Battery module with improved stability

Abstract

The present invention relates to a structure of a battery module and a method for manufacturing same, the structure comprising: a cell stack in which a plurality of batteries each having a pair of electrode leads protruding upward are stacked in the width direction; a frame that is open on top and accommodates the cell stack; and an insulating resin filling at least a portion of an empty space between the cell stack and the frame.

Description

Battery modules with improved stability

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority from Republic of Korea Patent Application No. 10-2024-0000581, dated January 2, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a structure of a battery module having improved structural and / or thermal stability and a method for manufacturing the same.

[0003] Secondary batteries, which boast high electrical properties such as high energy density and easy applicability across a wide range of product groups, are widely used not only in portable devices but also in electric or hybrid vehicles powered by electrical power sources, as well as in power storage devices. 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] While small mobile devices typically use one or two or three battery cells per device, medium- to large-sized devices, such as automobiles, require high output and large capacity. Therefore, medium- to large-sized battery modules, which electrically connect multiple battery cells, are used. Furthermore, these battery modules can be integrated into battery packs to achieve even higher output and capacity.

[0005] Figure 1 illustrates a pouch-type battery cell. Referring to this, a typical pouch-type battery cell (10) is configured by having a metal pouch encircle an electrode assembly, folded in half, and sealed. A pair of electrode leads (100) extend from the electrode assembly on both sides in the longitudinal direction and protrude outside the pouch, thereby electrically connecting the electrode assembly to the outside.

[0006] Figures 2 and 3 illustrate the structure of a conventional battery module. Referring to these, a conventional battery module (M) comprises a cell stack (1) in which a plurality of battery cells (10) are stacked, and a frame (2) for accommodating the cell stack. The frame (2) may have a U-shape with the front, rear, and upper sides open, and a bus bar connecting the electrode leads (100) to each other and a pair of end plates covering the bus bars are coupled to both sides in the longitudinal direction of the cell stack (1).

[0007] Meanwhile, the battery cell (10) generates a certain amount of heat during charging and discharging. Since heat accumulated in the battery cell (10) may affect the charging and discharging performance, it is necessary to dissipate this heat to the outside of the frame (2). To this end, the battery module (M) is applied on the bottom plate of the frame (2) and a resin (3) is applied that hardens after the cell stack (1) is placed thereon. The resin (3) includes a thermally conductive resin having high thermal conductivity.

[0008] Fig. 4 shows a cross-section of the battery module of Fig. 2. Referring to this, the resin (3) adhesively fixes the cell stack (1) on the bottom plate of the frame (2) and simultaneously conducts heat generated from the cell stack (1) to the frame (2) to dissipate heat.

[0009] However, since the resin (3) is connected only to the bottom of the cell stack (1), it may not be able to sufficiently dissipate heat generated in the cell stack (1), and may cause the cell stack (1) to not be fixed and to flow within the frame (2).

[0010] In particular, the battery cells (10) are at risk of ignition due to a short circuit or the like, so heat transmission between the battery cells (10) needs to be blocked. At this time, the resin (3) easily melts at high heat, which has the problem of damaging the structural thermal stability of the cell stack (1).

[0011] In addition, referring again to FIG. 3, the battery module (M) having the above structure has the disadvantages of low durability and inconvenient assembly as it is composed of a plurality of parts including the frame (2) of the housing and a pair of end plates.

[0012] The present invention was created under the background of the above-described prior art, and its purpose is to provide a structure of a battery module having excellent structural and / or thermal stability and a method for manufacturing the same.

[0013] Specifically, the present invention seeks to provide a structure of a battery module having excellent heat dissipation performance.

[0014] In addition, the present invention seeks to provide a structure of a battery module in which movement of battery cells within a frame is prevented.

[0015] Another technical challenge of the present invention is to provide a structure of a battery module that has excellent structural stability in a thermal runaway situation and blocks heat transmission between cells.

[0016] The present invention also aims to provide a structure of a battery module that is easy to manufacture and economical, a structure of a battery pack including the same, and / or a vehicle, and a method for manufacturing the same, in order to achieve the above-mentioned technical task.

[0017] The technical objectives of the present invention are not limited to the purposes mentioned above. Other objectives and advantages of the present invention not mentioned above can be understood through the following description and will be more clearly understood through the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, it will be readily apparent that the objectives and advantages of the present invention can be realized by the means and combinations thereof set forth in the claims.

