Battery module and battery pack and vehicle including same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery module comprising: a plurality of battery cells each having an electrode lead; and a bus bar assembly including a housing provided on at least one side of the plurality of battery cells, and a bus bar provided in the housing and configured such that the electrode lead is coupled to the outer circumference thereof in a wound form.

Description

Battery modules and battery packs and vehicles containing the same

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module and a battery pack and a vehicle including the same, and more particularly, to a battery module having an improved connection portion between electrode leads, and a battery pack and a vehicle including the same.

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0071887, filed on May 31, 2024, and all contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the said application are incorporated herein by reference.

[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] 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. Among them, lithium-ion batteries primarily use lithium oxide and carbon materials as positive and negative electrode active materials, respectively. Lithium secondary batteries are equipped with an electrode assembly comprising positive and negative plates coated with positive and negative active materials, respectively, with a separator interposed between them, and an outer case, i.e., a battery case, that seals and houses the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte.

[0005] In general, secondary batteries can be classified into can-type batteries in which the electrode assembly is built into a metal can and pouch-type batteries in which the electrode assembly is built into a pouch of an aluminum laminate sheet, depending on the shape of the outer packaging material.

[0006] When high output voltages are 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 battery 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.

[0007] In a conventional battery module comprising a plurality of pouch-shaped battery cells, a busbar frame is provided on at least one side of the battery cells, and electrode leads are provided such that they pass through lead slots of the busbar frame, are bent, and then are stacked on top of each other. The plurality of stacked electrode leads are joined to the busbar by laser welding.

[0008] At this time, conventional battery modules require additional cutting processes to adjust the length of the electrode leads and welding processes between the electrode leads, which can increase the cost and time required to manufacture the battery module, and complicate the process. Furthermore, the large area of ​​the conductor busbar exposed to the outside increases the risk of short circuits.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need to develop a battery module structure that can reduce cost and time by omitting some processes in the process of joining the busbar and the electrode lead, and prevent short circuits.

[0010] Accordingly, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a battery module that can reduce cost and time and improve productivity when manufacturing a battery module by simplifying the joint structure between the electrode lead and the bus bar of a battery cell.

[0011] Another problem that the present invention seeks to solve is to provide a battery pack and a vehicle including such a battery module.

[0012] 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.

[0013] To solve the above problem, a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of battery cells, each of which is provided with an electrode lead; and a busbar assembly having a housing provided on at least one side of the plurality of battery cells, and a busbar provided in the housing and configured to be coupled to the electrode lead in a form wound around the outer periphery.

[0014] The above electrode lead may be configured to wrap around the outer circumference of the bus bar at least once.

[0015] The above housing may be formed with a receiving space configured to receive the above bus bar.

[0016] The above bus bar may be configured in the shape of a column extending in the width direction of the electrode lead.

[0017] The above bus bar may have a contact part to which the electrode lead is coupled, and an axis part configured to extend from the contact part and be coupled to the housing.

[0018] The above bus bar can be configured to be rotatable.

[0019] The above bus bar can be configured such that the end of the electrode lead is fixed.

[0020] It may further include a filling member configured to fill the receiving space of the housing.

[0021] The above housing is provided in multiple numbers and can be arranged along the stacking direction of the multiple battery cells.

[0022] A plurality of the above housings may be configured to be mutually lockable.

[0023] In addition, the present invention provides a battery pack characterized by including a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] And, the present invention provides a vehicle characterized by including a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention or a battery pack according to the present invention.

[0025] In addition, the present invention provides a busbar assembly configured to be electrically connected to an electrode lead of a battery cell, the busbar assembly comprising: a housing; and a busbar provided in the housing and coupled with the electrode lead in a form wound around the outer periphery.

[0026] According to one aspect of the present invention, when connecting the electrode leads of a battery cell to a busbar, the cutting and welding processes for adjusting the length of the electrode leads are omitted, thereby simplifying the process. This reduces costs and time, and improves productivity in the manufacture of battery modules.

