Battery module including module case and battery pack including the same

Abstract

To provide a battery module improved in manufacturing convenience, and to provide a battery module in which damage to a module case and a cell assembly is prevented during a welding process.SOLUTION: A battery module 200 including a cell assembly including a plurality of battery cells and a module case 300 accommodating the cell assembly is provided. The module case may include: an accommodation part 301 including a main plate supporting the cell assembly and a side wall 320 extending from the main plate; an upper plate 330 covering the cell assembly and including a first surface facing a first direction; a side wall cover 340 extending from the upper plate, covering a part of the side wall, and including a second surface facing a second direction opposite to the first direction; a module cover 302 including a guide groove formed in the second surface; and a first bonding part 370 connecting the second surface of the side wall cover and the side wall.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery module including a module case and a battery pack including the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged, and can be applied to various fields such as digital cameras, mobile phones, notebooks, hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, energy storage systems (ESS), etc. Secondary batteries can be lithium-ion batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, or nickel-hydrogen batteries.

[0003] Secondary batteries are manufactured from flexible pouch-type battery cells or rigid prismatic or cylindrical can-type battery cells. A plurality of battery cells may be formed into a stacked cell assembly.

[0004] The cell assembly may be disposed within a case to form a battery module, and multiple battery modules may be disposed within a pack housing to form a battery pack. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] A battery module may include a cell assembly and a module case that houses the cell assembly. The module case may include multiple components (e.g., a module cover, a housing, and an end plate). The components of the module case may be welded together. However, if the module cover and the housing are made of the same material, it may be difficult to detect the contact surface (e.g., weld) between the module cover and the housing. Heat generated during the welding process of the module case may be transferred to unintended locations, potentially damaging the battery module. Gaps may form between the components of the module case, reducing the durability of the module case.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a battery module with improved manufacturing convenience can be provided.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a battery module can be provided in which damage to a module case and a cell assembly during a welding process is prevented.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a battery module having reduced gaps between parts of a module case and increased durability can be provided.

[0009] The battery module and battery pack of the present disclosure can be widely applied in green technology fields such as electric vehicles, battery charging stations, and other battery-based solar power generation and wind power generation, etc. In addition, the battery module and battery pack of the present disclosure can be used in eco-friendly electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles that prevent climate change by reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The battery module of the present disclosure may include a cell assembly including a plurality of battery cells, and a module case that houses the cell assembly. The module case may include a housing including a main plate that supports the cell assembly and a side wall extending from the main plate, a top plate that covers the cell assembly and includes a first surface facing a first direction, a side wall cover that extends from the top plate, covers a portion of the side wall, and includes a second surface facing a second direction opposite to the first direction, a module cover that includes a guide groove formed in the second surface, and a first joint that connects the second surface of the side wall cover to the side wall.

[0011] According to an embodiment, the side wall cover may include a shadow forming surface that is parallel to the second surface and forms at least a part of the guide groove. The shadow forming surface may be spaced apart from the first joint portion.

[0012] According to an embodiment, the side wall may include a guide area formed by the side wall cover and at least a portion of which is exposed through the guide groove, and an exposed area spaced apart from the guide area and not covered by the module cover. The guide area may have a first color, and the exposed area may have a second color different from the first color.

[0013] According to an embodiment, the first joint may include a plurality of first joints, and the guide region may be located between the plurality of first joints.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the material of the module cover and the material of the receiving part may be the same.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the module case may include an end plate covering at least a portion of the cell assembly and perpendicular to the side wall. The main plate may include a first central portion having a first thickness and a first end portion extending from the first central portion and having a second thickness thinner than the first thickness. The end plate may include a second central portion having a third thickness and a second end portion extending from the second central portion and having a fourth thickness thinner than the third thickness. The module case may include a second joint portion connecting the first end portion and the second end portion.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the first end portion may include a first inner surface at least a portion of which faces the second central portion and a first bonding surface perpendicular to the first inner surface. The second end portion may include a second inner surface which faces the first central portion and a second bonding surface perpendicular to the second inner surface and the first bonding surface. The second bonding portion may connect the first bonding surface and the second bonding surface.

[0017] According to an embodiment, the second bonding portion may be formed along a welding direction inclined with respect to the first bonding surface and the second bonding surface.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the top plate may include a first end region connected to the side wall cover and a second end region perpendicular to the first end region, and the module case may include an end plate covering at least a portion of the cell assembly and perpendicular to the side wall, and a third joint connecting the second end region of the top plate to the end plate.

[0019] According to an embodiment, the end plate may include a third surface facing the first direction, and the third joint may connect the first surface of the top plate and the third surface of the end plate.

[0020] The battery module of the present disclosure may include a cell assembly including a plurality of battery cells, and a module case that houses the cell assembly. The module case may include a housing including a main plate that supports the cell assembly and a side wall extending from the main plate, a module cover that covers the cell assembly and includes a first surface facing a first direction, a side wall cover that extends from the top plate, covers a portion of the side wall, and includes a second surface facing a second direction opposite to the first direction, an end plate that surrounds at least a portion of the cell assembly and includes a third surface facing the first direction, a first joint that connects the second surface of the side wall cover to the side wall, a second joint that connects the main plate to the end plate, and a third joint that connects the first surface of the top plate to the third surface of the end plate.

