Battery module

Abstract

A battery module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a module case forming an accommodation space; the plurality of battery cells are arranged in the accommodating space; the first pad part is arranged between at least one pair of adjacent battery cells in the plurality of battery cells; the first pad part is arranged between the side wall of the module shell and the battery cell closest to the side wall of the module shell, and the surface pressure applied by the first pad part to the battery cell adjacent to the first pad part can be smaller than the surface pressure applied by the second pad part to the battery cell adjacent to the second pad part. The service life of the battery module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is improved, and the service life, arrangement, voltage, capacity, and the like of each cell become uniform.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] A battery module is one of the battery components. A battery module may include a module housing and a plurality of battery cells contained in the module housing. Battery cells may swell during charging and discharging due to side reactions such as the generation of gas. This phenomenon may be called swelling. Swelling of battery cells may damage adjacent battery cells.

[0003] In order to prevent this, a component such as a buffer pad may be introduced into the battery module. The buffer pad may be compressed in the direction of the battery cell expansion and then restored to suppress the expansion of the battery cell.

[0004] The effect of the expansion of the battery cell on the battery module may vary depending on the location and material of the buffer pad. For example, the life of the battery module, the life, displacement, voltage and capacity of each battery cell in the battery module may vary depending on the location and material of the buffer pad. Summary of the invention

[0005] 1. Technical issues to be resolved

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a battery module having improved lifespan may be provided.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a battery module having improved reliability may be provided.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a battery module in which the life, arrangement, voltage, capacity, etc. of each battery cell constituting the battery module become uniform can be provided.

[0009] On the other hand, the battery cell and the battery module including the battery cell according to the present disclosure can be widely used in electric vehicles (Electric Vehicle), battery charging stations (Battery Charging Station), energy storage systems (Energy Storage System, ESS) and other green technology (Green Technology) fields such as photovoltaic power generation (Photovoltaics) and wind power generation (Wind Power) using battery cells. In addition, the battery cell and the battery module including the battery cell according to the present disclosure can also be used for environmentally friendly (eco-friendly) transportation (Mobility) including electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles (Hybrid) that prevent climate change by suppressing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

[0010] (II) Technical solution

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a battery module may include: a plurality of battery cells stacked along a predetermined stacking direction; a module shell forming a housing space for housing the plurality of battery cells; a first pad arranged between at least one pair of battery cells adjacent to each other among the plurality of battery cells; and a second pad arranged between a side wall of the module shell and a battery cell closest to the side wall of the module shell, wherein the surface pressure applied by the first pad to the battery cell adjacent to the first pad may be smaller than the surface pressure applied by the second pad to the battery cell adjacent to the second pad.

[0012] In one embodiment, the first cushion portion may include a first region and a second region, the first region and the second region are different regions on the same plane, and the compression force deformation of the first region and the second region may be the same.

[0013] In one embodiment, the first cushion portion may include a first region and a second region, the first region and the second region are different regions on the same plane, and the permanent compression deformation rates of the first region and the second region may be the same.

[0014] In one embodiment, the second cushion portion may include a first region and a second region, the first region and the second region are different regions on the same plane, and the compression force deformation of the first region and the second region may be the same.

[0015] In one embodiment, the second cushion portion may include a first region and a second region, the first region and the second region are different regions on the same plane, and the permanent compression deformation rates of the first region and the second region may be the same.

[0016] In one embodiment, the compressive force deformation of the first pad portion may be smaller than the compressive force deformation of the second pad portion.

[0017] In one embodiment, the permanent compression deformation rate of the first cushion portion may be smaller than the permanent compression deformation rate of the second cushion portion.

[0018] In one embodiment, a distance between two side surfaces of the first pad facing one of the plurality of battery cells along the stacking direction may be greater than a distance between two side surfaces of the second pad facing one of the plurality of battery cells along the stacking direction.

[0019] In one embodiment, the battery module may further include: a stacking portion stacked along the stacking direction on at least one of two side surfaces of the first pad portion facing one of the plurality of battery cells.

[0020] In one embodiment, the total volume of the first cushion portion and the second cushion portion may account for 2 volume % to 7 volume % of the accommodation space.

[0021] In one embodiment, each of the multiple battery cells may include: a main body portion, including an electrode assembly for storing or generating electrical energy; and an electrode lead, electrically connected to the electrode assembly and protruding from the main body portion to electrically connect the electrode assembly to the outside, and the first pad portion and the second pad portion are each arranged adjacent to the main body portion of the battery cell.

[0022] In one embodiment, the battery module may further include: a heat dissipation portion, wherein the heat dissipation portion is disposed between the bottom surface of the module housing and the plurality of battery cells.

[0023] In one embodiment, the present invention may further include: a bus bar assembly disposed in the accommodation space and electrically connecting the plurality of battery cells to the outside.

[0024] In one embodiment, the plurality of battery cells, the first pad portion, and the second pad portion may each be disposed perpendicular to a bottom surface of the module housing.

[0025] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a battery module may include: a plurality of battery packs, each of the battery packs being a combination of a plurality of battery cells; a module housing accommodating the plurality of battery packs; a first pad disposed between at least one pair of battery packs adjacent to each other among the plurality of battery packs; and a second pad disposed between a side wall of the module housing and a battery pack closest to the side wall of the module housing, wherein a surface pressure applied by the first pad to a battery cell adjacent to the first pad may be smaller than a surface pressure applied by the second pad to a battery cell adjacent to the second pad.

