Battery module comprising circuit board

Abstract

There is provided a structure of a battery module including a plurality of battery cells stacked in a width direction to form a cell stack, in which the cell stack includes a circuit board stacked in the width direction together with the battery cells, and the circuit board comprises at least one of a temperature sensor in contact with the surface of the battery cell and a surface pressure sensor for measuring the internal stress of the cell stack in the width direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0099966, filed on July 31, 2023, the entire contents of which are included as part of this specification.

[0002] This invention relates to a structure of a battery module including a circuit board capable of measuring the voltage, temperature, pressure, etc., of a cell laminate in which multiple pouch cell cells are stacked. Background Technology

[0003] Secondary batteries, offered by product groups and possessing electrical characteristics such as high energy density, are widely used not only in portable devices but also in electric or hybrid vehicles powered by electric drive sources and in energy storage devices. These secondary batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source for improving eco-friendliness and energy efficiency, not only because of their key advantage of significantly reducing fossil fuel use, but also because they do not produce any byproducts resulting from energy consumption.

[0004] While small mobile devices use one, two, or three battery cells per device, medium to large devices such as vehicles require high output and large capacity. Therefore, medium to large battery modules in which multiple battery cells are electrically connected are used.

[0005] Since it is desirable for medium to large battery modules to be manufactured as small and light as possible, rectangular and pouch cells, which can be stacked with high integration and have small weight-capacity cells, are mainly used as battery cells for medium to large battery modules.

[0006] Figure 1 The structure of a pouch cell is shown. (Refer to...) Figure 1 The battery cell 21 is formed by folding a metal material in half to form a bag 210 that houses and seals the electrode assembly. The bag 210 is sealed on three sides other than the folded side, and the opposite sides of the folded side are sealed. It is then folded and glued to form a sealing portion 211, and the two ends of the bag 210 in the longitudinal direction form a platform portion 212, through which the electrode lead 213 protrudes.

[0007] Figure 2 and Figure 3 The structure of a general-purpose battery module, including a circuit board, is shown. (Refer to...) Figure 2 and Figure 3The battery cells 10 can be connected in series and / or in parallel to form a battery module M to increase capacity and / or voltage. The battery module includes: a cell laminate 2, wherein a plurality of battery cells 21 are stacked in the width direction; a busbar assembly 3, which is connected to electrode leads 213 at one end of the cell laminate 2 in the length direction; and a housing 1, which houses the cell laminate 2 and the busbar assembly 3. The housing 1 typically includes a U-shaped frame 11, a top plate 12, and a pair of end plates 13.

[0008] Meanwhile, the battery cell 21 carries the risk of overheating and ignition due to short circuits, etc. When the battery cell 21 ignites, high-temperature gases and flames can be emitted from it. When these high-temperature gases and flames remain inside the casing 1, the ignition may spread to other battery cells, leading to module-level ignition. Furthermore, multiple battery modules M can be integrated facing each other at the front and rear to form a battery pack. When these high-temperature gases and flames are emitted in the front-rear direction of the battery module M, the ignition may spread to other battery modules M and lead to battery pack-level ignition.

[0009] To prevent this series ignition, a recent trend is to provide vent holes 121 in the top plate 12 to discharge gases and flames upwards. By discharging gases and flames upwards, heat transfer between battery cells and between modules can be prevented.

[0010] Return to reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 The battery module M may include a circuit board 23, which measures the voltage of the cell laminate 2 via a busbar 32 connected to the cell laminate 2. Typically, a temperature sensor 233, which is in contact with the cell laminate 2 and measures the temperature of the cell laminate 2, is connected to such a circuit board 23.

[0011] However, since the circuit board 23 is located on the upper surface of the cell laminate 2, the vent hole 121 may not be located in the area where the circuit board 23 and the circuit board cover 122 are provided, resulting in poor venting in the central portion of the cell laminate 2 in the width direction. Furthermore, since the temperature sensor 233 can be placed only in contact with the sealing portion 211, the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 233 may not accurately represent the precise internal temperature of the cell laminate 2.

