Battery module, battery pack including the same, and vehicle

Abstract

A battery module according to an embodiment of the present application includes: a cassette assembly including a plurality of cassettes stacked in one direction and provided with a cooling flow path; a plurality of battery cells accommodated between the stacked cassettes; and a busbar assembly for electrically connecting the plurality of battery cells, wherein an accommodation space configured to accommodate a connection member electrically connected to the busbar assembly is provided inside the cassette assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to battery modules, battery packs including such battery modules, and vehicles. This application is based on and claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0014701, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on February 5, 2025, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Technology

[0002] With the significant increase in demand for portable electronic products such as smartphones, tablet PCs and smartwatches, and with the increasing prevalence of electric vehicles, there is active research on batteries installed in these products, especially rechargeable and dischargeable secondary batteries.

[0003] Currently commercially available rechargeable batteries include nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries, nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries, nickel-zinc (NiZn) batteries, and lithium-ion batteries. Among these, lithium-ion batteries have attracted much attention compared to nickel-based batteries due to their advantages such as almost no memory effect (allowing for flexible charging and discharging), very low self-discharge rate, and high energy density.

[0004] These lithium-ion secondary batteries primarily use lithium-based oxides and carbon materials as the positive and negative electrode active materials, respectively. Furthermore, the lithium-ion secondary battery includes an electrode assembly containing a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate coated with the positive and negative electrode active materials, respectively, with a separator between the positive and negative electrode plates; and an external material (i.e., the battery casing) that seals the electrode assembly together with the electrolyte.

[0005] Generally, lithium secondary batteries can be classified according to the shape of their battery casings into can-type secondary batteries with electrode assemblies stored in metal cans and bag-type secondary batteries with electrode assemblies housed in bags of aluminum laminates.

[0006] Recently, secondary batteries have been widely used for driving or energy storage not only in small devices such as portable electronic devices, but also in medium to large devices such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS). Multiple secondary batteries can be electrically connected and housed within a module housing to configure a single battery module. In this case, each secondary battery included in a single battery module can be referred to as a battery cell. Furthermore, multiple battery modules can be connected to form a single battery pack.

[0007] A typical battery module is configured to include multiple battery cells, a busbar assembly for electrically connecting the multiple battery cells, a module housing and housing cover for housing the busbar assembly and battery cells, and connectors for connecting the busbar assembly to external electrical components. Additionally, the battery module includes connecting components such as FPCBs or cables for connecting the busbars or sensing circuits connected to the front and rear sides of the battery module to each other.

[0008] In conventional technology, the connecting member is mounted across the top of the battery module. However, air-cooled battery modules have a structure where air flows in from the outside to pass through the battery module, and therefore, the connecting member is directly exposed to the airflow (i.e., cooling air). Consequently, the connecting member can be damaged by shaking or vibration due to the cooling air. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Technical issues

[0010] This disclosure was designed to address the problems in the related technologies, and therefore aims to provide a battery module with an improved structure, as well as a battery pack and vehicle including such a battery module, such as a connecting member such as an FPCB or cable, which is not exposed to cooling air.

[0011] However, the technical problems that this disclosure seeks to solve are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the description of the invention below that there are other problems not mentioned above.

[0012] Technical solution

[0013] To address the aforementioned issues, a battery module is provided, comprising: a housing assembly including a plurality of housings stacked along one direction and having a cooling path disposed within the housing assembly; a plurality of battery cells housed between the stacked housings; a busbar assembly configured to electrically connect the plurality of battery cells; and a connecting member electrically connected to the busbar assembly and extending from one side of the housing assembly to the other, wherein a receiving space configured to house the connecting member can be formed within the housing assembly.

[0014] Here, the storage space can be configured to be separate from the cooling path.

[0015] In addition, the storage space can be formed between two adjacent stacked boxes.

[0016] In addition, receiving grooves can be provided on the surface of the box body where the box body is stacked with another box body in order to form a receiving space.

[0017] Furthermore, when the boxes are stacked, the receiving slots can be respectively provided on each of the surfaces of the two boxes that are in contact with each other on both sides.

[0018] Furthermore, the accommodating space can be formed by combining the accommodating slots formed on each of two stacked adjacent boxes into a single space.

[0019] Furthermore, multiple receiving spaces can be provided along the direction in which the boxes are stacked, and the boxes can have connecting holes formed to allow two adjacent receiving spaces to communicate with each other.

[0020] Furthermore, a recess can be formed on one of two different boxes that come into contact with each other when the boxes are stacked, and a protrusion that inserts into the recess can be formed on the other of the two boxes.

