Battery module and battery pack including same

Abstract

A battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked, and a first side plate and a second side plate respectively positioned on both sides of the battery cell stack. At least one lifting hole is formed in each of the first side plate and the second side plate. The lifting hole is an overlapping shape of an insertion hole and a fastening hole, and an opening area of ​​the insertion hole is larger than an opening area of ​​the fastening hole.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] [Cross-reference to related applications] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0159973 dated November 19, 2021, and all contents disclosed in the documents of that 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 particularly to a battery module including a plurality of battery cells and a battery pack including the same. [Background technology]

[0003] In modern society, as the use of portable devices such as mobile phones, notebook computers, camcorders, and digital cameras has become commonplace, there has been active development of technology related to such mobile devices. In addition, rechargeable secondary batteries are a solution to address air pollution caused by existing gasoline-powered vehicles that use fossil fuels, and are used as the power source for electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (P-HEVs), etc., so there is an increasing need for the development of secondary batteries.

[0004] Currently, commercial secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and lithium secondary batteries. Of these, lithium secondary batteries are in the spotlight for their advantages over nickel-based secondary batteries, such as almost no memory effect, freedom in charging and discharging, a very low self-discharge rate, and high energy density.

[0005] Such lithium secondary batteries mainly use lithium-based oxides and carbon materials as positive and negative active materials, respectively, and include an electrode assembly in which positive and negative plates coated with the positive and negative active materials are arranged with a separator between them, and a battery case that hermetically houses the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte.

[0006] In general, lithium secondary batteries can be classified into can-type secondary batteries in which an electrode assembly is housed in a metal can and pouch-type secondary batteries in which an electrode assembly is housed in a pouch made of an aluminum laminate sheet, depending on the shape of the exterior material.

[0007] In the case of a secondary battery used in a small device, two or three battery cells are arranged, whereas in the case of a secondary battery used in a medium or large device such as an automobile, a battery module in which a plurality of battery cells are electrically connected is used. In such a battery module, a plurality of battery cells are connected to each other in series or parallel to form a battery cell stack, thereby improving capacity and output. In addition, one or more battery modules may be mounted 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] When constructing a battery pack, it is common to first construct a battery module and then use the battery module to add other components to construct the battery pack. In the case of a conventional battery pack, the battery module is disposed in a housing structure such as a pack tray, and the battery pack is mounted in a vehicle or the like.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a conventional battery module 10. As shown in FIG.

[0010] 1, a conventional battery module 10 has a configuration in which a plurality of battery cells are housed and sealed in a module housing 20. In the process of transporting such a battery module 10, a suction device 11 can be used. Specifically, a plurality of suction devices 11 are attached to an upper end surface of a module housing 20 of the battery module 10 and are operated to transport the battery module 10. The suction device 11 is one example of a method for transporting the battery module 10, but since the conventional battery module 10 has a module housing 20, it is common to use such a module housing 20 in the transport process.

[0011] In the structure of a battery pack having a conventional battery module, there are problems in that the energy density of the entire battery pack is reduced and the weight of the battery pack is increased due to the weight and volume of the housing structures themselves, such as the module housing and pack tray of the battery module.

[0012] There is a demand for developing a battery module and a battery pack including the same that can increase energy density and reduce the overall weight through weight reduction. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0013] An object of the present invention is to provide a battery module that can increase energy density and reduce weight, and a battery pack including the same.

[0014] However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above problems, and can be variously expanded within the scope of the technical ideas included in the present invention. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] A battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked, and a first side plate and a second side plate respectively positioned on both sides of the battery cell stack. At least one lifting hole is formed in each of the first side plate and the second side plate. The lifting hole is an overlapping shape of an insertion hole and a fastening hole, and an opening area of ​​the insertion hole is larger than an opening area of ​​the fastening hole.

[0016] The fastening hole may be located above the insertion hole, and an opening area of ​​the insertion hole and an opening area of ​​the fastening hole may be connected to each other.

[0017] The insertion hole and the fastening hole may each be opened in a circular or polygonal shape.

[0018] The battery module may further include a first end plate and a second end plate located on one side and the other side of the battery cell stack, respectively; a first bus bar frame located between the battery cell stack and the first end plate; and a second bus bar frame located between the battery cell stack and the second end plate. The lifting holes are formed in a portion of the first side plate or the second side plate corresponding to the first bus bar frame or the second bus bar frame.

[0019] A chamber portion is formed in a first bus bar frame portion corresponding to one of the lifting holes and a second bus bar frame portion corresponding to the other of the lifting holes.

