Battery modules, battery packs, and energy storage devices

Abstract

A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked in one direction and a temperature sensing unit disposed on the battery cell stack, wherein the temperature sensing unit may include a thermally conductive member in which at least a portion is in contact with the battery cells and a temperature sensor coupled to the thermally conductive member for measuring the temperature of the battery cells.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Cross - Reference to Related Applications] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2023 - 0120508 filed on September 11, 2023 and Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2024 - 0121685 filed on September 6, 2024, and all the contents disclosed in the documents of the Korean patent applications are included as part of this specification.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery module, a battery pack, and an energy storage device, and more specifically, to a battery module, a battery pack, and an energy storage device capable of accurately measuring the temperature of battery cells.

Background Art

[0003] In modern society, as the use of portable devices such as mobile phones, laptop computers, video cameras, digital cameras, and energy storage devices (ESS) becomes common, the development of technologies in related fields has become active. In addition, rechargeable secondary batteries are used as power sources for electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug - in hybrid electric vehicles (P - HEVs), etc. as a solution to problems such as air pollution caused by existing gasoline vehicles using fossil fuels. Therefore, the need for the development of secondary batteries is increasing.

[0004] Currently, commonly used secondary batteries include nickel - cadmium batteries, nickel - metal hydride batteries, nickel - zinc batteries, lithium secondary batteries, etc. Among these, lithium secondary batteries are attracting the most attention because they have the advantages of free charge and discharge, low self - discharge rate, and high energy density.

[0005] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a temperature sensor 1 provided in a conventional battery module or battery pack. In a conventional battery module or battery pack, a battery cell stack 2 is housed in a housing 3, and a temperature sensor 1 is disposed on one surface (for example, the upper surface) of the battery cell stack 2 to sense the temperature of the battery cells.

[0006] When the temperature sensor 1 is placed on one surface of the battery cell stack 2, the distance between the temperature sensor 1 and the battery cells of the battery cell stack 2 is large. Therefore, there will be some difference between the temperature of the battery cells measured by the temperature sensor 1 and the actual temperature of the battery cells.

[0007] On the other hand, to accurately measure the temperature of a battery cell, it is preferable to measure the temperature of the main body of the battery cell. However, during repeated charging and discharging, or during the initial charging process, the internal electrolyte of a battery cell decomposes, generating gas and causing the battery cell to swell, a phenomenon known as swelling or breathing. In a battery module containing multiple such battery cells, when swelling occurs, the battery cell expands in the thickness direction, making it difficult to position a temperature sensor on the main body of the battery cell.

[0008] Therefore, a solution is needed that allows a temperature sensor to accurately measure the temperature of a battery cell, taking into account phenomena such as the swelling of the battery cell. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] The present invention aims to provide a battery module, battery pack, and energy storage device capable of accurately measuring the temperature of battery cells.

[0010] However, the problems that the embodiments of the present invention aim to solve are not limited to those described above, and can be broadly expanded within the scope of the technical ideas included in the present invention. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked in one direction and a temperature sensing unit disposed on the battery cell stack, wherein the temperature sensing unit may include a thermally conductive member in which at least a portion is in contact with the battery cells and a temperature sensor coupled to the thermally conductive member for measuring the temperature of the battery cells.

[0012] The thermal conductive member may include a contact portion that contacts the cell body of the battery cell and a mounting portion on which the temperature sensor is located.

[0013] The mounting portion may be bent and extended from one end of the contact portion and may be located on the outside of the battery cell stack.

[0014] The contact portion may include a first portion that contacts the cell body and a second portion that extends from the first portion so as to protrude to the outside of the battery cell.

[0015] The thermal conductive member further includes an extended portion that is connected to the first portion and in contact with the cell body, and the area of ​​the extended portion may be larger than the area of ​​the first portion.

[0016] The area of ​​the extended portion may be 0.1 to 1 times the area of ​​the cell body.

[0017] The thermal conductive member may further include an extension extending from the first portion toward the lower part of the cell body and a locking portion bent toward the one direction toward which the plurality of battery cells are stacked from the end of the extension.

[0018] The contact portion may be arranged parallel to the large area of ​​the battery cell, and the mounting portion may extend in one direction perpendicular to the contact portion.

[0019] The contact portion may include a pair of contact portions arranged to face each other, and the mounting portion may be positioned between the pair of contact portions and connect them.

[0020] The contact portion may be in the form of a thin film or a wire.

[0021] The battery module may further include a reinforcing member that supports at least a part of the temperature sensing unit.

[0022] The heat conductive member may be disposed between at least one of two battery cells that are most adjacent to the center of the battery cell stack among the plurality of battery cells and between two battery cells that are located on the outermost side among the plurality of battery cells.

