Battery module

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery module that can prevent or delay the disappearance of a connector due to a flame generated from the inside, thereby delaying the heat transfer phenomenon to the outside. A battery module according to an aspect of the present invention may include a cell assembly including a plurality of cells, a bus bar frame in which a bus bar for electrically connecting the cell assemblies to each other is disposed, end plates disposed at both ends of the cell assembly to cover the bus bar frame, a circuit board that contacts the bus bar and is electrically connected to the cell assembly, a connector that electrically connects the circuit board to the outside, and a protection plate disposed between the circuit board and the connector to prevent deformation of the connector due to heat.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Cross - Reference to Related Applications] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2022 - 0095709, filed on August 1, 2022, and Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2023 - 0060104, filed on May 9, 2023, and all of the contents disclosed in the documents of the Korean patent applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery module, and more particularly, to a secondary battery module including a plurality of cells.

Background Art

[0003] In recent years, due to the depletion of fossil fuels, the rising prices of energy sources and the increasing concern about environmental pollution, the demand for eco - friendly alternative energy sources has become an essential factor for future life. Therefore, research on various power generation technologies such as solar power, wind power, and tidal power has been continuously carried out, and power storage devices such as batteries for more efficiently using the electrical energy produced in this way have also attracted great attention.

[0004] Furthermore, as the technology development and demand for electronic mobile devices and electric vehicles using batteries increase, the demand for batteries as an energy source has increased rapidly, and many studies on batteries to meet various requirements have been conducted.

[0005] Batteries for storing electrical energy can generally be classified into primary batteries and secondary batteries. Primary batteries are disposable consumable batteries, while secondary batteries are rechargeable batteries manufactured using materials in which the oxidation and reduction processes between current and substances can be repeated. That is, when a reduction reaction is performed on the material by current, the power source is charged, and when an oxidation reaction is performed on the material, the power source is discharged, and electricity is generated while such charging - discharging is repeated.

[0006] On the one hand, in recent years, as the need for large-capacity structures has been increasing, including their use as energy storage sources, and as the demand for battery packs that combine a large number of secondary batteries or battery modules has been growing, the demand for battery modules has also been increasing.

[0007] When battery modules are used, heat is generated from the internal cells, which may lead to a fire. Conventional battery modules have a problem in that the connectors of the battery modules are lost due to a fire generated inside such battery modules. Further, there is a problem in that thermal propagation is accelerated to other adjacent battery modules through the space generated by the loss of the connectors.

[0008] Therefore, in order to solve such problems, there is a need for a battery module in a form that can prevent the loss of connectors due to a fire generated inside. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention has been devised to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a battery module that can prevent or delay the loss of connectors due to a fire generated inside, thereby delaying the phenomenon of heat transfer to the outside. MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM

[0010] A battery module according to one aspect of the present invention may include a cell assembly including a plurality of cells, a bus bar frame in which a bus bar for electrically connecting the cell assemblies to each other is disposed, end plates disposed at both ends of the cell assembly to cover the bus bar frame, a circuit board in contact with the bus bar and electrically connected to the cell assembly, a connector for electrically connecting the circuit board to the outside, and a protection plate disposed between the circuit board and the connector to prevent deformation of the connector due to heat.

[0011] The connector may include a terminal portion including a plurality of terminals that contact the circuit board for electrical connection, and a housing that covers a side surface of the terminal portion.

[0012] The battery module may further include an insulating case that includes an insulating material and is disposed between the end plate and the bus bar frame to cover a part of the housing.

[0013] The protection plate may include a potting portion disposed at a position corresponding to a portion where the terminal portion is disposed, and the terminal may extend so as to penetrate the potting portion.

[0014] The potting portion may be formed of silicone potting.

[0015] The protection plate may further include a metal portion that covers one side of the connector facing the potting portion together with the potting portion.

[0016] The protection plate may further include bent portions disposed at both ends of the metal portion and having a bent shape.

[0017] The end plate may include corresponding portions disposed at positions corresponding to the bent portions and bent into shapes corresponding to the bent portions.

[0018] The circuit board may include a reinforcing plate that contacts the terminal and is disposed on one side facing the protection plate.

[0019] The connector may further include a fixing portion that is connected to both ends of the housing and fixed to the bus bar frame.

