Battery module and middle plate

Abstract

A battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention for solving the problem comprises: a plurality of cell stacks having respective battery cells aligned and disposed therein; a middle plate inserted between two cell stacks among the plurality of cell stacks disposed side by side to be spaced apart from each by regular intervals; a lower plate for fixing and supporting the plurality of cell stacks from the bottom; an upper plate for covering the plurality of cell stacks from the top; a plurality of side beams disposed on each of two sides of the plurality of cell stacks; and a plurality of end plates disposed on each of two ends of the plurality of cell stacks.

Description

Battery module and middle plate

[0001] Cross-citation with related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0195063 filed on December 24, 2024, and all contents disclosed in the document of said Korean Patent Application are incorporated herein as part of this specification.

[0003] Technology field

[0004] The present invention relates to a battery module and a middle plate, and more specifically, to a battery module and a middle plate capable of increasing energy density by reducing unnecessary space between a plurality of cell stacks.

[0005] Generally, there are various types of secondary batteries, such as nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, lithium-ion batteries, lithium-ion polymer batteries, and lithium-metal batteries. These secondary batteries are used in many places, including small products such as smartphones, laptops, tablet PCs, smartwatches, smart glasses, portable gaming devices, and electric bicycles, as well as large products requiring high output such as electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles, and energy storage systems (ESS) and backup power storage devices that store surplus power or renewable energy.

[0006] With the recent increase in demand for rechargeable batteries of various capacities, batteries with diverse structures have been introduced depending on the required capacity. For example, a battery cell serves as the basic unit of a rechargeable battery. A battery module is manufactured by electrically connecting and assembling multiple battery cells. Furthermore, to achieve higher capacity and output, a battery pack is manufactured by electrically connecting and assembling multiple battery modules.

[0007] Battery modules and battery packs are structurally distinct. Battery packs are primarily used in high-capacity products, and particularly in the case of electric vehicles, they may be subjected to significant external impacts due to unexpected accidents during operation. Therefore, battery packs can be formed with a relatively rigid structure to protect the internal battery modules and may include a separate large-scale cooling system or a Battery Management System (BMS). On the other hand, since battery modules are formed as multiple units to be included in a battery pack, they can be formed with a relatively lightweight structure to reduce the weight of the battery pack and increase energy density.

[0008] Generally, a battery module includes a cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are arranged in alignment, a plurality of plates that support and secure the periphery of the cell stack and protect it from external shocks, and a housing or frame that secures the cell array formed by the cell stack and the plurality of plates.

[0009] Recently, in order to further increase the energy density of the battery module, a double battery module has been introduced in which two cell arrays are placed side by side in a single battery module and the two cell arrays are fixed together in a housing or frame.

[0010] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a conventional double battery module (2), and FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of two end plates (2031) disposed between two cell stacks (201) of a conventional double battery module (2).

[0011] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the double battery module (2) includes two cell arrays (20) arranged side by side, a lower plate (21) that fixes and supports the two cell arrays (20) from below, and an upper plate (22) that covers the two cell arrays from above. The cell array (20) includes a cell stack (201) in which a plurality of battery cells (2011) are arranged in alignment, two side beams (202) arranged on both sides of the cell stack (201) to support both sides respectively, and two end plates (203) arranged at both ends of the cell stack (201) to support both ends respectively.

[0012] Thus, one double battery module (2) includes two cell arrays (20), and each cell array (20) includes one cell stack (201), two side beams (202), and two end plates (203). Accordingly, one double battery module (2) includes four side beams (202) and four end plates (203).

[0013] Conventionally, two cell arrays (20) were each assembled first, then the two cell arrays (20) were placed side by side on a separate jig and then placed on top of a lower plate (21) to assemble a double battery module (2). However, as shown in FIG. 2, the end plates (2031) included in each cell array (20) were positioned in the area where the two cell arrays (20) were placed side by side and facing each other, so that the two end plates (2031) overlapped and were placed between two cell stacks (201). Consequently, there was a problem where the end plates (2031) unnecessarily occupied space inside the double battery module (2). Therefore, there is a need to improve the energy density of the double battery module (2).

[0014] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a battery module and a middle plate capable of increasing energy density by reducing unnecessary space between multiple cell stacks.