[0021] In addition, at least one of the recess and the convex portion may have a sealing portion configured to seal the gap between the recess and the convex portion.

[0022] In addition, the housing may include a blocking protrusion configured to prevent externally supplied air from advancing toward the location where the manifold assembly and connecting member are connected.

[0023] In addition, the housing may include an upper frame and a side frame, the upper frame having flow holes formed to allow air supplied from the outside to flow in, the side frame extending from one end of the upper frame and having a manifold assembly connected to the side frame, and a blocking protrusion may be formed to protrude from one end of the upper frame.

[0024] In addition, the housing assembly may include a fixing part that is configured to be fixedly housed in the housing space.

[0025] In addition, a receiving groove can be provided on the surface of the box body where the box body is stacked with another box body to form a receiving space, and the fixing part can be formed to protrude from the surface of the receiving groove.

[0026] In addition, multiple cooling paths can be arranged in the housing assembly to be spaced apart from each other, and the spacing between some cooling paths is different from the spacing between other cooling paths.

[0027] In addition, this disclosure provides a battery pack including at least one battery module according to the above embodiments.

[0028] Furthermore, this disclosure provides a vehicle that includes at least one battery module according to the above embodiments.

[0029] Beneficial effects

[0030] According to this disclosure, by providing a connecting member inside the housing assembly, the connecting member can be prevented from being exposed to cooling air.

[0031] Therefore, it can prevent the connecting components from being shaken or vibrated by the cooling air and thus damaged.

[0032] Furthermore, according to one aspect of this disclosure, a plurality of receiving spaces can be formed along the direction in which the housings are stacked, and the receiving spaces can be configured to communicate with each other. In addition, the receiving spaces can be used as channels for connecting components, specifically, as spaces for mounting thermistors or as channels for wires connecting the thermistors and the connecting components.

[0033] Furthermore, various other effects can be achieved through the various embodiments of this disclosure. These various effects of this disclosure will be described in detail in the corresponding embodiments, or descriptions of effects that are readily understood by those skilled in the art will be omitted. Attached Figure Description

[0034] The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the foregoing disclosure, serve to provide a further understanding of the technical features of the present disclosure; therefore, the present disclosure should not be construed as limited to the drawings.

[0035] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A 3D view showing the partial configuration of the battery module.

[0037] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The three-dimensional view of the box shown.

[0038] Figure 4 It is along Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of the box body taken by line B-B' in the figure.

[0039] Figure 5 This is an example Figure 1 The diagram shows a portion of the configuration, illustrating the connecting components housed between stacked housings.

[0040] Figure 6 It is along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view taken by line A-A' shows the battery cells housed inside the housing assembly.

[0041] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating a portion of a housing according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 8 This is a schematic side view of a housing according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 9This is a cross-sectional view illustrating a partial configuration of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 10 This is an example based on Figure 9 A top view of a portion of the battery module configuration in the embodiment described above.

[0045] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating a partial configuration of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating a partial configuration of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figure 13 This is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0049] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before the description, it should be understood that the terminology used in the specification and appended claims should not be construed as limited to its general and dictionary meanings, but rather interpreted based on the meanings and concepts corresponding to the technical aspects of the present disclosure, on the basis of allowing the inventors to appropriately define the terminology for the best interpretation.

[0050] Therefore, the descriptions presented herein are merely preferred examples for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the full scope of this disclosure. It should be understood that other equivalents and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0051] Furthermore, although terms indicating directions such as “up,” “down,” “left,” “right,” “forward,” and “backward” are used in this specification, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains that these terms are merely for the convenience of referring to the relevant figures and may vary depending on the position of the target object or the observer’s position.

[0052] Furthermore, in this specification, terms indicating directions such as “inward” or “outward” may be used, and unless otherwise specifically stated, “inward” may refer to a direction toward the central portion of the battery module, and “outward” may refer to the opposite direction.

[0053] Furthermore, this disclosure may include various embodiments. Redundant descriptions of substantially the same or similar configurations will be omitted from the various embodiments, and descriptions will be based on the differences between them.

[0054] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A 3D view showing the partial configuration of the battery module.

[0055] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the battery module 10 may include a housing assembly CA, a battery cell 200, a busbar assembly 300, and a connecting member 400.

