Battery module and battery pack containing it

Abstract

A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells including electrode leads are stacked; and a module frame in which the battery cell stack is housed; wherein the module frame includes a first module frame; and a second module frame; the first module frame includes a first main part corresponding to one side of the battery cell stack; a first upper part extending along the direction in which the battery cells are stacked on the upper edge of the first main part; and a first lower part extending along the direction in which the battery cells are stacked on the lower edge of the first main part; the second module frame includes a second main part corresponding to the other side of the battery cell stack; a second upper part extending along the direction in which the battery cells are stacked on the upper edge of the second main part; and a second lower part extending along the direction in which the battery cells are stacked on the lower edge of the second main part; the first upper part and the first lower part have a first sawtooth shape, and the second upper part and the second lower part have a second sawtooth shape.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Cross - reference to Related Applications] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2024 - 0064226, filed on May 17, 2024, and the disclosure of the Korean patent application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery module and a battery pack including the same, and more specifically, to a battery module with improved battery performance and a battery pack including the same.

Background Art

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

[0004] Current commercially available secondary batteries include nickel - cadmium batteries, nickel - hydrogen batteries, nickel - zinc batteries, lithium secondary batteries, etc. Among these batteries, lithium secondary batteries have attracted attention for their advantages of almost no memory effect compared to nickel - based secondary batteries, free charge and discharge, very low self - discharge rate, and high energy density.

[0005] Such lithium secondary batteries mainly use lithium cobalt oxide and carbon materials as the positive electrode active material and the negative electrode active material, respectively. A lithium secondary battery includes an electrode assembly in which a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate coated with such positive electrode active material and negative electrode active material, respectively, are arranged with a separator interposed therebetween, and a battery case for sealing and storing the electrode assembly together with an electrolytic solution.

[0006] Generally, lithium secondary batteries can be classified into two types based on the shape of their casing: can-type secondary batteries, in which the electrode assembly is housed in a metal can, and pouch-type secondary batteries, in which the electrode assembly is housed in a pouch made of aluminum laminate sheet.

[0007] In the case of secondary batteries used in small devices, two to three battery cells are arranged, but in the case of secondary batteries used in medium to large devices such as automobiles, a battery module is used in which many battery cells are electrically connected. In such battery modules, the capacity and output are improved by connecting many battery cells in series or parallel to each other to form a stack of battery cells. Furthermore, one or more battery modules can be mounted together with various control and protection systems such as a BDU (Battery Disconnect Unit), a BMS (Battery Management System), and a cooling system to form a battery pack.

[0008] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a conventional battery module.

[0009] Referring to Figure 1, a conventional battery module 10 includes a module frame 20 that houses a battery cell stack 12 formed by stacking multiple battery cells 11. The module frame 20 may include a U-shaped frame 21 with open top, front, and rear surfaces, and a top plate 22 that covers the top of the battery cell stack 12. Alternatively, the module frame can be replaced with another type of frame, such as a monoframe that surrounds the battery cell stack 12 except for the front and rear surfaces.

[0010] Conventionally, the module frame 20 has a structure that makes surface contact with the battery cell stack 12 without applying pressure. However, especially in the case of all-solid-state battery cells and lithium-sulfur battery cells, the battery cells can operate normally and the rate of deterioration of the battery cell life can be slowed when the surface of the battery cell is under pressure. Therefore, it is necessary to introduce a module frame that can apply pressure to the outer casing of the battery cell stack. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0011] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to improve the performance of batteries, and more specifically, to provide a battery module and a battery pack that improve battery performance and prevent deterioration of battery life by applying surface pressure to the battery cells.

