Battery module comprising a plurality of parallel battery cells

Abstract

A battery module according to the present application includes a first group of battery clusters including first cylindrical battery cells arranged in two or more rows, and a second group of battery clusters including second cylindrical battery cells arranged in two or more rows in a first direction parallel to the first group of battery clusters. A busbar unit includes a first terminal busbar disposed on the first group of battery clusters and electrically connected to a positive electrode of each of the first cylindrical battery cells, a second terminal busbar disposed on the second group of battery clusters and electrically connected to a negative electrode of each of the second cylindrical battery cells, and a herringbone busbar disposed on the first group of battery clusters and the second group of battery clusters and electrically connected to a negative electrode of each of the first cylindrical battery cells and a positive electrode of each of the second cylindrical battery cells.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0185308, filed in Korea on December 28, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This disclosure relates to battery modules, and more specifically to battery modules having efficient electrical connection structures for multiple parallel battery cells. Background Technology

[0003] A secondary battery is a rechargeable and dischargeable battery, unlike a primary battery which cannot be recharged. Secondary batteries are used as power sources for energy storage systems (ESS), electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), and small, high-tech electronic devices such as mobile phones, PDAs, and laptops.

[0004] Currently, a single secondary battery (cell) cannot provide sufficient output to power an electric vehicle. In order to use secondary batteries as an energy source for electric vehicles, for example, battery modules in which multiple lithium-ion battery cells are connected in series and / or parallel should be configured, and a battery pack is usually configured, which includes a BMS (Battery Management System) for connecting the battery modules in series and functionally maintaining the battery modules, a cooling system, a BDU (Battery Disconnect Unit), and wiring.

[0005] Furthermore, based on the type of battery case, lithium-ion battery cells can be classified into can-type secondary batteries where the electrode assembly is embedded in a metal can, and bag-type secondary batteries where the electrode assembly is embedded in a pouch made of aluminum laminate. Additionally, can-type secondary batteries can be further classified according to the shape of the metal can into cylindrical batteries and prismatic batteries. The exterior of a prismatic or cylindrical battery includes a case with an open end, i.e., a battery can, and a top cover that is sealed and coupled to the open end of the battery can.

[0006] For example, such as Figure 1 As shown, when cylindrical batteries are used to assemble a battery module, the cylindrical batteries 1 in a group (parallel wiring harness) are arranged side by side, and a straight busbar 2 is provided between one group and another adjacent group. Furthermore, the top cover 1a (positive terminal) lead (W) of each cylindrical battery 1 belonging to one group is connected to the busbar 2, while the top end 1b (negative terminal) of each cylindrical battery 1 belonging to the other group is connected to the busbar 2, thus connecting the two groups in series.

[0007] The above connection method is possible when the number of cylindrical batteries 1 belonging to a group is small. However, when the number of cylindrical batteries 1 belonging to a group is very large, the length of a group becomes too long, exceeding the predetermined size of the battery module, and therefore it is difficult to arrange and electrically connect the cylindrical battery cells. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Technical issues

[0009] This disclosure is designed to address the problems of the prior art, and therefore aims to provide a battery module comprising multiple parallel battery cells, wherein even if a group comprises a large number of cylindrical battery cells, the cylindrical battery cells can be arranged within a battery module of a predetermined size, and the groups can be connected in series.

[0010] The technical objectives to be addressed by this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other objectives not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following disclosure.

[0011] Technical solution

[0012] In one aspect of this disclosure, a battery module is provided, comprising: cylindrical battery cells configured upright such that their top cover faces upward; and a busbar unit configured to connect the cylindrical battery cells in series and in parallel, wherein the cylindrical battery cells comprise: a first battery group comprising first cylindrical battery cells arranged in two or more rows; and a second battery group comprising second cylindrical battery cells arranged in two or more rows along a first direction parallel to the first battery group, wherein the busbar unit comprises: a first terminal busbar disposed on the first battery group and electrically connected to the positive terminal of each of the first cylindrical battery cells; a second terminal busbar disposed on the second battery group and electrically connected to the negative terminal of each of the second cylindrical battery cells; and a herringbone busbar disposed on the first and second battery groups and electrically connected to the negative terminal of each of the first and second cylindrical battery cells and the positive terminal of each of the second cylindrical battery cells.

