Battery module and battery pack and vehicle including same

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a battery module comprising: a plurality of battery cells each having an electrode lead; a bus bar frame disposed at a side portion where the electrode leads of the plurality of battery cells are located and having a lead groove through which the electrode leads of the plurality of battery cells pass and a step portion formed in a portion of the bus bar frame where the electrode leads passing through the lead groove are located; and at least one damage prevention member disposed between the electrode lead and the step portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery module, a battery pack and a vehicle including the same, and more particularly, to a battery module including a plurality of pouch-type battery cells and having improved connection between electrode leads, and a battery pack and a vehicle including the same.

[0002] This application claims priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0121168 filed in Korea on September 12, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] This application claims priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0001588 filed in Korea on January 4, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0004] Secondary batteries, which are easily applicable depending on the product group and have electrical characteristics such as high energy density, are commonly used in electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) powered by electric power sources, as well as portable devices. These secondary batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source for improving eco-friendliness and energy efficiency, primarily due to their primary advantage of significantly reducing fossil fuel use and their additional advantage of not generating byproducts from energy use.

[0005] Currently, widely used secondary batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. Lithium-ion batteries generally use lithium oxides and carbon materials as positive and negative active materials, respectively. A lithium secondary battery includes an electrode assembly and an outer shell (i.e., a battery shell), in which a positive plate and a negative plate coated with a positive active material and a negative active material, respectively, are provided, and a separator is located between the positive plate and the negative plate. The outer shell seals and stores the electrode assembly with an electrolyte.

[0006] Generally, secondary batteries can be classified into can-type secondary batteries in which an electrode assembly is housed in a metal can and pouch-type secondary batteries in which an electrode assembly is housed in a pouch of an aluminum laminate according to the shape of an outer case.

[0007] When higher voltages are required, multiple battery cells can be connected in series to form a battery module or battery pack. Alternatively, multiple battery cells can be connected in parallel to form a battery module or battery pack to increase the charge / discharge capacity. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in a battery module or battery pack can be set in various ways depending on the desired output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0008] In conventional battery modules containing multiple pouch-type battery cells, electrode leads are arranged to be bent and stacked after passing through lead slots in a busbar frame. The stacked electrode leads are joined together using laser welding. In this case, laser welding of the electrode leads can damage the busbar frame located behind the electrode leads.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need to develop a separate structure for improving weldability by preventing a bus bar frame located behind an electrode lead from being damaged when laser welding the electrode lead.

[0010] In addition, conventional battery modules have a separate structure for sensing the voltage of the electrode leads to prevent the battery cells from being used in an environment with a voltage higher than the appropriate voltage during charge and discharge. However, if such a separate component is provided, the cost and time of manufacturing each component may increase, and the process may become complicated.

[0011] Therefore, there is a need to develop a structure in which a single component can prevent damage to a busbar frame when welding electrode leads and can sense the voltage of the electrode leads, thereby reducing costs and shortening time. Summary of the Invention

[0012] Technical issues

[0013] The present disclosure has been devised to solve the problems in the related art, and thus aims to provide a battery module capable of preventing damage to other components when welding electrode leads of battery cells.

[0014] Furthermore, the present disclosure aims to provide a battery module capable of reducing cost, shortening time, and improving productivity when manufacturing the battery module.

[0015] Furthermore, the present disclosure is directed to providing a battery pack and a vehicle including such a battery module.

[0016] However, the technical problems to be solved by the present disclosure are not limited to the above problems, and those skilled in the art can clearly understand other problems not mentioned above from the following description of the present invention.

[0017] Technical Solution

[0018] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a battery module is provided, comprising: a plurality of battery cells, each having an electrode lead; a bus bar frame located on sides of the plurality of battery cells where the electrode leads are provided and having lead grooves and a step portion, through which the electrode leads of the plurality of battery cells pass, the step portion being formed in portions of the bus bar frame where the electrode leads passing through the lead grooves are provided; and at least one damage prevention member disposed between the electrode leads and the step portion.

[0019] The length of the damage prevention member in the height direction may be configured to be greater than the length of the electrode lead in the height direction.

[0020] A plurality of damage prevention members may be provided, and the plurality of damage prevention members may be provided individually and spaced apart from each other.

[0021] The step portion may include a first portion configured to be flat; and a second portion configured to extend inwardly from the first portion as a step.

[0022] The damage prevention member may be configured in a shape corresponding to the shape of the step portion and may be seated on the step portion.

