Bus bar holder and battery module

Abstract

The invention discloses a bus bar bracket and a battery module. The bus bar holder includes: a holder plate supporting a plurality of bus bars electrically connecting a plurality of battery cells; and a length adjuster supported by the holder plate and supporting a flexible circuit portion configured to transmit an electric signal generated by measuring a state of the plurality of battery cells such that the flexible circuit portion extends along a curved path.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Generally, as demand for portable electronic products such as notebook computers, video cameras, and portable phones rapidly increases and commercialization of robots, electric vehicles, etc. urgently begins, research on high-performance secondary batteries capable of repeated charge and discharge is actively underway.

[0003] Secondary batteries are widely used for driving devices or storing energy in not only small devices such as portable electronic devices, but also medium- and large-scale devices such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS). In particular, in the case of medium- and large-scale devices, battery modules can be formed in the form of electrically connecting multiple battery cells to increase the output power and capacity of the battery.

[0004] A battery module may include sensors, such as temperature and voltage sensors, to monitor the battery module's status during charging or discharging. However, as the battery module charges or discharges, the battery cells may expand, causing the sensor's initial position to change. When the sensor's position changes, it may become electrically disconnected from the flexible printed circuit (FPC). When the sensor is electrically disconnected from the FPC, the battery module's status cannot be monitored.

[0005] The above information disclosed in this Background section is provided for enhancement of understanding of the background of the present disclosure and therefore may contain information that does not constitute relevant art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to aspects of an embodiment of the present disclosure, there are provided a bus bar holder that supports a flexible circuit portion so that a sensing portion is not electrically disconnected from the flexible circuit portion even when a battery cell swells, and a battery module.

[0007] However, aspects and objects to be achieved by the present disclosure are not limited to the above aspects and objects, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand other aspects and objects not described above through the following description of the present disclosure.

[0008] According to one or more embodiments, a busbar holder includes: a holder plate that supports a plurality of busbars that electrically connect a plurality of battery cells; and a length adjuster that is supported by the holder plate and supports a flexible circuit portion configured to transmit an electrical signal generated by measuring the status of the plurality of battery cells, so that the flexible circuit portion extends along a curved path.

[0009] The length adjuster may support the flexible circuit portion such that a length of a bent section of the flexible circuit portion decreases when a volume of the plurality of battery cells expands.

[0010] The length adjuster may include a curved path portion, which includes: a first roller and a second roller, which are arranged to support the flexible circuit portion and are spaced apart from each other so that the flexible circuit portion extends along a zigzag path; and a first elastic member, which elastically presses the first roller in a direction in which the first roller moves away from the second roller.

[0011] The curved path portion may include a plurality of curved path portions, and the length adjuster may further include a tension adjuster, the tension adjuster including a tension roller, the tension roller being located between a pair of curved path portions spaced apart from each other among the plurality of curved path portions, contacting the flexible circuit portion, and being movable by tension of the flexible circuit portion.

[0012] The tension adjuster may further include: a tension roller bracket that supports the tension roller to allow the tension roller to move in position; and an elastic tension roller pressing member that elastically presses the tension roller in a direction in which the tension of the flexible circuit portion increases.

[0013] The bus bar support may further include a temperature sensor penetration portion for a temperature sensor for measuring temperatures of the plurality of battery cells, the temperature sensor penetrating through the support plate.

[0014] According to one or more embodiments, a battery module includes: a plurality of battery cells; a sensing portion for measuring the status of the plurality of battery cells; a flexible circuit portion for transmitting an electrical signal generated by the sensing portion; and a length adjuster, the length adjuster supporting the flexible circuit portion so that the flexible circuit portion extends along a curved path.

[0015] The length adjuster may support the flexible circuit portion such that a length of a bent section of the flexible circuit portion decreases when a volume of the plurality of battery cells increases.

[0016] The length adjuster may include a curved path portion, which includes: a first roller and a second roller, which are arranged to support the flexible circuit portion and are spaced apart from each other so that the flexible circuit portion extends along a zigzag path; and a first elastic member, which elastically presses the first roller in a direction in which the first roller moves away from the second roller.

[0017] The curved path portion may further include a roller support supporting the first roller to allow positional movement of the first roller.

[0018] The curved path portion may further include a second elastic member elastically supporting the second roller in a direction in which the second roller moves away from the first roller, and the roller support may support the second roller to allow positional movement of the second roller.

[0019] The curved path portion may include a plurality of curved path portions, and the length adjuster may further include a tension adjuster, the tension adjuster including a tension roller, the tension roller being located between a pair of curved path portions spaced apart from each other among the plurality of curved path portions, contacting the flexible circuit portion, and being movable by tension of the flexible circuit portion.

[0020] The tension adjuster may further include: a tension roller bracket that supports the tension roller to allow the tension roller to move in position; and an elastic tension roller pressing member that elastically presses the tension roller in a direction in which the tension of the flexible circuit portion increases.

[0021] The moving direction of the tension roller may be a direction intersecting with the moving direction of the first roller.

