Battery module and battery pack including same

Abstract

A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery cell assembly in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked, a first sub-module and a second sub-module each including a busbar structure including a busbar that electrically connects the battery cells and a busbar frame that covers at least one side of the battery cell assembly, a module housing that simultaneously houses the first sub-module and the second sub-module, and a terminal assembly located in a portion of the module housing that overlaps with a module extension where the first sub-module and the second sub-module face each other.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] [CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0153757 dated November 16, 2022, and all contents disclosed in the documents of that Korean patent application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery module and a battery pack including the same, and more particularly to a battery module having improved energy density, cooling efficiency and safety, and a battery pack including the same. [Background technology]

[0003] With technological development and increasing demand for mobile devices, the demand for secondary batteries as an energy source is rapidly increasing. In particular, secondary batteries are attracting great interest not only as an energy source for mobile devices such as mobile phones, digital cameras, laptops, and wearable devices, but also as an energy source for power devices such as electric bicycles, electric cars, and hybrid electric cars.

[0004] Small mobile devices use one or two, three, or four battery cells per device, while medium- to large-sized devices such as automobiles require high output and large capacity. Therefore, medium- to large-sized battery modules, which electrically connect multiple battery cells, are used.

[0005] Meanwhile, when multiple battery cells are connected in series / parallel to form a battery module and / or a battery pack, a common method is to form a battery module consisting of at least one battery cell, and then use the at least one battery module to add other components to form a battery pack.

[0006] Since the battery cells constituting such a medium- to large-sized battery module are composed of secondary batteries capable of being charged and discharged, such high-output, large-capacity secondary batteries generate a large amount of heat during the charging and discharging process. In this case, the heat generated from the multiple battery cells is added together in a small space, and the temperature may rise rapidly and severely. In other words, a battery module in which multiple 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 from the battery cells during charging and discharging. If the heat of the battery cells is not properly dissipated, the battery cells deteriorate quickly, their lifespan is shortened, and the possibility of explosion or fire increases.

[0007] 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. In addition, since a large number of battery modules are concentrated in one location to increase the mileage of a vehicle, flames or heat generated in one battery module may easily spread to adjacent battery modules, ultimately leading to fire or explosion of the battery pack itself.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a heat dissipation path in a conventional battery module.

[0009] 1, a conventional battery module 30 includes a cell assembly 70 including battery cells 60 stacked in a predetermined direction, and a module housing 40 that houses the cell assembly 70, and the cell assembly 70 is fixed and positioned on a thermally conductive resin layer 50 located on the lower surface of the module housing 40. In this case, in order to cool heat generated in the cell assembly 70, a heat sink 90 is provided facing the bottom of the module housing 40 located in the -z-axis direction of FIG. 1, and a thermally conductive pad 80 for heat transfer may be additionally installed between the heat sink 90 and the bottom of the module housing 40.

[0010] However, since the heat sink 90 does not directly contact the cell assembly 70 to receive heat, the cooling efficiency is not very high, and a cooling path is formed in one direction (-z axis direction) of the width of the battery cell, which may cause a temperature gradient.

[0011] Therefore, in order to extend the life of the battery module and / or the battery pack, it is necessary to improve the cooling efficiency of the battery module / battery pack so that the temperature of the battery cells does not become too high.

[0012] In addition, since a battery pack is composed of a large number of assembled battery modules, the battery pack is heavy, and loading a large number of battery modules into a vehicle such as an automobile results in a large volume, making it necessary to improve the energy density.

[0013] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a conventional battery pack, and Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the battery pack of Fig. 2.

[0014] 2 and 3, a conventional battery pack 10 includes a lower pack frame 11 on which a plurality of battery modules 30 are mounted, an upper pack frame 12 located on top of the battery modules 30, and an internal beam 13 that defines the positions within the battery pack 10 where the battery modules 30 are mounted.

[0015] In this way, when the battery modules 30 are mounted in the battery pack 10, the energy density of the battery pack 10 may be reduced due to the internal beams 13 that separate the battery modules 30. Also, adding a cooling structure to increase the cooling efficiency results in a lack of space, and therefore a greater number of battery modules 1 must be provided to achieve the efficiency required for a device or the like. Also, the weight of the battery pack 10 limits the number of battery packs 10 that can be provided in a device. Therefore, the weight of the battery pack 10 must be reduced while the energy density of the battery pack 10 must be reduced so that a greater number of battery modules 1 can be mounted in the battery pack 10.

[0016] In summary, in order to improve the safety of battery modules and battery packs, a more effective method is needed to improve the cooling efficiency of battery modules and compensate for the reduction in energy density caused by cooling structures, internal beams, etc. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0017] An object of the present invention is to provide a battery module having improved cooling efficiency, improved safety, and improved energy density, and a battery pack including the same.

[0018] However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above problems, and can be variously expanded within the scope of the technical ideas included in the present invention. [Means for solving the problem]

[0019] A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery cell assembly in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked, a first sub-module and a second sub-module each including a busbar structure including a busbar frame that electrically connects the battery cells and covers the battery cell assembly on at least one side, a module housing that simultaneously houses the first sub-module and the second sub-module, and a terminal assembly, the terminal assembly being located in a portion of the module housing that overlaps with a module extension portion, and in the module extension portion, the first sub-module and the second sub-module face each other.

[0020] A step may be formed in a portion of the module housing where the terminal assembly is located.

[0021] The terminal assembly may be attached to the stepped portion.

[0022] The terminal assembly may include a terminal housing and a terminal bus bar mounted to the terminal housing.

[0023] A first hole may be formed in the terminal housing, a second hole may be formed in the terminal bus bar, and a third hole may be formed in the step portion, and the battery module may further include a connecting member passing through the first hole, the second hole, and the third hole.

[0024] The connecting member may be formed of a conductive material, and may electrically connect the internal bus bar of the first sub-module or the internal bus bar of the second sub-module to the terminal bus bar.

[0025] The terminal bus bars may include a first terminal bus bar and a second terminal bus bar, and the first terminal bus bar and the second terminal bus bar may have different polarities from each other.

[0026] The connecting member may include a first connecting member and a second connecting member, the first connecting member electrically connecting the first terminal bus bar and a first internal bus bar of the first sub-module, and the second connecting member electrically connecting the second terminal bus bar and a second internal bus bar of the second sub-module.

[0027] The terminal housing may have a bent shape so as to wrap around a corner of a side surface of the module housing.

[0028] The battery module may further include a sealing assembly covering each of the open ends of the module housing.

[0029] The sealing assembly may include a first sealing assembly covering one open end of the module housing and a second sealing assembly covering the other open end of the module housing, the first sealing assembly including an outlet which is a hole through which the refrigerant is discharged, and the second sealing assembly including an inlet which is a hole through which the refrigerant is introduced.

[0030] The outlet may be located above a center portion based on a height of the first sealing assembly, and the inlet may be located below a center portion based on a height of the second sealing assembly.

[0031] The coolant is in direct contact with the battery cell assemblies and the bus bar structure contained within the module housing, and the coolant may be a dielectric oil.

[0032] A first sealing member may be interposed along a periphery of the sealing assembly which mates with an open end of the module housing.

[0033] The sealing assembly may include a second sealing member disposed in a gap in an area other than the periphery of the sealing assembly.

[0034] The sealing assembly may include a third sealing member interposed along a periphery of the end plate.

[0035] The sealing assembly may include a module venting portion provided in a region of the sealing assembly, and the module venting portion may include a venting hole penetrating the sealing assembly, a module connection portion which is a hole connected to the venting hole, a fixed cover which is provided between the venting hole and the bus bar structure and is in contact with and fixed to an inner surface of the sealing assembly, and a membrane which is provided between the venting hole and the fixed cover and is in contact with and fixed to the fixed cover.

[0036] The module connection portion may further include a venting protrusion that protrudes from the sealing assembly in a direction opposite to the module housing and surrounds the module connection portion and is a region that protrudes from the sealing assembly in a direction opposite to the module housing.

[0037] An end plate covering the sealing assembly having the module connection portion and the protrusion includes a venting opening, which is a hole that passes through the end plate, and the module connection portion and the protrusion can be positioned through the venting opening.

[0038] The module extension may include a portion where electrode leads are electrically connected to each other in the first sub-module and a portion where electrode leads are electrically connected to each other in the second sub-module.

[0039] A battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of the battery modules, and the battery modules further include sealing assemblies covering both open ends of the module housing, respectively.

[0040] The battery pack may further include an internal beam disposed between a first battery module and a second battery module adjacent to each other in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the first sub-module and the second sub-module are arranged, and the terminal assembly may be disposed to overlap the internal beam in a vertical direction.

[0041] The terminal assembly may be disposed in a headspace of the inner beam.

[0042] The terminal assembly may include a first terminal assembly located on the first battery module and a second terminal assembly located on the second battery module, and the battery pack may further include a connecting member connecting the first terminal assembly and the second terminal assembly.

[0043] The first terminal assembly and the second terminal assembly each include a terminal housing and a terminal bus bar attached to the terminal housing, the first terminal assembly has terminal bus bars different from each other formed therein, the second terminal assembly has terminal bus bars different from each other formed therein, the first terminal bus bar of the first terminal assembly and the second terminal bus bar of the second terminal assembly are electrically connected via the connection member, and the first terminal bus bar and the second terminal bus bar may have different polarities from each other.

[0044] The battery pack may further include a pack venting portion connected to the battery module.

[0045] The pack venting portion may include a pack connection portion connected to the battery module, a direction adjustment portion which is a tube communicating with the pack connection portion, and an exhaust port provided in a region of a side pack frame and connected to the direction adjustment portion.

[0046] The direction adjustment portion may be located inside the side pack frame, one end of the direction adjustment portion may be blocked, and the other end of the direction adjustment portion may be connected to the exhaust port, and the pack connection portion may be an area protruding from one side of the direction adjustment portion toward the battery module.

[0047] The pack connection portion may be located through one face of the side pack frame.

[0048] The pack connection portion may be connected to a module connection portion of the battery module, and the module connection portion may be a hole communicating with the inside of the battery module. Effect of the Invention

[0049] According to the embodiment, the insulating coolant capable of directly cooling the battery cells and the bus bars can be circulated within the battery module, thereby improving the cooling efficiency.

[0050] In addition, the reduction in energy density caused by the inlet and outlet structure for circulating an insulating coolant within the battery module can be offset by realizing a long module.

[0051] In addition, the terminal assembly is formed on the side of the module housing, and the space above the internal beam is utilized to improve space utilization, thereby improving energy density.

[0052] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0053] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a heat dissipation path in a conventional battery module. [Diagram 2] 1 is a diagram showing a conventional battery pack. [Diagram 3]FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the battery pack of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the battery pack of FIG. [Figure 6] 3 is a plan view showing a battery module mounted in the conventional battery pack of FIG. 2.