[0020] The fixing portion may be formed with a fastening hole penetrating from one side facing the bus bar frame to the other side, and may be fixed to the bus bar frame while a connecting member is inserted into the fastening hole.

[0021] The circuit board may be a printed circuit board (PCB).

[0022] The printed circuit board may be a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB).

[0023] The bent portion may be arranged in a shape covering the corresponding portion so as to prevent movement in the direction toward the connector.

Advantages of the Invention

[0024] A battery module according to an aspect of the present invention includes a cell assembly including a plurality of cells, a bus bar frame in which a bus bar for electrically connecting the cell assemblies to each other is arranged, end plates arranged at both ends of the cell assembly to cover the bus bar frame, a circuit board in contact with the bus bar and electrically connected to the cell assembly, a connector for electrically connecting the circuit board to the outside, and a protection plate arranged between the circuit board and the connector to prevent deformation of the connector due to heat.

[0025] Thereby, it is possible to prevent or delay the disappearance of the connector due to a flame generated inside the battery module.

[0026] In addition, it is possible to prevent the phenomenon that the connector of the battery module pops out to the outside of the battery module.

[0027] In addition, it is possible to delay the heat transfer phenomenon diffused to an adjacent battery module in the battery module.

[0028] The effects according to one aspect of the present invention are not limited to the contents exemplified above, and more diverse effects may be included in this specification.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0030] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, preferred 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 it. However, the present invention may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited or restricted by the following embodiments.

[0031] To clearly explain the present invention, detailed descriptions of parts not related to the explanation or of known technologies that may obscure the gist of the present invention are omitted. In this specification, when adding reference numerals to the components of each drawing, the same reference signs are given to the same or similar components throughout the specification.

[0032] Also, the terms and words used in this specification and the claims should not be construed as being limited to their ordinary and dictionary meanings. In accordance with the principle that the inventor himself can appropriately define the concept of the terms in order to explain the invention in the best way, they must be construed in a meaning and concept that conforms to the technical idea of the present invention.

[0033] Example 1

[0034] The present invention provides a battery module as Example 1.

[0035] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a battery module 10 according to Example 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing the battery module 10 according to Example 1 of the present invention.

[0036] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the battery module 10 according to Example 1 of the present invention may include a cell assembly 100, a busbar frame 200, an end plate 300, a circuit board 400, a connector 500, and a protection plate 600.

[0037] The cell assembly 100 of the battery module 10 is formed by stacking a certain number of cells and can generate electrical energy. At this time, the cells constituting the cell assembly 100 may well mean a single secondary battery, where the cells may be pouch cells. Specifically, the cell assembly 100 may be formed by stacking a plurality of cells arranged parallel to each other.

[0038] A bus bar frame 200 may be arranged at one or both ends of the cell assembly 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0039] The bus bar may be connected to the electrode leads of the cell assembly 100 to electrically connect the cell assemblies 100 to each other, and such a bus bar may be arranged in the bus bar frame 200.

[0040] The end plates 300 of the battery module 10 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention may be arranged at both ends of the cell assembly 100. Specifically, they may be arranged on the opposite side of the cell assembly 100 with the bus bar frame 200 interposed therebetween.

[0041] On the other hand, the battery module 10 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention may further include a frame 800. The frame 800 may be arranged in a shape surrounding the cell assembly 100. The frame 800 can be combined with the end plate 300 to protect the cell assembly 100. At this time, the end plate 300 can be combined with the frame 800 to protect a bus bar or the like arranged inside. The shape of the frame 800 described in the present invention is only an example, and the frame 800 may have various shapes capable of protecting the cell assembly 100.

[0042] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view schematically showing a portion A of FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view schematically showing a state before the end plate 300 is assembled in FIG. 3. Further, FIG. 5 is a perspective view schematically showing a circuit board 400 of the battery module 10 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a perspective view schematically showing a connector 500 of the battery module 10 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0043] The circuit board 400 of the battery module 10 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention may be in contact with a bus bar. The circuit board 400 may be electrically connected to the cell assembly 100 by contacting a bus bar connected to an electrode lead of the cell assembly 100.