[0013] The fishbone busbar may include: a skeleton portion configured to extend along a first direction between a first group of battery cells and a second group of battery cells; a plurality of first branch portions spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance and configured to extend from the skeleton portion in a direction intersecting the first direction; and a plurality of second branch portions spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance and configured to extend from the skeleton portion in a direction opposite to the direction in which the plurality of first branch portions extend.

[0014] The first terminal busbar may include a plurality of third branch portions configured to extend alternately with the plurality of first branch portions between rows of the first cylindrical battery cells, and the second terminal busbar may include a plurality of fourth branch portions configured to extend alternately with the plurality of second branch portions between rows of the second cylindrical battery cells.

[0015] The top cover of each of the first cylindrical battery cells can be wire-connected to a plurality of third branch portions, the top of the battery canister of each of the first cylindrical battery cells can be wire-connected to a plurality of first branch portions, the top cover of each of the second cylindrical battery cells can be wire-connected to a plurality of second branch portions, and the top of the battery canister of each of the second cylindrical battery cells can be wire-connected to a plurality of fourth branch portions.

[0016] The battery module may also include a battery box comprising: a bottom frame having through-holes in the upper and lower directions such that the bottom end of the cylindrical battery cell fits into the bottom frame; and a top frame coupled to the upper part of the bottom frame and configured to cover the cylindrical battery cell.

[0017] The top frame may include an upper plate configured to cover the upper part of the cylindrical battery cells, and the upper plate may include: a positive electrode connection hole formed through a region of the upper plate, with the top cover of each of the cylindrical battery cells located below the region of the upper plate; and a negative electrode connection hole formed through a region of the upper plate, with the top edge of the battery canister of each of the cylindrical battery cells located below the region of the upper plate.

[0018] The top frame may include busbar mounting guides formed on the surface of the upper plate to project upwards. The busbar mounting guides may be arranged in two or more rows along a first direction on the first cylindrical battery cell and the second cylindrical battery cell, and at least one busbar mounting guide may be provided in the same row as the positive terminal connection hole and the negative terminal connection hole, respectively.

[0019] Each of the bottom frame and the top frame may include: bushing holes formed through the corner and center regions of the bottom frame and the top frame, respectively, in the upward and downward directions; and bushings inserted into the bushing holes.

[0020] The battery module may also include a heat dissipation unit disposed below the bottom frame, and the heat dissipation unit may include: a cooling plate made of metal material disposed below the bottom frame; an insulating sheet disposed on the upper surface of the cooling plate; a bonding tab inserted between the insulating sheet and the lower surface of each of the cylindrical battery cells; and a thermally conductive material disposed on the lower surface of the cooling plate.

[0021] In another aspect of this disclosure, a battery module stack is also provided, comprising: two battery modules as described above; and a heat sink having a flow path for cooling water to flow therein, wherein the two battery modules are arranged in vertically symmetrical layers, the heat sink is inserted between the two battery modules, and the heat dissipation unit of the upper battery module is configured to contact the upper surface of the heat sink, and the heat dissipation unit of the lower battery module is configured to contact the lower surface of the heat sink.

[0022] In another aspect of this disclosure, a battery pack is also provided, which includes at least one battery module described above or at least one stack of battery modules described above.

[0023] Beneficial effects

[0024] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a battery module comprising a plurality of parallel cylindrical battery cells can be provided, wherein a large number of cylindrical battery cells are arranged in two or more rows, such that cylindrical battery cells belonging to a bank are efficiently arranged within a battery module of permissible size, and the banks are connected in series using a herringbone busbar.

[0025] The effects of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the specification and drawings other effects not mentioned herein. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the electrical connection configuration of the cylindrical battery cells in a conventional battery module.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic perspective view illustrating a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 3 It is shown that... Figure 2 An exploded view of the busbar unit separated from the battery module.

[0029] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of the battery module.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the lead connection state of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0032] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0034] Figure 9 It is shown Figure 8 A magnified view of a portion of the heat dissipation unit.

