Battery module including end plate cover and battery pack including battery module

Abstract

According to the present disclosure, a battery module is provided. The battery module comprises: a battery cell assembly comprising a plurality of battery cells; a bus bar assembly including a bus bar electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of cells and a bus bar frame located on the cell assembly and supporting the bus bar; the end plates are positioned on the two sides of the battery cell assembly; and an end plate cover covering at least a portion of the end plate and connected to the bus bar and the bus bar frame.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module including an end plate cover and a battery pack including the battery module. Background Art

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged, so they can be used in various fields such as digital cameras, mobile phones, laptops, hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, energy storage systems (ESS), etc. Secondary batteries can be lithium-ion batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, or nickel-hydrogen batteries.

[0003] The secondary battery is manufactured as a pouch type battery cell having flexibility or a can type battery cell having a rigid prismatic or cylindrical shape. A plurality of battery cells may be formed into a battery cell assembly in a stacked form.

[0004] The battery cell assembly may be disposed inside a module housing to form a battery module, and a plurality of battery modules may be disposed inside a pack frame to form a battery pack. Summary of the invention

[0005] 1. Technical issues to be resolved

[0006] The battery module may include a battery cell and a bus bar assembly, wherein the bus bar assembly includes a bus bar electrically connected to the battery cell. However, conductive particles generated when the bus bar and the battery cell are welded may cause electrical or physical problems (e.g., a short circuit of the battery module). In addition, the bus bar may contact a structure located on the upper part of the battery module (e.g., the upper cover of the battery pack), causing damage to the battery module. In addition, the bus bar assembly may need to be structurally fixed. However, if the bus bar assembly is mounted on a metal end plate, electrical problems may occur.

[0007] In addition, the battery module may be transferred to be mounted on a battery pack frame of the battery pack. However, if a transport jig for transferring the battery module comes into contact with a battery cell or a bus bar, the battery cell or the bus bar may be damaged. In addition, a separate component may need to be installed in the battery module.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a battery module and a battery pack that prevent damage (eg, electrical short circuit) due to conductive particles generated when welding battery cells and bus bars may be provided.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a battery module capable of structurally fixing a bus bar assembly and electrically insulating the bus bar may be provided.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a battery module and a battery pack having improved manufacturing efficiency may be provided.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a battery module capable of mounting additional components may be provided.

[0012] The battery module and battery pack disclosed herein can be widely used in electric vehicles, battery charging stations, and other green technology fields such as solar power generation and wind power generation using batteries. In addition, the battery module and battery pack disclosed herein can be used in eco-friendly electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles that prevent climate change by suppressing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

[0013] (II) Technical solution

[0014] The battery module disclosed herein may include: a battery cell assembly including a plurality of battery cells; a bus bar assembly including a bus bar electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of battery cells and a bus bar frame located on the battery cell assembly and supporting the bus bar; end plates located on both sides of the battery cell assembly; and end plate covers covering at least a portion of the end plates and connected to the bus bar and the bus bar frame.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the bus bar may be electrically connected to a module bus bar located outside the battery module. The end plate cover may include a protruding area configured to insert the bus bar and the module bus bar.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the end plate cover may include a first fastening hole facing the bus bar frame. The bus bar frame may include a second fastening hole facing the first fastening hole. The battery module may further include a fastening member inserted into the first fastening hole and the second fastening hole and connecting the bus bar frame and the end plate cover.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the bus bar may include a plurality of bus bars. The bus bar assembly may include a partition wall located between at least a portion of the plurality of bus bars.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the partition wall may protrude further toward an upper portion of the battery module than the bus bar.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the battery module may include: a sensor assembly including a sensing terminal contacting the bus bar and a cable connected to the sensing terminal.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the busbar frame may include a receiving groove for receiving the cable.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the busbar frame may include: a first sensor assembly guide accommodating at least a portion of the sensing terminal; and a second sensor assembly guide surrounding at least a portion of the cable.

[0022] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the end plate cover may be located between the end plate and the bus bar assembly.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the battery module may include: a belt member surrounding the battery cell assembly and the end plate.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the end plate may include a belt receiving groove for receiving the belt member.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the end plate may include a transfer groove configured to be inserted into a transportation jig for transferring the battery module.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the end plate may include a mounting hole configured such that the cable fixing member is mounted therein.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the end plate cover may comprise an insulating material.

