Battery module

Abstract

A battery module includes: an electrode assembly including a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate, and a separator; a case accommodating the electrode assembly; and a deformation prevention portion having a geometric shape corresponding to a periphery of the housing, the deformation prevention portion surrounding the periphery of the housing, thereby forming the unit module. Since the facing distance between the internal parts of the secondary battery is kept uniform, the charging and discharging efficiency of the secondary battery is improved, and the life of the secondary battery is prolonged.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0151708, filed on October 31, 2024, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to a battery module. Background Technology

[0003] Unlike primary batteries, which cannot be recharged, secondary batteries are rechargeable and dischargeable. Low-capacity secondary batteries can be used in various portable small electronic devices such as smartphones, feature phones, laptops, digital cameras, or camcorders, while high-capacity secondary batteries are widely used as power sources for motor drives, such as those in hybrid or electric vehicles. A secondary battery includes an electrode assembly containing positive and negative electrodes, a housing of the electrode assembly, and electrode terminals connected to the electrode assembly.

[0004] The information disclosed in this background section is only intended to enhance the understanding of the background of this disclosure and may therefore contain information that does not constitute prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure provides a battery module that prevents the face-to-face distance between battery cells from becoming uneven due to volume changes and resulting cell deformation during lithium-ion battery operation.

[0006] In addition, this disclosure provides a battery module that can maintain a uniform face distance between cells, thereby suppressing lithium salt growth and reducing the risk of battery performance degradation and short circuits.

[0007] In addition, this disclosure provides a battery module that suppresses deformation of the casing.

[0008] However, the technical problems to be solved by the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to the above-described technical problems, and those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains will clearly understand other technical problems not mentioned herein through the following description.

[0009] Embodiments of this disclosure provide a battery module, including: an electrode assembly including a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate, and a separator; a housing for housing the electrode assembly; and a deformation-preventing portion mounted in a shape surrounding the periphery of the housing to suppress deformation of the housing.

[0010] Embodiments of this disclosure provide a battery module, including: an electrode assembly including a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate, and a separator; a housing for accommodating the electrode assembly; and a deformation-preventing portion having a geometry corresponding to the periphery of the housing to prevent the deformation portion from surrounding the periphery of the housing, thereby forming a unit module.

[0011] In some embodiments, the housing may be installed inside the deformation-preventing portion to form a unit module.

[0012] In some embodiments, a plurality of unit modules may be provided, and the plurality of unit modules may be arranged continuously in the lateral direction.

[0013] In some embodiments, the battery module includes a plurality of unit modules, wherein the plurality of unit modules are arranged continuously in the lateral direction.

[0014] In some embodiments, the battery module may include: a housing that accommodates a plurality of cell modules and includes two opposing open sides; and an end cap that is coupled to each of the two opposing open sides of the housing and electrically connected to an electrode assembly.

[0015] In some embodiments, the battery module further includes: a housing that accommodates a plurality of cell modules, the housing including two opposing open sides; and two end caps, each coupled to each of the two opposing open sides, each of the two end caps being electrically connected to an electrode assembly.

[0016] In some embodiments, the housing may be formed as a soft membrane.

[0017] In some embodiments, the housing is a soft membrane.

[0018] In some embodiments, the battery module may further include: a first electrode lead protruding from one side of the housing in the longitudinal direction; and a second electrode lead protruding from the other side or opposite side of the housing in the longitudinal direction.

[0019] In some embodiments, the deformation prevention portion may include: a first body portion covering the upper and lower sides of the housing and the side of the housing connected to the first electrode lead in the longitudinal direction; and a first cover detachably mounted to the first body portion to cover the other side or opposite side of the housing connected to the second electrode lead in the longitudinal direction.

[0020] In some embodiments, the deformation prevention portion includes: a first body portion covering the upper and lower sides of the housing and the side of the housing connected to the first electrode lead in the longitudinal direction; and a first cover detachably mounted to the first body portion, the first cover covering the opposite side of the housing connected to the second electrode lead in the longitudinal direction.

[0021] In some embodiments, the deformation prevention portion may further include: a first front cover, connected to at least one of the first body portion and the first cover, and located on the front surface of the housing; and a first rear cover, connected to at least one of the first body portion and the first cover, and located on the rear surface of the housing.

[0022] In some embodiments, the deformation prevention portion further includes: a first front cover, connected to at least one of the first body portion and the first cover, the first front cover being located on the front surface of the housing; and a first rear cover, connected to at least one of the first body portion and the first cover, the first rear cover being located on the rear surface of the housing.

[0023] In some embodiments, the first front cover and the first rear cover may include insulating material.

[0024] In some embodiments, both the first front cover and the first rear cover include insulating material.

[0025] In some embodiments, the first front cover and the first rear cover may have shapes corresponding to the shape of the housing.

[0026] In some embodiments, the first front cover and the first rear cover have geometries corresponding to the front and rear surfaces of the housing, respectively.

[0027] In some embodiments, the first body portion may include: a first fixed body shaped to cover the upper side of the housing and the side of the housing connected to the first electrode lead in the longitudinal direction; and a first movable body rotatably mounted to the first fixed body to open the lower side of the housing by rotation of the first movable body.

[0028] In some embodiments, the first body portion includes: a first fixed body covering the upper side of the housing and the side of the housing connected to the first electrode lead in the longitudinal direction; and a first movable body hingedly mounted to the first fixed body to cover or open the lower side of the housing by rotation.

