KR20170069641A - Battery Module - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a battery module capable of improving heat radiation efficiency by forming a heat dissipating member including a plurality of heat dissipating fins on a cap plate of a unit battery.
A plurality of unit cells including an electrode assembly, a case accommodating the electrode assembly, a cap plate sealing the opening of the case, and electrode terminals extending from the electrode assembly and passing through the cap plate; A bus bar electrically connecting an electrode terminal of the unit cell and an electrode terminal of another adjacent unit cell; A first heat dissipation member including a first heat dissipation plate positioned above the cap plate and a plurality of first heat dissipation fins extending from the first heat dissipation plate; And a module case accommodating the plurality of unit cells.

Description

A battery module {Battery Module}

The present invention relates to a battery module.

The secondary battery is a battery capable of charging and discharging unlike a primary battery which can not be charged. In the case of a low-capacity battery in which one battery cell is packed, the secondary battery is used in portable electronic devices such as mobile phones and camcorders. In the case of a large-capacity battery of dozens of connected battery pack units, it is widely used as a power source for driving a motor such as a hybrid vehicle.

Such a secondary battery is manufactured in various shapes. Typical shapes include a cylindrical shape, a square shape, and a pouch shape. An electrode assembly formed by a separator, which is an insulator, between an anode plate and a cathode plate, And a cap plate is attached to the case. Of course, the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal are connected to the electrode assembly and exposed to the outside through the cap plate.

The present invention provides a battery module capable of improving heat radiation efficiency by forming a heat dissipating member including a plurality of heat dissipating fins on a cap plate of a unit battery.

The battery module according to the present invention includes a plurality of unit cells including an electrode assembly, a case accommodating the electrode assembly, a cap plate sealing the opening of the case, and an electrode terminal extended from the electrode assembly through the cap plate. A bus bar electrically connecting an electrode terminal of the unit cell and an electrode terminal of another adjacent unit cell; A first heat dissipation member including a first heat dissipation plate positioned above the cap plate and a plurality of first heat dissipation fins extending from the first heat dissipation plate; And a module case accommodating the plurality of unit cells.

Here, the first heat dissipation plate may include a terminal hole through which the electrode terminal passes.

The first heat-radiating fins may be formed as pins in the form of pins and may be spaced apart from each other.

In addition, the number of the first heat-radiating fins formed in each of the unit cells may be increased toward the unit cell located at the center of the unit cells located at both ends of the plurality of unit cells.

The end of the first radiating fin may be located on the same plane as the upper surface of the bus bar, or may be positioned lower than the upper surface of the bus bar.

A plurality of heat dissipating holes may be formed in a region of the module case corresponding to the first heat dissipating member.

A second heat dissipating plate which is bent and extended from the first heat dissipating member and covers at least one side wall of the case; And a second heat dissipation member including a plurality of second heat dissipation fins extending from the second heat dissipation plate.

The height of the second radiating fins may be smaller than the height of the first radiating fins.

In addition, the second radiating fins may be formed as pins in the form of pins, and may be spaced apart from each other.

The second heat radiating fins may be formed in a plate shape and may be spaced apart from each other.

In addition, a plurality of heat dissipating holes may be formed in a region of the module case corresponding to the second heat dissipating member.

The battery module according to the present invention can improve heat dissipation efficiency by forming a heat dissipating member including a plurality of heat dissipating fins on a cap plate of a unit cell.

1 is a perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a sectional view taken along a line I-I 'in Fig.
3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II 'in FIG.
4 is a cross-sectional view of a unit cell of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a perspective view showing an arrangement of unit cells in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a plan view of a first radiation member of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a plan view of a second radiation member of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
8 is a plan view of a second heat dissipating member of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a plan view of a first radiation member of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

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

The embodiments of the present invention are described in order to more fully explain the present invention to those skilled in the art, and the following embodiments may be modified into various other forms, It is not limited to the embodiment. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be more faithful and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

In the following drawings, thickness and size of each layer are exaggerated for convenience and clarity of description, and the same reference numerals denote the same elements in the drawings. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of any of the listed items.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include singular forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, " comprise "and / or" comprising "when used herein should be interpreted as specifying the presence of stated shapes, numbers, steps, operations, elements, elements, and / And does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, operations, elements, elements, and / or groups.

