Battery module and battery pack including same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery module, comprising: a pouch-type cell including an electrode assembly, a pouch-type outer casing that houses the electrode assembly, and an electrode lead electrically connected to the electrode assembly and extending outside the pouch-type outer casing; and a support frame including: a lower plate disposed corresponding to a lower surface of the pouch-type cell; and a pair of side plates extending upward from both ends in a width direction of the lower plate and forming, together with the lower plate, an accommodating space for accommodating at least a portion of the pouch-type cell, wherein the electrode lead is disposed on an upper side of the pouch-type outer casing and may be exposed to the outside of the support frame through an upper opening of the support frame.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0160854 filed on November 25, 2022 and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0165965 filed on November 24, 2023, and all contents disclosed in the documents of said Korean patent applications are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery module and a battery pack including the same. [Background technology]

[0003] In general, secondary batteries are batteries that can be charged and discharged, unlike primary batteries that cannot be recharged, and are widely used in electronic devices such as mobile phones, laptops, and camcorders, as well as electric vehicles, etc. In particular, lithium secondary batteries have a larger capacity and higher energy density than nickel-cadmium batteries or nickel-metal hydride batteries, and therefore their use is rapidly increasing.

[0004] Depending on the shape of the battery case, secondary batteries can be classified into cylindrical or prismatic batteries in which an electrode assembly is housed in a cylindrical or prismatic metal can, and pouch-type batteries in which an electrode assembly is housed in a pouch-type case made of a laminate sheet.

[0005] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a pouch-type secondary battery. The pouch-type secondary battery 1 (pouch-type cell) includes an electrode assembly 2 formed by alternately stacking electrodes and separators, and a pouch-type exterior material 20 in which the electrode assembly 2 is housed. Electrode tabs 15 may be connected to the electrodes of the electrode assembly 2. The electrode tabs 15 may be welded to each other in predetermined areas and then connected to an electrode lead 17 by welding. The pouch-type exterior material 20 includes a housing portion 21 for housing the electrode assembly 2. The housing portion 21 of the pouch-type exterior material 20 may consist of one or two recessed portions. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a housing portion 21 consisting of two recessed portions. A seal portion 23 (terrace) is formed around the edge of the housing portion 21 by sealing.

[0006] Meanwhile, to improve energy density, a cell-to-pack (CTP) structure is currently under development, in which a pouch-type secondary battery is directly assembled into a battery pack without a module structure. To install a pouch-type secondary battery into a battery pack housing without a module structure, a separate structure is required to independently install the pouch-type secondary battery into the battery pack housing, given the flexible structure of the pouch-type cell. Furthermore, a separate structure may also be required to electrically connect the leads of the pouch-type secondary battery. However, the installation of all these structures may result in reduced space utilization, resulting in reduced energy density. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a battery module having a simple structure that allows pouch-type secondary batteries to be directly installed in a pack housing.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery module that allows pouch-type secondary batteries to be directly installed inside a pack housing, and that has excellent space utilization rate and volumetric energy density. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In one example, a battery module may include a pouch-type cell including an electrode assembly, a pouch-type outer casing that houses the electrode assembly, and an electrode lead electrically connected to the electrode assembly and extending outside the pouch-type outer casing; a lower plate disposed corresponding to a lower surface of the pouch-type cell; and a pair of side plates extending upward from both ends in a width direction of the lower plate and forming, together with the lower plate, an accommodating space for accommodating at least a portion of the pouch-type cell, wherein the electrode lead is disposed on an upper side of the pouch-type outer casing and may be exposed to the outside of the support frame through an upper opening of the support frame.

[0010] In another example, the support frame may be disposed within a pack housing for accommodating a plurality of battery modules, with the lower surface of the lower plate facing the bottom surface of the interior of the pack housing.

[0011] In yet another example, the support frame may include an upper opening formed between the side plates at upper ends of the side plates, and a pair of side openings formed between the side plates at both longitudinal ends of the lower plate, respectively.

[0012] In yet another example, the support frame may not include a member connected to at least one of the side plates and blocking the side opening entirely.

[0013] In yet another example, the support frame may not include a member connected to at least one of the side plates and blocking the entire upper opening.

[0014] In yet another example, the horizontal length of the pouch-type exterior material can be equal to or less than twice the height of the pouch-type exterior material.

[0015] In yet another example, the battery module may further include a guide plate disposed above the pouch-type cell and having an insertion slot formed therein into which the electrode lead is inserted.

[0016] In yet another example, the guide plate may include a first guide plate disposed above the pouch-type cell and having a first insertion slot formed therein, into which a positive electrode lead of the electrode leads is inserted, and a second guide plate disposed above the pouch-type cell at a distance from the first guide plate and having a second insertion slot formed therein, into which a negative electrode lead of the electrode leads is inserted.

[0017] In yet another example, the guide plate may further include a connection plate that electrically connects a positive electrode lead that is not inserted into the first insertion slot and a negative electrode lead that is not inserted into the second insertion slot.

[0018] In yet another example, the battery module may further include a guide plate connected to the support frame above the pouch-type cell, and a plurality of the pouch-type cells may be provided, each of the plurality of pouch-type cells including a pair of electrode leads spaced apart from each other.

[0019] In yet another example, when a group of any of the electrode leads of the pouch-type cell that are arranged adjacent to each other is defined as a first lead group, and another group of electrode leads that are spaced apart from the first lead group but arranged adjacent to each other is defined as a second lead group, the guide plate can include: a first guide plate that is electrically connected by contact to at least one electrode lead of the first lead group and includes a first electrode terminal; a second guide plate that is arranged spaced apart from the first guide plate and is electrically connected by contact to at least one electrode lead of the second lead group and includes a second electrode terminal; and a connecting plate that electrically connects by contact the electrode leads of the first lead group that are not in contact with the first guide plate and the electrode leads of the second lead group that are not in contact with the second guide plate.

[0020] In yet another example, when a group of any of the electrode leads of the pouch-type cell that are arranged adjacent to each other is defined as a first lead group, and another group of electrode leads that are spaced apart from the first lead group but arranged adjacent to each other is defined as a second lead group, the guide plate can include: a first guide plate that is electrically connected by contact to at least one electrode lead of the first lead group and includes a first electrode terminal; a second guide plate that is arranged spaced apart from the first guide plate and is electrically connected by contact to at least one electrode lead of the second lead group and includes a second electrode terminal; a first connecting plate that electrically connects by contact the multiple electrode leads of the first lead group that are not in contact with the first guide plate; and a second connecting plate that electrically connects by contact the multiple electrode leads of the second lead group that are not in contact with the second guide plate.

