Battery module, battery pack, and energy storage system

Abstract

A battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked in one direction; and a temperature sensing unit disposed in the battery cell stack, wherein the temperature sensing unit comprises: a thermally conductive member having at least a portion in contact with the battery cells; and a temperature sensor coupled to the thermally conductive member to measure the temperature of the battery cells.

Description

Battery modules, battery packs and energy storage devices

[0001] Cross-citation with related application(s)

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0120508, filed September 11, 2023, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0121685, filed September 6, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] The present invention relates to a battery module, a battery pack, and an energy storage device, and more particularly, to a battery module, a battery pack, and an energy storage device capable of accurately measuring the temperature of a battery cell.

[0004] In modern society, the widespread use of portable devices like cell phones, laptops, camcorders, and digital cameras, as well as energy storage systems (ESS), has led to active development of related technologies. Furthermore, rechargeable secondary batteries are increasingly being used as power sources for electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (P-HEVs) to address air pollution issues caused by conventional gasoline-powered vehicles, further fueling the growing need for secondary battery development.

[0005] Currently commercialized secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and lithium secondary batteries. Among these, lithium secondary batteries are receiving the most attention due to their advantages of free charging and discharging, low self-discharge rate, and high energy density.

[0006] Fig. 1 is a drawing illustrating 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 placed on one surface (e.g., the upper surface) of the battery cell stack (2) to detect the temperature of the battery cells.

[0007] When a temperature sensor (1) is placed on one surface of a battery cell stack (2), the distance between the battery cells of the battery cell stack (2) and the battery cells is large. Therefore, there is a slight difference between the temperature of the battery cell measured by the temperature sensor (1) and the actual temperature of the battery cell.

[0008] Meanwhile, to accurately measure the temperature of a battery cell, it is desirable to measure the temperature of the main body of the battery cell. However, during repeated charging and discharging or the initial charging process, the internal electrolyte of the battery cell may decompose and generate gas, causing the battery cell to swell, i.e., swelling or breathing. In a battery module containing multiple such battery cells, when swelling occurs, the battery cells swell along their thickness, making it difficult to position temperature sensors on the main body of the battery cells.

[0009] Accordingly, a method is needed in which a temperature sensor can accurately measure the temperature of a battery cell by taking into account the swelling phenomenon of the battery cells.

[0010] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a battery module, a battery pack, and an energy storage device capable of accurately measuring the temperature of a battery cell.

[0011] However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the problems described above and can be expanded in various ways within the scope of the technical ideas included in the present invention.

[0012] 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 along one direction and a temperature sensing unit disposed on the battery cell stack, wherein the temperature sensing unit may include: a thermally conductive member at least part of which is in contact with the battery cells, and a temperature sensor coupled to the thermally conductive member to measure the temperature of the battery cells.

[0013] The above thermally conductive member may include a contact portion that contacts the cell body of the battery cell and a mounting portion where the temperature sensor is disposed.

[0014] The above mounting portion may be bent and extended from one end of the above contact portion and positioned on the outside of the battery cell stack.

[0015] The contact portion may include a first portion that contacts the cell body and a second portion that extends from the first portion to protrude outwardly of the battery cell.

[0016] The contact portion is connected to the first portion and further includes an extension portion that contacts the cell body, and an area of ​​the extension portion may be larger than an area of ​​the first portion.

[0017] The area of ​​the above extension may be 0.1 to 1 times the area of ​​the cell body.

[0018] The contact portion may further include an extension portion extending from the first portion in a direction toward the lower portion of the cell body, and a hook portion bent from a terminal portion of the extension portion toward the one direction in which the plurality of battery cells are stacked.

[0019] The contact portion is arranged parallel to the large area of ​​the battery cell, and the mounting portion can extend along the one direction orthogonal to the contact portion.

[0020] The above contact portion includes a pair of contact portions arranged to face each other, and the mounting portion is arranged between the pair of contact portions to connect each of the contact portions.

[0021] The above contact portion may be in the shape of a thin film or a wire.

[0022] The above battery module may further include a reinforcing member supporting at least a portion of the temperature sensing unit.

[0023] The thermally conductive member may be disposed at least between two battery cells located closest to the center of the battery cell stack among the plurality of battery cells and between two battery cells located at the outermost end among the plurality of battery cells.