[0026] In one embodiment, another battery pack disposed adjacent to the pair of battery packs may be in contact with one of the pair of battery packs with the first pad disposed between the pair of battery packs.

[0027] In one embodiment, the battery cells of the plurality of battery packs may be electrically connected in parallel with each other, and the plurality of battery packs may be electrically connected in series with each other.

[0028] On the other hand, a battery module according to the present disclosure may include: a cell assembly, including a plurality of cell stacked along a predetermined stacking direction; a module shell, accommodating the cell assembly; a first pad, located in at least a portion between the plurality of cell; and a second pad, located between the cell assembly and the module shell along the stacking direction, the thickness of the second pad being less than or equal to the thickness of the first pad with respect to the stacking direction.

[0029] In addition, when the first pad portion and the second pad portion are formed of the same material, the thicknesses of the first pad portion and the second pad portion may be different.

[0030] On the other hand, when at least one of the plurality of battery cells expands, the volumes occupied by the first cushion portion and the second cushion portion in the accommodation space may be reduced.

[0031] (III) Beneficial effects

[0032] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the life of a battery module can be improved.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the reliability of a battery module can be improved.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the lifespan, arrangement, voltage, capacity, etc. of each battery cell constituting a battery module may become uniform. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment.

[0036] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to one embodiment.

[0037] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to one embodiment.

[0038] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to one embodiment.

[0039] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to one embodiment.

[0040] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to one embodiment.

[0041] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to one embodiment.

[0042] Description of reference numerals:

[0043] 100: Battery cell components

[0044] 110: Battery Cell

[0045] 111, 112: Electrode leads

[0046] 115: Main body

[0047] 1151: The first side of the main body

[0048] 117: First pad

[0049] 1173: First bottom surface

[0050] 118: Second pad

[0051] 1183: Second bottom surface

[0052] 119: Stacking

[0053] 150: Busbar assembly

[0054] 200: Battery module

[0055] 210: Module housing

[0056] 211: Module cover

[0057] 219: Module body

[0058] 2191: Module bottom

[0059] 2193: Module first side

[0060] 2195: Second side of module

[0061] 230, 250: End plate

[0062] 291: Accommodation Space

[0063] 295: Heat dissipation DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this is only an example. The scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described by way of example.

[0065] One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a battery module 200 . The battery module 200 is one of the battery assemblies combining a plurality of battery cells 110 .

[0066] In the present disclosure, the term "battery cell" may refer to a basic unit of a lithium secondary battery that can charge and discharge electrical energy. The main configuration of the battery cell 110 may include a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a separator, and an electrolyte. The battery cell 110 may include the main configuration and a shell for accommodating the main configuration. The battery cell 110 may further include electrode leads 111, 112. The electrode leads 111, 112 may be connected to the negative electrode and the positive electrode, respectively. The electrode leads 111, 112 may protrude to the outside of the shell to electrically connect the battery cell 110 to the outside.

[0067] Figure 1is an exploded perspective view of a battery module 200 according to an embodiment.

[0068] The battery module 200 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a module case 210 , a plurality of battery cells 110 , and a plurality of pads 117 , 118 distinguished from each other.

[0069] In one embodiment, the module housing 210 may form a receiving space 291 .

[0070] Reference Figure 1 , the module housing 210 may include a module body 219 and a module cover 211 combined with the module body 219. The module body 219 may have a U-shape or a channel shape with an open top surface when viewed from the second direction DR2. The module body 219 may include: a module bottom surface 2191, which forms the bottom surface of the accommodation space 291 and the bottom surface of the module housing 210; and a module first side surface 2193 and a module second side surface 2195, which face each other in the side surface of the accommodation space 291. The module first side surface 2193 and the module second side surface 2195 may be connected to the module bottom surface 2191, respectively, to form the module body 219. The module cover 211 may be disposed to face the module bottom surface 2191. The module cover 211 may be combined to the module body 219 through the module first side surface 2193 and the module second side surface 2195.

[0071] In addition, the module housing 210 may further include end plates 230 and 250. The end plates 230 and 250 may be connected to the module first side surface 2193, the module second side surface 2195, the module bottom surface 2191, and the module cover 211 to respectively close the two ends of the opening of the module body 219. That is, the end plates 230 and 250 may contact the edges of the module bottom surface 2191 that are not connected to the module first side surface 2193 and the module second side surface 2195. The end plates 230 and 250, the module bottom surface 2191, the module first side surface 2193, the module second side surface 2195, and the module cover 211 may jointly form the accommodation space 291.

[0072] In one embodiment, the battery module 200 may include a plurality of battery cells 110 disposed in the accommodation space 291 .

[0073] The plurality of battery cells 110 may be stacked in a predetermined direction. Figure 1, the plurality of battery cells 110 may be stacked along the first direction DR1. The battery cell assembly 100 may include a plurality of battery cells 110 stacked along the predetermined direction. The electrode leads 111, 112 of each of the plurality of battery cells 110 may protrude from the main body 115 along the second direction DR2. Of the electrode leads 111, 112 of each of the plurality of battery cells 110, one electrode lead 112 may protrude from one side of the main body 115 along the second direction DR2, and the other electrode lead 111 may protrude from the other side of the main body 115 in a direction opposite to the second direction DR2.