[0021] According to an embodiment, the module cover may include a guide groove formed in the second surface, and the side wall cover may include a shadow forming surface parallel to the second surface and forming at least a part of the guide groove, and the shadow forming surface may be spaced apart from the first joint portion.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the end plate may be perpendicular to the side wall. The main plate may include a first central portion having a first thickness and a first end portion extending from the first central portion and having a second thickness thinner than the first thickness. The end plate may include a second central portion having a third thickness and a second end portion extending from the second central portion and having a fourth thickness thinner than the third thickness. The second joint may connect the first end portion and the second end portion.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the first end portion may include a first inner surface at least a portion of which faces the second central portion and a first bonding surface perpendicular to the first inner surface. The second end portion may include a second inner surface facing the first central portion and a second bonding surface perpendicular to the second inner surface and the first bonding surface. The second bonding portion may connect the first bonding surface and the second bonding surface.

[0024] A battery pack according to the present disclosure may include a plurality of battery modules and a pack frame housing the plurality of battery modules. Each of the plurality of battery modules may include a cell assembly including a plurality of battery cells, and a module case housing the cell assembly. The module case may include a main plate supporting the cell assembly, a housing portion including a side wall extending from the main plate, a top plate covering the cell assembly and including a first surface facing a first direction, a side wall cover extending from the top plate, covering a portion of the side wall, and including a second surface facing a second direction opposite the first direction, a module cover including a guide groove formed in the second surface, and a first joint portion connecting the second surface of the side wall cover to the side wall. [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the convenience of manufacturing a battery module can be increased through a welding process.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, damage to the battery module during the welding process can be prevented.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, gaps between parts of the module housing are reduced, and durability of the battery module can be increased. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery cell according to an embodiment. [Figure 2]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a module case according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a side view of a battery module according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of area A of FIG. 5 according to one embodiment. [Figure 7a] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of area A of FIG. 5 according to one embodiment. [Figure 7b] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view of area A of FIG. 5 according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] 3 is a cross-sectional view of line AA' of FIG. 2 according to one embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a top view of a battery module according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] The present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are illustrative only and are not intended to limit the present disclosure to the specific embodiments illustratively described.

[0030] The terms and words used in the following specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted as meanings and concepts that are consistent with the technical ideas of the present disclosure, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best describe his or her invention.

[0031] Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, do not represent the entire technical idea of ​​the present disclosure, and that there may be various equivalents and modifications that can replace them at the time of filing this application.

[0032] Detailed descriptions of known functions and configurations that may obscure the gist of the present disclosure will be omitted. In the accompanying drawings, some components are exaggerated, omitted, or illustrated schematically, and the size of each component does not completely reflect the actual size.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery cell according to one embodiment.

[0034] 1, the battery cell 100 may include a pouch 110, an electrode assembly 120, and an electrode tab 130. The battery cell 100 may be a secondary battery. For example, the battery cell 100 may be, but is not limited to, a lithium-ion battery. For example, the battery cell 100 may be a nickel-cadmium battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, or a nickel-hydrogen battery that can be charged and discharged.

[0035] The pouch 110 may form at least a part of the exterior of the battery cell 100. The pouch 110 may include an electrode accommodating portion 111 that accommodates the electrode assembly 120, and a sealing portion 115 that seals at least a part of the periphery of the electrode accommodating portion 111. The electrode accommodating portion 111 may provide a space in which the electrode assembly 120 and the electrolyte are accommodated.

[0036] The sealing portion 115 may be formed by joining at least a portion of the periphery of the pouch 110. The sealing portion 115 may be formed in a flange shape extending outward from the electrode receiving portion 111, which is formed in a container shape, and may be disposed along at least a portion of the outer surface of the electrode receiving portion 111. In one embodiment, the sealing portion 115 may include a first sealing portion 115a where the electrode tab 130 is located and a second sealing portion 115b where the electrode tab 130 is not located. A portion of the electrode tab 130 may be pulled out or exposed to the outside of the pouch 110. When the electrode tab 130 is pulled out, the electrode tab 130 may be covered with an insulating film 140 to improve the sealing strength of the first sealing portion 115a and ensure electrical insulation. The insulating film 140 may be made of a film material thinner than the electrode tab 130 and may be attached to both sides of the electrode tab 130.

[0037] The electrode tab 130 may transmit the current of the battery cell 100 to the outside of the battery cell 100. The electrode tab 130 may be connected to the electrode assembly 120.

[0038] In one embodiment, the electrode tabs 130 may be arranged on both sides of the battery cell 100 in the length direction (Y-axis direction) so as to face in opposite directions. For example, the electrode tabs 130 may include a first electrode tab 130a (e.g., anode tab) of a first polarity (e.g., anode) facing one side of the battery cell 100 in the length direction and a second electrode tab 130b of a second polarity (e.g., cathode) facing the other side of the length direction. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the sealing portion 115 may include two first sealing portions 115a where the electrode tabs 130 are disposed and one second sealing portion 115b where no electrode tabs 130 are disposed. The first sealing portion 115a may seal at least a portion of the electrode tabs 130. In one embodiment, the electrode tabs 130 may be referred to as electrode leads.

