Battery module

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery module comprising: a battery stack comprising a plurality of battery cells; a holder member provided on one side of the cell stack; and a bus bar coupled to the holder member and electrically connected to the cell stack, and formed with an overlapping region in which at least a portion of the lead regions of the plurality of cells of the cell stack overlap each other, the overlapping region being attached to and in close contact with the bus bar.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application Nos. 10-2024-0076566 and 10-2025-0017451, filed on June 12, 2024 and February 11, 2025, respectively, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to a battery module, and more specifically to a battery module including a pouch-type battery cell. Background Technology

[0004] To meet market demand for battery modules installed in electric vehicles, it is necessary not only to charge the battery modules with sufficient electrical energy but also to shorten the charging time. Furthermore, other requirements must be met, such as ensuring that the battery module's temperature remains within a suitable range during operation.

[0005] To electrically connect the battery module to other battery modules or other external components, the battery module typically includes a busbar for electrical connection. In the prior art, the busbar usually has a structure with its opposite ends bent to maximize the energy density of the battery module and minimize damage to the platform portion of the battery cells within the battery module. This structure reduces the efficiency of heat dissipation (e.g., to the outside) generated by the battery module and the busbar. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention aims to change the electrical connection structure between the busbar in the battery module and the lead wire in the battery cell, thereby improving heat dissipation efficiency without affecting the energy density of the battery module.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, one aspect of the present invention provides a battery module comprising: a battery stack including a plurality of battery cells stacked along a first axis, and one or more spacer members disposed between the plurality of battery cells; a retainer member disposed on one side of the battery stack along a second axis intersecting the first axis; and a busbar coupled to the retainer member and electrically connected to the battery stack, wherein each of the plurality of battery cells has a lead region that protrudes outward, is attached to and in close contact with the busbar, and when the lead region is viewed from a position spaced apart from the lead region along the second axis, an overlapping region is formed in which at least a portion of the lead regions of the plurality of battery cells overlap each other, and the overlapping region is attached to and in close contact with the busbar.

[0008] A portion of the lead regions of the plurality of battery cells can be attached to the busbar and in close contact with the busbar in a state in which the portion of the lead regions of the plurality of battery cells is spaced apart from the other lead regions along the first axis.

[0009] The region of the busbar in close contact with the lead regions of the plurality of battery cells can be disposed on a plane that intersects the second axis.

[0010] The retainer member can have a retainer protrusion disposed at a peripheral region of the retainer member and having a shape protruding toward the busbar or a shape recessed away from the busbar, and the busbar can have a busbar protrusion disposed at a position corresponding to the retainer protrusion and having a shape corresponding to the retainer protrusion.

[0011] The retainer member can have a retainer clip disposed at a peripheral region of the retainer member and having a shape protruding toward the busbar, and a portion of the busbar can be disposed to overlap the retainer clip when the retainer clip is viewed from a position spaced apart from the retainer clip along the second axis.

[0012] The battery module can further include a first conductive tab disposed to face the busbar with the lead region of one of the plurality of battery cells interposed therebetween, the first conductive tab being disposed to be attached to or in close contact with the lead region or the busbar and including a thermally conductive material.

[0013] The outer side of the busbar in the second axis can be disposed on a plane formed in a direction intersecting the second axis.

[0014] The first conductive tab can be configured to cover an entire region in which the lead region of one of the plurality of battery cells is attached to and in close contact with the busbar.

[0015] The busbar can include a busbar main region configured to form the outer side in the second axis of the busbar, and a busbar connection region disposed to be spaced apart from the busbar main region in the second axis, and the busbar connection region can extend in parallel with the outer side in the second axis of the busbar main region.

[0016] The busbar connection region can be disposed to be spaced apart from the busbar main region in a third axis intersecting the first axis and the second axis.

[0017] A portion of the busbar in close contact with the lead region can be disposed on a first plane intersecting the second axis, and the other region of the busbar in close contact with the lead region can be disposed on a second plane spaced apart from the first plane in the second axis.

[0018] The second plane can be disposed inside the first plane on the second axis, and the overlapping region can be in close contact with a region of the bus bar disposed on the second plane.

[0019] The battery module can further include an end cap spacing member extending outside the bus bar on the second axis and having a through hole configured to accommodate the first conductive tab, and an end cap member disposed opposite the bus bar in such a manner that the end cap spacing member is interposed between the bus bar and the end cap member, the end cap member being attached to and in close contact with the first conductive tab.

[0020] The end cap member can include an end cap body configured to form a main body of the end cap member and including a conductive material, and an insulating tab disposed between the end cap body and the first conductive tab, the insulating tab being attached to and in close contact with the first conductive tab, the end cap body, and the end cap spacing member and including a non-conductive material.

[0021] The battery module can further include a second conductive tab attached to and in close contact with one side surface of the end cap body and including a thermally conductive material.

