Battery cell, battery module including same, battery pack, and vehicle

Abstract

A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a cell assembly which is formed by stacking battery cells and which is arranged such that a pair of electrode leads face upward; a lower frame which is shaped such that one side and the other side are open in the longitudinal direction, and which accommodates the cell assembly; a bus bar frame which is coupled to the lower frame and which is mounted above the cell assembly; and a bus bar frame assembly that includes a plurality of bus bar plates, which are fixed onto the bus bar frame so as to be electrically connected to the electrode leads of the battery cells.

Description

Battery cells, battery modules containing the same, battery packs and vehicles

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

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

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

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

[0005] Meanwhile, as the electric vehicle industry grows, customer demand for battery performance and efficiency is growing. There is a need to maximize space utilization within packs or modules while maintaining or improving existing performance. Furthermore, improving space utilization necessitates improvements in components within packs or modules.

[0006] The present invention aims to maximize space utilization of a battery pack or battery module unit while maintaining or improving existing performance.

[0007] In addition, the present invention aims to improve components of a battery pack or battery module unit to improve space utilization.

[0008] However, the technical 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.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention for solving the above-described problem, a battery cell comprises: an electrode assembly; a receiving portion for receiving the electrode assembly; a sealing portion formed around the receiving portion; and a pair of electrode leads connected to the electrode assembly and extending outward from the sealing portion, wherein the sealing portion is configured in a form in which both ends of the receiving portion and a long side portion connecting them are bonded, and the pair of electrode leads extend outward through at least a portion of the long side portion.

[0010] In one aspect of the present invention, the pair of electrode leads can be pulled out on the long side portion while being spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance.

[0011] Meanwhile, the present invention comprises a battery module, a cell assembly formed by stacking at least one battery cell according to the above-described embodiment, wherein the pair of electrode leads are arranged so as to face upward; a lower frame having one longitudinal side and the other side open and accommodating the cell assembly; a busbar frame assembly coupled to the lower frame and mounted on an upper portion of the cell assembly, a plurality of busbar plates fixed on the busbar frame and electrically connected to the electrode leads of the battery cell, and a terminal busbar electrically connected to the electrode leads of the battery cell and exposed to the outside; and an end plate coupled to one longitudinal side and the other side of the lower frame and covering both longitudinal ends of the cell assembly.

[0012] In one aspect of the present invention, the lower frame may include a base plate extending horizontally; and a side plate extending upward from the base plate.

[0013] At this time, the busbar frame may be provided with at least one connecting portion, and at least one insertion groove may be provided on the upper edge of the side plate, and the connecting portion may be configured to be mounted on the insertion groove.

[0014] In another aspect of the present invention, the busbar frame may include a main body portion covering a central region in the longitudinal direction of the battery module; at least one extension portion extending from the main body portion in a direction toward a longitudinal end of the battery module; and an end portion provided at an end of the extension portion.

[0015] For example, a PCB substrate may be mounted on the main body, and a plurality of busbar plates and terminal busbars may be configured to be electrically connected to the PCB substrate.

[0016] In another aspect of the present invention, the terminal bus bar may include a terminal extension portion extending from the main body of the bus bar frame along the extension portion; and a terminal portion provided at the end of the terminal extension portion and exposed to the outside.

[0017] In one aspect of the present invention, the terminal portion may be configured to be coupled onto the end plate.

[0018] In another aspect of the present invention, the terminal portion includes a coupling protrusion, the end plate includes a groove, and the coupling protrusion of the terminal portion can be configured to be inserted into the groove provided in the end plate.

[0019] In another aspect of the present invention, the terminal portion includes a positive terminal portion and a negative terminal portion, and the positive terminal portion and the negative terminal portion can be mounted on the same end plate.

[0020] In one aspect of the present invention, an upper cover provided on the busbar frame assembly may be included.

[0021] Meanwhile, the present invention provides a battery pack comprising at least one battery module according to the above-described embodiment.

