KR20190054897A - Battery Module Having Heat Pipe and Battery Pack Having the Same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention discloses a battery module which enhances thermal balance of a plurality of cylindrical battery cells and a battery pack comprising the same. The battery module for achieving the object according to the present invention comprises: a plurality of cylindrical battery cells; a module housing having an accommodating portion for accommodating the plurality cylindrical battery cells; a heat pipe having an outer wall to form a closed tube structure, having a refrigerant embedded inside the tube structure, positioned to surround an inner wall of the tube structure and having a filler material formed with a plurality of micropores, extending in a horizontal direction along the plurality of cylindrical battery cells, and formed in a plate-like shape and formed so as to be erected so that both surfaces fact the horizontal direction.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module including a heat pipe and a battery pack including the same,

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to a battery module including a heat pipe and a battery pack including the same, and more particularly, to a battery module having improved thermal balance of a plurality of cylindrical battery cells and a battery pack including the battery module.

Secondary batteries are highly applicable to various product groups and have electrical characteristics with high energy density. Such secondary batteries are applied not only to portable electronic devices but also to electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and electric power storage devices driven by electric driving sources.

The secondary battery has been attracting attention as a new energy source for improving environment-friendliness and energy efficiency in that it has not only a primary advantage of reducing the use of fossil fuels but also no by-products due to the use of energy.

A battery pack applied to an electric vehicle or the like has a structure in which a plurality of battery modules including a plurality of battery cells are connected to obtain a high output. Each of the battery cells is an electrode assembly and can be repeatedly charged and discharged by electrochemical reaction between the components including an anode and a cathode current collector, a separator, an active material, and an electrolyte solution.

In recent years, as a need for a large-capacity structure including an application as an energy storage source has increased, a demand for a multi-module battery pack in which a plurality of secondary batteries are connected in series and / or in parallel is assembled .

Since the battery pack of the multi-module structure is manufactured in such a manner that a plurality of secondary batteries are densely packed in a narrow space, it is important to easily discharge heat generated from each secondary battery.

That is, in the process of charging or discharging the secondary battery battery, heat is generated by an electrochemical reaction. Therefore, if the heat of the battery module generated during the charging / discharging process can not be effectively removed, heat accumulation may occur. In addition, deterioration of the battery module is promoted, and in some cases, ignition or explosion may occur. Therefore, in the prior art, a high output large capacity battery module and a cooling device for cooling battery cells built therein are applied.

Further, in the case of the high-rate discharge battery module in the prior art, a plurality of battery cells are configured for high-rate discharge.

However, when a plurality of battery cells are mounted in one battery module, the density of the battery cells is very high due to the space limitation. In addition, since the calorific value of the battery cell is proportional to the square of the current, the temperature of the battery cell is likely to rise sharply at the time of high-rate discharge. Particularly, a heat island phenomenon in which heat is concentrated in the central portion of the arrangement structure of the battery cells mounted inside the battery module tends to occur.

If the heat island phenomenon occurs for a long period of time, the output voltage of the battery cells connected in an electrically parallel structure is not uniform, resulting in a cell imbalance phenomenon. As a result, It was difficult.

Therefore, in order to improve the performance and lifetime characteristics of the battery module, it is necessary to develop a technique capable of improving effective cooling and thermal balance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a battery module that improves the thermal balance of a plurality of cylindrical battery cells and a battery pack including the same.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited thereto. It will also be readily apparent that the objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a battery module including:

A cylindrical battery cell having a battery can in a form erected up and down, electrode terminals formed on the upper and lower sides, a side of the battery can covered with an electrically insulating member, and a plurality of battery cells arranged in the horizontal direction;

A module housing having a receiving portion therein to receive the plurality of cylindrical battery cells; And

A plurality of cylindrical battery cells each having an outer wall to form a closed tube structure, a coolant is embedded in the tube structure, and a plurality of micropores are formed to surround the inner wall of the tube structure, The heat pipe may include a heat pipe extending in a horizontal direction and formed in a plate shape and erected so that both surfaces face the horizontal direction.

In addition, the heat pipe may be formed with bent portions bent in the horizontal direction so that both surfaces of the heat pipe closely contact at least a part of the outer surface of the cylindrical battery cell.

Furthermore, each of the both sides in the horizontal direction of the heat pipe may extend so as to face at least a part of the outer surface of the at least one cylindrical battery cell.

The plurality of cylindrical battery cells may be arranged in a plurality of rows and columns.

Furthermore, the heat pipe may be located on one side or the other of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells arranged in the central row or the central row in the horizontal direction.

In addition, the plurality of cylindrical battery cells may be arranged in a plurality of rows and columns. Further, both ends of the heat pipe in the elongated direction along the plurality of cylindrical battery cells face each other in the outer row, the outer row, or the outer row and the outer row of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells Lt; / RTI > The center portion of the heat pipe in the direction extending along the plurality of cylindrical battery cells faces the inner side row of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells or the inner side row or the cylindrical battery cells located in the inner row and the inner row Lt; / RTI >

Further, the module housing may include: an upper case having a first receiving portion formed in a hollow structure so as to surround the outer surface of the upper portion of the cylindrical battery cell; And a lower case coupled to a lower portion of the upper case and having a second receiving portion formed in a hollow structure so as to surround an outer surface of a lower portion of the cylindrical battery cell.