[0035] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating a battery module stack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0036] In the following description, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before the description, it should be understood that the terminology used in the specification and appended claims should not be construed as limited to its general or dictionary meaning, but should be interpreted based on the meaning and concepts corresponding to the technical aspects of the present disclosure, on the basis of allowing the inventors to appropriately limit the terminology for best explanation.

[0037] The descriptions presented herein are merely illustrative examples and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that other equivalent embodiments and modifications can be made to this disclosure without departing from its scope. Furthermore, because embodiments of this disclosure are provided to more fully explain the disclosure to those skilled in the art, the shapes and dimensions of components in the figures may be exaggerated, omitted, or illustrated schematically for clarity. Therefore, the dimensions or proportions of each component do not necessarily reflect actual dimensions or proportions.

[0038] Figure 2 This is a schematic perspective view illustrating a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 It is shown that... Figure 2 An exploded view of the separate busbar unit of the battery module, and Figure 4 It is shown Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of the battery module.

[0039] Referring to these figures, the battery module 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes can-type battery units 100A and 100B, a busbar unit 200, a battery box 300, and a heat dissipation unit 400.

[0040] The can-type battery cell can be a cylindrical battery cell 100A or 100B. The cylindrical battery cell 100A or 100B can be manufactured by placing the electrolyte and electrode assembly into a cylindrical battery can 102, providing a top cover 101 at the top opening of the battery can 102, and pressing the top opening of the battery can 102 to seal it.

[0041] The electrode assemblies of the cylindrical battery cells 100A and 100B have the following structure: a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate are wound together, with a separator inserted between the positive and negative electrode plates. Furthermore, a positive electrode contact is attached to the positive electrode plate and connected to the top cover 101. A negative electrode contact is attached to the negative electrode plate and connected to the bottom end of the battery canister 102. Therefore, in conventional cylindrical battery cells 100A and 100B, the top cover 101 can be used as the positive terminal and the battery canister 102 can be used as the negative terminal.

[0042] Although this embodiment uses cylindrical battery cells 100A and 100B as can-type battery cells, the cylindrical battery cells 100A and 100B can be replaced by rectangular battery cells having a rectangular parallelepiped shape. For reference, the rectangular battery cell can be configured such that the top cover 101 serves as the negative terminal and the battery can 102 serves as the positive terminal, which is the opposite of the cylindrical battery cells 100A and 100B.

[0043] Cylindrical battery cells 100A and 100B can be connected in series and / or in parallel according to the required output and capacity of battery module 10. When representing the electrical connection configuration of battery module 10, the number of groups connected in series and the number of cylindrical battery cells 100A and 100B belonging to each group are expressed as nS / mP (n is a natural number ≥ 1, m is a natural number ≥ 2). Here, a group refers to a collection of cylindrical battery cells 100A and 100B connected in parallel with each other.

[0044] The battery module 10 according to this embodiment has two groups, and each group includes approximately 60 to 70 cylindrical battery cells 100A and 100B. Compared to the number of groups connected in series, there are relatively more cylindrical battery cells 100A and 100B belonging to one group.

[0045] like Figure 4 As shown, the cylindrical battery cells 100A and 100B are classified into a first battery group B1 and a second battery group B2. The first battery group B1 includes first cylindrical battery cells 100A arranged in two or more rows, and the second battery group B2 includes second cylindrical battery cells 100B arranged in two or more rows along a first direction (X-axis direction) parallel to the first battery group B1.

[0046] In the first battery group B1, the first cylindrical battery cells 100A can be arranged in 16 rows, and each row can include 3 to 5 first cylindrical battery cells 100A. For example, assuming that all the first cylindrical battery cells 100A belonging to the first battery group B1 are arranged in one row, this row may exceed the size required by the battery module 10. However, if the first cylindrical battery cells 100A are arranged as in this embodiment, the cylindrical battery cells 100A, 100B belonging to a group can be set within the size range of the battery module 10.

[0047] The second battery group B2 may include 16 rows of second cylindrical battery cells 100B, and each row may include 3 to 5 second cylindrical battery cells 100B. The second cylindrical battery cells 100B may be arranged along a first direction (X-axis direction) parallel to the first cylindrical battery cells 100A, and the rows of second cylindrical battery cells 100B may be arranged adjacent to each other.