[0022] In addition, the present invention provides a vehicle including at least one battery pack according to the above-described embodiment.

[0023] According to the present invention, the space within the battery module can be optimized by filling the front-rear space of the battery module with electrodes.

[0024] That is, according to the present invention, space utilization within a battery module can be maximized.

[0025] Accordingly, energy density can be maximized.

[0026] In addition, according to the present invention, by fixing the busbar frame assembly to the top of the battery module, it is possible to prevent distortion in the width direction and warping in the length direction of the battery module.

[0027] However, the effects that can be obtained through the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and other technical effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

[0028] 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.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of Figure 1.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining a lower frame according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining a busbar frame assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining the electrical connection structure of a busbar frame assembly and a cell assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining the joint structure of a busbar frame assembly and a lower frame according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining a state in which a busbar frame assembly and a lower frame are combined according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining the combined structure of a busbar frame assembly and an end plate according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining a state in which a busbar frame assembly and an end plate are combined according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 11 is a drawing for explaining a battery pack including the battery module of FIG. 1.

[0040] FIG. 12 is a drawing for explaining a vehicle including the battery pack of FIG. 11.

[0041] The advantages and features of the present invention, and the methods for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the embodiments described in detail below together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided only to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. Accordingly, in some embodiments, well-known process steps, well-known device structures, and well-known techniques are not specifically described to avoid ambiguity in the interpretation of the present invention. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification.

[0042] In order to clearly represent multiple layers and regions in the drawings, the thickness may be enlarged. Similar parts are designated by the same drawing reference numerals throughout the specification. When an element such as a layer, film, region, or plate is said to be "over" another element, this includes not only the case where it is "directly over" the other element, but also the case where there are other elements in between. Conversely, when an element is said to be "directly over" another element, it can mean that there are no other elements in between. Furthermore, when an element such as a layer, film, region, or plate is said to be "under" another element, this includes not only the case where it is "directly under" the other element, but also the case where there are other elements in between. Conversely, when an element is said to be "directly under" another element, it can mean that there are no other elements in between.

[0043] The statement that two compared objects are identical means "substantially identical." Therefore, "substantially identical" may include deviations considered low in the art, such as deviations of less than 5%. Furthermore, uniformity of a parameter over a given region may also mean uniformity on average.

[0044] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specifically stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0045] Any configuration being placed "on (or below)" a component or "on (or below)" a component may mean not only that any configuration is placed in contact with the upper surface (or lower surface) of said component, but also that other configurations may intervene between said component and any configuration placed on (or below) said component.

[0046] Additionally, when it is described that a component is "connected," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the components may be directly connected or connected to one another, but that other components may also be "interposed" between the components, or that each component may be "connected," "coupled," or "connected" through another component.

[0047] Throughout the specification, when we refer to "A and / or B", this means A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise stated, and when we refer to "C to D", this means C or more and D or less, unless otherwise stated.

[0048] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining a battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 1.

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a cell assembly (100), a lower frame (200), a busbar frame assembly (300), and an end plate (400). In addition, the battery module (10) may further include an upper cover (500) and an inner cover (600).

[0050] The above cell assembly (100) may include a plurality of battery cells (110). The cell assembly (100) may be formed by stacking a plurality of battery cells (110). In this case, the battery cells (110) may be stacked in a vertically standing position and in a left-right direction.

[0051] FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining a battery cell (110) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Referring to Fig. 3, the battery cell (110) may be a secondary battery, and may be, for example, a pouch-type battery cell (110). The battery cell (110) may be provided in a vertically standing state. Referring to Fig. 3, the battery cell (110) may include an electrode assembly (111), a receiving portion (113) for receiving the electrode assembly (111), a sealing portion (115) formed around the receiving portion (113), and a pair of electrode leads (117) connected to the electrode assembly (111) and extending outward from the sealing portion (115).

