Battery module and battery pack including the same

Abstract

A battery module according to one embodiment of the present application includes a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells including protruding electrode leads are stacked, a module frame for accommodating the battery cell stack, and a busbar frame provided to front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack from which the electrode leads protrude. The battery cell includes a protrusion formed on each of both end portions of a lower edge of the battery cell. At least one of the busbar frames includes a guide portion extending to a bottom of the battery cell stack. The guide portion has a guide groove into which the protrusion is inserted, and the guide groove includes an adjustment portion whose width narrows from where the battery cell is located to where the busbar frame is located.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0012230, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on January 28, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] The present invention relates to a battery module and a battery pack including the battery module, and more specifically, to a battery module and a battery pack including the battery module that can make efficient use of space. Background Technology

[0004] In modern society, with the increasing use of portable devices such as mobile phones, laptops, portable video cameras, and digital cameras in daily life, the development of technologies related to mobile devices, as described above, is becoming increasingly active. Furthermore, the need to develop rechargeable batteries is growing as they are used as a power source for electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (P-HEVs), as a method to address air pollution from conventional gasoline vehicles using fossil fuels.

[0005] Currently available rechargeable batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and lithium rechargeable batteries. Lithium rechargeable batteries have attracted much attention due to their advantages, such as almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based rechargeable batteries, allowing for free charging and discharging, very low self-discharge rate, and high energy density.

[0006] Lithium-ion rechargeable batteries primarily use lithium-based oxides and carbon materials as the positive and negative electrode active materials, respectively. A lithium-ion rechargeable battery pack includes: an electrode assembly in which the positive and negative electrode plates are coated with these positive and negative electrode active materials, respectively, and a separator is inserted between the positive and negative electrode plates; and an outer covering material (i.e., the battery casing) that seals and contains the electrode assembly and the electrolyte solution.

[0007] Generally, based on the shape of the outer covering material, lithium rechargeable batteries can be classified into can-type rechargeable batteries, in which the electrode assembly is embedded in a metal can, and pouch-type rechargeable batteries, in which the electrode assembly is embedded in a pouch of aluminum laminate.

[0008] In small devices using rechargeable batteries, two to three battery cells are typically used. However, in medium or large devices such as automobiles, battery modules with multiple battery cells electrically connected are used. In such modules, multiple battery cells are connected in series or parallel to form a battery cell stack, thereby improving capacity and output. Furthermore, at least one battery module can be integrated with various control and protection systems, such as a battery management system (BMS) and a cooling system, to form a battery pack.

[0009] Due to ongoing demands for miniaturization and increased capacity of these battery modules and packs, a method is needed to efficiently utilize the space within them. Summary of the Invention

[0010] Technical issues

[0011] The present invention aims to provide a battery module with improved space utilization and a battery pack including the battery module.

[0012] However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the problems described above, and various extensions can be made within the scope of the technical ideas included in the present invention.

[0013] Technical solution

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a battery module includes: a battery cell stack having a plurality of battery cells including protruding electrode leads stacked thereon; a module frame housing the battery cell stack; and a busbar frame disposed at a front and a rear portion of the battery cell stack, the electrode leads protruding from the front and rear portions of the battery cell stack. Each battery cell includes a protruding portion formed at two ends of its lower edge. At least one of the busbar frames includes a guide portion extending to a lower surface of the battery cell stack. A guide groove is formed in the guide portion for insertion of the protruding portion, and the guide groove includes an adjustment portion whose width narrows from the location of the battery cell to the location of the busbar frame.

[0015] When the busbar frame is disposed at the front or rear of the battery cell stack, the protruding portion of the battery cell is inserted into the guide slot.

[0016] The adjustment mechanism can cause the protruding portion to bend obliquely.

[0017] The adjustment section may have an opening in the direction of the battery cell.

[0018] The guide groove may include an inner portion that is further from the battery cell than the adjustment portion, and the protruding portion can be inserted into the inner portion.

[0019] The adjustment portion may include a first side and a second side facing each other, and the first side and the second side may move closer together from the position of the battery cell to the position of the busbar frame.

[0020] The first side may form an inclined surface that is deflected toward the protruding direction of the electrode lead, and the first side is provided corresponding to the protruding part when the protruding part can be inserted into the guide groove.