[0021] In yet another example, when a group of any of the electrode leads of the pouch-type cell that are arranged adjacent to each other is defined as a first lead group, and a group of other electrode leads that are spaced apart from the first lead group and arranged adjacent to each other is defined as a second lead group, the guide plate can include: a first guide plate that is electrically connected by contact with at least one electrode lead of the first lead group and includes a first electrode terminal; a second guide plate that is electrically connected by contact with electrode leads of the first lead group that are not in contact with the first guide plate and includes a second electrode terminal; and a connecting plate that electrically connects the multiple electrode leads of the second lead group by contact.

[0022] In yet another example, a battery pack includes a plurality of battery modules and a pack housing that houses the plurality of battery modules, and each of the battery modules may include a pouch-type cell including an electrode assembly, a pouch-type outer casing that houses the electrode assembly, and an electrode lead electrically connected to the electrode assembly and extending outside the pouch-type outer casing; and a support frame including a lower plate that is arranged to correspond to the lower surface of the pouch-type cell, and a pair of side plates that extend upward from both ends in the width direction of the lower plate and form, together with the lower plate, an accommodation space for accommodating at least a portion of the pouch-type cell, and the electrode lead may be arranged on the upper side of the pouch-type outer casing and exposed to the outside of the support frame through an upper opening of the support frame.

[0023] In yet another example, the support frame can be disposed within the pack housing such that the lower surface of the lower plate faces the bottom surface of the interior of the pack housing.

[0024] In yet another example, the battery module may further include a first guide plate disposed above the pouch-type cell and having a first insertion slot formed therein, into which a positive electrode lead of the electrode leads is inserted, and a second guide plate disposed above the pouch-type cell and spaced apart from the first guide plate, and having a second insertion slot formed therein, into which a negative electrode lead of the electrode leads is inserted.

[0025] In yet another example, a battery module includes a plurality of battery cells, each including an electrode assembly, an exterior material that houses the electrode assembly, and a pair of electrode leads electrically connected to the electrode assembly and extending outside the exterior material, a support frame that houses at least some of the battery cells, and guide plates that are connected to the support frame and electrically connected to the battery cells, wherein the guide plates may include: a first guide plate that is electrically connected to some of the electrode leads of the battery cells by contact and includes a first electrode terminal, a second guide plate that is electrically connected to other parts of the electrode leads of the battery cells by contact and includes a second electrode terminal, and a connecting plate that is electrically connected to yet another part of the electrode leads of the battery cells by contact and electrically connects the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal.

[0026] In yet another example, the first guide plate may be bent so that the first electrode terminal is disposed on a surface of a polyhedron defined by the battery cell other than a surface from which an electrode lead electrically connected to the first guide plate protrudes. [Effects of the Invention]

[0027] According to the present invention, the pouch-type cell can be directly mounted on the pack housing using a support frame with a simple structure, thereby increasing space utilization and improving volumetric energy density.

[0028] In addition, according to the present invention, since the electrode leads are disposed on the top of the pouch-type outer casing, ease of installation is ensured, and by limiting the pouch-type outer casing to a specific length and height, the volume and resistance of the pouch-type cell can be minimized.

[0029] Furthermore, according to the present invention, by electrically connecting a large number of pouch cells in a support frame in various ways using a guide plate, it is possible to achieve various capacity, voltage, or current characteristics even with only a guide plate of a simple structure.

[0030] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the position of the electrode terminal for connection to an external device can be easily changed simply by changing the shape of the guide plate. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a pouch-type secondary battery. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view showing a battery module according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a first modified example of the guide plate in FIG. 2. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a second modified example of the guide plate in FIG. 2. [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a first modified example of the electrical connection of the guide plate in FIG. 2. [Figure 7] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a second modified example of the electrical connection of the guide plate in FIG. 2. [Figure 8] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a third modified example of the electrical connection of the guide plate in FIG. 2. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a fourth modified example of the electrical connection of the guide plate in FIG. 2. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a fifth modified example of the electrical connection of the guide plate in FIG. 2. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a sixth modified example of the electrical connection of the guide plate in FIG. 2. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a seventh modified example of the electrical connection of the guide plate in FIG. 2. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a battery pack according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the battery pack of FIG. 13. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can easily understand the preferred embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention can be realized in various different forms and is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0033] In order to clearly explain the present invention, detailed descriptions of parts that are not relevant to the explanation or related known technologies that may obscure the gist of the present invention will be omitted, and in this specification, when adding reference symbols to components in each drawing, the same or similar reference symbols will be used throughout the specification to refer to the same or similar components.

[0034] Furthermore, the terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted in a limited way to their ordinary and dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in a way that is consistent with the technical idea of ​​the present invention, in accordance with the principle that an inventor can appropriately define the concept of a term in order to best explain his or her invention.

[0035] [Embodiment 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a battery module 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module 100 of FIG. 2. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the battery module 100 according to this embodiment may include battery cells 110 and a support frame 130 for supporting the battery cells 110. The battery cells may be pouch-type cells. Hereinafter, the battery module 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 3. For reference, the contents related to the first embodiment may be similarly applied to the following embodiments / variations, unless they are inconsistent.

[0036] [Pouch-type cell 110] The pouch-type cell 110 may include an electrode assembly (see FIG. 1). The electrode assembly may be formed by alternately stacking electrodes and separators. The electrodes may include positive and negative electrodes. The electrode assembly may include electrode tabs (see FIG. 1) connected to the electrodes. The electrode tabs may be provided separately or as part of the current collectors that constitute the electrodes.

[0037] The pouch-type cell 110 may include a pouch-type exterior material 111. The pouch-type exterior material 111 may be formed by molding a laminate sheet and may be an exterior material that houses an electrode assembly. The pouch-type exterior material 111 may be provided by combining two exterior materials arranged facing each other so that they are sealed to each other with the electrode assembly housed therein. In this case, the edges of the two exterior materials may be entirely sealed. This sealing may form a sealed portion (see FIG. 1). Alternatively, the pouch-type exterior material 111 may be formed by folding one exterior material (see FIG. 1). In this case, the remaining edges of one exterior material may be sealed except for the folded portion of the one exterior material.

[0038] The pouch-type exterior material 111 can be manufactured from a laminate sheet including a metal layer such as aluminum, a first resin layer disposed on the inner surface of the metal layer, and a second resin layer disposed on the outer surface of the metal layer. The first resin layer can be a layer formed of polypropylene (PP). The first resin layer is required to have high insulating properties and corrosion resistance, and may be formed of another resin that meets these requirements. The second resin layer can be a layer formed of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The second resin layer is required to protect the secondary battery and electrically insulate it, and may be formed of another resin that meets these requirements.