[0044] The circuit board 400 may include a central portion disposed above the cell assembly 100 and extending in the longitudinal direction of the cell assembly 100, and end portions formed at both ends of the central portion. The present invention will be described in detail regarding the arrangement relationship between the end portion of the circuit board 400 and other components.

[0045] The circuit board 400 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention may be a printed circuit board (PCB). Specifically, it may be a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). Therefore, the circuit board 400 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is excellent in flexibility (flexibility, suppleness), is easily formed into a desired shape, and has an advantage from the viewpoint of space utilization because it has a thin plate shape.

[0046] As an example of a configuration for strengthening structural stability, the circuit board 400 of the battery module 10 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention may include a reinforcing plate 410.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 5, the reinforcing plate 410 may be disposed on one side facing a protection plate 600 described later at an end portion of the circuit board 400. Further, the reinforcing plate 410 may be disposed so as to be in contact with the protection plate 600, and may be in contact with a terminal 511 included in a terminal portion 510 of a connector 500 described later.

[0048] Since the portion of the reinforcing plate 410 that contacts the terminal 511 must be electrically connected to the terminal 511, it may be configured as a conductor. Further, the reinforcing plate 410 may have a thin plate shape, specifically, it may have a plate shape with a substantially rectangular cross section.

[0049] When the protective plate 600 is disposed on the surface of the circuit board 400 with weak rigidity, the structural stability may be weakened. Therefore, the reinforcing plate 410 can be disposed so as to contact the protective plate 600 to complement the structural stability.

[0050] The connector 500 of the battery module 10 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention can electrically connect the outside and the circuit board 400.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 3, the connector 500 may be disposed so as to be exposed to the outside through an open space formed in the end plate 300. Further, the connector 500 may be disposed so as to contact the circuit board 400. The electrical energy generated by the battery module 10 can be transmitted to the outside by the connector 500.

[0052] As an example of a configuration for efficient electrical connection with the circuit board 400, the connector 500 of the battery module 10 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention may include a terminal portion 510 and a housing 520.

[0053] The terminal portion 510 of the connector 500 may include a plurality of terminals 511 that directly contact the circuit board 400 for electrical connection. The terminal 511 may have a shape extending in the width direction of the connector 500. Further, each terminal 511 may have a substantially rod shape.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 6, the housing 520 may be formed in a shape that covers the side surface of the terminal portion 510. Specifically, the housing 520 may have a shape in which both surfaces facing the extending direction of the terminal portion 510 are open, and the other side surfaces are covered. The terminal 511 of the terminal portion 510 may be connected to the outside and the circuit board 400 through the two open surfaces.

[0055] As an example of a configuration for connection to the bus bar frame 200, the connector 500 of the battery module 10 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention may further include a fixing portion 530.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 6, the fixing portion 530 may be connected to both ends of the housing 520 of the connector 500. Specifically, it may be formed in a shape extending in a direction away from the housing 520. More specifically, it may be arranged adjacent to the bus bar frame 200 for connection to the bus bar frame 200 at both ends of the housing 520.

[0057] By fixing the fixing portion 530 to the bus bar frame 200, the connector 500 can be fixed, and the structural stability can be improved.

[0058] As an example of a configuration for efficiently fixing the fixing portion 530 to the bus bar frame 200, a fastening hole 531 may be formed in the fixing portion 530 of the connector 500 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0059] The fastening hole 531 may be formed in a shape penetrating from one side facing the bus bar frame 200 to the other side in the fixing portion 530. Here, the fastening hole 531 may be formed to have a substantially circular cross-section so that the connecting member 532 can be easily inserted.

[0060] The connecting member 532 may be inserted into the fastening hole 531 formed in the fixing portion 530, and the connecting member 532 passing through the fastening hole 531 may be fastened to the bus bar frame 200. Thereby, the connector 500 may be fixed to the bus bar frame 200.

[0061] The connecting member 532 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention may be a bolt. Accordingly, a helix may be formed on the inner surface of the fastening hole 531 so that the connecting member 532, which is a bolt, can be fastened while being inserted.

[0062] By forming the fastening hole 531 in the fixing part 530 of the connector 500, the connector 500 may be efficiently fixed to the bus bar frame 200.

[0063] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state in which a cross-section cut along B-B' of FIG. 4 is viewed from the front.

[0064] As an example of a configuration for protecting the connector 500, the battery module 10 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention may include a protection plate 600.

