Battery module and battery pack and vehicle which includes the same

Abstract

Battery module, including: a cell stack containing a large number of battery cells; a compression element arranged on at least one side of the cell stack and inserted into a gap between the battery cells, wherein the compression element is configured to be deformable by external pressure; and a pressure member configured to apply pressure to the compression element on at least one side of the cell stack.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This application is based on and claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0143787, filed on October 25, 2023, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a battery module and a battery pack and a vehicle incorporating the same. STATE OF THE ART

[0003] Secondary batteries, which are easy to apply depending on the product group and have electrical characteristics such as high energy density, are generally used in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) powered by an electric power source, as well as in portable devices. These secondary batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source for improving environmental friendliness and energy efficiency due to the primary advantage of drastically reducing the use of fossil fuels and the additional advantage of not generating by-products resulting from energy consumption.

[0004] Currently widely used secondary batteries include lithium-ion batteries, nickel-calcium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and the like. If a higher output voltage is required, a battery module or battery pack can be configured by connecting a plurality of battery cells in series. Furthermore, a battery module or battery pack can be configured by connecting multiple battery cells in parallel to increase the charge / discharge capacity. Accordingly, the number of battery cells contained in the battery module or battery pack can be varied depending on the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0005] Meanwhile, when configuring a battery pack by connecting a plurality of battery cells in series / parallel, it is common to first configure a battery module including at least one battery cell, and then configure a battery pack or battery compartment using the at least one battery module and add other components. Alternatively, a battery pack in the cell-to-pack form, which does not modularize a plurality of battery cells but directly stores a plurality of battery cells in a pack case or the like, has also been recently produced.

[0006] Meanwhile, since a pouch-shaped battery cell is manufactured by stacking electrodes and a separator, when repeated charge and discharge cycles are used, a sliding phenomenon may occur at the edge of the battery cell, causing the stacked electrodes and separators to press against each other. Accordingly, there is a problem that the thickness of the edge of the battery cell is reduced, thus causing the thickness between the battery cells within the battery cell stack to become uneven. This phenomenon of uneven thickness may lead to local damage to the battery cell during the battery charge and discharge cycle.

[0007] In order to prevent battery cells from swelling during the charge and discharge cycle of the bag-type battery cell in the conventional battery module, a compression member such as double-sided tape or PU pad is placed between battery cells to pressurize the battery cells.

[0008] However, even though the compression element can prevent swelling by pressurizing the battery cell, it is still difficult to minimize the thickness variation between the battery cells because different pressures are applied at local points.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need to develop a structure that can extend the expected lifetime of battery cells by uniformly pressurizing the battery cells and thus minimizing the thickness variation between the battery cells. REVELATION Technical problem

[0010] The present disclosure is designed to solve problems of the related art, and therefore, the present disclosure is directed to providing a battery module that extends the life of a battery cell by minimizing the thickness variation between battery cells, and a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery module.

[0011] However, the technical problems that the present disclosure attempts to solve are not limited to the aforementioned problems and other problems not mentioned above, which will be readily understood by those skilled in the art from the following description of the invention. Technical solution

[0012] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a battery module is provided, comprising: a cell stack including a plurality of battery cells; a compression member disposed on at least one side of the cell stack and inserted into a gap between battery cells, the compression member configured to be shape-deformable by external pressure; and a pressure member configured to pressurize the compression member on the at least one side of the cell stack.

[0013] The compression element can be at least partially inserted between sealing sections of adjacent battery cells.

[0014] The compression element can be at least partially inserted between storage sections of adjacent battery cells.

[0015] The pressing member may be provided in a plurality and may be provided between the sealing portions of the adjacent battery cells.

[0016] The pressure member may be configured to be partially in surface contact with the compression element.

[0017] The pressing member may be configured to extend in a height direction of the battery cell.

[0018] The pressure member may be provided on a side where electrode leads of the battery cell are located.

[0019] The battery module may further comprise a busbar frame coupled to at least one side of the cell stack and configured to compress the compression member toward the cell stack.

[0020] The pressure element can be mounted on the busbar frame.

[0021] The busbar frame may have an at least partially projecting projection configured to contact the pressure member.

