Battery module and battery pack comprising same

Abstract

A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a battery cell stack; a module case for accommodating the battery cell stack; and one or more busbars for electrical connection of the battery cells, wherein electrode leads of the battery cells are movably coupled to the busbars. The battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention has the effect that tension applied to the battery cells can be relieved due to the electrode leads of the battery cells being movably coupled to the busbars.

Description

Battery module and battery pack including same

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module and a battery pack including the same, and more particularly, to a battery module capable of relieving tension applied to a battery cell and a battery pack including the same.

[0002] Secondary batteries, unlike primary batteries that cannot be recharged, are batteries that can be charged and discharged. They are used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) that are driven by electrical power sources.

[0003] Currently, widely used types of secondary batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. The operating voltage of these unit secondary battery cells, i.e., unit battery cells, is approximately 2.5 V to 4.6 V. Therefore, when a higher output voltage is required, multiple battery cells are connected in series to form a battery pack. Furthermore, depending on the charge / discharge capacity required for the battery pack, multiple battery cells are connected in parallel to form a battery pack. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in the battery pack can be set in various ways depending on the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0004] When configuring a battery pack by connecting multiple battery cells in series or parallel, it is common to first configure a battery module comprising at least one battery cell, preferably multiple battery cells, and then use at least one such battery module and add other components to configure the battery pack. Here, the battery module refers to a component in which multiple battery cells are connected in series or parallel, and the battery pack may refer to a component in which multiple battery modules are connected in series or parallel to increase capacity and output.

[0005] A battery module is composed of multiple cells electrically connected using a busbar, and the electrode leads of the battery cells are connected to the busbar.

[0006] However, as the battery module approaches its lifespan limit, the amount of swelling of the internal cells increases, and the internal tabs of the cells connected to the cell leads may be pulled and break.

[0007] The present invention is intended to solve the problems described above, and aims to provide a battery module capable of alleviating tension applied to a battery cell and a battery pack including the same.

[0008] A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; a module case for accommodating the battery cell stack; and one or more bus bars for electrical connection of the battery cells; wherein electrode leads of the battery cells are movably coupled to the bus bars.

[0009] In addition, the battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention further includes a joining member for joining the electrode lead of the battery cell to the bus bar.

[0010] Additionally, the above-mentioned joining member is joined to the above-mentioned bus bar.

[0011] Additionally, the bus bar includes a joining groove into which the joining member is joined.

[0012] Additionally, the above-mentioned joining member is screw-joined to the above-mentioned joining groove.

[0013] Additionally, the electrode lead of the battery cell includes a joining hole into which the joining member is inserted.

[0014] Additionally, the above-mentioned joint extends along the first direction.

[0015] Additionally, on both sides of the front of the bus bar, the electrode leads of one battery cell and the electrode leads of another battery cell are respectively connected.

[0016] In addition, the battery further includes a connecting member for connecting the electrode lead of the battery cell to the bus bar, and the connecting member is connected to each of both sides of the bus bar.

[0017] Additionally, the busbar includes a through hole in the center.

[0018] Additionally, the above-mentioned connecting members are arranged on each side of the through hole.

[0019] Additionally, the battery cell includes an electrode tab, and the electrode lead is connected to the electrode tab.

[0020] In addition, the battery cell laminate further includes a busbar frame in which the busbar is arranged on the outside.

[0021] Additionally, it further includes an insulating cover placed on the outside of the busbar frame.

[0022] A battery module and a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention have the effect of relieving tension applied to a battery cell.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a battery cell in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a terminal bus bar in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an insulating cover and an end plate in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 6 is a detailed view of a busbar frame in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 7 is a partial perspective view of a busbar frame with electrode leads coupled thereto when cut horizontally in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 8 is a front view of a portion of a bus bar to which electrode leads are coupled in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 9 is a partial plan view of a bus bar to which electrode leads are coupled in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Fig. 10 is a front view showing a state in which an electrode lead is moved from a bus bar in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Fig. 11 is a plan view showing a state in which an electrode lead is moved from a bus bar in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 12 is a drawing illustrating a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a vehicle equipped with a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] The advantages and features of the present invention, and the methods for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the embodiments described in detail below together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided only to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. Accordingly, in some embodiments, well-known process steps, well-known device structures, and well-known techniques are not specifically described to avoid ambiguity in the interpretation of the present invention. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification.

