Battery Module

Abstract

A battery module is provided. The battery module includes: a battery cell having opposing top and bottom surfaces, a long side surface extending between the top and bottom surfaces, and a short side surface extending between the top, bottom, and long side surfaces, the battery cell including terminals on the top surface; an end plate having an end region contacting the long side surface of the battery cell and an end flange bending from the lower end of the end region in a direction away from the long side surface; and a side plate having a side region contacting the short side surface of the battery cell, a side flange bending from the lower end of the side region to cover the bottom surface of the battery cell, and a side engagement member extending from the side flange and engaging with the end flange.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0192761, filed on December 30, 2021, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] An aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure relates to a battery module. Background Technology

[0003] Electric vehicles comprise dozens to thousands of battery cells. Typically, multiple cells are bundled together and housed in a frame to be protected from external forces such as heat and vibration. These bundled cells are called battery modules. Furthermore, a battery management system for controlling temperature and voltage, along with cooling devices, are added to these modules, subsequently referred to as battery packs.

[0004] The information disclosed above is part of the technology used as background information for this disclosure, but is intended to enhance the understanding of the background technology of this disclosure. Therefore, it may include information that does not constitute prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Embodiments of this disclosure provide a battery module in which the lower regions of an end plate and a side plate are joined together to reduce or minimize the expansion of the lower portion of the individual cells when the battery pack is at the end of its life (EOL) period, thereby preventing damage to the lower portion of the individual cells and improving the ease of assembly between the module and the pack interface when replacing or repairing the end-of-life (EOL) module in the vehicle.

[0006] Embodiments of this disclosure also provide a battery module in which individual cells are not damaged or partially degraded even when relatively high expansion forces are applied to the module during the EOL period.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a battery module includes: a battery cell having a top surface, a bottom surface opposite to the top surface, a long side surface extending between the top surface and the bottom surface, and a short side surface extending between the top surface, the bottom surface, and the long side surface, the battery cell including terminals on the top surface; an end plate having an end region contacting the long side surface of the battery cell and an end flange bending from the lower end of the end region in a direction away from the long side surface; and a side plate having a side region contacting the short side surface of the battery cell, a side flange bending from the lower end of the side region to cover the bottom surface of the battery cell, and a side engagement member extending from the side flange and engaging with the end flange.

[0008] The side joint may include: an extension that gradually expands to extend from the side flange; a bend that bends from the extension in an upward direction away from the long side surface; and a joint that extends from the bend and connects to the end flange.

[0009] The joint of the side joint and the end flange of the end plate can be welded to each other.

[0010] The end flange of the end plate and the side joint of the side plate can be spaced apart from the corner, and the long side surface, short side surface and bottom surface of the battery cell contact each other at the corner.

[0011] Side joints can extend from the side flange in an S-shape or Z-shape.

[0012] The area covered by the side joint on the bottom surface of the battery cell can be larger than the area covered by the side flange on the bottom surface of the battery cell.

[0013] The battery module may further include: a first auxiliary end plate between the long side surface of the battery cell and the end plate; and a sleeve mounting member on the long side surface of the battery cell, wherein the end plate and the side plate are coupled to the sleeve mounting member.

[0014] The first auxiliary end plate may have a groove, and the end plate may include a protrusion that engages with the groove.

[0015] The first auxiliary end plate may include: a body that contacts the long side surface of the battery cell and the end plate; and an expansion absorption portion that extends from the body, contacts the long side surface of the battery cell, and is spaced apart from the end plate.

[0016] The expansion absorption section can have a thickness smaller than that of the main body.

[0017] The end plate may include stainless steel, and the first auxiliary end plate may include aluminum.

[0018] The battery module may also include an assembly mounting member that is attached to the bottom surface of the sleeve mount, and the bottom surface of the sleeve mount may be located at a position higher than the end flange and the side joint.

