Battery module and battery pack including same

Abstract

A battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; a module frame accommodating the battery cell stack, one surface and the other surface facing each other being open; and an end plate covering each of one surface and the other surface of the module frame. The module frame includes a first engagement surface formed on side portions constituting one surface and the other surface, respectively, and the end plate includes a second engagement surface engaged with the first engagement surface. A first rib is formed in any one of the end plate and the module frame, the first rib is disposed further inward than a portion where the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface are engaged and protrudes, and a second rib is formed on one surface of the first rib along a protruding direction of the first rib. A recessed portion having a shape recessed corresponding to the first rib and the second rib is formed in the other of the end plate and the module frame.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2023 - 0109681, filed on August 22, 2023, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, 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 battery module, and more particularly, to a battery module having improved safety and productivity and a battery pack including the battery module. Background Art

[0004] In modern society, as portable devices such as mobile phones, laptop computers, cameras, and digital cameras are used daily, technologies in the fields related to mobile devices have been actively developed. In addition, since secondary batteries capable of charging and discharging are used as power sources for electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug - in hybrid electric vehicles (P - HEVs), etc., as a method of solving air pollution and the like caused by existing gasoline vehicles using fossil fuels, the necessity of developing secondary batteries has increased.

[0005] Currently commercialized secondary batteries include nickel - cadmium batteries, nickel - metal hydride batteries, nickel - zinc batteries, lithium secondary batteries, etc. Among them, lithium secondary batteries have attracted attention because, for example, they hardly show a memory effect compared to nickel - based secondary batteries, can be freely charged and discharged, have a very low self - discharge rate, and have a high energy density.

[0006] Lithium secondary batteries generally use lithium - based oxides and carbon materials as the positive electrode active material and the negative electrode active material, respectively. A lithium secondary battery includes: an electrode assembly in which a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate respectively coated with a positive electrode active material and a negative electrode active material are arranged, and a separator is interposed therebetween; and a battery case that hermetically accommodates the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte.

[0007] Generally, according to the shape of the external material, lithium secondary batteries can be classified into can - type secondary batteries in which the electrode assembly is incorporated into a metal can and pouch - type secondary batteries in which the electrode assembly is incorporated into a pouch made of an aluminum laminate.

[0008] In the case of a secondary battery for a small device, two to three battery cells are arranged. However, in the case of a secondary battery for a medium or large device such as an automobile, a battery module in which a plurality of battery cells are electrically connected is used. In such a battery module, the plurality of battery cells are connected in series or in parallel with each other to form a battery cell assembly, thereby increasing the capacity and output. In addition, one or more battery modules can be installed together with various control and protection systems such as a battery management system (BMS), a battery disconnect unit (BDU), and a cooling system to form a battery pack.

[0009] Since medium or large battery modules are preferably manufactured to be as small in size and weight as possible, prismatic batteries, pouch-type batteries, etc. that can be stacked with high integration and have a small weight relative to the capacity are mainly used as the battery cells of medium or large battery modules.

[0010] On the other hand, the battery module may include a module frame and an end plate that house a battery cell stack composed of a plurality of battery cells in an internal space to protect the plurality of battery cells from external impacts, heat, or vibrations.

[0011] Generally, in order to join the module frame and the end plate, welding is performed on the joining surface in a state where the module frame and the end plate are placed facing each other. At this time, internal components including the battery cells may be damaged due to weld spatter during the welding process. Therefore, a technology that can solve these problems of the prior art is needed. Summary of the Invention

[0012] Technical Problem

[0013] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a battery module capable of protecting internal components during welding of a module frame and an end plate, and a battery pack including the battery module.

[0014] However, the technical object of the present disclosure is not limited to the above technical object, and can be extended in various ways within the scope of the technical concept included in the present disclosure.