[0020] The chamber may have an open side, and the lifting hole may be disposed on the open side of the chamber.

[0021] The battery module may further include a bus bar attached to the first bus bar frame and the second bus bar frame, and an electrode lead of the battery cell may pass through a lead slit formed in the first bus bar frame or the second bus bar frame and then be bent to be connected to the bus bar.

[0022] A transfer member is inserted into the insertion hole, and the transfer member can lift the battery module through the fastening hole.

[0023] The battery module may further include connection members located on upper and lower sides of the battery cell stack, respectively, to connect the first side plate and the second side plate.

[0024] The connecting member may be a band member connected to the first side plate and the second side plate.

[0025] The band member may include a band body disposed on an upper side or a lower side of the battery cell stack, and band clips bent from the band body and fixed to the first side plate and the second side plate, respectively.

[0026] The connecting member may include a long bolt member fastened to the first side plate and the second side plate.

[0027] The connecting members are disposed spaced apart from each other on the upper side or the lower side of the battery cell stack.

[0028] The battery pack according to the embodiment of the present invention includes the battery module, and a pack tray for housing the battery module, the first side plate and the second side plate of the battery module being fixed to the pack tray.

[0029] The first side plate and the second side plate may each include a support portion arranged perpendicular to a bottom portion of the pack tray to support an outermost battery cell of the battery cell stack, and a fixing portion protruding in a direction perpendicular to one surface of the support portion, and the fixing portion may be fixed to the pack tray.

[0030] The battery pack may further include a mounting beam disposed on an upper surface of the bottom of the pack tray, and the fixing portion may be fixed to the mounting beam.

[0031] The fixing portion is disposed higher in the height direction than the mounting beam. Effect of the Invention

[0032] According to the embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to provide a battery module having a simplified module structure, which improves energy density per unit weight and enables weight reduction, and a battery pack including the battery module.

[0033] In addition, in line with the simplification of the module structure, module handling using side plates can be applied, improving the manufacturing process and space utilization.

[0034] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those 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]

[0035] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a conventional battery module. [Diagram 2] 1 is a perspective view showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 4 is a side view of a battery cell included in the battery module of FIG. 3. [Diagram 5] FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial perspective view of part A in FIG. 2. [Figure 6] 1A-1D are schematic diagrams illustrating lifting holes according to various embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion B in FIG. 3. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a transfer member according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 9] 9 is a perspective view showing the battery module of FIG. 2 together with the transfer member of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an enlarged partial perspective view of part C in FIG. 9. [Figure 11] 11 is a perspective view showing a process of transferring a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention using a transfer member; FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a side plate and a connecting member according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a first side plate according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] 1 is a perspective view showing a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 15] 4 is a partial perspective view showing a method for fixing a battery module to a pack tray in the battery pack according to the present embodiment. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0036] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention may, however, be embodied in various different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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, the thicknesses of various layers and regions are exaggerated to clearly express the layers and regions. In the drawings, the thicknesses of some layers and regions are exaggerated to facilitate explanation.

[0039] In addition, when a part such as a layer, film, region, or plate is said to be "on" or "above" another part, this includes not only the case where it is "directly on" another part, but also the case where there is another part in between. Conversely, when a part is said to be "directly on" another part, it means that there is no other part in between. In addition, being "on" or "above" a reference part means being located above or below the reference part, and does not necessarily mean being located "on" or "above" the direction against gravity.

[0040] Additionally, throughout the specification, when a part is said to "comprise" a certain element, this means that it may further include other elements, but not excluding other elements, unless specifically stated to the contrary.

[0041] Also, throughout the specification, the term "in a plane" means when the subject part is viewed from above, and the term "in cross section" means when the subject part is cut vertically and viewed from the side.

[0042] Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module of Fig. 2, Fig. 4 is a side view of a battery cell included in the battery module of Fig. 3.

[0043] 2 to 4, a battery module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a battery cell stack 120 in which a plurality of battery cells 110 are stacked, and a first side plate 210 and a second side plate 220 respectively positioned on both sides of the battery cell stack 120.

[0044] First, the battery cell 110 may be a pouch-type battery cell. Such a pouch-type battery cell may be formed by accommodating an electrode assembly in a pouch case of a laminate sheet including a resin layer and a metal layer, and then bonding the outer periphery of the pouch case. Such a battery cell 110 may be formed in a rectangular sheet structure. Specifically, the battery cell 110 according to the present embodiment has a structure in which two electrode leads 111 and 112 face each other and protrude from one end 114a and the other end 114b of a battery body 113, respectively. The battery cell 110 may be manufactured by bonding one end 114a and the other end 114b of the battery case 114 and one side 114c connecting them, with an electrode assembly (not shown) accommodated in the battery case 114. In other words, the battery cell 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention may have a total of three sealing parts, and the sealing parts are structured to be sealed by a method such as fusion, and the other side may be a connecting part 115.

