Patent Publication Number: US-2023163397-A1

Title: Battery module, battery pack comprising same, and vehicle

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to a battery module, and a battery pack and a vehicle including the same, and more particularly, to a battery module having an appropriate coupling force between internal components, reduced production cost and improved manufacture efficiency, and a battery pack and a vehicle including the same. The present application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0087034 filed on Jul. 14, 2020 in the Republic of Korea, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     Recently, with the rapid increase in demand for portable electronic products such as laptop computers, video cameras, and mobile phones and the extensive development of electric vehicles, accumulators for energy storage, robots and satellites, many studies are being made on high performance secondary batteries that can be repeatedly recharged. 
     Currently, commercially available secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, lithium secondary batteries and the like, and among them, lithium secondary batteries have little or no memory effect, and thus they are gaining more attention than nickel-based secondary batteries for their advantages that recharging can be done whenever it is convenient, the self-discharge rate is very low and the energy density is high. 
     In addition, in a battery module including a plurality of battery cells, which are secondary batteries as above, when overvoltage, overcurrent or overheating occurs at the battery cells, the stability and operating efficiency of the battery module are greatly problematic, so a means for detecting and controlling them is required. As such a configuration, for example, a BMS (Battery Management System) including various elements may be used. 
     Here, when the battery module of the prior art includes a plurality of module cases for accommodating a plurality of battery cells, a plurality of fastening members such as bolts and nuts for coupling the module cases to each other or coupling the module case and an exterior housing are commonly used for assembling. 
     However, when a plurality of bolts and nuts are used, it may increase material cost and increase the weight of the battery module, and there is a disadvantage in that a lot of time is required for a large number of bolting works. 
     DISCLOSURE 
     Technical Problem 
     The present disclosure is designed to solve the problems of the related art, and therefore the present disclosure is directed to providing a battery module having an appropriate coupling force between internal components, reduced production cost and improved manufacture efficiency, and a battery pack and a vehicle including the same. 
     These and other objects and advantages of the present disclosure may be understood from the following detailed description and will become more fully apparent from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Also, it will be easily understood that the objects and advantages of the present disclosure may be realized by the means shown in the appended claims and combinations thereof 
     Technical Solution 
     In one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a battery module, comprising: a plurality of battery cells; at least two module cases respectively configured to have an inner space for accommodating the plurality of battery cells therein and to have coupling portions protruding toward each other, the at least two module cases being configured such that the coupling portion of one module case makes male-and-female coupling with the coupling portion of another module case; and a first adhesive interposed between the coupling portion of one module case and the coupling portion of another module case that make male-and-female coupling with each other. 
     Also, the coupling portion of the one module case may have a pillar shape protruding outward from an outer wall thereof, and the coupling portion of the another module case may have a tube shape with a hollow so that the pillar shape of the coupling portion of the one module case is inserted therein. 
     In addition, the one module case may include a hook formed at the pillar shape of the coupling portion, and the another module case may include a fixing groove formed in the tube shape of the coupling portion to be coupled with the hook. 
     Further, the coupling portion of the one module case may have a plurality of accommodation grooves configured so that the first adhesive is accommodated therein. 
     Also, the coupling portion of the one module case may have a spiral groove spirally extending along an outer surface of a pillar configured so that the first adhesive is accommodated therein. 
     Moreover, each of the at least two module cases may include a first frame configured to accommodate one side of the plurality of battery cells; and a second frame coupled with the first frame and configured to accommodate the other side of the plurality of battery cells. 
     In addition, among the at least two module cases, one module case may include a first coupling protrusion provided to the first frame and configured to be coupled with the second frame of the one module case; and a first protruding portion provided to the second frame and having a coupling groove configured so that the first coupling protrusion of the first frame is inserted and coupled therein, and a second coupling protrusion provided to the second frame and configured to be coupled with the second frame of another module case. 
     Further, the another module case may include a first coupling protrusion provided to the first frame and configured to be coupled with the second frame of the another module case; and a first protruding portion provided to the second frame and having a coupling groove configured to be coupled with the first coupling protrusion of the another module case, and a second protruding portion having a coupling groove configured to be coupled with the second coupling protrusion of the one module case. 
     Also, the first frame may have a fitting groove in which a protruding end of the first protruding portion of the second frame is fitted. 