[0023] The battery module may further include compression pads located between at least one of two adjacent battery cells among the plurality of battery cells and outside the outermost battery cell, and the heat conductive member may be disposed on the compression pads.

[0024] The compression pad may include a receiving groove in which at least a part of the heat conductive member is accommodated.

[0025] The heat conductive member includes a contact portion that contacts the cell body of the battery cell and a mounting portion on which the temperature sensor is disposed, at least a part of the contact portion is received in the receiving groove, and the mounting portion may be bent and extended from one end of the contact portion and located outside the battery cell stack.

[0026] At least a part of the heat conductive member may be received in the receiving groove so as to be flat with the large area of the compression pad.

[0027] The battery module may further include a heat insulating member that covers a portion of the heat conductive member that does not contact the cell body of the battery cell.

[0028] The heat insulating member includes a sensor receiving portion where a part of the heat conductive member is exposed to the outside, and the temperature sensor may be disposed in the sensor receiving portion.

[0029] A battery pack including the battery module according to the above embodiment can be provided.

[0030] An energy storage device including the battery pack according to the above embodiment can be provided.

Effects of the Invention

[0031] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in the battery module, battery pack, and energy storage device, since the surface temperature of the battery cell can be measured, the temperature of the battery cell can be accurately measured. Further, deformation of the battery cell due to the heat conductive member disposed between adjacent battery cells can be minimized.

[0032] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned should be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0033] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a temperature sensor according to the prior art. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of a battery cell included in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a structure in which a temperature sensing unit according to an embodiment of the present invention is disposed in a battery cell laminate. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a temperature sensing unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a modified example of a temperature sensing unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing another modified example of a temperature sensing unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8]Figure 8 is a perspective view showing yet another modification of the temperature sensing unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a perspective view showing yet another modification of a temperature sensing unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a perspective view showing an example of a reinforcing member for supporting a temperature sensing unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a perspective view showing an example of a battery cell stack housed in a case according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view of Figure 11. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a perspective view showing a structure in which a temperature sensing unit according to another embodiment of the present invention is arranged in a battery cell stack. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is an exploded perspective view of Figure 14. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the compression pad and thermal conductive member shown in Figure 14. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0034] The following description, with reference to the attached drawings, will detail various embodiments of the present invention so that those with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains can easily implement them. The present invention can be embodied in a variety of different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0035] To clearly explain the present invention, unnecessary explanatory parts have been omitted, and the same or similar reference numerals are used throughout the specification for identical or similar components.

[0036] Furthermore, the dimensions and thicknesses of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily shown for the sake of explanation and are not necessarily limited to those shown in the present invention. The thicknesses are shown enlarged in the drawings to clearly represent various layers and regions. In addition, the thicknesses of some layers and regions are exaggerated in the drawings for the sake of explanation.

[0037] Furthermore, when a layer, membrane, region, plate, or other part is said to be "on top of" another part, this includes not only the case where it is "directly above" the other part, but also the case where the other part is in between. Conversely, when one part is said to be "directly above" another part, it means that there is no other part in between. Also, being "on top of" a reference part means being located above or below the reference part, and does not necessarily mean being located "up" in the opposite direction of gravity.

[0038] Furthermore, when a specification states that a part of it "includes" a certain component, this means that, unless otherwise stated, it does not exclude other components and may include other components.

[0039] Furthermore, throughout the specification, "on a plane" means when the subject is viewed from above, and "on a cross-section" means when the subject is viewed from the side of a cross-section obtained by cutting the subject perpendicularly.

[0040] Figure 2 is a front view of a battery cell included in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a structure in which a temperature sensing unit according to one embodiment of the present invention is arranged in a battery cell stack. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of Figure 3. Figure 5 is a perspective view of a temperature sensing unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Referring to Figures 2 to 5, the battery module 10 according to this embodiment includes a battery cell stack 110 in which a plurality of battery cells 100 are stacked, and a temperature sensing unit 120 disposed on the battery cell stack 110. A detailed explanation of the temperature sensing unit 120 will be given later.

[0042] First, the battery cell 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention may be a pouch-type battery in which an electrode assembly having electrode leads 101 protruding in one direction or both directions is housed in a pouch case 104. However, this is just one example, and a battery cell according to another embodiment of the present invention may be a prismatic battery. Hereinafter, for the sake of convenience, the explanation will be based on the battery cell 100 which is a pouch-type battery.