[0012] Furthermore, within the battery cell 21, there is a possibility of electrolyte solution evaporating and failing to dissipate to the outside, causing the bag 210 to swell. This could reduce the structural stability and energy density of the battery module M, and may be a precursor to ignition, which should also be prevented. Summary of the Invention

[0013] Technical issues

[0014] In order to solve the problems of the prior art, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a battery module structure in which the high-temperature gas and flame caused by the ignition of the battery cell can be smoothly discharged upward.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a structure for a battery module in which gas and flame can be emitted through the entire upper surface of the battery module.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery module structure in which lifespan, condition, ignition risk, etc., can be monitored by means of a circuit board including a circuit board capable of acquiring electrical information of the cell laminate, information about temperature, internal stress, etc. In particular, another object of the present invention is to provide a sensor structure and arrangement capable of accurately representing the measured temperature and internal stress of the cell laminate.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery module structure in which the degradation of structural stability due to tolerances and / or expansion is minimized.

[0018] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is not limited to the above-described objectives, and other objectives and advantages of the present invention not described herein may be understood through the following description and will be more clearly understood through examples of the present invention. Furthermore, it is apparent that the objectives and advantages of the present invention can be embodied by the means and combinations thereof indicated in the claims.

[0019] Technical solution

[0020] To address the aforementioned problems, the present invention provides a battery module structure comprising a plurality of battery cells stacked in the width direction to form a cell laminate, wherein the cell laminate includes a circuit board comprising at least one of the following: a temperature sensor in contact with the surface of the battery cells, and a surface pressure sensor for measuring the internal stress of the cell laminate in the width direction.

[0021] Temperature sensors can include thermistors. However, any temperature sensor can be chosen, as long as it can measure the temperature of the battery cell while in contact with its surface.

[0022] The temperature sensor can be positioned at the center of the plane of the circuit board. That is, the center of the plane of the portion of the temperature sensor that contacts the battery cell can be located within a predetermined distance from the center of the side surface of the battery cell in the width direction. Preferably, the predetermined distance is equal to or shorter than one-third of the shorter side of the battery cell. Therefore, the temperature measured by the temperature sensor can accurately represent the temperature of the cell laminate.

[0023] The circuit board may include a surface pressure sensor that measures the internal stress of the cell laminate in the width direction.

[0024] Surface pressure sensors may include piezoelectric sensors. However, any surface pressure sensor can be selected, as long as the sensor is capable of measuring the internal stress of the cell laminate in the width direction while it is disposed within the cell laminate.

[0025] The surface pressure sensor can be positioned at the center of the plane of the circuit board. That is, the center of the surface pressure sensor can be located within a predetermined distance from the center of the width-direction side surface of the battery cell. Preferably, the predetermined distance is less than one-third of the shorter side of the battery cell. Therefore, the pressure measured by the surface pressure sensor can accurately represent the internal temperature of the cell laminate.

[0026] The circuit board according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a temperature sensor and a surface pressure sensor, and the temperature sensor and the surface pressure sensor may be positioned such that the center of the sensor portion is located within a distance of less than one-third of the short side of the battery cell from the center of the plane of the battery cell.

[0027] An even number of battery cells can be provided. Here, in the cell laminate, the number of battery cells stacked on both sides of the circuit board in the width direction can be the same. In this case, the circuit board can be located at the central portion of the cell laminate in the width direction, that is, at the location that best represents the temperature and / or internal stress of the cell laminate.

[0028] Alternatively, an odd number of battery cells can be provided. Here, the circuit board can be stacked on one side of the battery cells in the width direction, located at the center of the cell laminate in the width direction. Furthermore, a temperature sensor can contact the surface of the battery cells on the other side of the circuit board in the width direction. In this case, the circuit board can be located at the center of the cell laminate in the width direction to directly measure the temperature of the battery cells that best represents the temperature of the cell laminate, and can be positioned close to the center of the cell laminate in the width direction to best represent the internal stress of the cell laminate.

[0029] The cell laminate according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an even number of battery cells, and here, the circuit board may be arranged such that the same number of battery cells are positioned on both sides of its width direction.

[0030] The cell laminate may include a compressible pad containing compressible material and stacked together with the battery cells. The compressible material is made of a material that can be compressed in the width direction and is capable of absorbing tolerances in the width direction of the cell laminate or the expansion of the battery cells.