     Moreover, the first frame may have a slit configured so that one side of the first protruding portion of the second frame is inserted. 
     In addition, in another aspect of the present disclosure, there is also provided a battery pack, comprising at least one battery module as described above. 
     Moreover, in another aspect of the present disclosure, there is also provided a vehicle, comprising at least one battery module as described above. 
     Advantageous Effects 
     According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, since coupling portions capable of making male-and-female coupling are provided to couple at least two module cases to each other and a first adhesive is interposed between the coupling portions, it is possible to tightly couple the at least two module cases. That is, the battery module of the present disclosure may maintain a stable fixed state because relative movements of the module cases may be bound in the left and right direction and the front and rear direction by means of the coupling portions and the first adhesive. Accordingly, it is possible to effectively increase the durability of the battery module. 
     Moreover, compared with the prior art in which bolts are used to couple at least two module cases with each other, in the present disclosure, bolts are not necessary, and thus it is possible to reduce material cost, simplify the coupling process, and effectively increase the manufacturing efficiency. 
     In addition, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, since a hook coupling may be achieved between the first frame and the second frame of one module case, namely between the first coupling protrusion and the coupling groove formed at the first protruding portion, a separate bolt is not used, and thus it is possible to reduce material cost and effectively increase the manufacturing efficiency through a simplified coupling process. 
     Moreover, since the second frame of another module case includes the second protruding portion configured to be coupled with the second frame of one module case and the one module case includes the second coupling protrusion coupled with the coupling groove of the second protruding portion, it is possible to achieve mechanical coupling between one module case and another module case without using a separate bolt, thereby reducing material cost and effectively increasing the manufacturing efficiency through a simplified coupling process. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings illustrate a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure and together with the foregoing disclosure, serve to provide further understanding of the technical features of the present disclosure, and thus, the present disclosure is not construed as being limited to the drawing. 
         FIG.  1    is a front perspective view schematically showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  2    is a rear perspective view schematically showing the battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  3    is a perspective view schematically showing one module case and the like of the battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  4    is an exploded perspective view schematically showing some components of the battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  5    is a perspective view schematically showing another module case and the like of the battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  6    is an exploded perspective view schematically showing some components of the battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  7    is a partial sectional schematically showing a part of the battery module, taken along the C-C′ line of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  8    is a partial sectional schematically showing a part of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  9    is a partial sectional schematically showing a part of a battery module according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  10    is a partial sectional schematically showing a part of a battery module according to further another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  11    is an enlarged view schematically showing a part of a battery module according to still further another embodiment, which corresponds to a region A of  FIG.  3   . 
     
    
    
     BEST MODE 
     Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Prior to the description, it should be understood that the terms used in the specification and the appended claims should not be construed as limited to general and dictionary meanings, but interpreted based on the meanings and concepts corresponding to technical aspects of the present disclosure on the basis of the principle that the inventor is allowed to define terms appropriately for the best explanation. 
     Therefore, the description proposed herein is just a preferable example for the purpose of illustrations only, not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, so it should be understood that other equivalents and modifications could be made thereto without departing from the scope of the disclosure. 
       FIG.  1    is a front perspective view schematically showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIG.  2    is a rear perspective view schematically showing the battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIG.  3    is a perspective view schematically showing one module case and the like of the battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIG.  4    is an exploded perspective view schematically showing some components of the battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIG.  5    is a perspective view schematically showing another module case and the like of the battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIG.  6    is an exploded perspective view schematically showing some components of the battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In addition,  FIG.  7    is a partial sectional schematically showing a part of the battery module, taken along the C-C′ line of  FIG.  1   . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1  to  7   , a battery module  100  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of cylindrical battery cells  110 , at least two module cases  141 ,  142  , and a first adhesive  150 . 
     Specifically, for example, as shown in  FIGS.  3  and  4   , the plurality of cylindrical battery cells  110  may include a battery can  116 , and a positive electrode terminal  111  and a negative electrode terminal  112  formed at one side (a right side, a positive direction of the X-axis) of a body of the battery can  116 . Conversely, in the plurality of cylindrical battery cells  110  accommodated in another module case  142  of  FIG.  6   , a positive electrode terminal  111  and a negative electrode terminal  112  may be located at the other side (a left side, a negative direction of the X-axis in  FIG.  1   ) of the body of the battery can  116 . 
