Battery module

Abstract

The battery module comprises: a battery cell; a case in which the battery cells are arranged in rows; a connector electrically connected to the battery cells; and an anti-rupture portion on and protruding from the battery cell to prevent fatigue failure due to an expansion phenomenon. In the battery module according to the present invention, an anti-rupture portion formed on a battery cell protrudes toward a case. Due to the swelling phenomenon, the battery cell deforms in the direction opposite to the protruding direction of the rupture prevention portion. Therefore, fatigue damage of the battery cells can be prevented.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] An aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure relates to battery modules. Background Technology

[0002] Generally speaking, with the rapid increase in demand for portable electronic products such as laptops, cameras, and mobile phones, and the real commencement of commercialization of robots, electric vehicles, etc., research is actively underway on high-performance rechargeable and rechargeable batteries.

[0003] Secondary batteries are widely used not only in small devices (such as portable electronic devices) but also in medium to large devices (such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS)) for power supply or energy storage. In particular, in the case of medium to large devices, a battery module can be configured with multiple battery cells electrically connected to each other to improve battery output and capacity.

[0004] Traditional battery modules maintain durability by applying a certain level of surface pressure to the battery cells through a casing structure that surrounds the individual cells. However, in such a structure, when expansion occurs due to rapid charging, overcharging, over-discharging, short circuits, or high-temperature storage, the pressure acting between the battery cells and the casing can continuously increase, accelerating the degradation of the battery cells.

[0005] The information disclosed in the background of this disclosure is provided to enhance understanding of the background of this disclosure and may include information that does not constitute related technology. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to one aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, a battery module is provided for preventing (preventing or substantially preventing) safety accidents and extending product life by preventing (preventing or substantially preventing) damage to battery cells caused by deformation due to expansion phenomena.

[0007] However, the aspects of this disclosure and the technical problems to be solved are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the following description of the invention that is disclosed that there are other aspects and problems not mentioned.

[0008] According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, a battery module includes: a battery cell; a housing in which the battery cells are arranged in a row; a connector electrically connected to the battery cell; and a crack-resistant portion on and protruding from the battery cell to prevent fatigue damage due to expansion.

[0009] A battery cell may include: a casing having an open upper side and housing one or more electrode assemblies including a positive electrode and a negative electrode; a cap covering the open area of ​​the casing; and terminals assembled to the cap, connected to the electrode assemblies, and connected to a connector.

[0010] The shell may include: a rectangular lower surface; a pair of long side surfaces extending upward from the long side of the lower surface to face each other; and a pair of short side surfaces extending upward from the short side of the lower surface to face each other and connected to the pair of long side surfaces.

[0011] The anti-crack part can be located at the top of the shell.

[0012] The crack-resistant part can protrude towards the shell.

[0013] The protruding length of the anti-breakage section can be increased from the center of the shell to the edge of the shell.

[0014] The protruding length of the anti-crack section can be less than the length of the shell that can deform due to expansion.

[0015] The battery module may also include separators between the battery cells and maintain the gap between the battery cells.

[0016] Spacers can be placed between a pair of adjacent battery cells arranged in a row.

[0017] The separator may include a cap holder disposed on the upper side of the battery cell and a cap insert extending from the cap holder and inserted between adjacent battery cells.

[0018] The width of the cap insertion portion can be proportional to the deformable length of the battery cell.

[0019] The separator can be integrally formed and arranged between adjacent battery cells.

[0020] The separator may include: a cap mounting portion disposed on the upper side of a battery cell; a cap insertion portion extending from the cap mounting portion and inserted between adjacent battery cells; and a cap connecting portion connecting the cap mounting portion.

[0021] The isolator can be connected to the connector.

[0022] The separator may include: a cap mounting portion disposed on the upper side of a battery cell; a cap insertion portion extending from the cap mounting portion and inserted between adjacent battery cells; and a cap extension portion extending from the cap mounting portion and connected to a connector.

[0023] The cap extension can be movable along the guide hole of the connector.

[0024] The isolator can be integrally connected to the connector.

[0025] The separator may include: a cap mounting portion disposed on the upper side of a battery cell; a cap insertion portion extending from the cap mounting portion and inserted between adjacent battery cells; a cap connecting portion connecting the cap mounting portion; and a cap extension portion extending from the cap mounting portion and connected to a connector.

[0026] The separator may include resin materials.

[0027] The barrier may include an elastic material.