[0039] The pouch-type cell 110 may include an electrode lead 113. The electrode lead 113 may be electrically connected to the electrode assembly and may extend outside the pouch-type exterior material 111. One end of the electrode lead 113 may be welded to electrode tabs that are welded to each other in a predetermined region and connected to the electrode tab. The other end of the electrode lead 113 may extend outside the pouch-type exterior material 111 and be exposed outside the pouch-type exterior material 111.

[0040] [Support Frame 130] The support frame 130 may include a lower plate 131. The lower plate 131 may be a flat plate disposed corresponding to the lower surface of the pouch-type cell 110. In this embodiment, the lower surface of the pouch-type cell 110 may be any surface of the pouch-type cell 110 opposite the upper surface of the pouch-type cell 110 from which the electrode leads 113 protrude. For reference, the upper surface may change depending on the viewing direction.

[0041] The support frame 130 may include a pair of side plates 133. The side plates 133 may be flat plates extending upward (D3) from both ends in the width direction (D1) of the lower plate 131. The side plates 133, together with the lower plate 131, may form an accommodation space for accommodating at least a portion of the pouch-type cell 110.

[0042] 2, the support frame 130 can accommodate a plurality of pouch-type cells 110 in an accommodating space formed by a bottom plate 131 and a side plate 133. An even number of pouch-type cells 110 can be accommodated in the accommodating space of the support frame 130. For example, four or six pouch-type cells 110 can be accommodated.

[0043] 3, the support frame 130 may include an upper opening 135. The upper opening 135 may be formed between the side plates 133 at the upper ends of the side plates 133. The support frame 130 may include a pair of side openings 137. The side openings 137 may be formed between the side plates 133 at both ends of the lower plate 131 in the longitudinal direction (D2), respectively.

[0044] The support frame 130 can provide a support structure for installing the pouch-type cell 110 in the pack housing 210 (see FIGS. 13 and 14 ), which will be described later. Due to its flexible nature, the pouch-type cell 110 cannot be easily installed directly in the pack housing 210. Without a separate support structure, the pouch-type cell 110 may sag or bend within the pack housing 210. Conventionally, a modular housing that completely surrounds the pouch-type cell 110 without a separate opening has been used to install the pouch-type cell 110 in the pack housing 210. The support frame 130 of this embodiment is formed in a shape that includes a top opening 135 and a side opening 137. While having a simpler structure than a conventional modular housing, it can provide a support structure for directly installing the pouch-type cell 110 in the pack housing 210.

[0045] Therefore, according to this embodiment, the pouch-type cell 110 can be directly mounted on the pack housing 210 using the support frame 130 with a simple structure, thereby improving space utilization and volumetric energy density. Compared to prismatic cells, the space utilization can be similar or even better.

[0046] The support frame 130 may not include a member connected to at least one of the side plates 133 and entirely blocking the side opening 137 in order to maintain the side opening 137. However, to prevent the pouch-type cell 110 from leaving the accommodation space of the support frame 130 through the side opening 137, it may be considered to form a locking protrusion (not shown) protruding upward from an end of the lower plate 131 in the length direction (D2). In this case, the locking protrusion may have a height lower than the height of the side plates 133 in order to maintain the side opening 137.

[0047] The support frame 130 may not include a member that is connected to at least one of the side plates 133 and that completely blocks the upper opening 135 in order to maintain the upper opening 135. The battery module 100 of this embodiment may include a guide plate 150 (described below) that can partially block the upper opening 135. The guide plate 150 may be formed in a shape that blocks only a portion of the upper opening 135, as described below.

[0048] As will be described later, the support frame 130 may be disposed within the pack housing 210 (see FIGS. 13 and 14) with the lower surface of the lower plate 131 facing the bottom surface of the interior of the pack housing 210. It may also be considered to dispose the support frame 130 within the pack housing 210 with the upper opening 135 of the support frame 130 facing the bottom surface of the interior of the pack housing 210. However, the former installation structure allows the support frame 130 to be installed more stably within the pack housing 210 than the latter installation structure.

[0049] Meanwhile, a thermally conductive resin 140 may be provided on an upper surface of the lower plate 131 of the support frame 130. The lower surface of the pouch-type cell 110 contacts the upper surface of the lower plate 131, and when the thermally conductive resin 140 is provided between them, heat from the pouch-type cell 110 is easily transferred to the support frame 130, thereby allowing the pouch-type cell 110 to be efficiently cooled. In addition, the thermally conductive resin 140 may have adhesive properties, allowing the pouch-type cell 110 to be stably fixed in the receiving space of the support frame 130. The thermally conductive resin 140 may be in the form of a resin or a paste.

[0050] For reference, the battery module according to this embodiment can reduce the individual differences in performance between positions compared to prismatic batteries containing jelly-roll electrode assemblies. Because jelly-roll electrode assemblies have a structure in which electrodes and separators are wound up, individual differences in performance can be significant depending on the internal position of the electrode assembly. In particular, at the center of the jelly-roll electrode assembly, the diffusion of electrolyte and heat may be restricted by the current collector. In contrast, the battery module according to this embodiment contains multiple pouch-type cells with the same structure within a single support frame (for example, the space within a single support frame can be divided equally into four sections, and one pouch-type cell can be placed in each section), which reduces the individual differences in performance between positions and thereby reduces the individual differences in material degradation.

[0051] [Position of electrode lead 113] In this embodiment, the electrode leads 113 are disposed on the upper side of the pouch-type exterior material 111 and can be exposed to the outside of the support frame 130 through an upper opening 135 of the support frame 130 (see FIG. 2). When the battery module 100 is disposed in the pack housing 210 (see FIGS. 13 and 14) such that the lower surface of the lower plate 131 of the support frame 130 faces the inner bottom surface of the pack housing 210, if the electrode leads 113 of the pouch-type cells 110 are exposed to the upper side of the support frame 130, electrical connection of the pouch-type cells 110 can be easily achieved. This is easier to understand when compared to the case where the electrode leads 113 of the pouch-type cells 110 are exposed to the side of the support frame 130 through a side opening 137 of the support frame 130.

[0052] Even if the electrode lead 113 is arranged on the top of the pouch-type exterior material 111, it is not preferable in consideration of the volumetric energy density that the volume occupied by the pouch-type cell 110 increases compared to when the electrode lead 113 is arranged on the side of the pouch-type exterior material 111. To prevent an increase in volume, the length L of the pouch-type exterior material 111 in the horizontal direction (D2) can be equal to or less than twice the height H of the pouch-type exterior material 111.