     In addition, the positive electrode terminal  111  may have an outer surface in a disk shape exposed to the outside. The negative electrode terminal  112  may be a rim portion at a position spaced apart from the positive electrode terminal  111 . The positive electrode terminal  111  and the negative electrode terminal  112  may be spaced apart by a predetermined distance. The positive electrode terminal  111  and the negative electrode terminal  112  may be configured to be electrically insulated from each other. In addition, the portion of the positive electrode terminal  111  of the cylindrical battery cell  110  exposed to the outside may have a larger than that of the negative electrode terminal  112 . 
     Moreover, the cylindrical battery cell  110  may include an electrode assembly (not shown) electrically connected to each of the positive electrode terminal  111  and the negative electrode terminal  112  and accommodated in the battery can  116 . Such components of the cylindrical battery cell  110  are widely known to those skilled in the art at the time of filing of this application and thus will not be described in detail here. 
     Further, the plurality of cylindrical battery cells  110  may be arranged in the upper and lower direction (Z-axis direction) and the front and rear direction (Y-axis direction). The plurality of cylindrical battery cells  110  may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval. For example, as shown in  FIG.  4   , the plurality of cylindrical battery cells  110  may be arranged in the front and rear direction (Y-axis direction) and the left and right direction (X-axis direction). 
     In addition, each of the at least two module cases  141 ,  142  may have an inner space for accommodating the plurality of cylindrical battery cells  110  therein. The inner space may have an inner shape formed to surround the outer surface of the cylindrical battery cell  110 . 
     Moreover, the at least two module cases  141 ,  142  may be configured to be coupled with each other. For example, as shown in  FIG.  1   , one module case  141  (a first module case) located at a left side and another module case  142  (a second module case) located at a right side may be coupled with each other. To this end, the at least two module cases  141 ,  142  may include coupling portions  146   p,    148   p,  respectively, which protrude toward each other. The coupling portion  146   p  of one module case  141  among the at least two module cases  141 ,  142  may have a shape protruding toward the coupling portion  148   p  of another module case  142 . The coupling portion  148   p  of another module case  142  may have a shape protruding toward the coupling portion  146   p  of the one module case  141 . 
     In addition, the coupling portion  146   p  of one module case  141  may be configured to make male-and-female coupling with the coupling portion  148   p  of another module case  142 . For example, as shown in  FIG.  4   , the battery module  100  may include two module cases  141 ,  142 . Among the two module cases  141 ,  142 , the module case  141  located at the left and the module case  142  located at the right may be coupled by means of male-and-female coupling of the coupling portions  146   p,    148   p  respectively formed therein. A plurality of coupling portions  146   p  protruding in the right direction may be provided to one module case  141  located at the left side. A plurality of coupling portions  148   p  protruding in the left direction may be provided to another module case  142  located at the right side. The coupling portions  146   p  of one module case  141  located at the left side and the coupling portions  148   p  of another module case  142  located at the right side may make male-and-female coupling with each other. 
     Referring to  FIG.  7    along with  FIGS.  1  and  3   , the first adhesive  150  may be configured to be interposed between the coupling portion  146   p  of one module case  141  and the coupling portion  148   p  of another module case  142 , which make male-and-female coupling with each other. For example, as shown in  FIG.  7   , the coupling portion  146   p  of one module case  141  and the coupling portion  148   p  of another module case  142  make male-and-female coupling with each other, and the first adhesive  150  may be interposed between the two coupling portions  146   p,    148   p.    
     For example, the first adhesive  150  may be a solidified adhesive. The adhesive  150  may have transparency and electrical insulation. The first adhesive  150  may be a glue or a hot-melt resin. For example, the first adhesive  150  may include at least one of a polyamide-based resin, a polyimide-based resin, an epoxy-based resin, and an acrylic resin. 
     Also, after the first adhesive  150  is applied to an empty space inside the coupling portion  148   p  of the another module case  142 , the coupling portion  146   p  of the one module case  141  may be inserted into the empty space inside the coupling portion  148   p  of the another module case  142 . In this insertion process, the first adhesive  150  may be interposed between the coupling portion  146   p  of one module case  141  and the coupling portion  148   p of another module case  142 .    