[0022] The busbar frame may include a main frame configured to cover one side of the cell stack, and a lower frame bent from a lower portion of the main frame toward the cell stack to cover a lower portion of the compression member.

[0023] The lower frame may include a placement portion configured to place the cell stack thereon and a coupling portion configured to couple the pressure member thereto.

[0024] The cell stack may further include a first blocking member disposed at an outermost side of the cell stack and configured to protrude outwardly instead of the pressing member.

[0025] The cell stack may further include a second blocking member disposed between the battery cells, and a length of the first blocking member may be longer than a length of the second blocking member.

[0026] The present disclosure also provides a battery pack including the battery module according to the present disclosure.

[0027] In addition, the present disclosure provides a vehicle including the battery module according to the present disclosure. Beneficial effects

[0028] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, since the compression member compresses the battery cells uniformly, it is possible to minimize the thickness variation between the battery cells, thereby increasing the expected lifespan of the battery cells. In particular, the performance of the battery cell can be maximized according to this aspect of the present disclosure.

[0029] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the process for coupling battery cells can be simplified. Accordingly, according to this aspect of the present disclosure, the cost and time for manufacturing a battery module can be reduced, thereby increasing productivity.

[0030] Moreover, the present disclosure may have various other effects, which are described in the respective embodiments, while omitting the description of effects that are easily deducible by those skilled in the art. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The accompanying drawings illustrate a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure and, together with the foregoing disclosure, serve to provide a better understanding of the technical features of the present disclosure, and therefore, the present disclosure should not be construed as being limited to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 3 is a plan view showing the battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure before a compression member is coupled to a cell stack. Fig. 4 is a plan view showing the battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in which the compression member is coupled to the cell stack. Fig. 5 is a plan view showing the battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure in which the compression member is coupled to the cell stack. Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing some components of the battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 7 is a plan view showing the battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure before a busbar frame is coupled to the cell stack. Fig. 8 is a plan view showing a portion of the battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in which the busbar frame is coupled to the cell stack. Fig. 8 may, for example, be a cross-sectional view along the line II' of Fig. 1. Fig. 9 is a side view showing a portion of the battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure to which the busbar frame is applied. Fig. 9 may, for example, be a cross-sectional view along the line II-II' of Fig. 1. Fig. 10 is a side view showing a portion of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure to which the busbar frame is applied. Fig. 10 may, for example, be a cross-sectional view along the line II-II' of Fig. 1. Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing a busbar frame included in a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 12 may, for example, be a cross-sectional view along the line II' of Fig. 1. BEST EXECUTION

[0032] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before proceeding, it should be understood that the terms used in the specification and the appended claims should not be construed as limited to generic and dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted based on the meanings and concepts corresponding to the technical aspects of the present disclosure, based on the principle of allowing the inventor to appropriately define terms for the best explanation.

[0033] Therefore, the description proposed herein is only an advantageous example for illustrative purposes, which is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, so that other equivalents and modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0034] The present disclosure also includes many different embodiments. Substantially identical or similar components for these embodiments are described twice, and different features are described in detail therein.

[0035] Meanwhile, although terms indicating directions such as upward, downward, forward and backward are used in this specification, it will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that these terms are for convenience only and may change depending on the position of the target object or the position of the observer.

[0036] For example, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the X-axis direction shown in the drawing may indicate the forward / backward direction, the Y-axis direction may indicate the left / right direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction in the flat plane (XY plane), and the Z-axis direction may indicate the up / down direction (vertical direction) perpendicular to both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

[0037] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 3 is a plan view showing the battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure before a compression member is coupled to a cell stack. Fig. 4 is a plan view showing the battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in which the pressure member is coupled to the cell stack, and Fig. 5 is a plan view showing the battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure in which the compression member is coupled to the cell stack.

[0038] With reference to the Fig. 1 to 4, a battery module 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a cell stack 100, a compression element 200, and a pressure member 300.

[0039] With reference to Fig. 2, the cell stack 100 may primarily include a plurality of battery cells 110. The battery cell 110 may include an electrode assembly (including a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator), an electrolyte, and a battery case. The plurality of battery cells 110 may be electrically connected to each other. The plurality of battery cells 110 may be electrically connected to each other in series and / or parallel, for example, via the busbar or the like.

