KR20240052319A - Battery module with improved cooling structure and battery pack including the same - Google Patents

Abstract

A battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a cell assembly in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked in one direction, a heat dissipation member interposed between neighboring battery cells in the cell assembly, and accommodating the cell assembly. and a module frame, wherein the heat dissipation member includes a plate-shaped member parallel to one side of the battery cell, and a cover member extending from at least one of an upper edge and a lower edge of the plate-shaped member.

Description

Battery module with improved cooling structure and battery pack including the same {BATTERY MODULE WITH IMPROVED COOLING STRUCTURE AND BATTERY PACK INCLUDING THE SAME}

The present invention relates to a battery module and a battery pack including the same, and more specifically, to a battery module with an improved cooling structure and a battery pack including the same.

As technology development and demand for mobile devices increase, the demand for secondary batteries as an energy source is rapidly increasing. In particular, secondary batteries are receiving much attention as an energy source for not only mobile devices such as mobile phones, digital cameras, laptops, and wearable devices, but also power devices such as electric bicycles, electric vehicles, and hybrid electric vehicles.

While small mobile devices use one or two or three battery cells per device, medium to large devices such as cars require high output and large capacity. Therefore, medium-to-large battery modules in which multiple battery cells are electrically connected are used.

On the other hand, when a battery module and/or a battery pack is constructed by connecting a plurality of battery cells in series/parallel, a battery module is composed of at least one battery cell, and other components are added using at least one battery module. This is a common method of constructing a battery pack.

Since the battery cells that make up these medium-to-large battery modules are composed of secondary batteries capable of charging and discharging, such high-output, large-capacity secondary batteries generate a large amount of heat during the charging and discharging process. In this case, heat from multiple battery cells is added up in a small space, causing the temperature to rise quickly and severely. In other words, in the case of battery modules with multiple battery cells stacked and battery packs equipped with these battery modules, high output can be obtained, but it is not easy to remove heat generated from the battery cells during charging and discharging. If the heat dissipation of the battery cell is not performed properly, the battery cell deteriorates faster, its lifespan is shortened, and the possibility of explosion or ignition increases.

Moreover, battery modules included in vehicle battery packs are frequently exposed to direct sunlight and may be placed in high temperature conditions such as summer or desert areas. Additionally, because multiple battery modules are deployed intensively to increase the vehicle's driving range, flame or heat generated from one battery module can easily spread to neighboring battery modules, ultimately leading to ignition or explosion of the battery pack itself. You can.

Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a battery cell assembly to which conventional cooling fins are applied. FIG. 2 is an exploded view showing a cooling fin structure disposed between battery cells included in the battery cell assembly of FIG. 1.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a conventional battery cell assembly 1 includes a plurality of battery cells 10 stacked side by side in one direction and a cooling fin interposed between neighboring battery cells 10. 20). The cooling fin 20 includes a plate-shaped heat sink 21 shown in FIG. 2, a refrigerant pipe 22 formed on the edge of the heat sink 21, and an insulating sheet layer ( 25) may be included. At this time, the insulating sheet layer 25 may be omitted, and the surface of the heat sink 21 may be insulated.

The refrigerant pipe 22 may be hook-coupled with the heat sink 21, or the refrigerant pipe 22 and the heat sink 21 may be formed as one piece. The refrigerant pipe 22 is formed to be disposed outside the battery cell 10.

The battery cell assembly 1 can be stored in a module frame (not shown) to form a battery module, and heat generated from the battery cell can be cooled by the cooling fins 20 included in the battery cell assembly 1. . However, space utilization is low because a separate insulating sheet layer or coating layer is required to ensure the thickness and electrical insulation of the cooling fins 20.

Figure 3 is a diagram showing a heat discharge path in a conventional battery module.

Referring to FIG. 3, a conventional battery module 30 includes a cell assembly 70 including battery cells 60 stacked in a preset direction, and a module frame 40 for housing the cell assembly 70, The cell assembly 70 is fixed and positioned on the thermally conductive resin layer 50 located on the lower surface of the module frame 40. In this case, in order to cool the heat generated in the cell assembly 70, a heat sink 90 is provided in contact with the bottom of the module frame 40 located in the -z-axis direction of FIG. 3, and the heat sink 90 A heat conduction pad 80 for heat transfer may be additionally installed between the bottom of the module frame 40 and the bottom of the module frame 40.