[0022] The second conductive tab can be attached to and in close contact with one side surface of the end cap body along a third axis intersecting the first axis and the second axis.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the present application, a battery module can include a battery stack including a plurality of battery cells stacked along a first axis, each of the plurality of battery cells having a lead region, a holder member disposed at a first side of the battery stack, a plurality of bus bars coupled to the holder member and electrically connected to the battery stack, and an overlapping region in which a portion of the lead regions of the plurality of battery cells overlap each other. The lead region of each battery cell can be attached to one of the plurality of bus bars.

[0024] The overlapping region can be attached to one of the plurality of bus bars.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the present application, a battery module can include a battery stack including a plurality of battery cells, each of the plurality of battery cells having a lead region, a plurality of bus bars electrically connected to the battery stack, and an overlapping region in which a portion of the lead regions of the plurality of battery cells overlap each other. The lead region of each battery cell can be attached to one of the plurality of bus bars. The overlapping region is attached to one of the plurality of bus bars.

[0026] The battery module can further include a holder member disposed at a side of the battery stack. The plurality of bus bars can be coupled to the holder member.

[0027] According to various embodiments of the present application, an electrical connection structure between bus bars provided in a battery module and lead lines of battery cells can be changed, thereby improving heat dissipation efficiency without affecting the energy density of the battery module. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 A perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0029] Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of components provided on the second direction side of a battery stack in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0030] Figure 3 An enlarged view of a coupling structure between a retainer member, a bus bar, and a lead line area of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0031] Figure 4 A view of a coupling structure between a retainer member and a bus bar of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0032] Figure 5 An enlarged view of a partial area in Figure 4 ;

[0033] Figure 6 An enlarged view of a state in which a first conductive tab is closely attached to a bus bar and a lead line area in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0034] Figure 7 An enlarged view showing a state in which a first conductive tab is closely attached to an end cap member in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0035] Figure 8 A sectional view showing a coupling structure between components provided on the second direction side of a battery stack and a peripheral area thereof in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0036] Figure 9 A sectional view showing another example of a coupling structure between a bus bar and a lead line area in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] Figure 10 A perspective view showing another example of a coupling structure between a bus bar and a lead line area in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] Figure 11 A perspective view showing a side plate provided in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0039] Figure 12 A first sectional view showing a state in which a battery module according to an embodiment of the present application is cut in a direction perpendicular to a third direction;

[0040] Figure 13 FIG. 2 is a second cross-sectional view showing a state in which the battery module according to the embodiment of the present application is cut in a direction perpendicular to the third direction;

[0041] Figure 14 FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a state in which the side plate and peripheral components thereof in the battery module according to the embodiment of the present application are cut in a direction perpendicular to the second direction;

[0042] Figure 15 (a) to (c) of FIG. 4 are diagrams showing various examples of the shape of the rib portion of the side plate and the shape of the region in which the rib portion is connected to the partition wall portion.

[0043] Explanation of Reference Numerals:

[0044] 10: battery module

[0045] 100: battery stack

[0046] 110: battery cell

[0047] 112: lead wire region

[0048] 114: land region

[0049] 116: overlap region

[0050] 120: gasket member

[0051] 200: retainer member

[0052] 200a: retainer concavo-convex portion

[0053] 200b: retainer clip portion

[0054] 250: side plate

[0055] 260: central plate region

[0056] 270: peripheral plate region

[0057] 272: processed portion

[0058] 274: recessed portion

[0059] 280: rib portion

[0060] 290: partition wall portion

[0061] 300: bus bar

[0062] 300a: bus bar concavo-convex portion

[0063] 310: bus bar main body region

[0064] 320: bus bar connection region

[0065] 400: first conductive sheet

[0066] 450: end cap spacing member

[0067] 450a: through hole

[0068] 500: end cap member

[0069] 510: end cap body

[0070] 520: insulating sheet

[0071] 550: second conductive sheet

[0072] 600: through member

[0073] 650: strip-shaped member

[0074] D1: first direction (first axis)

[0075] D2: second direction (second axis)

[0076] D3: third direction (third axis)

[0077] P: (imaginary) plane

[0078] P1: first (imaginary) plane

[0079] P2: second (imaginary) plane

[0080] S: extension space DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0081] A battery module according to an embodiment of the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. When a component, device, element, etc. of the present application is described with reference to its purpose or operation, function, etc. performed thereby, the component, device, or element should be construed herein as being "configured to" achieve the purpose or perform the operation or function.

[0082] Battery module

[0083] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a component disposed on one side of a battery stack in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present application, based on a second direction. Figure 3 is an enlarged view of a coupling structure between a retainer member, a bus bar, and a lead region in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 4 is a view of a coupling structure between a retainer member and a bus bar in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 5 is a view of a coupling structure between a retainer member and a bus bar in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 4A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0084] Referring to the accompanying drawings, a battery module 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a battery stack (battery laminate) 100, which includes a plurality of battery cells 110 stacked in a first direction D1 or along a first axis D1. The battery module 10 may include one or more spacer members 120 disposed between the plurality of battery cells 110. For example, the battery cell 110 may be a pouch-type secondary battery. Furthermore, for example, the battery stack 100 may have a structure in which two battery cells 110 and one spacer member 120 are stacked alternately. The spacer member 120 may be configured to press the battery cells 110, thereby applying a predetermined surface pressure to the battery cells 110 of the battery stack 100.

