Battery module

Abstract

To provide a battery module.SOLUTION: A battery module include: a first case; a second case connected to the first case; and bosses formed on the first case and the second case, respectively, and each having a rib on outer surfaces thereof. The boss in the first case and the boss in the second case are at positions corresponding to each other, are extend toward each other, are connected to each other by a fastening member in a state where at least parts thereof are in contact with each other, and may include different numbers of ribs.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module.

Background Art

[0002] A secondary battery is a battery designed to be rechargeable and dischargeable, and can be used as an energy source for mobile devices, electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, electric bicycles, uninterruptible power supplies, etc. Secondary batteries are used in the form of a single battery cell depending on the type of external device to which they are applied, and are also used in the form of a module or pack in which a plurality of battery cells are connected and bundled into one unit.

[0003] The above-described information disclosed in the technology that is the background of such an invention is for improving the understanding of the background of the present invention, and thus may include information that does not constitute the prior art.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a battery module having high rigidity and durability so as to withstand the torque applied to the case by the fastening member when fastening the case.

[0005] However, the technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the above-described problems, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The battery module includes a first case, a second case connected to the first case, a first boss in the first case including at least one first rib, and a second boss in the second case including at least one second rib. The first boss in the first case and the second boss in the second case are in corresponding positions, extend toward each other, and are connected to each other by a fastening member in a state where at least a part of them is in contact with each other. The number of the at least one first rib may be different from the number of the at least one second rib.

[0007] The boss in the second case may include a larger number of ribs than the boss in the first case.

[0008] The first case and the second case may include an opening into which a battery cell is inserted and a partition wall defining the opening.

[0009] The rib is continuous throughout the height direction of the boss and may extend parallel to the height direction of the boss.

[0010] The upper surface of the rib is at the same height as the upper surface of the boss.

[0011] The rib may extend curvedly from the outer peripheral surface of the boss and include a bent portion spaced inward from the edge of the partition wall.

[0012] The bent portion may have a curvature with a different sign from the outer peripheral surface of the boss.

[0013] The rib may have an upward taper in the height direction of the boss.

[0014] The boss includes a first fastening protrusion in the first case and a second fastening protrusion in the second case. The first fastening protrusion may include a first body and a first rib on the outer peripheral surface of the first body.

[0015] The plurality of first ribs are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the first body, and the plurality of first ribs may be arranged asymmetrically with respect to the center of the first body.

[0016] The first case may include a first opening into which a battery cell is inserted, a first partition wall defining the first opening, and a first groove between the plurality of first partition walls.

[0017] The plurality of second ribs are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the second body, and the plurality of second ribs may be arranged asymmetrically with respect to the center of the second body.

[0018] The second case may include a second opening into which a battery cell is inserted, a second partition wall defining the second opening, and a second groove between the plurality of second partition walls.

[0019] The second rib and the third rib may be arranged at equal angles along the circumferential direction of the second body.

[0020] The length of the third rib may be shorter than that of the second rib.

Advantages of the Invention

[0021] The battery module according to the embodiment of the present invention can increase the rigidity of the fastening protrusion into which the fastening member is inserted, simplify the configuration for increasing the rigidity of the fastening protrusion, and reduce the weight of the fastening protrusion and the battery module including the fastening protrusion.

[0022] However, the effects obtained through the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and other technical effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description of the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] The drawings attached to this specification illustrate embodiments of the present invention and serve to help understand the technical idea of the present invention together with the description of the invention to be described later. The present invention is not construed as being limited to the matters described in the drawings.

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0024] Some embodiments of the present disclosure and the method according thereto can be understood by referring to the detailed description of the embodiments and the drawings. The described embodiments have various modifications, can be implemented in other forms, and are not limited to the embodiments described herein. Also, the respective features of the various embodiments of the present disclosure can be partially or wholly combined with each other. Each embodiment can be implemented independently of each other or can be implemented in relation to each other. The described embodiments are provided as examples to make the present disclosure thorough and complete, and to fully convey the idea of the present disclosure to those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present disclosure pertains. The present disclosure can be replaced with all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention. Therefore, for a complete understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the description of processes, elements, and technologies unnecessary for an ordinary technician can be omitted.

[0025] Unless otherwise noted throughout the accompanying drawings and the entire specification, the same reference numerals, characters, or combinations thereof refer to the same components, and redundant descriptions are omitted. Also, in order to clearly explain the present invention, parts not related to the description are omitted.

[0026] In the drawings, the relative sizes of elements, layers, and regions may be exaggerated for clarity. The use of hatching and / or shading in the accompanying drawings is generally provided to clarify the boundaries between adjacent elements. Therefore, the presence or absence of hatching or shading does not indicate a desirable form or requirement related to specific materials, material properties, dimensions, ratios, commonality between diagram elements, and / or other characteristics and attributes of the elements unless specified.

[0027] Various embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional illustrations that are schematic illustrations of embodiments and / or intermediate structures. Thus, for example, the shape of the drawings may vary as a result of manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances. Also, the specific structural or functional descriptions disclosed herein are merely examples for explaining embodiments according to the concept of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein should not be construed as being limited to the shape of the illustrated regions and include, for example, shape deviations due to manufacturing.

[0028] The illustrated regions are essentially schematic, and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the actual shape of the device regions nor to be limiting. Also, as will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art, the described embodiments may be modified in various ways within the scope of the spirit or scope of the present disclosure without departing therefrom.

[0029] In order to provide a complete understanding of the various embodiments in the specification, a number of specific details are presented. However, the various embodiments may be practiced without these specific details or with one or more of them. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are illustrated in block diagram form to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the various embodiments.

[0030] To describe the relationship between one element or feature and another as illustrated in the drawings, for the sake of convenience of explanation, spatially relative terms such as "lower", "upper", "lower part", and "upper part" may be used herein. The spatially relative terms are intended to include additional directions shown in the drawings or various directions of the device in operation. For example, if the device in the drawings is inverted, other elements or features described as "lower" or "lower part" will face "above" other elements or features. Therefore, the exemplary terms "lower" and "lower part" can include both the up and down directions. The device may face in other directions (e.g., rotated 90° or in other directions), and the spatially relative descriptions used herein must be interpreted accordingly. Similarly, when it is described that the first part is disposed "above" the second part, this means that the first part is disposed above or below the second part.

