Patent Description:
The lithium secondary battery mainly uses lithium-based oxides and carbonaceous materials as a positive electrode active material and a negative electrode active material, respectively. The lithium secondary battery includes an electrode assembly in which a positive electrode plate coated with the positive electrode active material and a negative electrode plate coated with the negative electrode active material are disposed with a separator being interposed therebetween, and an exterior, namely a pouch exterior, sealably containing the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte.

Generally, the lithium secondary battery may be classified into a can-type secondary battery in which an electrode assembly is included in a metal can and a pouch-type secondary battery in which an electrode assembly is included in a pouch made of an aluminum sheet, depending on the shape of the exterior.

In recent years, secondary batteries have been widely used not only in small-sized devices such as portable electronic devices but also in medium-sized or large-sized devices such as vehicles and power storage devices. When the secondary batteries are used in the middle-sized or large-sized devices, a large number of secondary batteries are electrically connected to increase capacity and power. In particular, pouch-type secondary batteries are widely used for the middle-sized or large-sized devices since they may be easily stacked.

In addition, in order for the secondary battery to be electrically connected inside the battery module, the electrode leads are connected to each other, and the connection portions are welded to maintain the connection. Further, the battery module may have parallel and/or serial electrical connections between the secondary batteries, and for this, one end of the electrode lead is fixed by welding or the like in contact with a bus bar for electrical connection between the secondary batteries.

Also, the electrical connection between the secondary batteries is frequently performed by bonding the electrode leads to the bus bar. At this time, in order to electrically connect the secondary batteries in parallel, electrode leads of the same polarity are connected to each other. Also, in order to electrically connect the secondary batteries in series, electrode leads of different polarities are connected to each other.

Further, in order to apply a plurality of the bus bars, the battery module includes a bus bar frame made of an insulating material on which the bus bars may be mounted.

However, in the electrical connection of the plurality of secondary batteries applied to the existing battery module, namely among the secondary batteries applied, it is needed to change the kind of the bus bars and the shape of the bus bar frame whenever the number of secondary batteries electrically connected in series and the number of secondary batteries connected in parallel are changed.

In addition, at the bus bar assemblies respectively applied to a front portion and a rear side of the battery module, the bus bar frames respectively applied to the front portion and the rear side should be designed to have different shapes depending on whether the module bus bar for mounting the module terminal is applied or not. Accordingly, it is necessary to fabricate two types of bus bar frames at one battery module, thereby causing an increase in the manufacturing cost.

As a result, in the conventional technique, since the design of the bus bar frame should be changed frequently due to the design change of the battery module, the shapes of the bus bar and the bus bar frame are dualized more severely, and the redesign of the bus bar and the bus bar frame increases a design cost and requires the fabrication of a new mold. Moreover, due to the verification work for a fabricated product, the manufacturing cost is increased and the manufacturing time is elongated.

Therefore, it is necessary to provide a battery module capable with a reduced manufacturing cost of a product through a design change of the inner configuration.

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, which may have a reduced manufacturing cost of a product through a design change of the inner configuration.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a battery module, comprising:.

Also, the bus bar has a plate shape, and a perforation hole perforated in the front and rear direction is formed in the plate shape of the bus bar.

Further, the bus bar fixing portion may have a hook structure whose hook shape is elongated in the right and left direction to press at least one of the top end and the bottom end of the bus bar in the inward direction.

In addition, the bus bar fixing portion has an insert groove into which at least one of the top end and the bottom end of the bus bar is inserted, the insert groove having an upward or downward recess elongated in the right and left direction.

Moreover, a plurality of fixing protrusions protruding toward the bus bar is formed at predetermined intervals on an inner surface of the insert groove.

Also, a fitting groove having an upward recess is formed at an end of the bus bar so that the fixing protrusion is inserted therein.

Further, a distance adjusting rod disposed between the plurality of bus bars and elongated in the right and left direction may be inserted into the insert groove.