[0018] In order to solve the above problem, the present invention provides a structure of a battery module including a cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells, each having a pair of electrode leads protruding upward, are stacked in the width direction; a frame that is open at the top and accommodates the cell stack; and an insulating resin that fills at least a portion of the empty space between the cell stack and the frame.

[0019] The resin is filled between the cell stack and the frame, insulating the cell stack and the frame while simultaneously adhesively fixing the cell stack to prevent movement. Accordingly, the battery module can simultaneously have excellent insulation and structural stability.

[0020] The above resin may include an insulating and adhesive resin to have excellent adhesive and insulating properties. For example, the above resin may include a silicone resin.

[0021] The resin may include at least one of a phase change material and a thermally conductive resin. Accordingly, the resin may absorb and dissipate heat generated from the battery cell. For example, the resin may include paraffin.

[0022] The resin may include a flame-retardant material. Accordingly, the resin may maintain its structure without completely melting even under high temperatures resulting from thermal runaway of the battery cell. Consequently, the stability of the battery module may be enhanced even in thermal runaway situations. For example, the resin may include aluminum hydroxide.

[0023] The above plurality of battery cells can be stacked with an adhesive interposed therebetween. Accordingly, not only is movement of the cell stack relative to the frame prevented, but also relative movement between the plurality of battery cells is prevented.

[0024] The adhesive may have various forms, such as an adhesive applied to one side or both sides of the battery cell, an adhesive tape attached to one side or both sides of the battery cell, etc.

[0025] The adhesive may include at least one of a phase change material and a thermally conductive resin. Accordingly, the adhesive may absorb and dissipate heat generated from the battery cell. For example, the adhesive may include paraffin.

[0026] The adhesive may include a flame-retardant material. Accordingly, the adhesive may maintain its structure without completely melting even under high temperatures resulting from thermal runaway of the battery cell. Consequently, the stability of the cell stack may be enhanced even under thermal runaway conditions. For example, the adhesive may include aluminum hydroxide.

[0027] The resin may be configured to fill the space between at least one pair of battery cells. Accordingly, the resin may perform at least one of the following functions: blocking heat transmission between the battery cells, fixing the battery cells, uniformizing the surface pressure applied to the battery cells in the width direction, and absorbing heat between the battery cells.

[0028] At least one of the plurality of battery cells may have a tapered portion at its upper end that becomes narrower as it goes upward. The tapered portion may not receive pressure in the stacking direction when the one battery cell is stacked together with other battery cells. In this case, the upper end of the resin is positioned above the height at which the tapered portion begins, so that a surface pressure may be applied to the tapered portion, thereby making the surface pressure received by the battery cell constant.

[0029] The upper portion of the above resin may be positioned higher than the upper portion of the cell stack excluding the electrode leads. In this case, the resin can apply uniform pressure to the upper portion of the cell stack while simultaneously fixing it, and absorb heat emitted upward from the cell stack.

[0030] The lower portion of the resin may be positioned lower than the lower portion of the cell stack. Accordingly, fixation, insulation, and / or thermal conductivity between the cell stack and the bottom surface of the frame may be improved.

[0031] The above battery module may further include a resin cover covering the exposed upper surface of the resin. By providing the resin cover, overflow or unexpected deformation of the resin can be prevented before the resin is cured.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the upper portion of the resin may be positioned lower than the upper portion of the cell stack, and accordingly, the resin cover may be provided with a plurality of holes arranged in the width direction and through which the plurality of battery cells pass vertically. The plurality of battery cells may be more firmly fixed while maintaining an appropriate spacing from each other by being fitted into the holes.

[0033] The battery module may further include a busbar electrically connecting the electrode leads to each other above the cell stack. In this case, unlike the case where the busbar must be connected to both longitudinal sides of the cell stack, the busbar frame on which the busbar is installed can be formed as a single member, which is economical. If the resin cover is provided, the busbar can be installed even before the resin is cured.

[0034] The present invention also provides a battery pack having the battery module built in and a structure of a vehicle having the same built in.

[0035] The above battery modules may be integrated into a battery pack in multiple units to increase capacity and / or voltage. The battery pack may include a venting device capable of discharging gases and flames emitted when the battery module ignites to the outside. The battery pack may be incorporated into a vehicle as a power source. The vehicle may include an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, and the like.

