KR20060102856A - Secondary battery module - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a plurality of unit cells and a cooling tube in which a cooling medium is distributed and a plurality of unit cells are arranged on one side so as to maximize cooling efficiency in a battery module including a plurality of unit cells. It is provided on one side of the tube to provide a secondary battery module including a temperature controller for controlling the temperature of the unit cell.

Cooling tube, thermoelectric element, heat dissipation rib, appearance

Description

Secondary Battery Module {SECONDARY BATTERY MODULE}

1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a configuration of a rechargeable battery module according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a plan sectional view of a rechargeable battery module according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating a rechargeable battery module according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a cross-sectional plan view illustrating a rechargeable battery module according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a plan sectional view illustrating a rechargeable battery module according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

6 is a plan sectional view of a rechargeable battery module according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

7 is a plan sectional view of a rechargeable battery module according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

8 is a plan sectional view of a rechargeable battery module according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

9 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a configuration of a rechargeable battery module according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

10 is a plan sectional view of a rechargeable battery module according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

11 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating a rechargeable battery module according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

12 is a cross-sectional plan view illustrating a rechargeable battery module according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

13 is a plan sectional view of a rechargeable battery module according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

The present invention relates to a secondary battery, and more particularly, to a secondary battery module that improves the cooling efficiency of a unit battery when the unit battery is connected to form a battery module.

A secondary battery is a battery that can be charged and discharged unlike a primary battery that cannot be charged. A secondary battery is a low-capacity battery that is used in portable electronic devices such as phones, notebook computers, and camcorders. It is widely used as a power source for driving a motor.

The secondary battery may be manufactured in various shapes, and typical shapes include cylindrical and rectangular shapes. The secondary battery may include the high output secondary battery so that the secondary battery may be used for driving a motor such as an electric vehicle. A plurality of secondary batteries are connected in series to form a large capacity secondary battery.

As described above, one large capacity secondary battery (hereinafter, referred to as a battery module for convenience of description throughout) is made of a plurality of secondary batteries (hereinafter, referred to as unit cells for convenience of explanation throughout the specification), which are each connected in series. The unit cell of the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate disposed between the separator, a case having a space portion in which the electrode assembly is built, the cap assembly coupled to the case and sealed, the cap assembly protrudes and the And a positive and negative electrode terminal electrically connected to the current collector of the positive and negative electrode plates provided in the electrode assembly.

In addition, each unit cell is usually arranged at a plurality of intervals are connected in series or parallel between each terminal to form a battery module.

Here, the battery module must be able to easily dissipate heat generated in each unit battery by forming one battery module by connecting several to many dozen unit cells. The heat dissipation characteristics of the secondary battery module are very important to influence the performance of the battery.

If the heat is not released properly, temperature variation occurs between the unit cells, which decreases the charge / discharge efficiency. The heat generated from the unit cells increases the temperature inside the battery, resulting in a decrease in battery performance. It creates the risk of explosion.

In particular, when the battery module is applied as a large-capacity secondary battery for driving an electric vacuum cleaner, an electric scooter, or a motor vehicle (electric vehicle or hybrid vehicle), the battery module is charged and discharged with a large current. Heat is generated and rises to a significant temperature, which affects battery characteristics and degrades the inherent performance of the battery. Therefore, heat dissipation is most important.

Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a secondary battery module capable of maximizing cooling efficiency in a battery module composed of a plurality of unit cells.

In addition, another object of the present invention is to provide a secondary battery module capable of minimizing temperature variation between unit cells by allowing each unit battery constituting the battery module to be evenly cooled.

In order to achieve the above object, the battery module of the present invention is a battery module having a plurality of unit cells arranged at intervals and a cooling medium flow path for dissipating the unit battery, wherein the unit battery is a cooling medium flow path It is arranged on one side with a center and has a structure in which the temperature controller for adjusting the temperature of the unit cell is installed inside the distribution passage.

