Battery module and battery pack and vehicle including same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery module comprising: a plurality of battery cells; an elastic member coupled to an end portion of at least some of the plurality of battery cells and configured to undergo shape deformation by external pressure; and a fixing member configured to press the elastic member from an outer side thereof.

Description

Battery modules and battery packs and vehicles containing the same

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle.

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0143786, filed on October 25, 2023, and all contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the said application are incorporated by reference into this application.

[0003] Secondary batteries, which boast high electrical properties such as high energy density and easy applicability across a wide range of product categories, are widely used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) powered by electrical power sources. These batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source for environmental friendliness and energy efficiency, not only because they can dramatically reduce fossil fuel use, but also because they produce no byproducts from energy use.

[0004] Commonly used secondary batteries today include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. When high output voltage is required, multiple battery cells are connected in series to form a battery module or battery pack. Furthermore, to increase charge / discharge capacity, multiple battery cells are connected in parallel to form a battery module or pack. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in a battery module or pack can vary depending on the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0005] Meanwhile, when configuring a battery pack by connecting multiple battery cells in series or parallel, a common method is to first construct a battery module containing at least one battery cell, and then use this at least one battery module to add other components to form a battery pack or battery rack. Furthermore, recently, battery packs in the cell-to-pack form, where multiple battery cells are housed directly in a pack housing or other device without modularization, have also been manufactured.

[0006] Meanwhile, since pouch-type battery cells are manufactured by laminating electrodes and separators, sliding may occur at the edges of the battery cells when charge and discharge cycles are repeated. This reduces the thickness of the edges of the battery cells, leading to uneven thickness between battery cells within the battery cell stack. This uneven thickness phenomenon is problematic because it can induce localized degradation of battery cells during charge and discharge cycles.

[0007] In order to prevent swelling of the battery cells that occurs during the charge / discharge cycle of pouch-type battery cells, conventional battery modules apply compression materials such as double-sided tape and PU pads between the battery cells to pressurize the battery cells.

[0008] However, although the above compression member can prevent swelling by pressurizing the battery cell, it was difficult to uniformize the thickness deviation between the battery cells by applying different pressures at local locations.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need to develop a structure that can extend the expected life of battery cells by uniformly pressurizing the battery cells and minimizing the thickness deviation between the battery cells.

[0010] Accordingly, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a battery module capable of extending the life of battery cells by minimizing the thickness deviation between battery cells, and a battery pack and a vehicle including the same.

[0011] However, the problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the problems described above, and other problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

[0012] To solve the above problem, a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of battery cells; an elastic member coupled to an end portion of at least some of the plurality of battery cells and configured to be shaped by external pressure; and a fixing member configured to press the elastic member from the outside.

[0013] The elastic member is provided in a plurality of pieces, and the plurality of elastic members can be configured to group one or more different battery cells.

[0014] A plurality of the above elastic members may be configured to be in surface contact with each other.

[0015] The elastic member may be configured such that the terminal end of the battery cell is inserted therein.

[0016] The elastic member may include an insertion portion configured to insert the terminal portions of the plurality of battery cells, and a pressing portion configured to press the terminal portions of the battery cells inserted into the insertion portion.

[0017] The above insertion portion may be configured to include a portion whose width decreases as it goes outward.

[0018] The elastic member further includes an upper pad and a lower pad configured to cover the terminal portion of the battery cell from the upper and lower portions, respectively, and the insertion portion can be formed by being surrounded by the pressing portion, the upper pad, and the lower pad.

[0019] The above elastic member may be provided on the side where the electrode lead of the battery cell is located.

[0020] The above elastic member may be formed with an insertion slit configured to allow the electrode lead of the battery cell to be pulled outward.

[0021] The above fixing member may be configured to wrap around the terminal portion of the battery cell and at least a portion of the elastic member from the outside.

[0022] The above fixed member may be configured to pressurize all of the plurality of elastic members.

[0023] The above-mentioned fixing member may include a coupling protrusion configured to protrude outward, and the above-mentioned elastic member may include a coupling groove configured to engage the coupling protrusion.

[0024] In addition, the present invention provides a battery pack characterized by including a battery module according to the present invention.