[0022] The plurality of battery cells may be arranged in a first direction, the flexible circuit portion may include a main circuit portion extending parallel to the first direction and a sub-circuit portion connecting the sensing portion and the main circuit portion, and the length adjuster may support the main circuit portion.

[0023] The sensing part may include a plurality of voltage sensors to measure voltages of the plurality of battery cells, and the length adjuster may support the main circuit part between a pair of voltage sensors spaced apart from each other among the plurality of voltage sensors.

[0024] The sub-circuit portion may have a width smaller than that of the main circuit portion and extend along a meandering path.

[0025] The battery module may further include a plurality of bus bars electrically connecting the plurality of battery cells and a bus bar holder supporting the plurality of bus bars, and the bus bar holder may include the length adjuster.

[0026] The bus bar support may cover a first side of each of the plurality of battery cells, and each of the plurality of battery cells may include a cell exhaust port at a second side opposite to the first side through which gas generated in the plurality of battery cells is discharged.

[0027] The sensing portion may include a temperature sensor to measure temperatures of the plurality of battery cells, and the temperature sensor may pass through the bus bar holder and may be attached to the plurality of battery cells. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The following 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 construed as being limited to the drawings.

[0029] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 2 This is an example Figure 1 A top exploded perspective view of a battery module;

[0031] Figure 3 This is an example Figure 1 An exploded bottom perspective view of the battery module;

[0032] Figure 4 This is an example Figure 2 A top perspective view of the bus bar holder, bus bars, and flexible printed circuit (FPC) shown in FIG;

[0033] Figure 5 This is an example Figure 2 A bottom perspective view of the bus bar bracket, bus bar and FPC shown in FIG;

[0034] Figure 6 This is an example Figure 2 A plan view of the busbar bracket, busbars and FPC shown in FIG;

[0035] Figure 7 This is an example Figure 2 A plan view of the busbar support shown in ;

[0036] Figure 8 It is illustrated from one side Figure 6 an enlarged perspective view of area "A";

[0037] Figure 9 It is illustrated from the other side Figure 6 an enlarged perspective view of area "A";

[0038] Figure 10 This is an example Figure 6 an enlarged plan view of area "A";

[0039] Figure 11 It is along Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of line BB of FIG; and

[0040] Figure 12 is with Figure 11 , and illustrates a state in which multiple battery cells of the battery module have expanded. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Herein, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to common or dictionary meanings, and should be interpreted as having 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 term concepts.

[0042] The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the accompanying drawings are provided as some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and do not necessarily represent all technical ideas, aspects, and features of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modifications that can replace or modify the embodiments described herein at the time of filing this application.

[0043] 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, connected to, or coupled to the other element or layer, or one or more intervening elements or layers may be present. When an element or layer is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there are no 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 can be directly coupled to or connected to the second element, or the first element can be indirectly coupled to or connected to the second element via one or more intervening elements.

[0044] In the accompanying drawings, the sizes of various elements, layers, etc. may be exaggerated for clarity of illustration. The same reference numerals indicate the same or similar elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more associated listed items. Further, the use of "may" when describing embodiments of the present disclosure relates to "one or more embodiments of the present disclosure." Expressions such as "at least one of..." and "any one of..." modify the entire list of elements when before / after a list of elements, without modifying individual elements in the list. When phrases such as "at least one of A, B, and 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 list of elements A, B, and C, the phrase may refer to any and all suitable combinations or subsets of A, B, and C, such as A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. As used herein, the terms "use" and "for" may be considered synonymous with the terms "utilize" and "utilized for," 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 take into account the inherent variations in measurements or calculations that one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize.

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

[0046] For ease of description, spatially relative terms such as "below," "beneath," "below," "above," "on," 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 spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figure is turned over, an element or feature described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features may then be oriented as "above" or "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the term "below" can encompass both above and below orientations. The device may be oriented in other ways (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein 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, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form "a" and "an" are also intended to include the plural form. It should be further understood that when used in this specification, the terms "comprise" and / or "comprising" specify the presence of the features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or groups thereof.

[0048] In addition, any numerical range disclosed and / or listed herein is intended to include all subranges of the same numerical precision contained within the listed range. For example, the range of "1.0 to 10.0" is intended to include (and include) all subranges between the listed minimum value of 1.0 and the listed maximum value of 10.0, i.e., having a minimum value equal to or greater than 1.0 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10.0, for example, such as 2.4 to 7.6. Any maximum numerical limit listed herein is intended to include all lower numerical limits contained therein, and any minimum numerical limit listed in this specification is intended to include all higher numerical limits contained therein. Therefore, the applicant reserves the right to amend this specification, including the claims, to explicitly list any subranges contained within the range explicitly listed herein.

[0049] Referring to two compared elements, features, etc. as "the same" may mean that they are "the same or substantially the same." Thus, the phrases "the same" or "substantially the same" may include variations that are considered low in the art, for example, 5% or less. Furthermore, when a parameter is referred to as being consistent in a given region, this may mean that it is consistent with respect to an average value.

