Battery module, battery pack, comprising a battery module, and vehicle, comprising the battery pack

Abstract

Battery module (10), comprising: a plurality of stacked battery cells (100), each having electrode leads (150) protruding from at least one side; and a busbar assembly (200) configured to electrically connect the electrode leads (150) of the plurality of battery cells (100) and having at least one conductor slot (250) through which the electrode leads (150) of two adjacent battery cells (100) run together, the busbar assembly (200) contains: a busbar frame (210) configured to cover the plurality of battery cells (100) and having at least one conductor slot (250); and at least one busbar (280) mounted on one side of the busbar frame (210) and connected to the electrode leads (150) which run together through the at least one lead slot (250), wherein two electrode leads (150) which pass together through the at least one lead slot (250) are bent in the same direction to come into contact with each other.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery module, a battery pack containing the battery module, and a vehicle containing the battery pack.

[0002] The present application claims priority over Korean patent application No. 10-2016-0025747, which was filed in the Republic of Korea on March 3, 2016, and the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. STATE OF THE ART

[0003] Secondary batteries, ideally suited for various products and possessing superior electrical properties such as high energy density, are frequently used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) powered by electrical sources. Secondary batteries are seen as a new energy source for increasing energy efficiency and environmental friendliness, as they can significantly reduce the use of fossil fuels and produce no byproducts during energy consumption.

[0004] Commonly used secondary batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium-polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and similar types. The operating voltage of a single secondary battery cell in a unit is approximately 2.5 V to 4.2 V. Therefore, if a higher output voltage is required, multiple battery cells can be connected in series to configure a battery pack. Furthermore, depending on the required charge / discharge capacity, multiple battery cells can be connected in parallel to configure a battery pack. Thus, the number of battery cells included in a battery pack can vary according to the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0005] Meanwhile, when a large number of battery cells are connected in series or parallel to configure a battery pack, it is common to first configure a battery module consisting of at least one battery cell, and then to configure a battery pack by using at least one battery module and adding further components.

[0006] A conventional battery module contains a multitude of stacked battery cells and a busbar assembly for electrically connecting electrode leads of the multitude of battery cells.

[0007] The busbar assembly includes a busbar frame with conduit slots through which the electrode leads of the battery cells run individually, and a busbar mounted on the busbar frame with busbar slots corresponding to the number of conduit slots, so that the busbar is connected to the electrode leads running through the busbar slots by welding or similar means.

[0008] However, since the number of slots is required in a conventional battery module just as much as the number of electrode cells, the number of slots increases proportionally to the number of electrode leads. As the number of slots increases, the spacing between them on the busbar frame also becomes relatively narrower, which can reduce the efficiency of the assembly process, as the probability of an assembly error, such as incorrect installation, increases proportionally to the number of electrode leads.

[0009] Therefore, it is necessary to find a way to improve the efficiency of the assembly process for the battery module when the busbar assembly is mounted to the battery cell. REVELATION Technical Problem

[0010] The present disclosure aims to provide a battery module that can improve the efficiency of the assembly process when a busbar assembly is mounted on a battery cell, a battery pack containing the battery module, and a vehicle containing the battery pack. Technical solution

[0011] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a battery module is provided comprising: a plurality of stacked battery cells, each having electrode leads protruding from at least one side thereof; and a busbar assembly configured to electrically connect the electrode leads of the plurality of battery cells and having at least one conductor slot through which electrode leads of two adjacent battery cells pass together.

[0012] The busbar assembly may include: a busbar frame configured to cover the plurality of battery cells and having at least one conductor slot; and at least one busbar mounted on one side of the busbar frame and connected to the electrode leads, which pass together through the at least one conductor slot.

[0013] The busbar frame can include at least one through-guide provided on the other side of the busbar frame to guide the electrode leads of the two adjacent battery cells so that they pass through the at least one conductor slot.

[0014] The at least one through-guide may include: a first guide formed on the other side of the busbar frame to guide the electrode lead of one of the two adjacent battery cells so that it passes through the at least one conductor slot; and a second guide arranged to be spaced apart from the first guide, with the at least one conductor slot inserted between them to guide the electrode lead of the other of the two adjacent battery cells so that it passes through the at least one conductor slot.

[0015] The width between the first guide and the second guide can decrease as it gets closer to the at least one conduit slot.

[0016] At least one of the first guide and the second guide can be inclined towards the at least one conduit slot.

[0017] The at least one through-passage can be provided in a number corresponding to the number of at least one cable slot.

[0018] Two electrode leads that run together through the at least one lead slot can be bent in the same direction to come into contact with each other.

[0019] Two electrode leads that run together through at least one lead slot can be integrally bent.

