Battery module

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a battery module, and relates to providing a battery module capable of safely accommodating a case by providing expandability to a case. To this end, the present disclosure provides a battery module comprising: a case in which one or more electrode assemblies are embedded, each electrode assembly comprising a positive electrode and a negative electrode; a cap configured to cover the open area of the case; a terminal passing through and assembled to the cap and connected to the electrode assembly; a housing configured to accommodate the plurality of shells arranged in a row; and a thickness-deformable portion formed in the housing and deformable due to a thickness difference when the housing is expanded.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Generally, as the demand for portable electronic products such as notebook computers, camcorders, and mobile phones has rapidly increased and the commercialization of robots, electric vehicles, and the like has accelerated, high-performance secondary batteries that allow repeated charging and discharging have been actively studied.

[0003] Secondary batteries are widely used for driving or energy storage not only in small devices such as portable electronic devices but also in medium and large devices such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS). In particular, in the case of medium and large devices, in order to increase the output and / or capacity of the battery, a battery module is configured in a form in which a plurality of battery cells are electrically connected to each other.

[0004] Conventional battery modules maintain their durability by applying a certain level of surface pressure to battery cells via a housing structure installed around the battery cells. However, with such a structure, when a swelling phenomenon (in which a battery cell expands due to rapid charging, overcharging, overdischarging, short circuit, high-temperature leaving, etc.) occurs, the pressure acting between the battery cell and the housing continues to increase, which may accelerate the degradation of the battery cell.

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

[0006] An aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a battery module capable of alleviating stress caused by expansion of a battery cell.

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

[0008] A battery module according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes: a shell, in which one or more electrode assemblies are embedded, each electrode assembly including a positive electrode and a negative electrode; a cap configured to cover an open area of ​​the shell; a terminal passing through the cap and assembled to the cap and connected to the electrode assembly; a casing configured to accommodate a plurality of shells arranged in a row; and a thickness deformable portion formed in the casing and deformable due to a thickness difference when the shell expands.

[0009] The case may include: an end plate configured to support a first side surface of the plurality of shells arranged in a row; and a side plate coupled to the end plate and configured to support a second side surface of the plurality of shells arranged in a row.

[0010] The side plate may include: a side cover plate configured to cover the second side surfaces of the plurality of shells; and a side coupling plate extending from the side cover plate and coupled to the end plate.

[0011] A plurality of side cover plates may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other, and the thickness deformable portion may connect the plurality of side cover plates spaced apart from each other.

[0012] The thickness of the thickness-deformable portion may be smaller than the thickness of the side cover plate.

[0013] A battery module according to a second embodiment of the present invention includes: a shell, in which one or more electrode assemblies are embedded, each electrode assembly including a positive electrode and a negative electrode; a cap configured to cover an open area of ​​the shell; a terminal that passes through the cap and is assembled to the cap and connected to the electrode assembly; a casing configured to accommodate a plurality of shells arranged in a row; and a cut deformable portion that is formed in the casing and is deformable when the shell expands due to a portion of the shell being cut.

[0014] The case may include: an end plate configured to support a first side surface of the plurality of shells arranged in a row; and a side plate coupled to the end plate and configured to support a second side surface of the plurality of shells arranged in a row.

[0015] The side plate may include: a side cover plate configured to cover the second side surfaces of the plurality of shells; and a side coupling plate extending from the side cover plate and coupled to the end plate.

[0016] The cutting deformable portion may include a first cutting line extending upward from a lower end portion of the side coupling plate to cut a portion of the side coupling plate; and a second cutting line extending downward from an upper end portion of the side coupling plate to cut a portion of the side coupling plate.

[0017] The length of each of the first cutting line and the second cutting line may be 20% to 80% of the height of the side coupling plate.

[0018] A battery module according to a third embodiment of the present invention includes: a shell, in which one or more electrode assemblies are embedded, each electrode assembly including a positive electrode and a negative electrode; a cap configured to cover an open area of ​​the shell; a terminal that passes through the cap and is assembled to the cap and connected to the electrode assembly; a casing configured to accommodate a plurality of shells arranged in a row; and a curved deformable portion that is formed in the casing and is deformable due to a curved shape when the shell expands.

[0019] The case may include: an end plate configured to support a first side surface of the plurality of shells arranged in a row; and a side plate coupled to the end plate and configured to support a second side surface of the plurality of shells arranged in a row.

[0020] The side plate may include: a side cover plate configured to cover the second side surfaces of the plurality of shells; and a side coupling plate extending from the side cover plate and coupled to the end plate.

[0021] A curved deformable portion may be formed on the side cover plate.

[0022] The battery module according to the third embodiment of the present invention may further include a stress distribution portion formed on a portion of the curved deformable portion and configured to distribute the stress.

[0023] The stress distribution portion may include: a first hole processed to have a length in a first direction of the curved deformable portion; and a second hole processed at the first hole to have a length in a second direction.