In addition, a compressing protrusion configured to press the bottom end of the bus bar in the outward direction may be formed at an inner surface of the insert groove.

Moreover, the open portion of the bus bar may be opened in a length greater than the length of the bus bar in the right and left direction.

Also, the open portion of the bus bar may have a single opening so that a rear surface of the plurality of bus bars mounted to the outer side surface is partially exposed inwards.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, there is also provided a battery pack, comprising the battery module as above.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, there is also provided a vehicle, comprising the battery pack as above.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, since the battery module includes a bus bar fixing portion so that the position of the bus bar in the right and left direction may be freely set at the bus bar frame, a bus bar open portion is provided to form an opening through which the perforation hole of the bus bar is exposed inwards by changing the position of the bus bar in the right and left direction, without any influence due to the change of position of the bus bar caused by a design change. Therefore, it is possible to reset the position of the bus bar in the right and left direction without changing the design of the bus bar frame.

Further, according to this embodiment of the present disclosure, since the bus bar fixing portion has a hook structure and an insert groove extending in the right and left direction so that the position to which the bus bar is fixed may be freely set, even though the size or position of the bus bar is changed due to a design change of the battery module, it is possible to use the existing bus bar frame without designing or manufacturing the bus bar frame newly, thereby greatly reducing the production cost of the battery module.

In addition, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, since the bus bar frame has a separate hook structure to fix the module bus bar, even though the module bus bar is not applied to the bus bar frame, it is possible to use the existing bus bar frame, without change the design of the bus bar frame. Accordingly, the bus bar frame may be applied to both front and rear sides of the battery module, thereby effectively reducing the design cost and manufacturing cost of the bus bar frame.

Moreover, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, since by using the coupling structure between a fixing protrusion formed in the insert groove provided at the bus bar fixing portion and a fitting groove formed at the bus bar, the present disclosure is possible to prevent the bus bar from moving in the right and left direction at the set position. In addition, the insert groove may guide the rotational movement so that a top end of the bus bar may be inserted into the hook structure after the bus bar is inserted into the insert groove, thereby improving the manufacturing efficiency of the bus bar assembly.

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 modifications could be made thereto within the scope of the appended claims.

<FIG> is a perspective view schematically showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In addition, <FIG> is a side view schematically showing a secondary battery employed at the battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a battery module <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a cell assembly <NUM> and a bus bar assembly <NUM>.

Here, the cell assembly <NUM> may include a plurality of secondary batteries <NUM> arranged in the right and left direction.

Specifically, the secondary battery <NUM> may be a pouch-type secondary battery <NUM>. In particular, the pouch-type secondary battery <NUM> may include an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, and a pouch <NUM>.

Here, the pouch <NUM> may have an accommodation portion <NUM> of a concave shape. Also, the accommodation assembly <NUM> may accommodate the electrode assembly (not shown) and the electrolyte (not shown). In addition, the pouch includes an outer insulation layer, a metal layer and an inner adhesive layer, and the inner adhesive layers are adhered to each other at a rim portion of the pouch <NUM> to form a sealing portion. Further, terrace portions S may be respectively formed at both ends of the pouch <NUM> where a positive electrode lead <NUM> and a negative electrode lead <NUM> are formed.

In addition, the electrode assembly is an assembly of an electrode and a separator, and at least one positive electrode plate and at least one negative electrode plate may disposed with a separator interposed therebetween. The positive electrode plate of the electrode assembly includes a positive electrode tab, and at least one positive electrode tab may be connected to the positive electrode lead <NUM>.

Here, one end of the positive electrode lead <NUM> is connected to the positive electrode tab and the other end thereof is exposed out of the pouch <NUM>. The exposed portion may function as an electrode terminal of the secondary battery <NUM>, for example a positive electrode terminal of the secondary battery <NUM>.

