Battery module and battery pack including same

Abstract

Provided is a battery module including: a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; a module case configured to accommodate the stack of battery cells; the terminal bus bar is arranged on one side of the battery cell stack; the insulating cover is arranged on one side of the module shell, and one end part of the terminal bus bar is positioned on the insulating cover; and a fixing member having a fixing hole configured to fix the one end portion of the terminal bus bar, in which the fixing member is disposed on a lower side of the one end portion of the terminal bus bar in the insulating cover.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery module and a battery pack including the same, and more particularly, to a battery module that can reduce heat generation by reducing contact resistance at a bus bar connection portion and a battery pack including the same. Background Art

[0002] Unlike primary batteries that cannot be recharged repeatedly, secondary batteries refer to batteries that can be recharged repeatedly and are applied not only to portable devices but also to electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) driven by power sources.

[0003] The types of secondary batteries that are currently widely used include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and the like. The operating voltage of such a unit secondary battery cell (i.e., a unit battery cell) is about 2.5V to about 4.6V. Therefore, when a higher output voltage is required, a battery pack can be formed by connecting a plurality of battery cells in series. In addition, depending on the charge / discharge capacity required for the battery pack, a battery pack can be formed by connecting a plurality of battery cells in parallel. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in the battery pack can be set in various ways according to the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0004] When configuring a battery pack by connecting multiple battery cells in series or in parallel, a battery module including at least one battery cell (preferably multiple battery cells) is generally configured first, and then a battery pack is configured by using at least one such battery module and adding other components. Here, a battery module refers to a component in which multiple battery cells are connected in series or in parallel, and a battery pack refers to a component in which multiple battery modules are connected in series or in parallel to increase capacity and output.

[0005] The battery module is configured by electrically connecting a plurality of battery cells using bus bars.

[0006] In addition, the battery modules include terminal bus bars for electrically connecting one battery module to another battery module.

[0007] In such a battery module, heat is generated due to contact resistance at points where the terminal bus bars are fixed to the module. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Technical issues

[0009] The present disclosure aims to solve the above-mentioned problems by providing a battery module and a battery pack including the same, in which heat generation can be reduced by reducing contact resistance at a terminal bus bar fixing portion.

[0010] Technical Solution

[0011] According to the present disclosure, the battery module includes: a battery cell stack, in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; a module housing, which is configured to accommodate the battery cell stack; a terminal bus bar, which is arranged on one side of the battery cell stack; an insulating cover, which is arranged on one side of the module housing, and one end of the terminal bus bar is located on the insulating cover; and a fixing member, which has a fixing hole, which is configured to fix the one end of the terminal bus bar, and the fixing member is arranged in the insulating cover on the lower side of the one end of the terminal bus bar.

[0012] The battery module further includes a fixing pin coupled to the fixing hole in the fixing member through the one end portion of the terminal bus bar.

[0013] The fixing pin is threadedly coupled to the fixing hole in the fixing member.

[0014] The insulation cover includes an insertion groove into which the fixing member is inserted.

[0015] The fixing member includes a fixing body including a fixing hole, and a first horizontally extending protrusion extending outward from a side surface of the fixing body at an upper portion of the fixing body.

[0016] The fixing body has a quadrangular column shape.

[0017] The insulation cover includes an insertion groove into which the fixing member is inserted, and the insertion groove includes a first portion into which the fixing body is inserted and a second portion on which the first horizontally extending protrusion is seated.

[0018] The first horizontally extending protrusion horizontally extends from the side surface of the fixing body.

[0019] The fixing body further includes a first side surface portion extending in a width direction of the battery module, and the first horizontally extending protrusion is provided at an upper portion of the first side surface portion.

[0020] The fixing body further includes a pair of first side surface portions extending in a width direction of the battery module and spaced parallel to each other, and the first horizontally extending protrusions are respectively provided at upper portions of the pair of first side surface portions.

[0021] The fixing body further includes: a pair of first side surface portions extending in a width direction of the battery module and spaced parallel to each other; and a pair of second side surface portions connecting the pair of first side surface portions and spaced apart from each other.

[0022] The battery module further includes a second horizontally extending protrusion extending outward from the other side surface of the fixing body at an upper portion of the fixing body.

[0023] The insulation cover includes an insertion groove into which the fixing member is inserted, and the insertion groove includes a first portion into which the fixing body is inserted and a second portion on which the first and second horizontally extending protrusions are seated.

[0024] The second horizontally extending protrusion extends horizontally from the other side surface of the fixing body.

[0025] The fixing body further includes a second side surface portion extending in a length direction of the battery module, and the second horizontally extending protrusion is provided at an upper portion of the second side surface portion.

