Patent Description:
The present disclosure relates to a battery module and a battery pack including the same, and more particularly, to a cooling-integrated large-capacity battery module and a battery pack including the same.

In modern society, as portable devices such as a mobile phone, a notebook computer, a camcorder and a digital camera has been daily used, the development of technologies in the fields related to mobile devices as described above has been activated. In addition, chargeable/dischargeable secondary batteries are used as a power source for an electric vehicle (EV), a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (P-HEV) and the like, in an attempt to solve air pollution and the like caused by existing gasoline vehicles using fossil fuel. Therefore, the demand for development of the secondary battery is growing.

Currently commercialized secondary batteries include a nickel cadmium battery, a nickel hydrogen battery, a nickel zinc battery, and a lithium secondary battery. Among them, the lithium secondary battery has come into the spotlight because they have advantages, for example, hardly exhibiting memory effects compared to nickel-based secondary batteries and thus being freely charged and discharged, and having very low self-discharge rate and high energy density.

Such lithium secondary battery mainly uses a lithium-based oxide and a carbonaceous material as a cathode active material and an anode active material, respectively. The lithium secondary battery includes an electrode assembly in which a cathode plate and an anode plate, each being coated with the cathode active material and the anode active material, are arranged with a separator being interposed between them, and a battery case which seals and houses the electrode assembly together with an electrolytic solution.

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

In the case of a secondary battery used for small-sized devices, two to three battery cells are arranged, but in the case of a secondary battery used for a middle or large-sized device such as an automobile, a battery module in which a large number of battery cells are electrically connected is used. In such a battery module, a large number of battery cells are connected to each other in series or parallel to form a cell assembly, thereby improving capacity and output. Further, one or more battery modules can be mounted together with various control and protection systems such as a BDU (battery disconnect unit), a BMS (battery management system) and a cooling system to form a battery pack.

A battery module and a battery pack including the battery module must satisfy various functions. First, it must satisfy structural durability against various environments, vibrations, impacts, and the like. Second, the battery cells inside the battery pack generate electrical energy and dissipate heat, so that a cooling system for cooling them is essential. These form a complex structure within a limited space, which may cause inefficiency in the assembly process.

Therefore, there is a need to develop a battery module which simplifies a cooling structure, ensures structural durability, and is improved in capacity, space utilization and assembly property by simply and intensively arranging internal parts and battery modules, and a battery pack including the same.

<CIT> concerns a battery module assembly including: a module array body including two or more unit modules, each including a plurality of battery cells and a combination-type module housing that includes a first space set by combining a plurality of plate members, and a second space set in the first space while a fixing bracket is additionally combined to one of the plurality of plate members, <CIT> concerns a battery module comprising: a cell assembly in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; and a lower plate disposed under the cell assembly. <CIT> concerns a storage device for storing electrical energy for a motor vehicle, with a plurality of storage cells arranged one after the other along a stacking direction and forming at least one cell stack with a bracing device having two end plates and at least one tension element connected to the end plates, by means of which the storage cells arranged between the end plates along the stacking direction are braced together along the stacking direction.

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a battery module which is improved in durability against vibrations, impacts and the like together with a simplified cooling structure, and a battery pack including the same.

However, the problem to be solved by embodiments of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described problems and can be variously expanded within the scope of the technical idea included in the present disclosure.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a battery module comprising: a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; a module frame that houses the battery cell stack; a first end plate and a second end plate that cover one side and the other side of the battery cell stack, respectively; a heat sink that is located under a bottom part of the module frame; a coolant injection port that supplies coolant to the heat sink; and a coolant discharge port that discharges the coolant from the heat sink. The first end plate comprises first mounting parts that are formed on one surface of the first end plate. The module frame comprises a first module frame protrusion and a second module frame protrusion that protrude from the bottom part of the module frame so as to pass the first end plate. The coolant injection port is located on the first module frame protrusion, and the coolant discharge port is located on the second module frame protrusion. The coolant injection port and the coolant discharge port are spaced apart from each other along the width direction of the first end plate, and the first mounting parts are located between the coolant injection port and the coolant discharge port.

The coolant injection port and the coolant discharge port may be located so as to correspond to both ends in a width direction of the first end plate.

A mounting hole opened along the height direction may be formed in the first mounting part.

One of the first mounting parts may be located between the central part of the first end plate and the coolant injection port, and another one of the first mounting parts may be located between the central part of the first end plate and the coolant discharge port.

A first guide part may be formed in the central part of the first end plate, and a guide hole opened along the height direction may be formed in the first guide part.

A second guide part may be formed in at least one location between a central part of the second end plate and both ends in a width direction of the second end plate.

Second mounting parts may be formed between the central part of the second end plate and one end in the width direction of the second end plate, and between the central part of the second end plate and the other end in the width direction of the second end plate, respectively.

A second guide part may be formed between any one of the second mounting parts and the one end in the width direction of the second end plate.

The bottom part of the module frame and the heat sink may form a flow path for the coolant, and the bottom part of the module frame may be in contact with the coolant.

The heat sink may comprise a lower plate that is joined to the bottom part of the module frame, and a recessed part formed to be recessed downward from the lower plate.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a battery pack comprising: the above-mentioned battery module, and a pack frame that houses the battery module, wherein the first mounting parts are fastened to the pack frame.

