Battery module, battery pack and vehicle including same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery module comprising: a cell assembly including a plurality of battery cells; and a module frame accommodating the cell assembly and having a first frame and a second frame, one-side surfaces of which at least partially overlap and are coupled to each other.

Description

Battery modules, battery packs containing the same, and vehicles

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

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0087528, filed on July 3, 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] Commonly used secondary battery types today include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. When high output voltage is required, multiple battery cells are connected in series to form a battery module or battery pack. Furthermore, to increase charge / discharge capacity, multiple battery cells are connected in parallel to form a battery module or battery pack.

[0005] When connecting multiple battery cells in series or parallel to form a battery pack, it's common to first construct a battery module containing at least one battery cell, and then use this at least one battery module to add other components to form a battery pack or battery rack. Recently, battery packs in the cell-to-pack form, where multiple battery cells are housed directly in a pack housing or other device, without modularization, have also been manufactured.

[0006] Meanwhile, referring to Fig. 1, in a conventional battery module, battery cells (A) are stacked in one direction and accommodated in a module frame (B). In addition, a cooling plate (C) is provided on the outside of the battery module (B) to cool the battery module.

[0007] At this time, the bottom surface of the module frame (B) and the cooling plate (C) were assembled using a connecting member (D) such as a bolt. In particular, as the connecting member (D) was connected to the vertex of the module frame (B), lifting occurred in the center of the bottom surface of the module frame (B) due to shear force.

[0008] Accordingly, the battery cells (A) provided in the central portion of the battery module had a problem of poor cooling performance due to poor contact with the cooling plate (C). Furthermore, if the cooling performance of the battery cells (A) was not uniform, a temperature difference occurred between the battery cells (A), which resulted in a problem of reduced life expectancy of the battery module.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need to develop a structure that can improve the cooling performance of a battery module by uniformly contacting the bottom surface of the battery module with the cooling plate.

[0010] Accordingly, the present invention has been created to solve the above problems, and its purpose is to provide a battery module capable of improving cooling performance by ensuring uniform cooling performance of battery cells, and a battery pack and automobile including the same.

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

[0012] To solve the above problem, a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a cell assembly including a plurality of battery cells; and a module frame that accommodates the cell assembly and includes a first frame and a second frame that are joined at least partially overlapping one side.

[0013] The above first frame and the above second frame may be configured in a folded form.

[0014] The first frame and the second frame may each have a horizontal portion configured to allow the cell assembly to be seated thereon, and a vertical portion configured to extend vertically from an end of the horizontal portion.

[0015] The horizontal portion of the first frame and the horizontal portion of the second frame may be configured to at least partially overlap each other.

[0016] It may further include a fixing member configured to connect the overlapping portions of the first frame and the second frame.

[0017] The above-mentioned fixing member may be configured to be inserted into one overlapping side of the first frame and the second frame.

[0018] The above-mentioned fixing member may be configured to extend along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell.

[0019] The above fixing member may be configured to suppress the first frame and the second frame from moving outward.

[0020] The above-mentioned fixed member may have a catch configured to be caught by the first frame and the second frame.

[0021] The catch located in the first frame and the catch located in the second frame can be arranged to face in opposite directions.

[0022] The above-mentioned catch may be provided toward the end side of the first frame and the second frame.

[0023] The above fixing member may be provided in multiple numbers and arranged along the width direction of the module frame.

[0024] The plurality of said fixing members may be configured to have densities that vary at least partially along the width direction of the module frame.

[0025] One of the first frame and the second frame may be configured to be partially inserted into the other.

[0026] In addition, the present invention provides a battery pack characterized by including a battery module according to the present invention.

[0027] And, the present invention provides an automobile characterized by including a battery module according to the present invention.

[0028] According to one aspect of the present invention, when a battery module is coupled to a cooling plate, the bottom surface of the battery module can be prevented from lifting. Accordingly, all battery cells can contact the cooling plate, thereby improving the cooling performance of the battery module.