[0053] The battery cell (110) may be provided in a form in which the electrode assembly (111) is accommodated in the receiving portion (113) and the long side portions (115a, 115b) of the receiving portion (113) and the long side portions (115c) connecting them are bonded. At this time, the two ends (115a, 115b) may be the longitudinal ends (115a, 115b) of the battery cell (110). In other words, the battery cell (110) according to the present embodiment has a total of three sealing portions (115), and the sealing portions (115) may have a structure in which they are sealed by a method such as heat fusion. Meanwhile, the other side of the long side portions (115c) may be formed as a connecting portion (116). The receiving portion (113) may be formed of a laminate sheet including a resin layer and a metal layer.

[0054] The pair of electrode leads (117) are coupled to electrode tabs (not shown) provided in the electrode assembly (111) and can be extended to the outside of the sealing portion (115) through the sealing portion (115). Preferably, the pair of electrode leads (117) may be configured to be extended to the outside through at least a portion of the long side portion (115c). That is, the pair of electrode leads (117) may have a shape that extends along the height direction of the battery cell (110). In this case, the height direction may mean the up-down direction.

[0055] In one aspect of the present invention, the long side portion (115c) may be provided to face the upper direction of the battery cell (110). Specifically, referring to FIG. 3, the long side portion (115c) among the three sides of the sealing portion (115) may be provided in a direction facing the upper direction of the battery cell (110). That is, the pair of electrode leads (117) may be arranged to face upward. Preferably, the pair of electrode leads (117) may be configured to be pulled out from the long side portion (115c) at a predetermined interval from each other. That is, the battery cell (110) may be arranged such that the long side portion (115c) faces the upper direction of the battery cell (110).

[0056] According to this structure, since the electrode lead (117) of the battery cell (110) is extended upward, the busbar frame assembly (300) electrically connected to the electrode lead (117) can be mounted on the upper side of the battery module (10). Accordingly, by positioning the busbar frame assembly (300) on the upper side of the battery cell (110), the space in the front-rear direction of the battery module (10) occupied by the conventional busbar frame assembly (300) can be filled with electrodes, thereby optimizing the space within the module. That is, according to the above configuration, the space utilization within the module can be maximized. Accordingly, the energy density of the battery module (10) can be maximized.

[0057] In addition, the conventional busbar frame assembly (300) had a high dependence on thermal resin due to the longitudinal fixation of the battery module (10), and had a problem in that precise positioning was difficult. However, according to the above-described configuration of the present invention, in order to improve this, by fixing the busbar frame assembly (300) to the upper end of the battery module (10), it is possible to prevent distortion in the width direction and twisting in the length direction of the battery module (10). Accordingly, the position of the terminal busbar (350) can also be secured.

[0058] Meanwhile, the battery cell (110) may include a venting portion. In the pouch type battery cell (110), venting typically occurs at the sealing portion (115) of the battery cell (110) when abnormal heat generation occurs and the internal pressure increases accordingly. That is, in the battery cell (110), when the internal pressure increases, the long side portion (115c), which is the sealing portion (115) formed in the upper and lower directions of the battery cell (110), is often broken first than the two end portions (115a, 115b), which are the sealing portions (115) formed in the direction in which the electrode lead (117) is pulled out. Therefore, the venting portion may be provided on the long side portion (115c) of the battery cell (110). Since the venting portion is provided on the long side (115c) of the sealing portion (115), the venting portion can be provided on the upper region of the battery cell (110).

[0059] According to this configuration of the present invention, when venting gas or flames are generated in the battery cell (110) due to an event such as thermal runaway, the gas or flames can be smoothly discharged upward from the battery cell (110). At this time, the gas or flames can be discharged to the outside of the battery module (10) through the venting hole (510) of the upper cover (500) described below. Therefore, explosion of the battery module (10) including the battery cell (110) can be prevented.