[0015] The problems of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0016] A battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention for solving the above problem comprises: a plurality of cell stacks in which a plurality of battery cells are arranged in alignment; a middle plate inserted between two cell stacks among the plurality of cell stacks arranged side by side at a certain distance from each other; a lower plate that fixes and supports the plurality of cell stacks from below; an upper plate that covers the plurality of cell stacks from above; a plurality of side beams each arranged on both sides of the plurality of cell stacks; and a plurality of end plates each arranged at both ends of the plurality of cell stacks.

[0017] In addition, the middle plate may be formed with a thickness thinner than the thickness of the two end plates stacked together.

[0018] Additionally, the middle plate may include two side walls formed facing each other at a certain distance apart and forming a space between them; a connecting part connecting the upper ends of the two side walls; and a plurality of ribs extending vertically between the two side walls.

[0019] In addition, the two side walls may have a plate-like shape and may be formed with the same size and shape.

[0020] In addition, the above rib may be formed to extend from the connecting portion to the lower surface of the middle plate.

[0021] In addition, the middle plate may have at least one lower fastening hole formed on its lower surface and at least one upper fastening hole formed on its upper surface.

[0022] Additionally, the at least one lower fastening hole may be formed at the center of the thickness on the lower surface of the middle plate, and the at least one upper fastening hole may be formed at the center of the thickness on the upper surface of the middle plate.

[0023] Additionally, the lower fastening holes may be formed in multiple numbers and arranged one by one in a row along the length of the middle plate, and the upper fastening holes may be formed in multiple numbers and arranged one by one in a row along the length of the middle plate.

[0024] In addition, at least one side fastening hole may be formed on the side of the middle plate.

[0025] In addition, the at least one side fastening hole may be formed at the center of the thickness on the side of the middle plate.

[0026] In addition, the above-mentioned side fastening holes may be formed in multiple numbers and arranged one by one in a row in the height direction of the middle plate.

[0027] A middle plate according to an embodiment of the present invention for solving the above problem is a middle plate in which one is inserted between two cell stacks among a plurality of cell stacks in which a plurality of battery cells are arranged in alignment, comprising: two side walls formed facing each other and spaced apart at a certain distance from each other and forming a space between them; a connecting part connecting the upper ends of the two side walls; and a plurality of ribs formed extending in the height direction between the two side walls.

[0028] In addition, the two side walls may have a plate-like shape and may be formed with the same size and shape.

[0029] In addition, the above rib may be formed to extend from the connecting portion to the lower surface of the middle plate.

[0030] In addition, at least one lower fastening hole may be formed on the lower surface, and at least one upper fastening hole may be formed on the upper surface.

[0031] Additionally, the at least one lower fastening hole may be formed at the center of the thickness on the lower surface of the middle plate, and the at least one upper fastening hole may be formed at the center of the thickness on the upper surface of the middle plate.

[0032] Additionally, the lower fastening holes may be formed in multiple numbers and arranged one by one in a row along the length of the middle plate, and the upper fastening holes may be formed in multiple numbers and arranged one by one in a row along the length of the middle plate.

[0033] In addition, at least one side fastening hole may be formed on the side.

[0034] In addition, the at least one side fastening hole may be formed at the center of the thickness on the side of the middle plate.

[0035] In addition, the above-mentioned side fastening holes may be formed in multiple numbers and arranged one by one in a row in the height direction of the middle plate.

[0036] Other specific details of the present invention are included in the detailed description and drawings.

[0037] According to embodiments of the present invention, at least the following effects are achieved.

[0038] In a battery module comprising multiple cell stacks, energy density can be increased by reducing unnecessary space through the insertion of only one middle plate between two cell stacks.

[0039] In addition, the total number of parts, such as side beams and end plates included in the battery module, can be reduced, and assembly tolerances and assembly difficulty can be alleviated.

[0040] In addition, by connecting the tops of the two side walls of the middle plate, even if a fire or explosion occurs in one cell stack, the flame or gas is prevented from spreading to an adjacent cell stack, and the risk of additional fire or explosion can be reduced by directing the flame or gas directly toward the upper plate.

[0041] The effects according to the present invention are not limited to those exemplified above, and various other effects are included in this specification.

[0042] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a conventional double battery module (2).

[0043] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the two end plates (2031) of a conventional double battery module (2).

[0044] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a battery module (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the middle plate (11) of a battery module (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 5 is a planar perspective view of a middle plate (11) according to the present invention.

[0047] FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of a middle plate (11) according to the present invention.

