Battery module to prevent battery rupture

Abstract

A battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of batteries, a receiving portion formed to receive the plurality of batteries, a first frame formed to cover an upper portion of the receiving portion and to support a bus bar electrically connected to the plurality of batteries via a connecting portion, and a second frame formed to cover a side portion of the receiving portion and to be coupled to the first frame, and the second frame may include a first member coupled to the first frame and a second member coupled to the first member so as to be rotatable relative to the first member in a direction in which the connecting portion applies a force in response to a volume change of the plurality of batteries. According to an embodiment of the present invention, even if the volume of the secondary battery increases due to swelling, the structure of the battery module is adaptively deformed within the battery module to ensure a space margin, thereby preventing the secondary battery from breaking. In addition, by preventing the secondary battery from breaking, the risk of fire or explosion within the battery module can be reduced.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] [CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0182156 dated December 17, 2021, and all contents disclosed in the documents of this Korean patent application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery module for preventing breakage, and more particularly to a battery module capable of preventing breakage of a secondary battery due to swelling in advance. [Background technology]

[0003] As the development of alternative energy sources is becoming increasingly necessary due to environmental pollution, oil depletion, etc., research and development of power generation technologies based on energy sources such as solar heat, hydropower, wind power, ocean energy, biomass energy, etc. In particular, research into rechargeable secondary batteries has been actively conducted, and development is being carried out in aspects such as the materials, efficiency, structure, stability, and systems of secondary batteries.

[0004] Various types of secondary batteries, such as pouch type, prismatic type, and cylindrical type, are applied to electronic systems such as automobiles, mobile phones, and notebook computers, and battery packs, which are a collection of battery modules designed to suit each type, are installed in the electronic systems and used.

[0005] As multiple secondary batteries are used in electronic systems for long periods of time, users and developers are becoming more aware of stability, and there is a growing demand for stability management not only during the manufacturing process of secondary batteries but also during their use.

[0006] However, with conventional technology, gases inside secondary batteries cannot be completely removed during the manufacturing process, or when the secondary battery is used, the electrolyte inside the secondary battery evaporates, causing the secondary battery to swell, resulting in swelling. The swelling phenomenon can also occur when the secondary battery is overcharged / overdischarged for a long period of time, is subjected to impact, or is deteriorated. If left unattended, the secondary battery may break, or the breakage may cause a fire or explosion inside the battery module. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a battery module including an adaptive structure that can ensure a space to prevent breakage of secondary batteries when swelling occurs in a plurality of secondary batteries mounted in the battery module due to the structure of the battery module. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of batteries, a receiving portion formed to receive the plurality of batteries, a first frame formed to cover an upper portion of the receiving portion and to support a bus bar electrically connected to the plurality of batteries via a connecting portion, and a second frame formed to cover a side portion of the receiving portion and to be coupled to the first frame, wherein the second frame may include a first member coupled to the first frame and a second member coupled to the first member so as to be rotatable relative to the first member in a direction in which the connecting portion applies a force in response to a volume change of the plurality of batteries.

[0009] The battery module may include a connecting shaft that allows the second member to rotate relative to the first member.

[0010] The plurality of batteries may include battery bodies and battery terraces, the bus bar may include leads electrically connecting the plurality of batteries, and the battery terraces and the leads may form the connecting portion.

[0011] The leads may connect the bus bar and the plurality of batteries through a connection space defined between the first frame and the second frame.

[0012] When the volume of the plurality of batteries increases to or above a predetermined volume, the connecting portion may contact the second frame and apply the force, thereby rotating the second member relative to the first member in the direction in which the force is applied.

[0013] An outermost battery among the plurality of batteries may be disposed adjacent to the second frame.

[0014] The first member may be coupled to the first frame so as to be rotatable relative to the first frame in a direction in which the connecting portion applies a force.

[0015] A bus bar frame according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a receiving portion formed to receive a plurality of batteries, a first frame formed to cover an upper portion of the receiving portion and support a bus bar at a lower portion, and a second frame formed to cover a side portion of the receiving portion and coupled to the first frame, wherein the second frame may include a first member coupled to the first frame and a second member coupled to the first member so as to be rotatable relative to the first member in a direction receiving an external force.

[0016] The first member may be fixedly coupled to the first frame.

[0017] The first member may be coupled to the first frame so as to be rotatable relative to the first frame in a direction in which the external force is received.

[0018] The second member may be pin-hook coupled to the first member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the present invention, even if the volume of the secondary battery increases due to swelling, a space is secured within the battery module, thereby preventing the secondary battery from breaking.

[0020] According to the present invention, the structure of the battery module is adaptively deformed to accommodate changes in the volume of the secondary battery due to swelling, thereby preventing breakage of the secondary battery.