[0074] In the present disclosure, the first direction DR1 , the second direction DR2 , and the third direction DR3 may refer to directions perpendicular to each other.

[0075] When the plurality of battery cells 110 are stacked along the first direction DR1, the surfaces of the main body portion 115 of one of the plurality of battery cells 110 that face each other in the first direction DR1 may be the main body first side surface 1151 and the main body second side surface (not shown), respectively. That is, the main body first side surface 1151 of one of the plurality of battery cells 110 may face the main body second side surface (not shown) of one of the plurality of battery cells 110. In addition, the main body first side surface 1151 of one of the plurality of battery cells 110 may face the main body second side surface (not shown) of another battery cell 110 adjacent to the battery cell 110.

[0076] In one embodiment, the battery module 200 may include a plurality of pads that are distinguished from each other. The battery module 200 may include a plurality of pads. The arrangement positions of the plurality of pads in the battery module 200 may be different. The pad may be compressed in the direction of the expansion of the battery cell 110 and then restored to suppress the expansion of the battery cell 110. That is, the pad may be arranged so as to pressurize the battery cell 110 adjacent to the pad at a predetermined pressure. Therefore, the pad may be referred to as a buffer pad, a pressure pad, a surface pressure pad, etc.

[0077] In addition, the pad part may include any one selected from polyurethane resin, silicone resin and rubber resin or a combination thereof. However, the material of the pad part is not limited to the above materials.

[0078] The battery module 200 may include a first pad 117 and a second pad 118. The positions at which the first pad 117 and the second pad 118 are respectively arranged may be different. The first pad 117 may be arranged between at least one pair of cells 110 adjacent to each other among the plurality of cells 110. Specifically, the first pad 117 may be arranged between two cells 110 adjacent to each other among the plurality of cells 110 so as to face each other. As described later, the first pad 117 may also be arranged between two battery packs adjacent to each other. In addition, the second pad 118 may be arranged between the side wall of the module housing 210 and the cell 110 closest to the side wall of the module housing 210. Specifically, the second pad 118 may be arranged between the first side 2193 of the module and / or the second side 2195 of the module and the cell 110 closest to the first side 2193 of the module and / or the second side 2195 of the module.

[0079] Reference Figures 2 to 7 The second pad 118 may be disposed between the first side surface 2193 of the module and the battery cell 110 closest to the first side surface 2193 of the module and between the second side surface 2195 of the module and the battery cell 110 closest to the second side surface 2195 of the module.

[0080] The first pad 117 may be disposed between two battery cells 110, and the second pad 118 may be disposed between the battery cell 110 and the module housing 210. In addition, when the battery cells 110 swell, the swell degree of each of the battery cells 110 may be the same. Therefore, when the battery cells 110 swell, the surface pressures applied to the first pad 117 and the second pad 118 may be different. Specifically, the surface pressure applied to the first pad 117 may be less than the surface pressure applied to the second pad 118.

[0081] In the battery module 200 of the present disclosure, the surface pressures applied by the first pad 117 and the second pad 118 to the battery cells 110 adjacent thereto may be different. Specifically, the surface pressure applied by the first pad 117 to the battery cells 110 adjacent thereto may be smaller than the surface pressure applied by the second pad 118 to the battery cells 110 adjacent thereto.

[0082] The first pad 117 and the second pad 118 can offset the effects of different surface pressures on the battery cells 110 adjacent to them. In the battery module 200 of the present disclosure, the surface pressure applied by the first pad 117 to the battery cells 110 adjacent to the first pad 117 can be smaller than the surface pressure applied by the second pad 118 to the battery cells 110 adjacent to the second pad 118, thereby solving various imbalances (e.g., misalignment of the battery cells 110 or voltage imbalance between the battery cells 110, etc.) caused by the expansion of the battery cells 110 in the battery module 200.

[0083] In other words, the pressures on the first pad portion 117 and the second pad portion 118 due to the expansion of the battery cell 110 may be different. This is because the surface pressure of the first pad portion 117 is affected by the battery cells 110 disposed adjacent to both sides of the first pad portion 117, while the surface pressure of the second pad portion 118 is affected by the battery cells 110 disposed adjacent to one side of the second pad portion 118. Therefore, the surface pressure of the first pad portion 117 may be smaller than the surface pressure of the second pad portion 118.

[0084] Therefore, when at least a portion of the plurality of battery cells 110 swells, due to the reaction, the surface pressure applied by the second pad portion 118 to the battery cell 110 adjacent to the second pad portion 118 may be greater than the surface pressure applied by the first pad portion 117 to the battery cell 110 adjacent to the first pad portion 117. This uneven surface pressure may eventually cause the battery cell 110 to be misaligned and the electrode assembly to be distorted. As the active material is lifted from the electrode plate of the electrode assembly, this may cause deviations in voltage and charge capacity between the battery cells 110.

