Battery module and battery pack including the same

Abstract

A battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a battery cell stack in which battery cells are stacked along a first direction; and at least one bus bar located on one or both sides of the battery cell stack. An electrode lead protrudes from the battery cell along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The bus bar includes a first portion and a second portion extending from the first portion and forming a certain angle with one surface of the first portion, and the electrode lead is joined to the second portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Cross - reference to Related Applications] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2022 - 0167843, filed on December 5, 2022, and all of the contents disclosed in the document of the 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 a novel connection form between an electrode lead and a bus bar and a battery pack including the same.

Background Art

[0003] In modern society, the use of portable devices such as mobile phones, notebook computers, video cameras, and digital cameras has become common, and technological development in fields related to such mobile devices has been active. In addition, rechargeable secondary batteries are used as power sources for electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug - in hybrid electric vehicles (P - HEVs), etc. as a measure to solve air pollution such as that of conventional gasoline vehicles that use fossil fuels, and the need for the development of secondary batteries is increasing.

[0004]

[0005] Generally, lithium secondary batteries can be classified into can - type secondary batteries in which an electrode assembly is built into a metal can according to the shape of the exterior material, and pouch - type secondary batteries in which an electrode assembly is built into a pouch of an aluminum laminate sheet.In the case of a secondary battery used in a small device, 2-3 battery cells are arranged. However, in the case of a secondary battery used in a medium or large device such as an automobile, a battery module in which a large number of battery cells are electrically connected is used. In such a battery module, a large number of battery cells are connected in series or parallel to each other to form a battery cell stack, thereby improving the capacity and output. In addition, one or more battery modules can be mounted together with various control and protection systems such as a BDU (Battery Disconnect Unit), a BMS (Battery Management System), and a cooling system to form a battery pack.

[0006] In a conventional battery module, a bus bar and a bus bar frame can be utilized for the electrical connection between a plurality of battery cells. Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the structure of the bus bar and the bus bar frame used in a conventional battery module will be described.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a conventional battery module. FIG. 2 is a partial drawing showing an enlarged view of the “A” part of FIG. 1. In particular, FIG. 1 shows the battery module standing up to show the form of the bus bar frame and the bus bar.

[0008] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a conventional battery module 10 includes a battery cell stack 12 in which a plurality of battery cells 11 are stacked and bus bar frames 30 arranged on both sides of the battery cell stack 12. Such a bus bar frame 30 can have a bus bar 40 mounted thereon.

[0009] The bus bar 40 is for the electrical connection between a plurality of battery cells 11. After the electrode lead 11L of the battery cell 11 passes through a slit formed in the bus bar frame 30, it can be bent and connected to the bus bar 40. In some cases, the electrode lead 11L can also pass through a slit 40S formed in the bus bar 40.

[0010] In the connection between the electrode lead 11L and the bus bar 40, there is no limitation on the method as long as electrical connection is possible. As an example, it can be connected by welding. The battery cell 11 can perform series or parallel electrical connection through the bus bar 40.

[0011] The connection form of the battery cell 11 as described above may be damaged by tensile force. This will be described with reference to FIG. 3.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the breakage of the electrode tab or the connection portion between the electrode tab and the electrode lead in a conventional battery module.

[0013] Referring to FIG. 3, the battery cell 11 can be manufactured by housing the electrode assembly 11A inside the pouch-type cell case 11C and then sealing the outer periphery of the cell case 11C to form the sealing portion 11S. The electrode assembly 11A can include electrodes and a separator disposed between the electrodes. Each electrode includes an electrode tab 11t, and the electrode tab 11t can be connected to the electrode lead 11L by a method such as welding.

[0014] The electrode lead 11L protrudes outside the cell case 11C, and after passing through the slit 30S of the bus bar frame 30 and the slit 40S of the bus bar 40 as described above, it can be bent and connected to the bus bar 40.

