Battery module and battery module manufacturing method

Abstract

The present invention provides a battery module, comprising: a first submodule and a second submodule disposed along a first direction, each including a plurality of battery cells stacked in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and a lower cover attached to the first submodule and the second submodule, wherein the first submodule and the second submodule are configured to be rotationally symmetrical about a central axis, the central axis being perpendicular to both the first direction and the second direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a battery module and a method for manufacturing the battery module. Background Technology

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries offer the convenience of being charged and discharged, making them a popular choice as power sources for various mobile devices and electric vehicles. For example, battery modules can be constructed by connecting multiple secondary batteries (battery cells) using high-energy-density non-aqueous electrolytes, and these modules can be used as power sources for electric vehicles.

[0003] To construct large-capacity and large-area battery modules, the number of battery cells required may increase, and as the number of battery cells increases, the assembly structure of the battery module may become more complex and the assembly time required may increase.

[0004] Therefore, there is an increasing need to simplify the structure of battery modules to improve assembly efficiency and reduce their weight. Summary of the Invention

[0005] (a) Technical problems to be solved

[0006] The present invention is made to solve at least some of the problems of the prior art described above. The present invention provides a battery module with a simple structure and improved assemblability, and a method for manufacturing the battery module.

[0007] In addition, the present invention aims to provide a high-capacity battery module by assembling multiple sub-modules together.

[0008] (II) Technical Solution

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, in an embodiment of the present invention, a battery module is provided, comprising: a first submodule and a second submodule disposed along a first direction, each including a plurality of battery cells stacked in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and a lower cover attached to the first submodule and the second submodule, wherein the first submodule and the second submodule are configured to be rotationally symmetrical about a central axis, the central axis being perpendicular to both the first and second directions.

[0010] In this embodiment, the first submodule and the second submodule may have the same structure as each other.

[0011] In the embodiments, the first submodule and the second submodule may each include: a battery cell stack, including a plurality of battery cells stacked in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; an end cap, disposed adjacent to the edge of the lower cap; a center cap, disposed spaced from the end cap in the first direction; and a plurality of side caps, respectively attached to the end cap and the center cap.

[0012] In an embodiment, the battery module may further include: an upper cover disposed on the upper part of the first sub-module and the second sub-module, and at least one of the lower cover or the upper cover may be integrally formed.

[0013] In an embodiment, the first submodule and the second submodule may further include a first sub-sensing module and a second sub-sensing module for sensing the state of a plurality of battery cells, and the first sub-sensing module and the second sub-sensing module may be arranged along a first direction.

[0014] In this embodiment, the first sub-sensing module and the second sub-sensing module can be positioned closer to the center cover than the end cover.

[0015] In one embodiment, the top cover may include an opening that exposes the first sub-sensing module and the second sub-sensing module.

[0016] In one embodiment, the battery cell stack may face the top cover or the bottom cover with the upper or lower parts of the multiple battery cells exposed.

[0017] In an embodiment, the center cover may be attached to at least one of the upper cover or the lower cover.

[0018] In one embodiment, the battery module may further include a fastening component extending through the upper or lower cover to fasten to the center cover or end cover.

[0019] In an embodiment, at least one of the upper or lower cover may be attached to a plurality of side covers.

[0020] In one embodiment, the side cover of the first submodule and the side cover of the second submodule may face each other and be connected in a first direction.

[0021] In one embodiment, the center cover of the first submodule and the center cover of the second submodule can contact each other in a first direction.

[0022] In one embodiment, the center cover of the first submodule may include an insertion protrusion that is inserted into the center cover of the second submodule, and the center cover of the second submodule may include an insertion slot for inserting the insertion protrusion.

[0023] In an embodiment, the first submodule and the second submodule may each further include: a busbar assembly for electrically connecting multiple battery cells to each other. The busbar assembly may include: a first busbar assembly disposed between the battery cell stack and the end cap of the respective submodule; and a second busbar assembly disposed between the battery cell stack and the center cap of the respective submodule. The first busbar assembly may include a pair of terminals electrically connected to the multiple battery cells.

[0024] In the embodiments, the first submodule and the second submodule may further include: a plurality of insulating covers, respectively disposed between the busbar assembly and the end cover of the corresponding submodule, and between the busbar assembly and the center cover of the corresponding submodule.