[0023] FIG. [Figure 7] 5 is a plan view showing a battery module mounted in the battery pack of FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 8] 1 is a perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 9] 9 is a diagram for explaining the state before and after mounting of the terminal assembly in FIG. 8; [Figure 10] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module of FIG. 8. [Figure 11] 1 is a perspective view of a submodule constituting a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the submodule of FIG. 11. [Figure 13] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the battery module of FIG. 8 excluding the module housing. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the battery module in which a side plate is added to the battery module in FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module of FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the module being inserted into the housing. [Figure 17] 14 is a diagram showing A1 in FIG. 13. [Figure 18] 14 is a drawing showing A2 of FIG. 13. [Figure 19] 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which a plurality of battery modules are electrically connected according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 20] 20 is an enlarged view of a region P in FIG. 19. [Figure 21] 4 is a diagram showing an electrical connection relationship in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] 4 is a diagram showing a current transfer path in a battery module. [Diagram 23] 2 is a perspective view showing a first sealing assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention mounted on one side of a module housing. FIG. [Figure 24] 24A and 24B are views showing a process of assembling the first sealing assembly of Fig. 23, in which (a) is a view showing a module connector being coupled to the first sealing cover, (b) is a view showing a sensing unit being coupled to the first sealing cover, and (c) is a view showing both the module connector and the sensing unit being coupled to the first sealing cover. [Diagram 25] 25A and 25B are views showing the process of the first sealing assembly of FIG. 24 being attached to one side of the module housing, where (a) is a view showing the sensing cable being electrically connected to the flexible printed circuit board, (b) is a view showing the first sealing assembly being combined with the module housing, and (c) is a view showing the first sealing assembly being sealed with the module housing. [Figure 26] 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a first end plate mounted to a first sealing assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 27] 27 is a view of the first end plate attached to the first sealing assembly as viewed from the -x-axis direction of FIG. 26. [Figure 28] 28 is a diagram showing A5 cut along B-B' in FIG. 27. [Figure 29] 13 is a view showing a second sealing assembly mounted on another surface of a module housing according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 30] 11 is an exploded perspective view showing a second end plate being attached to a second sealing assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Diagram 31] 31 is a view of the second end plate attached to the second sealing assembly as viewed from the -x-axis direction of FIG. 30. [Diagram 32]32 is a view showing A6 cut along CC' in FIG. 31. [Diagram 33] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a second sealing assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 34] This is a drawing of Figure 33 as seen from the -y-axis direction. [Diagram 35] 34 is a diagram showing the second sealing assembly of FIG. 33 coupled to a second end plate. [Diagram 36] 1 is a perspective view showing the inside of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 37] 1 is a view showing a pack venting unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 38] 37 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line D-D' of FIG. 36. [Figure 39] This is a perspective view of Figure 36 as seen from the -z axis direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0054] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0055] In order to clearly describe the present invention, parts that are not necessary for the description will be omitted, and the same reference numerals will be used throughout the specification to refer to the same or similar components.

[0056] 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 express various layers and regions. In the drawings, thicknesses of some layers and regions are exaggerated for convenience of explanation.

[0057] In addition, throughout the specification, when a part is said to "comprise" a certain element, this means that it may further include other elements, not excluding other elements, unless specifically stated to the contrary.

[0058] Also, throughout the specification, the term "in a plane" means a portion of the subject matter viewed from above, and the term "in cross section" means a portion of the subject matter viewed from the side along a vertical cross section.

[0059] Hereinafter, an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. However, the description will be made based on a partial cross section of the electrode assembly, and the description is not limited to this, and the same or similar content may be applied to other cross sections.

[0060] 4 and 5, a battery pack 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a lower pack frame 1100 on which a plurality of battery modules 100 are mounted, an upper pack frame 1200 located on an upper portion of the battery modules 100, and at least one pack vent 2000 provided on a side of the lower pack frame 1100. Here, the lower pack frame 1100 and the upper pack frame 1200 are joined to each other by a method such as welding to seal the inside of the battery pack 1000.

[0061] The battery module 100 may include a battery cell assembly 120 in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked in a preset direction, and a module housing 200 that houses the battery cell assembly 120. The module housing 200 may be a monoframe in the form of a metal plate material with top and bottom surfaces (z-axis direction and -z-axis direction) and both side surfaces (y-axis direction and -y-axis direction) integrated together. The battery cell assembly 120 may be mounted inside the module housing 200 to form the battery module 100. However, the module housing 200 is not limited to the above, and the module housing 200 may include an upper frame and a lower frame.

[0062] The lower pack frame 1100 includes a side pack frame 1150 and at least two internal beams 1110 formed on the bottom surface of the lower pack frame 1100. Here, the bottom surface of the lower pack frame 1100 and the at least two internal beams 1110, and the bottom surface of the lower pack frame 1100 and the side pack frame 1150 may be connected to each other by a method such as welding.

[0063] The plurality of battery modules 100 may be separated from each other by the side pack frame 1150 and at least two internal beams 1110. In other words, the plurality of battery modules 100 may be disposed in the area between the internal beams 1110 of the side pack frame 1150 and in the area between the adjacent internal beams 1110. More specifically, in the battery pack 1000, the battery module 100 may be disposed between a pair of internal beams 1110 that are adjacent to each other among the plurality of internal beams 1110, and the battery module 100 may be disposed between the internal beam 1110 and the side pack frame 1150.

[0064] As a result, the plurality of battery modules 100 are surrounded by at least two internal beams 1110 and the side pack frame 1150, and each battery module 100 can be protected from external impact. The internal beam 1110 can act as a kind of rigid beam.

[0065] The side pack frame 1150 may be disposed on the periphery of the bottom surface of the lower pack frame 1100 and may extend upward from the bottom surface of the lower pack frame 1100. More specifically, it may extend upward from each periphery of the bottom surface of the lower pack frame 1100. Here, the upper end of the side pack frame 1150 may contact the upper pack frame 1200. At this time, the upper end of the side pack frame 1150 and the upper pack frame 1200 may be joined to each other by a method such as welding, thereby sealing the inside of the battery pack 1000.

[0066] The internal beams 1110 may be spaced apart from one another. Here, the distance between adjacent internal beams 1110 may be the same as or greater than the size of the battery module 100.

[0067] Additionally, the ends of the internal beam 1110 can contact the inner surface 1152 of the side pack frame 1150. More specifically, both ends of the internal beam 1110 can contact the inner surface 1152 of the side pack frame 1150, respectively.

[0068] Fig. 6 is a plan view showing a battery module mounted in the conventional battery pack of Fig. 2. Fig. 7 is a plan view showing a battery module mounted in the battery pack of Fig. 4.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 6, the conventional battery pack 10 includes a plurality of battery modules 1 mounted between internal beams 13 that define a lower pack frame 11. At this time, the internal beams 13 are arranged in the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction to define an internal space of the lower pack frame 11, and a plurality of battery modules 1 can be mounted between the spaces. At this time, one end and the other end of the battery module 1 can be positioned in contact with the inner surface of the lower pack frame 11 and the internal beams 13, or can be positioned slightly apart. That is, the internal beams 13 can be positioned as shown in FIG. 6, and the weight of the battery pack 10 can be increased by including the internal beams 13 extending in the y-axis direction. As a result, there is a problem that the energy density of the battery pack 10 is low. Therefore, in order to solve the above problem, in this embodiment, a plurality of conventional battery modules 1 can be connected as sub-modules to form one battery module 100 as shown in FIG. 7.

[0070] Specifically, referring to FIG. 7, a battery pack 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of battery modules 100 mounted between internal beams 1110 that define a lower pack frame 1100 .

[0071] As described above, the battery module 100 may be formed by connecting two battery modules 1 arranged in the x-axis direction in FIG. 6. For example, the battery module 100 of this embodiment may be formed by arranging each battery cell assembly constituting the battery module 1 of FIG. 6 in a row and storing it in one module housing. That is, two battery cell assemblies constituting the two battery modules 1 of FIG. 6 can be arranged in a row in the length direction (x-axis direction) to form one battery module 100. Therefore, the battery module 100 of this embodiment may have a longer length in the x-axis direction than the conventional battery module 1.

[0072] 6, in the conventional battery pack 10, the internal beams 13 are arranged in the x-axis and y-axis to divide a space inside the lower pack frame 1100, and a plurality of battery modules 100 may be mounted between the spaces. In contrast, referring to FIG. 7, in the battery pack 1000 of the present embodiment, unlike the conventional battery pack 10, the internal beams 1110 are not arranged in the y-axis direction. This is because the length (x-axis direction) of the battery module 100 is increased compared to the conventional battery pack 10, and one and the other ends of the battery module 100 in the length direction (x-axis direction) abut against the side pack frame 1150 or fill the space between the side pack frame 1150 and the end of the battery module 100, so that the internal beams 1110 do not need to divide the battery module 100 along the direction (y-axis direction) perpendicular to the length direction (x-axis direction) of the battery module 100. In other words, due to the structure of the battery module 100 described above, the number of internal beams 1110 provided in the battery pack 1000 in this embodiment is reduced compared to the conventional case, and therefore the weight of the battery pack 1000 is reduced and the energy density is increased.

[0073] Hereinafter, a battery module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0074] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 9 is a diagram for explaining the state before and after mounting of the terminal assembly of Fig. 8, Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module of Fig. 8.

[0075] 8 to 10, a battery module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be one in which a plurality of sub-modules, each of which corresponds to a conventional battery module, are arranged in a row to form one battery module 100. Specifically, in the battery module 100 of this embodiment, each battery cell assembly constituting two conventional battery modules is arranged long in the x-axis direction and housed together in one module housing 200.

[0076] The battery module 100 of this embodiment includes a battery cell assembly 120 in which a number of battery cells are stacked, a module housing 200 that houses the battery cell assembly 120, a busbar structure 300 located on the front and / or rear surface of the battery cell assembly 120, a sealing assembly 400 that covers the front and / or rear surface of the busbar structure 300, and an end plate 500 that covers the front and / or rear surface of the sealing assembly 400.

[0077] First, the battery cell 110 may be a pouch-type battery cell. Such a pouch-type battery cell may be formed by housing an electrode assembly in a pouch case made of a laminate sheet including a resin layer and a metal layer, and then heat-sealing a sealing portion of the pouch case. In this case, the battery cell 110 may be formed in a rectangular sheet structure.

[0078] Such a battery cell 110 may be configured in a plurality of pieces, and the plurality of battery cells 110 may be stacked so as to be electrically connected to each other to form a battery cell assembly 120. In particular, as shown in Figures 8 and 10, the plurality of battery cells 110 may be stacked along the y-axis direction. As described above, the direction in which the plurality of battery cells 110 are stacked may be defined as the width direction of the battery cell assembly 120.

[0079] The module housing 200 may be for protecting the battery cell assembly 120 and electrical equipment connected thereto from external physical impacts. The module housing 200 may accommodate the battery cell assembly 120 and electrical equipment connected thereto in the internal space of the module housing 200.

