Temperature measuring device and battery module comprising same

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a temperature measuring device and a battery module including the same, and aims to provide a temperature measuring device capable of stably fixing a position of a temperature sensor. To this end, provided is a temperature measuring device comprising: a bus bar holder comprising an alignment hole; a first substrate seated on the bus bar holder; a second substrate extending from the first substrate and including a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other; the temperature sensor is arranged on the first surface; a first protection member disposed on the first surface and configured to protect the temperature sensor; a second protection member disposed on the second surface and configured to protect the temperature sensor; and a support member provided on the bus bar holder and configured to support the second substrate with respect to the alignment hole. According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the efficiency of the assembly work can be improved by the support member for aligning the position of the second substrate with respect to the alignment hole.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a temperature measuring device and a battery module including the same. Background Art

[0002] Unlike primary batteries that cannot be recharged, secondary batteries are batteries that can be charged and discharged. Low-capacity secondary batteries are used in small portable electronic devices (such as smartphones, feature phones, laptop computers, digital cameras, and camcorders), and high-capacity secondary batteries are widely used as power sources for driving motors of hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, etc., and as batteries for power storage. A secondary battery includes an electrode assembly having a positive electrode and a negative electrode, a case that houses the positive electrode and the negative electrode, electrode terminals connected to the electrode assembly, and the like.

[0003] Secondary batteries are widely used to drive small devices (such as portable electronic devices) and medium to large devices (such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS)) or to store energy in small devices (such as portable electronic devices) and medium to large devices (such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS)). In particular, in the case of medium to large devices, a battery module is composed of a plurality of battery cells electrically connected to each other to improve the output and capacity of the battery.

[0004] A battery module may be equipped with a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the battery cells to pre-detect the risk of explosion due to overheating and take protective measures.

[0005] The above information disclosed in the technologies forming the background art of the present disclosure is only intended to improve the understanding of the background art of the present disclosure and may therefore include information that does not constitute related art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure relate to providing a temperature measuring device capable of stably fixing the position of a temperature sensor and shortening the assembly and manufacturing process, and a battery module including the same.

[0007] These and other aspects and features of the present disclosure will be described in the following description of some embodiments of the present disclosure or will be apparent from the following description.

[0008] According to one or more embodiments, a temperature measurement device includes: a bus bar bracket including an alignment hole; a first substrate seated on the bus bar bracket; a second substrate extending from the first substrate and including a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other; a temperature sensor disposed on the first surface; a first protection member disposed on the first surface and configured to protect the temperature sensor; a second protection member disposed on the second surface and configured to protect the temperature sensor; and a support member provided on the bus bar bracket and configured to support the second substrate relative to the alignment hole.

[0009] A plurality of second substrates may be provided and arranged along the longitudinal direction of the first substrate.

[0010] The first protection member may include: a first protection body disposed to surround the temperature sensor; and an extension portion extending from the first protection body and configured to be movably connected to the support member.

[0011] The support member may include: a support body disposed to surround the alignment hole; a guide rail recessed from the inner surface of the support body and including a first end and a second end spaced apart from the first end in a first direction; an access hole provided at the first end and passing through the support body; and a stopper disposed at the second end and supporting the extension portion, and the extension portion may be inserted into the guide rail in the first direction.

[0012] The temperature measurement device may further include a first anti-separation member disposed between the access hole and the stopper and configured to restrict movement of the second substrate in a direction opposite to the first direction.

[0013] The first anti-separation member may protrude from the guide rail in a direction intersecting the first direction.

[0014] The surface of the first anti-separation member may have a curved shape.

[0015] The extension portion may be provided to be elastically deformable.

[0016] The extension portion may include: a first extension surface extending from the first protection body in a direction intersecting the first direction; and a second extension surface extending from the first protection body and disposed to be inclined with respect to the first extension surface, and when the second extension surface contacts the stopper, the first extension surface may be disposed to face the first anti-separation member.

[0017] The temperature measurement device may further include a second anti-separation member spaced apart from the first anti-separation member and configured to restrict movement of the second substrate in a direction intersecting the first direction.

[0018] The second anti-separation member may extend from the second protection member in a direction intersecting the first direction and may be in close contact with the inner surface of the support body.

[0019] The second anti-separation member may be provided to be elastically deformable.

[0020] The end of the second anti-separation member may be formed to bend with a set curvature.

[0021] The support body may include: a first support surface provided to face the alignment hole; and a second support surface extending from the first support surface and provided outside the alignment hole, and the second anti-separation member may be in close contact with the first support surface.

[0022] The temperature measuring device may further include a third anti-separation member that extends from the second support surface and is configured to prevent the second anti-separation member from separating from the first support surface.

[0023] The third anti-separation member may include: an engaging surface that extends from the second support surface in a direction intersecting the first direction and is provided to face the second anti-separation member; and an inclined surface that extends obliquely from the engaging surface toward the second support surface.

[0024] According to one or more embodiments, a battery module includes: a housing; a plurality of battery cells disposed inside the housing; and a temperature measuring device configured to measure the temperature of the battery cells, wherein the temperature measuring device includes: a bus bar bracket provided to face the battery cells and having an alignment hole; a first substrate seated on the bus bar bracket; a second substrate extending from the first substrate and including a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other; a temperature sensor disposed on the first surface; a first protection member disposed on the first surface and configured to protect the temperature sensor; a second protection member disposed on the second surface and configured to protect the temperature sensor; and a support member provided on the bus bar bracket and configured to support the second substrate relative to the alignment hole.

