Battery module and battery pack including same

Abstract

A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked, a module frame that houses the battery cell stack, bus bar frames located on front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack, and end plates that cover the bus bar frames and are coupled to the module frame, the end plates including insulating portions into which reinforcing portions are inserted, and the insulating portions contact the bus bar frames.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0145152, filed on November 3, 2020, and all contents disclosed in the documents of said Korean patent application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery module and a battery pack including the same, and more specifically to a battery module including end plates that are lightweight and have ensured weldability and rigidity quality, and a battery pack including the same. [Background technology]

[0003] With technological development and increasing demand for mobile devices, the demand for secondary batteries as an energy source is rapidly increasing. In particular, secondary batteries are attracting much attention not only for mobile devices such as mobile phones, digital cameras, laptops, and wearable devices, but also as an energy source for power devices such as electric bicycles, electric cars, and hybrid electric cars.

[0004] Small mobile devices use one, two, three, or four battery cells per device, while medium- to large-sized devices such as automobiles require high output and large capacity. Therefore, medium- to large-sized battery modules that electrically connect multiple battery cells are used.

[0005] Since it is preferable that medium- to large-sized battery modules are manufactured with as small a size and weight as possible, prismatic batteries, pouch-shaped batteries, etc., which can be stacked with a high degree of integration and have a small weight compared to their capacity, are mainly used as battery cells for medium- to large-sized battery modules. Meanwhile, the battery module may include a module frame that has an open front and rear and stores the battery cell stack in an internal space to protect the battery cell stack from external impact, heat, or vibration.

[0006] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a conventional battery module.

[0007] Referring to FIG. 1, a conventional battery module 10 includes a module frame 11 that houses a battery cell stack (not shown) in which a number of battery cells are stacked in one direction, bus bar frames 13 located on the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack (not shown), and end plates 20 that cover the bus bar frame 13 and are coupled to the module frame 11.

[0008] Here, the end plates 20 are generally made of a metal material to prevent damage and deformation of the battery cells in the battery module 10 due to external impact or penetration of moisture, etc. In addition, the end plates 20 are made of a metal material to ensure the rigidity required for the battery module 10 to be fixed to the battery pack frame, and are welded to the module frame 11, which is also made of a metal material.

[0009] Here, the metallic end plate 20 has thermal conductivity, and in the conventional battery module 10, an insulating member 25 is further included between the bus bar frame 13 and the end plate 20 to prevent the end plate 20 from directly contacting the battery cell stack (not shown) and the bus bar frame 13 to which the bus bar electrically connected thereto is attached. As a result, in the conventional battery module 10, the weight of the entire module increases due to the addition of the insulating member 25 as well as the weight of the metallic end plate 20 itself. However, in line with the ongoing trend toward lighter automobiles, the battery module 10 also needs to be made lighter, and there is a need to reduce the weight of the end plate 20 and the insulating member 25 included in the conventional battery module 10. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] An object of the present invention is to provide a battery module including end plates that are lightweight and have ensured weldability and rigidity, and a battery pack including the battery module.

[0011] The problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the problems described above, and problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains from this specification and the attached drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked, a module frame that houses the battery cell stack, bus bar frames located on front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack, and end plates that cover the bus bar frame and are coupled to the module frame, the end plates including insulating portions into which reinforcing portions are inserted, and the insulating portions contact the bus bar frames.

[0013] The reinforcing portion may include a first reinforcing portion, a second reinforcing portion, and a third reinforcing portion that are disposed at different positions from each other.

[0014] The first reinforcing portion may be located at a center portion of the end plate, the second reinforcing portion may be located at an edge of the end plate, and the third reinforcing portion may be located at a mounting portion of the end plate.

[0015] The first reinforcing portion may have the same size as or a smaller size than the center of the end plate and a smaller thickness than the thickness of the end plate.

[0016] At least a portion of the first reinforcing portion is exposed on the outer surface of the end plate.

[0017] The first reinforcing portion has a protrusion formed on the plate.

[0018] The protrusion is exposed on the outer surface of the end plate.

[0019] The protrusion may have a cross shape.

[0020] The second reinforcing portion may extend from an outer surface of the end plate toward an inner surface at an edge of the end plate.

