Battery module and battery pack including the same

Abstract

The battery module according to the present invention includes a battery cell assembly in which two or more battery cells, each having a lead formed at both ends in the longitudinal direction, are arranged in a row in the longitudinal direction, electrode leads of the battery cells facing each other in the longitudinal direction are electrically connected to form longitudinal unit cells, and the longitudinal unit cells are stacked in two or more rows in the thickness direction of the battery cells, a bus bar connected to the electrode leads of the battery cells included in the battery cell assembly to electrically connect the battery cells, a sensing member connected to the bus bar to sense electrical characteristics of the battery cells, and a module case accommodating the battery cell assembly, the bus bar, and the sensing member, and the bus bar and the sensing member are fastened by fitting and coupling in which one of the bus bar and the sensing member is fitted into the other one.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module.

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to a battery module configured to be scalable, in which a bus bar and a sensing member are coupled by a fitting connection to embody a sensing integrated bus bar.

[0003] The present invention also relates to a battery pack including a laminate of the above battery modules.

[0004] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0152324 filed on November 8, 2021, and all the contents disclosed in the literature of the Korean patent application are included as part of this specification.

Background Art

[0005] In recent years, rechargeable secondary batteries have been widely used as an energy source for wireless mobile devices. In addition, secondary batteries have also attracted attention as an energy source for electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, etc., which are presented as a countermeasure to solve air pollution caused by existing gasoline vehicles, diesel vehicles, etc. that use fossil fuels. Therefore, the types of applications using secondary batteries are very diverse due to the advantages of secondary batteries, and it is expected that secondary batteries will be applied to more fields and products in the future.

[0006] In addition, as a power source for energy storage devices (ESS) and electric vehicles, etc., there is an increasing demand for battery modules that internally accommodate a large number of secondary batteries electrically connected in series or parallel, and battery packs composed of the above battery modules.

[0007] Such battery modules and battery packs are equipped with an external housing made of a metal material to protect a plurality of secondary batteries from external impacts and store them.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of a conventional general battery module 1. As shown, a battery cell assembly composed of dozens of battery cells stacked inside is housed in one module case. Such a conventional battery module 1 has the following problems.

[0009] First, since the bus bar frame 2 is installed at the front end of the module case and all the terminal bus bar 4 and the inter-bus bar 3 are installed on the bus bar frame 2, in order to provide a space for installing the bus bar, the shape of the bus bar frame 2 had to be formed complicatedly. In addition, since both the sensing line 5a and the connector 6 are installed on the bus bar frame 2, there is a disadvantage that the structure becomes even more complicated.

[0010] Second, due to the complicated assembly structure in which the sensing plate 5 is installed on the module case and the sensing line 5a led out therefrom is coupled to the terminal bus bar 4 and the inter-bus bar 3 and welded by laser, there is a problem that the manufacturing process increases and the manufacturing cost rises as a result.

[0011] Third, since the single battery cells are stacked only in the thickness direction, the space utilization and design freedom of the battery cell arrangement are low. Therefore, there is a limit to forming a battery pack by bundling such modules. That is, it is not easy to configure a battery module or a battery pack to conform to a limited space such as an automobile or a space of various forms. In addition, since dozens of battery cells are stacked in one module, when ignition occurs in one battery cell, the flame is easily propagated to other battery cells, and there is a risk that the module will burn out in a short time.

[0012] Therefore, there is a demand for the development of battery module-related technologies that can simplify the connection between the bus bar and the sensing member, streamline the assembly process, ensure rigidity, and increase the design freedom of battery modules and battery packs.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0013]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0014] The present invention was made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an expandable battery module in which battery cells are connected not only in the thickness direction but also in the longitudinal direction to improve the space utilization of battery modules and battery packs.

[0015] Another object is to provide a battery module having a sensing integrated bus bar structure in which the connection between the bus bar and the sensing member is simplified in the above expandable module.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack including a laminate of the above battery modules.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0017] The battery module according to the present invention for solving the above problems includes a battery cell assembly in which battery cells having leads formed at both longitudinal ends are arranged in two or more in a row in the longitudinal direction to form a longitudinal unit cell, and the longitudinal unit cells are stacked in two or more rows in the thickness direction of the battery cells; a bus bar coupled to the electrode leads of the battery cells included in the battery cell assembly to electrically connect the battery cells; a sensing member coupled to the bus bar to sense the electrical characteristics of the battery cells; and a module case that houses the battery cell assembly, the bus bar, and the sensing member. And the bus bar and the sensing member are fastened by a fitting connection in which one of the bus bar and the sensing member is fitted and coupled to the other one.

[0018] As an example, the bus bar is an inter-bus bar to which the electrode leads of the battery cells located at the front end and the rear end of the longitudinal unit cell are respectively coupled.

[0019] Specifically, the same number of rows of longitudinal unit cells are arranged on both sides in the thickness direction of the battery cells with the inter-bus bar as the center, and the electrode leads of the battery cells located at the front end and the rear end of the longitudinal unit cells arranged on both sides are bent toward the inter-bus bar and can be coupled to the inter-bus bar.

[0020] Also, as an example, a first sensing member is installed behind the inter-bus bar, and the first sensing member includes a first hook portion on the front surface facing the inter-bus bar, and the inter-bus bar can be fitted into the first hook portion and coupled to the first sensing member.

[0021] As another example, between the rows of the longitudinal unit cells, a heat dissipation prevention plate extending in the longitudinal direction of the battery cells may be further included over the front end and the rear end of the module case.

[0022] Specifically, the inter-bus bar is installed through the front end portion and the rear end portion of the heat propagation prevention plate, and the leads of the battery cells located at the front end and the rear end of the longitudinal unit cells arranged on both sides of the heat propagation prevention plate can be bent toward the inter-bus bar and coupled to the inter-bus bar.

