Battery module assembly

Abstract

A battery module assembly includes: a frame; a plurality of battery modules accommodated in the lower portion of the frame, each of the plurality of battery modules including a battery cell; and a protective cover extending across a lower portion of the battery module and protecting the lower portion of the battery module. The frame comprises a plurality of supporting and fixing parts, and the plurality of supporting and fixing parts extend in the extending length direction of each battery module in the battery modules and support the two sides of each battery module in the plurality of battery modules. The battery module further includes a fastening flange protruding from the side of the battery module adjacent to the supporting and fixing portion and overlapping the supporting and fixing portion in a vertical direction intersecting the length direction, and the battery module is fixed to the lower portion of the frame by using a fixing member, the fixing member extends through the fastening flange from an underside of the fastening flange and is received in the support fixing portion.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0039396 filed on March 26, 2023, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0101740 filed on August 3, 2023, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] Aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a battery module assembly. Background Art

[0003] Secondary batteries are designed to be rechargeable and dischargeable many times, so they can be reused. Secondary batteries are used as energy sources for devices such as mobile devices, electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, electric bicycles, and uninterruptible power supplies. Depending on the type of external device using the secondary battery, a single-cell secondary battery or a multi-cell secondary battery including a plurality of cells connected to each other in one unit is used. Utility Model Content

[0004] Embodiments of the present disclosure include a battery module assembly including a battery module configured to be easily fixed to a support fixing portion of a frame by using a fastening flange.

[0005] Additional aspects and features of the disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the described embodiments of the disclosure.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a battery module assembly includes: a frame; a plurality of battery modules accommodated in a lower portion of the frame, each of the plurality of battery modules including a battery cell; and a protective cover extending across the lower portion of the plurality of battery modules and protecting the lower portion of the plurality of battery modules. The frame includes a plurality of supporting and fixing portions extending in a length direction in which each of the plurality of battery modules extends and configured to support both sides of each of the plurality of battery modules. The plurality of battery modules further include fastening flanges protruding from the sides of the battery modules adjacent to the plurality of supporting and fixing portions and overlapping with the plurality of supporting and fixing portions in a vertical direction intersecting the length direction, and the plurality of battery modules are fixed to the lower portion of the frame by using a fixing member extending from a lower side of the fastening flange through the fastening flange and accommodated in the plurality of supporting and fixing portions.

[0007] The plurality of battery modules may be arranged in a second direction intersecting a first direction in which the front and rear sides of the frame face each other.

[0008] The length direction along which each of the plurality of battery modules extends may be the first direction.

[0009] The fastening flanges may be provided at both sides of each of the plurality of battery modules in the second direction such that a plurality of the fastening flanges are arranged at intervals along each of both sides of each of the plurality of battery modules in the first direction.

[0010] The fastening flanges may be asymmetrically provided at both sides of each of the plurality of battery modules such that the fastening flanges do not overlap each other at battery modules adjacent to each other in the second direction.

[0011] The fastening flange may protrude at a position closer to a lower end of each of the plurality of battery modules than to an upper end of each of the plurality of battery modules.

[0012] The battery module assembly may further include a bus bar fixed to the frame, and the plurality of battery modules adjacent to each other in the second direction may be electrically connected to each other through the bus bar.

[0013] The bus bar may extend in the second direction, and the plurality of battery modules adjacent to each other in the second direction may be electrically connected to each other through the bus bar.

[0014] Each of the plurality of battery modules may further include an upper shell extending in the first direction and disposed toward the frame, and a lower shell extending in the first direction and opposite to the upper shell. The upper shell may have a first side portion extending in the vertical direction from both sides of the upper shell in the second direction toward the lower shell, and the lower shell may have a second side portion extending in the vertical direction from both sides of the lower shell in the second direction toward the upper shell.

[0015] The first side portion may be longer than the second side portion in the vertical direction.

[0016] Each of the multiple battery modules may further include a terminal shell, which connects the upper shell and the lower shell to each other at both ends of the corresponding battery module in the first direction, and at least one of the upper shell, the lower shell and the terminal shell may include a welding line formed on an edge that contacts another one of the upper shell, the lower shell and the terminal shell.

[0017] The battery cell may include a first exhaust port in a lower portion of the battery cell configured to exhaust gas, and each of the plurality of battery modules may further include a gas flow path in an inner lower side of the battery module to guide the gas.

