Battery module and battery pack including the same

Abstract

A battery module according to an embodiment of the disclosure includes: a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; a module frame for accommodating the battery cell stack; a busbar frame located at a front surface and a rear surface of the battery cell stack; and an end plate covering the busbar frame and combined with the module frame, wherein the end plate includes an insulation portion in which a reinforcement portion is embedded, and wherein the insulation portion is in contact with the busbar frame.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0145152, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on November 3, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] This disclosure relates to a battery module and a battery pack including the battery module, and more specifically, to a battery module including an end plate that ensures weldability and rigidity while reducing weight, and a battery pack including the battery module. Background Technology

[0004] With technological advancements and increasing demand for mobile devices, the need for batteries as an energy source is rapidly growing. In particular, rechargeable batteries are attracting significant attention as a power source for power-driven devices such as electric bicycles, electric vehicles, and hybrid vehicles, as well as for mobile devices such as mobile phones, digital cameras, laptops, and wearable devices.

[0005] For small mobile devices, each device uses one or more battery cells, while medium or large devices such as vehicles require high power and large capacity, so they use medium or large battery modules with multiple battery cells that are electrically connected to each other.

[0006] Medium or large battery modules are preferably manufactured to have the smallest possible size and weight. Therefore, prismatic cells, pouch cells, and other battery cells that can be stacked with high integration and have relatively low weight relative to capacity are primarily used as medium or large battery modules. Meanwhile, to protect the battery cell stack from external impacts, heat, or vibration, the battery module may include a module frame with front and rear openings that houses the battery cell stack within an internal space.

[0007] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view of a standard battery module.

[0008] Reference Figure 1 A conventional battery module 10 includes: a module frame 11 that houses a battery cell stack (not shown) in which multiple battery cells are stacked in one direction; a busbar frame 13 located on the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack (not shown); and an end plate 20 that covers the busbar frame 13 and the module frame 11.

[0009] Here, the end plate 20 is typically made of metal to prevent the individual battery cells within the battery module 10 from cracking or deforming due to external impacts or moisture penetration. Furthermore, the metal material of the end plate 20 ensures the rigidity to which the battery module 10 can be secured to the battery pack frame and welded to the module frame 11, which is also made of metal.

[0010] Here, the end plate 20, made of a metal material, is thermally conductive, and an insulating member 25 is also included between the busbar frame 13 and the end plate 20 in the conventional battery module 10, thereby preventing the end plate 20 from directly contacting the battery cell stack (not shown) and the busbar frame 13, which is electrically connected to the busbars. Therefore, the addition of the insulating member 25 to the conventional battery module 10 also increases the weight of the metal end plate 20 itself, thus increasing the weight of the entire module. However, with the continued trend of weight reduction in automobiles, the battery module 10 also needs to be lightweight, including the end plate 20 and the insulating member 25 in the conventional battery module 10. Summary of the Invention

[0011] Technical issues

[0012] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a battery module and a battery pack including the battery module, the battery module including an end plate that ensures weldability and rigidity while reducing weight.

[0013] The purpose of this disclosure is not limited to the above-described purposes, and those skilled in the art should clearly understand other purposes not described herein through the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

[0014] Technical solution

[0015] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a battery module is provided, comprising: a battery cell stack having a plurality of battery cells stacked in the battery cell stack; a module frame for accommodating the battery cell stack; a busbar frame located on the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack; and an end plate covering the busbar frame and coupled to the module frame, wherein the end plate includes an insulating portion having a reinforcing portion embedded therein, and wherein the insulating portion contacts the busbar frame.

[0016] The reinforcing parts may include a first reinforcing part, a second reinforcing part, and a third reinforcing part arranged at different positions from each other.

[0017] The first reinforcing part can be located in the middle of the end plate, the second reinforcing part can be located at the edge of the end plate, and the third reinforcing part can be located in the mounting part of the end plate.

[0018] The thickness of the first reinforcing part can be less than the thickness of the end plate, and the size of the first reinforcing part is equal to or less than the size of the middle part of the end plate.

[0019] At least a portion of the first reinforcing section may be exposed on the outer surface of the end plate.

[0020] The first reinforcing part may have protrusions formed on the plate.

[0021] The protrusion can be exposed on the outer surface of the end plate.

[0022] The protrusion can be cross-shaped.

[0023] The second reinforcement can extend from the outer surface of the end plate to the inner surface at the edge of the end plate.

