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 multiple battery cells are stacked; a module frame which accommodates the battery cell stack and of which one surface and the other surface are open and face each other; and end plates covering the one surface and the other surface of the module frame, respectively. The module frame includes a first bonding surface formed on sides constituting each of the one surface and the other surface, and the end plate includes a second bonding surface bonded to the first bonding surface. A first rib is formed on any one of the end plate and the module frame to protrude while being positioned further inward than a portion where the first bonding surface and the second bonding surface are bonded, and a second rib is formed on one surface of the first rib in a protruding direction of the first rib. In the other of the end plate and the module frame, a recessed portion having a shape recessed to correspond to the first rib and the second rib is formed.

Description

Battery module and battery pack including the same

[0001] Cross-citation with related application(s)

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0109681, filed August 22, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] The present invention relates to a battery module and a battery pack including the same, and more specifically, to a battery module having improved safety and productivity and a battery pack including the same.

[0004] In modern society, the widespread use of portable devices like cell phones, laptops, camcorders, and digital cameras has fueled active development of technologies related to these devices. Furthermore, rechargeable secondary batteries are increasingly being used as power sources for electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (P-HEVs) to address air pollution caused by conventional gasoline-powered vehicles. This, in turn, heightens the need for further development of these batteries.

[0005] Currently commercialized secondary batteries include nickel cadmium batteries, nickel hydrogen batteries, nickel zinc batteries, and lithium secondary batteries. Among these, lithium secondary batteries are receiving attention for their advantages of being able to charge and discharge freely, having a very low self-discharge rate, and having a high energy density, as they have almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based secondary batteries.

[0006] These lithium secondary batteries primarily use lithium oxide and carbon materials as the positive and negative electrode active materials, respectively. The lithium secondary battery comprises an electrode assembly comprising a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate, each coated with the positive and negative electrode active materials, with a separator interposed between them, and a battery case that seals and houses the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte.

[0007] In general, lithium secondary batteries can be classified into can-type secondary batteries in which the electrode assembly is built into a metal can and pouch-type secondary batteries in which the electrode assembly is built into a pouch of an aluminum laminate sheet, depending on the shape of the outer packaging material.

[0008] In the case of secondary batteries used in small devices, 2-3 battery cells are arranged, but in the case of secondary batteries used in medium to large devices such as automobiles, a battery module in which multiple battery cells are electrically connected is used. Such a battery module improves capacity and output by forming a battery cell stack by connecting multiple battery cells in series or parallel. One or more battery modules can be mounted together with various control and protection systems such as a battery management system (BMS), a battery disconnect unit (BDU), and a cooling system to form a battery pack.

[0009] It is desirable for medium- to large-sized battery modules to be manufactured with as small a size and weight as possible, so square batteries and pouch-type batteries that can be stacked with high integration and have a small weight per capacity are mainly used as battery cells for medium- to large-sized battery modules.

[0010] Meanwhile, the battery module may include a module frame and an end plate that house a battery cell stack composed of a plurality of battery cells in an internal space to protect the plurality of battery cells from external shock, heat, or vibration.

[0011] Typically, to join the module frame and end plate, the module frame and end plate are positioned facing each other and welding is performed on the joint surface. During this process, weld spatter generated during the welding process can damage internal components, including battery cells. Therefore, a technology capable of resolving these problems is urgently needed.

[0012] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a battery module capable of protecting internal components during welding of a module frame and an end plate, and a battery pack including the same.

[0013] However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the problems described above and can be expanded in various ways within the scope of the technical ideas included in the present invention.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a battery module includes a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; a module frame that accommodates the battery cell stack and has one side and the other side open to face each other; and end plates covering the one side and the other side of the module frame, respectively. The module frame includes a first bonding surface formed on sides constituting each of the one side and the other side, and the end plate includes a second bonding surface joined to the first bonding surface. A first rib is formed on one of the end plate and the module frame and protrudes inwardly from a portion where the first bonding surface and the second bonding surface are joined, and a second rib is formed on one side of the first rib along a protruding direction of the first rib. An indented portion having a shape corresponding to the first rib and the second rib is formed on the other of the end plate and the module frame.

