Battery module

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a battery module including an end plate fastened to a buffer member. The battery module includes: battery cells arranged in one direction; an end plate facing an outer surface of an outermost battery cell among the battery cells; and at least one first buffer member fastened to the end plate and including a bent portion protruding toward the outermost battery cell and leg portions on opposite sides of the bent portion, respectively.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] An aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a battery module. Background Art

[0002] Secondary batteries are rechargeable batteries that can be charged and discharged multiple times. Such secondary batteries are mainly used in various application fields, such as electronic products (smart phones, laptops, tablets, etc.), electric vehicles, solar power generation devices, and emergency power supplies. For example, lithium-ion batteries have high energy density and high charge / discharge efficiency, and are therefore used in various electronic products and electric vehicles.

[0003] After a secondary battery (e.g., a rechargeable lithium-ion battery) is repeatedly charged and discharged, swelling of the battery due to volume expansion of one or more battery cells may occur due to electrical and chemical reactions that may occur inside the secondary battery and may be caused by degradation, damage, etc. of the lithium-ion battery. Forcibly restricting the volume expansion of the battery cells may reduce the life and performance of the battery, and thus a method of efficiently reducing the volume expansion of the battery cells is needed.

[0004] The above information disclosed in this Background section is for enhancement of 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

[0005] The present disclosure provides a battery module including an end plate fastened to a buffer member.

[0006] These and other aspects of the present disclosure will be described in or will be obvious from the following description of embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, a battery module according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure includes: battery cells arranged in one direction; an end plate facing an outer surface of an outermost battery cell among the battery cells; and at least one first buffer member fastened to the end plate and including a bent portion protruding toward the outermost battery cell and legs respectively on opposite sides of the bent portion.

[0008] The end plate may define an insertion groove for enabling the leg portion of the at least one first buffer member to be slidably inserted from the upper end of the end plate to the lower end of the end plate.

[0009] The insertion slot may extend through the end plate from the upper side of the end plate to the lower side of the end plate.

[0010] In a state in which the leg portions are fixed in the insertion grooves, surfaces defining the insertion grooves may be parallel to surfaces of the leg portions, respectively.

[0011] The height of the end plate may be substantially equal to or higher than the height of the at least one first buffer member.

[0012] The insertion grooves may be respectively at opposite ends of the end plates.

[0013] The insertion grooves may be defined by inner surfaces of projections respectively at opposite ends of the end plates.

[0014] The bent portion of the at least one first buffer member may protrude more toward the outermost battery cell than the protrusion.

[0015] The insertion grooves may be inside the end plates, wherein the legs are respectively received in the insertion grooves.

[0016] A distance between outermost surfaces of the insertion grooves may be greater than a width of the at least one first buffer member.

[0017] The bent portion of the at least one first buffer member may include an elastic material configured to absorb pressure due to deformation of the bent shape.

[0018] The position of the leg portion of the at least one first buffer member may be configured to change as the curved shape of the curved portion changes.

[0019] The positions of the legs may be respectively moved in opposite directions under pressure such that a width of the at least one first cushioning member increases.

[0020] The battery module may further include at least one second buffer member between the battery cells and including a buffer pad and a support portion for supporting the buffer pad.

[0021] The support portion may be secured to an edge of the cushion.

[0022] The support portions may be secured to opposite edges of the cushion.

[0023] The cushion may be configured to absorb pressure applied from battery cells respectively arranged at opposite sides of the cushion.

[0024] The cushion may have a thickness greater than a thickness of the support portion, wherein the cushion protrudes at opposite sides of the support portion.

[0025] The material of the cushioning pad may include a microporous material or an elastic polymer compound.

[0026] The support member may comprise an injection moulded plastics material.

[0027] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, as the buffer member is coupled to the end plate, pressure due to volume expansion of an outermost battery cell among a plurality of battery cells accommodated in a battery module may be effectively absorbed by the buffer member.

[0028] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a buffer member including a buffer pad is further provided between the battery cells to further reduce the pressure caused by the volume expansion of the battery cells, and can effectively reduce or prevent the reduction in battery module life or performance due to the swelling of the battery cells.

[0029] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, an insertion groove is formed in the end plate so that the buffer member can be properly fastened to the insertion groove by a sliding insertion method, and the workload and cost associated with the process of assembling the end plate and the buffer member can be reduced.

[0030] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the insertion groove formed in the end plate has a free space that can accommodate the change in width of the buffer member lengthened in the left and right directions due to the pressure applied to the buffer member, and the pressure caused by the volume expansion of the battery cell can be effectively absorbed.

