Battery module and battery pack and vehicle including same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery module comprising: a plurality of battery cells, each battery cell having an electrode lead; and a bus bar assembly including a case disposed on at least one side of the plurality of battery cells, and a bus bar disposed in the case and configured such that the electrode lead is coupled to an outer periphery of the bus bar in a wound form.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery module and a battery pack and a vehicle including the same, and more particularly, to a battery module in which connection between electrode leads is improved and a battery pack and a vehicle including the same.

[0002] This application is based on and claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0071887, filed on May 31, 2024, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. BACKGROUND

[0003] Secondary batteries provide high adaptability across product categories and have electrical characteristics such as high energy density, and are widely used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) driven by power sources. Such secondary batteries are gaining attention as new energy sources for enhancing environmental sustainability and energy efficiency, not only because their main advantage is a significant reduction in the use of fossil fuels, but also because they do not produce byproducts from energy use.

[0004] Secondary batteries that are widely used at present include lithium ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. Among these batteries, lithium ion batteries mainly use lithium oxide and carbon materials as positive active materials and negative active materials, respectively. A lithium secondary battery includes an electrode assembly in which a positive plate and a negative plate coated with positive active material and negative active material, respectively, are provided, and a separator is provided between the positive plate and the negative plate, and an external case (i.e., a battery case) that stores the electrode assembly and an electrolyte in a sealed manner.

[0005] In general, depending on the shape of the external case, the secondary battery can be classified into a can-type battery in which the electrode assembly is stored in a metal can and a pouch-type battery in which the electrode assembly is stored in a pouch of an aluminum laminate sheet.

[0006] When a high output voltage is required, a plurality of battery cells can be connected in series to form a battery module or a battery pack. In addition, in order to improve charge and discharge capacity, a plurality of battery cells can be connected in parallel to configure a battery module or a battery pack. Accordingly, the number of battery cells included in the battery module or the battery pack can be variously configured depending on the required output voltage or charge and discharge capacity.

[0007] In a conventional battery module including a plurality of pouch-type battery cells, a busbar frame is provided on at least one side of the battery cells, and electrode leads are configured to pass through lead grooves of the busbar frame and are bent such that a stack of the electrode leads overlap each other. The stack of the electrode leads is coupled to the busbar by laser welding.

[0008] In this case, a cutting process for adjusting the length of the electrode lead and a welding process between the electrode leads are added in the manufacturing process of the conventional battery module, which can increase the cost and time for manufacturing the battery module and complicate the process. In addition, the busbar made of a conductive material has a large area exposed to the outside, thereby causing a short circuit.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need to develop a battery module structure that can reduce the cost and time by omitting some processes during the process of coupling the busbar and the electrode lead and prevent a short circuit. SUMMARY

[0010] TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0011] The present disclosure aims to solve the problems of the related art, and thus aims to provide a battery module that can simplify a coupling structure between an electrode lead of a battery cell and a busbar, thereby reducing the cost and time required for manufacturing the battery module and improving productivity.

[0012] In addition, the present disclosure also provides a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery module.

[0013] However, the technical problems that the present disclosure seeks to solve are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand other problems not mentioned above from the description of the present invention described below.

[0014] TECHNICAL SOLUTION

[0015] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a battery module includes a plurality of battery cells each having an electrode lead, and a busbar assembly including a housing disposed at at least one side of the plurality of battery cells and a busbar disposed in the housing and configured such that the electrode lead is coupled to an outer peripheral surface of the busbar in a wound shape around the outer peripheral surface of the busbar.

[0016] The electrode lead can be configured to be wound around the outer peripheral surface of the busbar at least once.

[0017] The housing can have an accommodation space formed to accommodate the busbar.

[0018] The busbar can be configured in a column shape that extends long in a width direction of the electrode lead.

[0019] The busbar can have a contact portion to which the electrode lead is coupled, and a shaft portion configured to extend from the contact portion and be coupled to the housing.

[0020] The busbar can be configured to be rotatable.

[0021] The busbar can be configured such that the end of the electrode lead is fixed to the busbar.

[0022] The battery module can further include a filler configured to fill in the accommodation space of the case.