[0025] The second protection member may be provided to be spaced apart from the battery cell.

[0026] The gap between the battery cell and the second protection member may be 1 mm or more and 2.5 mm or less.

[0027] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the efficiency of the assembly work may be improved by the support member for aligning the position of the second substrate relative to the alignment hole.

[0028] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the first anti-separation member, the second anti-separation member, and the third anti-separation member may restrict the vertical and horizontal movement of the second substrate, thereby preventing random changes in the relative position of the temperature sensor with respect to the battery cell and improving the accuracy of temperature detection.

[0029] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, since the second protection member is spaced apart from the battery cell, the process of welding an existing metal tab to the battery cell can be eliminated, thereby reducing the process cost and preventing defects caused by welding.

[0030] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the first protection member and the second protection member for protecting the temperature sensor from both sides can prevent damage to the temperature sensor and reduce the coating cost.

[0031] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the first protection member and the second protection member can be laminated on the second substrate by a lamination process during the manufacturing process of the second substrate, thereby limiting and shortening the process time required for existing double-sided welding.

[0032] However, the effects obtainable through the present disclosure are not limited to the above effects, and other technical effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] The drawings attached to this specification illustrate some embodiments of the present disclosure and further describe aspects and features of the present disclosure together with the detailed description of the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure should not be construed as being limited to the drawings:

[0034] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 2 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 4 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a temperature measuring device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 5 is a bottom perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a temperature measuring device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 6is a cross-sectional perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a temperature measuring device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along Figure 4 line A-A' in

[0041] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along Figure 4 line B-B' in

[0042] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along Figure 4 line C-C' in

[0043] Figure 10 is a view schematically showing the configuration of a first anti-separation member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0044] Figure 11 is a view schematically showing the configurations of a second anti-separation member and a third anti-separation member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0045] Figures 12 to 17 is a view schematically showing the assembly process of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Embodiments

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

[0047] The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are provided as some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and do not represent all the technical ideas, aspects, and features of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that there can be various equivalents and modifications that can replace or modify the embodiments described herein at the time of filing this application.

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

[0049] In the drawings, for clarity of illustration, the dimensions of various elements, layers, etc. may be exaggerated. The same reference numerals denote the same or similar elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Further, in describing embodiments of the present disclosure, the use of "may" pertains to "one or more embodiments of the present disclosure". Expressions such as "at least one of..." and "any one of..." when following a list of elements modify the entire list of elements and not individual elements of the list. When phrases such as "at least one of A, B, and C", "at least one of A, B, or C", "at least one selected from the group consisting of A, B, and C", or "at least one selected from among A, B, and C" are used to specify a list of elements A, B, and C, the phrase can refer to any and all suitable combinations or subsets of A, B, and C, such as A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. As used herein, the terms "use", "using...", and "being used" can be considered to be synonymous with the terms "utilize", "utilizing...", and "being utilized", respectively. As used herein, the terms "substantially", "about", and similar terms are used as approximate terms and not as terms of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent variations in measured or calculated values that would be recognized by a person of ordinary skill in the art.

[0050] It should be understood that although the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or portion from another element, component, region, layer, or portion. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or portion discussed below can be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or portion without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0051] For ease of description, spatial relationship terms such as "under", "below", "lower", "above", "upper", etc. may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature as shown in the figures. It should be understood that, in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures, spatial relationship terms are also intended to encompass other different orientations of the device during use or operation. For example, if the device in the figures is flipped, an element described as "below" or "under" another element or feature will be oriented "above" or "over" the other element or feature. Thus, the term "below" can encompass both the above and below orientations. The device may be oriented in other ways (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relationship descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

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

[0053] In addition, any numerical range disclosed and / or recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges of the same numerical precision falling within the recited range. For example, the range "1.0 to 10.0" is intended to include all sub-ranges between the recited minimum value 1.0 and the recited maximum value 10.0 (and including the recited minimum value 1.0 and the recited maximum value 10.0), that is, all sub-ranges having a minimum value equal to or greater than 1.0 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10.0, such as, for example, 2.4 to 7.6. Any maximum numerical limitation recited herein is intended to include all lower numerical limitations subsumed therein, and any minimum numerical limitation recited in this specification is intended to include all higher numerical limitations subsumed therein. Thus, the applicant reserves the right to modify this specification (including the claims) to expressly recite any sub-ranges falling within the ranges expressly recited herein.

[0054] Two elements, features, etc. being compared and referred to as "the same" may mean that they are "substantially the same". Thus, the phrase "substantially the same" may include cases having a deviation considered low in the art (e.g., a deviation of 5% or less). In addition, when a certain parameter is said to be uniform in a given region, this may mean that it is uniform in terms of the average value.

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

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

[0057] In addition, it should be understood that when an element is referred to as being "coupled", "linked" or "connected" to another element, the elements may be "coupled", "linked" or "connected" directly to each other, or there may be one or more intervening elements between them, and the elements may be "coupled", "linked" or "connected" to another element through the intervening elements. In addition, when a part is referred to as being "electrically coupled" to another part, the part may be directly electrically connected to the other part, or there may be one or more intervening parts between them such that the part and the other part are indirectly electrically connected to each other.