[0031] However, aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned aspects, and other aspects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the detailed description described below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the detailed description of the present disclosure, further describe aspects of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure should not be interpreted as being limited to the drawings:

[0033] Figure 1 shows a perspective view showing a battery module according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 2 An exploded perspective view showing an end plate and a buffer member according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0035] Figure 3 A perspective view showing an example of a state in which an end plate is coupled to a buffer member according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0036] Figure 4 A perspective view showing an example of a method of coupling a buffer member to an end plate according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0037] Figure 5shows an example of a shape in which a buffer member is deformed in a state in which pressure is applied to the buffer member according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 6 shows an example of a state in which an end plate is coupled to a buffer member according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 7 shows an example of a state in which an end plate is coupled to a buffer member according to one or more other embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 8 An example in which a second buffer member is provided between a battery cell and an adjacent battery cell according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0041] Fig. 9 shows an example of a second buffer member according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0042] Fig.10 An example of a second cushioning member according to one or more other embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] With reference to the detailed description and drawings of the embodiments, it is easier to understand the aspects of some embodiments of the present disclosure and the methods for realizing these aspects. The described embodiments are provided as examples so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the aspects of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. Therefore, redundant, irrelevant or unrelated to the description of the embodiments, or unnecessary processes, elements and techniques for a complete understanding of the aspects of the present disclosure by those of ordinary skill in the art can be omitted. Unless otherwise stated, the same reference numerals, characters or combinations thereof represent the same elements throughout the drawings and written descriptions, and therefore, their repeated descriptions can be omitted.

[0044] The described embodiments may have various modifications and may be embodied in different forms, and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments shown here. The use of "can", "may", or "may not" in describing the embodiments corresponds to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The present disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives within the scope of the ideas and techniques of the present disclosure. In addition, each feature of the various embodiments of the present disclosure may be combined with each other in part or in whole, and various interlocks and drives are possible technically. Each embodiment may be implemented independently of one another, or may be implemented together in association.

[0045] In the accompanying drawings, for clarity and / or description purposes, the relative sizes of elements, layers and regions may be exaggerated. For ease of explanation, spatial relationship terms such as "under ... ", "under ... ", "underside", "under ... ", "above ... ", "on ", "upper side" etc. may be used here to describe the relationship of an element or feature as shown in the figure with other elements or features. It will be understood that, in addition to the orientations drawn in the figure, spatial relationship terms are also intended to cover the different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the figure is turned over, the element described as "under" other elements or features, "under" or "below" will then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Therefore, the example terms "under ... " and "under ... " can cover both upper and lower orientations. The device can be oriented separately (for example, rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relationship descriptors used here should be interpreted accordingly. Similarly, when the first portion is described as being disposed “on” the second portion, this means that the first portion is disposed on the upper side or the lower side of the second portion, and is not limited to the upper side thereof based on the gravity direction.

[0046] The terms "facing" and "facing..." may mean that the first object may be directly or indirectly opposite to the second object. In the case where a third object is interposed between the first object and the second object, the first object and the second object may be understood to be indirectly opposite to each other although still facing each other.

[0047] It will be understood that when an element, layer, region, or component is referred to as being "formed on," "on," "connected to," or "(operably or communicatively) coupled to" another element, layer, region, or component, it may be directly formed on, directly on, directly connected to, or directly coupled to the other element, layer, region, or component, or indirectly formed on, indirectly on, indirectly connected to, or indirectly coupled to the other element, layer, region, or component, such that one or more intervening elements, layers, regions, or components may be present. Furthermore, this may generally mean direct or indirect coupling or connection, as well as integral or non-integrated coupling or connection. For example, when a layer, region, or component is referred to as being "electrically connected" or "electrically coupled" to another layer, region, or component, it may be directly electrically connected or coupled to the other layer, region, and / or component, or there may be one or more intervening layers, regions, or components. The one or more intervening components may include switches, resistors, capacitors, etc. When describing embodiments, expressions of connection indicate electrical connection, and unless explicitly described as being directly connected, "directly connected / directly coupled" or "directly on" means that one component is directly connected or coupled to another component or directly on another component without intermediate components.

[0048] In addition, in this specification, when a part of a layer, film, region, plate, etc. is formed on another part, the formation direction is not limited to the upward direction, but includes forming the part on the side surface or in the downward direction. On the contrary, when a part of a layer, film, region, plate, etc. is formed "below" another part, this includes not only the situation that the part is "directly below" the other part, but also the situation that there is another part between the part and the other part. At the same time, other expressions describing the relationship between components (such as "between...", "immediately between..." or "adjacent to..." and "directly adjacent to...") can be interpreted similarly. It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as "between" two elements or layers, it can be the only element or layer between the two elements or layers, or there can also be one or more intervening elements or layers.

[0049] For purposes of this disclosure, expressions such as "at least one of," "any of," or "one or more of," when following a list of elements, modify the entire list of elements, without modifying the individual elements of the list. For example, "at least one of X, Y, and Z," "at least one of X, Y, or Z," "at least one selected from the group consisting of X, Y, and Z," and "at least one selected from the group consisting of X, Y, or Z" may be interpreted as only X, only Y, only Z, any combination of two or more of X, Y, and Z (such as, for example, XYZ, XYY, YZ, and ZZ), or any variation thereof. Similarly, the expressions "at least one of A and B" and "at least one of A or B" may include A, B, or A and B. As used herein, "or" generally means "and / or," and the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the relevant listed items. For example, the expression "A and / or B" may include A, B, or A and B. Similarly, expressions such as “at least one of,” “a plurality of,” “one of,” and other prepositional phrases, when preceding or following a list of elements, modify the entire list of elements and do not modify the individual elements of the list.