[0039] The direction in which the electrode tabs 130 are located may be selectively designed. In one embodiment (e.g., FIG. 1 ), the electrode tabs 130 may include a first electrode tab 130a and a second electrode tab 130b located in an opposite direction to the first electrode tab 130a with respect to the electrode assembly 120. Although FIG. 1 illustrates the electrode tabs 130 arranged in opposite directions on both sides of the length direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) of the battery cell 100, the structure of the electrode tabs 130 is not limited thereto. For example, the two electrode tabs 130 may be arranged substantially parallel to each other along the length direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) of the battery cell 100.

[0040] Meanwhile, the pouch 110 is not limited to the structure shown in FIG. 1 in which a single piece of exterior material is folded to form sealing portions 115 on three sides.

[0041] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least a portion of the sealing portion 115 may be folded at least once. By folding at least a portion of the sealing portion 115, the bonding reliability of the sealing portion 115 may be improved and the area of ​​the sealing portion 115 may be minimized. According to one embodiment, the second sealing portion 115b, where the electrode tab 130 is not disposed, may be folded twice and then fixed with an adhesive member (not shown). The angle or number of times the second sealing portion 115b is folded may be changed. For example, in one embodiment not shown, the second sealing portion 115b may be folded 90° relative to the first sealing portion 115a.

[0042] The electrode assembly 120 may include a cathode plate, an anode plate, and a separator. The separator prevents contact between the anode plate and the cathode plate. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the electrode assembly 120 may be manufactured in various ways. According to exemplary embodiments, the electrode assembly may be formed by repeatedly arranging anodes, cathodes, and separators. In some embodiments, the electrode assembly may be a winding type, a stacking type, a zigzag folding type, or a stack folding type.

[0043] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment, FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module according to an embodiment, and FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a module case according to an embodiment.

[0044] 2, 3, and / or 4, the battery module 200 may include a cell assembly 101, a bus bar assembly 210, a sensor assembly 220, an insulating plate 240, and / or a module case 300.

[0045] The cell assembly 101 may include a plurality of battery cells 100. The description of the battery cell 100 in FIG. 1 may be applied mutatis mutandis to the battery cell 100 in FIG.

[0046] The cell assembly 101 may have a substantially hexahedral shape. In one embodiment, the cell assembly 101 may be referred to as a cell stack. In one embodiment, the cell assembly 101 may include a plurality of battery cells 100 connected using adhesive tape. According to one embodiment, the cell assembly 101 may include a heat propagation prevention member positioned between at least some of the plurality of battery cells 100.

[0047] The bus bar assembly 210 may include an electrically conductive internal bus bar 211 electrically connected to the electrode tab 130 of the battery cell 100 and a bus bar frame 212 supporting the internal bus bar 211. The bus bar frame 212 may be formed of an electrically insulating material (e.g., a polymer). The bus bar frame 212 may include at least one fastening hole for accommodating a connecting component (e.g., a screw, a rivet, and / or a boss structure). The bus bar frame 212 may be connected to the module case 300 by the connecting component. In one embodiment, the internal bus bar 211 may be referred to as a bus bar. A plurality of internal bus bars 211 may be provided. For example, the number of internal bus bars 211 may be selectively designed based on the number of battery cells 100 included in the battery module 200.

[0048] The bus bar assembly 210 may include at least one terminal bus bar 213 for electrical connection to the outside. The electrode tabs 130 of the battery cells 100 may be electrically connected to the outside of the battery module 200 via the internal bus bar 211 and the terminal bus bar 213. For example, the terminal bus bar 213 is electrically connected to the internal bus bar 211, and current of the battery cells 100 may be transmitted to the outside of the battery module 200 through the internal bus bar 211 and the terminal bus bar 213. The terminal bus bar 213 may be exposed to the outside of the module case 300 through the hole 250a of the insulating plate 240. In one embodiment, the terminal bus bar 213 may be referred to as a high-voltage bus bar or a long bus bar.

[0049] The sensor assembly 220 may include a sensor for sensing information about the battery module 200. For example, the sensor assembly 220 may include a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the battery cell 100 and at least one voltage sensing terminal coupled to the internal bus bar 211.

[0050] The insulating plate 240 can prevent contact between at least a portion of the bus bar assembly 210 (e.g., the terminal bus bar 213) and the module case 300 (e.g., the accommodating portion 301). For example, at least a portion of the insulating plate 240 can be disposed between the terminal bus bar 213 and the side wall 320 of the accommodating portion 301. The insulating plate 240 is made of an insulating material (e.g., a high molecular weight polymer) and can prevent electrical conduction due to contact between the terminal bus bar 213 and the side wall 320. In one embodiment, the insulating plate 240 can be disposed between the cell assembly 101 and the side wall 320.

[0051] In one embodiment, the battery module 200 may include a heat dissipation member 250. The heat dissipation member 250 may be located between the cell assembly 101 and the receiving portion 301 (e.g., the main plate 310) of the module case 300. The heat dissipation member 250 may be a thermal adhesive. At least a portion of the heat generated in the battery cells 100 of the cell assembly 101 may be transferred to the receiving portion 301 via the heat dissipation member 250.

[0052] The module case 300 can form at least a part of the exterior appearance of the battery module 200. The module case 300 can house components (e.g., the cell assembly 101) of the battery module 200. For example, the module case 300 can form a housing space that houses the cell assembly 101 and / or the bus bar assembly 210. The module case 300 can protect the cell assembly 101 from external impact.