[0027] In addition, according to another aspect of the present invention, the area in which the bus bar is opened outward can be minimized, thereby suppressing the occurrence of a short circuit.

[0028] Additionally, according to another aspect of the present invention, space can be secured on the side where the busbar assembly is installed, thereby increasing space utilization within the module case. Accordingly, the energy efficiency of the battery module can be maximized.

[0029] In addition, according to another aspect of the present invention, by filling the space between the electrode leads of the battery cells, high-temperature gases or flames generated in the battery cells in the event of an abnormal condition of the battery cells are prevented from being discharged toward the electrode leads of the battery cells, thereby preventing adjacent battery cells from suffering thermal damage. In particular, according to this aspect of the present invention, the propagation of thermal runaway between battery cells can be effectively prevented or delayed.

[0030] That is, according to one aspect of the present invention, during the degradation process of a battery cell, the pressure of the venting gas concentrated on the electrode lead side of the battery cell can be dispersed, thereby delaying or preventing the venting gas from being discharged to the electrode lead side of the battery cell.

[0031] Therefore, in this case, the safety and reliability of a battery module including a plurality of battery cells can be guaranteed.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a busbar assembly to which electrode leads are coupled in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a busbar assembly to which electrode leads are coupled in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a busbar assembly to which electrode leads are coupled in a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a busbar assembly to which electrode leads are coupled in a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of a busbar assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a busbar assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a busbar assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing an embodiment in which an electrode lead is wound on a busbar assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing another embodiment in which an electrode lead is wound on a busbar assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a busbar assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing the inside of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view from above of a battery module including a busbar assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. For example, Fig. 14 may be a drawing illustrating the cross-section taken along line I-I' of Fig. 1.

[0048] FIG. 15 is a drawing showing a state in which a busbar assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention is separated from each other.

[0049] FIG. 16 is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack including a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] FIG. 17 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056]

[0057] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. In addition, FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a busbar assembly to which electrode leads are coupled in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a busbar assembly to which electrode leads are coupled in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery cell (100) and a busbar assembly (200).

[0059] The above battery cell (100) may be provided in multiple units. The multiple battery cells (100) may be provided by being stacked in one direction. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the multiple battery cells (100) may be stacked along the left-right direction (X-axis direction).

[0060] The battery cell (100) may be a pouch-type secondary battery. The battery cell (100) may include an electrode assembly and a cell case that accommodates the electrode assembly. The cell case may accommodate the electrode assembly in a storage portion, and a periphery of the storage portion may be heat-sealed to form a sealing portion. The sealing portion may be provided on three of the four sides of the battery cell (100).

[0061] Additionally, a plurality of battery cells (100) may each be provided with an electrode lead (110). The electrode lead (110) is connected to the electrode assembly and may be extended to the outside of the cell case to function as an electrode terminal.

[0062] The electrode leads (110) may be provided as a pair, and the pair of electrode leads (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 leads (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 leads (110) are positioned only at one end in the Y-axis direction, for example, only at the end in the +Y-axis direction.

[0063] The battery cell (100) may be provided in an upright state with the surface that does not include the sealing portion facing downward. 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 the sealing portion facing forward-backward (Y-axis direction) and upward (+Z-axis direction), and the storage portion facing left-right (X-axis direction).

[0064] 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 filing of the present invention may be employed to construct the cell stack (100) 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 cylindrical or square secondary battery may be applied as the battery cell (100).

[0065] Meanwhile, the busbar assembly (200) may be provided on at least one side of a plurality of battery cells (100). In the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the busbar assembly (200) may be coupled to the front and rear of a plurality of battery cells (100).

[0066] A busbar assembly (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a housing (210) and a busbar (220). The housing (210) may be provided on at least one side of a plurality of battery cells (100). The housing (210) may be made of a material having electrical insulation properties, such as plastic.