[0025] In one embodiment, a method for manufacturing a battery module is provided, comprising: a submodule manufacturing step, manufacturing a first submodule and a second submodule, each comprising a plurality of battery cells; an arrangement step, arranging the first submodule and the second submodule in a first direction; and a packaging step, attaching an upper cover or a lower cover to the first submodule and the second submodule, wherein in the arrangement step, the first submodule and the second submodule are arranged to be rotationally symmetrical about a central axis perpendicular to the first direction.

[0026] In the embodiments, the first submodule and the second submodule may each include: a battery cell stack, including a plurality of battery cells stacked in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; an end cap, disposed adjacent to the edge of an upper or lower cap; a center cap, disposed spaced from the end cap in the first direction; and a plurality of side caps, respectively attached to the end cap and the center cap.

[0027] In an embodiment, the packaging step may involve the center caps of the first submodule and the second submodule being in contact with each other in a first direction.

[0028] In an embodiment, the first submodule and the second submodule may further include a first sub-sensing module and a second sub-sensing module for sensing the state of multiple battery cells, and the first sub-sensing module and the second sub-sensing module may be arranged along a first direction.

[0029] According to another aspect of the present invention, a battery module is provided, comprising: a first submodule and a second submodule disposed along a first direction, each including a plurality of battery cells stacked in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and a lower cover connected to the first submodule and the second submodule. The lower cover is rotationally symmetrical about a central axis perpendicular to the first and second directions, and includes at least two refrigerant ports disposed at opposite ends of the battery module, through which refrigerant flows to absorb heat energy from the first submodule and the second submodule.

[0030] (III) Beneficial Effects

[0031] Battery modules according to various embodiments can have a simple structure while having improved assemblability.

[0032] In addition, according to various embodiments, multiple sub-modules can be quickly assembled to achieve a high-capacity battery module. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1This is a perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded 3D view of the battery module.

[0035] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a submodule according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The exploded 3D view of the submodule.

[0037] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the assembly of multiple sub-modules according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 6 An exemplary view illustrates the assembly sequence of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 7 An exemplary illustration shows the electrical connection status of multiple battery modules according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0041] 1: Battery pack; 10: Battery module

[0042] 20: Battery pack housing; 100: Sub-module

[0043] 100a: First submodule 100b: Second submodule

[0044] 120: Busbar assembly; 130: Sub-sensor module

[0045] 140: Insulating cover; 150: End cap

[0046] 160: Center cover; 170: Side cover

[0047] 300: Bottom cover; 400: Top cover Detailed Implementation

[0048] In the detailed description of this invention, certain terms or words used in this specification and claims may be interpreted as having their general meaning or dictionary meaning, while other terms may be interpreted as having a meaning or concept consistent with the aspects described herein, based on the inventor's appropriate definition of the terms in order to illustrate the principles of the invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification and the structures shown in the accompanying drawings depict the most preferred embodiments of the invention and do not cover the full scope of the invention. Consequently, it should be understood that those skilled in the art will recognize that various equivalents and modifications exist in the submitted application.

[0049] In the following description, unless otherwise expressly stated in the context, singular expressions include plural expressions. It should be understood that terms such as "comprising" or "constituting" are used to specify the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and do not presuppose the presence or additional possibilities of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0050] Additionally, in the following description, the terms "upper side," "upper part," "lower side," "lower part," "side," "front," and "rear" are based on the directions shown in the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that if the orientation of the corresponding object changes, it can be described in a different way.

[0051] Furthermore, in this specification and claims, terms including ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" may be used to distinguish components. These ordinal numbers are used to distinguish identical or similar components, and the meaning of the terms should not be interpreted restrictively by using these ordinal numbers. For example, the order of use or arrangement of components combined with these ordinal numbers should not be interpreted restrictively based on numbers. Each ordinal number may be used interchangeably as needed.

[0052] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments presented. For example, those skilled in the art will recognize other embodiments included within the scope of the present invention through the addition, alteration, or deletion of components, and these embodiments should also be included within the scope of the present invention. For clarity, the shapes and dimensions of components may be enlarged in the accompanying drawings.

[0053] First, refer to Figures 1 to 5 Describe the structure of the battery module.

[0054] Figure 1 This is a 3D view of battery module 10. Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of battery module 10. Figure 3 This is a 3D view of submodule 100. Figure 4 This is an exploded 3D view of submodule 100. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram used to describe the assembly of multiple sub-modules 100. Figures 1 to 5 The structure and shape of the submodule 100 and the battery module 10 are illustrated exemplary, and the specific shapes of each component constituting the submodule 100 and the battery module 10 are shown in... Figures 1 to 5 As shown, this disclosure is not limited to those specific shapes.