[0036] The present invention also provides a battery module manufacturing method for manufacturing the battery module, the method sequentially including the steps of: arranging the cell stack within the frame; and injecting the resin before curing within the frame.

[0037] According to the present invention, a simple and economical method for manufacturing a battery module is provided, in which the electrical, structural, and / or thermal stability of the battery module can be improved by the resin that fills the gap between the cell stack and the frame and hardens by itself.

[0038] The resin may be partially injected before the cell stack is placed within the frame, and may be re-injected after the cell stack is placed within the frame. Accordingly, sufficient resin may be interposed between the cell stack and the bottom surface of the frame.

[0039] The above battery module manufacturing method may further include: a step of waiting for curing of the resin; and a step of installing a bus bar that electrically connects the electrode leads to each other.

[0040] Alternatively, if the battery module includes the resin cover, the method for manufacturing the battery module may further include: a step of installing a resin cover that covers the exposed upper surface of the resin; and a step of installing a bus bar that electrically connects the electrode leads to each other. In this case, the bus bar can be installed without waiting for the resin to harden, which is efficient.

[0041] The present invention can provide a structure of a battery module having excellent structural and / or thermal stability and a method for manufacturing the same.

[0042] Specifically, the present invention can provide a structure of a battery module having excellent heat dissipation performance due to a large contact area between the battery cell and the resin.

[0043] In addition, the present invention seeks to provide a structure of a battery module in which movement of battery cells within a frame is prevented as the battery cells are fixed to the frame over a large area.

[0044] Another advantage of the present invention is that it is possible to provide a structure of a battery module that has excellent structural stability in a thermal runaway situation and blocks heat transmission between cells by providing a flame-retardant resin between battery cells.

[0045] The present invention can also provide a structure of a battery module and a method for manufacturing the same, which does not require a lot of man-hours for assembly and is economical because the materials are simple.

[0046] In addition, the present invention may have various other effects, which will be described in each embodiment, or the description of effects that can be easily inferred by a person skilled in the art will be omitted.

[0047] Figure 1 shows a pouch-type battery cell.

[0048] Figures 2 and 3 show the structure of a conventional battery module.

[0049] Figure 4 shows a cross-section of the battery module of Figure 2.

[0050] Figure 5 shows the structure of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 6 shows the structure of a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-section of a cell stack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Figures 8 and 9 show a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention with the resin cover removed.

[0054] Figure 10 illustrates a resin cover according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Figures 11 and 12 show a cross-section of the exterior of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Figures 13 and 14 each illustrate a battery pack including a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention and a vehicle including the same.

[0057] Figure 15 illustrates a method for manufacturing a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 1: Cell stack

[0060] 10: Battery cell

[0061] 100: Electrode lead

[0062] 101: Tapered section

[0063] 11: Adhesive

[0064] 2: Frame

[0065] 3: Resin

[0066] 4: Resin cover

[0067] 40: Hall

[0068] M: Battery module

[0069] P: Battery pack

[0070] V: Car

[0071] The above-described objects, features, and advantages will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can easily practice the technical idea of ​​the present invention. In describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of known technologies related to the present invention may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar components.

[0072] Although the terms "first" and "second" are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another, and unless otherwise specified, a "first" component may also be a "second" component.

[0073] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specifically stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0074] Hereinafter, the phrase "any configuration is placed on (or below)" a component or "on (or below)" a component may mean that any configuration is placed in contact with the upper surface (or lower surface) of said component, and that other configurations may be interposed between said component and any configuration placed on (or below) said component.

[0075] Additionally, when it is described that a component is "connected," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the components may be directly connected or connected to one another, but that other components may also be "interposed" between the components, or that each component may be "connected," "coupled," or "connected" through another component.

[0076] As used herein, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "consisting of" or "comprising" should not necessarily be construed to include all of the components or steps described in the specification, and should be construed to mean that some of the components or steps may not be included, or that additional components or steps may be included.

[0077] Throughout the specification, when we refer to "A and / or B", this means A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise stated, and when we refer to "C to D", this means C or more and D or less, unless otherwise stated.

[0078] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0079]

[0080] [Battery module and cell stack structure]

[0081] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8, the structure of a battery module and a cell stack included therein according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0082] Fig. 5 illustrates the structure of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to this, a battery module (M) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a cell stack (1) in which a plurality of battery cells (10) are stacked in the width direction, a frame (2) that is open at the top to accommodate the cell stack (1), and an insulating resin (3) that fills at least a portion of the empty space between the cell stack (1) and the frame (2).