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

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

[0052] Furthermore, it should be understood that when an element is referred to as being “coupled,” “linked,” or “connected” to another element, the elements may be directly “coupled,” “linked,” or “connected” to each other, or one or more intermediate elements may exist therebetween through which the element may be “coupled,” “linked,” or “connected” to the other element. Furthermore, when a part is referred to as being “electrically coupled” to another part, the part may be directly electrically connected to the other part, or one or more intermediate parts may exist therebetween so that the part and the other part are indirectly electrically connected to each other.

[0053] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise indicated, 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 items. Unless otherwise indicated, when "C to D" is stated, it means C or more 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 scope of the present disclosure.

[0055] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 2 This is an example Figure 1 A top exploded perspective view of a battery module; and Figure 3 This is an example Figure 1 An exploded bottom view of the battery module. Figure 4 This is an example Figure 2 A top perspective view of the bus bar holder, bus bars, and flexible printed circuit (FPC) shown in FIG; Figure 5 This is an example Figure 2 A bottom perspective view of the bus bar bracket, bus bar and FPC shown in FIG; Figure 6 This is an example Figure 2 A plan view of the busbar bracket, busbars and FPC shown in FIG; Figure 7 This is an example Figure 2 A plan view of the busbar support shown in ; Figure 8 It is illustrated from one side Figure 6 an enlarged perspective view of area "A"; Figure 9 It is illustrated from the other side Figure 6 an enlarged perspective view of area "A"; and Figure 10 This is an example Figure 6 an enlarged plan view of area "A"; Figure 11 It is along Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of line BB of FIG; and Figure 12 is with Figure 11 , and illustrates a state in which multiple battery cells of the battery module have expanded.

[0056] refer to Figures 1 to 3 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery module 100 includes a plurality of battery cells 101, a sensing portion, a flexible circuit portion 150, and a length adjustment unit or length adjuster 300 ( Figure 4 ). Each battery cell 101 serves as a unit structure for storing and supplying power in the battery module 100. In one embodiment, each of the battery cells 101 may include a cell case 102, a pair of cell terminals 107, and an electrode assembly (not shown).

[0057] The electrode assembly may be housed in the cell case 102. The electrode assembly may be formed by winding or stacking stacks, each stack including a first electrode plate, a separator, and a second electrode plate formed in a thin plate shape or a film shape.

[0058] In an embodiment where the electrode assembly is a wound stack, the winding axis of the electrode assembly may be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the cell housing 102. In one embodiment, the electrode assembly may be a stacked type rather than a wound type; however, the present disclosure does not limit the shape of the electrode assembly. In one embodiment, the electrode assembly may be a Z-stack electrode assembly in which the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate are inserted between two sides of a separator bent into a Z-stack shape. In one embodiment, one or more electrode assemblies may be stacked and housed in the cell housing 102 so that their long side surfaces are close to each other. The first electrode plate of the electrode assembly may serve as a negative electrode, and the second electrode plate may serve as a positive electrode. However, the opposite is also possible.

[0059] The first electrode plate may be formed by coating a first current collector plate formed of a metal foil such as copper, copper alloy, nickel or nickel alloy foil with a first electrode active material such as graphite or carbon, and may include a first electrode tab (or a first uncoated portion) as an area not coated with the first electrode active material. The first electrode tab may be a current flow path between the first electrode plate and the first current collector portion. In one or more examples, the first electrode tab may be formed to protrude toward the first side by cutting the first electrode plate when manufacturing the first electrode plate, and may protrude further toward the first side than the diaphragm without additional cutting.

[0060] The second electrode plate can be formed by coating a second current collector plate formed of a metal foil such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy foil with a second electrode active material such as a transition metal oxide, and can include a second electrode tab (or a second uncoated portion) as an area where the second electrode active material is not coated. The second electrode tab can be a current flow path between the second electrode plate and the second current collector portion. In one or more examples, the second electrode tab can be formed to protrude toward the second side by cutting the second electrode plate when manufacturing the second electrode plate, and can protrude further toward the second side than the diaphragm without additional cutting.

[0061] In one or more examples, the first electrode tab may be located on the side surface of the left end of the electrode assembly, and the second electrode tab may be located on the side surface of the right end of the electrode assembly, or the first electrode tab and the second electrode tab may be located on surfaces in the same direction. In this case, the left and right sides are for ease of description; however, the description of each side may change when the battery cell 101 is rotated in the left-right or vertical direction.

[0062] The first electrode tab of the first electrode plate and the second electrode tab of the second electrode plate are located at end portions of both sides or opposite sides of the electrode assembly. In one or more examples, the electrode assembly can be housed in the cell housing 102 together with the electrolyte. In one embodiment, in the electrode assembly, the first current collector portion and the second current collector portion are welded and connected to the first electrode tab of the first electrode plate and the second electrode tab of the second electrode plate, respectively, and are located at the first electrode tab and the second electrode tab.

[0063] In one embodiment, the cell housing 102 may have a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape and house the electrode assembly and electrolyte therein. In one embodiment, the cell housing 102 may include a metal housing or can having an open side and a cover plate for sealing the open side of the metal can. In one embodiment, a pair of cell terminals 107 may be mounted on the cover plate so as to protrude outwardly from the cover plate.