[0028] A battery pack according to the present disclosure may include: a plurality of battery modules; and a battery pack frame supporting the plurality of battery modules. Each of the plurality of battery modules may include: a battery cell assembly including a plurality of battery cells; a bus bar assembly including a bus bar electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of battery cells and a bus bar frame located on the battery cell assembly and connected to the bus bar; an end plate located on both sides of the battery cell assembly; and an end plate cover covering at least a portion of the end plate and connected to the bus bar and the bus bar frame.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the battery pack may further include: an upper cover covering the plurality of battery modules. The bus bar may include a plurality of bus bars. The bus bar assembly may include: a partition wall located between at least a portion of the plurality of bus bars. The distance between the partition wall and the upper cover is smaller than the distance between the bus bar and the upper cover.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the battery pack may further include: a module bus bar electrically connecting the plurality of battery modules. The end plate cover may include a protruding area inserted into the bus bar and the module bus bar.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the battery pack may further include: a heat transfer member located between the plurality of battery modules and the pack frame.

[0032] (III) Beneficial effects

[0033] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, damage due to conductive particles generated during welding of a battery cell and a bus bar may be prevented.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, structural stability and electrical stability of a battery module and a battery pack may be improved.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, manufacturing efficiency of a battery module and a battery pack may be improved.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an additional component (eg, a cable fixing member) may be mounted on the battery module. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a battery cell according to an embodiment.

[0038] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment.

[0039] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment.

[0040] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a bus bar assembly according to one embodiment.

[0041] Figure 5 According to an embodiment Figure 4 A stereogram of area A.

[0042] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a battery module including a sensor assembly according to one embodiment.

[0043] Figure 7 is a perspective view of an end plate and an end plate cover according to one embodiment.

[0044] Figure 8 It is a perspective view of a battery module for explaining the combination of an end plate, an end plate cover, and a bus bar assembly.

[0045] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a battery module for explaining the combination of a belt member and an end plate according to one embodiment.

[0046] Fig.10 is a perspective view for explaining moving a battery module using a transport jig according to one embodiment.

[0047] Fig.11 is a perspective view of a battery module including a cable fixture according to one embodiment.

[0048] Fig.12 is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment.

[0049] Fig.13 is an enlarged view of a battery pack connected using module bus bars according to one embodiment.

[0050] Description of reference numerals:

[0051] 100: Battery cell 200: Battery cell components

[0052] 200: Battery module 210: Bus bar assembly

[0053] 211: Bus bar 212: Bus bar frame

[0054] 213: partition wall 220: end plate

[0055] 230: End plate cover 240: Belt member

[0056] 250: sensor assembly 260: fastening member

[0057] 300: Battery pack 310: Battery pack frame

[0058] 320: heat transfer member 330: module bus bar DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this is only exemplary, and the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described exemplarily.

[0060] The terms or words used in the present specification and claims described below should not be interpreted as general meanings or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted as meanings and concepts that conform to the technical ideas of the present disclosure based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the term in order to explain his own invention in the best way.

[0061] Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and do not represent all technical ideas of the present disclosure. Various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may be available when submitting this application.

[0062] Detailed descriptions of known functions and configurations that may obscure the gist of the present disclosure are omitted. In the drawings, some components are exaggerated, omitted, or schematically illustrated, and the size of each component does not entirely reflect the actual size.

[0063] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a battery cell according to an embodiment.

[0064] Reference Figure 1, the battery cell 100 may be a secondary battery cell (e.g., a prismatic secondary battery cell). As an example, the battery cell 100 may be a lithium-ion battery, but is not limited thereto. For example, the battery cell 100 may be a nickel-cadmium battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, or a nickel-hydrogen battery capable of charging and discharging. The battery cell 100 may include an electrode assembly 110, a housing 120, and a cap assembly 130.

[0065] The electrode assembly 110 may include a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator. The separator may prevent the positive electrode plate from contacting the negative electrode plate. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the electrode assembly 110 may be manufactured in a variety of ways. According to an exemplary embodiment, the positive electrode, the negative electrode, and the separator may be repeatedly arranged to form an electrode assembly. In some embodiments, the electrode assembly may be a winding type, a stacking type, a z-folding type, or a stack-folding type.

[0066] The shell 120 may form at least a portion of the appearance of the battery cell 100 and may accommodate the electrode assembly. For example, the shell 120 may provide a space for accommodating the electrode assembly 110 and the electrolyte. According to one embodiment, the shell 120 may include aluminum and / or stainless steel. The shell 120 may be referred to as a can or a shell. In one embodiment, the shell 120 may have a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape that is at least partially open. The shell 120 may be formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. For example, the shell 120 may include a plurality of side surfaces (e.g., a narrow width 120a and a wide width 120b) and a back surface 120c.