[0031] A compressible pad can be stacked on one side of the circuit board in the width direction. Here, the temperature sensor can contact the surface of the battery cell on the other side of the circuit board in the width direction. Alternatively, a sensor hole that opens the space between the temperature sensor and the battery cell can be provided in the compressible pad at a location corresponding to the temperature sensor, and the temperature sensor can protrude in the width direction to pass through the sensor hole and contact the surface of the battery cell on one side of the circuit board in the width direction. That is, by providing a sensor hole, the temperature sensor can directly contact the battery cell, regardless of which surface of the circuit board the compressible pad is stacked on in the width direction.

[0032] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a predetermined first compressible pad can be stacked on one side of the circuit board in the width direction, and a predetermined second compressible pad can be stacked on the other side of the circuit board in the width direction. Here, a sensor hole that opens the space between the temperature sensor and the battery cell can be provided in the first compressible pad at a position corresponding to the temperature sensor, and the temperature sensor can protrude in the width direction to pass through the sensor hole and contact the surface of the battery cell on one side of the circuit board in the width direction.

[0033] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a battery module structure including a cell laminate is provided, wherein compressible pads are stacked on both sides of the circuit board in the width direction, such that tolerances and expansion in the width direction are absorbed, while a temperature sensor can directly contact the surface of the battery cell to accurately measure the temperature of the battery cell.

[0034] The present invention also provides a battery pack including a battery module and a structure of a vehicle including the battery pack.

[0035] Multiple battery modules can be integrated to form a battery pack to increase capacity and / or voltage. The battery pack may include an emission device capable of venting gases and flames upwards to the outside when the battery modules are ignited. The battery pack can be integrated into a vehicle as a power source. Vehicles may include electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, etc.

[0036] Beneficial effects

[0037] The present invention can provide a battery module structure in which high-temperature gases and flames caused by the ignition of the battery cells can be smoothly discharged from the entire upper surface of the cell laminate in an upward direction by fully opening the upper surface of the cell laminate.

[0038] The present invention also provides a battery module structure in which electrical information of the cell laminate, information about temperature, internal stress, etc., can be obtained through a circuit board including a busbar, a temperature sensor and / or a surface pressure sensor to monitor life, condition, ignition risk, etc., and the temperature and internal stress of the cell laminate can be accurately represented by positioning the temperature sensor and the surface pressure sensor in the central part of the cell laminate.

[0039] Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a battery module structure in which a temperature sensor accurately measures the temperature of the battery cell, while minimizing the degradation of structural stability due to tolerances and / or expansion by including a compressible pad.

[0040] Furthermore, the present invention may have various other effects, and descriptions thereof will be given in each embodiment, or descriptions of effects that can be readily deduced by those skilled in the art will be omitted. Attached Figure Description

[0041] Figure 1 The structure of a pouch cell is shown.

[0042] Figure 2 and Figure 3 The structure of a general-purpose battery module, including a circuit board, is shown.

[0043] Figure 4 and Figure 5 The structure of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0044] Figure 6 and Figure 7 The structure of a circuit board according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0045] Figures 8 to 10 The diagram illustrates the structure of a circuit board with a compressible pad stacked thereon, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 11 and Figure 12 The structure of a cell laminate according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0047] Figure 13 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of temperature sensors according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 14 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of surface pressure sensors according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 15 and Figure 16 A busbar assembly connected to a cell laminate according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0050] Figure 17 and Figure 18 A circuit board connected to a busbar assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0051] Figure 19 The structure of a cell laminate according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0052] Figure 20 and Figure 21 The structure of a battery pack including a battery module and a vehicle including the battery pack is shown according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] [Description of reference numerals in the attached figures]

[0054] 1: Shell

[0055] 11: U-shaped frame

[0056] 12: Top Slab

[0057] 121: Drain hole

[0058] 122: Circuit board cover

[0059] 13: End plate

[0060] 2: Cell laminate

[0061] 21: Battery Cell

[0062] 210: bag

[0063] 211: Sealing part

[0064] 212: Platform Department

[0065] 213: Electrode leads

[0066] 22: Compressible Pad

[0067] 221: First compressible pad

[0068] 223: Sensor hole

[0069] 222: Second compressible pad

[0070] 23: Circuit board

[0071] 230: Circuit Board Department

[0072] 231: First connecting part

[0073] 232: Second connecting part

[0074] 233: Temperature sensor

[0075] 234: Surface pressure sensor

[0076] 3: Busbar Components

[0077] 31: Busbar Frame

[0078] 311: Slit

[0079] 32: Busbar

[0080] 321: Terminal

[0081] M: Battery module

[0082] P: Battery pack

[0083] V: Vehicle

[0084] X: Length direction (front-to-back direction)

[0085] Y: Width direction (left-right direction)

[0086] Z: Height direction (vertical direction) Detailed Implementation

[0087] The above-described objects, features, and advantages will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, enabling those skilled in the art to implement the technical concept of the present invention. In describing the invention, detailed descriptions of prior art related to the invention will be omitted where it is determined that such detailed descriptions unnecessarily obscure the spirit of the invention. Preferred embodiments according to the invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar parts.

