Battery module

Abstract

The invention provides the battery module capable of preventing continuous explosion of the battery monomers. The battery module includes a plurality of battery cells arranged in a first direction, a pair of first plates disposed to face the battery cells and disposed parallel to the first direction, and a pair of second plates disposed to face the battery cells and disposed parallel to a second direction crossing the first direction, a buffer member provided between any one of the first plates and any one of the second plates and configured to move the second plates relative to the first plates in a direction parallel to the first direction when the battery cells explode, and a bracket connected to the buffer member and configured to selectively restrict movement of the second plate relative to the first plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery module. Background Art

[0002] Secondary batteries are batteries that can be charged and discharged, unlike primary batteries that cannot be charged. Low-capacity secondary batteries are used in small portable electronic devices such as smartphones, feature phones, laptops, digital cameras, and video cameras, while high-capacity secondary batteries are widely used as power sources for driving motors of hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, etc., and as power storage batteries. Secondary batteries include an electrode assembly having a positive electrode and a negative electrode, a housing that accommodates the positive electrode and the negative electrode, an electrode terminal connected to the electrode assembly, and the like.

[0003] The above information disclosed in the Background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the background of the present disclosure and therefore may contain information that does not constitute the relevant art. Summary of the invention

[0004] Aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to providing a battery module capable of preventing successive explosions of battery cells.

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

[0006] According to one or more embodiments, a battery module includes: a plurality of battery cells arranged along a first direction; a pair of first plates, arranged to face the battery cells and parallel to the first direction; a pair of second plates, arranged to face the battery cells and parallel to a second direction intersecting the first direction; a buffer member, provided between any one of the first plates and any one of the second plates, and configured to move the second plate relative to the first plate in a direction parallel to the first direction when the battery cells explode; and a bracket, connected to the buffer member and configured to selectively limit the relative movement of the second plate relative to the first plate.

[0007] A gap between the pair of first plates may be smaller than a width of the second plate parallel to the second direction.

[0008] The buffer member may be provided to be elastically deformable.

[0009] The buffer member may include a first portion connected to the first plate, a second portion disposed to face the first portion and connected to the second plate, and a connection portion disposed between the first portion and the second portion.

[0010] Both ends of the connection portion may be connected to the first portion and the second portion, respectively, and extend in a curved manner with a set curvature.

[0011] The first portion and the second portion may be disposed such that longitudinal directions thereof are parallel to the first direction.

[0012] The first portion and the second portion may be spaced apart along the second direction.

[0013] When the battery cell explodes, the length of the first portion may decrease, the length of the second portion may increase, and the connecting portion may move in a direction parallel to the first direction.

[0014] The battery module may further include a plurality of slits arranged along an extending direction of the buffer member.

[0015] Each of the slits may be formed to be recessed from an outer surface of the buffer member.

[0016] The bracket may include a first bracket configured to support the first portion and the second portion relative to the first board, and a second bracket spaced apart from the first bracket and configured to support the connection portion relative to the first board.

[0017] The first bracket may include a first bracket body, a first insertion groove formed to be recessed into the first bracket body and into which the first part is inserted, and a second insertion groove formed to be recessed into the first bracket body and into which the second part is inserted, and when a pressure equal to or greater than a set amount is applied to the second plate, the first part and the second part can be separated from the first insertion groove and the second insertion groove, respectively.

[0018] The first bracket body may include a first fixing body fixed to the first plate and a first extending body extending from the first fixing body in a direction parallel to the second direction, and the first and second insertion grooves may be formed in the first extending body.

[0019] The first extension body may be provided to be elastically deformable.

[0020] When a pressure equal to or greater than a set amount is applied to the second plate, the first extending body may be separated from the first fixing body.

[0021] The first bracket may further include a first recess formed to be recessed into the first extension body and spaced apart from the first insertion groove and the second insertion groove.

[0022] The second bracket may include a second bracket body spaced apart from the first bracket, a receiving groove disposed inside the second bracket body and into which the connecting part is inserted, and a supporting member configured to support the connecting part inside the receiving groove, and when a pressure equal to or greater than a set amount is applied to the second plate, the connecting part can be separated from the receiving groove and the supporting member.

[0023] The support member may be provided to be elastically deformable.

[0024] The second bracket body may include a second fixing body fixed to the first plate and a second extending body extending from the second fixing body and disposed to surround the connection portion, and the second extending body may be separated from the second fixing body when a pressure equal to or greater than a set amount is applied to the second plate.

[0025] The second bracket may further include a second recess formed to be recessed into the second extension body.

[0026] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, when a battery cell explodes due to overcharging or the like, the second plate relatively moves in a direction away from the first plate, thereby reducing the amount of pressure applied to the battery cell.

[0027] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, chain combustion of adjacent battery cells may be prevented by ensuring spaces on both sides of an exploded battery cell to delay heat propagation.

[0028] However, the effects obtainable by the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand other technical effects not mentioned from the following description of the present disclosure. 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 a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 3 is a plan view schematically showing the configuration of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 4 is a side view schematically showing the configuration of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 5 is a front view schematically showing the configuration of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 6 is a perspective view schematically showing a configuration of a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 7is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a configuration of a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 8 is an enlarged view schematically showing the configuration of a buffer member according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Fig. 9 is a view schematically showing a configuration of a slit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] Fig.10 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a first bracket according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] Fig.11 is a front cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a second bracket according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0041] Fig.12 is a plan cross-sectional view schematically showing a configuration of a second bracket according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0042] Figures 13 to 18 is a view schematically illustrating an operation process of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Here, 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 usual or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted as meanings and concepts consistent with the technical ideas of the present disclosure based on the principle that the inventor can be his / her own lexicon compiler to appropriately define the concept of the term.