[0083] The shape of the above frame (2) may include, but is not limited to, a rectangular box shape with an upper side substantially open.

[0084] Figure 6 illustrates the structure of a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to this, the battery cell (10) may include an electrode assembly and a pouch that surrounds the electrode assembly and is folded in half and sealed. A pair of electrode leads (100) may extend from the electrode assembly and protrude outside the pouch.

[0085] According to the present embodiment, the pair of electrode leads (100) may protrude in the same direction from one end of the battery cell (10). Specifically, the pair of electrode leads (100) may protrude from one long side where the pouch is sealed.

[0086] Fig. 7 illustrates a cross-section of a cell stack according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to this, a plurality of battery cells (10) may be stacked in the width direction to form the cell stack (1). In this case, the thickness direction of the battery cells (10) may be parallel to the width direction of the cell stack (1).

[0087] The above cell stack (1) may include an adhesive (11) interposed between the battery cells (10) and laminated together. The adhesive (11) may prevent relative movement between the battery cells (10) and may improve the structural stability of the entire cell stack (1).

[0088] The above adhesive (11) may have various forms, such as an adhesive applied to one side or both sides of the battery cell (10), an adhesive tape attached to one side or both sides of the battery cell (10), etc.

[0089] The adhesive (11) may include at least one of a phase change material and a thermally conductive resin. Accordingly, the adhesive (11) may absorb and dissipate heat generated from the battery cell (10). For example, the adhesive (11) may include paraffin.

[0090] The adhesive (11) may include a flame-retardant material. Accordingly, the adhesive (11) may maintain its structure without completely melting even under high temperatures resulting from thermal runaway of the battery cell (10). Accordingly, the stability of the cell stack (1) may be improved even in a thermal runaway situation. For example, the adhesive (11) may include an aluminum hydroxide material.

[0091] Referring back to FIG. 5, the cell stack (1) can be accommodated in the frame (2) such that the electrode leads (100) face upward. According to one embodiment of the present invention, since the electrode leads (100) all protrude upward, the frame (2) can be formed as an integral body with an upper side open, rather than having a composite configuration such as including a U-shaped frame and a pair of end plates, thereby providing excellent sealing properties and structural stability.

[0092]

[0093] [Resin material and shape]

[0094] Referring back to Fig. 5, after the cell stack (1) is accommodated within the frame (2), at least a portion of the remaining space within the frame (2) can be filled with the resin (3). The resin (3) can be filled by injecting it into the frame (2) and curing it. However, the method by which the resin (3) is filled into the frame (2) is not limited thereto, and may be a method in which the cell stack (1) is partially immersed in the resin (3) after it is injected and accommodated therein, or various other methods such as foam filling.

[0095] The above resin (3) is filled between the cell stack (1) and the frame (2), and insulates and adhesively fixes the cell stack (1) and the frame (2) to prevent the cell stack (1) from moving. Accordingly, the battery module (M) can have excellent insulation and structural stability at the same time.

[0096] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, the material and shape of the resin according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0097] Figures 8 and 9 illustrate a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention with the resin cover removed. Referring to this, the resin (3) may be provided to fill a space between at least one pair of battery cells (10). Accordingly, the resin (3) may perform at least one of the following functions: blocking heat transmission between the battery cells (10), fixing the battery cells (10), uniformizing the surface pressure received by the battery cells (10) in the width direction, and absorbing heat between the battery cells (10).

[0098] If the battery cell (10) is subjected to an uneven surface pressure in the stacking direction, the spacing between the electrodes built into the battery cell (10) and / or the distribution of the charged electrolyte may change, which may affect the performance of the battery cell (10). This may also cause a short circuit due to precipitation of the electrolyte. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that the battery cell (10) is subjected to an even surface pressure in the stacking direction.

[0099] According to one embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the plurality of battery cells (10) may have a tapered portion (101) at its upper end, the width of which becomes narrower as it goes upward. The tapered portion (101) may not receive pressure in the stacking direction when the one battery cell is stacked together with other battery cells. At this time, the upper end of the resin (3) is positioned higher than the height at which the tapered portion (101) starts, thereby applying surface pressure to the tapered portion (101) to make the surface pressure received by the battery cell (10) constant.