[0024] The device further includes a compression pad positioned between two adjacent battery cells among the plurality of battery cells and at least one outside of the outermost battery cell, and the thermally conductive member may be disposed on the compression pad.

[0025] The compression pad may include a receiving groove in which at least a portion of the thermally conductive member is received.

[0026] The thermally conductive member includes a contact portion that contacts the cell body of the battery cell and a mounting portion where the temperature sensor is disposed, at least a portion of the contact portion is received in the receiving groove, and the mounting portion can be bent and extended from one end of the contact portion and positioned on the outside of the battery cell stack.

[0027] At least a portion of the thermally conductive member may be accommodated in the receiving groove so as to be flat overall over a large area of ​​the compression pad.

[0028] The above thermally conductive member may further include an insulating member covering a portion of the battery cell that does not come into contact with the cell body.

[0029] The above insulating member includes a sensor receiving portion in which a portion of the thermally conductive member is exposed to the outside, and the temperature sensor can be placed in the sensor receiving portion.

[0030] A battery pack including a battery module according to the above embodiments can be provided.

[0031] An energy storage device including a battery pack according to the above embodiments can be provided.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the present invention, in a battery module, a battery pack, and an energy storage device, the surface temperature of a battery cell can be measured, thereby enabling accurate measurement of the temperature of the battery cell. In addition, deformation of the battery cell due to a thermally conductive member disposed between adjacent battery cells can be minimized.

[0033] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

[0034] Figure 1 illustrates a temperature sensor according to the prior art.

[0035] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a battery cell stack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 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.

[0037] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of Figure 3.

[0038] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a temperature sensing unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a modified example of a temperature sensing unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating another modified example of a temperature sensing unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating another modified example of a temperature sensing unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating another modified example of a temperature sensing unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a reinforcing member for supporting a temperature sensing unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a battery cell stack housed in a case according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view of Figure 11.

[0046] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a structure in which a temperature sensing unit is arranged in a battery cell stack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 15 is an exploded perspective view of Figure 14.

[0049] Fig. 16 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the compression pad and thermally conductive member illustrated in Fig. 14.

[0050] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the invention. The present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0051] In order to clearly explain the present invention, parts that are not related to the description are omitted, and the same reference numerals are used for identical or similar components throughout the specification.

[0052] Furthermore, the sizes and thicknesses of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily indicated for convenience of explanation, and thus the present invention is not necessarily limited to the illustrated components. In the drawings, the thicknesses are enlarged to clearly represent various layers and regions. Furthermore, in the drawings, the thicknesses of some layers and regions are exaggerated for convenience of explanation.

[0053] Furthermore, when we say that a layer, membrane, region, plate, or other part is "on" or "over" another part, this includes not only cases where it is "directly on" the other part, but also cases where there are other parts in between. Conversely, when we say that a part is "directly on" another part, we mean that there are no other parts in between. Furthermore, saying that a part is "on" or "over" a reference part means that it is located above or below the reference part, and does not necessarily mean that it is located "above" or "over" the reference part in the opposite direction of gravity.

[0054] Additionally, throughout the specification, whenever a part is said to "include" a component, this does not mean that it excludes other components, but rather that it may include other components, unless otherwise specifically stated.

[0055] Additionally, throughout the specification, when we say "in plan", we mean when the target portion is viewed from above, and when we say "in cross section", we mean when the target portion is viewed from the side in a cross-section cut vertically.

[0056] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a battery cell included in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 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. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a temperature sensing unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 5, a battery module (10) according to the present 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). Meanwhile, a detailed description of the temperature sensing unit (120) will be provided later.

[0058] First, a 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 or both directions is housed in a pouch case (104). However, this is merely an example, and a battery cell according to another embodiment of the present invention may be a square battery. For convenience of explanation, the following description will be based on a battery cell (100) that is a pouch-type battery.

[0059] 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 pouch case (104) of a laminate sheet including a resin layer and a metal layer, and then bonding the outer periphery of the pouch case (104). For example, the battery cell (100) may have a structure in which two electrode leads (101) face each other and protrude from opposite ends of the cell body (103). As another embodiment, a structure in which all electrode leads (101) of the battery cell (100) protrude in one direction is also possible. One of the electrode leads (101) is a positive electrode lead, and the other is a negative electrode lead.