[0085] According to the present disclosure, the battery module 200 may include a first pad 117 and a second pad 118 having different physical properties, materials or sizes from the first pad 117 to solve the problem caused by the uneven surface pressure. The features of the first pad 117 and the second pad 118 will be described later.

[0086] As described above, the surface pressure applied by the first pad portion 117 to the battery cell 110 adjacent to the first pad portion 117 may be smaller than the surface pressure applied by the second pad portion 118 to the battery cell 110 adjacent to the second pad portion 118 .

[0087] As an example, the first pad portion 117 and the second pad portion 118 may have the same thickness, but the first pad portion 117 and the second pad portion 118 may have different materials (or material materials). As another example, the first pad portion 117 and the second pad portion 118 may have the same material, but the first pad portion 117 and the second pad portion 118 may have different thicknesses. As another example, the first pad portion 117 and the second pad portion 118 may have the same thickness and material, but one of the first pad portion 117 and the second pad portion 118 may have additional components.

[0088] In one embodiment, the material characteristics (or properties) related to the surface pressure of each of the first pad portion 117 and the second pad portion 118 can be uniform. Specifically, the measurement results of the physical properties related to the surface pressure of each of the first pad portion 117 and the second pad portion 118 can be uniform within the allowable error range even if the measurement points of the physical properties are different.

[0089] For example, the first pad portion 117 may include different regions located on the same plane. Here, any material property related to the surface pressure measured in each of the different regions may be uniform. The same may also be true for the second pad portion 118.

[0090] For reference, in the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, the same or uniform may refer to being the same or uniform within an allowable error range. As an example, the same measurement value of a certain property may include not only that the two measurement values ​​are exactly the same, but also that the two measurement values ​​are within the error range. For example, in the present disclosure, the same measurement value of a certain property may refer to that the difference between the measurement values ​​is approximately less than ±5%, less than ±3%, or less than ±1%.

[0091] In one embodiment, the surface pressure-related material properties of each of the first pad portion 117 and the second pad portion 118 may include compressive force deformation and permanent compression deformation rate.

[0092] In the present disclosure, "Compression Force Deflection (CFD)" of a component may refer to the measure of force required to compress the component at a specific compression rate. The compression force deflection may be measured to determine the degree of stress with which the pad is compressed when the size (or size) of the battery cell changes.

[0093] For example, the compressive force deformation of the pad portion can be measured in the following order. (1) Prepare three samples of length x width (50 mm x 50 mm). Since the thickness of the sample is used to measure the compressive force deformation, it can be a predetermined target thickness. First, remove the release film attached to the sample, and then the thickness measurement method of the sample uses a dial gauge to measure the thickness of the sample. When measuring the thickness of the sample, the pressure range of the dial tip should be maintained at 170 ± 35 Pa (or 1.73 ± 0.36 gf / cm3). Finally, the thickness measurement method of the sample can confirm whether the thickness measurement value of the sample measured by the dial is distributed within ±0.1 mm of the target thickness. Although the thickness measurement method of the sample is briefly described in the present disclosure, the thickness measurement method of the sample can be specifically measured according to ASTM D3574. (2) Place the sample between flat plates with an area larger than the area of ​​the sample. The thickness of the upper plate in the flat plate is more than 133% of the thickness of the sample. (3) The load applied by the upper plate to the sample is 2100 ± 210Pa (or 0.536 ± 0.054kgf when the area of ​​the sample is 2500mm2), and the load can be adjusted by the weight of the upper plate. Considering the material of the sample, the applied load is changed from 140Pa specified in ASTM D3574-3 to 2100 ± 210Pa. (4) The sample will be pre-compressed twice at a speed of 250mm / min (millimeter / minute) to 75% of the thickness of the sample. (5) After the pre-compression, the sample will be rested for 6±1 minutes and then mainly compressed at a speed of 0.5mm / min to 80% of the thickness of the sample. (6) The compression rate of the sample can be calculated by confirming the compressive stress (unit: Pa) of the sample at each point of 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60% or 70% of the sample thickness.

[0094] In the present disclosure, the permanent compression set rate (or permanent compression recovery rate, Compression Set) of a certain component may refer to the ratio (%) of the height of the deformation of a specific component after it is compressed to a predetermined height and placed at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time. In the present disclosure, the permanent compression set rate can be measured to confirm the extent to which the pad can recover its compression characteristics when exposed to specific conditions (temperature and / or load). In the present disclosure, the permanent compression set rate (unit: %) of the pad can be measured in the following order. (1) Prepare three samples of length x width (50mm x 50mm). The thickness of the sample can be measured by the same method as the method for measuring compression force deformation. (2) After compressing the sample to 50 ± 1% of the original thickness of the sample, fix it along the thickness direction of the sample by a jig. (3) Within 15 minutes after the thickness of the sample is fixed, put the sample into a chamber with a temperature of 70 ± 2°C and a relative humidity of 6RH% (relative humidity%). (4) The sample placed in the chamber is kept under fixed conditions in the chamber for 22 hours. (5) After 22 hours, the sample is taken out of the chamber and the clamp is removed from the sample. (6) The sample with the clamp removed is allowed to recover for 30 to 40 minutes under conditions of a temperature of 23 ± 2°C and a relative humidity of 50 ± 5RH% (relative humidity%). (7) After 40 minutes of recovery, the thickness of the sample is measured. The thickness of the sample can be measured by the same method as the method for measuring the compressive force deformation. (8) The permanent compression deformation rate is calculated according to the formula: Permanent compression deformation rate (%) = (1-(t0-t f ) / (t0)) × 100. Where t0 is the thickness of the sample before storage, t f It is the thickness of the sample after storage.