[0015] Technical Solution

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a battery module is provided, including: a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; a module frame that houses the battery cell stack and has open openings on one surface and the other surface facing each other; and end plates that cover each of the one surface and the other surface of the module frame, wherein the module frame includes first engagement surfaces formed on the edges respectively constituting the one surface and the other surface, wherein the end plates include second engagement surfaces that engage with the first engagement surfaces, wherein a first rib is formed in either the end plate or the module frame, and a second rib is formed on one surface of the first rib along the protruding direction of the first rib, the first rib being disposed more inwardly and protruding than the portion where the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface are joined, wherein a recess is formed in the other of the end plate and the module frame, the recess having a shape that is recessed corresponding to the first rib and the second rib.

[0017] The second rib has a width narrower than the width of the first rib, and the second rib is formed to protrude along the protruding direction of the first rib.

[0018] A path with multiple bends may be formed on the surface of the first rib and the second rib facing the recess.

[0019] The recess may have a shape that is recessed corresponding to a stepped structure formed at the boundary between the first rib and the second rib.

[0020] The first rib and the second rib may cover the portion where the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface are joined in the internal space of the module frame.

[0021] The first rib and the second rib may extend along the direction in which the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface extend.

[0022] The battery module may further include at least one bus bar frame that covers one surface or two surfaces of the battery cell stack.

[0023] The first rib and the second rib may be located between the portion where the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface are joined and the bus bar frame.

[0024] A bus bar connected to an electrode lead extending from the battery cell may be mounted on the bus bar frame.

[0025] The first rib and the second rib may be formed on the end plate, the recess may be formed on the module frame, and the first rib may protrude from the end plate in the direction where the battery cell stack is located.

[0026] The first rib and the second rib may be formed on the module frame, the recess may be formed on the end plate, and the first rib may protrude from the module frame in the direction where the end plate is located.

[0027] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a battery pack including the above battery module is provided.

[0028] Advantageous Effects

[0029] According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, due to the structure in which the first ribs and the second ribs and the corresponding recessed portions are provided in the end plate and the module frame, the path through which the welding spatter generated during the welding of the module frame and the end plate flows becomes complex, and the distance of the inflow path increases. This makes it possible to prevent the welding spatter from damaging the internal components of the battery module.

[0030] The effects of the present disclosure are not limited to the above effects, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand other additional effects not described above according to the detailed description of the appended claims. Description of the Drawings

[0031] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 2 is Figure 1 an exploded perspective view of the battery module.

[0033] Figure 3 is a plan view showing one battery cell among the battery cells included in the Figure 2 battery module.

[0034] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a module frame according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 5 is Figure 4 an exploded perspective view of the module frame.

[0036] Figure 6 (a) of the Figure 6 and Figure 5 (b) of the

[0037] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing an end plate and an insulating cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing Figure 7 the state in which the end plate and the insulating cover are combined.

[0039] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the Figure 8 end plate and the insulating cover observed from different angles.

[0040] Figure 10is an enlarged and shown Figure 9 partial view of part "C".

[0041] Figure 11 is a plan view of part "C" Figure 9 viewed from above.

[0042] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-section Figure 1 taken along cutting line A-A' of

[0043] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to a comparative example of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0045] 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 implement these embodiments. The present disclosure can be modified in various different ways and is not limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0046] To clearly describe the present disclosure, parts not related to the description will be omitted, and throughout the description, the same reference numerals denote the same elements.

[0047] In addition, in the drawings, for convenience of description, the sizes and thicknesses of the respective elements are arbitrarily shown, and the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to the sizes and thicknesses shown in the drawings. In the drawings, for clarity, the thicknesses of layers, regions, etc. are enlarged. In the drawings, for convenience of description, the thicknesses of some layers and regions are enlarged.

[0048] Furthermore, it should be understood that when an element such as a layer, film, region, or plate is referred to as being "on" or "above" another element, it may be directly on the other element, or there may also be an intermediate element. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly" on another element, this means that there are no other intermediate elements. In addition, the words "on" or "above" mean being arranged on or below the reference part, and do not necessarily mean being arranged at the upper end of the reference part in the opposite direction of gravity.