[0067] The bus bar (220) may be electrically connected to at least a portion of the electrode lead (110). The bus bar (220) may be a means for connecting battery cells (100) in series and / or parallel. In addition, through this electrical connection, the bus bar (220) may be configured to transmit status information about the battery cells (100) to an external component. For example, the bus bar (220) may be configured to transmit voltage information of the battery cells (100) to an external control device such as a BMS (Battery Management System).

[0068] The bus bar (220) may be made of an electrically conductive material for transmitting electrical signals. For example, the bus bar (220) may be made of a material such as copper, aluminum, or nickel.

[0069] Such a bus bar (220) may be provided in the housing (210). For example, the bus bar (220) may be configured to be connectable to the housing (210).

[0070] The bus bar (220) can be electrically connected by making contact with the electrode lead (110). At this time, the bus bar (220) can be positioned on the inner side of the electrode lead (110). The electrode lead (110) can be configured to at least partially make direct contact with the outer surface of the bus bar (220).

[0071] In particular, as in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the bus bar (220) may be configured to be coupled with the electrode lead (110) in a form wound around its outer circumference. The electrode lead (110) may be configured to be rounded or wrapped around the outer circumference of the bus bar (220). For example, the electrode lead (110) may be pulled out in the -Y-axis direction and wound in the stacking direction (X-axis direction) of the battery cell (100) to surround the bus bar (220).

[0072] The electrode lead (110) may be configured such that its end is wound around the outer surface of the bus bar (220). Accordingly, a portion of the electrode lead (110) of the battery cells (100) may be wound around and joined to the outer surface of the bus bar (220), and the remaining portion may be provided on the outside of the housing (210).

[0073] At this time, the electrode lead (110) may be configured to surround at least a portion of the outer surface of the bus bar (220). That is, the electrode lead (110) may be configured to surround the entire outer surface of the bus bar (220), or may be configured to surround only a portion of the outer surface of the bus bar (220).

[0074] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, since the electrode lead (110) of the battery cell (100) is wound around the bus bar (220), the cutting process and welding process for adjusting the length of the electrode lead (110) are omitted when the electrode lead (110) and the bus bar (220) are connected, thereby simplifying the process. As a result, in manufacturing the battery module (10), cost and time can be reduced, and productivity can be improved.

[0075] In addition, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the area of ​​the conductor bus bar (220) exposed to the outside is minimized, so that occurrence of a short circuit can be suppressed.

[0076]

[0077] Meanwhile, a battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a module case (300). Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the module case (300) may be configured to have an internal space and accommodate battery cells (100) in the internal space. The module case (300) may include a case body (310), a top plate (320), and an end plate (330).

[0078] Specifically, as illustrated in the drawings of the present invention, the case body (310) may be provided as a U-frame. When the case body (310) is provided as a U-frame, it may be provided to cover both sides and the lower surface of the cell assembly (100). The case body (310) may include a left plate and a right plate covering both sides of the cell assembly (100), and a lower plate covering the lower surface of the cell assembly (100). In addition, the left plate, the right plate, and the lower plate may be configured in an integrated form. At this time, the upper surface and the front and rear surfaces of the case body (310) may be open.

[0079] When the case body (310) is provided with a U-frame, it may further include a top plate (320) that is coupled to the open upper surface of the case body (310). The top plate (320) may be welded to the case body (310) and coupled to each other. At this time, the shape in which the top plate (320) and the case body (310) are coupled may be a square tubular shape with the front and back sides open.

[0080] The case body (310) may be made of a metal material having rigidity and heat resistance to physically or chemically protect the received battery cell (100).

[0081] In addition, the module case (300) may be formed in various other shapes. For example, the module case (300) may be provided as a monoframe. For example, the case body (310) may be configured in the shape of a square tube having an upper surface, a lower surface, a left surface, and a right surface, and having an open front and back surface.

[0082] An end plate (330) may be provided on the open front and rear sides of the case body (310). The end plate (330) may be welded to the case body (310). Alternatively, the end plate (330) may be formed integrally with the case body (310).

[0083] Additionally, the end plate (330) may be formed, for example, on the inside with an insulating material and on the outside with a metal material. Additionally, the end plate (330) may be partially provided with holes or slits to expose components that require external exposure, such as the positive terminal and negative terminal of the battery module (10) or a connector.