[0048] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the middle plate (11) according to the present invention, cut along the line A-A' of FIG. 5.

[0049] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of a middle plate (11) according to the present invention.

[0050] FIG. 9 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing the middle plate (11) according to the present invention being connected to the lower plate (12) and the upper plate (13).

[0051] FIG. 10 is a side view of a middle plate (11) according to the present invention.

[0052] FIG. 11 is a plan view of a middle plate (11) according to the present invention.

[0053] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the middle plate (11a) of a battery module (1a) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] The advantages and features of the present invention and the methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail 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 merely 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. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same components.

[0055] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in this specification (including technical and scientific terms) may be used in a meaning that is commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Additionally, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries are not to be interpreted ideally or excessively unless explicitly and specifically defined otherwise.

[0056] The terms used herein are for describing the embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. In this specification, the singular form includes the plural form unless specifically stated otherwise in the text. As used herein, "comprises" and / or "comprising" do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other components in addition to the components mentioned.

[0057] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0058] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a middle plate (11) of a battery module (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] A battery module (1) according to the present invention comprises: a plurality of cell stacks (10) in which a plurality of battery cells (100) are arranged in alignment; a middle plate (11) inserted between two cell stacks (10) among the plurality of cell stacks (10) arranged side by side at a certain distance from each other; a lower plate (12) that fixes and supports the plurality of cell stacks (10) from below; an upper plate (13) that covers the plurality of cell stacks (10) from above; a plurality of side beams (14) each arranged on both sides of the plurality of cell stacks (10); and a plurality of end plates (15) each arranged at both ends of the plurality of cell stacks (10).

[0060] A cell stack (10) is a collection of battery cells (100) in which a plurality of battery cells (100) are arranged in alignment. If the battery cells (100) are pouch-type batteries, the cell stack (10) may be arranged in a stacked state in which a plurality of battery cells (100) are arranged in a line in the planar direction. And if the battery cells are cylindrical or prismatic batteries, the cell stack (10) may be arranged in alignment of a plurality of battery cells (100) in a specific arrangement.

[0061] A battery module (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention is preferably a double battery module (1) in which a plurality of cell stacks (10) are formed in two. In this case, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, two cell stacks (10) are arranged side by side, and a middle plate (11) is inserted between the two cell stacks (10).

[0062] Hereinafter, a battery module (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention is described as having two cell stacks (10). However, this is for convenience of explanation and is not intended to limit the scope of rights.

[0063] Two cell stacks (10) may be formed with identical or symmetrical structures. As shown in FIG. 3, the two cell stacks (10) may have structures in which the size, capacity, and number of the plurality of battery cells (100) constituting each cell stack (10) are identical, and the arrangement of the plurality of battery cells (100) arranged in alignment is identical or symmetrical. Thus, when the plurality of battery modules (1) are subsequently connected to each other and assembled into a battery pack, it is easy to arrange the battery modules (1) in a specific arrangement, thereby reducing unnecessary space and increasing the energy density of the battery pack.

[0064] Two cell stacks (10) are arranged side by side at a certain distance from each other. The certain distance at which the two cell stacks (10) are spaced apart is preferably quite narrow to reduce unnecessary space. A middle plate (11) is inserted between the two cell stacks (10) spaced apart at a certain distance to support the two cell stacks (10). This prevents the battery cells (100) contained in the cell stacks (10) from moving out of their proper positions. A detailed description of the middle plate (11) will be provided later.

[0065] The lower plate (12) secures and supports the two cell stacks (10) from below. This protects the lower part of the two cell stacks (10) from external impact. The lower plate (12) may include a cooling member (not shown) that has thermal conductivity. This cooling member comes into contact with the two cell stacks (10) and can release heat generated from the cell stacks (10) to the lower plate (12). This cooling member may be a metal with thermal conductivity such as aluminum or copper, and may be manufactured using various materials without limitation, such as resin, thermally conductive polymer, thermally conductive adhesive, or graphite sheet.

