Secondary battery module

Abstract

Disclosed is a secondary battery module. The secondary battery module includes: a plurality of battery cells arranged to each other in a first direction, each of the plurality of battery cells including a terminal portion on an upper surface and an exhaust portion for exhausting gas; a frame portion accommodating the plurality of battery cells; a bus bar holder including an opening exposing terminal portions of the plurality of battery cells and a conduit for guiding discharge of gas; and a bus bar located in the opening of the bus bar holder and electrically connecting adjacent battery cells among the plurality of battery cells. Accordingly, damage to the battery cells due to high-temperature heat during the gas discharge process can be prevented or reduced, thereby improving durability.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Embodiments of the disclosure relate to a secondary battery module capable of stably discharging gas (e.g., gas discharged from an exhaust portion of a battery cell) to a side surface of a busbar holder. BACKGROUND

[0002] Generally, battery cells are used as an energy source for mobile devices, electric vehicles, and / or hybrid vehicles, etc., and can be variously and / or appropriately changed and used according to the type or kind of an external device to which the battery cells are applied.

[0003] In a case where long-term operation or high-power operation is desired or required, such as in an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle that consumes a large amount of power, a large-capacity secondary battery module can be formed by electrically connecting a plurality of battery cells to increase output and capacity. The secondary battery module can increase an output voltage or an output current according to the number of battery cells included.

[0004] In addition, when a battery cell malfunctions, gas can be discharged from an exhaust portion of the battery cell.

[0005] However, the gas generated from the battery cell is not generally stably discharged from the busbar holder, resulting in damage to the plurality of battery cells by heat propagation caused by the gas.

[0006] The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for enhancing the understanding of the background of the disclosure, and therefore, it can contain information that does not constitute the prior art. SUMMARY

[0007] An aspect of one or more embodiments of the disclosure relates to a secondary battery module capable of easily discharging gas (e.g., gas discharged from an exhaust portion of a battery cell) by forming a duct through which the gas can be discharged in an upper portion of a busbar holder.

[0008] Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following description and drawings or can be learned by practice of the presented embodiments of the disclosure.

[0009] The secondary battery module according to one or more embodiments includes a plurality of battery cells arranged from each other in a first direction, each of the plurality of battery cells including a terminal portion located on an upper surface and an exhaust portion for discharging gas, a frame portion accommodating the plurality of battery cells, a busbar holder including an opening exposing the terminal portions of the plurality of battery cells and a duct for guiding discharge of the gas, and a busbar located in the opening of the busbar holder and electrically connecting adjacent battery cells among the plurality of battery cells.

[0010] In one or more embodiments, the duct can be used to guide the gas discharged from at least one of the exhaust portions of the plurality of battery cells toward the two opposite edges of the busbar holder.

[0011] In one or more embodiments, the duct can be connected to the at least one exhaust portion and can extend toward one of the two opposite edges of the busbar holder.

[0012] In one or more embodiments, the duct can include a plurality of first ducts to guide discharge of the gas in a first edge direction of the busbar holder, and a plurality of second ducts to guide discharge of the gas in a second edge direction of the busbar holder opposite the first edge direction.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, the plurality of first ducts can include a plurality of first connectors respectively connected to the exhaust portions of some of the plurality of battery cells (e.g., to allow introduction of the gas), and a plurality of first pipes to guide the gas from the plurality of first connectors in the first edge direction of the busbar holder.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, at least one of the plurality of first connectors can include a first inlet pipe connected to a corresponding one of the exhaust portions of the plurality of battery cells, and can have an opening to allow inflow of the gas.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, the plurality of first pipes can be located at an upper portion of the busbar holder, and at least one of the plurality of first pipes can be located at a position between the plurality of battery cells.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, at least one of the plurality of first connectors can have a rectangular shape and can cover the corresponding exhaust portion.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, at least one of the plurality of first pipes can include a first connection pipe connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of first connectors, and a first discharge pipe connected to the first connection pipe to discharge the gas in the first edge direction of the busbar holder.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, for at least one of the plurality of first pipes, the first connection pipe can be connected between the corresponding first connector and the first discharge pipe, and can be inclined at a first angle with respect to the first discharge pipe (e.g., between the first connector and the first discharge pipe).