[0023] Also, insulating members are installed on the left and right side surfaces of the heat propagation prevention plate at the front end portion and the rear end portion, and the inter-bus bar can be installed through the insulating members and the heat propagation prevention plate at the front end portion and the rear end portion.

[0024] Also, a first sensing member is installed behind the inter-bus bar. The first sensing member includes a first hook portion on the front surface facing the inter-bus bar, and the inter-bus bar can be fitted into the first hook portion and coupled to the first sensing member.

[0025] More specifically, the first sensing member is penetrated and coupled to the heat propagation prevention plate behind the inter-bus bar. The first sensing member includes a second hook portion fitted to the edge of the penetration portion of the heat propagation prevention plate. When the second hook portion is fitted to the edge of the penetration portion and the first sensing member is coupled to the heat propagation prevention plate, the inter-bus bar can be fitted into the first hook portion, and the first sensing member and the inter-bus bar can be fitted and coupled.

[0026] As another embodiment of the present invention, the bus bar can be a terminal bus bar coupled to the electrode leads of the battery cells facing each other in the longitudinal direction in the longitudinal unit cell.

[0027] As an example, the terminal bus bar can include a first terminal bus bar coupled to one of the electrode leads of the battery cells facing each other in the longitudinal direction and a second terminal bus bar coupled to the other electrode lead.

[0028] Specifically, a second sensing member is installed behind the terminal bus bar. The second sensing member includes a coupling hook portion on a front surface facing the terminal bus bar, and the terminal bus bar can be fitted into the coupling hook portion and coupled to the second sensing member.

[0029] As another example, between the columns of the longitudinal unit cells, a heat propagation prevention plate extending in the longitudinal direction of the battery cell is further included across the front end and the rear end of the module case, and the second sensing member can be coupled to the heat propagation prevention plate.

[0030] As an example, a thermally conductive adhesive resin layer can be formed at least in one of between the module case covering the upper part of the battery cell assembly and the battery cell assembly, and between the module case located at the lower part of the battery cell assembly and the battery cell assembly.

[0031] As another aspect of the present invention, the battery pack may include a battery module laminate formed by stacking a plurality of the battery modules in at least one of the longitudinal direction and the thickness direction of the battery cell.

Advantages of the Invention

[0032] According to the present invention, an expandable battery module can be obtained by connecting battery cells not only in the thickness direction but also in the longitudinal direction to improve the space utilization of the battery module and the battery pack.

[0033] In addition, a sensing integrated bus bar structure suitable for such an expandable battery module is realized, and the rigidity of the sensing member and the bus bar assembly can be ensured while simplifying the assembly process. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the temperature rise and the occurrence of fire of the battery module and improve the safety.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0034]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0035] 〔Explanation of Reference Numerals〕 10: Battery cell 11, 12: Lead 100: Battery cell assembly 110: Longitudinal unit cell 200: Bus bar 210, 210’: Inter-bus bar 220, 220’: Terminal bus bar 300: Sensing member 310: First sensing member 311: First sensing pin 312: First hook portion 313: Second hook portion 320: Second sensing member 320a, 320a’: Coupling protrusion 321, 322: Coupling hook portion 323: Second sensing pin 340: Support block 341: Support block hook 400: Module case 410: C-shaped wall 420: I-shaped wall 430, 440: Front end plate, rear end plate 500: Heat transfer prevention plate 510: Body portion 511: Partition wall 510C: Bending channel 512, 512’: Inter-bus bar coupling elongated hole 513, 513’: First sensing member coupling elongated hole 514, 514’: Bending elongated hole 515: Support block coupling hole 516: Second sensing member coupling hole 520: Support plate 521: Inter-bus bar coupling hole 600: Insulating member R: Thermally conductive adhesive resin layer T: Adhesive 1000: Battery module 1000’: Battery module laminate 2100: Battery pack case 2000: Battery pack

[0036] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail. Before that, terms and words used in this specification and the claims should not be construed as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted as meanings and concepts that conform to the technical idea of the present invention based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the terms in order to explain his own invention in the best way.

[0037] Terms such as "comprising" and "having" used throughout the specification of the present invention are intended to specify the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood not to preclude in advance the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0038] Also, when a part such as a layer, film, region, or plate is said to be "on" another part, this includes not only the case where it is directly "on" the other part, but also the case where there is another part in between. Conversely, when a part such as a layer, film, region, or plate is said to be "under" another part, it includes not only the case where it is directly "under" the other part, but also the case where there is another part in between. Also, in the specification of the present invention, being "disposed on" can include not only the upper part but also the lower part.

[0039] The battery module according to the present invention includes a battery cell assembly in which battery cells having leads formed at both longitudinal ends are arranged in two or more rows in the longitudinal direction to form a longitudinal unit cell, and the longitudinal unit cells are stacked in two or more rows in the thickness direction of the battery cells, a bus bar coupled to the electrode leads of the battery cells included in the battery cell assembly to electrically connect the battery cells, a sensing member coupled to the bus bar to sense the electrical characteristics of the battery cells, and a module case that houses the battery cell assembly, the bus bar, and the sensing member.

[0040] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the structure of the heat dissipation prevention plate included in the battery module of FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the battery module of FIG. 2 combined.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 2, the present invention includes a battery cell assembly 100 including longitudinal unit cells 110, and a module case 400 in which the battery cell assembly 100 is housed. In FIG. 2, leads 11 and 12 are formed at both ends, and based on a normal pouch-type battery cell 10 that is long and extends in the longitudinal direction, the X direction is the longitudinal direction of the battery cell 10 or the module case 400, the Y direction is the thickness direction of the battery cell 10 or the module case 400 (the stacking direction of the battery cells), and the Z direction is the vertical direction.