[0049] In addition, throughout the description, when a part is referred to as "including" or "containing" a certain component, this means that unless otherwise specified, this part may further include other components without excluding other components.

[0050] In addition, throughout the description, when referred to as a "plane", it means observing the target part from the upper side, and when referred to as a "cross-section", it means observing the target part from one side of the cross-section obtained by vertical cutting.

[0051] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is Figure 1 an exploded perspective view of the battery module. Figure 3 is a plan view showing Figure 2 one of the battery cells included in the battery module.

[0052] Referring to Figures 1 to 3 , a battery module 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a battery cell stack 120 in which a plurality of battery cells 110 are stacked; a module frame 200 that houses the battery cell stack 120 and has one surface and the other surface facing each other being open; and end plates 300 that respectively cover one surface and the other surface of the module frame 200.

[0053] That is to say, the battery cell stack 120 can be accommodated in the internal space formed by the module frame 200 and the end plates 300. In addition, considering that the module frame 200 has a hexahedron structure, one surface and the other surface of the module frame 200 facing the electrode leads 111 of the battery cell 110 can be open.

[0054] If a plurality of battery cells 110 according to this embodiment are aggregated, their types are not particularly limited. That is to say, the battery cell 110 according to this embodiment can be a pouch-type battery cell, a square battery cell, or a cylindrical battery cell. As an example, the battery cell 110 according to this embodiment will be described as a pouch-type battery cell below.

[0055] A battery cell 110 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be a pouch-type battery in which an electrode assembly having electrode leads 111 protruding in one direction or two directions is accommodated in a pouch-type case 114. The battery cell 110 can be formed in a rectangular sheet-like structure. The battery cell 110 can be formed by accommodating the electrode assembly in a pouch-type case 114 made of a laminated sheet including a resin layer and a metal layer, and then bonding the outer peripheral portion of the pouch-type case 114. As an example, the battery cell 110 can have a structure in which two electrode leads 111 face each other and protrude from one end 114a and the other end 114b of the battery cell body 113. As another example, a structure in which all the electrode leads 111 of the battery cell 110 protrude in one direction is also possible. One electrode lead 111 is a positive electrode lead, and the other electrode lead 111 is a negative electrode lead.

[0056] The battery cell 110 can be manufactured by joining two end portions 114a and 114b of the pouch-type housing 114 and one side portion 114c connecting the two end portions 114a and 114b in a state where an electrode assembly (not shown) is accommodated in the pouch-type housing 114. In other words, the battery cell 110 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure has a total of three sealing portions 114s, and the sealing portion 114s has a structure sealed by a method such as welding, and the other remaining side portion can be constituted by a folding portion 115. That is to say, the battery cell 110 according to the present embodiment can have a structure in which an electrode assembly is accommodated inside the pouch-type housing 114, and the pouch-type housing 114 has a sealing portion 114s formed by sealing the outer peripheral portion of the portion accommodating the electrode assembly therein. In Figure 3 only the state in which the sealing portions 114s are formed at the two end portions 114a and 114b of the pouch-type housing 114 is shown, and the sealing portion at the upper side facing the folding portion 115 (i.e., at one side portion 114c) is not shown. However, the sealing portion of one side portion 114c can be in a state of being folded to one side after sealing for space utilization.

[0057] The pouch-type housing 114 of the laminated sheet can include an inner resin layer for sealing, a metal layer for preventing material penetration, and an outer resin layer located on the outermost side. Based on the electrode assembly in the pouch-type housing 114, the inner resin layer can be located on the innermost side, the outer resin layer can be located on the outermost side, and the metal layer can be located between the inner resin layer and the outer resin layer.