[0019] The battery module may also include: a second auxiliary end plate, which is attached to the sleeve mounting component; and an insulating plate, which is attached to the second auxiliary end plate. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of this disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, explain aspects and features of the disclosure. In the drawings:

[0021] Figures 1A to 1C These are, respectively, a perspective view, a side view, and a bottom view of the battery module according to the embodiment;

[0022] Figure 2A and Figure 2B They are Figures 1A to 1C Front and rear perspective views of the end plate component in the battery module shown;

[0023] Figures 3A to 3C They are Figures 1A to 2B Perspective view, bottom view and side view of the connection structure between the side plate and the end plate in the battery module shown;

[0024] Figure 4 It is shown Figures 1A to 3C A side view showing the relationship between the combined structure of the side and end plates in the battery module and the assembly components; and

[0025] Figure 5A and Figure 5B They are Figures 1A to 4 The exploded perspective view and partial transverse sectional view of the end plate component in the battery module shown. Detailed Implementation

[0026] In the following description, embodiments of the present disclosure will be illustrated in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] However, this disclosure may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of this disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0028] It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected to," or "bonded to" another element or layer, it can be directly on, directly connected to, or directly bonded to the other element or layer, or one or more intermediary elements or intermediary layers may be present. When an element or layer is referred to as being "directly on," "directly connected to," or "directly bonded to" another element or layer, no intermediary element or intermediary layer is present. For example, when a first element is described as being "bonded" or "connected" to a second element, the first element can be directly bonded to or connected to the second element, or the first element can be indirectly bonded to or connected to the second element via one or more intermediary elements. In the following text, the expression "contact" includes both "indirect contact" and "direct contact."

[0029] In the accompanying drawings, the dimensions of various elements, layers, etc., may be exaggerated for clarity. The same reference numerals designate the same elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Furthermore, when describing embodiments of this disclosure, the use of "may" refers to "one or more embodiments of this disclosure." When expressions such as "at least one of..." follow a list of elements, the entire list of elements is modified, not the individual elements listed. As used herein, the term "use" and its variations may be considered synonymous with the term "utilize" and its variations, respectively. As used herein, the terms "basically," "about," and similar terms are used as approximate terms rather than terms of degree and are intended to account for inherent variations in measurements or calculations that will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0030] It will be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or portion from another element, component, region, layer, or portion. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments, the first element, first component, first region, first layer, or first portion discussed below may be referred to as a second element, second component, second region, second layer, or second portion.

[0031] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as “below,” “under,” “lower,” “above,” and “upper” are used herein to describe the relationship between one element or feature and another element(s) shown in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood that, in addition to the orientations depicted in the drawings, the spatial relative terms are intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the drawings is flipped, then an element described as “below” or “under” other elements or features will subsequently be oriented “above” or “above” other elements or features. Thus, the term “below” can cover both above and below orientations. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptive terms used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0032] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments of this disclosure and is not intended to limit the disclosure. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a” and “an” are also intended to include the plural forms. It will also be understood that when the terms “comprising” and / or “including” and variations thereof are used in this specification, they specify the presence of the stated features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0033] Figures 1A to 1C These are, respectively, a perspective view, a side view, and a bottom view of the battery module 100 according to an embodiment. Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figure 1C In the embodiments shown, the battery module 100 may include a plurality of battery cells 110 and a module frame 120. In some embodiments, the battery module 100 may further include a module cover 130 covering the plurality of battery cells 110 and the module frame 120.

[0034] In some embodiments, a plurality of battery cells 110 may be arranged in a row. Each battery cell 110 (e.g., some or all of the battery cells 110) may have a top surface where terminals are disposed, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, a long side surface connecting the top and bottom surfaces (e.g., extending between the top and bottom surfaces), and a short side surface connecting the top, bottom, and long side surfaces (e.g., extending between the top, bottom, and long side surfaces). In some embodiments, the area (e.g., surface area) of the long side surface may be relatively larger than the area of ​​the short side surface, and the long side surfaces of the battery cells 110 may be arranged in a row facing each other (e.g., may be arranged parallel to each other). In some embodiments, the battery cell 110 may be a prismatic battery with electrode assemblies housed in a can or housing, or a pouch battery with electrode assemblies housed in a bag.

[0035] Multiple battery cells 110 can be connected in series and / or in parallel via one or more busbars to form a battery module 100, and multiple battery modules 100 can be prepared to form a battery pack. In some embodiments, the busbars can be electrically connected to terminals disposed in the battery cells 110, and the terminals and busbars can be covered and protected by the module cover 130. In some embodiments, the battery pack can be electrically connected to an electric vehicle or a charger. In some embodiments, a cooling device can also be disposed on the bottom surface of the battery module 100 to keep the battery module 100 within a safe temperature range during use.

[0036] The module frame 120 may include a pair of end plate members 121 and a pair of side plates 122.

