Battery module and battery pack including same

Abstract

A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a battery cell laminate in which a plurality of battery cells are laminated; a module case in which the battery cell stack is housed, and in which an opening is formed on one surface thereof; the module shell is provided with an opening, the battery cell diagnosis assembly is installed on the module shell so as to be located in the opening, and the battery cell diagnosis assembly can be connected to the module shell, so that at least one part of the battery cell diagnosis assembly can move.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0118820, filed on September 2, 2024, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0090055, filed on July 4, 2025, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0003] This disclosure relates to a battery module and a battery pack including the battery module, and more specifically to a battery module and a battery pack including the battery module that minimizes deformation of a cell diagnostic component. Background Technology

[0004] In modern society, the widespread use of portable devices such as mobile phones, laptops, portable camcorders, and digital cameras, as well as energy storage systems (ESS), has spurred technological development in related fields. Furthermore, rechargeable / dischargeable secondary batteries are used as power sources for electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (P-HEVs) in an attempt to address air pollution caused by existing gasoline vehicles using fossil fuels. Therefore, the demand for secondary battery development is growing.

[0005] Currently commercially available rechargeable batteries include nickel-cadmium (NiCd), nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), nickel-zinc (NiZn), and lithium-ion batteries. Among these, lithium-ion batteries have attracted much attention due to their advantages of free charge / discharge, very low self-discharge rate, and high energy density.

[0006] This type of lithium secondary battery mainly uses lithium-based oxide and carbon materials as positive and negative electrode active materials, respectively. The lithium secondary battery includes an electrode assembly and a casing. In the electrode assembly, a separator is set between the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate, which are coated with positive and negative electrode active materials. The casing, or battery housing, seals and contains the electrode assembly and electrolyte.

[0007] Generally, depending on the shape of the casing, lithium secondary batteries can be divided into can-type secondary batteries and pouch-type secondary batteries. In can-type secondary batteries, the electrode assembly is contained in a metal can, while in pouch-type secondary batteries, the electrode assembly is contained in a pouch made of aluminum laminate.

[0008] In the case of secondary batteries for small devices, two to three battery cells are used. However, in the case of secondary batteries for medium and large devices, battery modules or battery packs in which multiple battery cells are electrically connected are used. In such battery modules, multiple battery cells are connected in series or parallel to form unit components, thereby increasing capacity and output. One or more battery modules can be installed together with various control and protection systems, such as BMS (Battery Management System), BDU (Battery Disconnect Unit), and cooling systems, to form battery packs.

[0009] A battery pack may include battery modules as a subordinate concept, and a battery module may include battery cells as a subordinate concept. Furthermore, the number of battery cells included in a battery module or the number of battery modules included in a battery pack may vary depending on the output or capacity of the battery pack required by the electric vehicle or energy storage system (ESS).

[0010] Meanwhile, with repeated charging and discharging of the secondary battery, battery cell expansion may occur. Expansion is the phenomenon where the volume of the active material coated on the positive and negative electrodes increases during repeated charging and discharging, causing the battery cell to expand. Expansion initially occurs in each individual battery cell housed within the battery module and eventually affects the entire battery module.

[0011] A battery module may include multiple battery cells, a module frame housing the battery cells, and cell diagnostic components mounted on the module frame. When expansion occurs in the battery cells housed within the module frame, both the module frame and the cell diagnostic components mounted on it may deform together. This presents the following problem: due to the expansion of the battery cells, the cell diagnostic components deform and become damaged, rendering the printed circuit board included in the cell diagnostic components unable to perform its original function (e.g., diagnosing the voltage and temperature of the battery cells).

[0012] Therefore, a structure is needed that minimizes the deformation of the cell diagnostic components mounted on the module housing, even when expansion occurs in the battery cell and the module housing deforms. Summary of the Invention

[0013] Technical issues

[0014] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a battery module that minimizes deformation of the cell diagnostic component and a battery pack including the battery module.

[0015] However, the technical problems to be solved by the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to the above-described problems, and various extensions can be made within the scope of the technical ideas included in this disclosure.