Here, the unit cells may be arranged to be arranged inside or outside of the flow path, and the temperature controller may be arranged outside or inside the flow path.

To this end, the secondary battery module of the present invention includes a cooling tube in which a cooling medium is distributed and a plurality of unit cells are arranged on an inner side or an outer side thereof, and a temperature controller installed on an inner side or an outer side of the cooling tube.

And it is preferable that the temperature controller is made of a thermoelectric element, it is more preferable if a plurality of arrays are arranged at intervals on the inner side or the outer side of the flow passage.

The thermoelectric element itself has a cooling surface in which cooling is performed in accordance with a current direction and a heating surface in which heat is generated, and at least one of a cooling surface or a heating surface is attached to an outer surface of the heat transfer member.

The unit battery is preferably installed at a predetermined interval.

Here, the cooling tube may be attached to the unit battery insertion case is inserted into the unit battery so that the unit battery is installed on the outer surface.

In addition, the cooling tube may be formed of a cylindrical cross-sectional structure.

In addition, the cooling tube may be formed of a rectangular or polygonal cross-sectional structure.

On the other hand, the unit cell may be made of a cylindrical or square.

In addition, the insertion case may be made of a cylindrical cross-sectional structure so that the cylindrical unit cells can be fitted, or may be made of a rectangular cross-sectional structure so that the rectangular unit cells can be fitted.

Here, the insertion case has a size corresponding to that of the unit battery so as to be in close contact with the unit battery.

In addition, the cooling tube and the insertion case is preferably made of a material having high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum or copper, and when made of a material through which electricity is made to insulate between the cooling tube and the insertion case.

In addition, any gas or fluid, such as cooling air or cooling water, may be applied to the cooling medium circulating through the cooling tube, and is not particularly limited.

In addition, the battery module of the present invention is a battery module having a plurality of unit cells arranged at intervals and a cooling medium flow path for heat dissipating the unit battery, wherein the unit battery is located on one side of the cooling medium flow path around the center; On one side of the flow path, heat dissipation ribs for dissipating heat transferred from the unit cell to the flow path are formed at intervals.

Here, the unit cells may be arranged to be arranged inside or outside of the flow passage, and the heat dissipation ribs may be arranged outside or inside the flow passage.

On the other hand, the battery module of the present invention is installed inside the cooling tube, the cooling tube is distributed inside the cooling medium and a plurality of unit cells are arranged on the outer side, the appearance of the cooling medium is distributed surrounding the cooling tube inside the cooling tube It includes a temperature controller for controlling the temperature of the unit cell, the heat dissipation ribs formed on the outer surface.

The temperature controller is preferably made of a thermoelectric element, it is more preferable if a plurality of arrays are arranged at intervals on the inner side or the outer side of the flow path.

The thermoelectric element itself has a cooling surface in which cooling is performed in accordance with a current direction and a heating surface in which heat is generated, and at least one of a cooling surface or a heating surface is attached to an outer surface of the heat transfer member.

In addition, the unit battery is preferably installed at a predetermined interval.

Here, the cooling tube may be attached to the unit battery insertion case is inserted into the unit battery so that the unit battery is installed on the outer surface.

In addition, the cooling tube may be formed of a cylindrical cross-sectional structure.

In addition, the cooling tube may be formed of a rectangular or polygonal cross-sectional structure.

On the other hand, the unit cell may be made of a cylindrical or square.

In addition, the insertion case may be made of a cylindrical cross-sectional structure so that the cylindrical unit cells can be fitted, or may be made of a rectangular cross-sectional structure so that the rectangular unit cells can be fitted.

Here, the insertion case has a size corresponding to that of the unit battery so as to be in close contact with the unit battery.

On the other hand, the appearance is preferably made of a form corresponding to the cooling tube.

In addition, the appearance is preferably made of a size that the inner peripheral surface is in contact with the outer surface of the insertion case.

