Battery module with improved electrical connection safety for battery cells.

Abstract

This invention provides a battery module that can improve the safety of electrical connections between battery cells even without welding. [Solution] The battery module 10 includes a first bracket 110 including a first tray in which a first well is formed, a second bracket 120 including a second tray in which a second well is formed, a plurality of cells 200 at least partially inserted into the first well and the second well, one or more first electrode bodies disposed between the first tray and the cells, one or more second electrode bodies disposed between the second tray and the cells, and one or more elastic coupling members that provide an elastic force that at least partially tightens the first bracket and the second bracket against each other in a third direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module with improved safety of electrical connection of battery cells, and more particularly, to a battery module capable of improving the safety of electrical connection of battery cells even when welding is not performed.

Background Art

[0002] A battery generally refers to a device that stores and then discharges electrical energy. With the development of technologies related to secondary batteries, the application fields of batteries have become diverse.

[0003] Generally, a battery cell refers to the basic unit of a battery having a shape such as a pouch shape, a square prism shape, or a cylindrical shape. In the case of a secondary battery, one cell can include a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a separator, etc. And a battery module is a modularized product in which a plurality of cells are connected in series or in parallel to provide a higher voltage and capacity. Furthermore, a large number of battery modules can be connected to constitute a battery pack via a battery management system (BMS).

[0004] Conventionally, a battery module may be manufactured by electrically connecting a plurality of cells in a manner such as welding a so-called bus bar to the battery cells.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Securing multiple cells by welding can be an effective way to maintain stable electrical connections between cells despite external shocks and vibrations. However, this can increase not only the manufacturing cost of the battery module but also its maintenance costs. For example, if only some of the cells in a battery module fail or reach the end of their lifespan, replacing only the faulty cells is extremely difficult and expensive due to the welded joints. Replacing a portion of the faulty cells may cost more than manufacturing a new battery module, which can lead to the disposal of healthy cells, and is undesirable from the perspective of efficient resource use and environmental protection.

[0006] On the other hand, if metal-to-metal fixation such as welding is not employed, changes in electrical characteristics can occur even if the arrangement of battery cells is slightly altered due to external shocks or vibrations.

[0007] Therefore, the problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a battery module in which the electrical characteristics do not change despite external impacts, by improving the contact safety between the positive / negative terminals of the cells included in the battery module and the metal conductors (electrodes) for connecting these terminals in series / parallel, even when the cells are not welded together.

[0008] The problems addressed by the present invention are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention for solving the aforementioned problems includes a first bracket including a first tray having a first well formed thereon, a second bracket including a second tray having a second well formed thereon, a plurality of cells at least partially inserted into the first well and the second well, one or more first electrode bodies disposed between the first tray and the cells, one or more second electrode bodies disposed between the second tray and the cells, and one or more elastic coupling members that provide an elastic force to tighten the first bracket and the second bracket together at least partially in a third direction.

[0010] The first bracket includes one or more protrusions positioned on its first end face, and the second bracket has a protruding groove formed on its second end face, and with the battery module coupled, the protrusions are at least partially inserted into the protruding groove, and the first end face and the second end face may face each other separated in a third direction.

[0011] The first tray includes one or more first ridges defining a plurality of first wells, the second tray includes one or more second ridges defining a plurality of second wells, the first ridges have first bolt holes formed therein, the second ridges have second bolt holes formed therein, and the battery module further includes bolts that are at least partially inserted into or pass through the first bolt holes or the second bolt holes, and with the battery module coupled, the lower surface of the first ridge where the first bolt holes are exposed and the upper surface of the second ridge where the second bolt holes are exposed may be separated and facing each other in the third direction.

[0012] The elastic connecting member may be arranged to fasten and connect the first end face of the first bracket and the second end face of the second bracket, which is spaced a third away from the first end face.

[0013] The first bracket further includes a plurality of first coupling posts protruding from a first tray, and the second bracket further includes a plurality of second coupling posts protruding from a second tray, wherein at least some of the plurality of first coupling posts include projections and other parts have projection grooves, and at least some of the plurality of second coupling posts include projections and other parts have projection grooves, and the first bracket including the first coupling posts and the second bracket including the second coupling posts can have an exclusive arrangement that does not overlap in any rotational state.

[0014] The first tray includes a circumferential portion and a central portion surrounded by the circumferential portion, and with the battery module attached, the circumferential portion and the central portion can be elastically deformed so that they have different heights in the third direction.

[0015] Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a battery cell and an electrode unit can be continuously held in close contact between a pair of first and second brackets using an elastic coupling member, even if the battery cell moves. Therefore, the electrical connection between the cell and the electrode unit can be stably maintained despite external shocks and vibrations. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the first bracket and the first electrode unit. [Figure 4] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the bottom surface of the first bracket and the first electrode unit. [Figure 5] Figure 3 is a plan view of the first bracket. [Figure 6] It is a bottom view of the first bracket in FIG. 3. [Figure 7] It is an exploded perspective view showing the second bracket and the second electrode unit in FIG. 2. [Figure 8] It is a perspective view showing the coupling clip spring in FIG. 2. [Figure 9] It is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A' in FIG. 1. [Figure 10] It is a view showing an enlarged A” region in FIG. 9. [Figure 11] It is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B' in FIG. 1. [Figure 12] It is a view showing an enlarged B” region in FIG. 11. [Figure 13] It is a view showing an enlarged B”’ region in FIG. 11. [Figure 14] It is a comparative cross-sectional view taken along the lines C-C' and E-E' in FIG. 5. [Figure 15] It is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the position in FIG. 14 changes during the process of assembling the battery module. [Figure 16] It is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the position in FIG. 14 changes during the process of assembling the battery module. [Figure 17] It is a cross-sectional view showing a state where no cell is interposed between the first bracket and the second bracket. [Figure 18] It is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] It is a perspective view of a battery module according to still another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] It is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 19. [Figure 21] It is a perspective view of a battery module according to still another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] It is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 21.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] The advantages, features, and methods for achieving them of the present invention will become clear upon detailed reference to the embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and can be embodied in a variety of different forms. The embodiments are provided only to complete the disclosure of the present invention and to fully inform those who are ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains of the invention, and the present invention is defined solely by the claims.

[0019] Furthermore, the claims are not matters that describe the technical content that constitutes the substance of the invention, but rather matters that indicate the scope of rights claimed based on the technical configuration disclosed in the detailed description of the invention. Therefore, it is somewhat inevitable that the claims will consist of abstract, higher-level concepts that include the technology disclosed in the detailed description of the invention, and if a person skilled in the art can understand the technical configuration belonging to the claims, its combination, and its effects throughout the entire specification, then the claims should be considered to be supported by the detailed description of the invention.

[0020] In other words, the embodiments presented in this invention are highly modifiable. The embodiments described below are not intended to limit us to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions thereto.

[0021] If any term disclosed herein is to be used with a specific meaning, that meaning may be defined and used accordingly, and should be interpreted accordingly. Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) should be used with a meaning commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. Furthermore, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should not be interpreted ideally or excessively unless explicitly defined otherwise.