[0012] However, the problems that the embodiments of the present invention aim to solve are not limited to those described above, and can be extended in various ways within the scope of the technical ideas included in the present invention. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells including electrode leads are stacked; and a module frame in which the battery cell stack is housed; wherein the module frame includes a first module frame; and a second module frame; the first module frame includes a first main part corresponding to one side of the battery cell stack; a first upper part extending along the direction in which the battery cells are stacked on the upper edge of the first main part; and a first lower part extending along the direction in which the battery cells are stacked on the lower edge of the first main part; the second module frame includes a second main part corresponding to the other side of the battery cell stack; a second upper part extending along the direction in which the battery cells are stacked on the upper edge of the second main part; and a second lower part extending along the direction in which the battery cells are stacked on the lower edge of the second main part; the first upper part and the first lower part have a first sawtooth shape, and the second upper part and the second lower part have a second sawtooth shape.

[0014] One surface of the first main part and one surface of the second main part can be positioned parallel to one surface of the battery cell.

[0015] The main component can apply surface pressure to the battery cell.

[0016] The first sawtooth portion and the second sawtooth portion can be joined to each other in a sawtooth manner.

[0017] The first module frame and the second module frame can be configured to suppress movement in the direction in which the battery cells are stacked.

[0018] The first module frame and the second module frame can be configured to suppress movement in the vertical direction, which is the direction between the first upper part and the first lower part, and the direction between the second upper part and the second lower part.

[0019] The first sawtooth portion can be configured to protrude in the opposite direction to the direction in which the first upper part and the first lower part extend from the first main part, such that the angle the first sawtooth portion makes with a virtual horizontal line parallel to the first upper part and the first lower part is acute. The second sawtooth portion can be configured to protrude in the opposite direction to the direction in which the second upper part and the second lower part extend from the second main part, such that the angle the second sawtooth portion makes with a virtual horizontal line parallel to the second upper part and the second lower part is acute.

[0020] The acute angle formed by the first sawtooth portion and the acute angle formed by the second sawtooth portion may be 45 degrees or more and 85 degrees or less.

[0021] The acute angle formed by the first sawtooth portion and the acute angle formed by the second sawtooth portion may be 55 degrees or more and 80 degrees or less.

[0022] Adhesive may be applied to the first sawtooth portion and the second sawtooth portion.

[0023] The adhesive allows the first module frame and the second module frame to be prevented from moving in the direction in which the electrode leads protrude.

[0024] The thickness of the first main part may be greater than the thicknesses of the first upper part and the first lower part, and the thickness of the second main part may be greater than the thicknesses of the second upper part and the second lower part.

[0025] The thicknesses of the first main part and the second main part may be 1.5 mm or more and 30.0 mm or less.

[0026] The thicknesses of the first upper part, the first lower part, the second upper part, and the second lower part may be 1.5 mm or more and 6.0 mm or less.

[0027] The thickness of the first main part or the thickness of the second main part may be 1 to 5 times the thickness of the first upper part, the thickness of the first lower part, the thickness of the second upper part, or the thickness of the second lower part.

[0028] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a battery pack including the battery module is provided.

Advantages of the Invention

[0029] According to an embodiment of the present invention, by introducing a module frame that presses and houses battery cells on a surface, it is possible to improve the performance of the battery and prevent deterioration of the battery life.

[0030] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0031] [Figure 1] It is an exploded perspective view showing a conventional battery module. [Figure 2] It is an exploded perspective view showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3]This is an exploded plan view showing a module frame and a battery cell stack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 3 is a plan view showing how the modular frames are connected. [Figure 5] This is a magnified view of section "A" in Figure 4. [Figure 6] This is a magnified view of section "B" in Figure 5. [Figure 7] This is a partial drawing showing a module frame according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0032] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings, so that those with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains can easily implement them. The present invention can be implemented in a variety of different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0033] To clearly explain the present invention, unnecessary parts have been omitted, and the same or similar reference numerals have been used throughout the specification for identical or similar components.

[0034] Furthermore, the dimensions and thicknesses of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrary for illustrative purposes, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to those shown. In the drawings, thicknesses are shown enlarged to clearly represent various layers and regions. Also, in the drawings, the thicknesses of some layers and regions are shown exaggerated for illustrative purposes.