[0066] The upper plate (13) covers two cell stacks (10) from above. This protects the upper portion of the two cell stacks (10) from external impact. Multiple exhaust holes may be formed in the upper plate (13). If a fire or explosion occurs in one cell stack (10), it is necessary to expel the flames and gases to the outside as quickly as possible. In particular, recently, there have been cases where extreme flames and gases are generated due to a thermal runaway phenomenon in which the temperature rises rapidly due to various reasons such as a short circuit between electrodes inside the battery cell, or overcharging or over-discharging. At this time, if the flames and gases are not quickly expelled to the outside, a thermal propagation phenomenon may occur, in which additional fires or explosions occur in adjacent cell stacks (10) due to the high temperature of the flames and gases. Accordingly, by forming multiple exhaust holes in the upper plate (13), the flames and gases can be easily expelled to the outside, thereby reducing the risk of additional fire or explosion.

[0067] The side beams (14) are formed in multiple numbers, specifically two, and are placed one on each side of the two cell stacks (10). This allows the two sides of the two cell stacks (10) to be protected from external impact. Here, "both sides" refers to the two sides facing in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the two cell stacks (10) are arranged side by side. Accordingly, the side beams (14) are formed long in the longitudinal direction in which the two cell stacks (10) are arranged side by side, thereby supporting each side of the two cell stacks (10).

[0068] The end plates (15) are formed in multiple numbers, specifically two, and are placed one at each end of the two cell stacks (10). This allows the two ends of the two cell stacks (10) to be protected from external impact. Here, both ends refer to the two ends facing the direction in which the two cell stacks (10) are arranged side by side. Thus, one is placed at each end opposite the direction in which the two cell stacks (10) face each other, thereby supporting each end of the two cell stacks (10).

[0069] Conventionally, two cell arrays (20) were each assembled first, and then the double battery module (2) was assembled. Consequently, one double battery module (2) included four side beams (202) and four end plates (203), which resulted in problems such as an increased number of parts, assembly tolerances, and increased assembly difficulty.

[0070] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a cell array dedicated to a double battery module is assembled by connecting two side beams (14) and two end plates (15) together to two cell stacks (10). Then, after inserting one middle plate (11) between the two cell stacks (10), the cell array dedicated to a double battery module is placed on top of a lower plate (12). Thus, since one double battery module (1) includes a total of two side beams (14), two end plates (15), and one middle plate (11), the total number of parts can be reduced, and assembly tolerances and assembly difficulty can be reduced.

[0071] The double battery module (1) according to the present invention may further include a busbar frame assembly (BFA, 16). The busbar frame assembly (16) includes a busbar electrically connected to an electrode tab or electrode lead formed in a battery cell (100) of a cell stack (10), a busbar frame supporting the busbar, and a terminal that sends electricity generated inside the cell stack (10) to the outside or receives electricity from the outside to charge the cell stack (10) inside. The terminal includes a positive terminal connected to a positive tab or positive lead and a negative terminal connected to a negative tab or negative lead, and may be formed one per cell stack (10). Since the double battery module (1) includes a plurality of cell stacks (10), it may include a plurality of busbar frame assemblies (16) as shown in FIG. 3.

[0072] An insulating member (not shown) is manufactured from a material having insulating properties to insulate the end plate (15) and the busbar frame assembly (16) from each other. The busbar frame assembly (16) can be formed in the double battery module (1) in the opposite direction to the direction in which the multiple cell stacks (10) face each other. That is, it can be formed adjacent to each end plate (15). However, since the end plate (15) can also be manufactured from a material such as metal having electrical conductivity, if it comes into direct contact with the busbar, a problem of electrical leakage through the end plate (15) may occur. Therefore, a separate insulating member (not shown) is placed between the busbar frame assembly (16) and the end plate (15) to insulate the busbar frame assembly (16) and the end plate (15) from each other.

[0073] FIG. 5 is a planar perspective view of a middle plate (11) according to the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of a middle plate (11) according to the present invention.

[0074] In a conventional double battery module (2), two end plates (2031) are overlapped and placed between two cell stacks (201). As a result, there was a problem where the end plates (2031) unnecessarily occupied space inside the double battery module (2). At this time, since the thickness of one end plate is 8 mm to 12 mm, when two end plates are overlapped, the thickness is 16 mm to 24 mm.

[0075] According to the present invention, a middle plate (11) is inserted between two cell stacks (10) to support the space between the two cell stacks (10). The thickness of this middle plate (11) is formed to be thinner than the thickness of the two end plates (15) stacked together, thereby reducing unnecessary space and increasing energy density. Here, since the end plates (15) of the present invention may have the same configuration as conventional end plates (2031), their thickness may also be the same. In particular, as described above, the certain spacing between the two cell stacks (10) is preferably quite narrow to reduce unnecessary space. Furthermore, since the middle plate (11) must be inserted between these two cell stacks (10), it is also preferable that the thickness of the middle plate (11) be quite thin. The thickness of the middle plate (11) may vary depending on the overall size of the battery module (1), but preferably it may be 8 mm to 12 mm, more preferably 9 mm to 11 mm.