[0024] The second reinforcing part can be a plate with a length equal to or less than the edge length of the end plate.

[0025] The two side surfaces of the second reinforcement can be exposed on the two surfaces of the end plate, respectively.

[0026] Of the two side surfaces of the second reinforcement, the side surface exposed to the inner surface of the end plate can be welded to the side surface of the module frame.

[0027] The third reinforcing part can be embedded in the inner surface of the mounting part.

[0028] The third reinforcing part can extend along the inner surface of the mounting part.

[0029] The reinforcing part can be made of metal.

[0030] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a battery pack is provided, including the aforementioned battery module.

[0031] Beneficial effects

[0032] According to an embodiment, the end plate of this disclosure includes an insulating portion with embedded reinforcement, thus ensuring weldability and rigidity while reducing weight.

[0033] The effects of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand other additional effects not described above based on the specific embodiments and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view of a standard battery module;

[0035] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 3 It shows the composition Figure 2 A perspective view of the assembled state of the endplate components included in the battery module;

[0037] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Exploded perspective view of the end plate;

[0038] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 An enlarged view of region A of the end plate. Detailed Implementation

[0039] In the following, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, enabling those skilled in the art to readily implement these embodiments. The present disclosure can be modified in various ways and is not limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0040] For clarity, descriptions of parts unrelated to the description will be omitted herein, and throughout the specification, the same reference numerals denote the same elements.

[0041] Furthermore, the dimensions and thicknesses of the elements in the accompanying drawings are shown arbitrarily for ease of description, and this disclosure is not necessarily limited to what is shown in the drawings. The thicknesses of layers, regions, etc., are exaggerated in the drawings for clarity. The thicknesses of some layers and regions are exaggerated in the drawings for ease of description.

[0042] Furthermore, throughout the specification, when a section is referred to as "including" a component, unless otherwise stated, it means that the section may further include other components without excluding them.

[0043] Furthermore, throughout the instruction manual, when referred to as "plane," it means the target portion is viewed from above; when referred to as "cross section," it means the target portion is viewed from the side of a vertically cut cross section.

[0044] Hereinafter, a battery module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. However, the description herein is based on the front surface of the battery module and is not necessarily limited thereto, and even in the case of the rear surface, the same or similar content may be described.

[0045] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Reference Figure 2 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a battery module 100 includes a battery cell stack (not shown) on which a plurality of battery cells are stacked, a module frame 110 for accommodating the battery cell stack (not shown), a busbar frame located on the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack (not shown), and an end plate 200 covering the busbar frame 130 and coupled to the module frame 110. Here, the busbar electrically connected to the battery cell stack (not shown) may be located on the busbar frame 130.

[0047] The module frame 110 may include a U-shaped frame and a top plate, the U-shaped frame having openings on its upper, front, and rear surfaces and including a bottom and sides, the top plate covering the upper part of the battery cell stack (not shown). However, the module frame 110 is not limited to this and may be replaced by a frame of other shapes, such as an L-shaped frame or a single frame surrounding the battery cell stack (not shown) (except for its front and rear surfaces).

[0048] A stack of battery cells (not shown) housed in module frame 110 is formed by stacking multiple battery cells, wherein the battery cells are preferably pouch cells. A battery cell can be manufactured by housing an electrode assembly in a pouch housing made of a laminated sheet comprising resin and metal layers, and then heat-sealing the pouch housing. Multiple battery cells can be configured, and these cells are stacked and electrically connected to each other to form a stack of battery cells (not shown).

[0049] Next, the end plate 200 will be described in detail.

[0050] Figure 3 It shows the composition Figure 2 A perspective view of the assembly of the endplate components included in the battery module.

[0051] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The end plate may include an insulating portion 210, in which reinforcing portions 230, 250, and 270 are embedded. More specifically, the insulating portion 210 of the end plate 200 may contact the busbar frame 130. In other words, the reinforcing portions 230, 250, and 270 may not be exposed on the inner surface of the end plate 200 that contacts the busbar frame 130.

[0052] Therefore, the end plate 200 can prevent the reinforcements 230, 250 and 270 from directly contacting the battery cell stack (not shown) and the busbar frame 130 on which it is mounted and electrically connected to the busbar.