In addition, the cooling tube, the insertion case and the appearance is preferably made of a high thermal conductivity material such as aluminum or copper.

In addition, the cooling tube or / and the cooling medium circulated between the cooling tube and the external appearance may be applied to any gas or fluid, such as cooling air or cooling water is not particularly limited.

The battery module may be used as an energy source for driving a motor of the device in a device operated using a motor such as a HEV (hybrid electric vehicle), an electric vehicle (EV), a wireless cleaner, an electric bicycle, an electric scooter, and the like. Can be.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the following description, a case of using air as a cooling method of the battery module will be described as an example. Of course, the present invention is not limited to the cooling method by air, and cooling water or other fluid may be used as the cooling medium.

1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a rechargeable battery module according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to the battery module 10 with reference to the drawings, the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate having an electrode assembly positioned between the separator between the power generating unit cell 11 and the unit cell 11 to cool Cooling tube 12 of the cylindrical cross-sectional shape through which the cooling air for circulation, is installed in the longitudinal direction on the outer peripheral surface of the cooling tube 12 and arranged at regular intervals along the outer peripheral surface of the cooling tube 12 the unit cell Insertion case 13 to which the 11 is inserted, and the thermoelectric elements 15 are arranged at intervals along the inner circumferential surface of the cooling tube.

The thermoelectric element is an element that can endothermic (or generate heat) by using a dissimilar metal or a semiconductor, and the kind thereof is not limited to any particular one.

For example, the thermoelectric device may be a device using a cooling effect generated when a bipolar semiconductor is combined.

In this embodiment, the thermoelectric element absorbs heat transferred to the cooling tube so as to dissipate heat generated from the unit cell and is configured to dissipate it with the cooling air passing through the cooling tube 12. have.

Of course, in the present invention, the thermoelectric element is not necessarily composed of only a configuration capable of endothermic action. In some cases, this thermoelectric element is also applicable to a configuration capable of performing the exothermic action.

That is, if necessary, in an atmosphere (eg, a cold state) in which the temperature of the unit cell 11 is to be increased, the temperature of the unit cell 11 is increased by changing the direction of the current applied to the thermoelectric element to generate heat. It raises so that the operation state of this unit cell 11 may be made smooth. Of course, even in this case, the cooling tube 12 may function as a heat transfer member.

In addition, the thermoelectric elements may be alternately disposed on the cooling tube 12 at predetermined intervals, and may be installed in an appropriate number according to the size of the battery module.

Looking at the action of the battery module of the above structure, the heat generated in the unit cell 11 as the cooling air is forced to the cooling tube 12 through the blower (not shown), etc. is passed through the cooling tube Passed through 12 is to be cooled by the air passing through the cooling tube (12).

At this time, one surface of the thermoelectric element, that is, the temperature control electrode (not shown) of the thermoelectric element is in contact with the cooling tube 12, and the other surface that is different from the air passing through the cooling tube 12, that is, the thermoelectric element When a current flows through the thermoelectric element in contact with a heat-absorbing / heat-dissipating electrode (not shown), the surface in contact with the cooling tube 12 in contact with the temperature adjusting electrode is cooled.

Then, the heat of the unit cell 11 transferred to the cooling tube 12 is primarily cooled by the thermoelectric element and is discharged into the cooling tube 12 through the absorption / heat dissipation electrode of the thermoelectric element. The cool air passing through the cooling tube 12 can be further cooled secondary.

On the other hand, the temperature rise of the unit cell 11 using the thermoelectric element is the case opposite to the above, if the current flowing in the thermoelectric flows in the opposite direction, this time the electrode for temperature control the cooling tube 12 The heat absorbing / heating electrode sucks heat around the cooling tube 12, and the heat transferred through the cooling tube 12 increases the temperature of the unit cell 11. Let's go.

Here, the unit cell 11 has a cylindrical structure, and the insertion case 13 also has a cylindrical cross-sectional structure having an inner diameter and a length corresponding to that of the cylindrical unit cell 11.