[0058] The outer resin layer has excellent tensile strength and weather resistance with respect to thickness, and can have electrical insulation characteristics to protect the electrode assembly from external influences. Such an outer resin layer can include polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin or nylon resin. The metal layer can prevent air, moisture, etc. from flowing into the pouch-type secondary battery. The metal layer can contain aluminum (Al). The inner resin layer can be heat-sealed to each other by heat and / or pressure applied in a state where the electrode assembly is embedded therein. The inner resin layer can contain cast polypropylene (CPP) or polypropylene (PP).

[0059] The pouch-type housing 114 is divided into two parts, and a concave housing portion in which the electrode assembly can be placed can be formed in at least one of the two parts. Along the outer periphery of the housing portion, the inner resin layers of the two parts of the pouch-type housing 114 can be joined to each other to provide the sealing portion 114s. By sealing the pouch-type housing in this way, the battery cell 110 as a pouch-type secondary battery can be manufactured.

[0060] The battery cells 110 can be configured in multiple numbers, and the multiple battery cells 110 can be stacked in one direction to be electrically connected to each other, thereby forming a battery cell stack 120. In particular, as Figure 2 shown, the multiple battery cells 110 can be stacked in an upright state along a direction parallel to the y-axis, so that the side surfaces of the battery cell main bodies 113 (see Figure 3 ) face each other. Thus, the electrode leads 111 can protrude in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction of the battery cells 110. That is, in the battery cell 110, one electrode lead 111 can protrude in the x-axis direction, and the other electrode lead 111 can protrude in the -x axis direction.

[0061] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a module frame according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 is Figure 4 an exploded perspective view of the module frame. Figure 6 (a) of Figure 6 and Figure 5 (b) of Figure 6 are respectively a perspective view and a plan view that magnify and show a part “B” of Figure 5 . That is, Figure 6 (a) of Figure 5 is a perspective view that magnifies and shows a part “B” of

[0062] Figure 2 Figures 4 to 6 , , the module frame 200 can be a structure with one surface and another surface opposite to the one surface open. More specifically, the module frame 200 can be open in two directions in which the electrode leads 111 protrude with respect to the battery cell stack 120.

[0063] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the module frame 200 can include a U-shaped frame 210 covering the lower surface and two side surfaces of the battery cell stack 120, and an upper cover 220 covering the open upper surface of the U-shaped frame 210. The U-shaped frame 210 can include a bottom 211 and two side faces 212 extending upward from opposite sides of the bottom 211. The U-shaped frame 210 and the upper cover 220 can be joined to each other between corresponding edges. More specifically, the two side faces 212 of the U-shaped frame 210 can be joined to both sides of the upper cover 220.

[0064] In addition, as another embodiment of the present disclosure, the module frame can be in the form of a single frame integrated with the upper surface, the lower surface, and the two side surfaces.

[0065] The module frame 200 according to the present embodiment includes a first engaging surface 200S formed on the edges 200E respectively constituting one open surface and the other open surface. The first engaging surface 200S of the module frame 200 corresponds to the portion that engages with the second engaging surface 300S of the end plate 300 described below. The first engaging surface 200S may be formed on the four edges 200E of one open surface of the module frame 200. Although not shown in the figure, the first engaging surface 200S may also be formed on all four edges of the other open surface of the module frame 200. On the other hand, the structures of the first rib, the second rib, or the recess that may be formed on the module frame 200 will be described below.

[0066] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing an end plate and an insulating cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 is a view showing Figure 7 the state in which the end plate and the insulating cover are combined. Figure 9 is a perspective view of Figure 8 the end plate and the insulating cover viewed from a different angle.

[0067] Refer to Figure 2 and Figures 7 to 9 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the end plate 300 covers one open surface and the other open surface of the module frame 200 respectively. The module frame 200 and the end plate 300 may include a metal material having a predetermined strength and may protect the battery cell stack 120 accommodated in its internal space from external impact or vibration. In addition, in order to prevent the risk of short circuit or the like caused by the contact between the end plate 300 and the electrode lead or the bus bar, an insulating cover 600 may be interposed between the battery cell stack 120 and the end plate 300. Such an insulating cover 600 includes an electrically insulating material.