[0015] At this time, the electrode lead 11L is brought into close contact with the surface of the bus bar 40 and welding is performed. In FIG. 3, only one electrode lead 11L protruding from one battery cell 11 is shown joined to the bus bar 40, but there are cases where a plurality of electrode leads 11L protruding from a plurality of battery cells 11 are joined to one bus bar 40. In order to bring the electrode lead 11L into close contact with the surface of the bus bar 40, the electrode lead 11L is bent to form a bending portion 11LB. Further, in order to bring a plurality of electrode leads 11L into close contact with the surface of the bus bar 40, it is necessary to make the lengths of the electrode leads 11L different for each battery cell 11. Therefore, in the conventional battery module 10, the steps of cutting the electrode lead (llL) and bending the electrode lead 11L are essential.

[0016] Also, during the process of bending the electrode lead 11L, a tensile force (TF) is generated in the electrode lead 11L. Due to such a tensile force (TF), stress can concentrate on the electrode tab 11t or the connection portion between the electrode tab 11t and the electrode lead 11L. Eventually, in severe cases, there is a possibility that the electrode tab 11t itself may be damaged or the connection portion between the electrode tab 11t and the electrode lead 11L may be damaged. Since this is an important problem that can be related to the risk of fire due to internal short circuit, it is necessary to develop a technology that can prevent the damage of the electrode tab or the connection portion between the electrode tab and the electrode lead.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0017] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a battery module having a new connection form between an electrode lead and a bus bar and a battery pack including the same so as to prevent damage to the electrode tab itself and the connection portion between the electrode tab and the electrode lead.

[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 extended within the scope of the technical idea included in the present invention.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0019] A battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a battery cell stack in which battery cells are stacked along a first direction, and at least one bus bar located on one side or both sides of the battery cell stack. An electrode lead protrudes from the battery cell along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The bus bar includes a first portion and a second portion that forms a certain angle with one surface of the first portion and extends from the first portion, and the electrode lead is joined to the second portion.

[0020] The battery cell may be a pouch-type battery cell, and in the battery cell stack, the battery cells can be stacked in an upright state such that one surface of each battery cell faces the other.

[0021] The second portion can extend such that one surface of the second portion is perpendicular to one surface of the first portion.

[0022] One surface of the first portion is parallel to the first direction, and one surface of the second portion can be parallel to the second direction.

[0023] The electrode lead can be welded and joined to the second portion.

[0024] An opening can be formed in the bus bar, and at least one of the electrode leads can pass through the opening and be joined to the second portion.

[0025] The battery module can further include a bus bar frame located between the battery cell stack and the bus bar, to which the bus bar is attached. A slit is formed in the bus bar frame, and the electrode lead can pass through the slit and be joined to the second portion of the bus bar.

[0026] A bead portion that protrudes in a direction different from the second direction can be formed on the electrode lead.

[0027] The bead portion can protrude from an intermediate portion of the electrode lead in a direction parallel to the first direction.

[0028] The bead portion may be a portion formed by bending the electrode lead at least three times.

[0029] A joint portion, which is a portion where the electrode lead and the second portion are joined, can be provided at a portion where the bead portion is connected to the electrode lead.

[0030] A laser can be irradiated onto a portion where the bead portion is connected to the electrode lead to form the joint portion.

[0031] The battery module can further include a module frame in which the battery cell laminate is housed.

[0032] A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the battery module.

Advantages of the Invention

[0033] According to an embodiment of the present invention, by designing the bus bar to include a first portion and a second portion, the electrode lead can be joined to the bus bar without bending the electrode lead. As a result, since no bending portion is formed in the electrode lead, the tensile force due to bending does not act on the electrode lead, and breakage of the electrode tab or the connection portion between the electrode tab and the electrode lead can be prevented.

[0034] Since no bending portion is formed in the electrode lead, the process of bending the electrode lead is unnecessary. Further, since each battery cell can be positioned at a constant distance from the joint portion between the electrode lead and the bus bar, the process of cutting the electrode lead is also unnecessary.

[0035] Also, according to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to form a bead portion protruding from the electrode lead. Even if a bending portion is not formed in the electrode lead, stable joining between the electrode lead and the bus bar is possible by the bead portion.