[0064] The first cell terminal 107 of the pair of cell terminals 107 can be electrically connected to one of the first and second current collector portions, and the second cell terminal 107 can be electrically connected to the other of the first and second current collector portions. Therefore, the first cell terminal 107 of the pair of cell terminals 107 can be a positive electrode terminal, and the second cell terminal 107 thereof can be a negative electrode terminal.

[0065] The pair of cell terminals 107 may be located at end portions on both sides or opposite sides of the cover plate in the longitudinal direction. The surface of the cell housing 102 from which the pair of cell terminals 107 protrude may be the upper surface of the cell housing 102, the other surface of the cell housing 102 opposite to the upper surface may be the lower surface of the cell housing 102, and the pair of surfaces connecting the upper surface and the lower surface and disposed opposite to each other may be a pair of side surfaces of the cell housing 102.

[0066] In one embodiment, each of the battery cells 101 includes a cell vent 109 that ruptures to discharge emissions such as gas and flame matter from the interior to the outside of the battery cell 101 when high-temperature gas, flame matter, etc. are generated in the cell housing 102 due to overcharging, abnormal operation, etc. The cell vent 109 may be located, for example, in a surface of the cell housing 102 opposite to the surface of the cell housing 102 from which the pair of cell terminals 107 protrude, such as a lower surface.

[0067] The plurality of battery cells 101 may be arranged in a row in the first direction. Each of rear surfaces of a pair of adjacent battery cells 101 among the plurality of battery cells 101 may be disposed to face the front surface of the cell case 102 .

[0068] For example, the first direction may be a front-to-back direction. Each of the cell terminals 107 may protrude in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction. For example, the third direction may be a vertical direction. A direction perpendicular to the first and third directions may be a second direction. For example, the second direction may be a left-to-right direction. The second direction may be the width direction of the cell housing 102.

[0069] The battery module 100 may further include a pair of end frames 120 , a pair of side plates 110 , a bottom plate 130 , a plurality of bus bars 140 , a bus bar holder 200 , a sensing portion, and a flexible circuit portion 150 .

[0070] The plurality of battery cells 101 may be interposed between a pair of end frames 120, and the pair of end frames 120 may be arranged spaced apart from each other in the first direction. A first end frame 120 of the pair of end frames 120 may be arranged in front of the plurality of battery cells 101 to conceal or cover the front surface of the cell housing 102 located at the frontmost side of the plurality of cell housings 102 arranged in the first direction. A second end frame 120 of the pair of end frames 120 may be arranged behind the plurality of battery cells 101 to conceal or cover the rear surface of the cell housing 102 located at the rearmost side of the plurality of cell housings 102 arranged in the first direction.

[0071] The plurality of battery cells 101 may be interposed between a pair of side plates 110, and the pair of side plates 110 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the second direction. The pair of side plates 110 may be arranged to conceal or cover the paired side surfaces of the plurality of battery cells 102 and face each other. The front and rear ends of the pair of side plates 110, i.e., the end portions on both sides or opposite sides thereof in the first direction, may be connected to the end portions on both sides or opposite sides of the pair of end frames 120 in the second direction by methods such as welding or applying an adhesive.

[0072] The plurality of battery cells 101 may be interposed between the bottom plate 130 and the bus bar support 200, and the bottom plate 130 and the bus bar support 200 may be spaced apart from each other in the third direction. The bottom plate 130 may be disposed below the plurality of battery cells 101 to conceal or cover the lower surfaces of the plurality of cell housings 102. The front and rear ends of the bottom plate 130, i.e., the end portions on both sides or opposite sides thereof in the first direction, may be coupled to the pair of end frames 120.

[0073] In one embodiment, the bottom plate 130 may include a plurality of module exhaust ports 132 arranged in the third direction (e.g., arranged one-to-one) with the cell exhaust ports 109 of the plurality of battery cells 101. The module exhaust ports 132 may be through-holes formed through the bottom plate 130 in the thickness direction. Gas discharged from the interior of the cell housing 102 to the outside through the cell exhaust ports 109 can be quickly discharged to the outside of the battery module 100 through the module exhaust ports 132.

[0074] The plurality of bus bars 140 electrically connect the plurality of battery cells 101. For example, the plurality of bus bars 140 may electrically connect a pair of adjacent battery cells 101 among the plurality of battery cells 101. In a pair of adjacent battery cells 101 in a first direction, the positive cell terminal 107 of one battery cell 101 and the negative cell terminal 107 of the other battery cell 101 may be connected via the bus bar 140. In one embodiment, the bus bar 140 and the positive cell terminal 107 or the bus bar 140 and the negative cell terminal 107 may be connected by welding.