[0022] In this specification, “and / or” includes each of the items mentioned and all combinations of one or more of them. Also, singular forms include plural forms unless otherwise specified in the statement. As used herein, “comprises” and / or “comprising” do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other components in addition to the components mentioned. A numerical range indicated using “from” indicates a range of numbers that includes the values ​​listed before and after it as the lower and upper limits, respectively. “Approximately” or “about” means a range of values ​​or numbers that are within 20% of the value or numerical range listed thereafter.

[0023] In this specification, when referring to components, ordinal modifiers such as "first component," "second component," and "1-1 component" are used merely to distinguish one component from another. Therefore, the first component referred to below may be replaced with the second component within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. For example, what is referred to as the first component in one embodiment may be referred to as the second component in another embodiment. Furthermore, it goes without saying that what is referred to as the first component in the description of the invention may be referred to as the second component in the claims.

[0024] The size, thickness, width, length, etc., of the components shown in the drawings may be exaggerated or reduced for the sake of clarity and ease of explanation; therefore, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated form.

[0025] Spatially relative terms such as "above," "upper," "on," "below," "beneath," and "lower" can be used to easily describe the correlation between one element or component and another, as shown in the drawing. Spatially relative terms should be understood to include different directions of elements in addition to the directions shown in the drawing. For example, when overturning elements shown in the drawing, an element described as "below or beneath" another element may be placed "above" the other element. Therefore, the exemplary term "below" can include both downward and upward directions.

[0026] In this specification, the first direction means any direction in a plane, the second direction means any other direction in the plane that intersects or is perpendicular to the first direction, and the third direction means yet another direction that intersects or is perpendicular to the plane.

[0027] Unless otherwise defined, the term "planar viewpoint" refers to a viewpoint viewed in a direction perpendicular to the aforementioned plane.

[0028] Furthermore, in this specification, the term “superimposed” may be used to describe the arrangement / relationship between configurations. For example, when one configuration is said to be superimposed in one direction, it means that from a viewpoint in that direction, the configuration and the other configuration may appear to overlap, and the imaginary line in that direction may extend to both the configuration and the other configuration. As another example, when one configuration is said to be superimposed in a planar viewpoint, it means that from a viewpoint perpendicular to the planar viewpoint, the configuration and the other configuration may appear to overlap.

[0029] As used herein, the term "most adjecent" means that no further configuration referred to as "configuration" is placed or located between one adjacent configuration and another configuration. For example, if configuration A and configuration A are most adjecent, no configuration referred to as configuration A can be placed between configuration A and another configuration, but a configuration referred to as configuration B can be placed between them.

[0030] In this specification, the term "battery module" refers to a collection of battery cells connected in series or parallel, and may be used interchangeably with "battery pack."

[0031] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0032] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of Figure 1. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the first bracket and first electrode unit of Figure 2. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the bottom of the first bracket and first electrode unit of Figure 3. Figure 5 is a top view of the first bracket of Figure 3, showing the first bracket having an arrangement for coupling the battery module, viewed from above. Figure 6 is a bottom view of the first bracket of Figure 3, showing the first bracket having an arrangement for coupling the battery module, viewed from below. Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view showing the second bracket and second electrode unit of Figure 2. Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the coupling clip spring of Figure 2.

[0033] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view obtained by cutting along the line A-A' in Figure 1, and is a cross-sectional view obtained by cutting in a second direction to show the center point of the two most adjacent cells. Figure 10 is a magnified view of area A'' in Figure 9. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view obtained by cutting along the line B-B' in Figure 1, and is a cross-sectional view obtained by cutting in a second direction to show the fastening bolt. Figure 12 is a magnified view of area B'' in Figure 11. Figure 13 is a magnified view of area B''' in Figure 11. Figure 14 is a comparative cross-sectional view obtained by cutting along the lines C-C' and E-E' in Figure 5.

[0034] Referring to Figures 1 to 14, the battery module 10 according to this embodiment includes a bracket 100 including a first bracket 110 and a second bracket 120, a plurality of battery cells 200 interposed between them, and an electrode unit 300 including a first electrode unit 310 and a second electrode unit 320, and may further include a fastening bolt 400 and a coupling clip spring 500.

[0035] The first bracket 110 (or upper bracket or upper housing or upper holder or upper chassis) and the second bracket 120 (or lower bracket or lower housing or lower holder or lower chassis) can provide a space between which the cell 200 is positioned.

[0036] The first bracket 110 may include a first tray 130 (or tray portion) and a plurality of first connecting posts 140 (or fixing posts or alignment posts). Similarly, the second bracket 120 may include a second tray 150 (or tray portion) and a plurality of second connecting posts 160 (or fixing posts or alignment posts). The first bracket 110 and the second bracket 120 may be made of an elastic plastic material such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyamide (PA) that is at least partially or entirely electrically nonconductive. That is, although Figure 4 shows the first tray 130 and the first connecting posts 140 disassembled for clarity of illustration, the first tray 130 and the first connecting posts 140 may be formed integrally without physical boundaries.

[0037] Each of the first tray 130 and the second tray 150 may have a concave well (or groove, cup, or cell housing groove) into which the upper and lower ends of the cell 200 are at least partially inserted, and into which the first electrode unit 310 and the second electrode unit 320 can be accommodated. Specifically, the first tray 130 has a plurality of first wells that form a first well wall 133s, and the first wells can be partitioned between the plurality of first wells by providing a first ridge 133 of the first tray 130. Similarly, the second tray 150 has a plurality of second wells that form a second well wall 153s, and the second wells can be partitioned between the plurality of second wells by providing a second ridge 153 of the second tray 150. In other words, the sides of the first ridge 133 may form the first well wall 133s, and the sides of the second ridge 153 may form the second well wall 153s. The first well wall surface 133s and the second well wall surface 153s can provide surfaces to which the third direction Z belongs at least partially. The base surfaces of the first and second wells can be defined by a bridge structure 131, which will be described later.

[0038] With the battery module 10 connected, the first connecting post 140 of the first bracket 110 and the second connecting post 160 of the second bracket 120 may be positioned to face each other. For example, with the battery module 10 connected, the first connecting post 140 may extend and protrude downward (towards the second tray 150) from the first tray 130, and the second connecting post 160 may extend and protrude upward (towards the first tray 130) from the second tray 150.

[0039] The first coupling post 140 may include a 1-1 post 140a, a 1-2 post 140b, a 1-3 post 140c, and a 1-4 post 140d. The 1-1 post 140a is a post that, when the battery module 10 is fastened, is superimposed on the cell 200 in the first direction X and positioned on one side of the first direction X (lower right side with respect to Figure 1). The 1-2 post 140b is a post that, when the battery module 10 is fastened, is superimposed on the cell 200 in the first direction X and positioned on the other side of the first direction X (upper left side with respect to Figure 1). The 1-1 post 140a and the 1-2 post 140b may be separated from each other in the first direction X. Alternatively, the 1-1 post 140a and the 1-2 post 140b may be superimposed on each other in the first direction X.

[0040] In other words, the first-first post 140a and the first-second post 140b may be positioned on the edge of the first tray 130 on the first direction X side (the edge extending in the second direction Y). In an exemplary embodiment, each of the first-first post 140a and the first-second post 140b may have a concave side surface surrounding the cell 200. For example, the concave side surface 140ss of the first-first post 140a and the first-second post 140b may be aligned with the first well wall surface 133s. The presence of concave side surfaces 140ss of the first-first post 140a and the first-second post 140b surrounding the cell 200 allows either the first-first post 140a or the first-second post 140b to overlap the cell 200 at least partially in the second direction Y when the battery module 10 is coupled.