[0036] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0037]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0038] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can easily implement them. The present invention can be implemented in several different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0039] To clearly explain the present invention, parts not related to the explanation are omitted, and the same reference numerals are assigned to the same or similar components throughout the specification.

[0040] In addition, the sizes and thicknesses of the respective components shown in the drawings are arbitrarily shown for convenience of explanation, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to what is shown in the drawings. In the drawings, the thicknesses are enlarged to clearly represent a plurality of layers and regions. And, in the drawings, for convenience of explanation, the thicknesses of some layers and regions are exaggerated.

[0041] Also, when a part such as a layer, film, region, plate, etc. is “on” or “above” another part, this includes not only the case where it is “directly above” the other part but also the case where there is another part in the middle. Conversely, when a part is said to be “directly above” another part, it means that there is no other part in the middle. Also, being “on” or “above” a reference part means being located above or below the reference part, and does not necessarily mean being located “on” or “above” in the direction opposite to gravity.

[0042] Also, throughout the specification, when a part "includes" a certain component, it means that, unless otherwise specified to the contrary, it does not exclude other components, but can further include other components.

[0043] Also, throughout the specification, "on a plane" means when the target part is viewed from above, and "in a cross-section" means when the cross-section obtained by vertically cutting the target part is viewed from the side.

[0044] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a plan view showing one of the battery cells included in the battery module of FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a partial drawing showing a battery cell stack and a bus bar included in the battery module of FIG. 4.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6, a battery module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a battery cell stack 120 in which battery cells 110 are stacked along a first direction (d1), and at least one bus bar 500 located on one or both sides of the battery cell stack 120.

[0046] The bus bar 500 preferably includes a metal material as a medium for electrical connection between the electrode leads 111 of the battery cells 110. Whether the bus bar 500 is located on one or both sides of the battery cell stack 120 is determined by whether the electrode leads 111 of the battery cells 110 protrude in only one direction or in both directions. Hereinafter, first, the battery cell 110 according to this embodiment will be specifically described.

[0047] The battery cell 110 is a pouch-type battery cell and can have a rectangular sheet shape. The battery cell 110 can be formed by housing an electrode assembly in a pouch case of a laminate sheet including a resin layer and a metal layer, and then adhering the outer peripheral portion of the pouch case. Specifically, the battery cell 110 can have a structure in which two electrode leads 111 face each other and protrude from one end portion 114a and the other end portion 114b of the battery body 113, respectively. As another example, a structure in which all the electrode leads 111 of the battery cell 110 protrude in one direction is also possible. One of the electrode leads 111 is a positive electrode lead, and the other is a negative electrode lead.

[0048] The battery cell 110 can be manufactured by adhering both end portions 114a and 114b of the pouch case 114 and one side portion 114c connecting these in a state where an electrode assembly (not shown) is housed in the pouch case 114. That is, the battery cell 110 according to one embodiment of the present invention has a total of three sealing portions, and the sealing portions are sealed by a method such as fusion bonding, and the remaining other side portion can be constituted by a folding portion 115. That is, the battery cell 110 according to the present embodiment may be a pouch-type battery cell in which an electrode assembly is housed inside the pouch case 114 and the outer periphery of the pouch case 114 is sealed.

[0049] Such battery cells 110 are stacked along the first direction (d1) to form a battery cell stack 120. Specifically, in the battery cell stack 120, the battery cells 110 can be stacked along the first direction (d1) while standing upright so that one surface of each battery cell 110 faces each other.

[0050] At this time, the electrode leads 111 protrude from the battery cells along the second direction (d2) perpendicular to the first direction (d1). Thereby, the bus bar 500 can also be positioned on one side in the second direction (d2) with respect to the battery cell stack 120.

[0051] In this specification, the first direction (d1) is shown as the y-axis direction, and the second direction (d2) is shown as the x-axis direction.

[0052] On the other hand, if the electrode lead 111 of the battery cell 110 protrudes from the battery cell 110 in both directions, another electrode lead 111 can protrude in the direction opposite to the second direction (d2), that is, in the -x-axis direction. As a result, the other bus bar 500 can also be located on one side in the direction opposite to the second direction (d2) with respect to the battery cell stack 120.