[0023] The case can be provided in plurality, and arranged in a stacking direction of the plurality of battery cells.

[0024] The plurality of cases can be configured to be fastenable to each other.

[0025] In another aspect of the disclosure, a battery pack including the battery module according to an embodiment of the disclosure is provided.

[0026] In another aspect of the disclosure, a vehicle including the battery module according to an embodiment of the disclosure or the battery pack according to the disclosure is provided.

[0027] In another aspect of the disclosure, a busbar assembly configured to be electrically connected to electrode leads of battery cells can include a case, and a busbar disposed in the case and configured to have the electrode leads coupled to an outer circumferential surface of the busbar in a wound shape around the outer circumferential surface of the busbar.

[0028] Advantageous effects

[0029] According to one aspect of the disclosure, since a cutting process for adjusting the length of the electrode leads of the battery cells and a welding process are omitted when connecting the electrode leads of the battery cells to the busbar, the processes can be simplified. Accordingly, in the manufacturing of the battery module, the cost and time can be reduced, and the productivity can be improved.

[0030] In addition, according to another aspect of the disclosure, since the area of the busbar exposed to the outside is minimized, the short circuit can be suppressed.

[0031] In addition, according to another aspect of the disclosure, since a space is secured at one side where the busbar assembly is disposed, the space utilization inside the module case can be improved. Accordingly, the energy efficiency of the battery module can be maximized.

[0032] In addition, according to another aspect of the disclosure, since the space between the electrode leads of the battery cells is filled, the high-temperature gas or flame generated from the battery cells in an abnormal condition of the battery cells can be prevented from being discharged to the electrode leads of the battery cells, thereby preventing the adjacent battery cells from being thermally damaged. In particular, according to this aspect of the disclosure, the thermal runaway propagation between the battery cells can be effectively prevented or delayed.

[0033] That is, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, by dispersing the pressure of the exhaust gas concentrated around the electrode lead of the battery cell during the deterioration process of the battery cell, it is possible to prevent or delay the discharge of the exhaust gas toward the electrode lead of the battery cell.

[0034] Accordingly, in this case, it is possible to secure the safety and reliability of the battery module including the plurality of battery cells.

[0035] In addition, the present disclosure can also have various other effects, and various other effects will be described in the respective embodiments, or the description of the effects that can be easily inferred by those skilled in the art will be omitted. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0036] The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the foregoing disclosure, provide further understanding of the technical features of the present disclosure, and therefore, the present disclosure is not construed as being limited to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] Figure 1 is an overall perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 3 is a view illustrating a busbar assembly to which an electrode lead is coupled in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 4 is a sectional view of a busbar assembly to which an electrode lead is coupled in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 5 is a sectional view of a busbar assembly to which an electrode lead is coupled in a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 6 is a sectional view of a busbar assembly to which an electrode lead is coupled in a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of a busbar assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 8 is a sectional perspective view of a busbar assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 9 is a sectional view of a busbar assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 10FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figure 11 FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 12 FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a busbar assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] Figure 13 FIG. 4 is a view showing the inside of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] Figure 14 FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module including a busbar assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which can be, for example, a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I' in FIG. 4, when viewed from above. Figure 1

[0051] Figure 15 FIG. 6 is a view showing a state in which busbar assemblies are separated from each other according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] Figure 16 FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack including a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] Figure 17 FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] 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 term used in the specification and the appended claims should not be interpreted as limited to general and dictionary meanings, but interpreted based on the meanings and concepts corresponding to technical aspects of the present disclosure on the basis of the principle that the inventor is allowed to define appropriate terms in order to best explain the embodiment of the disclosure.

[0055] Therefore, the description set forth herein is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the entire scope of the disclosure, and it should be understood that other modifications and variations can be made thereto without departing from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the claims submitted herewith.

[0056] In addition, the present disclosure can include various embodiments. In the embodiments, repetitive descriptions of substantially the same or similar configurations will be omitted, and descriptions will be made based on different points between them.

[0057] ​Also, although terms such as upper, lower, left, right, front, and rear indicating directions are used in the present specification, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains that the terms are used only for convenience of explanation based on the drawings and can be changed according to the location, arrangement, or rotation of the target object or the position of the observer.