[0015] The second rib may have a narrower width than the first rib and may be shaped to protrude along the protruding direction of the first rib.

[0016] A path in which the first rib and the second rib are bent in multiple directions can be formed on the surface facing the indentation.

[0017] The above-mentioned indentation may be formed in a shape corresponding to a step structure formed at the boundary between the first rib and the second rib.

[0018] The first rib and the second rib can cover a portion where the first joint surface and the second joint surface are joined in the internal space of the module frame.

[0019] The first rib and the second rib can extend along the direction in which the first joint surface and the second joint surface extend.

[0020] The above battery module may further include at least one busbar frame covering one or both sides of the battery cell stack.

[0021] The first rib and the second rib may be positioned between the portion where the first joint surface and the second joint surface are joined and the bus bar frame.

[0022] A bus bar connected to an electrode lead extending from the battery cell may be mounted on the bus bar frame.

[0023] The first rib and the second rib may be formed on the end plate, the indentation may be formed on the module frame, and the first rib may protrude from the end plate in the direction in which the battery cell stack is located.

[0024] The first rib and the second rib may be formed in the module frame, the indentation may be formed in the end plate, and the first rib may protrude from the module frame in the direction in which the end plate is located.

[0025] A battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention includes the battery module.

[0026] According to embodiments of the present invention, since the end plate and the module frame are provided with first and second ribs and corresponding indentation structures, the path through which welding spatter generated during welding of the module frame and the end plate flows becomes more complex and the distance of the path increases. Accordingly, welding spatter can be prevented from damaging internal components of the battery module.

[0027] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

[0028] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module of Figure 1.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a plan view showing one of the battery cells included in the battery module of FIG. 2.

[0031] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a module frame according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the module frame of Figure 4.

[0033] Figures 6 (a) and (b) are a perspective view and a plan view, respectively, showing an enlarged portion of “B” in Figure 5.

[0034] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing an end plate and an insulating cover according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing the end plate and insulating cover of Fig. 7 combined.

[0036] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the end plate and insulating cover of Figure 8 viewed from a different angle.

[0037] Figure 10 is a partial drawing showing an enlarged portion of the “C” portion of Figure 9.

[0038] Figure 11 is a plan view of the “C” portion of Figure 9 as viewed from above.

[0039] Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-section taken along the cutting line A-A' of Fig. 1.

[0040] Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to a comparative example of the present invention.

[0041] Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the invention. The present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0043] In order to clearly explain the present invention, parts that are not related to the description are omitted, and the same reference numerals are used for identical or similar components throughout the specification.

[0044] Furthermore, the sizes and thicknesses of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily indicated for convenience of explanation, and thus the present invention is not necessarily limited to the illustrated components. In the drawings, the thicknesses are enlarged to clearly represent various layers and regions. Furthermore, in the drawings, the thicknesses of some layers and regions are exaggerated for convenience of explanation.

[0045] Furthermore, when we say that a layer, membrane, region, plate, or other part is "on" or "over" another part, this includes not only cases where it is "directly on" the other part, but also cases where there are other parts in between. Conversely, when we say that a part is "directly on" another part, it means that there are no other parts in between. Furthermore, saying that a part is "on" or "over" a reference part means that it is located above or below the reference part, and does not necessarily mean that it is located "above" or "over" the direction opposite to gravity.

[0046] Additionally, throughout the specification, whenever a part is said to "include" a component, this does not mean that it excludes other components, but rather that it may include other components, unless otherwise specifically stated.

[0047] Additionally, throughout the specification, when we say "in plan", we mean when the target portion is viewed from above, and when we say "in cross section", we mean when the target portion is viewed from the side in a cross-section cut vertically.