[0029] Embodiments of this disclosure provide a battery module, including: an electrode assembly including a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate, and a separator; a housing housing the electrode assembly; a first electrode lead electrically connected to the first electrode plate and protruding to the outside of the housing; a second electrode lead electrically connected to the second electrode plate and protruding in the same direction as the first electrode lead; and a deformation-preventing portion mounted in a shape surrounding the periphery of the housing to suppress deformation of the housing while allowing the first and second electrode leads to protrude to the outside of the deformation-preventing portion.

[0030] Embodiments of this disclosure disclose a battery module, including: an electrode assembly including a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate, and a separator; a housing housing the electrode assembly; a first electrode lead electrically connected to the first electrode plate and protruding outward relative to the housing; a second electrode lead electrically connected to the second electrode plate and protruding in the same direction relative to the first electrode lead; and a deformation-preventing portion having a geometry substantially similar to the periphery of the housing, preventing deformation from surrounding the periphery of the housing.

[0031] In some embodiments, the housing is located inside the deformation-preventing portion, thereby forming a unit module.

[0032] In some embodiments, the deformation prevention portion may include: a second body portion covering the upper and lower sides of the housing and one side of the housing in the longitudinal direction; and a second cover detachably mounted to the second body portion to cover the other side or opposite side of the housing in the longitudinal direction connected to the first electrode lead and the second electrode lead.

[0033] In some embodiments, the deformation prevention portion includes: a second body portion covering the upper and lower sides of the housing and one side of the housing in the longitudinal direction; and a second cover removably mounted to the second body portion, the second cover covering the opposite side of the housing in the longitudinal direction connected to the first electrode lead and the second electrode lead.

[0034] In some embodiments, the second cover may include: a cover body having a hole formed therein to allow the first electrode lead and the second electrode lead to pass through, and extending in an upward-downward direction; and wing members extending obliquely from each of the upper and lower sides of the cover body to contact the second body portion.

[0035] In some embodiments, the second cover includes: a cover body extending in a vertical direction and having a hole through which both the first electrode lead and the second electrode lead pass; and a wing member extending from the upper or lower side of the cover body, the wing member contacting the second body portion.

[0036] In some embodiments, the deformation prevention portion may further include: a second front cover, connected to at least one of the second body portion and the second cover, and located on the front surface of the housing; and a second rear cover, connected to at least one of the second body portion and the second cover, and located on the rear surface of the housing.

[0037] In some embodiments, the deformation prevention portion further includes: a second front cover, connected to at least one of the second body portion and the second cover, the second front cover being located on the front surface of the housing; and a second rear cover, connected to at least one of the second body portion and the second cover, the second rear cover being located on the rear surface of the housing.

[0038] In some embodiments, the second front cover and the second rear cover may include insulating material.

[0039] In some embodiments, both the second front cover and the second rear cover include insulating material.

[0040] In some embodiments, the second front cover and the second rear cover may have shapes corresponding to the shape of the housing.

[0041] In some embodiments, the second front cover and the second rear cover have geometries corresponding to the front and rear surfaces of the housing, respectively.

[0042] In some embodiments, the second body portion may include: a second fixed body shaped to cover the upper side of the housing and one side of the housing in the longitudinal direction; and a second movable body rotatably mounted to the second fixed body to open the lower side of the housing by rotation of the second movable body.

[0043] In some embodiments, the second body portion includes: a second fixed body covering the upper side of the housing and one side of the housing in the longitudinal direction; and a second movable body hingedly mounted to the second fixed body to cover or open the lower side of the housing by rotation.

[0044] In some embodiments, the battery module includes a plurality of unit modules, wherein the plurality of unit modules are arranged continuously in the lateral direction.

[0045] In some embodiments, the battery module further includes: a housing that accommodates a plurality of unit modules, the housing including an open side; and an end cap coupled to the open side, the end cap being electrically connected to an electrode assembly. Attached Figure Description

[0046] The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and are intended to further illustrate the technical spirit of the disclosure together with the detailed description thereof. Therefore, the present disclosure should not be construed as being limited to the matters described in these drawings:

[0047] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0048] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of a unit module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0049] Figure 3 This is a connection perspective view of a unit module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0050] Figure 4 This is a front cross-sectional view of the electrode assembly and housing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0051] Figure 5This is a front view showing the front-exposed housing in a unit module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0052] Figure 6 This is a front view showing the movable first cover and first movable body according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0053] Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view of a unit module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0054] Figure 8 This is a connection perspective view of a unit module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0055] Figure 9 This is a front view showing the front-exposed housing in a unit module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0056] Figure 10 This is a front view showing the movable second cover and the second movable body according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0057] Figure 11A and Figure 11B This is a perspective view illustrating a battery pack including a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0058] Figure 12A and Figure 12B These are perspective and side views of a vehicle including a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0059] The present disclosure will be described in detail below. Before giving the following detailed description of the present disclosure, it should be noted that the terms and words used in the specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their ordinary meaning or dictionary definitions, but should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the present disclosure, based on the inventor's ability to correctly define the terminology in the best manner to describe the present disclosure. Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations described in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and do not represent all the technical spirit of the present disclosure. It should be understood that various equivalents and variations may exist instead of them at the time of filing this application. Furthermore, as used herein, the terms "comprising" and / or "including" as used in this specification specify the presence of the stated features, quantities, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, quantities, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. In addition, when describing embodiments of the present disclosure, "capable" and "may" may include "one or more embodiments of the present disclosure".