[0029] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, the expected lifespan of a battery module can be extended by minimizing temperature variations between battery cells. In particular, this aspect of the present invention can maximize the performance of a battery module.

[0030] In addition, according to another aspect of the present invention, since the first frame and the second frame can be prevented from being separated by providing a fixing member, the structural stability of the battery module can be secured.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] Fig. 1 is a drawing showing a conventional battery module as a comparative example.

[0034] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the entire battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. For example, Fig. 4 may be a drawing illustrating cross-section I-I' of Fig. 2.

[0037] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module to which a fixing member is applied according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module to which a fixing member is applied according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module to which a fixing member is applied according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module to which a fixing member is applied according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module to which a fixing member is applied according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module to which a fixing member is applied according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 15 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] For example, in an embodiment of the present invention, the X-axis direction shown in the drawing may mean the left-right direction, the Y-axis direction may mean the front-back direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction and the horizontal plane (XY plane), and the Z-axis direction may mean the up-down direction (vertical direction) perpendicular to both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, i.e., the height direction of the battery cell.

[0053]

[0054] Fig. 2 is a full perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. In addition, Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. For example, Fig. 4 may be a drawing showing the cross-section taken along line I-I' of Fig. 2.

[0055] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, a battery module (10) according to the present invention includes a cell assembly (100) and a module frame (200).

[0056] A cell assembly (100) may include one or more battery cells (110), particularly a plurality of battery cells (110). Here, each battery cell (110) may refer to a single secondary battery or may refer to a battery group comprising multiple secondary batteries. In this specification, the description will be based on the assumption that a battery cell (110) represents a single secondary battery.

[0057] A plurality of battery cells (110) may include an electrode assembly, a cell case that accommodates the electrode assembly, and an electrode lead that is connected to the electrode assembly and extends outward from the cell case to function as an electrode terminal.

[0058] At this time, the shape of the cell case can be configured in various ways, and depending on the shape of the cell case, the battery cell can be classified into a pouch-type cell, a cylindrical cell, a square cell, etc. Since the types of these battery cells (110) were widely known at the time of filing of the present invention, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. Although the drawings of the present specification illustrate a pouch-type battery cell, the present invention is applicable to all types of secondary batteries known at the time of filing of the present invention, and is not limited to a specific type of secondary battery.

[0059] In the cell assembly (100), a plurality of battery cells (110) may be configured in a form in which they are stacked in one direction. For example, a plurality of battery cells (110) may be stacked in a form in which they are arranged in a parallel manner in the left-right direction (±X-axis direction). Such a cell assembly (100) may include six side surfaces. That is, the cell assembly (100) may be configured in a hexahedral shape.

[0060] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 3, the battery module (10) of the present invention may further include a busbar frame assembly (300). The busbar frame assembly (300) may be provided inside the module frame (200) and configured to cover at least one side of a plurality of battery cells (110). The busbar frame assembly (300) may be positioned on the side from which the electrode leads of the battery cells (110) are drawn out. For example, the busbar frame assembly (300) may be coupled to the front and rear of the plurality of battery cells (110).

[0061] A busbar frame assembly (300) may include a busbar frame (310) and a plurality of busbars (320). The busbar frame (310) may be arranged to be connected to the front and rear of a plurality of battery cells (110). The busbar frame (310) may have slits through which electrode leads of the battery cells (110) can be drawn out in the front-back direction.

[0062] Additionally, the busbar frame (310) may be formed of a material having electrical insulation properties, such as a plastic material, and may be configured to allow a busbar (320) to be attached to the outer surface.

[0063] Meanwhile, a plurality of bus bars (320) may be made of a metal material such as copper, aluminum, nickel, etc., and may be provided in the shape of a bar as a means for connecting battery cells (110) in series and / or in parallel.