[0067] The cap assembly 130 may be coupled to the case 120. For example, the cap assembly 130 may accommodate the electrode assembly 110 and the electrolyte together with the case 120.

[0068] The cap assembly 130 may include a plurality of components. For example, the cap assembly 130 may include a cap plate 131 coupled to the case 120 to seal the case 120 , and a terminal plate 132 electrically connected to the electrode assembly 110 .

[0069] The terminal plate 132 may have a positive polarity or a negative polarity. For example, the terminal plate 132 may include: a first terminal plate 132a electrically connected to the positive plate of the electrode assembly 110; and a second terminal plate 132b electrically connected to the negative plate of the electrode assembly 110. According to one embodiment, the first terminal plate 132a and the second terminal plate 132b may be arranged substantially in parallel.

[0070] Since the components of the cap assembly 130 described above are only one embodiment, some components may be omitted or other configurations not described may be added in the components of the cap assembly 130. For example, the cap assembly 130 may include an electrolyte inlet, an electrolyte sealing member, a current collector plate, an insulating plate, a rivet terminal and / or a gasket.

[0071] Figure 1 The shape of the battery cell 100 shown is exemplary. For example, the size of the battery cell 100 and / or the shape of the terminal plate 132 may be changed according to the design of the battery cell 100.

[0072] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment.

[0073] Reference Figure 2 and / or Figure 3 The battery module 200 may include a battery cell assembly 101 , a bus bar assembly 210 , an end plate 220 and an end plate cover 230 .

[0074] The battery cell assembly 101 may include a plurality of battery cells 100 . Figure 1 The description of the battery cell 100 may be applicable to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The plurality of battery cells 100 may be arranged along a first direction (e.g., a Y-axis direction). In one embodiment, the battery cell assembly 101 may include a buffer pad (not shown) located between at least a portion of the plurality of battery cells 100. In one embodiment, the battery cell assembly 101 may include an insulating plate (not shown) located between the outermost battery cell 100 among the plurality of battery cells 100 and the end plate 220.

[0075] The bus bar assembly 210 may be connected to the battery cell 100. For example, at least a portion of the bus bar assembly 210 may be engaged with the battery cell 100 and electrically connected to the battery cell 100. The current of the battery cell 100 may be transferred to the outside of the battery module 200 through the bus bar assembly 210. The bus bar assembly 210 may be located at the upper portion of the battery cell assembly 101 (e.g., in the Z-axis direction). In one embodiment, the bus bar assembly 210 may be referred to as an internal bus bar assembly (IBA).

[0076] The end plates 220 may be located at both sides of the battery cell assembly 101. For example, the end plates 220 may include: a first end plate 220a located at one side of the battery cell assembly 101; and a second end plate 220b located at the other side of the battery cell assembly 101. The battery cell assembly 101 may be located between the first end plate 220a and the second end plate 220b.

[0077] The end plate 220 may structurally fix the battery cell assembly 101. For example, the end plate 220 may be connected to the belt member 240. The end plate 220 may fix the battery cell assembly 101 together with the belt member 240. The battery cell assembly 101 may be surrounded by the end plate 220 and the belt member 240. The belt member 240 may provide pressure to the end plate 220. The end plate 220 may provide pressure to the battery cells 100 located on both sides of the battery cell assembly 101. The end plate 220 may provide a substantially constant surface pressure to the battery cell 100. By providing surface pressure to the battery cell 100, the life of the battery cell 100 may be improved. In one embodiment, the end plate 220 may include a metal (e.g., aluminum or stainless steel).

[0078] The end plate cover 230 may fix the position of the bus bar assembly 210. For example, the bus bar assembly 210 may be coupled or connected to the end plate cover 230. At least a portion of the end plate cover 230 may be located between the end plate 220 and the bus bar assembly 210.

[0079] The end plate cover 230 may cover at least a portion of the end plate 220. The end plate cover 230 may be located at an upper portion of the end plate 220. The end plate cover 230 may be coupled to the end plate 220. The end plate cover 230 may be coupled to the end plate 220 in a selective manner. In one embodiment, the end plate cover 230 may be coupled to the end plate 220 using a fastening member (e.g., Figure 8 The end plate cover 230 is fixed to the end plate 220 by a fastening member 260. In one embodiment, the end plate cover 230 can be coupled to the end plate 220 using an interference fit.

[0080] The end plate cover 230 may include an insulating material. For example, the end plate cover 230 may include a high molecular polymer and / or a resin. The end plate cover 230 may prevent electrical connection between the bus bar assembly 210 and the end plate 220 .