[0041] The first to third posts 140c refer to posts that, when the battery module 10 is fastened, are superimposed on the cell 200 in the second direction Y and positioned on one side of the second direction Y (upper right side with respect to Figure 1, and lower left side with respect to Figure 4). In an exemplary embodiment, the first to third posts 140c may comprise four posts.

[0042] Furthermore, the 1st to 4th posts 140d refer to posts that, when the battery module 10 is fastened, are superimposed on the cell 200 in the second direction Y and positioned on the other side of the second direction Y (lower left side with reference to Figure 1, and upper right side with reference to Figure 4). In an exemplary embodiment, the 1st to 4th posts 140d may comprise four posts. Any of the 1st to 4th posts 140d can be separated from the 1st to 3rd posts 140c in the second direction Y. Also, each of the 1st to 4th posts 140d can be superimposed on the 1st to 3rd posts 140c in the second direction Y.

[0043] To further explain, the first-third posts 140c and the first-fourth posts 140d may be positioned on the second direction Y side edge (the edge extending in the first direction X) of the first tray 130. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the first-third posts 140c and the first-fourth posts 140d may have a concave side surface surrounding the cell 200. For example, the concave side surface 140ss of the first-third posts 140c and the first-fourth posts 140d may be aligned with the first well wall surface 133s. Because the first-third posts 140c and the first-fourth posts 140d have a concave side surface 140ss surrounding the cell 200, when the battery module 10 is coupled, the first-third posts 140c and the first-fourth posts 140d may either overlap the cell 200 at least partially in the first direction X.

[0044] Similarly, the second coupling post 160 may include a second-first post 160a, a second-second post 160b, a second-third post 160c, and a second-fourth post 160d. With the battery module 10 coupled, the second-first post 160a may be positioned to overlap with the first-first post 140a in the third direction Z, the second-second post 160b may overlap with the first-second post 140b in the third direction Z, the second-third post 160c may overlap with the first-third post 140c in the third direction Z, and the second-fourth post 160d may be positioned to overlap with the first-fourth post 140d in the third direction Z.

[0045] Specifically, the second-first post 160a refers to a post that, when the battery module 10 is fastened, is superimposed on the cell 200 in the first direction X and positioned on one side in the first direction X (the lower right side with respect to Figure 1). Using the projection-groove structure described later, the second-first post 160a can be aligned to have a shape and arrangement complementary to the first-first post 140a.

[0046] Furthermore, the second-second post 160b refers to a post that, when the battery module 10 is fastened, is superimposed on the cell 200 in the first direction X and positioned on the other side in the first direction X (upper left side with reference to Figure 1). The second-second post 160b can be aligned to have a shape and arrangement complementary to the first-second post 140b.

[0047] The second- and third posts 160c refer to posts that, when the battery module 10 is fastened, are superimposed on the cell 200 in the second direction Y and are positioned on one side in the second direction Y (upper right side with reference to Figure 1). The second- and third posts 160c can comprise four posts. Here, each second- and third post 160c can be aligned to have a shape and arrangement complementary to each of the first- and third posts 140c.

[0048] Furthermore, the second-to-fourth posts 160d refer to posts that, when the battery module 10 is fastened, are superimposed on the cell 200 in the second direction Y and positioned on the other side in the second direction Y (lower left side with reference to Figure 1). The second-to-fourth posts 160d can comprise four posts. Here, each second-to-fourth post 160d can be aligned to have a shape and arrangement complementary to each of the first-to-fourth posts 140d.

[0049] Posts 2-1 160a to 2-4 160d may also have concave sides 160ss surrounding the cell 200. Furthermore, the arrangement and / or sequence of posts 2-1 160a to 2-4 160d can be understood in the same way as posts 1-1 140a to 1-4 140d which are connected to them, so a redundant explanation is omitted.

[0050] Any cell 200 located at a corner among the multiple cells 200 arranged in the first direction X and the second direction Y may be surrounded by multiple posts. For example, any cell located at the lower right end with respect to Figure 2 may be surrounded by the 1-1 post 140a, the 1-4 post 140d, the 2-1 post 160a, and the 2-4 post 160d in a planar view. Furthermore, cell 200 may be in contact with the inner surface 140ss of the first connecting post 140 and the inner surface 160ss of the second connecting post 160.

[0051] In an exemplary embodiment, the first-first post 140a has a recessed projection groove 140h extending from its end face 140u (upper end face with reference to Figure 4), and the second-first post 160a may include a post projection 160p further protruding from its end face 160u (upper end face with reference to Figure 7). Furthermore, the first-second post 140b may include a post projection 140p further protruding from its end face 140u, and the second-second post 160b may have a recessed projection groove 160h extending from its end face 160u.

[0052] Furthermore, at least part or all of the first to third posts 140c may have a projection groove 140h, and at least part or all of the first to fourth posts 140d may include a post projection 140p. And at least part or all of the second to third posts 160c may include a post projection 160p, and at least part or all of the second to fourth posts 160d may have a projection groove 160h.

[0053] For example, the 1-1 post 140a, the 1-3 post 140c, the 2-2 post 160b, and the 2-4 post 160d may have recessed projections 140h, 160h extending from their end faces 140u, 160u. The end faces 140u, 160u can form the uppermost end faces of the respective posts 140a, 140c, 160b, and 160d. Furthermore, the 1-2 post 140b, the 1-4 post 140d, the 2-1 post 160a, and the 2-3 post 160c may include post projections 140p, 160p positioned on their end faces 140u, 160u.

[0054] When configured as described above, the 1-1 post 140a and the 2-1 post 160a, the 1-2 post 140b and the 2-2 post 160b, the 1-3 post 140c and the 2-3 post 160c, and the 1-4 post 140d and the 2-4 post 160d have complementary shapes, and the post projections 140p and 160p can be at least partially inserted into the projection grooves 140h and 160h.

[0055] In particular, by configuring the first bracket 110 and the second bracket 120 as described above, so that they have different structures from each other, it becomes possible for an assembler of the battery module 10 to distinguish between the first bracket 110 and the second bracket 120. In other words, the ease of assembly can be improved. To put it another way, the first brackets 110 do not need to be connected to each other, and the second brackets 120 do not need to be connected to each other.

[0056] Furthermore, although not shown in the drawings, at least some of the electrode bodies of the electrode units 310 and 320 may have protrusions for connection to other electrical components outside the battery module 10. Here, the protrusions of the electrode bodies can be routed through grooves or recesses formed in the trays 130 and 150. Thus, for series / parallel connection of the cells 200, assembly is required in the intended arrangement, and by having an exclusive arrangement in which the first bracket 110 and the second bracket 120 do not overlap regardless of their rotational state, assembly can be made possible only in a predetermined direction, thereby increasing the convenience of assembly / manufacturing.