However, since the heat sink 90 does not receive heat while being in direct contact with the cell assembly 70, the cooling efficiency is not very high, and the cooling path is directed in one direction (-z) of the width direction of the battery cell. axial direction), a temperature gradient may occur.

Therefore, in order to extend the lifespan of the battery module and/or battery pack, it is necessary to improve the cooling efficiency of the battery module/battery pack to prevent the temperature of the battery cell from increasing.

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a battery module and battery pack that can improve heat transfer performance by changing the conventional cooling fin structure.

Additionally, in cells that are becoming larger to implement fast charging and high-capacity cells, battery modules and battery packs can be provided to increase space utilization while maintaining a uniform cell temperature.

In addition, since the cell body cannot be directly cooled in the impregnation cooling structure, it is possible to provide a battery module and battery pack that increases cell lifespan by resolving spatial non-uniformity in cooling performance.

The problem to be solved by the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from this specification and the attached drawings. .

A battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a cell assembly in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked in one direction, a heat dissipation member interposed between a first battery cell and a second battery cell in the cell assembly, and the It includes a module frame that accommodates a cell assembly, and the heat dissipation member includes a plate-shaped member parallel to one side of the battery cell, and a cover member extending from at least one of a first portion and a second portion of the plate-shaped member. .

The plate-shaped member and the cover member included in the heat dissipation member may be formed as one piece, and the cover member may be formed by bending the plate-shaped member.

The heat dissipation member may include aluminum, stainless steel, copper, gold, graphite, graphene, CNT (carbon nanotube), or a composite material thereof.

The heat dissipation member may be a lamination of at least two of aluminum, stainless steel, copper, gold, graphite, graphene, and CNT (carbon nanotube).

The module frame may be impregnated with an insulating coolant.

A gap space is formed between the module frame and the battery cell stack, the gap space is impregnated with the insulating coolant, and the cover member and the insulating coolant may be in direct contact.

A gap space may be formed between the module frame and the cell assembly, and a cooling passage may be formed in the gap space.

The cooling passage may be formed in both a gap space between the upper part of the module frame and the cell assembly and a gap space between the lower part of the module frame and the cell assembly.

The gap space may be impregnated with the insulating coolant.

The battery module may further include a thermally conductive numerical layer formed in the gap space.

The battery module may further include a compression pad positioned between the cover member and the module frame.

The battery module may further include a compression pad positioned between the module frame and the battery cell, and the cover member may be positioned between the compression pad and the module frame.

The thickness of the plate-shaped member may be 50% or less compared to the thickness of the battery cell.

The thickness of the plate-shaped member may be 20% or less compared to the thickness of the battery cell.

A battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention includes the battery module described above.

According to embodiments, heat transfer performance can be improved by implementing a heat dissipation member using a lighter and thinner material than before.

Additionally, in the impregnation cooling structure, the heat dissipation member interposed between the battery cells extends from the top and/or bottom of the cell assembly and directly contacts the insulating coolant, thereby increasing cooling efficiency.

The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from this specification and the attached drawings.

Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a battery cell assembly to which a conventional cooling fin is applied.
FIG. 2 is an exploded view showing a cooling fin structure disposed between battery cells included in the battery cell assembly of FIG. 1.
Figure 3 is a diagram showing a heat discharge path in a conventional battery module.
Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is a perspective view showing one battery cell included in the cell assembly of Figure 4.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a cell assembly included in the battery module of FIG. 4.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a heat dissipation member included in the cell assembly of FIG. 6.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along section A-A' of FIG. 6.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a modified example of the battery module of FIG. 8.
Figure 10 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the battery module of Figure 6.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a heat dissipation member included in the cell assembly of FIG. 10.
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along section B-B' of FIG. 10.
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a modified example of the battery module of FIG. 12.

Hereinafter, with reference to the attached drawings, various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily practice the present invention. The invention may be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

In order to clearly explain the present invention, parts that are not relevant to the description are omitted, and identical or similar components are given the same reference numerals throughout the specification.