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

[0059] The terms used in this specification are for describing embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0060] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a battery module according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0061] Referring to Figure 1 , the battery module according to the present embodiment includes a housing 1, battery cells 3, and a temperature measuring device 4.

[0062] The housing 1 may form a schematic exterior of the battery module and support as a whole the battery cells 3 and the temperature measuring device 4 to be described below. The housing 1 may be formed in a box shape having an empty interior and an open top. A lid 2 for opening and closing the interior space of the housing 1 may be provided on the upper side of the housing 1. The specific shape of the housing 1 is not limited to Figure 1 the shape shown, and its design may be changed in various ways depending on the number and shape of the battery cells 3.

[0063] The battery cells 3 may serve as unit structures for storing and supplying electric power in the battery module.

[0064] Figure 2 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 3 and is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0065] Referring to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the battery cell 3 may include: at least one electrode assembly 10 formed by winding a positive electrode 11 and a negative electrode 12, and a separator 13 (which is an insulator) interposed between the positive electrode 11 and the negative electrode 12; a case 20 in which the electrode assembly 10 is installed; and a cover assembly 30 coupled to an opening of the case 20.

[0066] The battery cell 3 is a lithium-ion secondary battery and is described as a prismatic form by way of example. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the battery cell 3 may be a lithium polymer battery or a cylindrical battery.

[0067] The positive electrode 11 and the negative electrode 12 may include coated portions and uncoated portions 11a and 12a. The coated portions are regions where active materials are applied to a current collector formed of a thin metal foil, and the uncoated portions 11a and 12a are regions where no active materials are coated.

[0068] The positive electrode 11 and the negative electrode 12 may be wound after interposing the separator 13 (which is an insulator) therebetween. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the electrode assembly 10 may have a structure in which the positive electrode and the negative electrode formed of a plurality of sheets are alternately stacked and the separator is interposed therebetween.

[0069] The case 20 forms the overall exterior of the battery cell 3 and may be made of a conductive metal such as aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or nickel-plated steel. In addition, the case 20 may provide a space in which the electrode assembly 10 is accommodated.

[0070] The cover assembly 30 may include a cover plate 31 covering the opening of the case 20, and the case 20 and the cover plate 31 may be made of a conductive material. Here, a positive electrode terminal 21 or a negative electrode terminal 22 electrically connected to the positive electrode 11 or the negative electrode 12 may be installed to protrude outward through the cover plate 31.

[0071] In addition, the peripheral surfaces of the upper columns of the positive electrode terminal 21 and the negative electrode terminal 22 protruding outward from the cover plate 31 may be threadedly connected with nuts and fixed to the cover plate 31.

[0072] However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the positive electrode terminal 21 and the negative electrode terminal 22 may have a rivet structure so as to be riveted, or may be welded to the cover plate 31.

[0073] In addition, the cover plate 31 can be made of a thin plate and coupled to the opening of the case 20. In the cover plate 31, an electrolyte inlet 32 where the sealing plug 33 is to be installed can be formed, and an exhaust port 34 having a notch portion formed therein can be installed.

[0074] The positive electrode terminal 21 and the negative electrode terminal 22 can be electrically connected to current collectors including a first current collector 40 and a second current collector 50 (hereinafter referred to as "positive current collector and negative current collector"). The first current collector 40 or the second current collector 50 is coupled to the positive non-coated region 11a or the negative non-coated region 12a by welding.

[0075] For example, the positive electrode terminal 21 and the negative electrode terminal 22 can be coupled to the positive current collector 40 and the negative current collector 50 by welding. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the positive electrode terminal 21 and the negative electrode terminal 22, and the positive current collector 40 and the negative current collector 50 can be formed by integrally combining them.

[0076] In addition, an insulating member can be installed between the electrode assembly 10 and the cover plate 31. Here, the insulating member can include a first lower insulating member 60 and a second lower insulating member 70, and each of the first lower insulating member 60 and the second lower insulating member 70 can be installed between the electrode assembly 10 and the cover plate 31.

[0077] In addition, according to the present embodiment, one end of the separation member that can be installed to face one side surface of the electrode assembly 10 can be installed between the insulating member and the positive electrode terminal 21 or the negative electrode terminal 22.

[0078] Here, the separation member can include a first separation member 80 and a second separation member 90.

[0079] Therefore, the corresponding ends of the first separation member 80 and the second separation member 90 that can be installed to face the side surface of the electrode assembly 10 can be installed between the first lower insulating member 60 and the positive electrode terminal 21 and between the second lower insulating member 70 and the negative electrode terminal 22.

[0080] As a result, the positive electrode terminal 21 and the negative electrode terminal 22 coupled to the positive current collector 40 and the negative current collector 50 by welding can be coupled to the first lower insulating member 60 and the second lower insulating member 70, and the ends of the first separation member 80 and the ends of the second separation member 90.

[0081] A plurality of battery cells 3 can be provided. The plurality of battery cells 3 can be disposed inside the housing 1. The plurality of battery cells 3 can be arranged in a row inside the housing. As an example, the battery cells 3 can be arranged in a direction parallel to the Y-axis based on Figure 1 The number of the battery cells 3 is not limited to Figure 1The quantity shown in the figure can be designed to vary in various ways depending on the size of the battery module and the like.