[0045] However, the above-described battery cell 110 is merely an example structure, and it goes without saying that a unidirectional battery cell in which two electrode leads protrude in the same direction is also possible.

[0046] Such a battery cell 110 may be configured in a plurality of pieces, and the plurality of battery cells 110 may be stacked so as to be electrically connected to each other to form a battery cell stack 120. In particular, as shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of battery cells 110 may be stacked in a direction parallel to the y-axis. The battery case 114 generally has a laminate structure of a resin layer / metal thin film layer / resin layer. For example, if the surface of the battery case is made of an O(oriented)-nylon layer, it tends to be slippery due to external impact when stacking a plurality of battery cells to form a medium- to large-sized battery module. Therefore, in order to prevent this and maintain a stable stacked structure of the battery cells, an adhesive member such as a pressure-sensitive adhesive such as double-sided tape or a chemical adhesive that bonds by a chemical reaction when bonded may be attached to the surface of the battery case to form the battery cell stack 120.

[0047] The first side plate 210 and the second side plate 220 are respectively positioned on both sides of the battery cell stack 120 so as to support the battery cell stack 120. More specifically, the plurality of battery cells 110 are respectively arranged on both sides in the stacking direction, i.e., in a direction parallel to the y-axis in FIG. 3. At least one lifting hole 200H is formed in each of the first side plate 210 and the second side plate 220. The lifting hole 200H will be described later.

[0048] Meanwhile, the battery module 100 according to the present embodiment may include connection members 600 located on the upper and lower sides of the battery cell stack 120, respectively, to connect the first side plate 210 and the second side plate 220 together.

[0049] Unlike the conventional battery module 10, the battery module 100 according to the present embodiment does not have a configuration in which the battery cell stack 120 is housed and sealed in a module housing, but has a configuration in which a first side plate 210 and a second side plate 220 are disposed on both sides of the battery cell stack 120 and the first side plate 210 and the second side plate 220 are fixed to each other through a connecting member 600. That is, the battery module 100 according to the present embodiment has a module housing structure that is simpler than the conventional one, and can be directly mounted to a battery pack without a sealed module housing. The manner in which the battery module 100 is mounted to a battery pack will be described later with reference to Figs. 14 and 15.

[0050] As a result, in this embodiment, the module housing structure is omitted, which increases the space utilization in the battery pack unit described below, thereby improving the overall energy density and reducing weight. Also, as shown in Fig. 3, the connecting members 600 can be arranged separately from each other on the upper or lower side of the battery cell stack 120. A thermal conductive member and a heat sink can be arranged in the space between the separated connecting members 600, which leads to the advantage that the cooling member in the module unit and the cooling member in the pack unit can be integrated to provide only one cooling member. In other words, the cooling path of the battery module 100 inside the battery pack can be integrated and shortened, thereby achieving the effects of reducing weight and cost.

[0051] The lifting hole according to this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to FIG.

[0052] FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial perspective view of part A in FIG.

[0053] 2, 3 and 5, at least one lifting hole 200H is formed in each of the first side plate 210 and the second side plate 220 according to the present embodiment. There is no particular limitation on the number and positions of the lifting holes 200H, but as an example, as shown in FIG 3, two lifting holes 200H are formed in portions adjacent to one end and the other end of the first side plate 210, and other two lifting holes 200H are formed in portions adjacent to one end and the other end of the second side plate 220, respectively.

[0054] The lifting hole 200H is a through hole formed in the first side plate 210 or the second side plate 220, and has a shape in which the insertion hole 210H and the fastening hole 220H are overlapped. In other words, as shown in the figure, the two holes may be overlapped with each other, and the opening area of ​​the insertion hole 210H and the opening area of ​​the fastening hole 220H may be connected to each other. In this case, the opening area of ​​the insertion hole 210H is larger than the opening area of ​​the fastening hole 220H. Also, the fastening hole 220H may be disposed above the insertion hole 210H.

[0055] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a lifting hole according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0056] Referring to Figures 6(a) and (b), in the lifting holes 200H, 200H' according to this embodiment, as long as the opening area of ​​the insertion holes 210H, 210H' is larger than the opening area of ​​the fastening holes 220H, 220H', there are no special limitations on the shapes of the insertion holes 210H, 210H' and the fastening holes 220H, 220H', but the insertion holes 210H, 210H' and the fastening holes 220H, 220H' may each be opened in a circular or polygonal shape.