     Therefore, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, in the present disclosure, since the coupling portions  146   p,    148   p  making male-and-female coupling with each other are provided to couple at least two module cases  141 ,  142  with each other and the first adhesive  150  is interposed between the coupling portions  146   p,    148   p,  it is possible to firmly couple the at least two module cases  141 ,  142 . That is, the battery module of the present disclosure may maintain a stable fixation state because relative movements of the module cases  141 ,  142  may be bound in the left and right direction and the front and rear directions by means of the coupling portions  146   p,    148   p  and the first adhesive  150 . Accordingly, it is possible to effectively increase the durability of the battery module  100 . 
     Moreover, compared with the prior art in which bolts are used to couple at least two module cases  141 ,  142  with each other, in the present disclosure, bolts are not necessary, and thus it is possible to reduce material cost, simplify the coupling process, and effectively increase the manufacturing efficiency. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  3 ,  5  and  7    again, more specifically, the coupling portion  146   p  of the one module case  141  may have a pillar shape protruding outward from an outer wall thereof. The coupling portion  146   p  of the one module case  141  may have a pillar shape to be inserted into a tube shape of the coupling portion  148   p  of another module case  142 . In this case, the pillar shape may be a circular pillar shape, a triangular pillar shape, a rectangular pillar shape, or a pentagonal pillar shape. 
     In addition, the coupling portion  148   p  of the another module case  142  may have an inner space of a size corresponding to the outer shape of the coupling portion  146   p  of the one module case  141 . For example, the coupling portion  148   p  of the another module case  142  may have a tube shape (hollow) having an empty inside so that the pillar shape of the coupling portion  146   p  of the one module case  141  is inserted therein. The coupling portion  148   p  of the another module case  142  may have a circular tube shape, a triangular tube shape, a rectangular tube shape, or a pentagonal tube shape with one side blocked. 
     For example, as shown in  FIGS.  3 ,  5  and  7   , any one of the coupling portions  146   p  of the one module case  141  may have a rectangular pillar shape. Among the coupling portions  148   p  of the another module case  142 , the coupling portion  148   p  corresponding to the coupling portion  146   p  having a rectangular pillar shape may have a rectangular tube shape with one side blocked. The coupling portion  146   p  of one module case  141  may be inserted into the inner space of the coupling portion  148   p  of another module case  142  having a rectangular tube shape. In this case, the coupling portion  146   p  of one module case  141  and the coupling portion  148   p  of the another module case  142  may be bound to each other by the first adhesive  150 . 
     Therefore, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, in the present disclosure, since the coupling portion  146   p  of one module case  141  has a pillar shape and the coupling portion  148   p  of another module case  142  has a tube shape, the two coupling portions  146   p,    148   p  may make male-and-female coupling with each other. In addition, since relative movements of the at least two module cases  141 ,  142  of the present disclosure may be constrained in the left and right direction and the upper and lower direction by the form of these coupling portions  146   p,    148   p,  it is possible to maintain a stable fixed state. Accordingly, the durability of the battery module  100  may be effectively increased. 
       FIG.  8    is a partial sectional schematically showing a part of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIG.  8   , coupling portions  146   p   1 ,  148   p   1  of the battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may have different shapes from the coupling portions  146   p,    148   p  shown in  FIG.  7   . Other configurations are the same as those of the battery module  100  shown in  FIG.  1   . 
     Specifically, at least two module cases  141 A,  142 A of the battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may have a hook H provided to the coupling portion  146   p   1  of the pillar shape of the one module case  141 A. The hook H may have a protrusion shape protruding outward from the pillar-shaped outer surface of the coupling portion  146   p   1 . In addition, the coupling portion  148   p   1  of another module case  142 A having a tube shape may have a fixing groove G 1  capable of being coupled with the hook H. That is, the fixing groove G 1  may be formed in the inner space of the tube shape of the coupling portion  148   p   1 . The fixing groove G 1  may be provided in a groove shape of a predetermined size so that the hook H may be hooked and mounted therein. 
     For example, as shown in  FIG.  8   , the coupling portion  148   p   1  provided to one module case  141 A of the battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may have two hooks H. The coupling portion  148   p  of another module case  142 A may have two fixing grooves G 1  so that the two hooks H are inserted and hooked in the tube shape. 