[0020] Furthermore, the present disclosure provides a battery pack comprising: at least one battery module according to the above embodiments; and a pack housing configured to package the at least one battery module.

[0021] Furthermore, the present disclosure provides a vehicle comprising at least one battery pack according to the embodiment above. Beneficial effects

[0022] According to various embodiments as above, it is possible to provide a battery module that can improve the efficiency of the assembly process when a busbar assembly is mounted on a battery cell, a battery pack containing the battery module, and a vehicle containing the battery pack. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The accompanying drawings illustrate a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure and, together with the preceding disclosure, serve to provide a further understanding of the technical features of the present disclosure, and therefore the present disclosure is not to be interpreted as being limited to the drawing. Fig. Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective exploded view showing the battery module of Fig. 1 shows. Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a battery cell of the battery module. Fig. 2 shows. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing a busbar frame of a busbar assembly attached to the battery module of Fig. 2 is appropriate. Fig. 5 is a front view showing the busbar frame of Fig. 4 shows. Fig. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view along the section line AA' of Fig. 5. Fig. 7 is a front view showing the battery module of Fig. 1 shows. Fig. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view along line BB' of Fig. 7. Fig. Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. BEST EXECUTION

[0024] The present disclosure becomes clearer through the detailed description of the embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein serve only to illustrate the present disclosure and that the present disclosure can be modified in various ways. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, the accompanying drawings are not drawn to scale, but the dimensions of some components may be exaggerated.

[0025] Fig. Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective exploded view showing the battery module of Fig. 1 shows, Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a battery cell of the battery module. Fig. 2 shows, Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing a busbar frame of a busbar assembly attached to the battery module of Fig. 2 is appropriate, Fig. 5 is a front view showing the busbar frame of Fig. 4 shows, and Fig. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view along the section line AA' of Fig. 5.

[0026] With reference to the Fig. 1 to 6 can contain a battery module 10, a battery cell 100 and a busbar assembly 200.

[0027] The battery cell 100 is a secondary battery and can be a pouch-type secondary battery. The battery cell 100 can be provided in multiples, and multiple battery cells 100 can be stacked on top of each other in such a way that they are electrically connected.

[0028] Each of the multitude of battery cells 100 can contain an electrode assembly 110, a battery casing 130, an electrode lead 150 and an insulating tape 170.

[0029] The electrode assembly 110 can contain a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator. The electrode assembly 110 is well-known in the field and will not be described in detail here.

[0030] The battery housing 130 is used to package the electrode assembly 110 and can consist of a laminate board containing a resin layer and a metal layer. The battery housing 130 can include a housing body 132 and a housing tray 135.

[0031] The housing body 132 can accommodate the electrode assembly 110. For this purpose, the housing body 132 can have a receiving space capable of accommodating the electrode assembly 110.

[0032] The housing terrace 135 extends from the housing body 132 and may be sealed to keep the electrode assembly 110 airtight. On one side of the housing terrace 135, in particular on a front section (+X-axis direction) and a rear section (-X-axis direction) of the housing terrace 135, the electrode line 150, which will be explained later, may be partially exposed.

[0033] The electrode lead 150 can be electrically connected to the electrode assembly 110. The electrode leads 150 can be provided in pairs. A section of the pair of electrode leads 150 can protrude from the housing terrace 135 at a front section (+X-axis direction) or a rear section (-X-axis direction) of the battery housing 130.

[0034] The insulating tape 170 can prevent a short circuit between the battery housing 130 and the electrode lead 150 and improve the sealing performance of the housing terrace 135.

[0035] The insulating tape 170 can be provided in a quantity corresponding to the number of electrode leads 150. Accordingly, the insulating tape 170 can be provided in pairs. A section of the pair of insulating tapes 170 can protrude from the housing terrace 135 at a front part (+X-axis direction) or a rear part (-X-axis direction) of the battery housing 130.

[0036] The busbar assembly 200 is used to electrically connect the electrode leads 150 of the plurality of battery cells 100 and can cover the plurality of battery cells 100 so that it is electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells 100.

[0037] This busbar assembly 200 can cover the multitude of battery cells 100 in a protruding direction (X-axis direction) of the electrode leads 150 of the multitude of battery cells 100.

[0038] For this purpose, the busbar assembly 200 can be provided in pairs. The pair of busbar assemblies 200 can cover the plurality of battery cells 100 in such a way that the electrode leads 150 projecting from a front section (+X-axis direction) of the plurality of battery cells 100 and the electrode leads 150 projecting from a rear section (-X-axis direction) of the plurality of battery cells 100 are electrically connected.

[0039] The pair of busbar assemblies 200 can contain a busbar frame 210, a busbar 280 or an ICB board 290.