[0055] The battery module 10 may include multiple sub-modules 100. For example, refer to... Figure 2The first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b can be assembled together along a direction (e.g., the X-axis direction) to form a battery module 10. In the following description, the direction parallel to the direction in which the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b face each other is defined as the first direction.

[0056] The first sub-module 100a and the second sub-module 100b of the battery module 10 may have the same structure. For example, after making multiple sub-modules 100 of the same type, they may be assembled together to form the whole battery module 10.

[0057] That is, in the following description, "first submodule 100a" and "second submodule 100b" simply refer to any one of the two submodules 100 assembled from each other, and can be understood as submodules 100 having the same structure. In addition, "submodule 100" can be understood as either "first submodule 100a" or "second submodule 100b" mentioned above.

[0058] The battery module 10 may include a lower cover 300 and an upper cover 400 that support multiple sub-modules 100.

[0059] A lower cover 300 can be configured to cover the lower surface of multiple sub-modules 100.

[0060] Alternatively, a top cover 400 may be configured to cover the upper surfaces of multiple sub-modules 100. In one embodiment, in at least one of the top cover 400 and the bottom cover 300, the portion facing the first sub-module 100a and the portion facing the second sub-module 100b may be integrally formed with each other.

[0061] However, the structure of the lower cover 300 and the upper cover 400 is not limited to the above. For example, multiple lower covers or multiple upper covers can be provided to cover multiple sub-modules 100 respectively, and multiple lower covers can also be combined with each other to form a structure 300.

[0062] A heat dissipation component 500 (e.g., ...) can be provided between the lower cover 300 and multiple sub-modules 100. Figure 2 (As shown). The heat dissipation component 500 can be configured such that one side contacts the submodule 100, and the opposite side contacts the lower cover 300. The heat dissipation component 500 can be made of thermal adhesive.

[0063] The lower cover 300 may be equipped with a radiator 330. A flow path for refrigerant to flow may be formed in the radiator 330. The radiator 330 may include refrigerant ports 330a and 330b for refrigerant to flow in and out. For example, refrigerant ports 330a and 330b may include a refrigerant inlet port 330a located on one side of any submodule 100 (e.g., the first submodule 100a) and a refrigerant outlet port 330b located on one side of another submodule 100 (e.g., the second submodule 100b). Refrigerant flowing into the refrigerant inlet port 330a can absorb heat energy from the submodules 100 while flowing through the lower parts of the multiple submodules 100, and is then discharged through the refrigerant outlet port 330b.

[0064] The heat sink 330 can be integrated into a single unit to cover all the multiple sub-modules 100.

[0065] However, the structure of the heat sink 330 is not limited to the above. For example, multiple heat sinks 330 may be provided to match each submodule 100 respectively.

[0066] Submodule 100 may include: a battery cell stack 110, including battery cells 1000 stacked in one direction; and a plurality of protective covers 150, 160, 170 for protecting the battery cell stack 110.

[0067] The battery cell stack 110 may include multiple battery cells 1000 stacked side by side, such as... Figure 4 (As shown). The stacking direction of the plurality of battery cells 1000 and the setting direction of the sub-module 100 can be perpendicular to each other. For example, the sub-module 100 can be set on the upper surface of the lower cover 300 in a first direction (X-axis direction), and the battery cells 1000 included in each sub-module 100 can be stacked in a second direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) different from the first direction (X-axis direction). For example, the second direction (Y-axis direction) can be a direction perpendicular to the first direction (X-axis direction). In the following description, "second direction" can be understood as the stacking direction of the battery cells 1000.

[0068] The plurality of battery cells 1000 included in the battery cell stack 110 may be pouch-type secondary batteries. The battery cells 1000 may be configured to convert chemical energy into electrical energy to supply power to an external circuit, or to receive power from an external source and convert electrical energy into chemical energy for storage. For example, the battery cells 1000 may be composed of rechargeable and dischargeable nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries or lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. In various embodiments, the plurality of battery cells 1000 may be connected in series or in parallel to each other in a side-by-side stacked state to form a battery cell stack 110.

[0069] In addition to the battery cells 1000, the battery cell stack 110 may further include various protective components for protecting the battery cells 1000. For example, the battery cell stack 110 may be formed by stacking multiple battery cells 1000 and multiple protective components (not shown).

[0070] The protective component may consist of a compression pad (not shown) or a heat insulation sheet (not shown), or may be formed by combining a compression pad (not shown) and a heat insulation sheet (not shown) together.

