Battery pack and device including same

Abstract

A battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery module including a battery cell stack including a plurality of battery cells and a module frame that houses the battery cell stack and has an opening formed on one side thereof; and a plurality of HV connection assemblies that electrically connect adjacent battery modules, the battery module including a terminal bus bar connected to at least one of the electrode leads of the battery cells, the HV connection assembly and the terminal bus bars included in the adjacent battery modules are respectively connected through the opening, and the HV connection assembly and the opening are sealed.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] [CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0181906 dated December 22, 2022, Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0031738 dated March 10, 2023, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0185439 dated December 19, 2023, and all contents disclosed in the documents of said Korean patent applications are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery pack and a device including the same, and more particularly to a battery pack and a device including the same, which have improved cooling performance, sealing performance and space efficiency. [Background technology]

[0003] As technological development and demand for mobile devices increases, the demand for secondary batteries as an energy source is rapidly increasing. As a result, much research is being conducted on secondary batteries that can meet various demands.

[0004] Secondary batteries have attracted much attention not only for use in mobile devices such as mobile phones, digital cameras, and notebook computers, but also as energy sources for power plants such as electric bicycles, electric cars, and hybrid electric cars.

[0005] In recent years, the need for large-capacity secondary battery structures has increased, including the use of secondary batteries as energy storage sources, and there is a growing demand for medium- to large-sized modular battery packs that assemble battery modules in which a large number of secondary batteries are connected in series / parallel.

[0006] On the other hand, when configuring a battery pack by connecting multiple battery cells in series / parallel, a common method is to configure a battery module consisting of at least one battery cell, and then use the at least one battery module to add other components to configure the battery pack.

[0007] The battery cells that make up such medium- to large-sized battery modules are composed of secondary batteries that can be charged and discharged, and such high-output, large-capacity secondary batteries generate a large amount of heat during the charging and discharging process.

[0008] In this case, the heat generated from the many battery cells may be added together in a small space, causing a sudden rise in temperature. That is, a battery module in which many battery cells are stacked and a battery pack equipped with such a battery module can obtain high output, but it is not easy to remove the heat generated in the battery cells during charging and discharging. If the heat of the battery cells is not properly dissipated, the battery cells will deteriorate quickly, their lifespan will be shortened, and the possibility of explosion or fire will increase.

[0009] Furthermore, battery modules included in vehicle battery packs are frequently exposed to direct sunlight and may be placed in high temperature conditions such as in summer or in desert regions. Also, since multiple battery modules are arranged in a concentrated manner to increase the driving distance of a vehicle, flames or heat generated in any one battery module can easily spread to adjacent battery modules, which may ultimately lead to the battery pack itself catching fire or exploding.

[0010] In addition, since a battery pack is constructed by combining many battery modules, it is heavy and unsuitable for loading many batteries onto a vehicle such as an automobile, and therefore it is necessary to improve the energy density.

[0011] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a conventional battery pack, and Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the battery pack shown in Fig. 1.

[0012] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a conventional battery pack 10 includes a lower pack frame 11 on which a plurality of battery modules 1 are mounted, an upper pack frame 12 located on top of the battery modules 1, and an internal beam 13 that defines the positions within the battery pack 10 where the battery modules 1 are mounted.

[0013] In this way, when the battery modules 1 are mounted in the battery pack 10, the internal beams 13 separating the battery modules 1 reduce the energy density of the battery pack 10, and therefore, in order to achieve the efficiency required for a device or the like, it is necessary to provide a larger number of battery packs 10. In addition, the weight of the battery packs 10 places a limit on the number of battery packs 10 that can be provided in a device. Therefore, in order to reduce the weight of the battery pack 10 and at the same time increase the energy density of the battery pack 10, it is necessary to mount a larger number of battery modules 1 in the battery pack 10.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section of one of the battery modules included in the battery pack of FIG.

[0015] 3, a conventional battery module 1 includes a battery cell stack 3 including battery cells 2 stacked in a preset direction, and a module frame 4 housing the battery cell stack 3, and the battery cell stack 3 is fixed and positioned on a thermally conductive resin layer 5 located on the underside of the module frame 4. In this case, a heat sink 6 located under the bottom of the module frame 4 may be provided to cool heat generated in the battery cell stack 3.

[0016] However, the heat sink 6 has the disadvantage that the cooling efficiency is not very high because it does not transfer heat while in direct contact with the battery cell stack 3. In particular, an air gap may be formed between the bottom of the module frame 4 and the thermally conductive resin layer 5, which is a factor that hinders heat transfer. There is a need for a method of cooling the battery module 1 more effectively.