[0019] In one or more embodiments, the first angle can be in a range of about 45° to about 150° with respect to the first discharge duct.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, for at least one of the first ducts, the first discharge duct can be located at a position between adjacent ones of the plurality of battery cells in the busbar holder (e.g., at an upper portion between adjacent ones of the plurality of battery cells).

[0021] In one or more embodiments, for at least one of the first ducts, the first discharge duct can have a trapezoidal flow path therein to allow discharge of the gas.

[0022] In one or more embodiments, the plurality of second conduits can include: a plurality of second connectors respectively connected to the exhaust portions of the remaining ones of the plurality of battery cells, the plurality of second connectors being alternated with the plurality of first connectors in a length direction of the busbar holder; and a plurality of second ducts for guiding the gas from the plurality of second connectors in a second edge direction of the busbar holder.

[0023] In one or more embodiments, at least one of the plurality of second connectors can include a second inlet duct connected to a corresponding one of the exhaust portions of the plurality of battery cells and can have an opening to allow inflow of the gas.

[0024] In one or more embodiments, the plurality of second ducts can be located at an upper portion of the busbar holder, and at least one of the plurality of second ducts can be located at a position between the plurality of battery cells.

[0025] In one or more embodiments, the second connector can be formed in a rectangular shape covering the exhaust portion in the busbar holder.

[0026] In one or more embodiments, at least one of the plurality of second ducts can include: a second connection duct connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of second connectors; and a second discharge duct connected to the second connection duct to discharge the gas in a second edge direction of the busbar holder opposite to the first edge direction.

[0027] In one or more embodiments, for at least one of the plurality of second ducts, the second connection duct connection can be inclined at a first angle with respect to the second discharge duct between the corresponding second connector and the second discharge duct.

[0028] In one or more embodiments, the first angle can be in a range of 45° to 150° with respect to the second duct.

[0029] In one or more embodiments, the busbar holder can be a plastic composite material.

[0030] In one or more embodiments, the terminal portions of the plurality of battery cells and the busbar can be joined via welding.

[0031] According to one or more embodiments of the disclosure, the first conduit and the second conduit are formed opposite each other in a staggered (alternating) state at the upper portion of the busbar holder, so that gas can be stably discharged in the direction of the side surface of the busbar holder (e.g., toward one side of the busbar holder).

[0032] According to one or more embodiments of the disclosure, the conduit is located at a position between the plurality of battery cells at the upper portion of the busbar holder, preventing or reducing damage to the battery cells due to high-temperature heat during the gas discharge process, thereby improving durability. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0033] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate example embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain principles of the present disclosure. In the drawings:

[0034] Figure 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a secondary battery module according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a main portion of the secondary battery module according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, which schematically illustrates a separated state of a busbar holder; Figure 1

[0036] Figure 3 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a busbar holder according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 4 is a bottom perspective view of the busbar holder according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 3

[0038] Figure 5 is a sectional view of the busbar holder according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 3

[0039] Figure 6 is a sectional view of the busbar holder according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 3 ​​​a top plan view of a main portion of the busbar holder of which the discharge duct is formed, the discharge duct having an inclined connection with the connection duct; and

[0040] Figure 7 is a perspective view schematically showing a main portion of a busbar holder of which a discharge duct is formed according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The present disclosure can be modified in a number of alternative forms, and as such specific embodiments will be shown and described in the drawings and more particularly described in the following detailed description. It is to be understood that this is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but rather the intent is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0042] Hereinafter, example embodiments will be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure can be implemented in various different forms, and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided as examples so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the aspects and features of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. Therefore, processes, elements and techniques that are not necessary for an understanding of the aspects and features of the present disclosure can not be described. Unless otherwise specified, like reference numerals in the drawings and the written description denote like elements throughout the drawings and written description. Thus, repetitive description of the same elements can not be provided. In the drawings, the relative sizes of elements, layers, and regions can be exaggerated for clarity.