[0081] A plurality of end plate covers 230 may be provided. For example, the end plate cover 230 may include: a first end plate cover 230a covering the first end plate 220a; and a second end plate cover 230b covering the second end plate 220b.

[0082] The tape member 240 may fix the positions of the battery cell assembly 101 and the end plate 220. For example, the tape member 240 may surround the battery cell assembly 101 and the end plate 220.

[0083] The number of the belt member 240 can be selectively designed. In one embodiment, the belt member 240 may include a plurality of belt members 240a, 240b. For example, the belt member 240 may include a first belt 240a and a second belt 240b that are substantially parallel to each other.

[0084] The band member 240 may include a material capable of providing elastic force. For example, the band member 240 may include stainless steel. In one embodiment, the band member 240 may be referred to as a steel band or a band.

[0085] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a bus bar assembly according to one embodiment. Figure 5 According to an embodiment Figure 4 A stereogram of area A. Figure 6 is a perspective view of a battery module including a sensor assembly according to one embodiment.

[0086] Reference Figure 4 , Figure 5 and / or Figure 6 The battery module 200 may include the battery cell 100, the bus bar assembly 210, and the sensor assembly 250. The bus bar assembly 210 may include a bus bar 211, a bus bar frame 212, and / or a partition wall 213. Figure 2 and Figure 3 At least a portion of the description of the battery cell 100, the battery module 200, and the bus bar assembly 210 may be applicable to Figure 4 , Figure 5 and / or Figure 6 The battery cell 100, the battery module 200 and the bus bar assembly 210 are shown.

[0087] The bus bar assembly 210 may be connected to a battery cell (eg, Figure 2 The bus bar assembly 210 may include a plurality of bus bars 211 electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of battery cells 100. For example, the plurality of bus bars 211 may include a first bus bar 211a and a second bus bar 211b spaced apart from the first bus bar 211a. The bus bar 211 may be coupled to a terminal plate (e.g., Figure 1 The plurality of bus bars 211 may be connected to the battery module 200 (e.g., the first bus bar 211a or the second bus bar 211b). The number of battery cells 100 connected to one of the plurality of bus bars 211 (e.g., the first bus bar 211a or the second bus bar 211b) may be selectively designed. A portion of the plurality of bus bars 211 may be connected to the outside of the battery module 200 (e.g., Fig.13 The module bus bar 330 is electrically connected.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the bus bar 211 may be formed in a shape for absorbing the swelling of the battery cell 100. For example, the bus bar 211 may include: a plurality of connection portions 211c, each connected to the battery cell 100; and a buffer portion 211d, located between the plurality of connection portions 211c. According to one embodiment, the buffer portion 211d may have a shape in which at least a portion is bent. For example, the buffer portion 211d may protrude more toward the upper portion (e.g., the Z-axis direction) of the bus bar assembly 210 than the connection portion 211c.

[0089] The bus bar 211 may be deformed using the buffer portion 211d. For example, when the battery cell 100 expands, the distance between the connection portions 211c may increase. The buffer portion 211d may absorb at least a portion of the impact caused by the expansion of the battery cell 100. By deforming the bus bar 211, damage to the battery module 200 may be reduced or prevented.

[0090] The busbar assembly 210 may include a busbar frame 212 supporting the busbar 211. The busbar frame 212 may be located on the battery cell assembly 101. In one embodiment, the busbar frame 212 may be referred to as a busbar holder or a busbar support member. According to one embodiment, the busbar frame 212 may be made of an electrically insulating material. For example, the busbar frame 212 may include a polymer or a resin.

[0091] The busbar frame 212 may have a plurality of connectors for connecting with an end plate cover (eg, Figure 3 For example, the busbar frame 212 may include a second fastening hole 218 facing the end plate cover 230. The busbar frame 212 may be fastened using a fastening member (eg, Figure 8 The fastening member 260 is coupled or connected to the end plate cover 230 .

[0092] The busbar frame 212 may have a plurality of connectors for guiding the battery cells (eg, Figure 1 The bus bar frame 212 may include a through hole 219 corresponding to the venting portion of the plurality of battery cells 100. At least a portion of the gas generated in the battery cells 100 may pass through the through hole 219 of the bus bar frame 212 and be discharged to the outside of the battery module 200.