[0056] The housing assembly CA is designed to house multiple battery cells 200. The housing assembly CA may include multiple housings 100. The multiple housings 100 may be stacked along one direction, for example, as shown below. Figure 1 The cells are stacked along the left-right direction (X-axis). The stacking direction of the cells is not limited to this, and they can also be stacked vertically (Z-axis). Cooling paths can be provided in the cell assembly CA. Cooling paths can be channels through which a cooling medium, such as air, flows to cool the battery cells 200. The cooling medium is not limited to gases such as air, and liquids such as water can be used as cooling media. Figure 1 As shown, flow holes 111 can be formed in the surface of the housing 100, and a cooling path communicating with the flow holes 111 can be provided inside the housing assembly CA. The specific structure of the cooling path will be explained again when describing the housing.

[0057] Multiple battery cells 200 can be housed inside the housing assembly CA. For example, as Figure 2 As shown, the battery cell 200 can be housed in the receiving space provided in each housing 100, that is, in the space formed on the side of the housing 100. The battery cell 200 is stacked together with the housing while being housed in the housing 100, and through this structure, multiple battery cells 200 can be housed in the housing assembly CA. Each battery cell 200 is a secondary battery and can be configured as a pouch-type secondary battery, a prismatic secondary battery, or a cylindrical secondary battery. Specifically, Figure 2 The battery cell 200 shown can be a pouch-type secondary battery.

[0058] The busbar assembly 300 is designed to electrically connect multiple battery cells 200 and can be electrically connected to the electrode leads 201 of the multiple battery cells 200. The busbar assembly 300 can be connected to multiple battery cells 200 and can sense the voltage of the multiple battery cells 200.

[0059] More specifically, the busbar assembly 300 may include a busbar housing 310 and busbar terminals 320. Here, the busbar terminals 320 can be electrically connected to the battery cell 200. Specifically, the busbar terminals 320 may be made of a conductive metal such as copper and can be in direct contact with the electrode leads 201 of the battery cell 200. The busbar housing 310 may be made of an electrically insulating material such as plastic and the position of the busbar terminals 320 can be fixed by allowing the busbar terminals 320 to be mounted thereon. For this purpose, the busbar housing 310 may be provided with spaces or structures, etc., for mounting the busbar terminals 320.

[0060] The connecting member 400 can be designed to receive or send electrical signals to the busbar assembly 300. The connecting member 400 can be electrically connected to the busbar assembly 300. Furthermore, the connecting member 400 can be connected from one side of the housing assembly CA to the other, and can send signals between these two points. Specifically, the connecting member 400 can be connected from one side (i.e., the front) of the housing assembly CA to the other side (i.e., the rear). The connecting member 400 can electrically connect busbar terminals 320, connectors, and sensing circuits mounted on the front or rear side of the housing assembly CA. The connecting member 400 can be implemented in the form of an FPCB or a cable.

[0061] Furthermore, a receiving space can be provided within the housing assembly CA. Specifically, the receiving space can be formed inside the housing assembly. Additionally, at least a portion of the connecting member 400 can be received within the receiving space.

[0062] Based on the above configuration, the protection of the connecting member 400 can be ensured. Specifically, the housing assembly CA can protect the connecting member 400 from external airflow or impact.

[0063] The accommodating space 113 can be configured to be separate from the cooling path of the housing assembly CA.

[0064] Specifically, the receiving space 113 can be formed separately from the cooling path 160 in the housing assembly CA. The cooling path 160 can be formed by including flow holes 111 formed at the top and bottom of the housing 100 and a hollow space between the flow holes 111. That is, the cooling path 160 can be formed from the top to the bottom of the housing 100. The receiving space 113 can be formed inside the housing assembly CA to be separate from the cooling path 160. The connecting member 400 can be received in the receiving space 113.

[0065] According to the above-described configuration, the connecting member 400 housed in the housing space 113 is unaffected by the air flowing through the cooling path 160 (i.e., cooling air). Therefore, the risk of the connecting member 400 being damaged by the cooling air can be prevented.

[0066] The accommodating space 113 can be formed between two adjacent stacked boxes 100. Specifically, as... Figure 2 As shown, when multiple housings 100 are stacked, two adjacent housings 100 can engage to contact each other. In addition, a receiving space 113 can be formed between the two contact surfaces.

[0067] According to the above-described configuration, when the housings 100 are stacked on top of each other, a receiving space can be formed, thereby facilitating the formation of the receiving space. Specifically, the surfaces of the housings that contact each other are exposed to the outside. Therefore, the machining of the corresponding components, i.e., the machining to form the receiving space, can be easily performed.