[0017] In addition, in the conventional battery pack, the HV cable is connected to each module and the battery management system without a separate sealing member, and therefore the conventional HV cable connection method has a problem of not ensuring sealing performance. In addition, when applying a cooling method to improve the cooling performance of the battery pack, the conventional HV cable connection method needs to ensure additional sealing performance, which adds multiple parts, reducing space efficiency and increasing manufacturing costs.

[0018] In summary, there is a need to develop a battery module and a battery pack including the same that have improved sealing performance and space efficiency while improving the cooling efficiency of the battery module. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0019] An object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack and a device including the same that have improved sealing performance and space efficiency while improving cooling performance.

[0020] The problems that the present invention is intended to solve are not limited to those described above, and problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0021] A battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery module including a battery cell stack including a plurality of battery cells and a module frame that houses the battery cell stack and has an opening formed on one side thereof; and a plurality of HV connection assemblies that electrically connect adjacent battery modules, the battery module including a terminal bus bar connected to at least one of the electrode leads of the battery cells, the HV connection assembly and the terminal bus bars included in the adjacent battery modules are respectively connected via the opening, and the HV connection assembly and the opening are sealed.

[0022] The battery disconnect unit (BDU) module may further include a BDU (battery disconnect unit) module that controls electrical connection of the battery modules, and the HV connection assembly may be connected to the BDU module and the terminal bus bars of the battery modules adjacent to the BDU module, respectively.

[0023] The HV connection assembly may include an HV cable for electrical connection, a bracket disposed in the opening, and a connection member passing through the bracket to connect the terminal bus bar and the HV cable.

[0024] The present invention further includes a fixing member for fixing adjacent HV connection assemblies to each other, the fixing member being capable of being coupled to the HV cable included in the HV connection assembly.

[0025] The HV connection assembly may further include a first sealing member positioned between the bracket and one side of the module frame.

[0026] The HV connection assembly further includes an HV connector housing coupled to the bracket, and the connection member and the HV cable can be connected in an internal space formed by combining the bracket and the HV connector housing.

[0027] The connection member may include a busbar bolt member fastened to the terminal busbar by a bolt connection, an adapter disposed on an upper portion of the busbar bolt member, and a pin member connecting the HV cable to the adapter and the busbar bolt member.

[0028] An upper portion of the HV connector housing may be open, the pin member may be inserted into the upper portion of the HV connector housing, and the HV connection assembly may further include an upper cap that covers the upper portion of the HV connector housing.

[0029] The HV connection assembly may further include a second sealing member located at a connection between the bracket and the HV connector housing.

[0030] The HV connection assembly may further include a third sealing member positioned between the HV cable and the HV connector housing.

[0031] The opening may be formed in an upper surface of the module frame.

[0032] The terminal bus bars included in the adjacent battery modules connected to the HV connection assembly may have different polarities.

[0033] The battery module is configured so that an insulating coolant flows in the space inside the module frame, thereby directly cooling the plurality of battery cells.

[0034] The module frame may include bus bar frames located on front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack, respectively, and the bus bar frames may have at least one slit formed therein through which the insulation cooling liquid flows, and the insulation cooling liquid may flow into a space inside the module frame and be discharged from the space through the at least one slit.

[0035] A device according to another embodiment of the present invention may include the battery pack described above. Effect of the Invention

[0036] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the cooling efficiency of the battery pack and the device including the battery pack can be improved by directly cooling the battery cells with a refrigerant.

[0037] The HV connection assembly and the terminal bus bars included in the adjacent battery modules are respectively connected through the openings, and the space between the HV connection assembly and the openings is sealed, thereby improving the sealing performance and space efficiency of the HV connection structure.

[0038] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0039] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a conventional battery pack. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the battery pack of FIG. [Diagram 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section of one of the battery modules included in the battery pack of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view showing a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a battery module and an HV connection assembly included in the battery pack of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] 6 is a diagram showing a battery cell stack included in the battery module of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 7 is a diagram showing the battery cell stack of FIG. 6 and bus bar frames coupled to front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack; [Figure 8]7 is a diagram showing the battery cell stack of FIG. 6 and bus bar frames coupled to front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack; [Figure 9] 9 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] 7 is a view showing the battery cell stack of FIG. 6 being inserted into the front and rear surfaces of the module frame of the battery module of FIG. 5 . [Figure 11] 6 is a diagram showing an HV connection assembly coupled to the battery module of FIG. 5. [Figure 12] 6 is a diagram showing an HV connection assembly coupled to the battery module of FIG. 5. [Figure 13] 6 is a diagram showing an HV connection assembly coupled to the battery module of FIG. 5. [Figure 14] 6 is a diagram showing an HV connection assembly coupled to the battery module of FIG. 5. [Figure 15] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the battery module of FIG. 5 coupled to an HV connection assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0040] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in order to enable those skilled in the art to easily carry out the present invention. The present invention may be embodied in several different forms, and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0041] In order to clearly describe the present invention, parts that are not relevant to the description will be omitted, and the same reference numerals will be used to refer to the same or similar components throughout the specification.