[0064] The electrode leads of the battery cells (110) pass through the slits of the busbar frame (310) and are extended to the outside of the busbar frame (310), and the portion extended in this manner can be attached to the surface of the busbar (320) by welding or the like.

[0065] The above module frame (200) may be configured to accommodate a cell assembly (100). Specifically, the module frame (200) may be configured to have a receiving space formed therein, and the cell assembly (100) may be accommodated in the receiving space. For example, the module frame (200) may be configured to have a rectangular parallelepiped shape formed by combining multiple parts. Accordingly, the module frame (200) may be configured to cover six sides of the cell assembly (100). The module frame (200) may be at least partially composed of a metal and / or plastic material.

[0066] Meanwhile, although not shown in the drawing, the module frame (200) may have a venting hole formed on at least one side thereof to discharge venting gas generated from the battery cell (110) to the outside of the module frame (200).

[0067] In addition, the module frame (200) may include a first frame (210) and a second frame (220). The first frame (210) and the second frame (220) are coupled to each other to form the exterior of the module frame (200) and may accommodate a cell assembly (100) therein. At this time, various fastening methods such as welding, bonding, bolting, and hooking may be used to secure the coupling between the first frame (210) and the second frame (220).

[0068] In particular, the first frame (210) and the second frame (220) can be combined with one side overlapping at least partially. That is, one side of the first frame (210) and one side of the second frame (220) are configured to at least partially overlap, so that the overlapping one sides can be combined with each other.

[0069] The first frame (210) and the second frame (220) may be configured to cover some of the six sides of the cell assembly (100). For example, the first frame (210) and the second frame (220) may be coupled to each other to cover the bottom, left, and right sides of the cell assembly (100).

[0070] Meanwhile, the battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured to be in contact with a cooling plate (3) provided on the outside of the battery module (10) to cool the battery module (10). For example, the cooling plate (3) may be provided on the lower part of the battery module (10) so that the module frame (200) is mounted on the cooling plate (3).

[0071] In this case, the cooling plate (3) can be bolted along the edge of the module frame (200). According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, since at least one side of the first frame (210) and the second frame (220) are overlapped and combined with each other, the bottom surface of the module frame (200) can be suppressed from being lifted off the cooling plate (3). In particular, since the central portion of the bottom surface of the module frame (200) is suppressed from being lifted, all battery cells (110) can be brought into contact with the cooling plate (3), so that the cooling performance of the battery module (10) can be improved.

[0072] Moreover, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the temperature difference between battery cells (110) is minimized, thereby extending the expected life of the battery module (10). In particular, according to this aspect of the present invention, the performance of the battery module (10) can be maximized.

[0073]

[0074] Hereinafter, the specific structures of the first frame (210) and the second frame (220) will be described. The first frame (210) and the second frame (220) may be configured in a folded form. The first frame (210) and the second frame (220) may each be configured by folding one plate. The first frame (210) and the second frame (220) may be configured in a single-folded form.

[0075] As a more specific example, in the embodiment of FIG. 4, at least one of the first frame (210) and the second frame (220) may be configured in an L-shape with four open sides. The first frame (210) and the second frame (220) may be configured to have two corners at each of the open ends. For example, the first frame (210) and the second frame (220) may be configured to have approximately an L-shape when viewed from the front and rear.

[0076] In particular, the first frame (210) and the second frame (220) may be bent to face in opposite directions. That is, the bent portions of the first frame (210) and the second frame (220) may be arranged to face in opposite directions. For example, the bent portions of the first frame (210) and the second frame (220) may be arranged to face outward from each other. At this time, the first frame (210) may be configured to cover the lower surface and the left side of the cell assembly (100), and the second frame (220) may be configured to cover the lower surface and the right side of the cell assembly (100).

[0077] In this case, the first frame (210) may be configured in an integrated form to cover the lower surface and the left side of the cell assembly (100). In addition, the second frame (220) may be configured in an integrated form to cover the lower surface and the right side of the cell assembly (100).