[0060] Furthermore, for better understanding of this disclosure, the drawings are not drawn to scale, and the dimensions of some components may be enlarged. Additionally, the same reference numerals may be assigned to the same components in different embodiments.

[0061] When comparing two objects, "same" means they are substantially similar. Therefore, the phrase "substantially similar" can include situations considered low in the relevant technology, such as deviations within 5%. Furthermore, when any parameter is described as uniform over a given region, this can mean that the parameter is uniform in terms of averages.

[0062] It will be understood that while the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., may be used to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, without departing from the teachings of this disclosure, the first element, component, region, layer, or section described below may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or section.

[0063] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, each part may be singular or plural throughout the specification.

[0064] Placing any component on the "upper (or lower) portion" or "lower (or upper) portion" of a component means that the component is placed in contact with the upper (or lower) surface of the component. Furthermore, this may mean that other components can be inserted between the component and any components disposed on (or below) that component.

[0065] Furthermore, it will be understood that when elements are referred to as “connected to,” “linked to,” or “attached to” another element, these elements may be directly connected or linked to each other, with the possibility of another intermediate element, or the elements may be connected, linked, or attached to each other through another element.

[0066] Unless otherwise specified, throughout this specification, the expression “A and / or B” means A, B, or A and B. That is, as used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed related items. Unless otherwise specified, the expression “C to D” means greater than or equal to C and less than or equal to D.

[0067] As used herein, these terms are used to describe embodiments of this disclosure and are not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0068] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view of battery module 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1As shown, the battery module 1 may include a unit module 10, a housing 190, and an end cap 195. Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of a unit module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 This is a connection perspective view of a unit module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, electrode assembly 20 (see...) Figure 4 The housing 30 and the electrode assembly 20 can form a secondary battery. The housing 30 can accommodate the electrode assembly 20 and can be connected to the deformation-preventing part 50 (see...). Figure 2 The unit module 10 is formed such that the deformation prevention part 50 has a geometry corresponding to the periphery of the housing 30. The deformation prevention part 50 can be mounted in a shape surrounding the outside of the housing 30 and can protect the housing 30 from external impacts, thereby preventing the housing 30 from deforming.

[0069] The housing 30 can be installed inside the deformation-preventing portion 50 to form a unit module 10. The unit module 10 may include the housing 30, the electrode assembly 20, and the deformation-preventing portion 50. The unit module 10 may be formed in a generally rectangular parallelepiped geometry and may extend in the longitudinal direction y. Multiple unit modules 10 may be provided, and the multiple unit modules 10 may be arranged continuously in the transverse direction x. When installed in the housing 190, the multiple unit modules 10 may be arranged in the transverse direction x of the housing 190. The multiple unit modules 10 may be installed side-by-side parallel to each other.

[0070] The housing 190 can be formed in various shapes, as long as it can accommodate the unit module 10 and is open on both sides. The housing 190 may include a housing body 192 and a housing cover 194. The housing body 192 may have an internal space defined therein to accommodate the unit module 10 and may be open on its upper side. In some embodiments, the housing body 1920 may be open on both sides in its longitudinal direction y. The housing 190 may extend in the longitudinal direction y. The housing cover 194 may have a generally rectangular plate geometry and may be configured to open and close the upper side of the housing body 192.

[0071] End cap 195 can be formed in various geometries, as long as end cap 195 can be attached to each of the two sides of housing 190 and electrically connected to electrode assembly 20. End cap 195 can be mounted on each of the two sides (or opposite sides) of housing 190 in the longitudinal direction y.

[0072] As used herein, the longitudinal direction may be referred to as the first direction or may be indicated by "y". The transverse direction may be referred to as the second direction or may be indicated by "x". The vertical direction may be referred to as the third direction or may be indicated by "z". The longitudinal direction y may correspond to the length direction of battery module 1, the transverse direction x may correspond to the width direction of battery module 1, and the vertical direction z may correspond to the height direction of battery module 1.

[0073] Figure 4 This is a front cross-sectional view of the electrode assembly 20 and the housing 30 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 As shown, the electrode assembly 20 may include a first electrode plate 22, a second electrode plate 24, and a diaphragm 26.

[0074] The electrode assembly 20 can be housed together with the electrolyte in a bag serving as the housing 30. The electrolyte may include organic solvents such as ethylene carbonate (EC), propylene carbonate (PC), diethyl carbonate (DEC), ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC), or dimethyl carbonate (DMC), and lithium salts such as LiPF6 or LiBF4.

[0075] In some embodiments, the first electrode plate 22 may be configured as a positive electrode plate, and the second electrode plate 24 may be configured as a negative electrode plate. The second electrode plate 24 may have a larger area than the first electrode plate 22.

[0076] The positive electrode plate can be formed in the geometry of a plate comprising aluminum (Al), and at least one surface of the positive electrode plate can be coated with a positive electrode active material such as a transition metal oxide. In some embodiments, the positive electrode plate may have an uncoated portion of the positive electrode on one side, which is not coated with a positive electrode active material.