[0075] The bus bar holder 200 supports the plurality of bus bars 140. The bus bar holder 200 may be provided on the plurality of cell housings 102 to conceal or cover the upper surfaces of the plurality of cell housings 102. The plurality of bus bars 140 and the bus bar holder 200 may conceal or cover one side of each of the plurality of battery cells 101 in the first direction, and the battery cells 101 include cell vents 109 on a side opposite to the side concealed or covered by the plurality of bus bars 140 and the bus bar holder 200.

[0076] The busbar support 200 may include a support plate 201 that supports a plurality of busbars 140. End portions 203 ( Figure 4 ) may be coupled to the pair of side plates 110 , so that the bus bar support 200 may be supported by the pair of side plates 100 .

[0077] refer to Figures 4 to 12 The busbar support 200 includes a plurality of cell terminal through-holes 205 formed through the support plate 201 in the thickness direction thereof, so that the plurality of cell terminals 107 protruding from the plurality of battery cells 101 pass through the plurality of cell terminal through-holes 205. The busbar 140 can be connected to the cell terminals 107 passing through and protruding from the cell terminal through-holes 205.

[0078] The sensing unit measures the status of the plurality of battery cells 101. In one embodiment, the sensing unit may include a plurality of voltage sensors 161 and a plurality of temperature sensors 164. The plurality of voltage sensors 161 may measure the voltages of the plurality of battery cells 101. In one embodiment, each of the voltage sensors 161 may be electrically connected to one of the bus bars 140 by welding.

[0079] The plurality of temperature sensors 164 can measure the temperature of the plurality of battery cells 101. The busbar support 200 may include a plurality of temperature sensor penetration portions 210 provided for the plurality of temperature sensors 164 to penetrate the support plate 201. The temperature sensor penetration portions 210 may include through holes formed to penetrate the support plate 201 in a thickness direction.

[0080] In one embodiment, the plurality of temperature sensor penetration portions 210 may be provided as a pair of temperature sensor penetration portions 210, and the temperature sensors 164 may be provided as a pair of temperature sensors 164 to correspond one-to-one with the temperature sensor penetration portions 210. In one embodiment, one of the pair of temperature sensor penetration portions 210 may be positioned offset to the first side of the support plate 201 in the first direction, and the other may be positioned in the center portion of the support plate 201 in the first direction. The pair of temperature sensors 164 may pass through the support plate 201 through the pair of temperature sensor penetration portions 210 and may be attached to the unit housing 102 by, for example, an adhesive member such as a double-sided adhesive tape.

[0081] The flexible circuit portion 150 transmits electrical signals generated by the voltage sensor 161 and the temperature sensor 164 of the sensing portion to a controller (not shown) that controls the operation of the battery module 100. The flexible circuit portion 150 may include an FPC.

[0082] The flexible circuit portion 150 may be provided as a pair of flexible circuit portions 150. One of the pair of flexible circuit portions 150 may be positioned closer to the plurality of bus bars 140 arranged in a row on one side in the second direction, and the other flexible circuit portion 150 may be positioned closer to the plurality of bus bars 140 arranged in a row on the other side in the second direction.

[0083] The pair of flexible circuit parts 150 may each include a main circuit part 151 and a plurality of sub-circuit parts 154. In one embodiment, the main circuit part 151 may extend parallel to a first direction in which the plurality of battery cells 101 are arranged.

[0084] The sub-circuit portion 154 may connect the sensing portion and the main circuit portion 151. The sub-circuit portion 154 may be provided as a plurality of sub-circuit portions 154. In one embodiment, some of the plurality of sub-circuit portions 154 may electrically connect the plurality of voltage sensors 161 and corners of the main circuit portion 151, and other sub-circuit portions 154 may electrically connect the temperature sensor 164 and corners of the main circuit portion 151.

[0085] In one embodiment, each of the sub-circuit portions 154 may have a width smaller than that of the main circuit portion 151 in the second direction. In one embodiment, the sub-circuit portions 154 may extend along a curved path. In one embodiment, if the position of the voltage sensor 161 or the temperature sensor 164 slightly changes during charging or discharging of the battery module 100, the voltage sensor 161 or the temperature sensor 164 may not disconnect from the flexible circuit portion 150 or disconnect from the flexible circuit portion 150 because the sub-circuit portions 154 are adjusted to correspond to the positional change of the voltage sensor 161 or the temperature sensor 164.

[0086] The length adjustment unit 300 supports the flexible circuit portion 150 so that the flexible circuit portion 150 extends along a curved path. For example, the length adjustment unit 300 can support the main circuit portion 151. The length adjustment unit 300 can support the main circuit portion 151 between a pair of voltage sensors 161 that are spaced apart from each other among the plurality of voltage sensors 161.

[0087] The length adjustment unit 300 may be included in each of the flexible circuit parts 150 or provided as a plurality of length adjustment units 300 spaced apart from each other. Figures 4 to 6 Unlike those shown in FIG, one length adjustment unit 300 may be provided in each flexible circuit portion 150.

[0088] A plurality of length adjustment units 300 may be included in the busbar support 200. The plurality of length adjustment units 300 may be supported by the support plate 201. In one embodiment, each of the length adjustment units 300 may include a first curved path portion 301, a second curved path portion 331, and a tension adjustment portion or tension adjuster 360.