[0053] Hereinafter, the form of the bus bar according to this embodiment and the joining between the bus bar and the electrode lead will be described in detail.

[0054] FIG. 7 is a partial drawing showing an enlarged view of the joining portion between the electrode lead of the battery cell and the bus bar in FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-section cut along the cutting line B-B' in FIG. 6. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a bus bar according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 9 together, the bus bar 500 according to this embodiment includes a first portion 510 and a second portion 520 extending from the first portion 510 at a certain angle with one surface of the first portion 510, and the electrode lead 111 of the battery cell 110 is joined to the second portion 520. As described above, the bus bar 500 is a member joined to the electrode lead 111 of the battery cell 110 as a medium for electrical connection between the battery cells 110.

[0056] As an example, the second portion 520 can extend at an angle of 45 degrees or more and 135 degrees or less with respect to one surface of the first portion 510. More specifically, the second portion 520 can extend such that one surface of the second portion 520 is perpendicular to one surface of the first portion 510. In particular, one surface of the first portion 510 may be parallel to the first direction (d1), and one surface of the second portion 520 may be parallel to the second direction (d2). That is, one surface of the first portion 510 can be parallel to the direction in which the battery cells 110 are stacked, and the second portion 520 can be parallel to the direction in which the electrode leads 111 protrude from the battery cells 110.

[0057] In this embodiment, the bus bar 500 includes not only the first portion 510 but also a second portion 520 that forms a certain angle with the first portion 510, and the electrode lead 111 is joined to such a second portion 520.

[0058] In case of a bus bar consisting only of the first portion, it has a structure similar to the conventional bus bar 40 described in FIGS. 1 to 3. As described above, when joining the electrode lead 11L to the bus bar 40, in order to bring the electrode lead 11L into close contact with the surface of the bus bar 40, the electrode lead 11L was bent to form a bending portion 11LB. As a result, the processes of cutting the electrode lead llL and bending the electrode lead 11L are essential requirements, and damage occurred to the electrode lead 11L and the like due to the tensile force (TF) generated during the process of bending the electrode lead 11L.

[0059] On the other hand, in the case of the bus bar 500 according to this embodiment, the second portion 520 is additionally provided, and the electrode lead 111 is joined to such a second portion 520. Therefore, in the process of joining the electrode lead 111 to the bus bar 500, it is not necessary to bend the electrode lead 111. Since the tensile force due to bending does not act on the electrode lead 111, it is possible to prevent damage to the electrode tab or the connection portion between the electrode tab and the electrode lead.

[0060] In addition, the process of bending the electrode leads is unnecessary, and each battery cell 110 can be positioned at a fixed position from the joint portion between the electrode lead 111 and the bus bar 500. Therefore, the process of cutting the electrode lead 111 is also unnecessary. That is, some processes can be omitted, the product production cost can be reduced, and the productivity can be improved.

[0061] On the other hand, if the electrical connection between the electrode lead 111 and the second portion 520 is possible, there is no particular limitation on the joining method between the electrode lead 111 and the second portion 520. As an example, the electrode lead 111 can be welded to the second portion 520. That is, a joint portion can be formed on the electrode lead 111 by welding. The welding joint and the joint portion will be described again below with reference to FIGS. 10 to 13.

[0062] In the bus bar 500 according to the present embodiment, an opening portion 500P is formed, and at least one of the electrode leads 111 can pass through the opening portion 500P and be joined to the second portion 520. In particular, the opening portion 500P can be formed in the first portion 510 of the bus bar 500. Although a plurality of second portions 520 are provided in one bus bar 500, the opening portion 500P can be provided to join the electrode lead 111 to the second portion 520 located on the central side rather than the outermost side. Also, as shown in the drawing, the other electrode leads 111 can be joined to the second portion 520 without passing through the opening portion 500P. In particular, some of the electrode leads 111 can be joined to the second portion 520 located on the outermost side without passing through the opening portion 500P.