Accordingly, when the unit battery 11 is inserted into the insertion case 13, the outer circumferential surface of the unit cell 11 is in close contact with the inner circumferential surface of the insertion case 13.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, both ends of the insertion case 13 are open, and when the unit cell 11 is inserted into the insertion case 13, the positive terminal of the unit cell 11 is exposed at one end thereof. The negative electrode terminal of the unit cell 11 is exposed through the other end.

Therefore, the plurality of unit cells 11 stacked along the cooling tube 12 may be easily connected in series or in parallel via each exposed terminal.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the cooling tube 12 according to the present embodiment has a cylindrical shape, and air for cooling is circulated in one direction, and the insertion case 13 is attached to the outer circumferential surface.

The size of the cooling tube 12 is not particularly limited, and the number of unit cells 11 arranged on the outer circumferential surface thereof may be increased or decreased according to the size of the cooling tube 12.

Here, the cooling tube 12 and the insertion case 13 are made of aluminum or copper having high thermal conductivity, and an insulating member (not shown) for blocking a current between the cooling tube 12 and the insertion case 13. Not included).

4 illustrates a case in which the cooling tube 12 has a rectangular cross-sectional structure as a second embodiment of the present invention.

According to the above drawings, the battery module includes a plurality of unit cells 11 connected in series or in parallel, a cooling tube 12 having a rectangular cross-sectional structure and having air for cooling therein, and the cooling tube ( 12) an insertion case 13 arranged at a predetermined interval on an outer circumferential surface and inserted into the unit cell 11, and a plurality of thermoelectric elements installed at intervals on an inner circumferential surface of the cooling tube 12.

Here, the unit cell 11 is formed in a cylindrical shape and the insertion case 13 is also formed in a cylindrical shape so as to correspond to the cylindrical unit cell 11.

In addition, the insertion case 13 is arranged at intervals on the front surface excluding the edge of the cooling tube 12.

Of course, the shape of the cooling tube 12 may be a polygonal cross-sectional structure having a pentagonal shape or hexagonal shape or more in addition to the rectangular cross-sectional structure, in which case the insertion case 13 is spaced on each side of the multi-level cooling tube 12 Arranged and installed.

5 shows a battery module according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

According to the above drawings, the battery module according to the present embodiment has a rectangular cross-sectional structure in which a plurality of unit cells 11 connected in series or in parallel and forming each shape, and cooling air for cooling the unit cells 11 are distributed. Cooling tube 12 of the cooling tube 12, the outer peripheral surface of the insertion case 13 is installed in which the rectangular unit cell 11 is built, a plurality of spaced apart on the inner peripheral surface of the cooling tube 12 Two thermoelectric elements.

The unit cell 11 has a rectangular shape and has a relatively narrow width than the length, and the insertion case 13 also has a size corresponding to the size of the unit cell 11.

In addition, the front surface of the insertion case 13 is attached to the cooling tube 12 so that when the unit cell 11 is inserted into the insertion case 13, the front surface of the unit cell 11 is connected to the cooling tube 12. Make it head on.

Accordingly, the area where the unit cell 11 and the cooling tube 12 are in contact with each other can be secured to maximize the cooling efficiency.

Here, the insertion case 13 may be open at both ends or only at one end, since both of the positive and negative terminals of the unit cell 11 protrude from one side of the unit cell 11. In addition, the insertion case 13 may be connected in series or in parallel between terminals of each unit cell 11 even when only one end thereof is opened.

6 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

According to the above drawings, the battery modules according to the present embodiment are connected in series or in parallel and form a plurality of unit cells 11 and a square in which cooling air for cooling the unit cells 11 is distributed. Cooling tube 12 having a cross-sectional structure, an insertion case 13 installed on an inner circumferential surface of the cooling tube 12 and having a rectangular unit cell 11 therein, and spaced apart from an outer circumferential surface of the cooling tube 12. It includes a plurality of thermoelectric elements.