[0018] Each of the plurality of battery modules may further include a second exhaust port in the terminal housing and connected to the gas flow path to exhaust the gas to an external area.

[0019] Each of the plurality of battery modules may further include a heat transfer sheet extending in the first direction between the battery cell and the upper case.

[0020] The upper case may have a cooling path therein, and the cooling path may extend in the first direction and may be configured to cool the corresponding battery module. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The above and other aspects and features of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0022] Figure 1 is a top perspective view of a battery module assembly according to one embodiment;

[0023] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A bottom perspective view of a battery module assembly shown in FIG.

[0024] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 and Figure 2 A bottom view of the battery module assembly shown in FIG. 1 with the protective cover removed from the battery module assembly;

[0025] Figure 4 It is along Figure 3 An exploded cross-sectional perspective view of the battery module assembly taken along line AA';

[0026] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 to Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a battery module assembly shown in FIG.

[0027] Figure 6 is a top view of a frame according to an embodiment;

[0028] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 to Figure 5 An exploded perspective view of a battery module assembly shown in FIG.

[0029] Figure 8 is a plan view of battery modules arranged side by side according to an embodiment;

[0030] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment;

[0031] Fig.10 yes Fig. 9 A front view of the battery module shown in FIG.

[0032] Fig.11 is a side view illustrating a battery module according to an embodiment;

[0033] Fig.12 yes Figures 9 to 11 An exploded perspective view of the battery module shown in FIG.

[0034] Fig.13 yes Figures 9 to 12 0 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module shown in FIG. 1 with a housing removed from the battery module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In this regard, the described embodiments may have different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the descriptions set forth herein. Accordingly, the embodiments are described below only by reference to the drawings to explain aspects and features of the present description.

[0036] It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, directly connected to, or directly coupled to the other element or layer, or there may be one or more intervening elements or layers. When an element or layer is referred to as being "directly on," "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers. For example, when a first element is described as being "coupled to" or "connected to" a second element, the first element may be directly coupled or connected to the second element, or the first element may be indirectly coupled or connected to the second element via one or more intervening elements.

[0037] In the drawings, for the clarity of illustration, the sizes of various elements, layers, etc. may be exaggerated. The same reference numerals refer to the same elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more related listed items. Further, "may" be used to relate to "one or more embodiments of the present disclosure" when describing the embodiments of the present disclosure. Statements such as "at least one of..." and "any of..." modify the entire element list when following the element list, rather than modifying the individual elements of the list. For example, the statement "at least one of a, b, and c" represents only a, only b, only c, both a and b, both a and c, both b and c, all of a, b, and c, or variations thereof. As used herein, the term "use" may be considered to be synonymous with the term "utilize". As used herein, the terms "substantially," "about," and similar terms are used as approximate terms, not as degree terms, and are intended to take into account the inherent variation of measured or calculated values ​​that will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0038] It will be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another element, component, region, layer, or section. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0039] For ease of description, spatially relative terms such as "below," "beneath," "below," "above," and "on" may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" or "on" the other elements or features. Thus, the term "below" can encompass both above and below orientations. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0040] The terms used in this article are for the purpose of describing the embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular form "one" is intended to also include the plural form, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprising" and / or "including" when used in this specification specify the presence of the features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or their groups.

[0041] Hereinafter, a battery module assembly according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] Figure 1 is a top perspective view of a battery module assembly 1 according to one embodiment.

[0043] refer to Figure 1 According to one embodiment, the battery module assembly 1 may include a frame 2 , a battery module 4 and a central regulating unit 7 .

[0044] According to one embodiment, the frame 2 can accommodate and protect the battery module 4. The frame 2 can also accommodate and protect the central adjustment unit 7. The frame 2 can have a front direction (or front side) and a rear direction (or rear side). The direction in which the front and rear sides of the frame 2 are connected to each other (or opposite to each other) can be defined as the x-axis direction. The direction in which the front and rear sides of the frame 2 are connected to each other or the direction from the front side to the rear side of the frame 2 can be defined as the first direction. The side of the frame 2 that accommodates the central adjustment unit 7 can be referred to as the front side of the frame 2. The frame 2 can have an upward direction (or upper side) and a downward direction (or lower side). The direction in which the upper and lower sides of the frame 2 are connected to each other (or opposite to each other) can be defined as the z-axis direction. The battery module 4 can be assembled to the frame 2 by moving the battery module 4 from the lower side of the frame 2 to the upper side. However, the direction of the frame 2 is not limited to the above description.