[0058] For example, in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the X-axis direction shown in the drawings can indicate the left-right direction, the Y-axis direction can indicate the front-rear direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction on the horizontal plane (X-Y plane), and the Z-axis direction can indicate the up-down direction (vertical direction) perpendicular to both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

[0059] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Also, Figure 3 is a view showing a busbar assembly to which an electrode lead is coupled in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 4 is a sectional view of a busbar assembly to which an electrode lead is coupled in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0060] Referring to Figures 1 to 4 , a battery module 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a battery cell 100 and a busbar assembly 200.

[0061] A plurality of battery cells 100 can be provided. The plurality of battery cells 100 can be disposed to be stacked in one direction. For example, as Figure 2 shown, the plurality of battery cells 100 can also be stacked along the left-right direction (X-axis direction).

[0062] The battery cell 100 can be a pouch-type secondary battery. The battery cell 100 can include an electrode assembly and a cell case accommodating the electrode assembly. The cell case can have a receiving portion configured to accommodate the electrode assembly and a sealing portion formed by heat-fusing edges of the receiving portion. The sealing portion can be provided on three of the four edges of the battery cell 100.

[0063] Also, each of the plurality of battery cells 100 can have an electrode lead 110. The electrode lead 110 can be connected to the electrode assembly and can extend outside the cell case to serve as an electrode terminal.

[0064] A pair of electrode leads 110 can be provided, and the pair of electrode leads 110 can extend outward from both ends of the battery cell 100, i.e., in the length direction thereof (+Y-axis direction). In this case, the pair of electrode leads 110 can be a positive electrode lead and a negative electrode lead. As necessary, the battery cell 100 can be configured such that the two electrode leads 110 are located at only one end in the Y-axis direction, for example, at the end in the +Y-axis direction.

[0065] The battery cell 100 can be provided to stand with the edge not including the sealing portion facing downward. As Figure 2 As shown in the other drawings, a plurality of battery cells 100 can be provided side by side in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) when standing in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). In this case, each battery cell 100 can have a sealing portion facing the front-back direction (Y-axis direction) and the upward direction (+Z-axis direction) and a receiving portion facing the left-right direction (X-axis direction).

[0066] The present disclosure is not limited to a specific type or shape of the battery cell 100, and can be applied to various battery cells 100 known at the time of filing the present disclosure to configure a stack of the battery cell 100 of the present disclosure. In the present embodiment, as shown in the drawings, although a pouch-type secondary battery having a high energy density and being easy to stack will be described, it is obvious that a cylindrical secondary battery or a prismatic secondary battery can be applied to the battery cell 100.

[0067] The busbar assembly 200 can be provided on at least one side of the plurality of battery cells 100. In the present embodiment, as Figure 2 shown, the busbar assembly 200 can be connected to the front side and the rear side of the plurality of battery cells 100.

[0068] The busbar assembly 200 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can include a housing 210 and a busbar 220. The housing 210 can be provided on at least one side of the plurality of battery cells 100. The housing 210 can be made of a material having an electrically insulating property, for example, plastic.

[0069] The busbar 220 can be electrically connected to at least a portion of the electrode leads 110. The busbar 220 can be a device for connecting the battery cells 100 in series and / or in parallel. In addition, through such electrical connection, the busbar 220 can be configured to transmit state information related to the battery cells 100 to an external component. For example, the busbar 220 can be configured to transmit voltage information of the battery cells 100 to an external control device, for example, a BMS (Battery Management System).

[0070] The busbar 220 can be made of an electrically conductive material for transmitting an electrical signal. For example, the busbar 220 can be made of a material such as copper, aluminum, or nickel.

[0071] The busbar 220 can be disposed in the case 210. For example, the busbar 220 can be configured to be coupled to the case 210.

[0072] The busbar 220 can be in contact with the electrode lead 110 to be electrically connected thereto. In this case, the busbar 220 can be located inside the electrode lead 110. The electrode lead 110 can be configured to be at least partially in surface contact with an outer peripheral surface of the busbar 220.