[0057] 6(a) shows an embodiment in which the insertion hole 210H and the fastening hole 220H are each opened in a circular shape. The radius r1 of the insertion hole 210H is larger than the radius r2 of the fastening hole 220H, so that the insertion hole 210H may have a larger opening area.

[0058] 6B shows an embodiment in which the insertion hole 210H' and the fastening hole 220H' are each opened in a square shape, which is an example of one of the polygonal opening shapes. Similarly, the insertion hole 210H' may have a larger opening area.

[0059] The function of the lifting holes 200H will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS.

[0060] FIG. 7 is an enlarged partial perspective view of part B in FIG.

[0061] 3, 4, 5 and 7, the battery module 100 according to this embodiment may further include a first end plate 310 and a second end plate 320 located on one and the other sides, respectively, of the battery cell stack 120; a first bus bar frame 410 located between the battery cell stack 120 and the first end plate 310; and a second bus bar frame 420 located between the battery cell stack 120 and the second end plate 320.

[0062] More specifically, a first busbar frame 410 and a first end plate 310 are sequentially arranged on one side in the direction in which one electrode lead 111 (see FIG. 4) of the battery cell 110 protrudes (x-axis direction), and a second busbar frame 420 and a second end plate 320 are sequentially arranged on the other side in the direction in which the other electrode lead 112 (see FIG. 4) of the battery cell 110 protrudes (-x-axis direction).

[0063] First bus bar frame 410 and second bus bar frame 420 are arranged to cover the front and rear faces, respectively, of the battery cell stack that correspond to the directions in which electrode leads 111, 112 protrude (x-axis direction and -x-axis direction).

[0064] The first end plate 310 and the second end plate 320 are disposed to cover one side of the first bus bar frame 410 and one side of the second bus bar frame 420, respectively. The first end plate 310 and the second end plate 320 may be plastic insulating covers having electrical insulation, and can protect other electrical components, including the bus bar 500 and the electrode leads 111, 112, positioned on the first bus bar frame 410 and the second bus bar frame 420, from the outside and prevent a short circuit with the outside. Meanwhile, there is no particular limitation on the method of connecting the first and second end plates 310, 320 to the first and second side plates 210, 220, and, for example, a mechanical connection method or a bolting connection can be applied.

[0065] Meanwhile, in another embodiment of the present invention, the first end plate 310 and the second end plate 320 may have high rigidity by including a metal material such as aluminum. In this case, however, it is preferable to add separate insulating covers between the first end plate 310 and the first bus bar frame 410 and between the second end plate 320 and the second bus bar frame 420.

[0066] 7, the battery module 100 according to the present embodiment may further include a bus bar 500 attached to the first bus bar frame 410 and the second bus bar frame 420. Although not shown, the second bus bar frame 420 and the bus bar 500 attached thereto may have a similar structure to the first bus bar frame 410 shown in FIG.

[0067] The electrode leads 111, 112 of the battery cell 110 may pass through a lead slit formed in the first bus bar frame 410 or the second bus bar frame 420, and then be bent to be connected to the bus bar 500. More specifically, any one of the electrode leads 111 may pass through a lead slit of the first bus bar frame 410 and then be connected to the bus bar 500, and the other electrode lead 112 may pass through a lead slit of the second bus bar frame 420 and then be connected to the bus bar 500. There is no particular limitation on the method of connecting the electrode leads 111, 112 to the bus bar 500, but as an example, welding may be performed.

[0068] In this manner, the battery cells 110 constituting the battery cell stack 120 may be connected in series or in parallel to each other.

[0069] Meanwhile, although not specifically shown, a terminal bus bar for connecting external power to the battery module 100 or a module connector for transmitting sensing information of voltage and temperature may be attached to the first bus bar frame 410 or the second bus bar frame 420.

[0070] According to the present embodiment, first side plate 210 and second side plate 220 are disposed to cover a side surface of first bus bar frame 410 and a side surface of second bus bar frame 420. In this case, lifting holes 200H are formed in first side plate 210 or second side plate 220 at a portion corresponding to first bus bar frame 410 or a portion corresponding to second bus bar frame 420.

[0071] 3, two lifting holes 200H adjacent to one end and the other end of the first side plate 210 are formed in a portion corresponding to the first bus bar frame 410 and a portion corresponding to the second bus bar frame 420, respectively. In addition, two lifting holes 200H adjacent to one end and the other end of the second side plate 220 are formed in a portion corresponding to the first bus bar frame 410 and a portion corresponding to the second bus bar frame 420, respectively.