[0037] A pair of endplate members 121 may be configured to contact the long side surfaces of the first and last battery cells 110 arranged in a row. In some embodiments, each of the endplate members 121 may have a modular mounting interface configured to connect to a pack via a sleeve mount (e.g., a mounting sleeve) 123, and may also include a low-voltage connector 124 and a high-voltage terminal interface 125.

[0038] A pair of side plates 122 may be configured to contact the short side surfaces of the row-arranged battery cells 110. The side plates 122 may be connected to the end plate members 121 at both ends (e.g., opposite ends) of the battery module 100, so that the rigidity of the module frame 120 can be maintained and the side surfaces of the battery module 100 can be protected.

[0039] Side plate 122 may have a side region 1221 and a side flange 1222. Side plate 122 may also include a side joint 1223 that engages the side flange 1222 to end plate member 121. In some embodiments, side region 1221 may have a plurality of through holes 1227 for weight reduction.

[0040] As described above, the module frame 120 can be configured to restrict the periphery of the battery cells 110 arranged in a row. Therefore, even if the battery cells 110 expand due to chemical reactions caused by charging and / or discharging, the battery module 100 will not interfere with the various group interfaces. Furthermore, the module frame 120 can protect the battery cells 110 from damage in the event of vibration, impact, compression, or nail penetration. The module frame 120 may include, or can be referred to as, a rigid body, retainer, housing, casing, etc.

[0041] Figure 2A and Figure 2B These are, respectively, front and rear perspective views of the end plate member 121 in the battery module 100 according to an embodiment. Figure 2A and Figure 2B In the illustrated embodiment, end plate component 121 includes an end plate 1211 and a sleeve mounting member 123. In some embodiments, end plate component 121 may further include an auxiliary end plate 1216 and / or an insulating plate 1217.

[0042] End plate 1211 may have an end region (e.g., edge) 1212, a lower end flange 1213, and a side end flange 1214. End region 1212 may have a generally flat plate shape and may contact the long side surface of a battery cell 110. In some embodiments, end region 1212 may include a plurality of horizontal recesses 1215 (e.g., may have a corrugated surface) recessed in a direction away from the long side surface of the battery cell 110 to improve its rigidity. Lower end flange 1213 may bend from the lower end of end region 1212 in a direction away from the long side of the battery cell 110. The horizontal width of lower end flange 1213 may be smaller than the horizontal width of end region 1212, and the vertical width (or height width) of side end flange 1214 may be smaller than the vertical width (or height width) of end region 1212.

[0043] The lower flange 1213 can be bent to be substantially perpendicular to the end region 1212. The side flange 1214 can be bent from each of the two ends (e.g., opposite ends) of the end region 1212 in a direction away from the long side surface of the battery cell 110. The side flange 1214 can also be bent to be substantially perpendicular to the end region 1212. In some embodiments, the side flange 1214 can be coupled (e.g., laser welded) to the sleeve mount 123. The end plate 1211 can comprise stainless steel or aluminum (or can be formed of stainless steel or aluminum).

[0044] In some embodiments, the sleeve mounting member 123 may be vertically erected on each of the two sides of the front side of the end plate 1211 and may be coupled to the side flange 1214 as described above. The height (or length) of the sleeve mounting member 123 may be smaller than the height (or length) of the end plate 1211. In some embodiments, the sleeve mounting member 123 may be a hollow column. In some embodiments, the bottom surface of the sleeve mounting member 123 may have a height greater than the height of the lower flange 1213, and the mounting member 140 (see...) Figure 4 It can be attached to the bottom surface of the sleeve mount 123. In some examples, the sleeve mount 123 may include stainless steel or aluminum.

[0045] In some examples, auxiliary end plate 1216 may be coupled (e.g., laser welded) to sleeve mount 123, and insulating plate 1217 may be coupled to auxiliary end plate 1216. Auxiliary end plate 1216 and insulating plate 1217 may be configured using a double injection method (e.g., formed by a double injection method). Insulating plate 1217 may provide module interfaces 1218 and 1219 for coupling low-voltage connector 124 and high-voltage terminal interface 125, etc., to module interfaces 1218 and 1219. In some examples, low-voltage connector 124 may be coupled to module interface 1218, and high-voltage terminal interface 125 may be coupled to module interface 1219.