[0043] The battery cell 100 may be in the shape of a rectangular sheet. The battery cell 100 may be formed by housing an electrode assembly in a laminated sheet pouch case 104 containing a resin layer and a metal layer, and then bonding the outer periphery of the pouch case 104. As an example, the battery cell 100 may have a structure in which two electrode leads 101 face each other and protrude from both ends of the cell body 103. In another embodiment, the battery cell 100 may have a structure in which both electrode leads 101 protrude in one direction. One of the electrode leads 101 is the positive electrode lead and the other is the negative electrode lead.

[0044] The battery cell 100 may be manufactured by sealing the edges of the pouch case 104 with an electrode assembly (not shown) housed inside the pouch case 104. Alternatively, the battery cell 100 may be manufactured with one side of the pouch case 104 folded, housing the electrode assembly, and the remaining side sealed.

[0045] The laminated sheet pouch case 104 may include an inner resin layer for sealing, a metal layer to prevent penetration of materials, and an outermost outer resin layer. With respect to the electrode assembly inside the pouch case 104, the inner resin layer may be located on the innermost side, the outer resin layer on the outermost side, and the metal layer may be located between the inner and outer resin layers.

[0046] The outer resin layer may have excellent tensile strength and resistance to thickness to protect the electrode assembly from the outside and may exhibit electrical insulation. Such an outer resin layer may include polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin or nylon resin. A metal layer may prevent air, moisture, etc. from entering the inside of the pouch-type secondary battery. Such a metal layer may include aluminum (Al). The inner resin layer may be heat-sealed by heat and / or pressure applied with the electrode assembly inside. Such an inner resin layer may include casted polypropylene (CPP) or polypropylene (PP).

[0047] The pouch case 104 may be divided into two parts, and a recessed storage area on which an electrode assembly can be placed may be formed in at least one of the two parts. The pouch case 104 may be sealed by joining the inner resins of the two parts of the pouch case 104 together along the outer circumference of such storage area, thereby manufacturing a battery cell 100, which is a pouch-type battery.

[0048] The battery cell 100 is composed of multiple cells, and the multiple battery cells 100 are stacked so as to be electrically connected to each other, forming a battery cell stack 110. In particular, as shown in Figure 3, the multiple battery cells 100 may be stacked along a direction d1 parallel to the y-axis while standing upright with one face of each cell body 103 facing each other. As a result, the electrode leads 101 may protrude perpendicular to the direction in which the battery cells 100 are stacked. That is, in a battery cell 100, one electrode lead 101 may protrude in the x-axis direction, and the other electrode lead 101 may protrude in the -x-axis direction. If the electrode leads 101 protrude in only one direction, then the electrode leads 101 will protrude in either the x-axis direction or the -x-axis direction.

[0049] The temperature sensing unit 120 includes a thermally conductive member 121, at least a portion of which is positioned in contact with the battery cell 100, and a temperature sensor 124 coupled to the thermally conductive member 121 for measuring the temperature of the battery cell 100.

[0050] The thermal conductive member 121 may be made of a material with high thermal conductivity so that the heat generated in the battery cell 100 can be quickly conducted to the temperature sensor 124. The thermal conductive member 121 may be made of a variety of materials having thermal conductivity, and the present invention is not limited or restricted by the material and properties of the thermal conductive member 121. For example, the thermal conductive member 121 may be made of a metal material with high thermal conductivity. Alternatively, the thermal conductive member 121 may be provided as a thin film of a thermal conductive resin.

[0051] The thermal conductive member 121 may include a contact portion 122 that contacts the cell body 103 of the battery cell 100 and a mounting portion 123 on which the temperature sensor 124 is located.

[0052] The contact portion 122 is a part that, at least partially, contacts the cell body 103 of the battery cell 100. Heat generated in the battery cell 100 can be transferred to the temperature sensor 124 via the contact portion 122. To increase the contact area of ​​the contact portion 122 with the battery cell 100, the contact portion 122 may be arranged parallel to a large area of ​​the battery cell 100, or it may be a flat, thin film shape overall. Furthermore, even if the contact portion 122 is positioned between the battery cells 100, since the contact portion 122 is a thin film shape, the pressure on and / or deformation of the battery cell 100 by the contact portion 122 can be minimized. Therefore, even if a swelling phenomenon occurs on the battery module 10, damage to the battery cell 100 by the contact portion 122 can be prevented.

[0053] The contact portion 122 may include a first portion 122a that contacts the cell body 103 and a second portion 122b that extends from the first portion 122a so as to protrude outside the battery cell 100. In other words, the second portion 122b refers to the portion 122b that does not contact the battery cell 100. Although not shown in Figures 3 to 5, a temperature sensor 124 may be located on the second portion 122b of the contact portion 122.

[0054] On the other hand, although the contact portion 122 described above with reference to Figures 3 to 5 was described as being in the form of a thin film, it is not limited to this. For example, the contact portion 122 may be in the form of a wire, and a wire-shaped contact portion 122 can contact the cell body 103 of the battery cell 100. In order to increase the area in which the contact portion 122 contacts the battery cell 100, the contact portion 122 may be in the form of multiple wires.