[0048] Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a plan view illustrating one of the battery cells included in the battery module of Fig. 2.

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a battery module (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery cell stack (120) in which a plurality of battery cells (110) are stacked; a module frame (200) that accommodates the battery cell stack (120) and has one side and the other side open to face each other; and end plates (300) that cover each of the one side and the other side of the module frame (200).

[0050] That is, the battery cell stack (120) can be stored in the internal space formed by the module frame (200) and the end plate (300). In addition, when the module frame (200) is considered to have a hexahedral structure, one side and the other side of the module frame (200) facing the electrode leads (111) of the battery cells (110) can be opened.

[0051] There is no particular limitation on the type of battery cells (110) according to the present embodiment, as long as they are assembled in multiples. That is, the battery cells (110) according to the present embodiment may be pouch-shaped battery cells, square battery cells, or cylindrical battery cells. Hereinafter, as an example, the battery cells (110) according to the present embodiment will be described as pouch-shaped battery cells.

[0052] A battery cell (110) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be a pouch-type battery in which an electrode assembly having electrode leads (111) protruding in one or both directions is housed in a pouch case (114). The battery cell (110) may have a rectangular sheet shape. The battery cell (110) may be formed by housing the electrode assembly in a pouch case (114) of a laminate sheet including a resin layer and a metal layer, and then bonding the outer periphery of the pouch case (114). For example, the battery cell (110) may have a structure in which two electrode leads (111) face each other and protrude from one end (114a) and the other end (114b) of the cell body (113), respectively. As another embodiment, a structure in which all electrode leads (111) of the battery cell (110) protrude in one direction is also possible. One of the electrode leads (111) is a positive electrode lead, and the other is a negative electrode lead.

[0053] The battery cell (110) can be manufactured by bonding the two ends (114a, 114b) of the pouch case (114) and one side (114c) connecting them while the electrode assembly (not shown) is stored in the pouch case (114). In other words, the battery cell (110) according to one embodiment of the present invention has a total of three sealing portions (114s), and the sealing portions (114s) have a structure in which they are sealed by a method such as fusion, and the remaining other side portion can be formed as a folding portion (115). That is, the battery cell (110) according to this embodiment has a sealing portion (114s) formed by sealing the outer periphery of the portion where the electrode assembly is stored, in which the electrode assembly is stored inside the pouch case (114). In Fig. 3, only the sealing portions (114s) formed on both ends (114a, 114b) of the pouch case (114) are shown, and the sealing portion is not shown on the upper side facing the folding portion (115), i.e., one side (114c), but the sealing portion of one side (114c) is folded to one side after sealing is completed for space utilization.

[0054] The pouch case (114) of the laminate sheet may include an inner resin layer for sealing, a metal layer for preventing penetration of materials, and an outermost outer resin layer. Based on the electrode assembly inside the pouch case (114), the inner resin layer may be positioned at the innermost side, the outer resin layer may be positioned at the outermost side, and the metal layer may be positioned between the inner resin layer and the outer resin layer.

[0055] The outer resin layer may have excellent tensile strength and weather resistance relative to its thickness and may exhibit electrical insulation properties to protect the electrode assembly from the outside. The outer resin layer may include polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin or nylon resin. The metal layer may prevent air, moisture, etc. from entering the pouch-type secondary battery. The metal layer may include aluminum (Al). The inner resin layers may be thermally bonded to each other by heat and / or pressure applied while the electrode assembly is embedded. The inner resin layer may include cast polypropylene (CPP) or polypropylene (PP).

[0056] A pouch case (114) may be divided into two parts, and a concave receiving portion in which an electrode assembly can be mounted may be formed in at least one of the two parts. Along the outer periphery of the receiving portion, the inner resin layers of the two parts of the pouch case (114) may be bonded to each other to form a sealing portion (114s). In this manner, the pouch case (114) may be sealed, and a battery cell (110), which is a pouch-type battery, may be manufactured.