[0080] The structure of the module housing 200 may be various. According to this embodiment, the module housing 200 may have a monoframe structure. Here, the monoframe may be in the form of a metal plate material in which the upper surface, the lower surface, and both side surfaces are integrated. The monoframe may be manufactured by extrusion molding.

[0081] However, the structure of the module housing 200 is not limited thereto, and as another example, the module housing 200 may have a structure in which a U-shaped frame and an upper plate are combined. In this case, the U-shaped frame may be formed by combining or integrating the lower surface and both side surfaces of the module housing 200. In this case, each frame or plate constituting the U-shaped frame may be manufactured by press molding. Also, the structure of the module housing 200 may be an L-shaped frame structure in addition to a monoframe or U-shaped frame, and may be various structures not described in the above examples.

[0082] The module housing 200 may be provided in a form in which the front and rear surfaces are open along the length direction (x-axis direction) of the battery cell assembly 120. In this case, the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell assembly 120 may not be covered by the module housing 200. The front and rear surfaces of the battery cell assembly 120 are covered by a bus bar structure 300, a sealing assembly 400, an end plate 500, or the like, thereby protecting the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell assembly 120 from external physical impacts, etc.

[0083] The busbar structure 300 includes a busbar frame 310, which will be described later, and a busbar 330 attached to one surface of the busbar frame 310. The busbar structure 300 may be formed to be located on the open first side (x-axis direction) and second side (-x-axis direction) of the module housing 200 and cover the battery cell assembly 120. The busbar structure 300 may electrically connect the battery cells 110 constituting the battery cell assembly 120 in series or in parallel.

[0084] The busbar structure 300 may include a busbar frame 310, a busbar 330, and a terminal busbar 340, as described below.

[0085] The sealing assembly 400 may be formed to be located on an open first side (x-axis direction) and a second side (-x-axis direction) of the module housing 200 to cover the battery cell assembly 120. The sealing assembly 400 located on the open first side of the module housing 200 may be a first sealing assembly 410, and the sealing assembly 400 located on the open second side of the module housing 200 may be a second sealing assembly 450.

[0086] The sealing assembly 400 can separate the open first and second sides of the module housing 200 from the outside environment. Specifically, when a refrigerant is injected into the interior of the module housing 200 described below, the sealing assembly 400 can serve to seal the refrigerant so that the refrigerant does not leak to the outside.

[0087] The sealing assembly 400 may include a sealing cover, and an inlet 421 and an outlet 461 into which a refrigerant flows. Specifically, the refrigerant flows into the inside of the module housing 200 through the inlet 421, and then can be discharged to the outside of the battery module 100 through the outlet 461. The refrigerant is in direct contact with the battery cell assemblies 120 and other electrical components mounted inside the module housing 200, and the bus bar structure 300, and can receive heat generated therefrom.

[0088] The coolant may be a fluid. However, since the coolant is in direct contact with the battery cell assemblies 120, other electrical components, and the bus bar structure 300 in the battery module 100, the coolant needs to be electrically insulated. Therefore, the coolant may be a material having insulating properties. For example, the coolant may be insulating oil.

[0089] As described above, the refrigerant can directly cool the battery cell assemblies 120 and other electrical components that generate heat in the battery module 100, as well as the bus bar structure 300, by directly contacting them and transferring heat thereto. Therefore, compared to the conventional method of indirectly cooling the battery module using a heat sink or the like, the cooling efficiency can be improved, thereby extending the life of the battery.

[0090] 7 and 8, the first sub-module 100a and the second sub-module 100b include a terminal assembly 315 located in a portion of the module housing 200 overlapping with the module extension portion A3 facing each other. The module extension portion A3 may be located in a central portion based on the length direction (x-axis direction) of the battery module 100. A step portion 200D may be formed in a portion of the module housing 200 where the terminal assembly 315 is located. The step portion 200D may have a structure recessed from an outer surface of the module housing 200 toward the interior where the battery cell assemblies are housed. In this case, the terminal assembly 315 may be mounted on the step portion 200D.

[0091] The terminal assembly 315 according to this embodiment includes a terminal housing 320 and a terminal bus bar 340 attached to the terminal housing 320. The terminal housing 320 may be formed to surround a corner of a side surface of the module housing 200. In this case, the terminal housing 320 may have a bent shape. Specifically, the terminal housing 320 may be formed to surround both the top surface and the side surface of the module housing 200 at the same time.

[0092] 9, terminal bus bar 340 according to this embodiment includes first terminal bus bar 341 and second terminal bus bar 343, and first terminal bus bar 341 and second terminal bus bar 343 may have different polarities. Terminal bus bar 340 may have a structure having first hole 340h1 formed in an inclined upper part and second hole 340h2 formed in a lower part connected to the upper part and extending in a vertical direction (-z axis direction). First hole 340h1 and second hole 340h2 may be areas through which fixing member 328 (FIG. 20) and coupling member 327, which will be described later, pass, respectively.

[0093] According to this embodiment, the terminal housing 320 may have a first hole 320h formed therein, the terminal bus bar 340 may have a second hole 340h2 formed therein, and the stepped portion 200D may have a third hole 200DH formed therein. Here, the battery module 100 according to this embodiment may further include a coupling member 327 passing through the first hole 320h, the second hole 340h2, and the third hole 200DH.

[0094] 7 and 9, the coupling member 327 is formed of a conductive material, and electrically connects the internal bus bar 330 (FIG. 21) of the first submodule 100a or the internal bus bar 330 (FIG. 21) of the second submodule 100b to the terminal bus bar 340. Specifically, the coupling member 327 includes a first coupling member 327a and a second coupling member 327b, and the first coupling member 327a electrically connects the first terminal bus bar 341 to the first internal bus bar 330 (FIG. 21) of the first submodule 100a, and the second coupling member 327b electrically connects the second terminal bus bar 343 to the second internal bus bar 330 (FIG. 21) of the second submodule 100b. For example, the coupling member 327 may be a bolting coupling member.

[0095] The end plates 500 may be formed to be located on the first open side (x-axis direction) and the second open side (-x-axis direction) of the module housing 200 to cover the sealing assembly 400. The end plate 500 located on the first open side of the module housing 200 may be a first end plate 510, and the end plate 500 located on the second open side of the module housing 200 may be a second end plate 550.

[0096] Such an end plate 500 can physically protect the battery cell assembly 120 and other electrical components from external impact.

[0097] Each of the sub-battery modules constituting the battery module 100 of this embodiment will be described in more detail below.

[0098] Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a submodule constituting a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 12 is an exploded view of the submodule of Fig. 11. Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the battery module of Fig. 8 excluding the module housing. Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the battery module of Fig. 13 to which a side plate is added. Fig. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module of Fig. 14. Fig. 16 is a view showing Fig. 14 being inserted into a module housing.

[0099] 11 to 16, a battery module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a first sub-module 100a and a second sub-module 100b. Specifically, the battery module 100 may be one in which the first sub-module 100a and the second sub-module 100b are arranged in a row along the length direction (x-axis direction) of the battery cell assembly 120 to form one battery module 100. In this case, the battery cell assemblies 120a and 120b included in the first and second sub-modules 100a and 100b, respectively, may be housed in one module housing 200 at the same time.

[0100] The first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b may each include a battery cell assembly 120 in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked, a busbar structure 300 including a busbar 330 electrically connected to the battery cell assembly 120, and a busbar frame 310 covering the battery cell assembly 120 on at least one side.

[0101] That is, the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b each include the same configuration, and the following description will focus mainly on the first submodule 100a.

[0102] 11 and 12, the first submodule 100a includes a first battery cell assembly 120a in which a plurality of battery cells 110 are stacked, a first busbar structure 300a covering the front (x-axis direction) and rear (-x-axis direction) of the first battery cell assembly 120a, and a first flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) 350a electrically connected to the first busbar structure 300a.

[0103] The first battery cell assembly 120a includes a first cooling fin 210a located between the plurality of first battery cells 110a, and a first compression pad 250a provided on one side of the first outermost battery cell 110a.

[0104] The first cooling fins 210a may be positioned between a plurality of first battery cells 110a. For example, the first cooling fins 210a may be positioned for every two first battery cells 110a. Specifically, one first cooling fin 210a and another first cooling fin 210a adjacent to each other may be positioned between two first battery cells 110a.

[0105] The first cooling fin 210a may include a first plate 211a in contact with one side of the first battery cell 110a. Here, the one side of the first battery cell 110a may be one surface of the battery cell 110 extending along the length direction (x-axis direction) of the first battery cell 110a.

[0106] One surface of the first plate 211a may contact one side of the first battery cell 110a facing the one surface of the first plate 211a. The other surface of the first plate 211a may contact one surface of another adjacent first battery cell 110a facing the other surface of the first plate 211a. In this case, although not shown in the drawings, an adhesive member may be interposed between the side surface of the first battery cell 110a and the first plate 211a, and the first battery cell 110a and the first plate 211a may be adhesively fixed. For example, the adhesive member may be an insulating tape.

[0107] 15 (z-axis direction), and the bottom surface of the first plate 211a can contact the bottom surface (-z-axis direction) of the module housing 200. Therefore, the first cooling fin 210a can be fixed and positioned within the module housing 200, and thus the first battery cell 110a attached to the first cooling fin 210a can also be fixed and positioned within the module housing 200.

[0108] When the size of the first plate 211a is larger than the size of the first battery cell 110a, the upper and lower parts of the first battery cell 110a may be positioned at a certain height from the upper and lower parts of the module housing 200. Specifically, when the height (z-axis direction) of the first plate 211a is longer than the height (z-axis direction) of the first battery cell 110a, the first battery cell 110a may be adhesively fixed while being positioned at the center of the first plate 211a.

[0109] The first cooling fin 210a may further include a first plate 211a and a first protrusion 213a protruding from one end of the first plate 211a. Specifically, referring to Fig. 12, the first cooling fin 210a may include a first plate 211a having a surface corresponding to or larger than one side of the first battery cell 110a, and a first protrusion 213a protruding from one end of the first plate 211a in parallel with the stacking direction (y-axis direction) of the first battery cell assembly 120a.

[0110] The first protrusion 213a may be a region protruding in a direction perpendicular to the first plate 211a. For example, the first cooling fin 210a may be L-shaped. The first protrusion 213a may contact the upper surface and / or the lower surface of the module housing 200. Specifically, one surface of the first protrusion 213a may be positioned facing the upper surface or the lower surface of the first battery cell 110a, and the other surface of the first protrusion 213a may be positioned facing the upper surface or the upper surface of the module housing 200. This allows the first cooling fin 210a to be more firmly fixed and positioned within the module housing 200.