[0082] The temperature measuring device 4 is disposed inside the housing 1 and measures the temperature of the battery cell 3.

[0083] Figure 4 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of the temperature measuring device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 5 is a bottom perspective view schematically showing the configuration of the temperature measuring device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 6 is a sectional perspective view schematically showing the configuration of the temperature measuring device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 7 is along Figure 4 a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' in Figure 8 is along Figure 4 a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' in Figure 9 is along Figure 4 a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C' in

[0084] Referring to Figures 1 to 8 , the temperature measuring device 4 includes a bus bar support 100, a first substrate 200, a second substrate 300, a temperature sensor 400, a first protection member 500, a second protection member 600, and a support member 700.

[0085] The bus bar support 100 can be disposed to face the battery cell 3 inside the housing 1. The bus bar support 100 can be formed in a substantially flat shape. The lower surface of the bus bar support 100 can be disposed to face the upper surface of the battery cell 3. The area of the bus bar support 100 can be larger than the sum of the areas of the upper surfaces of the plurality of battery cells 3. The bus bar support 100 can be supported by being coupled to the housing 1 or the lid 2. The longitudinal direction of the bus bar support 100 described below can refer to the direction in which the plurality of battery cells 3 are arranged, that is, parallel to the direction of the Y-axis based on Figure 1 , and the width direction of the bus bar support 100 can refer to the direction parallel to the X-axis based on Figure 1 .

[0086] Bus bars (not shown) for electrically connecting the plurality of battery cells 3 to each other can be mounted in the bus bar support 100. The bus bars can be exemplified as various types of bus bars capable of being electrically connected to the battery cells 3. Figure 1 shows an example of forming a single bus bar, but the present embodiment is not limited thereto, and a plurality of bus bars B can be formed. In this case, depending on the number of the plurality of battery cells 3, the series and parallel structures between the plurality of battery cells 3, etc., the plurality of bus bars B can have various numbers and arrangements.

[0087] The alignment holes 101 for forming a contact path between the battery cell 3 and the temperature sensor 400 may be formed in the bus bar holder 100. The alignment holes 101 may be formed in a shape of holes vertically passing through the bus bar holder 100. A plurality of alignment holes 101 may be provided. The plurality of alignment holes 101 may be arranged to face the upper surfaces of different battery cells 3, respectively. The number of alignment holes 101 may be less than the number of battery cells 3, or may be equal to the number of battery cells 3.

[0088] The first substrate 200 may be seated on the upper surface of the bus bar holder 100. The first substrate 200 may be a flexible circuit board, which includes a conductive pattern (not shown) for transmitting current and a flexible insulating film (not shown) for insulating the conductive pattern (not shown). In some examples, the flexible circuit board may be referred to as a flexible printed circuit assembly (FPCA) or a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). The area of the first substrate 200 may be smaller than the area of the bus bar holder 100. The first substrate 200 may be arranged such that its longitudinal direction is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the bus bar holder 100 (i.e., the direction along which the plurality of battery cells 3 are arranged). As an example, the first substrate 200 may be arranged such that its longitudinal direction is parallel to the Figure 1 Y-axis direction based on. The first substrate 200 may be fixed to the upper surface of the bus bar holder 100 by various types of fixing means such as adhesives, double-sided tapes, bolts, hooks, etc. The first substrate 200 may be connected to an external control system such as a battery management system (BMS) through a separate connector (not shown).

[0089] The second substrate 300 may extend from the first substrate 200 and support the temperature sensor 400. Similar to the first substrate 200, the second substrate 300 may be a flexible circuit board, which includes a conductive pattern (not shown) for transmitting current and a flexible insulating film (not shown) for insulating the conductive pattern (not shown). One end of the second substrate 300 may be arranged to be inserted into the alignment hole 101 and directly face the upper surface of the battery cell 3. The second substrate 300 may have a second surface 302 facing the battery cell 3 and a first surface 301 opposite to the second surface 302. As an example, based on Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the first surface 301 may be the upper surface of the second substrate 300, and the second surface 302 may be the lower surface of the second substrate 300. The end portion of the second substrate 300 may be inserted into the alignment hole 101 along a first direction. Hereinafter, the first direction will be described as an example as the direction vertically passing from the first surface 301 through the second surface 302, i.e., parallel to the based on Figure 4in the Z-axis direction and facing downward. However, the first direction is not limited to this, and its design can be changed in various ways within the range of directions that allow the end to be inserted into the alignment hole 101 from the outside of the alignment hole 101.

[0090] A plurality of second substrates 300 may be provided. The plurality of second substrates 300 may be arranged at a set pitch in the longitudinal direction of the first substrate 200. The number of the plurality of second substrates 300 may be equal to the number of the alignment holes 101. The pitch between adjacent second substrates 300 may be the same as the pitch between adjacent alignment holes 101.