[0050] It will be understood that although the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. can be used here to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms do not correspond to a specific order, position or superiority, and are only used to distinguish one element, member, component, region, area, layer, section or part from another element, member, component, region, area, layer, section or part. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer or section described below can be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Describing an element as a "first" element may not require or imply the presence of a second element or other element. The terms "first", "second", etc. can also be used here to distinguish different categories or sets of elements. For simplicity, the terms "first", "second", etc. can respectively represent "first category (or first set)", "second category (or second set)", etc.

[0051] The terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing the embodiments and are not intended to be limitations of the present disclosure. When used herein, the singular form "a" is also intended to include the plural form, and the plural form is also intended to include the singular form, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that when used in this specification, the terms "comprising", "comprising ... ", "having", "having ... ", "including" and "including ... " indicate the existence of stated features, wholes, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or their groups.

[0052] As used herein, the terms "substantially", "about", "roughly" and similar terms are used as approximate terms rather than as terms of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent deviations in measured or calculated values ​​that will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, "substantially" may include a range of + / -5% of the corresponding value. Taking into account the measurement in question and the errors associated with the measurement of a particular amount (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system), "about" or "roughly" as used herein include the stated values ​​and mean within an acceptable deviation range of a particular value as determined by a person of ordinary skill in the art. For example, "about" may mean within one or more standard deviations, or within ±30%, ±20%, ±10%, ±5% of the stated value. In addition, "may" is used when describing embodiments of the present disclosure to refer to "one or more embodiments of the present disclosure".

[0053] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. It will also be understood that terms (such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries) should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and / or this specification, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense, unless explicitly defined as such herein.

[0054] Figure 1 A perspective view showing a battery module according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0055] Reference Figure 1 The battery module 100 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure includes a plurality of battery cells 10 having terminal portions (or electrode units) 11 and 12 and arranged in one direction, a connection tab 20 for connecting the battery cell 10a to an adjacent battery cell 10b, and a protection circuit module 30 having one end connected to the connection tab 20. The protection circuit module 30 may include a battery management system (BMS). In addition, the connection tab 20 may include a main body portion contacting the terminal portions 11 and 12 of the adjacent battery cells 10a and 10b and an extension portion extending from the main body portion and connected to the protection circuit module 30. The connection tab 20 may be, for example, a bus bar.

[0056] Each battery cell 10 may include a battery case and an electrode assembly and an electrolyte received (or accommodated) in the battery case. The electrode assembly and the electrolyte may undergo an electrochemical reaction to store and release (e.g., generate) energy. Terminal portions 11 and 12 electrically connected to the connecting tabs 20 and an exhaust port 13 serving as an exhaust passage for the gas generated inside the battery case may be provided on one side (e.g., the upper side) of the battery cell 10. The terminal portions 11 and 12 of the battery cell 10 may be, for example, a positive electrode terminal 11 and a negative electrode terminal 12 having different corresponding polarities. The terminal portions 11 and 12 of adjacent battery cells 10a and 10b may be electrically connected to each other in series or in parallel via the connecting tabs 20 described in more detail below. Although the series connection has been described as an example, the connection structure is not limited thereto, and various connection structures may be adopted as needed or appropriate. In one or more embodiments, the number and arrangement of the battery cells are not limited to Figure 1 The number and arrangement are shown and may be changed as needed or appropriate.

[0057] The battery cells 10 may be arranged in one direction (e.g., may be stacked in one direction) so that wide surfaces of the battery cells 10 face each other, and the battery cells 10 may be fixed by plates 61, 62, 63, and 64. The plates 61, 62, 63, and 64 may include a pair of end plates 61 and 62 facing the wide surfaces of the battery cells 10, and a side plate 63 and a bottom plate 64 connecting the pair of end plates 61 and 62 to each other. The side plate 63 may support the side surface of the battery cell 10, and the bottom plate 64 may support the bottom surface of the battery cell 10. In one or more embodiments, the pair of end plates 61 and 62, the side plate 63, and the bottom plate 64 may be connected or secured by bolts 65 and / or any other appropriate fastening members and methods.

[0058] According to one or more embodiments, buffer members 70a and 70b, each of which includes a curved portion protruding toward the battery cell 10, may be fastened to one surface of the end plates 61 and 62, respectively. The end plates 61 and 62 may have insertion grooves so that the buffer members 70a and 70b may be slidably inserted into the end plates 61 and 62, respectively, and fastened to the end plates 61 and 62, respectively. Figures 2 to 7 A detailed description of the structures and shapes of the end plates 61 and 62 and the buffer members 70 a and 70 b is described.

[0059] According to one or more embodiments, the battery module 100 may further include a buffer member including a buffer pad between adjacent battery cells 10a and 10b. Figures 8 to 10 A detailed description of the buffer member located between the adjacent battery cells 10 a and 10 b is described.