[0026] The fixing body further includes a pair of second side surface portions extending in a length direction of the battery module and spaced parallel to each other, and the second horizontally extending protrusions are respectively provided at upper portions of the pair of second side surface portions.

[0027] In addition, the battery pack according to the present disclosure further includes one or more battery modules as described above.

[0028] Beneficial effects

[0029] The battery module and the battery pack according to the present disclosure have the effect of reducing contact resistance at the terminal bus bar fixing portion, thereby reducing heat generation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a battery module according to the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a battery cell in the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a terminal bus bar in the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing an insulating cover and an end plate in the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 6 is an enlarged view of a portion of the insulating cover of the present disclosure exposed through an opening in the end plate;

[0036] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a fixing member in an insulating cover according to the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A side view of the fixing member is shown;

[0038] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a terminal bus bar is coupled to a fixing member in the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a fixing member according to another aspect of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 Plan view of the fixed components;

[0041] Figure 12 is a view showing a state in which a fixing member is separated from an insulating member according to another aspect;

[0042] Figure 13 is a view showing a battery pack according to an aspect of the present disclosure; and

[0043] Figure 14 is a perspective view of a vehicle equipped with a battery pack according to one aspect of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] The advantages and features of the present disclosure and the methods for implementing the present disclosure will become apparent by referring to the various aspects described in detail below and the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the various aspects to be described below, but can be implemented in various different modes. These aspects are provided only to ensure that the present disclosure is fully disclosed and that a person of ordinary skill in the art fully understands the scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is limited only by the claims. Therefore, in some aspects, well-known process steps, well-known device structures and well-known technologies are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Throughout the specification, the same figure numerals represent the same components.

[0045] In the accompanying drawings, the thickness of layers and regions may be exaggerated for clarity. Throughout this specification, the same reference numerals are used to refer to the same elements. When a component such as a layer, film, region, or plate is described as being "above" another component, this includes not only the situation where the component is directly above another component, but also the situation where there is still another component between the component and the other component. In contrast, when a component is described as being "directly above" another component, this means that there are no other components between the component and the other component. Similarly, when a component such as a layer, film, region, or plate is described as being "below" another component, this includes not only the situation where the component is "directly below" another component, but also the situation where there is still another component between the component and the other component. In contrast, when a component is described as being "directly below" another component, this means that there are no other components between the component and the other component.

[0046] A battery module 1000 according to an aspect of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0047] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a battery module according to the present disclosure. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to the present disclosure. Figure 3 is a perspective view of a battery cell in the present disclosure. Figure 4 is a perspective view of a terminal bus bar in the present disclosure. Figure 5 is a perspective view showing an insulating cover and an end plate in the present disclosure. Figure 6 is an enlarged view of a portion of the insulating cover exposed through an opening in the end plate in the present disclosure. Figure 7 is a perspective view of a fixing member in an insulation cover according to the present disclosure. Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A side view of the fixing member is shown. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a terminal bus bar is coupled to a fixing member in the present disclosure.

[0048] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a battery module 1000 may include a battery cell stack 100 in which a plurality of battery cells 110 are stacked, a module housing 200 for accommodating the battery cell stack 100, a bus bar frame 300 located on the front surface and / or rear surface of the battery cell stack 100, an end plate 400 covering the front surface and / or rear surface of the battery cell stack 100, and bus bars 310 and 320 mounted on the bus bar frame 300.

[0049] The battery cell stack 100 may be formed by stacking a plurality of battery cells 110 in one direction, and the plurality of battery cells 110 may be electrically connected. The direction in which the plurality of battery cells 110 are stacked may be Figure 2 The X-axis direction (or -X-axis direction) in .

[0050] The direction from the front surface to the rear surface of the battery cell stack 100 (or vice versa) may be defined as the length direction of the battery cell stack 100, which may correspond to the Y-axis direction in the drawings. Furthermore, the direction from the top surface to the bottom surface of the battery cell stack 100 (or vice versa) may be defined as the width direction of the battery cell stack 100, which may correspond to the Z-axis direction in the drawings.

[0051] The length direction of the battery cell stack 100 may be substantially the same as the length direction of the battery cell 110. The electrode leads 111 and 112 of the battery cell 110 may be located on the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack 100, and the bus bars 310 and 320 of the battery module 1000 may be provided near the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack 100 so as to be electrically connected to the electrode leads 111 and 112.

[0052] The battery cells 110 may be configured as pouch-type battery cells, and the number of pouch-type battery cells that can be stacked per unit area may be maximized. However, the battery cells 110 are not necessarily configured as pouch-type, but may also be configured as prismatic, cylindrical, or various other types.