[0077] The negative electrode plate can be formed into a geometry of a plate made of copper (Cu) or nickel (Ni), and at least one surface of the negative electrode plate can be coated with a negative electrode active material such as graphite or carbon. In some embodiments, the negative electrode plate may have an uncoated portion on one side, where no negative electrode active material is coated. A space may be defined between the two ends of the negative electrode plate in the longitudinal direction y and the housing 30, which may increase the possibility of deformation of the housing 30. To prevent such deformation, a deformation-preventing portion 50 may be installed on the outside of the housing 30.

[0078] The separator 26 may comprise polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP). However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. The separator 26 can prevent electrical short circuits between the positive and negative electrode plates and can allow only the movement of lithium ions.

[0079] The housing 30 can be formed into various geometries, as long as it can accommodate the electrode assembly 20 therein. The housing 30 can be a bag using a soft membrane. In some embodiments, the housing 30 may include materials other than a soft membrane. The bag-shaped housing 30 may deform due to external forces. To prevent deformation of the housing 30, an anti-deformation portion 50 may be installed on the outer side of the housing 30.

[0080] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, electrode lead 40 can be electrically connected to electrode assembly 20 (see Figure 1). Figure 4 The first electrode lead 42 can protrude from one side or both sides of the housing 30 in the longitudinal direction y and can be electrically connected to the first electrode plate 22 of the electrode assembly 20. The second electrode lead 44 can protrude from the other side or opposite side of the housing 30 in the longitudinal direction y and can be electrically connected to the second electrode plate 24 of the electrode assembly 20. An insulating tape can be installed between the electrode lead 40 and the housing 30 to prevent current from flowing to the housing 30.

[0081] The anti-deformation portion 50 can be formed in various shapes, as long as it can surround the periphery of the housing 30 and suppress deformation of the housing 30. In some embodiments, the anti-deformation portion 50 may include a first main body portion 60 and a first cover 70. In some embodiments, the anti-deformation portion 50 may further include a first front cover 80 and a first rear cover 85. The length of the anti-deformation portion 50 in the lateral direction x can be equal to or longer than the length of the housing 30 in the lateral direction x by a predetermined length.

[0082] The first main body 60 can be mounted in a shape that covers the upper and lower sides of the housing 30 in the vertical direction z and the side of the housing 30 connected to the first electrode lead 42 in the longitudinal direction y. The housing 30 housing the electrode assembly 20 can be mounted in an upright state such that the electrode lead 40 faces the lateral direction x. The first main body 60 can be mounted in a shape that covers the periphery of the housing 30 except for the other side or opposite side of the housing 30 in the longitudinal direction y, and the first cover 70 is located on the other side or opposite side of the housing 30 in the longitudinal direction y. The difference between the length of the first main body 60 in the lateral direction x and the length of the housing 30 in the lateral direction x can be within a predetermined error range. Because the first electrode lead 42 and the second electrode lead 44 protrude from both sides of the housing 30 in the longitudinal direction y, the deformation prevention part 50 can have holes formed in the deformation prevention part 50 at positions corresponding to the first electrode lead 41 and the second electrode lead 44. In some embodiments, the first cover 70 may be provided to be easily detachable from the first body portion 60 to prevent the electrode lead 40 from being jammed by the anti-deformation portion 50 and thus interfering with the installation of the housing 30 inside the anti-deformation portion 50.

[0083] The first main body 60 may include an upper frame and a lower frame extending in a straight line parallel to the upper and lower sides of the housing 30 in the longitudinal direction y. In some embodiments, the first main body 60 may further include a sidewall between the upper and lower frames, the sidewall having a hole formed therein to allow the first electrode lead 42 to pass through, and the sidewall having a concave shape covering one side of the housing 30 in the longitudinal direction y. Because the first main body 60 has a geometry corresponding to the geometry of the outer periphery of the housing 30, deformation of the housing 30 located inside the first main body 60 can be prevented.

[0084] The first cover 70 can be formed in various geometries, as long as it covers the side of the housing 30 in the longitudinal direction y that is connected to the second electrode lead 44, and can be detachably mounted to the first body portion 60. The first cover 70 may include a sidewall with a hole to allow the second electrode lead 44 to pass through and a concave shape covering the side of the housing 30 in the longitudinal direction y, the hole being formed in the sidewall. The first cover 70 and the first body portion 60 can be connected to each other by various connection methods such as hook connection or threaded connection.

[0085] In some embodiments, the anti-deformation portion 50 may include a first front cover 80 and a first rear cover 85. The first front cover 80 and the first rear cover 85 may have substantially the same geometry and may be manufactured in the form of a membrane or a plate.

[0086] The first front cover 80 can be formed in various geometries, as long as the first front cover 80 can be connected to at least one of the first main body 60 and the first cover 70 and is located on the front surface of the housing 30. The first rear cover 85 can be formed in various geometries, as long as the first rear cover 85 can be connected to at least one of the first main body 60 and the first cover 70 and is located on the rear surface of the housing 30.

[0087] The first front cover 80 and the first rear cover 85 may include insulating material. In some embodiments, the shapes of the first front cover 80 and the first rear cover 85 may correspond to the shape of the housing 30. For example, the first front cover 80 and the first rear cover 85 may have geometries corresponding to the front and rear surfaces of the housing 30, respectively.

[0088] The first front cover 80 and the first rear cover 85 can be manufactured in the form of a film or sheet with insulating and flame-retardant properties, and can include at least one of polyimide (PI), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Polyimide (PI) is a material that maintains stable performance even at high temperatures and has thermal insulation and insulating properties, thus it can be widely used in high-temperature operating environments or batteries subjected to high voltages. Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is a high-performance plastic with high mechanical strength and chemical resistance, and can withstand high temperatures, thereby improving the durability of the base portion. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), also known as… It has excellent chemical stability and a low coefficient of friction.