[0068] Figure 10 is an enlarged partial view showing Figure 9 part "C" of Figure 11 is a plan view of Figure 9 part "C" viewed from above.

[0069] Refer to Figure 2 and Figures 9 to 11 The end plate 300 includes a second engaging surface 300S that engages with the first engaging surface 200S of the module frame 200 (see Figure 6 ).

[0070] When the end plate 300 covers one open surface and the other open surface of the module frame 200, the second engaging surface 300S of the end plate 300 is the portion that faces and corresponds to the first engaging surface 200S of the module frame.

[0071] The first joint surface 200S of the module frame 200 and the second joint surface 300S of the end plate are joined in a state where they are adjacent to each other. More specifically, welding is performed in a state where the first joint surface 200S of the module frame 200 and the second joint surface 300S of the end plate 300 are adjacent to each other, so that the end plate 300 can be joined to the module frame 200.

[0072] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-section taken along Figure 1 cutting line A-A'.

[0073] Refer to Figure 2 、 Figure 5 、 Figure 6 、 Figures 9 to 12 , in this embodiment, a first rib 300R1 is formed in either the end plate 300 or the module frame 200, wherein the first rib is disposed more inwardly and protrudes than the portion where the first joint surface 200S and the second joint surface 300S are joined. In addition, a second rib 300R2 is formed on one surface of the first rib 300R1 according to the protruding direction of the first rib 300R1. Furthermore, a recess 200D is formed on the other of the end plate 300 and the module frame 200, wherein the recess has a shape that is recessed corresponding to the first rib 300R1 and the second rib 300R2.

[0074] That is to say, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first rib 300R1 and the second rib 300R2 may be formed in the end plate 300, and the recess 200D may be formed in the module frame 200. In addition, in another embodiment of the present disclosure, the first rib and the second rib may be formed in the module frame, and the recess may be formed in the end plate.

[0075] On the other hand, "the first rib 300R1 is located at a position more inward than the portion where the first joint surface 200S and the second joint surface 300S are joined" means that based on the internal space of the module frame 200 in which the battery cell stack 120 is accommodated, the first rib 300R1 is located at a position closer to the battery cell stack 120 than the portion where the first joint surface 200S and the second joint surface 300S are joined.

[0076] As an embodiment of the present disclosure, the following describes an embodiment in which the first rib 300R1 and the second rib 300R2 are formed on the end plate 300 and the recess 200D is formed on the module frame 200.

[0077] In this embodiment, the first rib 300R1 may protrude from the end plate 300 in the direction where the battery cell stack 120 is located. For example, the first rib 300R1 formed on the end plate 300 in the x-axis direction of the battery cell stack 120 may protrude toward the -x-axis direction, and the first rib 300R1 formed on the end plate 300 in the -x-axis direction of the battery cell stack 120 may protrude toward the x-axis direction. On the other hand, as described above, the second rib 300R2 protrudes from one surface of the first rib 300R1 in a direction parallel to the protruding direction of the first rib 300R1.

[0078] As described above, during the process of welding (W) the first joint surface 200S of the module frame 200 and the second joint surface 300S of the end plate to each other, a welding spatter (SP) phenomenon may occur where welding sparks fly in all directions, and such welding spatter (SP) may damage the battery cells 110 or other electrical components inside the battery module 100. In addition, when a laser beam is applied to the portion where the first joint surface 200S and the second joint surface 300S are adjacent to perform welding (W), such a laser beam may transmit through the module frame 200 and the end plate 300 and damage the battery cells 110 or other internal components. However, the first rib 300R1 and the second rib 300R2 according to this embodiment can block the welding spatter (SP) or the transmitted laser beam from affecting the battery cells 110 or other internal components.