[0037] In order to clearly represent multiple layers and regions in the drawings, the thickness may be enlarged. Similar parts are designated by the same drawing reference numerals throughout the specification. When an element such as a layer, film, region, or plate is said to be "over" another element, this includes not only the case where it is "directly over" that element but also the case where there are other elements in between. Conversely, when an element is said to be "directly over" another element, this means that there are no other elements in between. Furthermore, when an element such as a layer, film, region, or plate is said to be "under" another element, this includes not only the case where it is "directly under" that element but also the case where there are other elements in between. Conversely, when an element is said to be "directly under" another element, this means that there are no other elements in between.

[0038] First, a battery module (1000) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0039] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a terminal bus bar according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an insulating cover and an end plate according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 is a detailed view of a bus bar frame according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of a bus bar frame to which electrode leads are coupled when cut horizontally according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 8 is a partial front view of a bus bar to which electrode leads are coupled according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 9 is a partial plan view of a bus bar to which electrode leads are coupled according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 10 is a front view showing a state in which electrode leads are moved from a bus bar according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a bus bar frame according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a plan view showing the electrode lead moved from the bus bar.

[0040] A battery module (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a battery cell stack (100) in which a plurality of battery cells (110) are stacked, a module case (200) that accommodates the battery cell stack (100), a bus bar frame (300) positioned on one side and / or the other side of the battery cell stack (100), an insulating cover (500) positioned on the outside of the bus bar frame (300), and an end plate (400) positioned on the outside of the insulating cover (500).

[0041] The above battery cell stack (100) may be formed by stacking a plurality of battery cells (110) along one direction, and the plurality of battery cells (110) may be electrically connected. The direction in which the plurality of battery cells (110) are stacked may be the X-axis direction (or -X-axis direction) in FIG. 2.

[0042] The direction from the front to the rear of the battery cell stack (100), or the opposite direction, may be defined as the longitudinal direction of the battery cell stack (100), and may be the Y-axis direction in the drawing. In addition, the direction from the upper surface to the lower surface of the battery cell stack (100), or the opposite direction, may be defined as the width direction of the battery cell stack (100), and may be the Z-axis direction in the drawing.

[0043] The longitudinal direction of the battery cell stack (100) may be substantially the same as the longitudinal direction of the battery cell (110). The electrode leads (111, 112) of the battery cell (110) may be positioned on the front and rear sides of the battery cell stack (100), and the bus bars (310, 320) of the battery module (1000) may be positioned close to the front and rear sides of the battery cell stack (100) to easily form an electrical connection with the electrode leads (111, 112).

[0044] The battery cell (110) may be provided as a pouch-shaped battery cell, and the number of pouch-shaped battery cells stacked per unit area may be maximized. However, the battery cell (110) does not necessarily have to be provided as a pouch-shaped battery cell, and may be provided in a square, cylindrical, or other various shapes.

[0045] A battery cell (110) provided in a pouch type may include an electrode assembly and a cell case (115) that accommodates the electrode assembly (see FIG. 3).

[0046] The cell case (115) of the battery cell (110) may be a pouch-type cell case (115) for accommodating the electrode assembly. The cell case (115) includes a lower case and an upper case covering the lower case, and the upper and lower cases may be formed integrally. In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the connecting portions of the upper and lower cases may be formed in a structure in which they are bent and folded. In addition, as illustrated, the upper case may completely cover the lower case, and a sealing portion (114) may be formed at the periphery.