[0078] The first frame (210) and the second frame (220) may each have a horizontal portion and a vertical portion. The first frame (210) may have a first horizontal portion (211) and a first vertical portion (212). In addition, the second frame (220) may have a second horizontal portion (221) and a second vertical portion (222).

[0079] The first horizontal portion (211) and the second horizontal portion (221) can be configured to allow the cell assembly (100) to be installed. That is, the first horizontal portion (211) and the second horizontal portion (221) can form the lower surfaces of the first frame (210) and the second frame (220), respectively.

[0080] The first vertical portion (212) and the second vertical portion (222) may be configured to extend in a vertical direction from the ends of the first horizontal portion (211) and the second horizontal portion (221), respectively. The first vertical portion (212) and the second vertical portion (222) may be configured to extend from ends of the first horizontal portion (211) and the second horizontal portion (221) in different directions. For example, the first vertical portion (212) may be configured to extend from the +X-axis direction end of the first horizontal portion (211), and the second vertical portion (222) may be configured to extend from the -X-axis direction end of the second horizontal portion (221). The first vertical portion (212) and the second vertical portion (222) may be configured to face each other. The first vertical portion (212) and the second vertical portion (222) may each be configured to cover both sides in the width direction of the cell assembly (100).

[0081] Meanwhile, the first horizontal portion (211) of the first frame (210) and the second horizontal portion (221) of the second frame (220) may be configured to at least partially overlap each other. That is, the lower surface of the first frame (210) and the lower surface of the second frame (220) may be configured to overlap each other.

[0082] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, even if the cooling plate (3) is bolted along the edge of the module frame (200), the bottom surface of the first frame (210) and the second frame (220) that are mounted on the cooling plate (3) are joined so as to overlap each other, so that the bottom surface of the module frame (200) can be suppressed from lifting off the cooling plate (3). In particular, since the central portion of the bottom surface of the module frame (200) is suppressed from lifting off, all battery cells (110) can come into contact with the cooling plate (3), so that the cooling performance of the battery module (10) can be improved.

[0083] Moreover, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the temperature difference between battery cells (110) is minimized, thereby extending the expected life of the battery module (10). In particular, according to this aspect of the present invention, the performance of the battery module (10) can be maximized.

[0084]

[0085] The first frame (210) may be provided on the inner side of the second frame (220). The first frame (210) may be configured to be seated on the second frame (220). That is, the first horizontal portion (211) of the first frame (210) may be configured to be seated on the second horizontal portion (221) of the second frame (220). At this time, the second vertical portion (222) may be configured to be longer than the first vertical portion (212). In addition, the second horizontal portion (221) may be configured to be longer than the first horizontal portion (211). Accordingly, when the first frame (210) and the second frame (220) are combined, the module frame (200) may be configured to have an approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0086] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 3 and the like, the module frame (200) may further include an end plate (230) and a top plate (240). The end plate (230) and the top plate (240) may be configured to cover a portion of the side surface of the cell assembly (100) that is not covered by the first frame (210) and the second frame (220). The end plate (230) and the top plate (240) may be coupled to the first frame (210) and the second frame (220).

[0087] The end plate (230) can be configured to cover the front and rear surfaces of the cell assembly (100). The end plate (230) can be coupled to both ends in the front and rear direction of the first frame (210) and the second frame (220).

[0088] Meanwhile, although not shown for convenience, the end plate (230) may, for example, be formed of an insulating material on the inside and a metal material on the outside. In addition, the end plate (230) 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.

[0089] The top plate (240) may be configured to cover the upper surface of the cell assembly (100). The top plate (240) may be provided to form the upper surface of the module frame (200). The top plate (240) may be coupled to the upper end portions of the first vertical portion (212) and the second vertical portion (222). The top plate (240) may be welded to the first frame (210) and the second frame (220).