[0055] The mounting portion 123 can be bent and extended from one end of the contact portion 122 and positioned outside the battery cell stack 110. For example, the mounting portion 123 can be bent and extended from a second portion 122b, which is the part of the contact portion 122 that does not come into contact with the battery cell 100. For example, the mounting portion 123 can extend along one direction d1 in which the battery cells 100 are stacked, perpendicular to the contact portion 122. Therefore, the temperature sensor 124 can be easily placed on the mounting portion 123. Furthermore, since the mounting portion 123 can be supported by a portion of the battery cell 100, the temperature sensor 124 can be stably maintained after being coupled to the mounting portion 123.

[0056] An adhesive (not shown) may be applied to the empty space between the mounting portion 123 and the battery cell 100 to fix the mounting portion 123 to the battery cell 100. After the adhesive is applied to the outer surface of the battery cell 100, the mounting portion 123 is positioned, thereby fixing the mounting portion 123 to the battery cell 100. Therefore, even if external impacts occur, the mounting portion 123 remains fixed to the battery cell 100, thus reducing the impact on the temperature sensor 124 fixed to the mounting portion 123.

[0057] The temperature sensor 124 may be composed of a thermistor, for example, which can calculate the temperature based on the heat transferred and its resistance. Of course, it is also possible to use other types of temperature sensors.

[0058] The temperature information detected by the temperature sensor 124 is transmitted to the Battery Management System (BMS) in the form of an electrical signal. This allows the BMS processor to control the charging and discharging of the battery cells in advance to prevent thermal runaway phenomena, such as overheating of the battery cells, if it detects such issues.

[0059] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a modified example of a temperature sensing unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Referring to Figure 6, the thermal conductive member 121 may include a pair of contact portions 122 that contact the cell body 103 of the battery cell 100 and a mounting portion 123 on which a temperature sensor 124 is positioned. The pair of contact portions 122 may be positioned facing each other, and the mounting portion 123 may be positioned between the pair of contact portions 122 to connect them. For example, the thermal conductive member 121 may be formed in a U-shape.

[0061] As shown in Figure 6, the mounting portion 123 is supported by a pair of opposing contact portions 122, so that structural stability is increased when the temperature sensing unit 120 is placed on the battery cell stack 110. In addition, the area in which the thermal conductive member 121 contacts the cell body 103 of the battery cell 100 is increased, which can improve the accuracy of temperature measurement of the battery cell 100.

[0062] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing another modification of the temperature sensing unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Referring to Figure 7, the thermal conductive member 121 may further include an extended portion 125 that is connected to the first portion 122a of the contact portion 122 and contacts the cell body 103.

[0064] The extension portion 125 is a part that increases the contact area between the thermal conductive member 121 and the cell body 103 of the battery cell 100. Because the contact area between the thermal conductive member 121 and the cell body 103 is increased through the extension portion 125, the accuracy of temperature measurement of the battery cell 100 can be improved.

[0065] Furthermore, because the contact area with the cell body 103 increases by the area of ​​the extended portion 125, the frictional force between the thermal conductive member 121 and the battery cell 100 may increase. This may increase the structural stability when the temperature sensing unit 120 is placed on the battery cell stack 110. For example, even if the battery module 10 is subjected to an external impact, the increased frictional force between the thermal conductive member 121 and the battery cell 100 can prevent the temperature sensing unit 120 from detaching from the battery cell stack 110.

[0066] In this case, the area of ​​the extended portion 125 may be larger than the area of ​​the first portion 122a. For example, the area of ​​the extended portion 125 may be almost the same as the area of ​​the cell body 103. In such a case, the area in contact between the thermal conductive member 121 and the cell body 103 is the largest, so the accuracy of temperature measurement of the battery cell 100 is high, and the frictional force between the thermal conductive member 121 and the battery cell 100 can be maximized.

[0067] As another example, the area of ​​the extension portion 125 may be 0.1 to 1 times the area of ​​the cell body 103. Preferably, the area of ​​the extension portion 125 may be 0.2 to 0.5 times the area of ​​the cell body 103. In the area range described above, the area in contact between the thermal conductive member 121 and the cell body 103 increases, so that the extension portion 125 can be tightly attached between adjacent battery cells 100 by the pressure and friction of the battery cells 100 during the assembly of the battery cell stack 110. Therefore, the accuracy of temperature measurement of the battery cells 100 can be improved, and the temperature sensing unit 120 can be prevented from detaching from the battery cell stack 110 due to the frictional force between the thermal conductive member 121 and the battery cells 100.

