Battery module and battery pack comprising same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery module and a battery pack. The battery module, according to one embodiment of the present invention, may comprise: a plurality of battery cells; a printed circuit board coupled to the plurality of battery cells; a temperature sensing unit disposed on the printed circuit board so as to sense the temperature of the plurality of battery cells; a top plate covering the printed circuit board and having an opening formed at a position overlapping the temperature sensing unit; and an opening cover which covers the opening and of which at least a portion is formed of a transparent material such that the temperature sensing unit can be viewed from the outside.

Description

Battery module and battery pack including same

[0001] [Cross-reference with related applications]

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0112324, filed August 25, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] [Technical Field]

[0004] The present invention relates to a battery module and a battery pack including the same.

[0005] Recently, with the increasing demand for portable electronic devices such as laptops, smartphones, and tablet computers, research into high-performance secondary batteries capable of repeated charging and discharging has been actively underway. In particular, with growing concerns about fossil fuel depletion and environmental pollution, research on hybrid and electric vehicles is actively underway.

[0006] The most crucial component in these hybrid and electric vehicles is the battery pack, which supplies power to the motor. Battery packs used in hybrid and electric vehicles comprise a battery module containing multiple battery cells. As these cells are connected in series and / or parallel, the battery module's capacity and output are increased.

[0007] Battery cells generate heat through electrochemical reactions. If the heat generated by the battery cells is not smoothly dissipated to the outside, it can accumulate within the battery module, potentially leading to deterioration, fire, or explosion. Therefore, monitoring and managing the heat generated by battery cells is crucial. Therefore, the temperature of the battery cells is measured in real time to monitor whether the heat generated by the cells is smoothly dissipated to the outside. To this end, temperature sensors are installed in areas adjacent to the battery cells.

[0008] However, in the past, there was a problem that the temperature sensor inside the battery module malfunctioned or was damaged due to physical interference with other parts, and also that the operator could not identify whether the temperature sensor was fixed in the correct location.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need for a battery module that can check the location of the temperature sensor from the outside of the module while preventing physical interference between the temperature sensor and other structures.

[0010] The present invention has been devised to solve the above problems, and an object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a battery module in which interference between a temperature sensing unit and a top plate can be prevented.

[0011] An object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a battery module in which a temperature sensing unit can be checked from the outside without a separate module disassembly process.

[0012] A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of battery cells, a printed circuit board coupled to the plurality of battery cells, a temperature detection unit disposed on the printed circuit board to detect the temperature of the plurality of battery cells, a top plate covering the printed circuit board and having an opening formed at a position overlapping the temperature detection unit, and an opening cover covering the opening and having at least a portion made of a transparent material so that the temperature detection unit can be viewed from the outside.

[0013] The printed circuit board includes a printed circuit board body and a leg extending from the printed circuit board body so as to be elastically deformable with respect to the printed circuit board body, and the temperature sensing unit can be positioned on the leg.

[0014] A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a pressure pad provided on the leg to press the leg in a direction toward the plurality of battery cells.

[0015] The above pressure pad can be supported by contacting an inner surface of the top plate facing the printed circuit board.

[0016] The above pressure pad may have a T-shape.

[0017] The above pressure pad may be arranged to surround the temperature sensing unit and be spaced apart from the temperature sensing unit.

[0018] A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a stepped portion provided in an area surrounding the opening and recessed by a predetermined width from the surface of the top plate.

[0019] The above opening cover can be coupled to the above step portion.

[0020] The above opening cover may be an insulating tape.

[0021] The above temperature sensing units are provided in pairs, and can be spaced apart along the length direction of the printed circuit board.

[0022] A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include an adhesive unit laminated between the printed circuit board and the top plate to adhere the printed circuit board and the top plate, and disposed between a pair of the temperature sensing units.

[0023] The above temperature sensing unit may be a thermistor that is configured to sense temperature by means of a change in electrical resistance according to temperature.

[0024] A battery pack according to the present invention may be provided, and the battery pack according to the present invention may include a plurality of battery modules reviewed above.