[0040] Meanwhile, the present disclosure is not limited to a specific type or shape of the battery cell 110, and various battery cells 110 known at the time of filing this application can be used to configure the battery module 10 of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, a pouch-type secondary battery, which, as shown in the drawings, has a high energy density and is easy to stack, is used, but a rectangular secondary battery can also be applied as the battery cell 110 of the present disclosure.

[0041] With reference to Fig. 3, the battery cell 110 may include a storage portion 112 and a sealing portion 111. The storage portion 112 may be configured to receive an electrode assembly, and the sealing portion 111 may be configured such that an outer periphery of the storage portion 112 is thermally welded for sealing.

[0042] The cell stack 100 can be manufactured by stacking a plurality of battery cells 110 in one direction. For example, as in Fig. 2 or the like, the plurality of battery cells 110 may be arranged side by side in the left / right direction (X-axis direction) while standing in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). In this case, the sealing portion 111 of each battery cell 110 may be oriented in the forward / backward direction (Y-axis direction) and the up / down direction (Z-axis direction), and a storage portion 112 may be oriented in the left / right direction (X-axis direction).

[0043] With reference to the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the compression member 200 may be arranged on at least one side of the cell stack 100. For example, the compression member 200 may be provided on both sides in the front and rear directions (Y-axis direction in the drawings) of the battery cell 110. Accordingly, the compression member 200 may be arranged at one longitudinal end of the battery cell 110.

[0044] The compression element 200 may be inserted into a gap between the battery cells 110. Specifically, the compression element 200 may be at least partially inserted into the gap between the sealing portions 111 and / or the storage portions 112 of adjacent battery cells 110.

[0045] The compression element 200 can be configured to be partially deformed into a shape by external pressure. Specifically, the compression element 200 can be deformed into a shape to conform to the shape of the gap between the battery cells 110 by external pressure, for example, by the pressure member 300. In particular, the compression element 200 can be configured to be partially deformed in thickness in a portion of the battery cells 110 where a thickness loss occurs.

[0046] The compression element 200 may be provided to contain an elastic material. The compression element 200 may, for example, contain a material such as silicone or polyurethane, or may be made solely of such a material. If the compression element 200 is made of an elastic material, the compression element 200 can be uniformly compressed by external pressure, thereby further improving the sealing effect between the battery cells 110.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the compression member 200 may be filled into the gap between the battery cells 110. The compression member 200 may be applied to both sides in the front and rear directions of the cell stack 100. The compression member 200 may be provided as a liquid and configured to harden over time after being applied to the cell stack 100 on both sides in the front and rear directions.

[0048] As a result, the process of separately manufacturing the compression member 200 to match the shape of the gap between the battery cells 110 is eliminated, thus reducing the cost and time of manufacturing the battery module. Furthermore, the compression member 200 can be applied to one side of the cell stack 100 with a uniform thickness corresponding to the size or shape of the gap between the battery cells 110.

[0049] Meanwhile, the compression member 300 can be provided on at least one side of the cell stack 100. The compression member 300 can be configured to pressurize the compression element 200. This means that the compression member 300 can be provided on the side where the compression element 200 is located and configured to pressurize the compression element 200. The compression member 300 can be made of a metal or plastic material.

[0050] Since the compression member 300 according to this embodiment of the present disclosure pressurizes the compression member 200, the compression member 200 can penetrate between the battery cells 110 and compensate for the thickness variation of the battery cells 110. Therefore, according to this embodiment, local damage to the battery cells 110 during the charge and discharge cycle can be prevented, thereby extending the expected lifespan of the battery cells 110 and maximizing the performance of the battery cells 110.

[0051] Also according to this embodiment of the present disclosure, since the compression member 200 and the pressing member 300 fix the battery cells 110 on both sides, the compression member 200 and the pressing member 300 can contribute to the structural stiffening of the battery cells 110.