[0073] In particular, as disclosed in the embodiments shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the busbar 220 can be configured such that the electrode lead 110 is wound around an outer peripheral surface thereof and coupled to the outer peripheral surface thereof. The electrode lead 110 can be configured to be wrapped or wound around the outer peripheral surface of the busbar 220. For example, the electrode lead 110 can be configured to extend in the Y-axis direction and be wound in the stacking direction (X-axis direction) of the battery cell 100 to surround the busbar 220.

[0074] The electrode lead 110 can be configured such that an end portion thereof is wound around the outer peripheral surface of the busbar 220. Accordingly, a portion of the electrode lead 110 of the battery cell 100 can be wound around the outer peripheral surface of the busbar 220 to be coupled to the outer peripheral surface of the busbar 220, and a remaining portion can be disposed outside the case 210.

[0075] In this case, the electrode lead 110 can be configured to be wound around at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the busbar 220. That is, the electrode lead 110 can be configured to be wrapped around the entire outer peripheral surface of the busbar 220, or can be configured to be wrapped around only a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the busbar 220.

[0076] According to the above implemented configuration of the present disclosure, since the electrode lead 110 of the battery cell 100 is wound around the busbar 220 and coupled to the busbar 220, when the electrode lead 110 is coupled to the busbar 220, a cutting process for adjusting the length of the electrode lead 110 and a welding process can be omitted, thereby simplifying the process. Accordingly, in the manufacturing of the battery module 10, cost and time can be reduced, and productivity can be improved.

[0077] In addition, according to the above implemented configuration of the present disclosure, an area of the busbar 220, which is a conductor, exposed to the outside can be minimized, so that generation of a short circuit can be suppressed.

[0078] The battery module 10 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure can include a module case 300. Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2The module case 300 can have an internal space formed therein, and can accommodate the battery cell 100 in the internal space. The module case 300 can include a case body 310, a top plate 320, and an end plate 330.

[0079] In detail, as shown in the drawings of the disclosure, the case body 310 can be configured as a U-shaped frame. In the case where the case body 310 is configured as a U-shaped frame, it can be disposed to cover both sides and a lower side of the cell assembly 100. The case body 310 can include a left plate and a right plate covering both sides of the cell assembly 100, and a lower plate covering the lower side of the cell assembly 100. In addition, the left plate, the right plate, and the lower plate can be configured in an integrated form. In this case, the case body 310 can have an upper opening, and front and rear openings.

[0080] In the case where the case body 310 is configured as a U-shaped frame, the top plate 320 coupled to cover the upper opening of the case body 310 can also be included. The top plate 320 can be welded to the case body 310. In this case, the top plate 320 and the case body 310 can be coupled to each other in a square tube shape having front and rear openings.

[0081] The case body 310 can be made of a metal material having rigidity and heat resistance in order to physically or chemically protect the accommodated battery cell 100.

[0082] In addition, the module case 300 can be formed in various other shapes. For example, the module case 300 can be configured as a single frame. For example, the case body 310 can be configured in the shape of a square tube having an upper surface, a lower surface, a left surface, and a right surface, and having front and rear openings.

[0083] The end plate 330 can be disposed on the front and rear openings of the case body 310. The end plate 330 can be welded to the case body 310. Alternatively, the end plate 330 can be integrally formed with the case body 310.

[0084] In addition, the end plate 330 can be configured, for example, such that an inner surface is made of an insulating material, and an outer surface is made of a metal material. In addition, the end plate 330 can be partially provided with a hole or a slit for exposing components (for example, positive and negative terminals or connectors) of the battery module 10 that need to be exposed to the outside.

[0085] The end plate 330 can be configured to be in contact with the busbar assembly 200. Alternatively, the end plate 330 can be disposed to be spaced apart from the busbar assembly 200 by a predetermined distance. However, in the battery module 10 according to the embodiment of the disclosure, since the busbar 220 is configured to be accommodated inside the case 210, the end plate 330 can be disposed closer to the busbar assembly 200 than in a conventional battery module.

[0086] According to the above implemented configuration of the present disclosure, a space can be secured at one side where the busbar assembly 200 is disposed, so that the space utilization can be increased in the module case 300. Accordingly, the energy efficiency of the battery module 10 can be maximized.