[0093] The bus bar assembly 210 may include a partition wall 213. The partition wall 213 may prevent the bus bar 211 and a portion of the battery cell 100 (eg, Figure 1The partition wall 213 can prevent the conductive particles (e.g., metal particles) generated when the busbar 211 is connected to the terminal plate 132 of the busbar 211. For example, the partition wall 213 can be located on one side of the busbar 211. A plurality of busbars 211 can be provided. For example, the busbar 211 can include a plurality of busbars 211. The partition wall 213 can be located between at least a portion of the busbars 211 in the plurality of busbars 211. The partition wall 213 can be located between the first busbar 211a and the second busbar 211b. The partition wall 213 can prevent the conductive particles generated during the welding process of the busbar 211 from being transferred to another busbar 211.

[0094] The partition wall 213 can prevent the bus bar 211 and other structures (eg, Fig.12 The partition wall 213 may be in contact with the upper cover 340 of the battery pack 300. For example, the partition wall 213 may support the upper cover 340 of the battery pack 300. The partition wall 213 may have a shape that protrudes more than the bus bar 211 toward the upper part of the battery module 200 (for example, in the Z-axis direction). The upper part of the battery module 200 may be an area where the upper cover 340 of the battery pack 300 is located. For example, the distance between the partition wall 213 and the upper cover 340 may be smaller than the distance between the bus bar 211 and the upper cover 340. The partition wall 213 may contact the external structure of the battery module 200 (for example, the upper cover 340 of the battery pack 300) before a part of the bus bar 211 (for example, the buffer portion 211d), so damage and / or short circuit of the bus bar 211 may be prevented.

[0095] In one embodiment, the partition wall 213 may be integrally formed with the bus bar frame 212. For example, the partition wall 213 may be a portion of the bus bar frame 212 extending from the bus bar frame 212 toward a width direction (eg, X-axis direction) of the bus bar assembly 210.

[0096] In one embodiment, the partition wall 213 may be assembled to the bus bar frame 212. For example, the partition wall 213 may be mounted on the bus bar frame 212 using a fastening member (not shown).

[0097] The shape and / or size of the partition wall 213 shown in the present disclosure are exemplary. In one embodiment, the partition wall 213 can be rectangular or rhombus-shaped. In one embodiment, the partition wall 213 can have a hollow structure with an empty interior. In one embodiment, the partition wall 213 can have a solid structure filled with an interior.

[0098] The sensor assembly 250 may sense information and / or status of the battery cell 100 and / or the battery module 200. For example, the sensor assembly 250 may sense at least one of the voltage or temperature of the battery cell 100 and / or the battery module 200. The sensor assembly 250 may be connected to a battery management system (BMS) to prevent the battery cell 100 from overcharging or to perform voltage balancing. In one embodiment, the sensor assembly 250 may include a temperature sensor (not shown) and / or a voltage sensor.

[0099] The sensor assembly 250 may be disposed on the bus bar assembly 210. For example, the sensor assembly 250 may be disposed on the bus bar frame 212.

[0100] The sensor assembly 250 may include a sensing terminal 251 in contact with the bus bar 211. The sensing terminal 251 may sense a voltage of the bus bar 211. In one embodiment, the sensing terminal 251 may be referred to as a voltage sensing terminal.

[0101] The sensor assembly 250 may include a cable 252 connected to the sensing terminal 251. The cable 252 may provide a path for transmitting the signal sensed by the sensing terminal 251 to the outside of the sensor assembly 250. The cable 252 may transmit the signal sensed by the sensing terminal 251 to a processor (not shown) or a battery management system. In one embodiment, the cable 252 may be replaced by a wire, a printed circuit board, or a flexible printed circuit board. In one embodiment, the cable 252 may be referred to as a main body.

[0102] The bus bar frame 212 may house sensor components (eg, Figure 6 For example, the busbar frame 212 may include a receiving groove 214 for receiving the cable 252. At least a portion of the cable 252 may be disposed in the receiving groove 214 of the busbar frame 212. The receiving groove 214 may be formed along the length direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction) of the busbar frame 212. The receiving groove 214 may provide a space (e.g., a passage) for accommodating the cable 252.

[0103] The busbar frame 212 may include sensor assembly guides 215, 216 for preventing the sensor assembly 250 from falling off. In one embodiment, the busbar frame 212 may include a first sensor assembly guide 215 that accommodates at least a portion of the sensing terminal 251. At least a portion of the sensing terminal 251 may be disposed in the first sensor assembly guide 215. By disposing the sensing terminal 251 in the first sensor assembly guide 215, the sensor assembly 250 may be prevented from falling off from the busbar assembly 210. In one embodiment, the first sensor assembly guide 215 may be referred to as a cable channel or an anti-falling member.