[0053] Each battery cell 110 provided as a pouch type may include an electrode assembly and a battery cell case 115 (see FIG. Figure 3 ).

[0054] The battery cell case 115 of the battery cell 110 is used to accommodate the electrode assembly and may be a soft pack type battery cell case 115. The battery cell case 115 may include a lower case and an upper case covering the lower case, and the upper case and the lower case may be integrally formed. Figure 4 As shown, the connection portion of the upper shell and the lower shell can be bent and folded. As shown in the drawings, the upper shell can completely cover the lower shell, and a sealing portion 114 can be formed around the periphery.

[0055] Both the upper and lower shells can have a laminated structure including an inner coating, a metal layer, and an outer coating. The inner coating is located on the inner side of the battery cell shell 115 relative to the metal layer, and because the inner coating is in direct contact with the electrode assembly, the inner coating should have insulating properties and electrolytic resistance. In addition, in order to seal, the sealing area where the inner layer is thermally bonded needs to have excellent heat sealing strength. The metal layer located between the inner coating and the outer coating acts as a barrier layer that prevents moisture or various gases from penetrating into the battery cell from the outside. Preferably, a lightweight and highly formable aluminum (Al) film can be used as the material of the metal layer in contact with the inner coating. The outer coating is located on the outside of the battery cell shell 115 relative to the metal layer. The outer coating can be made of a heat-resistant polymer with excellent tensile strength, moisture impermeability, and air impermeability to ensure heat resistance and chemical resistance and protect the electrode assembly. Examples of such polymers include nylon or polyethylene terephthalate.

[0056] Recesses 116 may be formed in the upper case and the lower case, respectively, and the electrode assembly may be received in the recesses 116 of the upper case and the lower case.

[0057] The electrode assembly contained in the battery cell housing 115 can be one selected from the group consisting of a wound electrode assembly, a stacked electrode assembly, a stacked-folded electrode assembly, and a layered-stacked electrode assembly. In the wound electrode assembly, the diaphragm is inserted between the long sheet-like positive electrode and the long sheet-like negative electrode and then wound. The stacked electrode assembly includes a unit battery cell in which a rectangular positive electrode and a rectangular negative electrode are stacked and the diaphragm is inserted between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. In the stacked-folded electrode assembly, the unit battery cell is wound with a long separator. In the layered-stacked electrode assembly, the unit battery cells are stacked and attached to each other, and the diaphragm is inserted between the unit battery cells.

[0058] The electrode assembly may further include two electrode tabs and two electrode leads 111 and 112 respectively connected to the electrode tabs via welding.

[0059] One of the two electrode leads 111 and 112 may be a positive electrode lead connected to a positive electrode tab, and the other of the electrode leads 111 and 112 may be a negative electrode lead connected to a negative electrode tab.

[0060] Lead films 113 may be attached to the electrode leads 111 and 112, respectively. The lead films 113 bonded to the electrode leads 111 and 112 may be positioned between the electrode leads 111 and 112 and the battery cell case 115 to prevent a short circuit between the electrode leads 111 and 112 and the battery cell case 115 and enhance sealing, thereby preventing electrolyte leakage, etc.

[0061] The two electrode leads 111 and 112 are shown as being disposed on opposite sides of the electrode assembly, but may also be disposed on only one side of the electrode assembly depending on the arrangement of the electrode tabs.

[0062] The module case 200 may protect the battery cell stack 100 and related electronic components from external physical impact, and the module case 200 may accommodate the battery cell stack 100 and related electronic components in an inner space of the module case 200 .

[0063] The structure of the module housing 200 can be varied, for example, it can be a single frame structure. Here, the single frame can be in the form of a metal plate in which the top surface, the bottom surface and the opposite side surfaces are integrated. The single frame can be manufactured by extrusion molding. As another example, the module housing 200 can have a structure obtained by combining a U-shaped frame and an upper plate (top surface 201). In the case of a structure in which a U-shaped frame and an upper plate are combined, the structure of the module housing 200 can be formed by combining the upper plate to the top side of a U-shaped frame, and the U-shaped frame is a metal plate in which the bottom surface and the opposite side surfaces are combined or integrated. Each frame or plate can be manufactured by press forming. In addition, in addition to a single frame or a U-shaped frame, the structure of the module housing 200 can be set to a structure of an L-shaped frame, and can also be set to various structures not described in the above examples.