[0031] Also, the expression "in plan view" means the case when the object part is viewed from above, and the expression "in a schematic cross-sectional view" means the case when the object part is cut vertically to take a schematic cross-section. The term "side view" means that the first object is above or below or on the side of the second object, and the opposite case is also possible. Further, the terms "overlap" or "superimpose" can include layers, laminations, surfaces, extensions, covers, or partial covers, or any other suitable terms understood and understandable by a person skilled in the art. The expression "do not overlap" can include meanings such as "away from" or "separated from" and any other suitable equivalents recognized and understood by a person skilled in the art. The terms "surface" and "face" can mean that the first object may face the second object directly or indirectly. If there is a third object between the first object and the second object, it can also be understood that the first object and the second object face each other, but indirectly.

[0032] When an element, layer, region or component is referred to as being "on", "connected to" or "coupled to" another element, it can be formed directly on the layer, region or component, formed on another component, layer, region or component, or indirectly formed on, connected to, or coupled to another component. Also, the direct or indirect connection or coupling of elements, layers, regions or components, whether integral or non-integral, is collectively referred to so that one or more elements, layers, regions or components can exist. For example, when an element, layer, region or component is referred to as being "electrically connected to" or "electrically coupled to" another element, layer, region or component, this means that it is directly electrically connected or coupled to the other element, layer, region or component, or that other elements, layers, regions or components can exist. However, the term "directly connected" or "directly coupled" means that one component directly connects or couples to another component without an intermediate component or is on another component. Also, in this specification, when a part of a layer, film, region, plate, etc. is on another part, the forming direction is not limited to the upward direction and includes the case where the part is on the side or bottom. Conversely, when a part of a layer, film, region, plate, etc. is formed "under" another part, this includes not only the case where the part is "directly under" the other part, but also the case where there is another part between the part and the other part. On the other hand, other expressions for explaining the relationship with a component, such as "between", "immediately between" or "adjacent to" and "immediately adjacent to", can be interpreted in the same way. Also, when an element or layer is referred to as being "between" two elements or layers, this means that it is the only element between the two elements or layers or that other elements can be there.

[0033] For the purposes of this specification, expressions such as "at least one or more" or "any one" do not limit the order of individual elements. For example, "at least one of X, Y, and Z", "at least one of X, Y, or Z", "at least one selected from the group consisting of X, Y, and Z" may include X alone, Y alone, Z alone, or any combination of two or more of X, Y, and Z. Similarly, expressions such as "at least one of A and B" and "at least one of A or B" may include A, B, or A and B. In this specification, "or" generally means "and / or", and the term "and / or" includes all combinations of one or more related list items. For example, an expression such as "A and / or B" may include A, B, or A and B.

[0034] Terms such as "first", "second", "third", etc. may be used in this application to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or cross-sections, but such elements, components, regions, layers, and / or cross-sections are not limited by such terms. Such terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or cross-section from another. Thus, the first element, component, region, layer, or cross-section described hereinafter may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or cross-section without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Describing an element as the "first" element does not require or imply the existence of a second element or other elements. Terms such as "first", "second", etc. may be used in this specification to distinguish different categories or sets of elements from each other. For the sake of clarity, the terms "first", "second", etc. may indicate "first category (or, first set)", "second category (or, second set)", etc., respectively.

[0035] The terms used in this application are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. As used herein, singular expressions include plural expressions, and plural expressions are also intended to include singular expressions, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having," when used herein, mean specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps. These expressions do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0036] If one or more embodiments can be implemented differently, a specific process order can be performed differently from the described order. For example, two steps described consecutively can be performed substantially simultaneously or in the reverse order of the described order.

[0037] The terms "substantially," "about," and similar terms used herein are used as terms of approximation rather than terms of degree, and are for explaining the inherent variations of measured or calculated values recognizable by a person of ordinary skill in the art. "About" or "approximately" as used herein includes the recited value and means within an acceptable deviation range (e.g., a deviation range due to the limitations of the measurement system) for a particular value determined by a person of ordinary skill in the art considering the measurement and related errors. For example, "about" can mean within one or more standard deviations or within ±30%, 20%, 10%, 5% of the stated value.

[0038] Unless otherwise defined specifically, all terms, including technical and scientific terms, used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries shall be construed to have a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and / or this specification, and shall not be construed in an idealized or overly formal sense, unless explicitly defined herein.

[0039] Figure 1 shows the battery module 10, Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the battery module 10, Figure 3 shows the first case 100, Figure 4 shows an enlarged view of IV in Figure 3, Figure 5 shows a plan view of Figure 4, Figure 6 shows an enlarged view of the first fastening protrusion 400, Figure 7 shows the second case 200, Figure 8 shows an enlarged view of VIII in Figure 7, Figure 9 shows a plan view of Figure 8, Figure 10 shows an enlarged view of the second fastening protrusion 500, and Figure 11 shows a state in which the first case 100 and the second case 200 are coupled.

[0040] The battery module 10 includes a plurality of battery cells C and can be applied to various types of applications. For example, a plurality of battery modules 10 can be included in a storage rack for a large-scale application such as an ESS (Energy Storage System). Alternatively, the battery module 10 can be included in an automobile (e.g., an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, a plug-in hybrid vehicle, etc.). Alternatively, the battery module 10 can be applied to small and medium-sized applications such as power tools, smartphones, and power banks. The battery module 10 can be used alone, or a plurality of battery modules 10 can be electrically connected to each other to form a battery pack. The battery cell C can also be one or more of a cylindrical shape, a pouch shape, and a rectangular shape. For example, a plurality of cylindrical battery cells C can be included in the battery module 10.

[0041] The battery module 10 includes a first case 100, a second case 200 connected to the first case 100, and bosses B (for example, a first fastening protrusion 400 and a second fastening protrusion 500) each located on the first case 100 and the second case 200 and including ribs (for example, a first rib 420, a second rib 520, and a third rib 530) on the outer surface. The boss (for example, the first fastening protrusion 400) on the first case 100 and the boss (for example, the second fastening protrusion 500) on the second case 200 are in corresponding positions, extend toward each other, and can be connected to each other by a fastening member in a state where at least a part of them are in contact with each other. The bosses B (for example, the first fastening protrusion 400 and the second fastening protrusion 500) can include different numbers of ribs (for example, the first rib 420, the second rib 520, and the third rib 530).