[0063] By providing a plurality of second portions 520 in one bus bar 500 as described above, each battery cell 110 can be positioned at a fixed position from the joint portion between the electrode lead 111 and the bus bar 500. As a result, different from the prior art, the process of cutting the electrode leads becomes unnecessary. The opening portion 500P is a portion provided for the convenience of joining some of the electrode leads 111 and the second portion 520 when a plurality of second portions 520 are formed in one bus bar 500.

[0064] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11 and the like, the electrode lead according to this embodiment and the bead portion formed thereon will be described in detail.

[0065] FIGS. 10 and 11 are drawings showing electrode leads of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of the electrode lead according to this embodiment. FIG. 11 is a plan view showing the electrode lead according to this embodiment as viewed along the -z axis direction on the xy plane.

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11 together with FIGS. 7 and 8, the electrode lead 111 according to this embodiment is joined to the second portion 520 as described above, so there is no need to bend it perpendicular to the protruding direction from the battery cell 110.

[0067] However, a bead portion 111B protruding in a direction different from the second direction (d2) can be formed on the electrode lead 111 according to this embodiment. That is, although the electrode lead 111 protrudes from the battery cell 110 along the second direction (d2), it is not simply formed in a plate shape, but a bead portion 111B protruding in a direction different from the second direction (d2) can be formed in the middle of the electrode lead 111. More specifically, the bead portion 111B can protrude in a direction parallel to the first direction (d1) from the middle portion of the electrode lead 111.

[0068] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, the welding joint of the electrode lead 111 according to this embodiment and the function of the bead portion 111B will be described.

[0069] FIGS. 12 and 13 are drawings showing the process of joining the electrode lead and the bus bar according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13 together with FIGS. 8, 10, and 11, as described above, the electrode lead 111 can be welded and joined to the second portion 520. Since the second portion 520 is provided on the bus bar 500, it is not necessary to bend the electrode lead 111, but the welding process may be difficult compared to the conventional electrode lead 11L in a bent form. As shown in FIG. 3, in the conventional case, since the electrode lead 11L is bent, the portion where the electrode lead 11L is in close contact with the bus bar 40 is visible from the front, and welding is performed by irradiating a laser or the like on this portion, so the welding process is relatively simple. On the other hand, since the electrode lead 111 according to this embodiment has no portion bent at a right angle, the portion where the electrode lead 111 is in close contact with the second portion 520 is not the surface visible from the front, and it may be difficult to irradiate a laser due to the angle.

[0071] In order to improve the weldability and achieve a stable welded joint between the electrode lead 111 and the second portion 520, in this embodiment, the above-described bead portion 111B is formed on the electrode lead 111.

[0072] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the joint portion 111A, which is the portion where the electrode lead 111 and the second portion 520 are joined, can be provided at the portion where the bead portion 111B is connected to the electrode lead 111. Here, the portion where the bead portion 111B is connected to the electrode lead 111 means the starting portion where the bead portion 111B begins to protrude from the electrode lead 111. That is, the portion where the bead portion 111B is connected to the electrode lead 111 can be joined to the second portion 520 to form the joint portion 111A.

[0073] More specifically, a laser (L) can be irradiated onto the portion where the bead portion 111B is connected to the electrode lead 111 to form the joint portion 111A. The laser (L) is irradiated at an angle of approximately 45 degrees with respect to one surface of the second portion 520 to form the joint portion 111A, whereby the electrode lead 111 and the bus bar 500 can be electrically connected. As described above, the portion where the electrode lead 111 and the second portion 520 are in close contact is not the surface visible from the front, but the bead portion 111B is provided, and the laser (L) inclined at a certain angle is irradiated onto the portion where the bead portion 111B is connected to the electrode lead 111, so that a stable welding process becomes possible. That is, the bead portion 111B according to the present embodiment can be provided to improve the workability of welding so that the electrode lead 111 protruding along the second direction (d2) is stably welded and joined to the second portion 520.