[0064] The structure of the module housing 200 may be set in a form open along the length direction of the battery cell stack 100. The front surface and the rear surface of the battery cell stack 100 may not be covered by the module housing 200. The electrode leads 111 and 112 of the battery cell 110 may not be covered by the module housing 200. The front surface and the rear surface of the battery cell stack 100 may be covered by the bus bar frame 300, the end plate 400 or the bus bars 310 and 320 (to be described later), by which the front surface and the rear surface of the battery cell stack 100 can be protected from external physical impact.

[0065] The compression pad 150 may be located between the battery cell stack 100 and one side surface of the inner surface of the module case 200 .

[0066] The compression pad 150 may be disposed to face the outermost battery cells 110 of the battery cell stack 100 in the X-axis direction.

[0067] Furthermore, although not shown, thermal resin may be injected into the space between the battery cell stack 100 and the inner surface of the module housing 200, and a thermal resin layer (not shown) may be formed by the injected thermal resin between the battery cell stack 100 and one of the side surfaces of the inner surface of the module housing 200. In this case, the thermal resin layer may be located on the Z-axis of the battery cell stack 100 and may be formed between the bottom surface of the module housing 200 located on the -Z-axis and the battery cell stack 100.

[0068] The busbar frame 300 may be located on one surface of the battery cell stack 100 and cover one surface of the battery cell stack 100, and guide the connection between the battery cell stack 100 and an external device. Specifically, the busbar frame 300 may be located on the front surface or the rear surface of the battery cell stack 100 (as shown in the drawings), and may also be located on the top surface, the bottom surface, or the side surface. At least one of the busbars 310 and 320 and the module connector may be mounted on the busbar frame 300. Figure 2 As shown, one surface of the bus bar frame 300 may be connected to one surface or the other surface of the battery cell stack 100 , and the other surface of the bus bar frame 300 may be connected to the bus bars 310 and 320 .

[0069] The bus bar frame 300 may include an electrically insulating material and may limit contact between the bus bars 310 and 320 and other portions of the battery cell 110 except for portions coupled to the electrode leads 111 and 112 , thereby preventing an electrical short circuit.

[0070] The bus bar frame 300 may be located at each of opposite sides of the battery cell stack 100 .

[0071] The bus bars 310 and 320 may be mounted on one surface of the bus bar frame 300 and may electrically connect the battery cell stack 100 or the battery cells 110 to an external device circuit. Positioning the bus bars 310 and 320 between the battery cell stack 100 or the bus bar frame 300 and the end plate 400 may protect the bus bars 310 and 320 from external impacts, etc., and minimize durability degradation due to external moisture, etc.

[0072] The bus bars 310 and 320 may be electrically connected to the battery cell stack 100 via the electrode leads 111 and 112 of the battery cells 110 .

[0073] Specifically, the electrode leads 111 and 112 of the battery cells 110 may pass through the lead slits formed in the busbar frame 300 and then may be bent and connected to the busbars 310 and 320. The battery cells 110 constituting the battery cell stack 100 may be connected in series or in parallel through the busbars 310 and 320.

[0074] The bus bars 310 and 320 may include a terminal bus bar 320 for electrically connecting one battery module 100 to another battery module 100. To connect to another battery module 100, at least a portion of the terminal bus bar 320 may be exposed to the outside of the end plate 400. To this end, the end plate 400 may be provided with a terminal opening 410.

[0075] The terminal bus bar 320 may have one end portion (the second portion 322 ) exposed through the opening 510 of the insulation cover 500 and the terminal opening 410 of the end plate 400 .

[0076] like Figure 4 As shown, the terminal bus bar 320 may include a first portion 321 connected to the electrode leads 111 and 112 of the battery cell 110 and a second portion 322 exposed to the outside through the terminal opening 410. The terminal bus bar 320 may further include a bent portion 323 formed between the first portion 321 and the second portion 322.

[0077] In the terminal busbar 320, the first portion 321 can be connected to the second portion 322 via a bent portion, and one surface of the first portion 321 and one surface of the second portion 322 can be perpendicular to each other. That is, by forming a curved bent portion 323 in the terminal busbar 320, the second portion 322 can protrude and be seated on the seating portion 530 located on the insulation cover 500, and the second portion 322 can be electrically connected to the battery pack busbar. A coupling hole 322a is formed in the second portion 322 constituting one end of the terminal busbar 320, and the second portion 322 of the terminal busbar 320 is fixed by a fixing pin 550 inserted into the coupling hole 322a.

[0078] The end plate 400 can cover the open surface of the module housing 200 to protect the battery cell stack 100 and the electronic devices connected thereto from external physical impact. To this end, the end plate 400 can be made of a material with a predetermined strength. For example, the end plate 400 can include a metal such as aluminum or a plastic material.