[0023] The damage prevention member may include a contact portion seated on the first portion and in contact with the electrode lead; and a support portion configured to extend as a step from the contact portion and to be spaced apart from the electrode lead.

[0024] The damage prevention member may include a connecting portion configured to connect the contact portion and the support portion.

[0025] The support portion and the contact portion may be formed with inwardly recessed grooves in portions adjacent to the connection portion.

[0026] The damage prevention member may include a main plate configured to face the electrode leads; and coupling plates configured to be bent from both sides of the main plate toward the bus bar frame.

[0027] The coupling plate may have at least one hole formed therein.

[0028] The damage prevention member may be formed integrally with the bus bar frame by insert-injection molding.

[0029] Two adjacent electrode leads among the electrode leads may pass through the lead groove and be bent to overlap each other, and the overlapping electrode leads may be joined by laser welding.

[0030] The contact portion may be joined to at least a portion of the electrode lead by laser welding, and the support portion may be configured to protect the bus bar frame from heat caused by the laser welding.

[0031] Furthermore, the present disclosure provides a battery pack including the battery module according to the present disclosure.

[0032] Furthermore, the present disclosure provides a vehicle including the battery module according to the present disclosure or the battery pack according to the present disclosure.

[0033] Beneficial effects

[0034] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, damage to other components during welding between electrode leads of a battery cell can be prevented. In particular, according to this aspect of the present disclosure, weldability between electrode leads can be improved.

[0035] Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, damage to other components during welding between electrode leads of a battery cell may be prevented and the voltage of the electrode leads may be sensed.

[0036] Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, since several components are manufactured in an integrated manner, the process of manufacturing the battery module can be simplified, thereby reducing costs and time, and improving productivity.

[0037] In addition, the present disclosure may also have various other effects, which will be described in each embodiment, or descriptions of effects that can be easily inferred by those skilled in the art will be omitted. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the detailed description of the present invention, are used to provide further understanding of the technical concept of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure should not be construed as being limited to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating main components of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 3 is a front view of a bus bar frame included in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 4 is a partially broken perspective view illustrating a portion of a bus bar frame included in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of a bus bar frame included in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a damage prevention member included in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a damage prevention member included in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is coupled to a bus bar frame.

[0046] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating a welding portion of an electrode lead in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figure 9 is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack including a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 10 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before the description, it should be understood that the terms used in the specification and the appended claims should not be interpreted as limited to the ordinary meaning or dictionary meaning, but should be understood based on the principle of allowing the inventor to appropriately define the terms for the best interpretation according to the meaning and concept consistent with the technical aspects of the present disclosure.

[0050] Therefore, the structures proposed in the embodiments and drawings of this specification only represent the most preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and do not represent all the technical ideas of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications can be made to these structures on the filing date of this application.

[0051] In addition, the present disclosure includes various embodiments. Repeated descriptions of substantially the same or similar structures between the embodiments will be omitted, and descriptions will be made based on the differences between the embodiments.

[0052] On the other hand, although terms indicating directions, such as up, down, left, right, front and rear directions, are used in this specification, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that these terms are only for convenience of explanation and may vary depending on the position of the target object or the position of the observer.

[0053] For example, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the X-axis direction shown in the figure can represent the left-right direction, the Y-axis direction can represent the front-back direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction on the horizontal plane (XY plane), and the Z-axis direction can represent the up-down direction (vertical direction) perpendicular to both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

[0054] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing main components of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 3 is a front view of a bus bar frame included in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 4 is a partially broken perspective view illustrating a portion of a bus bar frame included in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] Reference Figures 1 to 4 , a battery module 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a battery cell 100 , a bus bar frame 300 , and a damage prevention member 400 .

[0056] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 , a plurality of battery cells 100 may be provided. For example, the plurality of battery cells 100 may be pouch-type secondary batteries. Each of the plurality of battery cells 100 may have an electrode lead 120 .

[0057] Specifically, the plurality of battery cells 100 may include an electrode assembly, a battery cell case 110 housing the electrode assembly, and electrode leads 120 connected to the electrode assembly and extending to the outside of the battery cell case 110 to function as electrode terminals. The battery cell case 110 may house the electrode assembly in a storage space, and edges around the storage space may be heat-welded to form a sealed portion.

[0058] A pair of electrode leads 120 may be provided, which may extend from both ends of the battery cell 100, that is, in the longitudinal direction (±Y axis direction). In this case, the pair of electrode leads 120 may be a positive electrode lead and a negative electrode lead. As needed, the battery cell 100 may be configured so that the two electrode leads 120 are located only at one end in the Y axis direction, for example, at one end in the +Y axis direction.