In addition, the negative electrode plate of the electrode assembly includes a negative electrode tab, and at least one negative electrode tab may be connected to the negative electrode lead <NUM>. Also, one end of the negative electrode lead <NUM> is connected to the negative electrode tab and the other end thereof is exposed out of the pouch <NUM>. The exposed portion may serve as an electrode terminal of the secondary battery <NUM>, for example a negative electrode terminal of the secondary battery <NUM>.

Further, the positive electrode lead <NUM> and the negative electrode lead <NUM> may be formed at both ends opposite to each other based on the center of the secondary battery <NUM>. That is, the positive electrode lead <NUM> may be provided at one end portion with respect to the center of the secondary battery <NUM>. In addition, the negative electrode lead <NUM> may be provided at the other end portion with respect to the center of the secondary battery <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, each secondary battery <NUM> may be respectively configured so that the positive electrode lead <NUM> and the negative electrode lead <NUM> protrude forward and backward, respectively.

Thus, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, in one secondary battery <NUM>, there is no interference between the positive electrode lead <NUM> and the negative electrode lead <NUM>, and thus it is possible to broaden the area of the electrode lead <NUM>.

Also, the positive electrode lead <NUM> and the negative electrode lead <NUM> may be configured to have a plate form. In particular, the positive electrode lead <NUM> and the negative electrode lead <NUM> may protrude horizontally in a standing state so that their broad surfaces face left and right.

In addition, the secondary battery <NUM> may be provided in plural in the battery module <NUM>, and the plurality of secondary batteries <NUM> may be arranged to be stacked in at least one direction. For example, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a plurality of pouch-type secondary batteries <NUM> may be stacked one on another in parallel in the right and left direction.

At this time, each pouch-type secondary battery <NUM> may be disposed to stand approximately perpendicular to the ground so that two broad surfaces positioned are respectively located at left and right and the sealing portions are located at upper, lower, front and rear portions, when viewed in the direction F (shown in <FIG>). In other words, each secondary battery <NUM> may be configured in a vertically standing form. Meanwhile, in this specification, the upper, lower, front, rear, right and left directions are set based on the direction F, unless otherwise specified.

However, the battery module <NUM> according to the present disclosure is not limited to the pouch-type secondary battery <NUM> described above, and various kinds of secondary batteries <NUM> known at the time of filing of this application may be employed.

<FIG> is a partially enlarged perspective view showing a portion C' of the battery module of <FIG>. In addition, <FIG> is a horizontally sectioned view schematically showing the battery module, taken along the line A-A' of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> together with <FIG>, the bus bar assembly <NUM> may be located at the front or rear of the cell assembly <NUM>. In addition, the bus bar assembly <NUM> includes a plurality of bus bars <NUM> and a bus bar frame <NUM>.

Specifically, the bus bar <NUM> may have a conductive material to electrically connect the plurality of secondary batteries <NUM>. That is, the bus bar <NUM> may have a conductive material with relatively high electrical conductivity at a region that is in contact with the electrode lead <NUM> provided at each of the plurality of secondary batteries <NUM>. For example, the bus bar may have a copper alloy, or an aluminum alloy.

For example, the bus bar <NUM> may contact a plurality of electrode leads <NUM> of the same polarity or a plurality of electrode leads <NUM> of different polarities to electrically connect the plurality of secondary batteries <NUM>.

Moreover, the bus bar <NUM> may have a metal plate shape. Specifically, the metal plate shape may have a bar shape elongated in one direction.

Also, one end of the bus bar <NUM> may be electrically connected to a sensing circuit board (not shown) by a sensing lead (not shown). Further, the sensing circuit board may include a measuring element for measuring voltage, current or the like of the plurality of secondary batteries <NUM>.

In addition, the bus bar frame <NUM> may be mounted to an outer side surface of the bus bar <NUM>. In addition, the bus bar frame <NUM> may have an insulating material to be electrically insulated from the bus bar <NUM>. For example, the bus bar frame <NUM> may have a plastic material.