Although the terms first, second, etc. are used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or portions, these members, components, regions, layers and / It is obvious that no. These terms are only used to distinguish one member, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Thus, a first member, component, region, layer or section described below may refer to a second member, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the present invention.

1 is a perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a sectional view taken along a line I-I 'in Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II 'in FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a unit cell of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. 5 is a perspective view showing an arrangement of unit cells in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a plan view of a first radiation member of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. 7 is a plan view of a second radiation member of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

1 to 7, a battery module 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of unit cells 100, a bus bar 200 for electrically connecting the plurality of unit cells 100 to each other, A heat dissipation member 310 attached to the outer surface of the unit cell 100 and a module case 410 or 420 housing the plurality of unit cells 100.

The unit cell 100 includes an electrode assembly 110, a first terminal 120, a second terminal 130, a case 140, and a cap assembly 150.

The electrode assembly 110 is formed by winding or stacking a laminate of a first electrode plate 111, a separator 113, and a second electrode plate 112 formed in a thin plate shape or a film shape. Here, the first electrode plate 111 may serve as a cathode, and the second electrode plate 112 may serve as an anode. Of course, the opposite is also possible.

The first electrode plate 111 is formed by applying a first electrode active material such as graphite or carbon to a first electrode current collector formed of a metal foil such as copper, a copper alloy, nickel, or a nickel alloy. The first electrode plate 111 includes a first electrode active material layer 111a coated with the first electrode active material and a first electrode uncoated portion where the first electrode active material is not applied. The first electrode uncoated portion is a path for current flow between the first electrode plate 111 and the first electrode plate. In the present invention, the material of the first electrode plate 111 is not limited.

The second electrode plate 112 is formed by applying a second electrode active material such as a transition metal oxide to a second electrode current collector formed of a metal foil such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The second electrode plate 112 includes a second electrode active material layer (not shown) in which the second electrode active material is applied, and a second electrode uncoated portion in which the second electrode active material is not applied. The second electrode uncoated portion is a path for current flow between the second electrode plate 112 and the second electrode plate. In the present invention, the material of the second electrode plate 112 is not limited.

The first electrode plate 111 and the second electrode plate 112 may be disposed at different polarities.

The separator 113 is disposed between the first electrode plate 111 and the second electrode plate 112 to prevent short-circuiting and enable movement of lithium ions. The separator 113 may be made of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene, And a composite film of polypropylene. In the present invention, the material of the separator 113 is not limited.

The electrode assembly 110 is accommodated in the case 140 substantially together with the electrolytic solution. The electrolyte solution may be a mixture of a lithium salt dissolved in an organic solvent. In addition, the electrolytic solution may be liquid, solid or gel-like.

The first electrode tab 111b and the second electrode tab 112b may be connected to at least one of the first electrode plate 111 and the second electrode plate 112. More specifically, the first electrode tab 111b is interposed between the electrode assembly 110 and the first terminal 120, and the second electrode tab 112b is interposed between the electrode assembly 110 and the second terminal 120. [ (130). In this specification, the first electrode tab 111b and the second electrode tab 112b may be collectively referred to as electrode tabs 111b and 112b.

The first electrode tab 111b may be a first uncoated portion of the first electrode plate 111 of the electrode assembly 110 not coated with the first active material, . The second electrode tab 112b may be a second uncoated portion of the second electrode plate 112 of the electrode assembly 110 that is not coated with the second active material or may be separately attached to the second uncoated portion .

The first electrode tab 111b extends from the upper end of the electrode assembly 110 toward a lower end of the first terminal 120 to be described later and the second electrode tab 112b extends from the upper end of the electrode assembly 110 And extends from the upper end toward the lower end of the second terminal 130 to be described later. Each of the first electrode tabs 111b and the second electrode tabs 112b are electrically connected or welded directly to the first terminal 120 and the second terminal 130. [

In the case of a high-capacity high-output battery, since a plurality of electrode tabs 111b and 112b are extended from the electrode assembly 110 itself, a high output current can be obtained. In addition, since the electrode tabs 111b and 112b of the electrode assembly 110 are electrically connected to the terminals directly to shorten the electrical path, the electrical connection process between the electrode assembly and the terminals is simple In addition, the internal resistance and the number of parts of the secondary battery are reduced. In addition, since the winding axis of the electrode assembly 110 and the terminal axes of the first and second terminals 120 and 130 are substantially parallel or horizontally arranged, the electrolyte solution impregnability of the electrode assembly is excellent In addition, when overcharging, the internal gas moves quickly to the safety vent and the safety vent operates quickly.

