Battery module

Abstract

A battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a cell stack having a plurality of battery cells stacked thereon, a case housing the cell stack, a busbar assembly having a plurality of busbars coupled to the cell stack, and a sensing unit coupled to the busbar assembly. The sensing unit comprises a first fastening unit and a second fastening unit coupled to the busbar assembly and spaced apart from each other by a certain distance, and a protective cover housing the first fastening unit and the second fastening unit. The protective cover may include a first protective cover housing the first fastening unit and a second protective cover coupled to the first protective cover to allow movement over a certain distance and housing the second fastening unit.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module. Background Technology

[0003] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged, so they can be applied in various fields such as digital cameras, mobile phones, laptops, and hybrid cars. Examples of secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, and lithium secondary batteries.

[0004] Among these secondary batteries, extensive research is being conducted on lithium secondary batteries, which possess high energy density and discharge voltage. Recently, lithium secondary batteries have been manufactured as flexible pouch-type battery cells and are being used by connecting multiple units to form a module.

[0005] A battery module generally includes a busbar to which the electrode tabs of the battery cells are connected, and a sensing unit for measuring the voltage or temperature of the battery cells.

[0006] Conventionally, welding is primarily used to connect the sensing unit and the busbar. However, these conventional battery modules face difficulties in assembly due to tolerances between the sensing unit and the busbar. The problem to be solved

[0008] The objective of the present invention is to provide a battery module that is easy to manufacture. means of solving the problem

[0010] A battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a cell stack having a plurality of battery cells stacked thereon, a case housing the cell stack, a busbar assembly having a plurality of busbars coupled to the cell stack, and a sensing unit coupled to the busbar assembly. The sensing unit comprises a first fastening unit and a second fastening unit coupled to the busbar assembly and spaced apart from each other by a certain distance, and a protective cover housing the first fastening unit and the second fastening unit. The protective cover may include a first protective cover housing the first fastening unit and a second protective cover coupled to the first protective cover to allow movement over a certain distance and housing the second fastening unit.

[0012] In the present embodiment, the sensing unit includes a circuit board and a plurality of terminal sockets that are fastened to the circuit board and fitted into an insertion terminal formed in the busbar assembly, and the first fastening unit and the second fastening unit may each include a plurality of the terminal sockets.

[0013] In this embodiment, the circuit board is formed as a flexible printed circuit board, and a reinforcing member that reinforces the rigidity of the circuit board may be provided between the terminal socket and the circuit board.

[0014] In the present embodiment, the first protective cover may include a first substrate coupling portion to which the circuit board is coupled, a first terminal receiving portion to which the first fastening portion is received, and a guide groove into which the second protective cover is inserted.

[0015] In the present embodiment, the second protective cover may include a second substrate coupling portion to which the circuit board is coupled, a second terminal receiving portion to which the second fastening portion is received, and a guide projection inserted into the guide groove.

[0016] In the present embodiment, the guide groove may include a projection receiving portion formed as a space for receiving the guide projection when the first protective cover and the second protective cover are combined, and a passage portion formed as a groove connecting the projection receiving portion and the outside of the first protective cover, which is used as a passage for the guide projection to move to the projection receiving portion.

[0017] In this embodiment, the guide groove may include a protrusion formed protrudingly at the portion connecting the projection receiving portion and the passage portion, thereby reducing the width of the passage portion.

[0018] In the present embodiment, the guide projection may include a column portion disposed within the guide groove in a manner that penetrates the first protective cover, and an extension portion disposed at the end of the column portion and having a cross-sectional area wider than that of the column portion.

[0019] In this embodiment, the insertion terminal can be formed by bending a part of the bus bar.

[0020] In the present embodiment, a cell stack having a plurality of battery cells stacked therein is further included, and the cell stack may include a first cell stack electrically connected to the first fastening part and a second cell stack electrically connected to the second fastening part.

[0021] In addition, a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a busbar assembly including a first terminal portion electrically connected to a first cell stack and a second terminal portion electrically connected to a second cell stack, a first fastening portion fitted to the first terminal portion, a second fastening portion fitted to the second terminal portion, and a circuit portion including the first fastening portion and the second fastening portion, a first protective cover accommodating the first fastening portion, and a second protective cover accommodating the second fastening portion and coupled to the first protective cover, wherein a clearance space for absorbing tolerance may be formed in the portion where the first protective cover and the second protective cover are coupled.

[0022] In this embodiment, the first protective cover and the second protective cover may be disposed between the circuit part and the busbar assembly.