[0053] The module case 300 may include a receiving portion 301 including a main plate 310 that supports the cell assembly 101 and a side wall 320 extending from the main plate 310. In one embodiment, the main plate 310 may be referred to as a lower plate. The cell assembly 101 may be attached to the main plate 310. The side wall 320 may cover at least a portion of a side surface of the cell assembly 101. For example, the side wall 320 may extend in a first direction (e.g., the +Z direction) at both ends of the main plate 310. In one embodiment, the side wall 320 may be formed integrally with the main plate 310.

[0054] The module case 300 may include a module cover 302 that covers the cell assembly 101. For example, the module cover 302 may be disposed on one side of the cell assembly 101. The module cover 302 may cover a portion (e.g., the top) of the cell assembly 101. The module cover 302 may protect the cell assembly 101 from impact from outside the battery module 200. In one embodiment, the cover 230 may be referred to as an upper cover.

[0055] The module cover 302 may include an upper plate 330 that covers the cell assembly 101, and a sidewall cover 340 that extends from the upper plate 330 in a second direction (e.g., the -Z direction). The upper plate 330 may include a first surface 330a that faces a first direction (e.g., the +Z direction). The sidewall cover 340 may extend from both ends of the upper plate 330 in the second direction (e.g., the -Z direction). The sidewall cover 340 may face a portion of the sidewall 320 of the accommodating portion 301 and cover a portion of the sidewall 320.

[0056] The module case 300 may be manufactured from a material that can be joined using welding. According to an embodiment, the module case 300 may be made of a material with high thermal conductivity, such as metal. For example, the module case 300 may be made from aluminum or stainless steel. However, the material of the module case 300 is not limited thereto. The module case 300 may also be referred to as a battery case, a housing, or a module housing.

[0057] The module case 300 may include an end plate 360. The end plate 360 ​​may surround at least a portion of the cell assembly 101. In one embodiment, the end plate 360 ​​may be connected to an end of the receiving portion 301 and / or the module cover 302 in the longitudinal direction (e.g., the X-axis direction). The end plate 360 ​​may protect the cell assembly 101 from impact from outside the battery module 200. The end plate 360 ​​may cover a portion of a side surface of the cell assembly 101. In one embodiment, the end plate 360 ​​may include a protrusion 369 for coupling with an external structure of the battery module 200 (e.g., the pack frame 410 in FIG. 10 ). The end plate 360 ​​may include a surface (e.g., a third surface 360a) facing a first direction (e.g., the +Z direction). In one embodiment, the end plate 360 ​​may be referred to as a front case and / or a rear case.

[0058] The components of the module case 300 may be joined together via welding. For example, the module case 300 may include a first joint 370 connecting the accommodating portion 301 and the module cover 302, a second joint 380 connecting the accommodating portion 301 and the end plate 360, and / or a third joint 390 connecting the module cover 302 and the end plate 360. In one embodiment, the joints 370, 380, and 390 may be referred to as weld lines or weld areas. The first joint 370, the second joint 380, and the third joint 390 may be formed substantially parallel or perpendicular to each other. The joining structure of the module case 300 using the joints 370, 380, and 390 will be described further below. In another embodiment, the module case 300 may include a fourth joint (not shown) connecting the side wall 320 of the accommodating portion 301 and the end plate 360. The direction in which the fourth bonding portion is arranged may be perpendicular to the direction in which the first bonding portion 370, the second bonding portion 380, and the third bonding portion 390 are arranged.

[0059] FIG. 5 is a side view of a battery module according to one embodiment, FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of area A of FIG. 5 according to one embodiment, FIG. 7a is a perspective view of area B of FIG. 6 according to one embodiment, and FIG. 7b is a cross-sectional perspective view of area B of FIG. 6 according to one embodiment.

[0060] 5, 6, 7a, and / or 7b, the battery module 200 may include a module case 300 including a receiving portion 301 and a module cover 302. At least a portion of the description of the battery module 200, module case 300, receiving portion 301, and module cover 302 in FIGS. 2, 3, and / or 4 may be applied mutatis mutandis to the battery module 200, module case 300, receiving portion 301, and module cover 302 in FIGS. 5, 6, 7a, and / or 7b.

[0061] The receiving portion 301 may be connected to the module cover 302. For example, the side wall 320 of the receiving portion 301 may be joined to the side wall cover 340 of the module cover 302. The module case 300 may include a first joint portion 370 connecting the side wall 320 and the side wall cover 340. The upper plate 330 may include a first surface 330a facing a first direction (+Z direction). The side wall cover 340 may include a second surface 340a facing a second direction (-Z direction). The second surface 340a may extend along a third direction (X-axis direction). The first joint portion 370 may be welded to the second surface 340a of the side wall cover 340 and the side wall 320 of the receiving portion 301. The first joint portion 370 may be formed along a third direction (X-axis direction) parallel to the second surface 340a. In one embodiment, the first joint 370 may be referred to as a first weld line or a first weld bead.