[0089] However, with Figures 4 to 12 Unlike those shown in , the length adjustment unit according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may not be included in the bus bar bracket. For example, the battery module may further include a module cover supported by the bus bar bracket, and the length adjustment unit may be supported by the module cover.

[0090] The first curved path portion 301 and the second curved path portion 331 may be disposed spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the main circuit portion 151. In one embodiment, the tension adjustment portion 360 may be disposed between the pair of curved path portions 301, 331 spaced apart from each other.

[0091] In one embodiment, the first curved path portion 301 may include a first roller 310, a second roller 315, a first roller support 302, a first elastic member 320, and a second elastic member 325. The first roller 310 and the second roller 315 are provided to support the main circuit portion 151 and are spaced apart from each other so that the main circuit portion 151 extends along a zigzag path. The first roller 310 and the second roller 315 may extend in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the main circuit portion 151.

[0092] The first roller support 302 supports the first roller 310 and the second roller 315. The first roller support 302 may include or be provided as a pair of first roller supports 302 to support both end portions of the first roller 310 and the second roller 315 in the longitudinal direction. The pair of first roller supports 302 may be fixedly supported by the support plate 201.

[0093] The first roller 310 and the second roller 315 may be supported by the first roller support 302 to allow the first roller 310 and the second roller 315 to be positionally movable in the first direction. A first roller elongated groove 303, into which the longitudinal end portion of the first roller 310 is fitted to move in the first direction, and a second roller elongated groove 307, into which the longitudinal end portion of the second roller 315 is fitted to move in the first direction, may be formed in the first roller support 302. The first roller elongated groove 303 and the second roller elongated groove 307 may be provided at different levels so that the first roller 310 and the second roller 315 are disposed at different levels in the third direction.

[0094] The first elastic member 320 elastically presses the first roller 310 in a direction in which the first roller 310 moves away from the second roller 315. For example, the first elastic member 320 may be a coil spring. The first elastic member 320 may be installed in the first roller bracket 302 so as to be fitted into the first roller slot 303.

[0095] The second elastic member 325 elastically presses the second roller 315 in the direction in which the second roller 315 moves away from the first roller 310. For example, the second elastic member 325 can be a coil spring. The second elastic member 325 can be installed in the first roller bracket 302 to be fitted into the second roller slot 307.

[0096] The first elastic member 320 and the second elastic member 325 may be provided as a pair of first elastic members 320 and a pair of second elastic members 325 to correspond to the pair of first roller brackets 302. Figures 8 to 12 Unlike the embodiment of the present disclosure illustrated in FIG, the length adjustment unit or the length adjuster included in another embodiment may include a second roller that does not move in the first direction, and may not include an elastic member that elastically presses the second roller. Figures 8 to 12 In the length adjustment unit 300 in the embodiment of the present disclosure illustrated in FIG, the first roller 310 is located at a level higher than that of the second roller 315 in the third direction. However, in a length adjustment unit included in another embodiment of the present disclosure, unlike the length adjustment unit 300, the first roller may be located at a level lower than that of the second roller in the third direction.

[0097] In one embodiment, the second curved path portion 331 may include a first roller 340, a second roller 345, a second roller bracket 332, a first elastic member 350, and a second elastic member 355. The first roller 340 and the second roller 345 are provided to support the main circuit portion 151 and are spaced apart from each other so that the main circuit portion 151 extends along a zigzag path. The first roller 340 and the second roller 345 may extend in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the main circuit portion 151.

[0098] The second roller bracket 332 supports the first roller 340 and the second roller 345. The second roller bracket 332 may be provided as a pair of second roller brackets 332 to support both or opposite end portions of the first roller 340 and the second roller 345 in the longitudinal direction. The pair of second roller brackets 332 may be fixedly supported by the bracket plate 201.

[0099] The first roller 340 and the second roller 345 may be supported by the second roller bracket 332 to allow the first roller 340 and the second roller 345 to be positionally movable in the first direction. A first roller elongated groove 333, into which the longitudinal end portion of the first roller 340 is fitted to allow movement in the first direction, and a second roller elongated groove 337, into which the longitudinal end portion of the second roller 345 is fitted to allow movement in the first direction, may be formed in the second roller bracket 332. In one embodiment, the first roller elongated groove 333 and the second roller elongated groove 337 may be provided at different levels, such that the first roller 340 and the second roller 345 are disposed at different levels in the third direction.

[0100] The first elastic member 350 elastically presses the first roller 340 in a direction in which the first roller 340 moves away from the second roller 345. For example, the first elastic member 350 may be a coil spring. The first elastic member 350 may be installed in the second roller bracket 332 so as to be fitted into the first roller slot 333.

[0101] The second elastic member 355 elastically presses the second roller 345 in the direction in which the second roller 345 moves away from the first roller 340. For example, the second elastic member 355 may be a coil spring. The second elastic member 355 may be installed in the second roller bracket 332 so as to be fitted into the second roller elongated groove 337.