[0023] In the present embodiment, the first protective cover and the second protective cover are arranged so that at least a portion overlaps, the first protective cover has a protrusion receiving portion in the form of a through hole, and the second protective cover may have a guide protrusion arranged to penetrate the protrusion receiving portion. Effects of the invention

[0025] The battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention allows the sensing unit to be easily separated from the busbar assembly and a new sensing unit to be coupled to the busbar assembly, thereby facilitating maintenance of the battery module.

[0026] In addition, since it can absorb tolerances between the sensing unit and the busbar assembly, the assemblability and workability of the battery module can be improved. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0028] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the battery cell of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view according to II' of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the busbar assembly shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the busbar illustrated in FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the state in which the busbar assembly and the sensing unit are assembled. Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view of Fig. 7. FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the sensing unit shown in FIG. 7. FIGS. 10a and FIGS. 10b are cross-sectional views of the sensing unit shown in FIGS. 8. FIG. 11 is a front view of the protective cover shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 12 is a front view showing the protective cover separated as illustrated in FIG. 9. FIG. 13 is an enlarged perspective view of the tolerance absorption portion shown in FIG. 12. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0029] Prior to the detailed description of the present invention, the terms and words used in the specification and claims described below should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings. Instead, they should be interpreted in a sense and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention, based on the principle that the inventor may appropriately define the concept of the terms to best describe his invention. Accordingly, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all aspects of the technical spirit of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications capable of replacing them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0031] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that identical components in the accompanying drawings are indicated by the same reference numerals whenever possible. Furthermore, detailed descriptions of known functions and configurations that could obscure the essence of the invention will be omitted. For the same reason, some components in the accompanying drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically depicted, and the size of each component does not entirely reflect its actual size.

[0032] For example, it should be noted in advance that expressions such as upper, lower, lower, and side in this specification are described based on the drawings, and may be expressed differently if the direction of the object is changed.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating a battery cell of FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view according to II' of FIG. 1.

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, the battery module (100) of the present embodiment may include a cell stack (1), a frame (40), a cover member (50), a busbar assembly (80), and a sensing unit (60).

[0037] A cell stack (1) is formed by stacking a plurality of battery cells (10) as shown in FIG. 3. In this embodiment, the cell stack (1) may include a first cell stack (1a) and a second cell stack (2b).

[0038] In this embodiment, the battery cells (10) are stacked in an up-and-down direction (or vertical direction). However, it is also possible to configure them to be stacked in a left-right direction as needed.

[0039] Each battery cell (10) may be a pouch-type secondary battery and may have a structure in which the electrode lead (15) protrudes outward.

[0040] The battery cell (10) may be configured such that an electrode assembly (not shown) is housed within a pouch (11).

[0041] The electrode assembly is provided with a plurality of electrode plates and electrode leads (15) and is housed in a pouch (11). Here, the electrode plates consist of a positive plate and a negative plate, and the electrode assembly may be configured in a stacked form such that the positive plate and the negative plate face each other with their wide sides separated by a separator.

[0042] The positive and negative plates are formed as a structure in which an active material slurry is coated on a current collector, and the slurry can typically be formed by stirring granular active material, an auxiliary conductor, a binder, and a plasticizer in a state where a solvent is added.

[0043] In addition, the electrode assembly is formed by stacking a plurality of positive plates and a plurality of negative plates in the vertical direction. At this time, each of the plurality of positive plates and the plurality of negative plates is provided with an electrode lead (15), and can be connected to the same electrode lead (15) by contacting each other with the same polarity.

[0044] The battery cell of the present embodiment may include four electrode leads (15), and the four electrode leads (15) may be arranged in pairs of two so as to face in opposite directions. The four electrode leads (15) may include two positive leads and two negative leads. However, it is not limited thereto.

[0046] The pouch (11) is formed in the shape of a container to form the outer shape of the battery cell (10) and can provide an internal space for accommodating an electrode assembly and an electrolyte (not shown). At this time, a portion of the electrode lead (15) of the electrode assembly may be exposed to the outside of the pouch (11).

[0047] The pouch (11) can be divided into a sealing portion (202) and a receiving portion (204).

[0048] The receiving portion (204) is formed in the shape of a container and can provide a rectangular internal space. An electrode assembly and an electrolyte can be accommodated in the internal space of the receiving portion (204).

[0050] The sealing portion (202) is a part of the pouch (11) that is joined to seal the circumference of the receiving portion (204). Accordingly, the sealing portion (202) is formed in the shape of a flange that extends outward from the receiving portion (204), which is formed in the shape of a container, and thus the sealing portion (202) can be positioned along the outer edge of the receiving portion (204).

[0051] A heat fusion method may be used for joining the pouch (11), but is not limited thereto.

[0052] The battery cell (10) configured in this way may be a rechargeable and dischargeable battery, and specifically may be a lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery or a nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery.