[0047] Both the upper and lower cases can be formed of a laminate structure including an inner covering layer, a metal layer, and an outer covering layer. The inner covering layer is located on the inside of the cell case (115) based on the metal layer and is in direct contact with the electrode assembly, so it must have insulation and electrolytic resistance. In addition, in order to seal it from the outside, the sealing portion where the inner layers are thermally bonded must have excellent thermal bonding strength. The metal layer is located between the inner covering layer and the outer covering layer and serves as a barrier layer that prevents moisture or various gases from penetrating into the battery from the outside. A preferable material for the metal layer in contact with the inner covering layer is an aluminum (Al) thin film that is lightweight and has excellent formability. The outer covering layer is located on the outside of the cell case (115) based on the metal layer, and this outer covering layer can use a heat-resistant polymer with excellent tensile strength, moisture permeability, and air permeability to protect the electrode assembly while ensuring heat resistance and chemical resistance. For example, nylon or polyethylene terephthalate can be used.

[0048] A receiving groove (116) can be formed in each of the upper and lower cases, and an electrode assembly can be accommodated in the receiving groove (116) of the upper and lower cases.

[0049] The electrode assembly housed in the cell case (115) may be one of a group consisting of a jelly-roll type electrode assembly having a structure in which a separator is interposed between long sheet-shaped positive and negative electrodes and then rolled up, a stack type electrode assembly having unit cells having a structure in which rectangular positive and negative electrodes are stacked with a separator interposed between them, a stack-folding type electrode assembly in which the unit cells are rolled up by a long separator film, and a lamination-stack type electrode assembly in which the unit cells are stacked with a separator interposed between them and attached to each other.

[0050] Additionally, the electrode assembly may include two electrode tabs (110a, 110b) and two electrode leads (111, 112) connected to the two electrode tabs (110a, 110b) by welding, respectively.

[0051] Among the two electrode leads (111, 112), one electrode lead (111, 112) may be a positive electrode lead connected to the positive tab (110a), and the other electrode lead (111, 112) may be a negative electrode lead connected to the negative tab (110b). For example, the positive electrode lead (111) may be made of aluminum (Al), and the negative electrode lead (112) may be made of copper (Cu).

[0052] A lead film (113) may be attached to each of the electrode leads (111, 112). The lead film (113) coupled to the electrode leads (111, 112) is positioned between the electrode leads (111, 112) and the cell case (115), thereby preventing a short circuit from occurring between the electrode leads (111, 112) and the cell case (115) and improving the sealing force, thereby preventing leakage of the electrolyte, etc.

[0053] The two electrode leads (111, 112) are shown as being arranged on each side of the electrode assembly, but may be arranged on only one side of the electrode assembly depending on the arrangement of the electrode tabs.

[0054] The above module case (200) may be for protecting the battery cell stack (100) and electrical components connected thereto from external physical impact, and the module case (200) may accommodate the battery cell stack (100) and electrical components connected thereto in the internal space of the module case (200).

[0055] The structure of the module case (200) may vary, and for example, the structure of the module case (200) may be a mono-frame structure. Here, the mono-frame may be in the form of a metal plate having an upper surface, a lower surface, and both side surfaces that are integrated. The mono-frame may be manufactured by extrusion molding. As another example, the structure of the module case (200) may be a structure in which a U-shaped frame and an upper plate (upper surface (201)) are combined. In the case of a structure in which a U-shaped frame and an upper plate are combined, the structure of the module case (200) may be formed by combining an upper plate on the upper side of a U-shaped frame, which is a metal plate having a lower surface and both side surfaces that are combined or integrated, and each frame or plate may be manufactured by press molding. In addition, the structure of the module case (200) may be provided as an L-shaped frame structure in addition to a mono-frame or a U-shaped frame, and may be provided as various structures not described in the above-described examples.

[0056] The structure of the module case (200) may be provided in an open form along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell stack (100). The front and rear sides of the battery cell stack (100) may not be covered by the module case (200). The electrode leads (111, 112) of the battery cells (110) may not be covered by the module case (200). The front and rear sides of the battery cell stack (100) may be covered by a bus bar frame (300), an end plate (400), or bus bars (310, 320) to be described later, and through this, the front and rear sides of the battery cell stack (100) may be protected from external physical impacts, etc.