[0028] According to another aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure, a battery module with an improved structure and a vehicle including the battery module are provided. According to one or more embodiments, the battery module includes: battery cells; a housing in which the battery cells are arranged in a row; a connector electrically connected to the battery cells; and a crack-resistant portion formed on and protruding from the battery cells to prevent (or substantially prevent) fatigue failure due to expansion phenomena. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The following accompanying drawings, which are included with this specification, illustrate some embodiments of the invention and are provided, together with the detailed description of the invention below, to facilitate understanding of the technical concept of the invention; however, the invention should not be construed as limited to what is described in these drawings, wherein:

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic exploded perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 2 This is a perspective view schematically showing a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 3 It is shown schematically. Figure 2 Cross-sectional view of a single battery cell;

[0033] Figure 4 This is a schematic view showing a battery cell without the anti-breakage portion according to an embodiment of the present invention disposed in a battery module;

[0034] Figure 5 It is shown schematically. Figure 4 A view of a battery cell deformed due to expansion.

[0035] Figure 6 This is a schematic view showing a battery cell with a crack-resistant portion according to an embodiment of the present invention disposed in a battery module;

[0036] Figure 7 It is shown schematically. Figure 6A view of a battery cell deformed due to expansion.

[0037] Figure 8 This is a view schematically illustrating the deformation process of a shell with anti-breakage portions according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 9 This is a perspective view schematically showing an isolation structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 10 It is shown schematically. Figure 9 A view showing the state in which separators are installed between battery cells;

[0040] Figure 11 This is a perspective view schematically showing a spacer according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 12 It is shown schematically. Figure 11 A view showing the state in which separators are installed between battery cells;

[0042] Figure 13 This is a perspective view schematically showing a spacer according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 14 It is shown schematically. Figure 13 A view showing the state in which separators are installed between battery cells;

[0044] Figure 15 This is a perspective view schematically showing a spacer according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 16 It is shown schematically. Figure 15 A view showing the state in which separators are installed between battery cells;

[0046] Figure 17 It schematically illustrates a stress curve obtained depending on whether or not a crack-resistant portion and a separator are applied according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0047] Figure 18 It is a schematic graph showing the expected lifespan obtained depending on whether or not the anti-breakage portion and separator according to an embodiment of the present invention are applied. Detailed Implementation

[0048] In this document, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as having a general or dictionary meaning, and should be interpreted as having meanings and concepts consistent with the technical spirit of the present disclosure, based on the principle that the inventor can, as his / her own lexicographer, appropriately define the concepts of the terms to best describe his / her invention. Therefore, since the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are merely some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and do not necessarily represent the entire technical spirit of the present disclosure, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications may exist at the time of filing this application. Furthermore, when used in this specification, "comprising" or "including" and / or "comprising..." or "including..." specifies the presence of the mentioned shapes, quantities, steps, operations, components, elements, and / or groups thereof, and does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other shapes, quantities, steps, operations, components, elements, and / or groups thereof. Additionally, when describing embodiments of the present disclosure, "can do" and / or "may" may include "one or more embodiments of the present disclosure".

[0049] Furthermore, for ease of understanding this disclosure, the drawings may not be drawn to scale, and the dimensions of some components may be exaggerated. Additionally, the same reference numerals may be assigned to the same components in different embodiments.

[0050] Referring to two objects as "identical" means that the two objects are identical or substantially identical. Therefore, "identical" or "substantially identical" can include deviations considered low in the art, such as deviations within 5%. Furthermore, uniformity of parameters in a region can imply uniformity from an average perspective.

[0051] Although terms such as "first," "second," etc., may be used to describe various components, it should be understood that these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one component from another, and unless otherwise stated, it should be understood that a first component can be a second component.

[0052] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise stated, each component may be singular or plural.

[0053] Placing any component on the "upper (or lower)" of a component or on the "above (or below)" of a component can mean not only that the arbitrary component is positioned to contact the upper (or lower) surface of the component, but also that another component can be inserted between the component and the arbitrary component positioned above (or below) the component.

[0054] Furthermore, when it is disclosed that a component is "connected," "combined," or "linked" to another component, it should be understood that the components can be directly connected or linked to each other, and that another component can be "interposed" between the components, or that the components can be "connected," "combined," or "linked" through another component. Additionally, when a first component is described as being "electrically coupled" to a second component, this includes not only the case where the first component is "directly coupled" to the second component, but also the case where the first component is "combined" to the second component with a third component interposed therebetween.

[0055] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise stated, “A and / or B” means A, B, or A and B. That is, “and / or” includes all or any combination of the listed items. When “C to D” is mentioned, unless otherwise stated, it means C or greater and D or less.

[0056] When phrases such as “at least one of A, B and C”, “at least one of A, B or C”, “at least one selected from group A, B and C” or “at least one selected from A, B and C” are used to specify a list of elements A, B and C, the phrase can refer to any of all suitable combinations.