[0100] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the upper part of the resin (3) may be positioned lower than the upper part of the cell stack (1).

[0101] In contrast, the upper portion of the resin (3) may be positioned higher than the upper portion of the cell stack (1) excluding the electrode lead (100). In this case, the resin (3) can apply uniform pressure to the upper portion of the cell stack (1) while simultaneously fixing it, and absorb heat emitted upward from the cell stack (1).

[0102] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the lower portion of the resin (3) may be positioned lower than the lower portion of the cell stack (1). Accordingly, fixation, insulation, and / or thermal conductivity between the cell stack (1) and the bottom surface of the frame (2) may be improved.

[0103] Alternatively, the lower portion of the resin (3) may be aligned with or positioned higher than the lower portion of the cell stack (1).

[0104] The above resin (3) may include at least one material selected from the group consisting of a phase change material and a thermally conductive resin. Accordingly, the resin (3) may absorb and dissipate heat generated from the battery cell (10). For example, the resin (3) may include paraffin.

[0105] The above resin (3) may include a flame-retardant material. Accordingly, the resin (3) may maintain its structure without completely melting even under high temperatures resulting from thermal runaway of the battery cell (10). Accordingly, the stability of the battery module (M) may be improved even in a thermal runaway situation. For example, the resin (3) may include an aluminum hydroxide material.

[0106]

[0107] [Resin cover and busbar]

[0108] Referring again to FIG. 5, the battery module (M) may additionally include a resin cover (4) that covers the exposed upper surface of the resin (3).

[0109] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, the shape of the resin cover and the installation of the bus bar according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0110] Fig. 10 illustrates a resin cover according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to this, in the present embodiment, since the upper portion of the resin (3) is positioned lower than the upper portion of the cell stack (1), the exposed surface of the resin (3) can be formed except for the area where the battery cells (10) protrude. Accordingly, the resin cover (4) can be provided with a plurality of holes (40) through which the plurality of battery cells (10) pass upward and downward. Like the plurality of battery cells (10), the plurality of holes (40) can extend in the longitudinal direction and be arranged in the width direction.

[0111] Figures 11 and 12 illustrate a cross-section of the exterior of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to these drawings, the resin cover (4) can be installed to cover the exposed surface of the resin (3). At this time, the plurality of battery cells (10) can be more firmly fixed while maintaining an appropriate spacing from each other by being fitted into the holes (40).

[0112] In one variation, the upper part of the resin (3) may be provided above the upper part of the cell stack (1) excluding the electrode lead (100), and the resin cover (4) may not have the hole (40) or may be configured so that only the electrode lead (100) passes through the hole (40).

[0113] According to this embodiment, as the resin cover (4) is provided, overflow or unexpected deformation of the resin (3) can be prevented before the resin (3) is cured.

[0114] The above battery module (M) may additionally include a bus bar (not shown) that electrically connects the electrode leads (100) to each other above the cell stack. The bus bar may be included in a bus bar frame provided above the cell stack (1) and / or the resin cover (4).

[0115] According to the present embodiment, since the resin cover (4) prevents overflow or deformation of the resin (3), the bus bar can be installed even before the resin (3) is cured. In addition, according to the present embodiment, since the electrode leads (100) all protrude upward, the bus bar frame can also be integrally provided upward instead of being provided as a pair at the front and rear of the battery module (M), making assembly simple and economical.

[0116] In one variation, the battery module (M) may not include the resin cover (4), and thus the busbar may be installed after the resin (3) has been cured.

[0117]

[0118] [Battery pack and vehicle structure]

[0119] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, a structure of a battery pack accommodating a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention and a vehicle incorporating the same will be described.

[0120] Figures 13 and 14 illustrate the structure of a battery pack accommodating a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention and a vehicle incorporating the battery pack, respectively. Referring to these drawings, a plurality of battery modules (M) may be integrated to form a battery pack (P) in order to increase the capacity and / or voltage thereof. The battery pack (P) may include a venting device capable of discharging gases and flames emitted when the battery module (M) ignites to the outside. The battery pack (P) may be incorporated into a vehicle (V) as a power source. The vehicle (V) may include an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, etc.

[0121]

[0122] [Method for manufacturing battery modules]

[0123] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 15, a method for manufacturing a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0124] Fig. 15 illustrates a method for manufacturing a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to this, the method for manufacturing a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may sequentially include: a step (S2) of arranging the cell stack (1) within the frame (2); and a step (S3) of injecting the resin (3) before curing within the frame (2).