[0085] Furthermore, the battery module 10 may also include a retainer member 200 disposed on one side of the battery stack 100 based on a second direction D2 or along a second axis D2. The second axis D2 may intersect the first axis D1. The battery module 10 may include a busbar 300 assembled to the retainer member 200 and electrically connected to the battery stack 100. The second axis D2 may intersect the first axis D1 perpendicularly. The busbar 300 may be configured to realize or facilitate electrical connections between the battery module 10 and external components.

[0086] Multiple battery cells 110 may have lead regions 112 that protrude outward and are tightly attached to (e.g., attached to and in close contact with) the busbar 300, and are electrically connected to the busbar 300. More specifically, such as Figure 5 As shown, the lead region 112 may include a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is configured to penetrate (e.g., extend through) the busbar 300 and protrude or extend along a second axis D2. The second portion bends from the first portion along a first axis D1 (e.g., bends relative to the first portion or the second axis D2 and extends along the first axis D1) and is tightly attached (e.g., attached and in close contact) to (the outer surface of the busbar 300). For example, the battery cell 110 may extend along the second axis D2 as a length direction, and the lead region 112 may be provided at the end of each of the plurality of battery cells 110 along the second axis D2.

[0087] For example, the busbar 300 and the lead region 112 can be fixed to each other by welding. As described above, the battery cell 110 can be a pouch-type secondary battery. In this case, the battery cell 110 may also include a platform region 114, which is formed by joining external materials constituting the outer material of the pouch-type secondary battery. The lead region 112 can protrude outward through the platform region 114.

[0088] According to the embodiment of the present application, when the lead regions 112 are viewed from a position spaced apart from the lead regions 112 along the second axis D2, there can be an overlap region 116 in which the lead regions 112 of at least some of the plurality of battery cells 110 are disposed to overlap each other. The overlap region 116 can be closely attached to or in close contact with the busbar 300. For example, the overlap region 116 can be welded to the busbar 300. Accordingly, in a region in which the overlap region 116 is fixed to the busbar 300, the lead regions 112 of some of the plurality of battery cells 110 that form the overlap region 116 (e.g., the lead regions 112 of a first group of battery cells 110 that form the overlap region 116) can be directly closely attached to the busbar 300, while the lead regions 112 of other battery cells 110 that form the overlap region 116 (e.g., the lead regions 112 of a second group of battery cells 110 that form the overlap region 116) can be disposed opposite the busbar 300, and the lead regions 112 of some of the battery cells 110 that are directly closely attached to the busbar 300 (e.g., the lead regions 112 of the first group of battery cells 110) can be interposed between the lead regions 112 of the other battery cells 110 (e.g., the lead regions 112 of the second group of battery cells 110) and the busbar 300. More specifically, the above-described overlap region 116 can be formed only at one position of one side of the battery module 10 based on or along the second axis D2. Since one of the two lead regions 112 that form the overlap region 116 is disposed opposite the busbar 300 with the other lead region 112 interposed therebetween, strictly speaking, one lead region 112 can not be considered to be closely attached to or in close contact with the busbar 300. However, in the present specification, both of the two lead regions 112 that form the overlap region 116 are defined as being closely attached to or in close contact with the busbar 300.

[0089] As described above, according to the embodiment of the present application, some of the plurality of lead regions 112 can be electrically connected to the busbar 300 through the overlap region 116, so that the busbar 300 as a whole can have a flat shape rather than a curved shape. In other words, the width of the battery stack 100 (e.g., along the first axis D1) and the width of the busbar 300 (e.g., along the first axis D1) can correspond to each other. In this case, according to the embodiment of the present application, some of the lead regions 112 of the battery cells 110 that constitute the battery stack 100 form the overlap region 116 and are connected to the busbar 300. Accordingly, the electrical connection between the lead regions 112 and the busbar 300 can be achieved without bending the busbar 300 at opposite ends of the second axis D2 and then closely attaching the lead regions 112 of the battery cells 110 disposed at the opposite ends of the second axis D2 to the opposite bent ends of the busbar 300.

[0090] According to the embodiment of the present application, the other part of the lead region 112 of the plurality of battery cells 110 except for the part for forming the overlapping region 116 can be closely attached (e.g., closely contacted) to the bus bar 300 in a state of being spaced apart from the other lead region 112 in the first direction D1.

[0091] Further, referring to Figures 3 to 5 , the retainer member 200 of the battery module 10 according to the embodiment of the present application can have a retainer concavo-convex portion 200a provided at a peripheral region of the retainer member 200 and having a shape protruding toward the bus bar 300 or a shape recessed away from the bus bar 300. Figures 3 to 5 A state in which the retainer concavo-convex portion 200a protrudes toward the bus bar 300 is shown.