[0045] The frame 2 may form the exterior (e.g., appearance and structure) of the battery module assembly 1. The frame 2 may support the battery module assembly 1. The frame 2 may be a body frame forming the skeleton of a vehicle (e.g., a car). The frame 2 may be a chassis of a car. However, the purpose and application of the frame 2 are not limited thereto.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the battery module 4 can store electric energy. The battery module 4 can be accommodated in the lower part of the frame 2. The battery module 4 can be located in the lower part of the frame 2 and fixed to the lower part of the frame 2. The battery module 4 can be detachably attached to the frame 2. The battery module 4 can be coupled to the frame 2 in the direction from the lower side of the frame 2 to (or toward) the upper side. The battery module 4 can be detached from the frame 2 in the downward direction of the frame 2. The battery module assembly 1 may include a plurality of battery modules 4. However, the method of attaching the battery module 4 to the frame 2 or detaching the battery module 4 from the frame 2 is not limited to the above description.

[0047] The battery module 4 may extend in the length direction. The battery module 4 may extend in the first direction. The battery module 4 may extend in the first direction and thus may have a length in the first direction. The first direction may be a direction in which the front and rear sides of the frame 2 are connected to each other. The first direction may be an x-axis direction. However, the shape of the battery module 4 is not limited to the above description.

[0048] The battery modules 4 may be arranged side by side. The battery modules 4 may be arranged along a second direction. The second direction may intersect the first direction. The second direction may have an angle with the first direction (e.g., may not be parallel to the first direction). The angle between the second direction and the first direction may be approximately a right angle. The second direction may be the y-axis direction. However, the method of arranging the battery modules 4 and the direction of the second direction are not limited to the above description.

[0049] According to an embodiment, the frame 2 may include a rib 22. The rib 22 may support the frame 2 from the inside of the frame 2. The rib 22 may extend in the second direction. The frame 2 may include a plurality of ribs 22. The rib 22 may be provided on the upper side of the battery module 4 (e.g., may be above the battery module 4). The number of the ribs 22 may be two or more. However, the shape of the rib 22 and the number of the ribs 22 are not limited thereto.

[0050] According to an embodiment, the frame 2 may include a support and fixing portion 20. The support and fixing portion 20 may support and fix the battery module 4. The support and fixing portion 20 may extend in the length direction in which each battery module 4 extends. The support and fixing portion 20 may extend in the first direction. The middle portion of the support and fixing portion 20 may be supported by the rib 22. The support and fixing portion 20 may support both sides of each battery module 4. The support and fixing portion 20 may support both sides of each battery module 4 in the second direction. The support and fixing portion 20 may extend in the length direction in which each battery module 4 extends. The frame 2 may include a plurality of support and fixing portions 20. The support and fixing portions 20 may be arranged along the second direction (e.g., may be adjacent to each other in the second direction). The support and fixing portion 20 may be provided between the battery modules 4 arranged along the second direction. The battery module 4 may be arranged between the support and fixing portions 20 arranged along the second direction. However, the arrangement of the support and fixing portion 20 and the battery module 4 is not limited thereto.

[0051] According to an embodiment, the central regulating unit 7 may control the battery module 4. The central regulating unit 7 may control (e.g., may be configured to control) the battery module 4 to distribute the power supplied from the battery module 4. The central regulating unit 7 may control the battery module 4 to distribute the power to the battery module 4. The central regulating unit 7 may be electrically connected to the battery module 4. The central regulating unit 7 may receive power from the battery module 4. The central regulating unit 7 may wirelessly control the battery module 4. The central regulating unit 7 may communicate with the battery module 4. The central regulating unit 7 and the battery module 4 may communicate with each other through a daisy chain method. The central regulating unit 7 may obtain information about the state of charge (SOC) of the battery module 4. During the operation of charging or discharging the battery module 4, the central regulating unit 7 may use the information about the SOC of each battery module 4 to select the battery module 4 to be charged or discharged. The central regulating unit 7 may be a battery management system (BMS). However, the battery module control method or communication method of the central regulating unit 7 is not limited thereto.