[0060] The battery cell (100) can be manufactured by bonding the periphery of the pouch case (104) while the electrode assembly (not shown) is housed in the pouch case (104). As another example, the battery cell (100) can be housed in a state where one side of the pouch case (104) is folded and the remaining sides are sealed.

[0061] The pouch case (104) of the laminate sheet may include an inner resin layer for sealing, a metal layer for preventing penetration of materials, and an outermost outer resin layer. Based on the electrode assembly inside the pouch case (104), the inner resin layer may be positioned at the innermost side, the outer resin layer may be positioned at the outermost side, and the metal layer may be positioned between the inner resin layer and the outer resin layer.

[0062] The outer resin layer may have excellent tensile strength and weather resistance relative to its thickness and may exhibit electrical insulation properties to protect the electrode assembly from the outside. The outer resin layer may include polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin or nylon resin. The metal layer may prevent air, moisture, etc. from entering the pouch-type secondary battery. The metal layer may include aluminum (Al). The inner resin layers may be thermally bonded to each other by heat and / or pressure applied while the electrode assembly is embedded. The inner resin layer may include cast polypropylene (CPP) or polypropylene (PP).

[0063] A pouch case (104) may be divided into two parts, and a concave receiving portion in which an electrode assembly can be mounted may be formed in at least one of the two parts. Along the outer periphery of the receiving portion, the inner resin layers of the two parts of the pouch case (104) are bonded to each other, thereby sealing the pouch case (104), and a battery cell (100), which is a pouch-type battery, may be manufactured.

[0064] The battery cell (100) is composed of a plurality of cells, and the plurality of battery cells (100) are stacked so as to be electrically connected to each other to form a battery cell stack (110). In particular, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the plurality of battery cells (100) can be stacked along a direction (d1) parallel to the y-axis while standing upright so that one side of the cell body (103) faces the other. Accordingly, the electrode leads (101) can protrude in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the battery cells (100) are stacked. That is, in the battery cell (100), one electrode lead (101) can protrude toward the x-axis direction, and the other electrode lead (101) can protrude toward the -x-axis direction. If the battery cell has electrode leads (101) that protrude only in one direction, the electrode leads (101) protrude in the x-axis direction or the -x-axis direction.

[0065] The temperature sensing unit (120) includes a thermally conductive member (121) at least part of which is placed in contact with the battery cell (100) and a temperature sensor (124) coupled to the thermally conductive member (121) to measure the temperature of the battery cell (100).

[0066] The thermally conductive member (121) may be formed of a material having high thermal conductivity so that heat generated from the battery cell (100) can be quickly conducted to the temperature sensor (124). The thermally conductive member (121) may be formed of various materials having thermal conductivity, and the present invention is not limited or restricted by the material and characteristics of the thermally conductive member (121). For example, the thermally conductive member (121) may be formed of a metal material having high thermal conductivity. In addition, the thermally conductive member (121) may be provided in the form of a thermally conductive resin thin film.

[0067] The thermally 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) where a temperature sensor (124) is placed.

[0068] The contact portion (122) is a portion 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) through the contact portion (122). In order to increase the area in which the contact portion (122) contacts the battery cell (100), the contact portion (122) can be arranged parallel to a large area of ​​the battery cell (100) and can have an overall flat, thin-film shape. In addition, even if the contact portion (122) is arranged between the battery cells (100), since the contact portion (122) has a thin-film shape, pressing and / or deformation of the battery cell (100) by the contact portion (122) can be minimized. Accordingly, 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.

[0069] 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) to protrude outwardly from the battery cell (100). That is, the second portion (122b) refers to a portion (122b) that does not contact the battery cell (100). Although not shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 , a temperature sensor (124) may also be placed in the second portion (122b) of the contact portion (122).

[0070] Meanwhile, the contact portion (122) described above with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5 has been described as being in the form of a thin film, but is not limited thereto. For example, the contact portion (122) may be in the form of a wire, and the wire-shaped contact portion (122) may contact the cell body (103) of the battery cell (100). In order to increase the area of ​​contact of the contact portion (122) with the battery cell (100), the contact portion (122) may be in the form of multiple wires.