The first terminal 120 is electrically connected to the first electrode plate 111 and includes a first terminal pillar 121 and a first terminal plate 122.

The first terminal post 121 extends through the cap plate 151, which will be described later, and protrudes and extends for a predetermined length. The first terminal column 121 is electrically connected to the first electrode tab 111b at a lower portion of the cap plate 151. [ The first terminal pillar 121 includes a flange 121a formed at a lower portion of the cap plate 151 so that the first terminal pillar 121 does not come off the cap plate 151. Particularly, the first electrode tab 111b is electrically connected or welded to the flange 121a. Meanwhile, the first terminal post 121 is electrically insulated from the cap plate 151.

The first terminal plate 122 includes a hole (not shown) at the center thereof. The first terminal post 121 is coupled to the hole and welded. That is, the boundary region between the first terminal pillar 121 and the first terminal plate 122 exposed upward is welded to each other. For example, the laser beam is provided in the boundary region between the first terminal column 121 and the first terminal plate 122 exposed upward, whereby the boundary regions are melted and cooled and welded to each other.

The second terminal 130 is electrically connected to the second electrode plate 112 and includes a second terminal column 131 and a second terminal plate 132.

The second terminal post 131 extends through the cap plate 151, which will be described later, and protrudes and extends for a predetermined length. The second terminal column 131 is electrically connected to the second electrode tab 112b at a lower portion of the cap plate 151. [ The second terminal column 131 includes a flange 131a formed under the cap plate 151 so that the second terminal column 131 does not protrude from the cap plate 151. Particularly, the second electrode tab 112b is electrically connected or welded to the flange 131a. Meanwhile, the second terminal pillars 131 are electrically insulated from the cap plate 151. Alternatively, the second terminal post 131 may be electrically connected to the cap plate 151.

The second terminal plate 132 includes a hole (not shown). The second terminal post 131 is coupled to the hole and welded. That is, the boundary region between the second terminal post 131 and the second terminal plate 132 exposed upward is welded to each other. For example, the laser beam is provided in the boundary region between the second terminal column 131 and the second terminal plate 132 exposed upward, whereby the boundary regions are melted and cooled and welded to each other.

The case 140 is formed of a conductive metal such as aluminum, aluminum alloy or nickel-plated steel, and the electrode assembly 110, the first terminal 120, and the second terminal 130 can be inserted And has an approximately hexahedron shape in which openings are formed. That is, the case 140 includes two pairs of side wall portions spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, and a bottom portion vertically formed on the lower portions of the two pairs of side wall portions. Here, the side wall portion includes a pair of long side wall portions having a relatively large area and a pair of short side wall portions having a relatively small area. The inner surface of the case 140 may be insulated to be insulated from the electrode assembly 110, the first terminal 120, the second terminal 130, and the cap assembly 150.

The cap assembly 150 is coupled to the case 140. That is, the cap assembly 150 closes the opening of the case 140. The cap assembly 150 specifically includes a cap plate 151, a seal gasket 152c, a cap 153, a safety vent 154, an upper insulating member 152a, and a lower insulating member 152b.

The cap plate 151 seals the opening of the case 140 and may be formed of the same material as the case 140. For example, the cap plate 151 may be coupled to the case 140 by laser welding. Since the cap plate 151 may have the same polarity as the second terminal 130, the cap plate 151 and the case 140 may have the same polarity.

The cap plate 151 includes a vent hole 151a and an electrolyte injection hole 151b. A safety vent 153 is installed in the vent hole 151a and a notch 153a is formed in the safety vent 153 so that the safety vent 153 can be opened at a predetermined pressure. The electrolyte injection hole 151b is sealed by the cap 154 after the electrolyte is injected.