[0052] Figure 2 is a bottom perspective view of a battery module assembly 1 according to an embodiment.

[0053] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 According to one embodiment, the battery module assembly 1 may include a protective cover 10. According to one embodiment, the protective cover 10 may protect the lower portion of the battery module 4. The protective cover 10 may protect the lower portion of the frame 2. The protective cover 10 may be fixed to the lower portion of the frame 2. The protective cover 10 may be arranged across the lower portion of the battery module 4 (e.g., may cover the lower portion of the battery module 4). However, the function and role of the protective cover 10 are not limited to the above description.

[0054] Figure 31 is a bottom view of a battery module assembly 1 according to an embodiment, with the protection cover 10 removed from the battery module assembly 1 . Figure 4 It is along Figure 3 An exploded cross-sectional perspective view of the battery module assembly 1 taken along line AA'. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module assembly 1 according to an embodiment.

[0055] refer to Figure 3 to Figure 5 According to an embodiment, the battery module 4 may include a fastening flange 422. The fastening flange 422 may fix the battery module 4 to the lower portion of the frame 2. The fastening flange 422 may protrude from an end of the battery module 4. The fastening flange 422 may protrude from an end of the battery module 4 (particularly, a side of the battery module adjacent to the support fixing portion 20) toward the support fixing portion 20. The fastening flange 422 may protrude from a side of the battery module 4 to overlap the support fixing portion 20 in a vertical direction. The fastening flange 422 may protrude from a lateral surface of the battery module 4 in the second direction.

[0056] According to one embodiment, each battery module 4 may include a plurality of fastening flanges 422. The fastening flanges 422 may be arranged along a first direction (e.g., may be adjacent in the first direction). The fastening flanges 422 may be arranged at intervals (e.g., at regular intervals or predetermined intervals) along a first direction (e.g., from the end of the battery module along the side of the battery module and between the ends of the battery module). The fastening flanges 422 may be independently (or individually) arranged on both sides of each battery module 4. The fastening flanges 422 may be arranged on both sides of each battery module 4 in the second direction. Both sides of each battery module 4 may face the support fixing portion 20. The fastening flanges 422 may be formed on both sides of each battery module 4 at intervals (e.g., at regular intervals or predetermined intervals) in the first direction. However, the function and arrangement of the fastening flanges 422 are not limited thereto.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the battery module assembly 1 may include a fixing member (e.g., a screw, a bolt, a rivet, etc.) 43 for fixing the battery module 4 to the frame 2. The fixing member 43 may fix the battery module 4 to the frame 2. The fixing member 43 may fix the battery module 4 to the support fixing portion 20. The fixing member 43 may be inserted into an insertion hole (e.g., an insertion opening) 4220 in the fastening flange 422. The fixing member 43 may be fixed to the fastening flange 422. The fixing member 43 may be fixed in a direction from the lower side to the upper side of the frame 2. However, the method of fixing the battery module 4 to the frame 2 is not limited thereto.

[0058] Figure 6 is a plan view of a frame 2 according to an embodiment.

[0059] refer to Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 6 According to an embodiment, the support fixing portion 20 of the frame 2 may have a fastening hole (e.g., a fastening opening) 200. The fastening hole 200 may accommodate the fixing member 43 and fix the fixing member 43. The fixing member 43 may be inserted into the fastening hole 200 and fixed to the fastening hole 200. The fixing member 43 may be inserted into the fastening hole 200 in the support fixing portion 20 in a direction from the lower side to the upper side of the frame 2. The fastening hole 200 may be concentric (e.g., aligned) with the insertion hole 4220 in the fastening flange 422. The fixing member 43 may be inserted into the insertion hole 4220 in the fastening flange 422 and fixed to the fastening hole 200 in the support fixing portion 20. The fixing member 43 may penetrate (e.g., may extend through) the fastening flange 422 from the lower side of the fastening flange 422 and may be accommodated in the support fixing portion 20. Non-limiting examples of the fixing member 43 may include screws, bolts, and rivets.

[0060] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module assembly 1 according to an embodiment.