Further, the bus bar frame <NUM> may have a bus bar fixing portion <NUM> configured to fix a top end 221U and a bottom end 221B of the bus bar <NUM>.

Specifically, the bus bar fixing portion <NUM> may have insert spaces <NUM>, <NUM> elongated in the right and left direction so that the position of the bus bar <NUM> in the right and left direction may be freely set. That is, the top end 221U or the bottom end 221B of the bus bar <NUM> may be inserted into and fixed in the insert spaces <NUM>, <NUM> of the bus bar fixing portion <NUM>. Accordingly, the bus bar <NUM> may be fixed suitable for a set position of the bus bar <NUM> in the right and left direction at the outer side surface of the bus bar frame <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view schematically showing a bus bar and a bus bar frame, employed at the battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In addition, <FIG> is a front view schematically showing a bus bar frame, employed at the battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG> together with <FIG>, at least one perforation hole H2 may be formed in the plurality of bus bars <NUM> so that the electrode lead <NUM> is inserted therein. In addition, the bus bar frame <NUM> may have a bus bar open portion <NUM> with an opening H1 so that the perforation hole H2 of the bus bar <NUM> is exposed inwards as the position of the bus bar <NUM> in the right and left direction is changed. Further, the perforation hole H2 may be formed through the plate shape of the bus bar <NUM> in the front and rear direction.

That is, the opening H1 may formed in the bus bar open portion <NUM> so that the bus bar <NUM> mounted to the bus bar frame <NUM> may be partially exposed inwards even though the position of the bus bar <NUM> in the right and left direction is changed. Also, on occasions, the bus bar open portion <NUM> may have a plurality of openings (not shown). In addition, each of the plurality of openings may have a length greater than the length of one bus bar <NUM> in the right and left direction.

Alternatively, the bus bar open portion <NUM> may have a single opening H1, rather than a plurality of openings. Further, the opening H1 may be formed wider than the sum of widths of the plurality of bus bars <NUM> in the right and left direction. That is, a single opening H1 may be formed in the bus bar open portion <NUM> so that the rear surface of the plurality of bus bars <NUM> mounted to the outer side surface is partially exposed inwards.

Thus, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, the bus bar fixing portion <NUM> may be formed at the bus bar frame <NUM> so that the position of the bus bar <NUM> in the right and left direction may be freely set, and the bus bar open portion <NUM> is provided so that the opening H1 into which the electrode lead <NUM> may be inserted may be provided without affecting the position change of the bus bar <NUM> in the right and left direction. Thus, it is possible to reset the position of the bus bar <NUM> in the right and left direction without changing the design of the bus bar frame <NUM>.

Further, even though the size of the applied bus bar <NUM> in the right and left direction is changed since the electrical connection configuration (a serial or parallel connection structure) of the plurality of secondary batteries <NUM> of the battery module <NUM> is changed, the bus bar frame <NUM> may be applied using an existing form without changing the design of the bus bar frame <NUM>. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost incurred in preparing the battery module <NUM> of a new type.

Also, the bus bar <NUM> may have a plate shape whose front and rear surfaces are relatively wider than its side surfaces. Further, at least one perforation hole H2 may be formed in the plate shape of the bus bar <NUM>. In addition, the electrode lead <NUM> of the secondary battery <NUM> may be inserted into the perforation hole H2.

Referring to <FIG> again, an end of the electrode lead <NUM> inserted into the perforation hole H2 of the bus bar <NUM> may be bent in the right and left direction, when viewed in the direction F (see <FIG>). Further, a side surface of the bent end of the electrode lead <NUM> may be in contact with the front or rear surface of the bus bar <NUM>.

