Battery module and battery pack comprising same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery module and a battery pack including same. A battery module according to an aspect of the present invention may include: a battery cell including a cell body and a first electrode lead and a second electrode lead respectively provided on one side and the other side of the cell body; a first voltage measurement member and a second voltage measurement member respectively electrically connected to the first electrode lead and the second electrode lead; and a temperature-measuring member coupled to the first electrode lead so as to construct a thermocouple with the first voltage measurement member.

Description

Battery module and battery pack including same

[0001] Cross-citation with related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0163575, dated November 22, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Technology field

[0004] The present invention relates to a battery module and a battery pack including the same, and more particularly, to a battery module equipped with a battery cell made of a secondary battery and a battery pack including the same.

[0005] Secondary batteries have been applied to small fields such as mobile devices and laptop computers, but recently, their research direction has expanded to medium and large fields, and they are widely used in fields requiring high voltage and large capacity, such as energy storage systems (ESS) and electric vehicles (EV).

[0006] When multiple battery cells composed of such secondary batteries are integrated and packaged, a battery module can be formed. When multiple battery modules are integrated and packaged, a battery pack can be formed. These battery modules and battery packs can perform the function of charging and discharging electrical energy.

[0007] The battery cells that make up a battery module or battery pack can be controlled by a battery management system (BMS). The BMS obtains information about the status of the battery cells and, based on this information, can individually control them. This allows the BMS to manage multiple battery cells in an integrated manner.

[0008] These battery management systems can obtain information about the condition of battery cells, including their capacity, voltage or current applied to the cells, and their temperature. Various methods have been proposed, such as installing separate temperature sensors in the battery cells to obtain information about their temperature.

[0009] One option for measuring battery cell temperature is to use a thermocouple. A thermocouple is a device made of dissimilar metal wires connected together to measure temperature using the thermoelectric effect.

[0010] However, in order to measure the temperature of a battery cell using a thermocouple like this, a separate electric circuit must be provided to configure the thermocouple on the side of the battery cell, which has the problem of reducing the space utilization and design freedom inside the battery module.

[0011] Accordingly, there has been an urgent need for the development of a battery module capable of measuring the temperature of a battery cell using a thermocouple having a simple and compact structure, and a battery pack including the same.

[0012] The present invention has been devised to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a battery module capable of measuring the temperature of a battery cell using a thermocouple having a simple and compact structure, and a battery pack including the same.

[0013] The tasks of the present invention are not limited to the tasks mentioned above, and other tasks not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains from the description below.

[0014] According to one aspect of the present invention, a battery module is provided, comprising: a battery cell including a cell body and first electrode leads and second electrode leads respectively provided on one side and the other side of the cell body; a first voltage measuring member and a second voltage measuring member electrically connected to the first electrode lead and the second electrode lead, respectively; and a temperature measuring member coupled to the first voltage measuring member and the first electrode lead to form a thermocouple.

[0015] At this time, the battery management system for controlling the operation of the battery cell may further include a voltage measuring unit for measuring the voltage between the first voltage measuring member and the temperature measuring member or the voltage between the first voltage measuring member and the second voltage measuring member.

[0016] At this time, the battery management system may further include a processor unit that calculates the temperature of the battery cell based on the voltage difference between the first voltage measuring member and the temperature measuring member.

[0017] At this time, a reference temperature member that exchanges heat with a part of the first voltage measuring member and a part of the temperature measuring member may be further included.

[0018] At this time, the reference temperature member can exchange heat so that a part of the first voltage measuring member and a part of the temperature measuring member have the same temperature.

[0019] At this time, a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the reference temperature member may be further included.

[0020] At this time, the battery management system may further include a processor unit that calculates the temperature of the battery cell based on the voltage between the first voltage measuring member and the temperature measuring member and the temperature of the reference temperature member.

[0021] At this time, the battery management system may further include a circuit switching unit capable of controlling electrical connection between the first voltage measuring member, the second voltage measuring member, the temperature measuring member, and the voltage measuring unit.

[0022] At this time, the first electrode lead includes a metal layer and a coating layer covering the outer surface of the metal layer, and a groove or hole is formed in which the metal layer is exposed to the outside, and one side of the temperature measuring member can be in contact with the inner wall of the groove or hole of the first electrode lead.