[0025] And, the present invention provides an automobile characterized by including a battery module according to the present invention.

[0026] According to one aspect of the present invention, the compression member uniformly compresses the battery cells, thereby minimizing thickness variations between the battery cells, thereby extending the expected lifespan of the battery cells. In particular, this aspect of the present invention can maximize the performance of the battery cells.

[0027] Additionally, according to one aspect of the present invention, the process for bonding battery cells can be simplified. Therefore, this aspect of the present invention can reduce costs and time required for manufacturing battery modules, thereby improving productivity.

[0028] In addition, the present invention may have various other effects, which will be described in each embodiment configuration, or the description of effects that can be easily inferred by those skilled in the art will be omitted.

[0029] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention described below, serve to further understand the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to matters described in such drawings.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of some components of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the upper side. For example, Fig. 4 may be a drawing illustrating cross-section I-I' of Fig. 1.

[0034] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of part A of Figure 4.

[0035] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a battery module to which an elastic member is applied according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a battery module to which an elastic member is applied according to another embodiment of the present invention. For example, Fig. 7 may be a drawing showing the cross-section taken along line II-II' of Fig. 1.

[0037] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a battery module to which an elastic member is applied according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a portion of a battery module to which a fixing member is applied according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a part of a battery module to which a fixing member is applied according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a part of a battery module to which a fixing member is applied according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module to which a fixing member and an elastic member are applied according to another embodiment of the present invention. For example, Fig. 12 may be a drawing showing the cross-section Ⅲ-Ⅲ' of Fig. 9.

[0042] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, it should be noted that the terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their conventional or dictionary meanings. Based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of terms to best explain his or her invention, they should be interpreted in a way that aligns with the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0043] Accordingly, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modified examples that can replace them at the time of filing this application.

[0044] Furthermore, the present invention includes various embodiments. For each embodiment, redundant descriptions of substantially identical or similar components will be omitted, and the differences will be described.

[0045] Meanwhile, in the present invention, terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back may be used, but it is obvious to those skilled in the art that 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.

[0046] For example, in an embodiment of the present invention, the X-axis direction shown in the drawing may mean a left-right direction, the Y-axis direction may mean a front-back direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction on a horizontal plane (XY plane), and the Z-axis direction may mean an up-down direction (vertical direction) perpendicular to both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

[0047] FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of some components of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery cell (100), an elastic member (200), and a fixing member (400).

[0049] Referring primarily to FIG. 2, a plurality of battery cells (100) may be included. The battery cell (100) may include an electrode assembly (including a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator), an electrolyte, and a battery case. The plurality of battery cells (100) may be electrically connected to each other. For example, the plurality of battery cells (100) may be electrically connected to each other in series and / or in parallel via a bus bar or the like.

[0050] A plurality of battery cells (100) may be included in a battery module (10) in a stacked form. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, etc., a plurality of battery cells (100) may be arranged in a vertical direction (Z-axis direction) and in a parallel manner in the left-right direction (X-axis direction). At this time, each battery cell (100) may have a sealing portion facing the front-back direction (Y-axis direction) and the up-down direction (Z-axis direction), and a storage portion facing the left-right direction (X-axis direction).

[0051] Meanwhile, the present invention is not limited by the specific type or shape of the battery cell (100), and various battery cells (100) known at the time of application of the present invention may be employed to configure the battery module (10) of the present invention. In this embodiment, a pouch-type secondary battery having a high energy density and easy stacking is targeted as shown in the drawing, but it goes without saying that a square secondary battery may be applied as the battery cell (100) of the present invention.

[0052] Referring primarily to FIG. 3, an elastic member (200) may be coupled to an end portion of a battery cell (100). The elastic member (200) may be coupled to at least some of the battery cells (100) among a plurality of battery cells (100). For example, as in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, a plurality of elastic members (200) may be provided at both end portions of the battery cell (100) in the front-rear direction (Y-axis direction in the drawing).

[0053] The elastic member (200) may be configured to be partially deformed by external pressure. The elastic member (200) may be made of a material having elasticity. For example, the elastic member (200) may be made of a material such as silicone or polyurethane.