[0040] The busbar frame 210 can cover the front section (+X-axis direction) or the rear section (-X-axis direction) of the plurality of battery cells 100. For this purpose, the busbar frame 210 can have an area corresponding to the front section (+X-axis direction) or the rear section (-X-axis direction) of the plurality of battery cells 100.

[0041] The busbar frame 210 can include a busbar mounting projection 230, a circuit board mounting section 240, a conductor slot 250 and a through guide 260.

[0042] The busbar mounting projection 230 is used for mounting a busbar 280, which will be explained later, and can be provided on one side of the busbar frame 210, in particular on a front surface 212 of the busbar frame 210.

[0043] The circuit board mounting section 240 is used for mounting the ICB circuit board 290 and can be provided on the front surface 212 of the busbar frame 210 and form a predetermined receiving space for receiving the ICB circuit board 290.

[0044] The conductor slot 250 is used to allow the electrode leads 150 to pass through the multitude of battery cells 100 and can be formed along a vertical direction (Z-axis direction) of the busbar frame 210.

[0045] This conductor slot 250 allows the electrode leads 150 of two adjacent battery cells 100 to pass through it together. In other words, a conductor slot 250 allows the electrode leads 150 of two adjacent battery cells 100 to pass through it together. That is, in this embodiment, the electrode leads 150 of two opposite battery cells 100 can pass through a single conductor slot 250 together.

[0046] The conductor slot 250 can be provided in a plurality, and the plurality of conductor slots 250 can be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance along a lateral direction (Y-axis direction) of the busbar frame 210.

[0047] The number of conductor slots 250 can be provided such that it corresponds to half the number of battery cells 100. This is because, in this embodiment, each conductor slot 250 allows the electrode leads 150 of two adjacent battery cells 100 to pass through it together.

[0048] Accordingly, in this embodiment the number of conductor slots, which are conventionally produced according to the number of battery cells, can be reduced by half, making it easy to produce the conductor slots 250 in the busbar frame 210 and to widen the width of the conductor slots 250 relatively.

[0049] The through-guide 260 is used to guide the electrode leads 150 of the two adjacent battery cells 100 through the guide slot 250 and can be provided on the other side of the busbar frame 210, in particular on a rear surface 216 of the busbar frame 210.

[0050] The guide 260 can form a predetermined guide space in the rear surface 216 of the busbar frame 210, allowing the two electrode leads 150 to come close to each other before being guided through the cable slot 250. For this purpose, the width of the guide space can decrease from the rear section (-X-axis direction) of the busbar frame 210 towards the front section (+X-axis direction) of the busbar frame 210 with the cable slot 250.

[0051] The through-guide 260 can be provided in multiples. The number of through-guides 260 can correspond to the number of multiple conductor slots 250. Accordingly, the electrode leads 150 from two adjacent battery cells can form pairs under the multiple battery cells 100 and then pass through the corresponding conductor slot 250 after being guided through the through-guide 260.

[0052] The multitude of guides 260 can contain a first guide 262 or a second guide 266.

[0053] The first guide 262 is formed on the other side 216 of the busbar frame 210, namely on the rear surface 216 of the busbar frame 210, and can guide the electrode lead 150 of any one of the two adjacent battery cells 100 so that it passes through the lead slot 250.

[0054] The second guide 266 can be spaced apart from the first guide 262, with the conductor slot 250 inserted between them, and the electrode conductor 150 of the other of the two adjacent battery cells 100 can be guided so that it passes through the conductor slot 250.

[0055] The width between the second guide 266 and the first guide 262 can be gradually reduced as it gets closer to the conductor slot 250, so that the electrode leads 150 of the two adjacent battery cells 100, which form a pair, can easily pass through the conductor slot 250. For this purpose, at least one of the second guide 266 and the first guide 262 can be inclined towards the conductor slot 250.

[0056] The busbar 280 is mounted on one side of the busbar frame 210, in particular on the front surface 212 of the busbar frame 210, and can be connected to the electrode leads 150, which run together through the plurality of lead slots 250.

[0057] The busbar 280 can be provided in pairs. The pair of busbars 280 can include a frame mounting groove 282 or a busbar slot 285.

[0058] The busbar mounting projection 230 of the busbar frame 210 can be inserted into the frame mounting groove 282 when the busbar frame 210 is mounted to the busbar 280.

[0059] The busbar slot 285 allows at least one section of the electrode leads 150, which run through the lead slots 250, to pass through a front section (+X-axis direction) of the busbar 280. In this embodiment, two electrode leads 150, which run together through the lead slots 250, can be bent after passing through the busbar slot 285 or bent at both ends (Y-axis direction) of the busbar 280 and connected to the busbar 280 by welding or similar means.