[0057] The battery cell (110) is composed of a plurality of cells, and the plurality of battery cells (110) can be stacked so as to be electrically connected to each other to form a battery cell stack (120). In particular, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the plurality of battery cells (110) can be stacked along a direction parallel to the y-axis while standing upright so that one side of the cell body (113, see FIG. 3) faces each other. Accordingly, the electrode leads (111) can protrude in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the battery cells (110) are stacked. That is, in the battery cell (110), one electrode lead (111) can protrude toward the x-axis direction, and the other electrode lead (111) can protrude toward the -x-axis direction.

[0058] Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing a module frame according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the module frame of Fig. 4. Fig. 6 (a) and (b) are a perspective view and a plan view, respectively, of an enlarged portion “B” of Fig. 5. That is, Fig. 6 (a) is a perspective view showing an enlarged portion “B” of Fig. 5, and Fig. 6 (b) is a plan view of the “B” portion of Fig. 5 when viewed along the -z-axis direction on the xy plane.

[0059] Referring to FIGS. 2, 4, and 6 together, the module frame (200) may be a structure in which one side and the other side opposite the one side are open. More specifically, with respect to the battery cell stack (120), the module frame (200) may be open in both directions in which the electrode leads (111) protrude.

[0060] A module frame (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a U-shaped frame (210) covering a lower surface and both side surfaces of a battery cell stack (120) and an upper cover (220) covering an open upper portion of the U-shaped frame (210). The U-shaped frame (210) may include a bottom portion (211) and two side portions (212) extending upward from opposite sides of the bottom portion (211). The U-shaped frame (210) and the upper cover (220) may be joined to each other at corresponding corners. More specifically, the two side portions (212) of the U-shaped frame (210) may be joined to both sides of the upper cover (220), respectively.

[0061] In addition, as another embodiment of the present invention, the module frame may be in the form of a monoframe integrated on the upper surface, lower surface, and both sides.

[0062] The module frame (200) according to the present embodiment includes first joint surfaces (200S) formed on sides (200E) constituting each of the open one side and the other side. The first joint surface (200S) of the module frame (200) corresponds to a portion that is joined to a second joint surface (300S) of the end plate (300), which will be described later. The first joint surface (200S) may be formed on four sides (200E) of the open one side of the module frame (200). Although not shown in the drawing, the first joint surface (200S) may also be formed on all four sides of the open other side of the module frame (200). Meanwhile, the structures of the first and second ribs or indentations that may be formed in the module frame (200) will be described later.

[0063] Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing an end plate and an insulating cover according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing the end plate and insulating cover of Fig. 7 combined. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the end plate and insulating cover of Fig. 8 viewed from a different angle.

[0064] Referring to FIGS. 2, 7, and 9, the end plates (300) according to one embodiment of the present invention cover each of the open one side and the other side of the module frame (200). The module frame (200) and the end plate (300) may include a metal material having a predetermined strength and may protect the battery cell stack (120) housed in the internal space thereof from external shock or vibration. In addition, an insulating cover (600) may be interposed between the battery cell stack (120) and the end plate (300) to prevent the end plate (300) from coming into contact with an electrode lead or a bus bar, thereby causing a risk of a short circuit or the like. It is preferable that the insulating cover (600) include an electrically insulating material.

[0065] Fig. 10 is a partial drawing showing an enlarged portion of “C” of Fig. 9. Fig. 11 is a plan view of “C” of Fig. 9 as viewed from above.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 9 to FIG. 11, the end plate (300) includes a second joint surface (300S) that is joined to a first joint surface (200S, see FIG. 6) of the module frame (200).

[0067] When the end plates (300) cover the open one side and the other side of the module frame (200), the second joint surface (300S) of the end plate (300) is a portion that faces and corresponds to the first joint surface (200S) of the module frame.