[0095] Although the permanent compression set rate of the sample is briefly described in the present disclosure, specifically, the thickness measurement method of the sample and the permanent compression set rate of the sample are measured according to the ASTM D3574 standard.

[0096] In one embodiment, the first pad portion 117 may include a first area and a second area, and the first area and the second area are different areas on the same plane. The surface pressure-related material properties of the first area of ​​the first pad portion 117 and the second area of ​​the first pad portion 117 may be the same. That is, the first pad portion 117 may include a first area and a second area, and the first area and the second area are different areas on the same plane, and the compression force deformation of the first area and the second area may be the same. In addition, the first pad portion 117 may include a first area and a second area, and the first area and the second area are different areas on the same plane, and the permanent compression deformation rate of the first area and the second area may be the same.

[0097] In one embodiment, the second pad portion 118 may include a first area and a second area, and the first area and the second area are different areas on the same plane. The surface pressure-related material properties of the first area of ​​the second pad portion 118 and the second area of ​​the second pad portion 118 may be the same. That is, the second pad portion 118 may include a first area and a second area, and the first area and the second area are different areas on the same plane, and the compression force deformation of the first area and the second area may be the same. In addition, the second pad portion 118 may include a first area and a second area, and the first area and the second area are different areas on the same plane, and the permanent compression deformation rate of the first area and the second area may be the same.

[0098] Figures 2 to 7 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module 200 according to one embodiment.

[0099] In one embodiment, the surface pressure-related material properties of the first pad portion 117 and the second pad portion 118 may be different. As described above, the surface pressure-related material properties of the first pad portion 117 and the second pad portion 118 may include compression force deformation and permanent compression deformation rate.

[0100] Therefore, the compressive force deformation of the first pad 117 may be different from the compressive force deformation of the second pad 118. The greater the compressive force deformation of each pad, the greater the surface pressure applied by each pad to the battery cell adjacent thereto. In the battery module 200 according to one embodiment, the surface pressure applied to the first pad 117 may be less than the surface pressure applied to the second pad 118. Therefore, the compressive force deformation of the first pad 117 may be less than the compressive force deformation of the second pad 118.

[0101] In addition, the permanent compression deformation rate of the first pad portion 117 may be different from the permanent compression deformation rate of the second pad portion 118. The greater the permanent compression deformation rate of each pad portion, the greater the surface pressure applied by each pad portion to the battery cell adjacent thereto. The surface pressure applied to the first pad portion 117 may be less than the surface pressure applied to the second pad portion 118. Therefore, the permanent compression deformation rate of the first pad portion 117 may be less than the permanent compression deformation rate of the second pad portion 118.

[0102] In one embodiment, when the first pad portion 117 and the second pad portion 118 have different material properties related to the surface pressure, the thicknesses of the first pad portion 117 and the second pad portion 118 may be the same.

[0103] In the present disclosure, the thickness of the pad portion may refer to the distance between the sides of the pad portion. Specifically, the thickness of the pad portion may refer to the shortest distance between the sides of the pad portion. More specifically, the thickness of the pad portion may refer to the shortest distance of the pad portion along the first direction DR1.

[0104] In one embodiment, the first pad portion 117 and the second pad portion 118 may each include different materials, which may result in different surface pressure-related material properties. Here, the first pad portion 117 and the second pad portion 118 may each have the same thickness (see Figure 2 and Figure 5 ). Specifically, the materials of the first pad 117 and the second pad 118 can be different, so that the compression force deformation and / or permanent compression deformation rate of the first pad 117 is smaller than the compression force deformation and / or permanent compression deformation rate of the second pad 118. At this time, the surface pressure applied by the first pad 117 to the battery cell 110 adjacent to the first pad 117 can be smaller than the surface pressure applied by the second pad 118 to the battery cell 110 adjacent to the second pad 118.

[0105] As an example, the materials of the first pad portion 117 and the second pad portion 118 may be the same, but the thicknesses of the first pad portion 117 and the second pad portion 118 may be different. That is, the materials (or materials) of the first pad portion 117 and the second pad portion 118 may include materials that can exhibit the same physical properties in terms of surface pressure, but the thicknesses of the first pad portion 117 and the second pad portion 118 may be different.

[0106] That is, the distance (or thickness) between the side surfaces of the first pad portion 117 may be greater than the distance between the side surfaces of the second pad portion 118. Specifically, the surface pressure applied by the thicker of the two pad portions made of the same material to the battery cell adjacent thereto may be smaller than the surface pressure applied by the thinner of the two pad portions to the battery cell adjacent thereto. Therefore, the surface pressure applied by the first pad portion 117 to the battery cell 110 adjacent thereto may be smaller than the surface pressure applied by the second pad portion 118 to the battery cell 110 adjacent thereto. As described above, the thickness of the pad portion may be the shortest distance of the pad portion along the first direction DR1.