In addition, the size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily shown for convenience of explanation, so the present invention is not necessarily limited to what is shown. In the drawing, the thickness is enlarged to clearly express various layers and areas. And in the drawings, for convenience of explanation, the thicknesses of some layers and regions are exaggerated.

In addition, throughout the specification, when a part is said to “include” a certain element, this means that it may further include other elements rather than excluding other elements, unless specifically stated to the contrary.

In addition, throughout the specification, when referring to “on a plane,” this means when the target portion is viewed from above, and when referring to “in cross-section,” this means when a cross section of the target portion is cut vertically and viewed from the side.

Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 is a perspective view showing one battery cell included in the cell assembly of Figure 4. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a cell assembly included in the battery module of FIG. 4. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a heat dissipation member included in the cell assembly of FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along section A-A' of FIG. 6.

Referring to FIG. 4, the battery module according to this embodiment includes a cell assembly 120 formed by stacking a plurality of battery cells 110 in one direction, and a module frame (which is open at the front and back to accommodate the cell assembly 120). 200), and an end plate 150 that covers the front and rear of the module frame 200.

The end plate 150 may be formed to cover the cell assembly 120 by being positioned on the open first side (x-axis direction) and second side (-x-side direction) of the module frame 200. This end plate 150 can physically protect the cell assembly 120 and other electrical components from external shock. Additionally, the battery module according to this embodiment includes a bus bar frame (not shown) located between the cell assembly 120 and the end plate 150, and an insulating cover located between the bus bar frame and the end plate 150. (not shown) may further be included. On the bus bar frame, an electrode lead protruding from the battery cell 110 and a bus bar for electrical connection between neighboring cells may be coupled. The insulating cover may serve for electrical insulation between the end plate 150 and electrical components on the cell assembly 120 and/or the busbar frame.

In this embodiment, the module frame 200 is shown as a mono frame surrounding the top, bottom, left, and right sides of the cell assembly 120, but it is not limited to this and is formed on the left and right sides of the cell assembly 120 by a U-shaped lower frame. And it may be a structure in which the lower surface is covered, the upper surface of the cell assembly 120 is covered by the upper plate, and then the U-shaped lower frame and the upper plate are coupled.

Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the cell assembly 120 includes a plurality of battery cells 110 stacked in one direction, and the plurality of battery cells 110 are stacked in the y-axis direction as shown in Figure 4. You can. The battery cell 110 is preferably a pouch-type battery cell. For example, referring to Figure 5, the battery cell 110 according to this embodiment has two electrode leads 111 and 112 facing in opposite directions, one end 114a of the cell body 113, and the other end 114a. Each may have a structure protruding from (114b). The battery cell 110 is manufactured by storing the electrode assembly (not shown) in the cell case 114 and adhering both ends 114a and 114b of the cell case 114 and both sides 114c connecting them. It can be. In other words, the battery cell 110 according to this embodiment has a total of three sealing portions 114sa, 114sb, and 114sc, and the sealing portions 114sa, 114sb, and 114sc have a structure that is sealed by a method such as heat fusion. , the other side may be made of a connection portion 115. A space between both ends 114a and 114b of the cell case 114 is defined in the longitudinal direction of the battery cell 110, and one side portion 114c and a connection portion connect both ends 114a and 114b of the battery case 114. The area between (115) can be defined as the width direction of the battery cell (110).

The connection portion 115 is a region extending long along one edge of the battery cell 110, and a protrusion 110p of the battery cell 110 may be formed at an end of the connection portion 115. The protruding portion 110p may be formed on at least one of both ends of the connecting portion 115 and may protrude in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the connecting portion 115 extends. The protrusion 110p may be located between the connection portion 115 and one of the sealing portions 114sa and 114sb of both ends 114a and 114b of the cell case 114.

The cell case 114 generally has a laminate structure of a resin layer/metal thin film layer/resin layer. For example, when the cell case surface is made of an O (oriented)-nylon layer, when multiple battery cells are stacked to form a medium to large-sized battery module, it tends to slip easily due to external impact. Therefore, in order to prevent this and maintain a stable stacked structure of the battery cells, an adhesive member such as an adhesive such as a double-sided tape or a chemical adhesive bonded by a chemical reaction during adhesion is attached to the surface of the cell case to form a cell assembly (120). ) can be formed.