[0044] The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the accompanying drawings are provided as some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and do not represent all technical ideas, aspects and features of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that when submitting this application, various equivalents and modifications may be used to replace or modify the embodiments described herein.

[0045] 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, directly connected to, or coupled to another element or layer, or one or more intermediate 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 intermediate elements or layers. For example, when a first element is described as being "coupled to" or "coupled to" a second element, the first element may be directly coupled or coupled to the second element, or the first element may be indirectly coupled or coupled to the second element via one or more intermediate elements.

[0046] In the accompanying drawings, the sizes of various elements, layers, etc. may be exaggerated for clarity of illustration. 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. In addition, 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" and "any one", when before the element list, modify the entire element list without modifying the individual elements of the list. When phrases such as "at least one of A, B and C", "at least one of A, B or C", "at least one selected from the group of A, B and C" or "at least one selected from A, B and C" are used to specify the list 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 terms "use", "use ..." and "being used" may be considered to be synonymous with the terms "utilize", "utilize ..." and "being utilized", respectively. As used herein, the terms "substantially," "approximately," and similar terms are used as terms of approximation, rather than terms of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent variations in measurements or calculations that those of ordinary skill in the art would recognize.

[0047] 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 portions, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or portions should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or portion from another element, component, region, layer or portion. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments, the first element, component, region, layer or portion discussed below may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer or portion.

[0048] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "below", "below", "down", "above", "on", etc. may be used here to describe the relationship between one element or feature and another element or feature shown in the figure. It should be understood that, in addition to the orientation shown in the figure, the spatial relative terms are intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the figure is turned over, the elements described as "below" or "below" other elements or features will be oriented "above" or "on" other elements or features. Therefore, the term "below" can include both above and below orientations. The device can be oriented in other ways (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other directions), and the spatial relative descriptors used here should be interpreted accordingly.

[0049] The terms used herein are intended to describe embodiments of the present disclosure, not to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a" and "an" are also intended to include plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the terms "comprise", "including ...", "comprising" and / or "comprising ..." when used in this specification specify the presence of the features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or groups thereof.

[0050] In addition, any numerical range disclosed and / or listed herein is intended to include all sub-ranges of the same numerical precision contained in the listed range. For example, the range of "1.0 to 10.0" is intended to include all sub-ranges between the listed minimum value 1.0 and the listed maximum value 10.0 (including these two values), that is, the minimum value is equal to or greater than 1.0, and the maximum value is equal to or less than 10.0, such as, for example, 2.4 to 7.6. Any maximum numerical limit listed herein is intended to include all lower numerical limits contained therein, and any minimum numerical limit listed herein is intended to include all higher numerical limits contained therein. Therefore, the applicant reserves the right to modify this specification (including claims) to explicitly list any sub-ranges contained in the range explicitly listed herein.

[0051] When two compared elements, features, etc. are referred to as "the same", it 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, such as 5% or less. In addition, when a parameter is referred to as being uniform in a given area, it may mean that it is uniform with respect to an average value.

[0052] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specified, each element may be in the singular or in the plural.

[0053] When any element is referred to as being arranged (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 any element arranged (or located or positioned) on (or below) the component.

[0054] 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 intermediate elements may be present between them, through which the element may be "coupled," "linked," or "connected" to another element. Furthermore, when a part is referred to as being "electrically coupled" to another part, the part may be directly electrically connected to the other part, or one or more intermediate parts may be present between them, so that the part and the other part are indirectly electrically connected to each other.

[0055] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specified, when "A and / or B" is stated, it means A, B, or A and B. That is, "and / or" includes any or all combinations of the listed multiple items. Unless otherwise specified, when "C to D" is stated, it means C or more and D or less.

[0056] The terms used in this specification are used to describe the embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0057] Figure 1 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 3 is a plan view schematically showing the configuration of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 4 is a side view schematically showing the configuration of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 5 is a front view schematically showing the configuration of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] Reference Figures 1 to 5 , the battery module 1 according to the present embodiment includes a battery cell 100 , a first plate 200 , a second plate 300 , a buffer member 400 , and a bracket 500 .

[0059] The battery cell 100 may serve as a unit structure for storing and supplying power in the battery module 1 .

[0060] The battery cell 100 may include at least one electrode assembly 10 formed by winding a positive electrode 11 and a negative electrode 12, a case 20 in which the electrode assembly 10 is installed, and a cap assembly 30 coupled to an opening of the case 20, wherein a separator 13 as an insulator is interposed between the positive electrode 11 and the negative electrode 12.

[0061] Figure 6 is a perspective view schematically showing a configuration of a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a configuration of a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0062] refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 As an example, the battery cell 100 according to the present embodiment will be described as a lithium ion secondary battery having a prismatic shape. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the battery cell 100 may be a lithium polymer battery or a cylindrical battery.

[0063] The positive electrode 11 and the negative electrode 12 may include a coated portion, which is a region where an active material is applied on a current collector formed of a thin metal foil, and uncoated portions 11a and 12a, which are regions where the active material is not coated.

[0064] The positive electrode 11 and the negative electrode 12 may be wound after inserting the separator 13 as an insulator therebetween. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the electrode assembly 10 may have a structure in which positive and negative electrodes consisting of a plurality of sheets are alternately stacked with separators interposed therebetween.