[0042] The battery module 10 can include a first case 100, a second case 200, a connector 300, bosses B (a first fastening protrusion 400, a second fastening protrusion 500), cell tabs 600, a first bus bar 700, and a second bus bar 800.

[0043] The first case 100 can hold or support battery cells C. For example, the first case 100 is at the upper part of the battery module 10 and can include an opening and a space inside which a plurality of battery cells C are inserted. The first case 100 is detachably connected to the second case 200 and can form, together with the second case 200, an opening and a space into which the battery cells C are inserted. The first case 100 can be on the second case 200.

[0044] The first case 100 can include a first fastening portion 110, a first guide 120, a mounting protrusion 130, a first opening 140, a first partition 150, a first groove 160, a first region 170, and a protrusion 180.

[0045] The first fastening part 110 extends from the first case 100, and the second fastening part 210 can be inserted into the first fastening part 110. For example, one or more first fastening parts 110 are respectively present on both side surfaces of the first case 100 (for example, both side surfaces corresponding to the long sides) and can extend downward. The first fastening part 110 includes a hole inside, and the protrusion of the second fastening part 210 is inserted into the hole, and the first case 100 and the second case 200 can be connected. For example, the first fastening part 110 can include two first fastening parts 110 on both side surfaces corresponding to the second fastening part 210 of the second case 200. Each first fastening part 110 can be placed in the groove of the second fastening part 210, and the protrusion of the second fastening part 210 can be inserted into the first fastening part 110.

[0046] The first guide 120 is in the first case 100, can determine the mounting positions of the first bus bar 700 and the second bus bar 800, and support the first bus bar 700 and the second bus bar 800. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, one or more first guides 120 can be formed on one surface of the first case 100 (for example, the surface where the first bus bar 700 is mounted or the surface where the first fastening part 110 is located). Two first guides 120 are separated by a distance corresponding to the width of the first bus bar 700 and can extend in the height direction of the battery module 10 (for example, the Z-axis direction in FIG. 1). The first bus bar 700 can be inserted between the two first guides 120. The first guide 120 can be formed at a position corresponding to the second guide 220. For example, the first guide 120 can be aligned or substantially aligned with the second guide 220. For example, the first guide 120 includes two first guides 120 on the other surface of the first case 100 (for example, the surface where the second bus bar 800 is mounted), and the second bus bar 800 can be inserted between the two first guides 120.

[0047] The mounting protrusion 130 is in the first case 100 and is also the portion where the first bus bar 700 and the second bus bar 800 are mounted. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, one or more mounting protrusions 130 may be formed on the upper surface of the first case 100. For example, there may be one mounting protrusion 130 on each of the long sides of the first case 100, and each mounting protrusion 130 may be connected to the first bus bar 700 and the second bus bar 800. The mounting protrusion 130 protrudes upward from the upper surface of the first case 100, is higher than the cell tab 600, and has a height lower than that of the protruding portion 180. If the first bus bar 700 and the second bus bar 800 are placed on the mounting protrusion 130, the connector 300 can be inserted into the mounting protrusion 130 and the first bus bar 700 and the second bus bar 800 can be fastened to the first case 100.

[0048] The first opening 140 is in the first case 100 and can hold and support the battery cell C. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the same number of first openings 140 as the number of battery cells C may be formed in the first case 100. The first opening 140 and the second opening 240 of the second case 200 can define a region into which the battery cell C is inserted. The plurality of first openings 140 may form respective columns in the width direction (for example, the Y-axis direction in FIG. 3) of the first case 100. The columns of the plurality of first openings 140 may be alternately arranged in the longitudinal direction (for example, the X-axis direction in FIG. 3) of the first case 100 and may form a honeycomb structure.

[0049] The first partition wall 150 is around the first opening 140 and can define the first opening 140 inside. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the first partition wall 150 has an inner hollow cylindrical shape and can extend downward from one surface of the first case 100 (for example, the inner upper surface of the first case 100). Inside the first partition wall 150, there may be a circular first opening 140. The first partition wall 150 can extend in the height direction of the first case 100 (for example, the Z-axis direction in FIG. 3) so that the battery cell C is inserted into the first opening 140. The first partition wall 150 around any one of the first openings 140 can be in contact with the first partition wall 150 around another adjacent first opening 140. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the ends of a plurality of adjacent first partition walls 150 (for example, the lower end surfaces of the first partition walls 150) form a flat surface, and the first fastening protrusion 400 may be on the surface.

[0050] One or more first grooves 160 are formed in the first case 100 and can be formed between a plurality of adjacent first partition walls 150. The first groove 160 can form a step with the end of the first partition wall 150. The bottom surface of the first groove 160 is also the inner upper surface of the first case 100 or a surface protruding by a predetermined height in the height direction from the inner upper surface. The first groove 160 can prevent the deformation of the material filled between the plurality of first partition walls 150 by separating the plurality of first partition walls 150 and enhance the durability of the first case 100. For example, a plurality of first grooves 160 can be between a plurality of first partition walls 150 in the longitudinal direction of the first case 100 (for example, the Y-axis direction in FIG. 3) and / or in the width direction of the first case 100 (for example, the X-axis direction in FIG. 3). The first groove 160 does not overlap with the first fastening protrusion 400.

[0051] The first region 170 can be formed between the first partition wall 150 and the first fastening protrusion 400. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the first region 170 is at the end of the first partition wall 150 and is also a region defined by the outer edge of the first partition wall 150 and the outer edge of the first fastening protrusion 400 (for example, the first recess 421). The first fastening protrusion 400 may not be present on the first region 170, and the first partition wall 150 may be exposed as it is. Since the first region 170 does not overlap with the first fastening protrusion 400, the battery cell C does not interfere with the first fastening protrusion 400 during the process of being inserted into the first opening 140. The first region 170 has a concave shape so as to correspond to the shape of the first recess 421 of the first fastening protrusion 400 and can be separated from the edge of the first partition wall 150 by a maximum distance D1. The distance D1 is also 20% or more and 40% or less of the overall width of the first recess 421. When the ratio is less than 20%, the first recess 421 becomes too close to the edge of the first partition wall 150, and the material corresponding to the first recess 421 may come off the outside of the first partition wall 150 during the process of molding the first case 100 (for example, molding), or interference may occur between the first recess 421 and the battery cell C when the battery cell C is inserted into the first opening 140. When the ratio exceeds 40%, the width of the first recess 421 becomes excessively narrow, and the durability of the first rib 420 decreases. The inner contour (for example, on the side of the first recess 421) of the first region 170 may include a curve that smoothly connects to the outer peripheral surface of the first body 410 of the first fastening protrusion 400.

