Battery module

Abstract

A battery module includes: a plurality of battery cells arranged in a first direction such that main surfaces of the plurality of battery cells are adjacent to each other; a pair of end plates at outermost sides of the plurality of battery cells; and a pair of side plates coupled to the pair of end plates and covering side surfaces of the plurality of battery cells. Each of the pair of end plates includes a first resilient portion extending across each of the pair of end plates in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, and each of the pair of side plates includes a slot overlapping the first resilient portion in the second direction and extending in the first direction.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0121079, filed on September 5, 2024, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to a battery module. Background Technology

[0004] Unlike primary batteries, which cannot be recharged, secondary batteries are batteries that can be charged and discharged. Low-capacity battery cells are used in small portable electronic devices such as smartphones, feature phones, laptops, digital cameras, and camcorders, while high-capacity battery cells are widely used as power sources for motors in hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, and as energy storage units. These battery cells include electrode assemblies containing positive and negative electrodes, a housing that houses the electrode assemblies, and electrode terminals connected to the electrode assemblies.

[0005] High-capacity battery cells can be used as battery modules, in which multiple battery cells are connected in series and / or in parallel to provide high energy density (e.g., for driving electric motors in hybrid vehicles). Summary of the Invention

[0006] Embodiments of this disclosure provide a battery module with improved structural stability.

[0007] However, the technical problems to be solved by this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art can clearly understand other unmentioned problems through the following description of the invention.

[0008] Other aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the embodiments presented in this disclosure.

[0009] One embodiment of this disclosure discloses a battery module comprising: a plurality of battery cells arranged in a first direction such that the main surfaces of the battery cells are adjacent to each other; a pair of end plates at the outermost edges of the battery cells; and a pair of side plates coupled to the pair of end plates and covering the side surfaces of the battery cells. Each of the pair of end plates includes a first elastic portion extending across each of the pair of end plates in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, and each of the pair of side plates includes a groove in the second direction overlapping the first elastic portion and extending in the first direction.

[0010] In some embodiments, each of the pair of end plates can include a first region and a second region located below and above the first elastic portion, respectively, and each of the first region and the second region can have a strength greater than a strength of the first elastic portion.

[0011] In some embodiments, each of the pair of end plates can be welded to the side plates in the first region and the second region.

[0012] In some embodiments, a width of the slot can be less than a thickness of the first elastic portion.

[0013] In some embodiments, a ratio of the thickness of the first elastic portion to a height of each of the pair of end plates can be approximately 0.02 to approximately 0.2.

[0014] In some embodiments, each of the pair of end plates can further include a second elastic portion, and the first elastic portion and the second elastic portion can be substantially symmetrical to each other with respect to a center line of the end plate substantially parallel to the second direction.

[0015] In some embodiments, each of the pair of end plates can further include a third region between the first elastic portion and the second elastic portion.

[0016] In some embodiments, as a distance of the slot from each of the pair of end plates increases, a width of the slot can decrease along the first direction.

[0017] In some embodiments, an end portion of the slot can include a convex circular shape.

[0018] In some embodiments, an end portion of the slot can extend in a third direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, and can have a T shape.

[0019] Another embodiment of the disclosure discloses a battery module including: a plurality of battery cells arranged in a first direction such that main surfaces of the plurality of battery cells are adjacent to each other; a pair of end plates at outermost sides of the plurality of battery cells; and a pair of side plates coupled to the pair of end plates and covering side surfaces of the plurality of battery cells. Each of the pair of end plates includes a first elastic portion extending across each of the pair of end plates in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, each of the pair of end plates further includes a first region and a second region located below and above the first elastic portion, respectively, and each of the first region and the second region has a strength greater than a strength of the first elastic portion.

[0020] In some embodiments, each of the pair of end plates can further include a third region between the first elastic portion and the second elastic portion.

[0021] In some embodiments, each of the pair of end plates can further include a third region between the first elastic portion and the second elastic portion.

[0022] In some embodiments, each of the pair of end plates can be welded to the side plate in the first region and the second region.

[0023] In some embodiments, a ratio of a thickness of the first elastic portion to a height of each of the pair of end plates can be approximately 0.02 to approximately 0.2.

[0024] In some embodiments, each of the pair of side plates can include a slot overlapping the first elastic portion in the second direction and extending in the first direction.

[0025] In some embodiments, a width of the slot can be less than a thickness of the first elastic portion.

[0026] In some embodiments, as a distance of the slot from one of the pair of end plates increases, the width of the slot can decrease.

[0027] In some embodiments, an end of the slot can have a convex circular shape.