This forms a structure in which the positions of the insertion case 13 in which the thermoelectric element and the unit cell 11 are installed are changed compared with those of the third embodiment.

Accordingly, the cooling air supplied to the cooling tube 12 directly cools the unit cell 11 inserted into the insertion case 13, and the heat generated from the unit cell 11 is cooled by the cooling tube 12. Heat is also radiated to the outside through the thermoelectric element is to further radiate the heat transferred to the cooling tube 12 to the outside.

On the other hand, Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a fifth embodiment of the present invention, according to the above-described battery module according to the embodiment is connected in series or in parallel and a plurality of unit cells 11 of each shape and And an insertion case having a rectangular cross-section cooling tube 12 through which cooling air for cooling the unit cell 11 is distributed, installed on an outer circumferential surface of the cooling tube 12, and having the rectangular unit cells 11 embedded therein. (13), a plurality of heat dissipation ribs are provided at intervals on the inner peripheral surface of the cooling tube (12).

The heat dissipation rib is preferably installed in the advancing direction of the cooling air circulated to the cooling tube 12 at a predetermined interval.

In addition, the heat dissipation rib is preferably formed integrally with the same material as the cooling tube 12, more preferably made of a material having better heat dissipation characteristics than the cooling tube 12.

8 is a view showing a sixth embodiment of the present invention, in which the positions of the heat dissipation ribs and the unit cell 11 are reversed with respect to the cooling tube 12 in the battery module according to the fifth embodiment. It is.

That is, according to the present embodiment, an insertion case 13 into which the unit cell 11 is fitted is installed on the inner circumferential surface of the cooling tube 12, and the heat dissipation ribs are disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the cooling tube 12 at intervals. It is.

Hereinafter, the operation of the present invention will be described with reference to the battery module of the first embodiment, wherein the cooling module 12 serves as a housing, and the plurality of unit cells 11 are arrayed and fixed. Cooling air is circulated to release heat of the unit cell 11.

As shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, the unit cell 11 is disposed along the outer circumferential surface of the cooling tube 12 around the central cooling tube 12.

The unit cell 11 is inserted into the insertion case 13 installed in the cooling tube 12 so that the unit cells 11 can be positioned at regular intervals.

In this state, the cooling air flows through the cooling tube 12 and the thermoelectric element installed in the cooling tube 12 is operated to evenly dissipate heat generated in the unit cell 11.

This is because the unit cells 11 are in contact with the cooling tube 12 evenly, it is possible to perform heat exchange under the same conditions from the cooling air passing through the cooling tube 12.

That is, each unit cell 11 has the same area in contact with the cooling tube 12. In addition, the cooling tube 12 is located in the center of the unit cells 11, so that the cooling air passing through the cooling tube 12 does not bias either side of the entire unit cell 11 installed in the cooling tube 12 You will be able to apply cold air evenly.

Therefore, the heat dissipation conditions of the unit cells 11 are the same, so that uniform cooling can be achieved.

9 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a configuration of a rechargeable battery module according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to the battery module 10 according to the present embodiment with reference to the drawings, a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate having an electrode assembly positioned between the separator to produce power and the unit cell (11) 11) is installed in the longitudinal direction on the outer circumferential surface of the cooling tube 12, the cylindrical tube-shaped cooling tube 12, the cooling tube 12 for cooling the air for cooling at a predetermined interval along the outer peripheral surface of the cooling tube 12 Arranged and inserted into the case 13, the unit cell 11 is fitted, the outer case 14 is surrounded by the outer side of the insertion case 13 and distributes the cooling medium between the cooling tube 12, the cooling tube (12) a plurality of thermoelectric elements installed at intervals on the inner circumferential surface, and heat dissipation ribs arranged along the outer circumferential surface of the outer surface 14.

Since the thermoelectric device has been described above, a description thereof will be omitted.