[0054] A cell stack (1) in which multiple battery cells (10) are stacked is inserted and placed in the receiving space (D) of a frame (40) to be described later.

[0055] In this embodiment, the cell stack (1) can be formed by stacking battery cells (10) in the vertical direction as shown in FIG. 2.

[0056] The frame (40) may include a lower plate member (44) on which a cell stack (1) is placed, an upper plate member (46) positioned to face the lower plate member (44), and an intermediate plate member (42) positioned between the lower plate member (44) and the upper plate member (46) to mutually connect the upper plate member (46) and the lower plate member (44).

[0057] The cell stack (1) can be inserted and placed within a receiving space (D) formed by a lower plate member (44), an upper plate member (46), and an intermediate plate member (42).

[0058] An intermediate plate member (42) is positioned on one side of the cell stack (1) and can be positioned in a manner approximately orthogonal to the battery cells (10). A lower plate member (44) is fastened to the bottom of the intermediate plate member (42) and can be positioned to face the lower surface of the cell stack (1). An upper plate member (46) is fastened to the top of the intermediate plate member (42) and can be positioned to face the upper surface of the cell stack (1).

[0059] The cell stack (1) can be coupled to a frame (40) such that the wider side of the receiving portion (204) of the battery cell (10) faces the lower plate member (44) and the upper plate member (46). Accordingly, the battery cells (10) can be arranged so that their surface direction is parallel to the surface direction of the lower plate member (44) and the upper plate member (46).

[0060] The upper plate member (46) is spaced apart from the lower plate member (44) by a certain distance and is arranged parallel to the upper plate member (46). The upper plate member (46) and the lower plate member (44) may be formed with the same size or the same area, but the configuration of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0062] The intermediate plate member (42) is positioned to cross the space between the lower plate member (44) and the upper plate member (46), thereby dividing the space between the lower plate member (44) and the upper plate member (46). In each receiving space (D) divided by the intermediate plate member (42), the first cell stack (1) and the second cell stack (2) can be respectively placed.

[0063] The intermediate plate member (42) may be arranged such that its surface direction is orthogonal to the surface direction of the lower plate member (44) and the upper plate member (46). However, it is not limited thereto.

[0064] For example, the intermediate plate member (42) may be connected to the central part of the lower plate member (44) and the upper plate member (46) so that the side of the frame (40) forms an "I" shape. However, it is not limited thereto, and it is also possible to configure the frame (40) so that the side has a "U" shape by arranging the intermediate plate member (42) to be connected to the corners of the lower plate member (44) and the upper plate member (46).

[0066] The frame (40) may be composed of a material with high thermal conductivity. For example, the frame (40) may be composed of a material such as metal, and more specifically, may be formed of a material such as aluminum or steel. However, it is not limited thereto, and various materials may be used within the scope of the purpose of the present invention as long as they have high thermal conductivity.

[0068] The cover member (50) can be combined with the frame (40) to form a case of a battery module that protects the battery cell (10) housed in the frame (40).

[0069] To this end, the cover member (50) is coupled to the frame (40) in a manner that blocks the receiving space (D) in which the battery cell (10) is accommodated from the outside, thereby separating the receiving space (D) from the outside.

[0071] The cover member (50) may include a frame cover (52) and a side cover (54).

[0072] The frame cover (52) can be formed in the shape of a flat plate and can be placed on the other side of the cell stack (1) and connected to the long side corners of the upper plate member (46) and the lower plate member (44). Accordingly, the frame cover (52) can be arranged such that one side is connected to the upper plate member (46) and the other side is connected to the lower plate member (44) to face the intermediate plate member (42).

[0073] The frame cover (52) may be made of a material with high thermal conductivity, such as metal. For example, the frame cover (52) may be formed from a material such as aluminum or steel, just like the frame (40), or may be formed from the same material as the frame (40). However, the configuration of the present invention is not limited thereto, and various materials may be used as long as they have thermal conductivity similar to that of metal, even if they are not metal.

[0075] The side cover (54) can be attached to the short side corners of the upper plate member (46) and the lower plate member (44), that is, to both ends of the frame (40).

[0076] Electrode leads (15) of battery cells (10) are disposed at both ends of the frame (40). Accordingly, the side cover (54) can be disposed facing the electrode leads (15) of the battery cells (10).

[0077] The side cover (54) may be made of metal, but is not limited thereto, and may also be formed of an insulating material such as resin.

[0078] The side cover (54) can be joined to the frame (40) and the frame cover (52) through fastening members such as rivets, screws, bolts, and snap fit. However, it is not limited to this, and it is also possible to join by sliding, or by using laser welding, spot welding, adhesive, etc.