[0035] Furthermore, when a layer, membrane, region, plate, or other part is said to be "on top of" or "above" another part, this includes not only when it is "directly above" the other part, but also when there is another part in between. Conversely, when a part is said to be "directly above" another part, it means that there is no other part in between. Also, being "on top of" or "above" a reference part means being located above or below the reference part, and does not necessarily mean being located "on top of" or "above" in the opposite direction of gravity.

[0036] Furthermore, when a specification states that a certain part "includes" a certain component, unless otherwise stated, this means that it may include other components rather than excluding them.

[0037] Furthermore, throughout the specification, "on a plane" refers to the view of the subject from above, and "on a cross-section" refers to the view of a cross-section obtained by cutting the subject perpendicularly, as seen from the side.

[0038] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a battery module 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is an exploded plan view showing a module frame and a battery cell stack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, a battery module 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery cell stack 120 in which a plurality of battery cells 110 including electrode leads are stacked; and a module frame 130 in which the battery cell stack 120 is housed; the module frame 130 includes a first module frame 131; and a second module frame 132;.

[0040] First, the battery cell 110 may be a pouch-type battery cell 110. Such a pouch-type battery cell 110 can be formed by housing an electrode assembly in a pouch case made of a laminate sheet containing a resin layer and a metal layer, and then heat-sealing the pouch case. In this case, the battery cell 110 can be formed in the form of a rectangular sheet structure.

[0041] In the battery cell stack 120, the multiple battery cells 110 may be stacked in one direction. In particular, as shown in Figure 2, the multiple battery cells 110 may be stacked along a direction parallel to the X-axis while standing upright with one side of the battery body facing each other. That is, in the battery cell stack 120, one side of the battery body of the battery cell 110 may be arranged parallel to one side of the first main part 131a of the first module frame 131 or one side of the second main part 132a of the second module frame 132, which will be described later.

[0042] This allows the electrode leads 111 to protrude in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the battery cells 110 are stacked. For example, in a battery cell 110, one electrode lead 111 can protrude in the Y-axis direction, and the other electrode leads 111 can protrude in the -Y-axis direction.

[0043] The battery module 100 according to this embodiment may include a module frame 130 that houses a battery cell stack 120, and end plates 180 that cover the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack 120, respectively. Here, the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack 120 may be both sides of the battery cell stack 120 along the direction in which the electrode leads 111 protrude from the battery cells 110. In other words, the battery module 100 according to this embodiment includes a module frame 130 that houses the battery cell stack 120 and has one side open in the direction in which the electrode leads 111 protrude from the battery cell stack 120, and an end plate 180 that covers the open side of the module frame 130. Also, as shown in Figure 2, the module frame 130 may have both the Y-axis direction and the -Y-axis direction, which are the directions in which the electrode leads 111 protrude, open, and two end plates 180 can each cover both open directions of such a module frame 130.

[0044] As described above, the end plate 180 can cover one open side of the module frame 130. The end plate 180 can be positioned on the front and rear sides of the battery cell stack 120. The end plate 180 can be formed on the outer casing of the busbar frame assembly 150 with respect to the battery cell stack 120, and can be formed to cover the battery cell stack 120 and the busbar frame assembly 150. The end plate 180 can protect the busbar frame assembly 150 and various electrical components connected thereto from external impacts and can have a battery module 100 mounting structure. The end plate 180 can be joined to the module frame 130 by welding.

[0045] According to this embodiment, the busbar frame assembly 150 can be located on the open first side (Y-axis direction in Figure 2) and second side (-Y-axis direction in Figure 2) of the module frame 130 and can be formed to cover the battery cell stack 120. The busbar frame assembly 150 can electrically connect the battery cells 110 constituting the battery cell stack 120 in series or parallel.

[0046] In this embodiment, the electrode leads 111 connected to the electrode assembly protrude outside the pouch case, but the electrode leads 111 of each battery cell can be electrically connected to each other via the busbar 152. The busbar 152 is a configuration for guiding the electrical connections of the battery module 100, and only needs to contain a metal material with excellent electrical conductivity; its shape and material are not limited.