In this embodiment, the cell assembly 120 may be accommodated inside the module frame 200 and cooled by an insulating coolant impregnated within the module frame 200. The insulating coolant may be an insulating coolant or insulating oil that has electrically insulating properties. When the module frame 200 is impregnated with an insulating coolant and cooling progresses, the battery cell 110 and the coolant come into direct contact, thereby increasing cooling efficiency. However, since the portion corresponding to the cell body 113 of the battery cell 110 shown in FIG. 5 is not directly exposed to the insulating coolant, spatial non-uniformity in cooling performance may occur. This results in a local temperature increase of the battery cell 110, which may cause battery cell deterioration.

According to one embodiment of the present invention to solve this problem, a heat dissipation member 130 is formed to be interposed between the first and second battery cells within the cell assembly 120. For example, a heat dissipation member 130 may be disposed between neighboring battery cells 110 . The heat dissipation member 130 may be formed once for every two battery cells 110 , or may be formed once for every four battery cells 110 .

Referring to Figures 6 and 7, the heat dissipation member 130 according to this embodiment includes a plate-shaped member 131 parallel to one side of the battery cell 110, a first portion and a second portion of the plate-shaped member 131. and a cover member 132 extending from at least one of the portions. For example, the first part of the plate-shaped member 131 may be an upper edge, and the second part may be a lower edge. The cover member 132 according to the embodiment of 7 has a structure extending from the upper edge of the plate-shaped member 131.

The heat dissipation member 130 may be formed of a material with high thermal conductivity. For example, the heat dissipation member 130 according to this embodiment includes aluminum, stainless steel, copper, gold, graphite, graphene, CNT (carbon nanotube), or a composite material thereof. For example, thermal conductivity and weight can be adjusted by using aluminum-graphite composite material. The heat dissipation member 130 may be a lamination of at least two of aluminum, stainless steel, copper, gold, graphite, graphene, and carbon nanotubes (CNTs). In addition, by lamination of the PET (polyethylene terephthalate) insulating layer and the composite material, an effective heat dissipation structure can be formed using a light and thin material compared to the cooling fin structure as a conventional heat dissipation member. The PET insulating layer can implement insulation between the battery cell 110 and the heat dissipation member 130. The PET insulating layer may be laminated on the front and back surfaces of the aluminum-graphite composite material layer to be disposed between the heat dissipation member 130 and the battery cell 110. As a comparative example, when an insulating coating is applied to the heat dissipation member 130, the coating liquid may collect on the inside of the “ㄱ”-shaped or “ㄷ”-shaped surface, making it difficult to achieve a uniform coating thickness.

Therefore, the heat dissipation member 130 according to this embodiment can effectively transfer heat generated in the cell assembly 120 to the outside, thereby improving the cooling performance of the battery module 100.

The heat dissipation member 130 according to this embodiment may be a thin film. The thickness of the heat dissipation member 130 may be smaller than the thickness of the battery cell 110. Preferably, the thickness of the heat dissipation member 130 may be approximately 50% or less, or more preferably 20% or less, of the thickness of the battery cell 110. Here, the thickness of the battery cell 110 may be sized based on the y-axis direction of FIG. 6.

The thickness of the heat dissipation member 130 may be 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm. Therefore, even if the area where the heat dissipation member 130 covers the surface corresponding to the cell body 113 of each battery cell 110 constituting the cell assembly 120 and the top or bottom of the battery cell 110 is large, , it may not significantly affect the energy density of the battery module.

Compression pads 160 may be disposed on the outermost left and right sides of the cell assembly 120 according to this embodiment. A battery module formed by storing the cell assembly 120 within the module frame 200 can increase safety by reducing the change in the shape of the battery module when the battery cell 110 is swelling by the compression pad 160.

Referring to FIG. 8, the heat dissipation member 130 according to this embodiment includes a first heat dissipation member 130a and a second heat dissipation member 130b. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along section A-A' of FIG. 6, but shows a sectional view after the cell assembly 120 is accommodated in the module frame 200 as shown in FIG. 4.