[0021] The second reinforcing portions may be plates each having the same length as an edge of the end plate or a length shorter than an edge of the end plate.

[0022] Both side surfaces of the second reinforcing portion are exposed to both sides of the end plate.

[0023] The second reinforcing portion has both side surfaces, the side surfaces of which are exposed to the inner surface of the end plate, joined to the side surfaces of the module frame by welding.

[0024] The third reinforcing portion is inserted into the inner surface of the mounting portion.

[0025] The third reinforcing portion may extend along an inner surface of the mounting portion.

[0026] The reinforcing portion may be made of a metal material.

[0027] A battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention includes the battery module described above. Effect of the Invention

[0028] According to an embodiment, the end plate of the present invention includes an insulating portion into which a reinforcing portion is inserted, and is lightweight while ensuring weldability and rigidity quality.

[0029] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a conventional battery module. [Diagram 2] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 3] 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which components constituting an end plate included in the battery module of FIG. 2 are joined together. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the end plate of FIG. 3. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of region A of the end plate in FIG. 3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] In order to clearly explain the present invention, parts that are not necessary for the explanation will be omitted, and the same reference numerals will be used throughout the specification to refer to the same or similar components.

[0033] In addition, the size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily shown for convenience of explanation, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to those shown in the drawings. In the drawings, thicknesses are enlarged to clearly express various layers and regions. In the drawings, thicknesses of some layers and regions are exaggerated for convenience of explanation.

[0034] In addition, throughout the specification, when a part "comprises" a certain element, this means that it can further include other elements, not excluding other elements, unless specifically stated to the contrary.

[0035] Furthermore, throughout the specification, a reference to "in a plane" means that the part is viewed from above, and a reference to "in cross section" means that the part is viewed from the side through a vertical cut.

[0036] Hereinafter, a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. However, the description will be made based on the front side of the battery module, but the description is not limited thereto. The same or similar content can be applied to the rear side of the battery module.

[0037] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] 2, a battery module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a battery cell stack (not shown) in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked, a module frame 110 that houses the battery cell stack (not shown), bus bar frames 130 located on front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack (not shown), and end plates 200 that cover the bus bar frame 130 and are coupled to the module frame 110. Here, a bus bar electrically connected to the battery cell stack (not shown) may be located on the bus bar frame 130.

[0039] The module frame 110 may include a U-shaped frame with an open top, front, and rear surface and including a bottom and sides, and a top plate that covers the top of the battery cell stack (not shown). However, the module frame 110 is not limited thereto, and may be replaced with a frame of another shape, such as an L-shaped frame or a monoframe that surrounds the battery cell stack (not shown) except for the front and rear surfaces.

[0040] The battery cell stack (not shown) housed in the module frame 110 is formed by stacking a plurality of battery cells, and the battery cells are preferably pouch-type battery cells. The battery cells are manufactured by housing an electrode assembly in a pouch case made of a laminate sheet including a resin layer and a metal layer, and then heat-sealing a sealing portion of the pouch case. The battery cell is made up of a plurality of such battery cells, and the plurality of battery cells are stacked to form a battery cell stack (not shown) so as to be electrically connected to each other.

[0041] The end plate 200 will now be described in detail.

[0042] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which components constituting an end plate included in the battery module of FIG. 2 are joined together.

[0043] 2 and 3, the end plate 200 may include an insulating portion 210 into which the reinforcing portions 230, 250, and 270 are inserted. More specifically, the insulating portion 210 of the end plate 200 may contact the bus bar frame 130. In other words, the reinforcing portions 230, 250, and 270 are not exposed to the inner surface of the end plate 200 that contacts the bus bar frame 130.

[0044] Thus, the end plate 200 can prevent the reinforcing portions 230, 250, and 270 from directly contacting the battery cell stack (not shown) and the bus bar frame 130 to which the bus bars electrically connected thereto are attached.

[0045] As an example, the insulating part 210 of the end plate 200 is formed by inserting the reinforcing parts 230, 250, 270. More specifically, the end plate 200 is manufactured by inserting the reinforcing parts 230, 250, 270 into an injection mold, injecting molten resin into the injection mold to cover the reinforcing parts 230, 250, 270 with the molten resin, and cooling and solidifying after a certain period of time. Here, the molten resin may be the material that constitutes the insulating part 210. As a result, the end plate 200 is taken out from the injection mold with the reinforcing parts 230, 250, 270 and the insulating part 210 integrated. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and any method that allows the reinforcing parts 230, 250, 270 to be inserted into the insulating part 210 can be used.