[0071] The mounting portion (123) may be bent and extended from one end of the contact portion (122) and positioned on the outside of the battery cell stack (110). For example, the mounting portion (123) may be bent and extended from the second portion (122b), which is a portion of the contact portion (122) that does not contact the battery cells (100). For example, the mounting portion (123) may extend along one direction (d1) in which the battery cells (100) are stacked, orthogonal to the contact portion (122). For this reason, the temperature sensor (124) may be easily mounted on the mounting portion (123). In addition, since the mounting portion (123) may be supported by a portion of the battery cell (100), the temperature sensor (124) may be stably maintained after being coupled to the mounting portion (123).

[0072] 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 so that the mounting portion (123) can be fixed to the battery cell (100). Therefore, even if an external impact occurs, the impact on the temperature sensor (124) fixed to the mounting portion (123) can be reduced because the mounting portion (123) is fixed to the battery cell (100).

[0073] The temperature sensor (124) may be configured as, for example, a thermistor that can calculate temperature based on the resistance value of the received heat. Of course, it is also possible to configure it using other types of temperature sensors.

[0074] Temperature information detected by the temperature sensor (124) is transmitted to the Battery Management System (BMS) in the form of an electrical signal. Accordingly, the processor of the BMS can control the charging and discharging of the battery cells in advance to prevent thermal runaway of the battery cells when overheating of the battery cells is detected.

[0075] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a modified example of a temperature sensing unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 6, the thermally 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 disposed. The pair of contact portions (122) may be disposed to face each other, and the mounting portion (123) may be disposed between the pair of contact portions (122) to connect each of the contact portions (122). For example, the thermally conductive member (121) may be formed in a T-shape.

[0077] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the mounting portion (123) is supported by a pair of contact portions (122) facing each other, so that the structural stability is increased when the temperature sensing unit (120) is placed on the battery cell stack (110). In addition, since the area in which the thermally conductive member (121) comes into contact with the cell body (103) of the battery cell (100) is increased, the accuracy of temperature measurement of the battery cell (100) can be improved.

[0078] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating another modified example of a temperature sensing unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 7, the thermally conductive member (121) may further include an extension (125) that is connected to the first portion (122a) of the contact portion (122) and contacts the cell body (103).

[0080] The expansion portion (125) is a portion for increasing the area in which the thermally conductive member (121) comes into contact with the cell body (103) of the battery cell (100). Since the area in which the thermally conductive member (121) comes into contact with the cell body (103) is increased through the expansion portion (125), the accuracy of temperature measurement of the battery cell (100) can be improved.

[0081] In addition, since the area in contact with the cell body (103) increases by the area of ​​the expansion portion (125), the frictional force between the thermally conductive member (121) and the battery cell (100) may increase. Accordingly, the structural stability may increase when the temperature sensing unit (120) is placed in the battery cell stack (110). For example, even when the battery module (10) receives an impact from the outside, the frictional force between the thermally conductive member (121) and the battery cell (100) increases, thereby preventing the temperature sensing unit (120) from being separated from the battery cell stack (110).

[0082] At this time, the area of ​​the expansion portion (125) may be wider than the area of ​​the first portion (122a). For example, the area of ​​the expansion portion (125) may be almost the same as the area of ​​the cell body (103). In this case, since the area where the thermally conductive member (121) comes into contact with the cell body (103) is the largest, the temperature measurement accuracy of the battery cell (100) is high, and the frictional force between the thermally conductive member (121) and the battery cell (100) can be maximized.

[0083] As another example, the area of ​​the expansion portion (125) may be 0.1 to 1 times the area of ​​the cell body (103). Preferably, the area of ​​the expansion portion (125) may be 0.2 to 0.5 times the area of ​​the cell body (103). In the above-described area range, the area where the thermally conductive member (121) comes into contact with the cell body (103) increases, so that when the battery cell stack (110) is assembled, the expansion portion (125) can be brought into close contact between adjacent battery cells (100) due to the pressure and friction caused by the battery cells (100). Accordingly, the temperature measurement accuracy of the battery cell (100) can be improved, and the temperature sensing unit (120) can be prevented from being separated from the battery cell stack (110) due to the frictional force between the thermally conductive member (121) and the battery cell (100).