[0042] In addition, the size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily shown for convenience of explanation, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to those shown in the drawings. In the drawings, thicknesses are enlarged to clearly show multiple layers and regions. In the drawings, thicknesses of some layers and regions are exaggerated for convenience of explanation.

[0043] Also, throughout the specification, when a part is said to "comprise" a certain element, this means that it can further include other elements, rather than excluding other elements, unless specifically stated to the contrary.

[0044] Additionally, throughout the specification, "on a plane" means when the target part is viewed from above, and "on a cross section" means when the target part is cut vertically and viewed from the side.

[0045] Hereinafter, a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0046] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a battery module and an HV connection assembly included in the battery pack of Fig. 4.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 4, a battery pack 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of battery modules 100, a side frame 1100 that houses the plurality of battery modules 100, and an electrical component section 1500 in which electrical components are mounted.

[0048] In addition, a battery module assembly may be formed in which a plurality of battery modules 100 are aligned in one direction. For example, the plurality of battery modules 100 may be aligned in a width direction (x direction) of the battery module 100. However, the arrangement direction of the plurality of battery modules 100 is not limited thereto, and the plurality of battery modules 100 may be aligned in various other directions.

[0049] 4, the side frame 1100 may include a first side frame 1110 and a second side frame 1150. Here, the first side frame 1110 may extend along the width direction of each battery module 100 of the plurality of battery modules 100. Also, the second side frame 1150 may extend along the length direction of the battery module 100.

[0050] In addition, with a plurality of battery modules 100 arranged in one direction, the second side frame 1150 may be coupled to both sides of the battery module assembly in which the plurality of battery modules 100 are aligned in one direction, and then the first side frame 1110 may be coupled to the front and rear surfaces of the battery module assembly. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and conversely, the first side frame 1110 may be coupled to the front and rear surfaces of the battery module assembly, and then the second side frame 1150 may be coupled to both sides of the battery module assembly.

[0051] The first side frame 1110 and the second side frame 1150 may have fastening means located at their contacting portions, and the first side frame 1110 and the second side frame 1150 may be coupled to each other. As an example, the first side frame 1110 and the second side frame 1150 may have fastening means such as bolts and nuts located thereon, and the first side frame 1110 and the second side frame 1150 may be coupled to each other. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the first side frame 1110 and the second side frame 1150 may be fixed to each other by another fastening method such as welding or adhesive at their contacting portions.

[0052] Here, the side frame 1100 may be made of a heat insulating material. As an example, the side frame 1100 may be made of an aluminum extrusion structure. As another example, the side frame 1100 may be made of a dissimilar metal bonding material such as clad metal, or may be a structure containing a heat insulating material such as aerogel or EPP (Expanded Polypropylenes) foam. However, the side frame 1100 is not limited thereto, and any heat insulating material having a certain rigidity may be used without limitation.

[0053] As a result, in the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment, side frames 1100 are attached to both sides and front and rear sides of the battery module assembly in which a plurality of battery modules 100 are aligned in one direction, thereby ensuring stability of the battery module 100 from the external environment. In addition, the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment omits separate frame members that may be positioned on the top and bottom of the battery module assembly, thereby realizing a pack-less structure, which has the advantage of improving energy density and space efficiency.

[0054] 4, in the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment, the electrical component section 1500 includes a battery disconnect unit (BDU) module that controls electrical connection between the battery module 100 and other electrical components.

[0055] The BDU module is a member for controlling the electrical connection of the battery module 100, and can cut off the power supply between the power conversion device and the battery module 100. The BDU module can ensure the safety of the battery pack 1000 by cutting off the power supply to the battery pack 1000 when a condition occurs in which the current exceeds a set range.

[0056] In addition, the BDU module may be electrically connected to a plurality of battery modules 100 via a HV (High Voltage) connection assembly 2000. That is, the HV connection assembly 2000 may be responsible for HV (High Voltage) connection. Here, the HV connection is a connection that serves as a power source for supplying power, and refers to a connection between battery cells or a connection between battery modules.