[0057] To explain in more detail, as shown in Figures 4 and 7, with the first tray 130 placed on the bottom and the first connecting posts 140 arranged to protrude upward, and the second tray 150 placed on the bottom and the second connecting posts 160 arranged to protrude upward, the first bracket 110 and the second bracket 120 can be arranged in any configuration without overlapping the first connecting posts 140 and the second connecting posts 160.

[0058] For example, as shown in Figures 4 and 7, when the first-third posts 140c and the second-third posts 160c are placed in the same direction, and the first-fourth posts 140d and the second-fourth posts 160d are placed in the same direction, a post having a projection groove 140h (e.g., the first-first post 140a) is located on one side of the first bracket 110 in the first direction X, and a post including a post projection 140p (e.g., the first-second post 140b) is located on the other side in the first direction X. A post including a post projection 160p (e.g., the second-first post 160a) is located on one side of the second bracket 120, and a post having a projection groove 160h (e.g., the second-second post 160b) is located on the other side, and the first bracket 110 and the second bracket 120 can be arranged in an mutually exclusive configuration.

[0059] Alternatively, for example, when the first bracket 110 is placed in the state shown in Figure 4, and the second bracket 120 is rotated to position the 1-1 post 140a and the 2-2 post 160b in the same direction, and the 1-2 post 140b and the 2-1 post 160a in the same direction, a post having a projection groove 140h (e.g., the 1-3 post 140c) is located on one side of the first bracket 110 in the second direction Y, and a post including a post projection 140p (e.g., the 1-4 post 140d) is located on the other side of the second direction Y, and a post including a post projection 160p (e.g., the 2-3 post 160c) is located on one side of the second bracket 120, and a post having a projection groove 160h (e.g., the 2-4 post 160d) is located on the other side, the first bracket 110 and the second bracket 120 can be arranged in an mutually exclusive configuration.

[0060] As described above, the brackets 110 and 120 according to the present invention may include posts 140 and 160. The posts 140 and 160 have projections 140p and 160p and projection grooves 140h and 160h, and rather than the brackets 110 and 120 (or their posts 140 and 160) forming a fixed joint with each other, the posts 140 and 160 in this embodiment are provided to align the horizontal position between the first bracket 110 and the second bracket 120, and although they can contact each other and slide in the third direction Z, their vertical ends and end faces 140u and 160u are separated from each other, so that even if external vibrations occur, they may be provided to keep the cell 200 tightly fastened in the third direction Z with a constant force determined by the elastic force of the elastic coupling member. In this regard, it is also possible to provide structures of a different type than post shapes extending in the third direction Z, which will be disclosed in other embodiments described later, and various other modifications can be considered by those skilled in the art.

[0061] On the other hand, each of the first tray 130 and the second tray 150 may have an elastic deformation structure 131 that includes a circumferential portion 131a (or first portion or tray base portion), a bridge portion 131c (or second portion), a central portion 131b (or island portion or third portion), and further includes a central protrusion 131d. Since the circumferential portion 131a, the bridge portion 131c, and the central portion 131b are substantially the same in the first tray 130 and the second tray 150, Figures 5 and 6 show only the first tray 130.

[0062] That is, any of the trays, for example, the first tray 130, may include a circumferential portion 131a, a central portion 131b, and a bridge portion 131c connecting the circumferential portion 131a and the central portion 131b. In an exemplary embodiment, in a plan view, the central portion 131b may not be a perfect circle but a ring shape with an opening. This facilitates elastic deformation near the central portion 131b. As will be described later, with the battery module 10 coupled, the central portion 131b can perfectly overlap with the corresponding cells 200 in the third direction Z. Further explanation is that any configuration referred to as the central portion 131b may be arranged to overlap with the cell 200 and / or the extended portions 331, 351 of the electrode body in the third direction Z.

[0063] The circumferential portion 131a can mean the other parts of trays 130 and 150 that surround the central portion 131b from a planar perspective. In other words, the circumferential portion 131a refers to any part of trays 130 and 150 that does not overlap with the central portion 131b in the third direction Z, and a part of the circumferential portion 131a can overlap with the cell 200 and / or the extension portions 331 and 351 of the electrode body in the third direction Z. The other part of the circumferential portion 131a does not have to overlap with the cell 200 and / or the extension portions 331 and 351 in the third direction Z.

[0064] The bridge portion 131c can connect the circumferential portion 131a and the central portion 131b. The circumferential portion 131a, the bridge portion 131c, and the central portion 131b may be formed integrally without physical boundaries, and as mentioned above, they include an elastically deformable material. Figure 5 illustrates a case where one of the central portions 131b is connected to the circumferential portion 131a via four bridge portions 131c, but there may be three or five or more bridge portions 131c. The bridge portion 131c can define a bridge opening 131g.

[0065] Furthermore, a central projection 131d may be further positioned on the lower surface of the central portion 131b of the first tray 130, i.e., on the surface facing the cell 200, and a central projection 131d may also be further positioned on the upper surface of the central portion 131b of the second tray 150, i.e., on the surface facing the cell 200. The effects of using the circumferential portion 131a, central portion 131b, elastic bridge portion 131c, and central projection 131d, and the relationship between the arrangement / arrangement of the electrode units 310, 320 and the cell 200 for this purpose will be described later.

[0066] The first tray 130 further includes a first ridge 133 projecting downward from the lower surface that overlaps its circumferential portion 131a in the third direction Z, and the second tray 150 may further include a second ridge 153 projecting upward from the upper surface that overlaps its circumferential portion 131a in the third direction Z. The outer surface of the first ridge 133 can form a first well wall surface 133s with a partially arc-shaped form on a plane, and the outer surface of the second ridge 153 can form a second well wall surface 153s with a partially arc-shaped form on a plane.

[0067] A first bolt hole 130h is formed in the first ridge 133 into which a tightening bolt 400 (described later) is inserted, and a second bolt hole 150h is formed in the second ridge 153 into which a tightening bolt 400 is inserted. The first bolt hole 130h may be exposed through the lower end surface 130s (or the bottom surface of the ridge, or the upper end surface with reference to Figure 4) of the first ridge 133, and the second bolt hole 150h may be exposed through the upper end surface 150s (or the top surface of the ridge) of the second ridge 153. Either the first ridge 133 or the second ridge 153 can face each other separated in a third direction Z. Specifically, with the tightening bolt 400 tightened and the battery module 10 connected, the lower end surface 130s (or the upper end surface with reference to Figure 4) of the first ridge 133 and the upper end surface 150s of the second ridge 153 can be separated in a third direction Z. The fastening structure using the first bolt hole 130h, the second bolt hole 150h, and the tightening bolt 400 will be described later.

[0068] The battery cell 200 may be interposed between the first tray 130 and the second tray 150. Figure 2 illustrates a case where multiple cells 200 are arranged in a first direction X (5 cells) and a second direction Y (2 cells), but the present invention is not limited to this. The upper end of each cell 200 may be inserted into a first well provided in the first tray 130, and the lower end may be inserted into a second well provided in the second tray 150.

[0069] Furthermore, a first electrode unit 310 (or upper electrode unit or upper conductor unit) may be interposed between the cell 200 and the first tray 130 by crimping, and a second electrode unit 320 (or lower electrode unit or lower conductor unit) may be interposed between the cell 200 and the second tray 150 by crimping. As a non-limiting example, if the first electrode unit 310 and / or the second electrode unit 320 are not directly bonded to the cell 200 by means of welding or other means, and the first bracket 110 and the second bracket 120 are removed, the cell 200 and the electrode units 310, 320 may be in a disassemblable state.