[0084] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating another modified example of a temperature sensing unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 8, the thermally conductive member (121) may further include an extension portion (126) extending from a first portion (122a) of the contact portion (122) in a direction toward the lower portion of the battery cell (100) and a catch portion (127) bent from an end portion of the extension portion (126) toward one direction (d1) in which a plurality of battery cells (100) are stacked.

[0086] The extension (126) can extend in the -z-axis direction toward the lower part of the cell body (103).

[0087] At this time, the sum of the vertical length (h1) of the contact portion (122) of the thermally conductive member (121) and the vertical length (h2) of the extension portion (126) may be equal to or slightly longer than the vertical length of the battery cell (100). Through this, the extension portion (126) penetrates between two adjacent battery cells (100) of the battery cell stack (110) in the vertical direction (z-axis direction), and since the catch portion (127) is bent at the end of the extension portion (126), the catch portion (127) is caught on the lower part of the battery cell stack (110). Therefore, the structural stability of the temperature sensing unit (120) is increased due to the catch structure of the extension portion (126) and the catch portion (127). For example, even if the battery module (10) receives an impact from the outside, the temperature sensing unit (120) can be prevented from being separated from the battery cell stack (110) because the catch (127) of the thermally conductive member (121) is caught at the bottom of the battery cell stack (110).

[0088] In addition, since the area in which the thermally conductive member (121) comes into contact with the battery cell (100) increases through the extension (126), the accuracy of temperature measurement of the battery cell (100) can be improved.

[0089] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating another modified example of a temperature sensing unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] Referring to FIG. 9, the battery module (10) may further include an insulating member (130) covering at least a portion of the thermally conductive member (121). For example, the insulating member (130) may cover a portion of the thermally conductive member (121) that does not come into contact with the cell body (103) of the battery cell (100). For example, the insulating member (130) may 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), which is a portion of the contact portion (122) of the thermally 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) may be in direct contact with the cell body (103) of the battery cell (100). Therefore, heat generated from the battery cell (100) can be transferred to the temperature sensor (124) through the first part (122a) of the contact portion (122).

[0091] Since the insulating member (130) covers the second part (122b) of the contact part (122) of the thermally conductive member (121) and the mounting part (123), heat transferred from the first part (122a) of the contact part (122) toward the temperature sensor (124) can be prevented from being emitted to the outside of the thermally conductive member (121). In addition, the insulating member (130) can also prevent 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).

[0092] The insulating member (130) may be made of a material such as silicon oxide, for example, glass fiber. However, the material of the insulating member (130) is not limited thereto, and any material with high insulating properties may be included in the present embodiment. As another example, the insulating member (130) may be made of a material such as a urethane series (including urethane foam), a polyurethane series (including polyurethane foam), polystyrene (including expanded polystyrene or Styrofoam), polyethylene, cellulose, or a phenol resin (including phenol foam).

[0093] The insulating member (130) includes a sensor receiving portion (131) in which a portion of the thermally conductive member (121) (e.g., a portion of the mounting portion (123)) is exposed to the outside, and the temperature sensor (124) can be placed in the sensor receiving portion (131). The sensor receiving portion (131) minimizes the area in which the surface of the thermally conductive member (121) is exposed to the outside, and can be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the temperature sensor (124) so ​​that the temperature sensor (124) can be placed therein. Since the temperature sensor (124) is fixed on the mounting portion (123) of the thermally conductive member (121) while being accommodated in the sensor receiving portion (131), even if an external force, such as an external impact, is applied to the temperature sensor (124), the temperature sensor (124) can be prevented from being detached from the mounting portion (123). In addition, since the external force acting on the temperature sensor (124) is distributed through the insulating member (130), the failure of the temperature sensor (124) can be reduced.

[0094] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a reinforcing member for supporting a temperature sensing unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0095] Referring to FIG. 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) may be maintained on the battery cell (100) while being in contact with at least a portion of the temperature sensing unit (120). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the reinforcing member (140) may be a “ㄷ” shaped member that may cover the temperature sensing unit (120) on the upper portion of the battery cell (100). Specifically, the reinforcing member (140) may include a first surface (141) that is parallel to the upper surface (xy plane in the drawing) of the battery cell stack (110) and a second surface (142) that extends from both ends of the first surface (141) to be parallel to a large area of ​​the battery cell (100). Accordingly, 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 to what has been described above, and may have various shapes. For example, the second surface (142) of the reinforcing member (140) may be a member in the shape of the letter “L”, that is, an extension from one end of the first surface (141).