[0016] Technical solution

[0017] In an exemplary aspect of this disclosure, a battery module is provided, comprising: a battery cell stack having a plurality of battery cells stacked therein; a module housing having the battery cell stack therein and having an opening formed on one surface; and a cell diagnostic component mounted on the module housing to be located in the opening, wherein the cell diagnostic component is coupled to the module housing such that at least a portion of the cell diagnostic component is movable.

[0018] In one embodiment, the cell diagnostic component is coupled to the module housing in a manner that allows it to move along at least one direction.

[0019] In one embodiment, the cell diagnostic component is connected to the module housing in a manner that allows it to move along at least one of the width direction of the opening and the height direction of the module housing, and the width direction of the opening may be the same as the direction in which the battery cell expands.

[0020] In one embodiment, the cell diagnostic component is movably connected to the module housing at a portion adjacent to one side edge of the opening along the width direction of the opening, and is fixedly connected to the module housing at a portion adjacent to the other side edge of the opening along the width direction of the opening.

[0021] In one embodiment, the module housing includes a first connection hole and a second connection hole. The first connection hole is formed in a portion adjacent to one side edge of the opening along the width direction of the opening, and the second connection hole is formed in a portion adjacent to the other side edge of the opening along the width direction of the opening. The cell diagnostic component includes a first connection portion and a second connection portion that are respectively connected to the first connection hole and the second connection hole, and the first connection hole may be in the form of a slot.

[0022] In one embodiment, the first connection hole and the second connection hole may be located in the central region of the module housing along the length of the module housing on one surface forming the opening.

[0023] In one embodiment, the first connecting part is connected to the first connecting hole in a manner that allows it to move along the extension direction of the first connecting hole, and the second connecting part is fixedly connected to the second connecting hole.

[0024] In one embodiment, the first connecting hole may be formed to extend along the width direction, and the second connecting portion may be fixedly connected to the second connecting hole by a heat-fusion method.

[0025] In one embodiment, the first connection portion includes: a first body portion having a cylindrical shape extending along the height direction of the cell diagnostic assembly and inserted into the first connection hole; and a first head formed on the upper part of the first body portion to contact the first body portion, wherein the extension length of the first connection hole may be longer than the diameter of the first body portion.

[0026] In one embodiment, the cell diagnostic component may include: a printed circuit board; a lower housing on which the printed circuit board is disposed; and an upper cover configured to cover at least a portion of the printed circuit board.

[0027] In one embodiment, the lower housing can be connected to at least one of the module housing and the upper cover via a snap-fit ​​connection.

[0028] In one embodiment, the lower housing may include a hook member that is hooked to at least one of the module housing and the upper cover.

[0029] In one embodiment, the upper cover is connected to the lower housing in a manner spaced apart from the hook member.

[0030] In one embodiment, the upper cover may be attached to the lower housing such that the surface facing the printed circuit board is spaced apart from the uppermost end of the hook member.

[0031] In one embodiment, the hook components may be multiple, and the multiple hook components may be arranged along the periphery of the lower housing.

[0032] In one embodiment, a portion of the plurality of hook members may be formed on both sides in the length direction of the lower housing, and other portions of the plurality of hook members may be formed on both sides in the width direction of the lower housing.

[0033] In one embodiment, the printed circuit board may be configured to diagnose at least one of the voltage and temperature of the battery cell.

[0034] In one embodiment, the plurality of battery cells can be stacked along the width direction.

[0035] In one embodiment, the module housing may have an exhaust port through which gases and flames generated inside the battery module are discharged.

[0036] In another exemplary aspect of this disclosure, a battery pack is provided, the battery pack comprising: the battery module described above; and a battery pack housing, the battery module being encapsulated within the battery pack housing.

[0037] Beneficial effects

[0038] According to a specific embodiment of this disclosure, the cell diagnostic component is movably coupled to the module housing, and thus even if the module housing deforms due to the expansion of the battery cells, the deformation of the cell diagnostic component is minimized, so that the printed circuit board included in the cell diagnostic component can perform its functions normally, such as diagnosing the voltage and temperature of the battery cells.

[0039] The effects of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the description of the appended claims other additional effects not mentioned above. Attached Figure Description

[0040] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 3 These are a plan view and a partial enlarged view of a cell diagnostic assembly mounted on a top plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the top cover has been removed.

[0043] Figure 4 It is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken from line A-A'.