[0102] The first elastic member 350 and the second elastic member 355 may be provided as a pair of first elastic members 350 and a pair of second elastic members 355 to correspond to the pair of second roller brackets 332. Figures 8 to 12 Unlike the embodiment of the present disclosure illustrated in FIG, the length adjustment unit included in another embodiment of the present disclosure may include a second roller that does not move in the first direction, and may not include an elastic member that elastically presses the second roller. Figures 8 to 12 In the length adjustment unit 300 in the embodiment of the present disclosure illustrated in FIG, the first roller 340 is located at a level higher than that of the second roller 345 in the third direction. However, in a length adjustment unit included in another embodiment of the present disclosure, unlike the length adjustment unit 300, the first roller may be located at a level lower than that of the second roller in the third direction.

[0103] The tension adjustment portion 360 may include a tension roller 370, a tension roller bracket 362, and an elastic tension roller pressing member 375. The tension roller 370 may be in contact with the main circuit portion 151 and may be moved by the tension of the main circuit portion 151. The tension roller 370 may extend in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the main circuit portion 151.

[0104] The tension roller bracket 362 supports the tension roller 370. In one embodiment, the tension roller bracket 362 may be provided as a pair of tension roller brackets 362 to support both or opposite end portions of the tension roller 370 in the longitudinal direction. The pair of tension roller brackets 362 may be fixedly supported by the bracket plate 201.

[0105] The tension roller 370 may be supported by the tension roller support 362 to allow the tension roller 370 to be positionally movable in a third direction intersecting the first direction in which the first rollers 310 and 340 and the second rollers 315 and 345 move. In one embodiment, a tension roller elongated groove 364, into which an end portion of the tension roller 370 in the longitudinal direction is fitted to allow the tension roller 370 to move in the third direction, may be formed in the tension roller support 362.

[0106] The elastic tension roller pressing member 375 elastically presses the tension roller 370 in the direction of increasing the tension of the main circuit portion 151. Figure 8 In the embodiment of the present disclosure illustrated in FIG, the main circuit portion 151 passes below the tension roller 370, and the elastic tension roller pressing member 375 elastically presses the tension roller 370 downward. However, in another embodiment of the present disclosure, the main circuit portion 151 may pass above the tension roller 370, and the elastic tension roller pressing member 375 may elastically press the tension roller 370 upward.

[0107] For example, the elastic tension roller pressing member 375 may be a coil spring. The elastic tension roller pressing member 375 may be installed in the tension roller bracket 362 so as to fit into the tension roller slot 364. In one embodiment, the elastic tension roller pressing member 375 may be provided as a pair of elastic tension roller pressing members 375 to correspond to the pair of tension roller brackets 362.

[0108] When the battery module 100 is charged or discharged, the cell housing 102 of the battery cell 101 may expand, and thus the voltage sensor 161 and the temperature sensor 164 may change position in the first direction. When the sensors 161 and 164 change position, stress increases at the portion where the sensors 161 and 164 are connected to the flexible circuit portion 150, and thus the sensors 161 and 164 may be electrically disconnected from the flexible circuit portion 150.

[0109] Although portions of the sensors 161 , 164 connected to the flexible circuit portion 150 may not be damaged, tension of the flexible circuit portion 150 may excessively increase, and thus, a circuit provided in the flexible circuit portion 150 may be disconnected.

[0110] The length adjustment unit 300 supports the main circuit portion 151 so that when the volume of the battery cell 101 expands and the tension of the main circuit portion 151 increases, the length of the section bent along the zigzag path decreases. The tension of the main circuit portion 151 increased due to the expansion of the battery cell 101 pushes the first rollers 310, 340, the second rollers 315, 345 and the tension roller 370 to elastically compress the first elastic members 320, 350, the second elastic members 325, 355 and the elastic tension roller extrusion member 375. Therefore, the length of the curved section of the main circuit portion 151 can be reduced and the tension of the main circuit portion 151 can be relieved. As a result, the portion of the sensors 161, 164 connected to the flexible circuit portion 150 is not damaged, and the circuit provided in the flexible circuit portion 150 is not disconnected.

[0111] When the battery cell 101 expands while the battery module 100 is being charged or discharged, the sensors 161 and 164 may change position in the second direction. In this case, because the sub-circuit portion 154, which extends along a curved path and has a width smaller than that of the main circuit portion 151, elastically deforms in the direction in which it expands in the second direction and follows the position change of the sensors 161 and 164, it is possible to more reliably prevent the portion of the sensors 161 and 164 connected to the flexible circuit portion 150 or the circuit provided in the flexible circuit portion 150 from being disconnected.

[0112] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the length adjustment unit supports the flexible circuit portion, forming a curved portion therein. When the battery cell expands, the length adjustment unit deforms to reduce the length of the curved portion of the flexible circuit portion. When the battery cell contracts to its original volume, the length adjustment unit returns to its original form. Therefore, even if the battery cell significantly expands, the flexible circuit portion remains disconnected from the sensing portion or damaged, thereby improving the durability of the battery module.

[0113] However, aspects and features of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and other aspects and features not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the detailed description provided above.