[0048] The busbar unit 200 is a component made of a metal such as copper to electrically connect cylindrical battery units 100A and 100B, and the busbar unit 200 includes a first terminal busbar 210, a second terminal busbar 220 and a fishbone busbar 230.

[0049] The first terminal busbar 210 can be disposed on the first battery group B1 and electrically connected to the positive terminal of each of the first cylindrical battery cells 100A. The second terminal busbar 220 can be disposed on the second battery group B2 and electrically connected to the negative terminal of each of the second cylindrical battery cells 100B. Additionally, the fishbone busbar 230 can be disposed on the first battery group B1 and the second battery group B2 and electrically connected to the negative terminal of each of the first cylindrical battery cells 100A and the positive terminal of each of the second cylindrical battery cells 100B. Here, the positive terminal of the first cylindrical battery cell 100A and the second cylindrical battery cell 100B refers to the top cover 101, the negative terminal of the first cylindrical battery cell 100A and the second cylindrical battery cell 100B refers to the top edge of the battery can 102, and the lead wire W is used as an electrical connection device.

[0050] Specifically, refer to Figures 4 to 5The fishbone busbar 230 will be described below. The fishbone busbar 230 includes: a skeleton portion 231 extending along a first direction (X-axis direction) between a first battery group B1 and a second battery group B2; a plurality of first branch portions 232 spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance and extending from the skeleton portion 231 in a direction intersecting the first direction (+Y-axis direction); and a plurality of second branch portions 233 spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance and extending from the skeleton portion 231 in a direction opposite to the plurality of first branch portions 232 (-Y-axis direction).

[0051] The first terminal busbar 210 includes: a first main section 211 that extends side-by-side along a first direction at a position away from the frame section 231; and a plurality of third branch sections 212 formed as a body having the first main section 211 and extending alternately with the plurality of first branch sections 232 (along the -Y axis direction) between rows of the first cylindrical battery cell 100A.

[0052] Additionally, the second terminal busbar 220 includes: a second main section 221 that extends side-by-side along a first direction at a position away from the frame section 231; and a plurality of fourth branch sections 222 that are formed as a body having the second main section 221 and extend alternately with the plurality of second branch sections 233 (along the +Y axis direction) between rows of the second cylindrical battery cell 100B.

[0053] The top cover 101 of each first cylindrical battery cell 100A belonging to the first battery group B1 is connected by a lead wire (W) to the third branch portion 212 of the first terminal bus bar 210, and the top ends of the battery canisters 102 of the first cylindrical battery cells 100A are all connected in parallel by being connected by a lead wire (W) to the first branch portion 232 of the fishbone bus bar 230.

[0054] Additionally, the top of the battery canister 102 of each of the second cylindrical battery cells 100B belonging to the second battery group B2 is connected by a lead wire (W) to the fourth branch portion 222 of the second terminal busbar 220, and the top cover 101 of the second cylindrical battery cells 100B is connected in parallel by being connected by a lead wire (W) to the second branch portion 233 of the fishbone busbar 230.

[0055] At this time, the top of the battery canister 102 of all the first cylindrical battery units 100A is connected to multiple first branch portions 232 of the fishbone busbar 230, and since the top cover 101 of all the second cylindrical battery units 100B is connected to multiple second branch portions 233 of the fishbone busbar 230, the first battery group B1 and the second battery group B2 are connected in series.

[0056] Depending on the configuration, even if a group includes a large number of cylindrical battery cells 100A and 100B, the cylindrical battery cells 100A and 100B can be arranged in two or more rows within the size range required by the battery module 10, and the cylindrical battery cells 100A and 100B belonging to the same group can be connected in parallel, while different groups can be connected in series.

[0057] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 and Figures 3 to 4 The battery box 300 includes a bottom frame 310 and a top frame 320 configured to accommodate cylindrical battery cells 100A and 100B and protect them from external impacts, etc.

[0058] The bottom frame 310 may be provided as a generally rectangular parallelepiped block with through-holes 311 extending in both the upper and lower directions (±Z-axis directions). The lower surface of the bottom frame 310 may be covered by the heat dissipation unit 400, which will be explained later. The lower ends of the cylindrical battery cells 100A and 100B may be inserted one by one into the through-holes 311, such that the bottom surfaces of the cylindrical battery cells 100A and 100B contact the heat dissipation unit 400. The uppermost layer of the heat dissipation unit 400 in contact with the bottom surfaces of the cylindrical battery cells 100A and 100B is made of a bonding tab 410 or an adhesive.