[0042] The battery cell 10 of the present invention is targeted at a battery cell 10 (so-called two-way battery cell (two-way pouch cell)) in which leads 11 and 12 are formed at both longitudinal ends. According to such a configuration, since the positive electrode lead 11 and the negative electrode lead 12 are respectively led out and formed at both ends in one battery cell 10, interference between the leads is eliminated, the area of the electrode leads can be increased, and operations such as the coupling operation between the electrode leads and the bus bar can be performed more easily.

[0043] The battery cell assembly 100 of the present invention includes, as a longitudinal unit cell 110, a bundle of battery cells in which two or more such bidirectional battery cells are arranged in a row in the longitudinal direction, and the electrode leads of the battery cells 10 facing each other in the longitudinal direction are electrically connected. In FIG. 2, two battery cells are connected in the longitudinal direction to form a longitudinal unit cell, but two or more battery cells can also be connected in the longitudinal direction. As long as the space of the battery pack where the battery module case 400 or the battery module 1000 is installed permits, the number of the battery cells 10 connected in the longitudinal direction is not limited in principle. However, since there is a limit to the space of the battery module 1000 and the battery pack that can be actually installed in an automobile or the like, it is preferable to connect about two to four battery cells 10 in the longitudinal direction. Also, depending on the size (length) of the battery cells 10 to be connected, the number of the battery cells 10 connected in the longitudinal direction can be varied. As described above, in this specification, a combination of battery cells 10 in which two or more battery cells 10 having leads 11 and 12 formed at both longitudinal ends are arranged in a row and the leads 11 and 12 at the battery cell ends facing each other are electrically connected is referred to as a longitudinal unit cell 110.

[0044] The battery cell assembly 100 included in the battery module 1000 of the present invention is formed by stacking two or more rows of the longitudinal unit cells 110 in the thickness direction (X direction) of the battery cell 10 again. The number of rows in which the longitudinal unit cells 110 are stacked also depends on the allowable space of the battery module 1000 and the battery pack, the size of the battery cell 10, and the like. Further, the number of battery cells in the longitudinal direction and the number of rows of the battery cell 10 can be determined in consideration of the required capacity of the electrical device to be used. Thus, since the present invention can adjust the number of battery cells in the longitudinal direction and the number of rows of the battery cell assembly 100 accommodated in the module case 400, the degree of design freedom is improved. Further, when the battery cell assembly 100 is stacked, for example, about 2 to 4 in the longitudinal direction and about 2 to 6 rows in the thickness direction of the battery cell without stacking dozens of them as in the conventional case, the battery cell assembly 100 can be configured more compactly. Further, the battery cell assemblies 100 each composed of such a small number of battery cells 10 are accommodated in separate module cases 400, and the battery module 1000 including such module cases 400 is stacked in the longitudinal direction or the thickness direction of the battery cell 10 like Lego blocks, then the battery pack can be freely configured in consideration of the space where the battery module 1000 is installed or the installation space of the battery pack. For example, when the battery modules 1000 are stacked in the longitudinal direction, the same effect can be achieved without further connecting the battery cells of the longitudinal unit cells 110 longer in the longitudinal direction. Thereby, an individual battery module (unit module) can be configured more compactly. Further, by stacking the battery modules 1000 in the number required in the thickness direction of the battery cell, the degree of design freedom can be improved. As shown in FIG. 1, in a structure in which dozens of battery cells are stacked in one module case, it is difficult to configure the battery pack as desired. That is, since the minimum unit of the battery cells included in the battery modules constituting the battery pack is different, the degree of design freedom of the conventional battery module 1 inevitably decreases.

[0045] Also, for example, when ignition occurs in some of the battery cells included in the battery module, the battery module 1 in FIG. 1 is liable to have the flame spread to the adjacent battery cells. However, in the structure of the battery module 1000 in FIG. 2 or the battery pack disclosed in FIG. 10 described later, since the battery cell assemblies 100 each having a small number of battery cells 10 are separately housed in the battery module 1000, even if ignition occurs in the battery cells 10 in one battery module 1000, it is difficult for the ignition to spread to other battery modules 1000.

[0046] From the above, the battery cell assembly 100 of the present invention is connected in the longitudinal direction and the thickness direction of the battery cell, and the battery cell assembly 100 composed of a specific number of battery cells 10 is housed in each module case 400. Therefore, depending on the stacking (design) method of the battery module 1000 including such a battery cell assembly 100, battery packs in various forms can be manufactured in any quantity. Thus, the battery module 1000 of the present invention can be referred to as an expandable module.

[0047] In the battery cell assembly 100 of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 2, two battery cells 10 are connected in the longitudinal direction, and the longitudinal unit cells 110 are stacked in 4 rows, and the battery cell assembly 100 is configured with a total of 8 battery cells 10 as a so-called 2P4S connection structure.

[0048] However, by making the number of rows of the longitudinal unit cells 110 connected in the longitudinal direction different, battery cell assemblies such as two-row stacking (1P4S), six-row stacking (3P4S), and eight-row stacking (4P4S) of even-numbered rows are also possible. In addition to the structure of connecting three (1P6S, 2P6S, 3P6S,...) or four (1P8S, 2P8S, 3P8S,...) instead of two in the longitudinal direction, structures of connecting more than that are also possible. In short, according to the design requirements of the above-described battery module and battery pack, it is an advantage of the present invention that the stacking structure of the longitudinal unit cell 110 and the battery cell assembly can be changed in a variety of and expandable ways.