The upper insulating member 152a is formed between each of the first terminal pillar 121 and the second terminal pillar 131 and the cap plate 151. In addition, the upper insulating member 152a is in close contact with the cap plate 151. Furthermore, the upper insulating member 152a may be in close contact with the seal gasket 152c. The upper insulating member 152a insulates the first terminal pillar 121 and the second terminal pillar 131 from the cap plate 151.

The lower insulating member 152b is formed between each of the first electrode tab 111b and the second electrode tab 112b and the cap plate 151 to prevent unnecessary short circuit. That is, the lower insulating member 152b prevents a short circuit between the first electrode tab 111b and the cap plate 151 and a short circuit between the second electrode tab 112b and the cap plate 151.

The seal gasket 152c is formed of an insulating material between each of the first terminal pillar 121 and the second terminal pillar 131 and the cap plate 151 so that the first terminal pillar 121 and the second terminal Seal between the pillars 131 and the cap plate 151. The seal gasket 152c prevents external moisture from penetrating into the unit cell 100 or prevents the electrolyte contained in the unit cell 100 from flowing out.

When the cap plate 151 has the same polarity as the second terminal 130, the seal gasket 152c and the upper insulating member 152a between the second terminal 130 and the cap plate 151, And the lower insulating member 152b may be omitted.

A plurality of the unit cells 100 are arranged in a line and accommodated in the module cases 410 and 420. 2 and 5, the number of the unit cells 100 is six in the present invention, but the present invention is not limited thereto. 5, the radiation members 310 and 320 are attached to the outside of the unit cell 100 and are inserted into the module case 400, although the radiation members 310 and 320 are not shown in FIG.

The bus bar 200 connects the unit cells 100 in series or in parallel. In other words, the bus bar 200 is connected to the first terminal 120 or the second terminal 130 of one unit cell 100 and the first terminal 120 or the second terminal 130 of the adjacent unit cell 100, (130) can be electrically connected to each other.

The heat dissipating members 310 and 320 are located on the outer surface of the unit cell 100. The heat dissipating members 310 and 320 may include a first heat dissipating member 310 and a pair of second heat dissipating members 320. Here, the first heat dissipating member 310 is positioned on the upper surface of the cap plate 151. The second heat dissipation member 320 is bent and extended from the first heat dissipation member 310 and is located at a pair of end side wall portions of the case 140.

The first heat dissipation member 310 includes a first heat dissipation plate 311 and a first heat dissipation fin 312.

The first heat dissipation plate 311 is coupled to the upper surface of the cap plate 151. The first heat dissipating plate 311 absorbs heat generated from the unit cell 100 and transmits the heat to the first heat dissipating fin 312 to perform a heat dissipating function.

The first heat dissipation plate 311 includes a vent hole 311a formed in a region corresponding to the safety vent 153. The first heat dissipation plate 311 includes a pair of terminal holes 311b formed in regions corresponding to the first and second terminals 120 and 130. Meanwhile, a first insulation film 331 may be interposed between the first heat dissipation plate 311 and the cap plate 151. Here, it is a matter of course that the first insulating film 331 also has holes corresponding to the safety vent 153 and the first and second terminals 120 and 130.

The first heat radiation fins 312 extend substantially vertically from the first heat radiation plate 311 toward the direction away from the cap plate 151. That is, the first heat radiating fin 312 extends toward the inner surface of the second case 420 of the module case 410 or 420 to be described later. The first heat-radiating fins 312 radiate heat transferred from the first heat-radiating plate 311 so that the heat-dissipating function of the unit cells 100 is performed.

The first heat radiating fin 312 is formed so as not to extend beyond the extension of the upper surface of the bus bar 200. That is, the end of the first heat radiating fin 312 is located on the same line as the upper surface of the bus bar 200 or lower than the upper surface of the bus bar 200. Therefore, even if the first heat radiating fin 312 is formed, the size of the battery module 10 is not affected.