[0079] Specifically, the first rib 300R1 and the second rib 300R2 may cover the portion where the first joint surface 200S and the second joint surface 300S are joined in the internal space of the module frame 200. In addition, the first rib 300R1 and the second rib 300R2 may extend in the direction in which the first joint surface 200S and the second joint surface 300S extend. Here, the direction in which the first joint surface 200S and the second joint surface 300S extend is the same as the direction in which the edges 200E (see Figure 4 ) that respectively form one open surface and the other open surface of the module frame 200 extend.

[0080] In addition, the first rib 300R1 and the second rib 300R2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be formed to cover the entire area of the portion where the first joint surface 200S and the second joint surface 300S are joined. On the other hand, the first rib 300R1 and the second rib 300R2 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may be formed to cover only a part of the portion where the first joint surface 200S and the second joint surface 300S are joined.

[0081] In addition, preferably, welding (W) is performed while the module frame 200 and the end plate 300 are fixed corresponding to predetermined fixed positions with respect to each other. In this embodiment, when the end plate 300 is coupled to the module frame 200, the first rib 300R1 and the second rib 300R2 are inserted into the inner space of the module frame 200 so that the end plate 300 can be coupled at the correct position without misalignment. That is, the first rib 300R1 and the second rib 300R2 are used to improve the temporary assembly characteristics between the module frame 200 and the end plate 300.

[0082] In addition, even while the welding (W) is in progress, the end plate 300 can be fixed to the fixed position by the first rib 300R1 and the second rib 300R2. The first rib 300R1 and the second rib 300R2 must be disposed adjacent to the first engaging surface 200S and the second engaging surface 300S, which effectively prevents the end plate 300 from detaching and fixes it.

[0083] In addition, the first rib 300R1 and the second rib 300R2 can prevent deformation from occurring at the welding portion due to the generated heat. Even if slight deformation occurs, the deformation or the protruding area at the welding portion can prevent the battery cell stack and other internal components from being affected.

[0084] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to a comparative example of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 13 can correspond to the cross-sectional view of the same part in the battery module according to the comparative example of the present disclosure as Figure 12 the same part.

[0085] Referring to Figure 13 , according to the comparative example of the present disclosure, ribs 30R are formed on the end plate 30. Specifically, welding (W) is performed between the first engaging surface 20S of the module frame 20 and the second engaging surface 30S of the end plate 30, and the ribs 30R of the end plate 30 are located at a position more inward than the portion where the first engaging surface 20S of the module frame 20 and the second engaging surface 30S of the end plate 30 are joined. Figure 13 The comparative example of Figure 12 is the same as the configuration in the embodiment of

[0086] in which the second rib 300R2 and the recess 200D are not provided.

[0087] On the other hand, referring back to Figure 12, in this embodiment, a second rib 300R2 is added to one surface of the first rib 300R1, and a recessed portion 200D having a shape recessed corresponding to the first rib 300R1 and the second rib 300R2 is provided. The second rib 300R2 may be formed to have a width narrower than that of the first rib 300R1 while protruding in the protruding direction of the first rib 300R1. In addition, the recessed portion 200D may have a shape recessed corresponding to a stepped structure formed at the boundary between the first rib 300R1 and the second rib 300R2.

[0088] Different from the rib 30R according to the comparative example, in this embodiment, the second rib 300R2 and the recessed portion 200D are further provided such that the path through which the welding spatter (SP) flows in becomes complex, and the distance of the inflow path also increases. Paths that are bent multiple times may be formed on the surfaces of the first rib 300R1 and the second rib 300R2 facing the recessed portion 200D.

[0089] In this embodiment, since the path through which the welding spatter (SP) flows in becomes complex and the distance of the inflow path increases, it is effective in blocking the inflow of the welding spatter (SP). In particular, since the welding spatter (SP) has strong linearity, if the path is bent multiple times as described above and becomes complex, the amount of the welding spatter (SP) flowing into the interior can be significantly reduced.