[0111] For example, one surface of the first protrusion 213a may face the first battery cell 110a. That is, one surface of the first protrusion 213a may face the lower portion of the first battery cell 110a, and the upper and lower portions of the first battery cell 110a may be fixed and adhered to the first plate 211a at a certain height from the upper and lower surfaces of the module housing 200. In other words, a certain space is provided between one surface of the first protrusion 213a and the lower portion of the first battery cell 110a, and between the upper surface of the module housing 200 and the upper portion of the first battery cell 110a, and a refrigerant, which will be described later, may move between the spaces. In this case, the distance between one surface of the first protrusion 213a and the lower portion of the first battery cell 110a may correspond to the distance between the upper surface of the module housing 200 and the upper portion of the first battery cell 110a.

[0112] The other surface of the first protrusion 213a may contact the bottom of the module housing 200. Specifically, the other surface of the first protrusion 213a may contact and be adhesively fixed to the bottom of the module housing 200, so that the first cooling fin 210a may be more firmly fixed and positioned within the module housing 200. In FIG. 12, the protrusion of the cooling fin 210a is described as being located between the bottom of the module housing 200 and the lower part of the first battery cell 110a, but the protrusion of the cooling fin 210a may be located between the upper surface of the module housing 200 and the first battery cell 110a.

[0113] However, the shape of the first cooling fin 210a is not limited to that shown in this drawing, and may be a flat plate shape, and any shape is possible as long as it can contact the first battery cell 110a and fix the first battery cell 110a.

[0114] The first cooling fin 210a may be a metal. Specifically, the first cooling fin 210a may be a metal with high thermal conductivity. Therefore, the first cooling fin 210a can directly receive the heat generated in the first battery cell 110a due to charging and discharging of the battery. When heat is generated, the heat is primarily cooled as it is transferred to the first cooling fin 210a that contacts the side of the first battery cell 110a, and a refrigerant, which will be described later, directly contacts the upper and lower parts of the first battery cell 110a to perform secondary cooling. This allows direct cooling of the upper and lower regions of the battery cell, which have been relatively difficult to cool in the past, and improves cooling efficiency.

[0115] The first compression pad 250a is located at the outermost portion of the first battery cell assembly 120a and serves to absorb expansion of the first battery cell 110a caused by charging and discharging. Specifically, the first compression pad 250a pushes out the side portion of the module housing 200 as the first battery cell 110a expands, thereby preventing the battery case of the first battery cell 110a from cracking, thereby improving the safety of the battery module 100.

[0116] However, the first compression pad 250a is not limited to being positioned only at the outermost periphery of the first battery cell assembly 120a, but may also be positioned between the first battery cells 110a constituting the first battery cell assembly 120a.

[0117] The first busbar structure 300a includes a first busbar frame 310a and a first busbar 330a attached to the first busbar frame 310a.

[0118] The first bus bar frame 310a may be located on the front and / or rear surface of the first battery cell assembly 120a along the x-axis direction to cover the front and / or rear surface of the first battery cell assembly 120a and guide the connection of the first battery cell assembly 120a to an external device. The first bus bar frame 310a may be located on the front (x-axis direction) and rear (-x-axis direction) of the first battery cell assembly 120a. A first bus bar 330a may be attached to the first bus bar frame 310a. As a specific example, referring to FIGS. 10 to 13, an inner surface of the first bus bar frame 310a is connected to the front (x-axis direction) and rear (-x-axis direction) of the first battery cell assembly 120a, and an outer surface of the first bus bar frame 310a is connected to the first bus bar 330a.

[0119] The first bus bar frame 310a may include an electrically insulating material, and may limit contact of the first bus bar 330a with other parts of the first battery cell 110a other than the part connected to the electrode lead (not shown), thereby preventing an electrical short circuit from occurring.

[0120] The first bus bar 330a may be mounted on one surface of the first bus bar frame 310a and serve to electrically connect the first battery cell assembly 120a or the first battery cell 110a to an external device circuit. The first bus bar 330a is located on the first bus bar frame 310a, and the first bus bar structure 300a is covered by a sealing assembly 400 and an end plate 500, which will be described later, so that the first bus bar 330a can be protected from external impacts and the like, and deterioration of durability due to external moisture and the like is minimized.

[0121] The first bus bar 330a is electrically connected to the first battery cell assembly 120a through the electrode lead of the first battery cell 110a. Specifically, the electrode lead of the first battery cell 110a passes through a slit formed in the first bus bar frame 310, and then bends to be connected to the first bus bar 330a. The first battery cells 110a constituting the first battery cell assembly 120a are connected in series or parallel by the first bus bar 330a.

[0122] The first flexible printed circuit board 350a is configured to extend in the length direction (x-axis direction) of the first battery cell assembly 120a and sense the first battery cell 110a. That is, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, the first flexible printed circuit board 350a is attached to the upper part (z-axis direction) of the first battery cell assembly 120a and can sense electrical and thermal data of the first battery cell 110a. In addition, the first flexible printed circuit board 350a is bent toward the first bus bar frame 310a at an end of the first battery cell assembly 120a and is electrically connected to the first bus bar 330a.

[0123] The first sub-module 100a and the second sub-module 100b having the above-mentioned configuration are arranged in a row and housed in one module housing 200 to form one battery module 100.

[0124] 13 to 16, the battery module 100 according to this embodiment has a structure in which a first sub-module 100a and a second sub-module 100b are arranged in a row along the length direction (x-axis direction) of the battery cells and housed in one module housing 200. Specifically, a first busbar structure 300a located at the other end of the first sub-module 100a and a second busbar structure 300b located at one end of the second sub-module 100b are arranged to face each other to form the battery module 100 according to this embodiment. In this case, referring to FIG. 15, the first busbar structure 300a and the second busbar structure 300b are connected by a connection cable 380. The connection cable 380 will be described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 17.

[0125] 14 and 15, a battery module 100 formed by arranging the first sub-module 100a and the second sub-module 100b in a row may have side plates 230 on both sides thereof. The side plates 230 according to the present embodiment may have openings 232. The coupling member 327 described in FIG. 9 passes through the first hole 320h, the second hole 340h2, and the third hole 200DH through the openings 232 and contacts the internal bus bar 330 of FIG. 21, thereby allowing the terminal bus bar 340 to be electrically connected to the internal bus bar 330. Although the openings 232 are shown to have a square shape in FIG. 14, the shape of the openings 232 is not limited thereto, and the shape of the openings 232 may be formed to correspond to the shape of the coupling member 327.

[0126] The side plate 230 may be a plate extending along the length direction (x-axis direction) of the battery module 100. Specifically, the length of the side plate 230 may correspond to the length of the battery module 100. In addition, the length of the side plate 230 may correspond to the sum of the lengths of the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b. Here, the term "corresponding in length" may mean that the length is the same as the length of the battery module or has the same value within an error range of about 10%.

[0127] The side plate 230 may be positioned to face the first outermost battery cell 110a of the first submodule 100a and the second outermost battery cell 110b of the second submodule 100b constituting the battery module 100. In addition, the side plate 230 may be positioned to face the first compression pad 250a of the first submodule 100a and the second compression pad 250b of the second submodule 100b constituting the battery module 100.

[0128] The side plate 230 may be made of a metal having rigidity. The side plate 230 may play a role in protecting the outermost battery cells 110a, 110b and the compression pads 250a, 250b of the first sub-module 100a and the second sub-module 100b when the first sub-module 100a and the second sub-module 100b are inserted and mounted in the module housing 200. In addition, the battery cell assemblies 120a, 120b constituting the battery module 100 of the present embodiment are longer than a general battery cell assembly, so that it may not be easy to insert them into the module housing 200 and assemble them. In this case, referring to FIGS. 14 to 16, the side plate 230 guides the battery cell assemblies 120 constituting the battery module 100 of the present embodiment to be inserted into the module housing 200, so that the battery module can be easily assembled without damaging the battery cells 110 and the compression pads 250a, 250b.

[0129] Fig. 17 is a diagram showing the inside of region A1 in Fig. 13. Fig. 18 is a diagram showing region A2 in Fig. 13.

[0130] 17, a connection cable 380 is provided between the first sub-module 100a and the second sub-module 100b, thereby allowing the first sub-module 100a and the second sub-module 100b to be connected to each other for sensing voltage, etc. The connection cable 380 may be a flexible flat cable (FFC).

[0131] The connection cable 380 may connect a first flexible printed circuit board 350a located in the first submodule 100a to a second flexible printed circuit board 350b located in the second submodule 100b. In this case, the first bus bar frame 310a on which the first flexible printed circuit board 350a is located and the second bus bar frame 310b on which the second flexible printed circuit board 350b is located are each made of an insulating material, and may insulate other components except for the bus bar 330, the connection cable 380, and the flexible printed circuit boards 350.

[0132] As described above, the height of the entire battery module 100 can be reduced and the energy density of the battery itself can be increased by connecting the first flexible printed circuit board 350a and the second flexible printed circuit board 350b via the connection cable 380. In addition, the installation space of the battery module 100 can be secured, and when the battery module 100 is installed in a device such as an automobile, the driving performance and fuel efficiency can be improved.

[0133] 13 and 18, an internal bus bar 330 is disposed on the outermost side of the first bus bar structure 300a and the second bus bar structure 300b of the first sub-module 100a and the second sub-module 100b to be connected to the terminal assembly 315 of Fig. 16. As described in Fig. 8 and 9, the internal bus bar 330a of the first sub-module 100a or the internal bus bar 330b of the second sub-module 100b is electrically connected to the terminal bus bar 340 by a coupling member 327 formed of a conductive material.

[0134] When the first sub-module 100a and the second sub-module 100b are electrically connected to the terminal assembly 315 as described above, the electrical connection relationship of the electrode leads, bus bars, etc. and the current transfer path will be described in detail below.

[0135] Fig. 19 is a perspective view showing a state in which a plurality of battery modules are electrically connected according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 20 is an enlarged view of area P in Fig. 19. Fig. 21 is a view showing the electrical connection relationship in a battery module according to this embodiment. Fig. 22 is a view showing the current transfer path in a battery module.

[0136] 19 and 20, a plurality of battery modules 100 are arranged along the y-axis direction, and a first battery module and a second battery module adjacent to each other along the y-axis direction each include a first terminal assembly 315a and a second terminal assembly 315b. The first and second terminal assemblies 315a and 315b each include a terminal housing 320a and 320b and a terminal bus bar 341 and 343 mounted in the terminal housing 320a and 320b, respectively, and a connection member 325 may be formed to connect the first terminal assembly 315a and the second terminal assembly 315b to electrically connect the adjacent battery modules 100a and 100b. The connection member 325 may be fixed to the terminal bus bar 341 and 343 and / or the terminal housing 320 by a fixing member 328 such as a bolt.

[0137] The terminal assembly 315 according to this embodiment is disposed to vertically overlap the internal beam 1110 formed between the first battery module and the second battery module. For example, the terminal assembly 315 may be located on the internal beam 1110. By forming the terminal assembly 315 using the space above the internal beam 1110 in this manner, it is possible to improve the energy density by increasing the space utilization rate.