[0060] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining a lower frame (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] Referring to Fig. 4, the lower frame (200) may be configured to accommodate a cell assembly (100). The lower frame (200) may have an open shape on one longitudinal side and the other longitudinal side.

[0062] The lower frame (200) may include a base plate (210) extending horizontally and a side plate (220) extending upward from the base plate (210). At this time, the base plate (210) may be configured to have a plate shape extending approximately horizontally. The side plate (220) may be configured to have a plate shape extending approximately vertically. The base plate (210) and the side plate (220) may be configured to be perpendicular to each other. That is, the lower frame (200) may be configured as a U-shaped frame.

[0063] Meanwhile, the side plate (220) may be provided in the width direction of the battery module (10). That is, the lower frame (200) may have a form in which the side plate (220) is provided in the width direction and one side and the other side in the length direction are open.

[0064] In another aspect of the present invention, the base plate (210) and the side plate (220) may be configured as an integral body. Alternatively, the base plate (210) and the side plate (220) may be configured to be detachable.

[0065] In another aspect of the present invention, at least one insertion groove (220G) may be provided on the upper edge of the side plate (220).

[0066] Referring to Fig. 4, the upper edge of the side plate (220) may be provided with a plurality of insertion grooves (220G) with edges dug inward. The insertion grooves (220G) may be structurally connected to a connecting portion (311H) of a busbar frame (310) to be described later. For example, the connecting portion (311H) of the busbar frame (310) may be configured to be mounted on the insertion groove (220G).

[0067] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining a busbar frame assembly (300) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining an electrical connection structure of a busbar frame assembly (300) and a cell assembly (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the busbar frame assembly (300) may include a busbar frame (310), a busbar plate (330), and a terminal busbar (350). The busbar frame assembly (300) may be mounted in an upper direction of the cell assembly (100).

[0069] According to the above configuration, since the busbar frame assembly (300) is mounted on the upper side of the battery module (10), the space in the front and rear directions of the battery module (10) that was occupied by the conventional busbar frame assembly (300) can be filled with electrodes, thereby optimizing the space within the battery module (10). That is, according to the structure of the present invention, the space utilization within the battery module (10) can be maximized. Accordingly, the energy density of the battery module (10) can be maximized.

[0070] In one aspect of the present invention, the busbar frame (310) may serve as a base on which a plurality of busbar plates (330) may be mounted. The busbar frame (310) may include a predetermined electrode lead (117) slit on which a plurality of busbar plates (330) may be mounted. The busbar frame (310) may be coupled to the lower frame (200). The busbar frame (310) may be mounted on the upper portion of the cell assembly (100). The busbar frame (310) may be made of a material having insulating properties, such as, for example, resin.

[0071] In another aspect of the present invention, the busbar frame (310) may include a main body (311), an extension (313), and a terminal end (315).

[0072] The main body (311) may be configured to cover the central region in the longitudinal direction of the battery module (10). The main body (311) may be configured to have a roughly plate shape extending in the horizontal direction.

[0073] The main body (311) may be provided with a busbar mounting portion formed at a position corresponding to the electrode leads (117) of the battery cell (110). The busbar mounting portion may be provided with a plurality of electrode lead (117) slits formed at positions corresponding to the electrode leads (117). Through the electrode lead (117) slits, the electrode leads (117) are extended to the outside of the busbar frame assembly (300), and the extended electrode leads (117) may be bent and fixed on a busbar plate (330) by welding or the like. A PCB board may be mounted on the main body (311). The PCB board may be configured to be electrically connected to a plurality of busbar plates (330) and a terminal busbar (350).

[0074] In another aspect of the present invention, the busbar frame (310) may be provided with at least one coupling portion (311H). For example, the main body portion (311) may include at least one coupling portion (311H).