[0047] In this embodiment, the printed circuit board 153 is configured to sense voltage data and thermal data of the battery cells 110. This allows the voltage data of each battery cell 110 to be sensed and transmitted to the outside.

[0048] Such a busbar 152 and printed circuit board 153 are included in the busbar frame assembly 150. For example, the busbar 152 and printed circuit board 153 are mounted on the busbar frame included in the busbar frame assembly 150.

[0049] The module frame 130 may be for protecting the battery cell stack 120 and the electrical components connected thereto from external physical shocks. The module frame 130 can house the battery cell stack 120 and the electrical components connected thereto within its internal space.

[0050] Referring to Figure 3, multiple flame-retardant pads 160 may be interposed between the battery cells 110. As illustrated in Figure 3, one flame-retardant pad 160 is inserted each time 3 to 4 battery cells 110 are stacked, and the multiple flame-retardant pads 160 are arranged at equal intervals. Alternatively, the multiple flame-retardant pads 160 can be arranged at different intervals from each other. Such arrangement of flame-retardant pads 160 is not particularly limited, and their number and thickness can be adjusted as needed. By arranging the flame-retardant pads 160 at equal or unequal intervals in this way, the thermal impedance can be increased when thermal runaway occurs in the battery cells 110 within the battery module 100, thereby preventing or delaying heat transfer between adjacent battery cells 110. Furthermore, flame-retardant pads 160 may also be placed between the battery cells 110 stacked on the outermost side of the battery cell stack 120 and the side wall of the module frame 130. The flame-retardant pad 160 can delay or block the transfer of heat from a battery cell 110 to an adjacent battery cell 110 when problems such as thermal runaway occur within the battery module 100, and can also absorb and control the expansion of the battery cell 110.

[0051] The area of ​​the flame-retardant pad 160 is formed to be the same as or larger than the area of ​​the electrode assembly (not shown) included in the battery cell 110. If the area of ​​the flame-retardant pad 160 is smaller than the area of ​​the electrode assembly, uniform pressure cannot be applied to the battery cell 110, which may cause problems such as performance degradation. In particular, the flame-retardant pad 160 can play a role in absorbing swelling when swelling occurs in the battery cell 110 inside the battery module 100, but if its area is smaller than the electrode assembly, it will not be able to absorb swelling that occurs in the parts where the flame-retardant pad 160 is not formed.

[0052] The flame-retardant pad 160 can be formed from a silicone foam pad to prevent the transfer of heat and flames generated in the battery cell 110. The silicone foam pad is a foamed pad with pores formed inside, possessing high thermal and chemical stability and excellent flame-retardant and heat-insulating properties. In particular, applying a silicone foam pad made of thermosetting foamed silicone can ensure even better flame-retardant properties.

[0053] As described above, the module frame 130 according to this embodiment includes a first module frame 131 and a second module frame 132. The specific structures of the first module frame 131 and the second module frame 132 will be described in detail below.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first module frame 131 includes a first main part 131a corresponding to one side of the battery cell stack 120, a first upper part 131b extending along the direction in which the battery cells 110 are stacked on the upper edge of the first main part 131a, and a first lower part 131c extending along the direction in which the battery cells 110 are stacked on the lower edge of the first main part 131a.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second module frame 132 includes a second main part 132a corresponding to the other side of the battery cell stack 120, a second upper part 132b extending along the direction in which the battery cells 110 are stacked on the upper edge of the second main part 132a, and a second lower part 132c extending along the direction in which the battery cells 110 are stacked on the lower edge of the second main part 132a.

[0056] The first upper part 131b and the first lower part 131c can extend perpendicularly from the first main part 131a. The second upper part 132b and the second lower part 132c can extend perpendicularly from the second main part 132a. Furthermore, the direction in which the first upper part 131b and the first lower part 131c extend from the first main part 131a and the direction in which the second upper part 132b and the second lower part 132c extend from the second main part 132a may be opposite to each other. For example, the direction in which the first upper part 131b and the first lower part 131c extend from the first main part 131a may be the X-axis direction, and the direction in which the second upper part 132b and the second lower part 132c extend from the second main part 132a may be the -X-axis direction.