[0049] Although not shown, a heat insulating plate, an insulating sheet, or the like can be installed between the columns of the longitudinal unit cells 110. In one embodiment of the present invention, a heat propagation prevention plate 500 is installed between the columns of the longitudinal unit cells 110.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 3, between the rows of the longitudinal unit cells 110 that constitute the battery cell assembly 100, a heat propagation prevention plate 500 is installed to extend in the longitudinal direction of the battery cell 10 across the front end and the rear end of the module case 400. The heat propagation prevention plate 500 can function to prevent heat propagation between the longitudinal unit cells 110 when a flame is generated due to overheating or ignition. Specifically, the heat propagation prevention plate 500 has a hollow structure in which a venting channel 510C capable of discharging gas and flame inside is formed. The venting channel 510C is divided into a plurality of sections by partition walls 511 and can discharge gas and flame generated inside the module to the outside of the module. The heat propagation prevention plate 500 has a size and length such that it can completely cover the longitudinal unit cells 110 so as to discharge gas and flame generated from the battery cell, particularly the electrode lead portion. As shown in FIG. 3, the main body portion 510 of the heat propagation prevention plate 500 is formed to be as long as across the front end and the rear end of the module case 400. Further, the heat propagation prevention plate 500 can also serve as an installation base on which a bus bar, an electrode lead, or a support member for supporting the bus bar and the electrode lead, which will be described later, can be installed. For this purpose, the heat propagation prevention plate 500 in FIG. 3 is provided with installation holes through which various members can be installed. Also, at the center of the main body portion 510 of the heat propagation prevention plate 500, a support plate 520 for supporting the electrode leads of the battery cells 10 facing each other in the longitudinal direction and the bus bar coupled thereto is formed perpendicular to the main body portion 510. Specifically, at the front end portion and the rear end portion of the main body portion 510 of the heat propagation prevention plate 500, long holes 512, 512' for inter-bus bar connection and long holes 513, 513' for first sensing member connection are respectively formed behind the long holes. Also, on the left and right sides of the support plate 520 at the center portion of the main body portion 510, venting long holes 514, 514' having a size similar to that of the long holes for first sensing member connection are respectively formed. Since such long holes communicate with the venting channel 510C described above, gas and flame generated from the electrode lead portion can be introduced into the inside of the venting channel 510C and discharged to the outside.Between the support plate 520 at the center of the main body 510 and the bending elongated holes 514 and 514', there are formed a second sensing member coupling hole 516 to which a second sensing member 320 to be described later can be coupled, and a support block coupling hole 515 for coupling a support block formed on the back surface of the second sensing member.

[0051] On the other hand, the support plate 520 is formed with a through hole (elongated hole) 521 to which an inter-bus bar to which electrode leads facing each other in the longitudinal direction are coupled is coupled.

[0052] In the expandable battery module of the present invention, when the heat propagation prevention plate 500 having the above-described structure is installed between the longitudinal unit cells 110, gas and flame discharge can be facilitated as described above, and there is an advantage that the installation of the bus bar and the electrode leads can be easily performed.

[0053] Further, the battery module 1000 of the present invention includes a bus bar 200 that is coupled to the electrode leads 11 and 12 of the battery cell 10 included in the battery cell assembly 100 and electrically connects the battery cells. As will be described later, the bus bar 200 may include an inter-bus bar 210 and a terminal bus bar 220.

[0054] Further, the battery module 1000 of the present invention includes a sensing member 300 that is coupled to the bus bar and senses the electrical characteristics of the battery cell 10. The sensing member 300 may also include a first sensing member 310 coupled to the inter-bus bar 210 and a second sensing member 320 coupled to the terminal bus bar 220. The sensing member 300 can sense electrical characteristics such as the voltage, current, and resistance of the battery cell 10 included in the module. These sensing members 300 can be connected to an external device such as a BMS, an ECU, or a controller by a cable and transmit the sensed electrical characteristic values.

[0055] The characteristic feature of the present invention is that the bus bar 200 and the sensing member 300 are easily and firmly coupled by a fitting connection. That is, without using a method such as laser welding as in the prior art, one of the bus bar 200 and the sensing member 300 is coupled to the other by a fitting connection such as a hooking connection. As a result, substantially the bus bar 200 of the present invention can realize a sensing integrated bus bar structure integrally coupled with the sensing member 300. Fitting members such as hooking protrusions and hook portions for the fitting connection may be provided on either one of the bus bar 200 and the sensing member 300. The form of the fitting connection described above may vary depending on the type and position of the bus bar. Therefore, specific description will be given in detail according to the embodiments described later.

[0056] The present invention includes the module case 400 that houses the battery cell assembly 100, the bus bar 200, and the sensing member 300. The module case 400 has a hexahedron structure that is elongated in the longitudinal direction so as to be able to house the battery cell assembly 100 peculiar to the present invention. In FIG. 2, the module case 400 is composed of the combination of the C-shaped wall 410 and the I-shaped wall 420, but is not limited thereto. For example, a form in which two C-shaped walls arranged left and right or up and down are combined is also possible, and a form in which the upper, lower, left, and right cases are separated and combined by welding, hooking connection, or fastening members is also possible. Further, the module case 400 of the present invention includes a front end plate 430 and a rear end plate 440. The front end plate 430 and the rear end plate 440 are respectively coupled to the C-shaped wall-I-shaped wall combination body to close the front and rear of the module.

[0057] FIG. 4 shows the appearance of the battery module 1000 in which the battery cell assembly 100 and the like are housed in the module case 400 and assembled and coupled.

[0058] Hereinafter, embodiments related to the specific coupling structure between the bus bar 200 and the sensing member 300, which are the main parts of the present invention, will be described.

[0059] (First Embodiment) FIG. 5 is a perspective view, a front view, and a plan view showing the structure of a first sensing member which is an example of a sensing member according to the present invention, FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a main part of portions P and P' in FIG. 2, and is a perspective view showing a coupling structure between a bus bar and the first sensing member according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a coupling structure between the bus bar and the first sensing member of the first embodiment as viewed from a direction different from that of FIG. 6.

[0060] In this embodiment, the bus bar 200 is an inter-bus bar 210 to which the electrode leads 11 and 12 of the battery cell 10 located at the front end and the rear end of the longitudinal unit cell are respectively coupled, and the inter-bus bar 210 is fitted and coupled to the first sensing member 310, whereby the inter-bus bar 210 and the first sensing member 310 are fastened.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 5, the first sensing member 310 has main body portions facing each other on both sides, and the opposing main body portions have a substantially U-shaped configuration connected to each other on the rear side (see the plan view of FIG. 5). First hook portions 312 into which an inter-bus bar can be fitted are formed protruding from the upper end and the lower end of the front surface of the main body portion, and a plurality of sensing pins 311 (first sensing pins) are formed on the front surface of the main body portion between the first hook portions 312. Therefore, the inter-bus bar is fitted between the first hook portions 312 and comes into contact with the sensing pins 311 to be electrically connected to the first sensing member 310. Further, the first sensing member 310 is provided with second hook portions 313 at the upper and lower portions of the main body portion. The second hook portions 313 are portions that are fitted and coupled to the edges of the through portions (first sensing member coupling long holes 513 and 513') of the heat dissipation prevention plate 500 when the first sensing member 310 is coupled to the heat dissipation prevention plate 500 described above.

[0062] In FIGS. 6 and 7, for the sake of convenience, it is shown that the above-described heat dissipation prevention plate 500 is located between the longitudinal unit cells 110. However, since the connection between the inter-bus bar 210 and the first sensing member 310 is possible even without the heat dissipation prevention plate 500, first, the connection structure without the heat dissipation prevention plate 500 will be described, and then the connection structure with the heat dissipation prevention plate 500 interposed will be described.

[0063] The longitudinal unit cells 110 in the even columns are arranged in the same number of columns on both sides in the thickness direction of the battery cell with the inter-bus bar 210 as the center. In this case, the electrode leads 11 and 12 of the battery cell 10 located at the front end and the rear end of the longitudinal unit cells arranged on both sides are bent toward the inter-bus bar 210 and connected to the inter-bus bar 210. FIGS. 6 and 7 show the electrode lead connection structure of the battery cell 10 at the front end of the longitudinal unit cell 110, but the electrode lead connection structure at the rear end is the same.

[0064] This embodiment has a 2P4S battery cell connection structure, in which two columns of battery cells 10 are arranged on the left and right sides with the inter-bus bar 210 as the reference. Two electrode leads 11 led out from the battery cells 10 on the left side are bent to the right toward the inter-bus bar 210, and two electrode leads led out from the battery cells 10 on the right side are bent to the left toward the inter-bus bar 210. The bent electrode leads are respectively connected to the inter-bus bar 210 by welding or the like and electrically connected. As will be described later, since the longitudinal unit cells are connected to each other by an adhesive or a double-sided tape, etc., when the electrode leads 11 and 12 are connected to the inter-bus bar 210, the inter-bus bar 210 can also be fixed to the front end and the rear end of the battery cell assembly 100.

[0065] The inter-bus bar 210 is formed in a substantially flat plate shape so that the left and right electrode leads can be bent and welded, but it is not limited to such a form. However, since the edge portion is configured in a flat plate shape, the flat plate edge portion of the inter-bus bar 210 can be easily fitted and connected to the first hook portion 312 of the first sensing member 310.

[0066] In this case, a first sensing member 310 is installed behind the inter-bus bar 210. The first sensing member 310 includes a sensing pin 311 and a first hook portion 312 on the front surface facing the inter-bus bar 210, and the inter-bus bar 210 can be fitted into the first hook portion 312 and coupled to the first sensing member 310. The first hook portion 312 is formed to protrude above and below the front surface portion of the first sensing member 310. Also, the first hook portion 312 can be formed in a pair on the left and right of the front surface portion of the first sensing member 310 (see FIG. 5). FIG. 6 shows the battery cell assembly 100 as viewed from the right side. Referring to FIG. 7, which is a view from the left side, it can be seen that the inter-bus bar 210 is coupled to the first hook portions 312 formed above and below the left side main body portion of the first sensing member 310.

[0067] Thus, in the battery module unique to the present invention with expandability, by installing the inter-bus bar 210 at the front end and the rear end of the longitudinal unit cell and easily coupling the first sensing member 310 behind the inter-bus bar 210 by fitting, the assembly process of the bus bar 200 and the first sensing member 310 can be significantly shortened.

[0068] On the other hand, as a modification of this embodiment, a case where the above-described heat dissipation prevention plate 500 is installed between the longitudinal unit cells 110 will be described. In this case, the assembly order is slightly different.

[0069] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 6, the inter-bus bars 210 are fitted into the long holes 512 and 512' for inter-bus bar connection formed at the front end and the rear end of the heat transfer prevention plate 500. In this case, in order to fix the inter-bus bar 210 to the heat transfer prevention plate 500, insulating members 600 can be installed on the left and right side surfaces of the heat transfer prevention plate 500. Long holes (not shown) into which the inter-bus bar 210 can also be fitted are formed in the insulating members 600. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, when the insulating members 600 are positioned on the left and right side surfaces of the front end of the heat transfer prevention plate 500 and the inter-bus bar 210 is fitted through the insulating members 600 and the heat transfer prevention plate 500, the inter-bus bar 210 is coupled to the heat transfer prevention plate 500.

[0070] Next, the central portions of the left and right main body parts of the first sensing member 310 are placed on the first sensing member connection long holes 513 and 513' of the heat transfer prevention plate 500, and the first sensing member 310 is positioned behind the inter-bus bar 210. The first sensing member 310 of this modification is in a form coupled to the inter-bus bar 210 via the first sensing member connection long holes 513 and 513', and upper and lower first hook parts protruding toward the inter-bus bar 210 are formed on the left and right sides of the heat transfer prevention plate 500 in a pattern symmetric to the "C" shape on the front surface facing the inter-bus bar 210. Further, a sensing pin 311 is disposed between the upper and lower first hook parts 312 (see FIGS. 5 and 6).