[0072] 7, a chamber portion 400C is formed in a portion of the first bus bar frame 410 corresponding to one of the lifting holes 200H and in a portion of the second bus bar frame 420 corresponding to the other of the lifting holes 200H. Although only the chamber portion 400C formed in the first bus bar frame 410 is shown in FIG. 7, a chamber portion 400C is also formed in the second bus bar frame 420 in a similar manner.

[0073] The chamber 400C may have an open side. More specifically, the chamber 400C may be indented toward the other side opposite to the one side, with the one side open and the remaining part closed. The lifting hole 200H according to the present embodiment is disposed on the open side of the chamber 400C.

[0074] As will be described later, for handling of the battery module 100, a transfer member 900 is inserted into the lifting hole 200H according to this embodiment, and the chamber portion 400C according to this embodiment can protect the internal components of the battery module 100 from the transfer member 900.

[0075] Hereinafter, a handling method of the battery module 100 using the lifting holes 200H according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 8 to Fig. 11. Hereinafter, the handling method is a general concept of transportation or handling of the battery module 100, such as a process of moving the battery module 100 or assembling it into a battery pack.

[0076] Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing a transferring member according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing the battery module of Fig. 2 and the transferring member of Fig. 8. Fig. 10 is a partial perspective view showing an enlarged view of part C of Fig. 9. Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing a process of transferring a battery module according to the present embodiment using the transferring member.

[0077] 8 to 11, the transfer member 900 is inserted into the lifting holes 200H, and the transfer member 900 can lift the battery module 100 through the fastening holes 220H.

[0078] Specifically, the conveying member 900 according to the present embodiment may include an inserting portion 910, a fastening portion 920, and a rod portion 930. The inserting portion 910 is a member that is inserted into the inserting hole 210H of the lifting hole 200H, and may have a shape corresponding to the opening shape of the inserting hole 210H. The fastening portion 920 is a member that can be coupled to the fastening hole 220H of the lifting hole 200H, and may connect the inserting portion 910 and the rod portion 930 and have a shape corresponding to the opening shape of the fastening hole 220H. FIG. 8 shows the inserting portion 910 and the fastening portion 920 having a circular shape to be inserted into the inserting hole 210H and the fastening hole 220H that are opened circularly. The opening area of ​​the fastening hole 220H is smaller than that of the inserting hole 210H, and accordingly, the fastening portion 920 has a smaller radius than the inserting portion 910. Meanwhile, the radius of the insertion portion 910 may be smaller than the radius of the insertion hole 210H and larger than the radius of the fastening hole 220H. The rod portion 930 may be a rod-shaped member connected to the fastening portion 920.

[0079] 9 and 10 show the state before the insertion portion 910 and the fastening portion 920 are inserted into the insertion hole 210H. First, the insertion portion 910 and the fastening portion 920 of the transfer member 900 are inserted into the insertion hole 210H of the lifting hole 200H. Then, as shown in Fig. 11, the transfer member 900 is lifted upward so that the fastening portion 920 is coupled to the fastening hole 220H, thereby enabling the transfer of the battery module 100. It is preferable that the fastening hole 220H is located above the insertion hole 210H so that the fastening portion 920 is naturally coupled to the fastening hole 220H when the transfer member 900 moves upward.

[0080] In addition, as described above, since the radius of the insertion portion 910 is smaller than the radius of the insertion hole 210H and larger than the radius of the fastening hole 220H, the insertion portion 910 can function as a locking structure after the fastening portion 920 abuts against the fastening hole 220H. That is, the insertion portion 910 can prevent the transfer member 900 from coming off to the outside through the fastening hole 220H during the handling of the battery module 100.

[0081] Unlike the conventional battery module 10 shown in Fig. 1, which uses a handling method using a module housing, the battery module 100 according to the present embodiment has a configuration in which the module housing structure is omitted, and accordingly, lifting holes 200H for handling are provided in the first side plate 210 and the second side plate 220. That is, the lifting holes 200H and the transfer member 900 according to the present embodiment realize a handling method that is optimally applicable to the battery module 100 of the present embodiment, which has a simplified module housing. In addition, since the battery module 100 can be lifted only by the transfer member 900 without requiring many spaces or parts, the handling method process is simplified and costs can be reduced.

[0082] Meanwhile, as described above, at this time, the lifting holes 200H are formed in the first side plate 210 or the second side plate 220 at a portion corresponding to the first bus bar frame 410 or a portion corresponding to the second bus bar frame 420. As a result, the chamber parts 400C can be provided in the first bus bar frame 410 and the second bus bar frame 420, and the internal components of the battery module 100 can be protected from the transfer member 900 during handling.