The pack frame may comprise a pack bottom part where the battery module is disposed and a guide pin protruding upward from the pack bottom part, and when the battery module is disposed on the pack bottom part, the guide pin may pass through the guide hole.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the cooling-integrated large-capacity battery module in which the number of included battery cells can allow increase in the capacity and simplification in the internal parts and structure constituting the battery pack. In particular, the cooling structure and other components can be intensively arranged together with the battery module to increase capacity and space utilization. In addition, by adjusting the positions of the port of the cooling structure and the mounting part for fixing the module, it is possible to increase the durability against vibration, impact and the like.

Further, the large-capacity battery module is housed in the pack frame through the guide pin structure, thereby capable of improving the processability of manufacture.

Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily carry out them. The present disclosure may be modified in various different ways, and is not limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

Portions that are irrelevant to the description will be omitted to clearly describe the present disclosure, and like reference numerals designate like elements throughout the description.

In addition, it will be understood that when an element such as a layer, film, region, or plate is referred to as being "on" or "above" another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element, it means that other intervening elements are not present. Further, the word "on" or "above" means disposed on or below a reference portion, and does not necessarily mean being disposed on the upper end of the reference portion toward the opposite direction of gravity.

Further, throughout the description, when a portion is referred to as "including" or "comprising" a certain component, it means that the portion can further include other components, without excluding the other components, unless otherwise stated.

Further, throughout the description, when referred to as "planar", it means when a target portion is viewed from the upper side, and when referred to as "cross-sectional", it means when a target portion is viewed from the side of a cross section cut vertically.

<FIG> is a perspective view showing a battery module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the battery module of <FIG>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a battery cell included in the battery module of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, a battery module <NUM> according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a battery cell stack <NUM> in which a plurality of battery cells <NUM> are stacked; a module frame <NUM> that houses the battery cell stack <NUM>; a first end plate <NUM> and a second end plate <NUM> that cover one side and the other side of the battery cell stack, respectively; a heat sink <NUM> that is located under the bottom part 210a of the module frame <NUM>; a coolant injection port 500a that supplies a coolant to the heat sink <NUM>; and a coolant discharge port 500b that discharges the coolant from the heat sink <NUM>.

First, the battery cell <NUM> may be a pouch-type battery cell. Such a pouch-type battery cell may be formed by housing an electrode assembly in a pouch case of a laminated sheet including a resin layer and a metal layer, and then fusing the outer peripheral part of the pouch case. Such battery cells <NUM> may be formed in a rectangular sheet-like structure. Specifically, the battery cell <NUM> according to the present embodiment has a structure in which two electrode leads <NUM> and <NUM> face each other and protrude from one end 114a and the other end 114b of the cell main body <NUM>, respectively. The battery cell <NUM> can be produced by joining both ends 114a and 114b of a cell case <NUM> and one side part 114c connecting them in a state in which an electrode assembly (not shown) is housed in a cell case <NUM>. In other words, the battery cell <NUM> according to the present embodiment has a total of three sealing parts, the sealing parts have a structure that is sealed by a method such as fusion, and the remaining other side part may be composed of a connection part <NUM>.

However, the battery cell <NUM> described above is an exemplary structure, and it goes without saying that a unidirectional battery cell in which the two electrode leads protrude in the same direction is available.

Such a battery cell <NUM> may be composed by a plurality of numbers, and the plurality of battery cells <NUM> may be stacked so as to be electrically connected to each other, thereby forming a battery cell stack <NUM>. Particularly, as shown in <FIG>, a plurality of battery cells <NUM> may be stacked along the direction parallel to the x-axis. The battery cell case <NUM> generally has a laminated structure of resin layer/metal thin film layer/resin layer. For example, when the surface of the battery case is formed of an O (oriented)-nylon layer, it tends to slide easily due to external impact when stacking a plurality of battery cells to form a medium or large-sized battery module. Therefore, in order to prevent this problem and maintain a stable stacked structure of battery cells, an adhesive member such as a cohesive-type adhesive such as a double-sided tape or a chemical adhesive bonded by chemical reaction during adhesion can be attached to the surface of the battery case to form a battery cell stack <NUM>.

When the battery cells <NUM> shown in <FIG> are stacked, any one electrode lead <NUM> of the battery cell <NUM> may protrude toward the first end plate <NUM>, and the other electrode lead <NUM> of the battery cell <NUM> may protrude toward the second end plate <NUM>. The connection part <NUM> of the battery cell <NUM> may be directed toward the bottom part 210a of the module frame <NUM>.

The battery cell stack <NUM> according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be a large-area module in which the number of battery cells <NUM> is increased more than before. In one example, <NUM> to <NUM> battery cells <NUM> may be included per battery module <NUM>. In the case of such a large-area module, the length in a width direction of each of the end plates <NUM> and <NUM> becomes long. Here, the width direction of each of the end plates <NUM> and <NUM> may refer to a direction in which the battery cells <NUM> are stacked, that is, a direction parallel to the x-axis.

The module frame <NUM> for housing the battery cell stack <NUM> may include a U-shaped frame <NUM> and an upper cover <NUM>.

The U-shaped frame <NUM> may include a bottom part 210a and two side surface parts 210b that extend upward at both ends of the bottom part 210a. The bottom part 210a may cover the lower surface of the battery cell stack <NUM>, and the side surface part 210b may cover both side surfaces of the battery cell stack <NUM>.