[0076] The middle plate (11) includes two side walls (111) that are formed facing each other at a certain distance and form a space (114) between them, a connecting part (112) that connects the tops of the two side walls (111), and a plurality of ribs (113) that extend vertically between the two side walls (111).

[0077] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the two side walls (111) of the middle plate (11) have a rectangular, wide plate shape and are formed with the same size and shape. They are spaced apart at a certain distance from each other in a planar direction, forming a space (114) between the two side walls (111). At this time, the two side walls (111) may be arranged approximately parallel to each other. Although it may vary depending on the overall size of the battery module (1), it is preferable that the thickness of each of the two side walls (111) be 3 mm to 5 mm.

[0078] Heat may be generated during the process of producing electricity internally in the cell stack (10). At this time, the space (114) between the two side walls (111) acts as an insulator, preventing heat from being transferred from one cell stack (10) to an adjacent cell stack (10) and thus preventing the temperature from rising significantly. Although it may vary depending on the overall size of the battery module (1), it is preferable that the vertical distance between the two side walls (111) is 1 mm to 3 mm.

[0079] In order for the middle plate (11) to be easily inserted between the multiple cell stacks (10), the two side walls (111) may have flat outer surfaces. The two side walls (111) may have smooth outer surfaces, but they may also have various patterns that are not limited to, such as having multiple micro-protrusions formed on the outer surface or repeating micro-patterns formed to increase frictional force so as to prevent the middle plate (11) from moving out of position after being inserted between the multiple cell stacks (10).

[0080] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the middle plate (11) according to the present invention, cut along the line A-A' of FIG. 5.

[0081] As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 7, the upper ends of two side walls (111) of the middle plate (11) can be connected to each other by a connecting portion (112). Thus, no space (114) is formed at the top of the middle plate (11). This connecting portion (112) can be formed along the upper ends of the two side walls (111) and extends in the longitudinal direction of the middle plate (11). And by being placed on the same plane as the top of the middle plate (11), the upper surface of the middle plate (11) can be formed as a flat plane, as illustrated in FIG. 5.

[0082] If a fire, explosion, or thermal runaway occurs in one of the cell stacks (10) of the double battery module (1), flames and gases may be transferred to an adjacent cell stack (10) through the space between the cell stack (10) and the upper plate (13), causing additional fires or explosions. However, according to the present invention, a space (114) is not formed at the top by the connection portion (112) of the middle plate (11). Therefore, even if a fire, explosion, or thermal runaway occurs in one cell stack (10), the risk of additional fires or explosions can be reduced by preventing flames or gases from being transferred to an adjacent cell stack (10) through the space between the cell stack (10) and the upper plate (13) and by directing the flames and gases directly toward the upper plate (13).

[0083] A plurality of ribs (113) may be formed between two side walls (111). These plurality of ribs (113) may be formed extending in the height direction of the middle plate (11) between the two side walls (111). These ribs (113) provide rigidity to the middle plate (11) to prevent the middle plate (11) from being deformed or damaged during the process of inserting a fastening member (17) into the middle plate (11) later. For example, if the fastening member (17) is a bolt, the middle plate (11) may be prevented from being deformed or damaged by the torque generated while rotating the bolt.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 7, a plurality of ribs (113) may be formed extending from the connecting portion (112) to the bottom of the middle plate (11). This allows for uniform rigidity to be applied to the middle plate (11) from the top to the bottom.

[0085] Multiple ribs (113) may be formed repeatedly at equal intervals along the length of the middle plate (11) between the two side walls (111), but are not limited thereto, and the multiple ribs (113) may be formed with different spacing from each other. And these spacings may be experimentally determined to most effectively impart rigidity to the middle plate (11).

[0086] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of a middle plate (11) according to the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a partial enlarged cross-sectional view showing the middle plate (11) according to the present invention being connected to a lower plate (12) and an upper plate (13).