Specifically, an empty space exists in a region between the cap plate 151 and the second case 420, where the first and second terminals 120 and 130 are not formed. That is, a surplus space exists between the cap plate 151 and the second case 420 by the first and second terminals 120 and 130 and the bus bar 200. By forming the first radiating fins 312 in the surplus space, the utilization efficiency of the space can be increased and the cooling effect of the unit cells 100 can be improved. Accordingly, the entire size of the battery module 10 can be maintained, and the heat dissipation structure can be formed, thereby improving the stability of the battery module 10. [

The first heat-radiating fin 312 is formed as a pin in the form of a rod, as shown in FIGS. The plurality of first radiating fins 312 may be spaced apart from each other. Therefore, the air flow path is formed in a plurality of directions between the plurality of first radiating fins 312, thereby maximizing the cooling efficiency. That is, the flow direction of the air is not formed as one, but is freely flowable into the spaced space between the first heat-radiating fins 312. In addition, since the side portions of the first heat radiating fins 312 are all exposed to the air flow path to have a wide contact area, the cooling efficiency can be maximized.

The number and arrangement of the first heat-radiating fins 312 may be variously applied. The number and arrangement of the first heat-radiating fins 312 shown in the drawings are only examples for explaining the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

The second radiation member 320 bends and extends substantially vertically from a pair of short sides of the first radiation member 310 to cover a pair of the short side walls of the case 140. The second heat dissipation member 320 includes a second heat dissipation plate 321 and a second heat dissipation fin 322.

The second heat dissipating plate 321 is provided in a pair so as to cover a pair of the side wall portions of the case 140. The second heat dissipation plate 321 absorbs heat generated from the unit cell 100 and transmits the heat to the second heat dissipation fin 322 to perform a heat dissipation function.

At this time, a second insulating film 332 may be interposed between the second heat dissipating plate 321 and the case 140. The second insulating film 332 may be bent and extended from the first insulating film 331.

The second heat-radiating fins 322 extend from the second heat-dissipating plate 321 substantially vertically in a direction away from the side wall of the case 140. That is, the second heat radiating fin 322 extends toward the inner surface of the first case 410 of the module case 410 or 420, which will be described later. The second heat-radiating fins 322 radiate the heat transferred from the second heat-dissipating plate 321 to the heat-dissipating function of the unit cells 100.

The second heat-radiating fins 322 are shorter than the first heat-radiating fins 312. That is, the first heat-radiating fins 312 may be relatively long because the first heat-radiating fins 312 are formed in the surplus space. However, the second heat- It is preferable to form it short. The heat dissipation structure can be formed while minimizing the overall size change of the battery module 10 by the second heat dissipation fin 322, and the stability of the battery module 10 can be further improved.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, the second radiating fins 322 are formed as a plurality of pin-shaped pins and are spaced apart from each other. Accordingly, the air flow path is formed between the plurality of second radiating fins 322 in multiple directions, thereby maximizing the cooling efficiency. In addition, since the side portions of the second heat radiating fins 322 are all exposed to the air flow path and have a wide contact area, the cooling efficiency can be maximized. The number and arrangement of the second heat radiating fins 322 may be variously applied. The number and arrangement of the second heat-radiating fins 322 shown in the drawings are only examples for explaining the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

The module case 400 houses a plurality of unit cells 100 to which the first and second heat dissipating members 310 and 320 are attached. The module case 400 includes a first case 410 having a receiving portion where the unit cell 100 is located and a second case 420 covering the first case 410. Although not shown, a cooling fan may be coupled to the module case 400. External air (cooling air) flows into the module case 400 by the cooling fan, so that the heat radiation function of the first and second heat radiation members 310 and 320 can be smoothly performed.

The first case 410 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape with one side opened, and has a receiving portion in which the plurality of unit cells 100 are received. The first case 410 includes a plurality of heat dissipating holes 411 on at least one side of the side wall corresponding to the second heat dissipating member 320. The heat inside the battery module 10 can be easily discharged by the heat dissipating holes 411. In addition, cooling of the plurality of second radiating fins 322 adjacent to the radiating holes 411 can be easily performed.

Meanwhile, the shape and the number of the illustrated heat dissipating holes 411 may be variously configured depending on the case. That is, although the heat dissipating holes 411 are formed to be long in the drawing, the heat dissipating holes 411 may be formed to be long in the transverse direction. In addition, the heat dissipation hole 411 may be formed in the form of a circular, polygonal or porous hole depending on the case. In other words, the shape and number of the illustrated heat dissipation holes 411 are only illustrative of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

The second case 420 covers one open side of the first case 410. The second case 420 may include a plurality of heat dissipating holes 421. The heat inside the battery module 10 can be easily released by the heat dissipating holes 421. Also, the plurality of first heat-radiating fins 312 adjacent to the heat-radiating holes 421 can be easily cooled.