[0068] Furthermore, it offers advantages in terms of battery module energy density and prevention of interference between battery cells and connecting members. Specifically, the housing assembly CA can be configured with multiple stacked housings 100, and the battery cells 200 can be housed in receiving spaces disposed on the sides of each housing 100. In this case, to increase the energy density of the battery module, it may be necessary to fill the space housing the battery, i.e., the lateral space of the housing, with as many battery cells as possible. Additionally, if the connecting members 400 are located near the battery cells 200, there may be a risk of interference with the battery cells.

[0069] In the above-described configuration, the accommodating space 113 can be formed between the surfaces of the housing 100 in contact, rather than within the space accommodating the battery cell. Therefore, the energy density of the battery module can be increased, and interference between the connecting member 400 and the battery cell 200 can be prevented.

[0070] The housing assembly and housing according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail below.

[0071] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The three-dimensional view of the box shown. Figure 4 It is along Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of the box body taken by line B-B' in the figure. Figure 5 This is an example Figure 1 The diagram shows a portion of the configuration, illustrating the connecting components housed between stacked housings. Figure 6 It is along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view taken by line A-A' shows the battery cells housed inside the housing assembly.

[0072] Reference Figures 3 to 6A receiving groove 112 can be provided on the housing 100. The receiving groove 112 can be a space for forming a receiving space 113. The receiving groove 112 can be formed on the surface where the housings are stacked. For example, when the housings are stacked, the surfaces of the housings are in contact with each other, and the receiving groove 112 can be formed on the contact surface.

[0073] Furthermore, the housing 100 may have an upper frame 110. The upper frame 110 may be formed to extend in one direction. Specifically, the extending direction (Y-axis direction) may be perpendicular to the direction in which the housing 100 is stacked (X-axis direction). A flow hole 111 may be formed to penetrate the upper frame 110. In this case, the flow hole 111 may be formed to penetrate both the upper and lower surfaces of the upper frame 110. The flow hole 111 may be formed in the central portion based on the width direction (X-axis direction) of the upper frame 110.

[0074] Furthermore, a receiving groove 112 may be provided in the upper frame 110. In this case, the receiving groove 112 may be formed on a surface that contacts another box when the boxes are stacked. The receiving groove 112 may form a receiving space 113. Specifically, as Figure 4 As shown, the receiving groove 112 can be formed on one side of the upper frame 110 to be recessed inward. For example... Figure 5 As shown, when the boxes 100 are stacked, the side of the upper frame 110 contacts the adjacent box 100, and in this case, the receiving groove 112 can form a receiving space 113 together with the adjacent box.

[0075] In addition, such as Figure 4 As shown, the receiving portion 150 for accommodating the battery cell 200 can be formed on both sides of the housing 100.

[0076] By providing the accommodating space 113 as described above, the accommodating space 113 can be separated from the accommodating portion 150 of the housing 100. Therefore, the energy density of the battery module can be increased, and interference between the battery cell 200 and the connecting member 400 can be prevented or reduced.

[0077] Furthermore, when the housings 100 are stacked on top of each other, a receiving space 113 can be formed, thereby making it easy to form the receiving space 113. Specifically, since the receiving groove is formed on the exposed surface of the housing, the receiving groove can be easily machined.

[0078] When stacking the housings, receiving slots can be provided on each of the surfaces of the two housings that contact each other, located on both sides. Specifically, as follows: Figure 5 As shown, when stacking the cartridges 100, different cartridges 100 can be stacked on both sides, i.e., the left and right sides (in the X-axis direction). Furthermore, receiving slots 112 can be formed on both surfaces where the different cartridges 100 are stacked. For example, as... Figure 4 As shown, the receiving groove 112 can be formed on both sides of the upper frame 110.

[0079] Furthermore, when the receiving groove 112 is formed in this manner, such as Figure 6 As shown, when the housings 100 are stacked, the receiving slots 112 formed on two adjacent housings can be combined to form a receiving space 113.

[0080] According to the above implementation configuration, the width of the accommodating space can be formed to be relatively wide, and therefore, the connecting components can be stably accommodated.

[0081] Specifically, the width of each housing 100 (more specifically, the width of the upper frame 110) is determined by the thickness of the battery cell 200 housed within it, and therefore the width may be limited. Furthermore, when forming the receiving groove 112 on the upper frame 110, the receiving groove 112 can be formed at a depth such that the flow hole 111 and the receiving groove 112 are not connected to each other. This is because if the receiving groove 112 and the flow hole 111 were connected to each other, cooling air could flow into the receiving space 113. That is, due to this limitation, the width of the receiving groove 112 that can be formed in a housing 100 can be narrower than the width of the connecting member 400.