[0114] Although the present invention has been described with reference to some embodiments and drawings illustrating some aspects thereof, the present invention is not limited thereto. Within the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention and its claims and equivalents, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A busbar support, comprising: a support plate supporting a plurality of bus bars electrically connecting the plurality of battery cells; as well as A length adjuster is supported by the bracket plate and supports a flexible circuit portion configured to transmit an electrical signal generated by measuring states of the plurality of battery cells such that the flexible circuit portion extends along a curved path. 2 . The bus bar holder according to claim 1 , wherein the length adjuster supports the flexible circuit portion such that a length of a bent section of the flexible circuit portion decreases when a volume of the plurality of battery cells increases.

3. The bus bar support according to claim 1 , wherein the length adjuster comprises a curved path portion, the curved path portion comprising: a first roller and a second roller arranged to support the flexible circuit portion and spaced apart from each other so that the flexible circuit portion extends along a zigzag path; as well as A first elastic member elastically presses the first roller in a direction in which the first roller moves away from the second roller.

4. The busbar support according to claim 3, wherein The curved path portion includes a plurality of curved path portions, and The length adjuster further includes a tension adjuster including a tension roller located between a pair of curved path portions spaced apart from each other among the plurality of curved path portions, in contact with the flexible circuit portion, and movable by tension of the flexible circuit portion.

5. The busbar support according to claim 4, wherein the tension adjuster further comprises: a tension roller bracket, the tension roller bracket supporting the tension roller to allow the tension roller to move; as well as an elastic tension roller pressing member that elastically presses the tension roller in a direction in which the tension of the flexible circuit portion increases. 6 . The bus bar support according to claim 1 , further comprising a temperature sensor penetration portion for a temperature sensor for measuring temperatures of the plurality of battery cells, the temperature sensor penetration portion being adapted to penetrate the support plate.

7. A battery module comprising: Multiple battery cells; a sensing unit for measuring the states of the plurality of battery cells; a flexible circuit portion, for transmitting the electrical signal generated by the sensing portion; as well as A length adjuster supports the flexible circuit portion so that the flexible circuit portion extends along a curved path. 8 . The battery module according to claim 7 , wherein the length adjuster supports the flexible circuit portion such that when the volume of the plurality of battery cells increases, the length of the bent section of the flexible circuit portion decreases.

9. The battery module according to claim 7, wherein the length adjuster comprises a curved path portion, the curved path portion comprising: a first roller and a second roller arranged to support the flexible circuit portion and spaced apart from each other so that the flexible circuit portion extends along a zigzag path; as well as A first elastic member elastically presses the first roller in a direction in which the first roller moves away from the second roller. 10 . The battery module according to claim 9 , wherein the curved path portion further comprises a roller support supporting the first roller to allow a position of the first roller to be moved.

11. The battery module according to claim 10, wherein The curved path portion further includes a second elastic member elastically supporting the second roller in a direction in which the second roller can move away from the first roller, and The roller support supports the second roller to allow the second roller to move in position.

12. The battery module according to claim 9, wherein The curved path portion includes a plurality of curved path portions, and The length adjuster further includes a tension adjuster including a tension roller located between a pair of curved path portions spaced apart from each other among the plurality of curved path portions, in contact with the flexible circuit portion, and movable by tension of the flexible circuit portion.

13. The battery module according to claim 12, wherein the tension regulator further comprises: a tension roller bracket, the tension roller bracket supporting the tension roller to allow the tension roller to move; as well as an elastic tension roller pressing member that elastically presses the tension roller in a direction in which the tension of the flexible circuit portion increases. 14 . The battery module according to claim 12 , wherein a moving direction of the tension roller is a direction intersecting with a moving direction of the first roller.

15. The battery module according to claim 7, wherein The plurality of battery cells are arranged in an arrangement direction, The flexible circuit portion includes a main circuit portion extending in parallel with the arrangement direction of the plurality of battery cells and a sub-circuit portion connecting the sensing portion and the main circuit portion, and The length adjuster supports the main circuit portion.

16. The battery module according to claim 15, wherein The sensing unit includes a plurality of voltage sensors for measuring the voltages of the plurality of battery cells, and The length adjuster supports the main circuit portion between a pair of voltage sensors that are spaced apart from each other among the plurality of voltage sensors. 17 . The battery module according to claim 15 , wherein the sub-circuit portion has a width smaller than that of the main circuit portion and extends along a meandering path.

18. The battery module according to claim 7, further comprising: a plurality of bus bars electrically connecting the plurality of battery cells; as well as a busbar support supporting the plurality of busbars, The busbar support includes the length adjuster.

19. The battery module according to claim 18, wherein The bus bar support covers a first side of each of the plurality of battery cells, and Each of the plurality of battery cells includes a cell exhaust port at a side opposite to the first side, through which gas generated in the plurality of battery cells is discharged.

20. The battery module according to claim 18, wherein The sensing unit includes a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the plurality of battery cells, and The temperature sensor passes through the bus bar holder and is attached to the plurality of battery cells.

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