[0057] A compression pad (150) may be positioned between one side of the inner surface of the battery cell stack (100) and the module case (200).

[0058] The compression pad (150) can be arranged to face the battery cell (110) at the outermost end of the battery cell stack (100) in the X-axis direction in the drawing.

[0059] Also, although not shown, a thermally conductive resin may be injected between the inner surface of the battery cell stack (100) and the module case (200), and a thermally conductive resin layer (not shown) may be formed between one of the inner surfaces of the battery cell stack (100) and the module case (200) by the injected thermally conductive resin. At this time, the thermally conductive resin layer may be positioned on the Z-axis of the battery cell stack (100), and the thermally conductive resin layer may be formed between the battery cell stack (100) and the bottom surface positioned on the -Z-axis of the module case (200).

[0060] The above busbar frame (300) is positioned on one side of the battery cell stack (100), and can cover one side of the battery cell stack (100) and simultaneously guide the connection between the battery cell stack (100) and an external device. Specifically, the busbar frame (300) can be positioned on the front or rear side of the battery cell stack (100) as illustrated, and can also be positioned on the upper side, lower side, or side. At least one of a busbar (310, 320) and a module connector can be mounted on the busbar frame (300). As illustrated in FIG. 2, one side of the busbar frame (300) can be connected to one side or the other side of the battery cell stack (100), and the other side of the busbar frame (300) can be connected to the busbar (310, 320).

[0061] The busbar frame (300) may include one or more busbar mounting portions (340) on which busbars (310, 320) are coupled and mounted, and one or more ribs (see FIG. 7).

[0062] A busbar (310, 320) can be mounted on the front of the busbar mounting portion (340) of the busbar frame (300), and a plurality of busbar mounting portions (340) can be arranged spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the battery module (1000).

[0063] The rib can be configured to connect two busbar mounting portions (340) between adjacent busbar mounting portions (340). The rib can be arranged between two adjacent busbar mounting portions (340) to improve the rigidity of the busbar frame (300).

[0064] The busbar frame (300) may be made of an electrically insulating material or may include an insulating material. The busbar frame (300) may limit contact between the busbars (310, 320) and other parts of the battery cells (110) other than the parts where the busbars are connected to the electrode leads (111, 112), and may prevent electrical short circuits from occurring.

[0065] The busbar frame (300) may be positioned on one side and the other side of the battery cell stack (100).

[0066] FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating a busbar frame (300) according to an embodiment of the present invention. A busbar (310, 320) may be mounted on one surface of the busbar frame (300), and the busbar (310, 320) may be for electrically connecting the battery cell stack (100) or the battery cells (110) and an external device circuit. A plurality of busbars (310, 320) may be arranged, and are positioned between the battery cell stack (100) or the busbar frame (300) and the end plate (400), thereby protecting the battery from external impacts, etc., and minimizing the deterioration of durability due to external moisture, etc.

[0067] The busbar (310, 320) can be electrically connected to the battery cell stack (100) through the electrode leads (111, 112) of the battery cell (110).

[0068] Specifically, the electrode leads (111, 112) of the battery cell (110) can be bent and connected to the bus bars (310, 320) after passing through the lead slit formed in the bus bar frame (300).

[0069] The bus bar (310) may be for electrically connecting the battery cells (110), and as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, electrode leads (111, 112) of the battery cells (110) may be connected to both left and right sides of one side of the bus bar (310), and the electrode lead (111) connected to one side of the bus bar (310, 320) may be a positive lead, and the electrode lead (112) connected to the other side of the bus bar (310, 320) may be a negative lead. The number of electrode leads (111) connected to one side of the bus bar (310, 320) may be two or more, as illustrated in FIG. 7, and two or more electrode leads (111) may overlap and be connected to one side of the bus bar (310, 320). There may be two or more electrode leads (112) connected to the other side of the bus bar (310, 320), and two or more electrode leads (112) may overlap and be connected to the other side of the bus bar (310, 320).