And the heat dissipation ribs are formed along the outer circumferential surface of the outer surface 14 in the longitudinal direction of the outer surface 14, integrally formed of the same material as the outer surface 14, or preferably the heat dissipation characteristics than the outer surface 14 It is made of high material.

The spacing and size of the heat dissipation ribs are not particularly limited.

Here, the unit cell 11 has a cylindrical structure, and the insertion case 13 also has a cylindrical cross-sectional structure having an inner diameter and a length corresponding to that of the cylindrical unit cell 11.

Accordingly, when the unit battery 11 is inserted into the insertion case 13, the outer circumferential surface of the unit cell 11 is in close contact with the inner circumferential surface of the insertion case 13.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 11, both ends of the insertion case 13 are open, and when the unit cell 11 is inserted into the insertion case 13, the positive terminal of the unit cell 11 is exposed at one end thereof. The negative electrode terminal of the unit cell 11 is exposed through the other end.

Therefore, the plurality of unit cells 11 stacked along the cooling tube 12 may be easily connected in series or in parallel via each exposed terminal.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 10, the cooling tube 12 according to the present exemplary embodiment has a cylindrical shape, and air for cooling is circulated in one direction, and the insertion case 13 is attached to the outer circumferential surface.

The size of the cooling tube 12 is not particularly limited, and the number of unit cells 11 arranged on the outer circumferential surface thereof may be increased or decreased according to the size of the cooling tube 12.

In addition, the outer case 14 is formed in the same cylindrical shape as the cooling tube 12 and its size is larger than that of the cooling tube 12, and an insertion case installed on the outer peripheral surface of the cooling tube 12 and the cooling tube into the exterior 14. (13) can be inserted.

Here, the size of the exterior 14 is preferably such that the outer surface of the insertion case 13 can be in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the exterior 14.

Accordingly, both sides of the insertion case 13 are in contact with the cooling tube 12 and the exterior 14.

Here, the cooling tube 12, the insertion case 13, and the exterior 14 are made of aluminum or copper having high thermal conductivity, between the cooling tube 12 and the insertion case 13, and the insertion case 13. ) And the exterior 14 are interposed with an insulating member (not shown) for blocking current.

12 illustrates a case in which the cooling tube 12 and the exterior 14 have a rectangular cross-sectional structure as an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

According to the above drawings, the battery module includes a plurality of unit cells 11 connected in series or in parallel, a cooling tube 12 having a rectangular cross-sectional structure and having air for cooling therein, and the cooling tube ( 12) The insertion case 13 is arranged on the outer circumferential surface at a predetermined interval and the unit cell 11 is inserted, and the cooling medium is distributed between the insertion case 13 and the cooling tube 12. It includes an outer appearance 14 having a rectangular cross-sectional structure, a plurality of thermoelectric elements installed at intervals on the inner circumferential surface of the cooling tube 12, a plurality of heat dissipation ribs provided on the outer side (14).

Here, the unit cell 11 is formed in a cylindrical shape and the insertion case 13 is also formed in a cylindrical shape so as to correspond to the cylindrical unit cell 11.

In addition, the insertion case 13 is arranged at intervals on the front surface excluding the edge of the cooling tube 12.

Of course, the shape of the cooling tube 12 and the appearance 14 may be a polygonal cross-sectional structure having a pentagonal or hexagonal or more in addition to the rectangular cross-sectional structure, in this case inserted into each side of the multi-chambered cooling tube 12 The cases 13 are arranged at intervals.

The exterior 14 is also placed outside the insertion case 13 in the same shape as the cooling tube 12 so that the insertion case 13 is located between the exterior 14 and the cooling tube 12.