A recessed groove may be formed in the lower portion of the first accommodating portion and the upper portion of the second accommodating portion such that the heat pipe is partially inserted into the recess.

Further, the module housing may be formed with a through-hole so that both ends of the heat pipe in the longitudinal direction protrude to the outside of the module housing.

The heat dissipation fins may be formed on outer surfaces of both ends of the heat pipe exposed through the through holes of the module housing.

Further, the battery module may further include a mounting part configured to mount the module housing on an upper surface thereof, and a tray having a sidewall extending upward from an outer periphery of the mounting part along an outer wall of the module housing.

In addition, both ends of the heat pipe, or both ends of the heat pipe and at least a part of the heat dissipation fin may be configured to contact the side wall of the tray.

Furthermore, the electrode terminal of the cylindrical battery cell may include a first electrode terminal formed on the upper end of the battery can and a second electrode terminal formed on the lower end thereof.

The battery module includes a first current collecting plate mounted on the module housing and electrically connected to a first electrode terminal of the cylindrical battery cell, A second current collector plate mounted on a lower portion of the module housing and electrically connected to a second electrode terminal of the cylindrical battery cell; And an electrically insulating heat conductive pad disposed on the lower surface of the second current collector plate.

Furthermore, the heat pipe may be positioned on the lower surface of the heat conductive pad such that an electrically insulating heat conductive pad is interposed between the second current collector plate and the heat pipe.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a battery module including: a battery can formed in a vertically erected shape, wherein electrode terminals are formed on upper and lower sides, respectively, A cylindrical battery cell covered with an electrically insulating member and disposed in plural in the horizontal direction; A module housing having a receiving portion therein to receive the plurality of cylindrical battery cells; And a filler material having a plurality of micropores formed to surround the inner wall of the tube structure and having a plurality of micropores formed therein, wherein the plurality of the plurality of heat pipes And a heat pipe extending in the horizontal direction along the cylindrical battery cell of the battery cell and formed in a plate shape and erected so that both surfaces face the horizontal direction.

Here, the outer wall of the heat pipe includes a polymer layer, and the polymer layer may be configured to dissolve and be lost when the battery rises above a predetermined temperature.

In order to achieve the above object, a battery pack according to the present invention includes at least one battery module according to the present invention.

Further, to achieve the above object, a device according to the present invention includes a battery pack according to the present invention.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a battery module includes a heat pipe having a shape in which both side faces having a relatively large area are oriented horizontally so as to maximize the area facing the side of the cylindrical battery cell, The heat generated in the plurality of cylindrical battery cells can be effectively conducted to the heat pipe so that the cooling efficiency is high and the refrigerant in the heat pipe is circulated by the temperature difference between the heat storage part and the heat radiation part without a separate refrigerant circulation device , The manufacturing cost can be drastically reduced.

According to this aspect of the present invention, it is possible to increase the contact area of the heat pipe with the outer surface of the cylindrical battery cell through the bend formed on the outer wall, and also to provide an advantage that the narrow space of the module housing can be effectively utilized .

According to an aspect of the present invention, in consideration of the position of the cylindrical battery cell showing the highest temperature among the plurality of cylindrical battery cells at the time of charge / discharge of the battery module and the cylindrical battery cell showing the lowest temperature, It is possible to increase the cooling effect of the heat pipe and to cool the cylindrical battery cells of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells having a large heat accumulation (heat island development) Heat balance can be effectively achieved. Accordingly, lifetime characteristics and performance of the battery module can be improved.

According to an aspect of the present invention, since both end portions of the heat pipe are exposed to the outside of the battery module, the temperature difference between the heat storage portion and the heat dissipation portion of the heat pipe can be maximized and the internal circulation of the refrigerant can be smoothly performed, Can be effectively increased.

Further, in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, both ends of the heat pipe are brought into contact with the side wall of the tray, so that compared with a structure in which both ends of the heat pipe are brought into contact with outside air and heat is discharged to the outside, Efficiency can be demonstrated.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the coupling protrusion of the module housing is inserted into the guide groove and fastened and fixed, thereby guiding the arrangement of the plurality of battery modules. Therefore, the other battery modules connected to one battery module can be easily disposed Not only can they be easily separated from each other, but also can be fixed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and, together with the description of the invention given below, serve to further the understanding of the technical idea of the invention, And should not be construed as limiting.
1 is a perspective view illustrating a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a perspective view showing a part of a configuration of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-sectional view of the heat pipe cut along line AA 'in FIG.
FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating some configurations of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a plan view showing some configurations of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a perspective view illustrating an upper case, which is a part of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
8 is a perspective view illustrating a lower case, which is a part of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a perspective view illustrating a heat pipe as a part of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.
10 is a perspective view illustrating a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.
11 is a partial front view schematically showing some configurations of the battery module in the region C 'of Fig.
12 is a perspective view schematically showing a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-sectional view of a heat pipe as a part of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.
14 is a perspective view schematically showing a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a table showing results of thermal balance estimation using thermal analysis of a simulation program of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention and battery packs according to comparative examples.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in the present specification and claims should not be construed as limited to ordinary or dictionary meanings, and the inventor should appropriately interpret the concept of the term appropriately It should be interpreted in accordance with the meaning and concept consistent with the technical idea of the present invention based on the principle that it can be defined.