[0080] A busbar assembly (80) and a sensing unit (60) may be placed between the side cover (54) and the electrode leads (15).

[0081] FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the busbar assembly shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the busbar shown in FIG. 5, FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the busbar assembly and the sensing unit assembled, and FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 7.

[0082] Referring together to FIGS. 5 to 8, the busbar assembly (80) may be positioned facing the electrode leads (15) in the direction in which the electrode leads (15) of the battery cells (10) are arranged, and may include an insulating cover (81) and a busbar (86).

[0083] The electrode leads (15) of the battery cells (10) can be interconnected on the outside of the insulating cover (81) by penetrating the insulating cover (81). To this end, the insulating cover (81) may be provided with a plurality of through holes into which the electrode leads (15) are inserted.

[0084] Additionally, the insulating cover (81) may be provided with a connection terminal (85) for electrically connecting the battery cells (10) to the outside. The connection terminal (85) may be exposed to the outside through a hole (55) formed in the side cover (54). Accordingly, the hole (55) of the side cover (54) may be formed in a shape corresponding to the size and external shape of the connection terminal (79).

[0085] In this embodiment, the connection terminal (85) is composed of a conductive member and can be electrically connected to or joined to at least one bus bar (86).

[0087] The busbar (86) may be formed in the shape of a metal plate and connected to the outer surface of the insulating cover (81), or at least a portion thereof may be embedded inside the insulating cover (81). The battery cells (10) are electrically connected to one another through the busbar (86) and may be electrically connected to an external element of the battery module (100) via the busbar (86) and the connection terminal (85).

[0088] To this end, the busbar (86) may be provided with a plurality of through slits (87) into which electrode leads (15) are inserted, and the electrode leads (15) may be joined to the busbar (86) by means such as welding after being inserted into the through slits (87) of the busbar (86). Accordingly, at least a portion of the ends of the electrode leads (15) may completely penetrate the busbar (86) and be exposed to the outside of the busbar (86).

[0089] As described above, the battery cell (10) of this embodiment may have two electrode leads (15) arranged on one side. In addition, in this embodiment, a first cell stack (1a) and a second cell stack (1b) may be arranged within the frame (40). Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 5, the through slits (87) of the busbar assembly (80) may be arranged to form four rows.

[0091] The busbar (86) may be provided with at least one insertion terminal (88).

[0092] The insertion terminal (88) is a terminal that is combined with the sensing unit (60) and electrically connected to the sensing unit (60). In this embodiment, the insertion terminal (88) can be formed by partially bending the bus bar (86). For example, one side of the bus bar (86) can be extended and then bent to form a shape that protrudes from the bus bar (86) and used as the insertion terminal (88). However, it is not limited to this, and various modifications are possible, such as attaching a separate member to the bus bar (86) to use as the insertion terminal (88).

[0093] The insertion terminal (88) may be positioned to protrude in a manner orthogonal to the busbar assembly (80). Additionally, a number of them may be arranged in a row. In this embodiment, the insertion terminal (88) may be positioned in an area facing the corresponding cell stack (1) and may be positioned between two rows formed by the through slit (87). However, it is not limited thereto.

[0094] Additionally, the busbar assembly (80) of the present embodiment may include a terminal section (89) in which a plurality of insertion terminals (88) are grouped. The terminal section (89) is a part to which the fastening section (63) of the sensing section (60), which will be described later, is coupled. Accordingly, the insertion terminals (88) can be arranged in each terminal section (89) in correspondence with the shape of the fastening section (63).

[0095] The terminal portion (89) may be provided to correspond to the number of cell stacks (1). As described above, the battery module (100) of the present embodiment may include two cell stacks (1a, 1b). Accordingly, the terminal portion (89) of the present embodiment may include a first terminal portion (89a) electrically connected to the first cell stack (1a) and a second terminal portion (89b) electrically connected to the second cell stack (1b).

[0097] The sensing unit (60) is coupled to the outer surface of the busbar assembly (80) and can perform the function of sensing the voltage of the battery cell (10).

[0098] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the sensing unit illustrated in FIG. 7, and FIG. 10a and FIG. 10b are cross-sectional views of the sensing unit illustrated in FIG. 8. FIG. 10a shows a cross-section in which the terminal unit and the fastening unit are separated, and FIG. 10b shows a cross-section in which the terminal unit and the fastening unit are combined.

[0099] Referring to FIGS. 9 to 10b together, the sensing unit (60) is positioned between the bus bar (86) and the side cover (54) and can be coupled to the bus bar assembly (80) by fitting it into the terminal unit (89).

[0100] The sensing unit (60) may include a circuit unit (61) and a protective cover (70) to which the circuit unit (61) is coupled.