[0087] As illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 8, at least one lower fastening hole (1151) may be formed on the lower surface of the middle plate (11). As described above, the distance between the two side walls (111) may be 1 mm to 3 mm, and the diameter of the lower fastening hole (1151) may be 5 mm to 6 mm. That is, the diameter of the lower fastening hole (1151) is larger than the distance between the two side walls (111). Therefore, a portion of the lower fastening hole (1151) may be formed on each of the two side walls (111).

[0088] A hole (121, see FIG. 3) corresponding to the lower fastening hole (1151) may also be formed in the lower plate (12) of the double battery module (1). Thus, as shown in FIG. 9, when the middle plate (11) is inserted between two cell stacks (10) and seated on the upper side of the lower plate (12), a lower fastening member (17) can be inserted from the lower side of the lower plate (12) through the lower fastening hole (1151). In this way, the middle plate (11) and the lower plate (12) can be fastened and fixed to each other. When the middle plate (11) and the lower plate (12) are fastened to each other, the risk of the lower plate (12) being deformed or damaged can be reduced even if an impact or vibration is applied to the double battery module (1) from the outside.

[0089] As illustrated in FIG. 8, at least one lower fastening hole (1151) may be formed at the center of the thickness on the lower surface of the middle plate (11). As described above, it is preferable that the thickness of the middle plate (11) be considerably thin. However, if the lower fastening hole (1151) is formed at a location off from the center of the thickness on the lower surface of the middle plate (11), a problem may occur in which the lower fastening member (17) penetrates the side wall (111) of the middle plate (11) or the side wall (111) is damaged during the process of inserting it.

[0090] The lower fastening holes (1151) may be formed in multiple numbers and arranged in a row one by one along the length direction of the middle plate (11). At this time, the multiple lower fastening holes (1151) may be formed at equal intervals, but may also be formed with different spacing between them.

[0091] The lower fastening member (17) is not limited to any specific type of fastening member, such as a bolt or a rivet, as long as it can fasten the middle plate (11) and the lower plate (12). If the lower fastening member (17) is a bolt, the lower fastening hole (1151) of the middle plate (11) may be a thread hole with a shape corresponding to the threads of the bolt.

[0092] FIG. 10 is a side view of a middle plate (11) according to the present invention.

[0093] As illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 7 and FIG. 10, at least one side fastening hole (1152) may be formed on the right side and the left side of the middle plate (11), respectively. As described above, the distance between the two side walls (111) may be 1 mm to 3 mm, and the diameter of the side fastening hole (1152) may be 5 mm to 6 mm. That is, the diameter of the side fastening hole (1152) is larger than the distance between the two side walls (111). Therefore, a portion of the side fastening hole (1152) may be formed on each of the two side walls (111).

[0094] A hole (141, see FIG. 3) corresponding to the side fastening hole (1152) may also be formed in the side beam (14) of the double battery module (1). Thus, when the middle plate (11) is inserted between two cell stacks (10), a side fastening member (not shown) can be inserted from the side of the side beam (14) through the side fastening hole (1152). In this way, the middle plate (11) and the side beam (14) can be fastened and fixed to each other. When the middle plate (11) and the side beam (14) are fastened to each other, the risk of the side beam (14) being deformed or damaged can be reduced even if an impact or vibration is applied to the double battery module (1) from the outside.

[0095] As illustrated in FIG. 10, at least one side fastening hole (1152) may be formed at the center of the thickness on the side of the middle plate (11). As described above, it is preferable that the thickness of the middle plate (11) be considerably thin. However, if the side fastening hole (1152) is formed at a location off from the center of the thickness on the side of the middle plate (11), a problem may occur in which the side wall (111) of the middle plate (11) is penetrated or the side wall (111) is damaged during the process of inserting the side fastening member (17).

[0096] The side fastening holes (1152) may be formed in multiple numbers and arranged in a row one by one in the height direction of the middle plate (11). At this time, the multiple side fastening holes (1152) may be formed at equal intervals, but may also be formed with different spacing between them.

[0097] The side fastening member (17) is not limited to any specific type of fastening member, such as a bolt or rivet, as long as it can fasten the middle plate (11) and the side beam (14). If the side fastening member (17) is a bolt, the side fastening hole (1152) of the middle plate (11) may be a thread hole with a shape corresponding to the threads of the bolt.

[0098] FIG. 11 is a plan view of a middle plate (11) according to the present invention.