The upper cover <NUM> may be formed in a single plate-shaped structure that wraps the lower surface wrapped by the U-shaped frame <NUM> and the remaining upper surface (z-axis direction) excluding the both side surfaces. The upper cover <NUM> and the U-shaped frame <NUM> can be joined by welding or the like in a state in which the corresponding corner portions are in contact with each other, thereby forming a structure that covers the battery cell stack <NUM> vertically and horizontally. The battery cell stack <NUM> can be physically protected through the upper cover <NUM> and the U-shaped frame <NUM>. For this purpose, the upper cover <NUM> and the U-shaped frame <NUM> may include a metal material having a predetermined strength.

Meanwhile, although not specifically shown in the figure, the module frame <NUM> according to a modification may be a mono frame in the form of a metal plate in which the upper surface, the lower surface, and both side surfaces are integrated. That is, this is not a structure in which the U-shaped frame <NUM> and the upper cover <NUM> are coupled with each other, but a structure in which the upper surface, the lower surface, and both side surfaces are integrated by being manufactured by extrusion molding.

The first end plate <NUM> and the second end plate <NUM> may be formed so that they are located on opened both sides (y-axis direction and -y-axis direction) of the module frame <NUM> so as to cover one side and the other side of the battery cell stack <NUM>. The one side and the other side may be in opposite directions from each other. Particularly, the one side and the other side of the battery cell stack <NUM> may be in directions in which the electrode leads <NUM> and <NUM> of the battery cells <NUM> protrude, respectively. That is, the first end plate <NUM> and the second end plate <NUM> may be respectively located on one side and the other side of the battery cell stack <NUM> in a direction in which the electrode leads <NUM> and <NUM> protrude.

The first end plate <NUM> and the second end plate <NUM> can be located on the opened both sides of the module frame <NUM> to be joined to the module frame <NUM> by a method such as welding. The first end plate <NUM> and the second end plate <NUM> can include a metal material having a predetermined strength in order to physically protect the battery cell stack <NUM> and other electrical components from external impact.

Meanwhile, although not specifically shown in the figure, a busbar frame and an insulating cover may be located between the battery cell stack <NUM> and the first end plate <NUM> and between the battery cell stack <NUM> and the second end plate <NUM>, respectively. A busbar is mounted on the busbar frame, so that electrode leads <NUM> and <NUM> of the battery cells <NUM> can be connected. The insulating cover can block the busbar and the electrode leads <NUM> and <NUM> from contacting the first end plate <NUM> or the second end plate <NUM>.

Next, the heat sink and the cooling port according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to <FIG> and the like.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view which enlarges and shows a first end plate section of the battery module of <FIG>. <FIG> is a perspective view which shows the battery module of <FIG> by changing the viewing angle so that a heat sink is made visible. <FIG> is a perspective view showing a heat sink included in the battery module of <FIG>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view which shows a cross section taken along the cutting line A-A' of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> together with <FIG>, the heat sink <NUM> according to the present embodiment is located under the bottom part 210a of the module frame <NUM> as described above. Coolant may flow between the bottom part 210a of the module frame <NUM> and the heat sink <NUM>. That is, the bottom part 210a of the module frame <NUM> and the heat sink <NUM> may form a coolant flow path, and the bottom part 210a of the module frame <NUM> may directly contact the coolant.

Specifically, the heat sink <NUM> according to the present embodiment may include a lower plate <NUM> that forms a basic frame of the heat sink <NUM> and joins to the bottom part 210a of the module frame <NUM>, and a recessed part <NUM> that is formed to be recessed downward from the lower plate <NUM>.

The recessed part <NUM> becomes a path through which the coolant flows. The lower plate <NUM> may be joined to the bottom part 210a of the module frame <NUM> by a welding method.

Meanwhile, the module frame <NUM> may include a first module frame protrusion <NUM> and a second module frame protrusion <NUM> that protrude from the bottom part 210a of the module frame <NUM> so as to pass the first end plate <NUM>.

At this time, the heat sink <NUM> may include a first heat sink protrusion 300P1 that protrudes from one side of the heat sink <NUM> to a portion where the first module frame protrusion <NUM> is located, and a second heat sink protrusion 300P2 that protrudes from one side of the heat sink <NUM> to a portion where the second module frame protrusion <NUM> is located. The recessed part <NUM> may extend from the first heat sink protrusion 300P1 to the second heat sink protrusion 300P2, wherein the first heat sink protrusion 300P1 and the second heat sink protrusion 300P2 may be an area into which a coolant is flowed in and an area through which a coolant is discharged, respectively. The first heat sink protrusion 300P1 and the first module frame protrusion <NUM> may be joined by welding, and the second heat sink protrusion 300P2 and the second module frame protrusion <NUM> may be joined by welding.

The recessed part <NUM> of the heat sink <NUM> corresponds to a portion in which the lower plate <NUM> is formed to be recessed downward. The recessed part <NUM> may be a tube having a U-shaped cross section cut along an xz plane or an yz plane perpendicular to the direction in which the coolant flow path extends, and a bottom part 210a may be located on the opened upper side of the U-shaped tube. In <FIG>, a recessed part <NUM> having an opened upper part is illustrated. While the lower part <NUM> of the heat sink <NUM> being in contact with the bottom part 210a, the space between the recessed part <NUM> and the bottom part 210a becomes an area in which the coolant flows, that is, a flow path for the coolant. Thereby, the bottom part 210a of the lower frame <NUM> may directly contact with the coolant.