[0024] The stress distribution portion may include one distribution hole or two or more distribution holes that are processed to be spaced apart from each other in a vertical length direction of the curved deformable portion.

[0025] A battery module according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention includes: a shell, in which one or more electrode assemblies are embedded, each electrode assembly including a positive electrode and a negative electrode; a cap configured to cover an open area of ​​the shell; a terminal passing through the cap to be assembled to the cap and connected to the electrode assembly; and a shell configured to accommodate a plurality of shells arranged in a row, wherein at least two of a thickness deformable portion, a cutting deformable portion and a bending deformable portion are provided, the thickness deformable portion is formed in the shell and is deformable due to a thickness difference when the shell expands, the cutting deformable portion is formed in the shell and is deformable due to a part of the shell being cut when the shell expands, and the bending deformable portion is formed in the shell and is deformable due to a curved shape when the shell expands.

[0026] The shell may include an end plate and a side plate, the end plate is configured to support a first side surface of the multiple shells arranged in a row, the side plate is connected to the end plate and configured to support a second side surface of the multiple shells arranged in a row, the side plate may include a side cover plate configured to cover the second side surfaces of the multiple shells and a side connecting plate extending from the side cover plate and connected to the end plate, a thickness deformable portion and a bending deformable portion are formed on the side cover plate, and a cutting deformable portion is formed on the side connecting plate.

[0027] The stress distribution portion formed on a portion of the bending deformable portion may distribute the stress.

[0028] However, the effects obtainable by 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

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

[0030] Figure 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a battery module according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a battery module according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 3 is a view schematically showing a thickness-deformable portion of a battery module according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 4 is a perspective view schematically showing a battery module according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 5 is a view schematically showing a cut deformable portion of a battery module according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 6 is a perspective view schematically showing a battery module according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 7 is a view schematically showing a curved deformable portion of a battery module according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 8 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing that a stress distribution portion is formed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 A view of a state in which the bending deformable portion is in the embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Fig. 9 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing that a stress distribution portion is formed in accordance with another embodiment. Figure 7 A view of a state in which the bending deformable portion is in the embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Fig.10 is a perspective view schematically showing a battery module according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; and

[0040] Fig.11 1 is a view schematically showing a state in which a thickness deformable portion, a cutting deformable portion, and a bending deformable portion of a battery module according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention are simultaneously implemented. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Here, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as limited to the usual or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted as meanings and concepts consistent with the technical ideas of the present disclosure based on the principle that the inventor can be his / her own lexicon compiler to appropriately define the concept of the term.

[0042] The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the accompanying drawings are provided as some example embodiments of the present disclosure and do not represent all technical ideas, aspects and features of the present disclosure. Therefore, it will be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace or modify the embodiments described herein may exist when submitting this application.

[0043] It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, directly connected to, or 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 may be no intervening elements or layers. For example, when a first element is described as being "coupled to" or "connected to" a second element, the first element may be directly coupled or connected to the second element, or the first element may be indirectly coupled or connected to the second element via one or more intervening elements.

[0044] In the accompanying drawings, for the clarity of the illustration, the sizes of various elements, layers, etc. may be exaggerated. The same reference numerals designate the same or similar elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more related listed items. In addition, the use of "may" when describing the embodiments of the present disclosure relates to "one or more embodiments of the present disclosure". Statements such as "at least one of ..." and "any one of ..." modify the entire column of elements when following a column of elements, without modifying the individual elements in the column. When phrases such as "at least one of A, B, and C", "at least one of A, B, or C", "at least one selected from the group of A, B, and C", or "at least one selected from A, B, and C" are used to specify a column of elements A, B, and C, the phrase may refer to any and all suitable combinations or subsets of A, B, and C, such as A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A, B, and C. As used herein, the terms "use", "use ..." and "used" may be considered to be synonymous with the terms "utilize", "utilize ..." and "utilize", respectively. As used herein, the terms "substantially," "about," and similar terms are used as terms of approximation rather than terms of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent variations in measured or calculated values ​​that those of ordinary skill in the art would recognize.

[0045] It will be understood that although the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or portions, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or portions should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or portion from another element, component, region, layer or portion. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments, the first element, component, region, layer or portion discussed below may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer or portion.

[0046] For ease of description, spatial relational terms (such as "below", "beneath", "below", "above", "on", etc.) may be used here to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or features as shown in the drawings. It will be understood that in addition to the orientations depicted in the drawings, the spatial relational terms are intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the drawings is turned over, the elements described as "below" or "below" other elements or features will be oriented "above" or "above" other elements or features. Therefore, the term "below" can cover both above and below orientations. The device can be oriented in other ways (for example, rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relational descriptors used here should be interpreted accordingly.

[0047] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing the embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "one" and "an" are intended to also include plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the terms "include", "includes ...", "includes" and / or "includes ...", when used in this specification, specify the existence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or their groups.