[0052] Furthermore, the compression member 200 can perform a function of blocking heat, such as a flame generated in an ignited battery cell 110, from moving in the stacking direction of the battery cells 110 or the longitudinal direction of the battery cells 110 when an internal ignition of the battery module 10 occurs. Accordingly, heat propagation to adjacent battery cells 110 can be minimized.

[0053] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, an adhesive material such as an adhesive tape for coupling adjacent battery cells 110 to each other can be omitted. Accordingly, the process of coupling battery cells 110 to each other can be simplified, thus reducing the cost and time required to manufacture a battery module and increasing productivity.

[0054] Meanwhile, with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the battery module 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a module housing 400. The module housing 400 may be configured to have an interior space formed therein and to accommodate a cell stack 100, the compression element 200, and the pressure member 300 within the interior space. The module housing 400 of this embodiment may include a housing body 410 and end plates 420 disposed at the front and rear sides of the housing body 410.

[0055] Here, the housing body 410 includes an upper plate, a lower plate, a left plate, and a right plate to form a storage space, and the cell stack 100 can be housed in this storage space. The housing body 410 can be made of a metal material having rigidity and heat resistance to physically or chemically protect the housed cell stack 100.

[0056] Furthermore, the end plate 420 may be configured to couple to the housing body 410 and cover an open portion of the housing body 410. In particular, the module housing 410 may be configured to have open front and back sides, and the end plate 420 may be configured to couple to the open front and back sides of the housing body 410.

[0057] Meanwhile, although not shown in the drawings, the case body 410 may have a vent hole, and directional venting in one direction may be possible. A plurality of vent holes may be formed in the upper surface of the case body, and directional venting toward the top of the battery module 10 may be possible through the vent holes.

[0058] The compression element 200 may be at least partially inserted between the sealing portions 111 of the adjacent battery cells 110. For example, in the embodiment shown in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, between sealing portions 111 positioned in the forward and backward directions of the battery cells 110. This means that the compression member 200 may be provided to be surrounded by the sealing portions 111 and the storage portions 112 of adjacent battery cells 110. Accordingly, the pressing member 300 may have the compression member 200 interposed between the sealing portions 111 protruding toward the cell stack 100 in the forward and backward directions instead of the storage portion 112.

[0059] If the compression member 200 inserted between the sealing portions 111 is pressurized by the pressing member 300 before it is cured, the compression member 200 may also be inserted between the storage portions 112. This means that the compression member 200 may be at least partially inserted between the storage portions 112 of the adjacent battery cells 110. At this time, the compression member 200 may be deformed in the mold to be inserted between the storage portions 112 of the battery cells 110. The compression member 200 inserted between the storage portions 112 may be configured to pressurize the storage portions 112 of the adjacent battery cells 110.

[0060] According to this embodiment of the present disclosure, since the compression member 200 is provided between the storage portions 112 of the battery cells 110, the storage portions 112 of the battery cells 110 can be uniformly compressed, thereby effectively reducing the thickness variation between the battery cells 110. In particular, since the compression member 200 is provided in each gap existing at the end of the storage portions 112 of the battery cells 110, the thickness reduction occurring at the end of the battery cells 110 can be compensated.

[0061] Meanwhile, with reference to Fig. 4, the pressing member 300 may be provided in a plurality. The plurality of pressing members 300 may be provided to be spaced from each other by a predetermined interval along the stacking direction of the battery cells 110 in a straight line. The plurality of pressing members 300 may be provided respectively between the sealing portions 111 of adjacent battery cells 110. Moreover, the plurality of pressing members 300 may be provided to face the storage portions 112 of the battery cells 110 in the forward and backward directions. According to this embodiment of the present disclosure, the pressing members 300 may be provided in each space between adjacent battery cells 100 to pressurize the compression member 200 toward the cell stack 100.

[0062] Furthermore, the pressure member 300 may be configured to be in surface contact with the compression element 200. In other words, the pressure member 300 may be configured to be in surface contact with the compression element 200, which is inserted between the sealing portions 111, in order to pressurize the compression element 200. Specifically, the compression element 200 may be configured to have a flat outer surface, and the pressure member 300 may have a flat inner surface corresponding to the compression element 200. For example, as shown in Fig. 4, the pressure member 300 may be configured to face parallel to the outer surface of the compression element 200.