[0099] As illustrated in FIG. 11, at least one upper fastening hole (1153) may be formed on the upper surface of the middle plate (11). The diameter of the upper fastening hole (1153) may be 5 mm to 6 mm. As described above, since the upper end of the middle plate (11) is connected through the connecting part (112), no space (114) is formed on the upper end of the middle plate (11). Therefore, unlike the lower surface, the shape of the upper surface of the middle plate (11) may not show two side walls (111) spaced apart from each other or ribs (113).

[0100] A hole (131, see FIG. 3) corresponding to the upper fastening hole (1153) may also be formed in the upper plate (13) of the double battery module (1). Thus, as shown in FIG. 11, when the middle plate (11) is inserted between two cell stacks (10) and the upper plate (13) covers the cell stacks (10) from above, an upper fastening member (17) can be inserted through the upper fastening hole (1153) from above the upper plate (13). In this way, the middle plate (11) and the upper plate (13) can be fastened and fixed to each other. When the middle plate (11) and the upper plate (13) are fastened to each other, the risk of the upper plate (13) being deformed or damaged can be reduced even if an impact or vibration is applied to the double battery module (1) from the outside.

[0101] As illustrated in FIG. 11, at least one upper fastening hole (1153) may be formed at the center of the thickness on the upper surface of the middle plate (11). As described above, it is preferable that the thickness of the middle plate (11) be considerably thin. However, if the upper fastening hole (1153) is formed at a location off from the center of the thickness on the upper surface of the middle plate (11), a problem may occur in which the upper fastening member (17) penetrates the side wall (111) of the middle plate (11) or the side wall (111) is damaged during the process of inserting it.

[0102] The upper fastening holes (1153) may be formed in multiple numbers and arranged in a row one by one along the length direction of the middle plate (11). At this time, the multiple upper fastening holes (1153) may be formed at equal intervals, but may also be formed with different spacing between them.

[0103] The upper fastening member (17) is not limited to any specific type of fastening member, such as a bolt or a rivet, as long as it can fasten the middle plate (11) and the upper plate (13). If the upper fastening member (17) is a bolt, the upper fastening hole (1153) of the middle plate (11) may be a thread hole with a shape corresponding to the threads of the bolt.

[0104] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the middle plate (11a) of a battery module (1a) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0105] Hereinafter, a battery module (1a) according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described. However, descriptions that overlap with the battery module (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention described above will be omitted. This is for the convenience of explanation and is not intended to limit the scope of rights.

[0106] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of cell stacks (10a) may be formed in three or more. If there are three or more of the plurality of cell stacks (10a), the battery module (1a) may be defined as a multi-battery module and may be arranged in a specific arrangement. In this case, a middle plate (11a) may be inserted between every two cell stacks (10a) among the plurality of cell stacks (10a). For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the plurality of cell stacks (10a) may be formed in four and arranged in a grid pattern of two rows and two columns.

[0107] Four cell stacks (10a) can be formed with identical or symmetrical structures. The four cell stacks (10a) are spaced apart from each other at regular intervals and arranged side by side. A middle plate (11a) is inserted between each of these four cell stacks (10a) spaced apart at regular intervals, so that four middle plates (11a) can be included in one battery module (1a).

[0108] The side beams (14a) are formed in two, with one placed on each side of the four cell stacks (10a). The end plates (15a) are also formed in two, with one placed on each end of the four cell stacks (10a). As shown in FIG. 11, if the four cell stacks (10a) are arranged in a grid pattern of two rows and two columns, the direction in which the multiple cell stacks (10a) are arranged side by side becomes two directions. Among these, the end plates (15a) and the busbar frame assembly (16a) are formed adjacent to each other. Therefore, the end plates (15a) are placed on the parts of the four cell stacks (10a) where the busbar frame assembly (16a) is formed correspond to both ends, and the side beams (14a) are placed on the parts where the busbar frame assembly is not formed correspond to both sides. Additionally, the lengths of the side beams (14a) and the end plates (15a) may be the same or similar.

[0109] If the battery module is assembled after each of the four cell arrays is assembled as in the conventional method, one battery module includes eight side beams and eight end plates, which leads to problems such as an increased number of parts, assembly tolerances, or increased assembly difficulty.

[0110] According to another embodiment of the present invention, even if the number of cell stacks (10a) increases, one battery module (1a) still includes a total of 2 side beams (14a), 2 end plates (15a), and 4 middle plates (11a), so the total number of parts can be reduced and assembly tolerances and assembly difficulty can be reduced.