[0090]

[0091] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module to which a fixing member is applied according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a part of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0092] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a fixing member (400). The fixing member (400) may be configured to couple overlapping portions of the first frame (210) and the second frame (220). For example, the fixing member (400) may be configured to couple lower surfaces of the first frame (210) and the second frame (220).

[0093] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, since the fixing member (400) is provided, the bonding force between the first frame (210) and the second frame (220) is improved, and the separation of the first frame (210) and the second frame (220) can be prevented, so that the structural stability of the battery module (10) can be secured.

[0094] Specifically, the fixing member (400) may be configured to be inserted into one overlapping side of the first frame (210) and the second frame (220). The fixing member (400) may be provided on the inner side of one overlapping side of the first frame (210) and the second frame (220).

[0095] When the first frame (210) is provided on the inner side of the second frame (220), a first insertion groove (G1) having an inwardly sunken shape may be formed on the lower surface of the first horizontal portion (211). In addition, a second insertion groove (G2) having an inwardly sunken shape may be formed on the upper surface of the second horizontal portion (221). The fixing member (400) may be configured to be inserted into the first insertion groove (G1) and the second insertion groove (G2). The first insertion groove (G1) and the second insertion groove (G2) may be configured in a shape corresponding to the shape of the fixing member (400).

[0096] When manufacturing a battery module (10), after the first frame (210) is secured to the second frame (220), the fixing member (400) can be inserted into the first insertion groove (G1) and the second insertion groove (G2) from the front or rear of the battery module (10) by sliding to connect the first frame (210) and the second frame (220).

[0097] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, a joint configuration between the first frame (210) and the second frame (220) can be realized with only a simple structure that can insert a fixing member (400). Accordingly, the assembling efficiency between the first frame (210) and the second frame (220) can be improved. In addition, productivity can be improved during the manufacturing of the battery module (10).

[0098] The fixing member (400) may be configured to extend along the length of the battery cell (110). The fixing member (400) may be configured to have a length corresponding to the lengths of the first frame (210) and the second frame (220).

[0099] The fixing member (400) may be configured in the form of a thin rod extending in the longitudinal direction. For example, as in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the rod-shaped fixing member (400) may be provided in a vertically erected state.

[0100] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the number of fixing members (400) can be minimized, thereby allowing the first frame (210) and the second frame (220) to be joined along the length of the module frame (200). Accordingly, productivity can be improved when manufacturing a battery module (10).

[0101]

[0102] FIGS. 7 to 10 are cross-sectional views of a battery module to which a fixing member according to another embodiment of the present invention is applied, respectively.

[0103] Meanwhile, since the lower surfaces of the first frame (210) and the second frame (220) are provided to overlap each other, a force is generated to rotate the first frame (210) and the second frame (220) in an outward direction, so that the first frame (210) and the second frame (220) may try to separate from each other. For example, the first frame (210) and the second frame (220) may move or rotate so that at least a portion of them moves away from each other. In particular, the upper end of the first vertical portion (212) and the upper end of the second vertical portion (222) may move away from each other. In addition, the end of the first horizontal portion (211) and the end of the second horizontal portion (221) may move away from each other.

[0104] To solve this, the fixing member (400) can be configured to suppress the first frame (210) and the second frame (220) from turning outward. At this time, the shape, arrangement structure, arrangement direction, etc. of the fixing member (400) can be configured in various ways.

[0105] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, since the fixing member (400) is configured to suppress the first frame (210) and the second frame (220) from separating from each other, the structural stability of the battery module (10) can be secured. In particular, the first horizontal portion (211) and the second horizontal portion (221) can be suppressed from being bent and the central portion of the module frame (200) from being lifted. Accordingly, the cooling performance of the battery module (10) can be further improved.

[0106] In addition, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, when swelling of the cell assembly (100) occurs, the first vertical portion (212) and the second vertical portion (222) may move away from the cell assembly (100) due to the swelling of the cell assembly (100), but according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the coupling state of the first frame (210) and the second frame (220) can be stably maintained. Accordingly, excessive swelling of the cell assembly (100) can be suppressed.