[0091] The temperature sensor 400 may be disposed on the first surface 301 of the second substrate 300 and may detect the temperature of the battery cell 3. The temperature sensor 400 may be exemplified as a thermistor (such as a positive temperature coefficient thermistor (PTC) or a negative temperature coefficient thermistor (NTC)), which is used to measure the temperature by utilizing the characteristic that the resistance increases or decreases depending on the temperature. The temperature sensor 400 may be fixed to the first surface 301 of the second substrate 300. More specifically, the temperature sensor 400 may be soldered to the first surface 301 of the second substrate 300. The temperature sensor 400 may be disposed at one end of the second substrate 300. The detection signal detected from the temperature sensor 400 may be transmitted to the first substrate 200 through the second substrate 300 and may be transmitted to the battery management system (BMS) through the first substrate 200.

[0092] The coating E may be disposed outside the temperature sensor 400. The coating E may be disposed to surround the temperature sensor 400 and may protect the temperature sensor 400 from the influence of external moisture, foreign matter, vibration, etc. The coating E may be formed in a substantially dome shape and may be disposed to completely surround the upper space of the temperature sensor 400. The coating E may be made of a material such as epoxy resin, acrylic, polyurethane, silicone, parylene, etc. to completely seal the temperature sensor 400 with respect to the external space. The coating E may be applied to the temperature sensor 400 by a method such as spraying, dip coating, etc.

[0093] The first protection member 500 may be disposed on the first surface 301 of the second substrate 300. The first protection member 500 may be a member that serves to protect the temperature sensor 400 from external impact and the interference of adjacent components on the first surface 301 of the second substrate 300.

[0094] The first protection member 500 may include a first protection body 510 and an extension portion 520.

[0095] The first protection body 510 can be set to be fixed on the first surface 301 of the second substrate 300 and surround the temperature sensor 400. The first protection body 510 can be formed in the shape of a square ring having a hollow portion formed in the central portion. The first protection body 510 can be in contact with the first surface 301 of the second substrate 300 in a state where the central portion is set to face the temperature sensor 400. The height of the first protection body 510 can be greater than the heights of the temperature sensor 400 and the coating E. Therefore, the first protection body 510 can reduce the thickness of the coating E and simplify the manufacturing process of the coating E by blocking the path of external foreign objects or adjacent components from directly contacting the temperature sensor 400 through it. The first protection body 510 can be attached to the first surface 301 of the second substrate 300 by a lamination process during the manufacturing process of the second substrate 300.

[0096] The extension portion 520 can extend from the first protection body 510 and can be movably connected to a support member 700 to be described below. A plurality of extension portions 520 can be provided. The plurality of extension portions 520 can be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the outer peripheral surface of the first protection body 510. The extension portion 520 can be provided to be elastically deformable. For example, the extension portion 520 can be made of a flexible material such as plastic.

[0097] The extension portion 520 can include a first extension surface 521 and a second extension surface 522.

[0098] The first extension surface 521 can form the outside of one side of the extension portion 520 and can extend from the outer peripheral surface of the first protection body 510 in a direction intersecting the first direction. As an example, the first extension surface 521 can extend from the outer peripheral surface of the first protection body 510 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. That is, the first extension surface 521 can be set to be parallel to the X-Y plane based on Figure 4 and Figure 5 .

[0099] The second extension surface 522 can form the outside of the other side of the extension portion 520 and can be set to be inclined with respect to the first extension surface 521. The second extension surface 522 can be set to be spaced apart from the first extension surface 521 along the first direction. That is, the second extension surface 522 can be set below the first extension surface 521. The end of the second extension surface 522 can extend to be inclined upward from the lower side of the first extension surface 521 toward the end of the first extension surface 521. Therefore, the extension portion 520 can have a shape in which its thickness gradually decreases toward the end.

[0100] The second protection member 600 may be disposed on the second surface 302 of the second substrate 300. The second protection member 600 may protect the temperature sensor 400 from external impacts and interference from adjacent components on the second surface 302 of the second substrate 300. During the process of mounting the temperature sensor 400 on the first surface 301 of the second substrate 300, the second protection member 600 may structurally support the second substrate 300 by its own rigidity.

[0101] The second protection member 600 may be formed to have a substantially flat shape. The second protection member 600 may be disposed to face the first protection body 510, and the second substrate 300 is interposed between the second protection member 600 and the first protection body 510. The second protection member 600 may be disposed between the second surface 302 of the second substrate 300 and the upper surface of the battery cell 3. The upper surface of the second protection member 600 may be fixed to the second surface 302 of the second substrate 300. As an example, the upper surface of the second protection member 600 may be attached to the second surface 302 of the second substrate 300 by a lamination process during the manufacturing process of the second substrate 300.

[0102] The second protection member 600 may be made of a metal material (such as aluminum or nickel) having high thermal conductivity and stiffness. Therefore, the second protection member 600 may function as a component for transferring heat generated from the battery cell 3 to the temperature sensor 400.

[0103] The lower surface of the second protection member 600 may be disposed to be spaced apart from the upper surface of the battery cell 3. For example, the gap L1 between the second protection member 600 and the battery cell 3 may be 1 mm or more and 2.5 mm or less. More preferably, the gap L1 between the second protection member 600 and the battery cell 3 may be 1.67 mm. When the gap L1 between the second protection member 600 and the battery cell 3 is greater than 2.5 mm, the thermal time constant of the temperature sensor 400 will increase, and the difference between the actual temperature of the battery cell 3 and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 400 may increase excessively due to thermal resistance. When the gap L1 between the second protection member 600 and the battery cell 3 is less than 1 mm, the temperature sensor 400 may be damaged due to collision with the battery cell 3 attributable to assembly tolerances or the like.