[0023] At this time, one side of the temperature measuring member may have a ring shape that can be caught in the groove or hole.

[0024] At this time, one side of the temperature measuring member can be coupled to the inner wall of the groove or hole.

[0025] At this time, one side of the temperature measuring member can be welded to the bottom surface of the groove.

[0026] At this time, the first voltage measuring member may be made of copper having a purity of 99.5% or higher, and the temperature measuring member may be made of constantan.

[0027] At this time, the battery cells may be provided in multiple numbers, and the first voltage measuring member, the second voltage measuring member, and the temperature measuring member may be provided in multiple numbers corresponding to the number of battery cells.

[0028] According to another aspect of the present invention, a battery pack is provided, including the above-described battery module.

[0029] In a battery module and a battery pack including the same according to one aspect of the present invention, a part of a thermocouple for measuring the temperature of a battery cell is configured as a voltage measuring member for measuring the voltage of the battery cell, so that the temperature of the battery cell can be measured through a simple and compact circuit structure.

[0030] In a battery module and a battery pack including the same according to one aspect of the present invention, the temperature of the battery cell itself is directly calculated by using the potential difference of a thermocouple directly connected or coupled to the electrode lead of the battery cell, so that the temperature of the battery cell can be measured more accurately than in a method of indirectly measuring the temperature through thermal conduction.

[0031] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains from this specification and the attached drawings.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of a battery module according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 2 is an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 1.

[0034] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a temperature measuring member is coupled to a first electrode lead of a battery module according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a temperature measuring member is coupled to a first electrode lead of a battery module according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement them. However, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited or restricted by the following examples.

[0037] In order to clearly explain the present invention, a detailed description of a part that is irrelevant to the description or a related known technology that may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention has been omitted, and when adding reference signs to components of each drawing in this specification, the same or similar reference signs are attached to the same or similar components throughout the specification.

[0038] In addition, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as limited to their usual or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted as meanings and concepts that conform to the technical idea of ​​the present invention based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the term to explain his or her own invention in the best way.

[0039] Fig. 1 is a schematic drawing of a battery module according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of a portion of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a temperature measuring member is coupled to a first electrode lead of a battery module according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] At this time, each component of the battery module according to the first embodiment of the present invention is schematically illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, and the size of the component or the thickness of the line may be expressed somewhat exaggeratedly for the convenience of understanding.

[0041] Figures 1 to 3 disclose a battery module (1) according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The battery module (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention is a device for storing or externally releasing electrical energy. In other words, the battery module (1) can charge and discharge electrical energy.

[0042] To this end, the battery module (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention may include a battery cell (10). In this embodiment, the battery cell (10) may be responsible for the charging and discharging function of the battery module (1).

[0043] The battery cell (10) according to the present embodiment may include a cell body (12). The cell body (12) may be provided with an electrode assembly. The shape or structure of the cell body (12) may be appropriately formed depending on the type or form of the electrode assembly.

[0044] As an example, as illustrated, the cell body (12) may be provided in a pouch shape. Such a pouch-shaped cell body (12) may accommodate a stacked electrode assembly, a folding electrode assembly, or the like, but is not limited thereto. As another example, the cell body (12) may be provided in a cylindrical shape corresponding to the structure of a roll-type electrode assembly.

[0045] In this embodiment, the electrode assembly provided in the cell body (12) of the battery cell (10) can be electrically connected to an external load or power source. To this end, the battery cell (10) can include a first electrode lead (14) and a second electrode lead (16). The first electrode lead (14) and the second electrode lead (16) can be leads for electrically connecting the electrode assembly provided in the cell body (12) to the outside.

[0046] At this time, one of the first electrode lead (14) and the second electrode lead (16) may be an electrode lead connected to the positive electrode of the electrode assembly, and the other may be an electrode lead connected to the negative electrode of the electrode assembly. In other words, the first electrode lead (14) and the second electrode lead (16) may have different electrical properties.