[0046] Figures 3A to 3C These are perspective views, bottom views, and side views of the connection structure between the side plate 122 and the end plate 1211 in the battery module 100 according to the embodiment. In the following text, [the structures will be referred to as...]. Figures 3A to 3C Please refer to the above. Figures 1A to 1C , Figure 2A and Figure 2B .

[0047] exist Figures 1A to 1C , Figures 2A to 2B as well as Figures 3A to 3C In the embodiment shown, the side plate 122 has a side region 1221, a side flange 1222, and a side joint 1223.

[0048] In some embodiments, the side region 1221 may have a substantially flat plate shape and may be configured to contact the short side surface of the battery cell 110. The side flange 1222 may be configured to bend from the lower end of the side region 1221 to cover a portion of the bottom surface of the battery cell 110. In some examples, the side flange 1222 may be bent in a direction substantially perpendicular to the side region 1221. In some examples, the percentage of the bottom surface of the battery cell 110 covered by the side flange 1222 may range from about 1% to about 20%.

[0049] The interior (where the entire bottom surface of the battery cell 110 is 100%). In some examples, the side panel 1220 may include stainless steel or aluminum.

[0050] In some examples, the side engagement 1223 may extend from the side flange 1222 and may engage with the lower flange 1213. The side engagement 1223 may extend from the side flange 1222 corresponding to the first battery cell 110 or a subsequent battery cell 110. In some embodiments, the side engagement 1223 may...

[0051] Extending from the side flange 1222 corresponding to the last battery cell 110 or the previous battery cell 110. 5 In some embodiments, the side joint 1223 may have an extension 1224, a bend 1225, and...

[0052] Joint 1226. Extension 1224 may gradually expand to extend from side flange 1222. For example, extension 1224 may gradually expand in area to extend from side flange 1222 (e.g., the width of extension 1224 may increase from side flange 1222). Bending portion 1225 may extend away from battery from extension 1224.

[0053] The long side surface of cell 110 is curved in the upward direction. In some embodiments, the curved portion 1225 may be located at a position spaced apart from the short side surface of cell 110 on the long side surface away from cell 110.

[0054] The surface bends upwards. The joint 1226 extends from the bend 1225 and can be joined to the lower flange 1213. The joint 1226 can be mechanically and / or thermally joined to the lower flange 1213 by laser welding, resistance welding, ultrasonic welding, etc. Figure 3A and Figure 3B As shown, it can be combined

[0055] Two laser welding lines are observed on part 1226 (for example, two laser welding lines may be formed on joint 51226).

[0056] The lower flange 1213 of the end plate 1211 may also be bent in a direction away from the long side surface of the battery cell 110 at a position spaced apart from the short side surface of the battery cell 110. In addition, in some embodiments, the lower flange 1213 may be slightly higher than the side flange 1222 of the side plate 122 at a certain position.

[0057] For example, the height of the lower flange 1213 may be slightly higher than the extension 1224 of the side joint 1223. Therefore, because the curved portion 1225 of the side joint 1223 bends upward, the top surface of the joint 1226 can...

[0058] It contacts the bottom surface of the lower flange 1213.

[0059] When the battery module 100 is viewed from the bottom surface, the side joint 1223 extends from the side flange 1222 in a generally S-shaped or Z-shaped manner. Therefore, when expansion forces are applied from the battery cell 110 (e.g., during the end-of-life period of the battery cell 110), the stress applied to the side joint 1223 attached to the end plate 1211 can be dispersed to prevent damage to the side joint 1223.

[0060] Furthermore, the side connector 1223 may cover the bottom surface of the battery cell 110 more widely than the side flange 1222. In some embodiments, the area of ​​the bottom surface of the first or last battery cell 110 covered by the side connector 1223 may be larger than the area of ​​the bottom surface of each of the other battery cells 110 covered by the side flange 1222. In some embodiments, the percentage of the bottom surface of the battery cell 110 covered by the side connector 1223 may range from about 1% to about 40%, or in some embodiments, from about 12% to about 30%. In some embodiments, the end plate 1211 may serve as a heat sink, and because the side connector 1223 is mechanically and / or thermally bonded to the end plate 1211, the heat dissipation performance of the first and / or last battery cell 110 may be improved. Therefore, the temperature deviation between the battery cells 110 may be further reduced. In other words, even when the side joint 1223 covers the bottom surface of the first battery cell 110 and / or the last battery cell 110 relatively wide (e.g., the bottom surface of the battery cell 110 is cooled by contact with a cooling device), the corresponding battery cell 110 can be cooled by (or by) the end plate 1211, so the temperature deviation of all battery cells can be small.