[0053] This will be explained with reference to Fig. 3. When two electrode leads 113 protrude, one from the left end and one from the right end of the pouch-type outer casing 111, the area occupied by the electrode leads 113 may be twice the value obtained by multiplying the protruding height of the electrode leads 113 by the height H of the pouch-type outer casing 111. In contrast, when two electrode leads 113 both protrude from the upper end of the pouch-type outer casing 111 as shown in Fig. 3, the area occupied by the electrode leads 113 is the value obtained by multiplying the protruding height of the electrode leads 113 by the length L of the pouch-type outer casing 111. Therefore, when the thickness (see direction D1) of the pouch-type outer casing material 111 is the same, as long as the length L of the pouch-type outer casing material 111 is not more than twice the height H of the pouch-type outer casing material 111, even if the electrode lead 113 is arranged on the upper side of the pouch-type outer casing material 111, the volume due to the electrode lead 113 can be the same or less than when the electrode lead 113 is arranged on the side.

[0054] Furthermore, even if the electrode lead 113 is arranged on the top of the pouch-type casing material 111, it is not preferable in consideration of quick charging performance and life characteristics that the resistance of the pouch-type cell 110 increases compared to when the electrode lead 113 is arranged on the side of the pouch-type casing material 111. To prevent the increase in resistance, the length L of the pouch-type casing material 111 in the horizontal direction (D2) can be equal to or greater than the height H of the pouch-type casing material 111.

[0055] This will be explained with reference to Fig. 3. When the electrode lead 113 is arranged on the side of the pouch-type exterior material 111, the resistance of the pouch-type cell 110 may be affected by the length L of the pouch-type exterior material 111 (more precisely, the length of the electrode assembly housed in the pouch-type exterior material), and when the electrode lead 113 is arranged on the top of the pouch-type exterior material 111, the resistance of the pouch-type cell 110 may be affected by the height H of the pouch-type exterior material 111 (more precisely, the height of the electrode assembly housed in the pouch-type exterior material). Therefore, when the electrode lead 113 is arranged on the top of the pouch-type exterior material 111, a lower height H of the pouch-type exterior material 111 is preferable in terms of reducing resistance, given the same area.

[0056] [Guide plate 150] The battery module 100 of this embodiment may include a guide plate 150. The guide plate 150 may be disposed above the pouch-type cells 110. The guide plate 150 may include insertion slots 151a and 152a into which the electrode leads 113 are inserted.

[0057] More specifically, the guide plate 150 may include a first guide plate 151 and a second guide plate 152 .

[0058] The first guide plate 151 may be disposed on an upper side of the pouch-type cell 110. The first guide plate 151 may include a first insertion slot 151a into which one of the electrode leads 113, for example, the positive electrode lead, is inserted. The first guide plate 151 may include a first electrode terminal 161 for electrical connection with an external device. The first guide plate 151 may be electrically connected to the electrode lead 113 through contact. To this end, the first guide plate 151 may include a conductive first conductive plate 151b. The first conductive plate 151b may also be electrically connected to the first electrode terminal 161. For example, when the electrode lead 113 is inserted into the first insertion slot 151a, the electrode lead 113 comes into contact with the first conductive plate 151b, and thus the electrode lead 113 may be electrically connected to the first electrode terminal 161 via the first conductive plate 151b. Portions of the first guide plate 151 other than the first electrode terminal 161 and the first conductive plate 151b may be made of a non-conductive material. For reference, the first guide plate 151 may include a medium other than a conductive plate for electrical connection by contact. For example, the first guide plate may include a conductive wire instead of a conductive plate. This also applies to the second guide plate described below.

[0059] The second guide plate 152 may be disposed on the upper side of the pouch-type cell 110. The second guide plate 152 may include a second insertion slot 152a into which one of the electrode leads 113, for example, the negative electrode lead, is inserted. The second guide plate 152 may include a second electrode terminal 162 for electrical connection with an external device. The second guide plate 152 may be electrically connected to the electrode lead 113 through contact. To this end, the second guide plate 152 may include a conductive second conductive plate 152b. The second conductive plate 152b may also be electrically connected to the second electrode terminal 162. For example, when the electrode lead 113 is inserted into the second insertion slot 152a, the electrode lead 113 comes into contact with the second conductive plate 152b, and thus the electrode lead 113 may be electrically connected to the second electrode terminal 162 via the second conductive plate 152b. In the second guide plate 152, portions other than the second electrode terminal 162 and the second conductive plate 152b may be made of a non-conductive material.

[0060] The first and second guide plates 151, 152 can be positioned apart from each other, and can thereby be arranged to cover only a portion of the upper opening 135 of the support frame .

[0061] The first and second guide plates 151, 152 allow the pouch-type cell 110 to be aligned within the support frame 130 by inserting the electrode leads 113 into the insertion slots 151a, 152a.

[0062] The first and second guide plates 151 and 152 may be directly connected to the support frame 130 by adhesive bonding or welding. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 4, the first and second guide plates 151' and 152' may be connected to the support frame 130' using a protrusion / groove structure. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a first modified example of the guide plate in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 4, a groove 152c' may be formed on the side of the guide plate 152'. Correspondingly, a protrusion 133a' may be formed on the inner side of the side plate 133' of the support frame 130' in a direction corresponding to the length direction (D2) of the lower plate 131'. Alternatively, the protrusion may be formed on the guide plate and the groove may be formed on the side plate.

[0063] With this protrusion / groove structure, the guide plate 152' can be slidably coupled to or separated from the side plate 133'. Alternatively, the side plate 133' can be spread in the direction D1 in FIG. 4 or the opposite direction, the guide plate 152' can be lowered to insert the electrode lead 113 into the insertion slot 152a', and then the side plate 133' can be restored to fit the protrusion 133a' and the groove 152c' together.

[0064] In this case, the protrusion / groove structure may be formed only partially. For example, groove 152c' may be formed only in a portion of the side surface of guide plate 152', and corresponding protrusion 133a' may be formed only in a portion of the inner side surface of side plate 133'. When the protrusion / groove structure is formed only partially, groove 152c' of guide plate 152' may be a groove that is closed in the direction D2 and the opposite direction. For example, groove 152c' of guide plate 152' may not be formed at the end of the side surface of guide plate 152' in the direction D2 and the end opposite thereto. Protrusion 133a' of side plate 133' may also be formed correspondingly. With such a protrusion / groove structure, after the side plates 133' are spread and guide plate 152' is sandwiched between the side plates 133', guide plate 152' may not move in the direction D2 and the opposite direction.

[0065] Meanwhile, the first and second guide plates 151" and 152" may be formed in a bent structure as shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a second modified example of the guide plate in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 5, the guide plate 152" may include an upper plate that covers a portion of the upper opening 135 (see FIG. 3) of the support frame 130", and a side plate that is bent vertically at one end of the upper plate and covers a portion of the side opening 137 (see FIG. 3). A slot 152a" may be formed in one of the upper plate or the side plate, and an electrode terminal 162 may be formed in the other.