[0057] The first module frame 131 and the second module frame 132 are connected to each other, and the battery cell stack 120 is surrounded by the first module frame 131 and the second module frame 132.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a first sawtooth portion 131d having a sawtooth shape is formed on the first upper part 131b and the first lower part 131c, and a second sawtooth portion 132d having a sawtooth shape is formed on the second upper part 132b and the second lower part 132c.

[0059] The serration shape will be explained in detail below.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the present invention, one surface of the first main part 131a and one surface of the second main part 132a can be positioned parallel to one surface of the battery cell 110. Furthermore, with respect to the battery cell stack 120, the first main part 131a and the second main part 132a can be positioned on opposite sides of each other. This ensures that surface pressure on the battery cell 110, as described later, is applied evenly without deviation.

[0061] Figure 4 is a plan view showing the modular frames of Figure 3 joined together.

[0062] As shown in Figure 4, the main part according to one embodiment of the present invention can apply surface pressure to the battery cell 110.

[0063] In other words, when the direction in which the battery cells are stacked (the X-axis direction in Figure 4) is defined as the longitudinal direction, the dimensions of the module frame 130 in the longitudinal direction are designed to be smaller than the dimensions of the battery cell stack 120 in the longitudinal direction, in order to ensure surface pressure on the battery cells 110.

[0064] In particular, when the battery cell 110 in this embodiment is an all-solid-state battery cell or a lithium-sulfur battery cell, the battery cell 110 operates normally under pressure on its surface, and the rate of deterioration of the battery cell 110's lifespan can be slowed down. Therefore, by the first main part 131a and the second main part 132a applying surface pressure to the battery cell 110, the performance of the battery cell 110 can be improved, and the deterioration of the battery cell 110's lifespan can be prevented.

[0065] Figure 5 is a magnified view of section "A" in Figure 4.

[0066] As shown in Figure 5, the first sawtooth portion 131d and the second sawtooth portion 132d according to one embodiment of the present invention can be joined to each other in a sawtooth manner.

[0067] The sawtooth connection between the first sawtooth portion 131d and the second sawtooth portion 132d enables the surface pressure required by the battery cell 110. While the battery cell 110 undergoes repeated charging and discharging, it expands and contracts along the direction in which it is stacked. The first module frame 131 and the second module frame 132, which are firmly connected by the sawtooth connection, can sufficiently apply the desired surface pressure to the expanding and contracting battery cell 110. Furthermore, by ensuring a surface pressure of a certain level or higher throughout the lifespan of the battery cell 110 through the sawtooth connection, the improved performance of the battery cell 110 can be maintained, and the deterioration of the battery cell 110's lifespan can be prevented.

[0068] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first module frame 131 and the second module frame 132 can be made less likely to move in the direction in which the battery cells 110 are stacked.

[0069] In other words, the teeth of the first sawtooth portion 131d and the teeth of the second sawtooth portion 132d interlock and connect with each other, restricting the movement of the module frame 130 in the X-axis and -X-axis directions in Figure 5. This ensures the surface pressure required by the battery cell 110 and guarantees the rigidity and durability of the module frame 130 against conditions such as vibration and shock.

[0070] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the movement of the first module frame 131 and the second module frame 132 in the vertical direction, such as the direction between the first upper part 131b and the first lower part 131c, and the direction between the second upper part 132b and the second lower part 132c, is suppressed.

[0071] In other words, the teeth of the first sawtooth section 131d and the teeth of the second sawtooth section 132d interlock and connect with each other, restricting the movement of the module frame 130 in the Z-axis and -Z-axis directions in Figure 5. This ensures the surface pressure required by the battery cell 110 and guarantees the rigidity and durability of the module frame 130 against conditions such as vibration and shock.

[0072] Figure 6 is a magnified view of section "B" in Figure 5.