The method for preparing the recessed part <NUM> of the heat sink <NUM> is not particularly limited, but the U-shaped recessed part <NUM> with an opened upper side can be formed by providing a structure that is recessed and formed to the plate-shaped heat sink <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the battery module <NUM> according to the present embodiment includes a cooling port <NUM>, wherein the cooling port <NUM> includes a coolant injection port 500a that supplies a coolant to the heat sink <NUM>, and a coolant discharge port 500b that discharges the coolant from the heat sink <NUM>. Specifically, the coolant injection port 500a is located on the first module frame protrusion <NUM>, and the coolant discharge port 500b is located on the second module frame protrusion <NUM>.

The coolant supplied through the coolant injection port 500a passes between the first module frame protrusion <NUM> and the first heat sink protrusion 300P1, and is first flowed into the space between the recessed part <NUM> and the bottom part 210a. Then, the coolant circulates along the recessed part <NUM>, passes between the second module frame projection <NUM> and the second heat sink projection 300P2, and is discharged through the coolant discharge port 500b. In this manner, a coolant circulation structure for the battery module <NUM> can be formed.

Meanwhile, although not shown in the figure, a thermal conductive resin layer including a thermal conductive resin may be located between the bottom part 210a of the module frame <NUM> of <FIG> and the battery cell stack <NUM>. The thermal conductive resin layer can be formed by applying a thermal resin to the bottom part 210a and curing the applied thermal conductive resin.

The thermal conductive resin may include a thermal conductive adhesive material, and specifically, may include at least one of a silicone material, a urethane material, and an acrylic material. The thermal conductive resin is a liquid during application but is cured after application, so that it can perform the role of fixing a plurality of battery cells <NUM> constituting the battery cell stack <NUM>. Further, since the thermal conductive resin has excellent heat transfer properties, the heat generated in the battery module <NUM> can be quickly transferred to the lower-side of the battery module.

The battery module <NUM> according to the present embodiment realizes a cooling-integrated structure of the module frame <NUM> and the heat sink <NUM>, and thus can further improve cooling performance. The bottom part 210a of the module frame <NUM> serves to correspond to the upper plate of the heat sink <NUM>, thereby capable of realizing a cooling-integrated structure. The cooling efficiency increases due to direct cooling, and the space utilization on the battery module <NUM> and the battery pack <NUM> in which the battery module <NUM> is mounted can be increased through a structure in which the heat sink <NUM> is integrated with the bottom part 210a of the module frame <NUM>.

Specifically, heat generated from the battery cell <NUM> can pass through a thermal conductive resin layer (not shown) located between the battery cell stack <NUM> and the bottom part 210a, the bottom part 210a of the module frame <NUM>, and the coolant to be transferred to the outside of the battery module <NUM>. By removing the unnecessary cooling structure according to the conventional one, the heat transfer path can be simplified and an air gap between respective layers can be reduced, so that the cooling efficiency or performance can be enhanced. Particularly, the bottom part 210a is composed of an upper plate of the heat sink <NUM>, and the bottom part 210a directly abuts on the coolant, which is thus advantageous in that more direct cooling through the coolant is possible.

Further, through the removal of the unnecessary cooling structure, the height of the battery module <NUM> is reduced and thus, the cost can be reduced and the space utilization rate can be increased. Furthermore, since the battery module <NUM> can be arranged in a compact manner, the capacity or output of the battery pack <NUM> including a plurality of battery modules <NUM> can be increased.

Meanwhile, as described above, the bottom part 210a of the module frame <NUM> may be weld-joined to a lower frame part <NUM> portion where the recessed part <NUM> is not formed in the heat sink <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the cooling-integrated structure of the bottom part 210a of the module frame <NUM> and the heat sink <NUM> not only improves the above-mentioned cooling performance but also can have the effect of supporting the load of the battery cell stack <NUM> housed in the module frame <NUM> and reinforcing the stiffness of the battery module <NUM>. In addition, the lower plate <NUM> and the bottom part 210a of the module frame <NUM> are sealed through a welding junction, and the like, so that the coolant can flow without leakage.

The battery module <NUM> according to the present embodiment includes <NUM> to <NUM> battery cells <NUM>, which are more than the conventional one, for enhanced capacity and the like. However, since the number of battery cells <NUM> increases and the length in a width direction of the end plates <NUM> and <NUM> of the battery module <NUM> increases, the cooling efficiency of each battery cell <NUM> may decrease. Therefore, the battery module <NUM> according to the present embodiment realizes a cooling-integrated structure through the structure of the heat sink <NUM>, so that the cooling efficiency can be increased while increasing the number of battery cells <NUM>. That is, the cooling-integrated large-capacity battery module <NUM> can be formed.

For effective cooling, the recessed part <NUM> is preferably formed over the entire area corresponding to the bottom part 210a of the module frame <NUM>. For this purpose, the recessed part <NUM> can be bent at least once and extend from one side to the other. In particular, the recessed part <NUM> is preferably bent several times to form the recessed part <NUM> over the entire area corresponding to the bottom part 210a of the module frame <NUM>. As the coolant moves from the start point to the end point of the coolant flow path formed over the entire area corresponding to the bottom part 210a of the module frame <NUM>, efficient cooling of the entire area of the battery cell stack <NUM> can be achieved.