[0092] Further, in order to correspond to the shape of the retainer concavo-convex portion 200a, the bus bar 300 can have a bus bar concavo-convex portion 300a formed at a position corresponding to the retainer concavo-convex portion 200a. The bus bar concavo-convex portion 300a can have a shape corresponding to the retainer concavo-convex portion 200a. The configuration in which the bus bar concavo-convex portion 300a has a shape corresponding to the retainer concavo-convex portion 200a can be understood as i) a configuration in which the bus bar concavo-convex portion 300a has a recessed shape when the retainer concavo-convex portion 200a has a protruding shape, and ii) a configuration in which the bus bar concavo-convex portion 300a has a protruding shape when the retainer concavo-convex portion 200a has a recessed shape. The retainer concavo-convex portion 200a and the bus bar concavo-convex portion 300a can be configured to set the bus bar 300 in an accurate position in the process of assembling the bus bar 300 to the retainer member 200.

[0093] Further, the holder member 200 can have a holder clip portion 200b provided at a peripheral region of the holder member 200 and having a shape protruding toward the busbar 300. The holder clip portion 200b can be configured to prevent the busbar 300 from being detached from the holder member 200 after the busbar 300 is assembled or coupled to the holder member 200. To achieve the above-described object, when the holder clip portion 200b and a peripheral portion thereof are viewed from a position spaced apart from the holder clip portion 200b and the peripheral portion thereof in the second axis D2 direction, a partial region of the busbar 300 can be disposed to overlap the holder clip portion 200b. Accordingly, according to the embodiment of the present application, in a case where the busbar 300 is to be moved outward from the holder member 200 in the second axis D2 direction, the state in which the busbar 300 is assembled to the holder member 200 can be maintained by interference between the busbar 300 and the holder clip portion 200b. The holder clip portion 200b can have a shape of a clip or a hook, which can be deformed when an external force is applied inward in the second axis D2 direction, so that the busbar 300 can push the holder clip portion 200b to be seated on the holder member 200 in a process of assembling the busbar 300 to the holder member 200.

[0094] Figure 6 FIG. 6 is a magnified view to show a state in which the first conductive sheet is closely attached (e.g., attached and closely contacts) to a busbar and a lead region in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 7 FIG. 7 is a magnified view to show a state in which the first conductive sheet is closely attached to an end cover member in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 8 FIG. 8 is a sectional view to show a coupling structure between a component disposed on one side of a battery stack in a second direction and a peripheral region thereof in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0095] As described above, according to the embodiment of the present application, the busbar 300 as a whole can have a flat shape. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, according to one or some embodiments of the present application, a region of the busbar 300 to which the lead region 112 is closely attached (e.g., closely contacts) can be disposed on one or a single plane P formed in a direction perpendicular to the second axis D2. Figure 8 As described above, according to the embodiment of the present application, the busbar 300 as a whole can have a flat shape. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, according to one or some embodiments of the present application, a region of the busbar 300 to which the lead region 112 is closely attached (e.g., closely contacts) can be disposed on one or a single plane P formed in a direction perpendicular to the second axis D2.

[0096] Referring to FIG. 1, Figures 6 to 8According to an embodiment of the present application, the battery module can further include a first conductive sheet 400 disposed opposite to the busbar 300 with the lead tab region 112 (e.g., the lead tab region 112 of at least one or a portion of the plurality of battery cells 110) interposed therebetween, the first conductive sheet 400 being closely attached to (e.g., closely contacting) the lead tab region 112 or the busbar 300. The first conductive sheet 400 can be configured to receive heat energy from the busbar 300 or the lead tab region 112 and discharge the heat energy to the outside. Accordingly, the first conductive sheet 400 can include or be made of a thermally conductive material. As shown in FIG. 4, the first conductive sheet 400 can be disposed to cover and be closely attached to (e.g., closely contacting) the entire region of the lead tab region 112 closely attached to (e.g., closely contacting) the busbar 300. Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 4, the first conductive sheet 400 can be disposed to cover and be closely attached to (e.g., closely contacting) the entire region of the lead tab region 112 closely attached to (e.g., closely contacting) the busbar 300.

[0097] Referring to FIG. 4, Figure 4 The busbar 300 can be divided into a plurality of regions. More specifically, the busbar 300 can further include a busbar body region 310 configured to form an outer side of the second axis D2 and a busbar connection region 320 disposed to be spaced apart from the busbar body region 310 along the second axis D2. All of the above-described descriptions regarding the outer side of the second axis D2 of the busbar 300 can be understood as descriptions regarding the outer side of the second axis D2 of the busbar body region 310. According to an embodiment of the present application, the busbar connection region 320 can extend in parallel with the outer side of the second axis D2 of the busbar body region 310. If a direction in which the busbar 300 has the smallest width is defined as a thickness direction, this structure can be understood as a structure in which the thickness direction of the busbar connection region 320 and the thickness direction of the busbar body region 310 are parallel to each other. Figure 4 A state in which the thickness direction of the busbar body region 310 and the thickness direction of the busbar connection region 320 are parallel to the second axis D2 is shown.