[0060] The protection circuit module 30 may have electronic components and a protection circuit mounted thereon, and may be electrically connected to the connection tab 20 which will be described in more detail later. The protection circuit module 30 includes a first protection circuit module 30a and a second protection circuit module 30b extending at different positions along the direction in which the battery cells 10 are arranged. The first protection circuit module 30a and the second protection circuit module 30b may be spaced apart from each other at an appropriate spacing (e.g., a predetermined spacing), may be arranged in parallel with each other, and may be electrically connected to adjacent connection tabs 20, respectively. The connection may be performed by any of soldering, resistance welding, laser welding, projection welding, and any other appropriate connection method. In addition, during the swelling of the battery cell 10, the impact may be absorbed by the elasticity or flexibility of the connection member 50, and damage to the first protection circuit module 30a and the second protection circuit module 30b may be reduced or prevented. In addition, the shape and structure of the connection member 50 are not limited to Figure 1 The shape and structure shown.

[0061] Figure 2 An exploded perspective view showing an end plate 210 and a buffer member 220 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0062] Figure 2 The end plate 210 shown may correspond to Figure 1 Any one of the end plates 61 and 62 shown. In addition, Figure 2 The buffer member 220 shown may correspond to Figure 1 Any one of the cushioning members 70a and 70b shown.

[0063] The insertion groove may be formed in the end plate 210 or defined by the end plate 210 so that at least a portion of the buffer member 220 may be slidably inserted into the insertion groove. For example, the insertion groove may be defined by the end plate 210 so that the buffer member 220 may be slidably inserted into the insertion groove from an upper portion or a lower portion of the end plate 210. Figure 4 An example is described in which the buffer member 220 is slidably inserted into the insertion groove defined by the end plate 210 and is fastened to the end plate 210. Figure 6 and Figure 7 A detailed example of the shape of the insertion groove in the end plate 210 is described.

[0064] The buffer member 220 can accommodate the battery module (eg, Figure 1The pressure caused by the volume expansion of the outermost battery cell among the plurality of battery cells in the battery module 100 in FIG. 1 . For example, the buffer member 220 may include a curved portion convex in one direction. The curved portion of the buffer member 220 may absorb the pressure applied in the direction opposite to the convex direction corresponding to the deformation. For example, the buffer member 220 may be a leaf spring made of an elastic material. Figure 5 A detailed example of the shape into which the buffer member 220 is deformed due to the pressure applied to the buffer member 220 is described. Figure 6 A detailed example of the shape of the buffer member 220 is described.

[0065] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, as the buffer member 220 is coupled to the end plate 210 , pressure due to volume expansion of outermost battery cells among battery cells accommodated in a battery module may be effectively absorbed by the buffer member 220 .

[0066] Figure 3 A perspective view showing an example of a state in which the end plate 310 is coupled to the buffer member 320 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0067] Figure 3 The end plate 310 and the buffer member 320 shown may correspond to Figure 1 One of the end plates 61 and 62 shown and Figure 1 One of the buffer members 70a and 70b shown, and may correspond to Figure 2 The end plate 210 and the cushioning member 220 are shown.

[0068] The buffer member 320 may include a curved portion convex toward the battery cell or toward the adjacent battery cell when fastened to the end plate 310. When the adjacent battery cell expands in volume, the convex curved portion of the buffer member 320 may deform in a direction opposite to the convex direction, thereby absorbing pressure caused by the volume expansion.

[0069] Figure 4 A perspective view showing an example of a method by which the buffer member 420 is coupled to the end plate 410 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0070] Figure 4 The end plate 410 and the buffer member 420 shown may correspond to Figure 1 One of the end plates 61 and 62 shown and Figure 1 One of the buffer members 70a and 70b shown. In addition, Figure 4 The end plate 410 and the buffer member 420 shown may correspond to Figure 2 and Figure 3The end plates 210 and / or 310 shown and Figure 2 and Figure 3 Cushioning members 220 and / or 320 are shown.

[0071] The buffer member 420 may be slidably inserted into the end plate 410 and may be fastened to the end plate 410. To this end, an insertion groove may be formed in or defined by the end plate 410 so that portions of opposite ends of the buffer member 420 may be inserted into the insertion groove by a sliding insertion method. For example, the insertion grooves at the opposite ends of the end plate 410, respectively, may have a shape corresponding to the shape of at least portions of the opposite ends of the buffer member 420. In addition, the insertion grooves at the opposite ends of the end plate 410, respectively, may extend from the upper portion to the lower portion through the end plate 410.

[0072] The buffer member 420 inserted into the insertion groove may be formed by a battery module (eg, Figure 1 The bottom plate (e.g., Figure 1 The buffer member 420 is inserted into the end plate 410 and fastened to the end plate 410 so that the upper case or other members can be coupled to the battery module (eg, Figure 1 In a state where the upper end of the battery module 100 is disposed in the battery module 100 , the height of the uppermost end of the buffer member 420 may correspond to or be substantially equal to the height of the uppermost end of the end plate 410 , or may be less than the height of the uppermost end of the end plate 410 .