[0066] When multiple pouch-type cells 110 are aligned within the support frame 130'', a polyhedron (a rectangular parallelepiped in FIG. 5) is formed. However, for electrical connection with an external device, the surface of the polyhedron from which the electrode leads 113'' protrude and the surface on which the electrode terminals 162 are disposed must be different from each other. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the electrode leads 113'' protrude from the side of the polyhedron, and the electrode terminals 162 must be disposed on the top surface of the polyhedron. If the guide plate 152'' has a bent structure, the electrode terminals 162 can be disposed on a surface different from the surface from which the electrode leads 113'' protrude.

[0067] One or all of the first and second guide plates 151'', 152'' may have a bent structure such that the electrode terminals are arranged on a surface of the polyhedron defined by the plurality of cells 110 other than the surface from which the electrode lead 113'', which is electrically connected to the first and second guide plates by contact, protrudes, as described above.

[0068] [Electrical connection achieved by guide plate 150] The first and second guide plates 151 and 152 may be used to electrically connect the electrode leads 113. For example, in FIG. 2, the first guide plate 151 may electrically connect four positive electrode leads, and the second guide plate 152 may electrically connect four negative electrode leads. This allows the multiple cells 110 to be electrically connected in parallel to each other. Portions of the electrode leads 113 that pass through the insertion slots 151a and 152a and are exposed to the outside of the guide plate 150 may be bent toward the upper surface of the guide plate 150. Note that the above positive electrode leads and negative electrode leads are examples of electrode leads, and the arrangement of the positive electrode leads and negative electrode leads may differ from the arrangement shown in FIG. 2.

[0069] The guide plate 250 may further include a connection plate 253, as shown in Fig. 6, to electrically connect the positive electrode lead not inserted in the first insertion slot 151a and the negative electrode lead not inserted in the second insertion slot 152a. Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing a first modified example of the electrical connection of the guide plate in Fig. 2.

[0070] 6, two of the four positive electrode leads are electrically connected to each other by a first guide plate 251, two of the four negative electrode leads are electrically connected to each other by a second guide plate 252, and the remaining two positive electrode leads and two negative electrode leads are electrically connected to each other by a connecting plate 253. In order to electrically connect the positive electrode leads and negative electrode leads positioned diagonally, the connecting plate 253 may be formed in a Z-shape. For reference, the first and second guide plates 251 and 252 and the connecting plate 253 may include conductive plates 251b, 252b, and 253b, respectively, for electrical connection with the electrode leads.

[0071] The guide plate may include only first and second guide plates, or may further include a connecting plate, depending on the required electrical connection method. The shapes of the first and second guide plates and the connecting plate may also be modified depending on the required electrical connection method, as will be described in detail below.

[0072] 7 is a perspective view showing a second modification of the electrical connection of the guide plates in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 7, guide plate 350 may include first and second guide plates 351 and 352 and a connection plate 353. For reference, a plurality of battery cells may be provided. The battery cells may be pouch-type cells or other types of cells. Each of the plurality of battery cells may include a pair of electrode leads (e.g., a positive electrode lead and a negative electrode lead) spaced apart from each other.

[0073] The first guide plate 351 may be electrically connected to some 113a1 of the electrode leads of the battery cell through contact. For example, when a group of adjacent electrode leads 113a1, 113a2, and 113a3 among the electrode leads of the battery cell is defined as a first lead group, and a group of adjacent electrode leads 113b1, 113b2, and 113b3 spaced apart from the first lead group is defined as a second lead group, the first guide plate 351 may be electrically connected to at least one electrode lead 113a1 belonging to the first lead group through contact. The first guide plate 351 of FIG. 7 is, for example, electrically connected to two electrode leads 113a1 of the first lead group. The first guide plate 351 may include a conductive plate 351b for electrical connection through contact. The first guide plate 351 may include a first electrode terminal 161. For reference, in FIG. 7, the left electrode leads 113a1, 113a2, and 113a3 can all be positive electrode leads, and the right electrode leads 113b1, 113b2, and 113b3 can all be negative electrode leads, but are not limited to this.

[0074] The second guide plate 352 may be electrically connected to some other electrode leads 113b3 of the battery cell through contact. For example, the second guide plate 352 may be electrically connected to at least one electrode lead 113b3 belonging to the second lead group through contact. The second guide plate 352 of FIG. 7 is, for example, electrically connected to two electrode leads 113b3 of the second lead group. The second guide plate 352 may include a conductive plate 352b for electrical connection through contact. The second guide plate 352 may be spaced apart from the first guide plate 351. The second guide plate 352 may also include a second electrode terminal 162.

[0075] The connecting plate 353 may be electrically connected to another portion 113a2, 113a3, 113b1, and 113b2 of the electrode leads of the battery cells through contact. Here, the another portion of the electrode leads of the battery cells may be all of the remaining electrode leads that are not connected to the first and second guide plates 351 and 352. For example, the connecting plate 353 may be electrically connected to all or some of the electrode leads 113a1, 113a2, and 113a3 of the first lead group that are not in contact with the first guide plate 351, and all or some of the electrode leads 113b1, 113b2, and 113b3 of the second lead group that are not in contact with the second guide plate 352, thereby electrically connecting them to each other. The connecting plates 353 (3531 and 3532) may include conductive plates 3531b and 3532b for electrical connection through contact.

[0076] Figure 7 illustrates a connecting plate 353 including a first connecting plate 3531 that electrically connects a portion 113a2 of the electrode leads 113a1, 113a2, and 113a3 that belong to the first lead group and that is not in contact with the first guide plate 351 to a portion 113b1 of the electrode leads 113b1, 113b2, and 113b3 that belong to the second lead group and that is not in contact with the second guide plate 352, and a second connecting plate 3532 that electrically connects another portion 113a3 of the electrode leads that belong to the first lead group and that is not in contact with the first guide plate 351 to a portion 113b2 of the electrode leads that belong to the second lead group and that is not in contact with the second guide plate 352.

[0077] The connection plate 353 can electrically connect the first electrode terminal 161 of the first guide plate 351 and the second electrode terminal 162 of the second guide plate 352 when the battery module is operated. For example, in Fig. 7, the first electrode terminal 161 of the first guide plate 351 can be electrically connected to the second electrode terminal 162 of the second guide plate 352 through the electrical connection of the electrode leads (113a1 → 113b1 → 113a2 → 113b2 → 113a3 → 113b3).

[0078] The shapes of the first and second guide plates 351, 352 and the connecting plate 353 can be determined taking into consideration the arrangement of elements (electrode terminals and electrode leads) to be electrically connected. Fig. 7 illustrates guide plates 351, 352 formed in an L shape to connect first electrode terminal 161 and second electrode terminal 162 to some electrode leads 113a1, 113b3 of the lead group, and illustrates connecting plates 3531, 3532 formed in a Z shape to connect some electrode leads (113a2, etc.) of the first lead group to some electrode leads (113b1, etc.) of the second lead group.