[0061] See also Figure 7 According to one embodiment, the battery module assembly 1 may include a bus bar 6. The bus bar 6 may transmit electrical energy, and the bus bar 6 may electrically connect the battery module 4 and the central regulating unit 7 to each other. The battery module assembly 1 may include a plurality of bus bars 6. The bus bar 6 may extend in the second direction. The bus bar 6 may electrically connect the battery modules 4 to each other. The bus bar 6 may connect the battery modules 4 to each other in series or in parallel. The bus bar 6 may be connected to an end of the battery module 4. The bus bar 6 may be connected to a bus bar accommodating portion of the battery module 4. The bus bar 6 may be fixed to the frame 2. The bus bar 6 may be a quick-connect bus bar. However, the function and role of the bus bar 6 are not limited thereto.

[0062] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 7According to one embodiment, the battery module assembly 1 may be configured so that the battery module 4 may be coupled to or separated from the lower side of the frame 2. The battery module 4 may be attached to or detached from the battery module assembly 1 as needed. The battery module assembly 1 may be configured so that the battery module 4 may be individually detached from the frame 2 without having to disassemble the battery pack as a whole. The battery module assembly 1 may be configured so that each battery module 4 may be easily attached and detached. The battery module assembly 1 may provide a space-efficient power supply system by fixing the battery module 4 to the frame 2 using a fixing member 43. The battery module assembly 1 may provide a power supply system from which the battery module 4 may be easily detached as needed, and may be easily maintained and repaired. However, the method of separating and installing the battery module 4 is not limited to the above description.

[0063] Figure 8 is a plan view of battery modules 4 arranged side by side according to an embodiment.

[0064] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 8 According to one embodiment, the fastening flanges 422 of adjacent battery modules 4 may not overlap each other. The fastening flanges 422 may be asymmetrically formed on the battery modules 4. The fastening flanges 422 may be asymmetrically formed on both sides of each battery module 4. For example, the fastening flange 422 on one of the battery modules 4 may be offset from the fastening flange 422 on an adjacent one of the battery modules 4 so that they do not overlap or only partially overlap.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the fastening flange 422 may include a first fastening flange 4221 and a second fastening flange 4222. The first fastening flange 4221 may be arranged at intervals (e.g., at regular intervals or predetermined intervals) in the length direction on one side of each battery module 4. The second fastening flange 4222 may be arranged at intervals (e.g., at regular intervals or predetermined intervals) in the length direction on the other side of each battery module 4. The first fastening flange 4221 and the second fastening flange 4222 may be staggered (e.g., offset) in the length direction of the battery module 4. The first fastening flange 4221 and the second fastening flange 4222 may be asymmetric with respect to the battery module 4. In a plan view, the first fastening flange 4221 and the second fastening flange 4222 may be point-symmetric with respect to the center point of the battery module 4. However, the arrangement of the first fastening flange 4221 and the second fastening flange 4222 is not limited thereto.

[0066] If the fastening flanges 422 are asymmetrically formed on both sides of each battery module 4, a space for preventing the fastening flanges 422 from overlapping each other can be provided. If the fastening flanges 422 are asymmetrically formed on both sides of each battery module 4, the distance between adjacent battery modules 4 can be reduced. If the fastening flanges 422 are asymmetrically formed on both sides of each battery module 4, the battery module assembly 1 can have a high degree of space efficiency. For example, if the fastening flanges 422 are asymmetrically formed on both sides of each battery module 4, the distance between adjacent battery modules 4 can be relatively small. For example, if the fastening flanges 422 are asymmetrically formed on both sides of each battery module 4, the distance between adjacent battery modules 4 can be greater than the protruding length of the fastening flanges 422, but less than twice the protruding length of the fastening flanges 422. For example, if the fastening flange 422 is asymmetrically formed on both sides of each battery module 4, the distance between adjacent battery modules 4 may be greater than the protruding length of the fastening flange 422, but less than about 1.5 times the protruding length of the fastening flange 422. For example, if the fastening flange 422 is asymmetrically formed on both sides of each battery module 4, the width of the support fixing portion 20 may be greater than the protruding length of the fastening flange 422, but less than twice the protruding length of the fastening flange 422. For example, if the fastening flange 422 is asymmetrically formed on both sides of each battery module 4, the width of the support fixing portion 20 may be greater than the protruding length of the fastening flange 422, but less than about 1.5 times the protruding length of the fastening flange 422. However, the relationship between the protruding length of the fastening flange 422, the width of the support fixing portion 20, and the distance between adjacent battery modules 4 is not limited thereto. The arrangement of the fastening flange 422 is not limited to the above description. A fastening flange 422 that provides space efficiency for the battery module assembly 1 may be provided in one embodiment of the present disclosure. In another embodiment, the fastening flanges 422 formed on both sides of each battery module 4 may be symmetrical in a plan view and may have different heights.