[0090] On the other hand, the first rib 300R1 and the second rib 300R2 may have a structure integrated with the end plate 300, and the end plate 300 including the first rib 300R1 and the second rib 300R2 may be manufactured by molding. Since a predetermined rib-shaped structure is not joined, a separate joining process is not required. In addition, the U-shaped frame 210 and the upper cover 220 of the module frame 200 may be formed by molding, thereby providing the recessed portion 200D.

[0091] Refer to again Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 12 , the battery module 100 according to this embodiment may include at least one bus bar frame 400 covering one surface or two surfaces of the battery cell stack 120.

[0092] As an example, two bus bar frames 400 may be provided on both sides of the battery cell stack 120, and as another example, one bus bar frame 400 may be provided on one side of the battery cell stack 120. The bus bar frame 400 may be located between the battery cell stack 120 and the insulating cover 600, and may include an electrically insulating material.

[0093] The bus bar frame 400 may be assembled with a bus bar 500 connected to the electrode lead 111 extending from the battery cell 110 to make an electrical connection between the battery cells 110. Specifically, the bus bar 500 may be assembled on the opposite side of the side of the bus bar frame 400 facing the battery cell stack 120.

[0094] The bus bar 500 is used to electrically connect the battery cells 110 inside the battery module 100 and preferably includes a metallic material to achieve the electrical connection. The electrode lead 111 extending from the battery cell 110 may be bent and connected to the bus bar 500 after passing through the slit formed in the bus bar frame 400. As an example, one electrode lead 111 may be bent and connected to the bus bar 500 after passing through the slit of the bus bar frame 400 located on one side of the battery cell stack 120, and the other electrode lead 111 may pass through the slit of another bus bar frame 400 located on the other side of the battery cell stack 120 and then be connected to another bus bar 500. The connection method between the electrode lead 111 and the bus bar is not particularly limited, and as an example, a welding joint may be performed. Since the electrode leads 111 of the battery cells 110 are connected to the bus bar in this way, the battery cells 110 can be electrically connected to each other via the bus bar. In this way, HV (high voltage) connection can be performed within the battery module 100. In addition, in order to make an electrical connection between the electrical components mounted on each of the bus bar frames 400 located on one side and the other side of the battery cell stack 120, a connection part 700 may be further arranged. The connection part 700 may be a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) or a flexible flat cable (FFC).

[0095] At this time, the first rib 300R1 and the second rib 300R2 may be located between the portion where the first joint surface 200S and the second joint surface 300S are joined and the bus bar frame 400. The first rib 300R1 and the second rib 300R2 according to the present embodiment may prevent welding spatter (SP) or the transmitted laser beam from damaging the bus bar frame 400.

[0096] Next, a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figure 14 etc. However, for ease of description, parts that are repetitive with the previously described content are omitted.

[0097] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, Figure 14 may correspond to the cross-sectional view of the same part in a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure as Figure 12 the same.

[0098] Refer to Figure 14, the first joint surface 200S of the module frame 200 and the second joint surface 300S of the end plate 300 are joined. Among them, a first rib 200R1 and a second rib 200R2 can be formed in the module frame 200, and a recess 300D can be formed in the end plate 300. The first rib 200R1 formed in the module frame 200 can protrude from the module frame 200 in the direction where the end plate 300 is located. The second rib 200R2 can protrude from one surface of the first rib 200R1 in a direction parallel to the protruding direction of the first rib 200R1.

[0099] As described above, in the process of welding (W) the first joint surface 200S of the module frame 200 and the second joint surface 300S of the end plate 300 to each other, a phenomenon of welding spatter (SP) where welding sparks fly in all directions may occur. The first rib 200R1 and the second rib 200R2 can block the welding spatter (SP) or the transmitted laser beam from affecting the battery cell 110 or other internal components.