[0082] According to the above implementation configuration, the accommodating space 113 can be formed by combining two adjacent accommodating slots 112, so that the connecting member 400 can be stably accommodated in a wider space.

[0083] The receiving groove 112 can be formed to extend in one direction. Specifically, the receiving groove 112 can be formed to extend in the direction (Y-axis direction) connecting the front and rear of the housing assembly. Specifically, as Figure 3 As shown, the receiving groove 112 can be formed to extend along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the upper frame 110. In this case, the receiving groove 112 can be formed to extend between the two ends of the upper frame 110, that is, to extend from the front to the rear of the upper frame 110, and therefore, the front and rear of the upper frame 110 can be open. That is, the receiving groove 112 can be formed to extend from the front to the rear of the upper frame 110, thereby forming a slit structure.

[0084] By forming the receiving groove 112 in this way, the receiving space 113 can also be formed along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the upper frame 100. In addition, the receiving space 113 can have a structure that opens to both sides (i.e., the front and the rear).

[0085] According to the embodiment with the above configuration, both ends of the connecting member 400 disposed in the receiving space 113 can extend to the outside of the receiving space through an open structure and connect to the busbar assembly.

[0086] The housing 100 may include a blocking protrusion 116. The blocking protrusion 116 may be configured to prevent externally supplied air from advancing toward the location where the busbar assembly and connecting member are connected.

[0087] More specifically, such as Figure 5 As shown, the connecting member 400 can be accommodated in a receiving space 113 formed between the upper frames 110, wherein a portion of the connecting member 400 can be exposed outside the receiving space 113 to connect to the busbar assembly. Air introduced from the outside (i.e., cooling air) then flows into a flow hole 111 formed in the upper frame 110, but a portion of this air may flow along the upper frame 110 and then to the exposed connecting member 400. A blocking protrusion 116 is designed to prevent the flowing air from flowing to the location where the connecting member 400 and the busbar assembly 300 are connected (i.e., the exposed location).

[0088] Here, "prevention" can mean blocking the flow of air or slowing down the flow of air (reducing the air speed). The blocking protrusion 116 can be formed in the airflow path, for example, on the surface of the upper frame 110, thereby blocking the airflow.

[0089] The blocking protrusion 116 will be described in detail below, as will the specific configuration of the housing.

[0090] Reference Figures 3 to 5 The housing 100 may have an upper frame 110, a side frame 120 and a lower frame 130.

[0091] The upper frame 110 can be formed to extend in one direction (e.g., in the front-to-back direction (Y-axis direction)). The aforementioned receiving groove 112 can be provided in the upper frame 110. Furthermore, flow holes 111 can be formed in the upper frame 110. Flow holes 111 can be formed to penetrate the upper and lower surfaces of the upper frame 110, and multiple flow holes 111 can be provided along the longitudinal direction of the upper frame 110. Flow holes 111 can be formed in the central portion based on the width direction (X-axis direction) of the upper frame 110. Furthermore, the flow holes 111 and the receiving groove 112 can be formed not to communicate with each other. This is because if the receiving groove 112 and the flow holes 111 were to communicate with each other, cooling air would flow into the receiving space 113, potentially damaging the connecting member 400 provided within the receiving space 113.

[0092] The side frame 120 may be formed to extend from one end of the upper frame 110. Specifically, the extension direction (Z-axis direction) may be perpendicular to the upper frame 110. For example, a pair of side frames 120 may be provided, and each side frame 120 may be formed to extend downward from both ends of the upper frame 110. The busbar assembly 300 (e.g., busbar housing) may be connected to the side frame 120.

[0093] The lower frame 130 may be formed to extend in the same direction (Y-axis direction) as the upper frame 110. The lower frame 130 may be coupled to connect the lower ends of a pair of side frames 120. Flow holes (not shown) may be formed through the lower frame 130, and a plurality of flow holes may be formed at positions corresponding to (facing) the flow holes 111 formed in the upper frame 110.

[0094] The housing 100 may further include ribs 140. Ribs 140 may be formed to extend in the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction) of the side frame 120. The upper end of the rib 140 may be connected to the upper frame 110, and the lower end may be connected to the lower frame 130. Multiple ribs 140 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the upper frame 110. In this case, the ribs 140 may be positioned between flow holes 111 so as not to obstruct the flow holes 111.