[0073] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, in another embodiment of the present invention, the first sawtooth portion 131d can protrude such that the angle it makes with a virtual horizontal line l2 parallel to the first upper part 131b and the first lower part 131c is acute (β) in the direction opposite to the direction in which the first upper part 131b and the first lower part 131c extend from the first main part 131a. Furthermore, the second sawtooth portion 132d can protrude such that the angle it makes with a virtual horizontal line l1 parallel to the second upper part 132b and the second lower part 132c is acute (α) in the direction opposite to the direction in which the second upper part 132b and the second lower part 132c extend from the second main part 132a.

[0074] In particular, the teeth of the first sawtooth section 131d and the teeth of the second sawtooth section 132d are interlocked, thereby connecting the teeth of the first sawtooth section 131d and the teeth of the second sawtooth section 132d to each other, and suppressing the movement of the module frame 130 in the X-axis and Z-axis directions in Figure 5.

[0075] Furthermore, the contact between the corresponding surfaces of the first sawtooth portion 131d and the second sawtooth portion 132d further suppresses movement along the X and Z axes in Figure 5 due to surface friction.

[0076] As a result, as described above, it is possible to ensure the rigidity of the module frame 130 and its durability against conditions such as vibration and shock while securing the surface pressure required by the battery cell 110.

[0077] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the acute angle formed by the first sawtooth portion 131d and the acute angle formed by the second sawtooth portion 132d may be 45 degrees or more and 85 degrees or less.

[0078] As a result, the teeth of the first sawtooth portion 131d and the teeth of the second sawtooth portion 132d interlock with each other, thereby suppressing movement in the X-axis and Z-axis directions shown in Figure 6.

[0079] Furthermore, by having an acute angle (β) formed by the first sawtooth portion 131d and an acute angle (α) formed by the second sawtooth portion 132d be between 45 degrees and 85 degrees, the connection between the first sawtooth portion 131d and the second sawtooth portion 132d is facilitated, and damage to the sawtooth during connection between the first sawtooth portion 131d and the second sawtooth portion 132d can be prevented.

[0080] More specifically, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the acute angle formed by the first sawtooth portion 131d and the acute angle formed by the second sawtooth portion 132d may be 55 degrees or more and 80 degrees or less. If the acute angle (β) formed by the first sawtooth portion 131d and the acute angle (α) formed by the second sawtooth portion 132d are less than 55 degrees, the first sawtooth portion 131d and the second sawtooth portion 132d are formed at a steeper angle, making the sawtooth joint between the first sawtooth portion 131d and the second sawtooth portion 132d difficult, which may reduce the ease of assembly, and there is a high possibility that damage will occur during the process of joining the first sawtooth portion 131d and the second sawtooth portion 132d. Furthermore, if the acute angle (β) formed by the first sawtooth portion 131d and the acute angle (α) formed by the second sawtooth portion 132d exceed 80 degrees, it may become difficult to secure a certain level of surface pressure required for the battery cell 110. If a certain level of surface pressure is not secured for the battery cell, the performance of the battery cell 110 will deteriorate, and the lifespan of the battery cell 110 will be reduced.

[0081] Figure 7 is a partial drawing showing a module frame according to another embodiment of the present invention. According to Figure 7, adhesive may be applied to the first sawtooth portion 131d and the second sawtooth portion 132d according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] The adhesive can fill the gaps between the first sawtooth portion 131d and the second sawtooth portion 132d. Therefore, the adhesive can improve the bonding strength of the joint between the first module frame 131 and the second module frame 132, thereby enhancing the durability of the battery module 100 under conditions such as vibration and shock.

[0083] Referring to both Figure 2 and Figure 7, the adhesive prevents the first module frame 131 and the second module frame 132 from moving in the direction in which the electrode lead 111 protrudes. In other words, the application of the adhesive prevents the first module frame 131 and the second module frame 132, which are joined by a sawtooth joint, from moving in the Y-axis direction and the -Y-axis direction.

[0084] On the other hand, referring again to Figures 3 and 4, the thickness (t1) of the first main part 131a according to one embodiment of the present invention may be thicker than the thickness (t3) of the first upper part 131b and the thickness (t3) of the first lower part 131c, and the thickness (t2) of the second main part 132a may be thicker than the thickness (t4) of the second upper part 132b and the thickness (t4) of the second lower part 132c.