[0053] In one example, the insulating portion 210 of the end plate 200 can be formed by insert-injecting the reinforcing portions 230, 250, and 270. More specifically, the end plate 200 can be manufactured by placing the reinforcing portions 230, 250, and 270 into an injection mold, then injecting molten resin into the mold to cover the reinforcing portions 230, 250, and 270 with the molten resin, and allowing it to cool and solidify after a certain period of time. Here, the molten resin can be the material used to form the insulating portion 210. Thus, the end plate 200 can be removed from the injection mold by integrating the reinforcing portions 230, 250, and 270 with the insulating portion 210. However, this disclosure is not limited to this, and any method capable of embedding the reinforcing portions 230, 250, and 270 into the insulating portion 210 can be used.

[0054] More specifically, the insulating part 210 can be made of an insulating material. In one example, the insulating material may include a plastic material. More specifically, the plastic material may be PA66 (polyamide 66), PP (polypropylene), PC (polycarbonate), PC+ABS (a mixture of polycarbonate and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene), etc. However, the insulating material is not limited to this, and any material with insulating properties can be used.

[0055] Therefore, the end plate 200 includes an insulating portion 210, which makes it lighter than the prior art, reduces manufacturing costs, and simplifies the manufacturing process.

[0056] Furthermore, the reinforcing parts 230, 250, and 270 can be made of metallic materials. In one example, the metallic material may include, for example, aluminum or steel. However, the metallic material is not limited to these; any material that is easy to mold and lightweight can be used.

[0057] Therefore, by embedding the reinforcing parts 230, 250, and 270 in the end plate 200, the required rigidity of the battery module 100 can be fully ensured, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced and the manufacturing process can be simplified due to the reduced metal content compared with the prior art.

[0058] Next, we will describe the reinforcement sections 230, 250, and 270 in detail.

[0059] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Exploded perspective view of the end plate. Figure 5 yes Figure 3 An enlarged view of region A of the end plate.

[0060] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 The reinforcing parts 230, 250 and 270 may include a first reinforcing part 230, a second reinforcing part 250 and a third reinforcing part 270 disposed at different positions from each other.

[0061] Here, the first reinforcing part 230, the second reinforcing part 250, and the third reinforcing part 270 can be made of appropriate metal materials depending on their positions on the end plate 200. In one example, the first reinforcing part 230, the second reinforcing part 250, and the third reinforcing part 270 can all be made of the same or different materials.

[0062] The first reinforcing portion 230 may be located at the center of the end plate 200. In other words, the first reinforcing portion 230 may extend along the center of the end plate 200. In one example, the first reinforcing portion 230 may be a plate having the same dimensions as the center of the end plate 200. Furthermore, the first reinforcing portion 230 may be a plate with a width smaller than the thickness of the end plate 200. Thus, the first reinforcing portion 230 can enhance the rigidity of the center of the end plate 200.

[0063] Furthermore, at least a portion of the first reinforcing portion 230 can be exposed on the outer surface of the end plate 200. Thus, the first reinforcing portion 230 can maximize the area occupied by the middle portion of the end plate 200 and further enhance the rigidity of the middle portion of the end plate 200. In addition, the first reinforcing portion 230, by exposing a portion of the outer surface of the end plate 200, effectively prevents external impacts applied to the battery module 100 and the penetration of moisture, etc.

[0064] Furthermore, the first reinforcing portion 230 may have a protrusion 235 formed on the plate 231. Here, the protrusion 235 may be exposed on the outer surface of the end plate 200. In addition, the protrusion 235 may have a predetermined shape. In one example, the protrusion 235 may have a cross shape. However, this disclosure is not limited to this, and any shape that can be formed on the end plate 200 can be applied without limitation.

[0065] Therefore, the first reinforcing part 230 can further enhance the rigidity of the middle part of the end plate 200, and the amount of reinforcement corresponds to the area of ​​the protrusion 235 protruding from the outer surface of the end plate 200. In addition, the protrusion 235 of the first reinforcing part 230 can effectively prevent external impacts applied to the battery module 100 and the penetration of moisture, etc.

[0066] The second reinforcing portion 250 may be located at a corner of the end plate 200. More specifically, the second reinforcing portion 250 may extend from the outer surface of the end plate 200 to the inner surface at the edge of the end plate 200. In one example, the second reinforcing portion 250 may be a plate with a length equal to or less than the length of the edge of the end plate. Thus, the second reinforcing portion 250 can enhance the rigidity of the edge of the end plate 200.