[0107] In addition, even if a thermal event such as venting gas or flame occurs in the battery module (10), the coupled state of the module frame (200) can be stably maintained. Accordingly, the module frame (200) can be prevented from being separated and venting gas or flames from leaking to the outside. In addition, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to effectively prevent the spread of fire by oxygen or the like entering the interior through damaged or broken portions of the module frame (200). As a result, the safety of the battery module (10) can be ensured.

[0108]

[0109] As a more specific example, the fixing member (400) may be provided with a catch (H). The catch (H) may be configured to catch the first frame (210) and the second frame (220). That is, when the first frame (210) and the second frame (220) attempt to rotate outward, the catch (H) of the fixing member (400) is configured to catch the first insertion groove (G1) and the second insertion groove (G2), so that the first frame (210) and the second frame (220) may be prevented from being separated.

[0110] Moreover, the catch (H) may be provided on both the first frame (210) and the second frame (220). The directions in which the first frame (210) and the second frame (220) rotate are opposite to each other. For example, the first frame (210) attempts to rotate counterclockwise, and the second frame (220) attempts to rotate clockwise. At this time, the first catch (H1) located on the first frame (210) and the second catch (H2) located on the second frame (220) may be arranged to face in opposite directions. The first catch (H1) and the second catch (H2) may be arranged to face the outside of the first frame (210) and the second frame (220), respectively.

[0111] In particular, the catch (H) may be provided toward the end side of the first frame (210) and the second frame (220). That is, the first catch (H1) may be arranged toward the end side of the first horizontal part (211), and the second catch (H2) may be arranged toward the end side of the second horizontal part (221).

[0112] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, when the end of the first horizontal portion (211) and the end of the second horizontal portion (221) are rotated outward to separate the first frame (210) and the second frame (220), the first catch (H1) and the second catch (H2) catch the end of the first horizontal portion (211) and the end of the second horizontal portion (221), respectively, so that the separation of the first frame (210) and the second frame (220) can be more effectively suppressed.

[0113]

[0114] Meanwhile, the catch (H) can be configured in various shapes such as a hook, a protrusion, or a bent shape.

[0115] As an example, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, the fixing member (400) may be configured in a rod shape. This fixing member (400) may be arranged to be inclined in a diagonal shape, so that the vertex of the fixing member (400) may be defined as a catch portion (H). The fixing member (400) may be formed to be inclined so that the first catch portion (H1) faces the -X-axis direction and the second catch portion (H2) faces the +X-axis direction.

[0116] Alternatively, as another embodiment, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, the fixing member (400) may be configured in a triangular shape. For example, the fixing member (400) may be configured in a right-angled triangle shape. In this case, non-right-angled vertices of the fixing member (400) may be defined as a first catch portion (H1) and a second catch portion (H2), respectively. The fixing member (400) may be arranged such that the hypotenuse faces the +X-axis direction. Accordingly, the first catch portion (H1) and the second catch portion (H2) may be arranged in opposite directions. Alternatively, unlike the above embodiment, the fixing member (400) may be configured in an obtuse triangle shape.

[0117] Alternatively, as another embodiment, the fixing member (400) may be configured in a hook or protrusion shape. That is, the fixing member (400) may be configured in a shape in which the first hook portion (H1) and the second hook portion (H2) are each bent multiple times. For example, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, the fixing member (400) may be configured in a Z shape. Alternatively, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10, the fixing member (400) may be configured in an I shape.

[0118] Meanwhile, the shape of the fixing member (400) is not limited to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 10. In addition to the shape of the fixing member (400) described above, the fixing member (400) may be configured in any shape as long as the first catch portion (H1) and the second catch portion (H2) are arranged in opposite directions to prevent the first frame (210) and the second frame (220) from being separated.