[0057] The term “use” may be considered synonymous with the term “utilize”. As used in this specification, the terms “substantially,” “about,” and other similar terms are used as approximate terms rather than terms of degree and are intended to take into account the inherent variations in measured or calculated values ​​as recognized by those skilled in the art.

[0058] Although the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., may be used in this specification to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions are not limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or portion from another element, component, region, layer, or portion. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of this disclosure, the first element, component, region, layer, or portion described below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or portion.

[0059] Spatial relation terms such as “below,” “under,” “down,” “above,” and “up” are used for a convenient description of the relationship between one element or feature and another element or feature shown in the accompanying drawings. These spatial relation terms are provided for understanding this disclosure according to various states of manufacture or use and are not intended to limit the disclosure. For example, when an element or feature in the drawings is inverted, an element described as “below” or “under” becomes “up” or “above.” Therefore, “below” is a concept that encompasses “up” or “under.”

[0060] The terminology used in this specification is intended to describe embodiments of this disclosure and is not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0061] In this document, when describing the invention with reference to various embodiments, repeated descriptions of the same or corresponding components throughout multiple embodiments may be omitted. For example, when a configuration that is the same as or corresponds to a configuration disclosed in one embodiment is disclosed in another embodiment, the corresponding configuration may be omitted from the description of the other embodiment, and the configuration that differs from the embodiment may be described primarily.

[0062] Figure 1 This is a schematic exploded perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. (Refer to...) Figure 1 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the battery module 1 includes a battery cell 10, a housing 20, a connector 30, and a rupture-resistant portion 40.

[0063] The battery cell 10 can be used as a unit structure for storing and supplying power in the battery module 1. In one embodiment, the battery cell 10 may have an angular (or prismatic) hexahedral shape.

[0064] The housing 20 provides space for accommodating and arranging the battery cells 10 in rows. The housing 20 may include a housing body 21 having an open upper side and a housing cover 22 covering the housing body 21. The housing body 21 may include a first body wall 211 and a second body wall 212, the first body wall 211 being along the x-axis and covering the battery cells 10 arranged in rows, and the second body wall 212 connecting the pair of first body walls 211 and being positioned facing the battery cells 10.

[0065] Connector 30 can be electrically connected to battery cell 10. Connector 30 may include busbar 31 electrically connected to each battery cell 10 and substrate 32 connected to busbar 31 to control battery cell 10. Busbar 31 can be alternately connected to adjacent battery cells 10.

[0066] A crack-resistant portion 40 may be formed on the battery cell 10 and may protrude from the battery cell 10 to prevent or substantially prevent fatigue failure of the battery cell 10 due to expansion. The crack-resistant portion 40 may be formed on the upper part of the battery cell 10 and may protrude in the direction of the second main body wall 212 of the housing 20. If the battery cell 10 expands and deforms due to expansion, the crack-resistant portion 40 may deform in the opposite direction to the initially formed protruding direction to mitigate fatigue failure of the battery cell 10.

[0067] The housing 20 can form the overall appearance of the battery module 1 and can support (e.g., fully support) the battery cell 10.

[0068] The housing body 21 can be formed into a box shape with an empty interior and an open side. The open side of the housing body 21 can be arranged to face upwards. However, the cross-sectional shape of the housing body 21 is not limited to this. Figure 1 The quadrilateral shape shown can be any shape of various shapes, such as polygonal shapes, circular shapes, elliptical shapes, etc.

[0069] The housing cover 22 can be attached to the housing body 21 and enclose the internal space of the housing body 21. For example, the housing cover 22 can be formed with a generally plate shape and can be configured with an open upper surface facing the housing body 21. The housing cover 22 can be secured to the housing body 21 by any of a variety of attachment methods (such as bolting, welding, mating, etc.).

[0070] The battery cell 10 can be disposed inside the housing 20. The two (or opposite) end portions of the battery cell 10 can be disposed inside the housing body 21, so as to face the bottom surface of the housing body 21 and the housing cover 22 respectively.

[0071] Multiple battery cells 10 can be provided. The multiple battery cells 10 can be arranged in at least one row in the housing body 21 along the longitudinal and width directions. The multiple battery cells 10 can be connected in series or in parallel via busbars 31.

[0072] The battery module 1 may also include a battery management system (BMS) for managing multiple battery cells 10. In one embodiment, the battery management system may include a detection device, a balancing device, and a control device, and may be disposed on a substrate 32.

[0073] The detection device can detect the state of the battery cell 10 (e.g., voltage, current, temperature, etc.) and obtain state information indicating the state of the battery cell 10. The detection device can detect the voltage of each battery cell 10 constituting the battery module 1. The detection device can also detect the current of each battery cell 10 constituting the battery module 1. The detection device can detect the temperature of the battery cell 10 or the ambient temperature at one or more points in the battery module 1.