[0071] The compression pad can protect the battery cell 1000 from external impacts or absorb expansion pressures caused by the expansion of the battery cell 1000. For example, the compression pad (not shown) may contain a polyurethane-based material to absorb the expansion pressures of the battery cell 1000.

[0072] The heat insulation sheet can be positioned facing at least one of the battery cell 1000 or the compression pad (not shown). The heat insulation sheet (not shown) can block the propagation of flames or high-temperature heat between adjacent battery cells 1000, thus preventing cascading fires within the battery cell stack 110. For example, the heat insulation sheet (not shown) may include at least a portion of materials such as mica, silicate, graphite, alumina, ceramic wool, and aerogel, capable of preventing the propagation of heat and / or flame.

[0073] Multiple protective components can be disposed within the battery cell stack 110, and can be disposed between adjacent battery cells 1000 or at the edge of the battery cell stack 110. However, the location of the protective components (not shown) is not limited to the above, and can be appropriately disposed inside or outside the submodule 100 as needed. In addition, besides the compression pads (not shown) or heat insulation sheets (not shown) mentioned above, the battery cell stack 110 may further include various other types of protective components.

[0074] The protective covers 150, 160, and 170 may include end caps 150 and center caps 160 covering at least one and another side caps 170 of the battery cell stack 110.

[0075] End cap 150 and center cap 160 may be spaced apart in a first direction (X-axis direction), and a battery cell stack 110 may be disposed between end cap 150 and center cap 160. End cap 150 may be disposed adjacent to the side of sub-module 100 where terminal portion 123 is disposed, and center cap 160 may be disposed adjacent to the side of sub-module 100 where connection portion 131 of sub-sensing module 130 is disposed.

[0076] The side cover 170 can be configured as a wide surface facing the battery cell 1000 to protect the sides of the battery cell stack 110.

[0077] End cap 150, center cap 160 and side cap 170 may be formed of a material (e.g., a metallic material such as aluminum or SUS) that is rigid enough to protect submodule 100 from external impacts.

[0078] The side cover 170 can be attached to the end cover 150 and the center cover 160, respectively. For example, a fastening member (not shown) can pass through the side cover 170 to fasten it to the end cover 150 or the center cover 160. Alternatively, the side cover 170 can be engaged and secured to the end cover 150 and the center cover 160 without separate fastening members. In this case, the engagement method can be a welding-based engagement method, but is not limited to it.

[0079] On the other hand, the side cover 170 can also be integrated with the manifold frame 122 disposed inside the end cover 150 and the center cover 160.

[0080] End cap 150, center cap 160 and side cap 170 can be firmly joined together to give submodule 100 structural stability.

[0081] Submodule 100 may further include busbar assembly 120 electrically connected to the battery cell stack 110 and insulating cover 140 coupled to busbar assembly 120.

[0082] The busbar assembly 120 may include a plurality of conductive components (busbars) 121 electrically connected to the battery cell 1000 and a busbar frame 122 supporting the busbars 121. A portion of the plurality of busbars 121 may be connected to a terminal portion 123 capable of connecting to an external electrical circuit (e.g., ...). Figure 4 (As shown). Terminal portion 123 may include a positive terminal and a negative terminal.

[0083] Reference Figure 4The busbar assembly 120 may include a first busbar assembly 120a disposed on one side of the battery cell stack 110 and a second busbar assembly 120b disposed on the other side of the battery cell stack 110. Either the first busbar assembly 120a or the second busbar assembly 120b may have a pair of terminals 123, while the other may not have terminals 123. For example, a first busbar assembly 120a with a pair of terminals 123 may be disposed between the end cap 150 and the battery cell stack 110, while a second busbar assembly 120b without terminals 123 may be disposed between the center cap 160 and the battery cell stack 110. The terminals 123 of the first busbar assembly 120a may be disposed adjacent to the end cap 150 to expose the exterior of the battery module 10. According to this structure, the terminals 123 may be spaced apart along one side edge of the submodule 100 in a second direction (Y-axis direction).

[0084] A first insulating cover 141 may be disposed between the first busbar assembly 120a and the end cap 150, and a second insulating cover 142 may be disposed between the second busbar assembly 120b and the center cap 160. The first insulating cover 141 and the second insulating cover 142 may be respectively coupled to the first busbar assembly 120a and the second busbar assembly 120b. The first insulating cover 141 and the second insulating cover 142 may include insulating material to prevent short circuit between the end cap 150 and the center cap 160 and the busbar 121.