[0089] In some embodiments, the first front cover 80 and the first rear cover 85 may include mica. Mica has excellent electrical insulation and thermal stability, and can be used as an additional protective layer due to its high heat resistance in the event of battery overheating.

[0090] The first front cover 80 and the first rear cover 85 can be formed as a single layer. In other embodiments, the first front cover 80 and the first rear cover 85 may be composed of multiple layers as needed. The first front cover 80 and the first rear cover 85 may be manufactured in the form of a soft film. In some embodiments, the first front cover 80 and the first rear cover 85 may be manufactured in the form of a plate with high rigidity as needed.

[0091] The deformation-preventing part 50 can be made of a foam-type strip or material and can contact at least one of the potentially deformable end portions of the housing 30 in the longitudinal direction y and the transverse direction x. The deformation-preventing part 50 can be easily used in pouch-type secondary batteries instead of can-type secondary batteries.

[0092] When the first cover 70 is separated from the first main body 60, the housing 30 accommodating the electrode assembly 20 can be installed inside the first main body 60, such that the first electrode lead 42 protrudes to the outside of the first main body 60. In some embodiments, the configuration of the electrode assembly 20 installed in the housing 30 can be referred to as a secondary battery. After the secondary battery is installed into the first main body 60, the first cover 70 can be fixed to the first main body 60, thereby suppressing movement of the secondary battery.

[0093] Figure 5 This is a front view showing the front-exposed housing 30 in the unit module 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 This is a front view showing the movable first cover 70 and first movable body 64 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 and Figure 6 In order to clearly show the housing 30, the example of the first front cover 80 is omitted. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the first main body 60 may include a first fixed body 62 and a first movable body 64. The first fixed body 62 may include the upper frame and sidewall of the first main body 60, and the first movable body 64 may include the lower frame of the first main body 60.

[0094] The first fixing body 62 can be formed in various geometric shapes, as long as the first fixing body 60 can cover the upper side of the housing 30 and the side of the housing 30 connected to the first electrode lead 42 in the longitudinal direction y.

[0095] The first movable body 64 can be formed in various geometries, as long as it can be hinged to the first fixed body 62 and can cover or open the lower side of the housing 30 by rotation. The first movable body 64 can be located below the housing 30 and can extend in a straight direction. One side of the first movable body 64 can be hinged to the first fixed body 62, and the other side can be detachably connected to the first cover 70. When repairing or replacing the secondary battery installed inside the deformation-preventing part 50, the first movable body 64 can be disassembled to allow the secondary battery, including the housing 30, to be led downward from the first body part 60.

[0096] The first movable body 64 may be hingedly mounted to the first fixed body 62. In some embodiments, the first movable body 64 and the first fixed body 62 may be separated from each other and spaced apart.

[0097] Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view of unit module 11 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 8 This is a connection perspective view of the unit module 11 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the electrode lead 40 can be installed only on one side of the housing 31 in the longitudinal direction y. The geometry of the anti-deformation part 150 can correspond to the direction of the electrode lead 40.

[0098] In some embodiments, the electrode lead 40 may be mounted on the opposite side of the housing 31 in the longitudinal direction y. The first electrode lead 42 may be electrically connected to the first electrode plate 22 and may protrude to the outside of the housing 31. The second electrode lead 44 may be electrically connected to the second electrode plate 24 and may protrude in the same direction as the first electrode lead 42.

[0099] The anti-deformation portion 150 can be mounted in a geometry surrounding the periphery of the housing 31, and the first electrode lead 42 and the second electrode lead 44 can protrude outward from the anti-deformation portion 150. The anti-deformation portion 150 can be formed in various geometries, as long as it can suppress deformation of the housing 31. The anti-deformation portion 150 may include a second body portion 160 and a second cover 170. In some embodiments, the anti-deformation portion 150 may include a second front cover 180 and a second rear cover 185.

[0100] The second main body 160 can be mounted in a shape that covers the upper and lower sides of the housing 31 in the vertical direction z and one side of the housing 31 in the longitudinal direction y. The housing 31 housing the electrode assembly 20 can be set in an upright state such that the electrode lead 40 faces the transverse direction. The second main body 160 can be mounted in a geometry that covers the periphery of the housing 31 except for the other side or opposite side of the housing 31 in the longitudinal direction y, and the second cover 170 is located on the other side or opposite side of the housing 31 in the longitudinal direction y. The length of the second main body 160 in the transverse direction x and the length of the housing 31 in the transverse direction x can be substantially equal to each other, or the difference between them can be within a predetermined error range. Because the first electrode lead 42 and the second electrode lead 44 protrude from one side of the housing 31 in the longitudinal direction y, the deformation prevention part 150 can have holes formed in the deformation prevention part 150 at positions corresponding to the first electrode lead 42 and the second electrode lead 44. In some embodiments, the second cover 170 may be separated from the second body portion 160 to prevent the electrode lead 40 from being jammed by the anti-deformation portion 150 and thus interfering with the installation of the housing 31 inside the anti-deformation portion 150.