5 illustrates a battery module according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

According to the above drawings, the battery module according to the present embodiment has a rectangular cross-sectional structure in which a plurality of unit cells 11 connected in series or in parallel and forming each shape, and cooling air for cooling the unit cells 11 are distributed. The cooling tube 12 is installed on the outer peripheral surface of the cooling tube 12, the insertion case 13 in which the rectangular unit cell 11 is embedded, the insertion case 13 is enclosed outside the cooling tube ( 12 is an external appearance 14 having a rectangular cross-sectional structure for distributing a cooling medium therebetween, a plurality of thermoelectric elements installed at intervals on an inner circumferential surface of the cooling tube 12, and a plurality of heat dissipation provided along an outer circumferential surface of the exterior 14. Contains ribs.

The unit cell 11 has a rectangular shape and has a structure relatively narrow in width, and the insertion case 13 also has a size corresponding to the size of the unit cell 11.

In addition, the front surface of the insertion case 13 is attached to the cooling tube 12 so that when the unit cell 11 is inserted into the insertion case 13, the front surface of the unit cell 11 is connected to the cooling tube 12. Make it head on.

Accordingly, the area where the unit cell 11 and the cooling tube 12 are in contact with each other can be secured to maximize the cooling efficiency.

Here, the insertion case 13 may be open at both ends or only at one end, since both of the positive and negative terminals of the unit cell 11 protrude from one side of the unit cell 11. In addition, the insertion case 13 may be connected in series or in parallel between terminals of each unit cell 11 even when only one end thereof is opened.

In addition, the outer surface 14 is the same form as the cooling tube 12, the outer surface of the insertion case 13 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the outer surface (14).

Accordingly, the battery module has a structure in which the insertion case 13 in which the unit cell 11 is built is arranged between the cooling tube 12 and the exterior 14 so that both sides of the insertion case 13 contact each tube. Becomes

Hereinafter, the operation of the present invention will be described with reference to the seventh embodiment. In the battery module, the cooling tube 12 and the exterior 14 serve as a housing, and thus the plurality of unit cells 11 are arranged and fixed. In addition, the cooling air is circulated to release heat of the unit cell 11.

As shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, the unit cell 11 is disposed along the outer circumferential surface of the cooling tube 12 around the central cooling tube 12.

The unit cell 11 is inserted into the insertion case 13 installed in the cooling tube 12 so that the unit cells 11 can be positioned at regular intervals.

In this state, when the cooling air is circulated through the cooling tube 12 and the exterior 14, the cooling air passes through the interior of the cooling tube 12 and between the cooling tube 12 and the exterior 14. The heat dissipation through the unit cell 11 and the plurality of thermoelectric elements installed on the inner circumferential surface of the cooling tube 12 are operated to cool the cooling tube 12 to further improve heat dissipation characteristics.

In addition, the heat dissipation ribs formed on the exterior 14 quickly dissipate heat transferred to the exterior 14 to the outside, thereby lowering the temperature of the exterior 14 to quickly drop the heat of the unit cell 11.

Through this process, the unit cells 11 can dissipate heat evenly, which means that each unit cell 11 is in contact with the cooling tube 12 evenly, the cooling tube 12 and the appearance 14 Since they are arranged at equal intervals between them, heat exchange can be performed under the same conditions from the cooling air passing through the cooling tube 12 and the exterior 14.

That is, each unit cell 11 has the same area in contact with the cooling tube 12. In addition, since the cooling tube 12 is located at the center of the unit cells 11, the cooling air passing through the cooling tube 12 is not biased to either side, but the entire unit cell 11 installed in the cooling tube 12. ) Can evenly apply cold air.

In addition, the cooling air introduced between the cooling tube 12 and the exterior 14 is uniformly passed through the gap between the unit cells 11 so that the cold air can be evenly applied to the entire unit cells 11. Will be.

Therefore, the heat dissipation conditions of the unit cells 11 are the same, so that uniform cooling can be achieved.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the claims and the detailed description of the invention and the accompanying drawings. Naturally, it belongs to

As described above, according to the present exemplary embodiment, an arrangement structure of the cooling medium flow path and the unit cells of the battery module may be improved to obtain a more efficient unit cell cooling effect.