[0059] like Figure 2 As shown, multiple battery cells 100 can be arranged side by side in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) while standing upright in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). In this case, each battery cell 100 can be arranged so that the sealing portion faces the front-to-back direction (Y-axis direction) and the up-down direction (Z-axis direction), and so that the storage space faces the left-right direction (X-axis direction).

[0060] On the other hand, the battery module 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a barrier member (not shown). The barrier member may be disposed between the battery cells 100. In particular, a plurality of barrier members may be included. The barrier member may be disposed between each or more battery cells 100. According to the above-described embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery cells 100 may be divided or separated to prevent gas or flame from spreading to other barrier members adjacent to the barrier member.

[0061] The blocking member may be made of a material having excellent heat resistance and / or fire resistance, such as silicone or aerogel. According to the above embodiment of the present disclosure, when the battery cell 100 expands, the blocking member may contribute to the structural rigidity of the battery cell 100 by pressing the battery cell 100.

[0062] On the other hand, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The battery module 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a module case 200. The module case 200 may be configured to have an inner space O formed therein and accommodate the battery cells 100 in the inner space O. The module case 200 according to this embodiment may include a case body 210 and an end plate 220.

[0063] The housing body 210 may be configured as a single frame. The housing body 210 may be configured as a square tube having an upper surface, a lower surface, a left surface, and a right surface, and having a front opening and a rear opening. Furthermore, the upper surface, the lower surface, the left surface, and the right surface may be configured as a single piece. The housing body 210 may be made of a metal material having rigidity and heat resistance to physically or chemically protect the stored battery cells 100.

[0064] Furthermore, the housing body 210 can be formed into various other shapes. For example, the housing body 210 can be configured so that the left plate, the right plate, and the lower plate are integrated with each other. In this case, the integrated housing member can be referred to as a U-shaped frame. The U-shaped frame can be configured into a tubular shape by welding a top plate to its top.

[0065] In this case, the shell body 210 can be configured so that the battery cell 100 can be inserted into the shell body in one direction. For example, the battery cell 100 can be inserted into the interior of the shell body along the front-to-back direction (Y-axis direction). That is, the shell body 210 can be configured so that the battery cell 100 can be inserted into the shell body by sliding or press-fitting. For press-fit bonding, it can be configured so that there is almost no gap between the upper and lower surfaces of the shell body 210 and the top and bottom surfaces of the battery cell 100, and so that there is almost no gap between the two side surfaces of the shell body 210 and the two sides of the battery cell 100.

[0066] On the other hand, although not shown in the figure, the housing body 210 may be provided with vent holes to enable directional exhaust in one direction. For example, a plurality of vent holes may be formed on the lower surface of the housing body 210, through which the battery module 10 can be vented toward the bottom.

[0067] The end plates 220 may be provided at the front and rear openings of the housing body 210. The end plates 220 may be joined to the housing body 210 by welding. On the other hand, although not shown for convenience, the inner side of the end plates 220 may be formed of an insulating material, and the outer side of the end plates 220 may be formed of a metal material. Furthermore, the end plates 220 may be partially provided with holes or slits to expose components that need to be exposed to the outside, such as the positive terminal, negative terminal, or connector of the battery module 10.

[0068] On the other hand, refer to Figure 2 , the bus bar frame 300 may be provided inside the module housing 200 to cover at least one side of the battery cell 100. In this embodiment, as Figure 2 As shown, the busbar frame 300 may be provided in a plate shape to cover both ends of the battery cell 100, i.e., the front side (in the -Y-axis direction) or the rear side (in the +Y-axis direction) of the battery cell 100. The busbar frame 300 may be formed of an electrically insulating material such as plastic and may be manufactured by injection molding.

[0069] Reference Figure 3 , the busbar frame 300 may include a lead groove 310. The lead groove 310 may be configured so that a portion of the electrode lead 120 of the plurality of battery cells 100 may pass therethrough. The lead groove 310 may be configured so that the plurality of electrode leads 120 may pass through in the front-to-back direction (+Y axis direction or -Y axis direction). To this end, the lead groove 310 may be located on the side of the plurality of battery cells 100 where the electrode lead 120 is provided, and the plurality of lead grooves 310 may be spaced apart from each other in the stacking direction (X axis direction) of the battery cells 100.