[0065] The case 20 forms the entire exterior of the battery cell 100 and may be made of a conductive metal such as aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or nickel-plated steel. In addition, the case 20 may provide a space for accommodating the electrode assembly 10 therein.

[0066] The cap assembly 30 may include a cap plate 31 covering the opening of the case 20, and the case 20 and the cap plate 31 may be made of a conductive material. Here, the positive electrode terminal 21 and the negative electrode terminal 22 electrically connected to the positive electrode 11 and the negative electrode 12, respectively, may be installed to protrude outward through the cap plate 31.

[0067] Furthermore, outer peripheral surfaces of upper posts of the positive electrode terminal 21 and the negative electrode terminal 22 protruding outward from the cap plate 31 may be threaded and fixed to the cap plate 31 with nuts.

[0068] However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the positive electrode terminal 21 and the negative electrode terminal 22 may have a rivet structure so as to be riveted, or may be welded to the cap plate 31 .

[0069] Furthermore, the cap plate 31 may be made of a thin plate and coupled to the opening of the case 20 , and in the cap plate 31 , an electrolyte inlet 32 ​​to which a sealing plug 33 is to be installed may be formed, and a vent 34 having a notch portion 34 a formed therein may be installed.

[0070] The positive electrode terminal 21 and the negative electrode terminal 22 may be electrically connected to a current collector including a first current collector 40 and a second current collector 50 (hereinafter referred to as “positive and negative current collectors”) bonded to the positive uncoated region 11a or the negative uncoated region 12a by welding.

[0071] For example, the positive electrode terminal 21 and the negative electrode terminal 22 may be welded to the positive current collector 40 and the negative current collector 50. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the positive electrode terminal 21 and the negative electrode terminal 22 and the positive current collector 40 and the negative current collector 50 may be integrally formed.

[0072] In addition, an insulating member may be installed between the electrode assembly 10 and the cap plate 31. Here, the insulating member may include first and second lower insulating members 60 and 70, and each of the first and second lower insulating members 60 and 70 may be installed between the electrode assembly 10 and the cap plate 31.

[0073] In addition, according to the present embodiment, one end of the separation member that can be installed to face one side surface of the electrode assembly 10 may be installed between the insulation member and the positive electrode terminal 21 or the negative electrode terminal 22 .

[0074] Here, the isolation member may include a first isolation member 80 and a second isolation member 90 .

[0075] Therefore, respective ends of the first and second isolation members 80 and 90 that can be installed to face the side surface of the electrode assembly 10 may be installed between the first lower insulating member 60 and the positive electrode terminal 21 and between the second lower insulating member 70 and the negative electrode terminal 22 .

[0076] Therefore, the positive and negative electrode terminals 21 and 22 coupled to the positive and negative current collectors 40 and 50 by welding may be coupled to one ends of the first and second lower insulating members 60 and 70 and the first and second separating members 80 and 90 .

[0077] A plurality of battery cells 100 may be provided. The plurality of battery cells 100 may be arranged in a row along the first direction. The number of battery cells 100 is not limited to Figure 2 The number shown is the same, and the design may be changed in various ways according to the size of the battery module 1 and the like.

[0078] The first direction described below may refer to the Figure 1 A direction parallel to the X-axis direction. In addition, the second direction may refer to a direction intersecting the first direction. As an example, the second direction may refer to a direction based on Figure 1 A direction perpendicular to the first direction and parallel to the Y-axis direction.

[0079] The plurality of battery cells 100 may be electrically connected to each other through a bus bar (not shown). In this case, the plurality of battery cells 100 may be connected in series or in parallel.

[0080] The front surface and the rear surface of the battery cell 100 described below may refer to Figure 1 The side surface of the battery cell 100 may refer to a surface disposed perpendicular to the X-axis or the first direction. Figure 1 The upper surface and the lower surface of the battery cell 100 may refer to surfaces disposed perpendicular to the Y axis or the second direction. Figure 1 Surfaces set perpendicular to the Z axis.

[0081] Each first plate 200 may be disposed to face a side surface of the battery cell 100. The first plate 200 may serve as a member that supports the battery cell 100 in the second direction and protects the battery cell 100 from external impact, foreign matter, and the like.

[0082] The first plate 200 may be formed to have an approximately plate shape, and the length of the first plate 200 may extend in length along the first direction, and the first plate 200 may be disposed parallel to the side surface of the battery cell 100 .

[0083] A pair of first plates 200 may be provided. The pair of first plates 200 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the second direction. The pair of first plates 200 may be arranged so that their inner surfaces each face two side surfaces of any one of the battery cells 100. The inner surfaces of the pair of first plates 200 may be in direct contact with the side surfaces of the battery cells 100. The length of the first plate 200 may be greater than the sum of the lengths of the side surfaces on either side of the plurality of battery cells 100. Therefore, the inner surface of the first plate 200 may be in contact with all side surfaces of the plurality of battery cells 100.

[0084] The first plate 200 may include a material having high rigidity, such as metal, high-strength plastic, etc., to prevent damage and breakage caused by external force applied from the outside, pressure applied from the battery cell 100, etc. The inner surface of the first plate 200 that is in direct contact with the battery cell 100 may be made of an insulating material so that the first plate 200 is electrically isolated from the battery cell 100.