[0101] The circuit section (61) may include a circuit board (62), at least one electronic component (67) mounted on the circuit board (62), and a plurality of terminal sockets (64) coupled to the terminal section (89) of the busbar assembly (80).

[0102] A flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) may be used as the circuit board (62). However, it is not limited to this, and any board of various types with circuit wiring formed thereon may be used.

[0103] The electronic component (67) may include all electronic components (67) that are used for sensing the battery cell and are mounted or coupled to the circuit board (62), such as sensors, electronic components such as active or passive components, and connection components (67) such as connectors.

[0104] Additionally, at least a portion of the circuit board (62) may extend toward the cell stack (1). A temperature sensor (68) for measuring the temperature of the battery cell may be placed on the extended circuit board (62), but is not limited thereto.

[0106] The terminal socket (64) may include a contact terminal (64b) and a housing (64a) that accommodates the contact terminal (64b).

[0107] The housing (64a) may have an empty space inside and may be formed of an insulating material such as resin.

[0108] The contact terminal (64b) is formed of a conductive material and placed inside the housing (64a), and at least a portion of it protrudes outside the housing (64a) and can be bonded to the circuit board (62).

[0109] A plurality of terminal sockets (64) may be provided, and an insertion terminal (88) of a busbar assembly (80) may be connected to each terminal socket (64). For example, at least a portion of the insertion terminal (88) may be inserted into the interior of the housing (64a) to contact the contact terminal (64b) and may be electrically and physically connected to the contact terminal (64b).

[0110] The insertion terminal (88) can be fitted into the terminal socket (64). The housing (64a) may be provided with an insertion hole (64c) into which the insertion terminal (88) is inserted, and the insertion terminal (88) inserted into the insertion hole (64c) may be pressed against the contact terminal (64b) so as to make surface contact with the contact terminal (64b).

[0111] To this end, a pressing member (not shown) may be provided inside the housing (64a) to press the insertion terminal (88) toward the contact terminal (64b) or to press the contact terminal (64b) toward the insertion terminal (88).

[0112] The sensing unit (60) of the present embodiment may include a connecting unit (63) in which a plurality of terminal sockets (64) are grouped. A plurality of terminal sockets (64) may be arranged in a row to form the connecting unit (63).

[0113] In this embodiment, the fastening portion (63) may include a first fastening portion (63a) disposed on one side of the circuit board (62) and electrically connected to a first terminal portion (89a), and a second fastening portion (63b) disposed on the other side of the circuit board (62) and electrically connected to a second terminal portion (89b). Accordingly, the first fastening portion (63a) and the second fastening portion (63b) may be disposed at a certain distance from each other.

[0114] A reinforcing member (66) may be disposed between the terminal socket (64) and the circuit board (62). The reinforcing member (66) may be provided to reinforce the rigidity of the portion of the circuit board (62) where the terminal socket (64) is connected. Accordingly, the terminal sockets (64) may be fixedly connected to the reinforcing member (66) through an adhesive member, and may be bonded to the circuit board (62) by penetrating the reinforcing member (66).

[0115] In this embodiment, the terminal sockets (64) constituting the first fastening part (63a) may be coupled to one reinforcing member (66). Likewise, the terminal sockets (64) constituting the second fastening part (63b) may also be coupled to one reinforcing member (66). Accordingly, the sensing part (60) of this embodiment may have two reinforcing members (66), but is not limited thereto.

[0116] A known printed circuit board (PCB) may be used as the reinforcing member (66), but is not limited thereto.

[0118] The circuit part (61) configured in this way can be combined with the protective cover (70) to maintain its shape.

[0119] A protective cover (70) is positioned between the busbar assembly (80) and the circuit section (61). For example, a circuit board (62) may be attached to one side of the protective cover (70), and the other side of the protective cover (70) may be positioned to face the busbar assembly (80). Thus, the protective cover (70) may partially have a shape similar to the circuit section (61).

[0120] The protective cover (70) of the present embodiment may include a substrate coupling part (72) to which a circuit board (62) is coupled, and a terminal receiving part (75) to which a fastening part (63) is coupled.

[0121] As described above, the sensing unit (60) of the present embodiment is provided with two fastening units (63a, 63b). Correspondingly, the terminal receiving unit (75) may include a first terminal receiving unit (75a) in which the first fastening unit (63a) is received and a second terminal receiving unit (75b) in which the second fastening unit (63b) is received.

[0122] In this embodiment, the first and second terminal receiving portions (75a, 75b) are respectively placed at both ends of the substrate coupling portion (72). However, this is not limited thereto, and the position of the terminal receiving portion (75) may be changed to correspond to the position of the terminal portion (89).