Further, the end of the electrode lead <NUM> inserted into the opening H1 of the bus bar frame <NUM> may protrude to face the side portion of the bus bar <NUM> in the right and left direction. Also, the end of the electrode lead <NUM> may be bent in the right and left direction to contact the outer side surface of the bus bar <NUM>.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, the bus bar assembly <NUM> located at the front includes six bus bars <NUM>. Also, the six bus bars <NUM> may have a plate shape whose front and rear surfaces are wider than the side surfaces thereof. In addition, a single perforation hole H2 may be formed in the bus bar <NUM> so that the electrode lead <NUM> is inserted therein.

Further, for example, as shown in <FIG>, each of the six bus bars <NUM> may be configured to contact the electrode leads <NUM> of four secondary batteries <NUM>. In addition, among the four electrode leads <NUM>, two electrode leads <NUM> are inserted to face the side portion of the bus bar <NUM>, and the remaining two electrode leads <NUM> may be inserted into the perforation hole H2 of the bus bar <NUM> to contact the bus bar <NUM>.

Thus, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, since the bus bar <NUM> has a plate shape and the perforation hole H2 is formed in the plate shape, the electrode leads <NUM> of the plurality of secondary batteries <NUM> are spaced apart and distributed at suitable intervals to ensure smooth contact between the bus bar <NUM> and the electrode lead <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG> again, the bus bar fixing portion <NUM> may have a hook structure <NUM> with a hook shape to press at least one of the top end 221U and the bottom end 221B of the bus bar <NUM> in the inward direction. In addition, one hook structure <NUM> may be configured to secure the top end 221U or the bottom end 221B of at least one bus bar <NUM>.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, the bus bar fixing portion <NUM> may have five hook structures <NUM> with a hook shape so as to press the top ends 221U of six bus bars <NUM> in the inward direction.

In addition, an insert space <NUM> elongated in the right and left direction to accommodate the top end 221U of the bus bar <NUM> therein may be formed at an inner side of the hook portion of the hook structure <NUM>. Further, the top end 221U of the bus bar <NUM> inserted in the insert space <NUM> may be configured to be movable in the right and left direction inside the insert space <NUM>.

Thus, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, since the bus bar fixing portion <NUM> has the hook structure <NUM> elongated in the right and left direction so that the position at which the bus bar <NUM> is to be fixed may freely set, even though the size or position of the bus bar <NUM> is changed due to a design change of the battery module <NUM>, the existing bus bar frame <NUM> may be used without designing or manufacturing the bus bar frame <NUM> newly. Accordingly, it is possible to save time and cost caused by the design change, thereby greatly reducing the production cost of the battery module <NUM>.

<FIG> is a front view schematically showing a bus bar frame, employed at a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG> together with <FIG>, the bus bar fixing portion <NUM> provided in the battery module <NUM> according to another disclosure of the present disclosure may have hook structures 227U, 227B to press the top end 221U and the bottom end 221B of the bus bar <NUM> in the inward direction, respectively.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, five hook structures 227U configured to fix the top end 221U of the bus bar <NUM> and five hook structures 227B configured to fix the bottom end 221B of the bus bar <NUM> may be formed at the outer side surface of the bus bar frame 225B.

Thus, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, when the hook structure <NUM> for respectively pressing the top end 221U and the bottom end 221B of the bus bar <NUM> in the inward direction is provided, the top end 221U and the bottom end 221B of the bus bar <NUM> may be firmly fixed to the bus bar frame <NUM>. For this reason, it is possible to effectively prevent the bus bar <NUM> from being easily detached due to an external impact, and the durability of the battery module <NUM> may be further enhanced.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG> again, the bus bar fixing portion <NUM> may have an insert groove <NUM> configured so that at least one of the top end 221U and the bottom end 221B of the bus bar <NUM> may be inserted therein. Also, the insert groove <NUM> may have an upward or downward recess elongated in the right and left direction.

In addition, the insert groove <NUM> may have an insert space <NUM> elongated in the right and left direction so that the top end 221U or the bottom end 221B of the bus bar <NUM> is movable in the right and left direction in a state of being inserted therein.