Therefore, the embodiments described in the present specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are only the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all the technical ideas of the present invention. Therefore, It is to be understood that equivalents and modifications are possible.

1 is a perspective view illustrating a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

1 and 2, a battery module 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100, a module housing 210, and a heat pipe 260 .

Here, the cylindrical battery cell 100 may include a cylindrical battery can 120 and an electrode assembly (not shown) accommodated in the battery can 120.

Here, the battery can 120 may be configured to be erected in a vertical direction. Also, the battery can 120 includes a material having high electrical conductivity. For example, the battery can 120 may include aluminum or a copper material.

Electrode terminals 111 and 112 may be formed on the upper and lower portions of the battery can 120, respectively. A first electrode terminal 111 may be formed on a flat circular upper surface of the battery can 120 and a second electrode terminal 112 may be formed on a lower surface of the lower surface of the battery can 120. [ May be formed.

An electrical insulating member may be coated on the side of the battery can 120. That is, since the battery can 120 is electrically connected to an electrode of the electrode assembly in the inside of the battery can 120, it is possible to prevent an unintended conductive object from contacting the battery can 120, For example, an insulating film so as to surround the side portion.

In addition, the electrode assembly (not shown) may be formed in a jelly-roll type structure with a separator interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. A cathode tab may be attached to the anode (not shown) and connected to the first electrode terminal 111 at the upper end of the battery can 120. A negative electrode tab may be attached to the negative electrode (not shown) and connected to the second electrode terminal 112 at the lower end of the battery can 120.

Furthermore, the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 may be arranged horizontally in the vertical direction in the module housing 210 when viewed in the F direction.

Here, terms indicating directions such as front, rear, left, right, top, and bottom may be different depending on the position of the observer or the shape of the object. For the sake of convenience of description, in the present specification, the directions of the front, rear, left, right, top, bottom, and the like are described separately with reference to the view in the F direction.

The module housing 210 may include receiving portions 212A and 212B to receive the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 therein. Specifically, a plurality of hollow structures may be formed in the receiving portions 212A and 212B so as to cover the outer surface of the cylindrical battery cell 100.

3 is a perspective view showing a part of a configuration of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a heat pipe cut along the line A-A 'in FIG.

3 and 4, the heat pipe 260 has a similar concept to a general heat pipe 260, and absorbs heat generated in the cylindrical battery cell 100, And a heat dissipation part in which the refrigerant vaporized in the heat storage part is liquefied by releasing heat to the outside. For example, in the heat pipe 260 according to the present invention, a center portion in a direction extending along the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 may be a heat storage portion, and both ends of the heat pipe 260 may be configured as a heat dissipation portion. have.

In addition, the heat pipe 260 may have an outer wall 262 to form a closed tube structure. The outer wall 262 may be formed of a material having a high thermal conductivity. For example, the highly thermally conductive material may be aluminum or copper.

Further, a cooling fin may be formed on the outer wall 262 to increase the contact area with the cylindrical battery cell 100. For example, the cooling fin may be a plurality of pins extending in the upper direction along the outer surface of the cylindrical battery cell 100 at the outer wall 262 of the heat pipe 260.

In addition, a refrigerant 264 may be embedded in the tube structure. For example, the refrigerant 264 may be water, a refrigerant refrigerant, ammonia, acetone, methanol, ethanol, naphthalene, sulfur or mercury.

Further, a filler 265 having a plurality of micropores may be provided in the heat pipe 260. The filling material 265 may be positioned to surround the inner wall of the tube structure. Furthermore, the filling material 265 may be configured to have a refrigerant 264 therein in a vacuum state.

In addition, the heat pipe 260 may extend in the horizontal direction along the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100. That is, the heat pipe 260 may have a tube structure elongated in one direction and may extend to face a side of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 arranged in a horizontal direction.

The heat pipe 260 may be formed in a plate shape. Specifically, the plate-like shape may have both side surfaces in the horizontal direction (B) having a relatively larger area than the other side, and upper and lower surfaces having a relatively narrower area than the both side surfaces. For example, as shown in Fig. 3, the two heat pipes 260 may be configured in such a manner that both side faces are oriented in the horizontal direction (B).

Accordingly, in the heat pipe 260 of the present invention, both sides of the heat pipe 260, which have a relatively larger area than the other side, are oriented in the horizontal direction so as to maximize the area facing the side of the cylindrical battery cell 100 The heat generated in the cylindrical battery cell 100 can be effectively conducted to the heat pipe 260 and the cooling efficiency can be improved without using a separate refrigerant circulation device. The internal refrigerant is circulated by the temperature difference between the heat accumulating portion and the heat releasing portion, and the manufacturing cost can be drastically reduced.

FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating some configurations of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5 together with FIGS. 2 and 3, the heat pipe 260 may be configured such that both sides thereof are in close contact with at least a part of the outer surface of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100. For example, a curved portion 267 may be formed on a part of the heat pipe 260 so as to correspond to a round outer surface of the cylindrical battery cell 100.

