Battery module and battery pack including same

Abstract

A battery module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a first submodule and a second submodule each including a battery cell assembly in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked, and a bus bar structure in which the plurality of battery cells are stacked; the bus bar structure includes a bus bar electrically connecting the battery cells and a bus bar frame covering at least one side of the battery cell assembly; a module housing simultaneously accommodating the first sub-module and the second sub-module; and a terminal assembly located in a portion of the module housing that overlaps the module extension in which the first sub-module and the second sub-module face each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0153757 filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on November 16, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a battery module and a battery pack including the same, and more particularly, to a battery module having improved energy density, cooling efficiency, and safety, and a battery pack including the same. Background Art

[0004] With the development of mobile device technology and the increase in demand for mobile devices, the demand for secondary batteries as energy sources has increased rapidly. Specifically, secondary batteries have attracted widespread attention as energy sources for power drive devices such as electric bicycles, electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles, as well as energy sources for mobile devices such as mobile phones, digital cameras, laptops and wearable devices.

[0005] In small mobile devices, one, two or three battery cells are used per device, while medium or large devices such as vehicles require high power and large capacity. Therefore, medium or large battery modules having a plurality of battery cells electrically connected to each other are used.

[0006] Meanwhile, when a plurality of battery cells are connected in series or in parallel to constitute a battery pack, a battery module composed of at least one battery cell is generally first constituted, and then the battery pack is constituted by using the at least one battery module and adding other components.

[0007] Since the battery cells constituting such medium or large battery modules are composed of secondary batteries that can be charged and discharged, such high-output, large-capacity secondary batteries generate a large amount of heat during the charging and discharging process. In this case, the heat generated from multiple battery cells may be superimposed in a narrow space, so that the temperature may rise faster and more excessively. In other words, a battery module in which multiple battery cells are stacked and a battery pack equipped with these battery modules are able to obtain high output, but it is not easy to remove the heat generated from the battery cells during charging and discharging. When the heat dissipation of the battery cells is not properly performed, the degradation of the battery cells is accelerated, the life is shortened, and the possibility of explosion or ignition increases.

[0008] Furthermore, in the case where the battery modules are included in the vehicle battery pack, the battery modules are frequently exposed to direct sunlight and may be placed under high temperature conditions, such as in summer or in desert areas. Furthermore, since a plurality of battery modules are centrally arranged to increase the mileage of the vehicle, a flame or heat generated in any one battery module can easily propagate to an adjacent battery module, which may eventually lead to a fire or explosion of the battery pack itself.

[0009] Figure 1 is a diagram showing a heat dissipation path in a conventional battery module.

[0010] Reference Figure 1 , a conventional battery module 30 includes: a battery cell assembly 70 including battery cells 60 stacked in a preset direction; and a module housing 40 accommodating the battery cell assembly 70, wherein the battery cell assembly 70 is fixedly arranged on a thermally conductive resin layer 50, and the thermally conductive resin layer 50 is arranged on the lower surface of the module housing 40. In this case, in order to cool the heat generated in the battery cell assembly 70, a heat conductive resin layer 50 is provided along the module housing 40. Figure 1 The bottom of the module housing 40 arranged in the −z-axis direction faces the heat sink 90 , and a thermal pad 80 for heat transfer may be further installed between the heat sink 90 and the bottom of the module housing 40 .

[0011] However, since the heat sink 90 does not receive heat transfer while in direct contact with the battery cell assembly 70 , the cooling efficiency is not very high, and the cooling path is directed in one direction (z-axis direction) of the width direction of the battery cell, so that a temperature gradient may occur.

[0012] Therefore, in order to extend the life of a battery module and / or a battery pack, it is necessary to improve the cooling efficiency of the battery module / battery pack so that the temperature of the battery cells does not increase.

[0013] Furthermore, the battery pack is composed of a structure in which a plurality of battery modules are combined, and if the plurality of battery modules are loaded on a mobile device such as a car, the volume becomes large, and it is necessary to increase the energy density.

[0014] Figure 2 is a diagram showing a conventional battery pack. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of the battery pack.

[0015] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The conventional battery pack 10 includes: a lower battery pack frame 11 on which a plurality of battery modules 30 are mounted, an upper battery pack frame 12 located above the battery modules 30 , and an internal beam 13 separating positions where the battery modules 30 are mounted within the battery pack 10 .

[0016] When the battery modules 30 are installed in the battery pack 10 in this manner, the energy density of the battery pack 10 may be reduced due to the internal beams 13 spaced apart between the battery modules 30. In addition, if a cooling structure is added to improve cooling efficiency, space becomes insufficient, and as a result, a greater number of battery modules 1 must be provided to meet the efficiency required by the device, etc. In addition, due to the weight of the battery pack 10, there is a limit to the number of battery packs 10 that can be provided in the device. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the weight of the battery pack 10 while reducing the energy density of the battery pack 10 so that a greater number of battery modules 1 can be installed in the battery pack 10.

[0017] In summary, in order to improve the safety of battery modules and battery packs, more effective methods are needed to improve the cooling efficiency of battery modules and compensate for the reduction in energy density caused by cooling structures, internal beams, etc. Summary of the invention

[0018] Technical issues

[0019] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a battery module having improved cooling efficiency and enhanced safety and energy density, and a battery pack including the battery module.

[0020] However, the technical problems to be solved by the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and various extensions can be made within the scope of the technical ideas included in the present disclosure.

[0021] Technical Solution

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a battery module is provided, comprising: a first submodule and a second submodule, the first submodule and the second submodule each comprising a battery cell assembly and a bus bar structure, wherein a plurality of battery cells are stacked in the battery cell assembly, and the bus bar structure comprises a bus bar electrically connecting the battery cells and a bus bar frame covering at least one side of the battery cell assembly; a module housing, the module housing accommodating the first submodule and the second submodule at the same time; and a terminal assembly, the terminal assembly being located in a portion of the module housing overlapping with a module extension, the first submodule and the second submodule facing each other in the module extension.

[0023] A step portion may be formed in a portion of the module housing where the terminal assembly is arranged.

[0024] The terminal assembly may be mounted on the step portion.

[0025] The terminal assembly may include a terminal housing and a terminal bus bar mounted on the terminal housing.

[0026] The terminal housing is formed with a first hole, the terminal bus bar is formed with a second hole, and the step portion is formed with a third hole, and the battery module may further include: a coupling member passing through the first hole, the second hole, and the third hole.

[0027] The coupling member is formed of a conductive material, and the internal bus bar of the first submodule or the internal bus bar of the second submodule may be electrically connected to the terminal bus bar through the coupling member.

[0028] The terminal bus bar includes a first terminal bus bar and a second terminal bus bar, wherein the first terminal bus bar and the second terminal bus bar may have different polarities from each other.

[0029] The coupling member includes a first coupling member that can electrically connect the first terminal bus bar and the first internal bus bar of the first submodule and a second coupling member that can electrically connect the second terminal bus bar and the second internal bus bar of the second submodule.

[0030] The terminal housing may have a bent shape in such a manner as to surround a side edge of the module housing.

[0031] The battery module may further include: a sealing assembly that covers two open ends of the module housing, respectively.

[0032] The sealing assembly includes a first sealing assembly covering one open end of the module housing and a second sealing assembly covering the other open end of the module housing, the first sealing assembly may include an outlet, which is a hole through which the coolant is discharged, and the second sealing assembly may include an inlet, which is a hole through which the coolant flows in.

[0033] The outlet may be located at an upper portion higher than the central portion based on a height of the first sealing assembly, and the inlet may be located at a lower portion lower than the central portion based on a height of the second sealing assembly.

[0034] The coolant is in direct contact with the battery cell assembly and the bus bar structure accommodated inside the module housing, and the coolant may be insulating oil.

[0035] A first sealing member may be interposed along one edge of the sealing assembly combined with the one open end of the module housing.

[0036] The battery module may include: a second sealing member inserted in a gap existing in a region of the sealing assembly except for the edge.

[0037] The battery module may include: a third sealing member interposed along edges of the sealing assembly and the end plate.

[0038] The sealing assembly includes a module exhaust portion arranged in an area of ​​the sealing assembly, and the module exhaust portion may include: an exhaust hole, which passes through the sealing assembly, a module connecting portion, and the module connecting portion is a hole connected to the exhaust hole; a fixed cover, which is arranged between the exhaust hole and the bus bar structure and is in contact with and fixed to the inner surface of the sealing assembly; and a membrane, which is arranged between the exhaust hole and the fixed cover and is in contact with and fixed to the fixed cover.

[0039] The module connection part protrudes from the sealing assembly in a direction opposite to the module housing, and the battery module may further include: a vent protrusion which is a region surrounding the module connection part and protruding from the sealing assembly in a direction opposite to the module housing.

[0040] The end plate covering the module connection part and the sealing assembly provided with the protrusion part include an exhaust opening, and the exhaust opening is a hole passing through the end plate, and the module connection part and the protrusion part may be arranged to pass through the exhaust opening.

[0041] The module extension portion may include: a portion where the electrode leads are electrically connected to each other in the first submodule; and a portion where the electrode leads are electrically connected to each other in the second submodule.

[0042] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a battery pack, comprising: a plurality of battery modules, wherein the battery modules further comprise: a sealing assembly, the sealing assembly respectively covering two open ends of a module housing.

[0043] The battery pack also includes: an internal beam arranged between a first battery module and a second battery module, the first battery module and the second battery module being adjacent to each other in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the first submodule and the second submodule are arranged, wherein the terminal assembly is arranged to overlap with the internal beam in a vertical direction.

[0044] The terminal assembly may be arranged in an upper space of the inner beam.

[0045] The terminal assembly includes a first terminal assembly located on the first battery module and a second terminal assembly located on the second battery module, and the battery pack may further include: a connecting member connecting the first terminal assembly and the second terminal assembly.

[0046] The first terminal assembly and the second terminal assembly each include a terminal housing and a terminal bus bar mounted on the terminal housing, the first terminal assembly is formed with terminal bus bars that are different from each other, the second terminal assembly is formed with terminal bus bars that are different from each other, and the first terminal bus bar of the first terminal assembly and the second terminal bus bar of the second terminal assembly are electrically connected through a connecting member, and the first terminal bus bar and the second terminal bus bar can have different polarities from each other.

[0047] The battery pack may further include: a battery pack vent connected to the battery module.

[0048] The battery pack exhaust part may include: a battery pack connection part connected to the battery module; a direction adjustment part, which is a pipe communicating with the battery pack connection part; and a discharge port provided in an area of ​​the side battery pack frame and connected to the direction adjustment part.

[0049] The direction regulating part is located inside the side battery pack frame, one end of the direction regulating part is closed, the other end of the direction regulating part is connected to the discharge port, and the battery pack connection part may be a region protruding from one surface of the direction regulating part toward the battery module.

[0050] The battery pack connection part may be arranged to pass through one surface of the side battery pack frame.

[0051] The battery pack connection part is connected to the module connection part of the battery module, and the module connection part may be a hole communicating with the inside of the battery module.

[0052] Beneficial Effects

[0053] According to an embodiment, an insulating coolant capable of directly cooling the battery cells and the bus bars may circulate inside the battery module to improve cooling efficiency.

[0054] Furthermore, a decrease in energy density caused by the structure of the inlet and outlet for circulating the insulating coolant inside the battery module can be offset by implementing a module having a single length.

[0055] In addition, the terminal assembly can be formed on the side of the module housing, and the upper space of the internal beam can be used to improve space utilization efficiency, thereby improving energy density.

[0056] Effects obtainable from the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and additional other effects not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the specification and the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0057] Figure 1 is a diagram showing a heat dissipation path in a conventional battery module.