[0061] Because the joint portion 1226 of the side connector 1223 is welded to the lower flange 1213 of the end plate 1211, the rigidity of the end plate 1211 can be improved. In some embodiments, since the side plate 122 and the end plate 1211 are joined by the side connector 1223, the deformation of the battery module 100 can be reduced by about 50% compared to a conventional battery module. In addition, the end flange of the end plate and the side connector of the side plate are spaced apart from the corners, and the long side surface, short side surface and bottom surface of the battery cell 110 contact each other at the corners.

[0062] Furthermore, the side joint 1223 may have a bend 1225 disposed between the extension 1224 and the joint 1226 to absorb (e.g., accommodate) component tolerances between the end plate 1211 and the side plate 122. In some embodiments, the bend 1225 may be provided with a two-stage (or two-part) bending structure, and due to the bending structure, the lower flange 1213 of the end plate 1211 and the joint 1226 of the side joint 1223 can be in firm contact with each other during the laser welding process, thus improving weld quality. In some embodiments, the overlap width between the lower flange 1213 and the joint 1226 can be at least about 0.1 mm to about 5 mm. Therefore, because the lower flange 1213 and the joint 1226 are in firm contact with each other and the overlap width is relatively wide, problems including laser welding defects (such as holes, undercuts, cracks, and insufficient weld shear force) can be prevented.

[0063] Figure 4 This is a side view showing the relationship between the combination structure of the side plate and end plate in the battery module according to an embodiment and the assembly mounting members. (See also...) Figures 3A to 3C as well as Figure 4 A space can be provided between the lower flange 1213 of the end plate 1211, the side joint 1223 of the side plate 122, and the sleeve mounting member 123, and a mounting member 140 for mounting the battery module 100 can be provided in this space. Therefore, because of this space, the battery module 100 and the mounting member 140 can avoid interfering with each other. Furthermore, as described above, the rigidity of the lower portion of the end plate 1211 can be improved due to the mutual engagement structure of the side plate 122 and the end plate 1211 via the side joint 1223, thus suppressing expansion at the lower portion of the first battery cell 110 and / or the last battery cell 110 adjacent to the end plate 1211 during the end-of-life (EOL) period of the battery module 100. For example, due to the improved rigidity of the lower portion of the end plate 1211, expansion of the battery cell 110 adjacent to the end plate 1211 can be suppressed. Therefore, the battery cell 110 can be installed without interfering with the assembly interface (such as the assembly mounting member 140), and the replacement and / or reassembly of the battery module 100 can be easy. Furthermore, expansion of the lower portion of the battery cell 110 can be suppressed, thus preventing the lower portion of one or more cell canisters or housings from cracking or tearing, or a decrease in lifespan due to localized degradation.

[0064] Figure 5A and Figure 5B These are, respectively, an exploded perspective view of the front view and a partial transverse sectional view of the end plate member 221 in the battery module 100 according to an embodiment. Figure 5A and Figure 5B In the embodiments shown, the end plate component 221 may further include an end plate 2211, a first auxiliary end plate 2221, a sleeve mounting member 123, a second auxiliary end plate 1216, and an insulating plate 1217. In some embodiments, the end plate 2211 may be similar to the end plate 1211 described above. Furthermore, since the connection structure between the end plate 2211 and the side plate (e.g., side plate 122) is the same as or similar to the connection structure described above, its repeated description will be omitted.

[0065] The end plate 2211 may have protrusions 2215 facing the long side surface of the battery cell 110. The protrusions 2215 may include, or be referred to as, burrs that appear as they pass through the end plate 2211. In some embodiments, two protrusions 2215 spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction may be provided on the end plate 2211.

[0066] A first auxiliary end plate 2221 may be positioned between the long side surface of the battery cell 110 and the end plate 2211. In some embodiments, the first auxiliary end plate 2221 may contact the long side surface of the battery cell 110 and the end plate 2211. The first auxiliary end plate 2221 may have a groove 2223. In some embodiments, two grooves 2223 spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction to correspond to a protrusion 2215 may be provided in the first auxiliary end plate 2221. In some embodiments, a protrusion 2215 of the end plate 2211 may engage with a groove 2223 in the first auxiliary end plate 2221 (e.g., it may be inserted into a groove 2223 in the first auxiliary end plate 2221).