[0075] The above-mentioned coupling portion (311H) can function as a component for coupling with the lower frame (200). For example, the busbar frame (310) is mounted on the upper side of the cell assembly (100). At this time, in order to fix the position of the busbar frame (310), it is preferable to fix it to the lower frame (200) that accommodates the cell assembly (100).

[0076] The above-mentioned connecting portion (311H) may be provided at both width-wise ends (115a, 115b) of the busbar frame (310). Specifically, the connecting portion (311H) may be provided at both width-wise ends (115a, 115b) of the main body (311). At this time, the connecting portion (311H) may be configured to have a hook shape, as can be seen in FIG. 5, but the shape of the connecting portion (311H) is not limited thereto. Any structure that can be structurally connected to the lower frame (200) is included in the scope of the connecting portion (311H) of the present invention.

[0077] Referring again to FIGS. 5 and 6, the extension portion (313) may extend from the main body portion (311) in a direction toward the longitudinal end of the battery module (10). For example, the extension portion (313) may be configured to have an approximately rod shape. More specifically, the extension portion (313) may be configured to have a narrow plate shape that extends long in the longitudinal direction. The extension portion (313) may function as a mounting base for a terminal extension portion (351) described later.

[0078] The above extension portion (313) may be provided in multiple pieces. For example, referring to FIG. 6, the extension portion (313) may be provided at both ends (115a, 115b) in the width direction of the battery module (10). That is, the extension portion (313) may include an extension portion (313) for the positive terminal portion (353P) and an extension portion (313) for the negative terminal portion (353N).

[0079] Referring again to FIGS. 5 and 6, the terminal portion (315) may be provided at the terminal of the extension portion (313).

[0080] The above terminal portion (315) may be provided in multiple numbers. For example, referring to FIG. 6, the terminal portion (315) may be provided at each of the widthwise ends (115a, 115b) of the battery module (10). The terminal portion (315) may function as a mounting base for the terminal portion (353). The terminal portion (315) may include a terminal portion (315) for the positive terminal portion (353P) and a terminal portion (315) for the negative terminal portion (353N).

[0081] In one aspect of the present invention, the terminal portion (315) may be configured to be coupled to the end plate (400). For example, the terminal portion (315) may include a coupling protrusion (315P). The coupling protrusion (315P) may be configured to be inserted into a groove (410) of the end plate (400), which will be described later. The coupling structure with the end plate (400) will be described in detail below.

[0082] Referring again to FIGS. 5 and 6, the busbar plate (330) may be fixed on the busbar frame (310). The busbar plate (330) may be electrically connected to the electrode lead (117) of the battery cell (110). The busbar plate (330) includes an electrically conductive material. For example, the busbar plate (330) may include a metal material. The busbar plate (330) may be configured to have an approximately stick shape.

[0083] Referring again to FIGS. 5 and 6, the terminal bus bar (350) may be configured to be electrically connected to the bus bar plate (330). The terminal bus bar (350) includes an electrically conductive material. For example, the terminal bus bar (350) may include a metallic material. The terminal bus bar (350) may be configured to be exposed to the outside of the battery module (10). That is, the terminal bus bar (350) may function as a terminal of the battery module (10). The terminal bus bar (350) may be electrically connected to another battery module (10) through an inter-bus bar. The terminal bus bar (350), like the bus bar plate (330), may be connected to an electrode lead (117) of a battery cell (110). The terminal busbar (350) can be placed on both edges of the busbar frame (310) in the width direction (the stacking direction of the battery cells (110)).

[0084] The above terminal bus bar (350) may include a terminal extension portion (351) and a terminal portion (353).

[0085] The terminal extension portion (351) may extend from the main body portion (311) of the bus bar frame (310) along the extension portion (313). The terminal portion (353) may be provided at the end of the terminal extension portion (351). The terminal portion (353) may be configured to be exposed to the outside of the battery module (10). At this time, the terminal portion (353) may be seated on the end portion (315). The terminal extension portion (351) may extend in the longitudinal direction. Specifically, the terminal extension portion (351) may extend in the same direction with respect to the center of the battery module (10). That is, the terminal extension portion (351) may extend in the same direction from the main body portion (311). It may be electrically connected to another battery module (10) through the terminal portion (353).