[0043] It will be understood that, although the terms "first", "second", "third", and so on can be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another element, component, region, layer or section. Therefore, the first element, the first component, the first region, the first layer or the first section described below can be called the second element, the second component, the second region, the second layer or the second section without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0044] For ease of explanation, spatially relative terms, such as "on", "under", "above", "below", "upper", "lower", and the like, can be used herein for describing the orientation of one element or feature relative to another element or feature as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if a device is inverted, elements described as "below" or "under" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the example terms "below" and "under" can encompass both orientations. The device can be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0045] It will be understood that when an element such as a region, layer, film, area, or portion is referred to as being "on" or "connected to" another element, it can be directly on or connected to the other element or one or more intervening elements can also be present. In addition, it will also be understood that when an element is referred to as being "between" two elements, it can be the only element between the two elements or one or more intervening elements can also be present.

[0046] As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes" and / or "including", when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0047] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0048] As used herein, the term "use" and variations thereof are considered synonymous with the term "utilize" and variations thereof.

[0049] Figure 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a secondary battery module according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, and Figure 2 is a perspective view schematically showing a secondary battery module according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, and Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a main portion of the secondary battery module of

[0050] As Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown in the middle, the secondary battery module 100 according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure includes: a plurality of battery cells 10 arranged (along a first direction (y-axis direction)) in a first direction (y-axis direction) from each other, each having a terminal portion 11, and each having an exhaust portion 13 through which gas is discharged; a frame portion 20 accommodating the battery cells 10; a busbar holder 30 having an opening 31 through which the terminal portions 11 of the plurality of battery cells 10 are exposed, and including a conduit 40 for guiding the discharge of gas; and a busbar 50 arranged in the opening of the busbar holder 30 and electrically connecting adjacent ones of the plurality of battery cells 10.

[0051] The frame portion 20 can include: a first side frame 21 supporting one side of the plurality of battery cells 10; a second side frame 23 supporting the other side of the plurality of battery cells 10; a first end frame 25 having two ends, one of which is connected to one end of the first side frame 21 and the other of which is connected to one end of the second side frame 23; and a second end frame 27 also having two ends, one of which is connected to the other end of the first side frame 21 and the other of which is connected to the other end of the second side frame 23.

[0052] The first side frame 21 can be installed to support one side of the plurality of battery cells 10.

[0053] The second side frame 23 can be installed to support the other side of the plurality of battery cells 10.

[0054] The first end frame 25 can be installed to connect one end of each of the first side frame 21 and the second side frame 23. For example, one end of the first end frame 25 can be connected to one end of the first side frame 21 by a fastening member, and the other end of the first end frame 25 can be connected to one end of the second side frame 23 by a fastening member.

[0055] The second end frame 27 can be installed to connect the other end of the first side frame 21 and the other end of the second side frame 23. For example, one end of the second end frame 27 can be connected to the other end of the first side frame 21 (e.g., an end of the first side frame 21 that is not connected to the first end frame 25) by a fastening member, and the other end of the second end frame 27 can be connected to the other end of the second side frame 23 (e.g., an end of the second side frame 23 that is not connected to the first end frame 25) by a fastening member.

[0056] The plurality of battery cells 10 can be accommodated inside the frame portion 20.

[0057] The plurality of battery cells 10 can be arranged inside the frame portion 20 in a first direction (y-axis direction), and each battery cell 10 can have a terminal portion 11 on an upper surface and a gas exhaust portion 13 (e.g., also on the upper surface) through which gas is exhausted.

[0058] The bus bar holder 30 can be arranged on an upper portion of the plurality of battery cells 10.