[0084] This end plate (330) may be configured to be in contact with the busbar assembly (200). Alternatively, the end plate (330) may be provided at a predetermined distance from the busbar assembly (200). However, in the battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention, since the busbar (220) is configured to be accommodated in the housing (210), the end plate (330) may be provided closer to the busbar assembly (200) than in a conventional battery module.

[0085] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, space is secured on the side where the busbar assembly (200) is installed, thereby increasing space utilization within the module case (300). Accordingly, the energy efficiency of the battery module (10) can be maximized.

[0086] Meanwhile, a venting hole (H) may be provided in the module case (300), and directional venting in one direction may be possible. For example, a plurality of venting holes (H) may be formed in the top plate (320), and directional venting of the battery module (10) toward the top may be possible through the venting holes (H).

[0087]

[0088] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a busbar assembly to which electrode leads are coupled in a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a busbar assembly to which electrode leads are coupled in a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] The electrode lead (110) may be configured to wrap around the outer surface of the bus bar (220) at least once. For example, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, the electrode lead (110) may be configured to wrap around the outer surface of the bus bar (220) once. That is, the electrode lead (110) may be configured to wrap around the outer surface of the bus bar (220) approximately 360 degrees.

[0090] Alternatively, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the electrode lead (110) may be configured to wrap around the outer surface of the bus bar (220) multiple times. That is, the electrode lead (110) may be configured to wrap around the outer surface of the bus bar (220) by approximately 360 degrees or more. At this time, the end of the electrode lead (110) may be configured to be wound along the outer surface of the bus bar (220) and overlapped multiple times.

[0091] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, since the electrode lead (110) is configured to wrap around the outer surface of the bus bar (220) at least once from the outside of the bus bar (220), the area where the electrode lead (110) comes into contact with the bus bar (220) can be expanded. Accordingly, the contact between the electrode lead (110) and the bus bar (220) can be maintained more stably.

[0092]

[0093] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a busbar assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a busbar assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0094] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the structure of a busbar assembly (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail. As described above, the busbar (220) may be provided in the housing (210) and configured to be connectable to the housing (210). In this case, the housing (210) may be formed of an electrically insulating material and configured to be insulated from the busbar (220).

[0095] According to one embodiment, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, the housing (210) may be formed with a receiving space (S) configured to receive a bus bar (220). The housing (210) may be configured to be open toward the battery cell (100). For example, the housing (210) may be configured in a frame shape with both sides open. Alternatively, the housing (210) may be configured in a hexahedral shape with one side open.

[0096] In addition, referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the housing (210) may have a coupling portion (211) configured to couple a bus bar (220). The coupling portion (211) may be provided in the receiving space (S). The coupling portion (211) may be provided on the inner surface of the housing (210). In addition, the coupling portion (211) may be provided on both vertical sides of the housing (210).

[0097] As in the above embodiment of the present invention, by combining the bus bar (220) with the receiving space (S), the bus bar (220) is provided on the inside of the housing (210), so that the exposure of the bus bar (220) to the outside of the housing (210) can be minimized. Accordingly, the occurrence of a short circuit between the bus bar (220) and other components can be suppressed.

[0098] The bus bar (220) may be configured in a form in which one central axis is formed. For example, as in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the bus bar (220) may be configured in a columnar shape. The bus bar (220) may be configured to extend in a long direction in the width direction of the electrode lead (110) (Z-axis direction in FIGS. 7 and 8). At this time, both vertical ends of the bus bar (220) may be coupled to the coupling portion (211) of the housing (210).

[0099] The bus bar (220) may be configured in the form of a cylindrical column or a polygonal column. In particular, when the bus bar (220) is configured as a polygonal column such as an octagonal column as in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the area where the end of the electrode lead (110) can come into contact with one surface of the polygonal column of the bus bar (220) can be secured to the maximum extent during the process of winding the electrode lead (110) around the outer surface of the bus bar (220). Accordingly, the bonding or fixing force between the bus bar (220) and the electrode lead (110) can be secured.