[0098] The busbar connection region 320 can be configured to be coupled to another battery module other than the battery module 10. More specifically, a through-hole can be formed through the busbar connection region 320 in the thickness direction of the busbar connection region (e.g., along the second axis D2). When a coupling member such as a bolt member is fastened to the above-described through-hole, the battery module 10 can be coupled to another battery module. In addition, for example, the busbar connection region 320 can be disposed to be spaced apart from the busbar body region 310 along a third axis D3 intersecting the first axis D1 and the second axis D2. In this case, the third axis D3 can perpendicularly intersect the first axis D1 and the second axis D2.

[0099] Figure 9is a sectional view showing another example of a coupling structure between the busbar and the lead region in the battery module according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 10 is a perspective view showing another example of a coupling structure between the busbar and the lead region in the battery module according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0100] According to another embodiment of the present application, the region of the busbar 300 to which the lead region 112 is closely attached can be disposed on a plurality of planes, rather than a single plane. More specifically, as shown in Figure 9 and Figure 10 According to another embodiment of the present application, a portion of the region of the busbar 300 to which the lead region 112 is closely attached can be disposed on a first plane Pl formed in a direction perpendicular to the second axis D2, and some other regions of the busbar 300 to which the lead region 112 is closely attached can be disposed on a second plane P2 spaced apart from the first plane Pl along the second axis D2. More specifically, the second plane P2 can be disposed inward of the first plane Pl along the second axis D2. The above-mentioned overlapping region 116 can be closely attached to the region of the busbar 300 disposed on the second plane P2. In other words, as shown in Figure 9 and Figure 10 According to another embodiment of the present application, at least a portion of the region of the busbar 300 on the outer side of the second axis D2 can have a shape concave inward of the second axis D2.

[0101] According to Figure 9 and Figure 10 Another embodiment of the present application shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 can further improve the stability of the coupling of the overlapping region 116 and the busbar 300. In other words, as described above, the overlapping region 116 is a region in which two lead regions 112 overlap each other. The lead region 112 disposed in the overlapping region 116 needs to have the second portion curved to extend along the first axis Dl, and the length of the second portion is relatively large, so that the area of the region in which the overlapping region 116 and the busbar 300 are closely attached to each other is substantially the same as the area of the region in which the other lead region 112 outside the overlapping region 116 and the busbar 300 are closely attached to each other. To this end, according to another embodiment of the present application, a portion of the busbar 300 on the outer side of the second axis D2 can have a shape concave inward of the second axis D2. In another embodiment of the present application, the first conductive sheet 400 can be disposed to cover and closely attach to (e.g., closely contact) the entire region of the lead region 112 closely attached to the busbar 300. In this case, the portion of the first conductive sheet 400 closely attached to the overlapping region 116 can have a shape concave inward of the second axis D2.

[0102] Referring again to Figure 1 and Figure 2The battery module 10 according to the embodiment of the present application can further include a terminal cover spacing member 450 disposed or extending outward from the busbar 300 in the second axis D2 and having a through-hole 450a configured to accommodate the first conductive tab 400, and a terminal cover member 500 disposed opposite to the busbar 300 with the terminal cover spacing member 450 and the first conductive tab 400 interposed therebetween. The terminal cover member 500 can be closely attached to (e.g., in close contact with) the first conductive tab 400. Accordingly, the thermal energy transferred from the busbar 300 and the lead region 112 to the first conductive tab 400 can be transferred again to the terminal cover member 500 according to the embodiment of the present application.

[0103] The terminal cover member 500 can be divided into a plurality of regions. More specifically, the terminal cover member 500 can include a terminal cover body 510 configured to form a main body of the terminal cover member 500 and include a conductive material, and an insulating tab 520 disposed between the terminal cover body 510 and the first conductive tab 400, closely attached to (e.g., in close contact with) the first conductive tab 400, the terminal cover body 510, and the terminal cover spacing member 450, and including a non-conductive material.

[0104] Further, as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the battery module 10 according to the embodiment of the present application can further include a second conductive tab 550 closely attached to (e.g., in close contact with) one side surface of the terminal cover body 510 and including a thermally conductive material. The second conductive tab 550 can be configured to receive the thermal energy transferred to the terminal cover member 500 and discharge the thermal energy to the outside (e.g., the outside of the battery module 10). For example, the second conductive tab 550 can be closely attached to (e.g., in close contact with) one side surface of the terminal cover body 510 in the third axis D3.