[0104] The support member 700 may be provided on the bus bar bracket 100 and may support the second substrate 300 relative to the alignment hole 101. That is, the support member 700 may function as a component for guiding the assembly position of the second substrate 300 relative to the alignment hole 101.

[0105] The support member 700 may include a support body 710, a guide rail 720, an access hole 730, and a stopper 740.

[0106] The support body 710 can be connected to the bus bar bracket 100 and can form the rough exterior of the support member 700. The support body 710 can be formed in a shape having a partition extending vertically upward from the upper surface of the bus bar bracket 100. The support body 710 can extend along the edge of the alignment hole 101 and can be arranged to surround the alignment hole 101. The support body 710 can have one side that is open to prevent interference with the second substrate 300. Thus, the support body 710 can be formed in a cross-sectional shape having a substantially "U" shape.

[0107] The support body 710 can include a first support surface 711 and a second support surface 712.

[0108] The first support surface 711 can refer to the area of the entire inner surface of the support body 710 that directly faces the peripheral surface of the alignment hole 101. The second support surface 712 can be the area of the entire inner surface of the support body 710 that does not include the first support surface 711 and can refer to the area that does not face the peripheral surface of the alignment hole 101.

[0109] The guide rail 720 can be formed to be recessed from the inner surface of the support body 710 and can be formed in a shape having a groove with a first end 721 and a second end 722. The longitudinal direction of the guide rail 720 can extend along the first direction (i.e., the vertical direction). That is, the second end 722 of the guide rail 720 can be arranged at a position spaced apart from the first end 721 along the first direction. The first end 721 can be formed to be recessed from the second support surface 712, and the second end 722 can be formed to be recessed from the first support surface 711.

[0110] The extension part 520 can be inserted into the guide rail 720 in the first direction. More specifically, the extension part 520 can be inserted into the guide rail 720 by inserting an entry hole 730, which will be described below, in the direction from the first end 721 to the second end 722. The extension part 520 can be inserted into the guide rail 720 in a state where the second extension surface 522 is arranged to face the second end 722. The width of the extension part 520 can be smaller than the width of the guide rail 720. Thus, the extension part 520 can move smoothly in the first direction.

[0111] A plurality of guide rails 720 can be provided. The number of the plurality of guide rails 720 can be equal to the number of the plurality of extension parts 520. The plurality of guide rails 720 can be respectively arranged at positions facing different extension parts 520. Each of the plurality of extension parts 520 can be individually inserted into each guide rail 720.

[0112] The access hole 730 may be provided at the first end 721 of the guide rail 720 and may guide the insertion of the extension portion 520 into the guide rail 720. The access hole 730 may extend from the first end 721 in a direction opposite to the first direction and may be formed in the shape of a hole passing through the upper surface of the support body 710. The width of the access hole 730 may be greater than the width of the guide rail 720. The width of the access hole 730 may gradually narrow toward the first end 721.

[0113] The stopper 740 may be provided at the second end 722 of the guide rail 720 and may support the extension portion 520 with respect to the guide rail 720. That is, the stopper 740 may serve as a component for preventing the extension portion 520 from separating to the outside of the guide rail 720 through the second end 722 of the guide rail 720. Therefore, the stopper 740 may prevent the random change of the vertical position of the temperature sensor 400 with respect to the battery cell 3 and maintain the constant gap L1 between the battery cell 3 and the second protection member 600. The stopper 740 may extend from the inner surface of the second end 722 of the guide rail 720 toward the first support surface 711 or the alignment hole 101. The stopper 740 may be provided parallel to the first extension surface 521. The design of the extension length of the stopper 740 may be changed in various ways within the range that does not protrude into the alignment hole 101. When the extension portion 520 is completely inserted into the guide rail 720 in the first direction, the stopper 740 may contact the second extension surface 522.

[0114] The battery module according to the present embodiment may further include a first anti-separation member 810, a second anti-separation member 820, and a third anti-separation member 830.

[0115] The first anti-separation member 810 may restrict the movement of the second substrate 300 in the direction opposite to the first direction. That is, the first anti-separation member 810 may serve as a component for restricting the vertical movement of the second substrate 300 when the second substrate 300 is positioned at the correct position.

[0116] Figure 10 is a view schematically showing the configuration of the first anti-separation member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0117] Referring to Figures 4 to 10 , the first anti-separation member 810 may be provided inside the guide rail 720 between the access hole 730 and the stopper 740. The first anti-separation member 810 may protrude from the inner surface of the guide rail 720 in a direction intersecting the first direction. As an example, the first anti-separation member 810 may be in the direction in which the stopper 740 extends (that is, parallel to the base on Figure 4 and Figure 5protrudes from the inner surface of the guide rail 720 in the X-Y plane direction). The surface of the first anti-separation member 810 may have a curved shape. As an example, the surface of the first anti-separation member 810 may be formed to have a spherical shape.