[0088] Although terms such as "first" and "second" are used to describe various elements, these elements are of course not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another, and unless otherwise specified, the first element can also be the second element.

[0089] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0090] In the following text, "arranging a component above (or below) a component" or "arranging a component at the top (or bottom) of a component" means not only "arranging a component to contact the upper (or lower) surface," but also "arranging a component above the upper (or lower) surface, with another component inserted therebetween."

[0091] Furthermore, when an element is described as being “connected to,” “linked to,” or “in contact with” another element, it should be understood that the element may be “directly connected to,” “directly linked to,” or “directly in contact with” another element, or the element may be “connected to,” “linked to,” or “in contact with” another element with another element inserted therein or via another element.

[0092] Unless the context clearly specifies otherwise, the singular forms used herein include the plural forms. Terms such as “consisting of” or “comprising” as used herein should not be construed as including all elements or steps described in the specification, nor should they be construed as including some elements or steps, or including additional elements or steps.

[0093] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise expressly stated, “A and / or B” means A, B, or A and B, and unless otherwise expressly stated, “C to D” means from equal to or higher than C to equal to or lower than D.

[0094] The present invention provides a battery module structure comprising a cell laminate manufactured by stacking a plurality of battery cells in a width direction, wherein the cell laminate includes a circuit board stacked together with the plurality of battery cells in a width direction, and the circuit board includes at least one of the following: a temperature sensor in contact with the surface of the battery cells, and a surface pressure sensor for measuring the internal stress of the cell laminate in a width direction.

[0095] Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0096] [Structure of a pouch battery cell]

[0097] In the following text, refer to Figure 1 The structure of the pouch-type battery cell included in the battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0098] Figure 1 The structure of a pouch cell is shown. (Refer to...) Figure 1 The battery cell 21 may include an electrode assembly and a bag 210 for housing the electrode assembly.

[0099] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the bag 210 can seal the electrode assembly by sealing it on three sides other than the folded side. Here, the bag 210 may include a sealing portion 211 formed at opposite ends of the folded side and a platform portion 212 provided at both ends in its length direction.

[0100] The sealing part 211 can be folded once or more, and can be further sealed by adhesive tape.

[0101] The electrode assembly may include a pair of electrode leads 213 for connecting the electrode assembly to the outside. The electrode leads 213 may protrude from both ends along the length of the electrode assembly. The electrode leads 213 may pass through the platform portion 212 and protrude to the outside of the bag 210.

[0102] [Battery Module Structure]

[0103] In the following text, refer to Figure 4 and 5 The structure of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0104] Figure 4 and Figure 5 The structure of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. (Refer to...) Figure 4 and Figure 5 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the battery module M may include: a cell laminate 2, wherein a plurality of battery cells 21 are stacked in the width direction; a busbar assembly 3, which is connected to one end of the cell laminate 2 in the length direction; and a housing 1, which houses the cell laminate 2 and the busbar assembly 3.

[0105] The housing 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a U-shaped frame 11 having an open upper portion and an open front end and a rear end; a top plate 12 covering the open upper portion of the U-shaped frame 11; and a pair of end plates 13 covering the open front end and rear end of the U-shaped frame 11.

[0106] The top plate 12 may include a vent 121 to discharge high-temperature gas and flame upward when the battery cell 21 is ignited. Preferably, the vent 121 is distributed over the entire section of the top plate 12. In particular, as described below, according to an embodiment of the invention, the vent 121 may also be provided along the central portion of the width direction of the top plate 12.

[0107] [Structure of circuit board and battery cell laminate]

[0108] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 6 to 19 The structure of the circuit board and battery cell laminate according to embodiments of the present invention is described in detail.