Since the battery can 120 of the cylindrical battery cell 100 is formed in a vertically erected shape, the heat pipe 260 is formed with a bent portion 267 bent in the horizontal direction B . Furthermore, the heat pipe 260 may be provided with a plurality of bent portions 267 to contact the respective outer surfaces of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the bent portion 267 may be formed such that both side surfaces of each of the two heat pipes 260 are in contact with a part of the outer surface of the twelve cylindrical battery cells 100.

In other words, when the heat pipe 260 is configured to extend flat without being bent, the contact area of the cylindrical battery cell 100 can not be maximized, and it is difficult to increase the heat radiation effect.

Therefore, the heat pipe 260 can effectively increase the contact area with the outer surface of the cylindrical battery cell 100 through the bent portion 267, So that it can be disposed by effectively utilizing a narrow space of the space.

Furthermore, the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 may be arranged in a plurality of rows and columns in the receiving portions 212A and 212B of the module housing 210. Further, Also, the heat pipe 260 may be disposed between the row and the row of the cylindrical battery cell 100 or between the row and the row. That is, each of the opposite sides of the heat pipe 260 in the horizontal direction B may be formed to face at least a part of the outer surface of the at least one cylindrical battery cell 100.

More specifically, the heat pipe 260 may be positioned on one side or the other of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 arranged in the center row L1 or the center row W2 in the horizontal direction. In other words, the heat pipe 260 may be formed to extend in contact with at least a part of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 arranged in the center row L1 or the center row W2.

For example, as shown in FIG. 5, each of the two heat pipes 260 may be located at one side and the other side of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 located in the center column L1. Each of the two heat pipes 260 is in contact with a plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 located in the center column L1 and a part of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 in another row adjacent to the center column L1 .

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing some configurations of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

6, the battery module 200A according to another embodiment of the present invention includes the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 housed in the receiving portions 212A and 212B of the module housing 210, And an array can be formed and accommodated according to a predetermined arrangement.

The central portion of the heat pipe 260B along the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 extends in the direction of the longest length of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 when the battery module 200 is charged / Temperature cylindrical battery cell 100, as shown in FIG. For example, the central portion of the heat pipe 260B may be configured to contact the cylindrical battery cell 100 positioned at the center of the arrangement of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100. [

In addition, both ends of the heat pipe 260B in the elongated direction may be disposed in contact with the cylindrical battery cell 100 having the lowest temperature among the plurality of the cylindrical battery cells 100. For example, both ends of the heat pipe 260B in the elongated direction may be configured to contact the cylindrical battery cell 100 located outside the arrangement of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100.

More specifically, when the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 are arranged in a plurality of rows and columns in the receiving portions 212A and 212B of the module housing 210, Both ends of the battery cell 100 in the elongated direction may be positioned to face the cylindrical battery cell 100 located in the outer rows L2 and L3 of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100. [

That is, the cylindrical battery cell 100 located in the outer rows L2 and L3 is closer to the outside as compared with the cylindrical battery cell 100 located in the inner row L1, It is appropriate that both ends of the heat pipe 260B of the present invention are positioned so as to face the cylindrical battery cell 100 located in the outer rows L2 and L3.

Conversely, a central portion of the heat pipe 260B extending in a direction extending along the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 is connected to the cylindrical battery cell 100 located in the inner row L1 of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100, Lt; / RTI >

In addition, both ends of the heat pipe 260B in the direction of extending along the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 are connected to the outer ends of the cylindrical battery cells 100 located in the outer rows W1 and W3 of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100, (Not shown).

That is, the cylindrical battery cell 100 located in the outer rows W1 and W3 is likely to have a low temperature during charging and discharging of the battery module 200 as compared with the cylindrical battery cell 100 located in the inner row W2 Both ends of the heat pipe 260B of the present invention can be positioned to face the cylindrical battery cell 100 located in the outer rows W1 and W3.

Conversely, a central portion of the heat pipe 260B extending in a direction extending along the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 is connected to the cylindrical battery cell 100 located in the inner row W2 of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100, Lt; / RTI >

Both ends of the heat pipe 260B along the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 extend in the outer rows L2 and L3 and the outer rows W1 and L2 of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100, W3 of the cylindrical battery cell 100. In this case,

In other words, the cylindrical battery cell 100 located in the outer rows L2 and L3 and the outer rows W1 and W3 is different from the cylindrical battery cell 100 located in the inner row L1 and the inner row W2 The both ends of the heat pipe 260B of the present invention are formed in the outer rows L2 and L3 and the outer rows W1 and W3, And may be positioned to face the battery cell 100.

Conversely, a central portion of the heat pipe 260B extending along the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 is located in the inner row L1 and the inner row W2 of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 And may be positioned to face the cylindrical battery cell 100.

6, both end portions of the two heat pipes 260B are positioned so as to face the cylindrical battery cells 100 located in the outer rows L2 and L3 and the outer rows W1 and W3, . Conversely, the central portion of the heat pipe 260B may be positioned to face the cylindrical battery cell 100 located in the inner row L1 and the inner row W2.