[0100] More specifically, the bus bar (220) may have a contact part (221) and an axis part (222). The contact part (221) and the axis part (222) may be configured to have the same central axis. The contact part (221) may be a part to which the electrode lead (110) is coupled. The axis part (222) may be a part coupled to the housing (210). The axis part (222) may be configured to extend from the contact part (221). The axis part (222) may be provided at both ends of the bus bar (220) in the longitudinal direction and configured to be coupled to the coupling portion (211) of the housing (210).

[0101]

[0102] Meanwhile, the bus bar (220) may be configured to be rotatable. Specifically, the bus bar (220) may be configured to rotate in one direction so that the electrode lead (110) is wound along its outer circumference in one direction. The one direction may be the same direction as the direction in which the electrode lead (110) extends from the battery cell (100). For example, when the electrode lead (110) is pulled out from the battery cell (100) in the Y-axis direction and is positioned on the right side of the bus bar (220), the bus bar (220) may rotate clockwise so that the electrode lead (110) is wound.

[0103] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the electrode leads (110) can be connected to each other by winding them around the outer surface of the bus bar (220) by rotating the bus bar (220) regardless of the length of the electrode leads (110). Accordingly, the cutting process of the electrode leads (110) can be omitted.

[0104] In addition, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, since the electrode lead (110) is wound along the outer circumference of the bus bar (220) and naturally fixed to the bus bar (220), the welding process for fixing the electrode lead (110) to the bus bar (220) can be omitted. Accordingly, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, productivity can be improved when manufacturing a battery module (10) or a bus bar assembly (200).

[0105]

[0106] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a busbar assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0107] Meanwhile, the bus bar (220) may be configured such that the end of the electrode lead (110) is fixed. According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, when the electrode lead (110) is wound around the outer surface of the bus bar (220) as the bus bar (220) rotates, the mutual contact between the electrode lead (110) and the bus bar (220) can be better maintained.

[0108] For example, the end of the electrode lead (110) may be bonded to the bus bar (220). An adhesive material such as an adhesive or adhesive tape may be provided between the electrode lead (110) and the bus bar (220).

[0109] Alternatively, to further enhance the fixing force between the electrode lead (110) and the bus bar (220), the bus bar (220) may be configured such that an end of the electrode lead (110) is at least partially inserted. More specifically, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, the bus bar (220) may have a fixing groove (G). The fixing groove (G) may be configured such that an end of the electrode lead (110) is inserted into the outer surface of the contact part (221) of the bus bar (220). The thickness of the fixing groove (G) may be configured to correspond to the thickness of the electrode lead (110).

[0110] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the fixing force between the electrode lead (110) and the bus bar (220) can be further improved, so that the electrode lead (110) can be prevented from being separated from the bus bar (220) in the process of winding the electrode lead (110) by rotating the bus bar (220). In addition, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the end of the electrode lead (110) can be fixed to the bus bar (220) without a separate adhesive member, so that the cost and time can be reduced when manufacturing the bus bar assembly (200) or the battery module (10), thereby improving productivity.

[0111]

[0112] Hereinafter, a process of winding an electrode lead (110) on a busbar assembly (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.

[0113] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing an embodiment in which an electrode lead is wound on a busbar assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0114] Referring to FIG. 10, the bus bar (220) can be rotatably coupled to the housing (210). The bus bar (220) can be configured to be rotatably mounted to the housing (210).

[0115] As an example, as illustrated in FIG. 10(a), the busbar assembly (200) with the busbar (220) mounted on the housing (210) may be positioned on the battery cell (100) side. At this time, the electrode lead (110) may be extended outward through the housing (220).