[0062] The side wall 320 and the side wall cover 340 may each have a stepped structure. For example, the side wall 320 may include a first protruding region 327 including an upper surface 320a facing a first direction (+Z direction) and an inner region 326 positioned in a second direction (-Z direction) relative to the first protruding region 327. A portion of the first protruding region 327 may contact a second surface 340a of the side wall cover 340. For example, a portion of the first protruding region 327 may be joined to the second surface 340a of the side wall cover 340 to form a first joining portion 370. Another portion of the first protruding region 327 may be separated from a portion of the side wall cover 340 (e.g., the shadow-forming surface 340b) by a guide groove 350. The other portion of the first protruding region 327 separated from the shadow-forming surface 340b may be referred to as a guide region 328. The module cover 340 may be formed to correspond to the shape of the side wall 320. For example, the module cover 340 may include a second protruding region 347 facing the interior region 326. The second protruding region 347 may protrude further in the second direction (-Z) than the second surface 340a. The protruding structures of the side wall 320 and the side wall cover 340 may improve ease of assembly of the side wall 320 and the side wall cover 340. The position of the first joint 370 may be determined based on the difference in brightness between the side wall 320 of the accommodating portion 301 and the side wall cover 340 of the module cover 302. For example, a worker or a welding robot may sense the side wall 320 and the side wall cover 340 and determine the position of the first joint 370 based on the difference in brightness between the side wall 320 and the side wall cover 340. The first joint 370 may be located at the boundary between the side wall 320 and the side wall cover 340.

[0063] In one embodiment, the material of the receiving portion 301 and the material of the module cover 302 may be the same. For example, the side wall 320 of the receiving portion 301 and the side wall cover 340 of the module cover 302 may each include stainless steel or aluminum. If the material of the side wall 320 and the side wall cover 340 are the same, it may be difficult to distinguish the boundary between the side wall 320 and the side wall cover 340, which may reduce the positional accuracy of the first joint 370 and reduce the welding quality.

[0064] The module cover 302 can guide a worker to the position where the first joint 370 is to be formed. For example, the module cover 302 can include a guide groove 350. The guide groove 350 can create a contrast between the side wall 320 and the side wall cover 340. For example, the guide groove 350 can be formed on the second surface 340a of the side wall cover 340. For example, the guide groove 350 can be a groove formed on the second surface 340a of the side wall cover 340. In one embodiment, the side wall cover 340 can include a shadow-forming surface 340b that is parallel to the second surface 340a and forms at least a portion of the guide groove 350. The shadow-forming surface 340b can be spaced apart from the first joint 370. The shadow-forming surface 340b of the side wall cover 340 can create a contrast in a portion of the side wall 320. For example, the side wall cover 340 having the guide groove 350 can create a shadow in a portion of the side wall 320. In one embodiment, the side wall 320 may include a guide region 328 formed by the side wall cover 340 and an exposed region 329 that is not covered by the side wall cover 340. At least a portion of the guide region 328 may be exposed to the outside of the module case 300 through a guide groove 350. The brightness of the guide region 328 and the exposed region 329 may be different. For example, a first brightness of the guide region 328 may be lower than a second brightness of the exposed region 329 due to a shadow formed by the side wall cover 340. An operator may set the position of the first joint 370 based on the difference in brightness between the guide region 328 and the exposed region 329.

[0065] The guide groove 350 may be formed in a shape that generates a contrast. For example, the width (e.g., first length d1) of the guide groove 350 may be formed to a specified length (e.g., 1 mm or more). The first length d1 may be the length of the shadow forming surface 340b of the side wall cover 340 in the third direction (X-axis direction). The depth (e.g., second length d2) of the guide groove 350 may be formed to a specified length (e.g., 1 mm or more). The second length d2 may be the length between the second surface 340a and the shadow forming surface 340b of the side wall cover 340. The width (e.g., third length d3) of the guide groove 350 may be formed to a specified length (e.g., 0.5 mm or more). The third length d3 may be the length of the shadow forming surface 340b of the side wall cover 340 in the fourth direction (e.g., Y-axis direction).

[0066] A plurality of guide grooves 350 may be provided. For example, the guide groove 350 may include a first guide groove 351, a second guide groove 352, and a third guide groove 353 that are spaced apart from one another. The plurality of guide grooves 351, 352, and 353 may be arranged along a third direction (e.g., the X-axis direction). By providing a plurality of guide grooves 350, the positional accuracy of the first joint 370 may be increased. The number of guide grooves 350 may be selectively designed.

[0067] A plurality of first joint portions 370 may be provided. For example, the first joint portion 370 may include a plurality of first joint portions 371, 372 spaced apart based on the guide groove 350 and / or the guide region 328. The guide region 328 may be located between the plurality of first joint portions 371, 372. The number of first joint portions 370 may be selectively designed.

[0068] The battery module 200 may be subjected to pressure by a pressure device positioned in a first direction (+Z direction) relative to the module cover 302. For example, the battery module 200 may be supported by a support (e.g., an assembly jig) positioned in a second direction (-Z direction) relative to the receiving portion 301, and pressure may be applied by the pressure device positioned in the first direction (+Z direction) relative to the module cover 302. The pressure device may reduce the distance between the module cover 302 and the sidewall 320. For example, the first joint 370 may be formed in the sidewall cover 340 and the sidewall 320 of the module cover 302, with the distance between the sidewall cover 340 and the sidewall 320 reduced. The reduced distance between the module cover 302 and the sidewall 320 may improve the durability of the battery module 200.

[0069] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA' of FIG. 2 according to one embodiment.