[0079] Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing a third modification of the electrical connection of the guide plates in Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 8, the guide plate 450 may include first and second guide plates 451 and 452 and a connection plate 453.

[0080] The first guide plate 451 may be electrically connected to some 113a1 of the electrode leads of the battery cell through contact. For example, when a group of adjacent electrode leads 113a1, 113b2, and 113a3 among the electrode leads of the battery cell is defined as a first lead group, and a group of adjacent electrode leads 113b1, 113a2, and 113b3 spaced apart from the first lead group is defined as a second lead group, the first guide plate 451 may be electrically connected to at least one electrode lead 113a1 belonging to the first lead group through contact. The first guide plate 451 may include a conductive plate 451b for electrical connection through contact. The first guide plate 451 may include a first electrode terminal 161. For reference, in FIG. 7, some of the electrode leads 113a1, 113a2, 113a3 may be positive leads, and the remaining electrode leads 113b1, 113b2, 113b3 may be negative leads.

[0081] The second guide plate 452 may be electrically connected to some other electrode leads 113b3 of the battery cell through contact. For example, the second guide plate 452 may be electrically connected to at least one electrode lead 113b3 belonging to a second lead group through contact. The second guide plate 452 may include a conductive plate 452b for electrical connection through contact. The second guide plate 452 may be spaced apart from the first guide plate 451. The second guide plate 452 may also include a second electrode terminal 162.

[0082] The connecting plate 453 may be in contact with and electrically connected to still another portion 113a2, 113a3, 113b1, and 113b2 of the electrode leads of the battery cells. Here, the still another portion of the electrode leads of the battery cells may be all of the remaining electrode leads that are not connected to the first and second guide plates 451 and 452. For example, the connecting plate 453 may include a first connecting plate 4531 that is in contact with and electrically connected to the electrode leads 113b2 and 113a3 that are not in contact with the first guide plate 451 among the electrode leads 113a1, 113b2, and 113a3 that belong to the first lead group, thereby electrically connecting them to each other. The connecting plate 453 may include a second connecting plate 4532 that contacts and electrically connects the electrode leads 113b1 and 113a2, which are not in contact with the second guide plate 452, among the electrode leads 113b1, 113a2, and 113b3 belonging to the second lead group. The connecting plates 453 (4531 and 4532) may include conductive plates 4531b and 4532b for electrical connection through contact.

[0083] The connection plate 453 can electrically connect the first electrode terminal 161 of the first guide plate 451 and the second electrode terminal 162 of the second guide plate 452 when the battery module is operated. For example, in Fig. 8, the first electrode terminal 161 of the first guide plate 451 can be electrically connected to the second electrode terminal 162 of the second guide plate 452 through the electrical connection of the electrode leads (113a1 → 113b1 → 113a2 → 113b2 → 113a3 → 113b3).

[0084] The shapes of the first and second guide plates 451, 452 and the connecting plate 453 can be determined taking into consideration the arrangement of elements (electrode terminals and electrode leads) to be electrically connected. Fig. 8 illustrates L-shaped guide plates 451, 452 for connecting the first electrode terminals 161 and 162 to some of the electrode leads 113a1 and 113b3 of the lead group, and rectangular connecting plates 4531 and 4532 for connecting the remaining electrode leads 113b2 and 113a3 of the first lead group to the remaining electrode leads (113b1, 113a2, etc.) of the second lead group, respectively.

[0085] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a fourth modified example of the electrical connection of the guide plates in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 9, guide plate 550 can include first and second guide plates 551 and 552 and a connecting plate 553. The battery module of this modified example differs from the battery module of the third modified example in the shape of the first and second guide plates. In this modified example, first and second guide plates 551 and 552 are formed in a rectangular shape elongated toward the outside of the battery cells at electrode leads 113a1 and 113b3, respectively. As a result, the positions of first electrode terminal 161 and electrode terminal 162 in the battery module of this modified example differ from those of the battery module of the third modified example. By changing the shapes of first and second guide plates 551 and 552 in this way, the positions of first electrode terminal 161 and second electrode terminal 162 can be easily changed.

[0086] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a fifth modified example of the electrical connection of the guide plates in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 10, a guide plate 550′ can include first and second guide plates 551′ and 552′ and connecting plates 553 (5531 and 5532). The battery module of this modified example differs from the battery module of the fourth modified example in the shapes of the first and second guide plates. In this modified example, the first and second guide plates 551′ and 552′ are formed in a rectangular shape extending inward toward the battery cell via electrode leads 113a1 and 113b3, respectively. As a result, the positions of the first electrode terminal 161 and the second electrode terminal 162 in the battery module of this modified example differ from those of the battery module of the fourth modified example.

[0087] Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing a sixth modification regarding the electrical connection of the guide plates in Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 11, the guide plate 650 may include first and second guide plates 651 and 652 and a connecting plate 653.

[0088] The first guide plate 651 may be electrically connected to some of the electrode leads 113a1, 113a3 of the battery cell through contact. For example, when a group of adjacent electrode leads 113a1, 113a2, and 113a3 among the electrode leads of the battery cell is defined as a first lead group, and a group of adjacent electrode leads 113b1, 113b2, and 113b3 spaced apart from the first lead group is defined as a second lead group, the first guide plate 651 may be electrically connected to the electrode leads 113a1, 113a3 belonging to the first lead group through contact. The first guide plate 651 may include a conductive plate 651b for electrical connection through contact. The first guide plate 651 may include a first electrode terminal 161. For reference, in FIG. 11, some of the electrode leads 113a1, 113a2, and 113a3 may be positive leads, and the remaining electrode leads 113b1, 113b2, and 113b3 may be negative leads.

[0089] The second guide plate 652 may be electrically connected to other electrode leads 113b2 of the battery cell through contact. For example, the second guide plate 652 may be electrically connected to electrode leads 113b2 belonging to a second lead group through contact. The second guide plate 652 may include a conductive plate 652b for electrical connection through contact. The second guide plate 652 may also include a second electrode terminal 162.

[0090] The connecting plate 653 may be electrically connected to another portion 113a2, 113b1, and 113b3 of the electrode leads of the battery cells through contact. Here, the other portion may be all of the remaining electrode leads not connected to the first and second guide plates 651 and 652. For example, the connecting plate 653 may be electrically connected to the electrode lead 113a2 of the electrode leads 113a1, 113a2, and 113a3 belonging to the first lead group that is not in contact with the first guide plate 651, and the electrode leads 113b1 and 113b3 of the electrode leads 113b1, 113b2, and 113b3 belonging to the second lead group that are not in contact with the second guide plate 652, thereby electrically connecting them to each other. The connecting plate 653 may include a conductive plate 653b for electrical connection through contact.