[0028] In some embodiments, an end of the slot can extend in a third direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, and can have a T shape. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0029] The following accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and together with the detailed description of the application described below, serve to further explain the technical ideas of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the present disclosure should not be construed as being limited to the matters described in these drawings, in which:

[0030] Figure 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a battery module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 2 is a perspective view schematically illustrating Figure 1 a battery cell of the battery module of FIG. 1;

[0032] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating Figure 2 a cross-section III-III' of FIG. 1;

[0033] Figure 4 is a side view of the battery module viewed in a first direction (x direction) Figure 1

[0034] Figure 5 is a side view of the end plate absorbing an expansion force in response to the expansion of the battery cell of the battery module viewed in a second direction (y direction) Figure 1

[0035] Figure 6 is a side view of the portion A of the battery module viewed in a second direction (y direction) Figure 1

[0036] Figure 7 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a battery module according to another embodiment of the disclosure;

[0037] Figure 8 is a side view of the portion B of the battery module viewed in a second direction (y direction) Figure 7

[0038] Figure 9 is a side view of a battery module according to another embodiment of the disclosure viewed in a second direction (y direction);

[0039] Figure 10 is a side view of a battery module according to another embodiment of the disclosure viewed in a second direction (y direction); and

[0040] Figure 11 is a side view of a battery module according to another embodiment of the disclosure viewed in a second direction (y direction). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Embodiments will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. In this regard, the present embodiments can have different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the description set forth herein. Accordingly, the embodiments are merely described below, by referring to the drawings, to explain aspects. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Expressions such as “at least one of,” when preceding a list of two or more items, cover the entire list of items and do not exclude any single item in the list.

[0042] ​​​​Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to that, the terms or words used in the specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to the commonly used meanings or dictionary definitions but should be interpreted as having meanings and concepts conforming to the technical idea of the present disclosure based on the principle that the inventor can properly define the concepts of the terms to best describe his or her own application. Accordingly, the embodiments described in the specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely some of the most preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, do not represent all technical ideas of the present disclosure, and it is understood that various equivalents and modified examples can exist at the time of filing the present disclosure.

[0043] In some embodiments, the words "comprise", and / or "comprising", when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof.

[0044] In some embodiments, the drawings are not drawn to scale to assist in the understanding of the present application, and the sizes of some components can be exaggerated. In some embodiments, the same reference numerals can be assigned to the same components in different embodiments.

[0045] Although the terms first, second, etc. are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another component, and it is understood that the first component can also be the second component unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0046] Throughout the specification, unless specifically stated otherwise, each component can be singular or plural.

[0047] Any configuration placed "above (or below)" a component or "on (or under)" a component means not only any configuration in contact with the upper surface (or lower surface) of the component, but also other configurations that can be interposed between the component and any configuration placed above (or below) the component.

[0048] In some embodiments, when describing a component "connected", "coupled", or "joined" to another component, it is understood that these components can be directly connected or joined to each other, but other components can also be "interposed" between each component, or each component can be "connected", "coupled", or "joined" through other components. In addition, when we say that a part is electrically coupled to another part, this not only includes the case where they are directly connected, but also the case where they are connected to each other through another element therebetween.

[0049] Figure 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 2 is a perspective view schematically illustratingFigure 1 a perspective view of a battery cell of the battery module of Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating Figure 2 a cross section III-III' of Figure 4 is a side view of the battery module when viewed in a first direction (x direction), Figure 1 is a side view of the battery module when viewed in a second direction (y direction) in response to Figure 5 expansion of the battery cell of the battery module, and Figure 1 is a side view of an end plate that absorbs expansion force when viewed in the second direction (y direction) in response to Figure 6 is a side view of a portion A when viewed in the second direction (y direction). Figure 1 Referring to

[0050] , a battery module 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure can include a plurality of battery cells 10 arranged such that their main surfaces are adjacent to each other in a first direction (x direction) and bus bars 20 electrically connecting one battery cell 10 to another battery cell 10 adjacent thereto. As used herein, the main surface of the battery cell 10 refers to the widest surface of the battery cell 10. Figures 1 to 6 Each battery cell 10 can include a first terminal 11, a second terminal 12, and a gas exhaust 13 configured to discharge gas generated inside. As

[0051] shown in Figures 1 to 3 , the first terminal 11, the second terminal 12, and the gas exhaust 13 are on one side of the battery cell 10, and the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12 are electrically connected to the bus bar 20.