[0065] The protection plate 600 may be disposed between the circuit board 400 and the connector 500, and can prevent deformation of the connector 500 due to heat. Specifically, the protection plate 600 can prevent the terminal portion 510 of the connector 500 from being deformed or disappeared by heat or flame generated from the cell assembly 100 disposed inside the battery module 10.

[0066] As an example of a configuration for efficiently protecting the terminal portion 510 of the connector 500, the protection plate 600 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention may include a potting part 610.

[0067] The potting part 610 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the portion where the terminal portion 510 of the connector 500 is disposed. Specifically, the terminal 511 of the terminal portion 510 may be formed to extend so as to penetrate through the potting part 610. Here, the terminal 511 extending through the potting part 610 may contact the reinforcing plate 410 of the circuit board 400.

[0068] The potting portion 610 may have a plate shape with a substantially rectangular cross-section and may be formed to have a cross-sectional area equal to or larger than that of the terminal portion 510. Therefore, when the potting portion 610 is viewed from the side opposite to the terminal portion 510, the terminal portion 510 may be hidden by the potting portion 610.

[0069] As an example of an efficient manufacturing method for the shape through which the terminal 511 penetrates, the potting portion 610 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention may be formed through silicon potting. Here, silicon potting may refer to a process of applying silicon in a liquid form to cover an electrical component or fill a gap.

[0070] When the potting portion 610 is formed through silicon potting, the terminal 511 can be fixed, and at the same time, the empty space can be efficiently filled, improving the efficiency in the manufacturing process.

[0071] The silicon for forming the potting portion 610 of the protection plate 600 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention may be high heat-resistant silicon. Therefore, it is advantageous for the potting portion 610 to withstand high temperatures, thereby preventing or delaying deformation or disappearance of the terminal portion 510.

[0072] As an example of a configuration for protecting the connector 500, the protection plate 600 of the battery module 10 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention may further include a metal portion 620.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 7, the metal portion 620 may cover one side of the connector 500 together with the potting portion 610. Specifically, the metal portion 620 may cover one side of the connector 500 facing the potting portion 610 together with the potting portion 610. Therefore, when the metal portion 620 is viewed from the side opposite to the connector 500, the connector 500 may be hidden by the metal portion 620.

[0074] The metal part 620 may be made of metal. Specifically, it may be made of a metal with excellent heat resistance. Therefore, the metal part 620 can withstand high temperatures, thereby preventing or delaying the deformation of the connector 500 due to high temperatures.

[0075] The metal part 620 may be formed to have a substantially rectangular cross-section, and may be formed to have a cross-sectional area equal to or greater than the cross-sectional area of the connector 500 so as to cover the connector 500.

[0076] The protection plate 600 can protect the connector 500 from the flames generated inside the battery module 10 including the metal part 620.

[0077] As an example of the configuration for insulation between components, the battery module 10 according to Example 1 of the present invention may further include an insulating case 700.

[0078] The insulating case 700 may be arranged to cover a part of the connector 500. Specifically, it may be arranged between the end plate 300 and the bus bar frame 200 to cover a part of the housing 520.

[0079] Since the insulating case 700 contains an insulating material, the connector 500 and the bus bar can be insulated from other components. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of unnecessary shorts and the like, thereby improving the stability of the battery module 10.

[0080] In the cell assembly 100 included in the battery module 10, heat and flames may occur, and there is a possibility that the heat and flames may spread from the inside to the outside of the battery module 10. Since the battery module 10 according to Example 1 of the present invention includes the protection plate 600, even if an insulating case 700 or the like melts due to heat, the protection plate 600 can block flames or the like heading towards the connector 500. Thereby, the phenomenon that the connector 500 pops out can be prevented. Also, the terminal portion 510 of the connector 500 can be protected by the potting portion 610 of the protection plate 600. Therefore, since the battery module 10 according to Example 1 of the present invention can efficiently withstand high temperatures, the time for dealing with flames or the like can be increased.

[0081] Example 2

[0082] The present invention provides, as Example 2, a battery module including another form of protection plate 600'.

[0083] Hereinafter, detailed descriptions regarding the same configurations as those of the battery module 10 according to Example 1 of the present invention will be omitted.