[0021] The second side may be parallel to the protruding direction of the electrode lead.

[0022] The guide grooves can be formed in multiple ways to correspond to each of the multiple battery cells.

[0023] The busbar is mounted to the busbar frame, and the electrode leads are coupled to the busbar.

[0024] Technical effect

[0025] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the portion of the battery cell known as the "bat ear" can be tilted by an adjustment portion provided in the guide slot, thereby reducing the height of the battery module. In other words, space can be used efficiently.

[0026] The energy capacity can be increased by reducing the height of the battery module. Furthermore, the amount of thermally conductive resin used can be reduced, which has a cost-reducing effect.

[0027] The effects of this invention are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand other unmentioned effects from the description of the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 2 This is the state where the module framework and endplate are omitted. Figure 1 A 3D view of the battery module.

[0030] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An exploded 3D view of the battery module.

[0031] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A 3D view of the battery cells included in the battery module.

[0032] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A 3D view of the module frame included in the battery module.

[0033] Figure 6 It is shown along the -y axis in the xz plane. Figure 3 A top view of the battery cell stack and busbar frame included in the battery module.

[0034] Figure 7 It is shown upside down. Figure 3 A 3D view of the battery cell stack and busbar frame included in the battery module.

[0035] Figure 8 yes Figure 3 A three-dimensional view of the busbar frame included in the battery module.

[0036] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 An enlarged view of part "A" in the image.

[0037] Figure 10 It shows the protruding part of the battery cell being inserted into Figure 9 The diagram shows the adjustment section of the guide groove.

[0038] Figure 11 This is a top view of the adjustment section of the guide groove shown along the -z axis in the xy plane.

[0039] Figure 12 (a) and (b) are schematic diagrams illustrating a battery cell stack and busbar frame according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 13 (a) and (b) are schematic diagrams illustrating a battery cell stack and busbar frame according to a comparative example of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 14 This is a perspective view of a sensing unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 15 and Figure 16 These are partial views showing the appearance of the busbar frame before and after the sensor unit is installed according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0043] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below, and those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains can readily implement it with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0044] To clearly explain the invention, parts irrelevant to the description have been omitted, and the same reference numerals are used for the same or similar constituent elements throughout the specification.

[0045] Furthermore, since the dimensions and thicknesses of each component shown in the accompanying drawings are arbitrarily illustrated for ease of explanation, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the illustrated drawings. In the drawings, the thicknesses of layers, films, plates, regions, etc., are enlarged for clarity. In the drawings, the thicknesses of some layers and regions are enlarged for ease of explanation.

[0046] It should be understood that when an element such as a layer, film, region, or substrate is referred to as being "on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be intermediate elements present. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element, there are no intermediate elements present. Furthermore, throughout the specification, the phrase "on" the target element should be understood to mean located above or below the target element, and not necessarily to mean located on the "upper side" based on the direction opposite to gravity.

[0047] Furthermore, unless explicitly stated otherwise, the word “contains” and variations such as “including” or “containing” will be understood to imply the inclusion of the described element, but not to exclude any other element.

[0048] Furthermore, throughout the instruction manual, the phrase "in a plane" refers to the target portion viewed from above, while the phrase "in a cross section" refers to the cross section formed by vertically cutting the target portion viewed from the side.

[0049] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is the state where the module framework and endplate are omitted. Figure 1 A 3D view of the battery module. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An exploded 3D view of the battery module. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A 3D view of the battery cells included in the battery module.

[0050] Reference Figures 1 to 4According to an embodiment of the present invention, a battery module 100 includes a battery cell stack 200 on which a plurality of battery cells 110, including protruding electrode leads 111 and 112, are stacked; a module frame 300 housing the battery cell stack 200; and a busbar frame 410 and a busbar frame 420 disposed on the battery cell stack 200, including the front and rear portions of the protruding electrode leads 111 and 112, respectively. Here, the front portion refers to the x-axis direction of the battery cell stack 200, the rear portion refers to the -x-axis direction of the battery cell stack 200, and the two sides refer to the planes in the y-axis direction and the -y-axis direction of the battery cell stack 200, respectively. Furthermore, the lower surface refers to the surface in the -z-axis direction of the battery cell stack 200, and the upper surface refers to the surface in the z-axis direction of the battery cell stack 200. However, these are aspects indicated for ease of explanation and may vary depending on the position of the target object or the position of the observer.