[0052] The first terminal 11 can be a positive terminal or a negative terminal. In an embodiment in which the first terminal 11 is a positive terminal, the second terminal 12 can be a negative terminal, and conversely, in an embodiment in which the first terminal 11 is a negative terminal, the second terminal 12 can be a positive terminal. That is, the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12 have different electrode polarities, and are not limited to a specific polarity.

[0053] The first terminal 11 of the battery cell 10 can be electrically connected to the second terminal 12 of another adjacent battery cell 10 through one of the bus bars 20, and the second terminal 12 of the battery cell 10 can be electrically connected to the first terminal 11 of another battery cell 10 adjacent thereto through another bus bar 20.

[0054] Although Figure 1 a series connection between the battery cells 10 is exemplified, the disclosure is not limited to this structure, and various connection structures can be employed as needed. In addition, the number and arrangement of the battery cells 10 are not limited to the structure shown in Figure 1 , and can be changed as needed.

[0055] Each of the plurality of battery cells 10 can include at least one electrode assembly 210 in which a separator 213, which is an insulator, is interposed between a positive electrode 211 and a negative electrode 212, and a case 15 in which the electrode assembly 210 is accommodated.

[0056] As an example, the battery cell 10 according to the present embodiment is described as a square lithium ion battery cell. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the present disclosure can be applied to various types of battery cells such as a lithium polymer battery cell or a cylindrical battery cell.

[0057] The positive electrode 211 and the negative electrode 212 can include a coated portion that is an area to which an active material is coated to a current collector formed of a metal foil of a thin plate, and an uncoated portion 211a, 212a that is an area to which the active material is not coated.

[0058] The positive electrode 211 and the negative electrode 212 are wound with the separator 213, which is an insulator, interposed therebetween. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the electrode assembly 210 can be formed in a structure in which the positive electrode and the negative electrode made of a plurality of pieces are alternately stacked with the separator therebetween.

[0059] The case 15 forms the overall appearance of the battery cell 10, and can be formed of an electrically conductive metal such as aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or nickel-plated steel. In some embodiments, the case 15 can provide a space in which the electrode assembly 210 is accommodated.

[0060] The battery cell 10 can include a cover plate 17 that covers an opening of the case 15, and the case 15 and the cover plate 17 can be made of an electrically conductive material. In one or more embodiments, the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12 electrically connected to the positive electrode 211 or the negative electrode 212 can penetrate the cover plate 17 and protrude outward from the cover plate 17.

[0061] Further, the outer major surface of the upper post of the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12 that protrudes outward from the cover plate 17 can be threadedly connected and fixed to the cover plate 17 with a nut.

[0062] However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12 can be formed of a rivet structure, and can be riveted or can be welded to the cover plate 17.

[0063] Further, the cover plate 17 can be made of a thin plate, and can be welded to the opening of the case 15. The cover plate 17 can include an electrolyte injection port 14 in which a sealing cap can be installed. The cover plate 17 can also include a vent 13 having a notch.

[0064] The first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12 can be electrically connected to the current collectors including the first current collector 240 and the second current collector 250 (hereinafter referred to as the positive current collector and the negative current collector), respectively, and they are respectively welded to the positive uncoated portion 211a and the negative uncoated portion 212a.

[0065] For example, the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12 can be connected to the positive current collector 240 and the negative current collector 250 respectively by soldering. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the first terminal 11 can be integrated with the positive current collector 240, and the second terminal 12 can be integrated with the negative current collector 250.

[0066] In some embodiments, an insulating member may be located between the electrode assembly 210 and the cover plate 17. In one or more embodiments, the insulating member may include a first lower insulating member 260 and a second lower insulating member 270, and each of the first lower insulating member 260 and the second lower insulating member 270 may be located between the electrode assembly 210 and the cover plate 17.

[0067] In some embodiments, according to this disclosure, one end of a side surface of the facing electrode assembly 210 of the separating member may be between the insulating member and the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12.

[0068] In one or more embodiments, the separation member may include a first separation member 280 and a second separation member 290.

[0069] Therefore, one end of the first separating member 280 and the second separating member 290 on the side facing the electrode assembly 210 can be between the first lower insulating member 260 and the first terminal 11 and between the second lower insulating member 270 and the second terminal 12, respectively.

[0070] In one or more embodiments, the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12, which are respectively welded to the positive current collector 240 and the negative current collector 250, can be connected to one end of the first lower insulating member 260 and the second lower insulating member 270, and respectively connected to the first separating member 280 and the second separating member 290.