[0079] Terminal openings 410 may be formed in the end plate 400. The terminal openings 410 may be provided at opposite sides of the end plate 400, and a portion of the insulation cover 500 and one end portion (second portion 322) of the terminal bus bar 320 may be exposed through the terminal openings 410.

[0080] In addition, a connector opening may be provided between the terminal openings 410 on opposite sides of the end plate 400 , and the module connector may be exposed to the outside through the connector opening.

[0081] The end plate 400 may be combined with the module case 200 and cover the bus bar frame 300 or the bus bars 310 and 320 provided on one surface of the battery cell stack 100. Each edge of the end plate 400 may be combined to a corresponding edge of the module case 200 by welding, bolting, hook fastening, or other methods.

[0082] The end plate 400 may be located on each of the front and rear surfaces of the module case 200 and cover the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack 100 .

[0083] In addition, an insulating cover 500 for electrical insulation may be located between the end plate 400 and the bus bar frame 300. That is, the bus bar frame 300, the insulating cover 500, and the end plate 400 may be located in this order outward from the battery cell stack 100. Similar to the end plate 400, a plurality of bus bar frames 300 and insulating covers 500 may be provided.

[0084] The insulation cover 500 may include an electrically insulating material and may prevent contact between the bus bars 310 and 320 and the end plate 400 .

[0085] The insulation cover 500 may include an opening 510 and a seating portion 530. The opening 510 may be provided at each of opposite sides of an upper portion of the insulation cover 500, and one end portion (second portion 322) of the terminal bus bar 320 may be exposed through the opening 510.

[0086] In addition, a connector opening may be provided between the openings 510 located at opposite sides of the insulation cover 500 , and the module connector may be exposed to the outside through the connector opening.

[0087] The insulation cover 500 may be located on the inner surface of the end plate 400 and may, but not necessarily, be in close contact with the inner surface of the end plate 400 .

[0088] As described above, one end portion (second portion 322) of the terminal bus bar 320 may be exposed through the opening 510, and the exposed end portion (second portion 322) of the terminal bus bar 320 may be seated on the seating portion 530. Therefore, the seating portion 530 may be disposed adjacent to the opening 510 and may be disposed on the upper outer surface.

[0089] On the top surface of the seating portion 530, the second portion 322 of the terminal bus bar 320 may be seated, and thus the top surface of the seating portion 530 may form a seating surface. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the seating portion 530 may include a fixing member 531 for fixing the second portion 322 of the terminal bus bar 320 .

[0090] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the fixing member 531 may include a fixing body 531 b and a fixing hole 531 a .

[0091] In this regard, the fixing body 531 b may have a substantially rectangular column shape and may be inserted into the insertion groove 530 a in the seating portion 530 .

[0092] Specifically, the fixing body 531 b may include a pair of first side surface portions 531 c and a pair of second side surface portions 531 e .

[0093] A pair of first side surface portions 531c may be provided on opposite side surfaces of the fixing body 531b in parallel and spaced apart from each other, and may be provided in parallel with the end plates 400 provided on the front and rear surfaces of the battery module 1000. The first side surface portions 531c may extend in a width direction of the battery module 1000 (in an X-axis direction in the drawing).

[0094] The pair of second side surface portions 531e may extend along the length direction of the battery module 1000 (along the Y-axis direction in the drawing), and each of the second side surface portions 531e may be provided to connect the pair of first side surface portions 531c. The pair of second side surface portions 531e may be provided on opposite side surfaces of the fixing body 531b and spaced parallel to each other, and may be provided in a direction orthogonal to the end plates 400 provided on the front and rear surfaces of the battery module 1000.

[0095] Four corners at which the first side surface portion 531 c and the second side surface portion 531 e of the fixing body 531 b are connected may be rounded.

[0096] The fixing hole 531a can be formed in the fixing body 531b, and the fixing pin 550 can be inserted into the fixing hole 531a. The fixing hole 531a can have a circular shape, and a female thread can be formed on the inner circumferential surface of the fixing hole 531a. When the female thread is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the fixing hole 531a, the male thread can be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the fixing pin 550 so that the fixing hole and the fixing pin can be threadedly engaged with each other. During the threaded engagement of the fixing pin 550 into the fixing hole 531a, as the fixing pin 550 rotates, the fixing member 531 may rotate. However, since the fixing body 531b of the fixing member 531 has a quadrilateral column shape, the upper portion of the fixing member 531 also has a rectangular shape, and the insertion slot 530a is a rectangular slot, the fixing member 531 can remain fixed and not rotate, thereby allowing the fixing pin 550 to be stably engaged with the fixing hole 531a.