[0051] First, the battery cell 110 is preferably a pouch-type battery cell, and can be formed into a rectangular sheet structure. The electrode leads of the battery cell 110 according to this embodiment include a protruding first electrode lead 111 and a second electrode lead 112. Specifically, refer to... Figure 4 According to this embodiment, the battery cell 110 has a structure in which a first electrode lead 111 and a second electrode lead 112 protrude from one end 114a and the other end 114b, respectively, and face each other based on the cell body 113. More specifically, the first electrode lead 111 and the second electrode lead 112 are connected to an electrode assembly (not shown) and protrude from the electrode assembly (not shown) to the outside of the battery cell 110. The first electrode lead 111 and the second electrode lead 112 have different polarities; for example, one can be a positive electrode lead 111 and the other can be a negative electrode lead 112. That is, based on a battery cell 110, the positive electrode lead 111 and the negative electrode lead 112 can protrude in opposite directions.

[0052] Furthermore, the battery cell 110 can be manufactured by bonding the two ends 114a and 114b of the cell housing 114 to one side 114c for connecting them, with the electrode assembly (not shown) housed within the cell housing 114. In other words, the battery cell 110 according to this embodiment has a total of three sealing portions: sealing portion 114sa, sealing portion 114sb, and sealing portion 114sc. The sealing portions 114sa, 114sb, and 114sc are sealed by a method such as heat sealing, and the other side can be formed by a connecting portion 115. The cell housing 114 can be formed from a laminate including a resin layer and a metal layer.

[0053] Furthermore, the connecting portion 115 may extend along one edge of the battery cell 110, and protrusions 110p (referred to as bat ears) of the battery cell 110 are formed at both ends of the connecting portion 115. That is, the battery cell 110 includes protrusions 110p formed at both ends of the lower edge of the battery cell 110. When the battery cells 110 are assembled to form a battery cell stack 200, the protrusions 110p are disposed on the lower surface of the battery cell stack 200.

[0054] Multiple battery cells 110 can be formed, and multiple battery cells 110 are stacked to be electrically connected to each other to form a battery cell stack 200. Specifically, as Figure 3 As shown, multiple battery cells 110 can be stacked in a direction parallel to the y-axis. Therefore, one electrode lead 111 of the battery cell 110 can protrude in the x-axis direction, and another electrode lead 112 can protrude in the -x-axis direction.

[0055] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A 3D view of the module frame included in the battery module. Figure 2 The battery cell stack 200, busbar frame 410, and busbar frame 420 shown are housed in Figure 5 The module frame 300 shown can be completed by joining end plates 810 and 820 to the module frame 300. Figure 1 The battery module 100 shown.

[0056] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 5 The module frame 300 can be a component with openings at the front and rear, and integrated at the top, bottom, and two sides. The battery cell stack 200 can be housed within the module frame 300. Here, "front" refers to a plane along the x-axis of the module frame 300, and "rear" refers to a plane along the -x-axis of the module frame 300. Furthermore, "top" refers to a plane along the z-axis of the module frame 300, and "bottom" refers to a plane along the -z-axis of the module frame 300. Additionally, "two sides" refers to the y-axis and -y-axis directions of the module frame 300. However, this is only an exemplary structure of the module frame 300; alternatively, the bottom and two sides can be integrated, and the top can be joined to the two side sides.

[0057] On the other hand, end plates 810 and 820 can cover the front and rear of the opening respectively, and the module frame 300 and end plates 810 and 820 can be joined to the corresponding corners. There are no particular restrictions on the joining method, but welding can be used.

[0058] On the other hand, the thermally conductive resin layer 900 can be disposed at the bottom of the module frame 300. Specifically, the thermally conductive resin layer 900 can be located at the bottom of the battery cell stack 200 (see reference). Figure 3 Between the bottom of the module frame 300 and the bottom of the module frame 300.

[0059] The thermally conductive resin layer 900 may include a thermally conductive resin, particularly a thermally conductive adhesive material. For example, it may include at least one of silicone-based materials, urethane-based materials, and acrylic materials, with urethane-based materials being particularly preferred.