[0085] The second plate 300 may be disposed to cross the first plate 200 and face the front or rear surface of the battery cell 100. The second plate 300 may serve as a member to support the battery cell 100 in the first direction and protect the battery cell 100 from external impact, foreign matter, etc.

[0086] The second plate 300 may be formed to have an approximately plate shape. The second plate 300 may extend in length in a direction parallel to the second direction, and may be disposed parallel to the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell 100 .

[0087] A pair of second plates 300 may be provided. The pair of second plates 300 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the first direction. The pair of second plates 300 may be arranged so that their inner surfaces each face the front surface of the battery cell 100 arranged at one end and the rear surface of the battery cell 100 arranged at the other end among the plurality of battery cells 100 arranged along the first direction. The inner surfaces of the pair of second plates 300 may be in direct contact with the front and rear surfaces of the front and rear battery cells 100. The length of the second plate 300 may be greater than the length of the front or rear surface of the battery cell 100 parallel to the second direction. Therefore, the inner surface of the first plate 200 may contact the entire area of ​​the front or rear surface of the battery cell 100.

[0088] The second plate 300 may be connected to the pair of first plates 200 at both ends through a buffer member 400 , which will be described below.

[0089] The second plate 300 may include a material having high rigidity, such as metal, high-strength plastic, etc., to prevent damage and breakage caused by external force applied from the outside, pressure applied from the battery cell 100, etc. The inner surface of the second plate 300 that is in direct contact with the battery cell 100 may be made of an insulating material so that the second plate 300 is electrically isolated from the battery cell 100.

[0090] The battery module 1 according to the present embodiment may further include a bottom plate A and a top plate B.

[0091] The bottom plate A and the top plate B may be disposed to be spaced apart in a vertical direction with the battery cell 100 positioned therebetween.

[0092] The bottom plate A may be formed to have an approximately plate shape, and may be disposed to face the lower surface of the battery cell 100. An upper surface of the bottom plate A may be in direct contact with the lower surface of the battery cell 100.

[0093] The bottom plate A may include a material having high rigidity, such as metal, high-strength plastic, etc., to prevent damage and breakage caused by external force applied from the outside, pressure applied from the battery cell 100, etc. The upper surface of the bottom plate A that is in direct contact with the battery cell 100 may be made of an insulating material so that the bottom plate A is electrically isolated from the battery cell 100.

[0094] The lower portion of the first plate 200 may be coupled to the bottom plate A. In this case, the first plate 200 may be coupled to the bottom plate A by various types of coupling methods, such as bolting, welding, bonding, insertion coupling, and locking coupling.

[0095] The lower portion of the second plate 300 may be separated from the bottom plate A or may be slidably connected to the bottom plate A. Therefore, the second plate 300 may be moved relative to the first plate 200 by the operation of the buffer member 400 , which will be described below.

[0096] The top plate B may be formed to have an approximately plate shape, and may be disposed to face the upper surface of the battery cell 100. The top plate B may be disposed such that a lower surface thereof faces the upper surface of the battery cell 100 at a predetermined distance.

[0097] The top plate B may include a material having high rigidity, such as metal, high-strength plastic, etc., to prevent damage and breakage caused by external force applied from the outside, pressure applied from the battery cell 100, etc. The lower surface of the top plate B that is in direct contact with the battery cell 100 may be made of an insulating material so that the top plate B is electrically isolated from the battery cell 100.

[0098] An upper portion of the first plate 200 may be coupled to the top plate B. In this case, the first plate 200 may be coupled to the top plate B by various types of coupling methods, such as bolting, welding, bonding, insertion coupling, locking coupling, and the like.

[0099] An upper portion of the second plate 300 may be separated from the top plate B or may be slidably connected to the top plate B. Therefore, the second plate 300 may be moved relative to the first plate 200 by the operation of the buffer member 400, which will be described below.

[0100] The buffer member 400 may be provided between the first plate 200 and the second plate 300, and both sides thereof may be connected to the first plate 200 and the second plate 300, respectively. When the battery cell 100 operates normally, the buffer member 400 may support the second plate 300 relative to the first plate 200. When the battery cell 100 explodes due to overcharging, fire, etc., the buffer member 400 may move the second plate 300 in a direction parallel to the first direction relative to the first plate 200. More specifically, when any one of the battery cells 100 explodes, the buffer member 400 may change its shape by the pressure transmitted in the direction parallel to the first direction based on the corresponding battery cell 100, and may move the second plate 300 in a direction away from the first plate 200 by shape deformation. Therefore, when the battery cell 100 explodes, the buffer member 400 may expand the internal space of the battery module 1 in the direction in which the explosion pressure is transmitted, thereby reducing the amount of pressure applied to the remaining battery cells 100. Furthermore, when one of the battery cells 100 explodes, the buffer member 400 may ensure a space for delaying heat propagation at both sides of the battery cell, thereby preventing chain combustion of adjacent battery cells 100 .

[0101] A plurality of buffer members 400 may be provided. The plurality of buffer members 400 may be respectively disposed between each end of the pair of first plates 200 and each end of the pair of second plates 300. As an example, four buffer members 400 may be formed and respectively disposed at each corner of the battery module 1 surrounded by the pair of first plates 200 and the pair of second plates 300.

[0102] The buffer member 400 may be provided to be elastically deformable. For example, the buffer member 400 may have the form of a thin plate made of a flexible metal or plastic material, or may be made of a flexible material such as rubber, silicone, etc. Therefore, the shape of the buffer member 400 may be changed according to the pressure generated when the battery cell 100 explodes and moves the second plate 300 relative to the first plate 200.