[0047] As an example, the first and second electrode leads (14, 16) may have a film or sheet shape extending to the outside of the cell body (12). As another example, the first and second electrode leads (14, 16) may be configured as a metal piece (or metal piece) provided on the outside of the cell body (12). Hereinafter, the first and second electrode leads (14, 16) according to the present embodiment will be described on the assumption that they have a film or sheet shape.

[0048] Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, in the present embodiment, the first electrode lead (14) may include a conductive metal body (A). The metal body (A) may be a structure that is electrically connected to the electrode assembly of the cell body (12) and has a corresponding potential. As an example, the metal body (A) may be a thin plate made of copper (Cu) with a purity of 99.5% or more, but the shape or material type of the metal body (A) is not limited thereto.

[0049] In this embodiment, the first electrode lead (14) may include a coating layer (B). The coating layer (B) may be provided on the outer surface of the metal body (A) to cover it. As an example, the coating layer (B) may be a protective layer for protecting the metal body (A).

[0050] In this embodiment, the coating layer (B) may be formed of nickel (Ni) or an alloy containing nickel. In addition, the coating layer (B) may be formed on the outer surface of the metal body (A) through a plating process. However, the type of metal constituting the coating layer (B) or the method of forming the coating layer (B) are not limited to those described above.

[0051] Meanwhile, the coating layer (B) may be provided only on one side of the metal body (A). Alternatively, the coating layer (B) may be configured to cover only a portion of one side of the metal body (A).

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 13, the first electrode lead (14) may be configured such that at least a portion of the metal body (A) is exposed to the outside. To this end, in the present embodiment, a hole (14a) may be formed in the first electrode lead (14).

[0053] In this embodiment, a hole (14a) may be formed penetrating in the thickness direction of the first electrode lead (14). Accordingly, the metal body (A) may be exposed through the inner wall of the hole (14a). To form such a hole (14a), a tab processing process may be performed, but the process for forming the hole (14a) is not limited to the above-described process.

[0054] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the battery cell (10) may be configured in multiple units. Furthermore, the multiple battery cells (10) may be arranged and electrically connected in a predetermined manner. Through this, the electrical capacity of the battery module (1) may be increased.

[0055] For example, as illustrated, a plurality of battery cells (10) may be arranged in a row. Furthermore, the plurality of battery cells (10) may be connected in series. Of course, the plurality of battery cells (10) may be arranged in a grid pattern, and some of the plurality of battery cells (10) may be connected in parallel while the remainder may be connected in series. The arrangement or connection method of the battery cells (10) may be appropriately changed as needed.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 1, a battery module (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention may include a connector (20). The connector (20) may be configured to electrically connect the aforementioned battery cells (10) to an external power source or load. The connector (20) may be configured as a terminal or the like, but is not limited thereto.

[0057] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, a connecting member (22) may be provided to electrically connect a plurality of battery cells (10) to each other or to electrically connect a battery cell (10) and a connector (20).

[0058] In this embodiment, the connecting member (22) may be formed of a wire, a circuit formed on a flexible circuit board (FCB) or a flat flexible cable (FFC), a bus bar, etc. However, the structure or type of the connecting member (22) is not particularly limited as long as it can connect battery cells (10) to each other or connect battery cells (10) and a connector (20).

[0059] Meanwhile, the battery module (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention may include a first voltage measuring member (30) and a second voltage measuring member (40). The first voltage measuring member (30) and the second voltage measuring member (40) may be members for measuring the voltage of the battery cell (10).

[0060] To this end, the first voltage measuring member (30) and the second voltage measuring member (40) may be electrically connected (or coupled) to the first electrode lead (14) and the second electrode lead (16), respectively. More specifically, the first voltage measuring member (30) may be coupled to the metal body (A) (illustrated in FIG. 3) of the first electrode lead (14).

[0061] The first voltage measuring member (30) and the second voltage measuring member (40) may be formed of a circuit formed on a wire, a flexible circuit board or a flat flexible cable, a bus bar, etc. However, the type or structure of the first voltage measuring member (30) and the second voltage measuring member (40) is not particularly limited as long as the same potential as the first electrode lead (14) and the second electrode lead (16) described above can be applied thereto.