[0057] 4 and 5, a battery pack 1000 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery module 100 including a battery cell stack 110 (FIG. 6) including a plurality of battery cells 111 (FIG. 6) and a module frame 200 that houses the battery cell stack 110 (FIG. 6) and has an opening 210 formed on one side; and a plurality of HV connection assemblies 2000 that electrically connect adjacent battery modules 100 to each other.

[0058] The module frame 200 may be a monoframe in the form of a metal plate material with the top, bottom and both sides integrated. As another example, the module frame 200 may include a lower frame in the form of a metal plate material with the top and both sides integrated, and an upper cover covering the top of the lower frame. As another example, the module frame 200 may be a frame in the form of two L-shaped frames combined together. As another example, the module frame 200 may be a frame with a 4-plate structure in which an upper plate, a lower plate, a left plate and a right plate are combined together. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and any frame shape capable of protecting the internal components of the battery module 100 may be applied to this embodiment.

[0059] Here, the components of the module frame 200 may be joined by welding or fixed via a separate fastening member in a state where corresponding corners are in contact with each other. Also, the components of the module frame 200 may be made of a metal material having a predetermined strength.

[0060] 5, the module frame 200 may include an opening 210, which may be formed on an upper surface of the module frame 200. As an example, the opening 210 may include a first opening 211 and a second opening 215, which may be spaced apart from each other along the width direction of the battery module 100. However, the number and positions of the openings 210 are not limited thereto and may vary depending on the number and positions of the terminal bus bars 330 (FIG. 7) that need to be electrically connected to the HV connection assembly 2000.

[0061] More specifically, the opening portion 210 may include opening holes 211h, 215h penetrating the upper surface of the module frame 200. As an example, the first opening portion 211 may include a pair of first opening holes 211h, and the second opening portion 215 may include a pair of second opening holes 215h. Here, the pair of first opening holes 211h and the pair of second opening holes 215h may be spaced apart from each other along the width direction of the battery module 100. However, the number and positions of the opening holes 211h, 215h are not limited thereto, and may vary depending on the number and positions of the terminal bus bars 330 (FIG. 7) that need to be electrically connected to the HV connection assembly 2000.

[0062] 4 and 5, the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment can be connected to the HV connection assembly 2000 and the terminal bus bar 330 (FIG. 7) included in the adjacent battery module 100 via the opening 210. In addition, the HV connection assembly 2000 can be connected to the BDU module included in the electrical equipment unit 1500 and the terminal bus bar 330 (FIG. 7) of the battery module 100 adjacent to the BDU module.

[0063] Here, the terminal bus bars 330 (FIG. 7) included in adjacent battery modules 100 connected to the HV connection assembly 2000 may have different polarities. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the HV connection assembly 2000 may electrically connect a terminal bus bar 330 (FIG. 7) having a positive electrode in one battery module 100 to a terminal bus bar 330 (FIG. 7) having a negative electrode in another battery module 100 among the adjacent battery modules 100.

[0064] In addition, the terminal bus bars 330 (FIG. 7) included in the battery module 100 adjacent to the BDU module connected to the HV connection assembly 2000 may have different polarities. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the HV connection assembly 2000 may electrically connect the positive electrode portion of the BDU module to a terminal bus bar 330 (FIG. 7) having a negative electrode in the adjacent battery module 100. Conversely, the HV connection assembly 2000 may electrically connect the negative electrode portion of the BDU module to a terminal bus bar 330 (FIG. 7) having a positive electrode in the adjacent battery module 100.

[0065] As a result, in the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment, the terminal bus bar 330 (FIG. 7) and the BDU module can be electrically connected to the HV connection assembly 2000 through the opening 210 of the battery module 100, making the HV connection method relatively simple and ensuring a margin for assembly tolerance.

[0066] Fig. 6 is a view showing a battery cell stack included in the battery module of Fig. 5. Figs. 7 and 8 are views showing the battery cell stack of Fig. 6 and bus bar frames coupled to front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack. Fig. 9 is an enlarged view of a portion of Fig. 8.

[0067] In the battery module 100 according to this embodiment, an insulating coolant flows in a space inside the module frame 200, and the battery cells 111 can be directly cooled. More specifically, referring to FIGS. 5 and 8, the battery module 100 can accommodate the battery cell stack 110 in the module frame 200.