[0054] Meanwhile, the fixing member (300) may be configured to pressurize the elastic member (200) from the outside. The fixing member (300) may be configured to pressurize the circumference of the elastic member (200). The fixing member (300) may be configured to uniformly pressurize the elastic member (200). The fixing member (300) may be formed of a material having no or little elasticity. For example, the fixing member (300) may be formed of a strap made of a metal material or a tape having an adhesive surface on at least one side.

[0055] Accordingly, the elastic member (200) can be shaped to fit the shape of the battery cell (100) by the pressing force applied from the fixing member (300). In particular, the elastic member (200) can be configured to partially change thickness in a portion of the battery cell (100) where the thickness decreases. As a result, the elastic member (200) can uniformly pressurize the battery cells (100) coupled to the elastic member (200).

[0056] That is, according to the above embodiment of the present invention, the elastic member (200) can be configured to compensate for the thickness deviation of the battery cells (100) by the fixing member (300) pressing the elastic member (200). Therefore, according to the above practical configuration, local deterioration of the battery cell (100) during the charge / discharge cycle process can be prevented, thereby extending the expected life of the battery cell (100) and maximizing the performance of the battery cell (100).

[0057] In addition, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, since the elastic member (200) and the fixing member (300) fix the battery cells (100) on both sides, it can contribute to the structural rigidity of the battery cells (100).

[0058] In addition, the elastic member (200) can perform a function of blocking heat, such as a flame, generated from a ignited battery cell (100) when an internal ignition occurs in the battery module (10) from moving in the stacking direction of the battery cell (100) or the longitudinal direction of the battery cell (100). Accordingly, heat propagation to neighboring battery cells (100) can be minimized.

[0059]

[0060] Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a battery module (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a module case (400). The module case (400) may be configured to have an internal space formed therein to accommodate a battery cell (100), an elastic member (200), and a fixing member (300). The module case (400) of the present embodiment may include a case body (410) and end plates (420) disposed on the front and rear sides of the case body (410).

[0061] Here, the case body (410) is provided with an upper plate, a lower plate, a left plate, and a right plate to form a storage space, and a stack of battery cells (100) can be stored in this storage space. This case body (410) can be made of a metal material having rigidity and heat resistance to physically or chemically protect the housed battery cells (100).

[0062] In addition, the end plate (420) may be configured to be combined with the case body (410) to cover an open portion of the case body (410). More specifically, the case body (410) may be configured to have an open front and rear, and the end plate (420) may be configured to be combined with the open portions of the front and rear of the case body (410).

[0063] Meanwhile, although not shown in the drawing, the case body (410) may be provided with venting holes, and directional venting in one direction may be possible. For example, a plurality of venting holes may be formed on the upper surface of the case body, and directional venting of the battery module (10) toward the top may be possible through the venting holes.

[0064]

[0065] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the upper side. For example, Fig. 4 may be a drawing illustrating cross-section I-I' of Fig. 1.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 4, a plurality of elastic members (200) may be provided in one battery module (10). At this time, one elastic member (200) may be provided to be coupled to at least some of the battery cells (100) among the plurality of battery cells (100). For example, one elastic member (200) may be configured to be coupled to all of the battery cells (100) among the plurality of battery cells (100).

[0067] Alternatively, the plurality of elastic members (200) may be configured to group one or more different battery cells (100). Accordingly, the elastic members (200) may be provided to divide the plurality of battery cells (100) into a plurality of groups. For example, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, a plurality of elastic members (200) may be provided so as to be coupled to every two adjacent battery cells (100). Unlike the above embodiment, the number of battery cells (100) to which the elastic members (200) are coupled may be applied differently. In addition, unlike the above embodiment, the elastic members (200) may be coupled to only some of the plurality of battery cells (100).

[0068] According to the above embodiment, the number of battery cells (100) coupled to the elastic member (200) and the shape of the elastic member (200) may be configured differently for each of the plurality of elastic members (200). In addition, the elastic coefficients of the plurality of elastic members (200) may be designed differently. For example, the elastic member (200) provided in the central portion of the stack of battery cells (100) may be less pressed by the fixing member (300) than the elastic member (200) provided on the outer side of the stack of battery cells (100). Accordingly, the elastic coefficient of the elastic member (200) provided in the central portion of the stack of battery cells (100) may be set smaller so that the shape can be designed to be more easily deformed.