[0119]

[0120] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module to which a fixing member is applied according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0121] Meanwhile, a plurality of fixing members (400) may be provided. The plurality of fixing members (400) may be arranged along the width direction of the module frame (200). According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, since a plurality of fixing members (400) are provided and arranged along the direction in which the first frame (210) and the second frame (220) overlap, the bonding force between the first frame (210) and the second frame (220) may be further enhanced. Accordingly, separation of the first frame (210) and the second frame (220) may be further suppressed.

[0122] In particular, the plurality of fixing members (400) can be arranged to better hold the end of the first horizontal portion (211) and the end of the second horizontal portion (221) than the center.

[0123] For example, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11, the plurality of fixing members (400) may be configured to have different densities at least partially along the width direction of the module frame (200). In particular, the plurality of fixing members (400) may be arranged with a greater density toward the outside of the module frame (200). That is, the number of fixing members (400) may increase from the inside to the outside of the module frame (200).

[0124] Additionally, in this case, a plurality of fixing members (400) can be arranged symmetrically with respect to the width-direction central axis of the module frame (200).

[0125] Alternatively, although not shown in the drawing, the plurality of fixing members (400) may be configured to have different thicknesses or sizes at least partially along the width direction of the module frame (200).

[0126] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, as the fixing member (400) is arranged with a greater density toward the outside of the module frame (200), the end of the first horizontal portion (211) and the end of the second horizontal portion (221) in the overlapping portion of the first frame (210) and the second frame (220) can be further suppressed from moving outward.

[0127]

[0128] Figures 12 and 13 are cross-sectional views of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention, respectively.

[0129] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, one of the first frame (210) and the second frame (220) may be configured to be partially inserted into the other.

[0130] According to this configuration of the present invention, since the insertion fastening configuration between the first frame (210) and the second frame (220) is implemented, the mechanical coupling force and assembling ability between the first frame (210) and the second frame (220) can be further improved with a simpler structure.

[0131] As a more specific example, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12, the end of the first horizontal portion (211) of the first frame (210) may be configured to be inserted into the second frame (220).

[0132] At this time, the second frame (220) may be provided with a first concave portion (223) configured in an inwardly sunken shape. The first concave portion (223) may be provided on the inner surface of the second vertical portion (222). The first concave portion (223) may be configured such that the end of the first horizontal portion (211) is inserted into it. The first concave portion (223) may be configured to correspond to the position, shape, size, etc. of the end of the first horizontal portion (211). Accordingly, the first frame (210) and the second frame (220) may be configured in a form in which they are mutually inserted and coupled.

[0133] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, since the end of the first frame (210) is inserted into the second frame (220), the first frame (210) can be prevented from rotating outward, and thus the combined state of the first frame (210) and the second frame (220) can be stably maintained.

[0134] Alternatively, as in the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 13, the end of the second frame (220) may be configured to be inserted into the first frame (210). A protrusion (P) may be provided at the end of the second frame (220). The protrusion (P) may be provided on the end side of the second horizontal portion (221). The protrusion (P) may be configured in a form in which a portion of the inner surface of the second horizontal portion (221) protrudes outward.

[0135] In addition, the first frame (210) may be provided with a second concave portion (213) configured in an inwardly sunken shape. The second concave portion (213) may be provided on the outer surface of the first horizontal portion (211). The second concave portion (213) may be configured such that the protrusion (P) of the second frame (220) is inserted into it. The second concave portion (213) may be configured to correspond to the position, shape, size, etc. of the protrusion (P). Accordingly, the first frame (210) and the second frame (220) may be configured in a form in which they are mutually inserted and coupled.

[0136] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, since a part of the second frame (220) is inserted into the first frame (210), the second frame (220) can be prevented from rotating outward, so that the combined state of the first frame (210) and the second frame (220) can be stably maintained.