[0091] The connection plate 653 can electrically connect the first electrode terminal 161 of the first guide plate 651 and the second electrode terminal 162 of the second guide plate 652 when the battery module is operated. For example, in Fig. 11, the first electrode terminal 161 of the first guide plate 651 can be electrically connected to the second electrode terminal 162 of the second guide plate 652 through the electrical connection of the electrode leads (113a1 / 113a3 → 113b1 / 113b3 → 113a2 → 113b2).

[0092] The shapes of the first and second guide plates 651, 652 and the connecting plate 653 can be determined taking into consideration the arrangement of elements (electrode terminals and electrode leads) to be electrically connected. Fig. 11 illustrates a first guide plate 651 formed in a C-shape to connect the first electrode terminal 161 to some of the electrode leads 113a1 and 113a3 of the first lead group, a second guide plate 652 formed in a T-shape to connect the second electrode terminal 162 to some of the electrode leads 113b2 of the second lead group, and a connecting plate 653 formed in a Y-shape to connect the remaining electrode lead 113a2 of the first lead group to the remaining electrode leads 113b1 and 113b3 of the second lead group.

[0093] Fig. 12 is a perspective view showing a seventh modification regarding the electrical connection of the guide plates in Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 12, a guide plate 750 may include first and second guide plates 751 and 752 and a connection plate 753.

[0094] The first guide plate 751 may be electrically connected to some of the electrode leads 113a1, 113a3 of the battery cell through contact. For example, when a group of adjacent electrode leads 113a1, 113b2, and 113a3 among the electrode leads of the battery cell is defined as a first lead group, and a group of adjacent electrode leads 113b1, 113a2, and 113b3 spaced apart from the first lead group is defined as a second lead group, the first guide plate 751 may be electrically connected to some of the electrode leads 113a1, 113a3 belonging to the first lead group through contact. The first guide plate 751 may include a conductive plate 751b for electrical connection through contact. The first guide plate 751 may include a first electrode terminal 161. For reference, in FIG. 12, some of the electrode leads 113a1, 113a2, 113a3 may be positive leads, and the remaining electrode leads 113b1, 113b2, 113b3 may be negative leads.

[0095] The second guide plate 752 may be electrically connected to other electrode leads 113b2 of the battery cell through contact. For example, the second guide plate 752 may be electrically connected to electrode leads 113b2 that do not contact the first guide plate 751 among the electrode leads belonging to the first lead group through contact. The second guide plate 752 may include a conductive plate 752b for electrical connection through contact. The second guide plate 752 may also include a second electrode terminal 162.

[0096] The connecting plate 753 may be electrically connected to another portion 113b1, 113a2, and 113b3 of the electrode leads of the battery cells through contact. Here, the another portion of the electrode leads of the battery cells may be all of the remaining electrode leads that are not connected to the first and second guide plates 751 and 752. For example, the connecting plate 753 may be electrically connected to the electrode leads 113b1, 113a2, and 113b3 belonging to the second lead group through contact, thereby electrically connecting them to each other. The connecting plate 753 may include a conductive plate 753b for electrical connection through contact.

[0097] The connection plate 753 can electrically connect the first electrode terminal 161 of the first guide plate 751 and the second electrode terminal 162 of the second guide plate 752 when the battery module is in operation. For example, in Fig. 12, the first electrode terminal 161 of the first guide plate 751 can be electrically connected to the second electrode terminal 162 of the second guide plate 752 through the electrical connection of the electrode leads (113a1 / 113a3 → 113b1 / 113b3 → 113a2 → 113b2).

[0098] The shapes of the first and second guide plates 751, 752 and the connecting plate 753 can be determined taking into consideration the arrangement of elements (electrode terminals and electrode leads) to be electrically connected. Fig. 12 illustrates a first guide plate 751 formed in a C-shape for connecting the first electrode terminal 161 to some of the electrode leads 113a1 and 113a3 of the first lead group, a second guide plate 752 formed in a T-shape for connecting the second electrode terminal 162 to the remaining electrode lead 113b2 of the first lead group, and a connecting plate 753 formed in a rectangular shape for connecting the electrode leads 113b1, 113a2, and 113b3 of the second lead group.

[0099] [Embodiment 2] Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing a battery pack 200 according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the battery pack 200 of Fig. 13. As shown in Fig. 13 and Fig. 14, the battery pack 200 according to this embodiment can include a plurality of battery modules 100 and a pack housing 210 that houses the plurality of battery modules 100.

[0100] The battery module 100 of this embodiment can be similar to the battery module 100 of the previous embodiment.

[0101] The pack housing 210 of this embodiment may be a housing having an internal space for accommodating a plurality of battery modules 100. Fig. 14 illustrates a housing formed of one bottom plate 211 and four vertical plates 213. Although Figs. 13 and 14 illustrate a housing with an open top, a plate for blocking the top opening may be further provided.

[0102] The battery module 100 can be placed in the pack housing 210 in the support frame 130 such that the lower surface of the lower plate 131 contacts the bottom surface of the interior of the pack housing 210 .

[0103] The battery module 100 may include a first guide plate 151 and a second guide plate 152. The first guide plate 151 and the second guide plate 152 are the same as those described in the first embodiment.

[0104] The above description is merely an illustrative example of the technical concept of the present invention, and various modifications and variations may be made by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention.

[0105] Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention is not limited by such embodiments.

[0106] The scope of protection of the present invention should be interpreted by the appended claims, and all technical ideas within the scope equivalent thereto should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 1. Pouch-type secondary battery 2 electrode assembly 15 Electrode tab 17 Electrode Lead 20 Pouch-type outer packaging material 21 Storage unit 23 Seal part 100 battery modules 110 battery cells 110 Pouch-type cell 110 cells 111 Pouch-type outer packaging material 113 Electrode Lead 130 Support Frame 131 Lower Plate 133 Side Plate 135 Top opening 137 Side opening 140 Thermally conductive resin 150 guide plate 151 First guide plate 152 Second guide plate 161 1st electrode terminal 162 2nd electrode terminal 200 battery packs 210 Pack Housing 211 Bottom Plate 213 Vertical Plate 250 guide plate 251 First guide plate 252 Second guide plate 253 Connecting Plate 350 guide plate 351 First guide plate 352 Second guide plate 353 Connecting Plate 450 guide plate 451 First guide plate 452 Second guide plate 453 Connecting Plate 550 guide plate 553 Connecting Plate 650 guide plate 651 First guide plate 652 Second guide plate 653 Connecting Plate 750 guide plate 751 First guide plate 752 Second guide plate 753 Connecting Plate 3531 First connecting plate 3532 Second connecting plate 4531 First connecting plate 4532 Second connecting plate

Claims

1. a pouch-type cell including an electrode assembly, a pouch-type outer casing that houses the electrode assembly, and an electrode lead that is electrically connected to the electrode assembly and extends outside the pouch-type outer casing; a support frame including a lower plate disposed corresponding to a lower surface of the pouch-type cell, and a pair of side plates extending upward from both ends of the lower plate in a width direction and forming, together with the lower plate, an accommodation space for accommodating at least a portion of the pouch-type cell, The electrode leads are disposed on the upper side of the pouch-type exterior material and are exposed to the outside of the support frame through an upper opening of the support frame.