[0097] The fixing member 531 may further include a first horizontally extending protrusion 531 d at an upper portion of the fixing body 531 b .

[0098] The first horizontally extending protrusion 531d can protrude horizontally outward from the upper portion of the first side surface portion 531c of the fixing body 531b. Specifically, the first horizontally extending protrusion 531d can extend from the upper portion of the first side surface portion 531c along the length direction of the battery module 1000 (along the Y-axis direction or the -Y-axis direction in the drawings, or toward the end plate 500).

[0099] The first horizontally extending protrusions 531d may be respectively formed on the pair of first side surface portions 531c of the fixing body 531b, and in this case, the pair of first horizontally extending protrusions 531d provided on the pair of first side surface portions 531c may extend in opposite directions.

[0100] The length of the first horizontally extending protrusion 531 d in the width direction of the battery module 1000 (in the X-axis direction) may be the same as the length of the first side surface portion 531 c in the width direction of the battery module 1000 .

[0101] An upper end of the fixing member 531 including the first horizontally extending protrusion 531 d may have a rectangular shape, and corners thereof may be rounded.

[0102] The fixing member 531 having such a configuration may be inserted into the insertion groove 530 a in the seating portion 530 .

[0103] like Figure 9 As shown, the insertion groove 530a in the seating portion 530 can be formed to correspond to the outer shape of the fixing member 531, wherein the insertion groove 530a can include a first portion 530b at its lower portion into which the fixing body 531b is inserted, and a second portion 530c at its upper portion into which the first horizontally extending protrusion 531d is seated.

[0104] In the insertion groove 530a, the lower portion of the fixing body 531b (excluding the first horizontally extending protrusion 531d) can be inserted into the first portion 530b. In this regard, the first portion 530b can have a substantially rectangular cross-section corresponding to the fixing body 531b, and the four corners can be rounded.

[0105] The first horizontally extending protrusion 531d can be inserted into the second portion 530c disposed above the first portion 530b in the insertion groove 530a, and the second portion 530c can extend outward from the first portion 530b so that the first horizontally extending protrusion 531d is seated thereon. The second portion 530c can include a first extension 530d and a first vertical wall 530e.

[0106] The first extension portion 530d may extend horizontally outward from the first portion 530b, and the first horizontally extending protrusion 531d may be seated on the first extension portion 530d. The first extension portion 530d may extend from the upper end of the first portion 530b along the length direction of the battery module 1000 (along the Y-axis direction in the drawing or toward the end plate 400).

[0107] The first vertical wall 530e may extend upward from the first extension portion 530d.

[0108] Furthermore, a second portion 530c may be formed on each of opposite side surfaces of the first portion 530b of the insertion groove 530a so as to have a pair of first horizontally extending protrusions 531d seated thereon.

[0109] like Figure 9 As shown, the second portion 322 of the terminal bus bar 320 can be fixed to the insulation cover 500 by inserting the fixing member 531 into the insertion groove 530a of the seating portion 530 and fixing the fixing pin 550 inserted into the coupling hole 322a formed in the second portion 322 of the terminal bus bar 320 to the fixing hole 531a. As another example, the fixing pin 550 inserted into the coupling hole 322a in the terminal bus bar 320 can be fixedly coupled to the bottom of the insertion groove 530a in the seating portion 530. In this case, the bottom of the insertion groove 530a can be formed with a female thread so that the fixing pin 550 can be screwed thereto.

[0110] The second portion 322 of the terminal bus bar 320 is seated on the seating portion 530 in the insulation cover 500 and is seated on and in contact with the fixing member 531 provided on the seating portion 530 , which may cause heat generation due to contact resistance.

[0111] In this regard, the second portion 322 of the terminal bus bar 320 is seated on and in contact with the upper portion of the fixing member 531 including the first horizontally extending protrusion 531d. Since the fixing member 531 includes the first horizontally extending protrusion 531d, the contact area between the second portion 322 of the terminal bus bar 320 and the fixing member 531 is increased, thereby reducing contact resistance and thus reducing heat generation.

[0112] The seating portion 530 may be exposed to the outside through the terminal opening 410 and the opening 510 in the end plate 400. The seating portion 530 may be integrally formed with the insulation cover 500, or may be detachably combined with the insulation cover 500.

[0113] In addition, a terminal cover (not shown) covering one end portion (the second portion 322 ) of the terminal bus bar 320 may be provided on the insulation cover 500 .

[0114] In addition, electrical connections between battery modules can be made via battery pack bus bars (not shown). The battery pack bus bar is a component configured to connect one battery module 1000 to an adjacent battery module 1000 or a battery disconnect unit (BDU), and can be connected to the exposed end portion (second portion 322) of the terminal bus bar 320. For example, the battery pack bus bar 1100 can overlap with and be connected to the upper portion of the end portion (second portion 322) of the terminal bus bar 320.