[0070] 8, the battery module 200 may include a cell assembly 101 and a module case 300 that houses the cell assembly 101. The module case 300 may include a main plate 310 and an end plate 360.

[0071] At least some of the descriptions of the cell assembly 101, module case 300, main plate 310, and end plate 360 ​​in Figures 2, 3, and / or 4 may be applied mutatis mutandis to the cell assembly 101, module case 300, main plate 310, and end plate 360 ​​in Figure 8.

[0072] The cell assembly 101 may include a plurality of battery cells (e.g., the battery cells 100 in FIG. 1 ). The cell assembly 101 may include an insulating member 160 for preventing contact between the battery cells 100 and the end plate 360.

[0073] The module case 300 may include a second joint portion 380 that connects the main plate 310 and the end plate 360 ​​of the receiving portion 301. The end plate 360 ​​may be fixed to the main plate 310 by the second joint portion 380.

[0074] The module case 300 may have a shape to prevent damage due to the second joint 380. The main plate 310 and the end plate 360 ​​may have a stepped structure. For example, the main plate 310 may include a first central portion 311 formed with a first thickness t1 and a first end portion 312 extending from the first central portion and formed with a second thickness t2 thinner than the first thickness t1. The end plate 360 ​​may include a second central portion 361 formed with a third thickness t3 and a second end portion 362 extending from the second central portion 361 and formed with a fourth thickness t4 thinner than the third thickness. The second joint 380 may connect the first end portion 312 of the main plate 310 and the second end portion 362 of the end plate 360.

[0075] The second joint portion 380 may be formed along a welding direction WD that is inclined relative to the first end portion 312 of the main plate 310 and the second end portion 362 of the end plate 360. For example, the first end portion 312 may include a first inner side surface 313, at least a portion of which faces the second central portion 361, and a first joint surface 314 that is perpendicular to the first inner side surface 313. The second end portion 362 may include a second inner side surface 363 that faces the first central portion 311, and a second joint surface 364. The second joint surface 364 may be perpendicular to the second inner side surface 363 and the first joint surface 314. The second joint portion 380 may connect the first joint surface 314 and the second joint surface 364. The second joint portion 380 may be formed along a welding direction WD that is inclined relative to the first joint surface 314 and the second joint surface 364. For example, the welding direction WD may be inclined at approximately 45 degrees relative to the first joint surface 314 and the second joint surface 364. The second bonding portion 380 may be formed by melting and hardening the contact surfaces of the first bonding surface 314 and the second bonding surface 364 along the welding direction WD.

[0076] The second bonding portion 380 is disposed on the first bonding surface 314 of the main plate 310 and the second bonding surface 364 of the end plate 360, thereby preventing damage to other portions (e.g., the central portions 311, 361) of the battery cell 100 and the module case 300 due to heat generated during welding and / or the laser. For example, the main plate 310 and the end plate 360 ​​each have a stepped structure, and the second bonding portion 380 is transferred at an angle relative to the bonding surfaces 314, 364, thereby preventing heat transfer to unintended portions. In one embodiment, the second bonding portion 380 may be referred to as a second weld line or a second weld bead.

[0077] The battery module 200 may be subjected to pressure by a pressure device positioned in a first direction (+Z direction) relative to the end plate 360. For example, while the battery module 200 is supported on a support (e.g., an assembly jig) positioned in a second direction (-Z direction) relative to the main plate 310 of the receiving portion 301, pressure may be applied by a pressure device positioned in the first direction (+Z direction) relative to the end plate 360. The pressure device may reduce the gap between the main plate 310 and the end plate 360. For example, the second joint 380 may be formed on the main plate 310 and the end plate 360 ​​in a state where the gap between the main plate 310 and the end plate 360 ​​of the receiving portion 301 is reduced. The reduced gap between the main plate 310 and the end plate 360 ​​may improve durability of the battery module 200.

[0078] In the present disclosure, the main plate 310 and the end plate 360 ​​have a stepped structure, and the second joint 380 connects the main plate 310 and the end plate 360 ​​having the stepped structure. However, the stepped structure of the module case 300 is not limited to the main plate 310 and the end plate 360. For example, the stepped structure of the main plate 310 and the end plate 360 ​​may be applied mutatis mutandis to other components of the module case 300. In another embodiment (not shown), the third joint (e.g., third joint 390 in FIG. 2) may be connected to the top plate (e.g., top plate 330 in FIG. 2) and the end plate 360 ​​having the stepped structure. In yet another embodiment (not shown), the side wall (e.g., side wall 320 in FIG. 2) and the end plate 360 ​​each have a stepped structure, and a fourth joint (not shown) may connect the side wall 320 and the end plate 360 ​​having the stepped structure.

[0079] FIG. 9 is a top view of a battery module according to one embodiment.

[0080] 9, the battery module 200 may include a top plate 330 and an end plate 360. At least a portion of the description of the battery module 200, the top plate 330, and the end plate 360 ​​in FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and / or FIG. 4 may be applied mutatis mutandis to the battery module 200, the top plate 330, and the end plate 360 ​​in FIG. 9.

[0081] The module case 300 may include a third joint 390 connecting the top plate 330 and the end plate 360. The top plate 330 may have a substantially rectangular plate shape. For example, the top plate 330 may include a first end region 331 connected to a side wall cover (e.g., side wall cover 340 in FIG. 4 ) and a second end region 332 perpendicular to the first end region 331. The third joint 390 may connect the second end region 332 of the top plate 330 to the end plate 360. In one embodiment, the third joint 390 may be referred to as a third weld line or a third weld bead.