[0068] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing yet another modification of the temperature sensing unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] Referring to Figure 8, the thermal conductive member 121 may further include an extension 126 extending from the first portion 122a of the contact portion 122 toward the lower part of the battery cell 100, and a locking portion 127 bent from the end of the extension 126 toward one direction d1 toward which the multiple battery cells 100 are stacked.

[0070] The extension 126 can extend in the -z-axis direction toward the lower part of the cell body 103.

[0071] At this time, the sum of the vertical length h1 of the first portion 122a of the contact portion 122 and the vertical length h2 of the extension portion 126 may be the same as or slightly longer than the vertical length of the battery cell 100. As a result, the extension portion 126 penetrates vertically (in the z-axis direction) between two adjacent battery cells 100 in the battery cell stack 110, and the locking portion 127 is bent at the end of the extension portion 126, so that the locking portion 127 is locked to the lower part of the battery cell stack 110. Therefore, the locking structure of the extension portion 126 and the locking portion 127 increases the structural stability of the temperature sensing unit 120. For example, even if the battery module 10 is subjected to an external impact, the locking portion 127 of the thermal conductive member 121 is locked to the lower part of the battery cell stack 110, so that the temperature sensing unit 120 is prevented from detaching from the battery cell stack 110.

[0072] Furthermore, since the contact area between the thermal conductive member 121 and the battery cell 100 is increased through the extension 126, the accuracy of temperature measurement of the battery cell 100 can be improved.

[0073] Figure 9 is a perspective view showing yet another modification of a temperature sensing unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] Referring to Figure 9, the battery module 10 may further include an insulating member 130 covering at least a portion of the thermal conductive member 121. For example, the insulating member 130 can cover the portion of the battery cell 100 that does not come into contact with the cell body 103 of the thermal conductive member 121. For example, the insulating member 130 can cover the second portion 122b of the contact portion 122 and the mounting portion 123. Since the insulating member 130 does not cover the first portion 122a of the contact portion 122 of the thermal conductive member 121 that comes into contact with the cell body 103 of the battery cell 100, the first portion 122a of the contact portion 122 can come into direct contact with the cell body 103 of the battery cell 100. Therefore, heat generated in the battery cell 100 can be transmitted to the temperature sensor 124 via the first portion 122a of the contact portion 122.

[0075] Since the heat insulating member 130 covers the second portion 122b and the mounting portion 123 of the contact portion 122 of the heat conductive member 121, it is possible to prevent heat transferred from the first portion 122a of the contact portion 122 toward the temperature sensor 124 from being released to the outside of the heat conductive member 121. In addition, the heat insulating member 130 also prevents the temperature sensor 124 from being affected by the environment outside the battery cell 100. Therefore, the temperature of the cell body 103 of the battery cell 100 can be measured more accurately by the temperature sensor 124.

[0076] The thermal insulation member 130 may be made of a material such as silicon oxide, for example, glass fiber. However, the material of the thermal insulation member 130 is not limited to this, and any material with high thermal insulation properties may be included in this embodiment. Other examples include the thermal insulation member 130 being made of materials such as urethane (including urethane foam), polyurethane (including polyurethane foam), polystyrene (including expanded polystyrene or styrene), polyethylene, cellulose, phenolic resin (including phenolic foam), etc.

[0077] The heat insulating member 130 includes a sensor receiving portion 131 in which a part of the heat conductive member 121 (for example, a part of the mounting portion 123) is exposed to the outside, and the temperature sensor 124 may be placed on the sensor receiving portion 131. The sensor receiving portion 131 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the temperature sensor 124 so that the area of ​​the surface of the heat conductive member 121 that is exposed to the outside is minimized and the temperature sensor 124 can be placed there. Since the temperature sensor 124 is fixed on the mounting portion 123 of the heat conductive member 121 while housed in the sensor receiving portion 131, even if an external force generated by an external impact acts on the temperature sensor 124, it is possible to prevent the temperature sensor 124 from detaching from the mounting portion 123. In addition, since the external force acting on the temperature sensor 124 is dispersed through the heat insulating member 130, the failure of the temperature sensor 124 can be reduced.