[0123] Each terminal receiving portion (75) may be provided with a space into which terminal sockets (64) are inserted. Additionally, a hole into which the insertion terminals (88) are inserted may be formed in the terminal receiving portion (75) so that the insertion terminal (88) can penetrate the protective cover (70) and be coupled to the terminal socket (64).

[0124] The protective cover (70) may be formed from an insulating material such as resin. However, it is not limited thereto, and various modifications are possible as needed, such as forming the protective cover (70) from a metal with an insulating coating on its surface.

[0125] In addition, the protective cover (70) of the present embodiment may include a gap space for absorbing tolerance. To this end, the protective cover (70) may be separated into at least two parts.

[0126] FIG. 11 is a front view of the protective cover shown in FIG. 9, FIG. 12 is a front view showing the protective cover separated from FIG. 9, and FIG. 13 is an enlarged perspective view showing the tolerance absorption portion shown in FIG. 12.

[0127] Referring together to FIGS. 11 to 13, the protective cover (70) of the present embodiment may include a first protective cover (70a) and a second protective cover (70b). Accordingly, the substrate coupling portion (72) may be divided into a first substrate coupling portion (72a) provided on the first protective cover (70a) and a second substrate coupling portion (72b) provided on the second protective cover (70b). For example, the first protective cover (70a) may include a first terminal receiving portion (75a) and a first substrate coupling portion (72a), and the second protective cover (70b) may include a second terminal receiving portion (75b) and a second substrate coupling portion (72b).

[0128] The first protective cover (70a) and the second protective cover (70b) may be configured to be mutually connectable and detachable. In addition, the protective cover (70) of the present embodiment may be provided with a tolerance absorption portion (73) to provide a clearance space at the portion where the first protective cover (70a) and the second protective cover (70b) are connected. As a result, the second protective cover (70b) may be connected to the first protective cover (70a) so that it can move a certain distance.

[0129] The first protective cover (70a) and the second protective cover (70b) can be arranged so that at least a portion of them overlap and can be combined with each other. The combined structure of the first protective cover (70a) and the second protective cover (70b) and the aforementioned tolerance absorption portion (73) can be provided in the portion where the first protective cover (70a) and the second protective cover (70b) overlap.

[0130] For example, the tolerance absorption portion (73) may be formed in the area where the first substrate coupling portion (72a) and the second substrate coupling portion (72b) overlap.

[0131] The tolerance absorption portion (73) may include a guide groove (74) provided in the first protective cover (70a) and a guide projection (77) provided in the second protective cover (70b).

[0132] The guide groove (74) is an area into which the second protective cover (70b) is inserted and positioned, and may be formed as a groove that partially cuts the first protective cover (70a), and may be provided in one or multiple places.

[0133] More specifically, the guide groove (74) may include a protrusion receiving portion (74a) formed in the shape of a hole penetrating the first protective cover (70a), and a passage portion (74b) connecting the protrusion receiving portion (74a) and the outside of the first protective cover (70a).

[0134] It is positioned at the ends of the protrusion receiving portion (74a) and the passage portion (74b). Accordingly, the protrusion receiving portion (74a) and the passage portion (74b) can be formed in the shape of a groove that is connected to each other, and the protrusion receiving portion (74a) can be formed in a shape that is wider than the passage portion (74b).

[0135] The passage section (74b) can be used as a passage for the column section (77a) of the guide projection (77), which will be described later, to move to the projection receiving section (74a) when the first protective cover (70a) and the second protective cover (70b) are combined. Accordingly, the width of the passage section (74b) can be formed to a size that allows the column section (77a) to move.

[0136] The protrusion receiving portion (74a) is an area where the guide protrusion (77) is located when the first protective cover (70a) and the second protective cover (70b) are fully combined, and can be formed with a larger size than the passage portion (74b). Accordingly, the guide protrusion (77) placed in the protrusion receiving portion (74a) can be moved a certain distance along the surface direction of the first protective cover (70a) in correspondence with the size of the protrusion receiving portion (74a).

[0137] In this embodiment, the protrusion receiving portion (74a) is formed in a circular shape. However, it is not limited thereto, and it is also possible to form it in an elliptical or polygonal shape.

[0138] In addition, in the guide groove (74) of the present embodiment, a protrusion (74c) that reduces the width of the passage section (74b) may be formed at the part where the passage section (74b) and the protrusion receiving section (74a) are connected. This configuration is intended to prevent the guide protrusion (77) received in the protrusion receiving section (74a) from easily moving back into the passage section (74b). Therefore, at the part where the protrusion (74c) is formed, the width of the passage section (74b) may be formed to be slightly smaller than the width of the column section (77a) passing through the guide groove (74).