[0082] The third joint 390 may connect the top plate 330 and the end plate 360 ​​at multiple points. For example, the top plate 330 may include multiple second end regions 332a, 332b. The multiple second end regions 332a, 332b may include a second-first end region 332a and a second-second end region 332b that face in opposite directions. The third joint 390 may include a third-first joint 391 that connects the second-first end region 332a to the end plate 360 ​​and a third-second joint 392 that connects the second-second end region 332b to the end plate 360.

[0083] The third joint 390 may be located above (e.g., in the first direction (+Z direction)) the top plate 330 and the end plate 360. For example, the end plate 360 ​​may include a third surface 360a facing the first direction (+Z direction). The joint 390 may connect the third surface 360a of the end plate and the first surface 330a of the top plate 330.

[0084] The battery module 200 may be pressurized by a pressure device positioned in the third direction (X-axis direction) relative to the end plate 360. For example, the battery module 200 may be pressurized by a pressure device and / or a support device that contacts the end plate 360. The pressure device (or support device) may reduce the gap between the end plate 360 ​​and the upper plate 330 of the module cover 302 and the gap between the end plate 360 ​​and the receiving portion 301. For example, the third joint 390 may be formed on the upper plate 330 and the end plate 360 ​​with the gap between the upper plate 330 and the end plate 360 ​​reduced. The reduced gap between the upper plate 330 and the end plate 360 ​​may improve durability of the battery module 200.

[0085] The third joint 390 is positioned in the first direction (+Z direction) relative to the top plate 330 and the end plate 360, thereby reducing the spacing between components (e.g., the module case 300 in FIG. 4) of the battery module 200. For example, the third joint 390 may be formed independently of the first joint (e.g., the first joint 370 in FIG. 6) or the second joint (e.g., the second joint 380 in FIG. 8).

[0086] The third joint 390 may be formed on a component (e.g., the upper plate 330 and the end plate 360) that is pressed in a third direction (X-axis direction). The first joint 370 may be formed on a component (e.g., the module cover 302 and the side wall 320) that is pressed in a second direction (e.g., the -Z direction in FIG. 4) perpendicular to the third direction (X-axis direction). The second joint 380 may be formed on a component (e.g., the main plate 310 and the end plate 360) that is pressed in a second direction (e.g., the -Z direction in FIG. 4) perpendicular to the third direction (X-axis direction).

[0087] Since the third joint 390 is positioned in the first direction (+Z direction) relative to the top plate 330 and the end plate 360, the gap between the top plate 330 and the end plate 360 ​​can be reduced by a pressure device while reducing the gap between the module cover 302 and the side wall 320 and / or the gap between the main plate 310 and the end plate 360. The gap between components of the battery module 200 (e.g., the module case 300 of FIG. 4) is reduced, thereby improving the durability of the battery module 200.

[0088] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment.

[0089] 10, a battery pack 400 may include a plurality of battery modules 200 and a pack frame 410 that houses the plurality of battery modules 200. The description of the battery module 200 described above (e.g., in FIGS. 2 and 3) may be applied mutatis mutandis to the battery module 200 in FIG. 10. For example, the battery module 200 in FIG. 10 may include a module case (e.g., the module case 300 in FIG. 4).

[0090] The pack frame 410 can house components of the battery pack 400 (e.g., the battery modules 200). The pack frame 410 can include a bottom member 411 that supports the battery modules 200, a pack cover 412 that covers the battery modules 200, and a pack side wall 413 that surrounds at least a portion of the bottom member 411 and the pack cover 412. The bottom member 411 can support a case of the battery module 200 (e.g., the module case 300 in FIG. 2).

[0091] The pack frame 410 may include a partition wall 420 that crosses at least a portion of the plurality of battery modules 200. For example, the storage space of the pack frame 410 may be divided into a plurality of spaces by the partition walls 420. The partition walls 420 may be provided across the storage space to reinforce the rigidity of the pack frame 410. In one embodiment, the partition wall 420 may include a first partition wall 420a that crosses the plurality of battery cells 100 and a plurality of second partition walls 420b that are substantially perpendicular to the first partition wall 420a.

[0092] In one embodiment, the battery pack 400 may include a duct member 430. The duct member 430 may include an exhaust space for providing a path for gas and / or flame exhausted from the battery module 200. The duct member 430 may be disposed within the pack frame 410. The duct member 430 may surround at least a portion of the battery module 200. For example, gas and / or flame generated in a battery cell (e.g., the battery cell 100 in FIG. 1 ) of the battery module 200 may be transmitted to the outside of the battery pack 400 through the exhaust space of the duct member 430. In the present disclosure, the duct member 430 may be referred to as an exhaust duct or an exhaust member.

[0093] The battery pack 400 may include a battery control unit 490 for controlling the battery module 200. The battery control unit 490 may be disposed in the pack frame 410. The battery control unit 490 may include a battery management system (BMS). The configuration of the battery control unit 490 is well known in various forms, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted. In one embodiment, the battery control unit 490 may be referred to as a processor.

[0094] 10 is an example. For example, the number of battery modules 200 included in the battery pack 400, the structure of the pack frame 410, and / or the structure of the duct member 430 can be selectively designed.