[0083] Furthermore, when the lifting holes 200H are arranged in the portion corresponding to the first bus bar frame 410 and the portion corresponding to the second bus bar frame 420, they are located at four corners on both sides from the viewpoint of the battery module 100, so that the battery module 100 can be lifted stably.

[0084] The connecting member applied to the battery module according to the present embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0085] 2 and 3, as described above, the battery module 100 may include a connection member 600 that connects the first side plate 210 and the second side plate 220 together.

[0086] In this case, the connecting member 600 according to the present embodiment may be a band member 600a connected to the first side plate 210 and the second side plate 220. The band member 600a may include an elastic metal material, and may be provided in one or more. In the case of a plurality of band members 600a, they may be arranged at regular intervals. As an example, FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 show three band members 600a arranged on the upper and lower sides of the battery cell stack 120, respectively.

[0087] The band member 600a may include a band body 610a and a band clip 620a. The band body 610a is made of a material having elasticity and a predetermined length, and is disposed at least at one of the upper and lower sides of the battery cell stack 120.

[0088] The band clip 620a is formed integrally with the band body 610a and is bent at both ends of the band body 610a so as to be fixed to the first side plate 210 or the second side plate 220. The band clip 620a can be fixed to the first side plate 210 or the second side plate 220 by a welding method.

[0089] 12 is a perspective view showing a side plate and a connecting member according to another embodiment of the present invention. For convenience of explanation, other components are omitted and only a first side plate 210, a second side plate 220 and a connecting member 600 are shown.

[0090] 12, as another embodiment of the present invention, the connecting member 600 may include a long bolt member 600b fastened to the first side plate 210 and the second side plate 220. At least one or a plurality of such long bolt members 600b may be provided.

[0091] The long bolt members 600b are respectively fastened through the first side plate 210 and the second side plate 220 to fix the first side plate 210 and the second side plate 220. Such long bolt members 600b are disposed at at least one of the upper side and the lower side of the battery cell stack 120.

[0092] The supporting portions and fixing portions of the first side plate and the second side plate according to this embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0093] 13 is a perspective view showing a first side plate according to an embodiment of the present invention. Since the second side plate may have the same or similar structure as the first side plate, the following description will be based on the first side plate.

[0094] 2, 3 and 13, the first side plate 210 and the second side plate 220 according to this embodiment may include a support portion 200S that supports the outermost battery cell of the battery cell stack and a fixing portion 200F that protrudes in a direction perpendicular to one surface of the support portion 200S.

[0095] The above-mentioned lifting holes 200H are formed in the support parts 200S of the first side plate 210 and the second side plate 220. The fixing parts 200F are formed with through holes 200FH for mounting and fixing. There is no particular limit to the number of fixing parts 200F, and one or more fixing parts 200F may be provided. FIG. 13 shows a state where a plurality of fixing parts 200F are arranged at a predetermined interval.

[0096] Hereinafter, the configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention and a mounting and fixing method using the fixing portions of the first and second side plates will be described in detail.

[0097] Fig. 14 is a perspective view showing a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 15 is a partial perspective view showing a method of fixing a battery module to a pack tray in the battery pack according to the present embodiment.

[0098] 13 to 15, a battery pack 1000 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery module 100 and a pack tray 1100 for accommodating the battery module.

[0099] The pack tray 1100 is a structure having an internal space, in which one or more battery modules 100 can be stored. The one or more battery modules 100 are disposed on a bottom 1100F of the pack tray 1100. Although not specifically shown, a pack cover is disposed to cover the open top of the pack tray 1100.

[0100] At this time, mounting and fixing the battery module 100 to the pack tray 1100 is necessary in preparation for external vibrations and impacts, and the first side plate 210 and the second side plate 220 of the battery module 100 according to this embodiment are fixed to the pack tray 1100.

[0101] Specifically, as described above, the first side plate 210 and the second side plate 220 may include the support portion 200S that supports the outermost battery cell of the battery cell stack and is disposed perpendicular to the bottom portion 1100F of the pack tray 1100, and the fixing portion 200F that protrudes in a direction perpendicular to one surface of the support portion 200S. At this time, the fixing portion 200F is fixed to the pack tray 1100.

[0102] More specifically, the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment may further include a mounting beam 1200 disposed on an upper surface of the bottom portion 1100F of the pack tray 1100, and the fixing portion 200F is fixed to the mounting beam 1200.