[0118] When the extension part 520 is completely inserted into the guide rail 720 in the first direction, the first extension surface 521 may be arranged to face the first anti-separation member 810. When the extension part 520 moves in the direction opposite to the first direction in this state, the first anti-separation member 810 may contact the first extension surface 521, and thus the movement of the extension part 520 in the direction opposite to the first direction may be restricted by the reaction force generated by the first anti-separation member 810.

[0119] A plurality of first anti-separation members 810 may be provided. The number of the plurality of first anti-separation members 810 may be less than or equal to the number of the guide rails 720. The plurality of first anti-separation members 810 may be respectively provided inside different guide rails 720.

[0120] The second anti-separation member 820 may be spaced apart from the first anti-separation member 810 and may restrict the movement of the second substrate 300 in a direction intersecting the first direction. That is, the second anti-separation member 820 may serve as a component for restricting the horizontal movement of the second substrate 300 when the second substrate 300 is positioned at the correct position.

[0121] Figure 11 is a view schematically showing the configuration of the second anti-separation member and the third anti-separation member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0122] Refer to Figures 4 to 9 and Figure 11 , the second anti-separation member 820 may extend from the second protection member 600 in a direction intersecting the first direction. When the extension part 520 is completely inserted into the guide rail 720 in the first direction, the end of the second anti-separation member 820 may be in close contact with the inner surface of the support body 710, and more specifically, in close contact with the first support surface 711. The second anti-separation member 820 may restrict the movement of the second substrate 300 in a direction intersecting the first direction by bringing the side surface of the extension part 520 into close contact with the inner wall surface of the guide rail 720 via the contact force with the first support surface 711.

[0123] The second anti-separation member 820 may be provided to be elastically deformable. As an example, the second anti-separation member 820 may be formed in the form of a plastic or metal sheet (which has a thin thickness to have flexibility). Therefore, the second anti-separation member 820 may be in closer contact with the first support surface 711 by its own elastic restoring force.

[0124] The end portion of the second anti-separation member 820 may extend to be curved with a set curvature. As an example, the end portion of the second anti-separation member 820 may be formed to be rounded in a direction opposite to the first direction (i.e., upward). Thus, when the second substrate 300 moves in the first direction, the second anti-separation member 820 may prevent the second substrate 300 from moving due to interference with adjacent components. The design of the set curvature may be changed in various ways depending on the gap between the second anti-separation member 820 and the inner surface of the support body 710, etc.

[0125] A plurality of second anti-separation members 820 may be provided. As an example, referring to Figure 5 , a pair of second anti-separation members 820 may be provided, and the pair of second anti-separation members 820 may be in close contact with any one of the peripheral surfaces of the first support surface 711. However, the plurality of second anti-separation members 820 is not limited thereto, and three or more second anti-separation members 820 may be formed, and each second anti-separation member 820 may be in close contact with a different peripheral surface of the first support surface 711.

[0126] The third anti-separation member 830 may extend from the second support surface 712 and prevent the second anti-separation member 820 from separating from the second support surface 712. That is, the third anti-separation member 830 may serve as a component for restricting the vertical movement of the second anti-separation member 820 when the second substrate 300 is positioned in the correct position. A plurality of third anti-separation members 830 may be provided. The plurality of third anti-separation members 830 may be respectively disposed at positions facing different second anti-separation members 820.

[0127] The third anti-separation member 830 may include an engaging surface 831 and an inclined surface 832.

[0128] The engaging surface 831 may extend from the second support surface 712 in a direction intersecting the first direction. As an example, the engaging surface 831 may extend from the second support surface 712 toward the inner space of the support body 710 and may be disposed perpendicular to the second support surface 712. When the extending portion 520 is completely inserted into the guide rail 720 in the first direction, the engaging surface 831 may be disposed to face the end portion of the second anti-separation member 820 in a direction parallel to the first direction. Thus, when the second anti-separation member 820 moves in a direction opposite to the first direction in a state of being in contact with the first support surface 711, the engaging surface 831 may restrict the movement of the second anti-separation member 820 by contacting the end portion of the second anti-separation member 820.

[0129] The inclined surface 832 may extend obliquely from the engaging surface 831 toward the second support surface 712. The inclined surface 832 and the engaging surface 831 may be arranged in sequence in the first direction. When the extending portion 520 is first inserted into the guide rail 720, the inclined surface 832 may contact the end of the second anti-separation member 820, thereby acting as a member for guiding the movement of the second anti-separation member 820, so that the second anti-separation member 820 smoothly moves to a position facing the engaging surface 831.

[0130] Hereinafter, the assembly process of the battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0131] Figures 12 to 17 is a view schematically showing the assembly process of the battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0132] Referring to Figures 12 to 17 , after the first substrate 200 is seated on the upper side of the bus bar bracket 100, the second substrate 300 moves in the first direction in a state where its second surface 302 is set to face the alignment hole 101.

[0133] When the second substrate 300 enters the internal space of the support body 710, the extending portion 520 enters the first end 721 of the guide rail 720 through the entry hole 730.

[0134] When the extending portion 520 moves from the first end 721 toward the second end 722 in the first direction, the second extending surface 522 contacts the first anti-separation member 810.

[0135] Since the second extending surface 522 is arranged to be inclined with respect to the first direction, the reaction force generated between the second extending surface 522 and the first anti-separation member 810 is converted into a pressing force for pressing the extending portion 520 in a direction perpendicular to the second extending surface 522.