[0059] Figure 3 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a bus bar holder according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure, Figure 4 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a bus bar holder according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure, Figure 3 is a bottom perspective view of the bus bar holder of Figure 5 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a bus bar holder according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure, Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the bus bar holder of

[0060] As shown in Figures 3 to 5 , the bus bar holder 30 can be formed with openings 31 through which the terminal portions 11 of the plurality of battery cells 10 are exposed. The terminal portions 11 can be welded to the bus bar 50 in a state of being exposed at the openings 31. The bus bar holder 30 can be formed of a plastic composite material.

[0061] The ducts 40 can be formed in the bus bar holder 30 to guide the exhaust of gas in a direction (x-axis direction) orthogonal (e.g., perpendicular) to the first direction (y-axis direction) from the battery cells 10.

[0062] The ducts 40 can guide the exhaust of gas in a lateral direction (x-axis direction) of the bus bar holder 30 from the gas exhaust portions 13 of each of the plurality of battery cells 10.

[0063] For example, the ducts 40 can include a plurality of first ducts 41 formed in a first edge direction of the bus bar holder 30 (e.g., in a direction toward a first edge of the bus bar holder 30 in the lateral direction) and a plurality of second ducts 43 formed in a second edge direction of the bus bar holder 30 opposite the first edge direction (e.g., in a direction toward a second edge of the bus bar holder 30 in the lateral direction).

[0064] The first ducts 41 and the second ducts 43 can be respectively formed in the first edge direction and the second edge direction orthogonal (e.g., perpendicular) to the first direction as a length direction of the bus bar holder 30 and arranged in a plurality in the first direction to facilitate the exhaust of gas in the first edge direction and the second edge direction of the bus bar holder 30.

[0065] The first conduit 41 can include a plurality of first connectors 411 connected to the exhaust portions 13 of any of the plurality of battery cells 10 on one side through which gas can flow in, and a plurality of first ducts 413 that guide the gas that can flow in through the first connectors 411 toward the first edge of the busbar holder 30.

[0066] The first connectors 411 form a part of the first conduit 41 and can be formed to be connected (e.g., can be connected) to the exhaust portions 13 formed in the battery cells 10. Accordingly, the first connectors 411 can be formed so that the gas discharged from the battery cells 10 flows into the first ducts 413.

[0067] The first connectors 411 can be formed with first inlet tubes 411a that are opened (e.g., have openings) to allow the gas discharged from the exhaust portions 13 to flow in.

[0068] The first connectors 411 are formed in the busbar holder 30 in a rectangular shape that covers the exhaust portions 13 and can be stably connected to the rectangular exhaust portions 13. The first connectors 411 can change to an appropriate or suitable shape in response to a change in the shape of the exhaust portions 13.

[0069] The first connectors 411 can be connected to the exhaust portions 13 formed in some of the plurality of battery cells 10.

[0070] In one or more embodiments, the first connectors 411 can be connected to the exhaust portion 13 of one of a pair of adjacent battery cells 10 among the plurality of battery cells 10 arranged inside the frame portion 20 in the first direction.

[0071] In one or more embodiments, the second connectors 431, which will be described in greater detail later, can be connected to the exhaust portion 13 of the other battery cell 10 among the pair of adjacent battery cells 10. For example, the first connectors 411 and the second connectors 431 can be alternately connected to the exhaust portions 13 of the plurality of battery cells 10, respectively.

[0072] On one side of the first connectors 411, the first ducts 413 can be connected to discharge gas from the exhaust portions 13 of the battery cells 10.

[0073] The first ducts 413 can be in the upper portion of the busbar holder 30. The first ducts 413 can be connected to the first connectors 411 on one side and extend in a long length in the direction of the first edge of the busbar holder 30 on the other side (e.g., the first ducts 413 can extend from one end connected to the first connectors 411 to the other end located at or near the first edge of the busbar holder 30) so that gas can be discharged to the outside of the busbar holder 30.