[0138] 21 and 22, in the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b included in one battery module 100, a portion located on one side in the x-axis direction can be defined as a first end, a portion located on one side in the -x-axis direction can be defined as a second end, and a region where the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b face each other can be defined as a module extension A3. Hereinafter, a connection structure of electrode leads and a current flow in the first end, the second end, and the module extension A3 will be described in detail.

[0139] For example, the first terminal bus bar 341, which is a positive electrode, is connected to the outermost battery cell of the first submodule 100a by the connecting member 327 of FIG. 9 and FIG. 22, and the electrode leads 130a1, 130a2 adjacent to each other are electrically connected. At this time, the first terminal bus bar 341 is electrically connected to the internal bus bar 330 of the outermost battery cell by the connecting member 327. A plurality of battery cells are electrically connected via the electrode leads 130a1, 130a2 protruding from both ends of each battery cell. The pair of electrode leads 130a1, 130a2 are welded together with one bus bar 330 and electrically connected. Electrically connected in this manner, a current can flow within the first submodule 100a.

[0140] Similarly, the second terminal bus bar 343 is connected to the outermost battery cell of the second submodule 100b by the connecting member 327 of Figs. 9 and 22, and the electrode leads 130b1, 130b2 adjacent to each other are electrically connected. At this time, the second terminal bus bar 343 is electrically connected to the internal bus bar 330 of the outermost battery cell by the connecting member 327. A plurality of battery cells are electrically connected via the electrode leads 130b1, 130b2 protruding from both ends of each battery cell. The pair of electrode leads 130b1, 130b2 are welded together with one bus bar 330 and electrically connected. Electrically connected in this manner, a current can flow within the second submodule 100b.

[0141] 22, the module connection part A3 according to this embodiment is electrically connected to an external power source or another battery module adjacent to the battery module 100 of FIG. 22, or is connected to a BDU (Battery Disconnect Unit) to form a HV (High voltage) connection structure therebetween. The connection structure may be a structure in which an internal bus bar 330 located at the outermost periphery of the battery cell is connected to a terminal assembly 315. The module connection part A3 may be an area including a second end of the first sub-module 100a and a first end of the second sub-module 100b.

[0142] As explained above, when the electrical connections of the electrode leads 130a1, 130a2, 130b1, and 130b2 are formed, a current can travel along the electrical connections of these electrode leads 130a1, 130a2, 130b1, and 130b2.

[0143] That is, the arrows in this drawing indicate the flow of current, and the current flow is not limited to that described in this drawing, but can be anything as long as a skilled artisan can easily change the current flow by changing the electrical connection of the electrode lead.

[0144] FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing a first sealing assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention mounted to one side of a module housing.

[0145] 23, the battery module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a first sealing assembly 410 attached to one open side of the module housing 200. Specifically, in the battery module 100 according to this embodiment, the bus bar structure 300 electrically connected to the battery cell assemblies may be located at one open side of the module housing 200, and the first sealing assembly 410 may be attached to cover the bus bar structure 300.

[0146] The first sealing assembly 410 may include a first sealing cover 420 covering one open side of the module housing 200, an inlet 421 which is a hole formed in the first sealing cover 420, and a module connector 430 mounted in one area of ​​the first sealing cover 420.

[0147] The first sealing cover 420 is a plate that covers one open side of the module housing 200, and may have a size corresponding to the size of the one open side of the module housing 200. That is, the first sealing cover 420 may be attached to the module housing 200 while covering the one open side of the module housing 200. For example, the first sealing cover 420 may be mated and coupled to the module housing 200.

[0148] The inlet 421 may be configured to allow a refrigerant to flow into the battery module 100. The inlet 421 may be a hole formed in one area of ​​the first sealing cover 420. The inlet 421 may be a hole including a protrusion protruding from the first sealing cover 420 toward the outer surface (x-axis direction) of the first sealing cover 420. That is, the inlet 421 may be a hole including a protrusion protruding in a direction opposite to the area where the module housing 200 is disposed. The protrusion may be positioned to pass through an inlet opening 540 formed in a first end plate 510 described below.

[0149] The inlet 421 may be located closer to the bottom (-z-axis direction) than the top of the first sealing assembly 410. Specifically, the inlet 421 may be located lower than the center based on the height (z-axis direction) of the first sealing assembly 410. This is because after the refrigerant flows into the inside of the module housing 200, the inside of the module housing 200 is filled with the refrigerant from the bottom to the top without any gaps, thereby improving the cooling performance of the battery cell assemblies and other electrical components located inside the module housing 200.

[0150] The module connector 430 detects and controls phenomena such as overvoltage, overcurrent, and overheating of the battery cells. The module connector 430 is for a low voltage (LV) connection, and the LV connection may mean a sensing connection for detecting and controlling the voltage of the battery cells. Through the module connector 430, voltage information and temperature information of the battery cells are transmitted to an external BMS (Battery Management System).

[0151] The module connector 430 may be attached to the first sealing cover 420. At this time, the module connector 430 may be attached by being coupled to the first sealing cover 420 via a coupling member 440. At least a portion of the module connector 430 may be exposed to the outside of an end plate 510, which will be described later, and the end plate 510 may have a module connector opening 530 for this purpose.

[0152] Figure 24 is a diagram showing a process of assembling the first sealing assembly of Figure 23. Figure 24(a) is a diagram showing a module connector being coupled to the first sealing cover. Figure 24(b) is a diagram showing a sensing unit being coupled to the first sealing cover. Figure 24(c) is a diagram showing both the module connector and the sensing unit being coupled to the first sealing cover.

[0153] Referring to FIG. 24, a module connector 430 is attached to one side of the first sealing assembly 410, and a sensing unit 360 is attached to the other side of the first sealing assembly 410, and the module connector 430 and the sensing unit 360 are electrically connected to each other.

[0154] 24(a), a module connector 430 may be attached to one surface of the first sealing cover 420. Specifically, the module connector 430 may be attached to an outer surface 420a of the first sealing cover 420. The outer surface 420a of the first sealing cover 420 is a surface that faces an end plate 510 (see FIG. 26) described below, and may be a surface that does not face the module housing 200 (see FIG. 23).

[0155] The module connector 430 may be mounted and positioned in a fourth region A4, which is a region of the outer surface 420a of the first sealing cover 420. The fourth region A4 is a region corresponding to the size of the module connector 430, and a hole penetrating the first sealing cover 420 may be provided in the center of the fourth region A4, and a groove in which the coupling member 440 can be mounted may be provided at the apex of the fourth region A4. In this case, the coupling member 440 may be provided at the apex of the module connector 430, and the coupling member 440 may be located in a region corresponding to the groove of the fourth region A4. Therefore, the coupling member 440 may be coupled to the groove of the fourth region A4, and thus the module connector 430 may be mounted in the fourth region A4.

[0156] The coupling member 440 may be any member that couples and fastens the module connector 430 to the fourth area A4, and may be, for example, a bolt and nut or a rivet.

[0157] 24(b) and 24(c), a sensing unit 360 may be attached to the other surface of the first sealing cover 420. Specifically, the sensing unit 360 may be attached to an inner surface 420b of the first sealing cover 420. The inner surface 420b of the first sealing cover 420 is a surface that faces the module housing 200 (see FIG. 23) and may be a surface that does not face an end plate 510 (see FIG. 26) described later.

[0158] The sensing unit 360 may include a sensing printed circuit board 361 and a sensing cable 363 electrically connected to the sensing printed circuit board 361. The sensing printed circuit board 361 is electrically connected to the module connector 430. The sensing printed circuit board 361 may be located in an area corresponding to the module connector 430. Specifically, the sensing printed circuit board 361 may be located in a fourth area A4. The sensing printed circuit board 361 may be located and electrically connected to the module connector 430 through a hole in the fourth area A4.

[0159] The sensing cable 363 is a cable electrically connected to the sensing printed circuit board 361, and may include a cable connection portion 363a and a cable extension portion 363b.

[0160] The cable connection part 363a may be connected to the sensing printed circuit board 361 and be located in contact with the inner surface 420b of the first sealing cover 420. The cable connection part 363a is located in contact with and fixed to the inner surface 420b of the first sealing cover 420 and does not move arbitrarily within the battery module 100, so that damage to components will not occur.

[0161] Specifically, the cable connection part 363a may be positioned extending from the sensing printed circuit board 361 to the lower part of the first sealing cover 420 and bent and extended from the lower part of the first sealing cover 420. In this case, the portion bent from the lower part of the first sealing cover 420 and extended from the cable connection part 363a may be defined as a cable extension part 363b.

[0162] The cable extension 363b may be electrically connected to a flexible printed circuit board 350 located on the bus bar structure, as will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0163] Figure 25 is a diagram showing a process in which the first sealing assembly of Figure 23 is attached to one side of a module housing. Figure 25(a) is a diagram showing that a sensing cable is electrically connected to a flexible printed circuit board. Figure 25(b) is a diagram showing that the first sealing assembly is coupled to the module housing. Figure 25(c) is a diagram showing that the first sealing assembly and the module housing are sealed.

[0164] 24(c) and 25(a), the sensing cable 363 is electrically connected to the flexible printed circuit board 350 located on the bus bar structure. In this case, the sensing cable 363 can transmit voltage information and temperature information of the battery cell acquired from the flexible printed circuit board 350 to the sensing printed circuit board 361. In this case, the sensing printed circuit board 361 can transmit the information of the battery cell acquired from the flexible printed circuit board 350 to the module connector 430. That is, the sensing unit 360 can transmit the data of the battery cell acquired from the flexible printed circuit board 350 to the module connector 430.

[0165] Therefore, the module connector 430 can transmit data acquired from the flexible printed circuit board 350 and the sensing unit 360 to a Battery Management System (BMS), and the BMS can control the charging and discharging of the battery cells based on the collected voltage data.

[0166] 25(a) and 25(b), the first sealing cover 420 may be attached to the module housing 200 while covering an open side of the module housing 200. For example, the first sealing cover 420 may be mated with the module housing 200. In this case, the periphery of the first sealing cover 420 may include a protruding portion that protrudes in a direction to be mated with the module housing 200. In this case, the periphery of the module housing 200 to be mated with the first sealing cover 420 may be formed with a step so that the periphery protruding portion of the first sealing cover 420 can be mated with it. Thus, the first sealing cover 420 and the module housing 200 may be mated with each other.

[0167] Referring to FIG. 25(c), when the first sealing cover 420 and the module housing 200 are coupled to each other, a first sealing member 610 may be interposed along the periphery of the first sealing cover 420 and the module housing 200. This is to improve the sealing force of the battery module 100 by sealing a small gap between the first sealing cover 420 and the module housing 200 due to assembly tolerances when the first sealing cover 420 and the module housing 200 are coupled. Therefore, leakage of the refrigerant located inside the battery module 100 can be prevented, leakage of gas generated from inside the battery module 100 can be prevented, and the direction of gas discharge can be controlled, thereby improving the safety of the battery module 100. Although the first sealing member 610 is shown in FIG. 20(c) as being exposed to the outside, the first sealing member 610 may be interposed between the module housing 200 and the first sealing cover 420.