[0071] In particular, in this example, the first sensing member 310 is provided with second hook parts 313 that are fitted to the edges of the through holes (first sensing member connection long holes 513 and 513') of the heat transfer prevention plate 500 at the upper and lower parts of the main body, that is, at the upper and lower parts of the main body on the rear side of the first hook part 312. That is, the first sensing member 310 can further improve the coupling rigidity by being coupled to the inter-bus bar 210 by the first hook part 312 and to the heat transfer prevention plate 500 by the second hook part 313.

[0072] The hook connection between the first sensing member 310 and the inter-bus bar 210 can be made before or after the connection between the inter-bus bar 210 and the electrode lead of the battery cell assembly 100.

[0073] Figures 6 and 7 show that the hook connection is made after the connection between the inter-bus bar 210 and the electrode lead of the battery cell assembly 100.

[0074] Specifically, in Fig. 6(a), when the electrode leads of the battery cells 10 are bent toward the inter-bus bar 210 and welded to the left and right sides of the front surface of the inter-bus bar 210 respectively, and the first sensing member 310 is tilted forward and downward so that the second hook portion 313 of the first sensing member 310 is fitted into the long hole edge of the heat dissipation prevention plate 500, the first hook portion 312 protruding forward of the first sensing member 310 is also fitted and connected to the upper and lower portions of the inter-bus bar 210 (see Fig. 6(b)). As a result, since the electrode leads 11, 12 - inter-bus bar 210 - first sensing member 310 - heat dissipation prevention plate 500 form one assembly, a sensing integrated bus bar structure can be firmly realized.

[0075] (Second Embodiment) Fig. 8 is a front and rear perspective view showing the structure of a second sensing member which is an example of the sensing member according to the present invention, Fig. 9 is an enlarged view of the main part of the Q portion in Fig. 2, and is a perspective view showing the connection structure between the bus bar and the sensing member according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing the connection structure between the bus bar and the sensing member of the second embodiment as viewed from a direction different from that of Fig. 9.

[0076] In the present embodiment, the case where the bus bar is the terminal bus bars 220, 220' coupled to the electrode leads of the battery cells 10 facing each other in the longitudinal direction in the longitudinal unit cell 110. That is, the types of the bus bars coupled to the electrode leads at the front end and the rear end of the longitudinal unit cell 110 and the bus bars coupled to the electrode leads between the longitudinal unit cells 110 can be made different.

[0077] Specifically, one of the electrode leads of the battery cell 10 facing each other in the longitudinal direction or the first terminal bus bar 220 coupled to the electrode lead, and the other electrode lead or the second terminal bus bar 220' coupled to the electrode lead may constitute the terminal bus bar.

[0078] The terminal bus bar can also be easily coupled to the sensing member by fitting connection.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 8, the second sensing members 320, 320' fitted to the terminal bus bars 220, 220' have sensing pins 323 (second sensing pins 323') formed on the front surface facing the terminal bus bars 220, 220', and coupling hook portions 321, 322, 321', 322' into which the terminal bus bars are fitted are protruded and formed at the upper and lower ends of the sensing pins 323, 323'. Therefore, when the terminal bus bar is fitted and coupled to the coupling hook portions 321, 322, 321', 322', the terminal bus bar is brought into contact with the sensing pins 323, 323', and the second sensing members 320, 320' and the terminal bus bars 220, 220' are electrically connected.

[0080] The second sensing members 320 and 320' of this embodiment are formed with coupling protrusions 320a and 320a' that are coupled to the second sensing member coupling holes 516 of the heat dissipation prevention plate 500 on the upper side of the rear surface. Further, on the lower side of the rear surface of the second sensing members 320 and 320', support blocks 340 that are coupled to the support block coupling holes 515 of the heat dissipation prevention plate 500 are formed. The support blocks 340 firmly fasten the second sensing members 320 and 320' with the heat dissipation prevention plate 500. Further, hooks 341 are formed at the upper and lower ends of the support blocks 340, and the inter-bus bars 210 and 210' located on the rear surface side of the second sensing member are fastened to the hooks 341. Thus, since the second sensing members 320 and 320' of this embodiment are provided with fastening portions for coupling with the heat dissipation prevention plate 500, the inter-bus bars 210 and 210', the rigidity of the coupling structure of the longitudinal unit cells can be further improved.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 9, the second sensing members 320 and 320' are installed behind the terminal bus bars (the first terminal bus bar 220 and the second terminal bus bar 220'). The second sensing members are also composed of two corresponding to the number of terminal bus bars. Thus, when two sensing members are installed, there is an advantage that the battery cells 10 installed at the front end and the battery cells 10 installed at the rear end of the longitudinal unit cell 110 can be sensed respectively, and their electrical characteristics can be measured.

[0082] The second sensing members 320 and 320' are provided with sensing pins 323 and 323' and coupling hook portions 321, 322, 321', and 322' on the front surface facing the terminal busbars 220 and 220'. The terminal busbars 220 and 220' can be fitted into the coupling hook portions 321, 322, 321', and 322' and coupled to the second sensing members 320 and 320'. The coupling hook portions 321, 322, 321', and 322' may be coupling hook portions configured to wrap around the left and right side portions of the terminal busbars 220 and 220', or wrap around and fit the lower or upper portions. However, the form of the hook portion is not limited thereto, and other forms of hook portions can also be adopted for suitable coupling.

[0083] The first terminal busbar 220 and the second terminal busbar 220' can be respectively coupled to the electrode leads led out from the battery cells 10 on the front and rear sides of the longitudinal unit cell, for example, by welding. When the terminal busbars 220 and 220' are coupled to the battery cells 10, the coupling hook portions 321, 322, 321', and 322' of the second sensing members 320 and 320' are fitted into and coupled to the terminal busbars from the rear of the terminal busbars 220 and 220', thereby realizing a sensing integrated terminal busbar.