[0070] Battery cells (110) constituting the battery cell stack (100) can be connected in series or parallel by bus bars (310, 320).

[0071] The busbar (310, 320) can be connected to a connector (350), and the connector (350) can be connected to a sensing unit (sensing plate) (not shown) that can perform functions such as voltage sensing of the battery cell (110).

[0072] In this embodiment, the bus bar (310, 320) may include a joining groove (310a).

[0073] And, as shown in Fig. 7, a joining groove (310a) can be formed on the front side where the electrode leads (111, 112) are joined to the bus bar (310, 320), and a screw thread can be formed on the inner circumferential surface of the joining groove (310a).

[0074] A plurality of coupling grooves (310a) can be arranged spaced apart from each other on one bus bar (310, 320), and two coupling grooves (310a) can be arranged spaced apart from each other in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the battery module (1000).

[0075] For example, the connecting groove (310a) may be arranged on one side of the bus bar (310, 320) to which the positive electrode lead (111) is connected and on the other side of the bus bar (310, 320) to which the negative electrode lead (112) is connected. The bus bar (310) may have a through hole (311) extending vertically in the center, and connecting grooves (310a) may be arranged on both sides of the through hole (311).

[0076] A coupling member (350) can be coupled to the coupling groove (310a). The coupling member (350) can include a body (350a) coupled to the coupling groove (310a) and a head portion (350b) having a larger diameter than the body (350a), and the coupling member (350) can be coupled to the coupling groove (310a) to maintain a state in which the electrode leads (111, 112) are coupled to the bus bars (310, 320). In addition, by adjusting the depth at which the connecting member (350) is connected to the connecting groove (310a), the gap between the head portion (350b) of the connecting member (350) and the bus bar (310, 320) can be adjusted, thereby pressing the electrode leads (111, 112) to an extent that the electrode leads (111, 112) can move while connected to the bus bar (310, 320).

[0077] The connecting member (350) may be made of a fixing pin, bolt, etc.

[0078] In this embodiment, the electrode leads (111, 112) may include a joining hole (111a, 112a) into which a joining member (350) is inserted.

[0079] The coupling holes (111a, 112a) can be formed by penetrating the electrode leads (111, 112) from the front to the rear. After the coupling member (350) is inserted into the coupling holes (111a, 112a), it is coupled to the coupling groove (310a), so that the electrode leads (111, 112) can be coupled to the bus bars (310, 320), and the electrode leads (111, 112) can be electrically connected to the bus bars (310, 320).

[0080] In addition, the width (upper and lower width in the drawing) of the joining hole (111a, 112a) may be equal to or larger than the body (350a) (diameter) of the joining member (350), and may be smaller than the head portion (350b) (diameter) of the joining member (350).

[0081] And, the coupling holes (111a, 112a) can be formed to extend in the first direction as illustrated. Specifically, the coupling holes (111a, 112a) can be formed to extend in the width direction (X-axis direction in FIGS. 1 and 2) of the battery module (1000) as illustrated in FIG. 7. By forming the coupling holes (111a, 112a) to extend in the first direction in this way, the electrode leads (111, 112) can be slidably moved along the first direction while being coupled to the bus bars (310, 320) by the coupling member (350).

[0082] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, which are drawings showing the state before movement of the electrode lead (111) coupled to the right side of the bus bar (310), the coupling member (350) can be placed on the right side of the coupling hole (111a) before movement of the electrode lead (111).

[0083] As shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, after the electrode lead (111) is moved and connected to the right side of the bus bar (310), the connecting member (350) can be placed on the left side of the connecting hole (111a).

[0084] Meanwhile, although not shown, before the movement of the electrode lead (112) coupled to the left side of the bus bar (310), the coupling member (350) may be placed on the left side of the coupling hole (112a), and after the movement of the electrode lead (112), the coupling member (350) may be placed on the right side of the coupling hole (112a).