[0070] In exemplary embodiments, the first electrode unit 310 includes a plurality of physically separated electrode bodies (or upper conductive plates), and the second electrode unit 320 may include a plurality of physically separated electrode bodies (or lower conductive plates). For example, the first electrode unit 310 includes a 1-1 electrode body 310a, a 1-2 electrode body 310b, and a 1-3 electrode body 310c, and the second electrode unit 320 may include a 2-1 electrode body 320a, a 2-2 electrode body 320b, and a 2-3 electrode body 320c. The 1-1 electrode bodies 310a to 1-3 electrode bodies 310c may have the same or different shapes, and the 2-1 electrode bodies 320a to 2-3 electrode bodies 320c may have the same or different shapes.

[0071] The first electrode unit 310 and the second electrode unit 320 can contact the upper terminals (e.g., top caps) and lower terminals (e.g., bottom caps) of the multiple cells 200 to provide an electrical connection path. This allows at least some of the multiple cells 200 to be connected in series and / or parallel to provide a higher capacitance, etc. The shapes, number, etc. of the aforementioned electrode bodies 310a, 310b, 310c, 320a, 320b, and 320c are not limited to those shown in the drawings and can be appropriately provided for any desired series / parallel connection structure.

[0072] Any electrode body of an electrode unit, for example, the first-first electrode body 310a, may include a first extension portion 331 and a first connecting portion 332. Similarly, the second-first electrode body 320a may include a second extension portion 351 and a second connecting portion 352. With the battery module 10 coupled, the first extension portion 331 and the second extension portion 351 can be superimposed at least partially on any one of the cells 200 in a third direction Z. A plurality of first extension portions 331 provided by any electrode body, for example, the first-first electrode body 310a, for electrically connecting adjacent cells 200 can be connected to each other via the first connecting portion 332, and a plurality of second extension portions 351 provided by the second-first electrode body 320a for electrically connecting adjacent cells 200 can be connected to each other via the second connecting portion 352. Here, the width of each connecting portion 332, 352 may be smaller than the width of each extension portion 331, 351.

[0073] The maximum planar width of either electrode body's extension portion 331, 351 may be greater than the maximum width of the central portion 131b of the bridge structure 131 that defines the base surface of the corresponding well. That is, the extension portions 331, 351 can overlap at least partially with the bridge opening 131g in the third direction Z. Furthermore, either electrode body's extension portion 331, 351 can overlap at least partially with the circumferential portion 131a, as well as the central portion 131b and the bridge portion 131c, in the third direction Z. To elaborate further, the planar edges of the extension portions 331, 351 may interfere with the circumferential portion 131a. Also, the bridge opening 131g in its open form can be completely sealed by the extension portions 331, 351, specifically the reference portions 331a, 351a.

[0074] The extensions 331 and 351 of each electrode body 310a, 310b, 310c, 320a, 320b, and 320c can be inserted into wells provided in trays 130 and 150. For example, each of the first extensions 331 of the first electrode bodies 310a, 310b, and 310c of the first electrode unit 310 can be inserted into the first well, and each of the second extensions 351 of the second electrode bodies 320a, 320b, and 320c of the second electrode unit 320 can be inserted into the second well.

[0075] Furthermore, although the extensions of different electrode bodies are separated from each other, as mentioned above, the extensions 331 and 351 of any one electrode body are connected via connecting parts 332 and 352. Here, each tray 130 and 150 can have a connecting recess 133p so that the connecting parts 332 and 352 can be inserted. In other words, the connecting parts 332 and 352 of each electrode body 310a, 310b, 310c, 320a, 320b, and 320c can be inserted into the connecting recess 133p provided in the trays 130 and 150. For example, each of the first connecting parts 332 of the first electrode bodies 310a, 310b, and 310c of the first electrode unit 310 can be inserted into the first connecting recess 133p, and each of the second connecting parts 352 of the second electrode bodies 320a, 320b, and 320c of the second electrode unit 320 can be inserted into the second connecting recess.

[0076] Furthermore, the extended portions 331 and 351 of each electrode body 310a, 310b, 310c, 320a, 320b, and 320c may include reference portions 331a and 351a and stepped portions 331b and 351b. The stepped portions 331b and 351b may refer to portions that curve in or protrude in the third direction Z compared to the reference portions 331a and 351a, thereby forming a step.

[0077] The first extension portion 331 of the first electrode bodies 310a, 310b, and 310c of the first electrode unit 310, which is positioned above the cell 200, may include a first stepped portion 331b that protrudes downward from the first reference portion 331a. Specifically, when the first electrode unit 310 is not crimped and positioned but is arranged to be positioned above the cell 200, the height of the upper surface of the first reference portion 331a may be higher than the height of the upper surface of the first stepped portion 331b, and the height of the lower surface of the first reference portion 331a may be higher than the height of the lower surface of the first stepped portion 331b. The heights of the upper and lower surfaces of the first reference portion 331a may be the same as the heights of the upper and lower surfaces of the first connecting portion 332.

[0078] Similarly, the second extension portion 351 of the second electrode bodies 320a, 320b, and 320c of the second electrode unit 320, which is positioned below the cell 200, may include a second stepped portion 351b that protrudes upward from the second reference portion 351a. Specifically, when the second electrode unit 320 is not crimped and positioned but is arranged to be positioned below the cell 200, the height of the upper surface of the second reference portion 351a may be lower than the height of the upper surface of the second stepped portion 351b, and the height of the lower surface of the second reference portion 351a may be lower than the height of the lower surface of the second stepped portion 351b. The heights of the upper and lower surfaces of the second reference portion 351a may be the same as the heights of the upper and lower surfaces of the second connecting portion 352.

[0079] In this embodiment, the battery module 10 has multiple cells 200 arranged between a first bracket 110 and a second bracket 120, a first electrode unit 310 interposed between the first bracket 110 and the cells 200, and a second electrode unit 320 interposed between the second bracket 120 and the cells 200. The first electrode unit 310 can be brought into close contact with the first bracket 110 and the cells 200, and the second electrode unit 320 can be brought into close contact with the second bracket 120 and the cells 200, using a tightening bolt 400 and a connecting clip spring 500.

[0080] The fastening bolt 400 may include a bolt threaded portion 420 and a head portion 410. The bolt threaded portion 420 can be at least partially inserted into or pass through the first bolt hole 130h of the first bracket 110 and the second bolt hole 150h of the second bracket 120, thereby providing a force that moves the first tray 130 and the second tray 150 toward the third direction Z. For this purpose, threaded portions may be formed on the inner walls of the first bolt hole 130h and the second bolt hole 150h. In addition, with the fastening bolt 400 inserted, the circumferential portions 131a of the first tray 130 and the second tray 150 can be at least partially elastically deformed.