[0104] In one embodiment, the sensor assembly guides 215, 216 may be integrally formed with the bus bar frame 212. In another embodiment, the sensor assembly guides 215, 216 may be fastened or connected to the bus bar frame 212.

[0105] In one embodiment, the bus bar frame 212 may include a second sensor assembly guide 216 for preventing the sensing terminal 251 and / or the cable 252 from falling off. At least a portion of the sensing terminal 251 and / or at least a portion of the cable 252 may be surrounded by the second sensor assembly guide 216. By the second sensor assembly guide 216, the sensor assembly 250 may be prevented from falling off from the bus bar assembly 210. By the second sensor assembly guide 216, the durability of the battery module 200 may be improved. In one embodiment, the second sensor assembly guide 216 may be referred to as a hook member or an anti-falling member.

[0106] Figure 7 is a perspective view of an end plate and an end plate cover according to one embodiment. Figure 8 It is a perspective view for explaining the combination of the end plate, the end plate cover and the bus bar assembly. Fig. 9 is a perspective view for explaining the combination of a belt member and an end plate according to one embodiment. Fig.10 is a perspective view for explaining moving a battery module using a transport jig according to one embodiment. Fig.11 is a perspective view of a battery module including a cable fixture according to one embodiment.

[0107] Reference Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Fig. 9 , Fig.10 and / or Fig.11 The battery module 200 may include a cell assembly 101 , a bus bar assembly 210 , an end plate 220 , an end plate cover 230 and / or a belt member 240 . Figures 1 to 6 The description of the battery module 200, the battery cell assembly 101, the bus bar assembly 210, the end plate 220, the end plate cover 230 and / or the belt member 240 may be applicable to Figures 7 to 11 The battery module 200 , the battery cell assembly 101 , the bus bar assembly 210 , the end plate 220 , the end plate cover 230 and / or the belt member 240 .

[0108] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the end plate 220 may have a substantially flat plate shape. For example, the end plate 220 may include an outer surface 220c facing the outside of the battery module 200, an inner surface 220d facing the battery cell 100, and an upper surface 220e. The end plate cover 230 may cover at least a portion of the upper surface 220e of the end plate 220.

[0109] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 , the end plate cover 230 may be combined with the bus bar assembly 210. The end plate cover 230 may be connected with the bus bar 211 and the bus bar frame 212.

[0110] The end plate cover 230 may be connected to the bus bar 211. The bus bar 211 may be connected to a module bus bar (eg, Fig.13 The end plate cover 230 may connect the bus bar 211 and the module bus bar 330. For example, the end plate cover 230 may include a protruding area 231 configured to connect to the bus bar 211 and the module bus bar (eg, Fig.13 The protruding region 231 may be inserted into the bus bar 211 and the module bus bar 330. The protruding region 231 may protrude toward the upper portion of the battery module 200. The bus bar 211 and the module bus bar 330 may each include a through hole for accommodating the protruding region 231. The bus bar 211 and the module bus bar 330 may contact each other in a state of accommodating the protruding region 231.

[0111] The end plate cover 230 may include a guide rib 233. The guide rib 233 may surround at least a portion of the bus bar 211 and the module bus bar 330. The guide rib 233 may prevent the bus bar 211 and the module bus bar 330 from falling off and shaking. The guide rib 233 may protrude toward the upper portion of the battery module 200.

[0112] The end plate cover 230 may be connected to the bus bar frame 212. For example, the end plate cover 230 may include fastening holes (eg, first fastening holes 232) facing the bus bar frame 212. The bus bar frame 212 may include fastening holes (eg, first fastening holes 232) facing the first fastening holes 232 of the end plate cover 230. Figure 5 The second fastening hole 218).

[0113] The battery module 200 may include a fastening member 260 connecting the bus bar frame 212 and the end plate cover 230. The fastening member 260 may be inserted into the first fastening hole 232 of the end plate cover 230 and the second fastening hole 218 of the bus bar frame 212. By coupling the end plate cover 230 to the bus bar frame 212, the durability of the battery module 200 may be improved.

[0114] Reference Figure 7 and Fig. 9 , the position of the end plate 220 may be fixed by the band member 240. The band member 240 may provide pressure to the end plate 220 to hold the battery module (eg, Figure 2 For example, the end plate 220 and the battery cell assembly 101 may be surrounded and fixed by the belt member 240 .