[0116] Next, as illustrated in FIGS. 10(b) and 10(c), after the end of the electrode lead (110) is fixed to the bus bar (220), the bus bar (220) may be rotated so that the electrode lead (110) may be wound around the outer surface of the bus bar (220). More specifically, when the end of the electrode lead (110) is fixed or bonded to the contact part (221) of the bus bar (220), the shaft part (222) may be exposed to the outside of the electrode lead (110). At this time, the shaft part (222) exposed to the outside of the electrode lead (110) may serve as a handle for rotating the bus bar (220). Accordingly, when the shaft part (222) is gripped and rotated in one direction, the electrode lead (110) may be wound along one direction.

[0117]

[0118] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing another embodiment in which an electrode lead is wound on a busbar assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0119] Unlike the above embodiment, the electrode lead (110) can be wound around the outer surface of the bus bar (220) from the outside of the housing (210). More specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 11(a), the electrode lead (110) is first fixed to the outer surface of the bus bar (220), and then the bus bar (220) is rotated in one direction so that the electrode lead (110) can be wound around the outer surface. In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 11(a), the bus bar (220) in the wound state of the electrode lead (110) can be configured to be coupled to the housing (210). The bus bar (220) can be inserted into the receiving space (S) through the opening of the housing (210).

[0120] In this case, although not shown in the drawing, the housing (210) may be provided with an insertion groove into which a bus bar (220) can be inserted from the open side.

[0121]

[0122] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a busbar assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0123] Referring to FIG. 12, a busbar assembly (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a filling member (R). The filling member (R) may be configured to fill a receiving space (S) of a housing (210).

[0124] The filling member (R) may be made of a material having electrical insulating properties. For example, the filling member (R) may be made of a material such as resin or foam.

[0125] The filling member (R) may be configured to fix the electrode lead (110) wound around the bus bar (220) after a certain period of time has elapsed after being injected. In addition, the filling member (R) may be configured to improve the bonding strength between the bus bar (220) and the housing (210). According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the structural stability of the bus bar assembly (200) can be secured.

[0126] Additionally, the filling member (R) may be configured to cover the bus bar (220). According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the bus bar (220) is completely prevented from being exposed to the outside, thereby minimizing the occurrence of a short circuit.

[0127] Meanwhile, in order to prevent the filling material (R) from leaking out of the receiving space (S), the housing (210) may further include a cover (230). The cover (230) may be coupled to the outside of the housing (210). The cover (230) may be provided on the opposite side where the battery cell (100) is located.

[0128] The cover (230) may be provided with an injection hole (231) into which a filling material (R) can be injected. The filling material (R) can be injected through the injection hole (231). A plurality of injection holes (231) may be provided in the cover (230).

[0129]

[0130] Fig. 13 is a drawing illustrating the interior of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. Additionally, Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view, viewed from above, of a battery module including a busbar assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. For example, Fig. 14 may be a drawing illustrating the cross-section taken along line I-I' of Fig. 1.

[0131] Meanwhile, in a battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of busbar assemblies (200) may be provided. That is, a plurality of housings (210) and busbars (220) may be provided. The plurality of busbar assemblies (200) may be configured to cover at least one side of the battery cell (100). For example, the plurality of busbar assemblies (200) may be configured to cover the front and rear sides of the battery cell (100).

[0132] A plurality of housings (210) may be arranged along one direction. For example, as in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, a plurality of housings (210) may be arranged along the stacking direction of the battery cells (100).

[0133] At this time, the electrode leads (110) of the battery cells (100) may be configured to be extended to the outside of the busbar assembly (200) through the space between adjacent housings (210). More specifically, the electrode leads (110) are provided in multiple pieces as they are respectively provided for multiple battery cells (100), and at least some of the multiple electrode leads (110) may pass through the space between adjacent housings (210) and then be bent to be wound along the outer circumferential surface of the busbar (220). By this structure, multiple battery cells (100) whose electrode leads (110) are in contact with each other may be electrically connected to each other.

[0134]

[0135] FIG. 15 is a drawing showing a state in which a busbar assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention is separated from each other.