[0107] As another example, the first pad portion 117 and the second pad portion 118 may have the same thickness, but the first pad portion 117 and the second pad portion 118 may have different materials (or materials).

[0108] As another example, the thickness and material of each of the first pad portion 117 and the second pad portion 118 may be the same, but other components may be added to one of the first pad portion 117 and the second pad portion 118. That is, one of the first pad portion 117 and the second pad portion 118 may be formed by stacking different materials along the thickness direction of the pad portion (or the direction in which multiple battery cells are stacked).

[0109] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 6 The first pad portion 117 and the second pad portion 118 may each include the same material (or material). In this case, the first pad portion 117 and the second pad portion 118 may each have a different thickness.

[0110] In one embodiment, the first pad portion 117 and the second pad portion 118 may each include the same material, specifically, may include a material that can exhibit the same physical properties in terms of surface pressure, and the first pad portion 117 and the second pad portion 118 may each have the same thickness. In this case, other components may be added to the periphery of the first pad portion 117.

[0111] The battery module 200 according to one embodiment may further include a stacking portion 119 disposed between the first pad portion 117 and the battery cell 110 adjacent to the first pad portion 117. Therefore, the total thickness of the first pad portion 117 may be greater than the total thickness of the second pad portion 118. Since the greater the thickness of a component, the smaller the surface pressure applied to the battery cell adjacent to the component, the surface pressure applied by the first pad portion 117 to the battery cell 110 adjacent to the first pad portion 117 may be smaller than the surface pressure applied by the second pad portion 118 to the battery cell 110 adjacent to the second pad portion 118.

[0112] In addition, the stack portion 119 may be formed of a material different from that of the first pad portion 117 .

[0113] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 7 The first pad portion 117 and the second pad portion 118 may each include the same material, and the first pad portion 117 and the second pad portion 118 may each have the same thickness. At this time, the stacking portion 119 may be disposed between the first pad portion 117 and the battery cell 110 adjacent to the first pad portion 117 .

[0114] Different from this, the stacking part 119 may be stacked on both sides of the first pad part 117 along the thickness direction of the first pad part 117 or the stacking direction of the plurality of battery cells 110. That is, the first pad part 117 may be in a form in which the stacking part 119 is attached to both sides of the first pad part 117.

[0115] The first pad 117 and the second pad 118 may be arranged in consideration of the energy density of the battery module 200. The number, size, etc. of the first pad 117 and the second pad 118 may be adjusted in consideration of the energy density of the battery module 200.

[0116] In one embodiment, the total volume of the first pad portion 117 and the second pad portion 118 may account for 2 volume % to 7 volume %, specifically, 2.5 volume % to 7 volume %, of the accommodation space 291. However, when at least one of the plurality of battery cells 110 expands, the volume occupied by the first pad portion 117 and the second pad portion 118 in the accommodation space 291 may decrease.

[0117] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of battery cells 110 may include: a main body 115 including an electrode assembly for storing or generating electrical energy; and electrode leads 111, 112 electrically connected to the electrode assembly and protruding from the main body 115 to electrically connect the electrode assembly to the outside. Here, the pad portion may be attached to a specific position of the battery cell 110. The first pad portion 117 and the second pad portion 118 may each be disposed adjacent to the main body 115 of the battery cell 110. Specifically, the first pad portion 117 and the second pad portion 118 may each be disposed only adjacent to the main body 115 of the battery cell 110. That is, the first pad portion 117 and the second pad portion 118 may each not be adjacent to the electrode leads 111, 112 of the battery cell 110. Referring to Figure 1 , it can be seen that only the electrode leads 111 and 112 protrude from the battery cell assembly 100 to the outside. This may mean that the first pad portion 117 and the second pad portion 118 are each only adjacent to the main body portion of the battery cell 110 .

[0118] In addition to the battery cell 110 , the first pad portion 117 , and the second pad portion 118 , the battery module 200 according to one embodiment may further include other configurations required to drive the battery module 200 .

[0119] In one embodiment, the battery module 200 may further include a heat dissipation portion 295, which is disposed between the bottom surface of the module housing 210 and the plurality of battery cells 110. The heat dissipation portion 295 may function to dissipate heat generated by the battery cells 110 to the outside. Typically, the heat dissipation portion 295 may include a heat dissipation adhesive (TA) or the like. Figures 2 to 7 , it can be seen that the heat dissipation portion 295 is located on the bottom surface of the module housing 210, and the plurality of battery cells 110 are located on the heat dissipation portion 295. Figures 2 to 7 The heat dissipation portion 295 may be in contact with the first pad bottom surface 1173 , the second pad bottom surface 1183 and the bottom surface of the battery cell 110 , respectively.

[0120] In one embodiment, the battery module 200 may further include a bus bar assembly 150, which is disposed in the accommodation space 291 and electrically connects the plurality of battery cells 110 to the outside. Specifically, the bus bar assembly 150 may be disposed between the electrode leads 111, 112 of the battery cells 110 and the end plates 230, 250 of the module housing 210. Figure 1 It can be seen that the bus bar assembly 150 is disposed between the plurality of battery cells 110 and the end plates 230 , 250 to electrically connect the battery cells 110 to the outside.