[0115] The end plate 220 may guide the assembly position of the belt member 240. In one embodiment, the end plate 220 may include a belt receiving groove 221 for receiving the belt member 240. At least a portion of the belt member 240 may be placed in the belt receiving groove 221. By means of the belt receiving groove 221, the convenience of assembling the belt member 240 and the end plate 220 may be increased. In one embodiment (not shown), the end plate 220 may include a protrusion (e.g., a positive structure) for guiding the position of the belt member 240. The protrusion may be a portion of the end plate 220 protruding from the outer surface 220c of the end plate 220. At least a portion of the belt member 240 may be surrounded by the protrusion. In one embodiment (not shown), the end plate 220 may include a pin (not shown) for guiding the position of the belt member 240. The pin may be mounted on the outer surface 220c of the end plate 220. In one embodiment, the end plate 220 may include at least one of the belt receiving groove 221, the protrusion, or the pin.

[0116] The shape of the belt member 240 can be selectively designed. In one embodiment, the belt member 240 can be formed integrally. In another embodiment, the belt member 240 can include multiple parts, and the multiple parts can be welded or combined with each other. For example, the belt member 240 can include: a first belt area 241, which contacts the end plate 220; and a second belt area 242, which extends from the first belt area 241 or is connected to the first belt area 241. At least a portion of the first belt area 241 can be located in the belt receiving groove 221. At least a portion of the second belt area 242 can face a plurality of battery cells (for example, Figure 3 of battery cells 100).

[0117] Reference Figure 7 and Fig.10 , the battery module 200 can be moved using the transportation jig J.

[0118] The end plate 220 may include a transfer groove 222 configured to allow a transport jig J to be inserted into the transfer groove 222. The transport jig J may be a device for transferring the battery module 200. For example, the transport jig J may be moved in a state of being inserted into the end plate 220 to transfer the battery module 200. For example, the transport jig J may move the battery module 200 to a battery pack for assembling a battery pack (e.g., Fig.12 The location of the battery pack 300).

[0119] The transfer groove 222 may be a groove or a hole formed on the outer surface 220c of the end plate 220. By inserting the transport jig J into the transfer groove 222 and moving the transport jig J, manufacturing convenience (eg, transfer convenience) of the battery module 200 and the battery pack 300 may be increased.

[0120] Reference Figure 7 and Fig.11 The end plate 220 may include a mounting hole 223 configured to allow an additional component (eg, a cable fixing member 259) to be mounted in the mounting hole 223. The battery module 200 may include a cable fixing member 259. The cable fixing member 259 may fix a sensor assembly (eg, Figure 6 The sensor assembly 250) has a cable (e.g., Figure 6 The cable fixing member 259 may be installed in the mounting hole 223 of the end plate 220. The mounting hole 223 may be a groove or a hole formed on the outer surface 220c of the end plate 220. The position of a portion of the cable 252 is adjusted and fixed by the cable fixing component 259, so that damage to the cable 252 can be reduced.

[0121] Fig.12 is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment. Fig.13 is an enlarged view of a battery pack connected using module bus bars according to one embodiment.

[0122] Reference Fig.12 and Fig.13 The battery pack 300 may include a plurality of battery modules 200, a battery pack frame 310, a heat transfer member 320, a module bus bar 330, and / or an upper cover 340 (eg, a battery pack cover). The description of the battery module 200 described above may be applicable to Fig.12 and / or Fig.13 The battery module 200. For example, Fig.12 and Fig.13 The battery module 200 may include a battery cell assembly 101 , a bus bar assembly 210 , an end plate 220 , an end plate cover 230 , and / or a belt member 240 .

[0123] The battery pack frame 310 may support components (e.g., battery modules 200) of the battery pack 300. For example, a plurality of battery modules 200 may be disposed on the battery pack frame 310. In one embodiment, the battery pack frame 310 may be referred to as a base plate. In one embodiment, the battery pack frame 310 may include a cooling channel for cooling. The cooling channel may provide a path for the refrigerant to flow.

[0124] The heat transfer member 320 may be a heat conductive pad, grease, or a heat conductive adhesive. For example, the battery module 200 may be attached to the battery pack frame 310 using the heat transfer member 320. The heat transfer member 320 may be located between the battery pack frame 310 and the battery module 200.

[0125] A plurality of battery modules 200 may be provided. For example, the plurality of battery modules 200 may include a first battery module 200a, a second battery module 200b, a third battery module 200c, and a fourth battery module 200d. The plurality of battery modules 200a, 200b, 200c, and 200d may be arranged along a second direction (e.g., an X-axis direction). The number or arrangement position of the battery modules 200 may be selectively designed.