[0074] The balancing device can perform balancing operations on the individual battery cells 10 that constitute the battery module 1.

[0075] The control device can receive state information (e.g., voltage, current, temperature, etc.) of the battery cell 10 from the detection device. Based on the state information received from the detection device, the control device can monitor and calculate the state of the battery cell 10 (e.g., voltage, current, temperature, state of charge (SOC), state of health (SOH), etc.). Furthermore, the control device can perform control functions (e.g., temperature control, balancing control, charge / discharge control, etc.) and protection functions (e.g., prevention of over-discharge, prevention of over-charge, prevention of overcurrent, prevention of short circuit, fire suppression, etc.) based on the state monitoring results. Additionally, the control device can perform wired or wireless communication with external devices of the battery pack (e.g., controller, vehicle, charger, power conversion system (PCS), etc.). The control device can control the charging / discharging operation and protection operation of the battery.

[0076] The detection device, balancing device, and control device may include a processor and memory. The processor may be implemented as a central processing unit (CPU) or a system-on-a-chip (SoC), which can control multiple hardware or software components connected to the processor by driving an operating system or application, and can perform various types of data processing and calculations. The processor may be configured to execute at least one instruction stored in memory and store the execution result data in memory.

[0077] At least one instruction executed by the processor may be stored in memory. The memory may be implemented as a volatile storage medium and / or a non-volatile storage medium, and may be implemented, for example, as a read-only memory (ROM) and / or a random access memory (RAM).

[0078] Figure 2 This is a perspective view schematically showing a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 It is shown schematically. Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a single battery cell. (Refer to...) Figure 2 and Figure 3 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the battery cell 10 may include a casing 11, a cap 12, and a terminal 13.

[0079] The housing 11 can accommodate at least one electrode assembly 110, wherein a diaphragm 113, which serves as an insulator, is inserted between and wound around the positive electrode 111 and the negative electrode 112, and the housing 11 can have an open upper side.

[0080] Here, an example of a prismatic lithium-ion secondary battery cell 10 will be described. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the battery cell 10 may be, for example, a lithium polymer battery or a cylindrical battery.

[0081] The positive electrode 111 and the negative electrode 112 may include coated portions and uncoated portions 111a and 112a, wherein the coated portion is the area in which active material is applied to a current collector formed of a thin sheet of metal foil, and the uncoated portions 111a and 112a are the areas in which the active material is not coated.

[0082] In one embodiment, the positive electrode 111 and the negative electrode 112 may be wound after a diaphragm 113, which serves as an insulator, is inserted between the positive electrode 111 and the negative electrode 112. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and in one embodiment, the electrode assembly 110 may be formed with a structure in which multiple positive electrodes 111 and negative electrodes 112 are stacked alternately, and the diaphragm 113 is between the positive electrodes 111 and the negative electrodes 112.

[0083] The casing 11 typically forms the overall appearance of the battery cell 10 and can be made of a conductive metal such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, or nickel-plated steel. In addition, the casing 11 can provide space to accommodate the electrode assembly 110.

[0084] In one embodiment, the shell 11 may include a rectangular lower surface 151, a pair of facing long side surfaces 152 extending upward from the long side of the lower surface 151, and a pair of facing short side surfaces 153 extending upward from the short side of the lower surface 151. The long side surfaces 152 and the short side surfaces 153 may be connected to each other. The lower surface 151, the long side surfaces 152, and the short side surfaces 153 may be joined together by welding.

[0085] The cap 12 can cover the open area of ​​the shell 11. The cap 12 and the shell 11 can be made of conductive material.

[0086] Terminal 13 can be assembled to cap 12 and connected to electrode assembly 110. Terminal 13 can be connected to connector 30. Terminal 13 electrically connected to positive electrode 111 or negative electrode 112 can be mounted to protrude outward through cap 12. In one embodiment, a pair of terminals 13 protruding outward from cap 12 can be formed. The pair of terminals 13 can be connected to positive electrode 111 and negative electrode 112 respectively, and can serve as positive electrode terminals and negative electrode terminals of battery cell 10. In one embodiment, terminal 13 can be electrically connected to a current collector including a first current collector 161 and a second current collector 162 (here referred to as positive electrode current collector and negative electrode current collector), the first current collector 161 and the second current collector 162 being welded to the positive electrode uncoated portion 111a and the negative electrode uncoated portion 112a. For example, a pair of terminals 13 can be welded to positive electrode current collector 161 and negative electrode current collector 162 respectively. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and in one embodiment, the terminal 13, the positive electrode current collector 161, and the negative electrode current collector 162 may be integrally formed. In one embodiment, the outer surface of the upper post of the terminal 13 may be threaded and may be secured to the cap 12 with a nut.