[0086] The terminal portion (353) may include a positive terminal portion (353P) and a negative terminal portion (353N). The positive terminal portion (353P) and the negative terminal portion (353N) may be mounted on the same end plate (400). For example, referring to FIG. 6, it can be confirmed that the negative terminal portion (353N) and the positive terminal portion (353P) are simultaneously mounted on the end plate (400) illustrated on the right side of the drawing. Conversely, the positive terminal portion (353P) and the negative terminal portion (353N) may be mounted on different end plates (400), respectively. In this case, the terminal extension portions (351) may extend in opposite directions with respect to the center.

[0087] Referring again to FIGS. 1, 2, and 6, the end plate (400) may be coupled to one longitudinal side and the other longitudinal side of the lower frame (200). The end plate (400) may be configured to cover both longitudinal ends (115a, 115b) of the cell assembly (100). The end plate (400) may include a metal material to ensure rigidity.

[0088] In one aspect of the present invention, the end plate (400) may include a groove (410). The groove (410) may be configured so that a portion of the end plate (400) has a groove shape dug inward. The groove (410) may be configured to receive a coupling protrusion (315P) provided at a distal end (315) of the busbar frame (310). That is, the coupling protrusion (315P) of the distal end (315) may be configured to be inserted into the groove (410) provided at the end plate (400).

[0089] According to this configuration, the terminal portion (353) can be stably fixed to a specific position of the end plate (400).

[0090] Meanwhile, the terminal portion (315) may be made of a material having insulating properties, such as resin. Accordingly, by the terminal portion (315) interposed between the terminal portion (353) and the end plate (400), the end plate (400) and the terminal portion (353) can be maintained in an electrically insulated state from each other.

[0091] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining the combined structure of a busbar frame assembly (300) and a lower frame (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining a state in which a busbar frame assembly (300) and a lower frame (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention are combined.

[0092] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the busbar frame (310) is provided with at least one connecting portion (311H), and the side plate (220) is provided with at least one insertion groove (220G) on the upper edge thereof, and the connecting portion (311H) can be configured to be mounted on the insertion groove (220G).

[0093] The above insertion groove (220G) may have a groove shape in which the upper edge of the side plate (220) is dug downward. The above coupling portion (311H) may have the same width as the width of the insertion groove (220G) and may be configured to surround the insertion groove (220G) to enable stable coupling. With this structure, the coupling portion (311H) is seated and fixed in the insertion groove (220G), thereby preventing longitudinal movement of the busbar frame (310). That is, the busbar frame (310) may be firmly fixed on the lower frame (200). That is, with the above configuration, by fixing the busbar frame assembly (300) to the upper end of the battery module (10), warping in the width direction and twisting in the length direction of the battery module (10) can be prevented. Accordingly, the position of the terminal busbar (350) can also be secured.

[0094] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining the combined structure of a busbar frame assembly (300) and an end plate (400) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining a state in which a busbar frame assembly (300) and an end plate (400) according to one embodiment of the present invention are combined.

[0095] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the terminal portion (315) includes a coupling protrusion (315P), the end plate (400) includes a groove (410), and the coupling protrusion (315P) of the terminal portion (315) can be configured to be inserted into the groove (410) provided in the end plate (400). The coupling protrusion (315P) can be press-fitted and fixed into the groove (410). That is, the coupling protrusion (315P) can be inserted and fixed in a press-fit form on the groove (410).

[0096] Meanwhile, the end plate (400) may include at least one hollow cavity space for weight reduction and shock absorption. The groove (410) may correspond to at least one of the cavity spaces.