[0096] Meanwhile, although not shown in FIG. 10, a sensor receiving groove (not shown) in which a temperature sensor (124) can be received may be formed on the first surface (141) of the reinforcing member (140) facing the temperature sensing unit (120). Accordingly, even when the reinforcing member (140) covers the temperature sensing unit (120), the temperature sensor (124) can be prevented from being pressed by the reinforcing member (140).

[0097] The reinforcing member (140) may be made of a material that is elastically deformable so as to be held by the battery cell (100). The reinforcing member (140) may support the temperature sensing unit (120) by elastically pressing the battery cell (100) while covering the temperature sensing unit (120). However, the manner in which the reinforcing member (140) is held by the battery cell (100) is not limited to what has been described above. For example, the reinforcing member (140) may be fixed to the battery cell (100) by an adhesive without pressing the battery cell (100) while covering the temperature sensing unit (120).

[0098] In addition, the reinforcing member (140) is not limited to the form illustrated in FIG. 10, and may 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 illustrated) extending from the busbar frame (200) toward at least one of the battery cells (100). The bridge member extending from the busbar frame (200) may support at least a portion of the temperature sensing unit (120). Specifically, the bridge member may extend from the busbar frame (200) to secure the upper surface of the temperature sensing unit (120), i.e., the mounting portion (123). As another example, the bridge member may secure 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) by a predetermined distance.

[0099] The reinforcing member (140) may be made of a material that is rigid and capable of elastic deformation 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 to the above-described material.

[0100] Since the aforementioned reinforcing member (140) supports at least a portion of the temperature sensing unit (120), it can reinforce the thermally conductive member (121) when its rigidity is insufficient. In addition, 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 the temperature sensing unit (120) from being separated from the battery cell stack (110).

[0101] Fig. 11 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a battery cell stack housed in a case according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view of Fig. 11.

[0102] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the battery module (10) may include a busbar frame (200) covering one side of the battery cell stack (110). Electrode leads (101) protruding from a plurality of battery cells (100) may be connected to a busbar (210) included in the busbar frame (200). The busbar (210) electrically connects the battery cells (100) within the battery module (10). It is preferable that the busbar (210) include a metal material to enable electrical connection.

[0103] In addition, the battery module (10) may include a module frame (300) and an end plate (400) that form an internal space in which a battery cell stack (110) is stored. The module frame (300) may be a structure in which one side and the other side opposite to the one side are open. More specifically, the module frame (300) may be open in both directions in which the electrode leads (101) protrude, based on the battery cell stack (110).

[0104] A module frame (300) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a U-shaped frame (310) covering the lower surface and both side surfaces of a battery cell stack (110) and an upper cover (320) covering the open upper portion of the U-shaped frame (310). The U-shaped frame (310) and the upper cover (320) may be mutually joined at corresponding corners.

[0105] In addition, as another embodiment of the present invention, the module frame may be in the form of a monoframe integrated on the upper surface, lower surface, and both sides.

[0106] The end plate (400) is configured in multiple pieces and can cover each of the open sides of the module frame (300). By housing the battery cell stack (110) in the internal space formed by the module frame (300) and the end plate (400), the battery cell stack (110) can be physically protected. To this end, the module frame (300) and the end plate (400) may include a metal material having a predetermined strength. Meanwhile, the module frame (300) and the end plate (400) can be joined by welding with their corresponding corner portions in contact with each other.

[0107] Meanwhile, although it has been described that the battery cell stack (110) is housed in the module frame (300) and the end plate (400) to form the battery module (10), it is not limited to the above. For example, the battery cell stack (110) may be housed in a pack case (not shown) to form a battery pack.

[0108] Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 14 is a perspective view showing a structure in which a temperature sensing unit is arranged in a battery cell according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 15 is an exploded perspective view of Fig. 14. Fig. 16 is an exploded perspective view for explaining the compression pad and thermally conductive member illustrated in Fig. 14.