[0087] However, the invention is not limited thereto, and in one embodiment, the terminal 13 may be formed with a rivet structure and riveted to the cap 12, or may be welded to the cap 12.

[0088] In one embodiment, the cap 12 may be formed of a thin plate and may be coupled to an opening in the shell 11, and an electrolyte inlet 122 in which a sealing plug 121 may be installed may be formed in the cap 12, and an exhaust port 123 may be arranged or installed.

[0089] The vent 123 can open and close in response to changes in the internal pressure of the housing 11. That is, the vent 123 can remain closed to seal the housing 11 during normal operation of the electrode assembly 110. If the internal pressure of the housing 11 rises above a certain value (e.g., a set value) due to overcharging, fire, or other reasons, the vent 123 can open and discharge emissions (such as flames, gases, etc.) from the inside of the housing 11 to the outside of the housing 11.

[0090] In one embodiment, an insulating member may be installed between the electrode assembly 110 and the cap 12. Here, the insulating member may include a first lower insulating member 171 and a second lower insulating member 172, and each of the first lower insulating member 171 and the second lower insulating member 172 may be installed between the electrode assembly 110 and the cap 12.

[0091] Furthermore, according to one embodiment, the end of a separator member that can be mounted to face the side surface of the electrode assembly 110 can be installed between the insulating member and the terminal 13. In one embodiment, the separator member may include a first separator member 181 and a second separator member 182.

[0092] Therefore, the ends of the first partition member 181 and the second partition member 182, which can be mounted to face the side surface of the electrode assembly 110, can be respectively mounted between the first lower insulating member 171 and the positive electrode terminal 13 and between the second lower insulating member 172 and the negative electrode terminal 13.

[0093] As a result, the terminals 13, which are welded to the positive electrode current collector 161 and the negative electrode current collector 162, can be connected to the ends of the first and second lower insulating members 171 and 172 and the first and second separating members 181 and 182.

[0094] Figure 4 This is a schematic view showing a battery cell without the anti-crack portion according to an embodiment of the invention disposed in a battery module; and Figure 5 It is shown schematically. Figure 4 A view of a battery cell deformed due to expansion. Figure 6 This is a schematic view showing a battery cell with a crack-resistant portion according to an embodiment of the present invention disposed in a battery module; and Figure 7 It is shown schematically. Figure 6 A view of a battery cell deformed due to expansion. Figure 8 This is a view schematically illustrating the deformation process of the shell in which the crack-resistant portion according to an embodiment of the invention is formed. (Refer to...) Figures 4 to 8 The anti-crack portion 40 can be formed on the upper part of the shell 11.

[0095] Figures 4 to 7 The definitions of the reference numerals shown in the figures are as follows:

[0096] W b Indicates the width of the cell at BOL (Burden of Life);

[0097] W e Indicates the width of the cell at EOL (end of life);

[0098] A represents the unilateral EOL expansion at the upper part of the outermost monomer;

[0099] A ccs Indicates the A value after applying the monomer cap separator;

[0100] t represents the width of the second main body wall located on the outside of the monomer stack;

[0101] Lb Indicates the length of the module in BOL;

[0102] L e Indicates the length of the module at EOL;

[0103] a1 represents the distance between the outermost part of the module and the top part of the outermost unit; and

[0104] a2 represents the distance between the outermost part of the module and the upper part of the outermost monomer after the monomer cap is applied.

[0105] In one embodiment, the long side surface 152 and the short side surface 153 of the shell 11 are initially formed as follows: Figure 4 The rectangular shape shown can undergo post-processing to protrude toward the second body wall 212 of the housing 20 to form a crack-resistant portion 40. In one embodiment, the crack-resistant portion 40 protruding toward the second body wall 212 can be formed during the integral formation of the housing 11.

[0106] The protruding length of the anti-crack portion 40 can be increased from the center of the housing 20 toward the edge of the housing 20. For example, if six battery cells 10 are disposed inside the housing 20, the battery cells 10 can be sequentially referred to as first cell 91 to sixth cell 96. First cell 91 and sixth cell 96 can each be set as the outermost battery cell 10 and can be supported by the second main body wall 212.

[0107] In one embodiment, the protruding length of the anti-breakage portion 40 may be less than the length A of the shell 11 that can deform due to expansion.

[0108] If the anti-fracture portion 40 is not formed on the shell 11, the outer side of the shell 11 is located at the first reference point a1. On the other hand, if the anti-fracture portion 40 is formed on the shell 11, the outer side of the shell 11 can protrude from the first reference point a1 to the second reference point a2. In one embodiment, if the second reference point a2 corresponds to half of the deformable length A of the shell 11 due to expansion, then the anti-fracture portion 40 can subsequently protrude in the opposite direction by a length corresponding to half of the deformable length A due to expansion. Therefore, excessive deformation of the shell 11 can be suppressed, thereby preventing or substantially preventing damage to the shell 11. That is, Figure 8 The left figure shows the shell 11, with the anti-breakage section 40 omitted, deformed due to stress. Additionally, Figure 8 The right figure shows the anti-breakage portion 40 formed on the upper part of the shell 11 and protruding half of the set value toward the shell 20, and deformed by half of the set value in the opposite direction of the shell 20 due to stress.