[0060] Since in this embodiment sections of two electrode leads 150 run through the conductor slots 250 at both ends (Y-axis direction) of the busbar 280 and are connected to the busbar 280, the number of busbar slots 285 does not have to correspond to the number of conductor slots 250.

[0061] Accordingly, in this embodiment it is possible to secure more area for the busbar 280, thereby increasing the cross-sectional area of ​​the busbar 280 through which current flows. Therefore, in this embodiment, when current flows through the busbar 280, the resistance of the busbar 280 can be minimized, effectively preventing overheating of the busbar 280.

[0062] The following describes in more detail a method for assembling the battery module 100 and the busbar assembly 200 of the battery module 10 according to this embodiment.

[0063] Fig. 7 is a front view showing the battery module of Fig. 1 shows, and Fig. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view along line BB' of Fig. 7.

[0064] With reference to the Fig. 7 and Fig. 8. The multiple battery cells 100 can be assembled with the pair of busbar assemblies 200 for mutual electrical connection and voltage sensing. To facilitate explanation, the procedure for mounting the multiple battery cells 100 and the busbar assembly 200 on a front section (+X-axis direction) of the multiple battery cells 100 is described below.

[0065] In this configuration, the electrode leads 150 from two adjacent battery cells 100 can run together through the conductor slot 250 provided in a front section (+X-axis direction) of the multiple battery cells 100. Accordingly, the battery module 10 of this embodiment can improve the efficiency of the assembly process for the multiple battery cells 100 and the busbar assembly 200.

[0066] At this point, the housing terraces 135 of the two adjacent battery cells 100 and the electrode leads 150 protruding from the housing terraces 135 can first be guided from the passage guide 260 to a front section (+X-axis direction) of the busbar frame 210 in order to help the electrode leads 150 to pass more easily through the conductor slot 250.

[0067] Afterwards, the housing terraces 135 and the electrode leads 150 of the two adjacent battery cells 100 can be guided by the first guide 262 and the second guide 266 respectively, in order to be able to come close to each other when they move towards the front section (+X-axis direction) of the busbar frame 210.

[0068] In this embodiment, not only the electrode leads 150 of the two adjacent battery cells 100, which move closer to each other through the passage guide 260, but also the housing terraces 135 of the two adjacent battery cells 100 can be guided on a rear section (-X axis direction) of the busbar frame 210.

[0069] Accordingly, in this embodiment the electrode leads 150 can more easily pass through the conductor slot 250 by moving the housing terraces 135 from a rear section (-X axis direction) of the busbar frame 210 to the passage guide 260.

[0070] Afterwards, two electrode leads 150, which run together through the conductor slot 250, can be bent after passing through the busbar slot 285 of the busbar 280, or bent at both ends (Y-axis direction) of the busbar 280 and then connected to the busbar 280.

[0071] At this point, two electrode leads 150, which run together through the conductor slot 250, can be bent in the same direction and then connected to the busbar 280 by welding or similar means. In other words, two electrode leads 150, which run together through the conductor slot 250, can be integrally bent together in the same direction and connected to the busbar 280 by welding or similar means.

[0072] Accordingly, in this embodiment, the electrode leads 150 can be bent less frequently, which can further improve the efficiency of the assembly process. Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the ends of two electrode leads 150, which run together through the lead slot 250, are bent in the same direction, both ends of the two electrode leads 150 are exposed. Therefore, in this embodiment, the weld quality of the electrode leads 150 can be further improved, as the weld condition of both electrode leads 150 can be fully monitored during the welding process.

[0073] As described above, the battery module 10 of this embodiment can significantly improve the efficiency of the assembly process when the multitude of battery cells 100 and the busbar assembly 200 are mounted.

[0074] Fig. Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0075] With reference to Fig. 9 can include a battery pack 1, at least one battery module 10 according to the preceding embodiment and a pack housing 50 for packaging the at least one battery module 10.

[0076] Battery pack 1 can be provided to a vehicle as its fuel source. For example, battery pack 1 can be provided to an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, and various other vehicle types capable of using battery pack 1 as a fuel source. Furthermore, battery pack 1 can also be used in other devices, instruments, or systems, such as an energy storage system, in addition to the vehicle, utilizing a secondary battery.

[0077] As described above, the battery pack 1 of this embodiment and devices, instruments or systems such as a vehicle that incorporate the battery pack 1 include the battery module 10 as described above, and therefore it is possible to implement a battery pack 1 with all the advantages of the battery module 10 described above or devices, instruments, systems or the like such as a vehicle that incorporate the battery pack 1.

[0078] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described and that various changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present disclosure by those skilled in the art, and that these changes should not be understood individually from the technical ideas and views of the present disclosure. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] KR 10-2016-0025747

[0002]

Images