[0052] The protrusion 180 is in the first case 100 and can connect the battery module 10 to other devices or the like. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, one or more protrusions 180 are formed on the upper surface of the first case 100 and may have a hollow shape so that a fastening member such as a bolt can be inserted. A plurality of protrusions 180 can be formed along the edge of the upper surface of the first case 100 (for example, the long side portion of the first case 100) so as not to overlap with the first opening 140 and the cell tab 600. The protrusion 180 may include a cylindrical body and one or more ribs on the outer peripheral surface of the body that have a height lower than that of the body.

[0053] The first case 100 may include fastening holes 190. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of fastening holes 190 may be formed on the upper surface of the first case 100. The fastening holes 190 are positioned so as not to overlap with the first opening 140 and the cell tabs 600, and may be positioned corresponding to the first fastening protrusions 400. Therefore, in a state where the first case 100 and the second case 200 are connected, a fastening member is inserted into the fastening holes 190, and the fastening member may connect the first fastening protrusions 400 and the second fastening protrusions 500.

[0054] The second case 200 may hold or support the battery cells C. For example, the second case 200 is at the lower part of the battery module 10 and may include an opening and a space inside which a plurality of battery cells C are inserted. The second case 200 is detachably connected to the first case 100 and may define, together with the first case 100, an opening and a space into which the battery cells C are inserted.

[0055] The second case 200 may include a second fastening part 210, a second guide 220, a mounting surface 230, a second opening 240, a second partition 250, and a second groove 260.

[0056] The second fastening part 210 is in the second case 200 and may be fastened to the first fastening part 110. For example, one or more second fastening parts 210 may be formed on both side surfaces of the second case 200 (for example, both side surfaces corresponding to the long sides). The second fastening part 210 is formed in a concave shape on the side surface of the second case 200 and may form a step with the side surface of the second case 200. The second fastening part 210 may include a groove having a size and shape corresponding to the first fastening part 110 and a protrusion protruding from the groove. If the first fastening part 110 is placed in the groove, the protrusion is inserted into the hole of the first fastening part 110, and the first fastening part 110 and the second fastening part 210 may be fastened.

[0057] The second guide 220 is in the second case 200, determines the mounting positions of the first bus bar 700 and the second bus bar 800, and can support the first bus bar 700 and the second bus bar 800. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, one or more second guides 220 are provided on one surface of the second case 200 (for example, the surface where the first bus bar 700 is mounted or the surface where the first fastening portion 110 is located). Two second guides 220 may be spaced apart by a distance corresponding to the width of the first bus bar 700 and may extend in the height direction of the battery module 10 (for example, the Z-axis direction in FIG. 1). The first bus bar 700 can be inserted between the two second guides 220. Each second guide 220 can be positioned corresponding to each first guide 120. For example, the second guide 220 can be aligned with the first guide 120. For example, the second case 200 also includes two second guides 220 on the other surface of the second case 200 (for example, the surface where the second bus bar 800 is mounted), and the second bus bar 800 can be inserted between the two second guides 220.

[0058] The mounting surface 230 is in the second case 200 and can be formed in a concave shape on one surface of the second case 200 so that the first bus bar 700 can be mounted. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, one or more second guides 220 can be formed on one surface of the second case 200 (for example, the surface where the first bus bar 700 is mounted or the surface where the first fastening portion 110 is located).

[0059] The second opening 240 is in the second case 200 and can hold and support the battery cell C. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the same number of second openings 240 as the number of battery cells C can be formed in the second case 200. The second opening 240 and the first opening 140 of the first case 100 can define a region into which the battery cell C is inserted. A plurality of second openings 240 can form respective columns in the width direction of the second case 200 (for example, the Y-axis direction in FIG. 7). The columns of the plurality of second openings 240 can be alternately arranged in the longitudinal direction of the second case 200 (for example, the X-axis direction in FIG. 7) to form a honeycomb structure.

[0060] The second partition wall 250 is formed around the second opening 240 and can define the second opening 240 inside. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the second partition wall 250 has a hollow cylindrical shape and can extend upward from one surface of the second case 200 (for example, the inner lower surface of the second case 200). A circular second opening 240 can be formed inside the second partition wall 250. The second partition wall 250 can extend in the height direction of the second case 200 (for example, the Z-axis direction in FIG. 7) so that the battery cell C is inserted into the second opening 240. The second partition wall 250 around any one second opening 240 can be in contact with the second partition wall 250 around another adjacent second opening 240. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the ends (for example, the lower end surfaces of the second partition wall 250) of a plurality of adjacent second partition walls 250 form a flat surface, and the second fastening protrusion 500 can be formed on the surface.

[0061] One or more second grooves 260 are formed in the second case 200 and can be formed between a plurality of adjacent second openings 240. The second groove 260 can form a step with the end of the second partition wall 250. The bottom surface of the second groove 260 is also the inner upper surface of the second case 200 or a surface that protrudes a predetermined height in the height direction from the inner upper surface. The second groove 260 can prevent the deformation of the material filled between the plurality of second openings 240 by separating the plurality of second openings 240, thereby enhancing the durability of the second case 200. For example, a plurality of second grooves 260 can be formed between a plurality of second partition walls 250 in the longitudinal direction (for example, the Y-axis direction in FIG. 7) and / or the width direction (for example, the X-axis direction in FIG. 7) of the second case 200. The second groove 260 does not overlap with the second fastening protrusion 500.