[0100] In addition, according to the structures of the second rib 200R2 and the recess 300D, the path through which the welding spatter (SP) flows in becomes complex and the distance of the inflow path increases, which is effective for blocking the inflow of the welding spatter (SP). In particular, since the welding spatter (SP) has strong linearity, if the path bends multiple times as described above and becomes complex, the amount of the welding spatter (SP) flowing into the interior can be significantly reduced.

[0101] Figure 14 The embodiment of Figure 12 is different from the embodiment of Figure 14 in that the first rib 200R1 and the second rib 200R2 are formed on the module frame 200 instead of the end plate, and the recess 300D is formed on the end plate 300 instead of the module frame. However, the functions or effects of the first rib 200R1, the second rib 200R2, and the recess 300D are Figure 12 There is no difference between the embodiment of Figure 14 and the embodiment of Figure 14 That is to say, in the embodiment of

[0102] In this embodiment, terms indicating directions such as the front side, the rear side, the left side, the right side, the upper side, and the lower side are used, but the terms used are only provided for convenience of description and can vary depending on the position of the object, the position of the observer, etc.

[0103] One or more battery modules according to the above embodiments of the present disclosure can be installed together with various control and protection systems such as a BMS (Battery Management System), a BDU (Battery Disconnect Unit), and a cooling system to form a battery pack.

[0104] The battery module or the battery pack can be applied to various devices. Specifically, it can be applied to vehicle units or ESSs (Energy Storage Systems) such as electric bicycles, electric vehicles, and hybrid electric vehicles, and can be applied to various devices capable of using secondary batteries, without being limited thereto.

[0105] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, those skilled in the art will understand that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and various modifications and improvements can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0106] [Description of Reference Numerals]

[0107] 100: Battery module

[0108] 110: Battery cell

[0109] 120: Battery cell stack

[0110] 200: Module frame

[0111] 200D: Depression

[0112] 200R1: First rib

[0113] 200R2: Second rib

[0114] 300: End plate

[0115] 300D: Depression

[0116] 300R1: First rib

[0117] 300R2: Second rib

Claims

1. A battery module, comprising: A battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; A module frame that houses the battery cell stack and has one surface and another surface facing each other that are open; And End plates that cover each of the one surface and the another surface of the module frame, wherein the module frame includes first joint surfaces formed on the edges respectively constituting the one surface and the another surface, wherein the end plates include second joint surfaces that are joined to the first joint surfaces, wherein a first rib is formed in either the end plate or the module frame, and a second rib is formed on one surface of the first rib along the protruding direction of the first rib, the first rib is disposed more inwardly and protrudes compared to the portion where the first joint surface and the second joint surface are joined, and wherein a recess is formed in the other of the end plate and the module frame, and the recess has a shape that is recessed corresponding to the first rib and the second rib.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The second rib has a width narrower than the width of the first rib, and the second rib is formed to protrude along the protruding direction of the first rib.

3. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: Paths with multiple bends are formed on the surfaces of the first rib and the second rib facing the recess.

4. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The recess has a shape that is recessed corresponding to a stepped structure formed at the boundary between the first rib and the second rib.

5. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The first rib and the second rib cover the portion where the first joint surface and the second joint surface are joined in the internal space of the module frame.

6. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The first rib and the second rib extend along the direction in which the first joint surface and the second joint surface extend.

7. The battery module according to claim 1, further includes at least one bus bar frame that covers one surface or two surfaces of the battery cell stack.

8. The battery module according to claim 7, wherein: The first rib and the second rib are located between the portion where the first joint surface and the second joint surface are joined and the bus bar frame.

9. The battery module according to claim 7, wherein: A bus bar connected to an electrode lead extending from the battery cell is mounted on the bus bar frame.

10. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The first rib and the second rib are formed on the end plate, The recess is formed on the module frame, and The first rib protrudes from the end plate in the direction where the battery cell stack is located.

11. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The first rib and the second rib are formed on the module frame, The recess is formed on the end plate, and The first rib protrudes from the module frame in the direction where the end plate is located.

12. A battery pack, comprising the battery module according to claim 1.

Images