Meanwhile, the shape and the number of the illustrated heat dissipation holes 421 may be variously configured depending on the case. That is, although the heat dissipating hole 421 is formed in a direction parallel to the long side of the second case 420 in the drawing, the heat dissipating hole 421 may be formed parallel to the short side. In addition, the heat dissipation hole 421 may be formed in the form of a circular, polygonal or porous hole depending on the case. In other words, the shape and the number of the illustrated heat dissipation holes 421 are only illustrative of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

As described above, the battery module 10 according to the present invention includes the heat radiating member (not shown) including a plurality of first heat radiating fins 312 in a surplus space excluding the terminal portions between the cap plate 151 and the second case 420 310 may be formed. Accordingly, it is possible to enhance the space utilization and to maintain the overall size of the battery module 10 while improving the heat radiation effect, thereby securing the stability of the module.

In addition, the second heat radiation member 320 including a plurality of second heat radiation fins 322 may be formed on the side wall of the unit cell 100. At this time, the second heat radiating fins 322 have a relatively shorter length than the first heat radiating fins 312, thereby minimizing the size change of the battery module 10 and improving the heat radiating effect.

In addition, a plurality of the first and second heat dissipation fins 312 and 322 are spaced apart from each other, thereby improving the contact area with air, securing the multi-direction air passage, and preventing the first and second heat dissipation fins 312 and 322 Cooling can be made easier.

The first and second heat dissipation fins 312 and 322 are provided with a plurality of heat dissipation holes 411 and 421 in a region facing the first and second heat dissipation fins 312 and 322 of the module cases 410 and 420, This cooling is easy, and the heat inside the module can be released to the outside more effectively.

Hereinafter, a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described.

8 is a plan view of a second heat dissipating member of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. The battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention is the same as the previous embodiment except for the second heat radiation member. Therefore, only the structure of the second heat radiation member will be described below.

The second radiation member 520 bends and extends from a pair of side edges of the first radiation member 310 (FIG. 3) to cover the pair of side walls of the case 140 (FIG. 3). The second heat radiation member 520 includes a second heat radiation plate 521 and a second heat radiation fin 522.

The second heat-dissipating plate 521 absorbs heat generated from the unit cell 100 and transmits the heat to the second heat-dissipating fin 522 to perform a heat-dissipating function.

The second radiating fins 522 extend substantially perpendicularly from the second radiating plate 521. In particular, the second heat radiating fins 522 may be formed in a plurality of plates and spaced apart from each other, unlike the previous embodiment. The second heat-radiating fins 522 radiate the heat transferred from the second heat-dissipating plate 521 to the heat-dissipating function of the unit cells 100. The second heat-radiating fins 522 may be formed to have a shorter length than the first heat-radiating fins 312 to minimize the size variation of the battery module.

On the other hand, the number and arrangement of the second heat-radiating fins 522 shown in the drawings are only examples for explaining the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

Hereinafter, a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described.

9 is a plan view of a first radiation member of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. The battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention is the same as the previous embodiment except for the first heat radiation member. Therefore, only the structure of the first heat radiation member will be described below.

Referring to FIG. 9, the plurality of unit cells are arranged in a line, and a first unit cell 100a, a second unit cell 100b, a third unit cell 100c, a fourth unit cell 100b, 100d, a fifth unit cell 100e, and a sixth unit cell 100f. Of course, the number of such unit cells is only one example for explaining the present invention, and thus the present invention is not limited thereto. Hereinafter, the first to sixth unit cells 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d, 100e, and 100f will be referred to as a unit cell 100 as a whole.

The cap plate 151 (FIG. 3) of the unit cell 100 is provided with a first radiation member 610. The first heat radiation member 610 includes a first heat radiation plate 611 and a first heat radiation fin 612.

The first heat dissipation plate 611 is located on the upper surface of the cap plate 151. The first heat dissipation plate 611 includes a vent hole 611a formed in a region corresponding to the safety vent 153. The first heat radiation plate 611 includes a pair of terminal holes 611b formed in regions corresponding to the first and second terminals 120 and 130.