[0087] Further, the exhaust holes H can be configured in the module case 300, which can implement directional exhaust to one direction. For example, a plurality of exhaust holes H can be formed on the top plate 320, and the exhaust can be directed toward the top of the battery module 10 through the exhaust holes H.

[0088] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a busbar assembly to which an electrode lead is coupled in a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a busbar assembly to which an electrode lead is coupled in a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0089] The electrode lead 110 can be configured to be wound around the outer peripheral surface of the busbar 220 at least once. For example, as disclosed in the embodiment shown in Figure 5 , the electrode lead 110 can be configured to be wound around the outer peripheral surface of the busbar 220 once. That is, the electrode lead 110 can be configured to be wound around the outer peripheral surface of the busbar 220 at an angle of about 360 degrees.

[0090] Alternatively, as disclosed in the embodiment shown in Figure 6 , the electrode lead 110 can be configured to be wound around the outer peripheral surface of the busbar 220 multiple times. That is, the electrode lead 110 can be configured to be wound around the outer peripheral surface of the busbar 220 at an angle of about 360 degrees or more. In this case, the end portion of the electrode lead 110 can be configured to be wound around the outer peripheral surface of the busbar 220 to overlap itself multiple times.

[0091] According to the above implemented configuration of the present disclosure, since the electrode lead 110 is configured to be wound around the outer peripheral surface of the busbar 220 at least once from the outside of the busbar 220, the area where the electrode lead 110 contacts the busbar 220 can be increased. Accordingly, the contact between the electrode lead 110 and the busbar 220 can be more stably maintained.

[0092] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of a busbar assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 8 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a busbar assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0093] Reference will be made to Figure 7 and Figure 8The structure of the busbar assembly 200 according to the embodiment of the disclosure will be described in more detail. As described above, the busbar 220 can be disposed in the case 210 and configured to be coupled to the case 210. In this case, the case 210 can be made of an electrically insulating material that is insulated from the busbar 220.

[0094] According to the embodiment, as shown in Figure 7 , the case 210 can have an accommodation space S formed to accommodate the busbar 220. The case 210 can be configured to have an opening toward the battery cell 100. For example, the case 210 can be configured in the shape of a frame having openings on both sides. Alternatively, the case 210 can be configured in the shape of a cuboid having an opening on one side.

[0095] In addition, referring to Figure 7 and Figure 8 , the case 210 can have a coupling portion 211 configured so that the busbar 220 will be coupled thereto. The coupling portion 211 can be configured in the accommodation space S. The coupling portion 211 can be disposed on the inner surface of the case 210. In addition, the coupling portion 211 can be disposed on both sides of the case 210 in the vertical direction.

[0096] As described in the above-described embodiment of the disclosure, the busbar 220 is coupled to the accommodation space S so that the busbar 220 is disposed inside the case 210, and thus it is possible to minimize exposure of the busbar 220 to the outside of the case 210. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the generation of a short circuit between the busbar 220 and other components.

[0097] The busbar 220 can be configured to have one central axis formed therein. For example, as disclosed in the embodiment shown in Figure 7 and Figure 8 , the busbar 220 can be configured in a cylindrical shape. The busbar 220 can be configured to extend in the width direction of the electrode lead 110 (Z-axis direction in Figure 7 and Figure 8 ). In this case, both ends of the busbar 220 in the vertical direction can be coupled to the coupling portion 211 of the case 210.

[0098] The busbar 220 can be configured in the form of a cylindrical column or a polygonal column. In particular, in the case where the busbar 220 is configured in the form of a polygonal column such as an octagonal column, as disclosed in the embodiment shown in Figure 7 and Figure 8 , it is possible to maximize the area in which the end portion of the electrode lead 110 comes into contact with one surface of the polygonal column of the busbar 220 in a process of winding the electrode lead 110 around the outer peripheral surface of the busbar 220. Accordingly, it is possible to secure the engagement force or the fixing force between the busbar 220 and the electrode lead 110.

[0099] More specifically, the busbar 220 can include a contact portion 221 and a shaft portion 222. The contact portion 221 and the shaft portion 222 can also be configured to have the same central axis. The contact portion 221 can be a portion to which the electrode lead 110 is coupled. The shaft portion 222 can be a portion coupled to the housing 210. The shaft portion 222 can be configured to extend from the contact portion 221. The shaft portion 222 can be disposed at both ends of the busbar 220 in the length direction, and be configured to be coupled with the coupling portion 211 of the housing 210.