[0078] Figure 10 is a perspective view showing an example of a reinforcing member for supporting a temperature sensing unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] Referring to Figure 10, the battery module 10 may include a reinforcing member 140 that supports at least a portion of the temperature sensing unit 120. The reinforcing member 140 can be maintained on the battery cell 100 in contact with at least a portion of the temperature sensing unit 120. For example, as shown in Figure 10, the reinforcing member 140 may be a U-shaped member that can cover the temperature sensing unit 120 on top of the battery cell 100. Specifically, the reinforcing member 140 may include a first surface 141 parallel to the top surface (xy plane in the drawing) of the battery cell stack 110 and a second surface 142 extending from both ends of the first surface 141 parallel to a large area of ​​the battery cell 100. Thus, the first surface 141 of the reinforcing member 140 can support the mounting portion 123 of the temperature sensing unit 120, and the second surface 142 can support the contact portion 122 of the temperature sensing unit 120. However, the shape of the reinforcing member 140 is not limited by the above and can have a variety of shapes. For example, the second surface 142 of the reinforcing member 140 may be a form that extends from one end of the first surface 141, that is, a "U" shaped member.

[0080] On the other hand, although not shown in Figure 10, a sensor receiving groove (not shown) capable of receiving a temperature sensor 124 may be formed on the first surface 141 of the reinforcing member 140 that faces the temperature sensing unit 120. Therefore, even when the reinforcing member 140 covers the temperature sensing unit 120, it is possible to prevent the temperature sensor 124 from being pressurized by the reinforcing member 140.

[0081] The reinforcing member 140 may be made of a material that is elastically deformable in order to be maintained on the battery cell 100. The reinforcing member 140 can support the temperature sensing unit 120 by elastically applying pressure to the battery cell 100 while covering the temperature sensing unit 120. However, the method by which the reinforcing member 140 is maintained on the battery cell 100 is not limited to the above. For example, the reinforcing member 140 can be fixed to the battery cell 100 by adhesive without applying pressure to the battery cell 100 while covering the temperature sensing unit 120.

[0082] Furthermore, the reinforcing member 140 is not limited to the form shown in Figure 10, and can have various forms capable of supporting at least a portion of the temperature sensing unit 120. For example, the battery module 10 may include a bridge-shaped reinforcing member (not shown) extending from the busbar frame 200 toward at least one of the battery cells 100. The bridge member extending from the busbar frame 200 can support at least a portion of the temperature sensing unit 120. Specifically, the bridge member can extend from the busbar frame 200 and fix the upper surface of the temperature sensing unit 120, i.e., the mounting portion 123. As another example, the bridge member can also fix the side surface of the temperature sensing unit 120, i.e., the contact portion 122, while being spaced apart from the mounting portion 123 of the temperature sensing unit 120.

[0083] The reinforcing member 140 may be made of a rigid material that is elastically deformable as needed. For example, the reinforcing member 140 may be made of a plastic material. However, the material of the reinforcing member 140 is not limited by those described above.

[0084] The aforementioned reinforcing member 140 supports at least a portion of the temperature sensing unit 120, and can therefore reinforce the thermal conductive member 121 if its rigidity is insufficient. Furthermore, since the reinforcing member 140 can cover at least a portion of the temperature sensing unit 120, it can protect the temperature sensing unit 120 and prevent it from detaching from the battery cell stack 110.

[0085] Figure 11 is a perspective view showing an example of a battery cell stack housed in a case according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view of Figure 11.

[0086] Referring to Figures 11 and 12, the battery module 10 may include a busbar frame 200 that covers one side of the battery cell stack 110. Electrode leads 101 protruding from the multiple battery cells 100 may be connected to busbars 210 included in the busbar frame 200. The busbars 210 electrically connect the battery cells 100 within the battery module 10. Preferably, the busbars 210 include a metallic material to enable electrical connection.

[0087] Furthermore, the battery module 10 may include a module frame 300 and an end plate 400 that form an internal space in which the battery cell stack 110 is housed. The module frame 300 may be a structure in which one side and the other side facing that side are open. More specifically, the module frame 300 can be opened in both directions from which the electrode leads 101 protrude, relative to the battery cell stack 110.

[0088] A module frame 300 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a U-shaped frame 310 that covers the bottom surface and both sides of the battery cell stack 110, and an upper cover 320 that covers the open top of the U-shaped frame 310. The U-shaped frame 310 and the upper cover 320 may be joined together at their corresponding edges.

[0089] Furthermore, in another embodiment of the present invention, the module frame may be in a monoframe form with the top, bottom, and both sides integrated.

[0090] The end plates 400 consist of multiple plates, each capable of covering the open sides of the module frame 300. The battery cell stack 110 is housed in the internal space formed by the module frame 300 and the end plates 400, thereby providing physical protection to the battery cell stack 110. For this purpose, the module frame 300 and the end plates 400 may be made of a metal material having a predetermined strength. Alternatively, the module frame 300 and the end plates 400 may be joined by welding, with their corresponding corners in contact with each other.

[0091] On the other hand, while it has been explained that the battery cell stack 110 is housed in a module frame 300 and an end plate 400 to form a battery module 10, the invention is not limited to the foregoing. For example, the battery cell stack 110 can also be housed in a pack case (not shown) to form a battery pack.