[0109] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the battery module 1 may further include a spacer 50. The spacer 50 may be disposed between battery cells 10 and may maintain the gap between battery cells 10. The spacer 50 may be placed on the cap 12 of adjacent battery cells 10 and may be inserted between the shells 11 of adjacent battery cells 10.

[0110] In one embodiment, the spacer 50 may be formed comprising a resin material. The spacer 50 may have spaces formed therein and may be damaged by external forces. The spacer 50 may be manufactured as a separate component or may be integrally manufactured with other components.

[0111] In one embodiment, the separator 50 may be formed to include an elastic material. Even when compressed by an external force, the separator 50 can maintain a constant spacing between the battery cells 10.

[0112] In one embodiment, a resin material and an elastic material can be used as the separator 50. For example, the separator 50 can be formed of a resin material, and the elastic material can be coated on the surface of the resin material.

[0113] Figure 9 This is a perspective view schematically illustrating an isolation structure according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 It is shown schematically. Figure 9 A view showing the separators installed between the battery cells. (Refer to...) Figures 6 to 10 The spacer 50 can be disposed between the battery cells 10 arranged in a row. In one embodiment, the spacer 50 may include a cap placement portion 51 and a cap insertion portion 52.

[0114] The cap mounting portion 51 can be mounted on the upper side of the battery cell 10. The length of the cap mounting portion 51 in the arrangement direction of the battery cells 10 is longer than the distance between adjacent battery cells 10, so that the cap mounting portion 51 can be mounted on the cap cover 12. The cap mounting portion 51 can be separate from the substrate 32, or it can be integrally formed with the substrate 32.

[0115] The cap insertion portion 52 extends from the cap placement portion 51 and can be inserted between adjacent battery cells 10. The cap insertion portion 52 can prevent or substantially prevent damage caused by direct collision between adjacent battery cells 10. In one embodiment, the width of the cap insertion portion 52 can be proportional to the deformable length of the battery cell 10. For reference, Equations 1 and 2 are formulas for setting the width of the cap insertion portion 52.

[0116] Equation 1

[0117] W b · n + G i · (n - 1) + 2A = Wb · n + G ccs · (n - 1) + 2A ccs

[0118] Equation 2

[0119] G ccs = (2A / (n - 1)) · (1 - k) + G i Where, k = A ccs / A, (0 < k < 1)

[0120] Here, W b Indicates the width of the cell at BOL (Burden of Life);

[0121] n represents the number of units in the module;

[0122] G i This indicates the initial upper gap between monomers;

[0123] G ccs This indicates the upper gap between monomers after the application of the monomer cap separator;

[0124] A represents the unilateral EOL expansion at the upper part of the outermost monomer;

[0125] A ccs Indicates the A value after applying the monomer cap separator;

[0126] k represents A ccs The design factor of the ratio between A and B.

[0127] Figure 11 This is a perspective view schematically showing a spacer according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 12 It is shown schematically. Figure 11 A view showing the separators installed between the battery cells. (Reference) Figure 11 and Figure 12 According to this embodiment of the invention, the separator 50 can be integrally formed and disposed in each space between adjacent battery cells 10. The separator 50 may include a cap placement portion 51, a cap insertion portion 52, and a cap connecting portion 53.

[0128] The cap mounting portion 51 can be mounted on the upper side of the battery cell 10. The length of the cap mounting portion 51 in the arrangement direction of the battery cells 10 is longer than the distance between adjacent battery cells 10, so that the cap mounting portion 51 can be mounted on the cap cover 12. The cap mounting portion 51 can be separate from the substrate 32, or it can be integrally formed with the substrate 32.

[0129] The cap insertion portion 52 extends from the cap placement portion 51 and can be inserted between adjacent battery cells 10. The cap insertion portion 52 can prevent or substantially prevent damage caused by direct collision between adjacent battery cells 10.

[0130] The cap connecting portion 53 can connect to the cap mounting portion 51. In one embodiment, the cap connecting portion 53 may have a rod shape to connect adjacent cap mounting portions 51. In one embodiment, the cap mounting portion 51 and the cap connecting portion 53 can be distinguished as a component by their position. That is, in the plate, the component mounted on the cap 12 of the battery cell 10 can be the cap mounting portion 51, and the component connecting the cap mounting portion 51 can be the cap connecting portion 53.