[0103] The height h2 of the buffer member 400 may be less than the height h1 of the first plate 200. As an example, a ratio h2 / h1 of the height h2 of the buffer member 400 to the height h1 of the first plate 200 may be 60% or more and 80% or less. More preferably, a ratio h2 / h1 of the height h2 of the buffer member 400 to the height h1 of the first plate 200 may be 70%. When the ratio h2 / h1 of the height h2 of the buffer member 400 to the height h1 of the first plate 200 is 60% or less, the supporting force of the buffer member 400 supporting the second plate 300 relative to the first plate 200 may be excessively reduced. In addition, when the ratio h2 / h1 of the height h2 of the buffer member 400 to the height h1 of the first plate 200 is 80% or more, the shape deformation of the buffer member 400 may not be smoothly performed.

[0104] The gap between the pair of first plates 200 parallel to the second direction may be smaller than the width of the second plate 300 parallel to the second direction. Therefore, the buffer member 400 may be disposed in a space surrounded by the pair of second plates 300 and any one of the first plates 200, thereby preventing the width of the battery module 1 from being excessively increased and preventing interference with adjacent components.

[0105] Figure 8 is an enlarged view schematically showing the configuration of a buffer member according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0106] Reference Figure 8 , the buffer member 400 may include a first portion 410 , a second portion 420 , and a connecting portion 430 .

[0107] The first portion 410 may form an outer portion of one side of the buffer member 400 and may be connected to the first plate 200. That is, the first portion 410 may refer to a region between one end connected to the first plate 200 and one end of a connection portion 430 described below among all regions of the buffer member 400.

[0108] The second portion 420 may form the outer portion of the other side of the buffer member 400 and may be connected to the second plate 300. That is, the second portion 420 may refer to a region between one end connected to the second plate 300 and the other end of the connection portion 430 described below among all regions of the buffer member 400.

[0109] The first part 410 and the second part 420 may be arranged so that their longitudinal directions are parallel to the first direction. The first part 410 and the second part 420 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the second direction. As an example, the second part 420 may be arranged to face the first plate 200 along the second direction with the first part 410 interposed therebetween.

[0110] When the battery cell 100 explodes, the first portion 410 and the second portion 420 may undergo a length change, and the second plate 300 may move relative to the first plate 200. As an example, when the battery cell 100 explodes, the length L1 of the first portion 410 may decrease, and the length L2 of the second portion 420 may increase. Here, the increase or decrease in the length of the first portion 410 and the second portion 420 does not mean that the lengths of the first portion 410 and the second portion 420 directly expand or contract so that the total length of the buffer member 400 changes, but may mean that the area of ​​the first portion 410 and the second portion 420 disposed facing each other in the second direction increases or decreases in a state where the total length of the buffer member 400 is fixed.

[0111] The connection portion 430 may be disposed between the first portion 410 and the second portion 420 and form an appearance of a central portion of the buffer member 400. The other end of the first portion 410 not connected to the first plate 200 may be connected to one end of the connection portion 430, and the other end of the second portion 420 not connected to the second plate 300 may be connected to the other end of the connection portion 430. That is, the connection portion 430 may refer to all regions of the buffer member 400 except the first portion 410 and the second portion 420.

[0112] Since the first portion 410 and the second portion 420 extend parallel to the first direction and face each other in the second direction, the connecting portion 430 may be formed to have an arc-shaped cross-section extending in a curved manner with a set curvature. The curvature of the connecting portion 430 may be designed in various ways according to the gap between the first portion 410 and the second portion 420.

[0113] When the battery cell 100 explodes, the connection portion 430 may move together with the second plate 300 in a direction parallel to the first direction due to the change in length of the first portion 410 and the second portion 420. Here, the movement of the connection portion 430 does not mean that the connection portion 430 in the initial state directly moves, but may mean that the position of the area between the first portion 410 and the second portion 420 changes in the process of increasing or decreasing the length of the area of ​​the first portion 410 and the second portion 420 in a state where the total length of the buffer member 400 is fixed.

[0114] The battery module 1 according to the present embodiment may further include a slit S.

[0115] Fig. 9 is a view schematically showing a configuration of a slit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0116] The slit S may be formed to have a groove shape depressed from the outer surface of the buffer member 400. The slit S may serve as a component causing a smooth shape deformation of the buffer member 400 when the battery cell 100 explodes by weakening the original rigidity of the buffer member 400.

[0117] A plurality of slits S may be provided. The plurality of slits S may be arranged along an extending direction of the buffer member 400. As an example, at least one of the plurality of slits S may be provided in each of the first portion 410, the second portion 420, and the connecting portion 430.

[0118] The length from the outer surface of the buffer member 400 to the bottom surface of the slit S, that is, the depth W2 of the slit S, may be smaller than the half width W1 of the buffer member 400 (more specifically, the first portion 410 or the second portion 420). As an example, the ratio W2 / W1 of the depth W2 of the slit S to the half width W1 of the first portion 410 or the second portion 420 may be 15% or more and 20% or less. Therefore, the slit S may prevent the rigidity of the buffer member 400 from being excessively weakened while causing smooth deformation of the buffer member 400.

[0119] When the buffer member 400 is deformed due to the explosion of the battery cell 100, the slit S may move along the extension direction of the buffer member 400. As an example, due to the change in length of the first portion 410 and the second portion 420, any one of the slits S formed in the first portion 410 may move in a direction from the first portion 410 to the second portion 420 through the connecting portion 430.