[0062] The second groove 260 can support the second fastening protrusion 500. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, a part of the second fastening protrusion 500 (for example, at least a part of the third rib 530) can be accommodated in the second groove 260. By extending a part of the second fastening protrusion 500 from the bottom surface of the second groove 260, damage to the second fastening protrusion 500 caused by the torque generated when the first fastening protrusion 400 and the second fastening protrusion 500 are fastened by a fastening member can be prevented.

[0063] The second region 270 can be formed between the second partition wall 250 and the second fastening protrusion 500. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the second region 270 is at the end of the second partition wall 250 and is also a region defined by the outer edge of the second partition wall 250 and the outer edge of the second fastening protrusion 500 (for example, the second recess 521). The second fastening protrusion 500 may not be present on the second region 270, and the second partition wall 250 may be exposed as it is. Since the second region 270 does not overlap with the second fastening protrusion 500, it is possible to prevent interference with the second fastening protrusion 500 during the process of inserting the battery cell C into the second opening 240. The second region 270 has a concave shape so as to correspond to the shape of the second recess 521 of the second fastening protrusion 500 and may be separated from the edge of the second partition wall 250 by a maximum distance D2. The distance D2 is also 20% or more and 40% or less of the overall width of the second recess 521. When the ratio is less than 20%, the second recess 521 becomes too close to the edge of the second partition wall 250, and the material corresponding to the second recess 521 may come off outside the second partition wall 250 during the process of molding (for example, injection molding) the second case 200, or interference may occur between the second recess 521 and the battery cell C when the battery cell C is inserted into the second opening 240. When the ratio exceeds 40%, the width of the second recess 521 becomes excessively narrow, and the durability of the second rib 520 decreases. The inner contour (for example, on the side of the second recess 521) of the second region 270 may include a curve that smoothly connects to the outer peripheral surface of the second body 510 of the second fastening protrusion 500.

[0064] The connector 300 is connected to one or more of the first case 100 and the second case 200, and can connect the first bus bar 700 and the second bus bar 800 to the first case 100 and the second case 200 respectively. Also, the connector 300 can physically / electrically connect the first bus bar 700 and the second bus bar 800 to the cell tab 600 respectively. For example, the connector 300 is also a bolt containing a conductive material (e.g., metal). With the first bus bar 700 positioned to correspond to the mounting projection 130 and the cell tab 600, the connector 300 can be inserted into the mounting projection 130 to fix the first bus bar 700 to the first case 100. Also, the connector 300 can be inserted into one or more holes in the first case 100 (e.g., one or more holes formed along the long side of the first case 100 in FIG. 1) to contact the cell tab 600. Thus, the second bus bar 800 can be connected to the cell tab 600. Although not shown, the second case 200 may also include a mounting projection to which the connector 300 is connected and one or more holes that physically / electrically connect the cell tab 600 and the first bus bar 700.

[0065] There is one or more boss Bs in the first case 100 and the second case 200 respectively, and fastening members such as bolts can be inserted to fasten the first case 100 and the second case 200. For example, the boss Bs are respectively present on the inner surfaces of the first case 100 and the second case 200, and the ends can be in contact with each other when the first case 100 and the second case 200 are fastened to each other. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the boss B in the first case 100 can extend downward from the upper inner surface of the first case 100. Also, the boss B in the second case 200 can extend upward from the lower inner surface of the second case 200. The boss B in the first case 100 can be formed at a position corresponding to the boss B in the second case 200. The boss B can include ribs. One or more ribs can be formed on the outer peripheral surface of each boss B. The ribs are on the first partition wall 150 of the first case 100 and the second partition wall 250 of the second case 200, and do not overlap with the first opening 140 and the second opening 240.

[0066] The bosses (e.g., the second fastening protrusion 500) in the second case 200 may include more ribs than the bosses (e.g., the first fastening protrusion 400) in the first case 100. That is, the number of the second ribs 520 and the third ribs 530 included in any one of the second fastening protrusions 500 is greater than the number of the first ribs 420 included in any one of the first fastening protrusions 400.

[0067] The first case 100 and the second case 200 may include openings (e.g., the first opening 140 and the second opening 240) into which the battery cell C is inserted and partition walls (e.g., the first partition wall 150 and the second partition wall 250) that define the openings. Also, the bosses (e.g., the first fastening protrusion 400 and the second fastening protrusion 500) may be at the ends of a plurality of adjacent partition walls and may be located between the plurality of openings.

[0068] The ribs (e.g., the first rib 420, the second rib 520, and the third rib 530) are continuous throughout the height direction of the bosses (e.g., the first fastening protrusion 400 and the second fastening protrusion 500) and may extend parallel to the height direction of the bosses.

[0069] The upper surfaces of the ribs (e.g., the first rib 420, the second rib 520, and the third rib 530) may be located at the same height as the upper surfaces of the bosses (e.g., the first fastening protrusion 400 and the second fastening protrusion 500).

[0070] The ribs (e.g., the first rib 420, the second rib 520, and the third rib 530) may bend and extend from the outer peripheral surfaces of the bosses (e.g., the first fastening protrusion 400 and the second fastening protrusion 500) and may include bent portions (e.g., the first recess 421, the second recess 521, and the third recess 531) that are spaced inward from the edges of the partition walls (e.g., the first partition wall 150 and the second partition wall 250). Also, the ends of the partition walls corresponding to the bent portions may be exposed.

[0071] The bent portions (e.g., the first recess 421, the second recess 521, and the third recess 531) may have a curvature with a sign different from that of the outer peripheral surfaces of the bosses (e.g., the first fastening protrusion 400 and the second fastening protrusion 500).

[0072] The ribs (e.g., the first rib 420, the second rib 520, and the third rib 530) may have an upward taper in the height direction of the bosses (e.g., the first fastening protrusion 400 and the second fastening protrusion 500).

[0073] The boss B may include the first fastening protrusion 400 and the second fastening protrusion 500.

[0074] One or more first fastening protrusions 400 may be formed on the first case 100. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of first fastening protrusions 400 may extend in the height direction of the first case 100 (e.g., the Z-axis direction in FIG. 3) from one surface (e.g., the inner upper surface) of the first case 100. The first fastening protrusion 400 may extend from the ends of a plurality of adjacent first partition walls 150. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the first fastening protrusion 400 may extend from the surface formed by three adjacent first partition walls 150. The first fastening protrusion 400 is located between a plurality of first openings 140 respectively defined by the plurality of first partition walls 150 and does not overlap with each first opening 140. The first fastening protrusion 400 may be formed at a position corresponding to the second fastening protrusion 500.