[0092] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 14 is a perspective view showing a structure in which a temperature sensing unit according to another embodiment of the present invention is arranged in a battery cell. Figure 15 is an exploded perspective view of Figure 14. Figure 16 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the compression pad and thermal conductive member shown in Figure 14.

[0093] Referring to Figures 13 to 16, a battery module 10 according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a battery cell stack 110. The battery cell stack 110 may include a plurality of battery cells 100 stacked in one direction and a compression pad 150. The compression pad 150 may be placed between two adjacent battery cells 100 among the plurality of battery cells 100. One or more compression pads 150 may be placed, and if a plurality of compression pads 150 are provided, the plurality of compression pads 150 may be placed spaced apart from each other. In other words, each of the plurality of compression pads 150 may be placed between the plurality of battery cells 100. Also, the compression pad 150 may be placed on the outermost battery cell 100. For example, the compression pad 150 may be placed between the outermost battery cell 100 and the side portion of the module frame 300.

[0094] The thermal conductive member 121 may be placed on the compression pad 150. More specifically, at least a portion of the contact portion 122 of the thermal conductive member 121 may be placed between the compression pad 150 and the battery cell 100 adjacent to the compression pad 150.

[0095] The compression pad 150 may include a receiving groove 151 shaped to correspond to the shape of at least a portion of the contact portion 122 of the thermal conductive member 121, so as to accommodate the contact portion 122 of the thermal conductive member 121. The contact portion 122 of the thermal conductive member 121 can contact the adjacent battery cell 100 while housed in the receiving groove 151. At this time, the contact portion 122 of the thermal conductive member 121 may be received in the receiving groove 151 so as to be flat overall with the large area of ​​the compression pad 150. In other words, even when the contact portion 122 of the thermal conductive member 121 is received in the receiving groove 151, the thermal conductive member 121 does not protrude from the large area of ​​the compression pad 150. Therefore, the thermal conductive member 121 and the compression pad 150 housed in the receiving groove 151 can have an overall flat surface.

[0096] Therefore, even if the contact portion 122 is received by the receiving groove 151 of the compression pad 150, it is possible that the battery cell 100 will not be pressed against and / or deformed by the contact portion 122. Thus, even if a swelling phenomenon occurs on the battery module 10, damage to the battery cell 100 by the thermal conductive member 121 can be prevented.

[0097] On the other hand, while the embodiments shown in Figures 13 to 16 illustrate the application of the temperature sensing unit 120 of Figure 5, the present invention is not limited thereto. In other words, various modifications and changes are possible, such as applying the temperature sensing unit 120 including the extension portion 125 of Figure 7, the temperature sensing unit 120 including the extension portion 126 and locking portion 127 of Figure 8, the temperature sensing unit 120 including the heat insulating member 130 of Figure 9, and the reinforcing member 140 for supporting the temperature sensing unit 120 of Figure 10. Furthermore, various modifications and changes are possible, such as combining each embodiment described with reference to Figures 5 to 16 with one another.

[0098] On the other hand, while the embodiments described above with reference to Figures 5 to 16 have been described as having one temperature sensor 124 provided between adjacent battery cells 100 or between a battery cell 100 and a compression pad 150, depending on the design, multiple temperature sensors 124 may be provided in the battery cell stack 110. It is preferable that the multiple temperature sensors 124 be arranged at equal intervals, but this is not necessarily required, and if there is a location in the battery cell stack 110 where the temperature rise is concentrated, the temperature sensors 124 may be placed at or near that location.

[0099] For example, two temperature sensors 124 may be provided on the battery cell stack 110. The thermal conductive members 121 may be positioned between the two battery cells 100 that are closest to the center of the battery cell stack 110, and between the two battery cells 100 that are on the outermost side, and the temperature sensors 124 may be coupled to the thermal conductive members 121.

[0100] Furthermore, the thermal conductive members 121 are positioned between the compression pad 150 located most adjacent to the center of the battery cell stack 110 and the battery cell 100 in contact with the compression pad 150, and between the outermost battery cell 100 among the multiple battery cells 100 and the compression pad 150 in contact with the outermost battery cell 100, respectively. The temperature sensors 124 may be coupled to the thermal conductive members 121.

[0101] Since the temperature sensor 124 is positioned to contact the central battery cell 100 and the outermost battery cell 100 of the battery cell stack 110, it is possible to easily measure temperature deviations within the battery module 10.

[0102] The battery module 10 according to the above-described embodiment may be included in a battery pack. The battery pack may have a structure in which one or more battery modules according to this embodiment are included, and a BMS for managing the temperature and voltage of the batteries, a cooling device, etc., are added and packed together.