[0095] Rib 140 may have a thickness smaller than the width of the upper frame 110 and the lower frame 130, and may be connected to the central portion of the upper frame 110 and the lower frame 130. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the receiving portion 150 can be provided on both sides of the rib 140. Furthermore, as... Figure 6 As shown, the battery cell 200 can be housed in the housing 150.

[0096] Cooling path 160 can be formed in housing 100. Specifically, as... Figure 3 As shown, a cooling path 160 can be formed, including the flow holes 111 in the upper frame → the space between the ribs 140 provided on both sides of the flow holes 111 → the flow holes in the lower frame 130. Multiple cooling paths 160 can be provided corresponding to the number of flow holes 111 formed in the upper frame 110.

[0097] Furthermore, the spacing between the cooling paths 160 can be different. Specifically, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the spacing between the cooling paths 160 formed in the central portion of the housing 100 can be smaller than the spacing between the cooling paths 160 formed on the two edges of the housing 100. That is, the cooling paths 160 can be more concentrated in the central portion of the housing 100, which makes the central portion of the battery cell 200 more concentrated during cooling.

[0098] The blocking protrusion 116 can be formed to protrude from one end of the upper frame 110. Specifically, as shown in the figure... Figure 3 As shown, the blocking protrusions 116 may be provided at both ends of the upper frame 110. The blocking protrusions 116 may be formed to protrude from the upper surface of the upper frame 110. For example, the blocking protrusions 116 may be formed to protrude in the direction opposite to the direction in which the side frame 120 extends (i.e., in the upward direction (Z-axis direction)).

[0099] The blocking protrusion 116 can have the following effects. A portion of the air flowing into the housing 100 may flow along the surface of the upper frame 110 to both edges. In this case, when the air collides with the blocking protrusion 116, the airflow path can be locally altered at that location. For example, the air may flow in a direction other than towards the exposed connecting member 400, that is, in the downward direction (i.e., the -Z-axis direction) (e.g., the upward direction (+Z-axis direction)). Furthermore, local turbulence may occur at that location when the air collides with the blocking protrusion 116. When turbulence occurs, the air at that location (i.e., the location of the blocking protrusion) does not have a constant flow, but flows in all directions, and therefore, the amount of air flowing towards the connecting member 400 can be reduced. In addition, when turbulence occurs, the airflow velocity at that location can be reduced.

[0100] In other words, the blocking protrusion 116 can block the flow of air toward the connecting member 400, or at least reduce the amount or speed of air flowing toward the connecting member 400. Furthermore, as a result, damage to the connecting member 400 due to airflow (cooling air) can be prevented.

[0101] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating a portion of a housing according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. (Refer to...) Figure 7 The blocking protrusion 116A can protrude from the end of the upper frame 110B in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction). That is, the blocking protrusion 116A can be formed to extend along the longitudinal direction of the upper frame 110B, and can therefore be configured to block the top of the connecting member 400 exposed to the outside. Due to the above configuration, air flowing along the upper frame 110B can flow downward after passing the connecting member 400, thereby preventing air from flowing into the connecting member 400.

[0102] Furthermore, a connecting hole 115 can be formed in the housing. The connecting hole allows two receiving spaces to connect to each other. Referring below... Figures 8 to 10 This will be described in detail. Figure 8 This is a schematic side view of a housing according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 9This is a cross-sectional view illustrating a partial configuration of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 10 This is an example based on Figure 9 A top view of a portion of the battery module configuration in the embodiment described above.

[0103] Reference Figures 8 to 10 The housings 100A can be stacked along one direction (X-axis direction), and the receiving spaces 113 can be formed between the housings 100A and multiple such spaces can be set along the direction in which the housings 100A are stacked. The connecting hole 115 can be formed to pass through the housing and can allow two receiving spaces 113 formed on both sides of the housing to communicate with each other.

[0104] Specifically, such as Figure 9 As shown, the receiving groove 112 can be formed on each of the two sides of the upper frame 110A. The connecting hole 115 can be formed to pass through the upper frame 110A. Specifically, as Figure 8 As shown, the connecting hole 115 can be formed such that a receiving groove 112 is formed through the side portion of the receiving groove in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the receiving groove (X-axis direction). Once the connecting hole 115 is formed in this way, the two receiving grooves 112 formed on both sides can be connected to each other. In addition, two adjacent receiving spaces 113 can be connected to each other through the connecting hole 115.

[0105] For an example of using the connecting hole 115, please refer to... Figure 10 Further details are provided. For example, a connection member 600 may be further provided in the battery module, or a sensor such as a thermistor 600 may be installed.