[0120] The bracket 500 may be connected to the buffer member 400 and selectively restrict the movement of the second plate 300 relative to the first plate 200. That is, the bracket 500 may be used as a component for restricting the movement of the second plate 300 relative to the first plate 200 by suppressing the deformation of the buffer member 400 when the battery cell 100 operates normally, and allowing the movement of the second plate 300 relative to the first plate 200 by allowing the deformation of the buffer member 400 when the battery cell 100 explodes.

[0121] The bracket 500 may include a first bracket 510 and a second bracket 520 .

[0122] The first bracket 510 may support the first portion 410 and the second portion 420 with respect to the first plate 200. A plurality of first brackets 510 may be provided. The plurality of first brackets 510 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the first direction. Figures 1 to 4 Two first brackets 510 are shown by way of example, but the number of the first brackets 510 is not limited thereto and the design may be changed to various numbers thereof, such as three or four.

[0123] Fig.10 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a first bracket according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0124] Reference Fig.10 The first bracket 510 may include a first bracket body 511 , a first insertion groove 514 , and a second insertion groove 515 .

[0125] The first bracket body 511 may generally form an exterior of the first bracket 510 and provide a space for accommodating the first portion 410 and the second portion 420 therein.

[0126] The first bracket body 511 may include a first fixing body 512 and a first extending body 513 .

[0127] The first fixed body 512 may be fixed to the first plate 200 and support the first extension body 513, which will be described below. The first fixed body 512 may be formed to have a substantially flat shape. The first fixed body 512 may be arranged parallel to the first direction and arranged so that one surface thereof faces the outer surface of the first plate 200 in parallel. One surface of the first fixed body 512 may contact the outer surface of the first plate 200 and be fixed to the outer surface of the first plate 200 by various bonding methods such as bolt connection, welding, insertion bonding, etc.

[0128] The first extension body 513 may extend from the first fixed body 512 and may be arranged to face the first portion 410 and the second portion 420. The first extension body 513 may be formed in the shape of a plate extending from the first fixed body 512 in a direction parallel to the second direction. A pair of first extension bodies 513 may be provided. The pair of first extension bodies 513 may extend from the upper end and the lower end of the first fixed body 512 in a direction parallel to the second direction, respectively. The pair of first extension bodies 513 may be arranged so that the inner surfaces thereof face the upper end and the lower end of the first portion 410 and the second portion 420, respectively.

[0129] The first insertion groove 514 may be formed to be recessed in the first bracket body 511. More specifically, the first insertion groove 514 may have a groove shape formed to be recessed from the inner surface of the first extension body 513 in a direction parallel to the vertical direction. The first insertion groove 514 may be provided at a position vertically facing the first portion 410. A pair of first insertion grooves 514 may be provided. The pair of first insertion grooves 514 may be respectively formed in the pair of first extension bodies 513. The upper end and the lower end of the first portion 410 may be respectively inserted into the pair of first insertion grooves 514.

[0130] A first engaging member 514a for supporting the first portion 410 relative to the first insertion groove 514 may be disposed inside the first insertion groove 514. The first engaging member 514a may be made of an elastically deformable material such as rubber, silicone, etc. The first engaging member 514a may fill the empty space between the first insertion groove 514 and the end of the first portion 410, and may be in close contact with the first extension body 513 and the end of the first portion 410 by its own elastic restoring force. Therefore, the first engaging member 514a may securely fix the first portion 410 to the first insertion groove 514.

[0131] The second insertion groove 515 may be formed to be recessed into the first bracket body 511. More specifically, the second insertion groove 515 may have a groove shape formed to be recessed from the inner surface of the first extension body 513 in a direction parallel to the vertical direction. The second insertion groove 515 may be provided to be spaced apart from the first insertion groove 514 in a direction parallel to the second direction. The second insertion groove 515 may be provided at a position vertically facing the second portion 420. A pair of second insertion grooves 515 may be provided. The pair of second insertion grooves 515 may be respectively formed in a pair of first extension bodies 513. The upper end and the lower end of the second portion 420 may be respectively inserted into the pair of second insertion grooves 515.

[0132] A second engaging member 515a for supporting the second portion 420 relative to the second insertion groove 515 may be disposed inside the second insertion groove 515. The second engaging member 515a may be made of an elastically deformable material such as rubber, silicone, etc. The second engaging member 515a may fill the empty space between the second insertion groove 515 and the end of the second portion 420, and may be in close contact with the first extension body 513 and the end of the second portion 420 by its own elastic restoring force. Therefore, the second engaging member 515a may securely fix the second portion 420 to the second insertion groove 515.

[0133] However, the first portion 410 and the second portion 420 are not limited to the above and may also be press-fitted into the first insertion groove 514 and the second insertion groove 515 .

[0134] The first extension body 513 may have a higher rigidity than the first engagement member 514a and the second engagement member 515a, and may be made of a material such as an elastically deformable plastic. Therefore, in the process of inserting the first part 410 and the second part 420 into the first insertion groove 514 and the second insertion groove 515, the first extension body 513 may be bent up and down, thereby allowing the first part 410 and the second part 420 to be inserted into the first insertion groove 514 and the second insertion groove 515 more smoothly.

[0135] When pressure greater than a set amount is applied to the second plate 300 in the first direction due to explosion of the battery cell 100 , the first and second portions 410 and 420 may be separated from the first and second insertion grooves 514 and 515 .