[0058] Figure 2 is a diagram showing a conventional battery pack.

[0059] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of the battery pack.

[0060] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0061] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 An exploded perspective view of the battery pack.

[0062] Figure 6 The battery module is shown installed in Figure 2 A plan view of a conventional battery pack.

[0063] Figure 7 The battery module is shown installed in Figure 4 A plan view of the battery pack.

[0064] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0065] Fig. 9 It is used to illustrate Figure 8 Figure 2. Before and after installation of the terminal assembly.

[0066] Fig.10 yes Figure 8 An exploded perspective view of a battery module.

[0067] Fig.11 is a perspective view of submodules constituting a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0068] Fig.12 yes Fig.11 An exploded view of the submodules of .

[0069] Fig.13 Except Figure 8 A perspective view of a battery module outside of a module housing.

[0070] Fig.14 is Fig.13 A perspective view of the battery module with the side panels added.

[0071] Fig.15 yes Fig.14 An exploded perspective view of a battery module.

[0072] Fig.16 It is shown Fig.14 Figure inserted into the module housing.

[0073] Fig.17 It is shown Fig.13 Figure 1 of A1 in .

[0074] Fig.18 It is shown Fig.13 Figure A2 in .

[0075] Fig.19 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a plurality of battery modules are electrically connected according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0076] Fig. 20 yes Fig.19 Magnified view of area P in FIG.

[0077] Fig.21 is a diagram showing an electrical connection relationship in a battery module according to the present embodiment.

[0078] Fig. 22 is a diagram showing a movement path of current in a battery module.

[0079] Fig.23 is a perspective view showing that a first sealing assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is installed on one surface of a module housing.

[0080] Fig.24 It is shown Fig.23 FIG. 1 is a diagram of the assembly process of the first sealing assembly. Fig.24 (a) is a diagram showing the module connector coupled to the first sealing cover. Fig.24 (b) is a diagram showing that the sensing unit is coupled to the first sealing cover. Fig.24 (c) is a diagram showing that both the module connector and the sensing unit are coupled to the first sealing cover.

[0081] Fig.25 It is shown Fig.24 A diagram of a process for mounting a first sealing assembly on a surface of a module housing. Fig.25 (a) is a diagram showing that a sensing cable is electrically connected to a flexible printed circuit board. Fig.25 (b) is a diagram showing the first sealing assembly coupled to the module housing. Fig.25 (c) is a diagram showing a state in which the first sealing assembly and the module housing are sealed.

[0082] Fig.26 is an exploded perspective view showing that a first end plate is mounted on a first sealing assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0083] Fig. 27 is Fig.26 FIG. 1 is a diagram of a first end plate mounted on a first sealing assembly as viewed in the -x direction.

[0084] Fig.28 It is shown along Fig. 27 Figure 2 shows the B-B' cut of A5.

[0085] Fig.29 is a diagram showing that a second sealing assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is installed on another surface of a module housing.

[0086] Fig.30 is an exploded perspective view showing that a second end plate is mounted on a second sealing assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0087] Fig.31 is Fig.30 FIG. 1 is a diagram of a second end plate mounted on a second sealing assembly as viewed in the -x direction.

[0088] Fig.32 It is shown along Fig.31 Diagram of C-C' cleavage of A6.

[0089] Fig.33 is an exploded perspective view of a second sealing assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0090] Fig.34 It is observed in the -y direction Fig.33 When the picture.

[0091] Fig.35 It is shown Fig.33 FIG. 5 is a diagram of a second sealing assembly combined with a second end plate.

[0092] Fig.36 is a perspective view showing the interior of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0093] Fig.37 is a diagram illustrating a battery pack vent according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0094] Fig.38 It is along Fig.36 A cross-sectional view taken along the line D-D', and

[0095] Fig.39 It is viewed in the -z direction. Fig.36 perspective view. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0096] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily perform the embodiments. The present disclosure may be modified in various different ways, and the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0097] For clarity, descriptions of parts not related to the specification will be omitted, and the same reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements throughout the specification.

[0098] In addition, in the drawings, for the convenience of description, the size and thickness of each element are arbitrarily shown, and the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to the size and thickness shown in the drawings. In the drawings, for the sake of clarity, the thickness of layers, regions, etc. is exaggerated. In the drawings, for the convenience of description, the thickness of components and regions is exaggerated.

[0099] In addition, throughout the specification, when a part is referred to as “including” or “comprising” a certain component, it means that the part may further include other components, without excluding the other components, unless otherwise specified.

[0100] Furthermore, throughout the specification, when referred to as a “plane”, it means when the target portion is viewed from the upper side, and when referred to as a “section”, it means when the target portion is viewed from the side of the section cut vertically.

[0101] Hereinafter, an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. However, a partial cross section of the electrode assembly is mainly described, but it is not necessarily limited thereto, and other cross sections may also be described in the same or similar manner.

[0102] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 , a battery pack 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a lower battery pack frame 1100 on which a plurality of battery modules 100 are mounted, an upper battery pack frame 1200 located at an upper portion of the battery modules 100, and at least one battery pack vent 2000 provided on a side of the lower battery pack frame 1100. Herein, the lower battery pack frame 1100 and the upper battery pack frame 1200 may be coupled to each other by a method such as welding to seal the interior of the battery pack 1000.

[0103] The battery module 100 may include a battery cell assembly 120 in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked in a preset direction and a module housing 200 that accommodates the battery cell assembly 120. The module housing 200 may be a single body frame in the shape of a metal plate in which the upper and lower surfaces (z-axis direction and -z-axis direction) and the two side surfaces (y-axis direction and -y-axis direction) are integrated. The battery cell assembly 120 may be installed inside the module housing 200 to configure the battery module 100. However, the module housing 200 is not limited to the above, and the module housing 200 may include an upper frame and a lower frame.

[0104] The lower battery pack frame 1100 includes a side battery pack frame 1150 and at least two inner beams 1110 formed on the bottom surface of the lower battery pack frame 1100. Herein, the bottom surface of the lower battery pack frame 1100 and the at least two inner beams 1110, and the bottom surface of the lower battery pack frame 1100 and the side battery pack frames 1150 may be combined with each other by a method such as welding.

[0105] The plurality of battery modules 100 may be separated from each other by the side pack frame 1150 and at least two internal beams 1110. In other words, the plurality of battery modules 100 may be arranged in the area between the side pack frame 1150 and the internal beam 1110 and in the area between the internal beams 1110 adjacent to each other, respectively. More specifically, in the battery pack 1000, the battery module 100 is arranged between a pair of internal beams 1110 disposed adjacent to each other among the plurality of internal beams 1110, and the battery module 100 may be arranged between the internal beam 1110 and the side pack frame 1150.

[0106] Therefore, the plurality of battery modules 100 are also surrounded by at least two internal beams 1110 and the side pack frame 1150, so each battery module 100 can be protected from external impact. The internal beam 1110 can function as a kind of rigid beam.

[0107] The side battery pack frame 1150 may be arranged at an edge of the bottom surface of the lower battery pack frame 1100 and extend upward from the bottom surface of the lower battery pack frame 1100. More specifically, the side battery pack frame 1150 may extend upward from each edge of the bottom surface of the lower battery pack frame 1100. Herein, the upper end of the side battery pack frame 1150 may contact the upper battery pack frame 1200. At this time, the upper end of the side battery pack frame 1150 and the upper battery pack frame 1200 may be combined with each other by a method such as welding to seal the inside of the battery pack 1000.

[0108] The plurality of inner beams 1110 may be spaced apart from each other. Herein, a spacing distance between the inner beams 1110 adjacent to each other may be equal to or greater than a size of the battery module 100 .

[0109] In addition, an end portion of the inner beam 1110 may contact an inner surface 1152 of the side battery pack frame 1150. More specifically, both end portions of the inner beam 1110 may contact an inner surface 1152 of the side battery pack frame 1150, respectively.

[0110] Figure 6 The battery module is shown installed in Figure 2 A plan view of a conventional battery pack. Figure 7 The battery module is shown installed in Figure 4 A plan view of the battery pack.

[0111] Reference Figure 6, a conventional battery pack 10 includes a plurality of battery modules 1 installed between internal beams 13 that partition a lower battery pack frame 11. At this time, the internal beams 13 are arranged along the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction to partition the space inside the lower battery pack frame 11, and a plurality of battery modules 1 can be installed between these spaces. At this time, one end and the other end of the battery module 1 can be arranged to contact the inner surface of the lower battery pack frame 11 and the internal beam 13, or can be arranged to be slightly spaced apart. That is, the internal beam 13 can be as Figure 6 The arrangement shown in FIG. 1 is not shown, and the weight of the battery pack 10 may increase due to the inclusion of the internal beam 13 extending in the y-axis direction. Therefore, there is a problem that the energy density of the battery pack 10 is low. Therefore, in order to solve the above problem, in the present embodiment, a plurality of conventional battery modules 1 can be connected as submodules to form a Figure 7 A battery module 100 is shown.

[0112] Specifically, refer to Figure 7 , a battery pack 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of battery modules 100 installed between internal beams 1110 partitioning a battery pack frame 1100 .

[0113] As described above, the battery module 100 may be configured to connect Figure 6 In one example, the battery module 100 of this embodiment can be configured such that Figure 6 The battery cell assemblies of the battery module 1 are arranged in a row and housed in a module housing. Figure 6 The two battery cell assemblies of the two battery modules 1 can be conductively arranged in a row in the longitudinal direction (x-axis direction) to form a battery module 100. Therefore, the length of the battery module 100 of this embodiment in the x-axis can be longer than the length of the conventional battery module 1 in the x-axis.

[0114] Reference Figure 6 In the conventional battery pack 10, the internal beams 13 are arranged along the x-axis and the y-axis to partition the space inside the lower battery pack frame 1100, and a plurality of battery modules 100 can be installed between the spaces. Figure 7, it can be seen that in the battery pack 1000 according to the present embodiment, unlike the conventional battery pack 10, the internal beam 1110 is not arranged along the y-axis direction. This is to ensure that, since the length (in the x-axis direction) of the battery module 100 is increased compared to the conventional case, one end and the other end of the battery module 100 in the longitudinal direction (x-axis direction) are arranged to be connected to the side battery pack frame 1150, or arranged to completely fill the space between the battery pack frame 1150 and the end of the battery module 100, whereby the internal beam 1110 does not need to separate the battery module 100 in the direction (y-axis direction) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (x-axis direction) of the battery module 100. That is, due to the structure of the above-mentioned battery module 100, the number of internal beams 1110 provided in the battery pack 1000 in the present embodiment is reduced compared to the conventional case, and therefore, it can be seen that the weight of the battery pack 1000 is reduced and the energy density is also increased.

[0115] Hereinafter, the battery module 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail.

[0116] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 9 It is used to illustrate Figure 8 Figure 2. Before and after installation of the terminal assembly. Fig.10 yes Figure 8 An exploded perspective view of a battery module.

[0117] Reference Figures 8 to 10 The battery module 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may be a battery module in which a plurality of submodules corresponding to conventional battery modules are arranged in a row to form one battery module 100. Specifically, the battery module 100 of the present embodiment may be a battery module in which each battery cell assembly constituting two conventional battery modules is arranged to be longer in the x-axis direction and is simultaneously accommodated in one module housing 200.

[0118] The battery module 100 according to the present embodiment includes a battery cell assembly 120 in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked, a module housing 200 for accommodating the battery cell assembly 120, a bus bar structure 300 located on the front surface and / or the rear surface of the battery cell assembly 120, a sealing assembly 400 covering the front surface and / or the rear surface of the bus bar structure 300, and an end plate 500 covering the front surface and / or the rear surface of the sealing assembly 400.