[0068] The first joint surface (200S) of the module frame (200) and the second joint surface (300S) of the end plate are joined while in contact with each other. More specifically, welding is performed while the first joint surface (200S) of the module frame (200) and the second joint surface (300S) of the end plate (300) are in contact with each other, so that the end plate (300) can be joined to the module frame (200).

[0069] Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-section taken along the cutting line A-A' of Fig. 1.

[0070] Referring to FIGS. 2, 5, 6, 9 to 12, in the present embodiment, a first rib (300R1) is formed on one of the end plate (300) and the module frame (200) so as to protrude inward from the portion where the first joint surface (200S) and the second joint surface (300S) are joined. In addition, a second rib (300R2) is formed on one surface of the first rib (300R1) along the protruding direction of the first rib (300R1). In addition, an indentation (200D) having a shape corresponding to the first rib (300R1) and the second rib (300R2) is formed on the other of the end plate (300) and the module frame (200).

[0071] That is, as one embodiment of the present invention, a first rib (300R1) and a second rib (300R2) may be formed in the end plate (300), and an indentation (200D) may be formed in the module frame (200). In addition, as another embodiment of the present invention, a first rib and a second rib may be formed in the module frame, and an indentation may be formed in the end plate.

[0072] Meanwhile, the fact that the first rib (300R1) is located inside the portion where the first joint surface (200S) and the second joint surface (300S) are joined means that, based on the internal space of the module frame (200) in which the battery cell stack (120) is accommodated, the first rib (300R1) is located closer to the battery cell stack (120) than the portion where the first joint surface (200S) and the second joint surface (300S) are joined.

[0073] Hereinafter, as an embodiment of the present invention, an embodiment in which a first rib (300R1) and a second rib (300R2) are formed on an end plate (300) and an indentation (200D) is formed on a module frame (200) will be described.

[0074] In the present embodiment, the first rib (300R1) may protrude from the end plate (300) in the direction in which the battery cell stack (120) is positioned. For example, the first rib (300R1) formed on the end plate (300) positioned in the x-axis direction in the battery cell stack (120) may protrude toward the -x-axis direction, and the first rib (300R1) formed on the end plate (300) positioned in the -x-axis direction in the battery cell stack (120) may protrude toward the x-axis direction. Meanwhile, as described above, the second rib (300R2) protrudes from one surface of the first rib (300R1) in a direction parallel to the protrusion direction of the first rib (300R1).

[0075] As described above, in the process of welding (W) the first joint surface (200S) of the module frame (200) and the second joint surface (300S) of the end plate, a welding spatter (SP) phenomenon may occur in which welding sparks scatter in all directions, and such welding spatter (SP) may damage the battery cells (110) or other electrical components inside the battery module (100). In addition, when a laser beam is applied to the part where the first joint surface (200S) and the second joint surface (300S) are in contact for welding (W), such laser beam may penetrate the module frame (200) and the end plate (300), thereby damaging the battery cells (110) or other internal components. However, the first rib (300R1) and the second rib (300R2) according to the present embodiment can block welding spatter (SP) or transmitted laser beams from affecting the battery cells (110) or other internal components.

[0076] In particular, the first rib (300R1) and the second rib (300R2) can cover the portion where the first joint surface (200S) and the second joint surface (300S) are joined in the internal space of the module frame (200). In addition, the first rib (300R1) and the second rib (300R2) can extend along the direction in which the first joint surface (200S) and the second joint surface (300S) extend. Here, the direction in which the first joint surface (200S) and the second joint surface (300S) extend is the same as the direction in which the sides (200E, see FIG. 4) constituting each of the open one side and the other side of the module frame (200) are extended.

[0077] In addition, the first rib (300R1) and the second rib (300R2) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be formed to cover the entire area of ​​the portion where the first joint surface (200S) and the second joint surface (300S) are joined. On the other hand, the first rib (300R1) and the second rib (300R2) according to another embodiment of the present invention may be formed to cover only a portion of the portion where the first joint surface (200S) and the second joint surface (300S) are joined.