[0101] The second main body 160 may include an upper frame and a lower frame extending in a straight line direction parallel to the upper and lower sides of the housing 31 in the longitudinal direction y, and the upper frame and the lower frame may be connected to each other by a frame extending in the vertical direction (or vertical direction z) to face one side of the housing 31 in the longitudinal direction y.

[0102] Because the second main body 160 has a shape that corresponds to the shape of the outer periphery of the housing 31, deformation of the housing 31 located inside the second main body 160 can be prevented.

[0103] The second cover 170 can be formed in various geometries, as long as it covers the side of the housing 31 in the longitudinal direction y that connects to the first electrode lead 42 and the second electrode lead 44, and can be detachably mounted to the second body portion 160. The second cover 170 may include sidewalls having holes formed therein to allow the first electrode lead 42 and the second electrode lead 44 to pass through, and sidewalls having concave shapes that cover the side of the housing 30 in the longitudinal direction y. The second cover 170 and the second body portion 160 can be connected to each other by various connection methods such as hook connections or threaded connections.

[0104] The second cover 170 may include a cover body 172 and a wing member 174. The cover body 172 may have a hole in which the first electrode lead 42 and the second electrode lead 44 are located, and the cover body 172 may extend in the vertical direction z. The cover body 172 may be mounted on the opposite side of the housing 31 in the longitudinal direction y, and may extend in the vertical direction z.

[0105] The wing member 174 can be formed in various geometries, as long as the wing member 174 extends obliquely from each of the upper and lower sides of the cover body 172 to contact the second body portion 160.

[0106] The second front cover 180 may be attached to at least one of the second body portion 160 and the second cover 170, and may be located on the front surface of the housing 31. The second rear cover 185 may be attached to at least one of the second body portion 160 and the second cover 170, and may be located on the rear surface of the housing 31. The second front cover 180 and the second rear cover 185 may include insulating material. In some embodiments, the shapes of the second front cover 180 and the second rear cover 185 may correspond to the shape of the housing 31; for example, the first front cover 180 and the first rear cover 185 may each have a geometry corresponding to the front and rear surfaces of the housing 31, respectively.

[0107] Figure 9 This is a front view showing the forward-exposed housing 31 in the unit module 11 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 10 This is a front view showing the movable second cover 170 and the second movable body 164 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 9 and Figure 10 In order to clearly illustrate the housing 31, the illustration of the second front cover 180 is omitted. Figure 9and Figure 10 As shown, the second main body 160 may include a second fixed body 162 and a second movable body 164. The second fixed body 162 may include an upper frame of the second main body 160 and a frame connecting the upper frame and the lower frame of the second main body 160. The second movable body 164 may include a lower frame of the second main body 160.

[0108] The second fixing body 162 can be formed into various geometric shapes, as long as the second fixing body 162 can cover the upper side of the housing 31 and one side of the housing 31 in the longitudinal direction y.

[0109] The second movable body 164 can be formed in various geometries, as long as it can be hinged to the second fixed body 162 and can cover or open the lower side of the housing 31 by rotation. The second movable body 164 can be located below the housing 31 and can extend in a straight direction. One side of the second movable body 164 can be rotatably connected to the second fixed body 162, and the other side can be detachably connected to the second cover 170. When repairing or replacing the secondary battery, the second movable body 164 can be rotated downwards to allow the secondary battery, including the housing 31, to be led out downwards from the second body portion 160.

[0110] The second movable body 164 may be hingedly mounted to the second fixed body 162. In some embodiments, the second movable body 164 and the second fixed body 162 may be separated from each other and spaced apart.

[0111] For the positive electrode active material, compounds capable of reversibly inserting / deintercalating lithium (e.g., lithiated intercalation compounds) can be used. In some embodiments, at least one of a composite oxide of lithium with a metal selected from cobalt, manganese, nickel, and combinations thereof can be used.

[0112] Composite oxides may include lithium transition metal composite oxides, and examples of them may include lithium nickel oxides, lithium cobalt oxides, lithium manganese oxides, lithium iron phosphate compounds, cobalt-free nickel manganese oxides, or combinations thereof.

[0113] In some embodiments, compounds represented by any of the following molecular formulas may be used: Li a A 1- b X b O 2-c D c (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.5, 0≤c≤0.05); Li a Mn 2-b Xb O 4-c D c (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.5, 0≤c≤0.05); Li a Ni 1-b-c Co b X c O 2-α D α (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.5, 0≤c≤0.5, 0<α<2); Li a Ni 1-b-c Mn b X c O 2-α D α (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.5, 0≤c≤0.5, 0<α<2); Li a Ni b Co c L 1 d G e O2 (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.9, 0≤c≤0.5, 0≤d≤0.5, 0≤e≤0.1); Li a NiG b O2(0.90≤a≤1.8, 0.001≤b≤0.1); Li a CoG b O2(0.90≤a≤1.8, 0.001≤b≤0.1); Li a Mn 1-b G b O2(0.90≤a≤1.8, 0.001≤b≤0.1); Li a Mn2G b O4(0.90≤a≤1.8, 0.001≤b≤0.1); Li a Mn 1-g G g PO4(0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤g≤0.5); Li (3-f) Fe2(PO4)3 (0≤f≤2); Li a FePO4 (0.90≤a≤1.8).

[0114] In the above molecular formulas, A is Ni, Co, Mn, or a combination thereof; X is Al, Ni, Co, Mn, Cr, Fe, Mg, Sr, V, rare earth elements, or a combination thereof; D is O, F, S, P, or a combination thereof; G is Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Mg, La, Ce, Sr, V, or a combination thereof; and L 1 It is Mn, Al, or a combination thereof.