[0070] In this case, the plurality of electrode leads 120 passing through the lead groove 310 may be bent and stacked on each other. This stacking structure may electrically connect the plurality of battery cells 100 in which the electrode leads 120 contact each other.

[0071] In addition, refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the busbar frame 300 may include a step portion 320. The step portion 320 may be obtained by recessing a portion of the busbar frame 300 inward (rearward or in the +Y-axis direction) to form a step. A plurality of step portions 320 may be provided at various locations where the electrode lead 120 passes through the lead slot 310. The step portion 320 may be formed corresponding to a portion of the electrode lead 120 passing through the lead slot 310. Thus, a space may be formed between the step portion 320 and the electrode lead 120.

[0072] The battery module 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a damage prevention member 400. At least one damage prevention member 400 may be provided. The damage prevention member 400 may be provided between the electrode lead 120 and the stepped portion 320 of the busbar frame 300. In other words, the electrode lead 120 may be provided to be spaced apart from at least a portion of the damage prevention member 400.

[0073] Therefore, since a space is formed between the electrode leads 120 and the damage prevention member 400, heat generated by welding the electrode leads 120 can be prevented from being transferred to the bus bar frame 300. Therefore, according to the above-described embodiment of the present disclosure, damage to the bus bar frame 300 can be prevented when welding the electrode leads 120 of the battery cells 100. In particular, according to this aspect of the present disclosure, weldability between the electrode leads 120 can be improved.

[0074] Conventionally, laser welding between electrode leads required a separate structure to prevent damage to the busbar frame located behind the electrode leads, thereby improving weldability. However, the present disclosure eliminates the need for a separate structure and utilizes the stepped portion 320 of the busbar frame 300 to improve weldability. Furthermore, the damage prevention member 400 prevents damage to the busbar frame 300 due to welding.

[0075] In addition, the damage prevention member 400 may be made of a metal material. In this case, at least a portion of the damage prevention member 400 may be configured to contact the electrode lead 120. At least a portion of the damage prevention member 400 may be bonded to the electrode lead 120 by laser welding.

[0076] Therefore, the damage prevention member 400 can be configured to prevent damage to the busbar frame 300 during welding between the electrode leads 120 and sense the voltage of the electrode leads 120. Although not shown in the drawings, the battery module 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be provided with a voltage sensing unit, and the voltage sensing unit may be connected to the damage prevention member 400 to sense the voltage of the electrode leads 120.

[0077] According to the above-described embodiment of the present disclosure, even without a separate component for sensing the voltage of the electrode lead 120, the damage prevention member 400 can sense the voltage of the electrode lead 120, enabling a single component to perform multiple functions, thereby simplifying the process of manufacturing the battery module. Therefore, when manufacturing the battery module 10, since multiple components are manufactured as an integrated unit, material costs can be reduced, the time required to prepare or assemble the components can be shortened, and productivity can be improved.

[0078] More specifically, refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4, the length of the damage prevention member 400 in the height direction (Z-axis direction) can be configured to be greater than the length of the electrode lead 120 in the height direction (Z-axis direction). That is, the damage prevention member 400 and the stacked electrode leads 120 can be arranged to overlap in the front-to-back direction, or can be arranged to completely overlap in the height direction. Therefore, no matter which part of the electrode lead 120 is welded, the damage prevention member 400 arranged behind the electrode lead 120 can prevent the busbar frame 300 from being damaged by welding.

[0079] Reference Figure 3 , a plurality of anti-damage members 400 may be provided. In this case, the plurality of anti-damage members 400 may be provided separately from each other. That is, the anti-damage member 400 may be provided at each position where the stacked electrode leads 120 are located. According to the above-described embodiment configuration of the present disclosure, the voltage of the stacked electrode leads 120 may be sensed independently so that the battery management system (BMS) may manage the voltage information of each battery cell 100, thereby further ensuring the safety of the battery module 10. On the other hand, although not shown in the figure, the plurality of anti-damage members 400 may sense the voltage of the stacked electrode leads 120 respectively and transmit their information to one unit.

[0080] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of a bus bar frame included in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 6 is a perspective view of a damage prevention member included in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0081] Reference Figure 5 , the step portion 320 may include a first portion 321 configured to be flat and a second portion 322 extending inwardly from the first portion 321. Although the step between the first portion 321 and the second portion 322 is formed to be inclined, it can also be formed at a right angle. The first portion 321 can be arranged to protrude outward from the second portion 322 (from the inside to the outside of the battery module 10). Therefore, the second portion 322 can be configured to be completely spaced apart from the stacked electrode lead 120.