[0085] Submodule 100 may include subsensing module 130, which can sense the state of battery cells 1000 included in battery cell stack 110. For example, subsensing module 130 may be configured to sense the electrical state (e.g., voltage or charge) or thermal state (e.g., temperature) of battery cells 1000 and transmit the sensing data to the outside of submodule 100.

[0086] The sub-sensing module 130 can be connected to the first busbar assembly 120a and the second busbar assembly 120b respectively to sense the electrical or thermal state.

[0087] The sub-sensing module 130 may include a connecting portion 131 to enable it to be connected to other electrical circuits outside the sub-module 100 (e.g., the sensing module of the battery module 10 or the sub-sensing module 130 of another sub-module 100). The connecting portion 131 may be disposed on the upper surface of the sub-module 100.

[0088] The submodule 100 may further include a support base 132, which is disposed on the upper part of the battery cell stack 110 and supports the subsensing module 130. The lower surface of the support base 132 may face the battery cell stack 110, and the subsensing module 130 may be disposed on the upper surface of the support base 132.

[0089] Terminal portion 123 may be disposed adjacent to one side edge of submodule 100, and connection portion 131 of subsensing module 130 may be disposed adjacent to the other side edge of submodule 100. For example, terminal portion 123 may be disposed in the first busbar assembly 120a disposed between end cover 150 and battery cell stack 110, and connection portion 131 of sensing module may be disposed closer to center cover 160 than end cover 150. That is, in any submodule 100, terminal portion 123 of busbar assembly 120 and connection portion 131 of subsensing module 130 may be disposed on opposite sides of each other.

[0090] Multiple sub-modules 100 can be assembled with each other to form at least a portion of the battery module 10. For example, a first sub-module 100a and a second sub-module 100b can be arranged with each other in a first direction (X-axis direction) to be assembled with each other.

[0091] At this point, the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b can be arranged symmetrically to each other. For example, as Figure 2 As shown, the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b can be arranged symmetrically about the central axis O.

[0092] Rotational symmetry can refer to the symmetrical form in which any component overlaps with another component when rotated about a central axis. That is, if the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b are rotationally symmetrical about the central axis O, it means that the first submodule 100a can completely overlap with the second submodule 100b when rotated about the central axis O.

[0093] The central axis O can be an axis perpendicular to both the first direction (X-axis direction) and the second direction (Y-axis direction). Alternatively, the central axis O can be an axis perpendicular to the upper surface of the lower cover 300. The direction of the central axis O can be the height direction of the battery module 10 (e.g., the Z-axis direction). In the following description, the direction parallel to the central axis O is defined as the third direction (Z-axis direction).

[0094] The first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b can be assembled such that the center cover 160 faces each other.

[0095] The center cover 160 may have guide structures 161, 162 to guide the assembly position of the sub-modules 100. For example, in the center cover 160, an insertion protrusion 161 and an insertion slot 162 may be formed on the side opposite to the side facing the battery cell stack 110 to guide the relative position of the two sub-modules 100. (See reference...) Figure 5The center cover 160a of the first submodule 100a may have an insertion protrusion 161a and an insertion slot 162a, and the center cover 160b of the second submodule 100b facing it may have an insertion slot 162a for inserting the insertion protrusion 161a of the first submodule 100a and an insertion protrusion 161b for inserting into the insertion slot 162a of the first submodule 100a. As described above, the insertion protrusions 161 and insertion slots 162 of the two center covers 160 engage with each other, thereby arranging the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b in the correct position.

[0096] The first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b can be assembled such that their respective terminal portions 123 are positioned at the edge of the battery module 10. For example, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The terminal portion 123 of the first submodule 100a can be provided along one side edge of the battery module 10, and the terminal portion 123 of the second submodule 100b can be provided along the opposite side edge of the battery module 10. Furthermore, the connection portions 131 of the sub-sensing modules 130 of each submodule 100 can be arranged side-by-side in a first direction (X-axis direction) in the central region of the battery module 10. For example, referring to… Figure 2 The first sub-sensing module 130a of the first sub-module 100a and the second sub-sensing module 130b of the second sub-module 100b can be arranged side by side in a first direction (X-axis direction) in the portion adjacent to the center cover 160. That is, the sub-sensing module 130 included in each sub-module 100 can be located at the center of the battery module 10, and the terminal portion 123 can be located on the periphery of the battery module 10.