Meanwhile, the coolant is a medium for cooling, and not particularly limited, but may be cooling water.

Meanwhile, a protrusion pattern 340D may be formed in the recessed part <NUM> of the heat sink <NUM> according to the present embodiment. In the case of a large-area battery module <NUM> in which the number of stacked battery cells increases more than before as in the battery cell stack <NUM> according to the present embodiment, the width of the coolant flow path may be formed wider and thus, the temperature deviation may become more excessive. As described above, in a large-area battery module, it may include the case where about <NUM> to <NUM> battery cells <NUM> are stacked in one battery module, in comparison with the case where about <NUM> to <NUM> battery cells are stacked in one battery module. In such a case, the protrusion pattern 340D according to the present embodiment generates the effect of substantially reducing the width of the cooling flow path, thereby minimizing the pressure drop and at the same time, reducing the temperature deviation between the coolant flow path widths. Therefore, it is possible to realize a uniform cooling effect.

Next, the first mounting part formed on the first end plate will be described in detail.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> again, the first end plate <NUM> according to the present embodiment includes first mounting parts <NUM> formed on one surface of the first end plate <NUM>. At this time, the coolant injection port 500a and the coolant discharge port 500b are located to be spaced apart from each other along the width direction of the first end plate <NUM>, and the first mounting parts <NUM> are located between the coolant injection port 500a and the coolant discharge port 500b. As described above, the width direction of the first end plate <NUM> means a direction in which the battery cells <NUM> are stacked, that is, a direction parallel to the x-axis in <FIG>.

The first mounting part <NUM> may be a shape protruding in a direction perpendicular to one surface of the first end plate <NUM>. Further, a mounting hole 410MH opened along a height direction may be formed in the first mounting portion <NUM>. Here, the height direction may mean a direction parallel to the z-axis in <FIG>. When the battery module <NUM> is mounted on the pack frame, a bolt may pass through the mounting hole 410MH of the first mounting part <NUM> to be assembled to the pack frame. In this manner, the battery module <NUM> can be fixed and mounted to the pack frame. Details will be described later together with <FIG> and <FIG>.

In the battery module <NUM> according to the present embodiment, the coolant injection port 500a and the coolant discharge port 500b are arranged to be spaced apart along the width direction, and a first mounting part <NUM> for fixing the battery module <NUM> is arranged therebetween. The first mounting part <NUM> is arranged near the central area of the first end plate <NUM>, thereby attempting to improve the durability of the battery module <NUM> against vibration and impact. At the same time, the cooling port <NUM> is arranged in an area near both ends of the first end plate <NUM>, thereby attempting to improve the space efficiency.

As a comparative example concerning the present disclosure, mounting parts may be arranged at both ends in the width direction of the end plate, respectively, and cooling ports may be arranged between the mounting parts. In this case, durability in the central area of the first end plate <NUM> becomes weak, and damage to the battery module <NUM> may occur due to vibration or impact. Particularly, in the case of a large-area battery module <NUM> in which the number of battery cells <NUM> stacked along the width direction increases, the length in the width direction of the end plates <NUM> and <NUM> increases. Thus, when the mounting parts are arranged at both ends, the central area of the end plates <NUM> and <NUM> becomes structurally weak, and sagging phenomenon due to weight may occur. Therefore, in the battery module <NUM> according to the present embodiment, the coolant injection port 500a and the coolant discharge port 500b are arranged so as to be spaced apart along the width direction, and the first mounting parts <NUM> are arranged therebetween, thereby attempting to increase the durability of the battery module <NUM> and at the same time secure space utilization. This is more effective in a large-area battery module <NUM> in which the number of battery cells increases more than before.

More specifically, the coolant injection port 500a and the coolant discharge port 500b may be located so as to correspond to both ends in the width direction of the first end plate <NUM>. Further, any one of the first mounting parts <NUM> may be located between the central part of the first end plate <NUM> and the coolant injection port 500a, and the other one of the first mounting parts <NUM> may be located between the central part of the first end plate <NUM> and the coolant discharge port 500b. At this time, the central part of the first end plate <NUM> as used herein refers to the central point on the basis of the width direction of the first end plate <NUM>. As an exemplary structure, one of the first mounting parts <NUM> is located at a point corresponding to <NUM>/<NUM> of the first end plate <NUM> with respect to the width direction, and the other one of the first mounting parts <NUM> may be located at a point corresponding to <NUM>/<NUM> of the first end plate <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the first mounting part <NUM> is fixed to the pack frame through bolts described later, wherein a first module frame protrusion <NUM> where the coolant injection port 500a is located and a second module frame protrusion <NUM> where the coolant discharge port 500b is located protrude so as to pass the first end plate <NUM>. At this time, the fastening force in the height direction by the bolt passing through the mounting hole 410MH of the first mounting part <NUM> can press the first module frame protrusion <NUM> and the second module frame protrusion <NUM> downward. Consequently, the first module frame protrusion <NUM> and the first heat sink protrusion 300P1 can be strongly adhered to each other, and the second module frame protrusion <NUM> and the second heat sink protrusion 300P2 can be strongly adhered to each other. Due to the pressing structure as described above, it is possible to improve the sealing performance with respect to the area through which the coolant flows and reduce the possibility of coolant leakage. Taken together, the battery module according to the present embodiment has the advantage that it can be simultaneously fixed and pressed to prevent coolant leakage.