[0025] A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention can prevent interference between a temperature sensing unit and a top plate.

[0026] A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention can check the temperature detection unit from the outside without a separate module disassembly process.

[0027] In addition, the configurations according to the embodiments of the present invention may include effects that can be easily predicted by those skilled in the art.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a battery module according to Example 1 of the present invention in which multiple battery cells are stacked.

[0029] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a form in which a printed circuit board (PCB) is combined with a plurality of battery cells of a battery module according to Example 1 of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a top plate of a battery module according to Example 1 of the present invention covering a printed circuit board coupled to a battery cell.

[0031] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to Example 1 of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of a temperature sensing unit and a pressure pad arranged on a printed circuit board of a battery module according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 6 is a plan view of a temperature sensing unit and a pressure pad arranged on a printed circuit board of a battery module according to Example 1 of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of a step formed around an opening of a battery module according to Example 2 of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 8 shows a plan view of a step portion formed around an opening of a battery module according to Example 2 of the present invention.

[0036] Hereinafter, with reference to the attached drawings, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the invention. The following description is one of several aspects of the embodiments, and in describing one embodiment, detailed descriptions of well-known functions or configurations will be omitted to clarify the gist of the present invention.

[0037] In this specification, when adding reference signs to components in each drawing, the same or similar reference signs are attached to identical or similar components throughout the specification. Components included in one embodiment and components that have common functions will be described using the same names in other embodiments. Terms or words used in this specification and the claims should not be interpreted as limited to their usual or dictionary meanings, and should be interpreted as meanings and concepts that are consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the term to best explain his or her invention.

[0038] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and variations can be made based on this disclosure. Therefore, the spirit of the present invention should not be construed as limited to the embodiments described above, and all variations equivalent to or equivalent to the claims, as well as the scope of the claims, are deemed to fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0039] Example 1

[0040] FIGS. 1 to 3 are perspective views showing a combined state of a battery module according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a form in which a plurality of battery cells (11) of a battery module according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention are stacked, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a form in which a printed circuit board (PCB) (30) is combined with a plurality of battery cells (11) of a battery module according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a form in which a top plate (40) of a battery module according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention covers a printed circuit board combined with battery cells (11).

[0041] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a battery module according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention may include a plurality of battery cells (11), a printed circuit board (30), and a top plate (40).

[0042] First, referring to FIG. 1, the battery cell (11) may have, for example, a rectangular plate shape having a longitudinal direction. The battery cell (11) may be provided in a plurality of pieces, and the plurality of battery cells (11) may be stacked along a preset stacking direction. The plurality of stacked battery cells (11) may form a battery cell stack (10). The battery cell (11) may be provided as, for example, a pouch-type battery cell, but the type and shape of the battery cell (11) are not limited thereto. A lead (12) may be provided for each battery cell (11), and the lead (12) may be formed at both ends of the battery cell (11) in the longitudinal direction. The lead (12) may include a positive lead or a negative lead, and the plurality of battery cells (11) may be arranged such that the positive leads and the negative leads are alternately arranged along the stacking direction.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 2, a printed circuit board (PCB) (30) may be coupled to a plurality of stacked battery cells (11). The printed circuit board (30) may be, for example, a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) and may be configured to acquire / control the electrical states of the plurality of battery cells (11). Various circuit components, such as semiconductors, resistors, capacitors, or wiring that electrically connects them, may be mounted on the printed circuit board (30).

[0044] The battery module according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention may further include a busbar frame (20). The busbar frame (20) may be provided to electrically connect a plurality of battery cells (11). The busbar frame (20) may be coupled to both longitudinal ends of the plurality of stacked battery cells (11). Leads (12) of the plurality of battery cells (11) may be coupled to the busbar frame (20). For example, the leads (12) of the battery cells (11) may be connected to the busbar frame (20) by being welded to the busbar frame (20). The busbar frame (20) may be provided, for example, with a conductive material. In this case, the printed circuit board (30) may be electrically connected to the busbar frame (20) coupled to the plurality of battery cells (11). In other words, the printed circuit board (30) may be electrically / physically coupled to the busbar frame (20).