[0097] During the assembly of the two sub-modules 100, the side covers 170 included in each sub-module 100 can be engaged with each other. For example, the side covers 170 of the first sub-module 100a and the side covers 170 of the second sub-module 100b can face each other and engage with each other in a first direction (X-axis direction). The engagement of the side covers 170 of the first sub-module 100a and the side covers 170 of the second sub-module 100b can be achieved using a welding-based engagement method, but is not limited to this.

[0098] The upper and lower parts of the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b can be covered by the upper cover 400 and the lower cover 300, respectively.

[0099] The lower cover 300 can be attached to the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b. For example, a fastening member 310 can penetrate the lower cover 300 to fasten it to the center cover 160, thereby fixing the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b to the lower cover 300. Alternatively, another fastening member 320 can also penetrate the lower cover 300 to fasten it to the end cover 150.

[0100] The top cover 400 can be connected to the first sub-module 100a and the second sub-module 100b. For example, a fastening member can penetrate the top cover 400 to fasten it to the center cover 160, thereby fixing the first sub-module 100a and the second sub-module 100b to the top cover 400. Alternatively, another fastening member 410 can also penetrate the top cover 400 to fasten it to the end cover 150.

[0101] With the upper cover 400 and the lower cover 300 combined with the submodule 100, the end cap 150 of the submodule 100 can be disposed adjacent to one side edge of the upper cover 400 and the lower cover 300. In addition, the center cover 160 can be disposed in the center region of the upper cover 400 and the lower cover 300 in a first direction (X-axis direction).

[0102] On the other hand, the top cover 400 may include an opening 420 that exposes a sub-sensing module 130 of a plurality of sub-modules 100. Even though the top cover 400 covers the upper part of the plurality of sub-modules 100, the sub-sensing module 130 can be exposed from the upper side of the battery module 10 (e.g., the positive Z-axis direction) through the opening 420, thereby connecting to an external circuit.

[0103] The lower cover 300 and the upper cover 400 can be respectively engaged with the side cover 170 of the submodule 100. For example, when the submodule 100 is placed on the lower cover 300, the side cover 170 can contact the lower cover 300 and can be engaged with each other along the contact portion. Similarly, when the upper cover 400 is disposed on the upper part of the submodule 100, the side cover 170 can contact the upper cover 400 and can be engaged with each other along the contact portion.

[0104] As described above, the upper cover 400 and the lower cover 300 can be combined into the sub-module 100 to form the entire battery module 10.

[0105] In the battery module 10, the end cap 150 and side cap 170 of each sub-module 100 can be exposed to the outside of the battery module 10. For example, an upper cover 400 can be formed on the upper surface of the battery module 10, a lower cover 300 can be formed on the lower surface, and end caps 150 and side caps 170 can be formed on the sides. In this case, the center cap 160 of each sub-module 100 can be in a state where they face each other inside the battery module 10, and can be covered by the upper cover 400, lower cover 300 and side cap 170, so that it is not exposed to the outside of the battery module 10.

[0106] The following is for reference Figure 6 The manufacturing method of battery module 10 is described. Figure 6 The assembly sequence of battery module 10 is illustrated exemplarily. Figure 6 The submodule 100 and battery module 10 described herein correspond to the above-mentioned submodules in the present invention. Figures 1 to 5The submodule 100 and battery module 10 described herein can therefore be omitted from repeated descriptions.

[0107] The manufacturing method of battery module 10 may include: a sub-module manufacturing step, manufacturing a plurality of sub-modules 100; an arrangement step, arranging the manufactured sub-modules 100 together; and a packaging step, attaching an upper cover 400 or a lower cover 300 to the sub-modules 100.

[0108] In the submodule manufacturing step, submodules 100 with the same structure are repeatedly manufactured. For example, a first submodule 100a and a second submodule 100b with the same structure can be manufactured through the submodule manufacturing step. The submodules 100 thus manufactured can be assembled with each other to form the entire battery module 10.

[0109] In the arrangement step, the sub-modules 100 can be arranged in appropriate positions. For example, in the arrangement step, the first sub-module 100a and the second sub-module 100b can be arranged in a first direction (X direction).

[0110] In the arrangement step, the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b can be arranged to be rotationally symmetrical about the central axis O. In this case, the central axis O can be an axis perpendicular to both the first and second directions.

[0111] In the arrangement step, the center cover 160 of the first submodule 100a and the center cover 160 of the second submodule 100b can be arranged to be in contact with each other in a first direction (X-axis direction).