[0105] Figure 11 A perspective view of a side plate provided in the battery module according to the embodiment of the present application. Figure 12 A first cross-sectional view to show the battery module according to the embodiment of the present application in a state cut in a direction perpendicular to the third direction. Figure 13 A second cross-sectional view to show the battery module according to the embodiment of the present application in a state cut in a direction perpendicular to the third direction.

[0106] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 11 , the battery module 10 according to the embodiment of the present application can further include side plates 250 respectively disposed on opposite sides of the battery stack 100 in the first axis D1. The side plates 250 can be configured to apply a predetermined surface pressure to the battery cells 110 by pressing the battery stack 100 inward along or with respect to the first axis D1.

[0107] In particular, the side plate 250 according to the embodiment of the present application can have a structure capable of achieving weight reduction, improving physical rigidity, and minimizing the difference in the amount of displacement of the side plate 250 between a central region of the second axis D2 and a peripheral region of the second axis D2 in the first axis D1.

[0108] To achieve the above object, according to the embodiment of the present application, an extension space S can be formed in the side plate 250 and extend in one direction. More specifically, the plurality of battery cells 110 in the battery stack 100 can each have a lead region 112 disposed on one side of each of the plurality of battery cells in the second axis D2 and protruding in the second axis D2, and the extension space S can extend in the second axis D2 as a length direction thereof.

[0109] In the case where the battery cells extend in the second axis D2 as a length direction, the battery cells are longest in the second axis D2 or with respect to the second axis D2. Accordingly, during the operation of the battery module, the volume of the battery stack can vary more significantly depending on different regions in the second axis D2. In other words, the volume of the battery stack can vary more in a central region of the second axis D2, and the volume of the battery stack can vary relatively less in a peripheral region of the second axis D2. This can result in a problem of uneven surface pressure applied to the battery stack between different regions.

[0110] The side plate 250 according to the embodiment of the present application can be configured to solve the above problem. In other words, according to the embodiment of the present application, the side plate 250 is manufactured such that the extension space S extends in the second axis D2, which can solve the problem of uneven surface pressure between different regions in the length direction of the battery stack 100, i.e., the second axis D2. One additional feature of the side plate 250 for solving the above problem will be described below.

[0111] The side plate 250 having the extension space S can be manufactured in various ways. For example, the side plate 250 can be manufactured by extrusion. In the case where the side plate 250 is manufactured by extrusion, the side plate 250 can be manufactured such that the extension space S and a region surrounding the extension space S have a constant cross-sectional shape. In the case where the side plate 250 is manufactured by extrusion, the above extension space S can extend to opposite ends of the side plate 250 in the second axis D2 due to the characteristics of extrusion. This structure can be understood as a structure in which the extension space S is in communication with the outside through opposite ends of the side plate 250 in the second axis D2.

[0112] The side plate 250 can be divided into a plurality of regions. More specifically, with reference to Figure 1 , Figure 11 ,Figure 12 etc., the side plate 250 can include a central plate region 260 disposed to face the battery stack 100 along the first axis D1 and a peripheral plate region 270 connected to the central plate region 260 at opposite ends of the second axis D2. In other words, as described below, the central plate region 260 of the side plate 250 can be a region where surface pressure is applied to the battery cells 110 by directly pressing the battery stack 100, and the peripheral plate region 270 of the side plate 250 can be a region where the end cap member 500 is combined.

[0113] In this case, according to an embodiment of the present application, the peripheral plate region 270 can have machined portions 272 each having a thickness along the first axis D1 that is less than a thickness of other regions adjacent to the machined portions 272. For example, the machined portions 272 can have shapes formed by cutting outer sides of the side plate 250 along the first axis D1. Accordingly, in the machined portions 272, the above-described extension space S can be open to the outside along the first axis D1. As described above, since the peripheral plate region 270 is not configured to directly press the battery stack 100, a physical rigidity required for the peripheral plate region 270 can be relatively less than a physical rigidity required for the central plate region 260. Accordingly, in the case where the machined portions 272 are formed in the peripheral plate region 270, it is possible to reduce the total weight of the side plate 250 while securing a physical rigidity required for the side plate 250 to press the battery stack 100. Since the central plate region 260 is a region configured to directly press the battery stack 100, the machined portions 272 are not formed in the central plate region 260. More specifically, the machined portions 272 can be spaced apart from the central plate region 260 in the second direction D2.

[0114] Figure 14 is an enlarged sectional view showing a state where a side plate of a battery module and peripheral components thereof according to an embodiment of the present application are cut in a direction perpendicular to the second axis.

[0115] Referring to Figure 14 etc., according to an embodiment of the present application, the extension space S formed in the side plate 250 can be provided as a plurality of extension spaces S spaced apart from each other along a third axis D3 intersecting the first axis D1 and the second axis D2. Based on Figure 14 , the plurality of extension spaces S can be spaced apart from each other in an up-down direction or a vertical direction.