[0067] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a battery module 4 according to an embodiment. Fig.10 FIG. 4 is a front view of a battery module 4 according to an embodiment. Fig.11 is a side view of a battery module 4 according to an embodiment. Fig.12 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module 4 according to an embodiment.

[0068] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 8 to Figure 12According to an embodiment, the battery module 4 may include a housing 40 that forms the exterior of the battery module 4 and protects the battery module 4. The housing 40 may include an upper housing 41, a lower housing 42, and a terminal housing 45. The housing 40 may include a plurality of terminal housings 45. The terminal housing 45 may include a housing configured to protect the front surface of the battery module 4 and a housing configured to protect the rear surface of the battery module 4. However, the housing 40 of the battery module 4 is not limited to the types described above.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the upper case 41 may cover a portion of the side surface and the upper side of the battery module 4. The upper case 41 may extend in the first direction. The upper case 41 may be disposed toward the frame 2. The upper case 41 may have a first side portion 411. The first side portion 411 may cover a portion of the side surface of the battery module 4. The first side portion 411 may extend downward from both sides of the upper case 41 in the second direction.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the lower case 42 may cover a portion of the side surface and the lower side of the battery module 4. The lower case 42 may extend in the first direction. The lower case 42 may be disposed opposite to the upper case 41. The lower case 42 may have a second side portion 421. The second side portion 421 may cover a portion of the side surface of the battery module 4. The second side portion 421 may extend upward from both sides of the lower case 42 in the second direction.

[0071] According to an embodiment, the first side portion 411 may extend in a vertical direction from both sides of the upper housing 41 in the second direction toward the lower housing 42. According to an embodiment, the second side portion 421 may extend in a vertical direction from both sides of the lower housing 42 in the second direction toward the upper housing 41. The first side portion 411 and the second side portion 421 may contact each other.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the terminal housing 45 may protect the front and rear surfaces of the battery module 4. The terminal housing 45 may connect the upper housing 41 and the lower housing 42 to each other at two ends (e.g., opposite ends) of the housing 40 in the first direction. The terminal housing 45 may include a module control unit 75, a second exhaust port 48, and an external electrode 49. The module control unit 75 may include a communication unit configured to communicate with the central adjustment unit 7. The module control unit 75 may include a control circuit configured to control the battery cells 3 provided (or arranged) inside the battery module 4. The module control unit 75 may be a battery management module (BMM). The second exhaust port 48 may be configured to discharge the internal gas of the battery module 4 to the outside. The external electrode 49 may be a bus bar accommodating portion to which the bus bar 6 is fixed. However, the functions and effects of the terminal housing 45 are not limited to the above description.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the housing 40 may be assembled by welding. Portions of the upper housing 41, the lower housing 42, and the terminal housing 45 that contact each other may be welded together. A welding line 47 may be formed on an edge where at least one of the upper housing 41, the lower housing 42, and the terminal housing 45 contacts another of the upper housing 41, the lower housing 42, and the terminal housing 45. Due to the configuration of the first side portion 411 of the upper housing 41 and the second side portion 421 of the lower housing 42, the number of welding portions for assembling the housing 40 may be reduced. However, the method of assembling the housing 40 is not limited thereto.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the first side portion 411 may be longer than the second side portion 421 in the vertical direction. If the first side portion 411 is longer than the second side portion 421 in the vertical direction, the level at which the first side portion 411 and the second side portion 421 contact each other in the battery module 4 may be closer to the lower side of the battery module 4 than to the upper side of the battery module 4. According to one embodiment, a fastening flange may be formed on the second side portion 421. If the fastening flange 422 is formed on the second side portion 421, the fastening flange 422 may be closer to the lower end of the battery module 4 than to the upper end of the battery module 4. The fastening flange 422 may protrude at a position closer to the lower end of the battery module 4 than to the upper end of the battery module 4. If the fastening flange 422 protrudes at a position closer to the lower end of the battery module 4 than to the upper end of the battery module 4, the battery module 4 may be stably fixed to the inside of the frame 2. However, the shapes and structures of the first side portion 411 , the second side portion 421 , and the fastening flange 422 are not limited thereto.