[0136] When a pressure greater than a set amount is applied to the second plate 300 in the first direction due to the explosion of the battery cell 100, the first extension body 513 may be separated from the first fixing body 512. Therefore, when the battery cell 100 explodes, the first extension body 513 may guide the first portion 410 and the second portion 420 to be separated from the first insertion groove 514 and the second insertion groove 515 more smoothly.

[0137] The first bracket 510 may further include a first notch 516 .

[0138] The first notch 516 may be formed to be recessed in the first bracket body 511. The first notch 516 may be used as a member to guide the first extension body 513 to be separated from the first fixing body 512 when the battery cell 100 explodes. The first notch 516 may be provided between the first fixing body 512 and the first extension body 513, or provided at one end of the first extension body 513 connected to the first fixing body 512. The first notch 516 may be formed to be gradually narrowed in width toward an end thereof.

[0139] The second bracket 520 may be spaced apart from the first bracket 510 and support the connection portion 430 with respect to the first board 200 .

[0140] Fig.11 is a front cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a second bracket according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, Fig.12 is a plan cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a second bracket according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0141] Reference Fig.11 and Fig.12 The second bracket 520 may include a second bracket body 521 , a receiving groove 524 and a supporting member 525 .

[0142] The second bracket body 521 may generally form the exterior of the second bracket 520 and provide a space for accommodating the connection portion 430 therein.

[0143] The second bracket body 521 may include a second fixing body 522 and a second extending body 523 .

[0144] The second fixed body 522 may be fixed to the first plate 200 and support the second extension body 523, which will be described below. The second fixed body 522 may be formed to have a substantially flat shape. The second fixed body 522 may be arranged parallel to the first direction, and arranged so that one surface thereof faces the outer surface of the first plate 200 in parallel. The second fixed body 522 may be spaced apart from the first fixed body 512 in a direction parallel to the first direction, and may be arranged to face a side surface of the connecting portion 430 connected to the first portion 410. One surface of the second fixed body 522 may contact the outer surface of the first plate 200, and be fixed to the outer surface of the first plate 200 by various bonding methods such as bolting, welding, insertion bonding, etc.

[0145] The second extension body 523 may extend from the second fixing body 522 and may be disposed to surround the connection portion 430. As an example, the second extension body 523 may be disposed to surround the lower end of the connection portion 430, the other side surface of the connection portion 430 connected to the second portion 420, and the outer peripheral surface of the connection portion 430. Therefore, the second bracket body 521 may be formed to have a box shape in which the upper surface and the surfaces through which the first portion 410 and the second portion 420 pass are open.

[0146] The receiving groove 524 may be provided inside the second bracket body 521. The receiving groove 524 may be an empty space surrounded by the second fixing body 522 and the second extending body 523. The connection part 430 may be inserted into the receiving groove 524.

[0147] The support member 525 may be disposed inside the receiving groove 524 and support the connecting portion 430 relative to the receiving groove 524. The support member 525 may be made of an elastically deformable material, such as rubber, silicone, etc. The support member 525 may fill the empty space between the receiving groove 524 and the connecting portion 430, and may be in close contact with the second bracket body 521 and the connecting portion 430 by its own elastic restoring force. Therefore, the support member 525 may firmly fix the connecting portion 430 to the receiving groove 524.

[0148] When a pressure greater than a set amount is applied to the second plate 300 in the first direction due to explosion of the battery cell 100 , the connection portion 430 may be separated from the receiving groove 524 and the support member 525 .

[0149] When a pressure greater than a set amount is applied to the second plate 300 in the first direction due to the explosion of the battery cell 100, all or part of the second extension body 523 may be separated from the second fixing body 522. Therefore, when the battery cell 100 explodes, the second extension body 523 may guide the connection portion 430 to be separated from the receiving groove 524 and the support member 525 more smoothly.

[0150] The second bracket 520 may further include a second notch 526 .

[0151] The first notch 516 may be formed to be recessed in the second bracket body 521. When the battery cell 100 explodes, the second notch 526 may be used as a member for guiding all or part of the second extension body 523 to be separated from the second fixing body 522. A plurality of second notches 526 may be provided. The plurality of second notches 526 may be provided to be spaced apart from each other along the peripheral surface of the second extension body 523. The second notch 526 may be formed to have a width that gradually narrows toward its end.

[0152] Hereinafter, the operation of the battery module 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0153] Figures 13 to 18 is a view schematically illustrating an operation process of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0154] Reference Fig.13 , when any one of the battery cells 100 explodes due to overcharging or the like, pressure generated by the explosion of the battery cell 100 is transmitted to the second plate 300 through the adjacent battery cells 100 in a direction parallel to the first direction.

[0155] When a pressure greater than a set amount is applied to the second plate 300 , the second plate 300 applies tension to the second portion 420 of the buffer member 400 in a direction parallel to the first direction.

[0156] Reference Fig.14 , the first extending body 513 may be separated from the first fixing body 512 by tension applied to the second portion 420 , and the first portion 410 and the second portion 420 may be separated from the first insertion groove 514 and the second insertion groove 515 , respectively.

[0157] Reference Fig.15 , a portion of the second extension body 523 may be separated from the second fixing body 522 by the tension applied to the second portion 420, and the connecting portion 430 may be separated from the supporting member 525. In contrast, depending on the magnitude of the tension applied to the second portion 420, the entire second extension body 523 may be separated from the second fixing body 522.