The first heat radiation fins 612 extend substantially perpendicularly from the first heat radiation plate 611. In addition, the first radiating fins 612 are provided such that a plurality of pin-shaped pins are spaced apart from each other. Accordingly, the air flow paths are formed in a plurality of directions between the plurality of first radiating fins 612, thereby maximizing the cooling efficiency. In addition, since the side portions of the first heat radiating fins 612 are all exposed to the air flow path to have a wide contact area, the cooling efficiency can be maximized.

The first heat dissipation fins 612 are provided in the center of the unit cells 100 arranged in a row so that the number of unit cells is increased and the number of the unit cells is decreased toward both ends. That is, the number of the first heat radiation fins 612 formed in the third and fourth unit cells 100c and 100d among the unit cells 100 is the largest. The number of the first heat radiation fins 612 formed in the second and fifth unit cells 100b and 100e is smaller than the number of the first heat radiation fins 612 formed in the third and fourth unit cells 100c and 100d . The number of the first heat radiation fins 612 formed in the first and sixth unit cells 100a and 100f is greater than the number of the first heat radiation fins 612 formed in the second and fifth unit cells 100b and 100e. little.

In other words, the number of the heat dissipation fins 612 is increased so that the number of the heat dissipation fins 612 increases toward the center from both ends of the unit cells 100. This is because, when the unit cells 100 are arranged in a row, the cooling efficiency of the unit cells located at the center is lower than that of the unit cells located at the ends. Accordingly, the number of the heat dissipation fins 612 of the unit cells located at the central portion can be made larger than the number of the heat dissipation fins 612 of the unit cells located outside, thereby compensating for the difference in the cooling efficiency depending on the positions. That is, the temperature deviation between the unit cells 100 in the battery module can be reduced and the temperature can be uniformed as a whole, thereby improving the safety of the battery module.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

10; A battery module 100; Unit cell
200; Bus bar 310; The first heat-
311; A first heat dissipating plate 312; The first heat-
320; A second heat-radiating member 321; The second heat-
322; A second radiating fin 410; The first module case
420; A second module case 411, 421; Heat dissipation hole
520; The second heat radiation member 521; The second heat-
522; A second radiating fin 610; The first heat-
611; A first heat dissipating plate 612; The first heat-

Claims (11)

A plurality of unit cells including an electrode assembly, a case accommodating the electrode assembly, a cap plate sealing the opening of the case, and an electrode terminal extending from the electrode assembly and penetrating the cap plate;
A bus bar electrically connecting an electrode terminal of the unit cell and an electrode terminal of another adjacent unit cell;
A first heat dissipation member including a first heat dissipation plate positioned above the cap plate and a plurality of first heat dissipation fins extending from the first heat dissipation plate; And
And a module case accommodating the plurality of unit cells. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the first heat dissipation plate includes a terminal hole through which the electrode terminal passes. The method according to claim 1,
The battery module of claim 1, wherein the first heat-radiating fins are formed as pins of a rod shape and are spaced apart from each other. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein a number of the first heat radiating fins formed in each of the unit cells is increased as the unit cells located at the center of the unit cells located at both ends of the plurality of unit cells increase. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein an end of the first heat radiating fin is located on the same plane as the upper surface of the bus bar or lower than the upper surface of the bus bar. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein a plurality of heat dissipating holes are formed in a region of the module case corresponding to the first heat dissipating member. The method according to claim 1,
A first heat dissipation member that is bent and extended from the first heat dissipation member,
A second heat dissipating plate covering at least one side wall of the case; And a plurality of second heat radiation fins extending from the second heat radiation plate. 8. The method of claim 7,
Wherein a height of the second heat radiation fins is smaller than a height of the first heat radiation fins. 8. The method of claim 7,
Wherein the second heat-radiating fins are formed as pins of a rod shape and are spaced apart from each other. 8. The method of claim 7,
Wherein the second heat-radiating fins are formed in a plate shape and are spaced apart from each other. 8. The method of claim 7,
Wherein a plurality of heat dissipating holes are formed in a region of the module case corresponding to the second heat dissipating member.

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