[0059] The bottom surfaces of the cylindrical battery cells 100A and 100B, embedded in the perforations 311 of the bottom frame 310, are adhered to the bonding tab 410, and the lower ends of the cylindrical battery cells 100A and 100B are inserted into and fixed in the perforations 311. Therefore, by using the bottom frame, the reliability of the electrical connection can be increased by accommodating the cylindrical battery cells, and, as explained in detail later, the bottom surfaces of the cylindrical battery cells can be easily cooled.

[0060] The top frame 320 can cover the cylindrical battery cells 100A and 100B and can be configured to be coupled to the upper part of the bottom frame 310.

[0061] A downwardly projecting insert pin 327 may be provided at the bottom edge of the top frame 320, and an insert hole 317 into which the insert pin 327 may be inserted may be provided at the top edge of the bottom frame 310. Additionally, the bottom frame 310 and the top frame 320 include: bushing holes 302 formed through corner and center regions of the bottom frame 310 and top frame 320 respectively in an upward and downward direction; and bushings inserted into the bushing holes 302. Although not shown in the figures, the bottom frame 310 and the top frame 320 can be strongly coupled together by inserting long bolts (not shown) into the bushings.

[0062] The top frame 320 includes: an upper plate 321 for covering the upper parts of the cylindrical battery cells 100A and 100B; and side plate portions for covering the side portions of the cylindrical battery cells 100A and 100B. Battery receiving spaces formed around the upper parts of the cylindrical battery cells 100A and 100B are formed on the inner side of the bottom frame 310. The battery receiving spaces correspond one-to-one with the perforations 311 of the bottom frame 310.

[0063] Busbar unit 200 can be fixedly mounted to the upper surface of upper plate 321. For example, the first main portion 211 of the first terminal busbar 210 can be fixed to one edge of upper plate 321 by fastening bolts 328, and the second main portion 221 of the second terminal busbar 220 can be fixed to other edges of upper plate 321 by fastening bolts 328. Upper plate 321 may have embedded nuts N at each location where bolts 328 are tightened to prevent damage when the first terminal busbar 210 and the second terminal busbar 220 are fixed by fastening bolts 328. Herringbone busbar 230 can be fixed to the center of upper plate 321 using adhesive.

[0064] The upper plate 321 may include: a positive terminal connection hole 323 where the top cover 101 of each of the cylindrical battery cells 100A and 100B is located; and a negative terminal connection hole 324 formed by extending through a region below which the top edge of the battery canister 102 of each of the cylindrical battery cells 100A and 100B is located. The positive terminal connection hole 323 and the negative terminal connection hole 324 may communicate with the battery housing space. Through the positive terminal connection hole 323 and the negative terminal connection hole 324, the top ends of the top cover 101 and the battery canister 102 of each of the cylindrical battery cells 100A and 100B are exposed on the upper plate 321 and are connected to the busbar unit 200 by leads (W) as described above.

[0065] Each of the positive terminal connection holes 323 is in the form of a rectangular hole with a smaller size than the top cover 101, so that only the top cover 101 can be exposed on the upper plate, and each of the negative terminal connection holes 324 can be formed in the form of a hole that reflects the curvature of the top of the battery can 102, so that only a portion of the top edge of the battery can 102 can be exposed on the upper plate.

[0066] By forming the positive electrode connection hole 323 and the negative electrode connection hole 324 in this manner, the positive electrode portion and the negative electrode portion of each cylindrical battery cell 100A, 100B can be clearly distinguished and the risk of unwanted short circuits during lead (W) connection can be reduced.

[0067] The top frame 320 may also include a busbar mounting guide 325, which is formed to project upward from the surface of the upper plate 321.

[0068] The busbar mounting guide 325 may be provided in a cubic or rectangular-cylindrical shape and may be arranged in two or more rows along a first direction on the first cylindrical battery cell 100A and the second cylindrical battery cell 100B. At least one busbar mounting guide 325 may be provided in the same row as the positive terminal connection hole 323 and the negative terminal connection hole 324.