     Therefore, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, since the coupling portions  146   p,    148   p  provided to the at least two module cases  141 A,  142 A of the battery module  100  according to another embodiment of the present disclosure have the hook H and the fixing groove G 1 , respectively, As a result, the two coupling portions  146   p,    148   p  may be mechanically fastened. Accordingly, it is possible to achieve a strong coupling between the at least two module cases  141 A,  142 A, thereby effectively increasing the durability of the battery module. 
     In this embodiment, the fastening force between the at least two module cases  141 A,  142 A may be further improved by means of the hook H and the fixing groove G 1  for hooking of the hook H. 
     Accordingly, in this embodiment, compared to the prior art in which bolts are used to couple at least two module cases  141 A,  142 A with each other, additional bolts or nuts are not necessary by using hook coupling through the hook H and the fixing groove G 1 , and thus it is possible to reduce material cost and simplify the coupling process, thereby effectively increasing the manufacturing efficiency. 
     Therefore, in this embodiment, since separate bolts and nuts are not used, it is possible to reduce material cost and effectively increase the manufacture efficiency through a simplified coupling process. 
       FIG.  9    is a partial sectional schematically showing a part of a battery module according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIG.  9   , a coupling portion  146   p   2  of the battery module according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure may have a different form from the coupling portion  146   p  shown in  FIG.  7   . Other configurations are the same as those of the battery module  100  shown in  FIG.  1   . 
     Specifically, in at least two module cases  141 B,  142 B of the battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of accommodation groove G 2   s  configured to accommodate the first adhesive  150  may be formed at the coupling portion  146   p   2  of the one module case  141 B. For example, the accommodation grooves G 2  may have a shape such as dimples formed on the surface of a golf ball. 
     For example, as shown in  FIG.  9   , when the coupling portion  146   p   2  of the one module case  141 B is inserted into the inner space of the coupling portion  148   p   2  of the another module case  142 B having a tube shape, the first adhesive  150  added to the inner space of the coupling portion  148   p   2  having a tube shape may be accommodated in the inner space of the accommodation grooves G 2  of the another module case  142 B. Accordingly, a sufficient amount of the first adhesive  150  may be accommodated between the coupling portion  146   p   2  of the one module case  141 B and the coupling portion  148   p   2  of the another module case  142 B. 
     Therefore, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, in the present disclosure, since a plurality of accommodation grooves G 2  configured to accommodate the first adhesive  150  are formed at the coupling portion  146   p   2  of one module case  141 B, a sufficient amount of the first adhesive  150  may be accommodated on the surface of the coupling portion, and thus it is possible to effectively improve the coupling force between the coupling portion  146   p   2  of the one module case  141 B and the coupling portion  148   p   2  of the another module case  142 B. Accordingly, it is possible to achieve a strong coupling between the at least two module cases  141 B,  142 B, thereby effectively increasing the durability of the battery module. 
       FIG.  10    is a partial sectional schematically showing a part of a battery module according to further another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIG.  10   , a coupling portion  146   p   3  of the battery module according to further another embodiment of the present disclosure may have a different form from the coupling portion  146   p  shown in  FIG.  7   . Other configurations are the same as those of the battery module  100  shown in  FIG.  1   . 
     In the coupling portion  146   p   3  of the one module case  141 C of the battery module according to further another embodiment of the present disclosure, a spiral groove G 3  spirally extending along the outer surface of the pillar configured to accommodate the first adhesive  150  may be formed. When the coupling portion  146   p   3  of the one module case  141 C is inserted into the inner space of coupling portion  148   p   3  of another module case  142 C having a tube shape, the spiral groove G 3  may be configured such that the first adhesive  150  accommodated in the inner space of the coupling portion  148   p   3  of another module case  142 C may be accommodated therein. The first adhesive  150  accommodated in the spiral groove G 3  may be cured to bind the coupling portion  146   p   3  of the one module case  141 C and the coupling portion  148   p   3  of the another module case  142 C. 