[0119] First, the battery cell 110 may be a soft-pack type battery cell. Such a soft-pack type battery cell may be formed by housing an electrode assembly in a soft-pack case made of a laminate including a resin layer and a metal layer, and then heat-sealing a sealing portion of the soft-pack case. At this time, the battery cell 110 may be formed into a rectangular plate structure.

[0120] Such a battery cell 110 may be configured in plurality, and the plurality of battery cells 110 may be stacked so as to be electrically connected to each other, thereby forming a battery cell assembly 120. Specifically, as Figure 8 and Fig.10 As shown, the plurality of battery cells 110 may be stacked along the y-axis direction. As described above, the direction in which the plurality of battery cells 110 are stacked may be defined as the width direction of the battery cell assembly 120.

[0121] The module housing 200 may be used to protect the battery cell assembly 120 and the electrical components connected thereto from external physical impacts. The module housing 200 may accommodate the battery cell assembly 120 and the electrical components connected thereto in an inner space of the module housing 200.

[0122] The structure of the module housing 200 may vary. According to the present embodiment, the structure of the module housing 200 may be a single-body frame structure. Herein, the single-body frame may be in the form of a metal plate having an upper surface, a lower surface and two side surfaces integrated therein. The single-body frame may be manufactured by extrusion molding.

[0123] However, the structure of the module housing 200 is not limited thereto, and in another example, the module housing 200 may have a structure in which a U-shaped frame and an upper plate are combined. In this case, the U-shaped frame may be formed by combining or integrating the lower surface and two side surfaces of the module housing 200. At this time, each frame or plate constituting the U-shaped frame may be manufactured by press molding. In addition, in addition to the U-shaped frame, the structure of the module housing 200 may also be set to a single frame or an L-shaped frame structure, and may also be set to various structures not described in the above examples.

[0124] The module housing 200 may be provided in a shape in which the front and rear surfaces are open along the longitudinal direction (x-axis direction) of the battery cell assembly 120. In this case, the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell assembly 120 may not be hidden by the module housing 200. The front and rear surfaces of the battery cell assembly 120 may be hidden by the bus bar structure 300, the sealing assembly 400, the end plate 500, etc., and the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell assembly 120 may be protected from external physical impacts, etc., by the bus bar structure 300, the sealing assembly 400, the end plate 500, etc.

[0125] The bus bar structure 300 includes a bus bar frame 310 described later and a bus bar 330 mounted on one surface of the bus bar frame 310. The bus bar structure 300 may be located on a first side (in the x-axis direction) and a second side (in the −x-axis direction) of the opening of the module housing 200 to cover the battery cell assembly 120. The bus bar structure 300 may be electrically connected in series or in parallel with the battery cells 110 constituting the battery cell assembly 120.

[0126] The bus bar structure 300 may include a bus bar frame 310 , a bus bar 330 , and a terminal bus bar 340 , and the details will be described later.

[0127] The sealing assembly 400 may be located at a first side (in the x-axis direction) and a second side (in the −x-axis direction) of the opening of the module housing 200 to cover the battery cell assembly 120. The sealing assembly 400 located at the first side of the opening of the module housing 200 may be a first sealing assembly 410, and the sealing assembly 400 located at the second side of the opening of the module housing 200 may be a second sealing assembly 450.

[0128] The sealing assembly 400 may separate the first and second sides of the opening of the module housing 200 from the external environment. Specifically, when a coolant is injected into the module housing 200 described later, the sealing assembly 400 may perform a function of sealing the coolant and preventing the coolant from leaking to the outside.

[0129] The sealing assembly 400 may include a sealing cover and an inlet 421 and an outlet 461 through which the coolant flows in and through which the coolant flows out. Specifically, the coolant may flow into the module housing 200 through the inlet 421 and then be discharged to the outside of the battery module 100 through the outlet 461. The coolant may directly contact the battery cell assembly 120, other electrical components, and the bus bar structure 300 installed inside the module housing 200 and receive heat transfer generated thereby.

[0130] The coolant may be a fluid. However, since the coolant is in direct contact with the battery cell assembly 120, other electrical components, and the busbar structure 300 within the battery module 100, the coolant needs to be electrically insulated. Therefore, the coolant may be a material having insulating properties. In one example, the coolant may be insulating oil.

[0131] As described above, the coolant is in direct contact with the heat-generating battery cell assembly 120, other electrical components, and the bus bar structure 300 in the battery module 100, and can directly cool these components while receiving heat transfer. Therefore, compared with the conventional method of indirectly cooling the battery module using a radiator, etc., the cooling efficiency can be improved and the battery life can be extended.

[0132] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8, the battery module includes a terminal assembly 315 located in a portion of the module housing 200 overlapping with the module extension A3, and the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b face each other in the module extension A3. The module extension A3 may be located in the central portion of the battery module 100 based on the longitudinal direction (x-axis direction). The step portion 200D may be formed in a portion of the module housing 200 where the terminal assembly 315 is arranged. The step portion 200D may have a structure that is recessed from the outer surface of the module housing 200 toward the interior of the battery cell assembly. At this time, the terminal assembly 315 may be mounted on the step portion 200D.

[0133] The terminal assembly 315 according to the present embodiment includes a terminal housing 320 and a terminal bus bar 340 mounted on the terminal housing 320. The terminal housing 320 may be formed to surround the side edge of the module housing 200. At this time, the terminal housing 320 may have a curved shape. Specifically, the terminal housing 320 may be formed to surround the upper surface and the side of the module housing 200 at the same time.

[0134] Reference Fig. 9 According to the present embodiment, the terminal bus bar 340 includes a first terminal bus bar 341 and a second terminal bus bar 343, wherein the first terminal bus bar 341 and the second terminal bus bar 343 may have different polarities from each other. The terminal bus bar 340 may be a structure having a first hole 340h1 formed in an inclined upper portion and a second hole 340h2 formed in a lower portion connected to the upper portion and extending in a vertical direction (-z axis direction). The first hole 340h1 and the second hole 340h2 may be a fixing member 328 ( Fig. 20 ) and the areas through which the combining member 327 passes respectively.

[0135] The terminal housing 320 according to the present embodiment may be formed with a first hole 320h, the terminal bus bar 340 may be formed with a second hole 340h2, and the step portion 200D may be formed with a third hole 200DH. Herein, the battery module 100 according to the present embodiment may further include a coupling member 327 passing through the first hole 320h, the second hole 340h2, and the third hole 200DH.

[0136] Reference Figure 7 and Fig. 9 , the coupling member 327 is formed of a conductive material, and the internal bus bar 330 ( Fig.21 ) or the internal bus bar 330 ( Fig.21) and the terminal bus bar 340 may be electrically connected by a coupling member 327. Specifically, the coupling member 327 includes a first coupling member 327a and a second coupling member 327b, wherein the first coupling member 327a may electrically connect the first terminal bus bar 341 and the first internal bus bar 330 ( Fig.21 ), and the second coupling member 327b may electrically connect the second terminal bus bar 343 and the second internal bus bar 330 of the second submodule 100b ( Fig.21 In one example, the coupling member 327 may be a bolt coupling member.

[0137] The end plate 500 may be located at a first side (in the x-axis direction) and a second side (in the −x-axis direction) of the opening of the module housing 200 to cover the sealing assembly 400. The end plate 500 located at the first side of the opening of the module housing 200 may be a first end plate 510, and the end plate 500 located at the second side of the opening of the module housing 200 may be a second end plate 550.

[0138] Such an end plate 500 may physically protect the battery cell assembly 120 and other electrical components from external impact.

[0139] Next, each sub-battery module constituting the battery module 100 of the present embodiment will be described in more detail.

[0140] Fig.11 is a perspective view of submodules constituting a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.12 yes Fig.11 An exploded view of the submodules of . Fig.13 Except Figure 8 A perspective view of a battery module outside of a module housing. Fig.14 is Fig.13 A perspective view of the battery module with the side panels added. Fig.15 yes Fig.14 An exploded perspective view of a battery module. Fig.16 It is shown Fig.14 Figure inserted into the module housing.

[0141] Reference Figures 11 to 16 , the battery module 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first submodule 100a and a second submodule 100b. Specifically, the battery module 100 may be a battery module in which the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b are arranged in a row along the longitudinal direction (x-axis direction) of the battery cell assembly 120 to form one battery module 100. At this time, the battery cell assemblies 120a and 120b included in each of the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b may be simultaneously accommodated in one module housing 200.

[0142] Each of the first and second submodules 100 a and 100 b may include a battery cell assembly 120 in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked, and a bus bar structure 300 including a bus bar 330 electrically connected to the battery cell assembly 120 and a bus bar frame 310 covering at least one side of the battery cell assembly 120 .

[0143] That is, the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b each include the same configuration, and the first submodule 100a is mainly described below.

[0144] Reference Fig.11 and Fig.12 The first submodule 100a includes a first battery cell assembly 120a stacked with a plurality of battery cells 110a, a first bus bar structure 300a covering a front surface (in the x-axis direction) and a rear surface (in the -x-axis direction) of the first battery cell assembly 120a, and a first flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) 350a electrically connected to the first bus bar structure 300a.

[0145] The first battery cell assembly 120 a includes a plurality of first battery cells 110 a , a first cooling fin 210 a located between the plurality of first battery cells 110 a , and a first compression pad 250 a disposed on one surface of the first outermost battery cell 110 a .

[0146] The first cooling fin 210a may be located between the plurality of first battery cells 110a. For example, the first cooling fin 210a may be arranged for every two first battery cells 110a. Specifically, one first cooling fin 210a and another first cooling fin 210a adjacent thereto may be arranged with the two first battery cells 110a interposed therebetween.

[0147] The first cooling fin 210a may include a first plate 211a in contact with one side of the first battery cell 110a. Herein, one side of the first battery cell 110a may be one surface of the battery cell 110 extending in a longitudinal direction (x-axis direction) of the first battery cell 110a.

[0148] One surface of the first plate 211a may be in contact with one side of the first battery cell 110a facing the one surface of the first plate 211a. Another surface of the first plate 211a may be in contact with one surface of another first battery cell 110a adjacent to it and facing the other surface of the first plate 211a. In this case, although not shown in the drawing, an adhesive member is interposed between the side of the first battery cell 110a and the side of the first plate 211a, and the first battery cell 110a and the first plate 211a may be bonded and fixed. For example, the adhesive member may be an insulating tape.

[0149] The upper surface (in the z-axis direction) of the first plate 211a may be Fig.15 The first cooling fin 210a may be in contact with the upper surface (in the z-axis direction) of the module housing 200, and the lower surface of the first plate 211a may be in contact with the lower surface (in the −z-axis direction) of the module housing 200. Therefore, the first cooling fin 210a may be fixedly located in the module housing 200, and thus the first battery cell 110a attached to the first cooling fin 210a may also be fixedly located in the module housing 200.

[0150] When the size of the first plate 211a may be larger than that of the first battery cell 110a, the upper and lower portions of the first battery cell 110a may be located at prescribed heights from the upper and lower portions of the module housing 200. Specifically, when the height (in the z-axis direction) of the first plate 211a is longer than the height (in the z-axis direction) of the first battery cell 110a, the first battery cell 110a may be adhesively fixed to the first plate 211a while being located at a central portion of the first plate 211a.