[0111] A person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will understand that the present invention may be implemented in other specific forms without altering its technical concept or essential features. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims set forth below rather than by the detailed description above, and various embodiments derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and equivalent concepts should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the present invention.

[0112] [Explanation of the symbol]

[0113] 1: Battery Module 10: Cell Stack

[0114] 11: Middle plate 12: Bottom plate

[0115] 13: Top plate 14: Side beam

[0116] 15: End plate 16: Busbar frame assembly (BFA)

[0117] 17: Fastening member 100: Battery cell

[0118] 111: Side wall 112: Connection

[0119] 113: Liv 114: Space

[0120] 115: Fastening hole 1151: Lower fastening hole

[0121] 1152: Side fastening hole 1153: Top fastening hole

[0122]

Claims

1. Multiple cell stacks in which multiple battery cells are arranged in alignment; A middle plate inserted between two cell stacks among the plurality of cell stacks arranged side by side at a certain interval from each other; A lower plate that fixes and supports the above plurality of cell stacks from below; An upper plate covering the plurality of cell stacks above from above; A plurality of side beams, each positioned one on each side of the plurality of cell stacks; A battery module comprising a plurality of end plates, each disposed at one end of the plurality of cell stacks.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above middle plate is, A battery module formed with a thickness thinner than the thickness of the two end plates stacked together.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above middle plate is, Two side walls formed facing each other at a certain distance apart, forming a space between them; A connecting part connecting the upper ends of the two side walls; and A battery module comprising a plurality of ribs extending vertically between the two side walls.

4. In Paragraph 3, The two side walls mentioned above are, Battery modules having a plate-like shape and formed with the same size and shape.

5. In Paragraph 3, The above rib is, A battery module extending from the above connection portion to the lower surface of the above middle plate.

6. In Paragraph 3, The above middle plate is, At least one lower fastening hole is formed on the lower surface, and A battery module having at least one upper fastening hole formed on the upper surface.

7. In Paragraph 6, The above at least one lower fastening hole is, Formed at the center of the thickness on the lower surface of the above middle plate, The above at least one upper fastening hole is, A battery module formed at the center of the thickness on the upper surface of the above middle plate.

8. In Paragraph 6, The lower fastening hole mentioned above is, Formed in multiple numbers, arranged one by one in a row along the length direction of the middle plate, and The upper fastening hole mentioned above is, A battery module formed in multiple numbers and arranged one by one in a row along the length direction of the middle plate.

9. In Paragraph 3, The above middle plate is, A battery module having at least one side fastening hole formed on the side.

10. In Paragraph 9, The above-mentioned at least one side fastening hole is, A battery module formed at the center of the thickness on the side of the above middle plate.

11. In Paragraph 10, The above-mentioned side fastening hole is, A battery module formed in multiple numbers and arranged one by one in a row in the height direction of the middle plate.

12. In a middle plate in which one is inserted between two cell stacks among a plurality of cell stacks in which a plurality of battery cells are arranged in alignment, Two side walls formed facing each other at a certain distance apart, forming a space between them; A connecting part connecting the upper ends of the two side walls; and A middle plate comprising a plurality of ribs extending vertically between the two side walls.

13. In Paragraph 12, The two side walls mentioned above are, Middle plates having a plate-like shape and formed of the same size and shape.

14. In Paragraph 12, The above rib is, A middle plate extending from the above connection portion to the lower surface of the middle plate.

15. In Paragraph 12, At least one lower fastening hole is formed on the lower surface, and A middle plate having at least one upper fastening hole formed on its upper surface.

16. In Paragraph 15, The above at least one lower fastening hole is, Formed at the center of the thickness on the lower surface of the above middle plate, The above at least one upper fastening hole is, A middle plate formed at the center of the thickness on the upper surface of the above middle plate.

17. In Paragraph 15, The lower fastening hole mentioned above is, Formed in multiple numbers, arranged one by one in a row along the length direction of the middle plate, and The upper fastening hole mentioned above is, A middle plate formed in multiple numbers and arranged one by one in a row along the length direction of the middle plate.

18. In Paragraph 12, A middle plate having at least one side fastening hole formed on the side.

19. In Paragraph 18, The above-mentioned at least one side fastening hole is, A middle plate formed at the center of the thickness on the side of the above middle plate.

20. In Paragraph 18, The above-mentioned side fastening hole is, A middle plate formed in multiple numbers and arranged one by one in a row in the height direction of the middle plate.

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