[0073] Figure 4 An example is shown in which the buffer member 420 is fastened to the end plate 410 by being slidably inserted from the upper end of the end plate 410 to the lower end of the end plate 410, but the insertion direction of the buffer member 420 is not limited thereto and may be changed depending on the battery module assembly process.

[0074] For example, in the battery module assembly process, the buffer member 420 may be coupled to the housing (eg, Figure 1 The housing including the plates 61, 62, 63 and 64 in the end plate 410 is fastened to the end plate 410 before. In one or more embodiments, the buffer member 420 can be slidably inserted into the end plate 410 from the upper part or the lower part of the end plate 410.

[0075] In another example, the buffer member 420 may be coupled to the housing (eg, Figure 1 The housing including plates 61, 62, 63 and 64 in the embodiment of the present invention is then fastened to the end plate 410. In one or more embodiments, the cushioning member 420 can be slidably inserted from the top of the end plate.

[0076] By forming an insertion groove at the opposite end of the end plate 410 in a shape corresponding to the shape of a portion of the opposite end of the buffer member 420, the buffer member 420 can be appropriately fastened to the end plate 410 by a sliding insertion method, and the workload and cost associated with the process of assembling the end plate 410 and the buffer member 420 can be reduced.

[0077] Figure 5 An example of a shape in which a buffer member is deformed in response to pressure being applied to the buffer member according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0078] The buffer member may accommodate the battery cells (eg, accommodated in a battery module (such as Figure 1 The buffer member may be an elastic member and may include a curved portion that protrudes in one direction. The buffer member may reduce the impact caused by the pressure applied in the direction opposite to the protruding direction by deforming from the first state 510 to the second state 520.

[0079] The first state 510 represents an example of the shape of the cushioning member in a state where no pressure is applied. For example, when the cushioning member is fastened to the end plate (e.g., Figure 1 In the state of the end plate 61 or 62), if there is no Figure 1 The buffer member may maintain the shape of the first state 510 if the pressure applied by the battery cell 10 is applied thereto.

[0080] The second state 520 represents an example in which the shape of the cushioning member is changed due to pressure applied in a direction opposite to the convex direction of the curved portion. Figure 1 In the state of the end plate 61 or 62), if the pressure due to the outermost battery cell (for example, Figure 1 If the volume expansion of the battery cell 10a in the buffer member is applied to the buffer member, the buffer member can be deformed into the shape of the second state 520. In one or more embodiments, the bent portion of the buffer member can move in a direction opposite to the convex direction, and the buffer member can reduce the impact caused by the pressure applied to the buffer member while increasing in width.

[0081] Figure 6 An example of a state in which the end plate 610 is coupled to the buffer member 620 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0082] Figure 6 The end plate 610 and the buffer member 620 shown may correspond to Figure 1 One of the end plates 61 and 62 shown and Figure 1 One of the buffer members 70a and 70b shown, and may correspond to Figures 2 to 4 The end plates 210, 310 and / or 410 shown and Figures 2 to 4 Cushioning members 220, 320 and / or 420 are shown.

[0083] The buffer member 620 may have a central portion including a curved portion 622 protruding in one direction, and opposite ends including a pair of legs 624a and 624b respectively fastened to the insertion grooves 614_1a and 614_1b of the end plate 610. The pair of legs 624a and 624b are respectively on opposite sides of the curved portion. For example, the pair of legs 624a and 624b may correspond to a plate shape and may be parallel to each other.

[0084] The end plate 610 may include insertion grooves 614_1a and 614_1b formed at opposite ends 612a and 612b, respectively, and may accommodate the legs 624a and 624b, respectively. For example, the insertion grooves 614_1a and 614_1b may be formed by forming grooves on the inner surfaces of the protrusions 614a and 614b, respectively, at the ends 612a and 612b on the opposite sides of the end plate 610, respectively.

[0085] The end plate 610 may include insertion grooves 614_1 a and 614_1 b formed to allow the legs 624 a and 624 b of the buffer member 620 to be slidably inserted from the upper end of the end plate 610 to the lower end of the end plate 610 .

[0086] For sliding insertion, the insertion grooves 614_1a and 614_1b may be respectively formed at opposite ends of the end plate 610, which are positions corresponding to the widths of a pair of legs 624a and 624b, respectively. In addition, the insertion grooves 614_1a and 614_1b may respectively have shapes corresponding to the legs 624a and 624b. For example, in a state where the shape of the legs 624a and 624b corresponds to the plate shape, the surfaces of the insertion grooves 614_1a and 614_1b may be parallel to the surfaces of the legs 624a and 624b facing the insertion grooves 614_1a and 614_1b. In one or more embodiments, in a state where the legs 624a and 624b are fastened to the insertion grooves 614_1a and 614_1b, the surfaces of the legs 624a and 624b facing each other and the surfaces of the insertion grooves 614_1a and 614_1b may be parallel to each other. Figure 6In the embodiment, the insertion grooves 614_1a and 614_1b may each have three surfaces, and the three surfaces may be parallel to surfaces of the legs 624a and 624b facing the three surfaces, respectively. The present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the number of parallel surfaces for sliding insertion may be adjusted.