However, the bus bar <NUM> may be moved in the right and left direction only by the pressing force in the right and left direction, and after the position of the bus bar <NUM> is completely set, the position of the bus bar <NUM> may be fixed by the bus bar fixing portion <NUM> not to move in the right and left direction.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, an insert groove <NUM> may be formed at the outer side surface of the bus bar frame <NUM> so that the bottom ends 221B of the six bus bars <NUM> may be inserted and accommodated therein. Also, the insert groove <NUM> may have a downward recess elongated in the right and left direction. In addition, the bus bar <NUM> inserted into the insert groove <NUM> may have an insert space <NUM> elongated in the right and left direction so as to be movable in the right and left direction.

Thus, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, since the insert groove <NUM> elongated in the right and left direction is provided at the outer side of the bus bar frame <NUM>, even though the size or position of the bus bar <NUM> is changed according to the design change of the battery module <NUM>, the existing bus bar frame <NUM> may be used without having to design or manufacture the bus bar frame <NUM> newly. Accordingly, it is possible to save time and cost caused by the design change, thereby greatly reducing the production cost of the battery module <NUM>.

<FIG> is a front view schematically showing a bus bar frame, employed at a battery module according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG> together with <FIG>, an insert groove 228U having an upward recess elongated in the right and left direction and into which the top end 221U of the bus bar <NUM> is inserted and an insert groove 228B having a downward recess elongated in the right and left direction into which the bottom end 221B of the bus bar <NUM> is inserted may be formed at the outer side surface of the bus bar frame 225C.

In addition, the bus bar frame 225C may be prepared by injection molding so that the bus bar <NUM> may be inserted into and fixed to the insert groove <NUM> formed at the bus bar frame 225C. That is, after the bus bar <NUM> is inserted into a mold in advance, a molten material of the bus bar frame 225C is injected and then cured into a form of the bus bar frame 225C, so that the bus bar <NUM> is prepared to be inserted into the bus bar frame 225C.

Accordingly, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, since the bus bar frame 225C has the insert groove <NUM> configured so that the top end 221U and the bottom end 221B of the bus bar <NUM> are movable in the right and left direction in a state of being accommodated, the position of the bus bar <NUM> or its size in the right and left direction may be freely set.

<FIG> is a front view schematically showing a bus bar frame located at the rear and a bus bar mounted thereto, at the battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG> together with <FIG>, a module bus bar <NUM> connected to a module terminal <NUM> may be mounted to the bus bar frame <NUM> mounted to the rear side of the battery module <NUM>. Specifically, the module bus bar <NUM> may be configured to electrically connect the plurality of secondary batteries <NUM> and the module terminal <NUM>. Here, the module terminal <NUM> may include a positive electrode module terminal 240A and a negative electrode module terminal 240B according to electrical polarities, as terminals for electrical connection between the battery module <NUM> and an external device (not shown).

In addition, at least one hook structure 227C for pressing and fixing a side end of the module bus bar <NUM> may be formed at the bus bar frame <NUM>.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, four hook structures 227C capable of pressing the side ends of two module bus bars <NUM> in the right and left direction may be formed at the outer side surface of the bus bar frame <NUM>.

Thus, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, since the hook structure 227C is separately formed at the bus bar frame <NUM> to fix the module bus bar <NUM>, even though the module bus bar <NUM> is not applied to the bus bar frame <NUM>, the existing bus bar frame <NUM> may be used without having to change the design of the bus bar frame <NUM>. Also, since the bus bar frame <NUM> may be applied to both the front and rear of the battery module <NUM> regardless of whether the module terminal <NUM> is applied to the outer side surface of the bus bar frame <NUM>, the design cost and manufacturing cost of the bus bar frame <NUM> can be effectively reduced.