[0115] The positive electrode for a lithium secondary battery may include a current collector and a positive electrode active material layer formed on the current collector. The positive electrode active material layer may include a positive electrode active material, and may further include a binder and / or a conductive material.

[0116] Based on 100 wt% of the positive electrode active material layer, the content of the positive electrode active material may be in the range of about 90 wt% to about 99.5 wt%, and based on 100 wt% of the positive electrode active material layer, the contents of the binder and the conductive material are respectively in the range of about 0.5 wt% to about 5 wt%.

[0117] The current collector may include aluminum (Al), but is not limited thereto.

[0118] The negative electrode active material may include a material capable of reversibly intercalating / deintercalating lithium ions, lithium metal, a lithium metal alloy, a material capable of doping and dedoping lithium, or a transition metal oxide.

[0119] The material capable of reversibly intercalating / deintercalating lithium ions may be a carbon-based negative electrode active material, which may include, for example, crystalline carbon, amorphous carbon, or a combination thereof. Examples of crystalline carbon may include graphite, such as natural graphite or artificial graphite, and examples of amorphous carbon may include soft carbon, hard carbon, pitch carbide, mesophase pitch carbide, sintered coke, etc.

[0120] A Si-based negative electrode active material or a Sn-based negative electrode active material may be used as the material capable of doping and dedoping lithium. The Si-based negative electrode active material may include silicon, a silicon-carbon composite, SiO x (0 < x < 2), a Si-based alloy, or a combination thereof.

[0121] The silicon-carbon composite may include a composite of silicon and amorphous carbon. According to an embodiment, the silicon-carbon composite may include silicon particles and amorphous carbon coated on the surface of the silicon particles.

[0122] The silicon-carbon composite may further include crystalline carbon. For example, the silicon-carbon composite may include a core containing crystalline carbon and silicon particles and an amorphous carbon coating on the surface of the core.

[0123] The negative electrode for a lithium secondary battery may include a current collector and a negative electrode active material layer provided on the current collector. The negative electrode active material layer may include a negative electrode active material, and may further include a binder and / or a conductive material.

[0124] In some embodiments, the negative electrode active material layer may include about 90 wt% to about 99 wt% of the negative electrode active material, about 0.5 wt% to about 5 wt% of the binder, and about 0 wt% to about 5 wt% of the conductive material.

[0125] Non-aqueous binders, aqueous binders, dry binders, or combinations thereof can be used as binders. When an aqueous binder is used as the negative electrode binder, it may further include a cellulose-based compound capable of imparting viscosity.

[0126] For the negative electrode current collector, one can be selected from copper foil, nickel foil, stainless steel foil, titanium foil, nickel foam, copper foam, polymer substrate coated with conductive metal, and combinations thereof.

[0127] Electrolytes used in lithium secondary batteries may include non-aqueous organic solvents and lithium salts.

[0128] Non-aqueous organic solvents can be used as a medium through which ions participating in the electrochemical reactions of a battery can move.

[0129] Non-aqueous organic solvents may include carbonates, esters, ethers, ketones, alcohols, and aprotic solvents, and may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0130] In addition, when using carbonate solvents, a mixture of cyclic carbonates and chain carbonates can be used.

[0131] Depending on the type of lithium-ion secondary battery, a separator may be present between the first electrode plate (e.g., the negative electrode) and the second electrode plate (e.g., the positive electrode). For the separator, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, or multilayer films of two or more layers thereof can be used.

[0132] The diaphragm may include a porous substrate and a coating on one or both surfaces of the porous substrate, comprising organic materials, inorganic materials, or combinations thereof.

[0133] Organic materials may include polyvinylidene fluoride polymers or polymers (meth)acrylic acid polymers.

[0134] Inorganic materials may include, but are not limited to, inorganic particles selected from Al2O3, SiO2, TiO2, SnO2, CeO2, MgO, NiO, CaO, GaO, ZnO, ZrO2, Y2O3, SrTiO3, BaTiO3, Mg(OH)2, boehmite and combinations thereof.

[0135] Organic and inorganic materials can be mixed in a coating, or they can be in the form of a coating containing organic materials and a coating containing inorganic materials (the two coatings are layered on top of each other).

[0136] The battery according to the above embodiments can be used to manufacture battery packs. Figure 11A and Figure 11B This is a perspective view showing a battery pack including a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Reference Figure 11A and Figure 11B The battery pack 300 may include a plurality of battery modules 200 and a housing 310 for accommodating the plurality of battery modules 200. For example, the housing 310 may include a first housing 311 and a second housing 312 connected in opposite directions with the plurality of battery modules 200 inserted therebetween. The plurality of battery modules 210 may be electrically connected to each other using busbars 251, and the plurality of battery modules 200 may be electrically connected in series / parallel or a mixed series-parallel manner to obtain the desired electrical output. In the figures, for convenience, components such as busbars, cooling units, and external terminals for electrical connection of individual battery cells are omitted. In some embodiments, the battery pack 300 may be mounted on a vehicle. For example, the vehicle may be an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The vehicle may include both four-wheeled and two-wheeled vehicles.