[0136] A plurality of housings (210) may be configured to be mutually fastenable. Accordingly, a plurality of busbar assemblies (200) may form a single frame. When manufacturing a battery module (10), battery cells (100) and housings (210) may be alternately arranged to couple the housings (210) to each other. Alternatively, a plurality of housings (210) may be first coupled to each other and then arranged on one side of the battery cells (100) to connect the electrode leads (110) to the busbars (220).

[0137] More specifically, the housing (210) may have a fixing structure (212) configured to be mutually coupled. The fixing structure (212) may be configured to restrain the movement of the mutually coupled housings (210). The fixing structure (212) may be formed as a male-female coupling structure.

[0138] As an example, a hook structure configured to protrude outward may be formed on at least one side of the housing (210). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 15, two protruding hook structures may be formed on each side of the housing (210).

[0139] Additionally, a groove may be formed on at least one side of the housing (210) into which a hook structure is inserted. In addition, the groove may be formed to be similar (identical) to, or slightly larger than, the size of the outer surface of the hook structure.

[0140] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a hook structure may be inserted into a groove to form a fixing structure (212). Therefore, according to this configuration of the present invention, a forced-fit type coupling structure that restricts the movement of the housings (210) is provided, so that the housings (210) can be moved closer to each other and simply press-fastened. Furthermore, separate welding for coupling a plurality of housings (210) to each other may be unnecessary. Accordingly, the manufacturing method of the battery module (10) can be simplified, which has the advantage of greatly increasing manufacturing efficiency.

[0141] In addition, the movement of the plurality of housings (210) coupled to each other in the up-down and left-right directions can be more strongly restricted, so that the plurality of housings (210) can be effectively prevented from being separated from each other.

[0142] Meanwhile, the fixing structure (212) of the housing (210) is not limited to the above embodiment, and may be configured with various structures that can connect multiple housings (210) to each other without welding, such as a trim pin structure.

[0143]

[0144] FIG. 16 is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack including a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0145] Referring to FIG. 16, a battery pack (1) 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. The battery pack (1) according to the present invention may further include a pack case (21) for accommodating the above-described components, such as a BMS, a current sensor, a fuse, etc. for integrated control of charging and discharging of one or more battery modules.

[0146]

[0147] FIG. 17 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0148] Referring to FIG. 17, a vehicle (3) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery packs (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention or battery modules (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle (3) according to the present invention may be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The vehicle (3) may include a four-wheel vehicle and a two-wheel vehicle. The vehicle (3) may operate by receiving power from a battery pack (1) or a battery module (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0149]

[0150] 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 can be made within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims to be described below by a person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains.

Claims

1. A plurality of battery cells, each having an electrode lead; and A battery module characterized by comprising a housing provided on at least one side of the plurality of battery cells, and a busbar assembly provided in the housing and configured to be coupled to the electrode leads in a form wound around the outer periphery.

2. In paragraph 1, A battery module characterized in that the electrode lead is configured to wrap around the outer surface of the bus bar at least once.

3. In paragraph 1, A battery module characterized in that the housing has a receiving space configured to receive the bus bar.

4. In paragraph 1, A battery module characterized in that the bus bar is configured in the shape of a column extending in the width direction of the electrode lead.

5. In paragraph 1, The above bus bar A contact part to which the above electrode leads are connected, A battery module characterized by having an axis part configured to extend from the contact part and be coupled to the housing.

6. In paragraph 1, A battery module characterized in that the above bus bar is configured to be rotatable.

7. In paragraph 1, A battery module characterized in that the bus bar is configured such that the ends of the electrode leads are fixed.

8. In paragraph 1, A battery module characterized in that it further includes a filling member configured to fill the receiving space of the housing.

9. In paragraph 1, A battery module characterized in that the housing is provided in multiple numbers and arranged along the stacking direction of the multiple battery cells.

10. In paragraph 9, A battery module characterized in that a plurality of the above housings are configured to be mutually fastened.

11. A battery pack comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A vehicle characterized by including a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

13. In a busbar assembly configured to be electrically connected to an electrode lead of a battery cell, Housing; and A busbar assembly characterized by including a busbar provided in the housing and having the electrode lead wound around the outer periphery.

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