Therefore, according to this configuration of the present invention, when the battery module 200 is charged or discharged, the cylindrical battery cell 100 exhibiting the highest temperature among the plurality of the cylindrical battery cells 100, Not only the cooling effect of the heat pipe 260B can be enhanced by setting the positions of the center portion and the both end portions of the heat pipe 260B in consideration of the position of the cell 100 and ultimately the plurality of cylindrical battery cells The heat balance in the battery module 200 can be effectively achieved by cooling the cylindrical battery cell 100 having a large heat accumulation region.

7 is a perspective view illustrating an upper case, which is a part of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a lower case, which is a part of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the module housing 210 may include an upper case 210A and a lower case 210B.

The upper case 210A may include a first accommodating portion 212A formed to have a hollow structure to cover the outer surface of the upper portion of the cylindrical battery cell 100. [

The lower case 210B includes a second accommodating portion 212B which is fastened to the lower portion of the upper case 210A and formed in a hollow structure so as to surround the lower outer surface of the cylindrical battery cell 100 .

At this time, the heat pipe 260 is inserted into the lower portion of the first accommodating portion 212A and the upper portion of the second accommodating portion 212B so that the heat pipe 260 can be embedded in the module housing 210, A depressed groove 213 in which a part of the stomach is indented can be formed.

Specifically, the lower surface of the first accommodating portion 212A formed in the upper case 210A may have a recessed recess 213A which is recessed upward relative to the lower recessed portion. The indentation groove 213A may extend from one side of the upper case 210A to the other side.

The upper surface of the second accommodating portion 212B formed in the lower case 210B may have a recessed recess 213B which is recessed in the lower direction relative to the remaining upper surface portion. The indentation groove 213 may extend from one side of the lower case 210B to the other side.

Further, the indentation groove 213A of the first accommodating portion 212A and the indentation groove 213B of the second accommodating portion 212B are coupled to each other so that the heat pipe 260 can be inserted and inserted into the interior. . In other words, when the lower case 210B is fastened to the lower part of the upper case 210A, the indentation grooves 213A of the first accommodating part 212A and the indentation grooves 213A of the second accommodating part 212B 213B may be coupled to each other.

7 and 8, a through hole 215 is formed in the module housing 210 so that both longitudinal ends of the heat pipe 260 protrude to the outside of the module housing 210 .

One end portion of the heat pipe 260 received in the module housing 210 in the longitudinal direction may protrude outward from one side of the module housing 210, The other end in the longitudinal direction of the heat pipe 260 accommodated in the module housing 210 may protrude outward.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, a through-hole 215 may be formed on one outer wall and the other outer wall of the module housing 210, and two through- So that both end portions of the module housing 260 protrude outside the module housing 210.

Thus, according to the present invention, both end portions of the heat pipe 260 are exposed to the outside of the battery module 200, so that both ends of the heat pipe 260 function as a heat radiating portion . In addition, as the temperature difference between the heat storage part and the heat radiation part increases, the heat pipe 260 can smoothly circulate the refrigerant 264, and the cooling efficiency can be increased effectively.

9 is a perspective view illustrating a heat pipe as a part of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 9 together with FIG. 4, a heat dissipation fin 268 may be formed on the outer wall 262 of the heat pipe 260C. Specifically, the heat pipe 260C has a heat dissipation fin 268 to increase the contact area with the outer surface of the cylindrical battery cell 100, or to dissipate heat accumulated in the battery module 200 more effectively to the outside, Can be formed.

The heat dissipation fins 268 may be formed on the outer surfaces of both ends of the heat pipe 260C exposed through the through holes 215 of the module housing 210. [

Specifically, a plate-shaped heat dissipation fin 268 extending in the vertical direction may be formed at one end of the heat pipe 260C exposed through the through-hole 215 of the module housing 210. [ In addition, a plate-shaped heat dissipation fin 268 extending in the vertical direction may be formed at the other end of the heat pipe 260C.

However, the shape of the heat dissipation fin 268 is not necessarily limited to the plate shape, but may be various shapes such as an acicular shape and a wave structure.

Accordingly, by forming the heat dissipation fin 268 in the heat pipe 260C, the heat dissipation fin 268 can be circulated in the heat pipe 260C and the internal heat can be effectively discharged to the outside, The temperature deviation of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 can be more effectively reduced.

10 is a perspective view illustrating a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. 11 is a partial front view schematically showing some configurations of the battery module in the region C 'of FIG.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the battery module 200B may further include a tray 270 as compared with the battery module 200A of FIG.

The tray 270 may include a mounting portion 272 configured to mount the module housing 210 on an upper surface thereof. Specifically, the mounting portion 272 may be in the form of a plate having relatively wide upper and lower surfaces than the side surface. In addition, the tray 270 can be mounted on the upper surface of the module housing 210 by extending the mounting portion 272 in one direction.

The tray 270 may be provided with a side wall 274 extending from the outer periphery of the mounting portion 272 in an upward direction along the outer wall 262 of the module housing 210. Specifically, the side wall 274 may be formed to face the outer wall of the module housing 210.

In addition, the tray 270 may include a material having high thermal conductivity. For example, the material having high thermal conductivity may be a metal such as copper or aluminum.