[0078] In addition, it is preferable that the module frame (200) and the end plate (300) are welded (W) while being fixed to correspond to each other's predetermined positions. In the present embodiment, when the end plate (300) is coupled to the module frame (200), the first rib (300R1) and the second rib (300R2) are inserted into the inner space of the module frame (200), so that the end plate (300) can be coupled to the correct position without misalignment. That is, the first rib (300R1) and the second rib (300R2) play a role in improving the pre-assembly property between the module frame (200) and the end plate (300).

[0079] In addition, even while welding (W) is in progress, the end plate (300) can be fixed at a set position by the first rib (300R1) and the second rib (300R2). When the first rib (300R1) and the second rib (300R2) are positioned adjacent to the first joint surface (200S) and the second joint surface (300S), the end plate (300) can be effectively prevented from coming off or fixed.

[0080] Additionally, the first rib (300R1) and the second rib (300R2) can prevent distortion from occurring at the welding portion due to the heat generated, and even if slight distortion occurs, the distortion or protrusion at the welding portion can be prevented from affecting the battery cell stack or other internal components.

[0081] Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to a comparative example of the present invention. In particular, Fig. 13 may correspond to a cross-section of the same portion as Fig. 12 in the battery module according to a comparative example of the present invention.

[0082] Referring to Fig. 13, a rib (30R) is formed on an end plate (30) according to a comparative example of the present invention. Specifically, welding (W) is performed between a first joint surface (20S) of a module frame (20) and a second joint surface (30S) of an end plate (30), and a rib (30R) of an end plate (30) is positioned inside a portion where the first joint surface (20S) of the module frame (20) and the second joint surface (30S) of the end plate (30) are joined. That is, the comparative example of Fig. 13 is the same as the embodiment of Fig. 12 in which the second rib (300R2) and the indentation (200D) are not provided.

[0083] Although the rib (30R) according to this comparative example can initially block welding spatter (SP), most of the welding spatter (SP) can eventually flow into the interior of the module frame (20) along the gap between the rib (30R) and the U-shaped frame (21) portion of the module frame (20), which can ultimately cause damage to the battery cells.

[0084] On the other hand, referring back to FIG. 12, in the present embodiment, a second rib (300R2) is added to one side of the first rib (300R1), and an indented portion (200D) having a shape corresponding to the first rib (300R1) and the second rib (300R2) is provided. The second rib (300R2) may have a shape that protrudes along the protrusion direction of the first rib (300R1) while having a narrower width than the first rib (300R1). In addition, the indented portion (200D) may have a shape that corresponds to a step structure formed at the boundary between the first rib (300R1) and the second rib (300R2).

[0085] Unlike the rib (30R) according to the comparative example, in the present embodiment, a second rib (300R2) and an indentation (200D) are additionally provided, so that the path through which welding spatter (SP) flows in becomes more complex and the distance of the indentation path also increases. A path in which the first rib (300R1) and the second rib (300R2) are bent in multiple directions can be formed on the surface facing the indentation (200D).

[0086] In this embodiment, the path through which welding spatter (SP) flows becomes more complex and the distance of the path increases, which is effective in blocking the inflow of welding spatter (SP). In particular, since welding spatter (SP) has strong linearity, if the path becomes more complex by bending multiple times as described above, the amount of welding spatter (SP) flowing inward can be significantly reduced.

[0087] Meanwhile, the first rib (300R1) and the second rib (300R2) may be an integrated structure with the end plate (300), and the end plate (300) provided with the first rib (300R1) and the second rib (300R2) may be manufactured by machining and forming. Since a structure with a preset rib shape is not joined, a separate joining process is not required. In addition, a recessed portion (200D) may be provided by performing machining and forming on the U-shaped frame (210) and the upper cover (220) of the module frame (200).