[0074] FIG. 14 is a drawing showing an electrode lead of a battery cell according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 14, the electrode lead 111 according to another embodiment of the present invention can have a bead portion 111B'. The bead portion 111B' can protrude from an intermediate portion of the electrode lead 111 in a direction different from the second direction (d2), for example, in a direction parallel to the first direction (d1). This is the same as the bead portion 111B described above. The bead portion 111B' according to the present embodiment can be formed by attaching a plate-like member to an intermediate portion of the electrode lead 111.

[0076] On the other hand, referring again to FIGS. 10 and 11, the bead portion 111B according to an embodiment of the present invention may be a portion formed by bending the electrode lead 111 at least three times. FIG. 11 shows a case where three bending portions (BP) are formed in the electrode lead 111 and finally the bead portion 111B is formed. Different from the bead portion 111B' to which a plate-like member is attached, the bead portion 111B according to this embodiment can be formed simply by bending the electrode lead 111 a plurality of times, and thus has the advantage of a simple manufacturing method. That is, the bead portions 111B and 111B' in the present invention are not particularly limited in form as long as they protrude in a direction different from the second direction (d2) with the electrode lead 111. However, considering the convenience of the manufacturing method, the bead portion 111B formed by bending the electrode lead 111 at least three times is preferable.

[0077] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a bus bar frame according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 15 together, the battery module according to this embodiment may further include a bus bar frame 600. In FIG. 6, only the bus bar 500 is shown for convenience of explanation, but the bus bar frame 600 can be positioned between the battery cell stack 120 and the bus bar 500. The bus bar 500 can be mounted on such a bus bar frame 600.

[0079] Specifically, the bus bar 500 can be mounted on one surface of the bus bar frame 600, and the battery cell stack 120 can be positioned on the other surface of the bus bar frame 600. The electrode lead 111 of the battery cell 110 can pass through a slit 600S formed in the bus bar frame 600 and be joined to the bus bar 500. The joining of the electrode lead 111 and the bus bar 500 is the same as the content described above, so it is omitted.

[0080] The bus bar frame 600 can include a material that is electrically insulating. As an example, the bus bar frame 600 can include a plastic material that is electrically insulating. The bus bar frame 600 is a member arranged to prevent a short circuit from occurring due to the joining of the bus bar 500 with parts of the battery cell 110 other than the electrode lead 111.

[0081] Although not specifically illustrated, a terminal bus bar that functions as an external input / output terminal and a sensing assembly for transmitting temperature and voltage information of the battery cell can be attached to the bus bar frame 600.

[0082] On the other hand, referring back to FIG. 4, the battery module 100 according to the present embodiment can further include a module frame 200 in which the battery cell stack 120 is housed. The module frame 200 is a member that houses the battery cell stack 120 inside and can include two side portions 210, 220, an upper surface portion 230, and a lower surface portion 240. Also, the module frame 200 may be in a form where both sides corresponding to the second direction and the opposite direction are open. The battery cell stack 120 can be housed through any one of the two open sides. The module frame 200 can include a metal material having a predetermined strength to protect internal electrical components.

[0083] The module frame 200 shown in FIG. 4 may be a monoframe in which the two side portions 210, 220, the upper surface portion 230, and the lower surface portion 240 are integrated. That is, it may be manufactured by extrusion molding and have a form in which the two side portions 210, 220, the upper surface portion 230, and the lower surface portion 240 are integrated. Although not specifically illustrated, as another embodiment of the present invention, a module frame in a form where a U-shaped frame and an upper plate are welded to each other is also possible. When looking at the stacking direction of the module frame 200 and the battery cell 110, the battery cell 110 can be stacked from one side portion 210 to the other side portion 220 so that the one surface of the battery cell 110 is parallel to the one surface of the side portions 210, 220 of the module frame 200.

[0084] On the one hand, the battery module 100 according to this embodiment may further include end plates 300 respectively located on both of the opened sides of the module frame 200. The end plates 300 can be positioned to cover the battery cell stack 120 on both of the opened sides of the module frame 200. The corners of each end plate 300 can be joined to the corresponding corners of the module frame 200 by welding. The end plates 300 can include a metal material having a predetermined strength and can protect the battery cell stack 120 and other electrical components from external impacts. Between the end plates 300 and the battery cell stack 120, the bus bar 500 and the bus bar frame 600 described above can be located.