[0067] The first auxiliary end plate 2221 may include a body 2222 and an expansion absorption portion 2224. The body 2222 may contact each of the long side surface of the battery cell 110 and each of the end plates 2211. The expansion absorption portion 2224 may extend from the body 2222 in each of two directions in the form of wings, and may contact the long side surface of the battery cell 110 or may be spaced apart from the end plate 2211. In some embodiments, the spacing between the expansion absorption portion 2224 and the end plate 2211 may be in the range of about 1 mm to about 5 mm. If the spacing is less than about 1 mm, the expansion margin is too small for the expansion absorption portion 2224 to contact the end plate 2211 before the end-of-life (EOL) period. When the spacing is greater than about 5 mm, the expansion and stress resistance performance of the battery cell 110 no longer improves. However, the spacing or allowable expansion space is affected by the monomer expansion rate, monomer rigidity, monomer filling rate (e.g., the ratio of electrode assemblies occupied in the monomer tank), end plate rigidity, compressive force of the insulating material placed between monomers, and the gap applied between monomers. Therefore, the spacing can be determined by taking the above factors into account.

[0068] In some embodiments, the thickness of the expansion-absorbing portion 2224 may be smaller than the thickness of the body 2222. For example, the expansion-absorbing portion 2224 may have a thickness in the range of about 1 mm to about 3 mm, and the thickness of the body 2222 may be in the range of about 6 mm to about 8 mm to ensure rigidity.

[0069] In some embodiments, the end plate 2211 may be made of stainless steel, and the auxiliary end plate 2221 may be made of aluminum to reduce the weight of the battery module 100.

[0070] The sleeve mounting member 123 can be vertically erected (e.g., vertically oriented or vertically arranged) to be mounted on the long side surface of the battery cell 110, and the end plate 2211, the side plate 122, and the second auxiliary end plate 1216 can be coupled (e.g., welded) to the sleeve mounting member 123. The first auxiliary end plate 2221 can be spaced apart from the sleeve mounting member 123 and not coupled to the sleeve mounting member 123. In some embodiments, the end plate 2211 can be coupled to the inner surface of the sleeve mounting member 123 (e.g., in the direction toward the long side surface of the battery cell 110), the second auxiliary end plate 1216 can be coupled to the front outer surface of the sleeve mounting member 123 (e.g., in the direction away from the long side surface of the battery cell 110), and the side plate 122 can be coupled to the outer surface of the side portion of the sleeve mounting member 123.

[0071] The second auxiliary end plate 1216 and the insulating plate 1217 can be disposed in front of the end plate 2211 while being joined together. In some embodiments, the second auxiliary end plate 1216 and the insulating plate 1217 can be disposed by a double injection method (e.g., formed by a double injection method).

[0072] End plate 2211 and auxiliary end plate 2221 can be spaced apart from each other in areas substantially corresponding to sleeve mount 123. For example, the body 2222 of auxiliary end plate 2221 can contact each of end plate 2211 and battery cell 110, but the expansion absorption portion 2224 of auxiliary end plate 2221 can contact only battery cell 110 and can be spaced apart from end plate 1211 and sleeve mount 123. Therefore, even when sleeve mount 123 is fixed to the assembly, stress will not concentrate in battery cell 110, thus suppressing degradation of battery cell 110 and reducing damage to battery cell 110. Furthermore, because pressure is uniformly applied to battery cell 110 throughout the entire lifespan of battery module 100, the lifespan of battery cell 110 can be increased.

[0073] Because the end plate 2211 and the auxiliary end plate 2221 (e.g., the expansion absorption portion 2224) are in contact with each other during the EOL period, the rigidity of the entire end plate component 221 can be improved, so the battery module 100 will not interfere with other components. In some embodiments, in the battery module 100 according to the embodiment, an expansion absorption space can also be provided between the end plate 2211 and the auxiliary end plate 2221 to reduce the cell expansion force. Since the cell expansion force is reduced, the shear force on the joint area (e.g., the welding area) between the end plate 2211 and the sleeve mount 123 can be reduced and / or the shear force on the joint area (e.g., the welding area) between the side plate 122 and the sleeve mount 123 can also be reduced.