As shown in FIG. 8, the first heat dissipation member 130a includes a first plate-shaped member 131a facing the cell body of the battery cell 110, and a first plate-shaped member 131a extending from the lower edge of the first plate-shaped member 131a. 1 includes a cover member 132a, and the second heat dissipation member 130b extends from a second plate-shaped member 131b facing the cell body of the battery cell 110 and an upper edge of the second plate-shaped member 131b. It may include a second cover member 132b. The first cover member 132a extends toward the lower edge of the second plate-shaped member 131b, and the second cover member 132b extends toward the upper edge of the first plate-shaped member 131a.

Heat generated in the battery cell 110 is transmitted along the plate-shaped members 131a and 131b, and a cooling effect can be exerted by the cover members 132a and 132b directly contacting the insulating coolant. A gap space GS is formed between the module frame 200 and the cell assembly 120, and an insulating coolant may be inserted into the gap space GS to form a cooling path. The gap space GS may be a thin gap formed within the module frame 200. In addition, a separation space is formed between the first cover member 132a and the lower part of the battery cell 110 and/or the second cover member 132b and the upper part of the battery cell 110 to allow the insulating coolant to flow to that part. This can further increase the cooling effect.

According to this embodiment, in the cooling structure in which the insulating coolant is impregnated within the module frame 200, the heat dissipation member 130 interposed between the battery cells 110 extends from the upper and/or lower part of the cell assembly 120 to insulate it. Cooling efficiency can be increased by direct contact with the coolant. In addition, since heat is transferred to both the upper and lower parts of the battery module from the plate-shaped member 131 of the heat dissipation member 130 in contact with the cell body of the battery cell 110, the temperature difference does not appear large, so the temperature difference does not appear large. You can extend your lifespan.

As a modified example, cooling efficiency can be further improved by additionally forming a thermally conductive resin layer in the gap space GS to discharge heat transferred from the heat dissipation member 130 to the outside of the module frame 200. The thermally conductive resin layer may include a thermally conductive adhesive material, and specifically, may include at least one of silicone material, urethane material, and acrylic material. The thermally conductive resin layer may be in a liquid state when applied, but may be hardened after application to serve to fix the plurality of battery cells 110 constituting the cell assembly 120. In addition, due to its excellent heat conduction characteristics, heat generated in the battery cell 110 can be quickly transferred to the upper and lower sides of the battery module to prevent overheating of the battery module.

Here, even if the thermally conductive resin layer is formed in the gap space GS, a narrower gap space remains between the thermally conductive resin layer and the surrounding module frame 200 and/or cell assembly 120. There may be an insulating coolant impregnated through this gap space. Therefore, a cooling effect can be realized by directly contacting the heat dissipation member 120 and the insulating coolant according to this embodiment.

The battery module according to this embodiment may further include compression pads 161 located between neighboring battery cells 110. As described above, compression pads 160 may be placed on the outermost left and right sides of the cell assembly 120, but additionally, compression pads 161 are formed inside the cell assembly 120 to prevent swelling of the battery cells 110. It can alleviate the shock that occurs during use. In addition to being formed in the above-described portion, these compression pads 160 and 161 may be additionally formed between the cover member 132 and the module frame 200. As shown in FIG. 8, the upper compression pad 163 is located between the second cover member 132b of the second heat dissipation member 130b and the upper part of the module frame 200, and the lower compression pad 163 is located between the second cover member 132b of the second heat dissipation member 130b and the upper part of the module frame 200. It may be located between the first cover member 132a of the heat dissipation member 130a and the bottom of the module frame 200. The compression pad 163 formed between the cover member 132 and the module frame 200 allows the cover member 132 to efficiently transfer the heat generated from the battery cell 110 to the heat dissipation member 130. It can be fixed to the top and/or bottom of the cell 110. Additionally, the compression pad 163 formed between the cover member 132 and the module frame 200 may serve to alleviate external shock to the battery module.

At least one of the previously described compression pads 160, 161, and 163 may be omitted.

As another modified example, the gap space GS may be a thin gap, and a thermally conductive resin layer may be formed in the place of the previously described compression pad 163. By additionally forming the thermally conductive resin layer, heat transferred from the heat dissipation member 130 can be discharged to the outside of the module frame 200, thereby further increasing cooling efficiency.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a modified example of the battery module of FIG. 8.

Referring to FIG. 9, most of what was explained in the embodiment of FIG. 8 is applied to this embodiment, and differences will be described below.