[0074] In one or more embodiments, the first duct 413 can include a first connection duct 413a connected to the first connector 411 and a first discharge duct 413b connected to the first connection duct 413a to discharge the gas in the direction of the first edge of the busbar holder 30.

[0075] The first connection duct 413a is a component that connects the first connector 411 and the first discharge duct 413b, and can be connected between the first connector 411 and the first discharge duct 413b obliquely.

[0076] Figure 6 is a top plan view schematically showing a main portion of a discharge duct of a busbar holder according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 3 is a top plan view schematically showing a main portion of a discharge duct of a busbar holder according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0077] As shown in Figure 6 In one or more embodiments, the first connection duct 413a can be connected to the first connector 411 and the first discharge duct 413b obliquely at a first angle A with respect to the first discharge duct 413b, the first angle A having a range of about 45° to about 150°, as shown in

[0078] The first connection duct 413a is obliquely connected between the first connector 411 and the first discharge duct 413b as described above to secure that the first discharge duct 413b is arranged at a position between a pair of adjacent battery cells 10 with respect to a position where the exhaust portion 13 of the battery cell 10 is formed.

[0079] Accordingly, the gas discharged from the exhaust portion 13 of the battery cell 10 does not move (up) at the upper surface of the battery cell 10, but moves and is discharged along the first discharge duct 413b at the position between the battery cells 10, and thus damage to the battery cell 10 caused by the high-temperature gas can be prevented or reduced.

[0080] Because one side of the first discharge duct 413b is connected to the first connection duct 413a so that the gas flows to the first side (e.g., the first edge of the busbar holder 30), and the other side of the first discharge duct 413b extends in the direction of the first edge of the busbar holder 30, the gas can be discharged in the direction of the first edge of the busbar holder 30.

[0081] The first discharge duct 413b is formed to protrude toward the upper portion of the busbar holder 30 at the position between the plurality of battery cells 10, and can be formed to facilitate discharge of the gas from the battery cell to the outside without causing damage to the battery cell by the gas flowing in through the first connection duct 413a.

[0082] Figure 7 FIG. 19 is a perspective view schematically showing a main portion of a busbar holder in which a discharge duct is formed, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0083] As shown in Figure 7 The first discharge duct 413b can have a trapezoidal cross-sectional gas flow path 412 formed therein and can protrude toward the upper portion of the busbar holder 30.

[0084] In one or more embodiments, the plurality of second conduits 43 can be formed in a second edge direction orthogonal (e.g., perpendicular) to the first direction and arranged in the busbar holder 30 in the first direction, and can extend in the second edge direction of the busbar holder 30 opposite the first edge direction and can be formed to protrude toward the upper portion of the busbar holder 30.

[0085] Referring again to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The second conduit 43 can include a plurality of second connectors 431 connected to the gas discharge portion 13 of the battery cell 10 between the plurality of first connectors 411 through which gas can flow in, and a plurality of second ducts 433 guiding the gas that can flow in through the second connectors 431 to be discharged in the second edge direction of the busbar holder 30.

[0086] The second connector 431 forms a portion of the second conduit 43 and can be connected to the gas discharge portion 13 of the battery cell 10 at a position between the plurality of first connectors 411.

[0087] In one or more embodiments, the second connector 431 can be connected to one of a pair of adjacent battery cells 10 among the plurality of battery cells 10 arranged inside the frame portion 20 in the first direction.

[0088] For example, the second connector 431 is connected to the gas discharge portion 13 at a position between the plurality of first connectors 411, and the first connectors 411 and the second connectors 431 can be alternately connected to the plurality of gas discharge portions 13. Accordingly, the plurality of first conduits 41 and the plurality of second conduits 43 can be formed in the busbar holder 30 in a staggered (or alternating) manner.

[0089] The second connector 431 can be formed to allow gas discharged from the battery cell 10 to flow into the second duct 433.

[0090] The second connector 431 can be formed with a second inlet pipe 431a that is opened (e.g., has an opening) to allow the flow-in of gas discharged from the gas discharge portion 13.