[0068] 6, the battery cell stack 110 may include a plurality of battery cells 111 and at least one flow path spacer 113 interposed between adjacent battery cells 111. The battery cell stack 110 may also include insulating plates 115 interposed on both sides of the battery cell stack 110. Although not shown in FIG 6, the battery cell stack 110 may further include a buffer pad interposed between adjacent battery cells 111. That is, the battery cell stack 110 may be formed by stacking the battery cells 111, the flow path spacers 113, and the insulating plates 115 in a manner that they are vertically erected on the ground (a surface along the XY plane).

[0069] As an example, the battery cell 111 is preferably a pouch-type battery cell. As an example, the battery cell 111 may be manufactured by housing the electrode assembly in a pouch case of a laminate sheet including a resin layer and a middle layer, and then heat-sealing a sealing portion of the pouch case. Such a battery cell 111 may be formed in a rectangular sheet-like structure. Such a battery cell 111 may be configured in a plurality of types, and the plurality of battery cells 111 are stacked so as to be electrically connected to each other to form the battery cell stack 110. Here, the number of battery cells 111 constituting the battery cell stack 110 may be adjusted according to circumstances.

[0070] In addition, the flow path spacer 113 may be interposed between adjacent battery cells 111 and may have a coolant flow path through which at least a portion of the insulating coolant flowing into the module frame 200 can directly contact the battery cells 111. Here, the coolant flow path may be provided in plurality and may extend along the length direction of the flow path spacer 113.

[0071] However, in a battery module 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention, the flow path spacer 113 may be omitted, and the insulating coolant that flows into the module frame 200 may flow through the space between the upper and lower parts of the battery cell stack 110 and the module frame 200.

[0072] As a result, the battery module 100 according to this embodiment is capable of directly cooling the battery cells 111 with the insulating coolant, which has the advantage that the cooling efficiency of the battery module 100 can be further improved.

[0073] 5 to 8, the battery module 100 according to this embodiment may further include bus bar frames 300 located on the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack 110. Here, bus bars 310, 330 electrically connected to electrode leads of the battery cells 111 included in the battery cell stack 110 may be located on the bus bar frame 300.

[0074] Furthermore, the battery module 100 may further include end plates 500 that cover the bus bar frames 300. In this way, the end plates 500 can physically protect the battery cell stacks 110 and other electrical components from external impacts.

[0075] 7 and 8, the busbars 310, 350 may include a plurality of busbars 310 and a pair of terminal busbars 330. Here, the plurality of busbars 310 are fixed on a busbar frame 300 and coupled with electrode leads of the battery cells 111 drawn through electrode lead slits formed in the busbar frame 300, so that the plurality of battery cells 111 can be electrically connected to each other.

[0076] The pair of terminal bus bars 330 includes a first terminal bus bar 331 and a second terminal bus bar 335. Here, the pair of terminal bus bars 330 may be fixed on the bus bar frame 300 and coupled to an electrode lead of a battery cell 111 located at the outermost corner among the plurality of battery cells 111. That is, the pair of terminal bus bars 330 may function as high potential terminals and be electrically connected to the HV connection assembly 2000. As an example, the first terminal bus bar 331 and the second terminal bus bar 335 may have different polarities (positive or negative) from each other.

[0077] 5, 7 and 8, one end of the terminal bus bar 330 may include a protrusion, which may protrude from the bus bar frame 300 in a direction toward the end plate 500. As an example, the first terminal bus bar 331 may include a first terminal bus bar protrusion 331P protruding from the bus bar frame 300 in a direction toward the end plate 500, and the second terminal bus bar 335 may include a second terminal bus bar protrusion 335P protruding from the bus bar frame 300 in a direction toward the end plate 500.

[0078] In addition, the protrusions formed on the terminal bus bar 330 may be fastened to the bolt members 410 and 420 by bolt fastening. Here, the bolt members 410 and 420 include bus bar bolts 411 and 415 and bus bar nuts 421 and 425 as shown in FIG.

[0079] 8 and 9, a hole is formed penetrating the center of first terminal busbar protrusion 331P, and a first busbar bolt 415 and a first busbar nut 425 can be fastened to the upper and lower parts of the hole by bolt fastening. Also, a hole is formed penetrating the center of second terminal busbar protrusion 335P, and a second busbar bolt 411 and a second busbar nut 421 can be fastened to the upper and lower parts of the hole by bolt fastening.

[0080] However, this is not limited to this, and unlike Figures 8 and 9, this embodiment can also include a case in which the positions of the bus bar bolts 411, 415 and the bus bar nuts 421, 425 are swapped to fasten the bolt connection.