[0048] In addition, any numerical range disclosed and / or recorded herein is intended to include all sub-ranges of the same numerical precision contained in the described range. For example, the range of "1.0 to 10.0" is intended to include all sub-ranges between the recorded minimum value 1.0 and the recorded maximum value 10.0 (including these two values), that is, having a minimum value equal to or greater than 1.0 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10.0, such as, for example, 2.4 to 7.6. Any maximum numerical limit recorded here is intended to include all lower numerical limits contained therein, and any minimum numerical limit recorded in this specification is intended to include all higher numerical limits contained therein. Therefore, the applicant reserves the right to modify this specification (including claims) to clearly record any sub-ranges contained in the range clearly recorded here.

[0049] Referring to two compared elements, features, etc. as "the same" may mean that they are "substantially the same." Thus, the phrase "substantially the same" may include situations with deviations that are considered low in the art (e.g., 5% or less). In addition, when a parameter is referred to as being uniform in a given area, it may mean that it is uniform with respect to an average value.

[0050] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise stated, each element may be in the singular or in the plural.

[0051] When an arbitrary element is referred to as being arranged (or located or positioned) "on (or below)" or "on (or below)" a component, it may mean that the arbitrary element is positioned to be in contact with the upper (or lower) surface of the component, and may also mean that another component may be inserted between the component and any arbitrary element arranged (or located or positioned) on (or below) the component.

[0052] Furthermore, it will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "coupled," "linked," or "connected" to another element, the elements may be directly "coupled," "linked," or "connected" to each other, or there may be one or more intervening elements therebetween through which the element may be "coupled," "linked," or "connected" to the other element. Furthermore, when a component is referred to as being "electrically coupled" to another component, the component may be directly electrically connected to the other component, or there may be one or more intervening components therebetween such that the component and the other component are indirectly electrically connected to each other.

[0053] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise stated, when "A and / or B" is stated, it means A, B, or A and B. That is, "and / or" includes any or all combinations of the listed multiple items. Unless otherwise stated, when "C to D" is stated, it means C or greater and D or less.

[0054] The terms used in this specification are used to describe the embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0055] Figure 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a battery module according to a first embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a battery module according to a first embodiment of the present invention, Figure 3 Schematically illustrates a thickness-deformable portion of a battery module according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figures 1 to 3 , the battery module 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention may include a case 20 , a cap 30 , a terminal 40 , a housing 50 , and a thickness deformable portion 60 .

[0056] In each of the one or more electrode assemblies 10, a separator 13 as an insulator may be interposed between the positive electrode 11 and the negative electrode 12, and the positive electrode 11, the separator 13 and the negative electrode 12 may be wound. The positive electrode 11 and the negative electrode 12 may each include a coated portion and an uncoated portion 11a or 12a, the coated portion being an area where the active material is applied to the current collector formed of a thin metal foil, and the uncoated portion 11a or 12a being an area where the active material is not applied. The positive electrode 11 and the negative electrode 12 may be wound after the separator 13 as an insulator is interposed therebetween. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the electrode assembly 10 may have a structure in which the positive electrode and the negative electrode, each formed of a plurality of sheets, are alternately stacked with the separator interposed therebetween.

[0057] The electrode assembly 10 may be embedded in the shell 20. The shell 20 forms the overall appearance of the battery cell and may be formed of a conductive metal such as aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or nickel-plated steel. In addition, the shell 20 may provide a space with an upper side open and accommodating the electrode assembly 10. The shell 20 includes a second side surface having a width in the x-axis direction and a first side surface having a width in the y-axis direction, and the first side surface may be formed to be longer than the second side surface.

[0058] The cap 30 may cover the open area of ​​the case 20. The cap 30 may be coupled to the upper side of the case 20 to cover the open area of ​​the case 20. The cap 30 contacting the case 20 may be made of a conductive material.

[0059] The terminal 40 may pass through the cap 30 and be assembled to the cap 30. The terminal 40 may be connected to the electrode assembly 10. The terminal 40 passes through the cap 30 and has a lower portion that may be embedded in the case 20 and connected to the electrode assembly 10 and an upper portion that may protrude to the outside of the case 20. The electrode tab 18 connected to the electrode assembly 10 may contact the terminal 40.

[0060] The housing 50 may accommodate the shells 20 arranged in a row. The housing 50 may be formed to have a space into which the shells 20 arranged in a row may be inserted. In addition, the housing 50 may be coupled to the bottom surface and the side surface of the shells 20 arranged in a row, thereby achieving modularization.

[0061] The thickness deformable portion 60 is formed in the shell 50 and is deformable due to the thickness difference when the shell 20 expands. In one embodiment, the thickness difference can be achieved by connecting the unconnected shell 50 with the thickness deformable portion 60. In addition, in another embodiment, the thickness deformable portion 60 can be designed so that the shell 50 itself has different thicknesses. That is, the thickness deformable portion 60 can be processed or molded so that the shell 50 has different cross-sectional thicknesses in the x-axis direction. In one example, the cross-sectional thickness of the shell 50 in the x-axis direction can be uniformly maintained in the portion other than the thickness deformable portion 60, and can be relatively reduced at the thickness deformable portion 60.