[0131] Figure 13 This is a perspective view schematically showing a spacer according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 14 It is shown schematically. Figure 13 A view showing the separators installed between the battery cells. (Refer to...) Figure 13 and Figure 14 According to this embodiment of the invention, the isolator 50 can be connected to the connector 30, for example, it can be connected to the substrate 32. The isolator 50 may include a cap placement portion 51, a cap insertion portion 52, and a cap extension portion 54.

[0132] The cap mounting portion 51 can be mounted on the upper side of the battery cell 10. The length of the cap mounting portion 51 in the arrangement direction of the battery cells 10 is longer than the distance between adjacent battery cells 10, so that the cap mounting portion 51 can be mounted on the cap cover 12.

[0133] The cap insertion portion 52 extends from the cap placement portion 51 and can be inserted between adjacent battery cells 10. The cap insertion portion 52 can prevent or substantially prevent damage caused by direct collision between adjacent battery cells 10.

[0134] The cap extension 54 extends from the cap mounting portion 51 and can be connected to the connector 30, for example, to the substrate 32. The cap extension 54 extends upward from the cap mounting portion 51 and passes through the substrate 32 disposed above the cap 12. The cap extension 54 is movable along a guide hole 38 formed in the connector 30 (e.g., the substrate 32). The cap extension 54 may include a first extension 541. In one embodiment, the first extension 541 may be integrally formed with the cap mounting portion 51 and may pass through the guide hole 38. The cap extension 54 may also include a second extension 542. The first extension 541 may pass through the second extension 542, and the second extension 542 may be disposed between the substrate 32 and the cap mounting portion 51. The second extension 542 may restrict vertical movement of the cap mounting portion 51. The cap extension 54 may also include a third extension 543. The third extension 543 may be assembled to the upper end of the first extension 541 to prevent or substantially prevent the first extension 541 from separating from the substrate 32.

[0135] Figure 15 This is a perspective view schematically showing a spacer according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 16 It is shown schematically. Figure 15 A view showing the separators installed between the battery cells. (Reference) Figure 15 and Figure 16 According to this embodiment of the invention, the isolator 50 can be integrally formed and connected to the connector 30, for example, it can be connected to the substrate 32. The isolator 50 may include a cap placement portion 51, a cap insertion portion 52, a cap connecting portion 53, and a cap extension portion 54.

[0136] The cap mounting portion 51 can be mounted on the upper side of the battery cell 10. The length of the cap mounting portion 51 in the arrangement direction of the battery cells 10 is longer than the distance between adjacent battery cells 10, so that the cap mounting portion 51 can be mounted on the cap cover 12.

[0137] The cap insertion portion 52 extends from the cap placement portion 51 and can be inserted between adjacent battery cells 10. The cap insertion portion 52 can prevent or substantially prevent damage caused by direct collision between adjacent battery cells 10.

[0138] The cap connecting portion 53 can connect to the cap mounting portion 51. In one embodiment, the cap connecting portion 53 may have a rod shape to connect adjacent cap mounting portions 51. In one embodiment, the cap mounting portion 51 and the cap connecting portion 53 can be distinguished as a component by their position. That is, in the plate, the component mounted on the cap 12 of the battery cell 10 can be the cap mounting portion 51, and the component connecting the cap mounting portion 51 can be the cap connecting portion 53.

[0139] The cap extension 54 can extend from the cap mounting portion 51 and can be connected to the connector 30, for example, to the substrate 32. The cap extension 54 can extend upward from the cap mounting portion 51 and pass through the substrate 32 disposed above the cap 12. The cap extension 54 is movable along a guide hole 38 formed in the connector 30 (e.g., the substrate 32). The cap extension 54 may include a first extension 541. In one embodiment, the first extension 541 may be integrally formed with the cap mounting portion 51 and may pass through the guide hole 38. The cap extension 54 may also include a third extension 543. The third extension 543 may be assembled to the upper end of the first extension 541 to prevent or substantially prevent the first extension 541 from separating from the substrate 32.

[0140] Figure 17 It schematically illustrates a stress curve obtained depending on whether or not the anti-crack portion and separator according to an embodiment of the invention are applied; and Figure 18 This is a schematic graph showing the expected lifespan obtained depending on whether the anti-crack portion and separator according to embodiments of the present invention are applied. (Refer to...) Figure 17 and Figure 18 According to the average stress effect theory, the battery cell 10 without the anti-crack portion 40 and the separator 50 corresponds to the first line S1. Furthermore, when the value k is 1 / 2, the battery cell 10 with the anti-crack portion 40 and the separator 50 corresponds to the second line S2; when the value k is less than 1 / 2, the battery cell 10 with the anti-crack portion 40 and the separator 50 corresponds to the third line S3. As shown in the graph, it can be seen that under stress amplitude fatigue conditions, the expected lifespan increases due to the application of the anti-crack portion 40 and the separator 50.