[0088] Referring again to FIGS. 1, 2 and 12, the battery module (100) according to the present embodiment may include at least one busbar frame (400) covering one or both sides of the battery cell stack (120).

[0089] As one example, two busbar frames (400) may be positioned on both sides of the battery cell stack (120), and as another example, one busbar frame (400) may be positioned on one side of the battery cell stack (120). The busbar frame (400) may be positioned between the battery cell stack (120) and the insulating cover (600) and may include an electrically insulating material.

[0090] A bus bar (500) connected to an electrode lead (111) extending from a battery cell (110) for electrical connection between battery cells (110) may be mounted on the bus bar frame (400). Specifically, the bus bar (500) may be mounted on the opposite side of the side of the bus bar frame (400) that faces the battery cell stack (120).

[0091] The bus bar (500) is for electrical connection of the battery cells (110) inside the battery module (100), and preferably includes a metal material to enable electrical connection. Electrode leads (111) extending from the battery cells (110) may pass through slits formed in the bus bar frame (400) and then be bent to be connected to the bus bar (500). For example, one electrode lead (111) may pass through a slit of a bus bar frame (400) located on one side of a battery cell stack (120) and then be bent to be connected to the bus bar (500), and the other electrode lead (111) may pass through a slit of another bus bar frame (400) located on the other side of the battery cell stack (120) and then be connected to another bus bar (500). There is no particular limitation on the connection method between the electrode leads (111) and the bus bar, and for example, welding may be performed. In this way, by connecting the electrode leads (111) of the battery cells (110) to the bus bar, the battery cells (110) can be electrically connected to each other via the bus bar. In this way, a HV (High Voltage) connection can be made within the battery module (100). In addition, a connecting portion (700) for electrical connection between electrical components mounted on each of the bus bar frames (400) located on one side and the other side of the battery cell stack (120) can be additionally arranged. This connecting portion (700) can be a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) or a flexible flat cable (FFC).

[0092] At this time, the first rib (300R1) and the second rib (300R2) can be positioned between the portion where the first joint surface (200S) and the second joint surface (300S) are joined and the busbar frame (400). The first rib (300R1) and the second rib (300R2) according to the present embodiment can prevent welding spatter (SP) or a transmitted laser beam from damaging the busbar frame (400).

[0093]

[0094] Hereinafter, a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 14, etc. However, parts overlapping with the previously described contents are omitted for convenience of explanation.

[0095] Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. In particular, Fig. 14 may correspond to a cross-section of the same portion as Fig. 12 in a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0096] Referring to Fig. 14, a first joint surface (200S) of a module frame (200) and a second joint surface (300S) of an end plate (300) are joined, and a first rib (200R1) and a second rib (200R2) may be formed in the module frame (200), and an indentation (300D) may be formed in the end plate (300). The first rib (200R1) formed in the module frame (200) may protrude from the module frame (200) in a direction in which the end plate (300) is located. The second rib (200R2) may protrude from one surface of the first rib (200R1) in a direction parallel to the protrusion direction of the first rib (200R1).

[0097] As previously described, during the process of welding (W) the first joint surface (200S) of the module frame (200) and the second joint surface (300S) of the end plate together, a welding spatter (SP) phenomenon may occur in which welding sparks scatter in all directions. The first rib (200R1) and the second rib (200R2) can block the welding spatter (SP) or the transmitted laser beam from affecting the battery cells (110) or other internal components.

[0098] In addition, depending on the structure of the second rib (200R2) and the indentation (300D), the path through which welding spatter (SP) flows in becomes complex and the distance of the path increases, so it is effective in blocking the inflow of welding spatter (SP). In particular, since welding spatter (SP) has strong linearity, if the path becomes complex by bending multiple times as described above, the amount of welding spatter (SP) flowing inward can be significantly reduced.