[0084] As a modification of this embodiment, the coupling structure of the terminal busbar - second sensing member when the heat dissipation prevention plate 500 is interposed will be described. In this case, the assembly order is slightly different.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 3, a second sensing member coupling hole 516 is formed between the support plate 520 and the bending long holes 514 and 514' at the central portion of the heat dissipation prevention plate 500. The coupling protrusions 320a and 320a' of the second sensing members 320 and 320' are always fitted into and coupled to the second sensing member coupling hole 516. If necessary, the coupling protrusions 320a and 320a' fitted into the coupling hole can be heat-sealed to firmly couple the second sensing members 320 and 320' to the heat dissipation prevention plate 500.

[0086] Thereafter, when the first terminal bus bar 220 and the second terminal bus bar 220' are respectively fitted and coupled to the coupling hook portions 321, 322, 321', 322' on the front surfaces of the second sensing members 320, 320', the terminal bus bar and the second sensing member can be simply coupled (see (b) of FIG. 9 and (b) of FIG. 10).

[0087] Next, as shown in FIG. 10(c), two rows of longitudinal unit cells 110 are positioned in front of the terminal bus bar, and the electrode leads 11, 12 led out from the battery cells 10 of the unit cell 110 are respectively coupled to the terminal bus bars 220, 220', thereby completing the assembly of the electrode lead - terminal bus bar - second sensing member.

[0088] On the other hand, on the side surface of the heat dissipation prevention plate 500 opposite to the side where the second sensing members 320, 320' are assembled, the electrode leads of the battery cells 10 can be electrically connected by the inter - bus bar 210. In this case, a form similar to the inter - bus bar 210 - electrode lead coupling structure of the first embodiment described above can be adopted.

[0089] That is, the inter - bus bar 210 is installed through the inter - bus bar coupling hole 521 (see FIG. 3) of the support plate 520 formed perpendicular to the main body portion of the heat dissipation prevention plate 500. In this case, similar to the first embodiment, the insulating members 600 are installed on the left and right side surfaces of the support plate 520, and the inter - bus bar 210 is coupled by passing through the insulating members and the support plate, so that the inter - bus bar 210 can be more firmly coupled to the heat dissipation prevention plate 500. Then, the electrode leads of the battery cells 10 facing each other in the longitudinal unit cell 110 are respectively coupled to the left and right sides of the inter - bus bar 210 installed through, and the electrode lead - inter - bus bar 210 can be assembled.

[0090] In this case, a support block 340 that supports the second sensing members 320, 320' and the inter-bus bar 210 can be installed between the inter-bus bar 210 and the heat transfer prevention plate 500. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, it can be installed between the support plate 520 and the bending long holes 514, 514', and the support block 340 can be fitted into the support block coupling hole 515 below the second sensing member coupling hole 516. For example, as shown in FIG. 9(a), when the support block 340 is pushed and fitted into the support block coupling hole 515 while fitting the second sensing members 320, 320' into the coupling holes 516, as shown in FIG. 9(b), the support block 340 can be in close contact with the inter-bus bar 210 to more firmly couple the inter-bus bar 210.

[0091] As described above, also according to this embodiment, since the electrode lead - terminal bus bar - second sensing members 320, 320' - heat transfer prevention plate 500 form one strong assembly, a sensing integrated bus bar structure can be firmly realized.

[0092] The battery module of the present invention can include either or all of the bus bar - sensing member coupling structures of the above-described first embodiment and the bus bar - sensing member coupling structure of the second embodiment. For sensing in module units, a coupling structure of any one form can be adopted. In this case, by connecting the inter-bus bar 210 or the terminal bus bars 220, 220' and the first sensing member 310 or the second sensing member 320 to a suitable sensing line, the electrical characteristics in module units can be sensed.

[0093] However, for accurate sensing of each battery cell 10 in addition to module units, both the bus bar - sensing members of the first and second embodiments can be adopted.

[0094] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A - A' of FIG. 4.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 11, the longitudinal unit cell 110 constituting the battery cell assembly 100 can be adhered by an adhesive T. As described above, a heat transfer prevention plate 500 can be installed between the longitudinal unit cells 110, and the battery cell assembly 100 can be constituted by adhering the heat transfer prevention plate 500 and the longitudinal unit cell 110. An adhesive T can also be applied to the outer surface of the battery cell assembly 100 facing the module case, so that the battery cell assembly 100 can be seated on the module case.

[0096] In particular, as shown in FIG. 11, at least one of the space between the module case 400 covering the upper part of the battery cell assembly 100 and the battery cell assembly 100, and the space between the module case 400 located below the battery cell assembly 100 and the battery cell assembly 100 can be filled or coated with a thermally conductive adhesive resin layer R. The thermally conductive adhesive resin layer R can use a silicone resin, a modified silicone resin, an acrylic resin, or the like. When such a resin layer R is filled between the battery cell assembly 100 and the case, the battery cell assembly 100 can be fixed without flowing within the module case 400. Further, since the resin is a so-called thermal resin having thermal conductivity, it can efficiently absorb heat generated inside the battery module 1000. Further, the thermal resin (thermally conductive adhesive resin layer R) can transfer heat to a cooling plate (not shown) installed, for example, on the upper part of the battery module to further improve the heat prevention efficiency.

[0097] As described above, the battery cell assembly 100 can be seated on the module case 400, filled with the adhesive T and the thermally conductive adhesive resin layer R to fix the battery cell assembly 100, and an expandable battery module 1000 having a form as shown in FIG. 11 can be constituted.

[0098] FIG. 12 is a schematic view of a battery pack including a battery laminate composed of the battery module of the present invention.