[0103] The mounting beam 1200 has a shape that extends in one direction on an upper surface of the bottom 1100F of the pack tray 1100. Although not specifically shown, when a plurality of battery modules 100 are arranged, the mounting beam 1200 is arranged between the battery modules 100. The mounting beam 1200 can fix the battery modules 100 and buffer shocks, etc., transmitted to the battery modules 100 from external shocks, etc.

[0104] 15, the fixing part 200F has a through hole 200FH for mounting and fixing. Meanwhile, in the height direction, the fixing part 200F may be disposed higher than the height of the mounting beam 1200. Here, the height direction means a direction perpendicular to one surface of the bottom part 1100F of the pack tray 1100.

[0105] The fixing part 200F is fixed to the upper surface of the mounting beam 1200, and a bolting connection can be performed as shown in Fig. 15. That is, a mounting hole 1200H having an inner thread is formed on the upper surface of the mounting beam 1200, and a bolt-shaped fastening member 1300 can be inserted into and fastened to the mounting hole 1200H after passing through a through hole 200FH of the fixing part 200F.

[0106] As described above, the battery module 100 according to the present embodiment may be fixed to the pack tray 1100 through the first side plate 210 and the second side plate 220 to form the battery pack 1000.

[0107] Meanwhile, during repeated charging and discharging, the internal electrolyte of the battery cell 110 may decompose, generating gas and causing the battery cell 110 to swell, i.e., a swelling phenomenon may occur. If the swelling of the battery cell 110 cannot be controlled, it may cause structural deformation of the battery module 100 in which multiple battery cells 110 are stacked, and may adversely affect the durability and performance of the battery module 100.

[0108] In particular, pure Si cells, all-solid-state batteries, and high SiO content cells are recently used as battery cells to manufacture high-capacity battery modules and battery packs, and the degree of expansion is even greater in the case of these cells. That is, in order to manufacture high-capacity battery modules and battery packs, it is essential to effectively control the swelling of the battery cells 110 inside the battery module or battery pack. Referring again to FIG. 3, since the pouch-type battery cell 110 usually has a large degree of swelling in the thickness direction, the structures directly related to swelling control are the first side plate 210 and the second side plate 220 disposed on both sides of the battery cell stack 120.

[0109] The battery module 100 according to the present embodiment does not have a module housing that integrally surrounds a battery cell stack, but has a simplified housing structure using a first side plate 210, a second side plate 220, and a connecting member 600 that connects them. Since it does not have the conventional module housing shape shown in FIG. 1, it may be difficult to provide lateral rigidity and durability sufficient to control swelling of the battery cells 110.

[0110] Therefore, the battery pack 1000 according to the present embodiment is designed such that the battery module 100 having a simplified housing structure is disposed therein, and the first side plate 210 and the second side plate 220 are directly coupled and fixed to the mounting beam 1200 on the pack tray 1100, and the mounting beam 1200 supports the first side plate 210 and the second side plate 220 laterally to control swelling.

[0111] That is, the mounting is fixed through the first side plate 210 and the second side plate 220, and at the same time, the mounting beam 1200 can complement the rigidity and durability of the battery module 100 for swelling control.

[0112] In summary, the first side plate 210 and the second side plate 220 according to the present embodiment can function as a handling structure in the battery module 100 having a simplified housing structure by forming the lifting holes 200H, can function as a mounting and fixing function by being directly fixed to the mounting beam 1200 on the pack tray 1100, and can also function as a stiffness supplement for swelling control of the battery module 100.

[0113] 3, compression pads 700 are disposed between one side of the battery cell stack 120 and the first side plate 210, and between the other side of the battery cell stack 120 and the second side plate 220. The compression pads 700 are foam-type members and are disposed for the purpose of absorbing swelling of the battery cells 110 and providing heat insulation.

[0114] In addition, the battery module 100 according to the present embodiment may further include an insulating sheet 800 located between the battery cell stack 120 and the connecting member 600 located on the upper side of the battery cell stack 120. The insulating sheet 800 is an electrically insulating thin sheet, and is disposed to cover the entire upper surface of the battery cell stack 120 to ensure electrical insulation from the upper side of the battery cell stack 120. The insulating sheet 800 may be an insulating film or insulating tape, and may have a thickness of 0.1 mm or less.

[0115] In another embodiment of the present invention, an insulating sheet may not be disposed between the battery cell stack 120 and the connecting member 600. That is, an embodiment in which the upper surface of the battery cell stack 120 is exposed to the outside through the connecting member 600 is also possible.