[0097] According to the above structure, the terminal portion (353) can be easily fixed to a specific position of the end plate (400). In addition, according to the above structure, by fixing the busbar frame (310) to the end plate (400), unnecessary movement of the busbar frame (310) can be prevented. That is, according to the above configuration, by fixing the busbar frame assembly (300) to the upper end of the battery module (10), warping in the width direction and twisting in the length direction of the battery module (10) can be prevented. Accordingly, the position of the terminal busbar (350) can also be secured.

[0098] Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the battery module (10) may include an upper cover (500) provided on a busbar frame assembly (300).

[0099] At this time, the upper cover (500) may be provided with at least one venting hole (510). The venting hole (510) may be positioned adjacent to the venting portion of the battery cell (110).

[0100] According to this configuration of the present invention, when venting gas or flames are generated in the battery cell (110) due to an event such as thermal runaway, the gas or flames can be smoothly discharged upward from the battery cell (110). At this time, the gas or flames can be discharged to the outside of the battery module (10) through the venting hole (510) of the upper cover (500) described below. Therefore, explosion of the battery module (10) including the battery cell (110) can be prevented.

[0101] In another aspect of the present invention, the battery module (10) may further include an inner cover (600).

[0102] The inner cover (600) may be provided between the upper cover (500) and the busbar frame assembly (300). The inner cover (600) may be configured to have a roughly plate shape extending in a horizontal direction. The inner cover (600) may include a flange portion bent downward in a corner region.

[0103] At this time, the inner cover (600) may include a material having flexibility. That is, the inner cover (600) may be configured so that at least a portion of the inner cover (600) can be ruptured by flame or gas.

[0104] According to the above configuration, the inner cover (600) isolates the battery cell (110) from the outside of the battery module (10), and when a thermal event occurs, a part of the inner cover (600) is ruptured, so that flames or gases generated within the battery module (10) can be easily discharged to the outside through the venting hole (510) provided in the upper cover (500).

[0105] According to the structure of the present invention as described above, since the busbar frame assembly (300) is mounted on the upper side of the battery module (10), the space in the front-rear direction of the battery module (10) that was occupied by the conventional busbar frame assembly (300) can be filled with electrodes, thereby optimizing the space within the battery module (10). That is, according to the structure of the present invention, the space utilization within the battery module (10) can be maximized. Accordingly, the energy density of the battery module (10) can be maximized. In addition, according to the structure of the present invention, by fixing the busbar frame assembly (300) to the upper side of the battery module (10), warping in the width direction and twisting in the length direction of the battery module (10) can be prevented. Accordingly, the position of the terminal busbar (350) can also be secured.

[0106] FIG. 11 is a drawing for explaining a battery pack including a battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0107] Referring to FIG. 11, a battery pack (3) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a battery assembly in which a plurality of battery modules (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention are electrically connected, and a pack case (50) accommodating the battery modules. In the drawing of the present invention, components such as a bus bar, a cooling unit, and a power terminal for electrical connection are omitted for convenience of illustration. In addition, the battery pack (3) may further include various components, such as components of a battery pack (3) known at the time of filing of the present invention, such as a BMS, a relay, and a current sensor.

[0108] Fig. 12 is a drawing for explaining a vehicle including the battery pack (3) of Fig. 11.

[0109] Referring to FIG. 12, a vehicle (5) according to an embodiment of the present invention may be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle, and includes a battery pack (3) according to an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle (5) includes a four-wheeled vehicle and a two-wheeled vehicle. The vehicle (5) operates by receiving power from the battery pack (3) according to an embodiment of the present invention. In addition, the vehicle (5) according to the present invention may further include various other components included in the vehicle in addition to the battery cell (110) or the battery pack (3). For example, the vehicle (5) according to the present invention may further include a body, a motor, a control device such as an ECU (electronic control unit), etc. in addition to the battery cell (110) according to the present invention.

[0110] Meanwhile, although terms indicating directions such as up and down are used in this specification, 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.