[0099] As described above, the battery module 1000 of the present invention includes a battery cell assembly 100 in which battery cells 10 are used as longitudinal unit cells 110 and a predetermined number of such unit cells are stacked in the thickness direction of the battery cells, and has a module case 400 that extends long in the corresponding longitudinal direction. Therefore, it is in a form that allows easy connection of the battery module 1000 in the longitudinal direction or the thickness direction, like Lego blocks. As shown in FIG. 12, within one battery pack case 2100, a plurality of expandable battery modules 1000 can be stacked in the longitudinal and thickness directions of the battery cells 10 to form a battery module laminate 1000'. In addition to what is shown in FIG. 12, the stacking direction (form) of the expandable battery module 1000 can be changed to conform to the form of the applied battery pack case 2100. From such a perspective, it can be said that the expandable battery module 1000 of the present invention has a very high degree of design freedom.

[0100] As mentioned above, the drawings disclosed in the present invention are for the purpose of explanation rather than for limiting the technical idea of the present invention, and the scope of the technical idea of the present invention is not limited by such drawings. The protection scope of the present invention should be interpreted according to the scope of the claims, and all technical ideas within the equivalent scope should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present invention.

[0101] Note that in this specification, terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are used, but these terms are for convenience of explanation and it is obvious that they can vary depending on the position of the object being targeted, the position of the observer, etc.

Claims

1. A battery cell assembly comprising two or more battery cells having leads formed at both longitudinal ends thereof arranged in a row in the longitudinal direction to form a longitudinal unit cell, and the longitudinal unit cells being stacked in two or more rows in the thickness direction of the battery cells; A bus bar coupled to the electrode leads of the battery cells included in the battery cell assembly to electrically connect the battery cells; A sensing member coupled to the bus bar to sense the electrical characteristics of the battery cells; A module case for housing the battery cell assembly, the bus bar, and the sensing member; wherein one of the bus bar and the sensing member is fitted and coupled to the other by a fitting connection, whereby the bus bar and the sensing member are fastened; the bus bar is an inter-bus bar to which the electrode leads of the battery cells located at the front end and the rear end of the longitudinal unit cell are respectively coupled; the same number of rows of longitudinal unit cells are arranged on both sides in the thickness direction of the battery cells with the inter-bus bar as the center; the electrode leads of the battery cells located at the front end and the rear end of the longitudinal unit cells arranged on both sides are bent toward the inter-bus bar and coupled to the inter-bus bar; A battery module.

2. A first sensing member is installed on the side of the inter-bus bar facing the battery cells; The first sensing member includes a first hook portion on the front surface facing the inter-bus bar, and the inter-bus bar is fitted into the first hook portion and coupled to the first sensing member. The battery module according to Claim 1.

3. The battery module according to Claim 1, further comprising a heat dissipation prevention plate extending in the longitudinal direction of the battery cells across the front end and the rear end of the module case between the rows of the longitudinal unit cells.

4. The inter-bus bar is installed through the front end portion and the rear end portion of the heat dissipation prevention plate; The leads of the battery cells located at the front end and the rear end of the longitudinal unit cells arranged on both sides with the heat dissipation prevention plate as the center are bent toward the inter-bus bar and coupled to the inter-bus bar. The battery module according to Claim 3.

5. Insulating members are installed on the left and right side surfaces of the heat dissipation prevention plate at the front end portion and the rear end portion. The battery module according to claim 4, wherein the inter-bus bar is installed through the heat propagation prevention plates of the insulating member, the front end portion, and the rear end portion.

6. A first sensing member is installed on a side of the inter-bus bar facing the battery cell, The battery module according to claim 4, wherein the first sensing member includes a first hook portion on a front surface facing the inter-bus bar, and the inter-bus bar is fitted into the first hook portion and coupled to the first sensing member.

7. The first sensing member is penetratively coupled to the heat propagation prevention plate on a side of the inter-bus bar facing the battery cell, The first sensing member includes a second hook portion that is fitted to an edge of the penetration portion of the heat propagation prevention plate, When the second hook portion is fitted to the edge of the penetration portion and the first sensing member is coupled to the heat propagation prevention plate, the inter-bus bar is fitted into the first hook portion, and the first sensing member and the inter-bus bar are fitted and coupled. The battery module according to claim 6.

8. A battery cell assembly in which battery cells having leads formed at both ends in the longitudinal direction are arranged in two or more in a row in the longitudinal direction to form a longitudinal unit cell, and the longitudinal unit cells are stacked in two or more rows in the thickness direction of the battery cell, A bus bar coupled to electrode leads of the battery cells included in the battery cell assembly to electrically connect the battery cells, A sensing member coupled to the bus bar to sense electrical characteristics of the battery cells, A module case that houses the battery cell assembly, the bus bar, and the sensing member, including The bus bar and the sensing member are fastened by a fitting connection in which one of the bus bar and the sensing member is fitted and coupled to the other one. The bus bar is a terminal bus bar that is coupled to electrode leads of battery cells facing each other in the longitudinal direction in the longitudinal unit cell. Battery module.

9. The battery module according to claim 8, wherein the terminal bus bar includes a first terminal bus bar coupled to one of the electrode leads of the battery cells facing each other in the longitudinal direction and a second terminal bus bar coupled to the other electrode lead.

10. A second sensing member is installed on a side facing a surface extending in the longitudinal direction of the battery cell of the terminal bus bar. The battery module according to claim 8, wherein the second sensing member includes a coupling hook portion on a front surface facing the terminal bus bar, and the terminal bus bar is fitted into the coupling hook portion and coupled to the second sensing member.

11. Further including a heat propagation prevention plate installed to extend in the longitudinal direction of the battery cell across the front end and the rear end of the module case between the columns of the longitudinal unit cells. The battery module according to claim 10, wherein the second sensing member is coupled to the heat propagation prevention plate.

12. A thermally conductive adhesive resin layer is formed in at least one of between the module case covering the upper portion of the battery cell assembly and the battery cell assembly, and between the module case located below the battery cell assembly and the battery cell assembly, according to claim 1 or 8.

13. A battery pack including a battery module laminate formed by laminating a plurality of the battery modules according to any one of claims 1 to 7 or any one of claims 8 to 11 in at least one of the longitudinal direction and the thickness direction of the battery cell.

Images