[0085] As the battery module (1000) approaches the life limit, the amount of swelling of the internal cells increases. The causes of swelling of the battery cell (110) may be various, and for example, as the battery life limit approaches, the thickness of the battery cell (110) may increase due to internal gas generation, lithium precipitation, etc. As the battery cell (110) swells, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the electrode leads (111, 112) of the battery cell (110) are pulled toward the battery cell (110), and thereby the electrode leads (111, 112) move while being electrically connected to the bus bars (310, 320), thereby relieving the tension of the electrode leads (111, 112) and the electrode tabs (110a, 110b).

[0086] When the electrode leads (111, 112) are fixed to the bus bars (310, 320), the electrode tabs (110a, 110b) connected to the electrode leads (111, 112) may be pulled and broken due to swelling of the battery cell (110).

[0087] In one embodiment of the present invention, as described above, even if the electrode leads (111, 112) and electrode tabs (110a, 110b) are pulled as the battery cell (110) swells, the electrode leads (111, 112) are maintained in a state of being connected to the bus bars (310, 320) by the connecting member (350), thereby allowing the electrode leads (111, 112) to move, thereby relieving the tension of the electrode leads (111, 112) and preventing the electrode tabs (110a, 110b) from breaking.

[0088] The busbars (310, 320) may include terminal busbars (320) for electrically connecting one battery module (100) to another battery module (100).

[0089] At least a portion of the terminal bus bar (320) may be exposed to the outside of the end plate (400) to be connected to another battery module (100), and the end plate (400) may be provided with a terminal opening (410) for this purpose.

[0090] The terminal bus bar (320) can have one end (second part (322)) exposed through the opening (510) of the insulating cover (500) and the terminal opening (410) of the end plate (400).

[0091] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the terminal bus bar (320) may include a first portion (321) connected to the electrode leads (111, 112) of the battery cell (110) and a second portion (322) exposed to the outside through a terminal opening (410). In addition, the terminal bus bar (320) may further include a bending portion (323) formed between the first portion (321) and the second portion (322).

[0092] In the terminal bus bar (320), the first part (321) can be connected to the second part (322) through the bending part (323), and one side of the first part (321) and one side of the second part (322) can be perpendicular to each other. That is, by forming a bent bending part (323) in the terminal bus bar (320), the second part (322) can protrude and be seated in the seating part (530) of the insulating cover (500), and the second part (322) can be electrically connected to the pack bus bar (not shown). A joining hole (322a) is formed in the second part (322) constituting one end of the terminal bus bar (320), and the second part (322) of the terminal bus bar (320) is fixed by a fixing pin (not shown) inserted into the joining hole (322a).

[0093] The terminal bus bar (320) may include a joining groove (310a) in the first part (321) that is connected to the electrode leads (111, 112) of the battery cell (110), similar to the bus bar (310) described above, and a joining member (350) may be placed in the joining groove (310a).

[0094] Additionally, the electrode leads (111, 112) of the battery cell (110) connected to the terminal bus bar (320) may include a joining hole (111a, 112a) into which a joining member (350) is inserted.

[0095] Accordingly, in the same manner as the bus bar (310), when the battery cell (110) is swollen, the electrode leads (111, 112) can move while being electrically connected to the terminal bus bar (320), and the tension of the electrode leads (111, 112) and the electrode tabs (110a, 110b) can be relieved.

[0096] In this embodiment, two terminal bus bars (320) can be arranged on both sides of the bus bar frame (300) as shown in FIG. 6.

[0097] Among the two terminal bus bars (320), one terminal bus bar (320) may be a positive (+) terminal bus bar (320), and the other may be a negative (-) terminal bus bar (320).

[0098] Electrode leads (111, 112) can be connected to the first part (321) of the terminal bus bar (320), and the positive electrode lead (111) can be connected to one terminal bus bar (320) and the negative electrode lead (112) can be connected to the other terminal bus bar (320).

[0099] The end plate (400) may be used to protect the battery cell stack (100) and electrical components connected thereto from external physical impact by covering the open surface of the module case (200). To this end, the end plate (400) may be manufactured from a material having a predetermined strength, and for example, the end plate (400) may include a metal such as aluminum or a plastic material.