[0087] In addition, for sliding insertion, the insertion grooves 614_1a and 614_1b may extend from the upper side of the end plate 610 to the lower side of the end plate 610 through the end plate 610. For example, the insertion grooves 614_1a and 614_1b may extend from the upper side to the lower side through the inner surfaces of the protrusions 614a and 614b of the end plate 610.

[0088] In a state where the buffer member 620 is fastened to the end plate 610, the bent portion 622 may protrude toward the battery cell to a greater extent than the protrusions 614a and 614b of the end plate 610 to absorb the impact of the battery cell (eg, Figure 1 The pressure exerted by the volume expansion of the battery cell 10).

[0089] In a state where the curved portion 622 is subjected to pressure, the curved shape of the curved portion 622 may change, and the positions of the legs 624a and 624b may change. The legs 624a and 624b may move in the left and right directions while being subjected to pressure to increase the width of the buffer member. In order to allow the positions of the legs 624a and 624b to change, the distance W1 between the outermost surfaces of the insertion grooves 614_1a and 614_1b of the end plate 610 may be greater than the width W2 of the undeformed buffer member 620. In one or more embodiments, in a state where the buffer member 620 is fastened to the end plate 610, if pressure is applied due to a battery cell (e.g., Figure 1 If the volume of the battery cell 10 in the buffer member 620 is expanded, the bent portion 622 of the buffer member 620 may move in a direction opposite to the convex direction, and a space in which the width of the buffer member 620 may be increased may be ensured.

[0090] Figure 7 An example of a state in which the end plate 710 is coupled to the buffer member 720 according to one or more other embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0091] Figure 7 The illustrated end plate 710 and the buffer member 720 may use the aforementioned fastening method according to the sliding insertion between the end plate and the buffer member, but the detailed structures of the grooves formed in the end plates 610 and 710 are different from each other.

[0092] The end plate 710 may include insertion grooves 712_1a and 712_1b respectively defined at opposite ends 712a and 712b and accommodating the legs respectively. For example, the insertion grooves 712_1a and 712_1b may be formed by forming grooves inside the respective opposite ends 712a and 712b of the end plate 710. For example, the insertion grooves 712_1a and 712_1b may be formed at the end plate 710 facing the battery cells (e.g., Figure 1 The inner side of the corresponding surface of the battery cell 10).

[0093] The end plate 710 may include insertion grooves 712_1 a and 712_1 b formed to allow the legs 724 a and 724 b of the buffer member 720 to be slidably inserted from the upper end of the end plate 710 to the lower end of the end plate 710 .

[0094] In order to slide and insert, the insertion grooves 712_1a and 712_1b may be respectively formed at opposite ends of the end plate 710, which are positions corresponding to the width of a pair of legs 724a and 724b. In addition, the insertion grooves 712_1a and 712_1b may have shapes corresponding to the legs 724a and 724b, respectively. For example, in a state where the shape of the legs 724a and 724b corresponds to the plate shape, the surfaces of the insertion grooves 712_1a and 712_1b may be parallel to the surfaces of the legs 724a and 724b facing the insertion grooves 712_1a and 712_1b. In one or more embodiments, in a state where the legs 724a and 724b are respectively fastened to the insertion grooves 712_1a and 712_1b, the surfaces of the legs 724a and 724b facing each other and the surfaces of the insertion grooves 712_1a and 712_1b may be parallel to each other. Figure 7 In the embodiment, the insertion grooves 712_1a and 712_1b may each have three surfaces, and the three surfaces may be parallel to surfaces of the legs 724a and 724b facing the three surfaces, respectively. The present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the number of parallel surfaces for sliding insertion may be adjusted.

[0095] In addition, for sliding insertion, the insertion grooves 712_1a and 712_1b may extend from the upper side of the end plate 710 to the lower side of the end plate 710 through the end plate 710. For example, the insertion grooves 712_1a and 712_1b may be formed inside the end plate 710 and may extend from the upper side of the end plate 710 to the lower side of the end plate 710 through the end plate 710.

[0096] In a state where the buffer member 720 is fastened to the end plate 710, the bent portion 722 may protrude toward the battery cell to a greater extent than the end plate 710 to absorb the impact of the battery cell (eg, Figure 1 The pressure exerted by the volume expansion of the battery cell 10).

[0097] In a state where the curved portion 722 is subjected to pressure, the curved shape of the curved portion 722 may change, and the positions of the legs 724a and 724b may change. The legs 724a and 724b may move in the left and right directions, respectively, while being subjected to pressure to increase the width of the buffer member. In order to allow the positions of the legs 724a and 724b to change, the distance W3 between the outermost surfaces of the insertion grooves 712_1a and 712_1b of the end plate 710 may be greater than the width W4 of the undeformed buffer member 720. In one or more embodiments, in a state where the buffer member 720 is fastened to the end plate 710, if pressure is applied due to a battery cell (e.g., Figure 1 If the volume of the battery cell 10 in the buffer member 720 is expanded, the bent portion 722 of the buffer member 720 may move in a direction opposite to the bulging direction, and a space in which the width of the buffer member 720 may be increased may be ensured.