[0100] The busbar 220 can be configured to be rotatable. Specifically, the busbar 220 can be configured to be rotated in one direction, such that the electrode lead 110 is wound around the outer peripheral surface of the busbar 220 in one direction. The one direction can be the same direction as the direction in which the electrode lead 110 extends from the battery cell 100. For example, in the case where the electrode lead 110 extends from the battery cell 100 in the Y-axis direction and is located at the right side of the busbar 220, the busbar 220 can be rotated clockwise, such that the electrode lead 110 can be wound around the busbar 220.

[0101] According to the above implemented configuration of the present disclosure, by rotating the busbar 220, the electrode lead 110 can be wound around the outer peripheral surface of the busbar 220, such that they can be connected to each other regardless of the length of the electrode lead 110. Accordingly, the cutting process of the electrode lead 110 can be omitted.

[0102] In addition, according to the above implemented configuration of the present disclosure, since the electrode lead 110 is wound around the outer peripheral surface of the busbar 220 to be fixed to the busbar 220, the welding process for fixing the electrode lead 110 to the busbar 220 can be omitted. Accordingly, according to the above implemented configuration of the present disclosure, when the battery module 10 or the busbar assembly 200 is manufactured, productivity can be improved.

[0103] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a busbar assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0104] The busbar 220 can be configured such that the end portion of the electrode lead 110 is fixed thereto. According to the above implemented configuration of the present disclosure, when the busbar 220 is rotated while the electrode lead 110 is wound around the outer peripheral surface of the busbar 220, the contact between the electrode lead 110 and the busbar 220 can be stably maintained.

[0105] For example, the end portion of the electrode lead 110 can be joined to the busbar 220. An adhesive material such as an adhesive or a tape can be disposed between the electrode lead 110 and the busbar 220.

[0106] Alternatively, to further enhance the fixing force between the electrode lead 110 and the busbar 220, the busbar 220 can be configured such that the end portion of the electrode lead 110 is at least partially inserted therein. More specifically, as disclosed in the embodiment shown in Figure 9 The busbar 220 can have a fixing groove G. The fixing groove G can be configured to be recessed inward from the outer circumferential surface of the contact portion 221 of the busbar 220 such that the end portion of the electrode lead 110 is inserted into the fixing groove G. The fixing groove G can be configured to correspond to the thickness of the electrode lead 110.

[0107] According to the above implemented configuration of the present disclosure, since the fixing force between the electrode lead 110 and the busbar 220 is further improved, it is possible to prevent the electrode lead 110 from being separated from the busbar 220 in the process of winding the electrode lead 110 by rotating the busbar 220. In addition, according to the above implemented configuration of the present disclosure, the end portion of the electrode lead 110 can be fixed to the busbar 220 without a separate adhesive member, thereby reducing the cost and time in manufacturing the busbar assembly 200 or the battery module 10 and improving the productivity.

[0108] Hereinafter, a process of winding the electrode lead 110 around the busbar assembly 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to Figure 10 and Figure 11

[0109] Figure 10 is a view illustrating an embodiment in which the electrode lead is wound around the busbar assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0110] Referring to Figure 10 , the busbar 220 can be rotatably coupled to the housing 210. The busbar 220 can be configured to be rotatable when mounted to the housing 210.

[0111] As an example, as shown in Figure 10 (a), the busbar assembly 200 in which the busbar 220 is mounted to the housing 210 can be positioned to the side surface of the battery cell 100. In this case, the electrode lead 110 can pass through the housing 220 and extend to the outside.

[0112] Next, as shown in Figure 10 (b) and Figure 10 ​(c) shown, after the end of the electrode lead 110 is fixed to the bus bar 220, the bus bar 220 can be rotated so that the electrode lead 110 is wound around the outer circumferential surface of the bus bar 220. More specifically, in the case where the end of the electrode lead 110 is fixed or engaged to the contact portion 221 of the bus bar 220, the shaft portion 222 can be exposed to the outside of the electrode lead 110. In this case, the shaft portion 222 exposed to the outside of the electrode lead 110 can serve as a handle to rotate the bus bar 220. Thus, when the shaft portion 222 is held and rotated in one direction, the electrode lead 110 can be wound in one direction.