[0062] The housing 50 may include an end plate 51 and a side plate 52 .

[0063] The end plate 51 may support first side surfaces of the shells 20 arranged in a row. The shells 20 may be continuously arranged in the x-axis direction, and first side surfaces of the shells 20 disposed at the first and last positions may each be supported by the end plate 51 .

[0064] The end plate 51 may include an end support portion 511 in close contact with the shell 20 and an end coupling portion 512 formed on the end support portion 511. The end support portion 511 has a length in the y-axis direction, and the end coupling portion 512 may be formed at both left and right ends of the end support portion 511.

[0065] The side plate 52 is coupled to the end plate 51 and may support the second side surface of the shells 20 arranged in a row. The side plate 52 has a length in the x-axis direction and may maintain a coupled state with the end plate 51 by welding.

[0066] The side plate 52 may include a side cover plate 521 and a side coupling plate 522 .

[0067] The side cover plate 521 may cover the second side surface of the case 20. The side cover plate 521 may have a width corresponding to the sum of each length of the second side surfaces of the case 20 arranged continuously in the x-axis direction. The side cover plate 521 may have a height corresponding to the height of the case 20 having a length in the z-axis direction.

[0068] The side connecting plates 522 may extend from both ends of the side cover plate 521 in the x-axis direction, respectively. The side connecting plates 522 may each be connected to the end plate 51. The side connecting plates 522 may each extend a length of 10% to 90% of the height of the side cover plate 521. The side connecting plates 522 may maintain a connection state with the end connecting portion 512 by welding. The side connecting plates 522 may have one or two welding lines 523 formed in the z-axis direction. A portion of the side connecting plates 522 may be in surface contact with the end connecting portion 512 and connected to the end connecting portion 512.

[0069] A plurality of side cover plates 521 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other, and a thickness deformable portion 60 may connect the spaced apart side cover plates 521. The thickness deformable portion 60 may overlap the spaced apart side cover plates 521, and the overlapping contact surfaces may form a thickness connection line 69, along which the thickness deformable portion 60 and the side cover plates 521 are connected to each other by welding.

[0070] The thickness of the thickness deformable portion 60 may be formed to be smaller than the thickness of the side cover plate 521. Therefore, when the case 20 expands, the thickness deformable portion 60 may be deformed, causing the side plate 52 to stretch in the x-axis direction.

[0071] Figure 4 is a perspective view schematically showing a battery module according to a second embodiment of the present invention, Figure 5 2 is a view schematically showing a cut deformable portion of a battery module according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 and Figure 5, the battery module 2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention may include a case 20 , a cap 30 , a terminal 40 , a housing 50 , and a cut deformable portion 70 .

[0072] The electrode assembly 10 may be embedded in the shell 20. The shell 20 forms the overall appearance of the battery cell and may be formed of a conductive metal such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, or nickel-plated steel. In addition, the shell 20 may provide a space with an upper side open and accommodating the electrode assembly 10. The shell 20 includes a second side surface having a width in the x-axis direction and a first side surface having a width in the y-axis direction, and the first side surface may be formed to be longer than the second side surface. Meanwhile, the specific configuration of the electrode assembly 10 is Figure 2 Therefore, its detailed description will be omitted.

[0073] The cap 30 may cover the open area of ​​the case 20. The cap 30 is coupled to the upper side of the case 20 to cover the open area of ​​the case 20. The cap 30 contacting the case 20 may be made of a conductive material.

[0074] The terminal 40 may pass through the cap 30 and be assembled to the cap 30. The terminal 40 may be connected to the electrode assembly 10. The terminal 40 passes through the cap 30 and has a lower portion that may be embedded in the case 20 and connected to the electrode assembly 10 and an upper portion that may protrude to the outside of the case 20. The electrode tab 18 connected to the electrode assembly 10 may contact the terminal 40.

[0075] The housing 50 may accommodate the shells 20 arranged in a row. The housing 50 may be formed to have a space into which the shells 20 arranged in a row may be inserted. In addition, the housing 50 may be coupled to the bottom surface and the side surface of the shells 20 arranged in a row, thereby achieving modularization.

[0076] The cut deformable portion 70 is formed in the housing 50 and is deformable due to the cutting of a portion of the housing 50 when the shell 20 expands. The cut deformable portion 70 may be formed as a hole formed by cutting a portion of the housing 50 in the z-axis direction. The hole may be formed during the molding process of the housing 50, or may be formed by machining after the molding of the housing 50 is completed. In addition, a fracture line may be formed in the cut deformable portion 70, along which a portion of the housing 50 in the z-axis direction may be cut by an external force. The cuttable fracture line may be formed by machining after the molding of the housing 50 is completed.