[0071] Furthermore, a housing can be used to house a plurality of battery cells 10 arranged in the first direction (x direction) such that their main surfaces are adjacent to each other. The housing may include a pair of end plates 61 disposed at the outermost part of the battery cells 10, a pair of side plates 63 connected (e.g., linked) to the pair of end plates 61 and covering the side surfaces of the battery cells 10, and a bottom plate supporting the bottom surface of the battery cells 10.

[0072] The connection between end plate 61 and side plate 63 can be made by means of bolts or by welding, but this disclosure is not limited thereto, and any method that can be used for connection is possible.

[0073] Furthermore, in one or more embodiments, each of the pair of end plates 61 is elastic. In response to one or more of the battery cells 10 expanding (hereinafter referred to as "expansion") due to the charging and discharging operations of the battery cells 10, the end plates 61 can absorb the pressure (hereinafter referred to as "expansion force") generated by the expansion of the battery cells 10 and prevent (or at least mitigate) the performance degradation of the battery cells 10. Thus, the pair of end plates 61 are configured to improve the structural stability of the battery module 100.

[0074] In one or more embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, each of the end plates 61 may include a first resilient portion 61x extending across the end plate 61 in a second direction (y direction) substantially perpendicular to the first direction (x direction). In some embodiments, each of the end plates 61 may include a first region 61a and a second region 61b located below and above the first resilient portion 61x, respectively.

[0075] The first elastic portion 61x may contact the first region 61a and the second region 61b. In one or more embodiments, the first region 61a and the second region 61b of the end plate 61 may have a structure in which they are joined by the first elastic portion 61x.

[0076] Furthermore, in one or more embodiments, the strength of each of the first region 61a and the second region 61b may be greater than the strength of the first elastic portion 61x, and the elasticity of each of the first region 61a and the second region 61b may be less than the elasticity of the first elastic portion 61x. That is, the first region 61a and the second region 61b may be relatively high-strength regions, and the first elastic portion 61x may be a relatively high-elasticity region.

[0077] The first region 61a and the second region 61b may include at least one of aluminum, steel and magnesium alloys, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0078] The first elastic portion 61x may include a highly elastic material. For example, the first elastic portion 61x may include at least one of silicone rubber, EPDM rubber (ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber), polyurethane rubber, neoprene rubber, fluororubber, and TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0079] Furthermore, during expansion, the central portion of the battery cell 10 may expand, causing the welded portion between the housing 15 and the cover plate 17 to rise, which may cause the joint between the housing 15 and the cover plate 17 to crack or be otherwise damaged.

[0080] Furthermore, the expansion of the battery cell 10 may become more pronounced with repeated charging and discharging, potentially placing a continuous load on the pair of end plates 61, causing the end plates 61 to bend outward along the first direction (x direction). In this case, the effect of the end plates 61 in pressurizing the multiple battery cells 10 is reduced, which degrades the performance and stability of the battery module 100, and the joint area between the housing 15 and the cover plate 17 of the battery cell 10 may be damaged due to the expansion force.

[0081] However, according to this disclosure, since each of the end plates 61 includes a first elastic portion 61x as a relatively high elastic region, and the first region 61a and the second region 61b are relatively high strength regions, such as Figure 5 As shown, in response to the expansion of one or more of the battery cells 10, the expansion force can be effectively absorbed by the shape change of the first elastic portion 61x, while maintaining pressure on the battery cell 10. Therefore, the joint between the housing 15 and the cover plate 17 of the expanded battery cell 10 can be prevented (or at least mitigated) from cracking, and the performance of the battery cell 10 can be prevented (or at least mitigated) from deteriorating due to expansion.

[0082] Furthermore, in one or more embodiments, the height h of the end plate 61 is defined as the length measured along a third direction (z-direction) from the lowest point to the highest point of the end plate 61, such as... Figure 6 As shown, the first elastic portion 61x can be located approximately at the lowest point from the end plate 61. To approximate Any location.

[0083] The first elastic portion 61x is located at the lowest point of the end plate 61 less than In embodiments where the first elastic portion 61x is located, the distance between it and the joint portion of the housing 15 and the cover plate 17 of the battery cell 10 is increased, and a breakage may occur at the joint portion of the housing 15 and the cover plate 17 of the battery cell 10.

[0084] Furthermore, the first elastic portion 61x is located at its lowest point from the end plate 61, which is greater than... In embodiments where the battery cell 10 expands, the maximum expansion force at the center of the end plate 61 may not be effectively absorbed.