[0062] Accordingly, in the battery module (1) according to the present embodiment, the voltage of the battery cell (10) can be calculated by measuring the potential difference between the first voltage measuring member (30) and the second voltage measuring member (40).

[0063] At this time, the potential difference measurement between the first voltage measuring member (30) and the second voltage measuring member (40) can be performed by the voltage measuring unit (72) of the battery management system (70) (BMS) described later. This will be described later together with the battery management system (70).

[0064] Meanwhile, in order to enable the voltages of a plurality of battery cells (10) to be individually measured, a plurality of first voltage measuring members (30) and second voltage measuring members (40) may be configured corresponding to the number of battery cells (10). In other words, a pair of conductive members (hereinafter referred to as a pair of voltage measuring members (30, 40)) comprising a first voltage measuring member (30) and a second voltage measuring member (40) may be connected to each battery cell (10).

[0065] Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the battery module (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention may include a temperature measuring member (50). In this embodiment, the temperature measuring member (50) may be a member for measuring the temperature of a battery cell (10) using the Seebeck effect.

[0066] To this end, the temperature measuring member (50) can have one side (50a) connected to the first electrode lead (14). In addition, the temperature measuring member (50) can form a thermocouple together with the first voltage measuring member (30) connected to the first electrode lead (14).

[0067] In this embodiment, the temperature of a battery cell (10) can be measured by utilizing the characteristics of a thermocouple. More specifically, the temperature of a battery cell (10) can be measured by measuring the potential difference between a first voltage measuring member (30) and a temperature measuring member (50).

[0068] At this time, the potential difference between the first voltage measuring member (30) and the temperature measuring member (50) can be measured by the voltage measuring unit (72) of the battery management system (70) described later. This will be described later together with the battery management system (70).

[0069] Such a temperature measuring member (50) may be formed of a wire, a circuit formed on a flexible circuit board or a flat flexible cable, a bus bar, etc. However, the temperature measuring member (50) may be transformed into various types of members that can form a first voltage measuring member (30) and a thermocouple.

[0070] As a more specific example, the temperature measuring member (50) may be provided in the form of a circuit on a substrate or cable. In this case, the temperature measuring member (50) may be formed together with the first voltage measuring member (30) on the same substrate or cable, or may be formed on different substrates or cables.

[0071] Meanwhile, the materials of the temperature measuring member (50) and the first voltage measuring member (30) may be appropriately selected to form a thermocouple. As an example, the temperature measuring member (50) may be made of constantan, and the first voltage measuring member (30) may be made of copper having a purity of 99.5% or higher.

[0072] In this way, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, a thermocouple having a simpler and more compact structure can be constructed by utilizing the first voltage measuring member (30) for measuring the voltage of the battery cell (10). Through this, the temperature of the battery cell (10) can be measured simply and accurately.

[0073] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 3, in the present embodiment, one side (50a) of the temperature measuring member (50) can be coupled to be in contact with the metal body (A) of the first electrode lead (14). To this end, one side (50a) can be coupled to the hole (14a) of the first electrode lead (14) described above. At this time, one side (50a) can have a ring shape that can be caught in the hole (14a).

[0074] Accordingly, the temperature measuring member (50) can be electrically connected to the metal body (A) of the first electrode lead (14). Meanwhile, in order to stably maintain contact between one side (50a) of the temperature measuring member (50) and the metal body (A) of the first electrode lead (14), a portion of one side (50a) can be welded to the inner wall of the hole (14a).

[0075] Meanwhile, in order to enable the temperatures of a plurality of battery cells (10) to be individually measured, a plurality of temperature measuring members (50) may be configured corresponding to the number of battery cells (10). In other words, a pair of conductive members (hereinafter referred to as a pair of temperature measuring members (30, 50)) comprising a first voltage measuring member (30) and a temperature measuring member (50) may be connected to each battery cell (10).

[0076] Referring again to FIG. 1, the battery module (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention may include a reference temperature member (60). The reference temperature member (60) may be configured to exchange heat with a portion of the first voltage measuring member (30) and a portion of the temperature measuring member (50).

[0077] Through this, a part of the first voltage measuring member (30) and a part of the temperature measuring member (50) can be constantly maintained at the same temperature (hereinafter referred to as the reference temperature). At this time, it should be understood that the temperature of both components is the same, including that even if there is some difference in the temperatures of both components, it is within the allowable range of error in the temperature calculation process using a thermocouple.