[0063] The pressure member 300 may be configured to correspond to the shapes of the front and rear surfaces of the facing storage portion 112. For example, as shown in Fig. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 5, each of the plurality of compression members 300 may include a bent portion B. The bent portion B may be provided to be bent to be positioned between adjacent battery cells 110.

[0064] Alternatively, and in contrast to this embodiment, the pressing member 300 may further include a protrusion configured to face the other surface of the compression element 200 in parallel, while a portion of the inner surface thereof protrudes to conform to the shape of the battery cell 110.

[0065] When the pressing member 300 according to this embodiment of the present disclosure presses the compression member 200, the compression member 200 is pressed to conform to the shape of the battery cell 110, so that the compression member 200 can be more easily inserted between the battery cells 110. Accordingly, the compression member 200 according to this embodiment of the present disclosure can be provided to match the thickness or shape of the storage portion 112 of the battery cell 110 with a reduced thickness at the end. Accordingly, the compression member 200 can be pressed closer to the end of the storage portion 112 between the battery cells 110.

[0066] The compression member 300 may also be configured to extend in a height direction (Z-axis direction) of the battery cell 110. According to this embodiment of the present disclosure, the thickness reduction of the battery cell 110 may also be compensated in the height direction of the battery cell 110.

[0067] Meanwhile, with reference to Fig. 4, each of the plurality of battery cells 110 includes an electrode lead 113. The electrode lead 113 may be connected to the electrode assembly and configured to extend outside the battery housing.

[0068] The electrode lines 113 may be provided in pairs, and the pair of electrode lines 113 may be drawn from both ends of the battery cell 110, namely in the longitudinal direction (±Y direction). At this time, the pair of electrode lines 113 may be a positive electrode line and a negative electrode line. If necessary, the battery cell 110 may have a shape in which two electrode lines 113 are located only at one end in the Y-axis direction, for example, at the end in the +Y-axis direction.

[0069] At this time, the compression member 200 may be provided on the side where the electrode leads 113 of the battery cell 110 are located. Accordingly, the pressing member 300 may also be provided on the side where the electrode leads 113 of the battery cell 110 are located. According to this embodiment of the present disclosure, the phenomenon in which the electrode plate and the separator within the electrode assembly are pressed to the side where the electrode leads 113 are located can be effectively prevented. As a result of the thickness loss of the battery cell 110 on the side where the electrode leads 113 are located, the thickness unevenness of the battery cells 110 can be effectively prevented.

[0070] Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing some components of the battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 7 is a plan view showing the battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure before a busbar frame is coupled to the cell stack. Fig. 8 is a plan view showing a portion of the battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in which the busbar frame is coupled to the cell stack. Fig. 8 may, for example, be a cross-sectional view along the line II' of Fig. 1.

[0071] With reference to the Fig. 2, 6 to 8, the battery module 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a busbar frame 500 and a busbar 600.

[0072] The busbar frame 500 can be coupled to at least one side of the cell stack 100. The busbar frame 500 can be provided in a flat shape to cover both ends of the cell stack 100 and the front (-Y direction) or the rear (+Y direction) of the cell stack 100. The busbar frame 500 can be made of an electrically insulating material, such as plastic, and can be injection-molded.

[0073] With reference to Fig. 8, the busbar frame 500 may include a wiring slot 512. The wiring slot 512 may be located on a side where the electrode lines 113 of the plurality of battery cells 110 are provided. The wiring slot 512 may be provided so that at least a portion of the electrode lines 113 of the plurality of battery cells 110 pass through. At this time, the plurality of electrode lines 113 passing through the wiring slot 512 may be folded and laminated together. Through this laminated structure, the plurality of battery cells 110 whose electrode lines 113 are in contact with each other can be electrically connected to each other.

[0074] The conduction slots 512 may be provided in a plurality such that the plurality of conduction slots 512 are spaced apart from each other along the stacking direction (X direction) of the battery cells 110. Specifically, the conduction slots 512 may be provided in a staggered manner so as not to overlap with the pressing member 300.