[0060] The thermally conductive resin has excellent thermal conductivity, allowing heat generated in the battery cell 110 to be dissipated to the outside through the thermally conductive resin layer 900 and the bottom of the module frame 300. The thermally conductive resin layer 900 can be considered a cooling device. However, the thermally conductive resin includes a thermally conductive adhesive material and can be liquid during application or a material that cures after the battery cell stack 200 is laminated onto it. Therefore, the thermally conductive resin layer 900 can fix the battery cell stack 200 in the battery module 100. That is, the thermally conductive resin layer 900 according to this embodiment not only improves the heat dissipation of the battery cell stack 200 but also effectively fixes the battery cell stack 200.

[0061] Additionally, refer to Figures 3 to 5 Instead of providing the entire bottom of the module frame 300, the thermally conductive resin layer 900 can have uncoated portions 310 at both ends of the bottom in the front and rear directions. The protruding portion 110p of the battery cell 110 can be provided on the uncoated portion 310. That is, the uncoated portion 310 can be provided to ensure space for the protruding portion 110p of the battery cell 110. Alternatively, in another embodiment of the invention, the area of ​​the uncoated portion 310 can be coated with thermally conductive resin to a thickness thinner than the thermally conductive resin layer 900, thereby replacing the formation of the uncoated portion 310.

[0062] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 6 and Figure 7 Detailed description of the busbar frame according to this embodiment.

[0063] Figure 6 It is shown along the -y axis in the xz plane. Figure 3 A top view of the battery cell stack and busbar frame included in the battery module. Figure 7 It is shown upside down. Figure 3 A 3D view of the battery cell stack and busbar frame included in the battery module. More specifically, Figure 7 The image shows a stack of battery cells 200 that has been inverted so that the bottom 200d is facing upwards.

[0064] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 As described above, the busbar frame 410 and busbar frame 420 according to this embodiment are disposed at the front and rear of the battery cell stack 200 with protruding electrode leads 111 and electrode leads 112.

[0065] Busbar frames 410 and 420 may be equipped with busbar 610 and terminal busbar 620. Specifically, for each of busbar frames 410 and 420, busbar 610 and terminal busbar 620 may be provided on the opposite side of the side facing the battery cell stack 200. Furthermore, a module connector 720 for the sensing unit 700, which will be described later, may also be provided on the opposite side of the side of busbar frames 410 and 420 facing the battery cell stack 200.

[0066] Gap can be formed in busbar frames 410 and 420. The electrode leads 111 and 112 of the battery cell 110 can be bent and joined to the busbar 610 or terminal busbar 620 after passing through the gap. The battery cells 110 forming the battery cell stack 200 can be electrically connected to each other via the busbar 610. There are no particular limitations on how the electrode leads 111 and 112 are joined to the busbar 610 or terminal busbar 620, but soldering can be applied, for example.

[0067] Some of the battery cells 110 have electrode leads 111 and 112 connected to the terminal busbar 620 to form a high-voltage (HV) connection. Here, the HV connection is used as a power supply connection, referring to a connection between battery cells or between battery modules. A portion of the terminal busbar 620 is exposed outside the end plates 810 and 820, which will be described later, and the battery module 100 can be electrically connected to another battery module or battery disconnect unit (BDU) via the terminal busbar 620.

[0068] The battery module 100 according to this embodiment may further include a top cover 430 located on the battery cell stack 200. The top cover 430 may cover a corresponding area with a size corresponding to the upper surface of the battery cell stack 200. Furthermore, each of the opposite sides of the top cover 430 may be combined with the busbar frame 410 and the busbar frame 420. During the process of accommodating the battery cell stack 200 into the module frame 300, the top cover 430 may protect the sensing unit 700, which will be described later.

[0069] On the other hand, hinges can be applied to the connection between the busbar frames 410 and 420 and the top cover 430. The assembly process of the battery cell stack 200, busbar frames 410 and 420 can be performed as follows. (Refer to...) Figure 6 The top cover 430 is placed on the battery cell stack 200, and each of the busbar frames 410 and 420 is rotated. Next, the electrode leads 111 and 112 of the battery cell 110 are pulled out by passing them through the gaps formed in the respective busbar frames 410 and 420. By rotating, the respective busbar frames 410 and 420 are vertically positioned at the front and rear of the battery cell stack 200.