[0085] In the case of the battery module 100, continuous charging and discharging of the battery cells 110 can cause a swelling phenomenon in which the battery cells 110 bulge in the planar direction of the battery cells 110, i.e., in the X-axis direction and -X-axis direction, which are the directions in which the battery cells 110 are stacked. As the battery cells 110 bulge, the first main part 131a and the second main part 132a corresponding to one side direction of the battery cell stack 120 can be subjected to pressure due to the swelling. At this time, the module frame 130 must withstand the swelling pressure.

[0086] To effectively control the swelling phenomenon of the battery cell 110, the thicknesses (t1, t2) of the first main part 131a and the second main part 132a can be made thicker than the thicknesses (t3, t4) of the first upper part 131b, the first lower part 131c, the second upper part 132b, and the second lower part 132c.

[0087] As a result, even if the battery cell 110 experiences swelling, the first main part 131a and the second main part 132a can firmly support the battery cell stack 120, and the length of the module frame 130 in the direction in which the battery cells 110 are stacked is maintained in accordance with one side direction of the battery cell stack 120, and therefore the length of the corresponding battery module 100 is also maintained.

[0088] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the thicknesses (t1, t2) of the first main part 131a and the second main part 132a may be 1.5 mm or more and 30.0 mm or less.

[0089] As a result, even if the battery cell 110 experiences swelling, the swelling phenomenon of the battery cell 110 can be effectively controlled by ensuring the minimum thickness of the first main part 131a and the second main part 132a.

[0090] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the thicknesses (t3, t4) of the first upper part 131b, the first lower part 131c, the second upper part 132b, and the second lower part 132c may be 1.5 mm or more and 6.0 mm or less.

[0091] This ensures the rigidity of the first upper part 131b, the first lower part 131c, the second upper part 132b, and the second lower part 132c, and enables stable sawtooth connection between the first sawtooth section 131d and the second sawtooth section 132d.

[0092] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the thickness (t1) of the first main part 131a or the thickness (t2) of the second main part 132a may be 1 or more and 5 or less of the thickness (t3) of the first upper part 131b, the thickness (t3) of the first lower part 131c, the thickness (t4) of the second upper part 132b, or the thickness (t4) of the second lower part 132c.

[0093] If the thickness (t1) of the first main part 131a or the thickness (t2) of the second main part 132a is less than 1 times the thickness (t3) of the first upper part 131b, the thickness (t3) of the first lower part 131c, the thickness (t4) of the second upper part 132b, or the thickness (t4) of the second lower part 132c, then the first main part 131a and the second main part 132a will have difficulty firmly supporting the battery cell stack 120 when the battery cells 110 are swollen, and the module frame 130 will not be able to maintain its length in the direction in which the battery cells 110 are stacked.

[0094] If the thickness (t1) of the first main part 131a or the thickness (t2) of the second main part 132a is designed under the above conditions, even if the battery cell 110 experiences swelling, the first main part 131a and the second main part 132a can maintain their length in the direction in which the battery cell 110 is stacked on the module frame 130, corresponding to one side direction of the battery cell stack 120. Therefore, the length of the corresponding battery module 100 can also be maintained, and the swelling phenomenon of the battery cell 110 can be effectively controlled.

[0095] On the other hand, if the thickness (t1) of the first main part 131a or the thickness (t2) of the second main part 132a exceeds five times the thickness (t3) of the first upper part 131b, the first lower part 131c, the second upper part 132b, or the second lower part 132c, the first main part 131a and the second main part 132a become excessively thick, unnecessarily increasing the weight and volume of the battery module. Furthermore, it may become difficult to manufacture the first module frame 131 and the second module frame 132 having such a difference in thickness.

[0096] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a battery pack including a battery module 100 is provided.

[0097] One or more battery modules 100 according to the embodiment described above can be mounted together with various control and protection systems such as a BMS (Battery Management System), a BDU (Battery Disconnect Unit), and a cooling system to form a battery pack.