Next, a guide part or the like according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to <FIG> and the like.

<FIG> is a perspective view which shows the battery module of <FIG> by changing the viewing angle so that the second end plate is made visible.

First, referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a first guide part <NUM> may be formed at the central part of the first end plate <NUM>, and a guide hole 410GH opened along the height direction may be formed in the first guide part <NUM>. The height direction may mean a direction parallel to the z-axis in <FIG>, similarly to the case of the mounting hole 410MH.

Next, referring to <FIG>, second mounting parts <NUM> may be formed on the second end plate <NUM>. Specifically, second mounting parts <NUM> may be formed between the central part of the second end plate <NUM> and one end in the width direction of the second end plate <NUM>, and between the central part of the second end plate <NUM> and the other end in the width direction of the second end plate <NUM>, respectively. That is, the second mounting parts <NUM> may be formed on one surface of the second end plate <NUM> so as to correspond to the positions of the first mounting parts <NUM>. At this time, the central part of the second end plate <NUM> as used herein refers to the central part on the basis of the width direction of the second end plate <NUM>.

Further, similarly to the first mounting part <NUM>, a mounting hole 420MH opened along a height direction may be formed in the second mounting part <NUM>. That is, the battery module <NUM> according to the present embodiment can be fixed to the pack frame described later by the first mounting parts <NUM> formed on the first end plate <NUM> and the second mounting parts <NUM> formed on the second end plate <NUM>. This will be described in detail again in <FIG> and <FIG>.

Meanwhile, a second guide part <NUM> may be formed in the second end plate <NUM>, and a guide hole 420GH opened in a height direction may be formed in the second guide part <NUM>. Functions of the first guide part <NUM> and the second guide part <NUM> will be described in detail with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

Next, a battery pack and a coolant circulation structure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a perspective view showing a portion of a battery module, a pack coolant pipe assembly, and a pack coolant pipe housing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a partial view showing a coolant injection port and a connection port according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG> together with <FIG>, the battery pack <NUM> according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a battery module <NUM> and a pack frame <NUM> that houses the battery module <NUM>. One or more battery modules <NUM> may be housed in the pack frame <NUM>. Meanwhile, although not specifically shown in the figure, the battery pack <NUM> may further include a pack cover that covers the pack frame <NUM>, and the battery module <NUM> may be disposed in the space between the pack frame <NUM> and the pack cover.

Meanwhile, the battery pack <NUM> according to the present embodiment may include a pack coolant pipe assembly <NUM> connected to the cooling port <NUM> of the battery module <NUM> and a pack coolant pipe housing <NUM> that houses the pack coolant pipe assembly <NUM>. When the battery module <NUM> is formed by a plurality of numbers, a first battery module 100a and a second battery module 100b facing each other can be arranged. The pack coolant pipe assembly <NUM> and the pack coolant pipe housing <NUM> may be located between the first battery module 100a and the second battery module 100b. Further, a third battery module 100c and a fourth battery module 100d facing each other may be further arranged.

That is, the battery pack <NUM> according to the present embodiment may include the first to fourth battery modules 100a, 100b, 100c and 100d. The first and second battery modules 100a and 100b may be arranged along a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the battery cells <NUM> are stacked, and the third and fourth battery modules 100c and 100d may also be arranged along a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the battery cells <NUM> are stacked. The first battery module 100a and the second battery module 100b may be arranged so that the first end plates <NUM> face each other. The third battery module 100c and the fourth battery module 100d may also be arranged so that the first end plates <NUM> face each other.

The first to fourth battery modules 100a, 100b, 100c and 100d may be arranged in a lattice shape. The pack coolant pipe assembly <NUM> and the pack coolant pipe housing <NUM> are connected between the first battery module 100a and the second battery module 100b, between the third battery module 100c and the fourth battery module 100d, and between the second battery module 100b and the fourth battery module 100d, and can form a T-shaped structure.

All of the cooling ports <NUM> formed in each of the battery modules 100a and 100b may be arranged in the space between the first battery module 100a and the second battery module 100b. In other words, the module frame protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> of the first battery module 100a protrude in the direction where the second battery module 100b is located, and the module frame protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> of the second battery module 100b may protrude in a direction in which the first battery module 100a is located. Cooling ports <NUM> may be located on upper surface parts of the module frame protrusions <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively.

At this time, the coolant injection port 500a of the first battery module 100a and the coolant discharge port 500b of the second battery module 100b may be arranged while facing each other, and the coolant discharge port 500b of the first battery module 100a and the coolant injection port 500a of the second battery module 100b may be arranged while facing each other. Similarly, the coolant injection port 500a of the third battery module 100c and the coolant discharge port 500b of the fourth battery module 100d may be arranged while facing each other, and the coolant discharge port 500b of the third battery module 100c and the coolant injection port 500a of the fourth battery module 100d may be arranged while facing each other.

The pack coolant pipe assembly <NUM> may include a pack coolant pipe <NUM> and a connection port <NUM> that connects the pack coolant pipe <NUM> and the cooling port <NUM> of the battery module <NUM>. In one example, as shown in <FIG>, the connection port <NUM> may be connected to the coolant injection port 500a. Specifically, the coolant injection port 500a is inserted and coupled to the lower side of the connection port <NUM>, and a lower end of the connection port <NUM> may come into contact with an upper surface of the first module frame protrusion <NUM>. That is, the coolant injection port 500a and the connection port <NUM> may be coupled in a form in which the coolant injection port 500a is inserted into the connection port <NUM>.