[0112] During the packaging process, the upper cover 400 and the lower cover 300 can be joined together while the center covers 160 of the first sub-module 100a and the second sub-module 100b are in contact with each other. The specific joining structure can be referred to the above-mentioned... Figures 1 to 5 The description.

[0113] The packaging step may further include a joining step, in which sub-modules 100 are joined to the top cover 400 and to the bottom cover 300 while the plurality of sub-modules 100 are joined to each other. The joining step may employ a welding-based joining method. However, the joining method is not limited to this. For example, in the joining step, sub-modules 100 and the bottom cover 300 may be joined using an adhesive material.

[0114] Furthermore, in each process, the joining or connection between components can be achieved through individual fastening components (e.g., bolts) or through welding. However, the specific joining methods are not limited to those described above.

[0115] On the other hand, the submodule manufacturing, arrangement, and packaging steps do not necessarily have to be performed in the above order. That is, the submodule manufacturing, arrangement, and packaging steps can be performed sequentially, or the order can be changed. Alternatively, two or more steps can be performed simultaneously.

[0116] As described above, the battery module 10 can be manufactured quickly and efficiently by combining sub-modules 100 of the same type to form the entire battery module 10.

[0117] Alternatively, a large-capacity battery module 10 can be achieved by combining multiple sub-modules 100 of the same type.

[0118] Additionally, the submodule 100 according to various embodiments has a structure that completes the packaging shape by means of a rigid cover (e.g., a center cover 160, side covers 170, and end covers 150 may not be flexible), so that in the manufacturing process, it can be produced and operated on a single production line.

[0119] In the case of existing battery modules, the sub-components (e.g., sub-modules) included in the battery module have different structures, so each sub-component needs to be manufactured separately. However, according to various embodiments of the battery module 10, the same type of sub-modules 100 can be repeatedly manufactured, and the battery module 10 can be easily constructed by connecting them, so there is no need for process separation and component binarization.

[0120] Therefore, it is possible to manufacture battery modules 10 quickly and efficiently with a simple structure.

[0121] Figure 7 An exemplary illustration shows the electrical connection status of multiple battery modules 10. Figure 7 The described battery module 10 corresponds to the above-mentioned battery module 10. Figures 1 to 6 The battery module 10 is described, so repeated descriptions can be omitted.

[0122] At least a portion of the battery pack 1 can be formed by connecting multiple battery modules 10. For example, Figure 7 A diagram may be provided, exemplarily, showing the state in which the electrically connected battery module 10 is housed within the battery pack housing 20.

[0123] In a battery module 10, multiple sub-modules 100 can be configured to be electrically connected to each other to output the required design power value. For example, two sub-modules 100 facing each other can be electrically connected to each other via terminal portions 123.

[0124] Alternatively, in a battery module 10, the power connection structure of multiple sub-modules 100 can be configured to be indirectly connected to each other through another battery module 10. For example, refer to Figure 7In any one of the battery modules 10, two sub-modules 100 facing each other in the first direction (X-axis direction) can be electrically connected to other adjacent battery modules 10. That is, the terminal portion 123 of each sub-module 100 can be configured to be electrically connected to other adjacent battery modules 10.

[0125] By combining sub-modules 100 of the same type to form a battery module 10, when multiple battery modules 10 are placed inside the battery pack 1, the positions of the terminal portions 123 can be arranged in a regular manner, thereby allowing multiple battery modules 10 to be connected.

[0126] For example, refer to Figure 7 In each battery module 10, the terminal portion 123 can be disposed adjacent to the outer edge of the battery pack housing 20, and the connection portion 131 of the sensing module can be disposed in the central region of the battery pack housing 20. Therefore, when the connecting conductor 30 is connected to each terminal portion 123, a high-voltage HV connection line can be formed along the edge of the battery module 10, and when each connection portion 131 is connected, a sensing line can be connected along the central region of the battery module 10.

[0127] As described above, HV connection lines can be formed adjacent to the outer perimeter lines of the battery pack housing 20, and the spacing between the sensing lines and the HV connection lines can be kept as wide as possible, thereby increasing the electrical stability between the battery modules 10.

[0128] The various embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, the invention can be implemented by deleting some components from the above embodiments, or by combining various embodiments.