[0075] The busbar 600 may be provided on the outer surface of the busbar frame 500. The busbar 600 may be provided between the busbar frame 500 and the laminated electrode line 113. The busbar 600 may be electrically connected to the electrode line 113. Through the electrical connection, the busbar 600 may also be configured to transmit status information about the battery cell 110 to an external component. For example, the busbar 600 may be configured to transmit voltage information of the battery cell 110 to an external control device, such as a BMS (Battery Management System).

[0076] The bus bar 600 may be made of an electrically conductive material for transmitting electrical signals. For example, the bus bar 600 may be made of a material such as copper or aluminum.

[0077] Meanwhile, the busbar frame 500 may be configured to pressurize the compression member 300 toward the cell stack 100. In other words, when the busbar frame 500 is coupled to at least one side of the cell stack 100, the busbar frame 500 may be configured to compress the compression member 300 toward the cell stack 100. Accordingly, the compression member 300 may be configured to be pressed toward the cell stack 100 by the busbar frame 500. Furthermore, the busbar frame 500 may be configured to fix a pressurization state of the compression member 300 with respect to the compression element 200.

[0078] According to this embodiment, the busbar frame 500 can keep the pressing member 300 and the compression member 200 in close contact. Accordingly, the compression member 200 can reliably fill the gap between the battery cells 110, thus efficiently compensating for the thickness loss of the battery cells 110 included in the cell stack 100.

[0079] Fig. 9 is a side view showing a portion of the battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure to which the busbar frame is applied. Fig. 9 may, for example, be a cross-sectional view along the line II-II' of Fig. 1.

[0080] The compression member 300 can be mounted on the busbar frame 500. The compression member 300 can be manufactured separately and coupled to the busbar frame 500. The compression member 300 can be coupled to the busbar frame 500, for example, by welding, screwing, etc. Alternatively, the compression member 300 can be provided in one piece with the busbar frame 500. The compression member 300 can be manufactured together with the busbar frame 500, for example, by plastic injection molding.

[0081] According to this embodiment of the present disclosure, since the compression member 300 is mounted on the busbar frame 500, the compression member 300 can be pressurized onto the compression element 200 simultaneously with the assembly of the busbar frame 500 to the cell stack 100. Accordingly, the process for manufacturing the battery module is simplified, so productivity can be improved.

[0082] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, as described in Fig. 9, the busbar frame 500 may include a protrusion 511 configured by at least partially protruding. The protrusion 511 may be configured to contact the compression member 300. This means that the protrusion 511 may be provided in a separate space between the busbar frame 500 and the compression member 300. Accordingly, when the busbar frame 500 is coupled to at least one side of the cell stack 100, the protrusion 511 may be configured to compress the compression member 300 toward the compression element 200. According to this embodiment of the present disclosure, the protrusion 511 may provide a compressive force to the compression member 300 to compress the compression element 200.

[0083] The protrusions 511 may be provided in a plurality, and the plurality of protrusions 511 may be spaced apart from each other along the height direction. Accordingly, the pressing member 300 can uniformly pressurize the compression element 200 along the height direction.

[0084] The compression member 300 may be provided to be bonded or coupled to the protrusion 511. As a result, the compression member 300 may be mounted on the busbar frame 500. According to this embodiment of the present disclosure, since the compression member 300 is mounted on the busbar frame 500, the compression member 300 may compress the compression element 200 simultaneously with the assembly of the busbar frame 500 to the cell stack 100.

[0085] Fig. 10 is a side view showing a portion of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure to which the busbar frame is applied. Fig. 10 may, for example, be a cross-sectional view along the line II-II' of Fig. 1. Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing a busbar frame included in a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0086] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in the Fig. 10 and Fig. 11, the busbar frame 500 may include a main frame 510 and a lower frame 520.

[0087] The main frame 510 may be configured to cover one side of the cell stack 100. The main frame 510 may be configured to cover at least one side in the forward and backward directions of the cell stack 100. The main frame 510 may have a lead slot 512 through which the electrode lead 113 of the battery cell 110 may extend to the outside of the main frame 510. Furthermore, the bus bar 600 may be provided on the outside of the main frame 510.