[0099] The embodiment of Fig. 14 is different from the embodiment of Fig. 12 in that the first rib (200R1) and the second rib (200R2) are formed in the module frame (200) rather than the end plate, and the indentation (300D) is formed in the end plate (300) rather than the module frame. However, the functions or effects of the first rib (200R1), the second rib (200R2), and the indentation (300D) are not different between the embodiment of Fig. 14 and the embodiment of Fig. 12. That is, in the embodiment of Fig. 14, the inflow path of the welding spatter (SP) becomes complicated, and the distance of the inflow path also increases. Therefore, a detailed description of the functions and effects of the embodiment of Fig. 14 will be omitted as it would be a repetition of the description.

[0100] In this example, terms indicating directions such as front, back, left, right, up, and down are used, but these terms are only for convenience of explanation and may vary depending on the location of the target object or the location of the observer.

[0101] One or more battery modules according to the above-described embodiment can be mounted together with various control and protection systems such as a BMS (Battery Management System), a BDU (Battery Disconnect Unit), and a cooling system to form a battery pack.

[0102] The above battery module or battery pack can be applied to various devices. Specifically, it can be applied to transportation vehicles such as electric bicycles, electric vehicles, and hybrid vehicles, as well as ESS (Energy Storage Systems), but is not limited thereto. It can also be applied to various devices that can use secondary batteries.

[0103] 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.

[0104] Description of the symbol

[0105] 100: Battery module

[0106] 110: Battery cell

[0107] 120: Battery cell stack

[0108] 200: Module Frame

[0109] 200D: Indentation

[0110] 200R1: 1st rib

[0111] 200R2: Second rib

[0112] 300: End Plate

[0113] 300D: Indentation

[0114] 300R1: 1st rib

[0115] 300R2: Second rib

Claims

1. A battery cell stack in which multiple battery cells are stacked; A module frame that houses the above battery cell stack and has one side and the other side facing each other open; and Includes end plates covering each of the one side and the other side of the module frame, The above module frame includes a first bonding surface formed on the sides constituting each of the one side and the other side, The end plate includes a second bonding surface that is bonded to the first bonding surface, A first rib is formed protruding inward from the portion where the first joint surface and the second joint surface are joined, in one of the end plate and the module frame, and a second rib is formed on one side of the first rib along the protrusion direction of the first rib. A battery module in which an indentation having a shape corresponding to the first rib and the second rib is formed in the other of the end plate and the module frame.

2. In paragraph 1, A battery module in which the second rib has a narrower width than the first rib and protrudes along the protruding direction of the first rib.

3. In paragraph 1, A battery module in which the first rib and the second rib have multiple bending paths formed on the surface facing the indentation.

4. In paragraph 1, A battery module in which the above-mentioned indentation is formed in a shape corresponding to a step structure formed at the boundary between the first rib and the second rib.

5. In paragraph 1, A battery module in which the first rib and the second rib cover a portion where the first joint surface and the second joint surface are joined in the internal space of the module frame.

6. In paragraph 1, A battery module in which the first rib and the second rib extend along the direction in which the first joint surface and the second joint surface extend.

7. In paragraph 1, A battery module further comprising at least one busbar frame covering one or both sides of the battery cell stack.

8. In paragraph 7, The battery module wherein the first rib and the second rib are positioned between the portion where the first joint surface and the second joint surface are joined and the bus bar frame.

9. In paragraph 7, A battery module in which a bus bar connected to an electrode lead extending from the battery cell is mounted on the bus bar frame.

10. In paragraph 1, The first rib and the second rib are formed on the end plate, The indentation is formed in the above module frame, The above first rib is a battery module that protrudes from the end plate in the direction in which the battery cell stack is located.

11. In paragraph 1, The first rib and the second rib are formed on the module frame, The indentation is formed in the end plate, The above first rib is a battery module that protrudes from the module frame in the direction where the end plate is located.

12. A battery pack including a battery module according to paragraph 1.

Images