[0106] If there are two connecting members, the two connecting members 400 and 600 can be accommodated in different accommodating spaces. The two connecting members 400 and 600 may need to be electrically connected. In this case, the two connecting members 400 and 600 can be electrically connected through the connecting hole 115.

[0107] The thermistor 600 can be installed at various locations within the battery module. For example, the thermistor can be installed in a battery cell located in the center or at the edge of the battery module. The thermistor can be connected to the battery cell and simultaneously mounted directly on the FPCB. However, if the thermistor is installed in a location away from the FPCB, the thermistor 600 and the FPCB 400 can be connected via a wire 610, etc. In this case, the through hole 115 and the receiving space 113 can also be used as connection channels for the wire 610.

[0108] Furthermore, the housing 100 can be configured to further prevent external air from directly entering the containment space. This will refer to... Figure 11 Describe it.

[0109] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating a partial configuration of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0110] Reference Figure 11 When the cases are stacked, two different cases can come into contact with each other. In this case, one of the two cases may have a recess 117b formed thereon, and the other case may have a protrusion 117a formed to be inserted into the recess.

[0111] More specifically, the side surfaces of the upper frame 110C can contact each other. In this case, the protrusion 117a can be formed to protrude from one of the two side surfaces, and the recess 117b can be formed on the other side surface. In this embodiment, the recess 117b can be formed on one of the two side surfaces of each upper frame 110C, and the protrusion 117a can be formed on the other side surface. Then, when the housings are stacked, the protrusion 117a can be inserted into the recess 117b, thereby allowing for more stable stacking. Furthermore, air introduced from the outside may flow into the receiving space 113 through the gap between the two contacting surfaces. However, the structure according to this embodiment, where the protrusion 117a is inserted into the recess 117b, effectively prevents air from flowing into the receiving space 113.

[0112] A sealing portion (not shown) may be provided in at least one of the recess 117b and the protrusion 117a. The sealing portion may be designed to further prevent air from flowing into the gap between the recess 117b and the protrusion 117a. The sealing portion may be made of a material such as Teflon (PTFE: polytetrafluoroethylene), polyurethane (PU), or rubber. The sealing portion may be configured to be applied or coated onto the recess 117b or the protrusion 117a. Furthermore, when the sealing portion is provided as described above, air can be more effectively prevented from flowing into the receiving space 113.

[0113] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating a partial configuration of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. (Refer to...) Figure 12 The housing assembly may also include a fixing part. The fixing part is intended to secure the connecting member 400 disposed in the receiving space 113 of the housing assembly. As disclosed in the above embodiments, when the connecting member 400 is disposed in the receiving space 113, damage to the connecting member 400 due to vibration or shaking caused by cooling air can be prevented. However, in addition to vibration or shaking caused by cooling air, there may be concerns that the connecting member 400 may shake within the receiving space 113 due to vibration or shaking that occurs during vehicle operation, and this problem needs to be addressed.

[0114] Specifically, a receiving groove 112 may be formed on the surface of the upper frame 110D that contacts another upper frame. Furthermore, a fixing portion 118 may be provided in the receiving groove 112. The fixing portion 118 may be configured to protrude from the surface of the receiving groove 112. The fixing portion 118 may come into close contact with the connecting member 400 disposed inside to support the connecting member 400, thereby allowing the connecting member 400 to be stably fixed in the receiving space 113.

[0115] More specifically, the fixing portion 118 can be formed in a curved shape, which can prevent damage to the surface of the connecting member 400 that contacts the fixing portion 118. Furthermore, at least one or more fixing portions 118 can be formed. For example, such as... Figure 12 As shown, two fixing parts 118 can be provided on the upper inner surface of each receiving groove 112. Alternatively, the fixing parts can also be provided on the lower inner surface of the receiving groove (i.e., below the connecting member 400). Furthermore, the shape of the fixing parts can be triangular or square, and the corners can be rounded.

[0116] Furthermore, the fixing part 118 can be made of an elastic material such as rubber or foam. In this case, when the connecting member 400 is inserted, the fixing part 118 can contract to fit the thickness or shape of the connecting member 400, and subsequently, the connecting member 400 can be stably fixed by the force (i.e., the restoring force) restored by the fixing part 118.

[0117] Figure 13 This is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0118] Reference Figure 13 and Figure 14 The battery pack 1 may include at least one battery module 10 of the above embodiments and a battery pack housing 50 that houses at least one battery module 10.

[0119] The battery pack 1 may also include electrical components such as a BMS for controlling at least one battery module 10 or a cooling unit such as a radiator for cooling at least one battery module 10.