[0151] The first cooling fin 210a may further include a first plate 211a and a first protrusion 213a protruding from one end of the first plate 211a. Fig.12 The first cooling fin 210a may include: a first plate 211a, a surface of which corresponds to or is larger than a surface of the first battery cell 110a; and a first protrusion 213a, which protrudes from one end of the first plate 211a and is parallel to the stacking direction (y-axis direction) of the first battery cell assembly 120a.

[0152] The first protrusion 213a may be an area protruding in a direction perpendicular to the first plate 211a. In one example, the first cooling fin 210a may have an L shape. The first protrusion 213a may contact the upper surface and / or lower surface of the module housing 200. Specifically, one surface of the first protrusion 213a may be arranged to face the upper or lower surface of the first battery cell 110a, and the other surface of the first protrusion 213a may contact the lower or upper surface of the module housing 200. Therefore, the first cooling fin 210a may be more firmly fixedly located in the module housing 200.

[0153] For example, one surface of the first protrusion 213a may be arranged to face the first battery cell 110a. That is, one surface of the first protrusion 213a is arranged to face the lower portion of the first battery cell 110a, and the upper and lower portions of the first battery cell 110a may be arranged to be adhesively fixed to the first plate 211a while having a prescribed height from the upper and lower surfaces of the module housing 200. In other words, a prescribed space may be provided between one surface of the first protrusion 213a and the lower portion of the first battery cell 110a, and between the upper surface of the module housing 200 and the upper portion of the first battery cell 110a, so that a coolant described later may move therebetween. In this case, the distance between one surface of the first protrusion 213a and the lower portion of the first battery cell 110a may correspond to the distance between the upper surface of the module housing 200 and the upper portion of the first battery cell 110a.

[0154] The other surface of the first protrusion 213a may be in contact with the bottom of the module housing 200. Specifically, the other surface of the first protrusion 213a may be adhesively fixed to the bottom of the module housing 200 while being in contact with the bottom of the module housing 200, so that the first cooling fin 210a is more firmly and fixedly located in the module housing 200. Fig.12 In the description, the case where the protrusion of the cooling fin 210a is located between the bottom of the module housing 200 and the lower portion of the first battery cell 110a will be mainly described, but the protrusion of the first cooling fin 210a may also be located between the upper surface of the module housing 200 and the first battery cell 110a.

[0155] However, the shape of the first cooling fin 210a is not limited to that shown in the drawings and may have a flat plate shape, and any shape may be used without limitation as long as it can fix the first battery cell 110a while being in contact with the first battery cell 110a.

[0156] The first cooling fin 210a may be made of metal. Specifically, the first cooling fin 210a may be made of metal having high thermal conductivity. Therefore, the first cooling fin 210a may directly receive the transfer of heat generated in the first battery cell 110a during battery charging and discharging. When heat is generated, the heat is transferred to the first cooling fin 210a in contact with the side of the first battery cell 110a to perform primary cooling, and the coolant described below may directly contact the upper and lower portions of the first battery cell 110a to perform re-cooling. Therefore, even in the upper and lower regions of the battery cell that were relatively difficult to cool in the past, direct cooling may be possible, thereby improving cooling efficiency.

[0157] The first compression pad 250a may be located at the outermost portion of the first battery cell assembly 120a. When the first battery cell 110a expands due to charging and discharging, it may perform a function of absorbing expansion. Specifically, when the first battery cell 110a expands, the first compression pad 250a pushes the side portion of the module housing 200 outward, thereby preventing the first battery cell 110a from rupturing, thereby improving the safety of the battery module 100.

[0158] However, the first compression pad 250a is not limited to being located only at the outermost portion of the first battery cell assembly 120a, and may also be located between the first battery cells 110a constituting the first battery cell assembly 120a.

[0159] The first bus bar structure 300 a includes a first bus bar frame 310 a and a first bus bar 330 a mounted on the first bus bar frame 310 a .

[0160] The first bus bar frame 310a is arranged on the front surface and / or the rear surface of the first battery cell assembly 120a along the x-axis direction, and can be used to cover the front surface and / or the rear surface of the first battery cell assembly 120a, and at the same time to guide the connection between the first battery cell assembly 120a and the external device. The first bus bar frame 310a can be located on the front surface (in the x-axis direction) and the rear surface (in the -x-axis direction) of the first battery cell assembly 120a. The first bus bar 330a can be installed on the first bus bar frame 310a. In a specific example, refer to Figures 10 to 13 , an inner surface of the first bus bar frame 310a may be connected to the front surface (in the x-axis direction) and the rear surface (in the -x-axis direction) of the first battery cell assembly 120a, and an outer surface of the first bus bar frame 310a may be connected to the first bus bar 330a.

[0161] The first bus bar frame 310a may include an electrically insulating material and may limit contact with other portions of the first battery cell 110a except for portions where the first bus bar 330a is coupled to an electrode lead (not shown), and may prevent an electrical short circuit from occurring.

[0162] The first bus bar 330a may be mounted on one surface of the first bus bar frame 310a to electrically connect the first battery cell assembly 120a or the first battery cell 110a to an external device circuit. The first bus bar 330a is located on the first bus bar frame 310a, and the first bus bar structure 300a is covered by a sealing assembly 400 and an end plate 500 to be described later, so that it can be protected from external impacts, etc., and durability degradation caused by external moisture can be minimized.

[0163] The first bus bar 330a may be electrically connected to the first battery cell assembly 120a via the electrode lead of the first battery cell 110a. Specifically, the electrode lead of the first battery cell 110a passes through the slit formed in the first bus bar frame 310a and may then be bent and connected to the first bus bar 330a. The first battery cells 110a constituting the first battery cell assembly 120a may be connected in series or in parallel through the first bus bar 330a.

[0164] The first flexible printed circuit board 350a is configured such that it extends and is installed in the longitudinal direction (x-axis direction) of the first battery cell assembly 120a to sense the first battery cell 110a. Fig.11 and Fig.12 As shown, the first flexible printed circuit board 350a is capable of sensing the electrical data and thermal data of the first battery cell 110a while being located at the upper portion (in the z-axis direction) of the first battery cell assembly 120a. In addition, the first flexible printed circuit board 350a is electrically connected to the first bus bar 330a while being bent toward the first bus bar frame 310a at the end of the first battery cell assembly 120a.

[0165] The first submodule 100 a and the second submodule 100 b having the above-described configuration are accommodated in one module housing 200 while being arranged in a row with each other to form one battery module 100 .

[0166] Reference Figures 13 to 16 The battery module 100 according to the present embodiment has a structure in which the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b are arranged in a row along the longitudinal direction (x-axis direction) of the battery cell and accommodated in one module housing 200. Specifically, the first bus bar structure 300a located at the other end of the first submodule 100a and the second bus bar structure 300b located at one end of the second submodule 100b may be arranged to face each other to form the battery module 100 according to the present embodiment. In this case, referring to Fig.15 , the first bus bar structure 300a and the second bus bar structure 300b may be connected to each other due to the connection cable 380. Fig.17 The connection cable 380 is described in more detail.

[0167] Reference Fig.14 and Fig.15 The side plates 230 may be provided on both sides of a battery module 100 formed by arranging the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b in a row. The side plates 230 according to the present embodiment may be formed with an opening 232. Through the opening 232, Fig. 9 The coupling member 327 described in the embodiment passes through the first hole 320h, the second hole 340h2 and the third hole 200DH and contacts Fig.21 The internal bus bar 330 is connected to the terminal bus bar 340, so the terminal bus bar 340 can be electrically connected to the internal bus bar 330. Fig.14 , the opening 232 is illustrated as having a square shape, but the shape is not limited thereto, and the shape of the opening 232 may be formed to correspond to the shape of the coupling member 327 .

[0168] The side plate 230 may be a plate extending along the longitudinal direction (x-axis direction) of the battery module 100. Specifically, the length of the side plate 230 may correspond to the length of the battery module 100. In addition, the length of the side plate 230 may correspond to the sum of the lengths of the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b. In this article, "correspondence in length" may mean that the length is equal to the length of the battery module or within an error range of about 10% on the basis of the same value.

[0169] The side plate 230 may be arranged to face the first outermost battery cell 110a of the first submodule 100a and the second outermost battery cell 110b of the second submodule 100b constituting the battery module 100. In addition, the side plate 230 may be arranged to face the first compression pad 250a of the first submodule 100a and the second compression pad 250b of the second submodule 100b constituting the battery module 100.

[0170] The side plate 230 may be made of a metal having rigidity. When the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b are inserted and installed in the module housing 200, the side plate 230 may perform the function of protecting the outermost battery cells 110a and 110b of the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b or the compression pads 250a and 250b. In addition, since the battery cell assemblies 120a and 120b constituting the battery module 100 of the present embodiment are longer than the length of a typical battery cell assembly, it may not be easy to insert and assemble them into the module housing 200. In this case, referring to Figures 14 to 16 The side plates 230 guide the battery cell assemblies 120 constituting the battery module 100 of the present embodiment to be inserted into the module housing 200, which makes it possible to easily assemble the battery module without damaging the battery cells 110 and the compression pads 250a and 250b.

[0171] Fig.17 It is shown Fig.13 Figure 1 of A1 in . Fig.18 It is shown Fig.13 Figure A2 in .

[0172] Reference Fig.17The connection cable 380 is disposed between the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b so that the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b can be connected to each other to sense a voltage, etc. The connection cable 380 may be a flexible flat cable (FFC).

[0173] The connection cable 380 can connect the first flexible printed circuit board 350a located in the first submodule 100a and the second flexible printed circuit board 350b located in the second submodule 100b. At this time, the first bus bar frame 310a on which the first flexible printed circuit board 350a is arranged and the second bus bar frame 310b on which the second flexible printed circuit board 350b is arranged are each composed of an insulating material, so that other components except the bus bar 330, the connection cable 380 and the flexible printed circuit board 350 can be insulated.

[0174] As described above, the first flexible printed circuit board 350a and the second flexible printed circuit board 350b are connected via the connection cable 380, thereby reducing the overall height of the battery module 100 and increasing the energy density of the battery itself. In addition, the installation space of the battery module 100 can be ensured, and when the battery module 100 is installed in a device such as a car, the driving performance and fuel efficiency can be improved.

[0175] Reference Fig.13 and Fig.18 , at the outermost portion of the first bus bar structure 300a of the first submodule 100a and the second bus bar structure 300b of the second submodule 100b, the internal bus bar 330 may be arranged with Fig.16 The terminal assembly 315 is connected. Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As explained in FIG. 1 , the terminal bus bar 340 may be electrically connected to the internal bus bar 330 a of the first submodule 100 a or the internal bus bar 330 b of the second submodule 100 b through the coupling member 327 formed of a conductive material.

[0176] As described above, when the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b are electrically connected to the terminal assembly 315, the electrical connection relationship between the electrode leads, the bus bars, etc., and the path of current movement will be described in detail below.

[0177] Fig.19 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a plurality of battery modules are electrically connected according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 20 yes Fig.19 Magnified view of area P in FIG. Fig.21 is a diagram showing an electrical connection relationship in a battery module according to the present embodiment. Fig. 22 A diagram showing a flow path of current in a battery module.

[0178] Reference Fig.19 and Fig. 20 , the first battery module and the second battery module each include a first terminal assembly 315a and a second terminal assembly 315b, in which a plurality of battery modules 100 are arranged along the y-axis direction and are adjacent to each other along the y-axis direction. The first terminal assembly 315a and the second terminal assembly 315b include terminal housings 320a and 320b and terminal busbars 341 and 343 respectively installed in the terminal housings 320a and 320b, and in order to electrically connect the battery modules 100a and 100b adjacent to each other, a connecting member 325 may be formed to connect the first terminal assembly 315a and the second terminal assembly 315b. The connecting member 325 may be fixed to the terminal busbars 341 and 343 and / or the terminal housing 320 by a fixing member 328 such as a bolt.