[0098] At least portions of the legs 724a and 724b of the buffer member 720 may be fastened and fixed to the insertion grooves 712_1a and 712_1b of the end plate 710 in a sliding manner, respectively. In one or more embodiments, in a state where the buffer member 720 is fastened to the end plate 710, the bent portion 722 may protrude toward the battery cell to a greater extent than corresponding to the thickness of the end plate 710 to absorb the battery cell (e.g., Figure 1 The pressure exerted by the volume expansion of the battery cell 10).

[0099] In one or more embodiments, the distance W3 between the outermost surfaces of the insertion grooves 712_1a and 712_1b of the end plate 710 may be greater than the width W4 of the undeformed buffer member 720. In one or more embodiments, in a state where the buffer member 720 is fastened to the end plate 710, if pressure is applied due to the battery cells (e.g., Figure 1 If the volume of the battery cell 10 in the buffer member 720 is expanded, the bent portion 722 of the buffer member 720 may move in a direction opposite to the bulging direction, and a space in which the width of the buffer member 720 may be increased may be ensured.

[0100] Figure 8 An example of a second buffer member 840 included between a battery cell 830 a and an adjacent battery cell 830 b according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0101] Figure 8 The end plates 810a and 810b and the first buffer members 820a and 820b shown may correspond to Figure 1 The end plates 61 and 62 and the buffer members 70a and 70b are shown. Figure 8The end plates 810a and 810b and the first buffer members 820a and 820b shown may correspond to Figure 6 and Figure 7 One of the end plates 610 and 710 shown and Figure 6 and Figure 7 One of the cushioning members 620 and 720 shown.

[0102] exist Figure 8 , grooves formed in or defined by the end plates 810a and 810b are omitted to more clearly show the overall configuration.

[0103] According to one or more embodiments, a battery module (e.g., Figure 1 The battery module 100 in the embodiment may include end plates 810a and 810b and first buffer members 820a and 820b slidably fastened to the end plates 810a and 810b. In one or more embodiments, the battery module (eg, Figure 1 The battery module 100 in the embodiment may include at least one second buffer member 840 located between the battery cells 830a and 830b. In one or more embodiments, the second buffer member 840 may include a buffer pad and a support portion supporting the buffer pad. The second buffer member 840 may absorb pressure (e.g., a predetermined pressure) applied from the battery cells 830a and 830b located on opposite sides of the second buffer member 840, respectively.

[0104] In one or more embodiments, the thickness of the cushion may be greater than the thickness of the support portion, and the cushion may protrude on the opposite side of the support portion. In addition, the material of the cushion may be a microporous material or an elastic polymer compound. The support portion may be an insulator and may be made of an injection molded plastic material, but is not limited thereto.

[0105] In one or more embodiments, pressure due to volume expansion of the battery cells may be effectively absorbed, and reduction in life or performance of the battery module due to swelling of the battery cells may be reduced or prevented.

[0106] Will refer to Figure 8 and Fig. 9 Details of the shape of the second buffer member 840 are described.

[0107] Fig. 9 An example of a second buffer member 900 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0108] Fig. 9 The second cushioning member 900 shown may correspond to Figure 8 The second cushioning member 840 is shown.

[0109] According to one or more embodiments, the second buffer member 900 may include a buffer pad 910 and a support portion 920 supporting the buffer pad 910. The second buffer member 900 may absorb the battery cells (eg, Figure 8 The pressure (eg, a predetermined pressure) applied by the battery cells 830 a and 830 b in FIG. 8 is preferably a pressure applied by the battery cells 830 a and 830 b in FIG.

[0110] According to one or more embodiments, the support portion 920 may be combined and fixed to the edge of the cushion 910. In one or more embodiments, the material of the cushion 910 may be a microporous material or an elastic polymer compound. In addition, the support portion 920 may be an insulator and may be made of an injection molded plastic material to support the cushion 910 and maintain the shape of the cushion 910. The material of the support portion 920 is not limited to the above examples and may be any of a variety of materials to support the cushion 910.

[0111] Fig.10 An example of a second cushioning member 1000 according to one or more other embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0112] Fig.10 The second cushioning member 1000 shown may correspond to Figure 8 The second cushioning member 840 is shown.

[0113] According to one or more embodiments, the second buffer member 1000 may include a buffer pad 1010 and a support portion 1020 supporting the buffer pad 1010. The second buffer member 1000 may absorb the battery cells (eg, Figure 8 The pressure (eg, a predetermined pressure) applied by the battery cells 830 a and 830 b in FIG. 8 is preferably a pressure applied by the battery cells 830 a and 830 b in FIG.

[0114] According to one or more embodiments, the support portion 1020 may be combined and fixed to opposite edges of the cushion 1010. In one or more embodiments, the material of the cushion 1010 may be a microporous material or an elastic polymer compound. In addition, the support portion 1020 may be an insulator and may be made of an injection molded plastic material to support the cushion 1010 and maintain the shape of the cushion 1010. The material of the support portion 1020 is not limited to the above examples and may be made of various materials to support the cushion 1010.