[0081] Also, the bus bar frame 300 may be formed with at least one slit 300H through which the insulation cooling liquid flows. That is, the insulation cooling liquid can flow into and out of a space inside the module frame through at least one slit 300H in the bus bar frame 300. That is, the at least one slit 300H can function as a passage through which the insulation cooling liquid flowing in from the outside can flow toward the battery cell stack 110. Conversely, the at least one slit 300H can function as a passage through which the insulation cooling liquid flowing in the module frame 200 can be discharged toward the outside.

[0082] For example, the at least one slit 300H may be formed at a position corresponding to the flow path spacer 113. Also, the at least one slit 300H may have a size corresponding to the flow path spacer 113.

[0083] As another example, in a battery module 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention, unlike FIG. 6, when the flow path spacer 113 is omitted, at least one slit 300H can be formed at a position corresponding to the space between the upper and lower parts of the battery cell stack 110 and the module frame 200.

[0084] As a result, the battery module 100 according to this embodiment has the advantage that the insulating and cooling liquid for the battery cells 111 can easily flow between the inside and outside of the module frame 200, thereby further improving the cooling efficiency of the battery module 100.

[0085] 10 is a diagram showing the battery cell stack of FIG. 6 being inserted into the front and rear surfaces of the module frame of the battery module of FIG.

[0086] 5, 6, and 10, the battery module 100 according to this embodiment may include a pair of battery cell stacks 110a and 110b aligned along the length direction of the battery module 100. In this case, the module frame 200 may accommodate the pair of battery cell stacks 110a and 110b.

[0087] 10, the front surface of the first battery cell stack 110a and the rear surface of the second battery cell stack 110b may face each other. In addition, although not shown in FIG. 10, the terminal bus bar located on the front surface of the first battery cell stack 110a and the terminal bus bar located on the rear surface of the second battery cell stack 110b may be electrically connected to the HV connection assembly 2000 through an opening 210 of the module frame 200. More specifically, the bolt member fastened to the terminal bus bar located on the front surface of the first battery cell stack 110a and the bolt member fastened to the terminal bus bar located on the rear surface of the second battery cell stack 110b may be electrically connected to the HV connection assembly 2000 through the opening 210 of the module frame 200.

[0088] However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the battery module 100 according to another embodiment may include one battery cell stack 110 or may include two or more battery cell stacks 110.

[0089] As a result, the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment includes a plurality of battery cell stacks to increase energy density, and the terminal bus bar 330 of each battery cell stack 110, FIG. 7 and the BDU module can be electrically connected to the HV connection assembly 2000 through the opening 210 of the battery module 100, so that the HV connection method can be relatively simplified while ensuring a margin for assembly tolerance.

[0090] Figures 11 to 14 are views showing an HV connection assembly coupled to the battery module of Figure 5. Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the battery module of Figure 5 coupled to the HV connection assembly.

[0091] Referring to Figures 5 and 7, the HV connection assembly 2000 may include an HV cable 2200 for electrical connection, a bracket 2100 disposed in the opening 210, and a connection member passing through the bracket 2100 to connect the terminal bus bar 330 and the HV cable 2200.

[0092] 5 and 11, in the HV connection assembly 2000, the bracket 2100 may be disposed and coupled to the opening 210 of the module frame 200. As an example, as shown in Fig. 11, the bracket 2100 may be disposed and coupled to the first opening 211. The following description will focus on the first opening 211, but the same description can be given below regarding the second opening 215.

[0093] For example, the bracket 2100 may include a fixing portion 2130, a body portion 2150, an extension portion 2170, and a connection hole 2190. Here, the fixing portion 2130 may be fixed to a first protrusion 211p formed in the first opening portion 211 through insertion coupling or bolt coupling. The extension portion 2170 is a portion that extends from the body portion 2150 toward the module frame 200, and the extension portion 2170 may be inserted into a first opening hole 211h formed in the first opening portion 211.

[0094] 11 and 12, with the bracket 2100 coupled onto the module frame 200, the adapter 2600 may be inserted into the connection hole 2190 of the bracket 2100. Here, the adapter 2600 may be electrically connected to the terminal bus bar 330 (FIG. 7) of the battery cell stack 110 accommodated inside the module frame 200. More specifically, the upper portions of the bus bar bolt members 410, 420 fastened to the terminal bus bar 330 (FIG. 7) by bolt coupling may be exposed to the outside through the first opening hole 211h and the connection hole 2190 of the bracket 2100. Here, the adapter 2600 may be disposed on the upper portions of the bus bar bolt members 410, 420, and may be electrically connected to the adapter 2600 and the bus bar bolt members 410, 420.