[0075] Fig.13 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module 4 according to an embodiment in a state where a housing 40 is removed from the battery module 4 .

[0076] refer to Fig.12 and Fig.13 According to an embodiment, the battery module 4 may include a plurality of battery cells 3. Each battery cell 3 may store electrical energy. Each battery cell 3 may include an electrode 30. The bus bar 62 may be connected to the electrode 30. The electrodes 30 of adjacent battery cells 3 may be electrically connected to each other. The battery cells 3 may be electrically connected to each other in series or in parallel. The bus bar 62 may connect the electrodes 30 of adjacent battery cells 3 to each other. The bus bar fixing portion 620 may support the bus bar 62. Each of the bus bars 62 that connect the electrodes 30 of the battery cells 3 to each other may be connected to a control connection unit 621. The control connection unit 621 may be connected to a module control unit 75. The control connection unit 621 may sense (or may detect) information of each battery cell 3, and may transmit the information to the module control unit 75. The control connection unit 621 may include a flexible circuit board. However, the method of electrically connecting the battery cells 3 to each other is not limited to the above description.

[0077] According to an embodiment, the battery cell 3 may include a first exhaust port 31. The first exhaust port 31 may discharge gas from the inside of the battery cell 3 to the outside of the battery cell 3. The first exhaust port 31 may be normally closed. If gas is generated due to an abnormal reaction (or event) inside the battery cell 3, the first exhaust port 31 may be opened (e.g., may burst). The first exhaust port 31 may be provided on the lower side of the battery module 4. However, the function and arrangement of the first exhaust port 31 are not limited thereto.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the battery module 4 may include a first electrical insulating sheet 531 and a second electrical insulating sheet 532. The first electrical insulating sheet 531 may be disposed inside the battery module 4 below the battery cell 3. The first electrical insulating sheet 531 may provide electrical insulation between the lower shell 42 and the battery cell 3. The second electrical insulating sheet 532 may be disposed inside the battery module 4 on both sides of the battery cell 3. The second electrical insulating sheet 532 may provide electrical insulation between the battery cell 3 and the upper shell 41 and / or the lower shell 42. The second electrical insulating sheet 532 may provide electrical insulation between the battery cell 3 and the first side portion 411 and / or the second side portion 421. However, the functions and arrangements of the first electrical insulating sheet 531 and the second electrical insulating sheet 532 are not limited to the above description.

[0079] According to an embodiment, the battery module 4 may include a thermal insulation sheet 54. The thermal insulation sheet 54 may provide thermal insulation for the first electrical insulation sheet 531, so that the gas discharged to the outside of the battery cell 3 through the first exhaust port 31 of a battery cell 3 may not affect the battery cell 3 adjacent to the battery cell 3. The thermal insulation sheet 54 may provide thermal insulation for the first exhaust port 31 of the battery cell 3, so that the gas discharged to the outside of the battery cell 3 through the first exhaust port 31 of a battery cell 3 may not affect the first exhaust port 31 of the battery cell 3 adjacent to the battery cell 3. However, the function and arrangement of the thermal insulation sheet 54 are not limited thereto.

[0080] According to an embodiment, the battery module 4 may include a gas flow path 52. The gas discharged through the first exhaust port 31 may flow through the gas flow path 52. The gas flow path 52 may guide the gas. The gas flow path 52 may be connected to the second exhaust port 48 provided in the terminal housing 45. The gas discharged to the outside of the battery cell 3 through the first exhaust port 31 may flow toward the second exhaust port 48 along the gas flow path 52. However, the method of discharging the gas from the inside of the battery module 4 is not limited thereto.

[0081] refer to Fig. 9 , Fig.10 and Fig.12According to an embodiment, the battery module 4 may include a heat transfer sheet 51. The heat transfer sheet 51 may transfer heat energy generated by the battery cell 3. The heat transfer sheet 51 may extend in the first direction. The heat transfer sheet 51 may be disposed on the upper side of the battery cell 3 within the battery module 4. The heat transfer sheet 51 may transfer heat energy generated by the battery cell 3 to the upper housing 41. The upper housing 41 may absorb heat energy generated by the battery cell 3, and thus the temperature of the battery cell 3 may be maintained at an appropriate level. However, the method of controlling the temperature of the battery cell 3 is not limited thereto.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the upper housing 41 may include a cooling path 412 therein. A cooling liquid may flow through the cooling path 412. The cooling path 412 may cool the battery module 4. The cooling path 412 may cool the upper housing 41. The cooling path 412 may extend in the length direction of the battery module 4. The cooling path 412 may extend in the first direction. The temperature of the battery cell 3 may be adjusted by the cooling path 412. However, the arrangement of the cooling path 412 is not limited to the above description.