[0044] Figure 5 It is along Figure 3 The cross-sectional view taken by line B-B'.

[0045] Figure 6 It is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view and a magnified view of the section cut by line C-C'.

[0046] Figure 7 This is a side view of the cell diagnostic assembly and top plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the initial state and the state in which the top plate is deformed due to the expansion of the battery cell.

[0047] Figure 8 This is a plan view of the top plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the direction in which the top plate expands and deforms due to the expansion of the battery cells.

[0048] Figure 9 This is a plan view showing the state of removing the top cover in a cell diagnostic assembly mounted on a top plate according to an embodiment of the present invention, which is a diagram for explaining the width direction movement of the cell diagnostic assembly.

[0049] Figure 10 It is along Figure 3The cross-sectional view taken by line B-B' is used to explain the height direction movement of the cell diagnostic component. Detailed Implementation

[0050] Various embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, enabling those skilled in the art to readily implement them. This disclosure can be modified in various different ways and is not limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0051] To clearly describe the inventive concept, parts irrelevant to the description have been omitted, and throughout the description, the same reference numerals denote the same or similar elements.

[0052] Furthermore, since the dimensions and thicknesses of each element shown in the accompanying drawings are arbitrarily given for better understanding and ease of description, the inventive concept is not limited to the dimensions and thicknesses shown. In the drawings, the thicknesses of layers, regions, etc., are exaggerated for clarity. In the drawings, the thicknesses of some layers and regions are exaggerated for better understanding and ease of description.

[0053] Furthermore, it should be understood that when an element such as a layer, film, region, or plate is referred to as being "on" or "above" another element, it can be directly on the other element, or there may be intermediate elements present. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element, it means that there are no other intermediate elements present. Additionally, a portion located "above" or "on" a reference portion means that the portion is located above or below the reference portion, and does not specifically mean that the portion is "above" or "on" facing the opposite direction of gravity.

[0054] At the same time, although terms such as up, down, left, right, forward and backward are used in this embodiment, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these terms are for ease of interpretation only and may vary depending on the position of the target object or the position of the observer.

[0055] Furthermore, throughout the specification, when a section is referred to as "comprising" or "including" a component, it means that the section may also include other components, without excluding other components, unless otherwise stated.

[0056] Furthermore, throughout the instruction manual, when referred to as "plane," it means when viewing the target portion from above, and when referred to as "cross section," it means when viewing the target portion from the side of a vertically cut cross section.

[0057] Before describing the battery module 100 according to this disclosure, the length direction of the battery module 100, module housing 110, opening 221, and cell diagnostic component 120, etc., refers to the X-axis direction in the drawings. The width direction of the battery module 100, module housing 110, opening 221, cell diagnostic component 120, etc., refers to the Y-axis direction in the drawings. The height direction of the battery module 100, module housing 110, cell diagnostic component 120, etc., refers to the Z-axis direction in the drawings.

[0058] Below, we will refer to Figures 1 to 6 A battery module 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described.

[0059] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The battery module 100 may include a battery cell stack 210, a module housing 110, a cell diagnostic component 120, an end plate 130, and a busbar frame 240.

[0060] The module housing 110 may include a top plate 111, an opening 221, a first connection hole 222, a second connection hole 223, and a U-shaped frame 112. The U-shaped frame 112 may include a bottom plate on which a battery cell stack 210 is mounted, and side surface plates protruding from the two edges of the bottom plate. The two ends of the bottom plate may be portions facing each other in the width direction of the battery module.

[0061] The cell diagnostic component 120 may include a printed circuit board 231, a lower housing 232, an upper cover 233, a first connecting part 310, a second connecting part 320, and a hook member 330.

[0062] A battery module 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a battery cell stack 210 in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked. The battery cell stack 210 is housed inside a module housing 110. If the module housing 110 may have a structure including a top plate 111 and a U-shaped frame 112, it may be a structure in which the battery cell stack 210 is inserted into the U-shaped frame 112 and the top plate 111 covers the open top surface. The battery cell stack 210 may be stacked along the width direction of the battery module 100. In this case, the width direction of the battery module 100 may be the same as the direction of expansion occurring in the battery cells.