[0109] The cell laminate 2 can be manufactured by stacking multiple battery cells 21 in the width direction. The cell laminate 2 may also include a circuit board 23 stacked together with the battery cells 21 in the width direction.

[0110] Figure 6 and Figure 7 The structure of a circuit board according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. (Refer to...) Figure 6 and Figure 7 The circuit board 23 may include a circuit board portion 230 and a first connection portion 231 connected to the circuit board portion 230.

[0111] The circuit board 230 may include multiple components so that the circuit board 23 can measure the voltage, current, current quantity, charge quantity, temperature, internal pressure, lifespan, etc. of the cell laminate 2, so that information can be stored, transmitted and / or displayed.

[0112] The first connection portion 231 can connect the circuit board portion 230 to the cell laminate 2. The circuit board portion 230 can obtain various information about the state of the cell laminate 2 through the first connection portion 231.

[0113] The circuit board 23 may include a temperature sensor 233. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the temperature sensor 233 may be connected to the first connection portion 231. However, the location of the circuit board 23 to which the temperature sensor 233 is connected is not limited thereto.

[0114] Preferably, the temperature sensor 233 is arranged in contact with the battery cell 21 to measure the temperature of the cell laminate 2. To achieve this, the temperature sensor 233 may have a shape that protrudes a predetermined distance in the width direction.

[0115] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the temperature sensor 233 can be arranged to contact the width-direction side surface of at least one of the battery cells 21, and preferably, it is disposed at the central portion of the plane of the width-direction side surface of at least one of the battery cells 21. That is, the center of the plane of the portion of the temperature sensor 233 that contacts the battery cell 21 can be located within a predetermined distance from the center of the width-direction side surface of the battery cell 21. Preferably, the predetermined distance is equal to or less than one-third of the shorter side of the battery cell 21.

[0116] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the temperature sensor 233 may include a thermistor. The thermistor may be configured to detect the change in resistance according to the temperature change of the cell laminate 2, and thus transmit information about the temperature of the cell laminate 2 to the circuit board portion 230. However, the temperature sensor 233 is not limited to a thermistor, and may be any sensor that can be configured to measure the temperature of the cell laminate 2 and transmit information about the temperature to the circuit board portion 230, regardless of its structure.

[0117] The circuit board 23 may include a surface pressure sensor 234. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the surface pressure sensor 234 may be disposed on one surface of the circuit board portion 230 in the width direction and connected to the circuit board portion 230. However, the position of the surface pressure sensor 234 and the position where the surface pressure sensor 234 is connected to the circuit board 23 are not limited thereto.

[0118] The surface pressure sensor 234 is preferably disposed inside the cell laminate 2 along its width direction to measure the stress in the cell laminate 2 in the width direction, that is, the pressure applied to the battery cell 21 included in the cell laminate 2 in the width direction. The surface pressure sensor 234 and the battery cell 21 do not necessarily need to be in direct contact with each other. For example, according to an embodiment of the invention, a circuit board portion 230 or a compressible pad described below can be inserted between the surface pressure sensor 234 and the battery cell 21, and the surface pressure sensor 234 can be disposed inside the cell laminate 2.

[0119] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the surface pressure sensor 234 can preferably be disposed at the central portion of the plane of the width-direction side surface of the battery cell 21. That is, the center of the plane of the surface pressure sensor 234 can be located within a predetermined distance from the center of the width-direction side surface of the battery cell 21. Preferably, the predetermined distance is less than one-third of the short side of the battery cell 21.

[0120] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the surface pressure sensor 234 may include a piezoelectric sensor. The piezoelectric sensor may be configured to detect a change in potential difference between two ends in a predetermined direction in response to pressure in that direction, and thus transmit information relating to the internal stress of the cell laminate 2 in the width direction to the circuit board portion 230. However, the surface pressure sensor 234 is not limited to a piezoelectric sensor, and may be any sensor capable of being configured to measure the internal stress of the cell laminate 2 and transmit information to the circuit board portion 230 regardless of its structure.

[0121] Figures 8 to 10 A structure of a circuit board on which a compressible pad can be stacked is shown according to an embodiment of the present invention. (Refer to...) Figures 8 to 10 The cell laminate 2 may include a compressible pad 22 stacked together with the battery cell 21 and the circuit board 23 in the width direction.