[0084] FIG. 8 is a perspective view schematically showing a state before the end plate 300 is assembled in the battery module according to Example 2 of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a perspective view schematically showing the protection plate 600' of the battery module according to Example 2 of the present invention. Also, FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically showing a state in which the connector 500 and the protection plate 600' of the battery module according to Example 2 of the present invention are coupled.

[0085] As an example of a configuration for efficiently protecting the connector 500 from flames, the protection plate 600' of the battery module according to Example 2 of the present invention may further include a bent portion 630.

[0086] Referring to FIGS. 8 to 10, the bending portion 630 may be disposed at both ends of the metal portion 620. Specifically, it may be formed to extend in a direction away from the potting portion 610 at both ends of the metal portion 620.

[0087] The bending portion 630 may have a bent shape. Referring to FIG. 9, the bending portion 630 may include a portion extending in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the metal portion 620 and a portion formed by being bent in a direction parallel to the extending direction of the metal portion 620.

[0088] For the protection plate 600' according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, other configurations except the bending portion 630 may be the same as those of the protection plate 600 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0089] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state of a cross-section taken along C-C' of FIG. 8 as viewed from the front.

[0090] Referring to FIG. 11, since the protection plate 600' according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention includes the bending portion 630, it can cover a larger area than the protection plate 600 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0091] As an example of a configuration for efficiently protecting the connector 500 from the flame, the end plate 300 of the battery module according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention may be bent into a shape corresponding to the bending portion 630. Specifically, the end plate 300 may be bent into a shape corresponding to the bending portion 630 at a portion disposed at a position corresponding to the bending portion 630. Hereinafter, in the end plate 300, the portion bent into a shape corresponding to the bending portion 630 is referred to as a corresponding portion 310 (see FIG. 3).

[0092] Referring to FIG. 11, the corresponding portion 310 of the end plate 300 and the bent portion 630 of the protection plate 600' may be bent into corresponding shapes with the insulating case 700 interposed therebetween. Therefore, even if the insulating case 700 melts due to a flame generated inside the battery module, the bent portion 630 of the protection plate 600' can efficiently cover the connector 500 from the flame while covering the corresponding portion 310 of the end plate 300.

[0093] Hereinafter, the corresponding portion 310 of the end plate 300 that is bent into a shape corresponding to the bent portion 630 of the protection plate 600' will be described in more detail.

[0094] As an example of the corresponding portion 310 of the end plate 300, the corresponding portion 310 of the end plate 300 may be a fastening member for connecting to the frame 800 or the bus bar frame 200.

[0095] As described above, the frame 800 may mean a case surrounding the cell assembly 100 (see FIG. 1). At this time, the end plate 300 can be combined with the frame 800 surrounding the outer surface of the cell assembly 100 to protect the cell assembly 100. That is, the end plate 300 can protect the cell assembly 100 from the outside together with the frame 800. In addition, since the bus bar frame 200 is disposed between the end plate 300 and the cell assembly 100, the end plate 300 can protect the bus bar frame 200 from the outside.

[0096] The fastening member of the end plate 300 can be assembled together with additional parts such as bolts and nuts to couple the end plate 300 to the frame 800 or the bus bar frame 200. At that time, the corresponding portion 310 of the end plate 300 that serves as the fastening member may be disposed on both sides of the connector 500 (see FIG. 3 for reference).

[0097] As another example for the corresponding portion 310 of the end plate 300, the corresponding portion 310 of the end plate 300 may be a connecting member through which terminals (not shown) of the cell assembly 100 can penetrate. Here, the terminals of the cell assembly 100 may mean a configuration different from the terminals 511 included in the terminal portion 510 of the connector 500 described above. Specifically, the terminals of the cell assembly 100 may be determined as a configuration for electrically connecting the cell assembly 100 to the outside.

[0098] In order to electrically connect the cell assembly 100 to the outside, the terminals of the cell assembly 100 may penetrate the end plate 300. At this time, the corresponding portion 310 of the end plate 300 may be a passage through which the terminals of the cell assembly 100 can penetrate. At this time, the corresponding portion 310 of the end plate 300 serving as a connecting member may be disposed on both sides of the connector 500 (see FIG. 3).