[0077] The housing 50 may include an end plate 51 and a side plate 52 .

[0078] The end plate 51 may support first side surfaces of the shells 20 arranged in a row. The shells 20 may be continuously arranged in the x-axis direction, and first side surfaces of the shells 20 disposed at the first and last positions may each be supported by the end plate 51 .

[0079] The end plate 51 may include an end support portion 511 in close contact with the shell 20 and an end coupling portion 512 formed on the end support portion 511. The end support portion 511 has a length in the y-axis direction, and the end coupling portion 512 may be formed at both left and right ends of the end support portion 511.

[0080] The side plate 52 is coupled to the end plate 51 and may support the second side surface of the shells 20 arranged in a row. The side plate 52 has a length in the x-axis direction and may maintain a coupled state with the end plate 51 by welding.

[0081] The side plate 52 may include a side cover plate 521 and a side coupling plate 522 .

[0082] The side cover plate 521 may cover the second side surface of the case 20. The side cover plate 521 may have a width corresponding to the sum of each length of the second side surfaces of the case 20 arranged continuously in the x-axis direction. The side cover plate 521 may have a height corresponding to the height of the case 20 having a length in the z-axis direction.

[0083] The side connecting plate 522 may extend from both ends of the side cover plate 521 in the x-axis direction, respectively. The side connecting plate 522 may be connected to the end plate 51. The side connecting plate 522 may each extend a length of 10% to 90% of the height of the side cover plate 521. The side connecting plate 522 may maintain a connection state with the end connecting portion 512 by welding. The side connecting plate 522 may have one or two welding lines 523 formed in the z-axis direction. A portion of the side connecting plate 522 may be in surface contact with the end connecting portion 512 and connected to the end connecting portion 512.

[0084] The cutting deformable portion 70 may include a first cutting line 71 and a second cutting line 72 .

[0085] The first cutting line 71 extends upward from the lower end of the side coupling plate 522 to cut a portion of the side coupling plate 522. The first cutting line 71 may be provided between the side cover plate 521 and the welding line 523. The first cutting line 71 may be a hole or a fracture line generated in the z-axis direction. The length of the first cutting line 71 may be 20% to 80% of the height of the side coupling plate 522.

[0086] The second cutting line 72 may extend downward from the upper end of the side coupling plate 522 to cut a portion of the side coupling plate 522. The second cutting line 72 may be disposed between the first cutting line 71 and the welding line 523. The second cutting line 72 may be a hole or a fracture line generated in the z-axis direction. The length of the second cutting line 72 may be 20% to 80% of the height of the side coupling plate 522.

[0087] Figure 6is a perspective view schematically showing a battery module according to a third embodiment of the present invention, Figure 7 is a view schematically showing a bending deformable portion of a battery module according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a structure in which a stress distribution portion according to an embodiment is formed in Figure 7 A view of the state of the bending deformable part, Fig. 9 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a structure in which a stress distribution portion according to another embodiment is formed in Figure 7 A view of the state of the bending deformable part. Figures 6 to 9 , the battery module 3 according to the third embodiment of the present invention may include a case 20 , a cap 30 , a terminal 40 , a housing 50 , and a bending deformable portion 80 .

[0088] The electrode assembly 10 may be embedded in the shell 20. The shell 20 forms the overall appearance of the battery cell and may be formed of a conductive metal such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, or nickel-plated steel. In addition, the shell 20 may provide a space with an upper side open and accommodating the electrode assembly 10. The shell 20 includes a second side surface having a width in the x-axis direction and a first side surface having a width in the y-axis direction, and the first side surface may be formed to be longer than the second side surface. Meanwhile, the specific configuration of the electrode assembly 10 is Figure 2 Therefore, its detailed description will be omitted.

[0089] The cap 30 may cover the open area of ​​the case 20. The cap 30 is coupled to the upper side of the case 20 to cover the open area of ​​the case 20. The cap 30 contacting the case 20 may be made of a conductive material.

[0090] The terminal 40 may pass through the cap 30 and be assembled to the cap 30. The terminal 40 may be connected to the electrode assembly 10. The terminal 40 passes through the cap 30 and has a lower portion that may be embedded in the case 20 and connected to the electrode assembly 10 and an upper portion that may protrude to the outside of the case 20. The electrode tab 18 connected to the electrode assembly 10 may contact the terminal 40.

[0091] The housing 50 may accommodate the shells 20 arranged in a row. The housing 50 may be formed to have a space into which the shells 20 arranged in a row may be inserted. In addition, the housing 50 may be coupled to the bottom surface and the side surface of the shells 20 arranged in a row, thereby achieving modularization.

[0092] The curved deformable portion 80 is formed in the housing 50 and is deformable due to the curved shape when the shell 20 expands. The curved deformable portion 80 may have a shape in which a portion of the housing 50 protrudes or is recessed in the y-axis direction. The curved deformable portion 80 may be formed during the molding process of the housing 50, or may be formed by processing after the molding of the housing 50 is completed.