     Therefore, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, in the present disclosure, by forming the spiral groove G 3  at the coupling portion  146   p   3  of one module case  141 C, the first adhesive  150  may be cured along the spiral groove G 3 , and thus it is possible to effectively block the force by which the coupling portion  146   p   3  of the one module case  141 C inserted into the coupling portion  148   p   3  of the another module case  142 C is separated in a direction opposite to the insertion direction. Accordingly, it is possible to achieve a strong coupling between the at least two module cases  141 C,  142 C, thereby effectively increasing the durability of the battery module. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1  to  6    again, the at least two module cases  141 ,  142  of the battery module  100  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include first frames  145 ,  147 , and second frames  146 ,  148 , respectively. Specifically, the first frame  145  may be configured to accommodate one side of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells  110 . The second frame  146  may be coupled to the first frame  145  and configured to accommodate the other side of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells  110 . 
     For example, as shown in  FIG.  4   , one module case  141  located at the left side may include a first frame  145  configured to accommodate the left side of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells  110 , and a second frame  146  coupled to the first frame  145  and configured to accommodate the right side of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells  110 . In this case, a second adhesive (not shown) for fixing the plurality of cylindrical battery cells  110  may be filled inside the one module case  141 . 
     For example, as shown in  FIG.  6   , the another module case  142  located at the right side may include a first frame  147  configured to accommodate the right side of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells  110 , and a second frame  148  coupled to the first frame  147  and configured to accommodate the left side of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells  110 . In this case, a second adhesive (not shown) for fixing the plurality of cylindrical battery cells  110  may be filled inside the another module case  142 . 
     In addition, among the at least two module cases  141 ,  142 , one module case  141  may include a first coupling protrusion P 1  at the first frame  145 . The first coupling protrusion P 1  may be configured to be coupled with the second frame  146  of the one module case  141 . For example, as shown in  FIG.  4   , four first coupling protrusions P 1  may be provided on the front surface of the first frame in the front and rear direction (Y-axis direction). As shown in  FIG.  2   , four first coupling protrusions P 1  may also be provided on the rear surface of the first frame. 
     In addition, the one module case  141  may include a first protruding portion E 1  and a second coupling protrusion P 2  at the second frame  146 . The first protruding portion E 1  may have a coupling groove G 4  configured so that the first coupling protrusion P 1  of the first frame  145  of the one module case  141  I inserted and coupled therein. The first protruding portion E 1  may have a shape protruding toward the first coupling protrusion P 1  of the first frame  145 . The second coupling protrusion P 2  may be configured to be coupled with the second frame  148  of the another module case  142 . For example, as shown in  FIG.  4   , three first protruding portions E 1  may be provided on the front surface of the second frame  146  of the one module case  141 . As shown in  FIG.  2   , three first protruding portions E 1  may also be provided on the rear surface of the second frame  146  of the one module case  141 . 
     Moreover, as shown in  FIG.  6   , among the at least two module cases  141 ,  142 , another module case  142  may include a first coupling protrusion P 1  at the first frame  147 . The first coupling protrusion P 1  may be configured to be coupled with the second frame  148  of the another module case  14 . 
     For example, as shown in  FIG.  6   , four first coupling protrusions P 1  may be provided on the front surface of the first frame  147  of the another module case  142  located at the right side. In addition, as shown in  FIG.  2   , four first coupling protrusions P 1  may also be provided on the rear surface of the second frame  148 . 
     In addition, the another module case  142  may include a first protruding portion E 1  and a second protruding portion E 2  at the second frame  148  of the another module case  142 . The first protruding portion E 1  may have a coupling groove G 4  configured to be coupled with the first coupling protrusion P 1  of the another module case  142 . The second protruding portion E 2  may have a coupling groove G 4  configured to be coupled with the second coupling protrusion P 2  of the second frame  146  of the one module case  141 . 
     For example, as shown in  FIG.  6   , four first protruding portions E 1  may be provided at the front portion of the second frame  148  of the another module case  142 . As shown in  FIG.  2   , four first protruding portions E 1  may also be provided at the rear portion of the second frame of the another module case  142 . Also, as shown in  FIG.  6   , three second protruding portions E 2  may be provided at the front portion of the second frame  148  of the another module case  142 . As shown in  FIG.  2   , three second protruding portions E 2  may be provided at the rear portion of the second frame  148  of the another module case  142 . 
     Therefore, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, in the present disclosure, since a hook coupling may be achieved between the first frame  145  and the second frame  146  of one module case  141 , namely between the first coupling protrusion P 1  and the coupling groove G 4  formed at the first protruding portion E 1 , a separate bolt is not used, and thus it is possible to reduce material cost and effectively increase the manufacturing efficiency through a simplified coupling process. Moreover, since the second frame  148  of another module case  142  includes the second protruding portion E 2  configured to be coupled with the second frame  146  of one module case  141  and the one module case  141  includes the second coupling protrusion P 2  coupled with the coupling groove G 4  of the second protruding portion E 2 , it is possible to achieve mechanical coupling between one module case  141  and another module case  142  without using a separate bolt, thereby reducing material cost and effectively increasing the manufacturing efficiency through a simplified coupling process. 
       FIG.  11    is an enlarged view schematically showing a part of a battery module according to still further another embodiment, which corresponds to a region A of  FIG.  3   . Referring to  FIG.  11    along with  FIG.  3   , the first frame  145  of one module case  141 D of a battery module according to still further another embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a fitting groove G 5  so that a protruding end of the first protruding portion E 1  of the second frame  146  described above is fitted therein, compared with the one module case  141  of  FIG.  3   . For example, the first frame  145  may have three fitting grooves G 5  so that the ends of the three first protruding portions E 1  are fitted therein, respectively. The fitting groove G 5  may be a part of the one module case  141 D protruding from the outer surface thereof in the form of an ‘F’. 
     Therefore, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, in the present disclosure, since the first frame  145  has the fitting groove G 5  so that the protruding end of the first protruding portion E 1  of the second frame  146  is fitted therein, it is possible to effectively prevent the first protruding portion E 1  of the second frame  146  from being separated from the first coupling protrusion P 1  provided at the first frame  145  as the first protruding portion E 1  of the second frame  146  is spread forward or rearward. Accordingly, it is possible to achieve a stable coupling between the first frame  145  and the second frame  146  of the one module case  141 D, thereby effectively increasing the durability of the battery module. 
     Meanwhile, referring to  FIG.  11    along with  FIG.  3   , the first frame  145  of one module case  141 D of the battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may have a slit S configured so that a side portion of the first protruding portion E 1  of the second frame is inserted therein, compared with the one module case  141  of  FIG.  3   . For example, as shown in  FIG.  11   , the first frame  145  may have two slits S. The two slits S may be configured so that both sides of the first protruding portion E 1  of the second frame  146  in the upper and lower direction (Z-axis direction) are respectively inserted therein. The slit S may be formed by indenting a portion of the one module case  141 D in a shape protruding outward from the outer surface. Here, the indented shape may correspond to the end of the first protruding portion E 1 . 
     Therefore, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, in the present disclosure, since the first frame  145  has the slit S configured so that the side of the first protruding portion E 1  of the second frame  146  is inserted therein, the first protruding portion E 1  of the second frame  146  may guide the movement direction of the first frame  145  moving toward the first coupling protrusion P 1 . Moreover, it is possible to effectively prevent that the first protruding portion E 1  is separated from the first coupling protrusion P 1  provided to the first frame  145  as the first protruding portion E 1  of the second frame  146  is spread forward or backward. Accordingly, it is possible to achieve a stable coupling between the first frame  145  and the second frame  146  of the one module case  141 D, thereby effectively increasing the durability of the battery module. 
     Meanwhile, referring to  FIGS.  4  and  6    again, the battery module  100  further includes a bus bar  120  configured to electrically connect the plurality of cylindrical battery cells  110 . The bus bar  120  may include an electrically conductive material. For example, the bus bar  120  may include at least one of a copper alloy, an aluminum alloy, and a nickel alloy. The bus bar  120  may have a plate shape. The bus bar  120  may have a shape in which a portion thereof is bent at least once. 
     In addition, the bus bar  120  may be mounted to an outside of the module case  141 . In this case, a third adhesive (not shown) may be interposed between the bus bar  120  and the module case  141 . For example, as shown in  FIGS.  3  and  4   , eight bus bars  120  may be mounted at the right side of the module case  141 . At this time, among the  8  bus bars  120 , the bus bars  120 a,  120 b located at the top and bottom, respectively, may have a different shape from the other  6  bus bars  120 . In addition, the bus bars  120  positioned at the top and bottom may be configured to electrically connect only the positive electrode terminals  111  or the negative electrode terminals  112  of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells  110 . The remaining six bus bars  120  will be described later in more detail. 