[0081] In some embodiments, when a tightening bolt 400 is inserted from the upper side, i.e., the first bracket 110 side, a head-receiving groove 130g may be formed on the upper side (upper side with reference to Figure 1) of the first tray 130 so that the head portion 410 of the tightening bolt 400 does not protrude outward. Furthermore, an inclined surface, such as a bolt-guiding groove 150g, may be formed on the second tray 150 so that a tightening bolt 400 having a long length in the third direction Z can be easily inserted into the second bolt hole 150h after passing through the first bolt hole 130h. The bolt-guiding groove 150g is a groove shape with an inclined surface that narrows towards the lower side (lower side with reference to Figure 1), and the bolt-guiding groove 150g can communicate with the second bolt hole 150h.

[0082] The tightening bolts 400 in this embodiment are not merely provided to fix the first bracket 110 and the second bracket 120 so as not to separate, but can be provided to provide a force that brings the first bracket 110 and the second bracket 120 as close to each other as possible in the third direction Z. In particular, when a plurality of cells 200 are arranged in the first direction X and the second direction Y to form a substantially matrix, they can be provided to tighten the first bracket 110 and the second bracket 120 together inside or near the center of the set of cells 200. For this purpose, in a plan view, any tightening bolt 400 can be positioned so as to be directly surrounded by four cells 200.

[0083] To explain in more detail, imaginary lines in the first direction X and / or second direction Y that pass through the center of either fastening bolt 400 in the plane do not pass through cell 200. In other words, cell 200 is not shown in a cross-section cut in the first direction X or second direction Y to indicate the center of the fastening bolt 400 in the plane.

[0084] Furthermore, a hypothetical line passing through the center of either of the fastening bolts 400 on the plane and forming a 45-degree angle with respect to the first direction X and the second direction Y in the plane to which the first direction X and the second direction Y belong can pass through cell 200. To elaborate further, when any of the multiple cells 200 are defined as a first cell and a second cell (where the second cell is any cell that does not overlap with the first cell and the first direction X and the second direction Y), the fastening bolt 400 can be shown in a cross-section cut to indicate the center of the first cell and the second cell on the plane. For example, a fastening bolt 400 can be located between any of the first cells and the second cell that is closest to the first cell in the diagonal direction (where the diagonal direction is 45 degrees with respect to the first direction X and the second direction Y).

[0085] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the first bolt hole 130h may be exposed through the lower end surface 130s (or first end surface) of the first ridge 133, and the second bolt hole 150h may be exposed through the upper end surface 150s (or second end surface) of the second ridge 153. As a non-restrictive example, the lower end surface 130s of the first ridge 133 may be the surface that forms the highest height of the first ridge 133 when the first tray 130 is arranged as shown in Figure 4, and the upper end surface 150s of the second ridge 153 may be the surface that forms the highest height of the second ridge 153 when the second tray 150 is arranged as shown in Figure 7.

[0086] Here, with the battery module 10 coupled, the first ridge 133 and the second ridge 153 overlap in the third direction Z, and the lower end surface 130s of the first ridge 133 and the upper end surface 150s of the second ridge 153 do not need to be separated from each other in the third direction Z and not connected to each other. If, unlike the present invention, the first ridge 133 and the second ridge 153 are in contact in the third direction Z, then despite the coupling using bolts, the interference between the ridges will not tighten the first tray 130 and the second tray 150, inducing elastic deformation and thus achieving a tighter fit. In other words, the degree of contact between the trays is determined by the height of the ridges, so the effects of the present invention cannot be achieved.

[0087] On the other hand, the first connecting post 140 and the second connecting post 160 may have clip fastening grooves 141g and 161g. The clip fastening grooves 141g and 161g may form a first engaging portion 141 (or first engaging structure) on the first connecting post 140 and a second engaging portion 161 (or second engaging structure) on the second connecting post 160.

[0088] The coupling clip spring 500 (or fixing clip, leaf spring, or elastic coupling member) may be made of an elastic metal material. The coupling clip spring 500 may include an extension 510, an upper clamp portion 521 and a lower clamp portion 522 extending in the same direction from both ends of the extension 510 in a third direction Z, an upper pressing portion 531 that is bent and extends at the upper clamp portion 521, and a lower pressing portion 532 that is bent and extends at the lower clamp portion 522. For example, with the first bracket 110 and the second bracket 120 arranged in the third direction Z, the upper clamp portion 521 and the lower clamp portion 522 are spaced apart and facing each other in the third direction Z, the upper clamp portion 521 is at least partially inserted into the clip fastening groove 141g of the first coupling post 140 and provides downward pressure to the first engaging portion 141, and the lower clamp portion 522 is at least partially inserted into the clip fastening groove 161g of the second coupling post 160 and provides upward pressure to the second engaging portion 161. The present invention is not limited thereto, but the user can separate the coupling clip spring 500 from the clip fastening grooves 141g and 161g by pushing the upper pressing portion 531 downward and the lower pressing portion 532 upward.

[0089] The aforementioned coupling clip spring 500 can be provided to fix to each other any first coupling post 140 and any second coupling post 160 which are connected complementaryly to each other. As previously stated, when the coupling clip spring 500 is inserted into the clip fastening grooves 141g and 161g and the battery module 10 is coupled, the post projection 140p of any first coupling post 140 is inserted into the projection groove 160h of any second coupling post 160, and the post projection 160p of any other second coupling post 160 is inserted into the projection groove 140h of any other first coupling post 140. Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, when the coupling clip spring 500 is inserted into the clip fastening grooves 141g and 161g and the battery module 10 is coupled, the first end face 140u of any first coupling post 140 and the second end face 160u of any second coupling post 160, whose horizontal positions are aligned by the projection-groove structure, can be separated from each other in a third direction Z.

[0090] In this embodiment, the first coupling post 140 and the second coupling post 160 are provided to align the first bracket 110 and the second bracket 120 horizontally, and the coupling clip spring 500 coupled to the coupling posts 140 and 160 is not merely provided to fix the first bracket 110 and the second bracket 120 so as not to separate, but can be provided to continuously apply a force that causes the first bracket 110 and the second bracket 120 to be tightened toward each other in a third direction Z. For example, the aforementioned tightening bolt 400 can provide a tightening force in the central region between the cells 200 in a plan view, while the coupling clip spring 500 can provide a tightening force in the edge region surrounding the cells 200 in a plan view.

[0091] Here, even when the battery module 10 is coupled and sufficiently tightened, the first tray 130 and the second tray 150 can be brought into close contact by ensuring that the first end faces 140u of all first coupling posts 140 and the second end faces 160u of all second coupling posts 160 are separated. If, unlike the present invention, the first end faces and the second end faces are in contact, then despite the coupling using coupling clip springs, interference between the first end faces 140u and the second end faces 160u would prevent the first tray 130 and the second tray 150 from being tightened and elastically deformed to achieve a tighter fit. In other words, the degree of contact between the trays is determined by the height of the first and second coupling posts, and therefore the effects of the present invention cannot be achieved.

[0092] The following describes the structure in which electrode units 310 and 320 are in close contact. As shown in Figures 10 and 14, when the battery module 10 is coupled, that is, when the first bracket 110 and the second bracket 120 are tightened together in the third direction Z by the aforementioned tightening bolts 400 and / or coupling clip springs 500, and the cells 200, electrode units 310, 320 and trays 130, 150 are in close contact, the central portion 131b of either tray can form a height in the third direction Z that is different from the circumferential portion 131a. For example, using the upper first tray 130 as a reference, the difference HD between the height of the upper surface of the central portion 131b and the height of the upper surface of the circumferential portion 131a may be approximately 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm.