[0045] A temperature detection unit (50) may be provided on a printed circuit board (30). The temperature detection unit (50) may be placed on a portion of the printed circuit board (30) to detect the temperature of the battery cell (11). The temperature detection unit (50) may be, for example, a temperature sensor. The temperature detection unit (50) may be, for example, a thermistor that is provided to sense temperature by means of a change in electrical resistance according to temperature. In this case, the temperature detection unit (50) may be formed by including oxides of a plurality of metals such as cobalt, copper, and iron. A plurality of temperature detection units (50) may be provided. The shape and position of the temperature detection unit (50) will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 3, a top plate (40) may be coupled to a plurality of stacked battery cells (11). The top plate (40) may be provided to cover the plurality of battery cells (11) and the printed circuit board (30) coupled thereto. The top plate (40) may cover the battery cells (11) and the printed circuit board (30) to protect them from the outside and prevent the inflow of foreign substances, etc. The top plate (40) may be formed in the shape of a rectangular flat plate.

[0047] An opening (45) may be formed in the top plate (40). The opening (45) may be formed at a position corresponding to the temperature sensing unit (50) of the printed circuit board (30) when the top plate (40) covers the printed circuit board (30). Accordingly, a plurality of openings (45) may be formed to correspond to the temperature sensing unit (50) of the printed circuit board (30). The opening (45) may be formed penetrating the top plate (40) from one side, and by employing the configuration of the opening (45), physical interference between the temperature sensing unit (50) disposed on the printed circuit board (30) and the top plate (40) may be prevented. Furthermore, by employing the configuration of the opening (45), the physical state of the temperature sensing unit can be confirmed from the outside. The arrangement relationship between the opening (45) and the temperature sensing unit (50) will be described in detail below with reference to FIG. 4.

[0048] Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to Example 1 of the present invention. It should be noted that the shape of the battery cell stack is omitted in Fig. 4 for the purpose of understanding the structure of the battery module.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 4, the battery module according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention may include a busbar frame (20), a printed circuit board (30), and a top plate (40).

[0050] As described above, the busbar frame (20) can be connected to both longitudinal ends of the battery cell stack to electrically connect a plurality of battery cells, and the printed circuit board (30) can be physically / electrically connected to the busbar frame (20) while being connected to the battery cell stack. The top plate (40) can be provided to cover the battery cell stack and the printed circuit board (30) connected thereto.

[0051] A temperature detection unit (50) may be provided on a printed circuit board (30). The temperature detection unit (50) is provided to detect the temperature of a plurality of battery cells, and may be provided in multiple units on the printed circuit board (30). The multiple temperature detection units (50) may be spaced apart along the longitudinal direction of the printed circuit board (30). For example, the temperature detection units (50) may be provided in pairs, and may be formed to be symmetrically spaced apart along the longitudinal direction of the printed circuit board (30). By employing this configuration, it is possible to detect the temperature of various parts of the stacked battery cells to construct more accurate temperature data.

[0052] The top plate (40) covers the printed circuit board (30), and an opening (45) may be provided in a portion corresponding to the temperature sensing unit (50) of the printed circuit board (30). The opening (45) may be formed corresponding to the number and position of the temperature sensing units (50). By forming the opening (45) through a portion of the top plate (40) corresponding to the temperature sensing unit (50) of the printed circuit board (30), the temperature sensing unit (50) can be prevented from physical interference with the top plate (40). Accordingly, phenomena such as damage or malfunction of the temperature sensing unit (50) due to physical interference with the top plate (40) can be significantly reduced.

[0053] The battery module according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention may further include an aperture cover (60). The aperture cover (60) is provided to cover the aperture formed in the top plate (40), and may be formed of a transparent material so that the temperature detection unit (50) of the printed circuit board (30) can be observed through the aperture cover (60). The aperture cover (60) may be provided in the form of, for example, a transparent or translucent tape. The aperture cover (60) may be formed by including an insulating material for electrical stability. The aperture cover (60) may be provided of, for example, a transparent insulating tape. The number of aperture covers (60) may correspond to the number of apertures (45) formed in the top plate (40).