[0098] The aforementioned battery module 100 and battery pack can be applied to a variety of devices. Specifically, they can be applied to means of transportation such as electric bicycles, electric vehicles, and hybrids, but are not limited to these, and can be applied to a variety of devices that can use secondary batteries.

[0099] In this embodiment, terms indicating directions such as front, back, left, right, up, and down were used. However, these terms are for explanatory convenience and may differ depending on the position of the object being examined, the observer's position, etc.

[0100] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. Various modifications and improvements by those skilled in the art, utilizing the basic concepts of the present invention as defined in the following claims, also fall within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 100: Battery Module 120: Battery cell stack 130: Module Frame 131: First Module Frame 131a: First main part 131b: First upper part 131c: First lower part 131d: First serration 132: Second Module Frame 132a: Second main part 132b: Second upper part 132c: Second lower part 132d: Second serration 140: Adhesive

Claims

1. A battery cell stack comprising multiple battery cells including electrode leads; and A module frame in which the aforementioned battery cell stack is housed; A battery module including, The aforementioned module frame is First module frame; and Second module frame; Includes, The first module frame is, A first main part corresponding to one side surface of the aforementioned battery cell stack; A first upper part extending along the direction in which the battery cells are stacked on the upper edge of the first main part; and A first lower part extending along the direction in which the battery cells are stacked at the lower edge of the first main part; Includes, The previous second module frame is, A second main part corresponding to the other side of the aforementioned battery cell stack; A second upper part extending along the direction in which the battery cells are stacked on the upper edge of the second main part; and A second lower part extending along the direction in which the battery cells are stacked at the lower edge of the second main part; Includes, The first upper part and the first lower part are formed with a first sawtooth portion having a sawtooth shape. A battery module in which a second sawtooth portion having a sawtooth shape is formed on the second upper part and the second lower part.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein one surface of the first main part and one surface of the second main part are positioned parallel to one surface of the battery cell.

3. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the first main part and / or the second main part apply surface pressure to the battery cell.

4. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the first sawtooth portion and the second sawtooth portion are sawtooth-jointed to each other.

5. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the movement of the first module frame and the second module frame in the direction in which the battery cells are stacked is suppressed.

6. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the movement of the first module frame and the second module frame in the vertical direction, which is the direction between the first upper part and the first lower part, and the direction between the second upper part and the second lower part, is suppressed.

7. The first sawtooth portion protrudes in a direction opposite to the direction in which the first upper part and the first lower part extend from the first main part, such that the angle the first sawtooth portion makes with a virtual horizontal line parallel to the first upper part and the first lower part is acute. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the second sawtooth portion protrudes in a direction opposite to the direction in which the second upper part and the second lower part extend from the second main part, such that the angle the second sawtooth portion makes with a virtual horizontal line parallel to the second upper part and the second lower part is acute.

8. The battery module according to claim 7, wherein the acute angle formed by the first sawtooth portion and the acute angle formed by the second sawtooth portion are 45 degrees or more and 85 degrees or less.

9. The battery module according to claim 7, wherein the acute angle formed by the first sawtooth portion and the acute angle formed by the second sawtooth portion are 55 degrees or more and 80 degrees or less.

10. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein adhesive is applied to the first sawtooth portion and the second sawtooth portion.

11. The battery module according to claim 10, wherein the adhesive prevents the first module frame and the second module frame from moving in the direction in which the electrode leads protrude.

12. The thickness of the first main part is greater than the thickness of the first upper part and the thickness of the first lower part. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the second main part is greater than the thickness of the second upper part and the thickness of the second lower part.

13. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the first main part and the second main part is 1.5 mm or more and 30.0 mm or less.

14. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the first upper part, the first lower part, the second upper part, and the second lower part is 1.5 mm or more and 6.0 mm or less.

15. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the first main part or the second main part is at least one and not more than five times the thickness of the first upper part, the first lower part, the second upper part, or the second lower part.

16. A battery pack comprising the battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

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