[0179] The terminal assembly 315 according to the present embodiment may be arranged to vertically overlap the internal beam 1110 formed between the first battery module and the second battery module. In one example, the terminal assembly 315 may be located on the internal beam 1110. By forming the terminal assembly 315 using the space above the internal beam 1110 in this way, energy density may be increased while improving space utilization efficiency.

[0180] Reference Fig.21 and Fig. 22 , in the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b included in one battery module 100, a portion located on one side in the x-axis direction is defined as a first end, a portion located on the other side in the x-axis direction is defined as a second end, and a region where the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b face each other may be defined as a module extension A3. Hereinafter, the connection structure of the electrode lead and the flow of current at the first end, the second end, and the module extension A3 will be described in detail.

[0181] In one example, the first terminal bus bar 341 as the positive electrode is connected by Fig. 9 and Fig. 22 The combining member 327 is connected to the outermost battery cell of the first submodule 100a, and the electrode leads 130a1 and 130a2 adjacent to each other can be electrically connected. At this time, the first terminal bus bar 341 can be electrically connected to the internal bus bar 330 of the outermost battery cell through the combining member 327. Multiple battery cells can be electrically connected through electrode leads 130a1 and 130a2, and the electrode leads 130a1 and 130a2 each protrude from both ends of each battery cell. A pair of electrode leads 130a1 and 130a2 can be welded together with one bus bar 330 and electrically connected thereto. By being electrically connected in this way, current can flow within the first submodule 100a.

[0182] Similarly, the second terminal bus bar 343 is connected via Fig. 9 and Fig. 22 The combining member 327 is connected to the outermost battery cell of the second submodule 100b, and the electrode leads 130b1 and 130b2 adjacent to each other can be electrically connected to each other. At this time, the second terminal bus bar 343 can be electrically connected to the internal bus bar 330 of the outermost battery cell through the combining member 327. Multiple battery cells can be electrically connected through electrode leads 130b1 and 130b2 each protruding from both ends of each battery cell. A pair of electrode leads 130b1 and 130b2 can be welded together with one bus bar 330 and electrically connected thereto. By being electrically connected in this manner, current can flow within the second submodule 100b.

[0183] Reference Fig. 22 In the module extension A3 according to this embodiment, it can be electrically connected to an external power source or to Fig. 22 The battery module 100 of the battery cell may be connected to other battery modules adjacent to the battery module 100, or may be connected to a BDU (battery disconnect unit) and form an HV (high voltage) connection structure. The connection structure may be a structure in which an internal bus bar 330 located at the outermost portion of the battery cell is connected to the terminal assembly 315. The module extension A3 may be an area including the second end of the first submodule 100a and the first end of the second submodule 100b.

[0184] When the electrical connection of the electrode leads 130a1, 130a2, 130b1, and 130b2 is formed as described above, current may move along the electrical connection of the electrode leads 130a1, 130a2, 130b1, and 130b2.

[0185] That is, the arrows in the drawings represent the flow of current. However, the flow of current is not limited to the flow described in the drawings, and any flow current is applicable as long as a person skilled in the art can change the electrical connection of the electrode lead to easily change the flow of current.

[0186] Fig.23 is a perspective view showing that a first sealing assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is installed on one surface of a module housing.

[0187] Reference Fig.23 , the battery module 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first sealing assembly 410 installed at one opening side of the module housing 200. Specifically, in the battery module 100 according to the present embodiment, the bus bar structure 300 electrically connected to the battery cell assembly may be located at one opening side of the module housing 200, and the first sealing assembly 410 may be installed to cover the bus bar structure 300.

[0188] The first sealing assembly 410 may include a first sealing cover 420 covering one open side of the module housing 200 , an inlet 421 which is a hole formed in the first sealing cover 420 , and a module connector 430 mounted on one region of the first sealing cover 420 .

[0189] The first sealing cover 420 is a plate covering one open side of the module housing 200, and may have a size corresponding to the size of the one open side of the module housing 200. That is, the first sealing cover 420 may be mounted on the module housing 200 while covering one open surface of the module housing 200. In one example, the first sealing cover 420 may be fitted with the module housing 200.

[0190] The inlet 421 may be configured so that the coolant flows into the battery module 100. The inlet 421 may be a hole formed in one area of ​​the first sealing cover 420. The inlet 421 may be a hole including a protrusion protruding from the first sealing cover 420 on the outer surface (in the x-axis direction) of the first sealing cover 420. That is, the inlet 421 may be a hole including a protrusion protruding in the opposite direction of the area where the module housing 200 is arranged. The protrusion may be arranged to simultaneously pass through the inlet opening 540 formed in the first end plate 510, which will be described later.

[0191] The inlet 421 may be arranged closer to the lower portion (in the −z-axis direction) than the upper portion of the first sealing assembly 410. Specifically, based on the height (in the z-axis direction), the inlet 421 may be located at a lower portion lower than the central portion of the first sealing assembly 410. Therefore, after the coolant flows inside the module housing 200, the coolant may be filled in the interior of the module housing 200 from the lower portion to the upper portion without any empty space, thereby improving the cooling performance of the battery cell assembly and other electrical components located inside the module housing 200.

[0192] The module connector 430 can detect phenomena such as overvoltage, overcurrent, and overheating of the battery cell and control these. The module connector 430 is used for LV (low voltage) connection, where the LV connection can represent a sensing connection for detecting and controlling the voltage of the battery cell. The voltage information and temperature information of the battery cell can be transmitted to an external BMS (battery management system) through the module connector 430.

[0193] The module connector 430 may be mounted on the first sealing cover 420. At this time, the module connector 430 may be mounted by being coupled to the first sealing cover 420 via the coupling member 440. At least a portion of the module connector 430 may be exposed to the outside of the end plate 510 to be described later, and the end plate 510 may be provided with a module connector opening 530 for this purpose.

[0194] Fig.24 It is shown Fig.23 FIG. 1 is a diagram of an assembly process of a first sealing assembly. Fig.24 (a) is a diagram showing the module connector coupled to the first sealing cover. Fig.24 (b) is a diagram showing that the sensing unit is coupled to the first sealing cover. Fig.24 (c) is a diagram showing that both the module connector and the sensing unit are coupled to the first sealing cover.

[0195] Reference Fig.24 , the module connector 430 is mounted on one surface of the first sealing assembly 410, and the sensing unit 360 is mounted on the other surface of the first sealing assembly 410, so that the module connector 430 and the sensing unit 360 can be electrically connected to each other.

[0196] Reference Fig.24 (a), the module connector 430 may be mounted on one surface of the first sealing cover 420. Specifically, the module connector 430 may be mounted on the outer surface 420a of the first sealing cover 420. The outer surface 420a of the first sealing cover 420 is connected to the end plate 510 (see Fig.26 ) facing the surface, and may be a surface that is not in contact with the module housing 200 (see Fig.23 ) facing the surface.

[0197] The module connector 430 may be installed and located in a fourth area A4 which is an area of ​​the outer surface 420a of the first sealing cover 420. The fourth area A4 is an area corresponding to the size of the module connector 430, the hole passing through the first sealing cover 420 is set in the central part of the fourth area A4, and the groove in which the coupling member 440 may be installed may be set at the vertex of the fourth area A4. In this case, the coupling member 440 may be set at the vertex of the module connector 430, and the coupling member 440 may be located in the area corresponding to the groove of the fourth area A4. Therefore, the coupling member 440 may be coupled to the groove in the fourth area A4, so that the module connector 430 may be installed in the fourth area A4.

[0198] The coupling member 440 may be used without limitation as long as it can couple and fix the module connector 430 to the fourth area A4, and may be, for example, a bolt, a nut, or a rivet.

[0199] Reference Fig.24 (b) and Fig.24(c), the sensing unit 360 may be mounted on another surface of the first sealing cover 420. Specifically, the sensing unit 360 may be mounted on the inner surface 420b of the first sealing cover 420. The inner surface 420b of the first sealing cover 420 is in contact with the module housing 200 (see Fig.23 ) facing the surface, and may be a surface that is not in contact with the end plate 510 described later (see Fig.26 ) facing the surface.

[0200] The sensing unit 360 may include a sensing printed circuit board 361 and a sensing cable 363 electrically connected to the sensing printed circuit board 361. The sensing printed circuit board 361 may be electrically connected to the module connector 430. The sensing printed circuit board 361 may be located in an area corresponding to the module connector 430. Specifically, the sensing printed circuit board 361 may be located in the fourth area A4. The sensing printed circuit board 361 may be arranged to be electrically connected to the module connector 430 through the hole in the fourth area A4 at the same time.

[0201] The sensing cable 363 is a cable electrically connected to the sensing printed circuit board 361 , and may include a cable connection portion 363 a and a cable extension portion 363 b .

[0202] The cable connection part 363a is connected to the sensing printed circuit board 361 and can be arranged to contact the inner surface 420b of the first sealing cover 420. The cable connection part 363a is fixedly arranged to the inner surface 420b of the first sealing cover 420 while contacting the inner surface 420b of the first sealing cover 420, and cannot move arbitrarily within the battery module 100, which does not cause damage to the components.

[0203] Specifically, the cable connection portion 363a is arranged to extend from the sensing printed circuit board 361 to the lower portion of the first sealing cover 420, and may be bent and extended from the lower portion of the first sealing cover 420. At this time, a portion extending from the cable connection portion 363a while being bent from the lower portion of the first sealing cover 420 may be defined as a cable extension portion 363b.

[0204] The cable extension 363b may be electrically connected to the flexible printed circuit board 350 located in the bus bar structure, which will be referred to later. Fig.25 Describe the details.

[0205] Fig.25 It is shown Fig.24 A diagram of a process for mounting a first sealing assembly on a surface of a module housing. Fig.25 (a) is a diagram showing that a sensing cable is electrically connected to a flexible printed circuit board. Fig.25 (b) is a diagram showing the first sealing assembly coupled to the module housing. Fig.25(c) is a diagram showing a state in which the first sealing assembly and the module housing are sealed.

[0206] Reference Fig.24 (c) and Fig.25 (a), the sensing cable 363 may be electrically connected to the flexible printed circuit board 350 located on the bus bar structure. In this case, the sensing cable 363 may transmit the voltage information, temperature information, etc. of the battery cell obtained from the flexible printed circuit board 350 to the sensing printed circuit board 361. In this case, the sensing printed circuit board 361 may transmit the battery cell information, etc. obtained from the flexible printed circuit board 350 to the module connector 430. That is, the sensing unit 360 may transmit the battery cell data obtained from the flexible printed circuit board 350 to the module connector 430.

[0207] Therefore, the module connector 430 may transmit data acquired from the flexible printed circuit board 350 and the sensing unit 360 to a BMS (Battery Management System), and the BMS may control charging and discharging of the battery cells based on the collected voltage data.

[0208] Reference Fig.25 (a) and Fig.25 (b), the first sealing cover 420 can be installed on the module housing 200 while covering an open surface of the module housing 200. In one example, the first sealing cover 420 can be adapted to the module housing 200. In this case, the edge of the first sealing cover 420 may include a protrusion that partially protrudes toward the direction of combination with the module housing 200. At this time, the edge of the module housing 200 combined with the first sealing cover 420 may be formed with a step so that the edge protrusion of the first sealing cover 420 can be inserted. Therefore, the first sealing cover 420 and the module housing 200 can be assembled together.