[0141] In the battery module 1 according to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the anti-crack portion 40 formed on the battery cell protrudes toward the housing 20, and the battery cell 10 deforms in the opposite direction to the protrusion direction of the anti-crack portion 40 due to expansion. Therefore, excessive deformation of the battery cell 10 can be suppressed, and fatigue failure of the battery cell 10 itself can be prevented or substantially prevented.

[0142] In a battery module 1 according to one or more embodiments of the present invention, a spacer 50 is disposed between battery cells 10. The spacer 50 can prevent or substantially prevent damage caused by direct contact between battery cells 10 deformed due to expansion.

[0143] In a battery module according to one or more embodiments of the present invention, a crack-resistant portion formed on the battery cell protrudes towards the casing. Due to expansion, the battery cell deforms in the opposite direction to the protrusion direction of the crack-resistant portion. Therefore, fatigue failure of the battery cell can be prevented or substantially prevented.

[0144] In a battery module according to one or more embodiments of the present invention, spacers are disposed between battery cells. The spacers can prevent or substantially prevent damage caused by direct contact between battery cells deformed due to expansion.

[0145] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a battery module with an improved structure and a vehicle including the battery module are provided.

[0146] However, the aspects and technical effects available through this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the description of the invention other aspects and technical effects not mentioned.

[0147] Although this disclosure has been described with reference to some embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, these are merely examples, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalents are possible.

Claims

1. A battery module, comprising: Battery cell; A housing in which the battery cells are arranged in rows; Connector, electrically connected to the battery cell; as well as A crack-resistant portion is provided on the battery cell and protrudes from the battery cell to prevent fatigue damage caused by expansion.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The battery cell includes: A shell having an open upper side, and one or more electrode assemblies housed within the shell, the one or more electrode assemblies including a positive electrode and a negative electrode; A cap, covering the open area of ​​the shell; and Terminals are assembled to the cap, connected to the electrode assembly, and connected to the connector.

3. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein, The shell includes: The bottom surface of the rectangle; A pair of long side surfaces, extending upward from the long side of the lower surface to face each other; and A pair of short side surfaces, extending upward from the short side of the lower surface to face each other, and connected to the pair of long side surfaces.

4. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein, The anti-crack portion is located at the upper part of the shell.

5. The battery module according to claim 4, wherein, The anti-crack portion protrudes toward the housing.

6. The battery module according to claim 5, wherein, The protruding length of the anti-breakage portion increases from the center of the housing to the edge of the housing.

7. The battery module according to claim 5, wherein, The protruding length of the anti-crack portion is less than the length of the shell that can deform due to expansion.

8. The battery module according to claim 1 further includes spacers between the battery cells to maintain a gap between the battery cells.

9. The battery module according to claim 8, wherein, The spacer is located between a pair of adjacent battery cells arranged in a row.

10. The battery module according to claim 9, wherein, The isolation material includes: A cap mounting portion is mounted on the upper side of the battery cell; and A cap insertion portion extends from the cap placement portion and is inserted between the adjacent battery cells.

11. The battery module according to claim 10, wherein, The width of the cap insertion portion is proportional to the deformable length of the battery cell.

12. The battery module according to claim 8, wherein, The separator is integrally formed and arranged between adjacent battery cells.

13. The battery module according to claim 12, wherein, The isolation material includes: The cap mounting section is mounted on the upper side of the battery cell; A cap insertion portion extends from the cap placement portion and is inserted between the adjacent battery cells; and The cap connecting part connects to the cap mounting part.

14. The battery module according to claim 8, wherein, The isolator is connected to the connector.

15. The battery module according to claim 14, wherein, The isolation material includes: The cap mounting section is mounted on the upper side of the battery cell; A cap insertion portion extends from the cap placement portion and is inserted between adjacent battery cells; and A cap extension extends from the cap mounting portion and connects to the connector.

16. The battery module according to claim 15, wherein, The cap extension is movable along the guide hole of the connector.

17. The battery module according to claim 8, wherein, The isolator is integrally connected to the connector.

18. The battery module according to claim 17, wherein, The isolation material includes: The cap mounting section is mounted on the upper side of the battery cell; A cap insertion portion extends from the cap placement portion and is inserted between adjacent battery cells; The cap connecting part connects to the cap mounting part; and A cap extension extends from the cap mounting portion and connects to the connector.

19. The battery module according to claim 8, wherein, The separator comprises a resin material.

20. The battery module according to claim 8, wherein, The insulating material comprises an elastic material.

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