[0082] On the other hand, the damage prevention member 400 may be configured in a shape corresponding to the shape of the step portion 320 and may be seated on the step portion 320. That is, the damage prevention member 400 may be configured to completely cover the step portion 320. According to the above-described embodiment configuration of the present disclosure, the damage prevention member 400 can prevent the busbar frame 300 from being damaged by heat generated by welding the electrode leads 120.

[0083] The damage prevention member 400 may be configured as a plate having steps. Figure 5 and Figure 6The damage prevention member 400 may include a contact portion 401 and a support portion 402. The contact portion 401 may be positioned on the first portion 321 of the stepped portion 320 to contact the electrode lead 120. The support portion 402 may be configured to extend with a step from the contact portion 401. In this case, the height, angle, and shape of the step between the contact portion 401 and the support portion 402 may be configured to correspond to the height, angle, and shape of the step between the first portion 321 and the second portion 322. Thus, the support portion 402 may be spaced apart from at least a portion of the electrode lead 120. Furthermore, the damage prevention member 400 may include a connection portion 403 configured to connect the contact portion 401 and the support portion 402. The connection portion 403 may be configured to correspond to the shape of the stepped portion 320, that is, the connection portion 403 may be configured to be inclined relative to the contact portion 401 and the support portion 402, or perpendicular to the contact portion 401 and the support portion 402, respectively.

[0084] In this case, the contact portion 401, the support portion 402, and the connection portion 403 can be configured as plates each having a predetermined area and connected to each other. Thus, the damage prevention member 400 can be positioned so as to completely contact the stepped portion 320, covering a predetermined area of the stepped portion 320. According to the above-described embodiment of the present disclosure, the second portion 322 can be more stably and reliably protected during welding of the electrode lead 120.

[0085] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a damage prevention member included in a battery module is coupled to a bus bar frame according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0086] Reference Figure 7 The damage prevention member 400 may be manufactured separately and then attached to the busbar frame 300. For example, the damage prevention member 400 may be separately assembled to the busbar frame 300. Alternatively, the damage prevention member 400 may be integrally formed with the busbar frame 300 through insert molding. That is, when manufacturing the busbar frame 300, the prefabricated damage prevention member 400 may be inserted into a mold for the busbar frame 300, and a thermoplastic resin may be melted and injected into the mold, followed by cooling, thereby integrally manufacturing the damage prevention member 400 and the busbar frame 300.

[0087] According to the above-described embodiment of the present disclosure, insert molding eliminates the need to separately assemble the damage prevention member 400 to the busbar frame 300. This reduces the amount of auxiliary materials, reduces costs, and shortens production time, thereby improving productivity. Furthermore, the injection molding bonding between the busbar frame 300 and the damage prevention member 400 ensures rigidity, thereby improving stability.

[0088] A groove 430 may be formed in the damage prevention member. Specifically, the groove 430 may be formed by inwardly recessing the support portion 402 and the contact portion 401. The groove 430 may be formed in a portion adjacent to the connection portion 403. According to the above-described embodiment of the present disclosure, during insert injection molding of the damage prevention member 400, the thermoplastic resin used to form the busbar frame 300 may penetrate into the groove 430, thereby securing the damage prevention member 400 on both sides. Consequently, the bonding force between the damage prevention member 400 and the busbar frame 300 can be ensured, thereby improving stability.

[0089] On the other hand, refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the damage prevention member 400 may include a main board 410 and a coupling plate 420. The main board 410 may be configured to face the electrode lead 120. The main board 410 may be configured in a shape corresponding to the step portion 330. The main board 410 may be configured so that at least a portion thereof contacts the electrode lead 120. The main board 410 may include a contact portion 401, a support portion 402, and a connecting portion 403. That is, the main board 410 may be configured in the shape of a plate that is elongated in the height direction and has a step.

[0090] The coupling plate 420 may be configured to be bent from both sides of the main plate 410 toward the bus bar frame 300, that is, bent inward. In the case where the damage prevention member 400 is integrally formed with the bus bar frame 300 by insert injection molding, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown, the coupling plate 420 may be inserted into the bus bar frame 300 .

[0091] In this case, at least one hole 440 may be formed in the coupling plate 420. When the damage prevention member 400 is integrally formed with the busbar frame 300 through insert molding, the hole 440 facilitates the injection of thermoplastic resin into the mold. Furthermore, when the thermoplastic resin filled in the hole 440 hardens, the bonding area between the damage prevention member 400 and the busbar frame 300 is further increased, thereby reducing the risk of the damage prevention member 400 accidentally detaching from the busbar frame 300 due to external forces. The location and number of the holes 440 may vary from the illustrated example.