[0140] The guide projection (77) may be formed in a shape that protrudes from the second substrate coupling portion (72b) of the second protective cover (70b), and one or more may be provided. The guide projection (77) may protrude in a direction orthogonal to the plane direction of the substrate coupling portion (72b) and be inserted into the guide groove (74), and the length of the protruding guide projection (77) may be formed to be greater than the thickness of the first protective cover (70a).

[0141] The guide projection (77) of the present embodiment may include a column portion (77a) and an extension portion (77b).

[0142] The column portion (77a) is formed in the shape of a column and protrudes from the second substrate coupling portion (72b) of the second protective cover (70b), and can be formed in the shape of a rod having a constant cross-sectional area. The thickness (width) of the column portion (77a) can be formed to be smaller than the width of the passage portion (74b), and in the portion where the aforementioned protrusion (74c) is formed, it can be formed to be larger than the width of the passage portion (74b).

[0143] The column portion (77a) may be formed to be the same thickness as or longer than the first protective cover (70a) and may be positioned within the guide groove (74) in a manner that penetrates the first protective cover (70a).

[0144] An extension portion (77b) having a larger cross-sectional area than the pillar portion (77a) may be disposed at the end of the pillar portion (77a). Accordingly, the first substrate coupling portion (72a) of the first protective cover (70a) may be disposed between the extension portion (77b) and the second substrate coupling portion (72b) of the second protective cover (70b).

[0145] An extension (77b) may be provided to prevent the column portion (77a) from being easily separated from the protrusion receiving portion (74a). Thus, the maximum length of the extension (77b) may be formed to be larger than the diameter of the protrusion receiving portion (74a).

[0147] In the battery module (100) of the present embodiment configured as described above, the column portion (77a) of the guide projection (77) is inserted into the passage portion (74b) of the guide groove (74) and then moved toward the projection receiving portion (74a) and placed in the projection receiving portion (74a), thereby allowing the first protective cover (70a) and the second protective cover (70b) to be mutually coupled. During this process, an external force of a certain magnitude may be applied to the guide projection (77) or the second protective cover (70b) to pass through the portion where the protrusion (74c) is formed.

[0148] When the column portion (77a) is positioned in the projection receiving portion (74a), the column portion (77a) is not easily moved toward the passage portion (74b) by the projection portion (74c) unless an external force of a certain magnitude is applied. Additionally, since the guide projection (77) is restricted from moving in the Z direction by the extension portion (77b) of the guide projection (77), the first protective cover (70a) and the second protective cover (70b) are not separated in the Z direction either.

[0149] Accordingly, the battery module (100) according to the present embodiment facilitates the connection of the first protective cover (70a) and the second protective cover (70b), and the first protective cover (70a) and the second protective cover (70b) are not easily separated unless an external force is applied.

[0150] In addition, since the pillar portion (77a) of the battery module according to the present embodiment is positioned within the protrusion receiving portion (74a), the first protective cover (70a) and the second protective cover (70b) can be moved a certain distance relative to each other in the plane direction (X, Y direction).

[0151] As described above, the protective cover (70) of the present embodiment is provided with two terminal receiving portions (75a, 75b). The terminal sockets (64) received in the terminal receiving portions (75) can be coupled with the insertion terminal (88) in a snap-fit ​​manner.

[0152] Therefore, if there is a large tolerance between the distance between the two terminal receiving portions (75a, 75b) and the distance between the two terminal portions (89a, 89b), one of the terminal receiving portions (75) may not be accurately coupled to the terminal portion (89).

[0153] To this end, the battery module (100) of the present embodiment has a protective cover (70) of the sensing part (60) equipped with a tolerance absorption part (73). Due to the clearance space of the tolerance absorption part (73), the distance between the first terminal receiving part (75a) and the second terminal receiving part (75b) can be changed.

[0154] That is, in the first protective cover (70a) and the second protective cover (70b) of the present embodiment, the distance / position between the first terminal receiving part (75a) and the second terminal receiving part (75b) can be changed to be the same as the distance / position between the first terminal part (89a) and the second terminal part (89b) within the range in which the column part (77a) can move within the protrusion receiving part (74a).

[0155] As described above, since the circuit board (62) of the present embodiment can be formed as a flexible printed circuit board, when the positions of the first protective cover (70a) and the second protective cover (70b) are changed, the circuit board (62) can be flexibly bent in response.

[0157] Through this configuration, the sensing unit (60) of the present embodiment can absorb the tolerance between the protective cover (70) and the insertion terminals (88), thereby improving the assembly and workability of the battery module.