[0021] According to the present invention, the risk of fire or explosion occurring within the battery module can be reduced by preventing the secondary battery from breaking. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 is a view showing one side of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 4 is a view showing another side of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating a portion of a coupling relationship of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 10 is a diagram illustrating a simplified partial coupling relationship of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the principle of structural deformation during swelling of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating coupling axes of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a portion of a coupling relationship of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in order to enable those skilled in the art to easily carry out the present invention. However, the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0024] In order to clearly explain the present invention, detailed descriptions of parts that are not relevant to the explanation or related known technologies that may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention will be omitted, and in this specification, when reference symbols are added to components in each figure, the same or similar reference symbols will be used for the same or similar components throughout the specification.

[0025] Furthermore, the terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted in a limited way to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in a way that is consistent with the technical idea of ​​the present invention, in accordance with the principle that an inventor can appropriately define the concept of a term in order to best explain his or her invention.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing one side of a battery module 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] The battery module 100 may include a housing 101. For example, the housing 101 may house a plurality of batteries 200, and the plurality of batteries 200 may be mounted in an internal space of the housing 101. The plurality of batteries 200 may be secondary batteries.

[0028] The battery module 100 may include a plurality of frames 110 and 120 .

[0029] The plurality of frames 110, 120 may include a first frame 110. For example, the first frame 110 may cover an upper portion of the receiving portion 101.

[0030] The plurality of frames 110, 120 may include a second frame 120. For example, the second frame 120 may cover the side of the receiving portion 101.

[0031] The first frame 110 and the second frame 120 may be formed to surround the receiving portion 101. For example, the first frame 110 may cover the top of the receiving portion 101, and the second frame 120 may cover the side of the receiving portion 101 to surround the receiving portion 101.

[0032] The first frame 110 may be combined with the second frame 120 .

[0033] A bus bar 130 may be disposed on the first frame 110. For example, the bus bar 130 may be disposed on the first frame 110, and the first frame 110 may support the bus bar 130. The bus bar 130 may electrically connect the battery module 100 to the outside.

[0034] The receiving portion 101, the first frame 110, and the second frame 120 may form a bus bar frame. The bus bar frame may include a bus bar .

[0035] FIG. 2 shows another side view of the battery module 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 shows a part (area A) of the coupling relationship of the battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] A plurality of batteries 200 may be mounted in the housing portion 101 of the battery module 100.

[0037] Each of the plurality of batteries 200 may include a battery body 210 and a battery terrace 220. For example, the battery body 210 may include at least an electrode assembly in which anodes and cathodes are alternately stacked with a separator sandwiched therebetween. The battery terrace 220 may electrically connect the battery body 210 (or the electrode assembly included in the battery body 210) to the outside.

[0038] The first frame 110 may cover an upper portion of the receiving portion 101, and the second frame 120 may cover a side portion of the receiving portion 101. A bus bar 130 may be disposed on the first frame 110. The bus bar 130 may be connected to the leads 140. The bus bar 130 may be electrically connected to the battery 200 via the leads 140. For example, the bus bar 130 may be electrically connected to the leads 140, and the leads 140 may be electrically connected to the battery terrace 220, and the bus bar 130 may be electrically connected to the battery 200.

[0039] The leads 140 and the battery terraces 220 that electrically connect the bus bar 130 and the plurality of batteries 200 may be referred to as a connection portion. For example, the leads 140 and the battery terraces 220 may form a connection portion, and the bus bar 130 and the plurality of batteries 200 may be electrically connected via the connection portion.

[0040] The first frame 110 may include a connection space. For example, the lead 140 may electrically connect the bus bar 130 and the plurality of batteries 200 through the connection space formed in the first frame 110.

[0041] A connection space may also be provided between the first frame 110 and the second frame 120. For example, the lead 140 may electrically connect the bus bar 130 and the plurality of batteries 200 through the connection space provided between the first frame 110 and the second frame 120.

[0042] The first frame 110 can cover the top of the receiving portion 101 , and the second frame 120 can cover the side of the receiving portion 101 .

[0043] The outermost battery, which is disposed on the outermost side of the plurality of batteries 200 mounted in the receiving portion 101 , may be disposed adjacent to the second frame 120 .

[0044] The first frame 110 may be coupled to the second frame 120. For example, an edge of the first frame 110 may be coupled to the second frame 120.

[0045] The coupling relationship between the first frame 110 and the second frame 120 will be described in more detail with reference to region A.

[0046] The second frame 120 may include a first member 121. For example, the first member 121 may be coupled to the first frame 110.

[0047] The second frame 120 may include a second member 122. For example, the second member 122 may be coupled to the first member 121 so as to be rotatable relative to the first member 121.

[0048] The second frame 120 may include a connecting shaft 123. For example, the connecting shaft 123 allows the second member 122 to rotate relative to the first member 121.

[0049] The receiving portion 101, the first frame 110, and the second frame 120 may form a bus bar frame. The bus bar frame may include a bus bar .