[0091] The second connecting member 431 is formed in a rectangular shape covering the gas exhaust portion 13 in the busbar holder 30, and can be stably connected to the rectangular gas exhaust portion 13. The second connecting member 431 can also be changed to an appropriate or suitable shape corresponding to the shape of the gas exhaust portion 13.

[0092] The second duct 433 is connected to a side surface of the second connecting member 431 so that the gas exhausted from the gas exhaust portion 13 of the battery cell 10 can be exhausted.

[0093] The second duct 433 can be located at an upper portion of the busbar holder 30. The second duct 433 can be connected to the second connecting member 431 at one side and extend in a long length in the second edge direction of the busbar holder 30 at the other side (for example, the second duct 433 can extend from one end connected to the second connecting member 431 to the other end located at or near the second edge of the busbar holder 30) so that the gas exhausted from the gas exhaust portion 13 can be guided and exhausted to the outside of the busbar holder 30.

[0094] In one or more embodiments, the second duct 433 can include a second connection duct 433a connected to the second connecting member 431 and a second exhaust duct 433b connected to the second connection duct 433a to exhaust the gas in the second edge direction of the busbar holder 30.

[0095] The second connection duct 433a is a component connecting the second connecting member 431 and the second exhaust duct 433b, and can be connected between the second connecting member 431 and the second exhaust duct 433b at an inclination.

[0096] In one or more embodiments, the second connection duct 433a can be connected to the second connecting member 431 at an inclination with respect to the second exhaust duct 433b at a first angle in the range of about 45° to about 150°.

[0097] The inclined connection of the second connection duct 433a between the second connecting member 431 and the second exhaust duct 433b is intended to secure the second exhaust duct 433b to be arranged at a position between a pair of adjacent battery cells 10 with respect to a position where the gas exhaust portion 13 of the battery cell 10 is formed.

[0098] Accordingly, the gas exhausted from the gas exhaust portion 13 of the battery cell 10 does not move (up) at the upper surface of the battery cell 10, but moves and is discharged along the second exhaust duct 433b at a position between the battery cells 10, so it is possible to prevent or reduce damage to the battery cell 10 caused by high-temperature gas.

[0099] One side of the second discharge duct 433b is connected to the second connection duct 433a so that the gas flows to the second side (e.g., the second edge of the busbar holder 30), the other side of the second discharge duct 433b extends in the direction of the second edge of the busbar holder 30, and can be formed to allow the gas to be discharged in the direction of the second edge.

[0100] As described above, the second discharge duct 433b is formed to protrude toward the upper portion of the busbar holder 30 at a position between the plurality of battery cells 10, and can be formed to facilitate the discharge of the gas from the battery cells to the outside without causing damage to the battery cells by the gas flowing in through the second connection duct 433a.

[0101] The second discharge duct 433b can have a trapezoidal cross-sectional gas flow path 412 formed therein, and can protrude toward the upper portion of the busbar holder 30.

[0102] As described above, the first duct 41 and the second duct 43 can extend in the first edge direction and the second edge direction, respectively, at positions staggered (e.g., alternated) with each other in the busbar holder 30.

[0103] Therefore, the gas discharged from the exhaust portions 13 of the plurality of battery cells 10 can be discharged in the transverse direction of the busbar holder 30 through the first duct 41 and the second duct 43.

[0104] In one or more embodiments, the first duct 41 and / or the second duct 43 are formed in the busbar holder 30 at positions between the plurality of battery cells 10, preventing or reducing damage to the battery cells due to high-temperature heat during the gas discharge process, thereby improving durability.

[0105] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and / or the present specification, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0106] As used herein, the terms “substantially,” “approximately,” and similar terms are used as terms of approximation and not as terms of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent deviations in measured or calculated values that would be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art. “Substantially” as used herein includes the recited value and means within an acceptable range of deviation of a particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art to account for the inherent deviations in measured or calculated values (i.e., limitations of a measurement system) associated with a particular measurement of quantity. For example, “substantially” can mean within one or more standard deviations, or within ±30%, ±20%, ±10%, ±5% of a recited value.