[0158] In addition, in the battery module of the present embodiment, the sensing unit (60) is coupled to the busbar assembly (80) in a snap-fit ​​manner. Therefore, if a problem occurs with the sensing unit (60), the sensing unit (60) can be easily separated from the busbar assembly (80), and a new sensing unit (60) can be coupled to the busbar assembly (80).

[0159] Therefore, since only the sensing part (60) can be replaced, there is no need to replace the entire battery module, making maintenance of the battery module easy.

[0161] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention as described in the claims.

[0162] For example, the aforementioned embodiment exemplifies a case where the extension portion of the guide projection is positioned to protrude from the substrate coupling portion, but it is not limited thereto. For example, it is also possible to form the thickness around the projection receiving portion thinner than other parts and then configure the structure so that the extension portion is positioned in that space. In this case, the extension portion may not protrude from the substrate coupling portion.

[0163] In addition, while the above-described embodiment provides an example where the tolerance absorption portion is positioned adjacent to the terminal receiving portion, it is not limited thereto and can be formed at various locations as needed. Explanation of the symbols

[0165] 100: Battery module 1: Cell stack 10: Battery cell 40: Frame 50: Cover missing 60: Sensing unit 70: Protective cover 80: Busbar assembly

Claims

Claim 1 A battery module comprising: a cell stack having a plurality of battery cells stacked therein; a case housing the cell stack inside; a busbar assembly having a plurality of busbars coupled to the cell stack; and a sensing unit coupled to the busbar assembly; wherein the sensing unit comprises: a first fastening unit and a second fastening unit coupled to the busbar assembly and spaced apart from each other by a certain distance; and a protective cover accommodating the first fastening unit and the second fastening unit; wherein the protective cover comprises: a first protective cover accommodating the first fastening unit; and a second protective cover coupled to the first protective cover to allow movement over a certain distance and accommodating the second fastening unit; wherein the sensing unit comprises: a circuit board; and a plurality of terminal sockets coupled to the circuit board and fitted into an insertion terminal formed in the busbar assembly; wherein the first fastening unit and the second fastening unit each comprise a plurality of terminal sockets. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 A battery module according to claim 1, wherein the circuit board is formed as a flexible printed circuit board, and a reinforcing member that reinforces the rigidity of the circuit board is provided between the terminal socket and the circuit board. Claim 4 A battery module according to claim 1, wherein the first protective cover comprises: a first substrate coupling portion to which the circuit board is coupled; a first terminal receiving portion to which the first fastening portion is received; and a guide groove into which the second protective cover is inserted and disposed. Claim 5 In paragraph 4, the battery module comprises: a second protective cover to which the circuit board is coupled; a second terminal receiving portion to which the second fastening portion is received; and a guide projection inserted into the guide groove. Claim 6 A battery module according to claim 5, wherein the guide groove comprises: a projection receiving portion formed as a space in which the guide projection is received when the first protective cover and the second protective cover are combined; and a passage portion formed as a groove connecting the projection receiving portion and the outside of the first protective cover, which is used as a passage for the guide projection to move to the projection receiving portion. Claim 7 In claim 6, the battery module wherein the guide groove is formed protrudingly at the portion connecting the projection receiving portion and the passage portion, and includes a projection that reduces the width of the passage portion. Claim 8 In claim 5, the battery module comprises a guide projection, a column portion disposed within the guide groove in a manner that penetrates the first protective cover, and an extension portion disposed at the end of the column portion and having a cross-sectional area wider than that of the column portion. Claim 9 In any one of claims 1, 3 to 8, the insertion terminal is a battery module formed by bending a part of the busbar. Claim 10 A battery module according to any one of claims 1, 3 to 8, further comprising a cell stack having a plurality of battery cells stacked thereon, wherein the cell stack comprises a first cell stack electrically connected to the first fastening portion and a second cell stack electrically connected to the second fastening portion. Claim 11 A battery module comprising: a busbar assembly including a first terminal portion electrically connected to a first cell stack and a second terminal portion electrically connected to a second cell stack; a first fastening portion fitted to the first terminal portion, a second fastening portion fitted to the second terminal portion, and a circuit portion including the first fastening portion and the second fastening portion; a first protective cover accommodating the first fastening portion; and a second protective cover accommodating the second fastening portion and coupled to the first protective cover; wherein a clearance space for absorbing tolerance is formed in the portion where the first protective cover and the second protective cover are coupled. Claim 12 In claim 11, the first protective cover and the second protective cover are a battery module disposed between the circuit section and the busbar assembly. Claim 13 A battery module according to claim 11, wherein the first protective cover and the second protective cover are arranged so as to overlap at least a portion thereof, the first protective cover has a protrusion receiving portion in the form of a through hole, and the second protective cover has a guide protrusion arranged to penetrate the protrusion receiving portion.

Images