[0100] A terminal opening (410) may be formed in the end plate (400). The terminal openings (410) may be positioned on each side of the end plate (400), and a portion of the insulating cover (500) and one end (second portion (322)) of the terminal bus bar (320) may be exposed through the terminal openings (410).

[0101] In addition, a connector opening may be located between terminal openings (410) located on both sides of the end plate (400), and a module connector may be exposed to the outside through the connector opening.

[0102] The end plate (400) can be combined with the module case (200) while covering the busbar frame (300) or busbar (310, 320) located on one side of the battery cell stack (100). Each corner of the end plate (400) can be combined with a corresponding corner of the module case (200) by welding, bolting, hooking, or the like.

[0103] The end plate (400) may be positioned on the outside of the module case (200). Specifically, the end plate (400) may be positioned on one side and the other side of the module case (200) so as to cover both sides of the battery cell stack (100). In the present embodiment, an example in which the end plate (400) is positioned on the front and rear sides of the module case (200) is illustrated.

[0104] The insulating cover (500) may be positioned on the inside of the end plate (400) and on the outside of the busbar frame (300). In addition, an insulating cover (500) for electrical insulation may be positioned between the end plate (400) and the busbar frame (300). That is, the busbar frame (300), the insulating cover (500), and the end plate (400) may be sequentially positioned from the battery cell stack (100) to the outside. Like the end plate (400), the busbar frame (300) and the insulating cover (500) may each be configured in multiples.

[0105] The insulating cover (500) may be made of or include an electrically insulating material and may block the busbar (310, 320) from contacting the end plate (400).

[0106] The insulating cover (500) may include an opening (510) and a mounting portion (530). The openings (510) may be positioned on each of the upper sides of the insulating cover (500), and one end (second portion (322)) of the terminal bus bar (320) may be exposed through the openings (510).

[0107] In addition, a connector opening may be located between the openings (510) located on both sides of the insulating cover (500), and the module connector may be exposed to the outside through the connector opening.

[0108] The insulating cover (500) may be positioned on the inner surface of the end plate (400) and may be in close contact with the inner surface of the end plate (400), but this is not necessarily the case.

[0109] As described above, one end (the second part (322)) of the terminal bus bar (320) can be exposed through the opening (510), and the exposed one end (the second part (322)) of the terminal bus bar (320) can be seated on the mounting portion (530). Accordingly, the mounting portion (530) can be positioned adjacent to the opening (510) and can be positioned on the upper outer surface.

[0110] The mounting portion (530) may have a second portion (322) of the terminal bus bar (320) mounted on its upper surface, and thus the upper surface of the mounting portion (530) may form a mounting surface. In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the mounting portion (530) may include a fixing member (531) for fixing the terminal bus bar (320).

[0111] The fixing member (531) can fix the second part (322) of the terminal bus bar (320) and may include a fixing hole (531a).

[0112] A fixing pin (not shown) can be inserted into the fixing hole (531a) above. A fixing pin (not shown) inserted into a joining hole (322a) formed in a second part (322) of the terminal bus bar (320) is fixed by being coupled to the fixing hole (531a), thereby fixing the second part (322) of the terminal bus bar (320) to the insulating cover (500).

[0113] Accordingly, the second part (322) of the terminal bus bar (320) is seated on the mounting portion (530) of the insulating cover (500), and the second part (322) is seated on the fixing member (531) arranged on the mounting portion (530) and comes into contact with it.

[0114] In addition, a terminal cover portion (not shown) covering one end (second portion (322)) of the exposed terminal bus bar (320) can be placed on the insulating cover (500).

[0115] Meanwhile, electrical connection between battery modules (1000) can be made through a pack bus bar (not shown). The pack bus bar is a member for connecting one battery module (1000) to another adjacent battery module (1000) or a BDU (Battery Disconnection Unit), and can be connected to an exposed end (second part (322)) of a terminal bus bar (320). For example, the pack bus bar can be connected to overlap the upper end (second part (322)) of one end of the terminal bus bar (320).