[0063] Module housing 110 is configured to house battery cell laminate 210 therein. An opening 221 is formed on one surface of module housing 110 (i.e., top plate 111). Cell diagnostic assembly 120 is mounted on top plate 111 so as to be located in opening 221. Top plate 111 may include a first connection hole 222 and a second connection hole 223, the first connection hole 222 being formed along the width direction of opening 221 in a portion adjacent to one side edge of opening 221, and the second connection hole 223 being formed along the width direction of opening 221 in a portion adjacent to the other side edge of opening 221. Opening 221, first connection hole 222 and second connection hole 223 may be formed on top plate 111.

[0064] The module housing 110 may have vents 224. Vents 224 may be formed in the top plate 111 of the module housing 110. On the top plate 111, vents 224 may be formed in an area other than the area where the opening 221, the first connection hole 222, and the second connection hole 223 are formed. There may be multiple vents 224. The multiple vents 224 may be spaced apart from each other along the length and width directions of the battery module 100. At least a portion of the multiple vents 224 may be configured to extend elongatedly along the length direction of the battery module 100. Gas or flame generated inside the battery module 100 can be discharged to the outside through the vents 224. This prevents damage to components inside the battery module 100 caused by gas or flame, or prevents thermal runaway from occurring inside the battery module 100.

[0065] refer to Figure 3 The first connecting portion 310 and the second connecting portion 320 of the cell diagnostic assembly 120 are connected to each of the first connecting hole 222 and the second connecting hole 223 of the module housing 110, so that the cell diagnostic assembly 120 can be mounted on the module housing 110. The first connecting hole 222 can be in the form of a slot. Here, a slot refers to an elongated hole extending in one direction, that is, the hole cap is not circular, but has length in one direction. The first connecting hole 222 can be along the width direction of the module housing 110 ( Figure 3 The slot extends in the form of a groove along the Y-axis direction of the module housing 110, and has a length direction along the module housing 110. Figure 3 The width along the X-axis direction and along the width direction of the module housing 110 (in the X-axis direction) and (in the X-axis direction) Figure 3 The length of the first connecting portion 310 (in the Y-axis direction). As described below, the first connecting portion 310 may include a first main body portion 411 and a first head portion 412 (see...). Figure 4The first main body 411, having a cylindrical shape, can be inserted into the first connecting hole 222, thereby connecting the first connecting hole 222 and the first connecting portion 310. In this case, the extension of the first connecting hole 222 along the width direction of the module housing 110 is longer than the diameter of the first main body 411, allowing the first main body 411 to move in the width direction of the module housing 110, and thus, the cell diagnostic assembly 120 can move along the width direction of the module housing 110. Furthermore, the battery cell stack 210 can be stacked along the width direction of the module housing 110, which is the extension direction of the first connecting hole 222, so that the expansion direction of the battery cell can be the same as the extension direction of the first connecting hole 222 and the width direction of the module housing 110. In this case, since the cell diagnostic assembly 120 can move through the first connecting hole 222 in the same direction as the expansion direction of the battery cell, deformation of the cell diagnostic assembly 120 caused by the expansion of the battery cell and the deformation of the module housing 110 is effectively suppressed.

[0066] like Figure 2 As shown, the first connecting hole 222 and the second connecting hole 223 can be formed along the width direction of the opening 221 in the portion adjacent to the two side edges of the opening 221. The first connecting hole 222 and the second connecting hole 223 can be located in the central region along the length direction of the module housing 110 on one surface of the module housing 110 (e.g., the top plate 111 where the opening 221 is formed) (see...). Figure 8 (C) Here, "central region" refers to the region near the midpoint along the length direction of the module housing 110, that is, the region extending from the midpoint along the length direction of the module housing 110 to points located on both sides of the length direction at predetermined distances. To encapsulate the battery cell stack 210 inside the module housing 110, the top plate 111 can be fixed by four-sided welding to the four edges corresponding to the side plates and end plates of the U-shaped frame 112. Since the top plate 111 can have an elongated shape extending along the length direction of the module housing 110, the central region of the top plate 111 along the length direction of the module housing 110 expands the most when the battery cell expands. In this disclosure, the first connection hole 222, which allows the battery cell diagnostic assembly 120 to move, is located in the central region along the length direction of the module housing 110, thereby effectively suppressing deformation of the cell diagnostic assembly 120 due to the expansion of the battery cell.