[0122] The compressible pad 22 may include a compressible material and be able to absorb the tolerances of the cell laminate 2 in the width direction or the expansion of the battery cell 21.

[0123] The compressible pad 22 can be stacked on one side or both sides of the width direction of the circuit board 23.

[0124] The aforementioned compressible pad 22 may include a predetermined first compressible pad 221 stacked on one side of the width direction of the circuit board 23. Here, the circuit board 23 may include a temperature sensor 233 protruding in its width direction, and the first compressible pad 221 may be provided with an open sensor hole 223, such that the temperature sensor 233 can contact the battery cell 21 on one side of its width direction. Alternatively, the circuit board 23 may include a temperature sensor 233, which contacts the battery cell 21 on the other side of its width direction.

[0125] The compressible pad 22 may include a predetermined second compressible pad 222 stacked on the other side of the width direction of the circuit board 23.

[0126] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the circuit board 23 may include a temperature sensor 233 protruding in its width direction, and the compressible pad 22 may include a first compressible pad 221 stacked on one side of the circuit board 23 in the width direction and a second compressible pad 222 stacked on the other side of the circuit board 23 in the width direction, and the sensor hole 223 may be disposed in the first compressible pad 221 such that the temperature sensor 233 may contact the battery cell 21 on one side of its width direction.

[0127] Figure 11 and Figure 12 The structure of a battery cell laminate according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. (Refer to...) Figure 11 and Figure 12 The circuit board 23 can be stacked with the battery cell 21 to form the cell laminate 2. Here, the compressible pad 22 can also be stacked with the battery cell 21 to form the cell laminate 2.

[0128] The cell laminate 2 can be manufactured by stacking multiple cell assemblies, with a compressible pad 22 inserted between them. A cell assembly can be manufactured by stacking multiple battery cells 21.

[0129] The circuit board 23 can be stacked together with the battery cell 21 to form the cell laminate 2.

[0130] Figure 13 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of temperature sensors according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 14 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of surface pressure sensors according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0131] Reference Figure 13According to an embodiment of the present invention, the circuit board 23 can be configured such that a first compressible pad 221 is stacked on one side of its width direction, and a second compressible pad 222 is stacked on the other side of its width direction. A temperature sensor 233 can measure the temperature of the battery cell 21 by contacting the surface of the battery cell 21 stacked on one side of the width direction of the circuit board 23 through a sensor hole 223 provided in the first compressible pad 221. Preferably, the protrusion of the temperature sensor 233 in the width direction is greater than the thickness of the first compressible pad 221. In this case, when the first compressible pad 221 is in close contact with the battery cell 21, the temperature sensor 233 can elastically deform towards the other side of the width direction and thus withstand an elastic restoring force towards the width direction, thereby allowing for closer contact with the battery cell 21.

[0132] In addition, refer to Figure 14 The surface pressure sensor 234 can be inserted between the first compressible pad 221 and the second compressible pad 222 to measure the internal stress in the width direction. Since the internal stress of the cell laminate 2 is constant along the width direction, it is sufficient that the surface pressure sensor 234 is inside the cell laminate 2 in the width direction, regardless of the position of the surface pressure sensor 234.

[0133] Return to reference Figure 11 and Figure 12 The cell laminate 2 may include an even number of battery cells 21. Preferably, the number of battery cells 21 stacked on both sides of the circuit board 23 in the width direction is the same. That is, the circuit board 23 can be inserted between two sets of battery cells 21 having the same number. In this case, the circuit board 23 is located at the central portion in the width direction of the cell laminate 2, such that the temperature and / or pressure measured by the temperature sensor 233 and / or surface pressure sensor 234 can more accurately represent the temperature and / or internal stress of the cell laminate 2.

[0134] Alternatively, the cell laminate 2 may include an odd number of battery cells 21. Here, a circuit board may be disposed on one side of the battery cell 21 located at the center of the cell laminate 2 in the width direction, and a temperature sensor 233 may be in contact with the battery cell 21 on the other side surface of the circuit board 23 in the width direction. In this case, the temperature sensor 233 can measure the temperature of the battery cell 21 closest to the center of the cell laminate 2 in the width direction.

[0135] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an assembly including a circuit board 23 and a first compressible pad 221 and a second compressible pad 222 stacked on both sides in the width direction can be stacked together with a battery cell 21, while having the same number of battery cells 21 on both sides in the width direction.