     Meanwhile, referring to  FIGS.  3  and  4    again, each of the at least two or more types of connection members  130  may include an electrically conductive material. For example, the connection member  130  may include at least one of a copper alloy, an aluminum alloy, and a nickel alloy. The connection member  130  may have an elongated body. In other words, the connection member  130  may have a strip shape or a wire shape with an elongated body. One end of the connection member  130  at which the body extends may be bonded to the bus bar  120 . In addition, one end of the connection member  130  may be welded to the outer surface of the bus bar  120 . For example, the welding method may be ultrasonic welding. 
     In addition, the other end of the connection member  130  may be bonded to any one of the positive electrode terminal  111  and the negative electrode terminal  112 . At this time, the other end of the connection member  130  may be welded to the outer surface of the positive electrode terminal  111  or the negative electrode terminal  112 . For example, the welding method may be ultrasonic welding. 
     In addition, the at least two or more types of connection members  130  may include a first connection member  131  connected to the negative electrode terminal  112 , and a second connection member  132  connected to the positive electrode terminal  111 . For example, as shown in  FIG.  3   , one end of the first connection member  131  may be bonded to the bus bar  120 , and the other end thereof may be bonded to the negative electrode terminal  112  of the cylindrical battery cell  110 . One end of the second connection member  132  may be bonded to the bus bar  120 , and the other end thereof may be bonded to the positive electrode terminal  111  of the cylindrical battery cell  110 . 
     The first connection member  131  may have a wire shape elongated in the longitudinal direction. For example, as shown in  FIG.  3   , one end of the wire shape of the first connection member  131  may be bonded to the bus bar  120 . The other end of the wire shape of the first connection member  131  may be bonded to the negative electrode terminal  112 . Since the wire shape has a shape elongated in the longitudinal direction with a narrow diameter, the first connection member  131  has a shape optimized for bonding with the negative electrode terminal  112 , which has a narrow outer surface exposed to the outside, compared to the positive electrode terminal  111 . 
     The second connection member  132  may have a strap shape elongated in the longitudinal direction. For example, as shown in  FIG.  3   , one end of the strap shape of the second connection member  132  may be bonded to the bus bar  120 . The other end of the strap shape of the second connection member  132  may be bonded to the positive electrode terminal  111 . The second connection member  132  may have a plate shape that is rectangular in a plan view. One surface of the other end of the second connection member  132  facing the positive electrode terminal  111  may be bonded to the outer surface of the positive electrode terminal  111 . One surface of one end of the second connection member  132  facing the bus bar  120  may be bonded to the outer surface of the bus bar  120 . 
     Therefore, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, since the present disclosure includes the bus bar  120  and the at least two or more types of connection members  130  having a different bonding area depending on the terminal to be bonded among the positive electrode terminal  111  and the negative electrode terminal  112 , the bonding area between the connection member  130  and the positive electrode terminal  111  or the negative electrode terminal  112  may be optimized. 
     That is, compared to the prior art in which the bus bar  120  is connected to the positive electrode terminal  111  or the negative electrode terminal  112  using a single type of connection member  130 , in the present disclosure, the bonding area may be set differently depending on the type of terminal to which at least two or more types of connection members  130  are bonded. Accordingly, in the present disclosure, even when the battery module  100  is mounted to a vehicle exposed to an environment where frequent vibrations and shocks occur, it is possible to effectively prevent the bonding portion between the connection member  130  and the positive electrode terminal  111  or the negative electrode terminal  112  from being separated. Ultimately, the durability of the battery module  100  may be effectively improved. 
     Meanwhile, referring to  FIG.  1   , a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one battery module  100  as described above and a battery management system (BMS)  160  electrically connected to the bus bar  120  of the battery module  100 . The BMS  160  may include various circuits or elements to control charging and discharging of the plurality of battery cells. 
     Meanwhile, a vehicle (not shown) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one battery module  100  as described above and an accommodation space for accommodating the battery module  100 . For example, the vehicle may be an electric vehicle, an electric scooter, an electric wheelchair, or an electric bike. 
     Meanwhile, the terms indicating directions as used herein such as upper, lower, left, right, front and rear are used for convenience of description only, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that the term may change depending on the position of the stated element or an observer. 
     The present disclosure has been described in detail. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the disclosure, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the scope of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.