[0126] The module bus bar 330 may electrically connect a plurality of battery modules 200. For example, both ends 331 of the module bus bar 330 may be connected to the bus bar 211 of the battery module 200, respectively. The module bus bar 330 may be connected or coupled to the end plate cover 230. For example, the module bus bar 330 and the bus bar 211 may be inserted together into the protruding area 231 of the end plate cover 230. The module bus bar 330 and the bus bar 211 may be fastened to the protruding area 231 using nuts 333. The module bus bar 330 may include an insulating protective member 332 surrounding at least a portion of a surface of the module bus bar 330.

[0127] The module bus bar 330 may include: a first module bus bar 330a electrically connecting the first battery module 200a and the second battery module 200b; a second module bus bar 330b electrically connecting the first battery module 200a and the third battery module 200c; and a third module bus bar 330c electrically connecting the second battery module 200b and the fourth battery module 200d. The number of the plurality of battery modules 200 and / or the number of the plurality of module bus bars 330 are exemplary.

[0128] The above content is only an example of applying the principles of the present disclosure, and other configurations may be included without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0129] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the scope of the rights of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the technical concept of the present disclosure recorded in the claims. For example, the present disclosure can be implemented by deleting some components from the above embodiments, and can be implemented by combining the embodiments.

Claims

1. A battery module, comprising: A battery cell assembly, comprising a plurality of battery cells; a bus bar assembly, comprising a bus bar electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of battery cells and a bus bar frame located on the battery cell assembly and supporting the bus bar; End plates, located on both sides of the battery core assembly; as well as The end plate cover covers at least a portion of the end plate and is connected to the bus bar and the bus bar frame.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The bus bar is configured to be electrically connected to a module bus bar located outside the battery module, The end plate cover includes a protruding area configured to insert the bus bar and the module bus bar.

3. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The end plate cover includes a first fastening hole facing the busbar frame, The busbar frame includes a second fastening hole facing the first fastening hole, The battery module further includes a fastening member inserted into the first fastening hole and the second fastening hole and connecting the bus bar frame and the end plate cover.

4. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The bus bar includes a plurality of bus bars, The bus bar assembly includes a divider wall located between at least a portion of the plurality of bus bars.

5. The battery module according to claim 4, wherein: The partition wall protrudes further toward an upper portion of the battery module than the bus bar.

6. The battery module according to claim 1, further comprising: The sensor assembly includes a sensing terminal contacting the bus bar and a cable connected to the sensing terminal.

7. The battery module according to claim 6, wherein: The busbar frame includes a receiving groove for receiving the cable.

8. The battery module according to claim 6, wherein: The busbar frame comprises: a first sensor assembly guide receiving at least a portion of the sensing terminal; and A second sensor assembly guide surrounds at least a portion of the cable.

9. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: At least a portion of the end plate cover is located between the end plate and the bus bar assembly.

10. The battery module according to claim 1, further comprising: A belt member surrounds the battery cell assembly and the end plate.

11. The battery module according to claim 10, wherein: The end plate includes a belt receiving groove that receives the belt member.

12. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The end plate includes a transfer groove configured to be inserted into a transportation jig for transferring the battery module.

13. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The end plate includes a mounting hole configured to have a cable fixing member mounted therein.

14. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The end plate cover comprises an insulating material.

15. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the plurality of battery cells comprises: Electrode assembly; a housing for accommodating the electrode assembly; and A cap assembly is coupled to the case and includes a cap plate sealing the case and a terminal plate electrically connected to the electrode assembly.

16. A battery pack comprising: Multiple battery modules; as well as a battery pack frame, supporting the plurality of battery modules, Each of the plurality of battery modules comprises: A battery cell assembly, comprising a plurality of battery cells; a bus bar assembly, comprising a bus bar electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of battery cells and a bus bar frame located on the battery cell assembly and connected to the bus bar; end plates, located on both sides of the battery core assembly; and The end plate cover covers at least a portion of the end plate and is connected to the bus bar and the bus bar frame.

17. The battery pack according to claim 16, further comprising: an upper cover covering the plurality of battery modules, The bus bar includes a plurality of bus bars, The bus bar assembly comprises: a partition wall located between at least a portion of the plurality of bus bars, A distance between the partition wall and the upper cover is smaller than a distance between the bus bar and the upper cover.

18. The battery pack according to claim 16, further comprising: A module bus bar electrically connects the plurality of battery modules. The end plate cover includes a protruding area that is inserted into the bus bar and the module bus bar.

19. The battery pack according to claim 16, further comprising: A heat transfer member is located between the plurality of battery modules and the battery pack frame.

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