[0115] One end of the battery pack bus bar can be located on and overlap with the second portion 322 of the terminal bus bar 320, and then the fixing pin 550 can be inserted into the coupling hole in the battery pack bus bar and the coupling hole 322a in the second portion 322 of the terminal bus bar 320 in sequence, and then the fixing pin 550 can be fixed to the fixing hole 531a in the seating portion 530, thereby connecting the battery pack bus bar to the terminal bus bar 320.

[0116] In addition, the second portion 322 of the terminal bus bar 320 may be fixed to the insulation cover 500 together with the battery pack bus bar by the fixing pin 550 .

[0117] in addition, Figures 10 to 12 is a view illustrating a fixing member 531 in a battery module 1000 according to another aspect of the present disclosure. Figure 10 is a perspective view of a fixing member according to another aspect of the present disclosure, Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A plan view of the fixed member, and Figure 12 is a view showing a state in which a fixing member is separated from an insulating member according to another aspect.

[0118] As shown in the drawings, in another aspect, the fixing member 531 may further include a second horizontally extending protrusion 531 f located on an upper portion of the fixing body 531 b in addition to the first horizontally extending protrusion 531 d .

[0119] The second horizontally extending protrusion 531f can protrude horizontally outward from the upper portion of the second side surface portion 531e of the fixing body 531b. Specifically, the second horizontally extending protrusion 531f can extend from the upper end of the second side surface portion 531e along the width direction of the battery module 1000 (along the X-axis direction or the -X-axis direction in the drawing).

[0120] The second horizontally extending protrusions 531f may be respectively formed on the pair of second side surface portions 531e of the fixing body 531b, and in this case, the pair of second horizontally extending protrusions 531f provided on the pair of second side surface portions 531e may extend in opposite directions.

[0121] In another aspect, the upper portion of the fixing member 531 may include a first horizontally extending protrusion 531d and a second horizontally extending protrusion 531f, and may extend outward from the upper end edge of the fixing body 531b along the entire periphery. In a plan view, the upper portion of the fixing member 531 may have a surface area larger than the cross-sectional area of the fixing body 531b. The upper end of the fixing member 531, including the first horizontally extending protrusion 531d and the second horizontally extending protrusion 531f, may be formed into a rectangular shape, the corners of which may be rounded.

[0122] On the other hand, the insertion groove 530a in the seating portion 530 into which the fixing member 531 is inserted can be formed to correspond to the outer shape of the fixing member 531, and can include a first part 530b and a second part 530c, the fixing body 531b is inserted into the first part 530b, and the first horizontally extending protrusion 531d and the second horizontally extending protrusion 531f are seated on the second part 530c.

[0123] The first horizontal extension protrusion 531d and the second horizontal extension protrusion 531f can be inserted into the second part 530c of the insertion groove 530a, and the second part 530c can also include a second extension part 530f and a second vertical wall 530g in addition to the first extension part 530d and the first vertical wall 530e, so that the first horizontal extension protrusion 531d and the second horizontal extension protrusion 531f are placed thereon.

[0124] The second extension portion 530f may extend horizontally outward from the side surface of the first portion 530b where the first extension portion 530d is not provided, and the second horizontally extending protrusion 531f may be seated on the second extension portion 530f. The second extension portion 530f may extend from the upper end of the first portion 530b along the width direction of the battery module 1000 (along the X-axis or -X-axis direction in the drawing).

[0125] The second vertical wall 530g may extend upward from the second extending portion 530f.

[0126] Furthermore, a second portion 530c may be formed on each of opposite side surfaces of the second portion 530c of the insertion groove 530a so as to have a pair of second horizontally extending protrusions 531f seated thereon.

[0127] In another aspect, other components may be the same as in the previous aspect.

[0128] As described above, on the other hand, the second portion 322 of the terminal bus bar 320 is placed on and in contact with the upper portion of the fixing member 531 including the first horizontally extending protrusion 531d and the second horizontally extending protrusion 531f, and the fixing member 531 includes, in addition to the first horizontally extending protrusion 531d, the second horizontally extending protrusion 531f on the upper portion of the fixing body 531b, which further increases the contact area between the second portion 322 of the terminal bus bar 320 and the fixing member 531, thereby further reducing the contact resistance and thus reducing heat generation.

[0129] As described above, one or more battery modules 1000 according to the present disclosure may form a battery pack 2000. Figure 13As shown, a battery pack 2000 according to an aspect of the present disclosure may house at least one battery module 1000 within a pack case 2100 and may include various control and protection systems, such as a battery management system (BMS) and a cooling system.