[0116] After one end of the pack bus bar is placed overlapping the second part (322) of the terminal bus bar (320), a fixing pin is sequentially inserted into the coupling hole of the pack bus bar and the coupling hole (322a) of the second part (322) of the terminal bus bar (320), and then the fixing pin is fixed to the fixing groove (531a) of the mounting portion (530), so that the pack bus bar can be connected to the terminal bus bar (320).

[0117] And, the second part (322) of the terminal bus bar (320) can be fixed to the insulating cover (500) together with the pack bus bar by a fixed pin.

[0118] As described above, one or more battery modules (1000) according to the present invention can form a battery pack (2000). As illustrated in FIG. 12, a battery pack (2000) according to an embodiment of the present invention can accommodate at least one battery module (1000) inside a pack case (2100), and can include various control and protection systems such as a BMS (Battery Management System) and a cooling system.

[0119] The pack case (2100) may include a lower housing (2110) and an upper housing (not shown) coupled to the upper side of the lower housing (2110), and a plurality of battery modules (1000) may be stored in the internal space of the lower housing (2110) and the upper housing.

[0120] Meanwhile, in the embodiment of the present invention, an example is shown in which a plurality of battery modules (1000) are accommodated inside a battery pack (2000), but a plurality of battery cells (110) may be directly arranged inside the battery pack (2000).

[0121] The battery module (1000) and battery pack (2000) according to the present invention, configured as described above, can be applied to various devices. Specifically, they can be applied to means of transportation such as electric bicycles, electric vehicles (V), hybrid vehicles, and ESS (Energy Storage Systems), but are not limited thereto and can be applied to various devices capable of using secondary batteries.

[0122] Fig. 13 is a drawing illustrating an electric vehicle (V) equipped with a battery pack (2000). In the electric vehicle (V), the wheels are driven by a motor that receives power from the battery pack (2000) so that the electric vehicle can be driven.

[0123] Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments as described above, it is not limited to the above embodiments, and various changes and modifications may be made by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains within a scope that does not depart from the spirit of the present invention.

[0124] The present invention can provide a battery module and a battery pack capable of relieving tension applied to a battery cell.

Claims

1. A battery cell stack in which multiple battery cells are stacked; A module case for accommodating the above battery cell stack; and One or more bus bars for electrical connection of the above battery cells; Including, A battery module in which the electrode leads of the above battery cells are movably connected to the bus bar.

2. In paragraph 1, A battery module further comprising a joining member for joining the electrode lead of the battery cell to the bus bar.

3. In paragraph 2, The above-mentioned connecting member is a battery module connected to the above-mentioned bus bar.

4. In paragraph 3, The above bus bar is a battery module including a joining groove into which the above joining member is joined.

5. In paragraph 4, The above-mentioned joining member is a battery module that is screw-joined into the above-mentioned joining groove.

6. In paragraph 3, A battery module in which the electrode lead of the above battery cell includes a joining hole into which the joining member is inserted.

7. In paragraph 1, The above-mentioned bonding hole is a battery module extending along the first direction.

8. In paragraph 1, A battery module in which the electrode leads of one of the above battery cells and the electrode leads of another of the above battery cells are respectively connected to both sides of the front side of the above bus bar.

9. In paragraph 8, Further comprising a joining member for joining the electrode lead of the above battery cell to the bus bar, The above-mentioned connecting member is a battery module connected to each side of the above-mentioned bus bar.

10. In paragraph 9, The above busbar is a battery module including a through hole in the center.

11. In paragraph 10, The above-mentioned connecting member is a battery module arranged on each side of the above-mentioned through hole.

12. In paragraph 1, A battery module wherein the above battery cell includes an electrode tab, and the electrode lead is connected to the electrode tab.

13. In paragraph 1, A battery module further comprising a busbar frame in which the busbar is arranged on the outer side of the battery cell stack.

14. In paragraph 13, A battery module further comprising an insulating cover disposed on the outer side of the bus bar frame.

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