[0209] Reference Fig.25 (c), when the first sealing cover 420 and one side of the opening of the module housing 200 are combined with each other, the first sealing member 610 may be inserted along the edge of the first sealing cover 420 and the module housing 200. When the first sealing cover 420 and the module housing 200 are combined, a fine gap may appear between them due to assembly tolerance, and the fine gap is sealed with the first sealing member 610 to improve the sealing force of the battery module 100. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the leakage of the coolant located inside the battery module 100, prevent the leakage of the gas generated inside the battery module 100, and control the direction of gas discharge, thereby improving the safety of the battery module 100. Fig.25 (c) shows exposure to the outside to show the first sealing member 610 , but the first sealing member 610 may be interposed between the module housing 200 and the first sealing cover 420 .

[0210] In this case, the first sealing member 610 may be, for example, an adhesive tape.

[0211] Although not shown in the drawing, after the first sealing assembly 410 is coupled to the module housing 200 and the edges are sealed with the first sealing member 610, other gaps existing in the first sealing assembly 410 may be filled with the second sealing member 620 (see Fig. 27 and Fig.28 ) seal. Thus, the second sealing member 620 is used to seal the first sealing assembly 410 except for the edge that cannot be sealed by the first sealing member 610, thereby further improving the sealing force of the battery module 100. Fig. 27 The second sealing member 620 is described in more detail.

[0212] Fig.26 is an exploded perspective view showing that a first end plate is mounted on a first sealing assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0213] Reference Fig.26 , in the battery module 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first end plate 510 may be arranged to cover the first sealing assembly 410 .

[0214] The first end plate 510 may include a terminal bus bar opening 520 , a module connector opening 530 , and an inlet opening 540 .

[0215] The terminal bus bar opening 520 is an opening provided in the first end plate 510. Specifically, the terminal bus bar opening 520 may be an opening formed in a region corresponding to the position of the terminal bus bar 340 provided in the first sealing assembly 410.

[0216] The terminal bus bar opening 520 is a protrusion protruding from the first end plate 510 toward the outside of the battery module 100 and may have a structure in which only the upper surface of the protrusion is opened. In this case, a portion of the terminal bus bar 340 may be exposed to the outside on the upper surface of the protrusion.

[0217] The size of the terminal bus bar opening 520 may be mainly determined by the peripheral size of the terminal bus bar 340. However, for ease of assembly or for reasons of manufacturing process, the size of the terminal bus bar opening 520 may be larger than the size of the exposed portion of the terminal bus bar 340, wherein a gap may occur between the terminal bus bar opening 520 and the terminal bus bar 340 exposed to the outside.

[0218] The module connector opening 530 and the inlet opening 540 are openings provided in the first end plate 510, and are holes passing through the first end plate 510. Specifically, the module connector opening 530 may be an opening formed in a region corresponding to the position of the module connector 430 provided in the first sealing assembly 410, and the inlet opening 540 may be an opening formed in a region corresponding to the position of the outlet 461 provided in the first sealing assembly 410. In this case, the module connector 430 is arranged to pass through the module connector opening 530, and the inlet 421 is arranged to pass through the inlet opening 540, whereby at least a portion of the module connector 430 and the inlet 421 may be exposed to the outside.

[0219] The size of the module connector opening 530 and the inlet opening 540 may be mainly determined by the peripheral size of the module connector 430 and the inlet 421. However, for ease of assembly or for reasons of manufacturing process, the size of the module connector opening 530 and the inlet opening 540 may be larger than the size of the exposed portion of the module connector 430 and the inlet 421, wherein a gap may occur between the module connector 430 and the inlet 421 exposed to the outside of the module connector opening 530 and the inlet opening 540.

[0220] The terminal bus bar 340 and the module connector 430 are exposed to the outside through the terminal bus bar opening 520 and the module connector opening 530, respectively, thereby facilitating HV connection and LV connection with external electrical components. Therefore, the assembly process efficiency can be improved.

[0221] The inlet 421 is exposed to the outside of the battery module 100 through the inlet opening 540, and therefore, when the coolant is injected into the module housing 200 through the inlet 421, the coolant can be prevented from leaking between the first sealing assembly 410 and the first end plate 510. Therefore, the coolant does not contact the terminal bus bar 340 or the module connector 430 that are electrically connected to the outside. That is, a short circuit between components does not occur, and therefore, the safety of the battery module 100 can be improved.

[0222] The third sealing member 630 may be interposed between the first end plate 510 and the first sealing assembly 410 .

[0223] The third sealing member 630 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the edge of the first sealing assembly 410 or the edge of the first end plate 510. The third sealing member 630 may be a resin that is applied and then cured to correspond to the edge of the first sealing assembly 410 or the edge of the first end plate 510. Specifically, the third sealing member 630 may be applied to the first groove 411, which is a groove formed along the edge of the first sealing assembly 410, and may be cured after the first sealing assembly 410 and the first end plate 510 are combined. In one example, the third sealing member 630 may be made of epoxy resin.

[0224] That is, the third sealing member 630 is interposed between the first sealing assembly 410 and the first end plate 510 so that the first sealing assembly 410 and the first end plate 510 may be combined without a gap formed due to assembly tolerance.

[0225] Therefore, the sealing force of the battery module 100 is improved, and the leakage of the coolant in the battery module 100 is prevented, so that the cooling performance of the battery module 100 can be enhanced. In addition, in the battery module 100, the exhaust direction can be adjusted, and the exhaust gas generated at a specified temperature and pressure or higher temperature and pressure is prevented from being discharged to the outside through the gap, thereby improving the safety of the battery module 100.

[0226] However, the type and forming method of the third sealing member 630 are not limited to the above, and may have a shape such as a gasket formed by an elastic member, and any shape is available as long as it can be used to seal the first sealing assembly 410 and the first end plate 510.

[0227] Fig. 27 is Fig.26 FIG. 1 is a diagram of a first end plate mounted on a first sealing assembly as viewed in the -x direction. Fig.28 It is shown along Fig. 27 Figure 2 shows the B-B' cut of A5.

[0228] Reference Fig. 27 and Fig.28 It can be seen that the first sealing member 610 and the third sealing member 630 are arranged along the edge of the first sealing assembly 410 , and the second sealing member 620 is located in one area of ​​the first sealing assembly 410 .

[0229] Regarding the second sealing member 620, refer to Fig.28, the second sealing member 620 may be located in an area other than the edge area of ​​the first sealing assembly 410. That is, the second sealing member 620 may seal the remaining area of ​​the first sealing assembly 410 that is not covered by the first sealing member 610 and the third sealing member 630. Specifically, the second sealing member 620 may seal an area including a gap in the first sealing assembly 410. However, the area where the second sealing member 620 is arranged is not limited to the area shown in the drawings. For example, the second sealing member 620 may seal the gap portion of the first sealing assembly 410 that is combined with the module connector 430.

[0230] Therefore, in addition to the edge portion of the first sealing assembly 410, the portion where the gap is located is further sealed by the second sealing member 620, so that the sealing force of the battery module 100 is improved, and the leakage of the coolant located inside the battery module 100 is prevented, thereby improving the cooling performance of the battery module 100. In addition, since the gas generated inside the battery module 100 at a specified temperature and pressure or higher is not discharged through the gap between the first sealing assembly 410 and the first end plate 510, the safety of the battery module 100 can be enhanced.

[0231] Fig.29 is a diagram showing that a second sealing assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is installed on another surface of a module housing.

[0232] Reference Fig.29 , the battery module 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a second sealing assembly 450 installed on the other opening surface of the module housing 200. Specifically, in the battery module 100 according to the present embodiment, the bus bar structure 300 electrically connected to the battery cell assembly may be located at the other opening side of the module housing 200, and the second sealing assembly 450 may be installed to cover the bus bar structure 300.

[0233] The second sealing assembly 450 may include a second sealing cover 460 covering the other opening surface of the module case 200 and an outlet 461 which is a hole formed in the second sealing cover 460 .

[0234] The second sealing cover 460 is a plate covering the other opening surface of the module housing 200, and may have a size corresponding to the size of the other opening surface of the module housing 200. In this article, "correspondence of size" may mean that the size is equal to the size of the other opening side of the module housing 200, or the size is within an error range of about 10% based on the same size. That is, the second sealing cover 460 may be mounted on the module housing 200 while covering one opening side of the module housing 200. In one example, the second sealing cover 460 may be adapted to the module housing 200.

[0235] The outlet 461 may discharge the coolant, which has flowed into the battery module 100 through the inlet, to the outside of the battery module 100 .

[0236] The outlet 461 may be a hole formed in one area of ​​the second sealing cover 460. The outlet 461 may be a hole including a protrusion protruding along the outer surface (in the -x-axis direction) of the second sealing cover 460. That is, the outlet 461 may be a hole including a protrusion protruding in the opposite direction of the module housing 200. The protrusion may be arranged to pass through an outlet opening 560 formed in the second end plate 550, which will be described later.

[0237] The outlet 461 may be disposed near an upper portion (in the z-axis direction) of the second sealing assembly 450. Specifically, the outlet 461 may be located above the central portion based on the height of the second sealing assembly 450. However, the position of the outlet 461 is not limited thereto.

[0238] When the second sealing assembly 450 and one open side of the module housing 200 are combined with each other, the first sealing member 610 may be inserted along the edge of the second sealing cover 460 and the module housing 200. When the second sealing cover 460 and the module housing 200 are combined, a small gap may appear between them due to assembly tolerance, and the gap is sealed with the sealing member 600, so that the sealing force of the battery module 100 can be improved. Therefore, the leakage of the coolant located inside the battery module 100 can be prevented, and the leakage of the exhaust gas occurring inside the battery module 100 can also be prevented. Therefore, the discharge direction of the gas can also be controlled, thereby improving the safety of the battery module 100.

[0239] In this case, the first sealing member 610 may be, for example, an adhesive tape.

[0240] Although not shown in the drawing, after the second sealing assembly 450 is coupled to the module housing 200 and the edges are sealed with the first sealing member 610, the gap existing on the second sealing assembly 450 may be filled with the second sealing member 620 (see Fig.32 ) seal. This is to use the second sealing member 620 to seal the second sealing assembly 450 except for the edge that cannot be sealed by the first sealing member 610, and further improve the sealing force of the battery module 100. Fig.30 The second sealing member 620 will be described in more detail.

[0241] Fig.30 is an exploded perspective view showing that a second end plate is mounted on a second sealing assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0242] Reference Fig.30, in the battery module 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the second end plate 550 may be arranged to cover the second sealing assembly 450 .

[0243] The second end plate 550 may include an outlet opening 560 .

[0244] The outlet opening 560 is an opening provided in the second end plate 550, and is a hole passing through the second end plate 550. Specifically, the outlet opening 560 may be an opening formed in a region corresponding to the position of the outlet 461 provided in the second sealing assembly 450. In this case, the outlet 461 is arranged to pass through the outlet opening 560 so that at least a portion of the outlet 461 may be exposed to the outside.

[0245] The size of outlet opening 560 may be determined primarily by the peripheral size of outlet 461. However, for ease of assembly or for manufacturing process reasons, the size of outlet opening 560 may be larger than the size of the exposed portion of outlet 461, wherein gaps may occur between outlets 461 exposed outside of outlet opening 560.

[0246] The outlet 461 is exposed to the outside of the battery module 100 through the outlet opening 560, and therefore, when the coolant located inside the module housing 200 is discharged through the outlet 461, the coolant can be prevented from leaking between the second sealing assembly 450 and the second end plate 550. Therefore, since the coolant does not contact other electrical components, a short circuit does not occur, and the safety of the battery module 100 can be improved.

[0247] The third sealing member 630 may be interposed between the second sealing assembly 450 and the second end plate 550 .