[0137] Meanwhile, although not shown in the drawing, the module frame (200) may be provided with all of the configurations of the first concave portion (223), the protrusion portion (P), and the second concave portion (213).

[0138]

[0139] FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0140] Referring to FIG. 14, 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. In addition, the battery pack (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a pack case (2). The pack case (2) may be configured to accommodate a plurality of battery modules (10). The pack case (2) may be formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped box.

[0141] Additionally, although not shown in the drawing, the pack case (2) may be configured to accommodate components such as a BMS (Battery Management System), a current sensor, and a fuse for integrated control of charging and discharging of one or more battery cells (110) therein.

[0142] In addition, the battery pack (1) may further include a cooling plate (3) for cooling the battery module (10). The cooling plate (3) may be a plate-shaped member, or may be formed by curing a thermally conductive adhesive such as thermal resin. The cooling plate (3) may be provided inside the pack case (2). The cooling plate (3) may be provided at the bottom of the battery module (10).

[0143] This cooling plate (3) can be bolted to the edge of the lower surface of the module frame (200). At this time, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, since at least one side of the first frame (210) and the second frame (220) are overlapped and combined with each other, the bottom surface of the module frame (200) can be suppressed from being lifted from the cooling plate (3). In particular, since the central portion of the bottom surface of the module frame (200) is suppressed from being lifted, all of the battery cells (110) can be in contact with the cooling plate (3), so that the cooling performance of the battery module (10) or the battery pack (1) can be improved.

[0144] Moreover, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the temperature difference between battery cells (110) is minimized, thereby extending the expected life of the battery module (10). In particular, according to this aspect of the present invention, the performance of the battery module (10) or battery pack (1) can be maximized.

[0145]

[0146] Figure 15 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0147] Referring to FIG. 15, a vehicle (V) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery packs (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle (V) according to the present invention may be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The vehicle (V) may include a four-wheel vehicle and a two-wheel vehicle. The vehicle (V) may operate by receiving power from a battery pack (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0148]

[0149] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is obvious that various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims to be described below by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains.

Claims

1. A cell assembly comprising a plurality of battery cells; and A battery module comprising a module frame that accommodates the cell assembly and has a first frame and a second frame that are joined at least partially overlapping one side.

2. In paragraph 1, A battery module characterized in that the first frame and the second frame are configured in a folded shape.

3. In paragraph 1, The first frame and the second frame are respectively A horizontal portion configured to allow the above cell assembly to be settled; A battery module characterized by having a vertical portion configured to extend vertically from an end of the horizontal portion.

4. In paragraph 3, A battery module characterized in that the horizontal portion of the first frame and the horizontal portion of the second frame are configured to at least partially overlap each other.

5. In paragraph 1, A battery module further comprising a fixing member configured to connect the overlapping portions of the first frame and the second frame.

6. In paragraph 5, A battery module characterized in that the fixing member is configured to be inserted into one overlapping side of the first frame and the second frame.

7. In paragraph 5, A battery module characterized in that the fixing member is configured to extend long along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell.

8. In paragraph 5, A battery module characterized in that the fixing member is configured to suppress the first frame and the second frame from moving outward.

9. In paragraph 5, A battery module characterized in that the above-mentioned fixing member has a hook portion configured to be hooked to the first frame and the second frame.

10. In paragraph 9, A battery module characterized in that the catch located in the first frame and the catch located in the second frame are arranged to face in opposite directions.

11. In paragraph 9, A battery module characterized in that the above-mentioned catch is provided toward the end side of the first frame and the second frame.

12. In paragraph 5, A battery module characterized in that the above fixing member is provided in multiple numbers and arranged along the width direction of the module frame.

13. In paragraph 12, A battery module characterized in that the plurality of said fixing members are configured to have different densities at least partially along the width direction of the module frame.

14. In paragraph 1, A battery module characterized in that one of the first frame and the second frame is configured to be partially inserted into the other.

15. A battery pack comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. A vehicle characterized by including a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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