[0067] Furthermore, the two side surfaces of the second reinforcing part 250 can be exposed on both sides of the end plate, respectively. Here, the side surface of the second reinforcing part 250 that is exposed to the inner surface of the end plate can be welded to the side surface of the module frame. Here, the second reinforcing part 250 can be made of a metallic material, and can be made of a metallic material that can be welded together.

[0068] Therefore, the second reinforcing portion 250 can maximize the area occupied by the edge of the end plate 200, thereby further strengthening the rigidity of the edge of the end plate 200. In addition, the side surface of the second reinforcing portion 250 exposed to the inner surface of the end plate 200 can effectively prevent external impacts applied to the battery module 100 and the penetration of moisture, etc.

[0069] The third reinforcing portion 270 may be located at the mounting portion A of the end plate 200. More specifically, the mounting portion A on the end plate may include an inner surface to which a fixing member (not shown) for example screws may engage. As an example, the inner surface of the mounting portion A may be threaded, and the fixing member may engage with the thread. Here, the third reinforcing portion 270 may be embedded in the inner surface of the mounting portion A. In one example, the third reinforcing portion 270 may extend along the inner surface of the mounting portion A.

[0070] Therefore, the third reinforcing part 270 can enhance the rigidity of the mounting part A of the end plate 200. In addition, the third reinforcing part 270 can ensure the rigidity of fixing the battery module 100 to the battery pack frame.

[0071] A battery pack according to another embodiment of this disclosure includes the above-described battery modules. Furthermore, one or more battery modules according to this embodiment can be encapsulated in a battery pack housing to form a battery pack.

[0072] The aforementioned battery module and battery pack including the battery module can be applied to various devices. Such devices can be applied to vehicles such as electric bicycles, electric vehicles, or hybrid vehicles, but this disclosure is not limited thereto, and is applicable to various devices that can use battery modules that fall within the scope of this disclosure.

[0073] Although preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described above, the scope of the disclosure is not limited thereto, and many other variations and modifications can be made by those skilled in the art that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as described in the appended claims.

[0074] [Explanation of Labels in the Attached Image]

[0075] 100: Battery Module

[0076] 110: Module Framework

[0077] 130: Busbar Frame

[0078] 200: End plate

[0079] 210: Insulation section

[0080] 230: First Reinforced Division

[0081] 250: Second Reinforced Unit

[0082] 270: Third Reinforced Division

Claims

1. A battery module, comprising: A battery cell stack, in which multiple battery cells are stacked; Module frame for accommodating the battery cell stack; The busbar frame is located on the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack; as well as The end plate covers the busbar frame and is integrated with the module frame. The end plate includes an insulating portion, and a reinforcing portion is embedded in the insulating portion. The insulating part is in contact with the busbar frame. The reinforcing portion includes a first reinforcing portion, which is located at the center of the end plate and extends along the center of the end plate. Wherein, at least a portion of the first reinforcing part is exposed on the outer surface of the end plate, and The first reinforcing portion includes a plate and a protrusion formed on the plate, the protrusion being configured to expose an outer surface of the end plate opposite to the inner surface of the busbar frame when the protrusion is inserted into the insulating portion.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The reinforcing part further includes a second reinforcing part and a third reinforcing part, wherein the first reinforcing part, the second reinforcing part and the third reinforcing part are arranged in different positions from each other.

3. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein: The second reinforcing part is located at the edge of the end plate, and The third reinforcing part is located at the mounting part of the end plate.

4. The battery module according to claim 3, wherein, The first reinforcing part is a plate with a thickness less than that of the end plate and a size equal to or smaller than that of the middle part of the end plate.

5. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The protrusion has a cross shape.

6. The battery module according to claim 3, wherein, The second reinforcing portion extends from the outer surface of the end plate to the inner surface at the edge of the end plate.

7. The battery module according to claim 6, wherein, The second reinforcing part is a plate with a length equal to or less than the length of the edge of the end plate.

8. The battery module according to claim 6, wherein, The two side surfaces of the second reinforcing part are respectively exposed on the two surfaces of the end plate.

9. The battery module according to claim 8, wherein, In the second reinforcement, the side surface exposed to the inner surface of the end plate is welded to the side surface of the module frame.

10. The battery module according to claim 3, wherein, The third reinforcing part is embedded in the inner surface of the mounting part.

11. The battery module according to claim 10, wherein, The third reinforcing part extends along the inner surface of the mounting part.

12. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The reinforcing part is made of metal.

13. A battery pack comprising the battery module according to claim 1.

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