[0115] According to one or more embodiments, a battery pack including a battery module of the present disclosure may be provided. The battery pack may include a plurality of battery modules according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure and a housing for accommodating the battery modules. For example, the housing may include a first housing and a second housing coupled in opposite directions by the battery module. The battery modules may be electrically connected to each other using bus bars, and the battery modules may be electrically connected to each other in a series / parallel or series-parallel hybrid method to obtain a desired or appropriate electrical output.

[0116] According to one or more embodiments, a vehicle equipped with a battery pack including the battery module of the present disclosure may be provided. The vehicle may further include a vehicle floor panel, which is one of the vehicle body parts including the battery pack including a pack frame and / or a pack cover.

[0117] The battery pack may be used as a vehicle battery. The battery pack may include a battery pack cover as part of a vehicle bottom and a pack frame located under the vehicle bottom. The pack frame and the battery pack cover may be integrally formed with a vehicle floor. The vehicle bottom separates the interior and exterior of the vehicle, and the pack frame may be located outside the vehicle.

[0118] The battery pack may be mounted on or within a vehicle. The vehicle may be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The vehicle may be a four-wheeled vehicle or a two-wheeled vehicle, but is not limited thereto, and may include any vehicle configured to receive power from a battery pack.

[0119] Although the present disclosure has been described above with respect to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art may make various modifications and changes to the present disclosure within the scope of equivalence of the appended claims, including the spirit and functional equivalents thereof.

[0120] Description of some reference symbols

[0121] 100: Battery module 11, 12: Electrode unit, terminal part

[0122] 11: Positive electrode terminal 12: Negative electrode terminal

[0123] 10: Battery cell 20: Connecting lugs

[0124] 30: Protection circuit module 13: Exhaust port

[0125] 50: Connecting member 61, 62: End plate

[0126] 63: Side plate 64: Bottom plate

[0127] 65: Bolt 70a, 70b: Buffer member

[0128] 810a, 810b: end plates 820a, 820b: first buffer members

[0129] 830a, 830b: battery cells 840: second buffer member

[0130] W1, W3: The distance between the outermost surfaces of the insertion slots of the end plates

[0131] W2, W4: Width of the undeformed buffer member

Claims

1. A battery module, comprising: Battery cells are arranged in one direction; an end plate facing an outer surface of an outermost battery cell among the battery cells; as well as At least one first buffer member is fastened to the end plate and includes a bent portion protruding toward the outermost battery cell and leg portions respectively at opposite sides of the bent portion.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The end plate defines an insertion groove for enabling the leg portion of the at least one first buffer member to be slidably inserted from an upper end of the end plate to a lower end of the end plate.

3. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein: The insertion groove extends through the end plate from an upper side of the end plate to a lower side of the end plate.

4. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein: In a state where the leg portions are fixed in the insertion grooves, surfaces defining the insertion grooves are respectively parallel to surfaces of the leg portions.

5. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein: The height of the end plate is substantially equal to or higher than the height of the at least one first buffer member.

6. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein: The insertion grooves are respectively provided at opposite ends of the end plates.

7. The battery module according to claim 6, wherein: The insertion grooves are respectively defined by inner surfaces of projections respectively at the opposite ends of the end plates.

8. The battery module according to claim 7, wherein: The bent portion of the at least one first buffer member protrudes more toward the outermost battery cell than the protrusion.

9. The battery module according to claim 6, wherein: The insertion slot is inside the end plate, and The legs are respectively accommodated in the insertion grooves.

10. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein: A distance between outermost surfaces of the insertion grooves is greater than a width of the at least one first buffer member.

11. The battery module according to claim 10, wherein: The bent portion of the at least one first buffer member includes an elastic material configured to absorb pressure due to deformation of a bent shape.

12. The battery module according to claim 11, wherein: The position of the leg portion of the at least one first cushioning member is configured to change as the curved shape of the curved portion changes.

13. The battery module according to claim 12, wherein: The positions of the legs are respectively moved in opposite directions under pressure, so that the width of the at least one first cushioning member increases.

14. The battery module according to claim 12, further comprising at least one second buffer member, the at least one second buffer member being between the battery cells and comprising: Cushioning pads; as well as The supporting portion is used to support the buffer pad.

15. The battery module according to claim 14, wherein: The support portion is fixed to an edge of the cushion.

16. The battery module according to claim 14, wherein: The support portions are secured to opposite edges of the cushion.

17. The battery module according to claim 14, wherein: The cushion is configured to absorb pressure applied from battery cells respectively arranged at opposite sides of the cushion.

18. The battery module according to claim 14, wherein: The thickness of the buffer pad is greater than the thickness of the support portion, and Wherein, the buffer pad protrudes on the opposite side of the supporting part.

19. The battery module according to claim 14, wherein: The material of the cushion includes microporous material or elastic polymer compound.

20. The battery module according to claim 14, wherein: The support member comprises an injection molded plastic material.

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