BATTERY MODULE HAVING THE ATTACHMENT MEMBERS BETWEEN BATTERY CELLS

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a battery module constructed in a structure in which a plurality of plate-shaped battery cells are stacked one on another. The battery module has attachment members interposed between the battery cells to prevent the battery cells from sliding due to external impacts and also to absorb the external impacts. The battery cells are securely attached to each other by the coupling between the attachment members, such as female- and male-type Velcro tapes. Consequently, the sliding of the battery cells due to external impacts is effectively prevented. Also, the female- and male-type Velcro tapes are elastically deformed, when the external impacts are applied to the battery cells, to absorb the external impacts. In addition, it is possible for a coolant, such as air, to pass through the coupled Velcro tapes by virtue of the structural characteristics of the female- and male-type Velcro tapes. Consequently, the cooling efficiency of the battery module is improved. Furthermore, the long-term use of the female- and male-type Velcro tapes is secured without the reduction of the attachment strength thereof, and therefore, the stacked structure of the battery module is stably maintained.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects, features and other advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a conventional representative pouch-shaped battery;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view illustrating a pouch-shaped battery to the upper major surface of which a Velcro tape, as an attachment member according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is attached;

FIG. 2B is a perspective view illustrating another attachment member attached to the lower major surface of the pouch-shaped battery shown in FIG. 2A; and

FIG. 3 is a sectional view illustrating a battery module including a plurality of pouch-shaped batteries stacked one on another.

Claims

1. A battery module constructed in a structure in which a plurality of plate-shaped battery cells are stacked one on another, wherein the battery module has attachment members interposed between the battery cells to prevent the battery cells from sliding due to external impacts and also to absorb the external impacts.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the plate-shaped battery cells are pouch-shaped battery cells, each of which has an electrode assembly mounted in a battery case made of a laminate sheet including a metal layer and a resin layer.

3. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein the battery cells are lithium-ion polymer batteries.

4. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the attachment members are Velcro tapes.

5. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the attachment members are attached to at least one major surface of each of the battery cells as either one unit members or two or more unit members.

6. The battery module according to claim 4, wherein at least a part of the Velcro tapes is made of a material having high heat conductivity.

7. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the battery module is used as a power source for electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles.