Battery module, and battery pack and vehicle comprising battery module

Abstract

A battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a module case; a cell assembly that is accommodated in the module case and includes a plurality of battery cells; a busbar assembly including a busbar frame, which covers one side of the cell assembly and guides the connection of electrode leads of the plurality of battery cells, and a terminal busbar, which is electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells, for electrical connections with the outside; an insulating cover that covers the busbar frame, electrically insulates the electrode leads of the battery cells from the module case, and is provided with a terminal hole through which an end portion of the terminal busbar passes; and a sealing component that is hook-coupled to the insulating cover and provides sealing between the terminal busbar and the terminal hole.

Description

Battery modules, battery packs including such battery modules, and automobiles

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module, a battery pack comprising such battery module, and an automobile. This application is a priority claim application based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0021604 filed on February 19, 2025. All contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the said Korean application are incorporated by reference into this application.

[0002] As the demand for portable electronic products such as smartphones, tablet PCs, and smartwatches increases significantly and electric vehicles become increasingly widespread, research on batteries for these products, such as rechargeable batteries capable of repeated charging and discharging, is actively underway.

[0003] Currently commercialized rechargeable batteries include nickel-cadmium, nickel-hydrogen, nickel-zinc, and lithium-ion batteries. Among these, lithium-ion batteries are gaining attention for their advantages, such as the ability to charge and discharge freely with almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based batteries, a very low self-discharge rate, and high energy density.

[0004] These lithium secondary batteries primarily use lithium-based oxides and carbon materials as the positive and negative active materials, respectively. A lithium secondary battery comprises an electrode assembly in which a positive plate and a negative plate, each coated with the positive and negative active materials respectively, are arranged with a separator in between, and an outer casing, namely a battery case, that seals and encloses the electrode assembly together with the electrolyte. Generally, lithium secondary batteries can be classified according to the shape of the outer casing into can-type secondary batteries, in which the electrode assembly is housed in a metal can, and pouch-type secondary batteries, in which the electrode assembly is housed in a pouch made of aluminum laminate sheets.

[0005] Recently, secondary batteries are widely used for driving or energy storage not only in small devices such as portable electronic devices, but also in medium and large devices such as electric vehicles and Energy Storage Systems (ESS).

[0006] In response to these changes in demand for secondary batteries, high-capacity secondary batteries are being developed, and along with this, interest in the safety issues of secondary batteries is increasing.

[0007] Multiple secondary batteries can be electrically connected and housed together inside a module case to form a single battery module. In this case, each secondary battery included in the battery module can be referred to as a battery cell. Furthermore, multiple such battery modules can be connected to form a single battery pack.

[0008] A conventional battery module comprises a plurality of battery cells, a busbar assembly for electrically connecting the plurality of battery cells, and a module case that accommodates the busbar assembly and the battery cells.

[0009] The busbar assembly may be equipped with a busbar frame, a busbar, and a terminal busbar. The busbar frame supports the electrode leads of the battery cells and guides the connection of the electrode leads. The busbar and the terminal busbar are electrically connected to the electrode leads of the battery cells, and the terminal busbar may be electrically connected to an external device, such as another battery module or a busbar between modules constituting a battery pack. Additionally, an insulating cover for insulation between the module case and the electrode leads may be attached to the front of the busbar frame.

[0010] Meanwhile, the end of the terminal busbar is exposed to the outside of the insulating cover and arranged in the form of a terminal; to this end, a terminal hole through which the terminal busbar passes is provided in the insulating cover. However, there is a problem in that when a battery cell ignites, high-temperature gases and byproducts are discharged to the outside through the terminal hole, causing damage to adjacent battery modules or busbars between modules.

[0011] In order to solve the aforementioned problems, conventionally, a sealing member was attached to the terminal hole to seal the gap between the terminal busbar and the terminal hole. However, when the end plate is attached to the insulation cover while the sealing member is attached in this manner, a problem occurs in which the sealing member becomes detached, for example, the sealing member detaches from the terminal hole.

[0012] The present invention provides a battery module with an improved structure such that a sealing member coupled to a terminal hole can maintain a stable coupling state even during the coupling process of an end plate, a battery pack including such a battery module, and an automobile.

[0013] However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the foregoing, and other unmentioned details will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention below.

[0014] A battery module according to the present invention may comprise: a module case; a cell assembly that is housed in the module case and includes a plurality of battery cells; a busbar assembly that covers one side of the cell assembly and guides the connection of electrode leads of the plurality of battery cells, and has a terminal busbar that is electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells and electrically connected to the outside; an insulating cover that covers the busbar frame, electrically insulates the electrode leads of the battery cells from the module case, and has a terminal hole through which the end of the terminal busbar passes; and a sealing member that is hook-and-loop fastenered to the insulating cover and seals the space between the terminal busbar and the terminal hole.

[0015] A module case assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention comprises: a module case in which a cell assembly including a plurality of battery cells is accommodated; a busbar assembly including a busbar frame that covers one side of the cell assembly accommodated in the module case and guides the connection of electrode leads of the plurality of battery cells, and a terminal busbar that is electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells and electrically connected to the outside; an insulating cover that covers the busbar frame, electrically insulates the electrode leads of the plurality of battery cells from the module case, and has a terminal hole through which the end of the terminal busbar passes; and a sealing member that is hook-coupled to the insulating cover and seals the space between the terminal busbar and the terminal hole.

[0016] According to the present invention, the sealing member has a hook formed to protrude in one direction, and the insulating cover is provided with a hook hooking groove into which the hook is inserted and coupled, wherein the hook hooking groove may be formed so that the hook is inserted from below to above.

[0017] The above hook can be formed to have a square cross-section.

[0018] The above insulating cover is provided with a terminal through-hole through which the terminal busbar passes, and the hook may be positioned below the terminal through-hole.

[0019] The sealing member may have a coupling projection that is positioned on the opposite side of the hook with the terminal through hole in between and is coupled to the insulating cover.

[0020] The above insulating cover may be provided with a coupling groove into which the coupling projection is forcibly fitted.

[0021] The sealing member may have a body portion attached to a surface facing the busbar frame on the insulating cover, having the terminal through hole provided therein, an upper wing portion extending upward from the body portion and having the coupling projection provided therein, and a lower wing portion extending downward from the body portion and having the hook provided therein.

[0022] The above body part may be provided with an O-ring part having a ring shape corresponding to the terminal hole, protruding toward the opposite side of the busbar frame to penetrate the terminal hole, and adhering to the inner surface of the terminal hole.

[0023] The above O-ring portion may be formed concavely along the circumferential direction and may be provided with a fitting groove into which the terminal hole is fitted.

[0024] The present invention provides a battery pack comprising at least one battery module according to the present invention as a battery pack.

[0025] The present invention provides a vehicle comprising a battery pack according to the present invention.

[0026] According to the battery module of the present invention including an improved insulating cover and a sealing member, the sealing member can be stably coupled to the insulating cover, and the detachment of the sealing member during the assembly process of the insulating cover and the end plate can be prevented or suppressed.

[0027] In addition, since the sealing member of the battery module is exposed to the front of the insulation cover, the operator can immediately visually check whether the sealing member has detached.

[0028] In addition, various other additional effects may be achieved by various embodiments of the present invention. These various effects of the present invention are described in detail in each embodiment, or the description of effects that are easily understood by those skilled in the art is omitted.

[0029] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate embodiments of the present invention and serve to further enhance understanding of the technical concept of the present invention together with the detailed description of the invention provided below; therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited only to the matters described in such drawings.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module shown in Figure 1.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of some of the components shown in FIG. 2 combined.

[0033] Figure 4 is an exploded view of the components shown in Figure 3.

[0034] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the insulating cover shown in FIG. 3, viewed from the rear side toward the front.

[0035] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the insulating cover shown in FIG. 5 with a sealing member attached thereto.

[0036] FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of a sealing member according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 8 is a drawing of the sealing member shown in FIG. 7 viewed in the direction of the arrow.

[0038] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the sealing member coupled to the insulating cover.

[0039] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of line AA' in Figure 9.

[0040] FIG. 11 is a partially cutaway perspective view of the sealing member and insulating cover shown in FIG. 9.

[0041] FIG. 12 is a drawing for explaining a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 13 is a drawing for explaining an automobile according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] In parts of the attached drawings, corresponding components are given the same reference numerals. Those skilled in the art understand that the drawings are intended to illustrate elements simply and clearly and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, to aid in understanding various embodiments, the dimensions of some elements depicted in the drawings may be exaggerated compared to others. Additionally, elements of known technology that are useful or essential in commercially viable embodiments may often be omitted so as not to hinder the spirit of the various embodiments of the present invention.

[0044] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, and should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the terms to best describe his invention.

[0045] Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention, and that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0046] Meanwhile, although terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back may be used in this specification, these terms are used merely for convenience of explanation and may vary depending on the location of the object or the position of the observer, it is obvious to those skilled in the art of the present invention.

[0047] Additionally, in this specification, terms indicating direction such as internal or external may be used; unless otherwise specifically stated, internal refers to the direction toward the central part of the battery module, and external refers to the opposite direction.

[0048] In addition, this specification includes various embodiments. Detailed descriptions of identical or similar parts regarding other embodiments are omitted, and the description focuses on the parts where each embodiment differs.

[0049] In an embodiment of the present invention, the Y-axis direction shown in the drawing may refer to the left-right direction, the X-axis direction may refer to the front-back direction perpendicular to the Y-axis direction on the horizontal plane (XY plane), and the Z-axis direction may refer to the up-down direction (vertical direction) perpendicular to both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. Additionally, in the orthogonal coordinates shown in the drawing, each axis has a + and - direction, and X, Y, and Z indicated in the drawing may refer to the + direction, while the opposite direction may refer to the - direction.

[0050]

[0051] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0052] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module shown in FIG. 1.

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a module case (100), a cell assembly (200), and a busbar assembly (300).

[0054] The above module case (100) may be configured to accommodate a cell assembly (200) formed in an internal space. For example, the module case (100) may include a main body frame (110) formed with both ends and the top open, as shown in FIG. 2, and an upper cover (120) covering the top of the main body frame (110). Additionally, the module case (100) may include end plates (130) covering both ends of the main body frame (110), as shown by dashed lines in FIG. 2. For reference, FIG. 2 shows only one end plate (130) provided on the front side. The main body frame (110) of this type may be configured such that the left plate, the right plate, and the bottom plate are integrated with each other, and this may be referred to as a U-frame.

[0055] In addition, the module case (100) can be formed in various other forms. For example, the left plate, right plate, bottom plate, and top cover of the main body frame can be formed as a single integrated unit, and such a main body frame (110) may be referred to as a mono frame. Meanwhile, the main body frame (110) may not be formed as a single integrated unit, but may be configured as a combined unit, for example, a combination of the left plate, right plate, bottom plate, and top cover (120) that are each independently provided.

[0056] Each component of the module case (100), such as the main body frame (110), the upper cover (120), and the end plate (130), can be joined to each other in various ways, such as welding, insertion, bonding, or hooking. Additionally, the module case (100) can be made of various materials, such as metal or plastic. According to one embodiment, the main body frame (110), the upper cover (120), and the end plate (130) can all be made of aluminum. In this case, the weldability between them is excellent, it is advantageous for weight reduction, and cooling performance can also be improved.

[0057] The cell assembly (200) may comprise a plurality of battery cells (210). Here, each battery cell (210) may represent a secondary battery. The secondary battery may comprise an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, and a battery case. For example, the battery cell (210) may be a pouch-type secondary battery.

[0058] A plurality of battery cells (210) can be stacked side by side in at least one direction. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of battery cells (210) can be stacked side by side in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction). At this time, each battery cell (210) can be configured in an up-down direction (Z-axis direction).

[0059] Here, in order to maintain the stacked state of the cell assembly (200) more stably, the battery cells (210) can be bonded to each other. For example, a cell adhesive member may be interposed between the battery cells (210). In this case, the cell adhesive member may be configured in the form of a double-sided adhesive tape with adhesive applied to both sides of the substrate.

[0060] The busbar assembly (300) may be for electrically connecting a plurality of battery cells (210). The busbar assembly (300) may be connected to the electrode leads (211) of the battery cells (210). Furthermore, the electrode leads (211) of the battery cells (210) may be located at both the front and rear ends of the cell assembly (200). In this case, the busbar assembly (300) may be positioned on the front side and the rear side (X-axis direction) of the cell assembly (200), respectively.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the busbar assembly (300) may include a busbar (310), a busbar frame (320), and a terminal busbar (330). Here, the busbar (310) may be electrically connected to the cell assembly (200). For example, the busbar (310) may be made of a conductive metal material such as copper and may come into direct contact with the electrode lead (211). The busbar frame (320) may be made of an electrically insulating material such as plastic and may fix the position of the busbar (310) by allowing the busbar (310) to be mounted thereon. To this end, the busbar frame (320) may be provided with a space or structure, etc., in which the busbar (310) can be mounted.

[0062] Meanwhile, the electrode leads (211) may be directly connected by welding the electrode leads (211) to each other without passing through the busbar (310). In this case, the busbar assembly (300) may not include the busbar (310). Additionally, a sensing plate capable of measuring the current, temperature, and voltage of the battery cell (210) may be mounted on the busbar frame (320).

[0063] The terminal busbar (330) can be electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells (210). For example, the terminal busbar (330) can be electrically connected to the busbars (310) and thereby electrically connected to the battery cells (210). The terminal busbar (330) may be one of the aforementioned busbars (310), and in this case, for example, it may be formed longer than other busbars (310) and have a bent end. The bent end of the terminal busbar (330) can be utilized as a module terminal. Meanwhile, the electrically connected plurality of battery cells (210) can be connected to other components outside the battery module (10), such as other battery modules or charging / discharging systems. The bent end of the terminal busbar (330), i.e., the module terminal, can be described as a gateway for an electrical path through which charging and discharging currents flow for the cell assembly (200) and which can be connected to other components located outside the battery module (10).

[0064] Referring again to FIG. 2, the battery module (10) according to the present embodiment may further include an insulating cover (400) and a sealing member in addition to the module case (100), cell assembly (200), and busbar assembly (300). The description will continue below with further reference to FIG. 3 to 7.

[0065] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the combined state of some components shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the components shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the insulating cover shown in FIG. 3 viewed from the rear to the front, and FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the insulating cover shown in FIG. 5 with a sealing member attached thereto.

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 6, the battery module (10) according to the present embodiment further includes an insulating cover (400) and a sealing member (500).

[0067] The insulating cover (400) may be intended to electrically insulate the electrode lead (211) of the battery cell (210). According to one embodiment, the insulating cover (400) may include a material having electrical insulating properties. For example, the insulating cover (400) may be made of a polymer material such as plastic. According to another embodiment, the insulating cover (400) may include a material of Modified Polyphenylene Oxide (MPPO).

[0068] An insulating cover (400) may be interposed between the front side of the cell assembly (200) and the module case (100). According to one embodiment, the insulating cover (400) may be coupled to the busbar frame (320) to cover the busbar frame (320). The insulating cover (400) is positioned between the electrode lead (211) connected on the busbar frame (320) and the end plate (130) of the module case (100), thereby ensuring electrical insulation between the electrode lead (211) and the end plate (130).

[0069] A terminal hole (S1) may be provided in the insulating cover (400). As shown in FIG. 4, the terminal hole (S1) may be formed by penetrating the insulating cover (400). A terminal bus bar (330) may pass through the interior of the terminal hole (S1). For example, a bent portion of the terminal bus bar (330) may pass through the terminal hole (S1).

[0070] The sealing member (500) may be for sealing the space between the terminal hole (S1) and the terminal busbar (330). For example, the sealing member (500) may be coupled to the insulating cover (400) and may seal the space between the terminal busbar (330) and the terminal hole (S1). The sealing member (500) may include a material having a certain elasticity, such as rubber.

[0071] In this embodiment, the sealing member (500) may be hook-and-loop fastened to the insulating cover (400). Hook-and-loop fastening is a method of joining two components together, meaning that one component is hooked onto another component to be joined. The hook-and-loop fastening method may be a method that allows the two components to be joined easily. Furthermore, the two hook-and-loop components can maintain a stable joined state unless an external force is applied in a specific direction. Here, the specific direction may refer to the direction opposite to the direction in which one component moved until it was hook-and-looped to the other component. This will be explained again later with an example.

[0072] According to the embodiment of the above configuration, the sealing member (500) can be easily connected to the insulating cover (400) through a hook connection method. In addition, even during the process of connecting the end plate (130) to the insulating cover (400), the sealing member (500) and the insulating cover (400) can maintain a stable connection state.

[0073] Hereinafter, the shape of the insulating cover (400) and the sealing member (500) and the structure in which these components are hook-coupled will be described. FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of a sealing member (500) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a view of the sealing member (500) shown in FIG. 7 in the direction of the arrow.

[0074] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the sealing member (500) may have a hook (531). According to one embodiment, the hook (531) may be formed to protrude in one direction, for example, forward (X-axis direction) with respect to FIG. 7. As shown in FIG. 8, the hook (531) may be formed in a shape in which its front end is extended outward.

[0075] A hook hook groove (S2) may be provided in the insulating cover (400). At this time, the hook hook groove (S2) may be formed so that a hook (531) is inserted from the bottom upward. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, a hook hook groove (S2) may be provided on the rear surface of the insulating cover (400), for example, the surface facing the busbar frame (320). The hook hook groove (S2) may be formed in a shape corresponding to the hook (531), and the hook (531) may be inserted into the hook hook groove (S2). At this time, the hook hook groove (S2) may be formed concavely in the upward direction (Z-axis direction), and accordingly, the hook (531) may be inserted from the bottom upward.

[0076] According to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, the hook (531) can be inserted upward while sliding along the hook hooking groove (S2) to be hook-coupled. Thus, the sealing member (500) can be easily coupled to the insulating cover (400). The hook (531) inserted into the hook hooking groove (S2) can be separated when moving in the opposite direction of insertion, for example, from the top to the bottom (in other words, when an external force is applied), and can maintain a stable coupled state in other directions.

[0077] In the conventional case, when the end plate (130) is attached to the insulating cover (400), the sealing member (500) may be pushed upward due to actions such as the insulating cover (400) being pressed and deformed by the end plate (130). Consequently, a problem may occur in which the sealing member (500) is removed from the terminal hole (S1).

[0078] However, in the configuration of the present embodiment, the hook (531) of the sealing member (500) is configured to maintain a stable connection even when subjected to an upward force, thereby preventing or suppressing the above-mentioned problem. Accordingly, the possibility of the sealing member (500) being removed from the terminal hole (S1) can be minimized.

[0079] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the hook (531) may be formed to have a square cross-section. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the hook (531) may have its cross-section, for example, a cross-section on the YZ plane, formed in an approximately square shape.

[0080] For example, if the hook (531) has a circular cross-section, when the hook (531) is inserted into the hook hooking groove (S2), the area where the two sides of the hook (in the Y-axis direction) and the inner surface of the hook hooking groove come into contact, for example, the area where the two sides of the hook are supported, may be relatively small. In contrast, in this embodiment, the hook (531) has a square cross-section, so the two sides of the hook (531) can come into contact with the two inner surfaces of the hook hooking groove (S2) in a plane-to-plane manner. Therefore, when the hook (531) is inserted into the hook hooking groove (S2), the rotation of the hook (531) with the X-axis direction as the rotation axis direction may be restricted. As a result, the sealing member (500) may be prevented or suppressed from twisting (for example, twisting while rotating in the X-axis direction), and thus the sealing member (500) can maintain a more stable bonded state. However, the cross-section of the hook (531) may be made circular or square depending on the environment in which it is applied, and neither side is consistently superior in performance or effect compared to the other.

[0081] A terminal through-hole (S4) may be formed in the sealing member (500). For example, as shown in FIG. 7, a terminal through-hole (S4) may be formed in the middle portion of the sealing member (500). A bent portion of the terminal bus bar (330) may pass through this terminal through-hole (S4).

[0082] The hook (531) can be positioned on the lower side of the terminal through-hole (S4). By positioning the hook (531) on the lower side of the terminal through-hole (S4) in this manner, the hook (531) can be stably coupled to the insulating cover (400). Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, when the sealing member (500) is coupled to the insulating cover (400), the terminal bus bar (330) can pass through the terminal through-hole (S4) and protrude. At this time, as the terminal bus bar (330) passes through the terminal through-hole (S4), a phenomenon may occur in which the sealing member (500) is pulled by the terminal bus bar (330) due to friction between the terminal bus bar (330) and the sealing member (500). For example, a phenomenon similar to the terminal through-hole (S4) portion of the sealing member (500) being pulled forward may occur.

[0083] According to the present embodiment, the hook (531) is positioned on the lower side of the terminal through hole (S4), so the hook (531) can be pulled upward. Here, as previously described, the hook (531) is connected to the insulating cover (400) such that the hook connection is released only when an external force is applied downward. Therefore, even if the hook (531) is pulled upward, the sealing member (500) and the insulating cover (400) can maintain a stable connection state. Meanwhile, the position of the hook (531) can be selected according to the environment in which it is applied, and no single position has consistently superior performance or effect compared to other positions.

[0084] The sealing member (500) may further include a coupling projection (521) that is coupled to the insulating cover (400). For example, the coupling projection (521) may be formed to protrude forward (e.g., in the X-axis direction) in the same direction as the hook. The coupling projection (521) may have a cross-section, for example, a cross-section on the YZ plane, formed in a circular shape. The coupling projection (521) may be positioned on the opposite side of the hook (531) with the terminal through-hole (S4) in between. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the coupling projection (521) may be positioned above the terminal through-hole (S4), and the terminal through-hole (S4) may be positioned between the coupling projection (521) and the hook (531). The coupling projection (521) may be coupled to the insulating cover (400). Accordingly, the sealing member (500) can be combined with the insulating cover (400) at the upper and lower portions of the terminal penetration hole (S4).

[0085] The coupling projection (521) can be coupled to the coupling groove (S3) of the insulating cover (400). As shown in FIG. 5, the insulating cover (400) may be provided with a coupling groove (S3). At this time, the coupling groove (S3) may be formed by penetrating the insulating cover (400). Additionally, the cross-sectional area of ​​the coupling groove (S3) may be formed to be smaller than that of the coupling projection (521) of the sealing member (500). The coupling projection (521) of the sealing member (500) may be forcibly fitted into the coupling groove (S3) of the insulating cover (400) by an external force, and accordingly, the coupling projection (521) can be firmly and easily coupled to the insulating cover (400).

[0086] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the sealing member (500) coupled to the insulating cover (400), FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view along line AA' of FIG. 9, and FIG. 11 is a partial cutaway perspective view of the sealing member (500) and the insulating cover (400) shown in FIG. 9.

[0087] Hereinafter, the shape and coupling structure of the sealing member (500) will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8 and FIGS. 9 to 11.

[0088] Referring to FIGS. 7 to 11, the sealing member (500) according to the present embodiment may include a body portion (510), an upper wing portion (520), and a lower wing portion (530).

[0089] A terminal through-hole (S4) may be provided in the body portion (510). The body portion (510) may be attached to the rear surface of the insulating cover (400). At this time, as shown in FIG. 9, the body portion (510) may be attached to the rear surface of the insulating cover (400) so that the terminal through-hole (S4) and the terminal hole (S1) of the insulating cover (400) are aligned. Additionally, an O-ring portion (511) may be provided in the body portion (510). The O-ring portion (511) may be configured to substantially seal the gap between the terminal busbar (330) and the terminal hole (S1). The O-ring portion (511) may be formed in a ring shape corresponding to the shape of the terminal hole (S1). The O-ring portion (511) may be formed protruding from the body portion (510), and may be formed protruding in the opposite direction of the busbar frame, for example, forward (X-axis direction). As illustrated in FIG. 11, the O-ring portion (511) of the sealing member (500) protrudes forward through the terminal hole (S1) of the insulating cover (400) and can be in close contact with the inner surface of the terminal hole (S1). Here, the inner surface of the terminal hole (S1) may refer to the surface of the rim that forms the boundary of the terminal hole.

[0090] The upper wing portion (520) of the sealing member (500) may be formed to extend upward from the body portion (510). The aforementioned coupling projection (521) may be provided on the upper wing portion (520). When the coupling projection (521) of the sealing member (500) is fastened to the coupling groove (S3) of the insulating cover (400), the upper wing portion (520) of the sealing member (500) may be attached to and supported on the rear surface of the insulating cover (400).

[0091] The lower wing portion (530) of the sealing member (500) may be formed to extend downward from the body portion (510). A hook (531) may be provided on the lower wing portion (530). When the hook (531) is coupled to the hook hook groove (S2) of the insulating cover (400), the lower wing portion (530) may be attached to and supported on the rear surface of the insulating cover (400).

[0092] As described above, the sealing member (500) may be formed in the order of an upper wing portion (520), a body portion (510), and a lower wing portion (530) from the upper side to the lower side. For example, the body portion (510) of the sealing member (500) is formed to extend downward from the upper wing portion (520), and the body portion (510) may be formed to extend in an inclined direction toward the front rather than in a vertical direction.

[0093] According to the embodiment of the above configuration, the sealing member (500) can be coupled to the insulating cover (400) on both sides of the terminal hole (S1) of the insulating cover (400), for example, the upper side and the lower side, and at this time, the upper wing portion (520) and the lower wing portion (530) can be stably attached while making surface contact with the rear surface of the insulating cover (400).

[0094] The O-ring portion (511) is in close contact with the terminal hole (S1) and can also be in close contact with the terminal bus bar (330) passing through the terminal hole (S1). Therefore, the space between the terminal bus bar (330) and the terminal hole (S1) can be effectively sealed. Additionally, the O-ring portion (511) passes through the terminal hole (S1) and protrudes toward the front side of the insulating cover (400). Therefore, the operator can immediately visually check the connection status of the sealing member (500), for example, whether it has been removed.

[0095] A fitting groove (511a) may be provided in the O-ring portion (511). For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the fitting groove (511a) may be formed concavely along the circumferential direction of the O-ring portion (511). As shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, when the O-ring portion (511) is coupled to the terminal hole (S1), the edge portion (401) of the terminal hole may be fitted into the fitting groove (511a). Thus, the sealing effect of the O-ring portion (511) can be doubled, and the O-ring portion (511) can be coupled to the terminal hole (S1) more stably.

[0096] FIG. 12 is a drawing for explaining a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0097] A battery pack (1) according to the present invention may have at least one of the battery modules (10) described above, and may also include a pack case (2) that accommodates the battery modules (10). Additionally, the battery pack (1) may further include various components of a battery pack known at the time of filing the present invention, such as a BMS, a busbar, a relay, a current sensor, etc.

[0098] FIG. 13 is a drawing for explaining an automobile according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0099] The above battery pack (1) may be provided in a vehicle (V) as a fuel source for the vehicle. For example, the above battery pack (1) may be provided in a vehicle (V) in an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, and other ways in which the battery pack (1) can be used as a fuel source.

[0100] The battery pack (1) and the vehicle (V) according to the present embodiment are equipped with the battery module (10) of the preceding embodiment, thereby enabling the realization of a battery pack (1) and a vehicle (V) that possess all the advantages of the battery module (10) of the preceding embodiment.

[0101] In addition, it goes without saying that the battery pack (1) may also be provided in other devices, mechanisms, and facilities, such as power storage devices using secondary batteries, in addition to the vehicle (V).

[0102] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. Various modifications are possible by those skilled in the art without departing from the essence of the invention as claimed in the claims, and such modifications should not be understood individually from the technical spirit or perspective of the present invention.

Claims

1. Module case; A cell assembly that is housed in the above module case and includes a plurality of battery cells; A busbar assembly comprising a busbar frame that covers one side of the cell assembly and guides the connection of electrode leads of the plurality of battery cells, and a terminal busbar that is electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells and provides electrical connection to the outside; An insulating cover that covers the busbar frame, electrically insulates the electrode lead of the battery cell from the module case, and has a terminal hole through which the end of the terminal busbar passes; and A battery module comprising: a sealing member that is hook-coupled to the insulating cover and seals between the terminal busbar and the terminal hole.

2. In Paragraph 1, The sealing member has a hook formed to protrude in one direction, and A battery module wherein the insulating cover is provided with a hook hook groove into which the hook is inserted and coupled, and the hook hook groove is formed such that the hook is inserted from the bottom upward.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above hook is a battery module formed to have a square cross-section.

4. In Paragraph 2, The above insulating cover is provided with a terminal penetration hole through which the terminal busbar passes, and The above hook is a battery module positioned below the terminal through hole.

5. In Paragraph 4, The above sealing member is a battery module comprising a coupling projection that is positioned on the opposite side of the hook with the terminal through hole in between and coupled to the insulating cover.

6. In Paragraph 5, A battery module having a coupling groove in which the coupling projection is forcibly fitted, provided in the insulating cover above.

7. In Paragraph 6, The above sealing member is, The above terminal through hole is provided, and a body part attached to one surface of the insulating cover facing the busbar frame, and An upper wing portion extending upward from the above body portion and having the above-mentioned coupling projection provided therein, A battery module including a lower wing portion extending downward from the body portion and having the hook provided therein.

8. In Paragraph 7, A battery module having an O-ring portion provided in the body portion, which has a ring shape corresponding to the terminal hole, is formed to protrude toward the opposite side of the busbar frame, penetrates the terminal hole, and is in close contact with the inner surface of the terminal hole.

9. In Paragraph 8, A battery module having a recess formed along the circumferential direction in the O-ring portion and a fitting groove into which the terminal hole is fitted.

10. A battery pack comprising a battery module according to any one of paragraphs 1 through 9.

11. An automobile including a battery pack pursuant to Paragraph 10.

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