[0095] 10 to 12, the first battery cell stack 110a and the second battery cell stack 110b face each other, and although not shown in detail in FIG. 10, the busbar bolts 411a, 415a fastened to the terminal busbar of the first battery cell stack 110a and the busbar bolts 411b, 415b fastened to the terminal busbar of the second battery cell stack 110b may be positioned to cross each other. At this time, as shown in FIG. 11, the first busbar bolt 415a of the first battery cell stack 110a and the second busbar bolt 411b of the second battery cell stack 110b may be positioned to correspond to a pair of open holes 211h included in the first opening portion 211. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the above-mentioned positions may be changed depending on the positions of the terminal busbars of each battery cell stack.

[0096] 12, the adapter 2600 is disposed on the top of the first busbar bolt 415a of the first battery cell stack 110a, and the adapter 2600 can be electrically connected to the first busbar bolt 415a of the first battery cell stack 110a. Although not shown in FIG 12, the adapter 2600 can also be disposed on the top of the second busbar bolt 411b of the second battery cell stack 110b, and the adapter 2600 can be electrically connected to the second busbar bolt 411b of the second battery cell stack 110b.

[0097] 5, 13, and 14, the HV connection assembly 2000 further includes an HV connector housing 2300 coupled to the bracket 2100. More specifically, the HV connector housing 2300 covers an upper portion of the bracket 2100, and an edge of the HV connector housing 2300 may be coupled to the bracket 2100. As an example, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the upper portion of the HV connector housing 2300 may be opened, and an upper cap 2400 that covers the upper portion of the HV connector housing 2300 may be positioned on the upper portion of the HV connector housing 2300. However, the shape of the HV connector housing 2300 is not limited thereto, and any shape that can protect the bracket 2100 from the external environment and facilitates electrical connection of the HV connection assembly 2000 may be included in this embodiment.

[0098] In addition, the HV connection assembly 2000 may have a connection member and an HV cable 2200 connected in an internal space formed by combining the bracket 2100 and the HV connector housing 2300. Here, the connection member may include busbar bolt members 410, 420 fastened to the terminal busbar 330 by bolting, an adapter 2600 disposed on the busbar bolt members 410, 420, and a pin member 2500 connecting the HV cable 2200 to the adapter 2600 and the busbar bolt members 410, 420.

[0099] As an example, as shown in FIG. 13, with the bracket 2100 and the HV connector housing 2300 coupled together, the pin member 2500 can be inserted into the open top of the HV connector housing 2300, and the pin member 2500 can couple the HV cable 2200 to the adapter 2600 and the busbar bolt members 410, 420.

[0100] As a result, in the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment, the adjacent battery modules 100 can be electrically connected to the HV connection assembly 2000 having the above-mentioned structure, thereby improving the fixing strength of the HV connection structure. In addition, such an HV connection assembly 2000 has the advantage of effectively protecting the HV connection structure from the external environment and ensuring stability against impacts caused by vibrations.

[0101] 13 and 14, the HV connection assembly 2000 may further include a fixing member 3000 for fixing the adjacent HV connection assemblies 2000a and 2000b. As an example, both ends of the fixing member may have a clip shape, and each end of the fixing member may be coupled to the adjacent HV connection assemblies 2000a and 2000b. More specifically, the fixing member 3000 may be coupled to the HV cable 2200 included in the HV connection assembly 2000. However, the shape of the fixing member is not limited thereto, and any shape that can be easily coupled to the adjacent HV connection assemblies 2000a and 2000b may be included in this embodiment.

[0102] As a result, the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment has the advantage that adjacent HV connection assemblies 2000a, 2000b can be fixed to each other by the fixing member 3000, thereby providing additional stability against impacts caused by vibrations due to the external environment.

[0103] 14 and 15, in the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment, a seal may be provided between the HV connection assembly 2000 and the opening 210. More specifically, the HV connection assembly 2000 may include a first sealing member 4100 located between the bracket 2100 and one side of the module frame 200. As an example, as shown in FIG. 15, the first sealing member 4100 may be located between the lower part of the bracket 2100 and the opening 211.

[0104] Furthermore, the HV connection assembly 2000 may include a second sealing member 4200 located at a connection portion between the bracket 2100 and the HV connector housing 2300. More specifically, the second sealing member 4200 may be located between an upper portion of the bracket 2100 and an inner surface of the HV connector housing 2300.

[0105] 15 , the HV connector housing 2300 may cover one end of the HV cable 2200, and the third sealing member 4300 may be located between the HV cable 2200 and the HV connector housing 2300.