[0109] Referring to FIGS. 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 when a plurality of compression pads (150) are provided, the plurality of compression pads (150) may be placed spaced apart from each other. That is, each of the plurality of compression pads (150) may be placed between the plurality of battery cells (100). In addition, the compression pad (150) may be placed on the outermost battery cell (100). For example, a compression pad (150) may be placed between the outermost battery cell (100) and the side portion of the module frame (300).

[0110] The thermally conductive member (121) may be placed on the compression pad (150). More specifically, at least a portion of the contact portion (122) of the thermally conductive member (121) may be placed between the compression pad (150) and a battery cell (100) adjacent to the compression pad (150).

[0111] The compression pad (150) may include a receiving groove (151) having a shape corresponding to the shape of the compression pad (150) so that the contact portion (122) of the thermally conductive member (121) is received. The contact portion (122) of the thermally conductive member (121) may be received in the receiving groove (151) to contact an adjacent battery cell (100). At this time, the contact portion (122) of the thermally conductive member (121) may be received in the receiving groove (151) so as to be flat overall over a large area of ​​the compression pad (150). That is, even if the contact portion (122) of the thermally conductive member (121) is received in the receiving groove (151), the thermally conductive member (121) may not protrude from the large area of ​​the compression pad (150). Accordingly, the thermally conductive member (121) and the compression pad (150) accommodated in the accommodation groove (151) can have an overall flat surface.

[0112] Accordingly, even if the contact portion (122) is accommodated in the receiving groove (151) of the compression pad (150), the battery cell (100) may not be pressed and / or deformed by the contact portion (122). Accordingly, even if a swelling phenomenon occurs on the battery module (10), damage to the battery cell (100) by the thermally conductive member (121) may be prevented.

[0113] Meanwhile, although the embodiments of FIGS. 13 to 16 illustrate the case where the temperature sensing unit (120) of FIG. 5 is applied, the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, various modifications and changes are possible, such as the temperature sensing unit (120) including the extension portion (125) of FIG. 7, the temperature sensing unit (120) including the extension portion (126) and the catch portion (127) of FIG. 8, the temperature sensing unit (120) including the insulation member (130) of FIG. 9, and the reinforcing member (140) for supporting the temperature sensing unit (120) of FIG. 10. In addition, each of the embodiments described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 16 is capable of various modifications and changes, such as combining with each other.

[0114] Meanwhile, although the embodiments described above with reference to FIGS. 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), a plurality of temperature sensors (124) may be provided in the battery cell stack (110) depending on the design. It may be preferable that the plurality of temperature sensors (124) be arranged at equal intervals, but this is not necessarily the case, and if there is a location where a temperature rise is concentrated within the battery cell stack (110), a temperature sensor (124) may be arranged at that location or near that location.

[0115] For example, two temperature sensors (124) may be provided on the battery cell stack (110). Thermally conductive members (121) are respectively placed between two battery cells (100) that are positioned closest to the center of the battery cell stack (110) among the plurality of battery cells (100) and between two battery cells (100) that are positioned at the outermost side among the plurality of battery cells (100), and the temperature sensors (124) may each be coupled on the thermally conductive members (121).

[0116] In addition, the thermally conductive member (121) is disposed between the compression pad (150) located closest 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 plurality of battery cells (100) and the compression pad (150) in contact with the outermost battery cell (100), and the temperature sensor (124) can be respectively coupled on the thermally conductive member (121).

[0117] 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 can be easy to measure the temperature deviation within the battery module (10).

[0118] The battery module (10) according to the above-described embodiments may be included in a battery pack. The battery pack may have a structure in which one or more battery modules according to the present embodiment are included, and a BMS and a cooling device, etc. for managing the temperature and voltage of the battery are added and packed.

[0119] The battery pack according to the present embodiment may include a processor (not shown) that is integrated into the BMS or is separately provided outside the BMS and can remotely communicate with the BMS. The processor may include, for example, a microcontroller unit (MCU). The processor may 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 thermally conductive member (121). For example, the processor may 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 thermally conductive member (121) and the thermal conductivity of the thermally conductive member (121).