[0088] The lower frame 520 may be configured to be bent from the lower portion of the main frame 510 toward the cell stack 100. The lower frame 520 may be configured to cover at least a portion of the cell stack 100 from the lower portion. Furthermore, with reference to Fig. 10, the lower frame 520 may be configured to cover at least the lower portion of the compression member 200. Specifically, the lower frame 520 may be configured to contact and support the lower portion of the compression member 200. Accordingly, providing the lower frame 520 can prevent the compression member 200, which is sandwiched between the battery cells 110, from leaking downward.

[0089] Furthermore, the lower frame 520 may be configured to allow the pressure member 300 to be placed thereon. Specifically, with reference to Fig. 11, the lower frame 520 may include a placement portion 521 configured to allow the cell stack 100 to be placed thereon, and a coupling portion 522 configured to allow the compression member 300 to be coupled thereto. The compression member 300 may be coupled to the coupling portion 522, for example, by welding.

[0090] According to this embodiment, since the lower end of the compression member 300 is coupled and fixed to the lower frame 520, the compression member 300 can be pressurized to the compression element 200 simultaneously with the assembly of the busbar frame 500 with the cell stack 100. Accordingly, the process for manufacturing the battery module 10 is simplified, so productivity can be improved.

[0091] At this time, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, an elastic body may be further provided between the main frame 510 and the compression member 300. The elastic body may be provided, for example, as a leaf spring. According to this embodiment of the present disclosure, when the busbar frame 500 is coupled to the cell stack 100 such that the compression member 300 pressurizes the compression member 200, the elastic body acts as a buffer to prevent the cell stack 100 from being excessively pressurized and damaged.

[0092] Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 12 may, for example, be a cross-sectional view along the line II' of Fig. 1.

[0093] With reference to Fig. 12, the cell stack 100 included in the battery module 10 of the present disclosure may include a blocking member 120, 130. The blocking members 120, 130 may be included in plurality. In this case, the plurality of blocking members 120 and 130 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance in one direction, namely, along the stacking direction (X-axis direction) of the battery cells 110. Moreover, the plurality of blocking members 120 and 130 may be provided at regular intervals, respectively, for at least one battery cell 110 (e.g., for each battery cell 110 or for the plurality of battery cells 110). The blocking members 120 and 130 may be in direct contact with both sides of at least some battery cells 110 among the plurality of battery cells 110. In particular, the blocking elements 120 and 130 can be in direct contact with the storage section of the battery cell 110.In this embodiment, the blocking elements 120 and 130 may be provided in plurality to be arranged for every second or more battery cells 110.

[0094] The blocking members 120 and 130 may be provided in the form of a compressible pad and made of materials with excellent heat resistance and / or fire resistance, such as silicone, aerogel, polyurethane, etc. Because the blocking members 120 and 130 are compressible pads, the blocking members 120 and 130 can suppress inflation of the battery cell 110 when the battery cell 110 experiences swelling.

[0095] Furthermore, when an internal ignition of the battery module 10 occurs, the blocking members 120 and 130, which have a heat-resistant and / or fire-resistant function, can perform a heat-blocking function to block heat, such as a flame generated by the ignited battery cell 110, from spreading in the stacking direction of the battery cells 110. Accordingly, the heat spread to adjacent battery cells 110 can be minimized. The blocking members 120 and 130 can block not only heat but also high-temperature gases, flames, discharged substances, etc., generated by the battery cell 110. Accordingly, the blocking members 120 and 130 can divide or separate the battery cells 110, thereby preventing flames, etc., from spreading between the battery cells 110.

[0096] The blocking elements 120 and 130 may specifically include a first blocking element 120 arranged on the outermost side of the cell stack 100 and a second blocking element 130 arranged between the battery cells 110. In the event that the battery cell 110 is arranged on the outermost side of the cell stack 100, as in Fig. 4, the compression element 200 may be provided between the first blocking element 120 and a battery cell 110 adjacent thereto.

[0097] Furthermore, if the battery cell 110 is arranged in the central portion of the cell stack 100 and is provided to face the second blocking member 130, the compression member 200 may be provided between adjacent battery cells 110 and the battery cells 110 and the second blocking member 130. In this case, the pressure member 300 may be provided to face the second blocking member 130 between the adjacent battery cells 110.