[0083] As described above, according to one or more of the above embodiments, the battery module 4 can be easily attached to the battery module assembly 1 or replaced with other battery modules 4 by using the fastening flange 422 configured to be easily fixed to the support fixing portion 20 of the frame 2.

[0084] It should be understood that the embodiments described herein should be considered in a descriptive sense and not for limiting purposes. The description of features or aspects within each embodiment should generally be considered to be applicable to other similar features or aspects in other embodiments. Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described with reference to the figures, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A battery module assembly, characterized in that: The battery module assembly comprises: frame; a plurality of battery modules housed in a lower portion of the frame, each of the plurality of battery modules comprising a battery cell; and a protective cover extending across lower portions of the plurality of battery modules and protecting the lower portions of the plurality of battery modules, wherein the frame comprises a plurality of supporting and fixing portions extending in a length direction in which each of the plurality of battery modules extends and configured to support both sides of each of the plurality of battery modules, wherein the plurality of battery modules further include a fastening flange protruding from the side of the battery module adjacent to the plurality of supporting and fixing portions and overlapping the plurality of supporting and fixing portions in a vertical direction intersecting the length direction, and wherein the plurality of battery modules are fixed to the lower portion of the frame by using a fixing member extending from a lower side of the fastening flange through the fastening flange and being received in the plurality of support fixing portions.

2. The battery module assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plurality of battery modules are arranged along a second direction intersecting a first direction from a front side of the frame toward a rear side of the frame.

3. The battery module assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The length direction along which each of the plurality of battery modules extends is the first direction.

4. The battery module assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: The fastening flanges are provided at both sides of each of the plurality of battery modules in the second direction such that the plurality of fastening flanges are arranged at intervals along each of both sides of each of the plurality of battery modules in the first direction.

5. The battery module assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that: The fastening flanges are asymmetrically provided at both sides of each of the plurality of battery modules such that the fastening flanges do not overlap each other at battery modules adjacent to each other in the second direction.

6. The battery module assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that: The fastening flange protrudes at a position closer to a lower end of each of the plurality of battery modules than to an upper end of each of the plurality of battery modules.

7. The battery module assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: The battery module assembly further includes a bus bar fixed to the frame, The plurality of battery modules adjacent to each other in the second direction are electrically connected to each other through the bus bar.

8. The battery module assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that: The bus bar extends in the second direction.

9. The battery module assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: Each of the plurality of battery modules further includes an upper housing extending in the first direction and disposed toward the frame and a lower housing extending in the first direction and opposite to the upper housing, wherein the upper housing has a first side portion, the first side portion extending in the vertical direction from both sides of the upper housing in the second direction toward the lower housing, and The lower housing has a second side portion, and the second side portion extends in the vertical direction from both sides of the lower housing in the second direction toward the upper housing.

10. The battery module assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that: The first side portion is longer than the second side portion in the vertical direction.

11. The battery module assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that: Each of the plurality of battery modules further includes a terminal housing connecting the upper housing and the lower housing to each other at both ends of the corresponding battery module in the first direction, and At least one of the upper case, the lower case, and the terminal case includes a welding line formed on an edge in contact with another one of the upper case, the lower case, and the terminal case.

12. The battery module assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that: The battery cell includes a first exhaust port in a lower portion of the battery cell and configured to exhaust gas, and Each of the plurality of battery modules further includes a gas flow path in an inner lower side of the battery module to guide the gas.

13. The battery module assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that: Each of the plurality of battery modules further includes a second exhaust port in the terminal housing and connected to the gas flow path to exhaust the gas to an external area.

14. The battery module assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that: Each of the plurality of battery modules further includes a heat transfer sheet extending in the first direction between the battery cell and the upper case.

15. The battery module assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that: The upper case includes a cooling path therein, the cooling path extending in the first direction and configured to cool the corresponding battery module.

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