[0120] Battery modules and battery packs containing them can be applied to various devices. These devices can be applied to transportation vehicles such as electric bicycles, electric vehicles, and hybrid vehicles, and / or energy storage systems (ESS). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and can be applied to various devices that can utilize battery modules and battery packs containing them, which also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0121] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and improvements made by those skilled in the art using the basic concept of the present invention defined in the following claims also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0122] [Explanation of symbols]

[0123] 10: Battery module

[0124] 100: Battery cells

[0125] 110: Battery cell stack

[0126] 120: Temperature sensing unit

[0127] 121: Thermally conductive member

[0128] 122: Contact

[0129] 123: Mounting part

[0130] 124: Temperature sensor

[0131] 125: Extension

[0132] 126: Extension

[0133] 127: Hook

[0134] 130: Insulating member

[0135] 131: Sensor receptacle

[0136] 140: Reinforcing member

[0137] 150: Compression pad

[0138] 151: Reception Home

[0139] 200: Busbar frame

[0140] 210: Bus bar

[0141] 300: Module Frame

[0142] 400: End Plate

Claims

1. A battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked along one direction; and A temperature sensing unit is included that is arranged on the battery cell stack, The above temperature sensing unit: a thermally conductive member at least partially in contact with said battery cell; and A battery module comprising a temperature sensor coupled to the thermally conductive member and configured to measure the temperature of the battery cell.

2. In paragraph 1, A battery module, wherein the thermally conductive member includes a contact portion that contacts the cell body of the battery cell and a mounting portion where the temperature sensor is disposed.

3. In paragraph 2, A battery module, wherein the mounting portion is bent and extended from one end of the contact portion and is positioned on the outside of the battery cell stack.

4. In paragraph 2, A battery module, wherein the contact portion includes a first portion that contacts the cell body and a second portion that extends from the first portion to protrude outwardly of the battery cell.

5. In paragraph 4, The thermally conductive member further includes an extension portion connected to the first portion and in contact with the cell body, A battery module wherein the area of ​​the above-mentioned extension portion is larger than the area of ​​the above-mentioned first portion.

6. In paragraph 5, A battery module wherein the area of ​​the above-mentioned expansion portion is 0.1 to 1 times the area of ​​the above-mentioned cell body.

7. In paragraph 4, The thermally conductive member comprises an extension portion extending from the first portion in a direction toward the lower portion of the battery cell; and A battery module further comprising a hook portion bent in one direction from the terminal end of the extension portion on which the plurality of battery cells are stacked.

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

9. In paragraph 2, The above contact portion includes a pair of contact portions arranged to face each other, A battery module, wherein the mounting portion is positioned between the pair of contact portions and connects each contact portion.

10. In paragraph 2, A battery module wherein the above contact portion is in the shape of a thin film or a wire.

11. In paragraph 1, A battery module further comprising a reinforcing member supporting at least a portion of the temperature sensing unit.

12. In paragraph 1, A battery module, wherein the thermally conductive member is disposed between at least one of the two battery cells most adjacent to the center of the battery cell stack among the plurality of battery cells and between the two battery cells most outermost among the plurality of battery cells.

13. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a compression pad located between two adjacent battery cells among the plurality of battery cells and at least one outside of the outermost battery cell, A battery module, wherein the thermally conductive member is disposed on the compression pad.

14. In paragraph 13, A battery module, wherein the compression pad includes a receiving groove in which at least a portion of the thermally conductive member is received.

15. In paragraph 14, The thermally conductive member includes a contact portion that contacts the cell body of the battery cell and a mounting portion where the temperature sensor is disposed, At least a portion of the contact portion is received in the receiving groove, A battery module, wherein the mounting portion is bent and extended from one end of the contact portion and is positioned on the outside of the battery cell stack.

16. In paragraph 14, A battery module, wherein at least a portion of the thermally conductive member is accommodated in the accommodation groove so as to be flat overall over a large area of ​​the compression pad.

17. In paragraph 1, A battery module, wherein the thermally conductive member further includes an insulating member covering a portion of the battery cell that does not come into contact with the cell body.

18. In paragraph 17, The above insulating member includes a sensor receiving portion in which a portion of the thermally conductive member is exposed to the outside, A battery module wherein the temperature sensor is disposed in the sensor receiving portion.

19. A battery pack comprising a battery module according to paragraph 1.

20. An energy storage device comprising a battery pack according to Article 19.

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