[0078] In the present embodiment, the reference temperature member (60) may be provided as a block-shaped member through which a portion of the first voltage measuring member (30) and a portion of the temperature measuring member (50) pass or come into contact. However, the structure or shape of the reference temperature member (60) is not particularly limited as long as it can exchange heat with the first voltage measuring member (30) and the temperature measuring member (50).

[0079] In this embodiment, the reference temperature member (60) can be maintained at a constant reference temperature. Accordingly, a portion of the first voltage measuring member (30) and a portion of the temperature measuring member (50) can be maintained at a constant temperature. To this end, the reference temperature member (60) may be formed of a material having a high heat capacity. Alternatively, the reference temperature member (60) may be equipped with a separate temperature control device, such as a heat exchanger.

[0080] Meanwhile, the battery module (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention may include a temperature sensor (62) for measuring the reference temperature of the reference temperature member (60). The temperature sensor (62) may be composed of various types of sensors capable of measuring the temperature of the reference temperature member (60).

[0081] In this embodiment, the reference temperature measured by the temperature sensor (62) can be used by the processor (76) of the battery management system (70) described below to calculate the temperature of the battery cell (10). This will be described later together with the battery management system (70).

[0082] Meanwhile, the temperature sensor (62) described above may not be provided separately. For example, if the reference temperature member (60) is configured to be maintained at a specific temperature, the temperature sensor (62) may not be provided separately.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 1, a battery module (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention may include a battery management system (70). The battery management system (70) may be a controller for controlling the operation of a battery cell (10).

[0084] At this time, the battery management system (70) obtains information regarding the status of the battery cell (10) and can individually manage the battery cell (10) based on this. Through this, integrated management and control of the battery cell (10) can be achieved. The status of the battery cell (10) may include the voltage, temperature, etc. of the battery cell (10).

[0085] In this embodiment, the battery management system (70) may include a voltage measuring unit (72) and a processor (76). The voltage measuring unit (72) may be configured to measure a potential difference between a first voltage measuring member (30) and a second voltage measuring member (40) or a potential difference between a first voltage measuring member (30) and a temperature measuring member (50).

[0086] As an example, the voltage measuring unit (72) may be formed of a voltmeter. The type or structure of such a voltage measuring unit (72) may be changed to various types of circuits or devices capable of measuring the potential difference between two members as needed.

[0087] In this embodiment, the processor (76) may be configured to calculate information about the state of the battery cell (10) based on the potential difference measured by the voltage measuring unit (72). For example, the processor (76) may be configured to calculate the voltage or temperature of the battery cell (10).

[0088] To this end, the processor (76) may include an electrical circuit, a processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a controller, an arithmetic logic unit, an operational logic circuit, a digital signal processing device, a microcomputer, an FPGA, a system on a chip (SoC), a programmable logic unit, a microprocessor, or any device capable of performing the functions described below.

[0089] In this embodiment, the processor (76) can calculate the voltage of the battery cell (10) using the potential difference measured by the voltage measuring unit (72). For example, the processor (76) can calculate the potential difference between the first voltage measuring member (30) and the second voltage measuring member (40) as the voltage of the battery cell (10) connected thereto.

[0090] In this embodiment, the processor (76) can calculate the temperature of the battery cell (10) using the potential difference measured by the voltage measuring unit (72). For example, the processor (76) can calculate the temperature of the battery cell (10) connected to the first voltage measuring member (30) and the temperature measuring member (50) based on the potential difference between them.

[0091] As a specific example, the processor (76) can calculate the temperature of the battery cell (10) using a pre-secured data set. The data set may be pre-stored in the processor (76) or may be transmitted from an external source via a predetermined communication unit. In this case, the data set may be a collection of data consisting of a potential difference and the corresponding temperature of the battery cell (10).

[0092] At this time, in the present embodiment, the processor (76) can calculate the temperature of the battery cell (10) by using the reference temperature of the reference temperature member (50). At this time, the reference temperature may be the temperature measured by the temperature sensor (62).