[0069] When the busbar unit 200 is mounted on the upper plate, the busbar mounting guide rod 325 can be used as a reference to guide the mounting positions of the first terminal busbar 210, the second terminal busbar 220, and the herringbone busbar 230. Additionally, when external impacts or vibrations are applied, the busbar mounting guide rod 325 can prevent the spacing between the first terminal busbar 210 and the herringbone busbar 230, or between the second terminal busbar 220 and the herringbone busbar 230, from decreasing to a certain level, thereby preventing them from contacting each other.

[0070] The heat dissipation unit 400 can be disposed below the bottom frame 310 as a device for reducing the temperature by dissipating the heat from the cylindrical battery cells 100A and 100B to the outside.

[0071] like Figure 9 As shown, the heat dissipation unit 400 may include a bonding plate 410, an insulating plate 420, a cooling plate 430, and a thermally conductive material 440.

[0072] The bonding tab 410 preferably has adhesive and thermal conductivity. The bonding tab 410 is inserted under the bottom frame 310 to contact the bottom surface of the battery canister 102 of all the cylindrical battery cells 100A, 100B. The bonding tab 410 can be replaced by a non-sheet curing adhesive.

[0073] The insulating sheet 420 can be made of silicon or graphite material, which has electrical insulation and heat dissipation properties. The insulating sheet 420 is used to ensure insulation and thermal conductivity between the cylindrical battery cells 100A, 100B and the cooling plate 430.

[0074] The cooling plate 430 is a plate-shaped body with mechanical rigidity and thermal conductivity. The cooling plate 430 supports the cylindrical battery cells 100A and 100B at the lower part of the bottom frame 310 and serves to dissipate the heat generated by the cylindrical battery cells 100A and 100B to the outside. For example, the cooling plate 430 can be made of aluminum or aluminum alloy.

[0075] Thermally conductive material 440 is inserted into the lower surface of cooling plate 430. Thermally conductive material 440 effectively conducts heat by filling gaps formed due to differences in surface roughness when one object contacts another, and promotes heat exchange between heat sink 500 and cooling plate 430, which will be explained later. For example, thermal paste can be used as thermally conductive material 440.

[0076] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating a battery module stack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0077] Next, refer to Figure 10 A battery module stack according to an embodiment of this disclosure will be briefly described.

[0078] The battery module stack includes two battery modules 10A and 10B as described above, and a heat sink 500. The heat sink 500 may be provided in the form of a plate having a flow path through which cooling water can flow and a cooling water supply / discharge port 501 connected to the flow path.

[0079] As shown in the figure, two battery modules 10A and 10B are arranged on a vertically symmetrical layer. A heat sink 500 is inserted between the two battery modules 10A and 10B. The heat dissipation unit 400 of the upper battery module 10A can be configured to contact the upper surface of the heat sink 500, and the heat dissipation unit 400 of the lower battery module 10B can be configured to contact the lower surface of the heat sink 500. Although not shown, plate-shaped brackets (not shown) can be mounted to the two battery modules 10A and 10B and the two side surfaces of the heat sink 500 to completely fix the two battery modules 10A and 10B and the heat sink 500.

[0080] Furthermore, the battery pack according to this disclosure may include at least one battery module 10 of this disclosure. In addition to the battery module 10, the battery pack according to this disclosure may also include a housing for accommodating the battery module 10, and various devices such as a management system (BMS), current sensors, fuses, etc., for controlling the charging and discharging of the battery module 10.

[0081] The battery module according to this disclosure can be used in vehicles such as electric vehicles or hybrid electric vehicles, or in energy storage systems (ESS).

[0082] This disclosure has been described in detail. However, it should be understood that although preferred embodiments of this disclosure are indicated, detailed descriptions and specific examples are given only by way of illustration, as various changes and modifications that can be made within the scope of this disclosure based on this detailed description will become apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0083] At the same time, when the terms indicating the directions of “up,” “down,” “left,” “right,” “front,” and “back” are used in the specification, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these terms are for ease of interpretation only and may change based on the position of the observer or the position of the object to be observed.