[0046] More specifically, the insulating part 210 is made of an insulating material. As an example, the insulating material may include a plastic material. More specifically, the plastic material may be PA66 (polyamide 66), PP (polypropylene), PC (polycarbonate), PC+ABS (a mixture of polycarbonate and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene), etc. However, the insulating material is not limited thereto, and any material having insulating properties may be used.

[0047] As a result, the end plate 200 includes the insulating portion 210, and can be made lighter than the conventional one, reducing manufacturing costs and simplifying the manufacturing process.

[0048] In addition, the reinforcing parts 230, 250, and 270 may be made of a metal material. For example, the metal material may include materials such as aluminum and steel. However, the metal material is not limited to these, and any material that is easy to mold and lightweight may be used.

[0049] As a result, the end plate 200 has the reinforcing parts 230, 250, and 270 inserted therein, thereby ensuring sufficient rigidity required for the battery module 100, and the amount of metal material contained therein is reduced compared to the conventional art, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and simplifying the manufacturing process.

[0050] The reinforcing portions 230, 250, and 270 will be described in detail below.

[0051] Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the end plate of Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is an enlarged view of region A of the end plate of Fig. 3.

[0052] 3 and 4, the reinforcing portions 230, 250, and 270 may include a first reinforcing portion 230, a second reinforcing portion 250, and a third reinforcing portion 270 that are disposed at different positions.

[0053] Here, the first reinforcing portion 230, the second reinforcing portion 250, and the third reinforcing portion 270 are made of appropriate metal materials depending on the positions where they are disposed on the end plate 200. As an example, the first reinforcing portion 230, the second reinforcing portion 250, and the third reinforcing portion 270 may all be made of the same or different metal materials.

[0054] The first reinforcing portion 230 may be located in the center of the end plate 200. In other words, the first reinforcing portion 230 extends along the center of the end plate 200. As an example, the first reinforcing portion 230 may be a plate having the same size as the center of the end plate 200. In addition, the first reinforcing portion 230 may be a plate having a thickness thinner than the thickness of the end plate 200. In this way, the first reinforcing portion 230 can reinforce the rigidity of the center of the end plate 200.

[0055] Also, at least a portion of the first reinforcing portion 230 is exposed to the outer surface of the end plate 200. This allows the first reinforcing portion 230 to maximize the area that the first reinforcing portion 230 occupies in the center of the end plate 200, and to further reinforce the rigidity of the center of the end plate 200. At the same time, external impact applied to the battery module 100 and penetration of moisture and the like can be effectively prevented through the portion of the first reinforcing portion 230 that is exposed to the outer surface of the end plate 200.

[0056] In addition, the first reinforcing portion 230 has a protrusion 235 formed on the plate 231. Here, the protrusion 235 is exposed to the outer surface of the end plate 200. Furthermore, the protrusion 235 may have a predetermined shape, and as an example, the protrusion 235 may have a cross shape. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any shape that can be formed on the end plate 200 can be applied without limitation.

[0057] As a result, the first reinforcing portion 230 can further reinforce the rigidity of the center portion of the end plate 200 by an amount corresponding to the area of ​​the protruding portion 235 protruding from the outer surface of the end plate 200. In addition, the protruding portion 235 of the first reinforcing portion 230 can effectively prevent external impacts applied to the battery module 100 and the penetration of moisture, etc.

[0058] The second reinforcing portion 250 may be located at the edge of the end plate 200. More specifically, the second reinforcing portion 250 may extend from the outer surface of the end plate 200 toward the inner surface at the edge of the end plate 200. As an example, the second reinforcing portion 250 may be a plate having the same length as the edge of the end plate or a shorter length than the edge of the end plate. In this way, the second reinforcing portion 250 can reinforce the rigidity of the edge of the end plate 200.

[0059] In addition, both side surfaces of the second reinforcing part 250 are exposed to both sides of the end plate. Here, the side surface of the second reinforcing part 250 exposed to the inner surface of the end plate is welded to the side surface of the module frame. Here, the second reinforcing part 250 may be made of a metal material, and may be made of a metal material that can be welded.