[0113] Figure 11 FIG. 4 is a view showing another embodiment in which an electrode lead is wound around a bus bar assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0114] Unlike the above-described embodiment, the electrode lead 110 can be wound around the outer circumferential surface of the bus bar 220 outside the housing 210. More specifically, as Figure 11 (a) shown, the electrode lead 110 can be preferentially fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the bus bar 220, and the bus bar 220 can be rotated in one direction so that the electrode lead 110 is wound around the outer circumferential surface. In addition, as Figure 11 (b) shown, the bus bar 220 in which the electrode lead 110 is wound can be coupled to the housing 210. The bus bar 220 can be inserted into the accommodation space S through the opening of the housing 210.

[0115] In this case, although not shown in the drawing, the housing 210 can have an insertion groove into which the bus bar 220 can be inserted through the opening.

[0116] Figure 12 FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a bus bar assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0117] Referring to Figure 12 , the bus bar assembly 200 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can further include a filler R. The filler R can be configured to be filled into the accommodation space S of the housing 210.

[0118] The filler R can be made of a material having electrical insulation. For example, the filler R can be formed of a material such as resin or foam.

[0119] The filler R can be configured to fix the electrode lead 110 wound around the bus bar 220 after a predetermined period of time elapses after being injected. In addition, the filler R can be configured to improve the engagement strength between the bus bar 220 and the housing 210. According to the above-achieved configuration of the present disclosure, the structural stability of the bus bar assembly 200 can be ensured.

[0120] Additionally, the filler R can be configured to cover the busbar 220. According to the configuration implemented above in this disclosure, the busbar 220 can be completely prevented from being exposed to the outside, thereby minimizing the occurrence of short circuits.

[0121] In addition, to prevent the filler R from leaking from the housing space S, the housing 210 may also include a cover 230. The cover 230 may be attached to the outer surface of the housing 210. The cover 230 may be disposed on the opposite side of the battery cell 100.

[0122] The cover 230 may have an injection hole 231 through which packing material R can be injected. Multiple injection holes 231 may be provided on the cover 230.

[0123] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing the interior of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Additionally, Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view of a battery module including a busbar assembly, as viewed from above, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; it may be, for example, along... Figure 1 The sectional view taken by line I-I' in the middle.

[0124] In the battery module 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of busbar assemblies 200 may be provided. That is, a plurality of housings 210 and busbars 220 may be configured. The plurality of busbar assemblies 200 may be configured to cover at least one side of the battery cell 100. For example, the plurality of busbar assemblies 200 may be configured to cover the front and rear sides of the battery cell 100.

[0125] Multiple housings 210 can be arranged along one direction. For example, as Figure 13 and Figure 14 As disclosed in the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of housings 210 may be arranged along the stacking direction of the battery cells 100.

[0126] In this configuration, the electrode leads 110 of the battery cell 100 can be configured to extend through the space between adjacent housings 210 to the outside of the busbar assembly 200. More specifically, a plurality of electrode leads 110 can be configured to correspond to a plurality of battery cells 100, and at least some of the plurality of electrode leads 110 can pass through the space between adjacent housings 210 and can be bent and wound around the outer peripheral surface of the busbar 220. This configuration enables electrical connections between a plurality of battery cells 100 whose electrode leads 110 are in contact with each other.

[0127] Figure 15 This is a diagram showing the busbar assemblies separated from each other according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0128] The plurality of cases 210 can be configured to be fastened to each other. Accordingly, the plurality of busbar assemblies 200 can form a single frame. When the battery module 10 is manufactured, the battery cells 100 and the cases 210 can be alternately disposed, and then the cases 210 can be coupled to each other. Alternatively, the plurality of cases 210 can be preferentially coupled to each other, and then disposed on one side of the battery cells 100 to connect the electrode lead lines 110 to the busbars 220.