[0092] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating a welding portion of an electrode lead in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0093] As described above, a plurality of electrode leads 120 may be respectively disposed in a plurality of battery cells 100, and at least a portion of the plurality of electrode leads 120 may pass through the lead groove 310, and then may be bent and stacked on each other. Thus, at least a portion of the electrode leads 120 may be disposed on the outer surface of the busbar frame 300.

[0094] In this case, two adjacent electrode leads 120 in the electrode lead 120 can pass through the lead groove 310 and bend to overlap each other, and the overlapping electrode leads 120 can be joined by welding. The electrode leads 120 can be joined, for example, by spot welding or wire welding. That is, a welding portion W can be formed on the outer surface of the electrode lead 120. For example, Figure 8 As shown, the welding portion W may be formed along the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the electrode lead 120 .

[0095] In this case, the contact portion 401 is joined to at least a portion of the electrode lead 120 by laser welding. In addition, the support portion 402 may be configured to be spaced apart from the remaining portion of the electrode lead 120 to protect the busbar frame 300 from heat generated by laser welding.

[0096] Figure 9 is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack including a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0097] Reference Figure 9 The battery pack 20 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include one or more battery modules 10 according to the above-mentioned embodiments of the present disclosure. The battery pack 20 according to the present disclosure may further include a battery pack housing 21 for accommodating the above-mentioned components, such as a BMS for comprehensively controlling the charging and discharging of the one or more battery modules, a current sensor, a fuse, etc.

[0098] Figure 10 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0099] Reference Figure 10 The vehicle 30 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include one or more battery packs 20 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure or the battery modules 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The vehicle 30 according to the present disclosure may be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The vehicle 30 includes a four-wheeled vehicle and a two-wheeled vehicle. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the vehicle 30 is driven by receiving power from the battery pack 20 or the battery module 10.

[0100] As described above, although the present disclosure has been described with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and various modifications and variations are possible within the technical ideas of the present disclosure and the equivalent scope of the claims described below by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs.

Claims

1. A battery module comprising: a plurality of battery cells, each of the plurality of battery cells having an electrode lead; a bus bar frame located on sides of the battery cells where the electrode leads are provided and having lead grooves through which the electrode leads of the battery cells pass, and a stepped portion formed in portions of the bus bar frame where the electrode leads passing through the lead grooves are provided; as well as At least one damage prevention member is provided between the electrode lead and the step portion.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The length of the damage prevention member in the height direction is configured to be greater than the length of the electrode lead in the height direction.

3. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: A plurality of said damage prevention members are provided, and Wherein, a plurality of said anti-damage components are individually arranged and spaced apart from each other.

4. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The step portion includes: a first portion configured to be flat; and The second portion is configured to extend inwardly from the first portion as a step.

5. The battery module according to claim 4, wherein: The damage prevention member is configured in a shape corresponding to that of the step portion and is seated on the step portion. The battery module according to claim 5 , wherein: The anti-damage component comprises: a contact portion disposed on the first portion and in contact with the electrode lead; and A support portion is configured to extend from the contact portion as a step and to be spaced apart from the electrode lead.

7. The battery module according to claim 6, wherein: The anti-damage component comprises: A connecting portion is configured to connect the contact portion and the supporting portion.

8. The battery module according to claim 7, wherein: The support portion and the contact portion are formed with inwardly recessed grooves in portions adjacent to the connection portion.

9. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The anti-damage component comprises: a main board configured to face the electrode leads; and A coupling plate is configured to be bent from both sides of the main plate toward the busbar frame.

10. The battery module according to claim 9, wherein: The coupling plate has at least one hole formed therein.

11. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The damage prevention member is formed integrally with the busbar frame by insert injection molding.

12. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: Two adjacent electrode leads among the electrode leads pass through the lead groove and are bent to overlap each other, and The overlapped electrode leads are joined by laser welding.

13. The battery module according to claim 6, wherein: The contact portion is joined to at least a portion of the electrode lead by laser welding, and The support portion is configured to protect the busbar frame from heat caused by laser welding.

14. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The damage prevention member is configured to sense a voltage of the electrode lead. 15 . A battery pack comprising the battery module according to claim 1 .

16. A vehicle comprising the battery pack according to claim 15.

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