[0060] As a result, the area of ​​the second reinforcing portion 250 that occupies the edge of the end plate 200 can be maximized, and the rigidity of the edge of the end plate 200 can be further reinforced. At the same time, the side surface of the second reinforcing portion 250 that is exposed to the inner surface of the end plate 200 can ensure sufficient weldability with the module frame 110. In addition, the side surface of the second reinforcing portion 250 that is exposed to the outer surface of the end plate 200 can effectively prevent external impacts applied to the battery module 100 and penetration of moisture, etc.

[0061] The third reinforcing portion 270 may be located at the mounting portion A of the end plate 200. More specifically, the mounting portion A located at the end plate may include an inner surface to which a fixing member (not shown) such as a screw may be coupled. As an example, the inner surface of the mounting portion A may be formed with a thread to which the fixing member may be coupled. Here, the third reinforcing portion 270 is inserted into the inner surface of the mounting portion A. As an example, the third reinforcing portion 270 may extend along the inner surface of the mounting portion A.

[0062] As a result, the third reinforcing portion 270 can reinforce the rigidity of the mounting portion A of the end plate 200. At the same time, the third reinforcing portion 270 can ensure rigidity that allows the battery module 100 to be fixed to the battery pack frame.

[0063] A battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention includes the battery module described above. Meanwhile, one or more of the battery modules according to this embodiment may be packaged in a pack case to form a battery pack.

[0064] The above-mentioned battery module and the battery pack including the same can be applied to various devices, such as vehicles including electric bicycles, electric cars, and hybrid cars, but the present invention is not limited thereto and can be applied to various devices that can use the battery module and the battery pack including the same, which also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0065] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and improvements made by those skilled in the art using the basic concept of the present invention defined in the following claims also fall within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 100: Battery module 110: Module frame 130: Busbar frame 200: End plate 210: Insulation section 230: First reinforcement section 250: Second reinforcement section 270: Third reinforcement section

Claims

1. a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; a module frame that houses the battery cell stack; bus bar frames located on front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack; an end plate covering the bus bar frame and coupled to the module frame; the end plate includes an insulating portion covering a reinforcing portion, the reinforcing portion includes a first reinforcing portion having a plate and a protrusion formed on the plate, the protrusion is inserted into a through groove formed in the end plate, and the material of the protrusion is the same as the material of the plate, The insulating portion is a battery module that contacts the bus bar frame.

2. A battery module as described in claim 1, wherein the protrusion is exposed on the outer surface of the end plate.

3. A battery module as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the protrusion has a cross shape.

4. The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the reinforcing portion includes the first reinforcing portion, the second reinforcing portion, and a third reinforcing portion that are arranged at different positions from each other.

5. the first reinforcing portion is located at a center portion of the end plate, The second reinforcing portion is located at an edge of the end plate, The battery module according to claim 4 , wherein the third reinforcing portion is located at a mounting portion of the end plate.

6. 6. The battery module according to claim 5, wherein the first reinforcing portion is the plate having a size equal to or smaller than a center portion of the end plate and a thickness smaller than a thickness of the end plate.

7. The battery module according to claim 5 , wherein at least a portion of the first reinforcing portion is exposed to an outer surface of the end plate.

8. The battery module according to claim 5 , wherein the second reinforcing portion extends from an outer surface of the end plate toward an inner surface of the end plate at an edge of the end plate.

9. The battery module according to claim 5 , wherein the second reinforcing portions are plates each having a length equal to or shorter than the length of an edge of the end plate.

10. The battery module according to claim 8 , wherein both side surfaces of the second reinforcing portion are exposed to both sides of the end plate.

11. The battery module of claim 10 , wherein one of the two side surfaces of the second reinforcing portion that is exposed to an inner surface of the end plate is welded to a side surface of the module frame.

12. The battery module according to claim 5 , wherein the third reinforcing portion is inserted into an inner surface of the mounting portion.

13. The battery module of claim 12 , wherein the third reinforcing portion extends along an inner surface of the mounting portion.

14. The battery module according to claim 4 , wherein the reinforcing portion is made of a metal material.

15. A battery pack comprising the battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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