[0093] As a specific example, the processor (76) can calculate the temperature of the battery cell (10) using a pre-secured data set. The data set may be stored in the processor (76) or may be transmitted from an external source via a predetermined communication unit. In this case, the data set may be a collection of data consisting of a potential difference, a reference temperature, and the temperature of the battery cell (10) corresponding to these data.

[0094] Meanwhile, the above-described method is only an example of a method in which the processor (76) calculates the temperature of the battery cell (10) by using the potential difference between the first voltage measuring member (30) and the temperature measuring member (50), and the method in which the processor (76) calculates the temperature of the battery cell (10) by using the potential difference between the first voltage measuring member (30) and the temperature measuring member (50) can be appropriately modified as needed.

[0095] Referring back to FIG. 1, the battery management system (70) in this embodiment may include a circuit switching unit (74). The circuit switching unit (74) is configured to electrically connect the voltage measuring unit (72) to at least one of the first voltage measuring member (30), the second voltage measuring member (40), and the temperature measuring member (50).

[0096] To this end, the circuit switching unit (74) may be composed of an electrical element or electrical circuit or pattern that can selectively connect a specific circuit among multiple circuits.

[0097] In this embodiment, the circuit switching unit (74) can selectively connect the voltage measuring unit (72) to the first voltage measuring member (30) and the second voltage measuring member (40) connected to a specific battery cell (10). Through this, the processor (76) will be able to calculate the voltage of the specific battery cell (10).

[0098] In this embodiment, the circuit switching unit (74) can selectively connect the voltage measuring unit (72) to the first voltage measuring member (30) and the temperature measuring member (50) connected to a specific battery cell (10). Through this, the processor (76) will be able to calculate the temperature of the specific battery cell (10).

[0099] In this way, the battery management system (70) of the battery module (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention is equipped with a circuit switching unit (74) so ​​as to selectively connect the voltage measuring unit (72) to a specific member among several members.

[0100] Therefore, in this embodiment, the temperature and voltage of all battery cells (10) provided in the battery module (1) can be measured using a smaller number of voltage measuring units (72) than the number of voltage measuring member pairs (30, 40) or the number of temperature measuring member pairs (30, 50), so the battery module (1) according to this embodiment can be configured more compactly and simply.

[0101] As described above, the battery module (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention utilizes a voltage measuring member (30) to configure a thermocouple having a simpler and more compact structure, and can accurately measure temperature using the same.

[0102] In addition, the battery module (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention can measure the voltage and temperature of all battery cells (10) with a smaller number of voltage measuring units (72) by using a circuit switching unit (74), so that components for measuring temperature can be configured more simply and compactly.

[0103] Through this, the design freedom and space utilization of the battery module (1) can be increased.

[0104] Furthermore, since the battery module (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention considers information about the temperature of the reference temperature member (60) in the process of the processor (76) calculating the temperature of the battery cell (10), the temperature of the battery cell (10) can be calculated more accurately.

[0105] Meanwhile, although not illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, the battery module according to the first embodiment of the present invention may further include a housing for accommodating the aforementioned components or providing a base on which the aforementioned components can be installed. For this purpose, the housing may be made of, but is not limited to, metal or plastic having a predetermined rigidity.

[0106] Hereinafter, a battery module according to a second embodiment of the present invention is described with different drawings.

[0107] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a temperature measuring member is coupled to a first electrode lead of a battery module according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In this case, Fig. 4 schematically illustrates each component of the battery module according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and the sizes of the components, line thicknesses, etc. may be somewhat exaggerated for ease of understanding. In addition, the same reference numerals as in the previously illustrated drawings indicate the same members that perform the same functions.

[0108] FIG. 4 discloses a first electrode lead (14) and a temperature measuring member (150) of a battery module according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a predetermined groove (114a) may be formed in the first electrode lead (14). In addition, the metal body (A) of the first electrode lead (14) may be exposed to the outside through the bottom surface (114b) of the groove (114a).

[0109] In this embodiment, one side (150a) of a temperature measuring member (150) may be coupled to the groove (114a) of the first electrode lead (14). At this time, the one side (150a) may be configured to contact the bottom surface (114b) of the groove (114a).