[0136] Figure 15 and Figure 16 A busbar assembly connected to a cell laminate according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. (Refer to...) Figure 15 and Figure 16 The busbar assembly 3 can be connected to one end of the cell laminate 2 along its length. The busbar assembly 3 may include a busbar frame 31 covering the front surface of the cell laminate 2 and a busbar 32 connected to the electrode lead 213.

[0137] The busbar frame 31 may include a slit 311 through which the electrode lead 213 passes in the longitudinal direction. At one end of the cell laminate 2 in the longitudinal direction, the electrode lead 213 may pass through the slit 311 and connect to the busbar 32.

[0138] Busbar 32 can be disposed on the front surface of busbar frame 31. Busbar 32 may include elements not included in busbar assembly 3, and may also be disposed at the other end of the cell laminate 2 in the longitudinal direction. Busbar 32 can be electrically connected to electrode leads 213 to connect battery cells 21 in series or parallel with each other.

[0139] A pair of terminals 321 may be provided at at least one of the busbars 32 to electrically connect the cell laminate 2 to the outside. (Return to reference) Figure 4 and Figure 5 Terminal 321 can be exposed to the outside through the terminal exposure port provided at end plate 13. Since battery module M can be connected in series or parallel to other battery modules to form a battery pack through terminal 321, it is important that the high-temperature gas and flame caused by the ignition of battery cell 21 cannot be discharged to the front of battery module M. As in the embodiment of the present invention, since circuit board 23 is provided in cell laminate 2, vent hole 121 can be provided in the entire area of ​​top plate 12, so that gas and flame from battery cell 21 can be discharged upward more smoothly and the forward emission of gas and flame can be reduced.

[0140] Figure 17 and Figure 18 A circuit board connected to a busbar assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. (Refer to...) Figure 17 and Figure 18The circuit board 23 may include a second connection portion 232 connected to the first connection portion 231 and the busbar 32. According to an embodiment of the invention, the second connection portion 232 may be fixed to the busbar frame 31. However, the second connection portion 232 only needs to connect the first connection portion 231 and the busbar 32, and its structure or position is not important. Through the first connection portion 231 and the second connection portion 232, the circuit board portion 230 can be connected to the busbar 32 and can obtain information related to the electrical characteristics of the battery cell laminate 2.

[0141] Figure 19 The structure of a battery cell laminate according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. (Refer to...) Figure 19 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the cell laminate 2 can be manufactured by stacking battery cells 21, compressible pads 22, and circuit boards 23 in the width direction, and the busbar assembly 3 can be connected to one end of the cell laminate 2 in the length direction. The circuit board 23 is disposed at the central portion in the width direction of the cell laminate 2 and includes a temperature sensor 233 and / or a surface pressure sensor 234, and is capable of measuring the temperature of the cell laminate 2 and its internal stress in the width direction. Furthermore, the circuit board 23 is connected to the busbar 32 connected to the electrode leads 213 via a first connection portion 231 and a second connection portion 232, thereby obtaining electrical information about the cell laminate 2. Here, since the circuit board 23 does not cover the upper surface of the cell laminate 2, the upward emission of gas and flame can be facilitated at any point on the plane of the cell laminate 2.

[0142] [Battery packs and vehicles]

[0143] In the following text, refer to Figure 20 and Figure 21 The structure of the battery pack and vehicle according to embodiments of the present invention will be described.

[0144] Figure 20 and Figure 21 A battery pack including a battery module and a vehicle including the battery pack are shown according to an embodiment of the present invention. (Refer to...) Figure 20 and Figure 21 Multiple battery modules M can be integrated to form a battery pack P to increase capacity and / or voltage. The battery pack P may include an emission device capable of venting gases and flames upwards to the outside when the battery modules M are ignited. The battery pack P can be integrated as a power source within a vehicle V. The vehicle V may include electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, etc.

[0145] It should be understood that the described embodiments are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive, and the scope of the invention will be indicated by the appended claims rather than the detailed description described herein. Furthermore, the meaning and scope of the claims, as well as all changes and modifications derived from equivalent concepts, should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the invention.

[0146] Although the invention has been described with reference to exemplary drawings, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments and drawings disclosed in this specification, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications are possible without departing from the scope and concept of the invention. Furthermore, although the operational effects of the configuration according to the invention are not explicitly described in the description of embodiments of the invention, it should be understood that predictable effects can also be identified through this configuration.