[0107] Any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges of the same numerical precision, as well as all sub-ranges encompassed by the recited range. For example, a range of “1.0 to 10.0” is intended to include all sub-ranges, e.g., 2.4 to 7.6, within the same precision used to recite the larger range, e.g., 2.4 to 7.6. Any maximum numerical limitation recited herein is intended to include all lower numerical limitations subsumed therein and any minimum numerical limitation recited herein is intended to include all higher numerical limitations subsumed therein. Accordingly, the applicant reserves the right to amend this specification and / or claims to expressly recite any sub-range subsumed within the ranges expressly recited herein.

[0108] Furthermore, in describing embodiments of the present disclosure, the use of “can,” “might,” and “may” indicates that one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0109] A portable device, vehicle, and / or battery (e.g., a battery controller and / or any other related device or component) according to embodiments of the present disclosure described herein can be implemented using any suitable hardware, firmware (e.g., an application specific integrated circuit), software, or a combination of software, firmware, and hardware. For example, various components of the device can be formed on one integrated circuit (IC) chip or on separate IC chips. Also, various components of the device can be implemented on a flexible printed circuit film, a tape carrier package (TCP), a printed circuit board (PCB), or formed on one substrate. Further, various components of the device can be processes or threads running on one or more processors in one or more computing devices executing computer program instructions to perform various functions described herein and interacting with other system components for the performance of various functions described herein. The computer program instructions are stored in memory, which can be implemented in the computing device using standard memory devices such as random access memory (RAM). The computer program instructions can also be stored in other non-transitory computer-readable media such as, for example, CD-ROMs, flash drives, etc. Also, those skilled in the art will appreciate that functions of various computing devices can be combined or integrated into a single computing device, or functions of a particular computing device can be distributed across one or more other computing devices, without departing from the scope of embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0110] It will be understood that the description of features or aspects in each embodiment is generally applicable to other similar features or aspects in other embodiments, unless otherwise described. Thus, as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, features, characteristics, and / or elements described in connection with a particular embodiment can be used singly or in combination with features, characteristics, and / or elements described in connection with other embodiments, unless explicitly stated otherwise. It will be understood that the foregoing is a description of various example embodiments and that the above-described embodiments are not to be construed as limiting, and that various modifications to the disclosed embodiments and other example embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0111] Reference Signs

[0112] 10: battery cell

[0113] 11: terminal portion

[0114] 13: exhaust portion

[0115] 20: frame portion

[0116] 21: first side frame

[0117] 23: second side frame

[0118] 25: first end frame

[0119] 27: second end frame

[0120] 30: bus bar holder

[0121] 40: conduit

[0122] 41: first conduit

[0123] 411: first connector

[0124] 411a: first inlet pipe

[0125] 413: first duct

[0126] 413a: first connection duct

[0127] 413b: first discharge duct

[0128] 43: second conduit

[0129] 431: second connector

[0130] 431a: second inlet pipe

[0131] 433: second duct

[0132] 433a: second connection duct

[0133] 433b: second discharge duct

[0134] 50: bus bar

Claims

1. A secondary battery module characterized by comprising: The secondary battery module includes: a plurality of battery cells arranged with each other in a first direction, each of the plurality of battery cells including a terminal portion on an upper surface and a gas exhaust portion for exhausting a gas; a frame portion accommodating the plurality of battery cells; a busbar holder including an opening exposing the terminal portion of the plurality of battery cells and a conduit for guiding the exhaust of the gas; and a busbar located in the opening of the busbar holder and electrically connecting adjacent battery cells among the plurality of battery cells.

2. The secondary battery module according to claim 1, characterized by The conduit is for guiding the gas exhausted from at least one of the gas exhaust portions of the plurality of battery cells toward two opposite edges of the busbar holder.