At least a portion of both ends of the heat pipe 260 exposed to the outside through the through hole 215 of the module housing 210 is connected to the side wall 274 of the tray 270 As shown in Fig. 11, one end face of the heat pipe 260 extending in a direction extending along the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 is connected to the inside of the side wall 274 of the tray 270. [ It is possible to contact the side surface.

Therefore, compared with the structure in which both ends of the heat pipe 260 are in contact with the outside air and the heat is discharged to the outside, both ends of the heat pipe 260 are separated from the tray 270 The cooling efficiency can be further enhanced.

The heat pipe 260 is disposed at both ends of the heat pipe 260 exposed through the through hole 215 of the module housing 210 and at both ends of the heat pipe 260C of FIG. At least a portion of the heat dissipation fins 268 may extend to abut the side walls 274 of the tray 270.

Therefore, compared with the configuration in which both ends of the heat pipe 260 are in contact with the side wall 274 of the tray 270, both ends of the heat pipe 260 and the heat dissipation fin 268 are in contact with the side wall 274 of the tray 270, higher cooling efficiency can be achieved.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the battery module 200 may include a bus bar 250, a first current collecting plate 230, and a second current collecting plate 240.

Specifically, the bus bar 250 includes a structure in which one side of the bus bar 250 is electrically connected to the electrode terminals 111 and 112 of the at least two cylindrical battery cells 100 among the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 .

In addition, the bus bar 250 may include an electrically conductive material, for example, a nickel material. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, five bus bars 250 may be constructed in which first electrode terminals 111 of 30 cylindrical battery cells 100 are electrically connected in parallel in one direction . Similarly, five bus bars 250 may be constructed in which the second electrode terminals 112 of the 30 cylindrical battery cells 100 are electrically connected in parallel in one direction.

The first current collecting plate 230 may include an electrically conductive material. For example, the electrically conductive material may be copper or aluminum.

The first current collecting plate 230 may be mounted on the module housing 210 to be electrically connected to the first electrode terminal 111 of the cylindrical battery cell 100.

The first current collecting plate 230 may be formed by contacting at least a part of one surface of the first current collecting plate 230 with the other surface of the bus bar 250 electrically connected to the first electrode terminal 111 of the cylindrical battery cell 100, As shown in FIG.

In other words, the first current collecting plate 230 may be mounted on the module housing 210 and electrically connected to the first electrode terminal 111 of the cylindrical battery cell 100. At this time, the other surface of the bus bar 250 may be laser welded to one surface of the first current collecting plate 230.

Further, the second current collecting plate 240 may include an electrically conductive material, for example, the electrically conductive material may be copper or aluminum.

The second current collecting plate 240 may be mounted on the lower portion of the module housing 210 to be electrically connected to the second electrode terminal 112 of the cylindrical battery cell 100.

The second current collecting plate 240 may be formed on at least one surface of the cylindrical battery cell 100 in contact with the other surface of the bus bar 250 electrically connected to the second electrode terminal 112 of the cylindrical battery cell 100. [ As shown in FIG.

In other words, the second current collecting plate 240 may be mounted on the lower portion of the module housing 210 and electrically connected to the second electrode terminal 112 of the cylindrical battery cell 100. At this time, the other surface of the bus bar 250 may be laser welded to one surface of the second current collecting plate 240.

12 is a perspective view schematically showing a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 12, the battery module 200C may further include an electrically insulating heat conductive pad 280.

Specifically, the heat conductive pad 280 may be positioned on the upper surface of the first current collector plate 230 or the lower surface of the second current collector plate 240.

The heat conductive pad 280 may be positioned to cool the central portion of the outer surface of the second current collector plate 240 in the lateral direction. That is, the thermally conductive pad 280 may be positioned at the center of the second current collector plate 240 in the left-right direction.

In addition, the thermally conductive pad 280 may extend from one side of the second current collector plate 240 in the horizontal direction to the other side thereof. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the heat conductive pad 280 may be disposed on the lower surface of the second current collector plate 240.

Further, when the tray 270 is positioned on the lower surface of the heat conductive pad 280, the cooling effect can be further enhanced as compared with the case where the heat conductive pad 280 is disposed on the upper surface of the first current collector plate 230.

Accordingly, the heat conductive pad 280 is positioned on the upper surface of the first current collector plate 230 or the lower surface of the second current collector plate 240, The heat generated at the contact portion between the electrode terminals 111 and 112 and the bus bar 250 of the cylindrical battery cell 100 arranged in the battery cell 100 can be effectively dissipated.

The battery module 200 may be disposed between the first current collecting plate 230 and the heat pipe 260 or between the second current collecting plate 240 and the heat pipe 260, And a heat pipe (290) positioned on the other surface of the heat conductive pad (280) so that the heat conductive pipe (280) is interposed therebetween. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the battery module 200C of the present invention may further include a heat pipe 290 disposed on a lower surface of the heat conductive pad 280. [

Accordingly, in the battery module 200C according to the present invention, the heat pipe 260 is formed so as to be in contact with one surface of the heat conductive pad 280, so that the center of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 The cooling effect of the cylindrical battery cell 100 positioned therein can be enhanced.