[0054] The battery module according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention may further include an adhesive unit (90). The adhesive unit (90) may be provided to adhere and fix the top plate (40) and the printed circuit board (30). The adhesive unit (90) may be laminated between the top plate (40) and the printed circuit board (30). The adhesive unit (90) may have a shape extending along the longitudinal direction of the printed circuit board (30), for example, and may be provided in multiple pieces. The adhesive unit (90) may be adhered to a portion of the printed circuit board (30) where the temperature detection unit (50) is not formed.

[0055] Figures 5 and 6 illustrate a temperature sensing unit (50) and a pressure pad (70) provided on a printed circuit board (30). Specifically, Figure 5 illustrates a partial perspective view of the temperature sensing unit (50) and the pressure pad (70) provided on the printed circuit board (30), and Figure 6 illustrates a plan view of the temperature sensing unit (50) and the pressure pad (70) provided on the printed circuit board (30).

[0056] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the printed circuit board (30) may include a printed circuit board body (31) and a leg (32). The leg (32) may be provided in a form extending from the printed circuit board body (31), and may be elastically deformable with respect to the printed circuit board body (31). The leg (32) may be provided in a form positioned in a leg hole (33) formed in a portion of the printed circuit board body (31). Therefore, for example, when a force is applied to the leg (32) in a direction toward the battery cell stack, the connection portion between the leg (32) and the printed circuit board body (31) is elastically deformed, and the leg (32) may move a predetermined distance in the direction toward the battery cell stack.

[0057] The temperature sensing unit (50) may be arranged on the leg (32) of the printed circuit board (30). The battery module according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention may further include a pressure pad (70). The pressure pad (70) may be arranged on the leg (32) of the printed circuit board (30) like the temperature sensing unit (50), and may be provided to press the leg (32) in a direction toward the battery cell stack. The pressure pad (70) may have a shape that surrounds the temperature sensing unit (50). For example, the pressure pad (70) may have a T-shape that surrounds the temperature sensing unit (50) (see FIG. 6). When the top plate covers the printed circuit board (30), the inner surface of the top plate facing the printed circuit board presses the pressure pad (70) toward the battery cell stack, and thus the pressure pad (70) can press the leg (32) toward the battery cell stack. In other words, the pressure pad (70) is supported against the inner surface of the top plate to press the leg (32) toward the battery cell stack, and the leg (32) is elastically deformed by being pressed by the pressure pad (70) so that it can be moved a predetermined distance in the direction toward the battery cell stack. By adopting this configuration, the gap between the temperature sensing unit (50) arranged on the leg (32) and the battery cell stack is reduced, and thus the accuracy and reliability of the battery cell temperature detection of the temperature sensing unit (50) can be greatly improved.

[0058] At this time, the pressure pad (70) may surround the temperature sensing unit (50) but may be spaced apart from the temperature sensing unit (50) so as to prevent physical interference with the temperature sensing unit (50). In other words, the distance between the pressure pad (70) and the temperature sensing unit (50) may be set to be greater than a preset value so as to reduce the possibility of physical interference between the temperature sensing unit (50) and the pressure pad (70).

[0059] Example 2

[0060] The battery module according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention may differ from Embodiment 1 in that a step portion (80) is formed in an area surrounding an opening (45) by being recessed from the surface of the top plate (40) by a predetermined width. It should be noted that the technical contents of Embodiment 1 described above can also be commonly applied to Embodiment 2, and the contents common to Embodiment 1 will be omitted as much as possible, and Embodiment 2 will be described focusing on the differences from Embodiment 1.

[0061] Figures 7 and 8 illustrate a step portion (80) of a battery module according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Specifically, Figure 7 is a partial perspective view of a step portion (80) formed around an opening (45) of a battery module according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, and Figure 8 is a plan view of a step portion (80) formed around an opening (45) of a battery module according to Embodiment 2.