[0075] The first fastening protrusion 400 may include the first body 410 and the first rib 420.

[0076] The first body 410 extends from the ends of a plurality of adjacent first partition walls 150 and may have a hollow cylindrical shape inside. The first body 410 includes internal threads, and a fastening member may be inserted into the first body 410 and fastened to the threads. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the first body 410 may have a radius R1a. The first body 410 is located within the first partition wall 150 and does not overlap with the first groove 160. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the outer peripheral surface of the first body 410 is circular with a radius R1a and may be in contact with the edge of the first partition wall 150.

[0077] The first rib 420 may be formed in one or more on the outer peripheral surface of the first body 410. For example, two first ribs 420 may be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the first body 410. The first rib 420 may be continuously formed from the end of the first partition wall 150 across the entire upper surface of the first body 410. That is, the first rib 420 is formed across the entire upper and lower ends of the first body 410, and thus, the first fastening protrusion 400 can better withstand the torque generated during the fastening process. The first rib 420 may extend parallel to the height direction of the first body 410 (for example, the height direction of the first case 100). The first rib 420 can support the first fastening protrusion 400 so that it is not damaged when the first fastening protrusion 400 and the second fastening protrusion 500 receive torque during the process of being fastened to the fastening member.

[0078] The first rib 420 may include an inclined portion. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the first rib 420 may extend inclined by an angle θ1 with respect to the first body 410 (for example, with respect to the central axis in the height direction of the first body 410). The first rib 420 may extend inclined radially outward from the lower end of the first body 410.

[0079] The first rib 420 may include at least a partial curved portion. For example, the first rib 420 may include a concave curved portion inward from the outer peripheral surface of the first body 410. Accordingly, a wider width of the portion where the first rib 420 extends from the first body 410 can be ensured. Also, the first rib 420 extends curved along the curve of the outer peripheral surface of the first body 410, and the durability of the connection site between the first rib 420 and the first body 410 can be enhanced.

[0080] A plurality of first ribs 420 formed on any one of the first bodies 410 can be arranged asymmetrically with respect to the center of the first body 410. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, any one of the first bodies 410 has two first ribs 420, and the two first ribs 420 are also asymmetric with respect to the center of the first body 410. For example, the angle between the two first ribs 420 is also 120°. Compared with the second fastening protrusion 500, a relatively weak fastening torque can be applied to the first fastening protrusion 400. Therefore, while ensuring the durability of the first fastening protrusion 400, the number of the first ribs 420 can be minimized to reduce the weight of the battery module 10 and simplify the configuration.

[0081] The first rib 420 may include a first recess 421 and a first support portion 422.

[0082] The first recess 421 is a portion where the first rib 420 extends from the first body 410, and may have a curved shape along the outer peripheral surface of the first body 410. For example, the first recess 421 extends from both end portions where the first rib 420 is connected to the first body 410 toward the first support portion 422 and may have a concave shape inside. For example, one first recess 421 may be formed on each side of each first rib 420. The first recess 421 may have a curvature of a sign different from that of the first body 410. For example, when the curvature of the outer peripheral surface of the first body 410 is a positive number, the first recess 421 may have a negative curvature. The first recess 421 has a curvature radius R1b, which is the same as or larger than the radius R1a of the first body 410. The first recess 421 extends along the outer peripheral surface of the first body 410 in a curved manner and is concave inside. The first recess 421 is firmly connected to the first body 410 and can reduce the overall weight of the first fastening protrusion 400.

[0083] The first support portion 422 extends from the end of the first partition wall 150 and can be connected to the two first recesses 421. The first support portion 422 can support the first recess 421. The distance from the central portion of the first body 410 to the end of the first support portion 422 is L1, which is also not less than 1.5 times and not more than 3 times the radius R1a of the first body 410. When the ratio is less than 1.5 times, the first rib 420 is difficult to withstand the fastening torque applied to the first body 410. When the ratio exceeds 3 times, excessive torque is applied to the end of the first rib 420 during the fastening process, and the first rib 420 may be damaged.

[0084] One or more second fastening protrusions 500 can be formed on the second case 200. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, a plurality of second fastening protrusions 500 can extend in the height direction of the second case 200 (for example, the Z-axis direction in FIG. 7) from one surface (for example, the inner upper surface) of the second case 200. The second fastening protrusion 500 can extend from the ends of a plurality of adjacent second partition walls 250. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the second fastening protrusion 500 can be located on the surface where the ends of three adjacent second partition walls 250 abut. The second fastening protrusion 500 is located between a plurality of second openings 240 respectively defined by a plurality of second partition walls 250 and does not overlap with each second opening 240. The second fastening protrusion 500 can be formed at a position corresponding to the first fastening protrusion 400.

[0085] The second fastening protrusion 500 can include a second body 510, a second rib 520, and a third rib 530.

[0086] The second body 510 extends from the ends of a plurality of adjacent second partition walls 250 and can have a hollow cylindrical shape inside. The second body 510 includes internal threads, and a fastening member can be inserted into the second body 510 and fastened to the threads. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the second body 510 can have an outer diameter R2a. The second body 510 is located within the second partition wall 250 and does not overlap with the second groove 260. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the outer peripheral surface of the second body 510 is circular with a radius R2a and can be in contact with the edge of the second partition wall 250.

[0087] The second rib 520 may be formed in one or more on the outer peripheral surface of the second body 510. For example, two second ribs 520 may be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the second body 510. The second rib 520 may be continuously formed across the entire upper surface of the second body 510 at the end of the second partition wall 250. That is, the second rib 520 is formed across the entire upper and lower ends of the second body 510, and thus, the second fastening protrusion 500 can better withstand the torque generated during the fastening process. The second rib 520 may extend parallel to the height direction of the second body 510 (for example, the height direction of the second case 200). The second rib 520 may support the second fastening protrusion 500 so as not to be damaged when the second fastening protrusion 500 and the first fastening protrusion 400 receive torque during the process of being fastened to the fastening member.