3. The secondary battery module according to claim 2, characterized by The conduit is connected to the at least one gas exhaust portion and extends toward one of the two opposite edges of the busbar holder.

4. The secondary battery module according to claim 3, characterized by The conduit includes: a plurality of first conduits for guiding the exhaust of the gas in a first edge direction of the busbar holder; and a plurality of second conduits for guiding the exhaust of the gas in a second edge direction of the busbar holder opposite to the first edge direction.

5. The secondary battery module according to claim 4, characterized by The plurality of first conduits includes: a plurality of first connectors respectively connected to the gas exhaust portions of some of the plurality of battery cells; and a plurality of first pipes for guiding the gas from the plurality of first connectors in the first edge direction of the busbar holder.

6. The secondary battery module according to claim 5, characterized by At least one of the plurality of first connectors includes a first inlet pipe connected to a corresponding one of the gas exhaust portions of the plurality of battery cells and having an opening allowing the gas to flow in.

7. The secondary battery module according to claim 5, characterized by The plurality of first pipes are located at an upper portion of the busbar holder, and at least one of the plurality of first pipes is located at a position between the plurality of battery cells.

8. The secondary battery module according to claim 6, characterized by The at least one of the plurality of first connectors has a rectangular shape and covers the corresponding gas exhaust portion. 9.The secondary battery module according to claim 7, characterized by The at least one of the plurality of first pipes includes: a first connection pipe connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of first connectors; and a first exhaust pipe connected to the first connection pipe to exhaust the gas in the first edge direction of the busbar holder. 10.The secondary battery module according to claim 9, characterized by For the at least one of the plurality of first pipes, the first connection pipe is connected between the corresponding one of the plurality of first connectors and the first exhaust pipe and is inclined at a first angle with respect to the first exhaust pipe. 11.The secondary battery module according to claim 10, characterized by The first angle is in a range of 45° to 150° with respect to the first exhaust pipe. 12.The secondary battery module according to claim 11, characterized by For the at least one of the plurality of first pipes, the first exhaust pipe is located in the busbar holder at a position between adjacent ones of the plurality of battery cells. 13.The secondary battery module according to claim 12, characterized by For the at least one of the plurality of first pipes, the first exhaust pipe has a trapezoidal flow path in the first exhaust pipe to allow the exhaust of the gas. 14.The secondary battery module according to claim 13, characterized by The plurality of second conduits includes: a plurality of second connection pieces connected to the gas discharge portions of the remaining battery cells among the plurality of battery cells, the plurality of second connection pieces being alternated with the plurality of first connection pieces in a length direction of the bus bar holder; and a plurality of second ducts for guiding the gas from the plurality of second connection pieces in a second edge direction of the bus bar holder. 15.The secondary battery module according to claim 14, characterized by At least one second connection piece among the plurality of second connection pieces includes a second inlet duct connected to a corresponding one of the gas discharge portions of the plurality of battery cells and having an opening allowing the gas to flow in. 16.The secondary battery module according to claim 15, characterized by The plurality of second ducts are located at an upper portion of the bus bar holder, and at least one second duct among the plurality of second ducts is located at a position between the plurality of battery cells. 17.The secondary battery module according to claim 16, characterized by The at least one second duct among the plurality of second ducts includes: a second connection duct connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of second connection pieces; and a second discharge duct connected to the second connection duct to discharge the gas in the second edge direction of the bus bar holder opposite to the first edge direction. 18.The secondary battery module of claim 17, wherein, For the at least one second duct among the plurality of second ducts, the second connection duct is connected between the corresponding second connection piece and the second discharge duct and is inclined at the first angle with respect to the second discharge duct.

19. The secondary battery module according to claim 1, characterized by The bus bar holder is a plastic composite material.

20. The secondary battery module according to claim 19, characterized by The terminal portions of the plurality of battery cells and the bus bar are joined via welding.

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