[0116] Meanwhile, although not specifically illustrated, the battery pack according to the present embodiment may further include various control and protection systems such as a BMS (Battery Management System), a BDU (Battery Disconnect Unit), and a cooling system in addition to the battery module.

[0117] The battery module and the battery pack according to the present embodiment can be applied to various devices, specifically, to transportation means such as electric bicycles, electric cars, and hybrids, and to ESS (Energy Storage Systems), but is not limited thereto, and can be applied to various devices that can use secondary batteries.

[0118] In this embodiment, terms indicating directions such as front, back, left, right, up, and down are used, but these terms are merely for convenience of explanation and may change depending on the position of the target object, the position of the observer, etc.

[0119] 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]

[0120] 10: Battery module 20:Module housing 100: Battery module 110: Battery cell (pouch type battery cell) 111: Electrode lead 112: Electrode lead 113: Battery body 114: Battery case 114a: One end 114b: Other end 114c: One side 115: Connection part 120: Battery cell stack 210: First side plate 220: Second side plate 200F: Fixed part 200FH:Through hole 200H: Lifting hole 210H: Insertion hole 220H: Finishing hole 200S: Support part 310: First end plate 320: 2nd end plate 400C: Chamber section 410: First bus bar frame 420: Second bus bar frame 500: Busbar 600: Connecting member 600a: Band material 600b: Long bolt material 610a: Band body 620a:Band clip 700: Compression pad 800: Insulation sheet 900:Transportation component 910: Insertion section 920: Fastening part 930: Rod part

Claims

1. A battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; and a first side plate and a second side plate located on each side of the battery cell stack, At least one lifting hole is formed in each of the first side plate and the second side plate, The lifting hole is an overlapping shape of an insertion hole and a fastening hole, In the battery module, an opening area of ​​the insertion hole is larger than an opening area of ​​the fastening hole, The battery module includes: a first end plate and a second end plate respectively located on one side and the other side of the battery cell stack; a first bus bar frame positioned between the battery cell stack and the first end plate; and a second bus bar frame positioned between the battery cell stack and the second end plate, the lifting hole is formed in the first side plate or the second side plate at a portion corresponding to the first bus bar frame or a portion corresponding to the second bus bar frame.

2. The fastening hole is located above the insertion hole, The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the opening area of ​​the insertion hole and the opening area of ​​the fastening hole are connected to each other.

3. The battery module of claim 1 , wherein the insertion hole and the fastening hole are each opened in a circular or polygonal shape.

4. The battery module of claim 1 , wherein a chamber portion is formed in a first bus bar frame portion corresponding to one of the lifting holes and a second bus bar frame portion corresponding to the other of the lifting holes.

5. One side of the chamber is open, The battery module of claim 4 , wherein the lifting hole is located on the open side of the chamber portion.

6. a bus bar attached to the first bus bar frame and the second bus bar frame, The battery module of claim 1 , wherein the electrode leads of the battery cells pass through lead slits formed in the first bus bar frame or the second bus bar frame, and are then bent to be connected to the bus bar.

7. A conveying member is inserted into the insertion hole, The battery module of claim 1 , wherein the transfer member is capable of lifting the battery module through the fastening hole.

8. The battery module according to claim 1 , further comprising: connecting members located on upper and lower sides of the battery cell stack, respectively, for connecting the first side plate and the second side plate.

9. The battery module according to claim 8 , wherein the connecting member is a band member that connects the first side plate and the second side plate.

10. 10. The battery module according to claim 9, wherein the band member includes a band body arranged on an upper side or a lower side of the battery cell stack, and band clips bent from the band body and fixed to the first side plate and the second side plate, respectively.

11. The battery module of claim 8 , wherein the connecting member includes a long bolt member fastened to the first side plate and the second side plate.

12. The battery module according to claim 8 , wherein the connecting members are located spaced apart from each other on the upper side or the lower side of the battery cell stack.

13. The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 12; and a pack tray for housing the battery module; the first side plate and the second side plate of the battery module are fixed to the pack tray.

14. each of the first side plate and the second side plate includes a support portion disposed perpendicular to a bottom of the pack tray to support an outermost battery cell of the battery cell stack, and a fixing portion protruding in a direction perpendicular to one surface of the support portion; The battery pack according to claim 13 , wherein the fixing portion is fixed to the pack tray.

15. a mounting beam disposed on a top surface of the bottom of the pack tray; The battery pack according to claim 14 , wherein the fixing portion is fixed to the mounting beam.

16. The battery pack according to claim 15 , wherein the fixing portion is positioned higher than the mounting beam in a height direction.

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