2. The support frame includes:

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the lower surface of the lower plate is disposed inside a pack housing for accommodating a plurality of battery modules, the lower surface facing the bottom surface of the interior of the pack housing.

3. The support frame includes:

2. The battery module according to claim 1, further comprising: an upper opening formed between the side plates at upper ends of the side plates; and a pair of side openings formed between the side plates at both ends of the lower plate in the longitudinal direction.

4. The support frame includes: The battery module according to claim 3 , wherein the battery module does not include a member connected to at least one of the side plates and blocking the side opening entirely.

5. The support frame includes: The battery module according to claim 3 , wherein the battery module does not include a member connected to at least one of the side plates and entirely blocking the upper opening.

6. The horizontal length of the pouch-type exterior material is The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the height of the battery module is equal to or less than twice the height of the pouch-type exterior material.

7. The battery module according to claim 1 , further comprising a guide plate disposed above the pouch-type cell and having an insertion slot formed therein into which the electrode lead is inserted.

8. The guide plate is a first guide plate disposed above the pouch-type cell and having a first insertion slot formed therein into which a positive electrode lead of the electrode leads is inserted; a second guide plate disposed above the pouch-type cell and spaced apart from the first guide plate, the second guide plate having a second insertion slot formed therein into which a negative electrode lead of the electrode leads is inserted.

9. The guide plate is The battery module of claim 8 , further comprising a connection plate that electrically connects a positive electrode lead that is not inserted into the first insertion slot and a negative electrode lead that is not inserted into the second insertion slot.

10. a guide plate connected to the support frame at an upper side of the pouch-shaped cell; A plurality of the pouch-type cells are provided, The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of pouch-type cells includes a pair of the electrode leads spaced apart from each other.

11. When a group of electrode leads of the pouch-type cell that are arranged adjacent to each other is defined as a first lead group, and another group of electrode leads that are spaced apart from the first lead group and arranged adjacent to each other is defined as a second lead group, The guide plate is a first guide plate including a first electrode terminal, the first guide plate being electrically connected to at least one electrode lead of the first lead group through contact therewith; a second guide plate disposed apart from the first guide plate, electrically connected by contact with at least one electrode lead of the second lead group, and including a second electrode terminal; 11. The battery module of claim 10, further comprising: a connecting plate that electrically connects, through contact, the electrode leads of the first lead group that are not in contact with the first guide plate and the electrode leads of the second lead group that are not in contact with the second guide plate.

12. When a group of electrode leads of the pouch-type cell that are arranged adjacent to each other is defined as a first lead group, and another group of electrode leads that are spaced apart from the first lead group and arranged adjacent to each other is defined as a second lead group, The guide plate is a first guide plate including a first electrode terminal, the first guide plate being electrically connected to at least one electrode lead of the first lead group through contact therewith; a second guide plate disposed apart from the first guide plate, electrically connected by contact with at least one electrode lead of the second lead group, and including a second electrode terminal; a first connection plate that electrically connects, by contact, the plurality of electrode leads of the first lead group that are not in contact with the first guide plate; The battery module of claim 10 , further comprising: a second connection plate that electrically connects, through contact, the plurality of electrode leads of the second lead group that are not in contact with the second guide plate.

13. When a group of electrode leads of the pouch-type cell that are arranged adjacent to each other is defined as a first lead group, and another group of electrode leads that are spaced apart from the first lead group and arranged adjacent to each other is defined as a second lead group, The guide plate is a first guide plate including a first electrode terminal, the first guide plate being electrically connected to at least one electrode lead of the first lead group through contact therewith; a second guide plate including a second electrode terminal, the second guide plate being electrically connected to the electrode leads of the first lead group that are not in contact with the first guide plate through contact therewith; The battery module of claim 10 , further comprising: a connection plate that electrically connects the plurality of electrode leads of the second lead group by contact.

14. a plurality of battery modules; a pack housing that houses a plurality of the battery modules, Each of the battery modules comprises: a pouch-type cell including an electrode assembly, a pouch-type outer casing that houses the electrode assembly, and an electrode lead that is electrically connected to the electrode assembly and extends outside the pouch-type outer casing; a support frame including a lower plate disposed in correspondence with the lower surface of the pouch-type cell, and a pair of side plates extending upward from both ends of the lower plate in the width direction and forming, together with the lower plate, an accommodation space for accommodating at least a portion of the pouch-type cell; The battery pack, wherein the electrode leads are arranged on the upper side of the pouch-type exterior material and are exposed to the outside of the support frame through an upper opening of the support frame.

15. The support frame includes: The battery pack according to claim 14 , wherein the lower plate is disposed within the pack housing so that the lower surface of the lower plate faces the bottom surface of the interior of the pack housing.

16. The battery module includes: a first guide plate disposed above the pouch-type cell and having a first insertion slot formed therein into which a positive electrode lead of the electrode leads is inserted; 15. The battery pack of claim 14, further comprising: a second guide plate disposed above the pouch-type cell at a distance from the first guide plate, the second guide plate having a second insertion slot formed therein into which a negative electrode lead of the electrode leads is inserted.

17. a plurality of battery cells, each including an electrode assembly, a housing material that houses the electrode assembly, and a pair of electrode leads that are electrically connected to the electrode assembly and extend outside the housing material; a support frame that accommodates at least a portion of the battery cell; a guide plate connected to the support frame and electrically connected to the battery cells, The guide plate is a first guide plate including a first electrode terminal, the first guide plate being electrically connected to a portion of the electrode lead of the battery cell by contact with the first electrode terminal; a second guide plate including a second electrode terminal, the second guide plate being electrically connected to another portion of the electrode lead of the battery cell by contact with the other portion; a connecting plate electrically connected to another part of the electrode lead of the battery cell by contact therewith, electrically connecting the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal.

18. The first guide plate is 18. The battery module of claim 17, wherein the first electrode terminal is bent to be disposed on a surface of a polyhedron defined by the battery cell other than a surface from which an electrode lead electrically connected to the battery cell protrudes.

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