[0093] The housing 50 may include an end plate 51 and a side plate 52 .

[0094] The end plate 51 may support first side surfaces of the shells 20 arranged in a row. The shells 20 may be continuously arranged in the x-axis direction, and first side surfaces of the shells 20 disposed at the first and last positions may each be supported by the end plate 51 .

[0095] The end plate 51 may include an end support portion 511 in close contact with the shell 20 and an end coupling portion 512 formed on the end support portion 511. The end support portion 511 has a length in the y-axis direction, and the end coupling portion 512 may be formed at both left and right ends of the end support portion 511.

[0096] The side plate 52 is coupled to the end plate 51 and may support the second side surface of the shells 20 arranged in a row. The side plate 52 has a length in the x-axis direction and may maintain a coupled state with the end plate 51 by welding.

[0097] The side plate 52 may include a side cover plate 521 and a side coupling plate 522 .

[0098] The side cover plate 521 may cover the second side surface of the case 20. The side cover plate 521 may have a width corresponding to the sum of each length of the second side surfaces of the case 20 arranged continuously in the x-axis direction. The side cover plate 521 may have a height corresponding to the height of the case 20 having a length in the z-axis direction.

[0099] The side connecting plate 522 may extend from both ends of the side cover plate 521 in the x-axis direction, respectively. The side connecting plate 522 may be connected to the end plate 51. The side connecting plate 522 may each extend a length of 10% to 90% of the height of the side cover plate 521. The side connecting plate 522 may maintain a connection state with the end connecting portion 512 by welding. The side connecting plate 522 may have one or two welding lines 523 formed in the z-axis direction. A portion of the side connecting plate 522 may be in surface contact with the end connecting portion 512 and connected to the end connecting portion 512.

[0100] The curved deformable portion 80 may be formed in the side cover plate 521. The curved deformable portion 80 may be formed to have a length in the z-axis direction (that is, extending from the lower end portion to the upper end portion of the side cover plate 521). A plurality of curved deformable portions 80 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the x-axis direction. In addition, the curved deformable portion 80 may be provided on the side coupling plate 522 and formed between the welding line 523 and the side cover plate 521.

[0101] The battery module 3 according to the third embodiment of the present invention may further include a stress distribution portion 90. The stress distribution portion 90 may be formed on a portion of the curved deformable portion 80 and may distribute stress.

[0102] Reference Figure 8 According to an embodiment, the stress distribution portion 90 may include a first hole 91 and a second hole 92. The first hole 91 may be processed to have a length in a first direction of the curved deformable portion 80. The first direction may refer to Figure 8 The second hole 92 may be processed at the upper and lower ends of the first hole 91 so as to have a length in the second direction. The second direction may refer to Figure 8 The x-axis direction in the bending deformable portion 80. The lowest point of the first hole 91 may be formed to be higher than the lower end of the bending deformable portion 80, and the highest point of the first hole 91 may be formed to be lower than the upper end of the bending deformable portion 80. The second hole 92 may extend in the second direction at the lowest point and the highest point of the first hole 91. Depending on the design situation, when the deformation of the lower portion of the side plate 52 is greater than the deformation of the upper portion thereof, the distance a from the lower end of the side cover plate 521 to the lowest point of the first hole 91 may be formed to be smaller than the distance b from the upper end of the side cover plate 521 to the highest point of the first hole 91. The first hole 91 may be designed to correspond to the width of the bending deformable portion 80 and may be formed inside the bending deformable portion 80. The second hole 92 may be formed to extend to the side cover plate 521.

[0103] Reference Fig. 9 The stress distribution portion 90 according to another embodiment may include one distribution hole 95 or two or more distribution holes 95. The two or more distribution holes 95 may be processed to be spaced apart from each other in the vertical length direction of the curved deformable portion 80. The distribution hole 95 may be designed to correspond to the width of the curved deformable portion 80 and may be formed inside the curved deformable portion 80.

[0104] Fig.10 is a perspective view schematically showing a battery module according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, Fig.11 : is a view schematically showing a state in which a thickness deformable portion, a cutting deformable portion, and a bending deformable portion of a battery module according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention are simultaneously implemented. Fig.10 and Fig.11 , the battery module 4 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention includes a case 20, a cap 30, a terminal 40, and a housing 50. In addition, at least two of a thickness deformable portion 60, a cutting deformable portion 70, and a bending deformable portion 80 may be provided.

[0105] The electrode assembly 10 may be embedded in the shell 20. The shell 20 forms the overall appearance of the battery cell and may be formed of a conductive metal such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, or nickel-plated steel. In addition, the shell 20 may provide a space with an upper side open and accommodating the electrode assembly 10. The shell 20 includes a second side surface having a width in the x-axis direction and a first side surface having a width in the y-axis direction, and the first side surface may be formed to be longer than the second side surface. Meanwhile, the specific configuration of the electrode assembly 10 is Figure 2 Therefore, its detailed description will be omitted.