[0069] In addition, the plurality of elastic members (200) may be configured to be in surface contact with each other. That is, the plurality of elastic members (200) may be configured to press each other against adjacent elastic members (200). The width of the elastic members (200) may be configured to correspond to the thickness of the battery cells (100) to which the elastic members (200) are coupled.

[0070]

[0071] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of part A of FIG. 4, and FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a battery module to which an elastic member is applied according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 5, the elastic member (200) may be configured such that the end portion of the battery cell (100) is inserted therein. The thickness reduction of the battery cell (100) caused by sliding of the electrode and the separator may mainly occur at the end portion of the battery cell (100). Here, the end portion of the elastic member (200) may refer to the end portion of the elastic member (200) in the height direction or the length direction. According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the thickness reduction occurring at the end portion of the battery cell (100) may be compensated for by configuring the end portion of the battery cell (100) to be inserted into the elastic member (200).

[0073] Specifically, referring to FIG. 6, the elastic member (200) may include an insertion portion (210) and a pressing portion (220). The insertion portion (210) may be configured to allow the distal ends of a plurality of battery cells (100) to be inserted. In addition, the pressing portion (220) may be configured to press the distal ends of the battery cells (100) inserted into the insertion portion (210). The width of the pressing portion (220) may be configured to compensate for the thickness reduction of the distal ends of the battery cells (100) inserted into the insertion portion (210).

[0074] Accordingly, when the fixing member (300) presses the elastic member (200) from the outside, the pressing portion (220) can be configured to press the distal end of the battery cell (100) inserted into the insertion portion (210). At this time, the width of the insertion portion (210) can be shaped to correspond to the thickness of the distal end of the battery cell (100). According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the distal end of the battery cell (100) can be uniformly pressed, thereby more effectively reducing the thickness deviation between the battery cells (100).

[0075] A plurality of such pressurizing members (220) may be provided. The pressurizing members (220) may be provided between adjacent battery cells (100) and on one side of the battery cell (100). In addition, the elastic member (200) may further include a connecting member (230) configured to connect adjacent pressurizing members (220) to each other.

[0076] In addition, the pressurizing portion (220) may be provided to extend along the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the elastic member (200). According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the thickness loss of the battery cell (100) can also be compensated for in the height direction of the battery cell (100).

[0077] Meanwhile, the insertion portion (210) may be configured to include a portion whose width decreases as it goes outward. That is, the width of the insertion portion (210) may be configured to decrease as it goes outward of the elastic member (200). According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the shape of the insertion portion (210) may be provided to match the thickness or shape of the battery cell (100) whose end thickness is reduced. Accordingly, when the end of the battery cell (100) is inserted into the insertion portion (210), it may be pressed more closely against the pressing portion (220).

[0078]

[0079] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a battery module to which an elastic member is applied according to another embodiment of the present invention. For example, Fig. 7 may be a drawing showing the cross-section taken along line II-II' of Fig. 1. In addition, Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a battery module to which an elastic member is applied according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] The elastic member (200) may further include an upper pad (240) and a lower pad (250). The upper pad (240) and the lower pad (250) may be configured to cover the terminal portion of the battery cell (100) from the upper and lower portions, respectively. The upper pad (240) and the lower pad (250) may be configured to pressurize the terminal portion of the battery cell (100) from the upper and lower portions, respectively. In this case, the insertion portion (210) may be formed by being surrounded by the pressing portion (220), the upper pad (240), and the lower pad (250). In addition, the gap between the upper pad (240) and the lower pad (250), i.e., the height of the insertion portion (210), may be configured to correspond to the height of the terminal portion of the battery cell (100).

[0081] Accordingly, the terminal portion of the battery cell (100) can be completely inserted into the insertion portion (210), and the terminal portion of the battery cell (100) inserted into the insertion portion (210) can be fixed by being pressed not only by the pressing portion (220) but also by the upper pad (240) and the lower pad (250). According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, when the elastic member (200) is pressed from both sides by the fixing member (300), the battery cells (100) can be prevented from being separated from the upper and lower portions.