[0067] Furthermore, since the top plate 111 and the U-shaped frame 112 of the module housing 110 housing the battery cell stack 210 are welded together, the rigidity of the module housing 110 can partially suppress the expansion caused by the expansion of the battery cells. Additionally, the battery cell diagnostic component 120 is movably connected to the module housing 110; therefore, even if the module housing 110 deforms due to the expansion of the battery cells, the cell diagnostic component 120 will not deform or be damaged. In other words, the rigidity of the module housing 110 can partially suppress the expansion caused by the expansion of the battery cells, and even if the module housing 110 deforms due to the expansion of the battery cells, the cell diagnostic component 120 will not deform along with the module housing 110, but will still be able to perform its original function.

[0068] The cell diagnostic assembly 120 includes a printed circuit board 231. The printed circuit board 231 can diagnose the state of the battery cells (e.g., voltage, temperature, etc.). The cell diagnostic assembly 120 is mounted on a module housing 110, positioned within an opening 221. The cell diagnostic assembly 120 is coupled to the module housing 110 such that at least a portion of the cell diagnostic assembly 120 is movable. The cell diagnostic assembly 120 is coupled to the module housing 110 so as to be movable in at least one direction. The cell diagnostic assembly 120 can be coupled to the module housing 110 so as to be movable in at least one direction: the width direction of the opening 221 and the height direction of the module housing 110.

[0069] The cell diagnostic assembly 120 is movably coupled to the module housing 110 at a portion adjacent to one side edge of the opening 221 along the width direction of the opening 221, and can be fixedly coupled to the module housing 110 at a portion adjacent to the other side edge of the opening 221 along the width direction of the opening 221. For this purpose, the cell diagnostic assembly 120 may include a first connection portion 310 and a second connection portion 320, which are coupled to each of the first connection holes 222 and the second connection holes 223 of the module housing 110. The first connection portion 310 and the second connection portion 320 may be formed in positions corresponding to the first connection holes 222 and the second connection holes 223. If the first connection holes 222 and the second connection holes 223 are formed along the width direction of the opening 221 in portions adjacent to the two side edges, they are located in the central region along the length direction of the module housing 110 on one surface of the module housing 110 where the opening 221 is formed (see...). Figure 8 If part C is in the middle, then the first connecting part 310 and the second connecting part 320 can be formed in their corresponding positions.

[0070] As described above, the first connection hole 222 can be in the form of a slot, and the first connection portion 310 can be connected to the first connection hole 222 so that it can move along the extension direction (e.g., the width direction) of the first connection hole 222. Therefore, even when the module housing 110 deforms due to the expansion of the battery cell, the cell diagnostic assembly 120 can move in the width direction, thereby minimizing the deformation of the cell diagnostic assembly 120.

[0071] The second connecting portion 320 can be fixedly connected to the second connecting hole 223. The second connecting portion 320 can be fixedly connected to the second connecting hole 223 by heat fusion or the like. The second connecting portion 320 and the second connecting hole 223 are connected to each other to fix the position of the cell diagnostic assembly 120. That is, not all parts of the cell diagnostic assembly 120 are movably connected to the module housing 110, but the part forming the second connecting portion 320 is fixed to the module housing 110 and holds its position, and only the part forming the first connecting portion 310 and the hook member 330 (described below) can be connected to the module housing 110 so that it can move. Therefore, even while maintaining the position of the cell diagnostic assembly 120 relative to the module housing 110, even if the module housing 110 deforms due to the expansion of the battery cells, the cell diagnostic assembly 120 will not deform or be damaged.

[0072] Reference Figure 4 The first connecting portion 310 and the second connecting portion 320 may be formed to extend along the height direction of the cell diagnostic assembly 120. The first connecting portion 310 may include a first body portion 411 and a first head portion 412. The second connecting portion 320 may include a second body portion 421 and a second head portion 422.