Claims

1. A battery module comprising: first and second sub-modules disposed along a first direction, each including a plurality of battery cells stacked in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and a terminal portion disposed on each of the first and second sub-modules to be electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells, the first and second sub-modules being disposed to be rotationally symmetrical about a central axis perpendicular to both the first and second directions, the first and second sub-modules each including a busbar assembly electrically connecting the plurality of battery cells to each other, the busbar assembly including first and second busbar assemblies disposed opposite each other in the first direction with the plurality of battery cells therebetween, the terminal portion being disposed on the first busbar assembly farther from the central axis than the second busbar assembly and electrically connected to the busbar assembly, and the terminal portion being disposed at a side edge of each of the first and second sub-modules farther from the central axis in the first direction. 2.The battery module of claim 1, further comprising: a lower cover coupled to the first and second sub-modules, the first and second sub-modules each including: a battery cell stack formed of the plurality of battery cells; an end cover disposed adjacent to an edge of the lower cover; a center cover disposed apart from the end cover in the first direction; and a plurality of side covers coupled to the end cover and the center cover, respectively. 3.The battery module of claim 2, further comprising: an upper cover disposed at an upper portion of the first and second sub-modules, at least one of the lower cover or the upper cover being formed in one piece. 4.The battery module of claim 3, wherein the first and second sub-modules each further include first and second sub-sensing modules that sense a state of the plurality of battery cells, the first and second sub-sensing modules are arranged along the first direction. 5.The battery module of claim 4, wherein the first and second sub-sensing modules are disposed closer to the center cover than the end cover, respectively. 6.The battery module of claim 4, wherein the upper cover includes an opening portion that exposes the first and second sub-sensing modules. 7.The battery module of claim 3, wherein the battery cell stack faces the upper cover or the lower cover in a state in which an upper portion or a lower portion of the plurality of battery cells is exposed. 8.The battery module of claim 3, wherein the center cover is coupled to at least one of the upper cover or the lower cover. 9.The battery module of claim 8, further comprising: a fastening member that penetrates the upper cover or the lower cover to be fastened to the center cover. 10.The battery module of claim 3, wherein At least one of the upper cover or the lower cover is joined to the plurality of side covers.

11. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein The side cover of the first sub-module and the side cover of the second sub-module face each other and are joined in a first direction.

12. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein The center cover of the first sub-module and the center cover of the second sub-module contact each other in the first direction.

13. The battery module according to claim 12, wherein The center cover of the first sub-module includes an insertion protrusion inserted into the center cover of the second sub-module, The center cover of the second sub-module includes an insertion groove for inserting the insertion protrusion.

14. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein The bus bar assembly includes: a first bus bar assembly disposed between the end cover and the cell stack; and a second bus bar assembly disposed between the center cover and the cell stack, The terminal portion is provided with a pair.

15. The battery module according to claim 14, further comprising: a plurality of insulating covers respectively disposed between the bus bar assembly and the end cover and between the bus bar assembly and the center cover.

16. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein The first sub-module and the second sub-module have the same structure as each other.

17. A manufacturing method of a battery module, comprising: a sub-module manufacturing step of manufacturing a first sub-module and a second sub-module each including a plurality of battery cells; an arrangement step of arranging the first sub-module and the second sub-module in a first direction; and a packaging step of joining an upper cover or a lower cover to the first sub-module and the second sub-module, In the arrangement step, the first sub-module and the second sub-module are arranged to be rotationally symmetrical about a center axis perpendicular to the first direction, The first sub-module and the second sub-module each include a bus bar assembly that electrically connects the plurality of battery cells to each other, The bus bar assembly includes a first bus bar assembly and a second bus bar assembly disposed opposite each other in the first direction with the plurality of battery cells therebetween, The battery module includes a terminal portion provided on each of the first sub-module and the second sub-module to be electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells, The terminal portion is provided on the first bus bar assembly farther from the center axis than the second bus bar assembly and is electrically connected to the bus bar assembly, and the terminal portion is provided on a side edge of each of the first sub-module and the second sub-module farther from the center axis in the first direction.

18. The manufacturing method of a battery module according to claim 17, wherein The first sub-module and the second sub-module each include: a cell stack including the plurality of battery cells stacked in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; an end cover provided adjacent to an edge of the upper cover or the lower cover; a center cover disposed apart from the end cover in the first direction; and a plurality of side covers respectively coupled to the end cover and the center cover.

19. The method of manufacturing a battery module according to claim 18, wherein the center cover of the first sub-module and the center cover of the second sub-module have a state of contacting each other in the first direction in the packing step.

20. The method of manufacturing a battery module according to claim 18, wherein the first sub-module and the second sub-module further include first and second sub-sensing modules that sense a state of the plurality of battery cells, the first and second sub-sensing modules are arranged along the first direction.

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