[0121] The plurality of battery cells 110 and the pads disposed inside the module housing 210 may not be tilted in the module housing 210. This is because if they are tilted inside the battery module 200, the surface pressure applied to each battery cell 110 may have a large deviation. In one embodiment, the plurality of battery cells 110, the first pad 117, and the second pad 118 may each be disposed perpendicular to the bottom surface of the module housing 210. Figures 2 to 7 , Figures 2 to 7 is a cross-sectional view of the battery module 200 viewed from the second direction DR2. Figures 2 to 7 , the plurality of battery cells 110 may be stacked along the first direction DR1 , the plurality of battery cells 110 , the first pad 117 , and the second pad 118 may each be formed along the third direction DR3 and each may be perpendicular to the module bottom surface 2191 .

[0122] In the present disclosure, perpendicularity of an angle formed by two components or two components being parallel to each other may include being geometrically perpendicular or parallel and being within a small error range.

[0123] In another embodiment, the plurality of battery cells 110 included in the battery module 200 may be arranged in a specific rule, and the first pad 117 and the second pad 118 applying different surface pressures may be arranged in a specific rule between the battery cells 110 arranged in this way.

[0124] A battery module 200 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may include a plurality of battery packs and a plurality of pads.

[0125] In the present disclosure, a battery pack may refer to a combination of a plurality of battery cells 110 .

[0126] More specifically, the battery pack may refer to a battery pack in which adjacent battery cells among the plurality of battery cells 110 are combined in a predetermined number of combinations. The number of the battery packs may vary depending on the positions of the battery packs inside the module case 210 .

[0127] In one embodiment, the module housing 210 can accommodate the battery pack. The module housing 210 of this embodiment can be the same as the module housing 210 of the above embodiment. Therefore, the content of the above module housing 210 can also be applied to the module housing 210.

[0128] In one embodiment, one of the plurality of pads may be disposed between two battery packs, and another pad may be disposed between one battery pack and a side wall of the module housing 210 .

[0129] Therefore, the battery module 200 may include: a plurality of battery packs, each of which is a combination of a plurality of battery cells 110; a module housing 210 accommodating the plurality of battery packs; a first pad 117 disposed between at least one pair of battery packs adjacent to each other among the plurality of battery packs; and a second pad 118 disposed between a side wall of the module housing 210 and a battery pack closest to the side wall of the module housing 210.

[0130] In addition, the surface pressure applied by the first pad portion 117 to the battery cell 110 adjacent to the first pad portion 117 may be smaller than the surface pressure applied by the second pad portion 118 to the battery cell 110 adjacent to the second pad portion 118 .

[0131] Since the first pad 117 of the battery module 200 of the present embodiment is disposed between the battery cells 110, and the second pad 118 of the battery module 200 of the present embodiment is disposed between the side wall of the module housing 210 and the battery cell 110, the first pad 117 and the second pad 118 of the battery module 200 of the present embodiment may be the same as the first pad 117 and the second pad 118 of the battery module 200 of the above embodiment. Therefore, the description of the first pad 117 and the second pad 118 of the above embodiment may also be applicable to the description of the first pad 117 and the second pad 118 of the present embodiment.

[0132] In one embodiment, the first pad 117 and the second pad 118 may not be disposed between the battery cells 110 in a battery pack. That is, the battery pack is a combination of a plurality of battery cells 110 and may be composed of the plurality of battery cells 110 .

[0133] Reference Figures 2 to 4 , the first pad 117 and the second pad 118 may not be disposed between the battery cells 110 of each of the plurality of battery packs BG1, BG2, BG3, BG4, BG5, BG6, BG7, and BG8. That is, each of the plurality of battery packs BG1, BG2, BG3, BG4, BG5, BG6, BG7, and BG8 may be composed of a plurality of battery cells 110.

[0134] Reference Figures 5 to 7 , the first pad 117 and the second pad 118 may not be provided between the battery cells 110 of each of the plurality of battery packs BG1, BG2, BG3, BG4, BG5, BG6, BG7, BG8, BG9, BG10, BG11 and BG12. That is, each of the plurality of battery packs BG1, BG2, BG3, BG4, BG5, BG6, BG7, BG8, BG9, BG10, BG11 and BG12 may be composed of a plurality of battery cells 110.

[0135] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of battery packs may be a combination of the same number of battery cells 110. Specifically, Figures 2 to 4 is a cross-sectional view of the battery module 200 , wherein each of the plurality of battery packs may be a combination of three battery cells 110 . Figures 5 to 7 is a cross-sectional view of the battery module 200 , wherein each of the plurality of battery packs may be a combination of two battery cells 110 .

[0136] The first pads 117 may be disposed in the battery module 200 in a specific rule.

[0137] In one embodiment, another battery pack disposed adjacent to the pair of battery packs may contact one of the pair of battery packs, wherein the first pad 117 is disposed between the pair of battery packs. That is, the battery packs may contact each other, or the first pad 117 may be disposed between the battery packs in a specific rule.