[0116] Furthermore, the side plate 250 may include a plurality of ribs 280 and partition walls 290. The ribs 280 are configured to separate two adjacent extending spaces S along the third axis D3, and the partition walls 290 are connected to opposite ends of the ribs 280 along the first axis D1 and extend along the third axis D3. For example, the plurality of ribs 280 may have the same thickness along the third axis D3. However, as another embodiment, at least a portion of the plurality of ribs 280 may have different thicknesses along the third axis D3. For example, the thickness of the ribs 280 along the third axis D3 may increase as their distance from the central region of the side plate 250 along the third axis D3 decreases.

[0117] Figure 15 Figures (a) to (c) are examples of various shapes of the ribs of the side plate and the areas where the ribs connect with the partition wall.

[0118] Reference Figure 14 and Figure 15 In (a), the thickness of rib 280 along the third axis D3 can be constant. However, the thickness of rib 280 along the third axis D3 can vary by region. For example, refer to... Figure 14 , Figure 15 (b) and Figure 15 (c) The thickness of the portion of rib 280 connected to partition wall 290 along the third axis D3 may be greater than the thickness of the other portions of rib 280 along the third axis D3. From the perspective of partition wall 290, this structure can be understood as the thickness of the portion of partition wall 290 connected to rib 280 along the first axis D1 being greater than the thickness of the other portions of partition wall 290 along the first axis D1. Figure 15 (b) shows the state in which the rib 280 is connected to the opposite sides of the partition wall 290, with only one side having a relatively large thickness. Figure 15 (c) shows the state where the thickness of the rib 280 connected to the opposite sides of the partition wall 290 is relatively large.

[0119] Figure 7 This illustrates the state where the extended space S is formed along the second axis D2 as its length direction and extends in a direction perpendicular to the first axis D1 and the third axis D3. However, with Figure 7 Different from the structure shown, according to another embodiment, the extended space S can extend in a length direction having a predetermined angle with the following directions: i) a first axis D1; ​​ii) a second axis D2 that intersects the first axis D1 perpendicularly; and iii) a third axis D3 that intersects the first axis D1 and the second axis D2 perpendicularly.

[0120] Reference Figure 11 and Figure 13The above-described peripheral plate region 270 can be combined with the end cover member 500. More specifically, the battery module 10 according to an embodiment of the present application can include the end cover member 500 disposed at one side of the battery stack 100 in the second axis D2 and fixedly combined to the side plate 250, and the through member 600 configured to penetrate the side plate 250 and the end cover member 500. In this case, the peripheral plate region 270 can have recesses 274 each having a shape recessed more inward than other regions adjacent to the recess 274 in the first axis D1. The through member 600 can penetrate the recess 274 and the end cover member 500. The through member 600 can be a screw member or a bolt member. In this case, at least a portion of a head region of the through member 600 can be accommodated in a space formed by the recess 274. Figure 11 It is shown that the recess 274 is disposed in the peripheral plate region 270 and spaced apart from the machined portion 272 in a third axis D3 intersecting the first axis D1 and the second axis D2.

[0121] Further, referring to Figure 11 , a portion of the peripheral plate region 270 in which the third axis D3 is between the machined portion 272 and the recess 274 can be integrally connected with the central plate region 260. This structure can be understood as the central plate region 260 and the portion of the peripheral plate region 270 in which the third axis D3 is between the machined portion 272 and the recess 274 have shapes considered to be the same as each other.

[0122] Referring again to Figure 1 , the battery module 10 according to an embodiment of the present application can further include strip members 650, one side of each of which is combined to the side plate 250 disposed at one side of the battery stack 100 in opposite sides of the first axis D1 and the other side is combined to the side plate 250 disposed at the other side of the battery stack 100 in the opposite sides of the first axis D1. The strip members 650 can be configured to apply a surface pressure to the battery stack 100 together with the side plates 250.

[0123] The strip members 650 and the side plates 250 can contain or be made of the same metal material. The strip members 650 and the side plates 250 can be combined to each other by welding. In the case where the strip members 650 and the side plates 250 contain the same metal material, the welding can be smoothly performed. For example, the strip members 650 and the side plates 250 can contain or be made of aluminum metal. The end cover body 510 of the end cover member 500 can also contain or be made of aluminum metal.

[0124] The present application has been described above with reference to the embodiments and drawings provided herein, but the present application is not limited thereto. Those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present application pertains can implement the present application in various forms within the technical idea and the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A battery module, comprising: A battery stack includes a plurality of battery cells stacked along a first axis, and one or more spacer members disposed between the plurality of battery cells; A retainer component is disposed on one side of the battery stack on a second axis intersecting the first axis; as well as The busbar is attached to the retainer component and electrically connected to the battery stack. Each of the plurality of battery cells has a lead area that protrudes outward, is attached to the busbar, and is in close contact with the busbar. When the lead region is viewed from a position spaced apart from the lead region along the second axis, an overlapping region is formed in which at least a portion of the lead regions of the plurality of battery cells overlap with each other, and The overlapping area is attached to the busbar and in close contact with the busbar.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, A portion of the lead regions of the plurality of battery cells, spaced apart from the other lead regions of the plurality of battery cells along the first axis, is attached to and in close contact with the busbar.

3. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The area of ​​the busbar that is closely attached to the lead area of ​​the plurality of battery cells is disposed on a plane intersecting the second axis.

4. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The retainer member has retainer protrusions and recesses disposed in the peripheral region of the retainer member, and has a shape that protrudes toward the busbar or is recessed away from the busbar. The busbar has a busbar protrusion and a concave portion, which is disposed at a position corresponding to the protrusion and a concave portion of the retainer, and the busbar protrusion and a concave portion has a shape corresponding to the protrusion and a concave portion of the retainer.

5. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The retainer component has a retainer clamp portion disposed in the peripheral region of the retainer component and having a shape that protrudes toward the busbar. When viewed from a position spaced apart from the retainer clamp along the second axis, a portion of the busbar is configured to overlap with the retainer clamp.

6. The battery module according to claim 1, further comprising: A first conductive sheet is configured such that the lead area of ​​one of the plurality of battery cells is located between the first conductive sheet and the busbar, the first conductive sheet being attached to the lead area or the busbar and in close contact with the lead area or the busbar, and comprising a thermally conductive material.

7. The battery module according to claim 6, wherein, The outer surface of the busbar on the second axis is disposed on a plane intersecting the second axis.

8. The battery module according to claim 7, wherein, The first conductive sheet is configured to cover the entire area of ​​the lead region of one of the plurality of battery cells that is attached to and in close contact with the busbar.

9. The battery module according to claim 6, wherein, The busbar includes: The main body region of the busbar is configured as the outer surface on the second axis forming the busbar; and The busbar connection area is configured to be spaced apart from the busbar main body area on the second axis, and The busbar connection area extends parallel to the outer side of the second axis of the busbar main body area.

10. The battery module according to claim 9, wherein, The busbar connection area is positioned on a third axis that intersects the first axis and the second axis, and is spaced apart from the main body area of ​​the busbar.

11. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, A portion of the busbar that is in close contact with the lead area is disposed on a first plane intersecting the second axis, and other portions of the busbar that are in close contact with the lead area are disposed on a second plane spaced apart from the first plane along the second axis.

12. The battery module according to claim 11, wherein, The second plane is disposed inside the first plane on the second axis, and the overlapping area is attached to and in close contact with the area of ​​the busbar disposed on the second plane.

13. The battery module according to claim 6, further comprising: An end cap spacer extends outward along the second axis toward the busbar and has a through hole configured to receive the first conductive sheet. as well as An end cap member is configured to face the busbar with the end cap spacer member positioned between the busbar and the end cap member, and the end cap member is attached to and in close contact with the first conductive sheet.

14. The battery module according to claim 1, further comprising: A first conductive sheet is configured such that the lead area of ​​one of the plurality of battery cells is located between the first conductive sheet and the busbar, the first conductive sheet being attached to and in close contact with the lead area or the busbar, and comprising a thermally conductive material. An end cap spacer extends outward along the second axis toward the busbar and has a through hole configured to receive the first conductive sheet. as well as An end cap member is configured to face the busbar with the end cap spacer member positioned between the busbar and the end cap member. The end cap member is attached to and in close contact with the first conductive sheet. The end cap component includes: An end cap body, configured to form the body of the end cap member and comprising a conductive material; and An insulating sheet is disposed between the end cap body and the first conductive sheet, the insulating sheet being attached to and in close contact with the first conductive sheet, the end cap body and the end cap spacer member, and comprising a non-conductive material.

15. The battery module according to claim 14, further comprising: The second conductive sheet is attached to and in close contact with one side of the end cap body, and contains a thermally conductive material.

16. The battery module according to claim 15, wherein, The second conductive sheet is attached to and in close contact with one side of the end cap body along a third axis that intersects the first axis and the second axis.

17. A battery module, comprising: A battery stack comprising a plurality of battery cells stacked along a first axis, each of the plurality of battery cells having a lead area; A retainer component is disposed on the first side of the battery stack; Multiple busbars are incorporated into the retainer component and electrically connected to the battery stack; as well as In the overlapping region, a portion of the lead areas of the plurality of battery cells overlap with each other. Each battery cell's lead area is attached to one of the plurality of busbars.

18. The battery module according to claim 17, wherein, The overlapping region is attached to one of the plurality of busbars.

19. A battery module, comprising: A battery stack includes multiple battery cells, each of which has a lead area; Multiple busbars are electrically connected to the battery stack; as well as In the overlapping region, a portion of the lead areas of the plurality of battery cells overlap with each other. In this configuration, the lead area of ​​each battery cell is attached to one of the plurality of busbars, and The overlapping region is attached to one of the plurality of busbars.

20. The battery module according to claim 19, further comprising: A retainer component is disposed on one side of the battery stack. The plurality of busbars are connected to the retainer component.

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