[0070] In this case, at least one of the busbar frame 410 and busbar frame 420 includes a guide portion 500 extending to the bottom 200d of the battery cell stack 200. Here, as described above, the bottom 200d of the battery cell stack 200 refers to the surface of the battery cell stack 200 in the -z axis direction. Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, busbar frame 410 and busbar frame 420 may include a guide portion 500.

[0071] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 8 to 11 The guide portion, guide groove, and adjustment portion according to this embodiment are described in detail.

[0072] Figure 8 yes Figure 3 A three-dimensional view of the busbar frame included in the battery module. Figure 9 yes Figure 8 An enlarged view of part "A" in the image. Figure 10 It shows the protruding part of the battery cell being inserted into Figure 9 The diagram shows the adjustment section of the guide groove. Figure 11 This is a top view of the adjustment section of the guide groove shown in the -z direction on the xy plane.

[0073] Specifically, Figure 8 It shows Figure 3 The battery module includes a busbar frame 420, which is one of busbar frames 410 and 420. In the following description, to avoid repetition, we will focus on one busbar frame 420; however, the other busbar frame 410 may also have the guide groove, adjustment portion, and inner portion structure according to this embodiment. Furthermore, in Figure 10 For ease of explanation, only the protruding portion 110p of the battery cell 110 configuration is shown.

[0074] Reference Figures 8 to 11A guide groove 500g is formed in the guide portion 500 according to this embodiment, and the protruding portion 110p of the battery cell 110 is inserted into the guide groove 500g. Specifically, the guide groove 500g having a concave shape can be formed on the surface of the bottom 200d of the guide portion 500 facing the lower surface of the battery cell stack 200.

[0075] When the busbar frame 420 is positioned at the front or rear of the battery cell stack 200, the protruding portion 110p of the bottom 200d on the lower surface of the battery cell stack 200 can be inserted into the guide slot 500g.

[0076] Furthermore, the guide groove 500g according to this embodiment includes an adjustment portion 500a, the width of which narrows from the position where the battery cell 110 is located to the position where the busbar frame 420 is located. That is, in the guide groove 500g, the region where the width gradually narrows from the position where the battery cell 110 is located to the position where the busbar frame 420 is located corresponds to the adjustment portion 500a. The direction from the position where the battery cell 110 is located to the position where the busbar frame 420 is located corresponds to... Figures 8 to 11 The x-axis direction in the diagram. Furthermore, the guide groove 500g may include an inner portion 500i that is further away from the battery cell 110 than the adjustment portion 500a. That is, the guide groove 500g may include an adjustment portion 500a positioned relatively close to the battery cell 110 and an inner portion 500i positioned relatively far from the battery cell 110.

[0077] like Figure 10 As shown, when the protrusion 110p is inserted into the guide groove 500g, the narrowing adjustment portion 500a can cause the protrusion 110p to bend at an angle. That is, one surface of the tilted adjustment portion 500a, which forms the angle, can cause the inserted protrusion 110p to bend naturally at an angle. The protrusion 110p can then be finally inserted into the inner portion 500i of the guide groove 500g.

[0078] According to this embodiment, the adjustment portion 500a can be the portion of the guide groove 500g that opens in the direction where the battery cell 110 is located. That is, when the protruding portion 110p is inserted into the guide groove 500g, it can be inserted into the adjustment portion 500a first.

[0079] Furthermore, the adjustment portion 500a may include a first side 510 and a second side 520 facing each other, with the first side 510 and the second side 520 being closer together from the location of the battery cell 110 to the location of the busbar frame 420. In this case, the first side 510 may be protruding in the direction of the electrode leads 111 and 112 (see reference). Figure 6The second side 520 is tilted and can be parallel to the protruding direction of electrode leads 111 and 112. Here, the protruding direction of electrode leads 111 and 112 is parallel to the x-axis and parallel to the direction from the location of battery cell 110 to the location of busbar frame 420.

[0080] Reference Figure 10 and Figure 11 When the protruding portion 110p is inserted into the guide groove 500g, the first tilted side 510 forming a deflection can be set corresponding to the protruding portion 110p. Furthermore, the protruding portion 110p before insertion may not be set corresponding to the inner portion 500i of the guide groove 500g. Based on this, regarding the insertion of the protruding portion 110p, the first tilted side 510 of the adjusting portion 500a can cause the inserted protruding portion 110p to naturally bend at an angle. Finally, when the protruding portion 110p is inserted into the inner portion 500i, the protruding portion 110p can remain in a bent state.