[0125] According to the present invention, a simple and economical method for manufacturing a battery module (M) is provided, in which the electrical, structural, and / or thermal stability of the battery module (M) can be improved by the resin (3) that fills the gap between the cell stack (1) and the frame (2) and hardens by itself.

[0126] The above resin (3) may be partially injected before the cell stack (1) is placed within the frame (2), and may be injected again after the cell stack (1) is placed within the frame (2). In other words, the battery module manufacturing method may additionally include a step (S1) of partially applying the resin (3) to the bottom surface of the frame (2) before the step (S2) of placing the cell stack (1) within the frame. Accordingly, a sufficient amount of the resin (3) may be interposed between the cell stack (1) and the bottom surface of the frame (2).

[0127] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the battery module manufacturing method may further include: a step (S4) of installing the resin cover; and a step (S5) of installing the bus bar. In this case, the bus bar can be installed without waiting for the resin (3) to harden, which is efficient.

[0128] In contrast, if the battery module (M) does not have the resin cover (4), the battery module manufacturing method may include a step of waiting for curing of the resin (3) before the step of installing the bus bar.

[0129]

[0130] It should be understood that the above-described embodiments are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive, and the scope of the present invention will be determined by the claims that follow, rather than by the detailed description set forth above. Furthermore, the meaning and scope of the claims that follow, as well as all possible modifications and variations derived from their equivalent concepts, should be construed as encompassing the scope of the present invention.

[0131] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the drawings exemplified above, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and drawings disclosed herein, and that various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention. Furthermore, even if the operational effects according to the configuration of the present invention have not been explicitly described while describing the embodiments of the present invention, it is natural that the effects predictable by the corresponding configuration should also be acknowledged.

Claims

1. A cell stack comprising a plurality of battery cells laminated in the width direction, each of which has a pair of electrode leads protruding upward; A frame having an open top and accommodating the cell stack; and An insulating resin filling at least a portion of the empty space between the cell stack and the frame; At least one of the plurality of battery cells has a tapered portion at its upper end whose width becomes narrower as it goes upward, A battery module, wherein the upper part of the resin is positioned above the height at which the tapered part begins.

2. In claim 1, A battery module in which the above plurality of battery cells are laminated with an adhesive interposed therebetween.

3. In claim 1, A battery module, wherein the resin comprises at least one material among a phase change material and a thermally conductive resin.

4. In claim 1, A battery module comprising the above resin and a flame retardant material.

5. In claim 2, A battery module, wherein the adhesive comprises at least one material among a phase change material and a thermally conductive resin.

6. In claim 2, A battery module, wherein the adhesive comprises a flame retardant material.

7. In claim 1, A battery module, wherein the resin fills the space between at least one pair of battery cells.

8. In claim 1, A battery module, wherein the upper part of the resin is positioned upward compared to the upper part of the cell stack excluding the electrode lead.

9. In claim 1, A battery module, wherein the lower portion of the resin is positioned downward compared to the lower portion of the cell stack.

10. In claim 1, A battery module further comprising a resin cover covering the exposed upper surface of the resin.

11. In claim 10, The upper part of the above resin is positioned downward compared to the upper part of the above cell stack, A battery module, wherein the resin cover is arranged in the width direction and has a plurality of holes through which the plurality of battery cells pass vertically.

12. In claim 1, A battery module further comprising a bus bar electrically connecting the electrode leads to each other above the cell stack.

13. A battery pack incorporating a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A vehicle having a built-in battery pack of claim 13.

15. A battery module manufacturing method for manufacturing the battery module of claim 1, a step of arranging the cell stack within the frame; and A method for manufacturing a battery module, comprising sequentially injecting the resin before hardening into the frame.

16. In claim 15, A method for manufacturing a battery module, wherein the resin is partially injected before the cell stack is placed within the frame, and is re-injected after the cell stack is placed within the frame.

17. In claim 15, a step of waiting for the curing of the above resin; and A method for manufacturing a battery module, further comprising: a step of installing a bus bar for electrically connecting the electrode leads to each other.

18. In claim 15, A step of installing a resin cover covering the exposed upper surface of the resin; and A method for manufacturing a battery module, further comprising: a step of installing a bus bar for electrically connecting the electrode leads to each other.

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