[0106] The cap 30 may cover the open area of ​​the case 20. The cap 30 is coupled to the upper side of the case 20 to cover the open area of ​​the case 20. The cap 30 contacting the case 20 may be made of a conductive material.

[0107] The terminal 40 may pass through the cap 30 and be assembled to the cap 30. The terminal 40 may be connected to the electrode assembly 10. The terminal 40 passes through the cap 30 and has a lower portion that may be embedded in the case 20 and connected to the electrode assembly 10 and an upper portion that may protrude to the outside of the case 20. The electrode tab 18 connected to the electrode assembly 10 may contact the terminal 40.

[0108] The housing 50 may accommodate the shells 20 arranged in a row. The housing 50 may be formed to have a space into which the shells 20 arranged in a row may be inserted. In addition, the housing 50 may be coupled to the bottom surface and the side surface of the shells 20 arranged in a row, thereby achieving modularization.

[0109] The housing 50 may include an end plate 51 and a side plate 52 .

[0110] The end plate 51 may support first side surfaces of the shells 20 arranged in a row. The shells 20 may be continuously arranged in the x-axis direction, and first side surfaces of the shells 20 disposed at the first and last positions may each be supported by the end plate 51 .

[0111] The end plate 51 may include an end support portion 511 in close contact with the shell 20 and an end coupling portion 512 formed on the end support portion 511. The end support portion 511 has a length in the y-axis direction, and the end coupling portion 512 may be formed at both left and right ends of the end support portion 511.

[0112] The side plate 52 is coupled to the end plate 51 and may support the second side surface of the shells 20 arranged in a row. The side plate 52 has a length in the x-axis direction and may maintain a coupled state with the end plate 51 by welding.

[0113] The side plate 52 may include a side cover plate 521 and a side coupling plate 522 .

[0114] The side cover plate 521 may cover the second side surface of the case 20. The side cover plate 521 may have a width corresponding to the sum of each length of the second side surfaces of the case 20 arranged continuously in the x-axis direction. The side cover plate 521 may have a height corresponding to the height of the case 20 having a length in the z-axis direction.

[0115] The side connecting plate 522 may extend from both ends of the side cover plate 521 in the x-axis direction, respectively. The side connecting plate 522 may be connected to the end plate 51. The side connecting plate 522 may each extend a length of 10% to 90% of the height of the side cover plate 521. The side connecting plate 522 may maintain a connection state with the end connecting portion 512 by welding. The side connecting plate 522 may have one or two welding lines 523 formed in the z-axis direction. A portion of the side connecting plate 522 may be in surface contact with the end connecting portion 512 and connected to the end connecting portion 512.

[0116] Meanwhile, the thickness deformable portion 60 and the bending deformable portion 80 may be formed on the side cover plate 521, and the cutting deformable portion 70 may be formed on the side coupling plate 522. In addition, the stress distribution portion 90 formed in a portion of the bending deformable portion 80 may distribute stress.

[0117] The specific shape or feature of the thickness deformable portion 60 has been described in the battery module 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The specific shape or feature of the cutting deformable portion 70 has been described in the battery module 2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The specific shape or feature of each of the bending deformable portion 80 and the stress distribution portion 90 has been described in the battery module 3 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The above-mentioned thickness deformable portion 60, cutting deformable portion 70 and bending deformable portion 80 can be selectively applied to the battery module 4 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0118] In the battery module according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the thickness-deformable portions are connected to the cases spaced apart from each other, and when the continuously arranged shells expand, the length of the cases can be increased due to the thickness-deformable portions.

[0119] In the battery module according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the cut deformable portion is formed in the case, and when the continuously arranged shells expand, the length of the case can be increased as the cut deformable portion is cut and expanded.

[0120] In the battery module according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the bending deformable portion is formed in the case, and when the continuously arranged shells expand, the length of the case can be increased due to the bending deformable portion.

[0121] In the battery module according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, at least two of the thickness deformable portion, the cutting deformable portion and the bending deformable portion are formed in the case, and the length of the case can be increased when the continuously arranged shells expand.

[0122] According to another aspect of the present invention, a battery pack manufactured by using a battery module having an improved structure and a vehicle including the battery pack may be provided.

[0123] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings, these embodiments are only illustrative, and it should be understood that those skilled in the art can obtain various modifications and other equivalent embodiments based on the embodiments. Therefore, the technical scope of the present disclosure should be limited by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A battery module, comprising: a housing in which one or more electrode assemblies are embedded, each electrode assembly including a positive electrode and a negative electrode; a cap configured to cover the open area of ​​the shell; a terminal passing through the cap and assembled to the cap and connected to the electrode assembly; a housing configured to accommodate a plurality of shells arranged in a row; as well as A thickness deformable portion is formed in the housing and is deformable due to a thickness difference when the shell expands.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the housing comprises: an end plate configured to support first side surfaces of the plurality of shells arranged in a row; and A side plate is coupled to the end plate and is configured to support second side surfaces of the plurality of shells arranged in a row.

3. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein the side plate comprises: a side cover plate configured to cover the second side surfaces of the plurality of shells; and A side coupling plate extends from the side cover plate and is coupled to the end plate.

4. The battery module according to claim 3, wherein a plurality of side cover plates are arranged to be spaced apart from each other, and The thickness deformable portion connects the plurality of side cover plates that are spaced apart from each other. 5 . The battery module according to claim 4 , wherein a thickness of the thickness-deformable portion is smaller than a thickness of the side cover plate.

6. A battery module, comprising: a housing in which one or more electrode assemblies are embedded, each electrode assembly including a positive electrode and a negative electrode; a cap configured to cover the open area of ​​the shell; a terminal passing through the cap and assembled to the cap and connected to the electrode assembly; a housing configured to accommodate a plurality of shells arranged in a row; as well as A cut deformable portion is formed in the housing and is deformable as a portion of the housing is cut when the shell expands.

7. The battery module according to claim 6, wherein the housing comprises: an end plate configured to support first side surfaces of the plurality of shells arranged in a row; and A side plate is coupled to the end plate and is configured to support second side surfaces of the plurality of shells arranged in a row.

8. The battery module according to claim 7, wherein the side plate comprises: a side cover plate configured to cover the second side surfaces of the plurality of shells; and A side coupling plate extends from the side cover plate and is coupled to the end plate.

9. The battery module according to claim 8, wherein the cut deformable portion comprises: a first cutting line extending upward from a lower end portion of the side coupling plate to cut a portion of the side coupling plate; and A second cutting line extends downward from an upper end portion of the side coupling plate to cut a portion of the side coupling plate. 10 . The battery module according to claim 9 , wherein a length of each of the first cutting line and the second cutting line is 20% to 80% of a height of the side coupling plate.

11. A battery module, comprising: a housing in which one or more electrode assemblies are embedded, each electrode assembly including a positive electrode and a negative electrode; a cap configured to cover the open area of ​​the shell; a terminal passing through the cap and assembled to the cap and connected to the electrode assembly; a housing configured to accommodate a plurality of shells arranged in a row; as well as A curved deformable portion is formed in the housing and is deformable due to a curved shape when the shell is expanded.

12. The battery module according to claim 11, wherein the housing comprises: an end plate configured to support first side surfaces of the plurality of shells arranged in a row; and A side plate is coupled to the end plate and is configured to support second side surfaces of the plurality of shells arranged in a row.

13. The battery module according to claim 12, wherein the side plate comprises: a side cover plate configured to cover the second side surfaces of the plurality of shells; and A side coupling plate extends from the side cover plate and is coupled to the end plate.

14. The battery module according to claim 13, wherein the curved deformable portion is formed on the side cover plate. 15 . The battery module according to claim 11 , further comprising a stress distribution portion formed on a portion of the curved deformable portion and configured to distribute stress.

16. The battery module according to claim 15, wherein the stress distribution portion comprises: a first hole processed to have a length in a first direction of the curved deformable portion; and A second hole is processed at the first hole to have a length in a second direction. 17 . The battery module according to claim 15 , wherein the stress distribution portion comprises one distribution hole or two or more distribution holes, and the two or more distribution holes are processed to be spaced apart from each other in a vertical length direction of the curved deformable portion.

18. A battery module, comprising: a housing in which one or more electrode assemblies are embedded, each electrode assembly including a positive electrode and a negative electrode; a cap configured to cover the open area of ​​the shell; a terminal passing through the cap and assembled to the cap and connected to the electrode assembly; as well as a housing configured to accommodate a plurality of shells arranged in a row, At least two of a thickness deformable portion, a cutting deformable portion and a bending deformable portion are provided, wherein the thickness deformable portion is formed in the shell and is deformable due to a thickness difference when the shell expands, the cutting deformable portion is formed in the shell and is deformable due to a part of the shell being cut when the shell expands, and the bending deformable portion is formed in the shell and is deformable due to a curved shape when the shell expands.

19. The battery module according to claim 18, wherein the housing comprises an end plate and a side plate, the end plate being configured to support a first side surface of the plurality of shells arranged in a row, the side plate being coupled to the end plate and being configured to support a second side surface of the plurality of shells arranged in a row, The side plate includes a side cover plate configured to cover the second side surfaces of the plurality of shells and a side coupling plate extending from the side cover plate and coupled to the end plate, The thickness deformable portion and the bending deformable portion are formed on the side cover plate, and The cutting deformable portion is formed on the side coupling plate. 20 . The battery module according to claim 19 , wherein a stress distribution portion formed on a portion of the bending deformable portion distributes stress.

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