[0088] The second rib 520 may include an inclined portion. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the second rib 520 may extend inclined by an angle θ2 with respect to the second body 510 (for example, with respect to the central axis in the height direction of the second body 510). The second rib 520 may extend inclined from the lower end of the second body 510 toward the radially outer side.

[0089] The second rib 520 may include at least a part of a curved portion. For example, the second rib 520 may include a concave curved portion inward from the outer peripheral surface of the second body 510. Accordingly, a wide width of the portion where the second rib 520 extends from the second body 510 can be ensured. Also, the second rib 520 extends curved along the curve of the outer peripheral surface of the second body 510, and the durability of the connecting portion between the second rib 520 and the second body 510 can be enhanced.

[0090] The plurality of second ribs 520 formed on any one second body 510 may be arranged asymmetrically with respect to the center of the second body 510. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, two second ribs 520 are formed on any one second body 510, and the two second ribs 520 are also asymmetric with respect to the center of the second body 510. For example, the angle between the two second ribs 520 is also 120°.

[0091] The second rib 520 may include a second recess 521 and a second support portion 522.

[0092] The second recess 521 is a portion where the second rib 520 extends from the second body 510, and may have a curved shape along the outer peripheral surface of the second body 510. For example, the second recess 521 may extend from both end portions where the second rib 520 is connected to the second body 510 toward the second support portion 522 and may have a concave shape on the inner side. For example, one second recess 521 may be formed on each side of each second rib 520. The second recess 521 may have a curvature with a sign different from that of the second body 510. For example, when the curvature of the outer peripheral surface of the second body 510 is a positive number, the second recess 521 may have a negative curvature. The second recess 521 has a radius of curvature R2b, which may be the same as or larger than the radius R2a of the second body 510. While curving and extending along the outer peripheral surface of the second body 510, the second recess 521 is concave on the inner side, is firmly connected to the second body 510, and may reduce the total weight of the second fastening protrusion 500.

[0093] The second support portion 522 extends from the end portion of the second partition wall 250 and may be connected to the two second recesses 521. The second support portion 522 may support the second recess 521. The distance from the central portion of the second body 510 to the end portion of the second support portion 522 is L2a, which is also 1.5 times or more and 3 times or less the radius R2a of the second body 510. When the ratio is less than 1.5 times, the force for withstanding the fastening torque applied to the second body 510 by the second rib 520 becomes insufficient. When the ratio exceeds 3 times, excessive torque may be applied to the end portion of the second rib 520 during the fastening process, and the second rib 520 may be damaged.

[0094] The third rib 530 may be formed in one or more on the outer peripheral surface of the second body 510. For example, the third rib 530 may be formed in one on the outer peripheral surface of the second body 510. The third rib 530 may be in a portion different from the portion of the second body 510 where the second rib 520 is located. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, two second ribs 520 and one third rib 530 may be arranged at equal angles (e.g., 120°) with respect to the center of the second body 510. Accordingly, by including a larger number of ribs (the second rib 520 and the third rib 530) in the second fastening protrusion 500 than in the first fastening protrusion 400, even if a fastening torque larger than that of the first fastening protrusion 400 is applied to the second fastening protrusion 500, the durability of the second fastening protrusion 500 can be ensured.

[0095] At least a part of the third rib 530 may be formed in the second groove 260. For example, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a part of the third rib 530 may be formed at the end of the second partition wall 250, and another part may be formed inside the second groove 260 (e.g., the bottom surface of the second groove 260). The third rib 530 may be firmly supported by the side surface and the bottom surface of the second groove 260. The third rib 530 may be continuously formed from the end of the second partition wall 250 over the entire upper surface of the second body 510. That is, the third rib 530 is formed over the entire upper and lower ends of the second body 510, and thus, the second fastening protrusion 500 can better withstand the torque generated during the fastening process. The second rib 520 may extend parallel to the height direction of the second body 510. The second rib 520 may support the second fastening protrusion 500 so as not to be damaged when the second fastening protrusion 500 and the first fastening protrusion 400 receive torque during the process of being fastened to the fastening member.

[0096] The third rib 530 may have a length shorter than that of the second rib 520. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the distance from the center of the second body 510 to the end of the third rib 530 is L2b, and L2b is shorter than the distance L2a from the center of the second body 510 to the end of the second rib 520. L2b is also 60% or more and 90% or less of L2a. If the ratio is less than 60%, the effect of the third rib 530 in improving the durability of the second fastening protrusion 500 will be reduced. If the ratio exceeds 90%, the length of the third rib 530 will be excessively long, and when fastening torque is applied, the third rib 530 will be easily damaged, and the amount of deformation of the material filled inside the second groove 260 may increase.

[0097] The third rib 530 may include a third recess 531 and a third support portion 532.

[0098] The third recess 531 is a portion where the third rib 530 extends from the second body 510, and may have a curved shape along the outer peripheral surface of the second body 510. For example, the third recess 531 extends from both ends where the third rib 530 is connected to the second body 510 toward the third support portion 532, and may have a concave shape on the inside. For example, one third recess 531 may be formed on each side of the third rib 530. The third recess 531 may have a curvature with a sign different from that of the second body 510. For example, when the curvature of the outer peripheral surface of the second body 510 is a positive number, the third recess 531 may have a negative curvature. The third recess 531 extends along the outer peripheral surface of the second body 510 while being curved and concave on the inside, is firmly connected to the second body 510, and can reduce the overall weight of the second fastening protrusion 500.

[0099] The third support portion 532 extends from the end of the second partition wall 250 and can be connected to the two third recesses 531. The third support portion 532 can support the third recess 531. The distance from the center of the second body 510 to the end of the third support portion 532 is L2b, which is also not less than 1.2 times and not more than 2 times the radius R2a of the second body 510. When the ratio is less than 1.2 times, the force that the third rib 530 can withstand the fastening torque applied to the second body 510 becomes insufficient. When the ratio exceeds 2 times, excessive torque may be applied to the end of the third rib 530 during the fastening process, and the third rib 530 may be damaged.

[0100] FIG. 11 shows a state where the first case 100 and the second case 200 are fastened. For example, the second case 200 can be connected under the first case 100, and the first fastening protrusion 400 and the second fastening protrusion 500 can be connected to each other. A fastening member is inserted into the fastening hole 190 of the first case 100, and the fastening member can be inserted into the first fastening protrusion 400 and the second fastening protrusion 500 and screwed to the first fastening protrusion 400 and the second fastening protrusion 500. The lower end of the first fastening protrusion 400 and the upper end of the second fastening protrusion 500 can be in contact with each other.