[0129] More specifically, the cases 210 can have a fixing structure 212 configured to be fastened to each other. The fixing structure 212 can be configured to restrict movement of the cases 210 coupled to each other. The fixing structure 212 can be configured as a male-female coupling structure.

[0130] As an example, hooks can be formed to protrude outward from at least one side of the case 210. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, two protruding hooks can be formed on one side of the case 210. Figure 15

[0131] In addition, a groove can be formed on at least one side of the case 210 so that the hooks are inserted therein. In addition, the groove can be formed to be similar (identical) in size to the outer surface of the hook, or can be formed to be slightly larger than the size of the outer surface of the hook.

[0132] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the hooks can be inserted into the grooves to form the fixing structure 212. Accordingly, according to such a configuration of the present disclosure, by providing a force-fit coupling structure for restricting movement of the cases 210 relative to each other, the cases 210 can be moved close to each other and simply fastened by pressurization. Furthermore, separate welding for joining the plurality of cases 210 to each other can not be necessary. Accordingly, the manufacturing method of the battery module 10 can be simplified, which has the advantage of greatly improving manufacturing efficiency.

[0133] In addition, movement of the plurality of coupled cases 210 relative to each other in the up-down direction and the left-right direction can be further restricted, thereby effectively preventing the plurality of cases 210 from being separated from each other.

[0134] Furthermore, the fixing structure 212 of the case 210 is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be configured as various structures capable of coupling the plurality of cases 210 to each other without welding, such as a trim-pin structure.

[0135] Figure 16 is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack including a battery module according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0136] Referring to Figure 16 ​The battery pack 1 according to the embodiment of the disclosure can include one or more battery modules 10 according to the embodiments of the disclosure described above. The battery pack 1 according to the disclosure can further include a BMS for integrated control of charge and discharge of one or more battery modules, a current sensor, a fuse, and the like, and a battery pack case 21 for storing the above-mentioned components.

[0137] Figure 17 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a battery pack according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0138] Referring to Figure 17 The vehicle 3 according to the embodiment of the disclosure can include one or more battery packs 1 according to the embodiments of the disclosure or battery modules 10 according to the embodiments of the disclosure. The vehicle 3 according to the disclosure can be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The vehicle 3 can include a four-wheeled vehicle and a two-wheeled vehicle. The vehicle 3 can be operated by power supplied from the battery pack 1 or the battery module 10 according to the embodiments of the disclosure.

[0139] As described above, although the disclosure has been described with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and those skilled in the art to which the disclosure pertains can make various modifications and changes without departing from the technical idea of the disclosure and the equivalent scope of the claims described.

Claims

1. A battery module, the battery module comprising: Multiple battery cells, each of which has electrode leads; as well as A busbar assembly includes a housing and a busbar, the housing being disposed on at least one side of the plurality of battery cells, the busbar being disposed in the housing and configured such that the electrode leads are wound around the outer peripheral surface of the busbar and connected to the outer peripheral surface of the busbar.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, in, The electrode leads are configured to wrap around the outer peripheral surface of the busbar at least once.

3. The battery module according to claim 1, in, The housing has a receiving space formed to accommodate the busbar.

4. The battery module according to claim 1, in, The busbar is configured as a column shape that extends elongated along the width direction of the electrode leads.

5. The battery module according to claim 1, in, The bus bar has: Contact portion, the electrode lead is connected to the contact portion; and A shaft portion, which is configured to extend from the contact portion and connect to the housing.

6. The battery module according to claim 1, in, The busbar is configured to rotate.

7. The battery module according to claim 1, in, The busbar is configured such that the ends of the electrode leads are secured to the busbar.

8. The battery module according to claim 1, The battery module also includes a filler that is configured to fill the receiving space of the housing.

9. The battery module according to claim 1, in, The housings are configured in multiple ways and arranged along the stacking direction of the multiple battery cells.

10. The battery module according to claim 9, in, The plurality of said housings are configured to be fastened to each other.

11. A battery pack comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A vehicle comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

13. A busbar assembly configured to be electrically connected to electrode leads of a battery cell, the busbar assembly comprising: case; as well as A busbar is disposed in the housing and configured such that the electrode leads are wound around the outer peripheral surface of the busbar and connected to the outer peripheral surface of the busbar.

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