In addition, since the cooling medium is evenly distributed between the unit cells, it is possible to eliminate local thermal imbalance in the entire battery module.

Claims (29)

With a plurality of unit cells, A cooling tube in which a cooling medium is distributed and a plurality of unit cells are arranged on one side thereof, A temperature controller installed on one side of the cooling tube to control the temperature of the unit cell Secondary battery module comprising a. The secondary battery module of claim 1, wherein the temperature controller comprises at least one thermoelectric element. The secondary battery module of claim 1, wherein the unit battery is disposed on an inner side surface of the cooling tube and the temperature controller is disposed on an outer side surface of the cooling tube. The secondary battery module of claim 1, wherein the unit battery is disposed on an outer side surface of the cooling tube and the temperature controller is disposed on an inner side surface of the cooling tube. The secondary battery module of claim 1, wherein the cooling tube includes a unit battery insertion case installed on an outer surface of the cooling tube and fitted into the unit battery. The secondary battery module of claim 1, wherein the cooling tube has a cylindrical cross-sectional structure. The secondary battery module of claim 1, wherein the cooling tube has a polygonal cross-sectional structure. The secondary battery module of claim 1, wherein the unit cell has a cylindrical shape. The secondary battery module of claim 1, wherein the unit battery has a rectangular shape. The secondary battery module of claim 5, wherein the insertion case is in close contact with the unit battery in correspondence with the size of the unit battery. The secondary battery module according to claim 1, wherein the cooling tube or the external appearance is made of a material having high thermal conductivity such as aluminum or copper. The secondary battery module of claim 4, wherein an insulating member is interposed between the cooling tube and the unit cell. The rechargeable battery module of claim 5, wherein an insulation member is interposed between the insertion case and the cooling tube. The secondary battery module of claim 1, wherein the battery module is for driving a motor. The secondary battery module of claim 1, wherein the temperature controller is a heat dissipation rib installed on one side of the cooling tube. The secondary battery module of claim 15, wherein the unit battery is disposed on an inner side surface of the cooling tube and the heat dissipation rib is disposed on an outer side surface of the cooling tube. The secondary battery module of claim 15, wherein the unit battery is disposed on an outer side surface of the cooling tube and the heat dissipation rib is disposed on an inner side surface of the cooling tube. With a plurality of unit cells, A cooling tube in which a cooling medium is distributed and the unit cells are arranged on an outer surface thereof; Appearance surrounding the unit cells arranged on the outer surface of the cooling tube and the cooling medium is distributed between the cooling tube, A temperature controller installed on an inner circumferential surface of the cooling tube to control a temperature of a unit cell; Heat dissipation ribs installed on the outer circumferential surface of the appearance Secondary battery module comprising a. The secondary battery module of claim 18, wherein the temperature controller is formed of at least one thermoelectric element. The secondary battery module of claim 18, wherein the cooling tube includes a unit battery insertion case installed on an outer surface thereof to insert the unit battery. The secondary battery module of claim 18, wherein the cooling tube has a cylindrical cross-sectional structure. The rechargeable battery module of claim 18, wherein the cooling tube has a polygonal cross-sectional structure. The secondary battery module of claim 18, wherein the unit cell has a cylindrical shape. The secondary battery module of claim 18, wherein the unit cell is rectangular. The secondary battery module of claim 18, wherein the external shape has a cross-sectional structure of the same shape as that of the cooling tube. The rechargeable battery module of claim 19, wherein the insertion case is in contact with an outer surface of the cooling tube and an inner surface of an exterior. The rechargeable battery module of claim 19, wherein the insertion case is in close contact with the unit battery in correspondence with the size of the unit battery. The secondary battery module according to claim 18, wherein the cooling tube or the exterior is made of a material having high thermal conductivity such as aluminum or copper. The secondary battery module of claim 1, wherein the battery module is for driving a motor.

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