Moreover, in addition to the secondary battery <NUM> and the bus bar assembly <NUM>, the battery module <NUM> may further include end plates made of a metal material and located at an uppermost portion and a lowermost portion of the secondary battery <NUM>, a duct for allowing air to flow into or out of the battery module <NUM>, a sensing assembly having a sensing lead, a sensing circuit board and the like connected to the electrode lead <NUM> of the secondary battery <NUM> to sense the voltage or the like of the secondary battery <NUM>, and so on.

<FIG> is a front view schematically showing a bus bar frame located at the rear and a bus bar mounted thereto, at a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG> together with <FIG> and <FIG>, a bus bar assembly 220B of a battery module according to another embodiment may further include a bus bar 221b having a relatively greater width in the right and left direction, compared to the bus bar <NUM> provided at the bus bar assembly <NUM> of <FIG>. Also, two perforation holes H2 may be formed at the bus bar 221b.

That is, at least one electrode lead <NUM> may be inserted into each of two perforation holes H2 formed at the bus bar 221b to contact the outer side surface of the bus bar <NUM>. Accordingly, the bus bar 221B may be applied to connect six secondary batteries <NUM> in parallel.

In addition, the bus bar frame <NUM> of <FIG> may include a bus bar fixing portion <NUM> having a plurality of hook structures <NUM> and an insert groove <NUM> capable of accommodating the bottom end 221B of the bus bar221b.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, the bus bar assembly 220B may include three bus bars 221b respectively having two perforation holes H2 and two module bus bars 223B respectively one perforation hole H2.

Thus, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, since the bus bar fixing portion <NUM> having the hook structure <NUM> and the insert groove <NUM> is formed at the bus bar frame <NUM> and the bus bar open portion <NUM> having one opening is provided, it is possible to accommodate various types of bus bars 221b with various sizes in the right and left direction.

<FIG> is a perspective view schematically showing that the bus bar employed at the battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is being mounted to the bus bar frame.

Referring to <FIG> together with <FIG>, an insert groove <NUM> may be formed at the bus bar frame <NUM> so that the bottom end of the bus bar <NUM> is inserted therein. Also, a plurality of fixing protrusions 228P protruding toward the bus bar <NUM> may be formed on the inner surface of the insert groove <NUM> at predetermined intervals.

Further, a fitting groove <NUM> having an upward recess may be formed at the bottom end of the bus bar <NUM> so that the fixing protrusion 228P is inserted therein. In addition, the fixing protrusion 228P may be provided in plural so that the plurality of fixing protrusions 228P are spaced at regular intervals along the inner surface of the insert groove <NUM> in the right and left direction.

That is, in the bus bar assembly <NUM>, the bottom end of the bus bar <NUM> may be inserted into the insert groove <NUM> so that the fitting groove <NUM> formed at the bottom end of the bus bar <NUM> and the fixing protrusion 228P formed on the inner surface of the insert groove <NUM> are coupled to each other. At this time, the bottom end of the bus bar <NUM> is inserted obliquely into the insert groove <NUM>, and then the top end of the bus bar <NUM> is pressed and rotated in the inward direction based on the bottom end of the bus bar <NUM> to be inserted into the hook structure <NUM>.

Thus, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, by using the coupling structure of the fixing protrusion 228P formed at the insert groove <NUM> and the fitting groove <NUM> formed at the bus bar <NUM>, it is possible to prevent the bus bar <NUM> from being moved at the set position in the right and left direction. Moreover, after the bus bar <NUM> is inserted into the insert groove <NUM>, it is possible to guide the rotational movement so that the top end of the bus bar <NUM> may be inserted into the hook structure <NUM>, thereby enhancing the manufacturing efficiency.

<FIG> is a partial perspective view schematically showing that the bus bar employed at the battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is mounted to the bus bar frame.

Referring to <FIG>, a distance adjusting rod <NUM> interposed between the plurality of bus bars <NUM> and configured to set a distance between the plurality of bus bars <NUM> may be inserted into the insert groove <NUM> formed in at bus bar frame 225D. Specifically, the distance adjusting rod <NUM> may have a bar shape elongated in the right and left direction.

