contact member 620 .

[0119] Accordingly, when describing the battery module according to the present embodiment, only the detailed structure of the contact member 620 that is different from the battery module according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. For the remaining components of the battery module according to the present embodiment, the description of the battery module according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure can be applied.

[0120] Fig.15 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of a contact member according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure, and Fig.16 It is a bottom perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of a contact member according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0121] refer to Fig.15 and Fig.16 , the contact member 620 according to the present embodiment may include one or more contact protrusions 623 .

[0122] The contact protrusion 623 may protrude convexly from the lower surface of the support plate 610 toward the upper surface of the battery cell 100. The outer surface of the contact protrusion 623 facing the battery cell 100 may have a curved shape. The contact protrusion 623 may extend so that its length direction is parallel to the plurality of battery cells 100 (see, for example, Figure 1 ) in the arrangement direction or the width direction of the battery cell 100. The lower end portion of the contact protrusion 623 may be in contact with the upper surface of the battery cell 100. The contact protrusion 623 may be formed so that its cross-sectional area gradually decreases toward its end portion (ie, toward the battery cell 100). Accordingly, the contact protrusion 623 may further enhance the adhesion with the battery cell 100.

[0123] Hereinafter, a battery module according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0124] The battery module according to this embodiment can be Figures 1 to 10 The battery module of the first embodiment of the present disclosure is described to be configured with only the detailed structure of the contact member 620 being different.

[0125] Accordingly, when describing the battery module according to the present embodiment, only the detailed structure of the contact member 620 that is different from the battery module according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. For the remaining components of the battery module according to the present embodiment, the description of the battery module according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure can be applied.

[0126] Fig.17 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of a contact member according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, and Fig.18 It is a bottom perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of a contact member according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0127] refer to Fig.17 and Fig.18 According to the present embodiment, the contact member 620 may include one or more shields 624 .

[0128] The shield 624 may protrude convexly from the lower surface of the support plate 610 toward the upper surface of the battery cell 100. One side of the shield 624 facing the outer surface of the battery cell 100 may have a curved shape. The other side of the shield 624 facing the outer surface of the battery cell 100 may be formed to be open. Accordingly, the shield 624 may further improve the measurement accuracy of the temperature sensor 510 by preventing the air in the internal space from being overheated. The shield 624 may extend so that its length direction is parallel to the plurality of battery cells 100 (see, e.g. Figure 1 ) in the arrangement direction or the width direction of the battery cell 100. The lower end portion of the shield 624 may be in contact with the upper surface of the battery cell 100. The shield 624 may be formed such that its cross-sectional area gradually decreases toward its end portion (i.e., toward the battery cell 100). Accordingly, the shield 624 may further enhance the adhesion with the battery cell 100.

[0129] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings, it will be understood that they are merely examples and that various modifications and equivalents may be made thereto by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A battery module, comprising: Battery cells; A bus bar holder disposed to face the battery cell; a first substrate disposed on the bus bar holder; a second substrate extending from the first substrate and including a first surface facing the battery cell and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a detection member mounted on the second surface of the second substrate and configured to detect a temperature of the battery cell; a support member mounted on the first surface of the second substrate and in contact with the battery cell; as well as A pressing member is connected to the bus bar holder and is configured to press the supporting member toward the battery cell. 2 . The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the second substrate is a flexible printed circuit board.

3. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the second substrate is provided in plurality, and A plurality of the second substrates are arranged in a length direction of the first substrate.

4. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the second substrate comprises: an extension portion, one side of the extension portion being connected to the first substrate and the other side of the extension portion being protruded toward the outside of the first substrate; as well as A mounting portion is connected to the other side of the extending portion and is configured to support the detecting member and the supporting member.

5. The battery module according to claim 4, wherein an insertion hole is formed in the bus bar holder, and The mounting portion is inserted into the insertion hole.

6. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the detection component comprises: a temperature sensor fixed to the second surface of the second substrate; as well as A coating is disposed around the temperature sensor.

7. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the supporting member comprises: a support plate fixed to the first surface of the second substrate; as well as A contact member protrudes from the support plate toward the battery cell and contacts the battery cell. 8 . The battery module according to claim 7 , wherein the contact member is provided to be elastically deformable. 9 . The battery module according to claim 7 , wherein the contact member comprises one or more bridges, each of the bridges having two end portions connected to the support plate and a center portion spaced apart from the support plate. 10 . The battery module according to claim 9 , wherein a side surface of the bridge member is separated from the support plate. 11 . The battery module according to claim 7 , wherein the contact member comprises one or more tabs, each of the tabs having one end portion connected to the support plate and another end portion spaced apart from the support plate. 12 . The battery module according to claim 11 , wherein each of the fins is disposed to be inclined relative to the support plate. 13 . The battery module according to claim 7 , wherein the contact member comprises one or more contact protrusions, each of the contact protrusions having a curved outer surface. 14 . The battery module according to claim 7 , wherein the contact member comprises one or more shutters, one side of an outer surface of each of the shutters has a curved shape, and the other side of the outer surface of each of the shutters is open. 15 . The battery module according to claim 7 , wherein the support member further comprises a slit formed through the support plate and disposed to face the contact member.

16. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the pressing member comprises: a first pressing body fixed to the bus bar holder; a second pressing body extending from the first pressing body and having an end portion contacting the second surface of the second substrate; as well as A receiving hole is formed through the end portion of the second pressing body, and the detecting member is inserted into the receiving hole. 17 . The battery module according to claim 16 , wherein the second pressing body has a cross-sectional area that decreases toward an end portion thereof. 18 . The battery module according to claim 16 , wherein a cross-sectional area of ​​the receiving hole is larger than a cross-sectional area of ​​the detection member.

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