[0081] Let's refer to it again. Figure 8 According to this embodiment, the guide groove 500g can be configured in multiple ways to correspond to each of the multiple battery cells 110. Preferably, multiple guide grooves 500g are formed in the guide portion 500 so that all protrusions 110p of each battery cell 110 can be inserted.

[0082] In the following text, refer to Figure 12 and Figure 13 The advantages of the guide groove according to this embodiment will be explained by comparison with a comparative example.

[0083] Figure 12 (a) and (b) are schematic diagrams illustrating a battery cell stack and busbar frame according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, Figure 12 (a) schematically shows the battery cell stack 200, the busbar frame 410, and the busbar frame 420. Figure 12 (b) schematically shows the section taken along line B-B'. Figure 12 The cross section of (a).

[0084] Reference Figure 12In (a) and (b), busbar frame 410 and busbar frame 420 can be respectively disposed on the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack 200, and top cover 430 can be disposed on the upper surface of the battery cell stack 200. When the protruding portion 110p of the battery cell 110 according to this embodiment is inserted into the guide groove 500g of the guide portion 500, it is not upright, but bent in a certain direction. Since the protruding portion 110p is bent at an angle, the height h1 of busbar frame 410 and busbar frame 420 can be reduced.

[0085] Figure 13 (a) and (b) are schematic diagrams illustrating a battery cell stack and busbar frame according to a comparative example of the present invention. Specifically, Figure 13 (a) schematically shows the battery cell stack 20 and the busbar frame 41 and busbar frame 42. Figure 13 (b) schematically shows along Figure 13 The cross section intercepted by the cutting line C-C' of (a).

[0086] Reference Figure 13 In (a) and (b), busbar frames 41 and 42 are respectively disposed on the front and rear sides of the battery cell stack 20, and the top cover 43 can be disposed on the top surface of the battery cell stack 20. Unlike the busbar frames 410 and 420 according to the embodiment, no guide groove is formed in the guide portion 50. According to the comparative example, the protruding portion 11p of the battery cell 11 is upright and not bent, and the height h2 of the busbar frames 41 and 42 is increased accordingly.

[0087] That is, compared to the height h2 of the busbar frames 41 and 42 according to the comparative example, the height h1 of the busbar frames 410 and 420 according to the embodiment of the present invention can be reduced by 500g, which is how much the protruding portion 110p is bent at an angle. Ultimately, the height of the battery module 100 can be reduced, and the space of this size can be utilized efficiently. Since the capacity can be increased according to the size of the reduced battery module height, there is an effect of increased capacity and energy.

[0088] In addition, refer to Figure 5 Because the protruding portion 110p is curved, the thickness of the thermally conductive resin layer 900 can be reduced. That is, the thermally conductive resin layer 900 can be formed by applying only the minimum amount of thermally conductive resin required for heat dissipation. Therefore, the amount of thermally conductive resin used can be reduced, which has the effect of reducing costs.

[0089] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 14 to 16 The sensing unit according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0090] Figure 14 This is a perspective view of a sensing unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 15 and Figure 16 These are partial views showing the appearance of the busbar frame arranged before and after the sensing unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0091] Reference Figure 3 and Figures 14 to 16 The battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a sensing unit 700 for sensing voltage information. The sensing unit 700 is used for a low voltage (LV) connection, wherein the LV connection refers to a sensing connection used for sensing and controlling the voltage of the battery cell. The voltage and temperature information of the battery cell 110 can be transmitted to an external battery management system (BMS) through the sensing unit 700.

[0092] The sensing unit 700 may include a connection component 710, a module connector 720, and a temperature sensor 730. The connection component 710 may extend along the length of the battery cell stack 200 between the top cover 430 and the upper surface of the battery cell stack 200. Furthermore, the connection component 710 may include a sensing terminal 711 attached to the busbar 610. The connection component 710 may be a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) or a flexible flat cable (FFC).

[0093] The module connector 720 can be configured to transmit signals to and receive signals from an external control device to control multiple battery cells 110. The module connector 720 can be disposed on the opposite side of the busbar frame 410 and the side of the busbar frame 420 facing the battery cell stack 200. More specifically, a connector support portion 411 is formed in the busbar frame 410 and the busbar frame 420, allowing the module connector 720 to be placed on the connector support portion 411 together with the connecting portion member 710.