[0074] In some embodiments, the end plate 2211 and the auxiliary end plate 2221, which are of dissimilar metals, can be joined together when the two protrusions 2215 on the end plate 2211 engage with the two grooves 2223 in the auxiliary end plate 2221. This engagement structure of the protrusions 2215 and grooves 2223 improves the rigidity of the end plate member 221. In some embodiments, the rigidity of the end plate 2211 may be less than that of the auxiliary end plate 2221, thus the end plate 2211 may deform during the end-of-life (EOL) period. However, in embodiments of this disclosure, the protrusions 2215 on the end plate 2211 can be more securely fixed to the grooves 2223 in the auxiliary end plate 2221 to suppress further deformation of the end plate 2211.

[0075] exist Figure 5B In the figure, reference numeral 111 indicates the electrode assembly of the battery cell 110, reference numeral 112 indicates the insulating bag surrounding the electrode assembly 111, and reference numeral 113 indicates the cell can or cell housing.

[0076] Embodiments of this disclosure may provide a battery module in which the lower regions of the end plate and the lower regions of the side plate are joined together to reduce or minimize the expansion of the lower portion of the (multiple) battery cells when the battery pack is at the end of its life (EOL) period, thereby preventing damage to the lower portion of the (multiple) battery cells, and also improving the assembly between the module and the pack interface when replacing or repairing modules that have reached EOL in a vehicle.

[0077] Embodiments of this disclosure may also provide a battery module in which the battery cells (multiple) exhibiting high expansion forces during the EOL period are not damaged or partially degraded even when applied to the module.

[0078] The above embodiments are merely some examples for implementing this disclosure, and this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. Without departing from the spirit of this disclosure as claimed in the appended claims and their equivalents, the technical spirit of this disclosure includes all technical scope that can be modified by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

Claims

1. A battery module, the battery module comprising: A battery cell has a top surface, a bottom surface opposite to the top surface, a long side surface extending between the top surface and the bottom surface, and a short side surface extending between the top surface, the bottom surface and the long side surface, the battery cell including terminals on the top surface; An end plate having an end region that contacts the long side surface of the battery cell and an end flange that bends from the lower end of the end region in a direction away from the long side surface; as well as The side plate has a side region that contacts the short side surface of the battery cell, a side flange that curves from the lower end of the side region to cover the bottom surface of the battery cell, and a side joint extending from the side flange and engaging with the end flange. The side joint extends from the side flange in an S-shape or a Z-shape.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The side-jointing member includes: The extension gradually expands to extend from the side flange; The curved portion bends upward from the extension in a direction away from the long side surface; and The joining portion extends from the curved portion and joins to the end flange.

3. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein, The joint portion of the side joint and the end flange of the end plate are welded to each other.

4. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The end flange of the end plate and the side joint of the side plate are spaced apart from the corners where the long side surface, the short side surface and the bottom surface of the battery cell contact each other.

5. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The area of ​​the bottom surface of the battery cell covered by the side joint is larger than the area of ​​the bottom surface of the battery cell covered by the side flange.

6. The battery module according to claim 1, further comprising: A first auxiliary end plate is located between the long side surface of the battery cell and the end plate. as well as A sleeve mounting component is provided on the long side surface of the battery cell, and the end plate and the side plate are attached to the sleeve mounting component.

7. The battery module according to claim 6, wherein, The first auxiliary end plate has a groove, and The end plate has protrusions that engage with the groove.

8. The battery module according to claim 6, wherein, The first auxiliary end plate includes: The main body contacts the long side surface of the battery cell and the end plate; and An expansion absorption section extends from the main body, contacts the long side surface of the battery cell, and is spaced apart from the end plate.

9. The battery module according to claim 8, wherein, The expansion absorption section has a thickness smaller than that of the main body.

10. The battery module according to claim 6, wherein, The end plate is made of stainless steel, and the first auxiliary end plate is made of aluminum.

11. The battery module according to claim 6, further comprising: The assembly components are attached to the bottom surface of the sleeve mounting component. The bottom surface of the sleeve mounting member is located at a position higher than the end flange and the side joint.

12. The battery module according to claim 6, further comprising: The second auxiliary end plate is attached to the sleeve mounting component; as well as An insulating plate is attached to the second auxiliary end plate.

Images