The battery module according to this embodiment further includes a compression pad 164 located between the module frame 200 and the battery cell 110, and at this time, the cover members 132a and 132b are connected to the compression pad 164 and the compression pad 164. It may be located between the module frames 200. Specifically, a compression pad 164 is formed between the bottom of the module frame 200 and the bottom of the battery cell 110, and a compression pad 164 is formed between the top of the module frame 200 and the top of the battery cell 110. can be formed.

By arranging the compression pad 164 according to this embodiment as described above, the cooling effect can be further improved as the area in direct contact between the heat dissipation member 130 and the insulating coolant increases. Specifically, the portion of the plate-shaped member 131 exposed to the insulating coolant increases as the thickness of the compression pad 164 increases, thereby improving cooling efficiency.

At this time, a separation space is formed between the compression pad 164 and the lower part of the battery cell 110 and/or between the compression pad 164 and the upper part of the battery cell 110, so that the insulating coolant flows to that part, further enhancing the cooling effect. It can be raised.

Figure 10 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the battery module of Figure 6. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a heat dissipation member included in the cell assembly of FIG. 10. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along section B-B' of FIG. 10.

Referring to FIG. 10, most of what was explained in the embodiment of FIGS. 6 to 8 is applied to this embodiment, and differences will be described below.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11 , the heat dissipation member 230 according to this embodiment includes a plate-shaped member 231 parallel to one side of the battery cell 110, and radiating from the upper and lower edges of the plate-shaped member 231. Each includes an extended cover member 232. The cover member 232 according to the embodiment of FIG. 11 includes a first cover member 232 extending from the upper edge of the plate member 231, and a second cover member extending from the lower edge of the plate member 231 ( 232), and the first and second cover members 232 may be parallel to each other.

Referring to FIG. 12, the heat dissipation member 230 according to this embodiment includes a first heat dissipation member 230a and a second heat dissipation member 230b. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the section B-B' of FIG. 10, but shows the section after the cell assembly 120 is accommodated in the module frame 200 as shown in FIG. 4.

As shown in FIG. 12, the first heat dissipation member 230a is formed from the first plate-shaped member 231a facing the cell body of the battery cell 110, and the upper and lower edges of the first plate-shaped member 231a. Each includes an extended first cover member 232a, and the second heat dissipation member 230b includes a second plate-shaped member 231b facing the cell body of the battery cell 110, and a second plate-shaped member 231b of the second plate-shaped member 231b. It may include a second cover member 232b extending from the upper edge and the lower edge, respectively. Each of the two first cover members 232a extends toward the upper edge and the lower edge of the second plate-shaped member 231b, and each of the two second cover members 232b extends toward the upper edge of the first plate-shaped member 231a. and extends toward the lower edge.

The heat generated in the battery cell 110 is transmitted along the plate-shaped members 231a and 231b, and the cover members 232a and 232b connected to the plate-shaped members 231a and 231b are in direct contact with the insulating coolant, thereby exerting a cooling effect. You can. A gap space GS is formed between the module frame 200 and the cell assembly 120, and an insulating coolant may be inserted into the gap space GS to form a cooling path. The gap space GS may be a thin gap formed within the module frame 200.

According to this embodiment, in the cooling structure in which the insulating coolant is impregnated within the module frame 200, the heat dissipation member 230 interposed between the battery cells 110 extends from the upper and/or lower part of the cell assembly 120 to insulate it. Cooling efficiency can be increased by direct contact with the coolant. In addition, since heat is transferred to both the upper and lower parts of the battery module from the plate-shaped member 231 of the heat dissipation member 230 in contact with the cell body of the battery cell 110, the temperature difference does not appear large, so the temperature difference does not appear large. You can extend your lifespan.

In addition, a second cover member ( Between 232b) and the upper part of the battery cell 110, between the first cover member 232a extending from the lower edge of the first plate-shaped member 231a and the lower part of the battery cell 110, and the second plate-shaped member 231b A separation space is formed between the second cover member 232b extending from the lower edge of the battery cell 110 and the lower part of the battery cell 110, so that the insulating coolant flows to that part, thereby further enhancing the cooling effect.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a modified example of the battery module of FIG. 12.