[0168] In this case, the first sealing member 610 may be, for example, an adhesive tape.

[0169] Although not shown in the drawings, after the first sealing assembly 410 is coupled to the module housing 200 and the periphery is sealed by the first sealing member 610, other gaps present in the first sealing assembly 410 can be sealed by a second sealing member 620 (see FIGS. 27 and 28). This is to improve the sealing force of the battery module 100 by using the second sealing member 620 to seal the portions of the first sealing assembly 410 other than the periphery that cannot be sealed by the first sealing member 610. The second sealing member 620 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.

[0170] FIG. 26 is an exploded perspective view showing a first end plate being attached to a first sealing assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0171] Referring to FIG. 26, in the battery module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, a first end plate 510 may be positioned to cover the first sealing assembly 410.

[0172] The first end plate 510 can include terminal bus bar openings 520 , a module connector opening 530 and an inlet opening 540 .

[0173] Terminal bus bar opening 520 is an opening provided in first end plate 510. Specifically, terminal bus bar opening 520 may be an opening formed in an area corresponding to the position of terminal bus bar 340 provided in first sealing assembly 410.

[0174] The terminal bus bar opening 520 is a protrusion that protrudes from the first end plate 510 toward the outside of the battery module 100, and may be configured such that only the upper surface of the protrusion is open. In this case, a portion of the terminal bus bar 340 may be exposed to the outside at the upper surface of the protrusion.

[0175] The size of the terminal bus bar opening 520 is mainly determined by the size around the terminal bus bar 340. However, for ease of assembly or for reasons of the manufacturing process, the size of the terminal bus bar opening 520 may be larger than the size of the exposed portion of the terminal bus bar 340, and in this case, a gap may occur between the terminal bus bar opening 520 and the terminal bus bar 340 exposed to the outside.

[0176] The module connector opening 530 and the inlet opening 540 are openings provided in the first end plate 510, and are holes penetrating the first end plate 510. Specifically, the module connector opening 530 may be an opening formed in a region corresponding to the position of the module connector 430 provided in the first sealing assembly 410, and the inlet opening 540 may be an opening formed in a region corresponding to the position of the outlet 461 provided in the first sealing assembly 410. In this case, the module connector 430 is positioned passing through the module connector opening 530, and the inlet 421 is positioned passing through the inlet opening 540, so that at least a portion of the module connector 430 and the inlet 421 can be exposed to the outside.

[0177] The size of the module connector opening 530 and the inlet opening 540 is determined mainly by the size around the module connector 430 and the inlet 421. However, for ease of assembly or for reasons of the manufacturing process, the size of the module connector opening 530 and the inlet opening 540 may be larger than the size of the exposed parts of the module connector 430 and the inlet 421. In this case, a gap may occur between the module connector 430 and the inlet 421 exposed to the outside of the module connector opening 530 and the inlet opening 540.

[0178] Terminal bus bar 340 and module connector 430 are exposed to the outside through terminal bus bar opening 520 and module connector opening 530, respectively, to facilitate HV connection and LV connection to external electrical equipment, thereby improving the efficiency of the assembly process.

[0179] Since the inlet 421 is exposed to the outside of the battery module 100 through the inlet opening 540, when the refrigerant is injected into the module housing 200 through the inlet 421, the refrigerant can be prevented from leaking between the first sealing assembly 410 and the first end plate 510. Therefore, the refrigerant does not come into contact with the terminal bus bar 340 and the module connector 430 that make an electrical connection with the outside. In other words, since a short circuit does not occur between the above components, the safety of the battery module 100 can be improved.

[0180] A third sealing member 630 may be interposed between the first end plate 510 and the first sealing assembly 410 .

[0181] The third sealing member 630 may have a shape corresponding to the periphery of the first sealing assembly 410 or the periphery of the first end plate 510. The third sealing member 630 may be a resin that is applied to correspond to the periphery of the first sealing assembly 410 or the periphery of the first end plate 510 and then hardened. Specifically, the third sealing member 630 may be applied to the first groove 411, which is a groove formed along the periphery of the first sealing assembly 410, and hardened after the first sealing assembly 410 and the first end plate 510 are combined. For example, the third sealing member 630 may be an epoxy resin.

[0182] That is, since the third sealing member 630 is interposed between the first sealing assembly 410 and the first end plate 510, the first sealing assembly 410 and the first end plate 510 can be joined without any gaps formed due to assembly tolerances.

[0183] Therefore, the sealing force of the battery module 100 is improved, and leakage of the refrigerant located in the battery module 100 is prevented, thereby improving the cooling performance of the battery module 100. In addition, the venting direction can be controlled so that the venting gas generated in the battery module 100 above a certain temperature and pressure is not discharged to the outside through the gap, and the safety of the battery module 100 can be improved.

[0184] However, the type and method of forming the third sealing member 630 are not limited to those described above, and may be in the form of a gasket made of an elastic material, or any other material that can serve to seal the first sealing assembly 410 and the first end plate 510.

[0185] Fig. 27 is a view showing the first end plate attached to the first sealing assembly as viewed from the -x-axis direction of Fig. 26. Fig. 28 is a view showing an area A5 cut along the B-B' direction of Fig. 27.

[0186] 27 and 28, it can be seen that a first sealing member 610 and a third sealing member 630 are positioned along the periphery of the first sealing assembly 410, and a second sealing member 620 is positioned in one area of ​​the first sealing assembly 410.

[0187] 28 in relation to the second sealing member 620, the second sealing member 620 may be located in an area excluding the peripheral area of ​​the first sealing assembly 410. That is, the second sealing member 620 may seal the remaining area of ​​the first sealing assembly 410 that the first sealing member 610 and the third sealing member 630 cannot cover. Specifically, the second sealing member 620 may seal an area in the first sealing assembly 410 where there is a gap. However, the area in which the second sealing member 620 is located is not limited to the area shown in this drawing. For example, the second sealing member 620 may seal a portion of an area of ​​the first sealing assembly 410 where the module connector 430 is coupled where there is a gap.

[0188] As a result, in addition to the edge portion of the first sealing assembly 410, the portion where the gap is located is also sealed by the second sealing member 620, thereby improving the sealing force of the battery module 100 and preventing leakage of the refrigerant inside the battery module 100, thereby improving the cooling performance of the battery module 100. In addition, gas generated from inside the battery module 100 above a certain temperature and pressure is not discharged between the gap between the first sealing assembly 410 and the first end plate 510, thereby improving the safety of the battery module 100.

[0189] FIG. 29 is a view showing a second sealing assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention being attached to the other side of the module housing.

[0190] 29, the battery module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a second sealing assembly 450 attached to the other open surface of the module housing 200. Specifically, in the battery module 100 according to this embodiment, the bus bar structure 300 electrically connected to the battery cell assemblies may be located on the other open surface of the module housing 200, and the second sealing assembly 450 may be attached to cover the bus bar structure 300.

[0191] The second sealing assembly 450 may include a second sealing cover 460 which is a plate that covers the other open side of the module housing 200 , and an outlet 461 which is a hole formed in the second sealing cover 460 .

[0192] The second sealing cover 460 is a plate that covers the other open side of the module housing 200, and may have a size corresponding to the size of the other open side of the module housing 200. Here, the meaning of "corresponding in size" may mean that the size is the same as the size of the other open side of the module housing 200, or that the size is within an error range of about 10% based on the same size. That is, the second sealing cover 460 may be attached to the module housing 200 while covering the open side of the module housing 200. For example, the second sealing cover 460 may be mated and coupled to the module housing 200.

[0193] The outlet 461 can discharge the refrigerant that flows into the battery module 100 via the inlet to the outside of the battery module 100.

[0194] The outlet 461 may be a hole formed in one region of the second sealing cover 460. The outlet 461 may be a hole including a protrusion that is a part that protrudes toward the outer surface (-x-axis direction) of the second sealing cover 460. That is, the outlet 461 may be a hole including a protrusion that is a part that protrudes in the opposite direction of the module housing 200. The protrusion may be positioned to pass through an outlet opening 560 formed in the second end plate 550 described below.

[0195] The outlet 461 may be located near the top (z-axis direction) of the second sealing assembly 450. Specifically, the outlet 461 may be located above the center based on the height of the second sealing assembly 450. However, the location of the outlet 461 is not limited thereto.

[0196] When the second sealing assembly 450 and the open side of the module housing 200 are coupled to each other, the first sealing member 610 may be interposed along the periphery of the second sealing cover 460 and the module housing 200. This is to improve the sealing force of the battery module 100 by sealing a minute gap between the second sealing cover 460 and the module housing 200 due to an assembly tolerance, which may be generated between them by the sealing member 600. Therefore, leakage of the refrigerant located inside the battery module 100 can be prevented, leakage of the venting gas generated from inside the battery module 100 can be prevented, and the direction of gas discharge can be controlled, thereby improving the safety of the battery module 100.

[0197] In this case, the first sealing member 610 may be, for example, an adhesive tape.

[0198] Although not shown in the drawings, after the second sealing assembly 450 is coupled to the module housing 200 and the periphery is sealed by the first sealing member 610, any gaps present on the second sealing assembly 450 can be sealed by the second sealing member 620 (see FIG. 32). This is to improve the sealing force of the battery module 100 by using the second sealing member 620 to seal the portions of the second sealing assembly 450 other than the periphery that cannot be sealed by the first sealing member 610. The second sealing member 620 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.

[0199] FIG. 30 is an exploded perspective view showing a second end plate being attached to a second sealing assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0200] Referring to FIG. 30, in the battery module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the second end plate 550 may be positioned to cover the second sealing assembly 450 .

[0201] The second end plate 550 may include an outlet opening 560 .

[0202] The outlet opening 560 is an opening provided in the second end plate 550, and is a hole passing through the second end plate 550. Specifically, the outlet opening 560 may be an opening formed in a region corresponding to the position of the outlet 461 provided in the second sealing assembly 450. In this case, the outlet 461 is positioned passing through the outlet opening 560, so that at least a portion of the outlet 461 can be exposed to the outside.

[0203] The size of the outlet opening 560 may be determined mainly by the size of the circumference of the outlet 461. However, for ease of assembly or for reasons of the manufacturing process, the size of the outlet opening 560 may be larger than the size of the exposed portion of the outlet 461, and in this case, a gap may occur between the outlet 461 exposed outside the outlet opening 560.

[0204] Since the outlet 461 is exposed to the outside of the battery module 100 through the outlet opening 560, when the refrigerant located inside the module housing 200 is discharged through the outlet 461, the refrigerant can be prevented from leaking between the second sealing assembly 450 and the second end plate 550. Therefore, since there is no contact with other electrical components, no short circuit occurs, and the safety of the battery module 100 can be improved.