[0085] Furthermore, in one or more embodiments, the ratio of the thickness of the first elastic portion 61x to the height h of the end plate 61 can be in the range of approximately 0.02 to approximately 0.2. In embodiments where the ratio of the thickness of the first elastic portion 61x to the height h of the end plate 61 is less than 0.02, the effect of the first elastic portion 61x in absorbing the expansion force when the battery cell 10 expands may be insignificant. In embodiments where the ratio of the thickness of the first elastic portion 61x to the height h of the end plate 61 is greater than 0.2, the ratio of the first region 61a and the second region 61b, which are relatively high-strength regions in the end plate 61, to the height h of the end plate 61 becomes smaller, and therefore the effect of the first region 61a and the second region 61b in pressurizing the plurality of battery cells 10 located inside the end plate 61 may be insignificant. Therefore, if the ratio is less than 0.02 or greater than 0.2, the performance of the plurality of battery cells 10 may deteriorate due to expansion.

[0086] In addition, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 6 A pair of side plates 63 covering the side surface of the battery cell 10 can be connected to a pair of end plates 61. In some embodiments, each of the side plates 63 may include a groove 65 that overlaps with the first elastic portion 61x in a second direction (y direction) and extends in a first direction (x direction).

[0087] The side plate 63 may comprise the same metallic material as the first region 61a and the second region 61b of the end plate 61. In some embodiments, the connection between the side plate 63 and the end plate 61 may be formed by welding. Thus, the side plate 63 (which may be made of metallic material) and the end plate 61 (which may also be made of metallic material) may be connected by one or more weld beads or weld seams 67 in the first region 61a and the second region 61b.

[0088] Furthermore, in response to the expansion of one or more of the battery cells 10, the shape of the first elastic portion 61x changes, such that one or both of the end plates 61 can become outwardly convex along a first direction (x-direction). The groove 65 in each of the side plates 63, which overlaps with the first elastic portion 61x in a second direction (y-direction) and extends in the first direction (x-direction), can expand along a third direction (z-direction) substantially perpendicular to the first direction (x-direction) and the second direction (y-direction), thereby dispersing the stress or tension applied to both ends of the side plate 63.

[0089] In embodiments where the side plate 63 does not include the groove 65, when the battery cell 10 expands, the end plate 61 may bulge outward along the first direction (x direction) due to the expansion force, and therefore the side plate 63 may be damaged due to the stress or tension applied to the two ends of the side plate 63 that are connected to the end plate 61.

[0090] However, according to this disclosure, since each of the side plates 63 includes a groove 65, damage to the side plates 63 can be prevented (or at least mitigated) even if the shape of the end plate 61 changes, thereby improving the structural stability of the battery module 100.

[0091] Furthermore, the length of the slot 65 in the side plate 63 can be selected such that the battery cell 10 is not exposed. When the length of the slot 65 in the side plate 63 is too long, the battery cell 10 may be exposed to the outside. In this case, the battery cell 10 may come into contact with an external object and short-circuit, or it may be damaged due to external impact.

[0092] In some embodiments, the width d of the groove 65 of the side plate 63 may be less than the thickness of the first elastic portion 61x, such as... Figure 6 As shown in the figure. In an embodiment where the width d of the groove 65 of the side plate 63 is greater than the thickness of the first elastic portion 61x, the welding area 67 where the side plate 63 and the end plate 61 are welded in the first region 61a and the second region 61b becomes narrower, and therefore the connection between the side plate 63 and the end plate 61 may become weaker.

[0093] Figure 7 This is a perspective view schematically illustrating a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 8 It is viewed in the second direction (y direction). Figure 7 A side view of part B.

[0094] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a battery module 700 may include a plurality of battery cells arranged in a first direction (x direction) such that their main surfaces are adjacent to each other, a pair of end plates 761 at the outermost part of the battery cells, and a pair of side plates 763 connected (e.g., connected) to the pair of end plates 761 and covering the side surfaces of the battery cells.

[0095] Each of the end plates 761 may include a first elastic portion 761x that spans the end plate 761 in a second direction (y direction) generally perpendicular to the first direction (x direction) and a second elastic portion 761y that is generally symmetrical to the first elastic portion 761x with respect to a centerline L of the end plate 761 that is generally parallel to the second direction (y direction). In some embodiments, each of the end plates 761 may include a second region 761b above the first elastic portion 761x, a third region 761c between the first elastic portion 761x and the second elastic portion 761y, and a first region 761a below the second elastic portion 761y.

[0096] In one or more embodiments, the first elastic portion 761x may contact the second region 761b and the third region 761c, and the second elastic portion 761y may contact the first region 761a and the third region 761c. For example, the end plate 761 may have a structure in which the first elastic portion 761x is between and contacts the second region 761b and the third region 761c. Furthermore, the end plate 761 may have a structure in which the second elastic portion 761y is between and contacts the first region 761a and the third region 761c.