[0073] The first main body portion 411 can be formed to extend along the height direction of the cell diagnostic assembly 120. The first main body portion 411 can be formed to protrude upward from the bottom surface of the lower housing 232. The first main body portion 411 can have a cylindrical shape. If the first connection hole 222 is in the form of an elongated slot with a width and length (see...), Figure 3 If the diameter of the first main body portion 411 is smaller than the width of the first connecting hole 222, or is the same as the width of the first connecting hole 222 but smaller than the length of the first connecting hole 222, then the first main body portion 411 can be inserted into the first connecting hole 222, allowing the first connecting portion 310 and the first connecting hole 222 to be connected, and the first connecting portion 310 can move along the length direction (extension direction) of the first connecting hole 222. A first head 412 can be formed on the upper part of the first main body portion 411 to contact the first main body portion 411. To prevent the first connecting portion 310 from separating from the first connecting hole 222, the first head 412 is formed to have a diameter larger than the width of the first connecting hole 222.

[0074] The second main body portion 421 may be formed to extend along the height direction of the cell diagnostic assembly 120. The second main body portion 421 may be formed to protrude upwards from the bottom surface of the lower housing 232. The second main body portion 421 may have a cylindrical shape. The diameter of the second main body portion 421 is smaller than the diameter of the second connection hole 223, or the same as the diameter of the second connection hole 223. Therefore, the second main body portion 421 can be inserted into the second connection hole 223, thereby connecting the second connection portion 320 and the second connection hole 223. A second head 422 may be formed on the upper part of the second main body portion 421 to contact the second main body portion 421. To prevent the second connection portion 320 from separating from the second connection hole 223, the second head 422 is formed to have a diameter larger than the width of the second connection hole 223.

[0075] The cell diagnostic assembly 120 may include a printed circuit board 231, a lower housing 232, and a top cover 233. That is, the cell diagnostic assembly 120 is not merely a single board, but rather a structure with a height corresponding to the height of the battery module 100, which can be configured to diagnose the voltage and temperature of the battery cells and communicate with an external BMS (Battery Management System). The printed circuit board 231 may be a CSC (Cell Monitoring Circuit) printed circuit board for diagnosing the state of the battery cells (e.g., voltage, temperature, etc.), but is not limited to this, and various types of printed circuit boards can be used.

[0076] A printed circuit board 231 can be mounted on a lower housing 232. The printed circuit board 231 can be mounted on the lower housing 232 such that its lower surface contacts the lower housing 232. A top cover 233 can be configured to cover at least a portion of the printed circuit board 231. The top cover 233 can be configured to cover the upper surface of the printed circuit board 231. The lower housing 232 can be connected to the module housing 110 and / or the top cover 233 via a snap-fit ​​engagement. For this purpose, the lower housing 232 may include a hook member 330 that hooks onto the module housing 110 and / or the top cover 233. In this case, the top cover 233 can be connected to the lower housing 232 such that it is spaced apart from the hook member 330. The top cover 233 can be connected to the lower housing 232 such that the surface facing the printed circuit board 231 is upwardly spaced apart from the uppermost end of the hook member 330.

[0077] refer to Figure 5The lower housing 232 can be connected to the module housing 110 and / or the upper cover 233 via a snap-fit ​​connection. In this connection, the upper cover 233 and the lower housing 232 are joined such that the surface of the upper cover 233 facing the printed circuit board 231 is spaced upwards from the uppermost end of the hook member 330. Therefore, even if the module housing 110 deforms due to the expansion of the battery cells, the cell diagnostic component 120 will not deform. This is because the lower housing 232, on which the printed circuit board 231 is mounted, can move vertically. As a result, the deformation of the printed circuit board 231 and the module housing 110 caused by the expansion of the battery cells is minimized, allowing for the measurement of battery cell voltage, temperature, etc., until the end of the battery module 100's lifespan (EOL).

[0078] Multiple hook components 330 can be provided. Multiple hook components 330 can be arranged along the periphery of the lower housing 232. (See reference...) Figure 6 A portion of the plurality of hook members 330 may be formed on both sides of the lower housing 232 in the length direction. Other portions of the plurality of hook members 330 may be formed on both sides of the lower housing 232 in the width direction.

[0079] As described above, the first connecting hole 222 and the second connecting hole 223 are formed along the width direction of the opening 221 in the portion adjacent to the two side edges of the opening 221, so that they are located in the central region of the module housing 110 in the length direction on a surface of the module housing 110 where the opening 221 is formed, and when the first connecting portion 310 and the second connecting portion 320, which are respectively connected to them, are formed in their corresponding positions, a plurality of hook members 330 can be formed in the region outside the region where the first connecting portion 310 and the second connecting portion 320 are formed.