[0137] Figure 12A and Figure 12B These are perspective and side views of vehicles 400 and 500, respectively, showing a battery pack 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0138] exist Figure 12A In this configuration, the battery pack 300 may include a battery pack cover 311 that is part of the vehicle bottom 410 and corresponds to a first housing, and a battery pack frame 312 that is placed below the vehicle bottom 410 and corresponds to a second housing. The battery pack cover 311 and the battery pack frame 312 may be structurally integrated with the vehicle chassis 420. The vehicle bottom 410 may separate the interior and exterior of the vehicle, and the battery pack frame 312 may be located on the exterior of the vehicle.

[0139] like Figure 12B As shown, vehicle 500 may be equipped with additional components, such as an engine hood 510 at the front of body 400 and fenders 520 located at the front and rear of the vehicle. Vehicle 500 may include battery pack 300, which includes battery pack cover 311 and pack frame 312, and battery pack 300 may be connected to body 400.

[0140] According to this disclosure, the distance between the opposing surfaces of the internal components of the secondary battery can be kept uniform. Therefore, the charging and discharging efficiency of the secondary battery can be improved, and its lifespan can be extended.

[0141] According to this disclosure, structural deformation of the secondary battery casing can be effectively suppressed, thereby improving the operational reliability and safety of the secondary battery.

[0142] However, the effects achievable through this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art can clearly understand other technical effects not mentioned from the description of this disclosure provided above.

[0143] While some embodiments of this disclosure have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes and modifications can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and technical ideas of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A battery module, comprising: The electrode assembly includes a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate, and a diaphragm; Housing that houses the electrode assembly; as well as The deformation-preventing part has a geometry corresponding to the periphery of the housing, and the deformation-preventing part surrounds the periphery of the housing to form a unit module.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of said unit modules, wherein said plurality of unit modules are arranged continuously in the lateral direction.

3. The battery module according to claim 2, further comprising: A housing that accommodates the plurality of unit modules, the housing including two opposing open sides; as well as Two end caps, each connected to each of the two opposing open sides, and each of the two end caps being electrically connected to the electrode assembly.

4. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the housing is a soft film.

5. The battery module according to claim 1, further comprising: The first electrode lead protrudes from one side of the housing in the longitudinal direction; as well as The second electrode lead protrudes from the opposite side of the housing in the longitudinal direction.

6. The battery module according to claim 5, wherein the deformation-preventing part comprises: The main body covers the upper and lower sides of the housing and the side of the housing connected to the first electrode lead in the longitudinal direction; as well as A cover is detachably mounted to the main body, the cover covering the opposite side of the housing in the longitudinal direction connected to the second electrode lead.

7. The battery module according to claim 6, wherein the deformation-preventing portion further comprises: A front cover, connected to at least one of the main body and the cover, the front cover being located on the front surface of the housing; as well as A rear cover, connected to at least one of the main body and the cover, the rear cover being located on the rear surface of the housing.

8. The battery module according to claim 7, wherein both the front cover and the rear cover comprise insulating material.

9. The battery module according to claim 7, wherein the front cover and the rear cover have geometric shapes corresponding to the front surface and the rear surface of the housing, respectively.

10. The battery module according to claim 6, wherein the main body comprises: A fixed body covers the upper side of the housing and the side of the housing connected to the first electrode lead in the longitudinal direction; as well as A movable body is hingedly mounted to the fixed body to cover or open the lower side of the housing by rotation.

11. A battery module, comprising: The electrode assembly includes a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate, and a diaphragm; Housing that houses the electrode assembly; The first electrode lead is electrically connected to the first electrode plate and protrudes outward relative to the housing; The second electrode lead is electrically connected to the second electrode plate and protrudes in the same direction relative to the first electrode lead; as well as An anti-deformation portion having a geometry corresponding to the periphery of the housing, the anti-deformation portion surrounding the periphery of the housing.

12. The battery module according to claim 11, wherein the housing is located inside the deformation-preventing portion, thereby forming a unit module.

13. The battery module according to claim 11, wherein the deformation-preventing part comprises: The main body covers the upper and lower sides of the housing and one side of the housing in the longitudinal direction; as well as A cover is detachably mounted to the main body, the cover covering the opposite side of the housing in the longitudinal direction connected to the first electrode lead and the second electrode lead.

14. The battery module according to claim 13, wherein the cover comprises: The cover body extends vertically and has a hole that allows both the first electrode lead and the second electrode lead to pass through; as well as A wing member extends from the upper or lower side of the cover body and contacts the body portion.

15. The battery module according to claim 13, wherein the deformation-preventing portion further comprises: A front cover, connected to at least one of the main body and the cover, the front cover being located on the front surface of the housing; as well as A rear cover, connected to at least one of the main body and the cover, the rear cover being located on the rear surface of the housing.

16. The battery module of claim 15, wherein both the front cover and the rear cover comprise an insulating material.

17. The battery module of claim 15, wherein the front cover and the rear cover have geometries corresponding to the front surface and the rear surface of the housing, respectively.

18. The battery module according to claim 14, wherein the main body comprises: A fixed body covers the upper side of the housing and one side of the housing in the longitudinal direction; as well as A movable body is hingedly mounted to the fixed body to cover or open the lower side of the housing by rotation.

19. The battery module according to claim 12, comprising a plurality of said unit modules, wherein said plurality of unit modules are arranged continuously in the lateral direction.

20. The battery module according to claim 19, further comprising: A housing that accommodates the plurality of unit modules, the housing including an open side; as well as An end cap is attached to the open side and is electrically connected to the electrode assembly.

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