[0205] A third sealing member 630 may be interposed between the second sealing assembly 450 and the second end plate 550 .

[0206] The third sealing member 630 may have a shape corresponding to the periphery of the second sealing assembly 450 or the periphery of the second end plate 550. The third sealing member 630 may be a resin that is applied to correspond to the periphery of the second sealing assembly 450 or the periphery of the second end plate 550 and then cured. Specifically, the third sealing member 630 may be applied to the second groove 451, which is a groove formed along the periphery of the second sealing assembly 450, and may be cured after the second sealing assembly 450 and the second end plate 550 are combined. For example, the third sealing member 630 may be an epoxy resin.

[0207] That is, since the third sealing member 630 is interposed between the second sealing assembly 450 and the second end plate 550, the second sealing assembly 450 and the second end plate 550 can be joined without any gaps formed due to assembly tolerances.

[0208] Therefore, the sealing force of the battery module 100 is improved, and the cooling performance is improved by preventing leakage of the refrigerant located in the battery module 100. In addition, the venting direction can be controlled so that the venting gas generated in the battery module 100 above a certain temperature and pressure is not discharged to the outside through the gap, and the safety of the battery module 100 can be improved.

[0209] The type and method of forming the third sealing member 630 are not limited to those described above, and may be in the form of a gasket made of an elastic material, or may be anything that can serve to seal the second sealing assembly 450 and the second end plate 550.

[0210] Fig. 31 is a view showing the second end plate attached to the second sealing assembly as viewed from the -x-axis direction of Fig. 30. Fig. 32 is a view showing an area A6 cut along CC' in Fig. 31.

[0211] 31 and 32, it can be seen that a first sealing member 610 and a third sealing member 630 are positioned along the periphery of the second sealing assembly 450, and a second sealing member 620 is positioned in one area of ​​the second sealing assembly 450.

[0212] 32 in relation to the second sealing member 620, the second sealing member 620 may be located in an area excluding the peripheral area of ​​the second sealing assembly 450. That is, the second sealing member 620 may seal the remaining area of ​​the second sealing assembly 450 that cannot be covered by the first sealing member 610 and the third sealing member 630. Specifically, the second sealing member 620 may seal an area where there is a gap in the first sealing assembly 410. However, the area where the second sealing member 620 is located is not limited to the area shown in this drawing.

[0213] As a result, in addition to the peripheral portion of the second sealing assembly 450, the portion where the gap is located is also sealed by the second sealing member 620, thereby improving the sealing force of the battery module 100 and preventing leakage of the refrigerant inside the battery module 100, thereby improving the cooling performance of the battery module 100. In addition, gas generated from inside the battery module 100 above a certain temperature and pressure is not discharged between the gap between the second sealing assembly 450 and the second end plate 550, thereby improving the safety of the battery module 100.

[0214] Fig. 33 is an exploded perspective view of a second sealing assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 34 is a view of Fig. 33 as viewed from the -y axis direction.

[0215] 33 and 34, a second sealing assembly 450 according to another embodiment of the present invention may further include an outlet 461 and a module venting unit 470. Since the outlet 461 is the same as described above, the following description will focus on the module venting unit 470.

[0216] The module venting unit 470 can discharge gas generated from inside the battery module 100 above a certain temperature and pressure to the outside. Specifically, the module venting unit 470 can discharge gas inside the battery module 100 to the outside and prevent the refrigerant inside the battery module 100 from leaking.

[0217] The module venting portion 470 is provided in an area of ​​the second sealing cover 460. The module venting portion 470 may include a venting hole 471, a membrane 473, a fixed cover 475, and a venting protrusion 477.

[0218] The venting hole 471 may be a passage through which gas generated inside the battery module 100 moves to the outside. The venting hole 471 may be at least one hole provided in one region of the second sealing cover 460. The venting hole 471 is structurally connected to a module connection part 472, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 35, which will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0219] The membrane 473 may be a membrane that can exhaust gas located inside the battery module 100 to the outside through the venting hole 471, but prevents the coolant from leaking to the outside. The membrane 473 may be located between the inner surface 460b of the second sealing cover 460 and the fixed cover 475. The membrane 473 may be located in contact with the inner surface 460b of the second sealing cover 460. In this case, one surface of the membrane 473 may be located in contact with and fixed to the inner surface 460b of the second sealing cover 460, and the other surface of the membrane 473 may be located in contact with and fixed to one surface of the fixed cover 475.

[0220] The fixed cover 475 can primarily pass gas and coolant located inside the battery module 100. The fixed cover 475 can be located closest to the battery cell assemblies.

[0221] The fixed cover 475 may be positioned in contact with the membrane 473. Specifically, one surface of the fixed cover 475 is bonded and fixed to the other surface of the membrane 473. In this case, the size of the fixed cover 475 may correspond to the size of the membrane 473 or may be larger than the size of the membrane 473.

[0222] The fixed cover 475 may have a shape in which holes are provided in a flat plate, however, the holes do not have to be located in the peripheral region of the fixed cover 475.

[0223] The peripheral region of the fixed cover 475 may contact the membrane 473 and / or the inner surface 460b of the second sealing cover 460. In this case, although not shown in the drawings, an adhesive member may be interposed along the peripheral region of the fixed cover 475, and the fixed cover 475 may be fixed and positioned on the second sealing assembly 450 by the adhesive member. The holes provided in the fixed cover 475 allow the gas and the refrigerant located inside the battery module 100 to move to the membrane 473. There may be at least one hole.

[0224] The venting protrusion 477 may be a region that protrudes from a region corresponding to the module venting portion 470 toward the outside (x-axis direction) of the battery module 100. The venting protrusion 477 may be a region that protrudes from a region where the venting hole 471 is provided toward the outside. A portion of the venting protrusion 477 may pass through the second end plate 550 and be exposed to the outside, so that the venting gas can be completely discharged to the outside of the battery module 100. This will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 35.

[0225] FIG. 35 is a diagram showing the second sealing assembly of FIG. 33 mated with a second end plate.

[0226] Referring to FIG. 35, when the second end plate 550 is attached to cover the second sealing assembly 450, the outlet 461 and at least a portion of the module venting portion 470 can be exposed to the outside through the second end plate 550.

[0227] Specifically, the outlet 461 may be partially exposed to the outside through an outlet opening 560 provided in the second end plate 550, and the module venting portion 470 may be partially exposed to the outside through a venting opening 570 provided in the second end plate 550.

[0228] The outlet 461 and the outlet opening 560 are the same as those described in detail in FIG. 26, so a description thereof will be omitted and only the module venting section 470 and the venting opening 570 will be described in detail.

[0229] The module venting portion 470 includes a venting protrusion 477 protruding in the opposite direction to the module housing 200, and the venting protrusion 477 is provided with a module connection portion 472.

[0230] The module connection part 472 is a hole connected to the above-mentioned venting hole 471, and can be partially exposed to the outside by penetrating the second end plate 550 like the venting protrusion 477. The module connection part 472 is connected to the pack venting part 2000 (FIG. 37) of the battery pack described below, so that the venting gas moving through the venting hole 471 can be discharged to the outside. That is, the module connection part 472 can be easily assembled with the pack venting part 2000 by penetrating at least a part of the second end plate 550 and being exposed to the outside. Therefore, the efficiency of the assembly process can be improved. In addition, the venting gas discharged through the module connection part 472 does not remain in the space between the second end plate 550 and the second sealing assembly 450. As a result, the venting gas does not remain inside the battery module 100, so that the safety of the battery module 100 can be improved.

[0231] The venting opening 570 is an opening provided in the second end plate 550, and is a hole penetrating the second end plate 550. Specifically, the venting opening 570 may be an opening formed in a region corresponding to the position of the venting protrusion 477 provided in the second sealing assembly 450. In this case, the venting protrusion 477 is positioned through the venting opening 570 together with the module connection portion 472, so that at least a portion of the venting protrusion 477 and the module connection portion 472 can be exposed to the outside.

[0232] The size of the venting opening 570 may be determined mainly by the size of the circumference of the venting protrusion 477. However, for ease of assembly or for reasons of the manufacturing process, the size of the venting opening 570 may be larger than the size of the exposed portion of the venting protrusion 477, and in this case, a gap may be generated between the venting opening 570 and the venting protrusion 477 exposed to the outside.

[0233] Fig. 36 is a perspective view showing the inside of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 37 is a diagram showing a pack venting part according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 38 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line D-D' in Fig. 36. Fig. 39 is a perspective view of Fig. 36 as seen from the -z axis direction.

[0234] 36 to 39, in a battery pack 1000 according to one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of battery modules 100 are mounted in a space partitioned by internal beams 1110 in a lower pack frame 1100, and the plurality of battery modules 100 are connected to a pack venting portion 2000. Specifically, a module venting portion 470 is provided at an end of the plurality of battery modules 100, and the module venting portion 470 is connected to the pack venting portion 2000.

[0235] The pack venting section 2000 may include a direction adjusting section 2100 , a pack connection section 2200 and an exhaust port 2300 .

[0236] 37 to 39, the direction adjusting unit 2100 may be a tube that controls the direction of the venting gas so that the venting gas is discharged to the outside of the battery pack 1000. Specifically, the direction adjusting unit 2100 may be a tube that is connected to the exhaust port 2300 with one end closed and the other end open.

[0237] The direction adjusting part 2100 may be located inside the side pack frame 1150. The direction adjusting part 2100 may extend along the side pack frame to an exhaust port 2300 and exhaust the venting gas to the outside through the exhaust port 2300.

[0238] The direction adjusting part 2100 may be located between the outer surface 1151 and the inner surface 1152 of the side pack frame 1150. A space is formed between the outer surface 1151 and the inner surface 1152 of the side pack frame 1150, and the direction adjusting part 2100 is formed in this space. In this case, referring to FIG. 34, the diameter of the direction adjusting part 2100 may be equal to or smaller than the width (w1) of the side pack frame 1150. However, the position of the direction adjusting part 2100 is not limited thereto, and for example, the direction adjusting part 2100 may be located outside the side pack frame 1150 and extended along the side pack frame 1150.

[0239] The direction adjusting part 2100 may be connected to the pack connecting part 2200. The pack connecting part 2200 may be a region protruding from one surface of the direction adjusting part 2100 toward the module venting part 470. In this case, referring to FIG 37, the direction adjusting part 2100 and the pack connecting part 2200 may have a manifold shape.

[0240] The pack connection part 2200 may be configured to connect the module venting part 470 and the pack venting part 2000. That is, the pack connection part 2200 may be configured to connect the module venting part 470 and the direction adjustment part 2100. Specifically, the pack connection part 2200 is connected to the module venting part 470 so that gas generated from inside the battery module 100 can move to the pack venting part 2000. In this case, the pack connection part 2200 is connected to the module venting part 470 by fitting coupling, but is not limited thereto.