The heat pipe 290 located on the lower surface of the heat conductive pad 280 may be in contact with the tray 270 located below the module housing 210. Therefore, The cooling effect can be further enhanced as compared with the case where the heat sink 260 is located.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-sectional view of a heat pipe as a part of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 13, the outer wall of the heat pipe 260C according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a polymer layer 263. Specifically, the polymer layer 263 may be configured to dissolve and be lost when the cell rises above a predetermined temperature.

The filler 265 is not formed on at least a portion of the inner wall of the outer wall 262 so that the coolant 264 of the heat pipe 260C may directly contact the outer wall 262 Regions may be formed.

That is, when the battery module 200 operates abnormally and the internal temperature of the battery module 200 exceeds the normal range, the polymer layer 263, which is the outer wall 262 of the heat pipe 260C, The refrigerant 264 contained in the heat pipe 260 can flow out of the outer wall 262.

In addition, the coolant 264 flowing out in this way directly contacts the outer surfaces of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100, so that the cylindrical battery cells 100 can be cooled more quickly. Accordingly, it is possible to effectively prevent fire or explosion due to overheating of the battery module 200.

14 is a perspective view schematically showing a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 14 together with FIGS. 1 and 2, the battery pack 1000 may include at least one battery module 200. In addition, one battery module 200 may be electrically connected to the battery module 202 in the front side and the battery module 201 in the rear side. For example, a plurality of battery modules 200, 201, 202, and 203 of the battery pack 1000 are electrically connected in series with each other through contact between the first current collecting plate 230 and the second current collecting plate 240 .

Specifically, the first current collecting plate 230 of the battery module 200 is configured to contact the upper surface of the bus bar 250, which is in contact with the first electrode terminal 111 of the cylindrical battery cell 100 .

A connection portion 231 protruding forwardly to contact at least a part of the second current collector plate 240 may be formed on one side of the first current collector plate 230.

The second current collecting plate 240 may be formed to contact the lower surface of the bus bar 250 which is in contact with the second electrode terminal 112 of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100.

Further, the second current collecting plate 240 may have a structure 242 extending vertically from one side of the plate in contact with the lower surface of the bus bar 250 in an upward direction.

The second current collecting plate 240 is horizontally bent and extended from the upper end of the vertically elongated structure 242 to be electrically connected to the connecting portion 231 of the first current collecting plate 230 244).

Referring again to FIGS. 1, 7 and 8, an outer wall of the module housing 210 is provided with an engaging projection 217 for guiding the position of the other battery module 200, (218) may be formed.

A plurality of coupling protrusions 217 may be formed at one side of the module housing 210 and coupling protrusions 217 formed at the other battery module 201 may be formed at the other side outer wall 262 of the module housing 210. [ A plurality of guide grooves 218 can be formed so that the guide grooves 217 can be inserted.

Further, the battery module 200 positioned in front of the plurality of battery modules 200, 201, 202, and 203 of the battery pack 1000 may be provided with an external input / output terminal 291.

Therefore, according to this configuration of the present invention, the engaging projections 217 of the module housing 210 of the present invention can be inserted into the guide grooves 218 of other battery modules to guide the arrangement of the plurality of battery modules, Not only can a plurality of battery modules be easily arranged, but also can be fixed so as not to be easily separated from each other.

FIG. 15 is a table showing results of thermal balance estimation using thermal analysis of a simulation program of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention and battery packs according to comparative examples.

The inventors of the present invention prepared battery modules according to the following Comparative Examples 1, 2, and 2.

Specifically, the battery module according to Comparative Example 1 includes the remaining components of the battery module of the present invention except for the heat pipe structure.

The battery module according to the embodiment has the same configuration as the battery module shown in Fig. That is, as compared with Comparative Example 1, it is a battery module further comprising two heat pipes extending in a diagonal direction from two centers.

The battery module according to Comparative Example 2 is a battery module having four heat pipes extending in the horizontal direction. That is, the battery module of Comparative Example 2 has the same configuration as that of the battery module shown in Fig. 6 except for the heat pipe configuration.

The inventor of the present invention has estimated the thermal balance of the battery modules of the embodiment, the comparative example 1 and the comparative example 2 by using the thermal analysis of the simulation program. The simulation program used was FloEFD (Mentor Graphics), and the set environmental temperature was 25 ° C. After each battery module was discharged at a current of 1 C for 3600 seconds (discharging to 3.1 A per each battery cell) The temperature of the cylindrical battery cells was analyzed and estimated. The results of the analysis are shown in the chart of Fig.

As a result of the estimation, as shown in the chart of Fig. 15, the thermal deviation between the built-in cylindrical battery cells of the battery module of the embodiment is 1.9 占 폚. That is, the battery module of the embodiment has the smallest temperature variation as compared with the battery modules of Comparative Example 1 (3.7 占 폚) having no heat pipe and Comparative Example 2 (2.0 占 폚) having four heat pipes . Particularly, although the battery module of Comparative Example 2 uses four heat pipes, the temperature deviation is larger than that of the battery module of the embodiment using two heat pipes.

This is because the battery module of the embodiment has the center position of the heat pipe and the position of both ends of the heat pipe in consideration of the position of the cylindrical battery cell showing the highest temperature among the plurality of cylindrical battery cells upon charging and discharging and the position of the cylindrical battery cell showing the lowest temperature, It is proved that the cooling effect of the heat pipe can be effectively increased. In other words, the battery module of the present invention effectively optimizes the thermal balance of the battery cells in the battery module by effectively cooling the cylindrical battery cells in the central region, which is a large part of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells and having a large heat accumulation, The life span can be increased.