[0111] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is obvious that various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention and the equivalent scope of the patent claims to be described below by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains.

[0112] The present invention can provide a battery module capable of optimizing the space within the battery module by filling the front-rear space of the battery module with electrodes.

Claims

1. Electrode assembly; A receiving portion for receiving the above electrode assembly; A sealing portion formed around the perimeter of the above-mentioned receiving portion; and A pair of electrode leads connected to the electrode assembly and extending outward from the sealing portion; Including, The above sealing portion is configured in a form in which both ends of the receiving portion and the long side connecting them are bonded, A battery cell characterized in that the pair of electrode leads are extended to the outside through at least a portion of the longitudinal side.

2. In paragraph 1, A battery cell characterized in that the pair of electrode leads are pulled out from the longitudinal side at a predetermined interval from each other.

3. Electrode assembly; A cell assembly formed by stacking a plurality of battery cells including a receiving portion for receiving the electrode assembly, a sealing portion formed around the receiving portion and having both ends of the receiving portion and long sides connecting the both ends bonded to each other, and a pair of electrode leads connected to the electrode assembly and extending outward from the sealing portion through the long sides, wherein the pair of electrode leads are arranged so that they face upward; a lower frame accommodating the above cell assembly; and A busbar frame assembly comprising a busbar frame coupled to the lower frame and mounted on the upper portion of the cell assembly, and a plurality of busbar plates fixed on the busbar frame and electrically connected to electrode leads of the battery cell; A battery module including:

4. In paragraph 3, The above lower frame is a battery module with one longitudinal side and the other side open.

5. In paragraph 4, A battery module further comprising an end plate coupled to one longitudinal side and the other longitudinal side of the lower frame to cover both ends of the cell assembly.

6. In paragraph 3, The above lower frame, a base plate extending horizontally; and A battery module characterized by comprising a side plate extending upward from the base plate.

7. In paragraph 6, The above busbar frame is provided with at least one connecting portion, At least one insertion groove is provided on the upper edge of the above side plate, A battery module characterized in that the above-mentioned connecting portion is configured to be mounted on the above-mentioned insertion groove.

8. In paragraph 3, A battery module wherein the above busbar frame assembly further includes an externally exposed terminal busbar that is electrically connected to the electrode leads of the battery cell.

9. In paragraph 8, The above busbar frame, A main body covering a central area in the longitudinal direction of the above battery module; At least one extension extending from the main body in a direction toward the longitudinal end of the battery module; and A terminal provided at the end of the above extension; A battery module characterized by including:

10. In paragraph 9, A battery module characterized in that a PCB substrate is mounted on the main body, and a plurality of busbar plates and terminal busbars are configured to be electrically connected to the PCB substrate.

11. In paragraph 9, The above terminal bus bar is, A terminal extension extending along the extension from the main body of the busbar frame; and A battery module characterized by including a terminal portion provided at the end of the terminal extension portion and exposed to the outside.

12. In paragraph 11, It further includes an end plate that is coupled to one side and the other side of the longitudinal direction of the lower frame and covers both ends of the cell assembly, The above terminal portion includes a positive terminal portion and a negative terminal portion, A battery module characterized in that the positive terminal portion and the negative terminal portion are mounted on the same end plate.

13. In paragraph 9, It further includes an end plate that is coupled to one side and the other side of the longitudinal direction of the lower frame and covers both ends of the cell assembly, A battery module characterized in that the terminal portion is configured to be coupled to the end plate.

14. In paragraph 13, A battery module characterized in that the terminal portion includes a coupling protrusion, the end plate includes a groove, and the coupling protrusion of the terminal portion is configured to be inserted into the groove provided in the end plate.

15. In paragraph 3, A battery module characterized by including an upper cover provided on the above busbar frame assembly.

16. A battery pack characterized by including at least one battery module as described in any one of claims 3 to 15.

17. A vehicle characterized by including at least one battery pack as described in paragraph 16.

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