In addition, a sealing member <NUM> may be located between the coolant injection port 500a and the connection port <NUM>. The sealing member <NUM> may have a ring shape and may be inserted between the coolant injection port 500a and the connection port <NUM>. While the sealing member <NUM> being inserted into the coolant injection port 500a, it may be inserted into the connection port <NUM> together with the coolant injection port 500a. The sealing member <NUM> can prevent the coolant from leaking in a gap between the coolant injection port 500a and the connection port <NUM>.

Although not specifically shown in the figure, the coolant discharge port 500b may also be connected to another connection port <NUM> with a sealing member <NUM> interposed therebetween, similarly to the coolant injection port 500a.

Summarizing the above, in the battery pack <NUM> according to the present embodiment, the coolant is injected into the coolant injection port 500a of the battery module <NUM> through any one pack coolant pipe <NUM> and the connection port <NUM>, and the injected coolant circulates inside of the heat sink <NUM>. After that, the coolant is discharged to another pack coolant pipe <NUM> through the coolant discharge port 500b and the other connection port <NUM> of the battery module <NUM>. The coolant circulation structure of the battery pack <NUM> can be formed in this way.

As described above, the pack coolant pipe housing <NUM> may house the pack coolant pipe assembly <NUM>. The battery pack <NUM> can be applied to vehicle means such as electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles. A situation may occur in which coolant such as cooling water may leak due to an assembly failure or an accident during operation. The leaked coolant penetrates into a plurality of parts constituting the battery pack <NUM> which may cause a fire or explosion. According to the present embodiment, the pack coolant pipe housing <NUM> is formed so as to cover the bottom surface and side surface of the pack coolant pipe assembly <NUM>, whereby the coolant leaked from the pack coolant pipe assembly <NUM> remains inside the pack coolant pipe housing <NUM>, thereby being able to prevent a phenomenon in which leaked coolant penetrates into other parts of the battery pack <NUM>. At this time, it is preferable that the space between the plurality of battery modules <NUM> is utilized so that the pack coolant pipe housing <NUM> can house the leaked coolant to a maximum extent, thereby maximally ensuring the volume of the pack coolant pipe housing <NUM>.

The opened upper part of the pack coolant pipe housing <NUM> may be covered by a housing cover 700C. Thereby, it is possible to prevent a phenomenon in which the coolant leaked from the pack coolant pipe assembly <NUM> leaks into the upper open space of the pack coolant pipe housing <NUM>.

A first gasket 700G1 may be located between the pack coolant pipe housing <NUM> and the housing cover 700C. The first gasket 700G1 seals between the pack coolant pipe housing <NUM> and the housing cover 700C. The first gasket 700G1 may be formed along an upper edge of the pack coolant pipe housing <NUM>. The housing cover 700C is closely adhered to the first gasket 700G1 formed along the upper edge of the pack coolant pipe housing <NUM>, thereby being able to prevent a phenomenon in which the coolant leaks to the upper part of the pack coolant pipe housing <NUM>.

Further, an opening 710P may be formed on the bottom surface of the pack coolant pipe housing <NUM> according to the present embodiment. A second gasket 700G2 may be coupled to a portion where the opening 710P is formed.

The second gasket 700G2 can be located between the module frame protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> and the pack coolant pipe housing <NUM> to seal between the module frame protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> and the pack coolant pipe housing <NUM>. At this time, the coolant injection port 500a or the coolant discharge port 500b may pass through the second gasket 700G2 and the opening 710P upward, protrude into the pack coolant pipe housing <NUM>, and can be connected to the connection port <NUM> in the manner described above.

Next, a fixing method through a mounting part and a function of the guide part will be described in detail with reference to <FIG>, and the like.

<FIG> is a perspective view showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a partial view which enlarges and shows a section "B" of <FIG>. <FIG> is a partial view which enlarges and shows a section "C" of <FIG>.

First, referring to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, as described above, the first mounting parts <NUM> are formed on the first end plate <NUM> of the battery module <NUM>, and the first mounting parts <NUM> are fastened to the pack frame <NUM>.

Specifically, the pack frame <NUM> may include a pack bottom part <NUM> on which the battery module <NUM> is arranged, and a bolt <NUM> may pass through the mounting hole 410MH of the first mounting part <NUM> to be assembled to the fastening part <NUM> provided on the pack bottom part <NUM>. In one example, the bolt <NUM> is a member having a screw thread formed on an outer peripheral surface, and may be assembled into a nut hole formed in the fastening part <NUM>. In this manner, the first end plate <NUM> of the battery module <NUM> may be fixed to the pack bottom part <NUM>.

Meanwhile, as described above, the first guide part <NUM> may be formed at the central part of the first end plate <NUM>. A guide hole 410GH opened along the height direction may be formed in the first guide part <NUM>. Further, the pack frame <NUM> may include a guide pin <NUM> protruding upward from the pack bottom part <NUM>. Prior to fixing through the first mounting part <NUM>, when the battery module <NUM> is arranged on the pack bottom part <NUM>, the battery module <NUM> moves so that the guide pin <NUM> passes through the guide hole 410GH of the first guide part <NUM>. Thereby, the battery module <NUM> having an increased volume or weight can be more accurately and stably located at a target location of the pack bottom part <NUM>, and it is also easy to make the mounting hole 410MH and the fastening part <NUM> correspond to each other. That is, the first guide part <NUM> according to the present embodiment functions as a guide member for improving assembly of the battery module <NUM> to the pack frame <NUM>.