[0101] The cell tab 600 can connect a plurality of battery cells C. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of cell tabs 600 are formed on the first case 100 and can be connected to the plurality of battery cells C exposed through the first opening 140 of the first case 100. The cell tab 600 can electrically connect the battery cells C of the same polarity among the plurality of battery cells C to each other. The cell tab 600 includes a connection portion extending toward the first opening 140, and the connection portion can contact the electrode portion of the battery cell C. Although not shown, a plurality of cell tabs 600 are on the bottom surface of the second case 200 and can be electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells C exposed through the second opening 240 respectively.

[0102] The first bus bar 700 and the second bus bar 800 can be electrically connected to a plurality of battery cells C via cell tabs 600. For example, the upper end of the first bus bar 700 can be located on the mounting protrusion 130 of the first case 100 and fastened to the mounting protrusion 130 via a connector 300. Further, it can be fastened to a plurality of holes formed along the edge (e.g., the long side) of the first case 100 via the connector 300 and connected to the cell tab 600. In such a state, the first bus bar 700 can be inserted between two first guides 120 and two second guides 220 and mounted on the mounting surface 230. Also, the first bus bar 700 can be located on the bottom surface of the second case 200 and fastened to a plurality of holes formed along the edge (e.g., the long side) of the second case 200 and connected to the cell tab 600.

[0103] For example, the upper end of the second bus bar 800 can be located on the mounting protrusion 130 of the first case 100 and fastened to the mounting protrusion 130 via a connector 300. Further, it can be fastened to a plurality of holes formed along the edge (e.g., the long side) of the first case 100 via the connector 300 and connected to the cell tab 600. In such a state, the second bus bar 800 can be inserted between two first guides 120 and two second guides 220 and mounted on the mounting surface 230 on the opposite side of the mounting surface 230 where the first bus bar 700 is mounted. Also, the second bus bar 800 can be located on the bottom surface of the second case 200 and fastened to a plurality of holes formed along the edge (e.g., the long side) of the second case 200 and connected to the cell tab 600. The first bus bar 700 and the second bus bar 800 include a conductive material such as metal and can electrically connect the battery module 10 to other battery modules 10.

[0104] As described above, the present invention has been described based on the illustrated embodiments, which are merely exemplary. Those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field can fully understand that various modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible from the embodiments. Therefore, the true technical protection scope of the present invention must be determined based on the claims.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0105] 10 battery modules 100 First case 110 First fastening part 120 First guide 130 Mounting protrusion 140 First opening 150 First partition 160 First groove 170 First region 180 Protrusion 200 Second case 210 Second fastening part 220 Second guide 230 Mounting surface 240 Second opening 250 Second partition 260 Second groove 300 Connector 400 First fastening protrusion 420, First rib 500 Second fastening protrusion 510 Second body 520 Second rib 521 Second recess 522 Second support part 530 Third rib 531 Third recess 532 Third support part 600 Cell tab 700 First bus bar 800 Second bus bar

Claims

1. a first case, a second case coupled to the first case, a first boss in the first case, including at least one first rib, a second boss in the second case, including at least one second rib, and the first boss in the first case and the second boss in the second case are in corresponding positions, extend toward each other, and are connected to each other by a fastening member in a state where at least a part of them are in contact with each other, the number of the at least one first rib is different from the number of the at least one second rib, a battery module.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the number of the at least one second rib is greater than the number of the at least one first rib.

3. The first case and the second case include a plurality of openings for accommodating a plurality of battery cells, and a plurality of partition walls defining the plurality of openings, the first boss of the first case and the second boss of the second case are at ends of adjacent partition walls of the plurality of partition walls and are between the plurality of openings. The battery module according to claim 1.

4. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the at least one first rib continuously extends along the height direction of the first boss and extends parallel to the height direction of the first boss.

5. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein an upper surface of the at least one first rib is at the same height as an upper surface of the first boss.

6. The at least one first rib extends from an outer peripheral surface of the first boss and includes a bent portion spaced inwardly from an edge of one of the plurality of partition walls, an end of one of the plurality of partition walls corresponding to the bent portion is exposed. The battery module according to claim 3.

7. The battery module according to claim 6, wherein the bent portion has a curvature in a direction different from that of the outer peripheral surface of the first boss.

8. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the at least one first rib has a tapered shape in the height direction of the first boss.

9. The first boss includes a first fastening protrusion in the first case, the first fastening protrusion includes a first body and the at least one first rib on an outer peripheral surface of the first body, the second boss includes a second fastening protrusion in the second case, The second fastening protrusion includes a second body, the at least one second rib on the outer peripheral surface of the second body, and a third rib on the outer peripheral surface of the second body at a position different from the at least one second rib, according to the battery module of claim 1.

10. The at least one first rib includes a plurality of first ribs on the outer peripheral surface of the first body, The plurality of first ribs are asymmetric with respect to the center of the first body, according to the battery module of claim 9.

11. The first case includes a plurality of first openings for accommodating a plurality of battery cells, a plurality of first partitions defining the plurality of first openings, a plurality of first grooves between the plurality of first partitions, The first body is at the ends of the plurality of first partitions, The plurality of first ribs do not overlap with the plurality of first grooves, according to the battery module of claim 10.

12. The at least one second rib includes a plurality of second ribs on the outer peripheral surface of the second body, The plurality of second ribs are asymmetric with respect to the center of the second body, according to the battery module of claim 9.

13. The second case includes a plurality of second openings for accommodating a plurality of battery cells, a plurality of second partitions defining the plurality of second openings, a second groove between the plurality of second partitions, The second body is at the ends of the plurality of second partitions, The plurality of second ribs do not overlap with the second groove, At least a part of the third rib is in the second groove, according to the battery module of claim 12.

14. The at least one second rib and the third rib are arranged at equal angles along the circumferential direction of the second body, according to the battery module of claim 9.

15. The third rib is shorter than the length of each of the at least one second rib, according to the battery module of claim 9.

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