[0093] In other words, with the battery module 10 connected, the trays 130, 140 of the brackets 110, 120 and the electrode units 310, 320 may be elastically deformed at least partially and have a different shape than before connection. Specifically, taking the first bracket 110 as an example, the cell 200 pushes the bottom surface of the first electrode unit 310 and the first bracket 110 upward, causing the extended portion 331 of the first electrode unit 310 to deform, and the elastic bridge portion 131c may also deform. Refer further to Figures 15 to 17 in this regard.

[0094] Figures 15 and 16 are cross-sectional views showing how the positions in Figure 14 change during the assembly of the battery module. Specifically, Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the first bracket, first electrode unit, and cell are not crimped together, and Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view showing the process in which the first electrode unit and first bracket undergo elastic deformation as the first bracket, first electrode unit, and cell are crimped together during the assembly process.

[0095] Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where no cell is interposed between the first bracket and the second bracket, and it is a cross-sectional view showing the position corresponding to Figure 11.

[0096] The following explanation will use the first bracket 110 and the first electrode unit 310, which are positioned above the cell 200, as an example, but variations of the second bracket 120 and the second electrode unit 320 can be understood in a similar manner.

[0097] Referring further to Figures 15 to 17, first, as shown in Figure 15, when no direct compressive force is applied between the electrode body of either the first bracket 110 or the first electrode unit 310 and the cell 200 (when the battery module 10 is not coupled), the upper surfaces of the circumferential portion 131a, the central portion 131b, and the bridge portion 131c form the same height, and the upper surface of the first tray 130 can be approximately flat.

[0098] Furthermore, the upper surfaces of the reference portion 331a and the stepped portion 331b of the extension portion 331 of either electrode body of the first electrode unit 310 are located at different heights, and a roughly flat upper surface space can be formed. In this state, as the cell 200 moves upward, the lower surface of the stepped portion 331b can come into contact with the upper terminal of the cell 200. For example, as shown in Figure 15, if the protrusion height H131d of the protrusion portion 131d is greater than the depth G331 of the stepped portion 331b, the lower end of the protrusion portion 131d may come into contact with the upper surface of the stepped portion 331b, and the reference portion 331a may be separated from the central portion 131b and the bridge portion 131c in the third direction Z. Here, the depth G331 of the stepped portion 331b can be defined as the height difference between the upper surface of the stepped portion 331b and the upper surface of the reference portion 331a and / or the height difference between the lower surface of the stepped portion 331b and the lower surface of the reference portion 331a, when no other external force is applied.

[0099] Then, as shown in Figure 16, as the cell 200 moves further upward, the bridge portion 131c can elastically deform before the shape of the extended portion 331 of the electrode body deforms. For example, as shown in the upper part of Figure 16, the lower surface of the stepped portion 331b remains in contact with the upper terminal of the cell 200, and the upper surface of the stepped portion 331b is in contact with the lower end of the protruding portion 131d, but the central portion 131b and the protruding portion 131d are pushed slightly upward and the bridge portion 131c can elastically deform. Here, the bridge portion 131c can be separated at least partially from the reference portion 331a. As in this embodiment, the upper electrode body has a stepped portion 331b that extends downward, and the lower electrode body has a stepped portion 331b that extends upward, so that the cell 200 can receive a large force during the process of making close contact and deform as it makes close contact.

[0100] Subsequently, as the cell 200 moves further upward, for example, when the battery module 10 is coupled, the upper surface of the reference portion 331a can elastically deform and tilt while in contact with the lower surfaces of the circumferential portion 131a and the central portion 131b. Then, the upper surface of the stepped portion 331b further pushes up the protruding portion 131d and the central portion 131b, and the bridge portion 131c can deform even more.

[0101] On the other hand, Figure 11, mentioned above, shows the state in which the battery module 10 is coupled, and Figure 17 shows the state in which the first bracket 110 and the second bracket 120 are coupled so as close as possible to the third direction Z when no cells are present.

[0102] As mentioned above, when the cell 200 is present, upward and downward forces can be applied to the first tray 130 and the second tray 150, respectively. Therefore, when the battery module 10 is coupled, the distance D100 in the third direction Z between the circumference 131a of the first tray 130 and the circumference 131a of the second tray 150 is substantially the same as the length H200 of the cell 200 in the third direction Z, or, considering the thickness of the electrode body, may be slightly larger than the length H200. This may be because a tightening force is applied near the circumference 131a by the tightening bolt 400. Furthermore, when the battery module 10 is coupled, the post projections 140p, 160p of the coupling posts 140, 160 are not fully inserted into the projection grooves 140h, 160h, and therefore the end face 140u of the first coupling post 140 and the end face 160u of the second coupling post 160 may be separated in the third direction Z.

[0103] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 17, if the cell 200 is not present, the first bracket 110 and the second bracket 120 can be brought into even closer contact with the third direction Z. For example, the post protrusions 140p and 160p can be fully inserted into the protrusion grooves 140h and 160h, and / or the end face 140u of the first coupling post 140 and the end face 160u of the second coupling post 160 can be in contact. Here, the distance D100' in the third direction Z between the circumference 131a of the first tray 130 and the circumference 131a of the second tray 150 may be smaller than the distance D100 when the battery module 10 is coupled and the height H200 of the cell 200.

[0104] The structure of the expanded portion 331, including the reference portion 331a and stepped portion 331b of the electrode units 310 and 320 described above, the elastic bridge structure 131, including the protruding portion 131d, central portion 131b, bridge portion 131c, and circumferential portion 131a, and their elastic deformations allow the cell 200 to be tightened and sufficiently pressed together regardless of the distance D100' defined by the coupling posts 140 and 160. If, unlike the present invention, the cell 200 is coupled using a mechanical structure such as coupling posts, it would be impossible to eliminate displacement of the cell 200 due to external shocks and / or vibrations, and thus a stable electrical connection could not be guaranteed.

[0105] Other embodiments of the present invention will be described below. However, a description of configurations substantially equivalent to those described above will be omitted. This should be easily understood by an ordinary person skilled in the art from the accompanying drawings.

[0106] Figure 18 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0107] Referring to Figure 18, the battery module 11 according to this embodiment may further include a fastening elastic body 600 in addition to the battery module shown in Figure 1 and the like.

[0108] The first tray of the first bracket 110 may have at least one first insertion groove 135g for fastening elastic body, and the second tray of the second bracket 120 may have at least one second insertion groove 155g for fastening elastic body. The first insertion groove 135g and the second insertion groove 155g can be superimposed in the third direction Z.

[0109] The fastening elastic body 600 (or fastening steel wire) may be a wire member made of an elastic material, such as metal. By using the fastening elastic body 600, the first bracket 110 and the second bracket 120 can be further tightened in the third direction Z from the outside of the battery module 11, thereby further enhancing the safety of the cell 200 placement.

[0110] Figure 19 is a perspective view of a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 20 is an exploded perspective view of Figure 19.