[0248] The third sealing member 630 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the edge of the second sealing assembly 450 or the edge of the second end plate 550. The third sealing member 630 may be a resin that is applied and then cured to correspond to the edge of the second sealing assembly 450 or the edge of the second end plate 550. Specifically, the third sealing member 630 may be applied to the second groove 451, which is a groove formed along the edge of the second sealing assembly 450, and after the second sealing assembly 450 and the second end plate 550 are combined, they may be cured. In one example, the third sealing member 630 may be made of epoxy resin.

[0249] That is, the third sealing member 630 is interposed between the second sealing assembly 450 and the second end plate 550 so that the second sealing assembly 450 and the second end plate 550 may be combined without a gap formed due to assembly tolerance.

[0250] Therefore, the sealing force of the battery module 100 is improved, and the leakage of the coolant in the battery module 100 is prevented, thereby improving the cooling performance of the battery. In addition, in the battery module 100, the exhaust direction can be adjusted, and the exhaust gas generated at a specified temperature and pressure or higher is prevented from being discharged to the outside through the gap, thereby improving the safety of the battery module 100.

[0251] The type and forming method of the third sealing member 630 are not limited to the above, and may have a shape such as a gasket formed by an elastic member, and any shape is available as long as it can be used to seal the second sealing assembly 450 and the second end plate 550 .

[0252] Fig.31 is along Fig.30 FIG. 5 is a diagram of the second end plate installed on the second sealing assembly as viewed in the -x-axis direction. Fig.32 It is shown along Fig.31 Diagram of C-C' cleavage of A6.

[0253] Reference Fig.31 and Fig.32 It can be seen that the first sealing member 610 and the third sealing member 630 are arranged along the edge of the second sealing assembly 450 , and the second sealing member 620 is located in one area of ​​the second sealing assembly 450 .

[0254] Regarding the second sealing member 620, refer to Fig.32 , the second sealing member 620 may be located in an area other than the edge area of ​​the second sealing assembly 450. That is, the second sealing member 620 may seal the remaining area of ​​the second sealing assembly 450 that is not covered by the first sealing member 610 and the third sealing member 630. Specifically, the second sealing member 620 may seal an area including a gap in the first sealing assembly 410. However, the area where the second sealing member 620 is arranged is not limited to the area shown in the drawing.

[0255] Therefore, in addition to the edge portion of the second sealing assembly 450, the portion where the gap is located is further sealed by the second sealing member 620, so that the sealing force of the battery module 100 is improved, and the leakage of the coolant located inside the battery module 100 is prevented, thereby improving the cooling performance of the battery module 100. In addition, since the gas generated inside the battery module 100 at a specified temperature and pressure or higher is not discharged through the gap between the second sealing assembly 450 and the second end plate 550, the safety of the battery module 100 can be enhanced.

[0256] Fig.33 is an exploded perspective view of a second sealing assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.34It is observed in the -y direction Fig.33 When the picture.

[0257] Reference Fig.33 and Fig.34 According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the second sealing assembly 450 may further include an outlet 461 and a module exhaust portion 470. Since the outlet 461 is the same as described above, the module exhaust portion 470 will be mainly described below.

[0258] The module exhaust part 470 can exhaust the gas generated inside the battery module 100 to the outside at a certain temperature and pressure or higher. Specifically, the module exhaust part 470 can prevent the coolant inside the battery module 100 from leaking while exhausting the gas inside the battery module 100 to the outside.

[0259] The module exhaust part 470 may be provided in one region of the second sealing cover 460. The module exhaust part 470 may include an exhaust hole 471, a film 473, a fixing cover 475, and an exhaust protrusion 477.

[0260] The exhaust hole 471 may be a passage through which gas generated inside the battery module 100 moves to the outside. The exhaust hole 471 may be at least one hole provided in one area of ​​the second sealing cover 460. The exhaust hole 471 may be structurally connected to the second sealing cover 460 later. Fig.35 Module connection section 472 described in Fig.35 The details are described in detail.

[0261] The film 473 may be a film that enables gas located inside the battery module 100 to be discharged to the outside through the exhaust hole 471 but prevents the coolant from leaking to the outside.

[0262] The film 473 may be located between the inner surface 460b of the second sealing cover 460 and the fixed cover 475. The film 473 may be arranged to contact the inner surface 460b of the second sealing cover 460. In this case, one surface of the film 473 may be fixedly arranged to the inner surface 460b of the second sealing cover 460 while contacting the inner surface 460b of the second sealing cover 460, and the other surface of the film 473 may be fixedly arranged to contact one surface of the fixed cover 475.

[0263] The fixing cover 475 may mainly allow passage of gas and coolant located inside the battery module 100. The fixing cover 475 may be disposed closest to the battery cell assembly.

[0264] The fixing cover 475 may be arranged to contact the film. Specifically, one surface of the fixing cover 475 may be bonded and fixed to the other surface of the film 473. In this case, the size of the fixing cover 475 may correspond to the size of the film 473, or may be larger than the size of the film 473.

[0265] The fixing cover 475 may have a shape in which a hole is provided in a flat plate. However, the hole may not be located in an edge region of the fixing cover 475.

[0266] The edge area of ​​the fixed cover 475 may be in contact with the film 473 and / or the inner surface 460b of the second sealing cover 460. In this case, although not shown in the figure, an adhesive member may be inserted along the edge area of ​​the fixed cover 475, and the fixed cover 475 may be fixedly located on the second sealing assembly 450 by the adhesive member. The hole provided in the fixed cover 475 may enable the gas and coolant located inside the battery module 100 to be moved to the film 473. At least one hole may be formed.

[0267] The exhaust protrusion 477 may be an area that protrudes toward the outside (in the x-axis direction) of the battery module 100 from the area corresponding to the module exhaust portion 470. The exhaust protrusion 477 may be an area that protrudes outward from the area where the exhaust hole 471 is provided. A portion of the exhaust protrusion 477 may pass through the second end plate 550 and be exposed to the outside so that the exhaust gas can be completely discharged to the outside of the battery module 100. Fig.35 Explain the details in more detail.

[0268] Fig.35 It is shown Fig.33 FIG. 5 is a diagram of a second sealing assembly combined with a second end plate.

[0269] Reference Fig.35 , when the second end plate 550 is installed to cover the second sealing assembly 450 , it may penetrate the second end plate 550 so that at least a portion of the outlet 461 and the module exhaust portion 470 may be exposed to the outside.

[0270] Specifically, the outlet 461 may be partially exposed to the outside through the outlet opening 560 provided in the second end plate 550 , and the module exhaust portion 470 may pass through the exhaust opening 570 provided in the second end plate 550 and be partially exposed to the outside.

[0271] Since the outlet 461 and the outlet opening 560 are the same as above Fig.26 The module exhaust portion 470 and the exhaust opening 570 will be described in detail below.

[0272] The module exhaust portion 470 includes an exhaust protrusion 477 protruding in a direction opposite to the module housing 200 , and the exhaust protrusion 477 may be provided with a module connection portion 472 .

[0273] The module connection portion 472 is a hole communicating with the above-mentioned exhaust hole 471, and can pass through the second end plate 550 and be partially exposed to the outside like the exhaust protrusion 477. The module connection portion 472 is connected to the battery pack exhaust portion 2000 ( Fig.37 ), so that the exhaust gas moving through the exhaust hole 471 can be discharged to the outside of the battery module. That is, at least a portion of the module connection portion 472 passes through the second end plate 550 and is exposed to the outside, thereby facilitating assembly with the battery pack exhaust portion 2000. Therefore, the efficiency of the battery assembly process can be improved. In addition, the exhaust gas discharged through the module connection portion 472 will not be retained in the space between the second end plate 550 and the second sealing assembly 450. Therefore, since the exhaust gas will not be retained inside the battery module 100, the safety of the battery module 100 can be improved.

[0274] The exhaust opening 570 is an opening provided in the second end plate 550, and is a hole passing through the second end plate 550. Specifically, the exhaust opening 570 may be an opening formed in a region corresponding to the position of the exhaust protrusion 477 provided in the second sealing assembly 450. In this case, the exhaust protrusion 477 is arranged to pass through the exhaust opening 570 together with the module connection portion 472, so that at least a portion of the exhaust protrusion 477 and the module connection portion 472 may be exposed to the outside.

[0275] The size of the exhaust opening 570 may be mainly determined by the peripheral size of the exhaust protrusion 477. However, for ease of assembly or for manufacturing process reasons, the size of the exhaust opening 570 may be larger than the size of the exposed portion of the exhaust protrusion 477, wherein a gap may occur between the exhaust opening 570 and the exhaust protrusion 477 exposed to the outside.

[0276] Fig.36 is a perspective view showing the interior of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.37 is a diagram illustrating a battery pack vent according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.38 It is along Fig.36 A cross-sectional view taken along line D-D'. Fig.39 It is viewed in the -z direction. Fig.36 perspective view.

[0277] Reference Figure 36 to Figure 39In the battery pack 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of battery modules 100 are installed in a space partitioned by an internal beam 1110 within a lower battery pack frame 1100, and the plurality of battery modules 100 may be connected to a battery pack exhaust part 2000. Specifically, a module exhaust part 470 is provided at an end of the plurality of battery modules 100, and the module exhaust part 470 may be connected to the battery pack exhaust part 2000.

[0278] The battery pack vent 2000 may include a direction regulating portion 2100 , a battery pack connecting portion 2200 , and an outlet 2300 .

[0279] Reference Figure 37 to Figure 39 The direction regulating part 2100 may be a duct that controls the direction of exhaust gas and discharges the exhaust gas to the outside of the battery pack 1000. Specifically, one end of the direction regulating part 2100 is closed, but the other end may be a duct connected to the outlet 2300 in an open state.

[0280] The direction regulating part 2100 may be located inside the lateral battery pack frame 1150. The direction regulating part 2100 extends along the lateral battery pack frame to the outlet 2300 so that the exhaust gas may be discharged to the outside through the outlet 2300.

[0281] The direction adjusting portion 2100 may be located between the outer surface 1151 and the inner surface 1152 of the side battery pack frame 1150. A space may be formed between the outer surface 1151 and the inner surface 1152 of the side battery pack frame 1150, and the direction adjusting portion 2100 may be located in the space. In this case, referring to Fig.34 , the diameter of the direction adjustment part 2100 may be equal to or less than the width w1 of the side battery pack frame 1500. However, the position of the direction adjustment part 2100 is not limited thereto. In one example, the direction adjustment part may be located outside the side battery pack frame 1150 and extend along the length of the side battery pack frame 1150.

[0282] The direction regulating portion 2100 may be connected to the battery pack connecting portion 2200. The battery pack connecting portion 2200 may be a region protruding from one surface of the direction regulating portion 2100 toward the module exhaust portion 470. In this case, referring to Fig.37 , the direction regulating part 2100 and the battery pack connecting part 2200 may have a manifold shape.

[0283] The battery pack connection part 2200 may be configured to connect the module exhaust part 470 and the battery pack exhaust part 2000. That is, the battery pack connection part 2200 may be configured to connect the module exhaust part 470 and the direction adjustment part 2100. Specifically, the battery pack connection part 2200 is connected to the module exhaust part 470 so that the gas generated inside the battery module 100 can move to the battery pack exhaust part 2000. In this case, the battery pack connection part 2200 may be connected to the module exhaust part 470 by an adaption connection, but is not limited thereto.

[0284] The module vent 470 includes a module connection portion 472 exposed to the outside of the battery module 100 and connected to the battery pack connection portion 2200, and a protrusion 477 that protrudes while surrounding the module connection portion 472. The protrusion 477 may be a region that surrounds the module connection portion 472 and protrudes from the second sealing assembly 450 in the opposite direction of the module housing 200. The protrusion 477 may physically protect the module connection portion 472 while guiding the battery pack connection portion 2200 to be connected to the module connection portion 472.