[0103] The battery pack according to this embodiment may include a processor (not shown) that is integrated inside the BMS or provided separately outside the BMS and capable of communicating remotely with the BMS. The processor may include, for example, a microcontroller unit (MCU). The processor can convert the measured temperature value of the battery cell 100, measured by the temperature sensor 124 of the battery module 10, into an actual temperature value based on the shape and properties of the thermal conductive member 121. For example, the processor can convert the measured temperature value of the battery cell 100 into the actual temperature value based on the length of the contact portion 122 of the thermal conductive member 121 and the thermal conductivity of the thermal conductive member 121.

[0104] Battery modules and battery packs containing them may be applied to a variety of devices. Such devices include means of transport such as electric bicycles, electric vehicles, and hybrid vehicles, and / or energy storage devices (ESS). However, the present invention is not limited thereto and is applicable to a variety of devices that can use battery modules and battery packs containing them, and this also falls within the scope of the present invention.

[0105] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. Various modifications and improvements by those skilled in the art, using the basic concepts of the present invention as defined in the following claims, also fall within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 10: Battery module 100: Battery cell 110: Battery cell stack 120: Temperature sensing unit 121: Thermally conductive material 122: Contact area 123: Mounting part 124: Temperature sensor 125: Expansion section 126: Extension 127: Locking part 130: Insulation material 131: Sensor receiving part 140: Reinforcement member 150: Compression pad 151: Receptor groove 200: Busbar Frame 210: Bus bar 300: Module Frame 400: End plate

Claims

1. A battery cell stack in which multiple battery cells are stacked along one direction; and The battery cell stack includes a temperature sensing unit, The aforementioned temperature sensing unit is A thermally conductive member in which at least a portion is in contact with the battery cell; and A battery module comprising a temperature sensor coupled to the thermally conductive member for measuring the temperature of the battery cell.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the thermal conductive member includes a contact portion that contacts the cell body of the battery cell and a mounting portion on which the temperature sensor is arranged.

3. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein the mounting portion extends from one end of the contact portion by being bent, and is located on the outside of the battery cell stack.

4. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein the contact portion includes a first portion that contacts the cell body and a second portion that extends from the first portion so as to protrude to the outside of the battery cell.

5. The thermal conductive member further includes an extended portion that is connected to the first portion and contacts the cell body, The battery module according to claim 4, wherein the area of ​​the extended portion is larger than the area of ​​the first portion.

6. The battery module according to claim 5, wherein the area of ​​the extended portion is 0.1 to 1 times the area of ​​the cell body.

7. The thermal conductive member includes an extension extending from the first portion toward the lower part of the battery cell; and The battery module according to claim 4, further comprising a locking portion bent in one direction from the end of the extension portion, on which the plurality of battery cells are stacked.

8. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein the contact portion is arranged parallel to the large area of ​​the battery cell, and the mounting portion extends perpendicular to the contact portion and along the one direction.

9. The contact portion includes a pair of contact portions arranged to face each other, The battery module according to claim 2, wherein the mounting portion is positioned between the pair of contact portions and connects the respective contact portions.

10. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein the contact portion is in the shape of a thin film or a wire.

11. The battery module according to claim 1, further comprising a reinforcing member that supports at least a portion of the temperature sensing unit.

12. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the thermal conductive member is disposed between the two battery cells that are closest to the center of the battery cell stack among the plurality of battery cells, and between the two battery cells that are located on the outermost side among the plurality of battery cells.

13. The invention further includes compression pads located between two adjacent battery cells among the plurality of battery cells, and on the outside of at least one of the outermost battery cells, The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the heat conductive member is disposed on the compression pad.

14. The battery module according to claim 13, wherein the compression pad includes a receiving groove in which at least a portion of the heat conductive member is accommodated.

15. The heat-conducting member includes a contact portion that contacts the cell body of the battery cell and a mounting portion on which the temperature sensor is positioned. At least a portion of the contact portion is received in the receiving groove, The battery module according to claim 14, wherein the mounting portion extends from one end of the contact portion by being bent, and is located on the outside of the battery cell stack.

16. The battery module according to claim 14, wherein at least a portion of the thermal conductive member is housed in the receiving groove so as to be flat overall with the large area of ​​the compression pad.

17. The battery module according to claim 1, further comprising a heat insulating member covering a portion of the heat conductive member that does not come into contact with the cell body of the battery cell.

18. The heat insulating member includes a sensor receiving portion in which a part of the heat conductive member is exposed to the outside. The battery module according to claim 17, wherein the temperature sensor is disposed in the sensor receiving portion.

19. A battery pack comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

20. An energy storage device comprising the battery pack described in claim 19.

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