[0138] Reference Figures 2 to 7 , when one first pad 117 is disposed between a plurality of battery packs BG3, BG4, another battery pack BG2 adjacent to one of the plurality of battery packs BG3, BG4 may contact the battery pack BG3. In addition, another battery pack BG5 adjacent to one of the plurality of battery packs BG3, BG4 may contact the battery pack BG4. In this case, the main body first side surface 1151 of the battery cell constituting one battery pack and the main body second side surface (not shown) of the battery cell constituting another battery pack may contact.

[0139] In the present disclosure, two components contacting may mean that no additional component is interposed between the two components, but the two components are in direct contact.

[0140] In one embodiment, the battery cells 110 of the plurality of battery packs may be electrically connected in parallel to each other, and the plurality of battery packs may be electrically connected in series to each other. Specifically, each of the plurality of battery packs may be a combination of battery cells 110 electrically connected in parallel to each other, and each of the plurality of battery packs may be electrically connected in series to each other. More specifically, each of the plurality of battery packs may be a combination of battery cells 110 electrically connected in parallel to each other, and each of the plurality of battery packs may be electrically connected in series to each other. The above-mentioned bus bar assembly may electrically connect each of the plurality of battery packs to each other.

[0141] The above content is only an example of applying the principles of the present disclosure. Other configurations may also be included without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A battery module, comprising: A plurality of battery cells are stacked along a predetermined stacking direction; A module housing, forming a receiving space for receiving the plurality of battery cells; A first pad portion is disposed between at least one pair of battery cells adjacent to each other among the plurality of battery cells; as well as The second pad is arranged between the side wall of the module housing and the battery cell closest to the side wall of the module housing, The surface pressure applied by the first pad portion to the battery cell adjacent to the first pad portion is smaller than the surface pressure applied by the second pad portion to the battery cell adjacent to the second pad portion.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The first pad portion includes a first area and a second area, the first area and the second area are different areas on the same plane, The first region and the second region each have the same compression force deformation.

3. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The first pad portion includes a first area and a second area, the first area and the second area are different areas on the same plane, The first region and the second region each have the same permanent compression set rate.

4. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The second pad portion includes a first area and a second area, the first area and the second area are different areas on the same plane, The first region and the second region each have the same compression force deformation.

5. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The second pad portion includes a first area and a second area, the first area and the second area are different areas on the same plane, The first region and the second region each have the same permanent compression set rate.

6. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The compressive force deformation of the first pad portion is smaller than the compressive force deformation of the second pad portion.

7. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The permanent compression deformation rate of the first pad portion is smaller than the permanent compression deformation rate of the second pad portion.

8. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: A distance between two side surfaces of the first pad portion facing one of the plurality of battery cells along the stacking direction is greater than a distance between two side surfaces of the second pad portion facing one of the plurality of battery cells along the stacking direction.

9. The battery module according to claim 1, further comprising: A stacking portion is stacked on at least one of two side surfaces of the first pad portion facing one of the plurality of battery cells along the stacking direction.

10. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The total volume of the first cushion portion and the second cushion portion accounts for 2 volume % to 7 volume % of the accommodation space.

11. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the plurality of battery cells comprises: a main body, including an electrode assembly for storing or generating electrical energy; and an electrode lead, electrically connected to the electrode assembly and protruding from the main body to electrically connect the electrode assembly to the outside, The first pad portion and the second pad portion are each disposed adjacent to the main body portion of the battery cell.

12. The battery module according to claim 1, further comprising: A heat dissipation portion is disposed between the bottom surface of the module housing and the plurality of battery cells.

13. The battery module according to claim 1, further comprising: A bus bar assembly is disposed in the accommodation space and electrically connects the plurality of battery cells to the outside.

14. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of battery cells, the first pad portion, and the second pad portion are each disposed perpendicular to a bottom surface of the module housing.

15. A battery module, comprising: A plurality of battery packs, each of which is a combination of a plurality of battery cells; A module housing for accommodating the plurality of battery packs; A first pad portion is disposed between at least one pair of battery packs adjacent to each other among the plurality of battery packs; as well as a second pad portion disposed between a side wall of the module housing and a battery pack closest to the side wall of the module housing, The surface pressure applied by the first pad portion to the battery cell adjacent to the first pad portion is smaller than the surface pressure applied by the second pad portion to the battery cell adjacent to the second pad portion.

16. The battery module according to claim 15, wherein: Another battery pack disposed adjacent to the pair of battery packs with the first pad disposed therebetween contacts one of the pair of battery packs.

17. The battery module according to claim 15, wherein: The battery cells of the plurality of battery packs are electrically connected in parallel with each other, and the plurality of battery packs are electrically connected in series with each other.

18. A battery module, comprising: A battery cell assembly, comprising a plurality of battery cells stacked along a predetermined stacking direction; A module housing, accommodating the battery cell assembly; A first pad portion is located in at least a portion between the plurality of battery cells; as well as The second pad portion is located between the battery cell assembly and the module housing along the stacking direction. With the stacking direction as a reference, the thickness of the second pad portion is less than or equal to the thickness of the first pad portion.

19. The battery module according to claim 18, wherein: When the first pad portion and the second pad portion are formed of the same material, the first pad portion and the second pad portion have different thicknesses.

20. The battery module according to claim 18, wherein: When at least one of the plurality of battery cells expands, the volumes occupied by the first cushion portion and the second cushion portion in the accommodation space decrease.

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