In addition, the distance adjusting rod <NUM> with a bar shape may have a width that allows to be inserted into the insert groove <NUM>. Further, the length of the distance adjusting rod <NUM> in the right and left direction may be adjusted according to the size or number of the bus bars <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, an insert groove <NUM> may be formed at the bus bar frame 225E according to another embodiment so that the bottom end 221B of the bus bar <NUM> is inserted therein. Also, a compressing protrusion 228Z configured to press the bottom end 221B of the bus bar <NUM> in the outward direction may be formed at the inner surface of the insert groove <NUM>.

Further, a plurality of compressing protrusions 228Z may be formed on the inner surface of the insert groove <NUM> at predetermined intervals. In addition, the compressing protrusion 228Z may be configured so that its outwardly protruding size gradually increases in the lower direction.

Thus, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, the compressing protrusion 228Z formed at the insert groove <NUM> may firmly fix the bus bar <NUM> to the bus bar frame <NUM> just by inserting the bottom end 221B of the bus bar <NUM> into the insert groove <NUM> in the downward direction, and thus the durability of the battery module <NUM> may be effectively increased.

Further, a battery pack according to the present disclosure may include at least one battery module <NUM> according to the present disclosure. Also, the battery pack according to the present disclosure may further include, in addition to the battery module <NUM>, a pack case for accommodating the battery module <NUM>, and various devices for controlling charge and discharge of the battery module <NUM>, for example a battery management system (BMS), a current sensor, a fuse and the like.

In addition, the battery pack according to the present disclosure may be applied to a vehicle such as an electric vehicle. In other words, the vehicle according to the present disclosure may include the above battery pack.

Meanwhile, even though the terms indicating directions such as upper, lower, left, right, front and rear directions are used in the specification, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that these merely represent relative positions for convenience in explanation and may vary based on a position of an observer or an object.

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 claims will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

Claim 1:
A battery module (<NUM>), comprising:
a cell assembly (<NUM>) including a plurality of secondary batteries (<NUM>) that respectively have a plurality of electrode leads (<NUM>) and are arranged to be stacked in at least one direction; and
a bus bar assembly (<NUM>) including a plurality of bus bars (<NUM>) configured to electrically connect the plurality of secondary batteries(<NUM>) and having at least one perforation hole (H2) into which the electrode leads (<NUM>) are inserted, and a bus bar frame (<NUM>) configured so that the plurality of bus bars (<NUM>) are mounted to an outer side surface thereof,
wherein the bus bar frame (<NUM>) includes:
a bus bar fixing portion (<NUM>) having an insert space elongated in the right and left direction so that a position of the bus bar (<NUM>) in the right and left direction is freely set, the bus bar fixing portion being configured to fix a top end (221U) and a bottom end (221B) of the bus bar (<NUM>); and
a bus bar open portion (<NUM>) opened so that the perforation hole (H2) of the bus bar is exposed inwards as the position of the bus bar (<NUM>) in the right and left direction is changed, and wherein the bus bar (<NUM>) has a plate shape, and
wherein a perforation hole (H2) perforated in the front and rear direction is formed in the plate shape of the bus bar (<NUM>), and
wherein the bus bar fixing portion (<NUM>) has an insert groove (<NUM>) into which at least one of the top end (221U) and the bottom end (221B) of the bus bar (<NUM>) is inserted, the insert groove (<NUM>) having an upward or downward recess elongated in the right and left direction, and
wherein a plurality of fixing protrusions (228P) protruding toward the bus bar (<NUM>) are formed at predetermined intervals on an inner surface of the insert groove (<NUM>), and a fitting groove (<NUM>) having an upward recess is formed at an end of the bus bar (<NUM>) so that the fixing protrusion (228P) is inserted therein.