[0158] Reference Fig.16 and Fig.17 , due to the tension applied to the second portion 420, the length of the second portion 420 may increase, the length of the first portion 410 may decrease, and the second plate 300 may be spaced apart from the first plate 200 in a direction parallel to the first direction. In this case, when the length of the buffer member 400 is fixed, the connecting portion 430 may move in a direction parallel to the first direction together with the second plate 300, and the slit S formed in the first portion 410 may move from the first portion 410 to the second portion 420 through the connecting portion 430.

[0159] Reference Fig.18 , when the second plate 300 moves in a direction away from the first plate 200 , the battery cells 100 disposed on both sides of the exploded battery cell 100 may move along the first direction in a direction away from the exploded battery cell 100 .

[0160] Therefore, stress caused by explosion of any one battery cell 100 may be relieved, and empty spaces formed at both sides of the battery cell 100 may prevent heat from being diffused to adjacent battery cells 100 .

[0161] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when a battery cell explodes due to overcharging, etc., the second plate can be relatively moved in a direction away from the first plate, so that the internal space of the battery module can expand in the direction of transmission of the explosion pressure and the amount of pressure applied to the remaining battery cells can be reduced.

[0162] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when a battery cell explodes due to overcharging or the like, a space for delaying heat propagation may be secured on both sides of the exploded battery cell, thereby preventing chain combustion of adjacent battery cells.

[0163] The present disclosure has been described with reference to a limited number of embodiments and drawings, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes may be made thereto within the technical spirit of the present disclosure and the equivalent scope of the appended claims.

[0164] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0141972 filed on October 23, 2023, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Claims

1. A battery module, comprising: a plurality of battery cells arranged along a first direction; a pair of first plates, arranged to face the battery cells and arranged parallel to the first direction; a pair of second plates arranged to face the battery cells and arranged parallel to a second direction intersecting the first direction; a buffer member provided between any one of the first plates and any one of the second plates and configured to move the second plate in a direction parallel to the first direction relative to the first plate when a battery cell explodes; as well as A bracket is connected to the cushioning member and is configured to selectively limit relative movement of the second plate with respect to the first plate. 2 . The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein a gap between the pair of first plates is smaller than a width of the second plate parallel to the second direction. The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the buffer member is provided to be elastically deformable.

4. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the buffer member comprises: a first portion connected to the first plate; a second portion disposed to face the first portion and connected to the second plate; as well as The connecting portion is arranged between the first portion and the second portion. 5 . The battery module according to claim 4 , wherein both ends of the connection portion are respectively connected to the first portion and the second portion, and extend in a curved manner with a set curvature. 6 . The battery module according to claim 4 , wherein the first portion and the second portion are arranged such that longitudinal directions thereof are parallel to the first direction. 7 . The battery module according to claim 6 , wherein the first portion and the second portion are spaced apart along the second direction. 8 . The battery module according to claim 6 , wherein when the battery cell explodes, the length of the first portion decreases, the length of the second portion increases, and the connecting portion moves in the direction parallel to the first direction. 9 . The battery module according to claim 4 , further comprising a plurality of slits arranged along an extending direction of the buffer member. 10 . The battery module according to claim 9 , wherein each of the slits is formed to be recessed from an outer surface of the buffer member.

11. The battery module according to claim 4, wherein the bracket comprises: a first bracket configured to support the first portion and the second portion relative to the first plate; as well as The second bracket is spaced apart from the first bracket and is configured to support the connecting portion relative to the first plate.

12. The battery module according to claim 11, wherein the first bracket comprises: a first bracket body; a first insertion groove formed to be recessed into the first bracket body, and the first part is inserted into the first insertion groove; as well as a second insertion groove formed to be recessed into the first bracket body, and the second part is inserted into the second insertion groove, When a pressure equal to or greater than a set amount is applied to the second plate, the first portion and the second portion are separated from the first insertion groove and the second insertion groove, respectively.

13. The battery module according to claim 12, wherein the first bracket body comprises: a first fixing body fixed to the first plate; as well as a first extending body extending from the first fixing body in a direction parallel to the second direction, The first insertion groove and the second insertion groove are formed in the first extension body. The battery module according to claim 13 , wherein the first extension body is provided to be elastically deformable. 15 . The battery module according to claim 13 , wherein when a pressure equal to or greater than a set amount is applied to the second plate, the first extending body is separated from the first fixing body. 16 . The battery module according to claim 15 , wherein the first bracket further comprises a first notch formed to be recessed in the first extending body and spaced apart from the first insertion groove and the second insertion groove.

17. The battery module according to claim 11, wherein the second bracket comprises: a second bracket body spaced apart from the first bracket; an accommodating groove, disposed inside the second bracket body, wherein the connecting portion is inserted into the accommodating groove; as well as a supporting member configured to support the connecting portion inside the receiving groove, When a pressure equal to or greater than a set amount is applied to the second plate, the connection portion is separated from the receiving groove and the supporting member.

18. The battery module according to claim 17, wherein the supporting member is provided to be elastically deformable.

19. The battery module according to claim 17, wherein the second bracket body comprises: a second fixing body fixed to the first plate; as well as a second extending body extending from the second fixing body and arranged to surround the connecting portion, When a pressure equal to or greater than a set amount is applied to the second plate, the second extending body is separated from the second fixing body. 20 . The battery module according to claim 19 , wherein the second bracket further comprises a second recess formed to be recessed into the second extending body.

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