[0241] The module venting portion 470 includes a module connection portion 472 exposed to the outside of the battery module 100 and connected to the pack connection portion 2200, and a protrusion 477 that protrudes and surrounds the module connection portion 472. The protrusion 477 may be a region that protrudes from the second sealing assembly 450 in the opposite direction to the module housing 200, surrounding the module connection portion 472. The protrusion 477 can physically protect the module connection portion 472 and at the same time guide the pack connection portion 2200 to be connected to the module connection portion 472.

[0242] When the direction adjusting part 2100 is positioned inside the side pack frame 1150, the pack connecting part 2200 may be positioned penetrating the side pack frame 1150. That is, the pack connecting part 2200 may be positioned penetrating the inner surface 1152 of the side pack frame 1150. In this case, a hole may be provided in a region of the inner surface 1152 of the side pack frame 1150 corresponding to the region where the pack connecting part 2200 is provided. The hole may correspond to the size of the pack connecting part 2200, or may be larger than the size of the pack connecting part 2200 for ease of assembly. Here, the meaning of the size corresponding may mean that they are the same as each other or that there is an error range of about 10% based on the same value as the size of the pack connecting part 2200.

[0243] The exhaust port 2300 is connected to the direction adjusting unit 2100 and can exhaust the gas that has moved through the direction adjusting unit 2100 to the outside of the battery pack 1000 .

[0244] The exhaust port 2300 may be provided in the side pack frame 1150. Referring to Fig. 39, the exhaust port 2300 is provided in one area of ​​the side pack frame 1150. Specifically, the exhaust port 2300 is provided in one area of ​​the side pack frame 1150 where the pack connection part 2200 is not located. This is to relatively reduce the strength and temperature of the venting gas and discharge it to the outside by setting the distance between the direction adjustment part 2100 and the exhaust port 2300, i.e., the movement path of the venting gas, as long as possible.

[0245] The exhaust port 2300 may be a member that opens and closes or bursts in response to the pressure inside the battery pack 1000 .

[0246] For example, the exhaust port 2300 is connected to the inside of the battery pack 1000, but can be configured with a member that opens to the outside only when the pressure inside the battery pack 1000 is equal to or higher than a certain pressure, and is closed when the pressure falls below the certain pressure. For example, the exhaust port 2300 may be a relief valve. However, the exhaust port 2300 is not limited thereto, and any member that can be opened and closed according to the pressure of the battery pack 1000 is included in this embodiment.

[0247] As another example, the exhaust port 2300 may burst when the pressure inside the battery pack 1000 reaches a certain level or more. More specifically, the exhaust port 2300 may include a rupture surface (not shown) configured to burst when the pressure of the inflowing gas reaches a certain level or more, like a rupture disk. However, the structure of the exhaust port 2300 is not limited thereto, and any structure that can communicate with the direction adjusting unit 2100 to exhaust the internal gas to the outside is included in this embodiment.

[0248] As described above, high-temperature gas and / or flame generated from inside the battery module 100 can move to the pack venting unit 2000 through the module venting unit 470 and be discharged to the outside of the battery pack 1000. Specifically, high-temperature gas and / or flame flowing in through the pack connection unit 2200 can move inside the direction adjustment unit 2100 and finally be discharged to the outside through the exhaust port 2300 from the side pack frame 1150 where the exhaust port 2300 is located.

[0249] As a result, the side pack frame 1150 and the direction adjusting unit 2100 provided inside the side pack frame 1150 can form a venting path, and high-temperature gas and / or flame moving along the venting path is cooled by contacting the inner surface of the direction adjusting unit 2100, and the cooled gas and / or flame is safely discharged to the outside by the exhaust port 2300. Therefore, the safety of the battery pack 1000 can be improved.

[0250] The battery module and the battery pack including the battery module may be applied to various devices, such as vehicles including 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 the battery module and the battery pack including the battery module, which also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0251] 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]

[0252] 100 Battery Module 100a 1st submodule 100b Second submodule 120 Battery Cell Assembly 130a, 130b, 130a1, 130a2, 130b1, 130b2 electrode leads 200 module housing 200D step 210a Cooling fin 230 Side Plate 300 Busbar structure 315 Terminal Assembly 320 Terminal Housing 325 Connection parts 327 Connecting members 328 Fixing member 330 Busbar 340 Terminal Busbar 340h1, 340h2 1st hole, 2nd hole 200DH 3rd hole 350 Flexible Printed Circuit Board 360 Sensing Unit 363 Sensing Cable 380 Connection Cable 400 Sealing Assembly 421 Inlet 430 module connector 440 Connecting member 461 Outlet 471 Venting Hall 472 Module Connection 473 Membrane A3 module extension 1100 Lower Pack Frame 1110 Internal Beam 1150 Side Pack Frame 2000 Pack Venting Unit 2100 Direction adjustment section 2200 Pack Connection 2300 Outlet

Claims

1. a first sub-module and a second sub-module each including a battery cell assembly in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked, and a bus bar structure including a bus bar electrically connecting the battery cells and a bus bar frame covering the battery cell assembly on at least one side; a module housing for simultaneously housing the first sub-module and the second sub-module; and a terminal assembly located in a portion of the module housing that overlaps a module extension, the first sub-module and the second sub-module facing each other at the module extension; a battery module including:

2. The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein a step is formed in a portion of the module housing where the terminal assembly is located.

3. The battery module according to claim 2 , wherein the terminal assembly is attached to the stepped portion.

4. The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the terminal assembly includes a terminal housing and a terminal bus bar attached to the terminal housing.

5. a step is formed in a portion of the module housing where the terminal assembly is located; The terminal housing has a first hole, the terminal bus bar has a second hole, and the step portion has a third hole, The battery module of claim 4 , further comprising a coupling member passing through the first hole, the second hole, and the third hole.

6. The battery module of claim 5 , wherein the connecting member is made of a conductive material, and the connecting member electrically connects the internal bus bar of the first sub-module or the internal bus bar of the second sub-module to the terminal bus bar.

7. The battery module of claim 6 , wherein the terminal bus bars include a first terminal bus bar and a second terminal bus bar, the first terminal bus bar and the second terminal bus bar having different polarities from each other.

8. The coupling member includes a first coupling member and a second coupling member, 8. The battery module of claim 7, wherein the first connecting member electrically connects the first terminal bus bar and a first internal bus bar of the first sub-module, and the second connecting member electrically connects the second terminal bus bar and a second internal bus bar of the second sub-module.

9. The battery module according to claim 4 , wherein the terminal housing has a bent shape so as to wrap around a corner of a side surface of the module housing.

10. The battery module according to claim 1 , further comprising a sealing assembly covering each of the open ends of the module housing.

11. the sealing assembly includes a first sealing assembly covering one open end of the module housing and a second sealing assembly covering the other open end of the module housing; the first sealing assembly includes an outlet that is a hole through which a refrigerant is discharged; The battery module of claim 10 , wherein the second sealing assembly includes an inlet that is a hole through which a coolant flows.

12. The outlet is located above a center portion based on a height of the first sealing assembly, The battery module according to claim 11 , wherein the inlet is located lower than a center portion based on a height of the second sealing assembly.

13. the coolant is in direct contact with the battery cell assemblies and the bus bar structure housed inside the module housing; The battery module according to claim 12 , wherein the refrigerant is an insulating oil.

14. The battery module of claim 11 , wherein a first sealing member is interposed along a periphery of the sealing assembly that mates with the open end of the module housing.

15. The battery module of claim 14 , further comprising a second sealing member interposed in a gap present in an area other than a periphery of the sealing assembly.

16. The battery module of claim 15 , further comprising a third sealing member interposed between the sealing assembly and an end plate along a periphery thereof.

17. the sealing assembly includes a modular venting portion disposed in a region of the sealing assembly; The module venting section includes: a vent hole extending through said sealing assembly; a module connection part which is a hole connected to the vent hole; a fixing cover provided between the vent hole and the bus bar structure and fixed in contact with an inner surface of the sealing assembly; and The battery module according to claim 10 , further comprising a membrane provided between the vent hole and the fixed cover and fixed in contact with the fixed cover.

18. the module connection portion protrudes from the sealing assembly in a direction away from the module housing; The battery module of claim 17 , further comprising a venting protrusion, which is a region surrounding the module connection portion and protruding from the sealing assembly in a direction opposite to the module housing.

19. an end plate covering the sealing assembly with the module connection portion and the venting protrusion includes a venting opening; The battery module of claim 18 , wherein the venting opening is a hole penetrating the end plate, and the module connection portion and the venting protrusion are positioned while passing through the venting opening.

20. The battery module of claim 1 , wherein the module extension portion includes a portion where electrode leads are electrically connected to each other in the first sub-module and a portion where electrode leads are electrically connected to each other in the second sub-module.

21. A battery module comprising a plurality of battery modules according to claim 1; The battery module further includes a sealing assembly covering each of the open ends of the module housing.

22. the first battery module and the second battery module are arranged in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the first sub-module and the second sub-module are arranged, and The battery pack of claim 21 , wherein the terminal assembly is positioned to vertically overlap the internal beam.

23. The battery pack of claim 22 , wherein the terminal assembly is disposed in an upper space of the internal beam.

24. the terminal assembly includes a first terminal assembly located on the first battery module and a second terminal assembly located on the second battery module; The battery pack according to claim 22 , further comprising a connecting member connecting the first terminal assembly and the second terminal assembly.

25. Each of the first terminal assembly and the second terminal assembly includes a terminal housing and a terminal bus bar attached to the terminal housing; the first terminal assembly is formed with different terminal bus bars, and the second terminal assembly is formed with different terminal bus bars, and the first terminal bus bars of the first terminal assembly and the second terminal bus bars of the second terminal assembly are electrically connected to each other via the connection member; 25. The battery pack of claim 24, wherein the first terminal bus bar and the second terminal bus bar have opposite polarities from each other.

26. The battery pack according to claim 21 , further comprising a pack venting portion connected to the battery module.

27. The pack venting section is a pack connection portion connected to the battery module; A direction adjusting part which is a tube communicating with the pack connecting part; and The battery pack according to claim 26, further comprising an exhaust port provided in a region of a side pack frame and connected to the direction adjustment portion.

28. The direction adjustment portion is located inside the side pack frame, One end of the direction adjustment part is closed, and the other end of the direction adjustment part is connected to the outlet, The battery pack of claim 27 , wherein the pack connection portion is a region protruding from one surface of the direction adjustment portion toward the battery module.

29. 29. The battery pack according to claim 28, wherein the pack connection portion is positioned so as to penetrate one surface of the side pack frame.

30. the pack connection portion is connected to a module connection portion of the battery module, The battery pack according to claim 28 , wherein the module connection portion is a hole communicating with the inside of the battery module.

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