[0080] Along the circumferential direction of the lower housing 232, the first connecting portion 310 and the second connecting portion 320 are formed on both sides of the central region in the length direction of the module housing 110, and the hook member 330 is formed in another region, so that even when the cell diagnostic assembly 120 and the module housing 110 are firmly connected, the cell diagnostic assembly 120 can move in the width and height directions.

[0081] Figure 7 This is a side view of the cell diagnostic assembly and top plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the initial state and the state in which the top plate is deformed due to the expansion of the battery cell.

[0082] Figure 8 This is a plan view of the top plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the direction in which the top plate expands and deforms due to the expansion of the battery cells.

[0083] Figure 9This is a plan view showing the state of removing the top cover in a cell diagnostic assembly mounted on a top plate according to an embodiment of the present invention, which is a diagram for explaining the width direction movement of the cell diagnostic assembly.

[0084] Figure 10 It is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken from line B-B'. Figure 3 This is a diagram used to explain the height-direction movement of the cell diagnostic component.

[0085] Reference Figures 7 to 10 The deformation of the module housing 110 and the movement of the cell diagnostic assembly 120 according to embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail.

[0086] The module housing 110 can deform due to the expansion of the multiple battery cells housed within it. For example, when the multiple battery cells are stacked along the width direction of the battery module 100 (see...). Figure 2 The top plate 111 to which the cell diagnostic assembly 120 is mounted can expand in the width direction due to the expansion of the battery cells (see [reference]). Figure 7 and Figure 8 Furthermore, the expanding battery cells can push the top plate 111 upwards, causing the top plate to bend upwards due to expansion and deformation (see...). Figure 7 (b) In other words, due to the expansion of the battery cell, the top plate 111 on which the cell diagnostic component 120 is mounted may deform in the width direction, height direction and other directions.

[0087] At this point, in traditional battery modules, the cell diagnostic components are fixedly connected to the upper surface of the module housing and deform together with the module housing, which may damage the printed circuit board and prevent it from performing its original function.

[0088] In contrast, in the battery module 100 according to this disclosure, the cell diagnostic component 120 is coupled to the module housing 110 such that the cell diagnostic component 120 can move in at least one direction, and therefore, the deformation of the cell diagnostic component 120 can be minimized even when the module housing 110 deforms due to the expansion of the battery cells.

[0089] More specifically, see reference Figure 9 and Figure 10 When the top plate 111 on which the cell diagnostic assembly 120 is mounted deforms in the width and height directions due to the expansion of the battery cells, the cell diagnostic assembly 120 can move in the width direction through the first connection hole 222, which is a slot-shaped hole extending in the width direction (see...). Figure 9The upper cover 233 covering the printed circuit board 231 is located above the uppermost end of the hook member 330 of the lower housing 232, allowing the cell diagnostic assembly 120 to move in the height direction. As a result, even if the module housing 110 deforms due to the expansion of the battery cells, the cell diagnostic assembly 120 mounted to the module housing 110 will not deform or the deformation will be minimized. The printed circuit board 231 can perform its original function until the end of the life of the battery module 100.

[0090] According to an embodiment of the present invention, one or more battery modules can be encapsulated within a battery pack housing to form a battery pack.

[0091] The battery modules and battery packs including the battery modules described above can be applied to a variety of devices. Specifically, such devices can be applied to transportation vehicles, such as electric bicycles, electric vehicles, and hybrid vehicles. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and can be applied to a variety of devices capable of using battery modules and battery packs including the battery modules, which also fall within the scope of this disclosure.