[0111] Referring to Figures 19 and 20, the battery module 12 according to this embodiment includes a first bracket 110, a second bracket 120, and battery cells 200 and electrode units 310 and 320 interposed between them. This differs from embodiments such as Figure 1 in that the coupling posts are omitted from the second bracket 120.

[0112] In other words, the battery module of the present invention includes a first bracket 110 and a second bracket 120, and either one of the coupling posts of the first bracket 110 or the second bracket 120 may be omitted.

[0113] In this embodiment, the second bracket 120 includes a second tray 150 in which a second well is formed and a projection positioned on the upper surface of the second tray 150, and a clip fastening groove may be formed on the outer surface of the second tray 150.

[0114] The first bracket 110 includes a first tray 130 in which a first well is formed, and a plurality of first connecting posts 140 protruding downward from the first tray 130, and post projections or projection grooves may be arranged on the end faces of the first connecting posts 140.

[0115] Furthermore, the coupling clip spring 500 is inserted into the clip fastening groove of the second tray 150 and the clip fastening groove of the first coupling post 140 to fix the first bracket 110 and the second bracket 120, and a clamping elastic force in the third direction Z can be provided.

[0116] As described above, each of the multiple first coupling posts 140 may include post protrusions and projection grooves. Furthermore, projection grooves and protrusions corresponding to the protrusions and projection grooves of the first coupling posts 140 may be formed on the upper surface of the second tray 150 at the position corresponding to any of the first coupling posts 140. That is, when the battery module 12 is coupled, the post protrusions of any of the first coupling posts 140 are at least partially inserted into the projection grooves formed on the upper surface of the second tray 150, and the projections positioned on the upper surface of the second tray 150 may at least partially insert into the projection grooves of any of the first coupling posts 140.

[0117] Furthermore, as described above, the clamping force in the third direction Z provided by the coupling clip spring 500 fixes the relative position between the first bracket 110 and the second bracket 120, and the end face of the first coupling post 140 of the first bracket 110 (i.e., the lower end face with reference to Figure 20) and the upper surface of the second tray 150 of the second bracket 120 can be separated at least partially in the third direction Z so as to stably fix the cell 200.

[0118] Figure 21 is a perspective view of a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 22 is an exploded perspective view of Figure 21.

[0119] Referring to Figures 21 and 22, the battery module 13 according to this embodiment includes a first bracket 110, a second bracket 120, and battery cells 200 and electrode units 310 and 320 interposed between them. The difference from embodiments such as Figure 1 is that the first bracket 110 and the second bracket 120 do not include a configuration called a post.

[0120] For example, the battery module of the present invention includes a first bracket 110 and a second bracket 120, and either or both of the first bracket 110 and the second bracket 120 may not include a post and may include wall portions 170 and 180.

[0121] In an exemplary embodiment, the first bracket 110 includes a first tray 130 and a first wall portion 170 projecting downward from the first tray 130, and may further include one or more protrusions positioned on the end face of the first wall portion 170. Similarly, the second bracket 120 includes a second tray 150 and a second wall portion 180 projecting upward from the second tray 150, and may further include one or more protrusions positioned on the end face of the second wall portion 180.

[0122] Specifically, a projection groove (for example, a first projection groove) may be formed on the end face (lower end face with reference to Figure 22) of the first wall portion 170. In addition, a projection (for example, a first projection) may be arranged on the end face of the first wall portion 170.

[0123] A projection groove (for example, a second projection groove) may be formed on the end face (upper end face with reference to Figure 22) of the second wall portion 180. Furthermore, a projection (for example, a second projection) may be positioned on the end face of the second wall portion 180.

[0124] Similar to the embodiments described above, the first projection of the first bracket 110 is at least partially inserted into the second projection groove formed in the second bracket 120, and the second projection formed in the second bracket 120 is at least partially inserted into the first projection groove formed in the first bracket 110, thereby enabling the horizontal position between the first bracket 110 and the second bracket 120 to be aligned.

[0125] Furthermore, by inserting the coupling clip spring 500 into the clip fastening grooves formed on the outer surface of the first wall portion 170 and the clip fastening grooves formed on the outer surface of the second wall portion 180, the first bracket 110 and the second bracket 120 can be fixed and a tightening elastic force in the third direction Z can be provided.

[0126] As described above, with the battery module 13 coupled, either the first projection is at least partially inserted into the second projection groove at the corresponding position, and either the second projection is at least partially inserted into the first projection groove at the corresponding position, and the end face of the first wall portion 170 (lower end face with reference to Figure 22) and the end face of the second wall portion 180 (upper end face with reference to Figure 22) are at least partially separated from each other in the third direction Z, thereby allowing the cell 200 to be stably fixed by the clamping elastic force provided by the coupling clip spring 500.

[0127] The above has mainly described embodiments of the present invention, but these are merely examples and do not limit the invention. Anyone with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs will understand that various modifications and applications not exemplified above are possible, as long as they do not deviate from the essential characteristics of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0128] Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be understood to include the modifications, equivalents, and substitutions of the technical concept exemplified above. For example, each component specifically shown in the embodiments of the present invention can be modified and implemented. Such modifications and differences in application should be interpreted as being within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0129] 10 Battery Modules 110 First bracket 120 Second bracket 310 First electrode unit 320 Second Electrode Unit 400 tightening bolts 500 Coupling Clip Springs

Claims

1. A first bracket including a first tray in which a first well is formed, A second bracket including a second tray in which a second well is formed, A plurality of cells inserted at least partially into the first well and the second well, One or more first electrode bodies are disposed between the first tray and the cell, One or more second electrode bodies are disposed between the second tray and the cell, A battery module comprising one or more elastic coupling members that provide an elastic force to fasten the first bracket and the second bracket together in a third direction, at least partially.

2. The first bracket includes one or more protrusions positioned on its first end face, The second bracket has a projection groove formed on its second end face, The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, when the battery module is coupled, the projection is at least partially inserted into the projection groove, and the first end face and the second end face are separated and facing each other in a third direction.

3. The first tray includes one or more first ridges defining a plurality of first wells, and the second tray includes one or more second ridges defining a plurality of second wells. A first bolt hole is formed in the first ridge, and a second bolt hole is formed in the second ridge. The battery module further includes a bolt that is at least partially inserted into or passes through the first bolt hole or the second bolt hole. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, with the battery module coupled, the lower surface of the first ridge where the first bolt hole is exposed and the upper surface of the second ridge where the second bolt hole is exposed are separated and facing each other in the third direction.

4. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the elastic coupling member is arranged to fasten and connect the first end face of the first bracket and the second end face of the second bracket, which is spaced a third away from the first end face.

5. The first bracket further includes a plurality of first bonding posts protruding from the first tray, and the second bracket further includes a plurality of second bonding posts protruding from the second tray. At least some of the plurality of first connecting posts include projections, and other parts have projection grooves. At least some of the plurality of second connecting posts include projections, and other parts have projection grooves. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the first bracket including the first coupling post and the second bracket including the second coupling post have an exclusive arrangement that does not overlap in any rotational state.

6. The first tray includes a circumferential portion and a central portion surrounded by the circumferential portion, The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, when the battery modules are coupled, the circumferential portion and the central portion are elastically deformed such that they have different heights in the third direction.

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