[0050] 4 is a diagram illustrating a simplified portion of the coupling relationship of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 4, other components may be omitted to facilitate explanation of the positional relationship between the first frame 110 and the second frame 120.

[0051] The first frame 110 may be combined with the second frame 120 .

[0052] The second frame 120 may include a first member 121 , a second member 122 and a connecting shaft 123 .

[0053] The first member 121 may be coupled to the first frame 110 and fixed relative to the first frame 110. For example, the first member 121 may be coupled to an edge of the first frame 110 and fixed thereto.

[0054] The first member 121 may be coupled to the second member 122. For example, the second member 122 may be coupled to the first member 121 so as to be rotatable relative to the first member 121.

[0055] The second member 122 can be rotated in a direction in which it receives an external force relative to the first member 121. For example, when a force is applied to the second member 122 from the outside, the second member 122 can be rotated in the direction in which the force is applied relative to the first member 121.

[0056] The first member 121 and the second member 122 may be coupled via a coupling shaft 123. For example, the coupling shaft 123 may couple the second member 122 to the first member 121 so that the second member 122 is rotatable with the first member 121.

[0057] The second member 122 can be rotated in a direction in which it receives an external force, with the connecting shaft 123 as the rotation axis.

[0058] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the principle of structural deformation during swelling of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Swelling may occur in the plurality of batteries 200 if gas within the secondary battery cannot be completely removed during the manufacturing process or if the electrolyte within the secondary battery evaporates during use of the secondary battery. If swelling occurs in the plurality of batteries 200, the volume of the plurality of batteries 200 may increase, and if the volume increases beyond a predetermined level, it may affect the position or load of other components of the battery module 100.

[0060] Each of the plurality of batteries 200 may include a battery body 210 and a battery terrace 220. For example, the battery body 210 may have an electrode assembly contained in a pouch. The battery terrace 220 may electrically connect the battery body 210 to the outside.

[0061] The bus bar 130 may be disposed on the first frame 110 .

[0062] The bus bar 130 may be coupled to the leads 140. For example, the leads 140 may electrically couple the bus bar 130 to a plurality of batteries 200.

[0063] The lead 140 may be connected to the battery terrace 220. For example, the bus bar 130 and the plurality of batteries 200 may be electrically connected by electrically connecting the lead 140 and the battery terrace 220.

[0064] The lead 140 and the battery terrace 220 may form a connecting portion. For example, the connecting portion may be a portion that applies force to the second frame 120 when the volume of the battery body 210 increases to or exceeds a predetermined volume due to swelling.

[0065] When swelling occurs, the battery body 210 may swell and deform (or increase in volume). For example, the battery body 210 before swelling may be a certain distance (Y) away from the bus bar 130 in the vertical direction, and the center of the battery body 210 may be a certain distance (X) away from one end. The battery body 210 before swelling may be in a state where one end and the center of the battery body 210 form a certain angle (θ) with respect to a specific bus bar 130.

[0066] When swelling occurs and the battery body 210 expands, the battery body 210 may be deformed such that the center of the battery body 210 is further separated from one end by a specific distance (dX). In this case, the battery body 210 may be in a state where one end of the battery body 210 and the center form a specific angle (θ-dX) with respect to a specific bus bar 130.

[0067] When the volume of the battery body 210 installed in the receiving portion 101 increases to a predetermined volume or more and the battery body 210 is deformed such that the center of the battery body 210 moves a specific distance (dX) away from one end, the connecting portion moves in the swelling direction and applies force to the second frame 120. For example, at least one of the lead 140 and the battery terrace 220 may apply force to the second frame 120.

[0068] When at least one of the leads 140 and the battery terrace 220 that form the connection portion applies a force to the second frame 120, the first member 121 fixedly coupled to the first frame 110 may not move.

[0069] When at least one of the leads 140 and the battery terrace 220 that form the connection portion applies a force to the second frame 120, the second member 122 can be rotated relative to the first member 121 in the direction in which the force is applied.

[0070] As described above, even if the volume of the battery 200 increases due to swelling, the structure of the battery module 100 is adaptively deformed to accommodate the volume change within the battery module 100, thereby ensuring sufficient space and preventing breakage of the secondary battery.

[0071] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a coupling shaft of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] The first member 121 may be coupled to the second member 122. For example, the second member 122 may be pin-and-hook coupled to the first member 121. The first member 121 and the second member 122 may be pin-and-hook coupled to form a coupling shaft 123.

[0073] The first member 121 may include a first coupling portion 121-1. For example, one end of the first member 121 may include the first coupling portion 121-1 formed to be coupled to the second member 122.

[0074] The second member 122 may include a second coupling portion 122-1. For example, one end of the second member 122 may include the second coupling portion 122-1 formed to be coupled to the first member 121.