[0097] The first elastic portion 761x, the first region 761a, and the second region 761b are... Figure 1 The first elastic portion 61x, the first region 61a, and the second region 61b illustrated and described are the same, and therefore will not be described again.

[0098] In one or more embodiments, the second elastic portion 761y may comprise the same material as the first elastic portion 761x. Therefore, the first elastic portion 761x and the second elastic portion 761y may be relatively highly elastic regions. In some embodiments, the third region 761c may comprise the same material as the first region 761a and the second region 761b. Therefore, the first region 761a, the second region 761b, and the third region 761c may be relatively high-strength regions.

[0099] As described above, in response to the expansion of one or more battery cells, the shapes of the first elastic portion 761x and the second elastic portion 761y change, allowing the end plate 61 to elastically deform outward along a first direction (x-direction) by the expansion force. In embodiments where the battery module 700 includes the first elastic portion 761x and the second elastic portion 761y which are substantially symmetrical to each other with respect to the centerline L of the end plate 761, the first elastic portion 761x and the second elastic portion 761y can effectively absorb the expansion force, thereby preventing (or at least mitigating) the breakage of the joint between the battery cell casing and the cover plate, and preventing (or at least mitigating) the degradation of the battery cell performance, thereby improving the structural stability of the battery module 700.

[0100] Although Figure 7 and Figure 8 The first elastic portion 761x and the second elastic portion 761y are shown to be generally symmetrical to each other with respect to the center line L of the end plate 761, but the first elastic portion 761x and the second elastic portion 761y may be asymmetrical with respect to the center line L, and the number of elastic portions of the end plate 761 may be three or more.

[0101] In addition, such as Figure 8As shown, the height of the end plate 761 can be h. In one or more embodiments, the first elastic portion 761x can be located approximately at the lowest point of the end plate 761. To approximate The second elastic portion 761y can be located approximately at the lowest point of the end plate 761. To approximate At the location.

[0102] The first elastic portion 761x is located at the lowest point of the end plate 761, which is greater than... The location or the second elastic part 761y is located at the lowest point of the end plate 761 less than In the embodiment at the location of the battery cell, when the battery cell expands, the maximum expansion force at the center of the end plate 61 may not be effectively absorbed by the first elastic portion 761x and the second elastic portion 761y.

[0103] Furthermore, a pair of side plates 763 covering the side surfaces of the battery cell may be coupled (e.g., connected) to a pair of end plates 761. In some embodiments, each of the side plates 763 may include a groove 765 that overlaps with the first elastic portion 761x and the second elastic portion 761y in a second direction (y direction) and extends in a first direction (x direction).

[0104] The side plate 763 may comprise the same metallic material as the first region 761a, second region 761b, and third region 761c of the end plate 761. In some embodiments, the connection between the side plate 763 and the end plate 761 may be formed by welding. Thus, the side plate 763 (which may be made of metallic material) and the end plate 761 (which may be made of metallic material) may be connected by weld beads or weld seams 767 in each of the first region 761a, second region 761b, and third region 761c.

[0105] In an embodiment where the side plate 763 includes a groove 765 that overlaps with the first elastic portion 761x and the second elastic portion 761y in the second direction (y direction) and extends in the first direction (x direction), the groove 765 may be configured to expand in response to the expansion of the battery cell, thereby effectively dispersing the stress or tension applied to both ends of the side plate 763, thus improving the structural stability of the battery module 700.

[0106] Figure 9 This is a side view of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed in a second direction (y direction).

[0107] refer to Figure 9According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a battery module 900 may include a plurality of battery cells arranged in a first direction (x direction) such that their main surfaces are adjacent to each other, a pair of end plates 961 at the outermost part of the battery cells, and a pair of side plates 963 connected (e.g., connected) to the pair of end plates 961 and covering the side surfaces of the battery cells.

[0108] Each of the end plates 961 may include a first resilient portion 961x extending across the end plate 961 in a second direction (y direction) substantially perpendicular to the first direction (x direction). In some embodiments, each of the end plates 961 may include a first region 961a and a second region 961b located below and above the first resilient portion 961x, respectively.

[0109] The first elastic portion 961x, the first region 961a, and the second region 961b are... Figure 1 The first elastic portion 61x, the first region 61a, and the second region 61b illustrated and described are the same, so they will not be described again.