Claims

1. A battery module comprising: a cylindrical battery cell configured to stand so that a top cover thereof faces upward; and a busbar unit configured to connect the cylindrical battery cells in series and in parallel, wherein the cylindrical battery cell includes: a first group of battery clusters including first cylindrical battery cells arranged in two or more rows; and a second group of battery clusters including second cylindrical battery cells arranged in two or more rows in a first direction parallel to the first group of battery clusters, wherein the busbar unit includes: a first terminal busbar disposed on the first group of battery clusters and electrically connected to a positive electrode of each of the first cylindrical battery cells; a second terminal busbar disposed on the second group of battery clusters and electrically connected to a negative electrode of each of the second cylindrical battery cells; and a herringbone busbar disposed on the first group of battery clusters and the second group of battery clusters and electrically connected to a negative electrode of each of the first cylindrical battery cells and a positive electrode of each of the second cylindrical battery cells, wherein the battery module further includes: a battery case including a bottom frame having a through-hole therethrough in an upward direction and a downward direction so that a bottom end of the cylindrical battery cell fits in the bottom frame, and a top frame coupled to an upper portion of the bottom frame and configured to cover the cylindrical battery cell, wherein the top frame includes an upper plate configured to cover an upper portion of the cylindrical battery cell, and wherein the upper plate includes: a positive electrode connection hole formed by passing a region of the upper plate therethrough, a top cover of each of the cylindrical battery cells being located under the region of the upper plate; and a negative electrode connection hole formed by passing a region of the upper plate therethrough, a top edge of a cell can of each of the cylindrical battery cells being located under the region of the upper plate.

2. The battery module of claim 1, wherein, the herringbone busbar includes: a backbone portion configured to extend in a first direction between the first group of battery clusters and the second group of battery clusters; a plurality of first branch portions spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance and configured to extend from the backbone portion in a direction intersecting the first direction; and a plurality of second branch portions spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance and configured to extend from the backbone portion in a direction opposite to a direction in which the plurality of first branch portions extend.

3. The battery module of claim 2, wherein, the first terminal busbar includes a plurality of third branch portions configured to extend between the rows of the first cylindrical battery cells alternately with the plurality of first branch portions, and the second terminal busbar includes a plurality of fourth branch portions configured to extend between the rows of the second cylindrical battery cells alternately with the plurality of second branch portions.

4. The battery module of claim 3, wherein, a top cap of each of the first cylindrical battery cells is wire-bonded to the plurality of third branch portions, and a top end of a battery can of each of the first cylindrical battery cells is wire-bonded to the plurality of first branch portions, and a top cap of each of the second cylindrical battery cells is wire-bonded to the plurality of second branch portions, and a top end of a battery can of each of the second cylindrical battery cells is wire-bonded to the plurality of fourth branch portions. 5.The battery module of claim 1, wherein the top frame includes busbar mounting guides formed on a surface of the upper plate to protrude upward, the busbar mounting guides are arranged in two or more rows in the first direction on the first cylindrical battery cells and the second cylindrical battery cells, and at least one busbar mounting guide is provided in the same row as the positive electrode connection hole and the negative electrode connection hole, respectively. 6.The battery module of claim 1, wherein, each of the bottom frame and the top frame includes a bushing hole formed through a corner area and a center area of the bottom frame and the top frame in an upward direction and a downward direction, respectively, and a bushing inserted in the bushing hole. 7.The battery module of claim 1, further comprising: a heat dissipation unit disposed under the bottom frame, wherein the heat dissipation unit includes: a cooling plate made of a metal material and disposed under the bottom frame; an insulating sheet disposed on an upper surface of the cooling plate; a bonding sheet inserted between the insulating sheet and a lower surface of each of the cylindrical battery cells; and a thermally conductive material disposed on a lower surface of the cooling plate.

8. A battery module stack comprising: two battery modules according to claim 7; and a heat sink having a flow path in which cooling water flows, wherein the two battery modules are arranged in vertically symmetrical layers, the heat sink is inserted between the two battery modules, and the heat dissipation unit of the battery module at an upper side is disposed to contact an upper surface of the heat sink, and the heat dissipation unit of the battery module at a lower side is disposed to contact a lower surface of the heat sink. 9.A battery pack including at least one battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

Images