[0085] The battery module 100 may further include a thermal resin layer 400 located between the battery cell stack 120 and the lower surface portion 240 of the module frame 200. One side of the battery cell 110 can be adhered to the thermal resin layer 400. Specifically, the thermal resin layer 400 can be formed by curing after the thermal resin is injected or applied. The thermal resin can include a thermally conductive adhesive substance, specifically, can include at least one of a silicone material, a urethane material, or an acrylic material. The thermal resin is liquid during application but can be cured after application to adhere to one side of the battery cell 110. Thereby, the thermal resin layer 400 can serve to fix the battery cell 110. In addition, the thermal resin layer 400 has excellent heat conduction characteristics and can rapidly transfer the heat generated in the battery cell 110 to the lower side of the battery module.

[0086] In this embodiment, terms indicating directions such as front, rear, left, right, up, and down are used, but such terms are for the convenience of explanation and can vary depending on the position of the object to be described and the position of the observer, etc.

[0087] One or more battery modules according to the above-described embodiment can be mounted together with various control and protection systems such as a BMS (Battery Management System), a BDU (Battery Disconnect Unit), and a cooling system to form a battery pack.

[0088] The battery module and the battery pack can be applied to various devices. Specifically, they can be applied to transportation means such as electric bicycles, electric vehicles, hybrids, and ESS (Energy Storage System), but are not limited thereto, and can be applied to various devices that can use secondary batteries.

[0089] As described above, the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail. However, the scope of the rights of the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and improvements made by those skilled in the art using the basic concepts of the present invention defined in the following claims also belong to the scope of the rights of the present invention.

Explanation of Signs

[0090] 100 Battery module 110 Battery cell 111 Electrode lead 111A Joint part 111B Bead part 120 Battery cell laminate 200 Module frame 300 End plate 400 Thermal resin layer 500 Bus bar 510 First part 520 Second part 600 Bus bar frame

Claims

1. A battery cell stack in which battery cells are stacked along a first direction, and at least one bus bar located on one or both sides of the battery cell stack including an electrode lead protruding from the battery cell along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the bus bar includes a first portion and a second portion that forms a certain angle with one surface of the first portion and extends from the first portion, A battery module in which the electrode lead is joined to the second portion.

2. The battery cell is a pouch-type battery cell, In the battery cell stack, the battery cells are stacked upright with one surface of the battery cells facing each other. The battery module according to claim 1.

3. The second portion extends such that one surface of the second portion is perpendicular to one surface of the first portion. The battery module according to claim 1.

4. One surface of the first portion is parallel to the first direction, and one surface of the second portion is parallel to the second direction. The battery module according to claim 1.

5. The electrode lead is welded and joined to the second portion. The battery module according to claim 1.

6. An opening is formed in the bus bar, At least one of the electrode leads passes through the opening and is joined to the second portion. The battery module according to claim 1.

7. Further includes a bus bar frame located between the battery cell stack and the bus bar, where the bus bar is mounted, A slit is formed in the bus bar frame, The electrode lead passes through the slit and is joined to the second portion of the bus bar. The battery module according to claim 1.

8. A bead portion protruding in a direction different from the second direction is formed on the electrode lead. The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The bead portion protrudes in a direction parallel to the first direction from an intermediate portion of the electrode lead. The battery module according to claim 8.

10. The bead portion is a portion formed by bending the electrode lead at least three times. The battery module according to claim 8.

11. A joint portion, which is a portion where the electrode lead and the second portion are joined, is provided at a portion where the bead portion is connected to the electrode lead. The battery module according to claim 8.

12. The battery module according to claim 11, wherein a laser is irradiated onto a portion where the bead portion is connected to the electrode lead, and the joint portion is formed.

13. The battery module according to claim 1, further comprising a module frame in which the battery cell laminate is housed.

14. A battery pack including the battery module according to claim 1.

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