Next, referring to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, as described above, the second mounting parts <NUM> are formed on the second end plate <NUM> of the battery module <NUM>, and the second mounting parts <NUM> are fastened to the pack frame <NUM>.

Similarly to the first mounting part <NUM>, a bolt <NUM> may pass through the mounting hole 420MH of the second mounting part <NUM> and be assembled to the fastening part <NUM> provided on the pack bottom part <NUM>. In one example, the bolt <NUM> is a member having a screw thread formed on an outer peripheral surface, and may be assembled into a nut hole formed in the fastening part <NUM>. In this manner, the second end plate <NUM> of the battery module <NUM> may be fixed to the pack bottom part <NUM>.

Meanwhile, as described above, the second guide part <NUM> may be formed on the second end plate <NUM>, and a guide hole 420GH opened along the height direction may be formed in the second guide part <NUM>. Prior to fixing through the second mounting part <NUM>, when the battery module <NUM> is arranged on the pack bottom part <NUM>, the battery module <NUM> moves so that the guide pin <NUM> passes through the guide hole 420GH of the second guide part <NUM>. Thereby, the battery module <NUM> having an increased volume or weight can be more accurately and stably located at a target location on the pack bottom part <NUM>, and it is also easy to make the mounting hole 420MH and the fastening part <NUM> correspond to each other. That is, the second guide part <NUM> according to the present embodiment functions as a guide member for improving assembly property of the battery module <NUM> to the pack frame <NUM>, similarly to the first guide part <NUM>.

<FIG> is a plane view of an arrangement of battery modules according to one embodiment of the present disclosure as viewed from above.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> together, a first guide part <NUM> may be formed at the central part of the first end plate <NUM>. Particularly, the first guide part <NUM> may be located between the first mounting parts <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the second guide part <NUM> may be formed in at least one location between the central part of the second end plate <NUM> and both ends in the width direction of the second end plate <NUM>. <FIG> and <FIG> show the state in which the second guide part <NUM> is formed between the central part of the second end plate <NUM> and one end in the width direction of the second end plate <NUM>. More specifically, the second guide part <NUM> may be located between any one of the second mounting parts <NUM> and one end in the width direction of the second end plate <NUM>.

Unlike the first guide part <NUM> formed in the central part of the first end plate <NUM>, the second guide part <NUM> may be located close to one end in the width direction, rather than the central part of the second end plate <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, when the battery module <NUM> is viewed from above, the first guide part <NUM> and the second guide part <NUM> may be arranged asymmetrically. By forming the first guide part <NUM> and the second guide part <NUM> to be located asymmetrically in this way, when the battery module <NUM> is mounted on the pack frame <NUM>, it is possible to prevent erroneous assembly. This is a design that prevents the positions of the first end plate <NUM> and the second end plate <NUM> from being changed from each other during assembly. The first guide part <NUM> and the second guide part <NUM> according to the present embodiment not only improve the capability of assembling the battery module <NUM> to the pack frame <NUM>, but also perform the function of preventing erroneous assembly of the battery module <NUM>.

The terms representing directions such as the front side, the rear side, the left side, the right side, the upper side, and the lower side have been used in the present embodiment, but the terms used are provided simply for convenience of description and may become different according to the position of an object, the position of an observer, or the like.

The one or more battery modules according to embodiments of the present disclosure described above can be mounted together with various control and protection systems such as a BMS(battery management system), a BDU(battery disconnect unit), and a cooling system to form a battery pack.

The battery module or the battery pack can be applied to various devices. For example, it can be applied to vehicle means such as an electric bike, an electric vehicle, and a hybrid electric vehicle, and may be applied to various devices capable of using a secondary battery, without being limited thereto.

Claim 1:
A battery module (<NUM>) comprising:
a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells (<NUM>) are stacked;
a module frame (<NUM>) that houses the battery cell stack;
a first end plate (<NUM>) and a second end plate (<NUM>) that cover one side and the other side of the battery cell stack, respectively;
a heat sink (<NUM>) that is located under a bottom part (210a) of the module frame (<NUM>);
a coolant injection port (500a) that supplies coolant to the heat sink (<NUM>); and
a coolant discharge port (500b) that discharges the coolant from the heat sink,
wherein the first end plate (<NUM>) comprises first mounting parts (<NUM>) that are formed on one surface of the first end plate (<NUM>),
wherein the module frame (<NUM>) comprises a first module frame protrusion (<NUM>) and a second module frame protrusion (<NUM>) that protrude from the bottom part of the module frame so as to pass the first end plate (<NUM>),
wherein the coolant injection port (500a) is located on the first module frame protrusion (<NUM>), and the coolant discharge port (500b) is located on the second module frame protrusion (<NUM>), and
wherein the coolant injection port (500a) and the coolant discharge port (500b) are spaced apart from each other along the width direction of the first end plate (<NUM>), and the first mounting parts (<NUM>) are located between the coolant injection port (500a) and the coolant discharge port (500b).