[0075] The first coupling part 121-1 may be formed to allow pin-and-hook coupling with the second coupling part 122-1. For example, the first coupling part 121-1 may have an insertion space into which the second coupling part 122-1 can be inserted (or pin-inserted). The second coupling part 122-1 may be inserted into the insertion space formed in the first coupling part 121-1, and the second coupling part 122-1 may be hook-coupled to a locking part that forms the outer periphery of the insertion space of the first coupling part 121-1.

[0076] The second coupling part 122-1 may include a protrusion formed to be hooked to the locking part of the first coupling part 121-1. For example, the protrusion of the second coupling part 122-1 may be hooked to the locking part of the first coupling part 121-1.

[0077] The second coupling part 122-1 may be rotated within the insertion space of the first coupling part 121-1. For example, the second coupling part 122-1 may be rotated while being inserted into the insertion space of the first coupling part 121-1 and hook-coupled.

[0078] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a portion of a coupling relationship of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] To further ensure space within the battery module, the first member 121 may further include a frame coupling shaft 124.

[0080] The frame coupling shaft 124 may be a coupling shaft that can couple the first frame 110 and the second frame 120 and allows the second frame 120 to rotate relative to the first frame 110.

[0081] The frame coupling shaft 124 may be formed on the first member 121 of the second frame 120. For example, the frame coupling shaft 124 may be formed on the other end of the first member 121 where the first member 121 is coupled to the first frame 110.

[0082] If the first member 121 further includes a frame coupling shaft 124, the first member 121 may be rotatable relative to the first frame 110. For example, if the connecting portion applies a force to the second frame 120, not only the second member 122 but also the first member 121 may rotate relative to the first frame 110. Specifically, the second member 122 may be rotatable relative to the first member 121 or the first frame 110, and the first member 121 may be rotatable relative to the first frame 110.

[0083] In the specific structure of the frame coupling shaft 124, the description of the coupling shaft 123 can be applied.

[0084] As described above, according to an embodiment of the present invention, even if the volume of a secondary battery increases due to swelling, a space is secured by a structure that can be adaptively deformed, thereby preventing rupture of the secondary battery and reducing the risk of fire or explosion within the battery module.

[0085] Although the present invention has been described above using limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various embodiments can be made by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains within the technical spirit of the present invention and the scope of equivalents of the claims set forth below. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 100 battery modules 101 Storage unit 110 1st Frame 120 2nd frame 121 First member 121-1 1st joint 122 Second member 122-1 2nd joint 123 Connection axis 124 Frame connecting shaft 130 Busbar 140 leads 200 batteries 210 Battery body 220 Battery Terrace

Claims

1. a plurality of secondary batteries including a battery body and battery terraces; a housing portion formed to house the plurality of secondary batteries; a first frame configured to cover an upper portion of the receiving portion and to support a bus bar electrically connected to the battery terrace via a lead; and a second frame configured to cover a side of the receiving portion and to be coupled to the first frame; The second frame: a first member coupled to the first frame; and A battery module including a second member coupled to the first member so as to be rotatable relative to the first member in a direction in which at least one of the battery terraces and the leads is forced in response to a volume change of the plurality of secondary batteries.

2. The battery module of claim 1 , further comprising a connecting shaft that allows the second member to rotate relative to the first member.

3. The battery module of claim 2 , wherein the leads connect the bus bar and the plurality of secondary batteries through a connection space defined between the first frame and the second frame.

4. When the volume of the plurality of secondary batteries increases to a predetermined volume or more, 2. The battery module of claim 1, wherein at least one of the battery terrace and the lead contacts the second frame and applies the force, causing the second member to rotate relative to the first member in the direction in which the force is applied.

5. The battery module of claim 1 , wherein an outermost battery among the plurality of secondary batteries is disposed adjacent to the second frame.

6. The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the first member is coupled to the first frame such that at least one of the battery terrace and the lead can rotate relative to the first frame in a direction in which a force is applied.

7. A housing portion formed to house a plurality of secondary batteries including battery bodies and battery terraces; a first frame configured to cover an upper portion of the receiving portion and to support a bus bar electrically connected to the battery terrace via a lead; and a second frame covering a side of the receiving portion and coupled to the first frame; The second frame: a first member coupled to the first frame; and a second member coupled to the first member such that at least one of the battery terraces and the leads can rotate relative to the first member in a direction in which a force is applied in response to a volume change of the plurality of secondary batteries;

8. The bus bar frame according to claim 7 , wherein the first member is coupled and fixed to the first frame.

9. 8. The bus bar frame according to claim 7, wherein the first member is coupled to the first frame such that at least one of the battery terraces and the leads can rotate in a direction in which a force is applied in response to a volume change of the plurality of secondary batteries relative to the first frame.

10. The bus bar frame according to claim 7 , wherein the second member is pin-hook coupled to the first member.

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