[0082]

[0083] Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 5 to 8, each of the plurality of battery cells (100) may include an electrode lead (110). The electrode terminal (110) may be connected to the electrode assembly and configured to extend outward from the battery case.

[0084] The electrode terminals (110) may be provided as a pair, and the pair of electrode terminals (110) may be extended from both ends of the battery cell (100), i.e., in the longitudinal direction (±Y direction). At this time, the pair of electrode terminals (110) may be a positive lead and a negative lead. If necessary, the battery cell (100) may have a form in which the two electrode terminals (110) are located only at one end in the Y-axis direction, for example, only at the end in the +Y-axis direction.

[0085] At this time, the elastic member (200) may be provided on the side where the electrode lead (110) of the battery cell (100) is positioned. According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the phenomenon of the electrode and separator inside the electrode assembly being pushed on the side where the electrode lead (110) is positioned can be effectively prevented. Accordingly, the thickness reduction of the battery cell (100) on the side where the electrode lead (110) is positioned can be compensated for, thereby effectively preventing uneven thickness of the battery cells (100).

[0086] In addition, the elastic member (200) may be formed with an insertion slit (260) configured to allow the electrode lead (110) of the battery cell (100) to be withdrawn outward. Accordingly, the electrode lead (110) may be withdrawn outward of the elastic member (200) through the insertion slit (260) and coupled to a busbar frame assembly (not shown) provided on the outside of the elastic member (200).

[0087]

[0088] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a part of a battery module to which a fixing member is applied according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a part of a battery module to which a fixing member is applied according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a part of a battery module to which a fixing member is applied according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] The fixing member (300) may be configured to surround the end portion of the battery cell (100) and at least a portion of the elastic member (200) from the outside. That is, the elastic member (200) is inserted into the end portion of the battery cell (100), and the fixing member (300) may fix the elastic member (200) by applying pressure from the outside.

[0090] The fixing member (300) may be configured to pressurize at least some of the elastic members (200) among the plurality of elastic members (200). For example, the fixing member (300) may be provided in multiple pieces and provided for each of the plurality of elastic members (200).

[0091] Alternatively, the fixing member (300) may be configured to pressurize all of the plurality of elastic members (200). That is, one fixing member (300) may be configured to surround all of the plurality of elastic members (200) arranged in parallel. According to this embodiment configuration, an adhesive member such as a tape for bonding adjacent battery cells (100) may be omitted. Accordingly, the process for bonding between battery cells (100) may be simplified, thereby reducing costs and time during battery module manufacturing, thereby improving productivity.

[0092] For example, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, a single fixing member (300) may be configured to pressurize the outermost periphery of a plurality of elastic members (200). In this case, the fixing member (300) may be configured to pressurize all surfaces of the plurality of elastic members (200). According to the above-described embodiment, the state in which a plurality of battery cells (100) are stacked can be stably maintained by pressing the elastic members (200) from the upper, lower, and both sides. As a result, the structural rigidity of the battery cells (100) can be further improved.

[0093] Alternatively, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10, the fixing member (300) may be configured to pressurize the plurality of elastic members (200) from the upper side. In this case, the fixing member (300) may be configured to pressurize the upper surface and both sides of the plurality of elastic members (200). At this time, the fixing member (300) may be made of a material with little elasticity, such as a metal strap. According to the above-described embodiment, after the end of the battery cell (100) is inserted into the elastic member (200), the fixing member (300) only needs to be fixed to the upper portion of the elastic member (200), so the process for manufacturing the battery module (10) can be simplified.

[0094] Alternatively, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11, the fixing member (300) may be configured to pressurize the plurality of elastic members (200) from the front and rear sides. In this case, the fixing member (300) may be configured to pressurize the outer surfaces and both sides of the plurality of elastic members (200). At this time, the fixing member (300) may be made of a material with little elasticity, such as a metal strap. According to the above-described embodiment, after the end of the battery cell (100) is inserted into the elastic member (200), the fixing member (300) only needs to be fixed to the front and rear surfaces of the elastic member (200), so the process for manufacturing the battery module (10) can be simplified.