[0092] Although preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described above, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and those skilled in the art can make many other changes and modifications to the embodiments using the basic principles of the invention as defined in the appended claims, which also fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0093] [Symbol Explanation]

[0094] 100: Battery Module

[0095] 110: Module housing

[0096] 111: Top plate

[0097] 112: U-shaped frame

[0098] 120: Cell Diagnostic Kit

[0099] 130: End plate

[0100] 210: Battery cell laminate

[0101] 221: Opening

[0102] 222: First connecting hole

[0103] 223: Second connecting hole

[0104] 224: Exhaust port

[0105] 231: Printed Circuit Board (PCB)

[0106] 232: Lower shell

[0107] 233: Top Cover

[0108] 240: Busbar Frame

[0109] 310: First connecting part

[0110] 320: Second connecting part

[0111] 330: Hook component

[0112] 411: First Main Body

[0113] 412: First Head

[0114] 421: Second Main Body

[0115] 422: Second Head

Claims

1. A battery module, the battery module comprising: A battery cell stack, wherein multiple battery cells are stacked in the battery cell stack; A module housing, wherein the battery cell stack is housed, and an opening is formed on one surface; and A cell diagnostic component, which is mounted on the module housing and positioned within the opening. The cell diagnostic component is connected to the module housing, allowing at least a portion of the cell diagnostic component to move.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, in, The cell diagnostic component is coupled to the module housing in a manner that allows it to move in at least one direction.

3. The battery module according to claim 2, in, The cell diagnostic component is coupled to the module housing in a manner that allows it to move along at least one of the width direction of the opening and the height direction of the module housing, and The width direction of the opening is the same as the direction of expansion in the battery cell.

4. The battery module according to claim 2, in, The cell diagnostic component is movably connected to the module housing at a portion adjacent to one side edge of the opening along the width direction of the opening, and is fixedly connected to the module housing at a portion adjacent to the other side edge of the opening along the width direction of the opening.

5. The battery module according to claim 2, in, The module housing includes a first connection hole and a second connection hole. The first connection hole is formed in a portion adjacent to one side edge of the opening along its width direction, and the second connection hole is formed in a portion adjacent to the other side edge of the opening along its width direction. The cell diagnostic component includes a first connection part and a second connection part that are respectively connected to the first connection hole and the second connection hole, and The first connecting hole is in the form of a slot.

6. The battery module according to claim 5, in, The first connection hole and the second connection hole are located in the central region of the module housing along its length on one surface of the module housing where the opening is formed.

7. The battery module according to claim 5, in, The first connecting part is connected to the first connecting hole in a manner that allows it to move along the extending direction of the first connecting hole, and The second connecting part is fixedly connected to the second connecting hole.

8. The battery module according to claim 7, in, The first connecting hole is formed to extend along the width direction, and The second connecting part is fixedly connected to the second connecting hole by a heat fusion method.

9. The battery module according to claim 5, in, The first connecting part includes: A first main body portion having a cylindrical shape, the first main body portion extending along the height direction of the cell diagnostic assembly and inserted into the first connection hole; and A first head is formed on the upper part of the first main body portion to contact the first main body portion. The extension length of the first connecting hole is longer than the diameter of the first main body.

10. The battery module according to claim 1, in, The cell diagnostic component includes: Printed circuit boards; Lower housing, the printed circuit board is mounted on the lower housing; and A top cover, configured to cover at least a portion of the printed circuit board.

11. The battery module according to claim 10, in, The lower housing is connected to at least one of the module housing and the upper cover by a snap-fit ​​connection.

12. The battery module according to claim 10, in, The lower housing includes a hook component that is hooked to at least one of the module housing and the upper cover.

13. The battery module according to claim 12, in, The upper cover is connected to the lower housing in a manner spaced apart from the hook member.

14. The battery module according to claim 13, in, The upper cover is connected to the lower housing such that the surface facing the printed circuit board is spaced apart from the uppermost end of the hook member.

15. The battery module according to claim 12, in, The hook components are provided in multiples, and the multiple hook components are arranged along the periphery of the lower housing.

16. The battery module according to claim 15, in, A portion of the plurality of hook components is formed on both sides of the lower housing along its length, and Other portions of the plurality of hook components are formed on both sides of the lower housing in the width direction.

17. The battery module according to claim 10, in, The printed circuit board is configured to diagnose at least one of the voltage and temperature of the battery cell.

18. The battery module according to claim 3, in, The multiple battery cells are stacked along the width direction.

19. The battery module according to claim 1, in, The module housing has an exhaust port, through which gases and flames generated inside the battery module are discharged.

20. A battery pack, the battery pack comprising: The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 19; as well as A battery pack housing, in which the battery module is encapsulated.

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