[0106] As an example, the sealing members 4100, 4200, and 4300 may be members such as gaskets, but are not limited thereto, and may be included in this embodiment as long as they have sealing performance and heat resistance. As another example, the sealing members 4100, 4200, and 4300 may have an O-ring shape, but are not limited thereto, and may be included in this embodiment as long as they are easily connected between the components.

[0107] As a result, the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment includes at least one of the first sealing member 4100, the second sealing member 4200, and the third sealing member 4300, and can improve the sealing performance between the HV connection assembly 2000 and the module frame 200 and the sealing performance of the HV connection assembly 2000 itself. Also, as shown in Figs. 6 to 8, the battery module 100 according to this embodiment allows the insulating coolant to flow inside the module frame 200, and the above-mentioned sealing members 4100, 4200, and 4300 have the advantage of effectively preventing water leakage and liquid leakage of the insulating coolant.

[0108] A device according to another embodiment of the present invention includes the battery pack described above. Such devices are applicable to vehicles such as electric bicycles, electric cars, and hybrid cars, but the present invention is not limited thereto and may be applied to various devices that can use a battery module and a battery pack including the same, which also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0109] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and improvements made by those skilled in the art using the basic concept of the present invention defined in the following claims also fall within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0110] 100 Battery Module 111 Battery Cell 113 Flow path spacer 115 Insulation Plate 200 module frame 210 Open area 300 Busbar Frame 500 End Plate 1000 Battery Packs 1100 Side frame 1500 Electrical Equipment Department 2000 HV Cable Assembly 2100 Bracket 2130 Fixed part 2150 Main unit 2170 Extension 2190 Connection Hole 2200 HV Cable 2300 HV Connector Housing 2400 Top Cap 2500 Pin material 2600 Adapter 3000 Fixing member

Claims

1. a battery module including a battery cell stack including a plurality of battery cells, and a module frame that houses the battery cell stack and has an opening formed on one side; and a plurality of HV connection assemblies electrically connecting adjacent battery modules to each other; the battery module includes a terminal bus bar connected to at least one of the electrode leads of the battery cells; the HV connection assembly and the terminal bus bars included in the adjacent battery modules are connected to each other through the openings, A battery pack, wherein a seal is provided between the HV connection assembly and the opening.

2. The battery disconnect unit further includes a BDU (battery disconnect unit) module for controlling an electrical connection of the battery module, The battery pack of claim 1 , wherein the HV connection assembly connects the BDU module and the terminal bus bar of the battery module adjacent to the BDU module, respectively.

3. The HV connection assembly comprises: HV cables for electrical connections, A bracket disposed in the opening; and The battery pack according to claim 1 , further comprising a connection member passing through the bracket and connecting the terminal bus bar and the HV cable.

4. a fixing member for fixing adjacent HV connection assemblies to each other; The battery pack according to claim 3 , wherein the fixing member is coupled to the HV cable included in the HV connection assembly.

5. The battery pack of claim 3 , wherein the HV connection assembly further comprises a first sealing member located between the bracket and one side of the module frame.

6. The HV connection assembly further includes an HV connector housing coupled to the bracket, The battery pack according to claim 3 , wherein the connecting member and the HV cable are connected in an internal space formed by joining the bracket and the HV connector housing.

7. The connecting member is a busbar bolt member fastened to the terminal busbar by bolt fastening; An adapter disposed on an upper portion of the busbar bolt member; and The battery pack of claim 6 , further comprising a pin member connecting the HV cable with the adapter and the busbar bolt member.

8. The upper portion of the HV connector housing is open, and the pin member is inserted into the upper portion of the HV connector housing; The battery pack of claim 7 , wherein the HV connection assembly further comprises a top cap covering a top of the HV connector housing.

9. The battery pack according to claim 6 , wherein the HV connection assembly further comprises a second sealing member located at a connection portion between the bracket and the HV connector housing.

10. The battery pack of claim 6 , wherein the HV connection assembly further includes a third sealing member located between the HV cable and the HV connector housing.

11. The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the opening is formed on an upper surface of the module frame.

12. The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the terminal bus bars included in the adjacent battery modules connected to the HV connection assembly have different polarities.

13. The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the battery module is configured to allow an insulating cooling liquid to flow in a space inside the module frame to directly cool the plurality of battery cells.

14. bus bar frames respectively positioned on front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack; The bus bar frame is formed with at least one slit through which the insulating and cooling liquid flows, 14. The battery pack according to claim 13, wherein the insulating and cooling liquid flows into and out of the space inside the module frame through the at least one slit.

15. A device comprising the battery pack of claim 1.

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