[0098] The first blocking element 120 may be configured to protrude outward instead of the pressure member 300. Furthermore, the length of the first blocking element 120 may be longer than the length of the second blocking element 130. This means that the first blocking element 120 may be configured to protrude further on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the cell stack 100 than the second blocking element 130.

[0099] Accordingly, when the compression member 200 is provided in the battery cell 110 located at the outermost end of the cell stack 100, the compression member 200 may not be exposed to the outside. Furthermore, according to this embodiment of the present disclosure, the compression member 200 may be uniformly provided at both ends in the stacking direction of the cell stack 100, so that the thickness loss of the battery cell 110 located at the outermost end of the cell stack 100 can also be compensated.

[0100] A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may, as previously described, include one or more battery modules 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The battery pack according to the present disclosure may further include battery pack components known at the time of filing this application, such as a BMS (Battery Management System), a current sensor, a fuse, etc., for integrated control of the charging and discharging of one or more battery modules.

[0101] Furthermore, the previously described module housing 400 can serve as a pack housing in the battery pack. In this case, battery pack components such as a BMS, a bus bar, and a relay can be contained within the module housing 400. In this case, this is also called cell-to-pack, since the battery cells 110 are stored directly in the pack housing.

[0102] A vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include one or more battery packs according to an embodiment of the present disclosure or one or more battery modules according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The vehicle according to the present disclosure may be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The vehicle includes a four-wheel vehicle and a two-wheel vehicle. The vehicle 3 travels by receiving power from the battery pack or the battery module 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0103] The present disclosure has been described in detail. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the disclosure, are intended for purposes of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the scope of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description. [Reference symbol] 10 Battery module 100 cell stacks 110 battery cells 111 filing section 112 Sealing section 113 Electrode lead 120 first blocking element 130 second blocking element 200 compression element 300 pressure link 400 module housings 410 housing body 420 end plate 500 busbar frames 510 main frame 511 lead 512 cable slot 520 lower frame 521 Placement Section 522 coupling section 600 bus rail QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] KR 10-2023-0143787

[0001]

Claims

[1] Battery module, comprising: a cell stack containing a plurality of battery cells; a compression element arranged on at least one side of the cell stack and inserted into a gap between the battery cells, wherein the compression element is configured to be shape-deformable by external pressure; and a compression member configured to compress the compression element on at least one side of the cell stack. [2] Battery module according to claim 1, wherein the compression element is at least partially inserted between sealing portions of adjacent battery cells. [3] Battery module according to claim 2, wherein the compression element is at least partially inserted between storage sections of adjacent battery cells. [4] The battery module according to claim 2, wherein the pressing member is provided in a plurality and is provided between the sealing portions of the adjacent battery cells, respectively. [5] The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the pressing member is configured to be partially in surface contact with the compression element. [6] The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the pressing member is configured to extend in a height direction of the battery cell. [7] The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the pressing member is provided on a side where electrode leads of the battery cell are located. [8] Battery module according to claim 1, further comprising: a busbar frame coupled to at least one side of the cell stack and configured to compress the compression member toward the cell stack. [9] The battery module according to claim 8, wherein the pressing member is mounted on the busbar frame. [10] The battery module according to claim 9, wherein the bus bar frame has a projection configured to be at least partially protruded to contact the pressing member. [11] The battery module according to claim 9, wherein the busbar frame includes: a main frame configured to cover one side of the cell stack, and a lower frame bent from a lower portion of the main frame toward the cell stack to cover a lower portion of the compression member. [12] The battery module of claim 11, wherein the lower frame includes: a placement section configured to place the cell stack thereon, and a coupling portion configured to couple the pressure member thereto. [13] The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the cell stack further includes a first blocking member disposed at an outermost side of the cell stack and configured to protrude outward instead of the pressing member. [14] The battery module of claim 13, wherein the cell stack further includes a second blocking member disposed between the battery cells, and wherein a length of the first blocking member is longer than a length of the second blocking member. [15] Battery pack comprising at least one battery module according to one of claims 1 to 14. [16] Vehicle comprising at least one battery module according to one of claims 1 to 14.

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