[0120] Battery pack 1 can be installed in vehicle V as a fuel source for the vehicle. For example, battery pack 1 can be installed in electric vehicle, hybrid vehicle, or other types of vehicle V that can use battery pack 1 as a fuel source.

[0121] According to this embodiment, the battery pack 1 and the vehicle V can be equipped with the battery module 10 of the above embodiment, thereby realizing the battery pack 1 and the vehicle V having all the advantages of the battery module 10 of the above embodiment.

[0122] Furthermore, it is evident that, in addition to the vehicle V, the battery pack 1 can also be installed in other devices, equipment, and facilities that use secondary batteries, such as energy storage systems.

[0123] According to the various embodiments described above, a battery module 10 that can prevent heat propagation through the vicinity of the connector unit 200 in the event of an abnormal situation occurring within the module housing 300, as well as a battery pack 1 and a vehicle V including such a battery module 10, can be provided.

[0124] As described above, although this disclosure has been described with reference to limited embodiments and figures, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and various modifications and variations can be made by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains without departing from the technical concept of this disclosure and the equivalent scope of the appended claims.

[0125] [Description of reference numerals in the attached figures]

[0126] V: Vehicle 1: Battery Pack

[0127] 10: Battery module; 50: Battery pack housing

[0128] 100: Box body; 110: Upper frame

[0129] 111: Flow hole; 112: Receiving groove

[0130] 113: Accommodation space; 115: Connecting hole

[0131] 116: Blocking protrusion; 117a: Protrusion

[0132] 117b: Recessed portion 118: Fixed portion

[0133] 120: Side frame; 130: Lower frame

[0134] 140: Rib CA: Cartridge assembly

[0135] 200: Battery cell; 300: Busbar assembly

[0136] 320: Busbar terminal; 310: Busbar housing

[0137] 400: Connecting component

[0138] 600: Connecting components, thermistors

Claims

1. A battery module, the battery module comprising: A housing assembly comprising a plurality of housings stacked along one direction and having a cooling path disposed within the housing assembly; Multiple battery cells are housed between stacked housings; A busbar assembly configured to electrically connect the plurality of battery cells; as well as A connecting member, electrically connected to the busbar assembly and extending from one side of the housing assembly to the other, The receiving space configured to accommodate the connecting member is formed inside the housing assembly.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, in, The accommodating space is formed to be separate from the cooling path.

3. The battery module according to claim 2, in, The accommodating space is formed between two adjacent stacked boxes.

4. The battery module according to claim 3, in, A receiving groove is provided on the surface of the casing, where the casing is stacked with another casing, to form the receiving space.

5. The battery module according to claim 4, in, When the boxes are stacked, the receiving slots are respectively provided on each of the surfaces of the two boxes on both sides that are in contact with each other.

6. The battery module according to claim 5, in, The receiving space is formed by combining the receiving slots formed on each of the two stacked adjacent to each other into a single space.

7. The battery module according to claim 4, in, The accommodating spaces are configured in multiples along the direction in which the boxes are stacked, and The casing has a connecting hole formed to allow two adjacent receiving spaces to communicate with each other.

8. The battery module according to claim 1, in, A recess is formed on one of two different boxes that come into contact with each other when the boxes are stacked, and a protrusion is formed on the other of the two boxes that is inserted into the recess.

9. The battery module according to claim 8, in, At least one of the recess and the convex portion has a sealing portion configured to seal the gap between the recess and the convex portion.

10. The battery module according to claim 1, in, The housing includes a blocking protrusion configured to prevent externally supplied air from advancing toward the location where the manifold assembly and the connecting member are connected.

11. The battery module according to claim 10, in, The housing includes an upper frame and side frames. The upper frame has flow holes formed to allow air supplied from the outside to flow in. The side frames extend from one end of the upper frame and have the manifold assembly connected to the side frames. The blocking protrusion is formed to protrude from one end of the upper frame.

12. The battery module according to claim 1, in, The housing assembly includes a fixing portion configured to be fixedly housed in the housing space as a connecting member.

13. The battery module according to claim 12, in, A receiving groove is provided on the surface of the casing where the casing is stacked with another casing to form the receiving space, and The fixing part is formed to protrude from the surface of the receiving groove.

14. The battery module according to claim 1, in, Multiple cooling paths are arranged in the housing assembly so as to be spaced apart from each other, and At least a portion of the spacing between the cooling paths has different spacing from each other.

15. A battery pack comprising at least one battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. A vehicle comprising at least one battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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