[0099] As described in the above examples, the end plate 300 may essentially include the corresponding portion 310. Therefore, the protective plate 600' including the bent portion 630 may be arranged in a shape corresponding to the end plate 300. Specifically, even if a force directed toward the connector 500 acts on the protective plate 600', the protective plate 600' including the bent portion 630 may be restricted from physical movement. That is, since the protective plate 600' physically bears on the end plate 300, movement in the direction toward the connector 500 may be restricted.

[0100] On one hand, the corresponding portions 310 of the end plates 300 disposed on both sides of the connector 500 may have a shape corresponding to the bent portion 630 of the protection plate 600' as described above. That is, the bent portion 630 of the protection plate 600' has a shape bent so as to cover the corresponding portion 310 of the end plate 300. Therefore, even if the insulating case 700 melts due to the flame, the bent portion 630 of the protection plate 600' can maintain a shape disposed between the flame and the connector 500 while covering the corresponding portion 310 of the end plate 300. Specifically, the protection plate 600' can withstand the pressure acting on the connector 500 from the opposite side of the connector 500. That is, the protection plate 600' can be fixed even when pressure is generated toward the connector 500 due to gas generated by a fire or the like.

[0101] The protection plate 600' of the battery module according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention includes a bent portion 630, and by bending the end plate 300 into a shape corresponding to the bent portion 630, the structural stability of the protection plate 600' can be improved. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently prevent the flame from spreading to the outside, and thus it is possible to delay the transfer of the flame to other battery modules. In addition, the protection plate 600' can efficiently prevent or delay the disappearance of the connector 500 from the flame.

[0102] As described above, the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments and drawings. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various implementations are possible by those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains within the equivalent scope of the technical idea of the present invention and the following claims.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0103] 10 Battery module 100 Cell assembly 200 Bus bar frame 300 End plate 310 Corresponding portion 400 Circuit board 410 Reinforcing plate 500 Connector 510 Terminal part 511 Terminal 520 Housing 530 Fixing part 531 Fastening hole 532 Connecting member 600, 600’ Protective plate 610 Potting part 620 Metal part 630 Bending part 700 Insulating case 800 Frame

Claims

1. A cell assembly including a plurality of cells, A bus bar frame in which a bus bar for electrically connecting the cell assemblies to each other is arranged, End plates arranged at both ends of the cell assembly to cover the bus bar frame, A circuit board in contact with the bus bar and electrically connected to the cell assembly, A connector for electrically connecting the outside and the circuit board, A protective plate arranged between the circuit board and the connector to prevent deformation of the connector due to heat, A battery module including the above.

2. The connector includes: A terminal portion including a plurality of terminals in contact with the circuit board for electrical connection, A housing covering the side surface of the terminal portion, The battery module according to claim 1.

3. The battery module according to claim 2, further including an insulating case containing an insulating material, arranged between the end plate and the bus bar frame, and covering a part of the housing.

4. The protective plate includes: A potting portion arranged at a position corresponding to the portion where the terminal portion is arranged, The battery module according to claim 2, characterized in that the terminal extends through the potting portion.

5. The battery module according to claim 4, characterized in that the potting portion is formed by silicone potting.

6. The battery module according to claim 4, wherein the protective plate further includes a metal portion that covers one side of the connector facing the potting portion together with the potting portion.

7. The battery module according to claim 6, wherein the protective plate further includes bent portions arranged at both ends of the metal portion and having a bent shape.

8. The battery module according to claim 7, wherein the end plate includes corresponding portions arranged at positions corresponding to the bent portions and bent into shapes corresponding to the bent portions.

9. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein the circuit board includes a reinforcing plate in contact with the terminal and arranged on one side facing the protective plate.

10. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein the connector further includes fixing portions connected to both ends of the housing and fixed to the bus bar frame.

11. The fixing portion is formed with a fastening hole penetrating from one side facing the bus bar frame to the other side, The battery module according to claim 10, wherein the battery module is fixed to the bus bar frame while a connecting member is inserted into the fastening hole.

12. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the circuit board is a printed circuit board.

13. The battery module according to claim 12, wherein the printed circuit board is a flexible printed circuit board.

14. The battery module according to claim 8, wherein the bent portion is arranged in a shape covering the corresponding portion so as to prevent movement in a direction toward the connector.

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