[0094] Sensing terminal 711 is attached to busbar 610 mounted on busbar frame 410 and busbar frame 420 to sense voltage values. The voltage data sensed by sensing terminal 711 can be transmitted to BMS via connecting component 710 and module connector 720, and BMS (not shown) can control the charging and discharging of battery cell 110 based on the collected voltage data.

[0095] The connection component 710 may also include a temperature sensor 730. Typically, since the battery cell 110 has the highest temperature around electrode leads 111 and 112, the temperature sensor 730 is preferably located at both edges of the battery cell stack 200. Similar to voltage data, the temperature data sensed by the temperature sensor 730 can be transmitted to the BMS via the connection component 710 and the module connector 720.

[0096] That is, the sensing unit 700 can detect and control phenomena such as overvoltage, overcurrent, and overheating in each battery cell 110.

[0097] Additionally, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 End plates 810 and 820 are joined to a module frame 300 that houses the battery cell stack 200, thereby completing the battery module 100. The module frame 300 and end plates 810 and 820 preferably comprise a metallic material to protect the battery cell stack 200 and other electrical equipment with a predetermined strength, for example, aluminum (Al).

[0098] In this configuration, openings can be formed in end plates 810 and 820 to expose the terminal busbar 620 and module connector 720. The exposed terminal busbar 620 can be electrically connected to another battery module or external battery disconnect unit (BDU) to form an HV connection. Furthermore, the exposed module connector 720 can be connected to an external BMS to form an LV connection.

[0099] In the embodiments of the present invention, terms such as front, back, left, right, up, and down are used to indicate direction, but these terms are only for the convenience of explanation and may vary depending on the position of the object or the position of the observer.

[0100] One or more battery modules described above according to embodiments of the present invention can be installed together with various control and protection systems such as a battery management system, a battery disconnection unit, and a cooling system to form a battery pack.

[0101] Battery modules or battery packs can be used in a variety of devices. Specifically, they can be used in vehicles such as electric bicycles, electric cars, and hybrid vehicles, but are not limited to these; they can be used in a variety of devices that can use rechargeable batteries.

[0102] While the invention has been described in conjunction with what is now considered to be the actual implementation, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Rather, it is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

[0103] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0104] 100: Battery Module

[0105] 200: Battery cell stacking

[0106] 410, 420: Busbar Frame

[0107] 500: Guide Section

[0108] 500g: Guide groove

[0109] 500a: Adjustment section

Claims

1. A battery module, the battery module comprising: A battery cell stack, wherein multiple battery cells including protruding electrode leads are stacked in the battery cell stack; Module frame, which accommodates the battery cell stack; as well as A busbar frame is disposed at the front and rear of the battery cell stack, and the electrode leads protrude from the front and rear of the battery cell stack. The battery cell includes protruding portions, which are respectively formed at two ends of the lower edge of the battery cell. At least one of the busbar frames includes a guide portion that extends to the lower surface of the battery cell stack. A guide groove is formed in the guide portion for the protruding portion to be inserted, and The guide groove includes an adjustment section, the width of which narrows from the location of the battery cell to the location of the busbar frame. The adjustment part causes the protruding part to bend.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, When the busbar frame is disposed at the front or rear of the battery cell stack, the protruding portion of the battery cell is inserted into the guide slot.

3. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The adjustment section has an opening in the direction of the battery cell.

4. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The guide groove includes an internal portion that is further away from the battery cell than the adjustment portion. The protruding portion is inserted into the internal portion.

5. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The adjustment section includes a first side and a second side facing each other, and The first side and the second side become closer together from the position of the battery cell to the position of the busbar frame.

6. The battery module according to claim 5, wherein, The first side forms an inclined surface that deviates in the protruding direction of the electrode lead, and When the protruding portion is inserted into the guide groove, the first side is positioned corresponding to the protruding portion.

7. The battery module according to claim 6, wherein, The second side is parallel to the protruding direction of the electrode lead.

8. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The guide grooves are formed in multiple ways so as to correspond to each of the multiple battery cells.

9. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The busbar is installed to the busbar frame, and The electrode leads are connected to the busbar.

10. A battery pack comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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