Claims

1. A battery module comprising a cell laminate manufactured by stacking a circuit board and a plurality of battery cells in the width direction. in, The circuit board includes a temperature sensor that contacts the surface of the battery cell, and The circuit board is arranged to contact the battery cell located at the center of the width direction of the cell laminate, or is arranged to be located at the center of the width direction of the cell laminate.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The temperature sensor includes a thermistor.

3. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The temperature sensor is located at the center of the plane of the circuit board.

4. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, Set an even number of battery cells, and In the cell laminate, the same number of battery cells are stacked on both sides of the circuit board in the width direction.

5. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, Set an odd number of battery cells. The circuit board is stacked on one side of the battery cell in the width direction, located at the center of the cell laminate in the width direction, and The temperature sensor is in contact with the surface of the battery cell on the other side of the circuit board in the width direction.

6. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The cell laminate includes a compressible pad containing compressible material and is stacked together with the battery cells.

7. The battery module according to claim 6, wherein, The compressible pad is stacked on one side of the circuit board in the width direction, and The temperature sensor is in contact with the surface of the battery cell on the other side of the circuit board in the width direction.

8. The battery module according to claim 6, wherein, The compressible pad is stacked on one side of the circuit board in the width direction. A sensor hole is provided in the compressible pad at a position corresponding to the temperature sensor, which opens the space between the temperature sensor and the battery cell. The temperature sensor protrudes to one side in the width direction to pass through the sensor hole and contacts the surface of the battery cell on one side in the width direction of the circuit board.

9. The battery module according to claim 6, wherein, A predetermined first compressible pad is stacked on one side of the circuit board in the width direction. A predetermined second compressible pad is stacked on the other side of the circuit board in the width direction. A sensor hole is provided in the first compressible pad at the position corresponding to the temperature sensor, which opens the space between the temperature sensor and the battery cell. The temperature sensor protrudes to one side in the width direction to pass through the sensor hole and contacts the surface of the battery cell on one side in the width direction of the circuit board.

10. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The circuit board includes a surface pressure sensor that measures the internal stress of the cell laminate in the width direction.

11. The battery module according to claim 10, wherein, The surface pressure sensor includes a piezoelectric sensor.

12. The battery module according to claim 10, wherein, The surface pressure sensor is located at the center of the plane of the circuit board.

13. A battery module comprising a circuit board, a compressible pad, and a cell laminate manufactured by stacking a plurality of battery cells in the width direction. in, The circuit board includes a temperature sensor that contacts the surface of the battery cell, and The compressible pad is provided with a sensor hole, through which the temperature sensor passes to contact the battery cell.

14. The battery module according to claim 13, wherein, The temperature sensor includes a thermistor.

15. The battery module according to claim 13, wherein, The temperature sensor is located at the center of the plane of the circuit board.

16. The battery module according to claim 13, wherein, Set an even number of battery cells, and In the cell laminate, the same number of battery cells are stacked on both sides of the circuit board in the width direction.

17. The battery module according to claim 13, wherein, Set an odd number of battery cells. The circuit board is stacked on one side of the battery cell in the width direction, located at the center of the cell laminate in the width direction, and The temperature sensor is in contact with the surface of the battery cell on the other side of the circuit board in the width direction.

18. The battery module according to claim 13, wherein, The compressible pad is stacked on one side of the circuit board in the width direction, and The temperature sensor is in contact with the surface of the battery cell on the other side of the circuit board in the width direction.

19. The battery module according to claim 13, wherein, The compressible pads are stacked on one side of the circuit board in the width direction, and The temperature sensor protrudes to one side in the width direction to pass through the sensor hole and contacts the surface of the battery cell on one side in the width direction of the circuit board.

20. The battery module according to claim 13, wherein, The compressible pad includes: a first compressible pad disposed on one side of the circuit board in the width direction; and a second compressible pad disposed on the other side of the circuit board in the width direction. The sensor hole is located at the first compressible pad, and The temperature sensor protrudes to one side in the width direction to pass through the sensor hole and contacts the surface of the battery cell on one side in the width direction of the circuit board.

21. The battery module according to claim 13, wherein, The circuit board includes a surface pressure sensor that measures the internal stress of the cell laminate in the width direction.

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