[0095]

[0096] Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module to which a fixing member and an elastic member are applied according to another embodiment of the present invention. For example, Fig. 12 may be a drawing showing the cross-section Ⅲ-Ⅲ' of Fig. 9.

[0097] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 12, a battery module (10) according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a coupling configuration between a fixing member (300) and an elastic member (200). Specifically, the fixing member (300) may include a coupling protrusion (310) configured to protrude outward, and the elastic member (200) may include a coupling groove (270) configured to engage the coupling protrusion (310). Accordingly, the coupling protrusion (310) may be inserted into the coupling groove (270) to restrict movement in the forward, backward, left, and right directions.

[0098] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the bonding force between the fixing member (300) and the elastic member (200) can be improved. In particular, when the fixing member (300) presses the elastic member (200), the fixing member (300) can be prevented from being pushed or moved. Accordingly, the fixing member (300) can provide a pressing force to uniformly pressurize the distal end of the battery cell (100) coupled to the elastic member (200).

[0099]

[0100] A battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery modules (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention as described above. A battery pack according to the present invention may further include components of a battery pack known at the time of filing of the present invention, such as a BMS (Battery Management System), a current sensor, a fuse, etc. for integrated control of charging and discharging of one or more battery modules.

[0101] Additionally, the battery pack according to the present invention can have the module case (400) described above function as a pack case. In this case, battery pack components such as a BMS, busbar, and relay may be included within the module case (400). In this case, it is also called a cell-to-pack because the battery cells (100) are directly housed within the pack case.

[0102] A vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery packs according to one embodiment of the present invention or battery modules according to one embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle according to the present invention may be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The vehicle includes a four-wheel vehicle and a two-wheel vehicle. The vehicle operates by receiving power from a battery pack or battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0103] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is obvious that various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention and the equivalent scope of the patent claims to be described below by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains.

Claims

1. Multiple battery cells; An elastic member coupled to the terminal portion of at least some of the plurality of battery cells and configured to be shaped by external pressure; and A battery module characterized by including a fixing member configured to press the elastic member from the outside.

2. In paragraph 1, The above elastic member is provided in multiple pieces, A battery module characterized in that a plurality of said elastic members are configured to group one or more different battery cells.

3. In paragraph 2, A battery module characterized in that a plurality of the elastic members are configured to be in surface contact with each other.

4. In paragraph 1, The above elastic member A battery module characterized in that the terminal portion of the battery cell is configured to be inserted.

5. In paragraph 4, The above elastic member An insertion portion configured to insert the terminal portions of the plurality of battery cells, A battery module characterized by including a pressing portion configured to pressurize a terminal portion of the battery cell inserted into the insertion portion.

6. In paragraph 5, A battery module characterized in that the above insertion portion is configured to include a portion whose width decreases as it goes outward.

7. In paragraph 5, The above elastic member It further includes an upper pad and a lower pad configured to cover the terminal portion of the battery cell from the upper and lower sides, respectively. A battery module characterized in that the insertion portion is formed by being surrounded by the pressing portion, the upper pad, and the lower pad.

8. In paragraph 1, The above elastic member A battery module characterized in that it is provided on the side where the electrode lead of the above battery cell is located.

9. In paragraph 8, The above elastic member A battery module characterized in that an insertion slit is formed so that the electrode lead of the battery cell can be withdrawn outward.

10. In paragraph 1, The above fixed member A battery module characterized in that it is configured to wrap the terminal portion of the battery cell and at least a portion of the elastic member from the outside.

11. In paragraph 2, A battery module characterized in that the above-mentioned fixing member is configured to pressurize all of the plurality of elastic members.

12. In paragraph 1, The above-mentioned fixing member includes a coupling protrusion configured to protrude outward, A battery module characterized in that the elastic member includes a coupling groove configured to allow the coupling protrusion to be engaged.

13. A battery pack comprising a battery module according to claims 1 to 12.

14. A vehicle characterized by including a battery module according to claims 1 to 12.

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