Referring to FIG. 13, most of what was explained in the embodiment of FIG. 12 is applied to this embodiment, and differences will be described below.

The battery module according to this embodiment further includes a compression pad 164 located between the module frame 200 and the battery cell 110, and at this time, the cover members 232a and 232b are connected to the compression pad 164. It may be located between the module frames 200. Specifically, a compression pad 164 is formed between the bottom of the module frame 200 and the bottom of the battery cell 110, and a compression pad 164 is formed between the top of the module frame 200 and the top of the battery cell 110. can be formed.

By arranging the compression pad 164 according to this embodiment as described above, the cooling effect can be further improved as the area in direct contact between the heat dissipation member 230 and the insulating coolant increases. Specifically, the portion of the plate-shaped member 231 exposed to the insulating coolant increases as the thickness of the compression pad 164 increases, thereby improving cooling efficiency.

At this time, a separation space is formed between the compression pad 164 and the lower part of the battery cell 110 and/or between the compression pad 164 and the upper part of the battery cell 110, so that the insulating coolant flows to that part, further enhancing the cooling effect. It can be raised.

A battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention includes the battery module described above. In addition, the battery pack according to this embodiment may have a structure in which one or more battery modules are packed together and a battery management system (BMS) that manages the temperature or voltage of the battery, a cooling device, etc. are added and packed.

The battery pack can be applied to various devices. These devices can be applied to transportation means such as electric bicycles, electric cars, and hybrid cars, but the present invention is not limited thereto and can be applied to various devices that can use battery modules, and this also falls within the scope of the present invention. .

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and improvements made by those skilled in the art using the basic concept of the present invention defined in the following claims can also be made. It falls within the scope of invention rights.

110: battery cell
113: cell body
120: Cell assembly
130, 230: Heat dissipation member
130a, 230a: first heat dissipation member
130b, 230b: second heat dissipation member
131, 231: plate-shaped member
131a, 231a: first plate-shaped member
131b, 231b: second plate-shaped member
132, 232: cover member
132a, 232a: first cover member
132b, 232b: second cover member
160, 161, 163, 164: Compression pad
200: module frame

Claims (15)

A cell assembly in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked in one direction,
A heat dissipation member interposed between a first battery cell and a second battery cell in the cell assembly, and
Comprising a module frame that accommodates the cell assembly,
The heat dissipation member is a battery module including a plate-shaped member parallel to one side of the battery cell, and a cover member extending from at least one of a first portion and a second portion of the plate-shaped member. In paragraph 1:
The battery module wherein the plate-shaped member included in the heat dissipation member and the cover member are formed as one piece, and the cover member is formed by bending the plate-shaped member. In paragraph 2,
The heat dissipation member is a battery module including aluminum, stainless steel, copper, gold, graphite, graphene, CNT (carbon nanotube), or a composite material thereof. In paragraph 3,
The heat dissipation member is a battery module in which at least two of aluminum, stainless steel, copper, gold, graphite, graphene, and CNT (carbon nanotube) are laminated. In paragraph 1:
A battery module in which the module frame is impregnated with an insulating coolant. In paragraph 5,
A battery module in which a gap space is formed between the module frame and the battery cell stack, the gap space is impregnated with the insulating coolant, and the cover member and the insulating coolant are in direct contact. In paragraph 5,
A battery module in which a gap space is formed between the module frame and the cell assembly, and a cooling passage is formed in the gap space. In paragraph 7:
The battery module wherein the cooling passage is formed in both a gap space between the upper part of the module frame and the cell assembly and a gap space between the lower part of the module frame and the cell assembly. In paragraph 7:
A battery module in which the gap space is impregnated with the insulating coolant. In paragraph 7:
A battery module further comprising a thermally conductive numerical layer formed in the gap space. In paragraph 1:
A battery module further comprising a compression pad positioned between the cover member and the module frame. In paragraph 1:
Further comprising a compression pad located between the module frame and the battery cell,
The cover member is a battery module positioned between the compression pad and the module frame. In paragraph 1:
A battery module in which the thickness of the plate-shaped member is 50% or less compared to the thickness of the battery cell. In paragraph 12:
A battery module in which the thickness of the plate-shaped member is 20% or less compared to the thickness of the battery cell. A battery pack including the battery module according to claim 1.