[0110] Furthermore, a pair of side plates 963 covering the side surfaces of the battery cell may be coupled (e.g., connected) to a pair of end plates 961. In some embodiments, each of the side plates 963 may include a groove 965 that overlaps with the first resilient portion 961x in a second direction (y-direction) and extends in a first direction (x-direction). In some embodiments, the width of the groove 965 may decrease along the first direction (x-direction) as the distance of the groove 965 from the end plate 961 increases.

[0111] In embodiments where the width of the groove 965 in the side plate 963 decreases along a first direction (x-direction) as its distance from the end plate 961 increases (e.g., the width of the groove 965 gradually tapers along its length), the concentration of stress or tension applied to the groove 965 can be minimized or at least reduced. For example, the length of the groove 965 can prevent the battery cell from being exposed, and the shape of the groove 965 can be V-shaped. In this embodiment, the concentration of stress or tension on the side plate 963 can be dispersed, thus increasing the tensile strength of the side plate 963, thereby preventing (or at least mitigating) damage to the side plate 963 when the battery cell expands, thereby improving the structural stability of the battery module 900.

[0112] Figure 10 This is a side view of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed in a second direction (y direction).

[0113] refer to Figure 10According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a battery module 1000 may include a plurality of battery cells arranged in a first direction (x direction) such that their main surfaces are adjacent to each other, a pair of end plates 1061 at the outermost part of the battery cells, and a pair of side plates 1063 connected (e.g., connected) to the pair of end plates 1061 and covering the side surfaces of the battery cells.

[0114] Each of the end plates 1061 may include a first resilient portion 1061x extending across the end plate 1061 in a second direction (y direction) substantially perpendicular to the first direction (x direction). In some embodiments, each of the end plates 1061 may include a first region 1061a and a second region 1061b located below and above the first resilient portion 1061x, respectively.

[0115] The first elastic portion 1061x, the first region 1061a, and the second region 1061b are together with Figure 1 The first elastic portion 61x, the first region 61a, and the second region 61b illustrated and described are the same, so they will not be described again.

[0116] Furthermore, a pair of side plates 1063 covering the side surfaces of the battery cell may be coupled (e.g., connected) to a pair of end plates 1061. In some embodiments, each of the side plates 1063 may include a groove 1065 that overlaps with the first resilient portion 1061x in a second direction (y-direction) and extends in a first direction (x-direction). In some embodiments, the end 1066 of the groove 1065 may include a protruding circular shape. In one or more embodiments, the end 1066 of the groove 1065 may be enlarged (e.g., having a diameter larger than the width of the rest of the groove 1065).

[0117] In embodiments where the end 1066 of the groove 1065 of the side plate 1063 includes a protruding circular shape, the stress or tension applied to the end 1065 of the groove 1065 when the battery cell expands will not be concentrated at a single point, but will be evenly distributed around the protruding circular shape, thereby increasing the resistance of the side plate 1063 to stress or tension. Therefore, the structural stability of the battery module 1000 can be improved by preventing (or at least mitigating) damage to the side plate 1063 when the battery cell expands.

[0118] Figure 11 This is a side view of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed in a second direction (y direction).

[0119] refer to Figure 11According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery module 1100 may include a plurality of battery cells arranged in a first direction (x direction) such that their main surfaces are adjacent to each other, a pair of end plates 1161 at the outermost part of the battery cells, and a pair of side plates 1163 connected (e.g., connected) to the pair of end plates 1161 and covering the side surfaces of the battery cells.

[0120] Each of the end plates 1161 may include a first resilient portion 1161x extending across the end plate 1161 in a second direction (y direction) generally perpendicular to the first direction (x direction). In some embodiments, each of the end plates 1161 may include a first region 1161a and a second region 1161b located below and above the first resilient portion 1161x, respectively.

[0121] The first elastic portion 1161x, the first region 1161a, and the second region 1161b are together with Figure 1 The first elastic portion 61x, the first region 61a, and the second region 61b illustrated and described are the same, so they will not be described again.

[0122] Furthermore, a pair of side plates 1163 covering the side surfaces of the battery cell may be coupled (e.g., connected) to a pair of end plates 1161. In some embodiments, each of the side plates 1163 may include a groove 1165 that overlaps with the first resilient portion 1161x in a second direction (y-direction) and extends in a first direction (x-direction). In some embodiments, the end 1166 of the groove 1165 may extend in a third direction (z-direction) substantially perpendicular to the first direction (x-direction) and the second direction (y-direction). In one or more embodiments, the groove 1165 may have a T-shape.