[0130] The battery pack case 2100 may include a lower case 2110 and an upper case (not shown) coupled to an upper portion of the lower case 2110 , and a plurality of battery modules 1000 may be accommodated within inner spaces of the lower case 2110 and the upper case.

[0131] In addition, aspects of the present disclosure illustrate an example in which the plurality of battery modules 1000 are accommodated within the battery pack 2000 , but the plurality of battery cells 110 may also be directly provided within the battery pack 2000 .

[0132] The battery module 1000 and battery pack 2000 configured in this manner according to the present disclosure can be applied to various devices. Specifically, the battery module and battery pack can be applied to transportation devices such as electric bicycles, electric vehicles V and hybrid vehicles or energy storage systems (ESS). However, it is not limited thereto and can be applied to various devices that can use secondary batteries.

[0133] Figure 14 2 is a diagram showing an electric vehicle V equipped with a battery pack 2000. In the electric vehicle V, wheels are driven by a motor powered by the battery pack 2000, so that the electric vehicle can travel.

[0134] The present disclosure has been described with reference to the aspects described above, but is not limited to these aspects. Various modifications and changes can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0135] Industrial Applicability

[0136] The present disclosure can provide a battery module and a battery pack in which contact resistance at a terminal bus bar fixing portion is reduced, thereby reducing heat generation.

Claims

1. A battery module comprising: A battery cell stack, wherein a plurality of battery cells are stacked; a module housing configured to accommodate the battery cell stack; a terminal bus bar, the terminal bus bar being arranged on one side of the battery cell stack; an insulating cover, the insulating cover being provided on one side of the module housing, and one end portion of the terminal bus bar being located on the insulating cover; as well as A fixing member having a fixing hole configured to fix the one end portion of the terminal bus bar is provided in the insulation cover at a lower side of the one end portion of the terminal bus bar.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: A fixing pin is configured to be coupled to the fixing hole in the fixing member through one end portion of the terminal bus bar.

3. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein: The fixing pin is configured to be threadably coupled to the fixing hole in the fixing member.

4. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The insulation cover includes an insertion groove into which the fixing member is inserted.

5. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The fixing member comprises: a fixing body, wherein the fixing body includes the fixing hole; and A first horizontally extending protrusion extends outward from a side surface of the fixing body at an upper portion of the fixing body.

6. The battery module according to claim 5, wherein: The fixing body has a quadrangular column shape.

7. The battery module according to claim 5, wherein: The insulation cover includes an insertion groove into which the fixing member is inserted, and Wherein, the insertion slot includes: a first portion into which the fixing body is inserted; and The second portion is provided with the first horizontally extending protrusion being disposed on the second portion.

8. The battery module according to claim 5, wherein: The first horizontally extending protrusion horizontally extends from the side surface of the fixing body.

9. The battery module according to claim 5, wherein: The fixing body further includes a first side surface portion extending along a width direction of the battery module, and Wherein, the first horizontally extending protrusion is provided on an upper portion of the first side surface portion.

10. The battery module according to claim 5, wherein: The fixing body further includes a pair of first side surface portions extending in a width direction of the battery module and spaced parallel to each other, and Wherein, the first horizontally extending protrusions are respectively provided on upper portions of the pair of first side surface portions.

11. The battery module according to claim 5, wherein: The fixed body also includes: a pair of first side surface portions extending in a width direction of the battery module and spaced parallel to each other; and A pair of second side surface portions respectively connects the pair of first side surface portions and is spaced apart from each other.

12. The battery module according to claim 5, further comprising: A second horizontally extending protrusion extends outward from the other side surface of the fixing body at an upper portion of the fixing body.

13. The battery module according to claim 12, wherein: The insulation cover includes an insertion groove into which the fixing member is inserted, and Wherein, the insertion slot includes: a first portion into which the fixing body is inserted; and A second portion, the first horizontally extending protrusion and the second horizontally extending protrusion being disposed on the second portion.

14. The battery module according to claim 12, wherein: The second horizontally extending protrusion extends horizontally from the other side surface of the fixing body.

15. The battery module according to claim 12, wherein: The fixing body further includes a second side surface portion extending along a length direction of the battery module, and Wherein, the second horizontally extending protrusion is provided on an upper portion of the second side surface portion.

16. The battery module according to claim 12, wherein: The fixing body further includes a pair of second side surface portions extending along a length direction of the battery module and spaced parallel to each other, and Wherein, the second horizontally extending protrusions are respectively provided on the upper portions of the pair of second side surface portions.

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