[0285] When the direction adjustment portion 2100 is located inside the side battery pack frame 1150, the battery pack connection portion 2200 may be arranged to pass through the side battery pack frame 1150. That is, the battery pack connection portion 2200 may be arranged to pass through the inner surface 1152 of the side battery pack frame 1150. In this case, a hole may be provided in an area of ​​the inner surface 1152 of the side battery pack frame 1150 corresponding to the area where the battery pack connection 2200 is provided. The hole may correspond to the size of the battery pack connection portion 2200, or may be larger than the size of the battery pack connection portion 2200 for ease of assembly. In this article, "correspondence of size" may mean that they are equal to each other, or they are within an error range of about 10% based on the same value as the size of the battery pack connection portion 2200.

[0286] The exhaust port 2300 is connected to the direction regulating part 2100 , and may exhaust the gas moving through the direction regulating part 2100 to the outside of the battery pack 1000 .

[0287] The discharge port 2300 may be provided in the side battery pack frame 1150. Fig.39 , the exhaust port 2300 may be provided in an area of ​​the side battery pack frame 1150. Specifically, the exhaust port 2300 may be provided in an area of ​​the side battery pack frame 1150 where the battery pack connection portion 2200 is not arranged. This may be to set the distance between the direction regulating portion 2100 and the exhaust port 2300 (that is, the moving path of the exhaust gas) as long as possible to relatively reduce the intensity and temperature of the exhaust gas and discharge it to the outside.

[0288] The discharge port 2300 may be a member that is opened or closed or ruptured according to the pressure inside the battery pack 1000 .

[0289] In one example, the discharge port 2300 is connected to the inside of the battery pack 1000, but may be composed of a member that opens to the outside only when the pressure inside the battery pack 1000 exceeds a prescribed pressure and closes when the pressure drops below the prescribed pressure. In one example, the discharge port 2300 may be a safety valve. However, the discharge port 2300 is not limited thereto, and any member that can be opened or closed according to the pressure of the battery pack 1000 may be included in the present embodiment.

[0290] In another example, when the pressure inside the battery pack 1000 reaches a prescribed level or more, the discharge port 2300 may rupture. More specifically, the discharge port 2300 may include a rupture surface (not shown) configured to rupture when the pressure of the inflowing gas exceeds a prescribed pressure, such as a rupture disk. However, the structure of the discharge port 2300 is not limited thereto, and any structure that communicates with the direction regulating portion 2100 and enables the internal gas to be discharged to the outside may be included in the present embodiment.

[0291] As described above, the high temperature gas and / or flame generated inside the battery module 100 may move to the battery pack exhaust part 2000 through the module exhaust part 470, and thus be discharged to the outside of the battery pack 1000. Specifically, the high temperature gas and / or flame flowing in through the battery pack connection part 2200 moves inside the direction regulating part 2100, and may eventually be discharged to the outside through the exhaust port 2300 at the side frame 1150 where the exhaust port 2300 is arranged.

[0292] Thus, the side frame 1150 and the direction regulating part 2100 disposed inside the side frame 1150 can form an exhaust path, and the high-temperature gas and / or flame moving along the exhaust path can be contacted with the inner surface of the direction regulating part 2100 to be cooled, and the gas and / or flame cooled by the exhaust port 2300 can be safely discharged to the outside. Therefore, the safety of the battery pack 1000 can be improved.

[0293] The battery module and the battery pack including the battery module can be applied to various devices. Such devices can be applied to vehicle devices such as electric bicycles, electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto and can also be applied to various devices that can use the battery module and the battery pack including the battery module within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0294] The present invention has been described in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments of the present invention. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and that various modifications and improvements may be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is defined in the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0295] [Explanation of Reference Numerals]

[0296] 100: Battery module

[0297] 100a: First submodule

[0298] 100b: Second submodule

[0299] 120: Battery cell assembly

[0300] 130a, 130b, 130a1, 130a2, 130b1, 130b2: electrode leads

[0301] 200: Module housing

[0302] 200D: Step part

[0303] 210a: Cooling fin

[0304] 230: Side panels

[0305] 300: Busbar structure

[0306] 315: Terminal assembly

[0307] 320: Terminal housing

[0308] 325: Connecting components

[0309] 327: Combined components

[0310] 328: Fixed components

[0311] 330: Busbar

[0312] 340: Terminal busbar

[0313] 340h1, 340h2: first hole, second hole

[0314] 200DH: Third hole

[0315] 350: Flexible printed circuit board

[0316] 360: Sensing unit

[0317] 363: Sensing cable

[0318] 380: Connecting cable

[0319] 400: Sealing components

[0320] 421: Entrance

[0321] 430: Module connector

[0322] 440: Combined components

[0323] 461: Exit

[0324] 471: Exhaust hole

[0325] 472: Module connection

[0326] 473: Membrane

[0327] A3: Module extension

[0328] 1100: Lower battery pack frame

[0329] 1110: Internal beam

[0330] 1150: Side battery pack frame

[0331] 2000: Battery pack exhaust

[0332] 2100: Direction Adjustment Department

[0333] 2200: Battery pack connection

[0334] 2300: Drainage port

Claims

1. A battery module, comprising: A first submodule and a second submodule, each of the first submodule and the second submodule comprising a battery cell assembly and a bus bar structure, wherein a plurality of battery cells are stacked in the battery cell assembly, and the bus bar structure comprises a bus bar electrically connecting the battery cells and a bus bar frame covering at least one side of the battery cell assembly; a module housing, wherein the module housing simultaneously accommodates the first submodule and the second submodule; as well as A terminal assembly is located in a portion of the module housing overlapping a module extension in which the first sub-module and the second sub-module face each other.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: A step portion is formed in a portion of the module housing where the terminal assembly is arranged.

3. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein: The terminal assembly is mounted on the step portion.

4. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The terminal assembly includes a terminal housing and a terminal bus bar mounted on the terminal housing.

5. The battery module according to claim 4, wherein: The terminal housing is formed with a first hole, the terminal bus bar is formed with a second hole, and the step portion is formed with a third hole, and The battery module further includes a coupling member passing through the first hole, the second hole, and the third hole.

6. The battery module according to claim 5, wherein: The coupling member is formed of a conductive material, and the internal bus bar of the first submodule or the internal bus bar of the second submodule is electrically connected to the terminal bus bar through the coupling member.

7. The battery module according to claim 6, wherein: The terminal bus bar includes a first terminal bus bar and a second terminal bus bar, wherein the first terminal bus bar and the second terminal bus bar have different polarities from each other.

8. The battery module according to claim 7, wherein: The coupling member includes a first coupling member and a second coupling member. The first coupling member electrically connects the first terminal bus bar and the first internal bus bar of the first submodule, and the second coupling member electrically connects the second terminal bus bar and the second internal bus bar of the second submodule.

9. The battery module according to claim 4, wherein: The terminal housing has a bent shape in such a manner as to surround a side edge of the module housing.

10. The battery module according to claim 1, further comprising: A sealing assembly covers the two opening ends of the module housing respectively.

11. The battery module according to claim 10, wherein: The sealing assembly includes a first sealing assembly covering one open end of the module housing and a second sealing assembly covering the other open end of the module housing. The first sealing assembly includes an outlet, which is a hole through which coolant is discharged, and The second seal assembly includes an inlet, which is a hole through which coolant flows.

12. The battery module according to claim 11, wherein: The outlet is located at an upper portion higher than the central portion based on the height of the first sealing component, and The inlet is located at a lower portion than the central portion based on a height of the second sealing assembly.

13. The battery module according to claim 12, wherein: The coolant is in direct contact with the battery cell assembly and the bus bar structure housed inside the module housing, and The coolant is insulating oil.

14. The battery module according to claim 11, wherein: A first sealing member is interposed along one edge of the sealing assembly combined with the one open end of the module housing.

15. The battery module according to claim 14, comprising: A second sealing member is inserted in a gap existing in a region of the sealing assembly other than an edge.

16. The battery module according to claim 15, comprising: A third sealing member is inserted along the edges of the sealing assembly and the end plate.

17. The battery module according to claim 10, wherein: The seal assembly includes a module vent disposed in a region of the seal assembly, The module exhaust section comprises: an exhaust hole, the exhaust hole passing through the sealing assembly; a module connection portion, the module connection portion being a hole communicating with the exhaust hole; a fixing cover disposed between the exhaust hole and the busbar structure and contacting and fixed to the inner surface of the sealing assembly; and A film is disposed between the exhaust hole and the fixing cover and is in contact with and fixed to the fixing cover.

18. The battery module according to claim 17, wherein: The module connection portion protrudes from the sealing assembly in a direction opposite to the module housing, and The battery module further includes a degassing protrusion which is a region surrounding the module connecting portion and protruding from the sealing assembly in a direction opposite to the module housing.

19. The battery module according to claim 18, wherein: The end plate covering the module connection portion and the sealing assembly provided with the protrusion includes an exhaust opening, and The exhaust opening is a hole passing through the end plate, and the module connecting portion and the protrusion are arranged to pass through the exhaust opening.

20. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The module extension portion includes: a portion where electrode leads are electrically connected to each other in the first submodule; and a portion where the electrode leads are electrically connected to each other in the second submodule.

21. A battery pack comprising: A plurality of battery modules according to claim 1, Wherein, the battery module further includes: a sealing component, and the sealing component covers two opening ends of the module housing respectively.

22. The battery pack according to claim 21, further comprising: an internal beam, the internal beam being arranged between a first battery module and a second battery module, the first battery module and the second battery module being adjacent to each other in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the first submodule and the second submodule are arranged, Wherein, the terminal assembly is arranged to overlap with the inner beam in a vertical direction.

23. The battery pack according to claim 22, wherein: The terminal assembly is arranged in an upper space of the inner beam.

24. The battery pack according to claim 22, wherein: The terminal assembly includes a first terminal assembly located on the first battery module and a second terminal assembly located on the second battery module, and The battery pack further includes a connecting member connecting the first terminal assembly and the second terminal assembly.

25. The battery pack according to claim 24, wherein: The first terminal assembly and the second terminal assembly each include a terminal housing and a terminal bus bar mounted on the terminal housing, The first terminal assembly is formed with terminal bus bars different from each other, the second terminal assembly is formed with terminal bus bars different from each other, and the first terminal bus bar of the first terminal assembly and the second terminal bus bar of the second terminal assembly are electrically connected by the connecting member, and The first terminal bus bar and the second terminal bus bar have different polarities from each other.

26. The battery pack according to claim 20, further comprising: A battery pack exhaust is connected to the battery module.

27. The battery pack according to claim 26, The battery pack exhaust unit comprises: a battery pack connection portion connected to the battery module; a direction regulating portion, wherein the direction regulating portion is a pipe communicating with the battery pack connecting portion; as well as A discharge port is provided in a region of the side battery pack frame and is connected to the direction regulating portion.

28. The battery pack according to claim 27, wherein: The direction adjustment part is located inside the side battery pack frame. One end of the direction regulating portion is closed, the other end of the direction regulating portion is connected to the discharge port, and The battery pack connection portion is a region protruding from a surface of the direction regulating portion toward the battery module.

29. The battery pack according to claim 28, wherein: The battery pack connection portion is arranged to pass through one surface of the side battery pack frame.

30. The battery pack of claim 28, wherein: The battery pack connection portion is connected to a module connection portion of the battery module, and The module connection portion is a hole communicating with the interior of the battery module.

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