[0123] In an embodiment where the end 1166 of the groove 1165 of the side plate 1163 extends in a third direction (z direction) substantially perpendicular to the first direction (x direction) and the second direction (y direction) and has a T-shape, when the battery cell expands, the stress or tension applied to the groove 1165 can be dispersed along the third direction (z direction) as the groove 1165 extends from the end 1166 in the third direction (z direction). Therefore, the resistance of the side plate 1163 to stress or tension can be increased, and the structural stability of the battery module 1100 can be improved by preventing (or at least mitigating) damage to the side plate 1163 when the battery cell expands.

[0124] In addition, Figures 9 to 11 In the embodiments described in this disclosure, end plates 961, 1061, and 1161 include only one elastic portion, but the number of elastic portions may vary as needed.

[0125] According to embodiments of this disclosure, since the battery module includes an end plate with an elastic portion and a side plate with a groove, the connection between the cover plate and the housing of the battery cell is prevented (or at least mitigated) from cracking when the battery cell expands, and the side plate is prevented (or at least mitigated) from being damaged, thereby improving the structural stability of the battery module.

[0126] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and it is apparent that those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains can make various modifications and variations within the scope of the technical concept and equivalents of the claims described herein.

Claims

1. A battery module comprising: a plurality of battery cells arranged in a first direction such that main surfaces of the plurality of battery cells are adjacent to each other; a pair of end plates at outermost sides of the plurality of battery cells; and a pair of side plates coupled to the pair of end plates and covering side surfaces of the plurality of battery cells, wherein each of the pair of end plates includes a first elastic portion extending across the each end plate in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and wherein each of the pair of side plates includes a slot overlapping the first elastic portion in the second direction, the slot extending in the first direction. 2.The battery module of claim 1, wherein the each of the pair of end plates further includes a first region below the first elastic portion and a second region above the first elastic portion, and a strength of each of the first region and the second region is greater than a strength of the first elastic portion. 3.The battery module of claim 2, wherein the each of the pair of end plates is welded to the pair of side plates in the first region and the second region. 4.The battery module of claim 1, wherein a width of the slot is less than a thickness of the first elastic portion. 5.The battery module of claim 1, wherein a ratio of the thickness of the first elastic portion to a height of the each of the pair of end plates is 0.02-0.

2. 6.The battery module of claim 1, wherein the each of the pair of end plates further includes a second elastic portion, and wherein the first elastic portion and the second elastic portion are symmetrical to each other with respect to a center line of the each of the pair of end plates, the center line being parallel to the second direction. 7.The battery module of claim 6, wherein the each of the pair of end plates further includes a third region between the first elastic portion and the second elastic portion. 8.The battery module of claim 1, wherein as a distance of the slot from the each of the pair of end plates increases, a width of the slot decreases along the first direction. 9.The battery module of claim 1, wherein an end portion of the slot has a convex circular shape. 10.The battery module of claim 1, wherein an end portion of the slot extends in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, and has a T shape. 11.A battery module comprising: a plurality of battery cells arranged in a first direction such that main surfaces of the plurality of battery cells are adjacent to each other; a pair of end plates at outermost sides of the plurality of battery cells; and a pair of side plates coupled to the pair of end plates and covering side surfaces of the plurality of battery cells, wherein: each of the pair of end plates includes a first elastic portion extending across the each end plate in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, ​ ​ Each of the pair of end plates further includes a first region below the first elastic portion and a second region above the first elastic portion, and Each of the first region and the second region has a strength greater than that of the first elastic portion. 12.The battery module of claim 11, wherein: Each of the pair of end plates further includes a second elastic portion, and The first elastic portion and the second elastic portion are symmetrical to each other with respect to a center line of each of the pair of end plates, the center line being parallel to the second direction. 13.The battery module of claim 12, wherein each of the pair of end plates further includes a third region between the first elastic portion and the second elastic portion. 14.The battery module of claim 11, wherein each of the pair of end plates is welded to the pair of side plates in the first region and the second region. 15.The battery module of claim 11, wherein a ratio of a thickness of the first elastic portion to a height of each of the pair of end plates is 0.02 to 0.

2. 16.The battery module of claim 11, wherein each of the pair of side plates includes a groove that overlaps the first elastic portion in the second direction and extends in the first direction. 17.The battery module of claim 16, wherein a width of the groove is less than a thickness of the first elastic portion. 18.The battery module of claim 16, wherein as a distance of the groove from each of the pair of end plates increases, the width of the groove decreases along the first direction. 19.The battery module of claim 16, wherein an end portion of the groove has a convex circular shape. 20.The battery module of claim 16, wherein an end portion of the groove extends in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, and has a T shape.

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