[0095] What has been described above is merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the present disclosure, and other arrangements may be included without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0096] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present disclosure as set forth in the claims. For example, the present disclosure may be implemented by deleting some of the components in the above-described embodiments, and the embodiments may be implemented in combination with each other. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 100 battery cells 101 Cell assembly 200 Battery Module 210 Busbar assembly 300 Module Case 301 Storage Unit 302 Module Cover 310 Main Plate 320 side wall 330 Upper Plate 330a Page 1 340 Sidewall Cover 350 Guide groove 360 End Plate 370 1st joint 380 2nd joint 390 Third joint

Claims

1. a cell assembly including a plurality of battery cells; and a module case that houses the cell assembly; The module case is a housing including a main plate supporting the cell assembly and a sidewall extending from the main plate; a module cover including: an upper plate covering the cell assembly and including a first surface facing a first direction; a sidewall cover extending from the upper plate and covering a portion of the sidewall and including a second surface facing a second direction opposite the first direction; and a guide groove formed in the second surface; and The battery module includes a first joint connecting the second surface of the side wall cover and the side wall.

2. the side wall cover includes a shadow forming surface that is parallel to the second surface and forms at least a portion of the guide groove; The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the shadow-forming surface is spaced apart from the first joint portion.

3. the side wall includes a guide area formed by the side wall cover, at least a portion of which is exposed through the guide groove, and an exposed area spaced apart from the guide area and not covered by the module cover; The battery module according to claim 2 , wherein the guide area has a first color value, and the exposed area has a second color value different from the first color value.

4. the first joint portion includes a plurality of first joint portions, The battery module according to claim 3 , wherein the guide region is located between the plurality of first joints.

5. The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the module cover and the housing are made of the same material.

6. the module case includes an end plate that covers at least a portion of the cell assembly and is perpendicular to the side wall; the main plate includes a first central portion having a first thickness and a first end portion extending from the first central portion and having a second thickness that is thinner than the first thickness; the end plate includes a second central portion formed with a third thickness and a second end portion extending from the second central portion and formed with a fourth thickness that is thinner than the third thickness; The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the module case includes a second joint portion connecting the first end and the second end.

7. the first end portion includes a first inner surface at least a portion of which faces the second center portion and a first joining surface perpendicular to the first inner surface; the second end portion includes a second inner surface facing the first center portion and a second joining surface perpendicular to the second inner surface and the first joining surface; The battery module according to claim 6 , wherein the second joint portion connects the first joint surface and the second joint surface.

8. The battery module according to claim 7 , wherein the second joint portion is formed along a welding direction inclined with respect to the first joint surface and the second joint surface.

9. the upper plate includes a first end region connected to the side wall cover and a second end region perpendicular to the first end region; 2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the module case covers at least a portion of the cell assembly and includes an end plate perpendicular to the side wall, and a third joint connecting the second end region of the top plate and the end plate.

10. the end plate includes a third surface facing the first direction, The battery module according to claim 9 , wherein the third joint portion connects the first surface of the top plate and the third surface of the end plate.

11. a cell assembly including a plurality of battery cells; and a module case that houses the cell assembly; The module case a housing including a main plate supporting the cell assembly and a sidewall extending from the main plate; a module cover including a top plate covering the cell assembly and including a first surface facing a first direction, and a sidewall cover extending from the top plate, covering a portion of the sidewall, and including a second surface facing a second direction opposite the first direction; an end plate surrounding at least a portion of the cell assembly and including a third surface facing the first direction; a first joint connecting the second surface of the side wall cover to the side wall; a second joint portion connecting the main plate and the end plate; and a third joint connecting the first surface of the top plate and the third surface of the end plate;

12. the module cover includes a guide groove formed on the second surface, the side wall cover includes a shadow forming surface that is parallel to the second surface and forms at least a portion of the guide groove; The battery module according to claim 11 , wherein the shadow-forming surface is spaced apart from the first joint portion.

13. the end plates are perpendicular to the side walls; the main plate includes a first central portion having a first thickness and a first end portion extending from the first central portion and having a second thickness that is thinner than the first thickness; the end plate includes a second central portion formed with a third thickness and a second end portion extending from the second central portion and formed with a fourth thickness that is thinner than the third thickness; The battery module according to claim 11 , wherein the second joint portion connects the first end and the second end.

14. the first end portion includes a first inner surface at least a portion of which faces the second center portion, and a first joining surface perpendicular to the first inner surface; the second end portion includes a second inner surface facing the first center portion and a second joining surface perpendicular to the second inner surface and the first joining surface; The battery module according to claim 13 , wherein the second joint portion connects the first joint surface and the second joint surface.

15. a plurality of battery modules; and a pack frame that houses the plurality of battery modules; Each of the plurality of battery modules a cell assembly including a plurality of battery cells; and a module case that houses the cell assembly; The module case a housing including a main plate supporting the cell assembly and a sidewall extending from the main plate; a module cover including: an upper plate covering the cell assembly and including a first surface facing a first direction; a sidewall cover extending from the upper plate and covering a portion of the sidewall and including a second surface facing a second direction opposite the first direction; and a guide groove formed in the second surface; and The battery pack includes a first joint connecting the second surface of the side wall cover and the side wall.

Images