[0062] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the battery module according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention may include a step portion (80).

[0063] The step portion (80) is formed by being recessed from one side of the top plate (40) to a predetermined width, and may have a shape that surrounds an opening (45) formed in the top plate (40). For example, if the opening (45) has an overall rectangular hole shape, the step portion (80) may also be formed in a rectangular shape that surrounds the opening (45).

[0064] An opening cover (60) can be mounted on the step portion (80). The opening cover (60) can be a transparent / translucent insulating tape as described in the preceding embodiment 1, and by mounting the opening cover (60) on the step portion (80), the possibility of the opening cover (60) coming off can be greatly reduced and the external sense of unity can be improved. The opening cover (60) can have a larger area than the opening (45), but can be provided to have a smaller area than the step portion (80) so that it can be properly mounted on the step portion (80). The physical state of the temperature sensing unit (50) arranged on the leg (32) of the printed circuit board and the pressure pad (70) surrounding the temperature sensing unit (50) can be confirmed through the opening cover (60) mounted on the step portion (80).

[0065] The present invention can be provided as a battery pack including a plurality of battery modules reviewed above.

[0066] In the above description, although the present invention has been described by limited embodiments and drawings, the above description is merely an example of the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will be able to make various modifications and variations without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention.

[0067] Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are intended to illustrate, rather than limit, the technical concept of the present invention, and the scope of the technical concept of the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. The scope of protection of the present invention should be interpreted by the following claims, and all technical concepts within the scope equivalent thereto should be construed as being included within the scope of the present invention.

[0068] [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 10: Battery cell stack

[0070] 11: Battery cell

[0071] 12: Lead

[0072] 20: Busbar frame

[0073] 30: Printed circuit board

[0074] 31: Printed circuit board body

[0075] 32: Leg

[0076] 33: Leg hole

[0077] 40: Top plate

[0078] 45: Opening

[0079] 50: Temperature sensing unit

[0080] 60: Opening cover

[0081] 70: Pressure pad

[0082] 80: Step section

[0083] 90: Adhesive Unit

Claims

1. Multiple battery cells; A printed circuit board coupled to the plurality of battery cells; A temperature detection unit disposed on the printed circuit board to detect the temperature of the plurality of battery cells; A top plate covering the printed circuit board, wherein an opening is formed at a position overlapping the temperature sensing unit; and A battery module comprising an opening cover, which covers the opening, and at least one portion of which is made of a transparent material so that the temperature sensing unit can be viewed from the outside.

2. In paragraph 1, The above printed circuit board, printed circuit board body; and A leg extending from the printed circuit board body so as to be elastically deformable relative to the printed circuit board body; The above temperature sensing unit is located on the above leg, the battery module.

3. In paragraph 2, A battery module further comprising a pressure pad provided on the leg to press the leg in a direction toward the plurality of battery cells.

4. In paragraph 3, A battery module in which the above pressure pad is supported by contacting an inner surface of the top plate facing the printed circuit board.

5. In paragraph 3, The above pressure pad has a T-shape, battery module.

6. In paragraph 3, A battery module wherein the pressure pad is arranged to surround the temperature sensing unit and is spaced apart from the temperature sensing unit.

7. In paragraph 1, A battery module further comprising a stepped portion provided in an area surrounding the opening and recessed from the surface of the top plate by a predetermined width.

8. In paragraph 7, The above opening cover is a battery module coupled to the step portion.

9. In paragraph 1, The above opening cover is a battery module having insulating tape.

10. In paragraph 1, A battery module wherein the above temperature sensing units are provided in pairs and spaced apart along the length direction of the printed circuit board.

11. In paragraph 10, A battery module further comprising an adhesive unit laminated between the printed circuit board and the top plate to adhere the printed circuit board and the top plate, and disposed between a pair of the temperature sensing units.

12. In paragraph 1, The above temperature sensing unit is a battery module, which is a thermistor that senses temperature by means of a change in electrical resistance according to temperature.

13. A battery pack comprising a plurality of battery modules according to claim 1.

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