[0136] The extending portion 520 may be elastically deformed in a direction opposite to the first direction by the pressing force, and as the length of the extending portion 520 in a direction intersecting the first direction decreases, the extending portion 520 may continuously move in the first direction.

[0137] Then, when the extending portion 520 enters the space between the first anti-separation member 810 and the stopper 740, the second extending surface 522 contacts the stopper 740, and the movement of the second substrate 300 stops.

[0138] Meanwhile, when the second substrate 300 enters the internal space of the support body 710, the end of the second anti-separation member 820 contacts the inclined surface 832 of the third anti-separation member 830.

[0139] The second anti-separation member 820 can be elastically deformed in a direction opposite to the first direction by the inclination angle of the inclined surface 832, and as the length of the second anti-separation member 820 in the direction intersecting the first direction decreases, the second anti-separation member 820 can continuously move in the first direction.

[0140] Then, when the second extension surface 522 contacts the stopper 740, the second anti-separation member 820 can enter a position facing the engaging surface 831 and return to its initial form, and thus can be in close contact with the first support surface 711.

Claims

1. A temperature measuring device, comprising: a bus bar bracket including alignment holes; A first substrate, seated on the busbar support; a second substrate extending from the first substrate and including a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other; a temperature sensor, disposed on the first surface; a first protection member disposed on the first surface and configured to protect the temperature sensor; a second protection member disposed on the second surface and configured to protect the temperature sensor; as well as A support member is provided on the bus bar holder and is configured to support the second substrate relative to the alignment hole. 2 . The temperature measuring device according to claim 1 , wherein a plurality of second substrates are provided and arranged along a longitudinal direction of the first substrate.

3. The temperature measurement device according to claim 1, wherein the first protection member comprises: A first protection body, arranged to surround the temperature sensor; as well as An extension portion extends from the first protection body and is configured to be movably connected to the support member.

4. The temperature measuring device according to claim 3, wherein the supporting member comprises: A support body, arranged to surround the alignment hole; a guide rail formed concavely from an inner surface of the support body and including a first end and a second end spaced apart from the first end in a first direction; an access hole disposed at the first end and extending through the support body; as well as a stopper disposed at the second end and supporting the extension portion, and The extending portion is inserted into the guide rail in the first direction. 5 . The temperature measuring device according to claim 4 , further comprising a first separation prevention member disposed between the entry hole and the stopper and configured to restrict movement of the second substrate in a direction opposite to the first direction. 6 . The temperature measuring device according to claim 5 , wherein the first separation prevention member protrudes from the guide rail in a direction intersecting the first direction. The temperature measuring device according to claim 5 , wherein a surface of the first separation prevention member has a curved shape. 8 . The temperature measuring device according to claim 5 , wherein the extending portion is provided to be elastically deformable.

9. The temperature measurement device according to claim 5, wherein the extension portion comprises: a first extension surface extending from the first protection body in a direction intersecting the first direction; as well as a second extension surface extending from the first protection body and disposed to be inclined relative to the first extension surface, and When the second extending surface is in contact with the stopper, the first extending surface is disposed to face the first separation preventing member. 10 . The temperature measuring device according to claim 5 , further comprising a second separation prevention member spaced apart from the first separation prevention member and configured to restrict movement of the second substrate in a direction intersecting the first direction. 11 . The temperature measuring device according to claim 10 , wherein the second separation prevention member extends from the second protection member in the direction intersecting the first direction and is in close contact with the inner surface of the support body. 12 . The temperature measuring device according to claim 11 , wherein the second separation preventing member is provided to be elastically deformable. 13 . The temperature measuring device according to claim 11 , wherein an end portion of the second separation prevention member is formed to be bent with a set curvature.

14. The temperature measuring device according to claim 11, wherein the supporting body comprises: a first supporting surface arranged to face the alignment hole; as well as a second support surface extending from the first support surface and disposed outside the alignment hole, and The second anti-separation member is in close contact with the first supporting surface. 15 . The temperature measuring device according to claim 14 , further comprising a third anti-separation member extending from the second support surface and configured to prevent the second anti-separation member from being separated from the first support surface.

16. The temperature measuring device according to claim 15, wherein the third anti-separation member comprises: an engaging surface extending from the second supporting surface in the direction intersecting the first direction and arranged to face the second separation preventing member; as well as An inclined surface extends obliquely from the engaging surface toward the second supporting surface.

17. A battery module, comprising: case; A plurality of battery cells are arranged inside the housing; as well as a temperature measuring device configured to measure the temperature of the battery cell, The temperature measuring device comprises: A busbar bracket, arranged to face the battery cell and having an alignment hole; A first substrate, seated on the busbar support; a second substrate extending from the first substrate and including a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other; a temperature sensor, disposed on the first surface; a first protection member disposed on the first surface and configured to protect the temperature sensor; a second protection member disposed on the second surface and configured to protect the temperature sensor; and A support member is provided on the bus bar holder and is configured to support the second substrate relative to the alignment hole. 18 . The battery module according to claim 17 , wherein the second protection member is disposed to be spaced apart from the battery cell. 19 . The battery module according to claim 18 , wherein a gap between the battery cell and the second protection member is 1 mm or more and 2.5 mm or less.

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