[0110] Through this, the temperature measuring member (150) and the metal body (A) can be electrically connected. Meanwhile, in order for one side (150a) of the temperature measuring member (150) to be stably connected to the metal body (A), one side (150a) can be welded to the bottom surface (114b) of the groove (114a).

[0111] The battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention can be used as a component of a battery pack. A battery pack can be defined as an assembly comprising at least one battery module. Such a battery pack can be installed in various facilities or locations to provide electrical energy. As an example, the battery pack can be installed in the body of an electric vehicle to provide energy to drive the motor, but is not limited thereto.

[0112] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various embodiments are possible within the scope equivalent to the technical idea of ​​the present invention and the patent claims to be described below by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains.

[0113] [Explanation of symbols]

[0114] 1: Battery module

[0115] 10: Battery cell

[0116] 20: Connector

[0117] 30: Element for measuring first voltage

[0118] 40: Second voltage measuring member

[0119] 50 150: Temperature measuring member

[0120] 60: Absence of reference temperature

[0121] 62: Temperature sensor

[0122] 70: Battery Management System

Claims

1. A battery cell including a cell body and first electrode leads and second electrode leads respectively provided on one side and the other side of the cell body; A first voltage measuring member and a second voltage measuring member electrically connected to the first electrode lead and the second electrode lead, respectively; and A battery module comprising a temperature measuring member coupled to the first electrode lead to form a thermocouple and the first voltage measuring member.

2. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a battery management system for controlling the operation of the battery cell; The above battery management system, A battery module comprising a voltage measuring unit that measures a voltage between the first voltage measuring unit and the temperature measuring unit or a voltage between the first voltage measuring unit and the second voltage measuring unit.

3. In paragraph 2, The above battery management system, A battery module further comprising a processor unit that calculates the temperature of the battery cell based on a voltage difference between the first voltage measuring member and the temperature measuring member.

4. In paragraph 2, A battery module further comprising a reference temperature member that exchanges heat with a portion of the first voltage measuring member and a portion of the temperature measuring member.

5. In paragraph 4, A battery module in which the reference temperature member heat-exchanges so that a part of the first voltage measuring member and a part of the temperature measuring member have the same temperature.

6. In paragraph 4, A battery module further comprising a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the reference temperature absence.

7. In paragraph 6, The above battery management system, A battery module further comprising a processor unit that calculates the temperature of the battery cell based on the voltage between the first voltage measuring member and the temperature measuring member and the temperature of the reference temperature member.

8. In paragraph 2, The above battery management system, A battery module further comprising a circuit switching unit capable of controlling electrical connection between the first voltage measuring member, the second voltage measuring member, the temperature measuring member, and the voltage measuring unit.

9. In paragraph 1, The first electrode lead includes a metal layer and a coating layer covering the outer surface of the metal layer, wherein a groove or hole is formed in which the metal layer is exposed to the outside. A battery module, wherein one side of the temperature measuring member is in contact with the inner wall of the groove or hole of the first electrode lead.

10. In paragraph 9, A battery module, wherein one side of the temperature measuring member has a ring shape that can be caught in the groove or hole.

11. In paragraph 9, A battery module, wherein one side of the temperature measuring member is coupled to the inner wall of the home or hole.

12. In paragraph 11, The above-mentioned one side of the temperature measuring member is a battery module welded to the bottom surface of the above-mentioned groove.

13. In paragraph 1, The above first voltage measuring member is made of copper having a purity of 99.5% or higher, The above temperature measuring member is a battery module made of Constantan.

14. In paragraph 1, The above battery cells are provided in multiple units, A battery module, wherein the first voltage measuring member, the second voltage measuring member, and the temperature measuring member are provided in multiple numbers corresponding to the number of battery cells.

15. Battery module; and Comprising a packaging accommodating the above battery module, The above battery module, A battery cell comprising a cell body and first electrode leads and second electrode leads respectively provided on one side and the other side of the cell body; A first voltage measuring member and a second voltage measuring member electrically connected to the first electrode lead and the second electrode lead, respectively; and A battery pack comprising a temperature measuring member coupled to the first electrode lead to form a thermocouple and the first voltage measuring member.

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