In the present specification, terms indicating upward, downward, leftward, rightward, forward, and backward directions are used, but these terms are for convenience of explanation only and may vary depending on the position of an object or the position of an observer It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited thereto.

While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. It will be understood that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

1000: Battery pack 100: Cylindrical battery cell
200: battery module 111: first electrode terminal
260: heat pipe 112: second electrode terminal
262: outer wall 230: first collector plate
264: refrigerant 240: second collector plate
265: filler material 250: bus bar
267: Bend 270: Tray
268: heat radiating fin 272:
210: module housing 274: side wall
210A: upper case 280: heat conduction pad
210B: lower case 263: polymer layer
212A:
212B:
213: indentation home
215: Through hole

Claims (13)

A cylindrical battery cell having a battery can in a form erected up and down, electrode terminals formed on the upper and lower sides, a side of the battery can covered with an electrically insulating member, and a plurality of battery cells arranged in the horizontal direction;
A module housing having a receiving portion therein to receive the plurality of cylindrical battery cells; And
A plurality of cylindrical battery cells each having an outer wall to form a closed tube structure, a coolant is embedded in the tube structure, and a plurality of micropores are formed to surround the inner wall of the tube structure, And a heat pipe extending in a horizontal direction and formed in a plate-like shape and having both surfaces raised in a horizontal direction. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the heat pipe is bent in a horizontal direction so that both surfaces of the heat pipe closely contact at least a part of an outer surface of the cylindrical battery cell. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein each of both sides in the horizontal direction of the heat pipe extends to face at least a part of the outer surface of the at least one cylindrical battery cell. The method of claim 3,
Wherein the plurality of cylindrical battery cells are arranged in a plurality of rows and columns,
Wherein the heat pipe is positioned at one side or the other of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells arranged in the central row or the central row in the horizontal direction. The method of claim 3,
Wherein the plurality of cylindrical battery cells are arranged in a plurality of rows and columns,
Both ends of the heat pipe in the direction of extending along the plurality of cylindrical battery cells are positioned to face cylindrical batteries located in outer rows or outer rows or outer rows and outer rows of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells , A center portion of the heat pipe in a direction extending along the plurality of cylindrical battery cells is arranged to face a cylindrical battery cell located in an inner row or an inner row or an inner row and an inner row of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells The battery module comprising: The method according to claim 1,
The module housing comprises:
An upper case having a first receiving part formed in a hollow structure so as to surround the outer surface of the upper part of the cylindrical battery cell; And
And a lower case coupled to a lower portion of the upper case and having a second accommodating portion formed in a hollow structure to enclose an outer surface of a lower portion of the cylindrical battery cell,
Wherein a recessed portion is formed in a lower portion of the first accommodating portion and an upper portion of the second accommodating portion, respectively, so that the heat pipe is partially inserted into the inset groove. The method according to claim 6,
Wherein a through hole is formed in the module housing such that both ends of the heat pipe in the longitudinal direction protrude to the outside of the module housing. 8. The method of claim 7,
And heat dissipation fins are formed on outer surfaces of both ends of the heat pipe exposed through the through holes of the module housing. 9. The method of claim 8,
The battery module may further include a mounting part configured to mount the module housing on an upper surface thereof and a tray having a side wall extending upward from an outer periphery of the mounting part along an outer wall of the module housing,
Wherein both ends of the heat pipe, or both ends of the heat pipe and at least a part of the heat dissipation fin contact the side wall of the tray. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the electrode terminal of the cylindrical battery cell includes a first electrode terminal formed at the upper end of the battery can and a second electrode terminal formed at the lower end thereof,
The battery module includes:
A first current collecting plate mounted on the module housing to be electrically connected to a first electrode terminal of the cylindrical battery cell;
A second current collector plate mounted on a lower portion of the module housing and electrically connected to a second electrode terminal of the cylindrical battery cell; And
Further comprising an electrically insulating heat conductive pad located on a lower surface of the second current collector plate,
Wherein the heat pipe is positioned on a lower surface of the heat conductive pad so that an electrically insulating heat conductive pad is interposed between the second current collector plate and the heat pipe. A cylindrical battery cell having a battery can in a form erected up and down, electrode terminals formed on the upper and lower sides, a side of the battery can covered with an electrically insulating member, and a plurality of battery cells arranged in the horizontal direction;
A module housing having a receiving portion therein to receive the plurality of cylindrical battery cells; And
A plurality of micropores are formed to surround the inner wall of the tube structure, a plurality of micropores are formed in the tube structure, and the plurality of micropores of the plurality of micropores are formed, And a heat pipe extending in a horizontal direction along the cylindrical battery cell, the heat pipe being formed in a plate shape and erected so that both surfaces face the horizontal direction,
Wherein the outer wall of the heat pipe includes a polymer layer, and the polymer layer is configured to dissolve and be discharged when the battery rises above a predetermined temperature. A battery pack comprising at least one battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 10 arranged in one direction. A device comprising a battery pack according to claim 12.

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