Patent Description:
The present disclosure relates to a battery module and a battery pack including the same, and more particularly to a battery module having improved space utilization and cooling efficiency 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. 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.

Known battery modules are disclosed in the documents <CIT>, <CIT> or <CIT>.

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a battery module having improved space utilization and cooling efficiency, 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.

The problem is solved by a battery module as defined in claim <NUM>.

The refrigerant may flow in a straight line in the cooling flow path.

In the cooling flow path, the refrigerant may flow in a curved line along the one direction.

According to claim <NUM>, the module frame includes an upper frame in which the upper battery cell stack is housed and a lower frame in which the lower battery cell stack is housed, and the cooling flow path may be formed between the upper frame and the lower frame.

According to claim <NUM>, the upper frame further includes an upper plate that is located on the lower surface of the bottom part of the upper frame, and an upper recessed part that is recessed upward from the upper plate. The lower frame includes
a lower plate that is located on the upper surface of the ceiling part of the lower frame, and a lower recessed part that is recessed downward from the lower plate. The upper plate and the lower plate are joined so that the upper recessed part and the lower recessed part can form the cooling flow path.

The battery module may further include an upper cover that covers the opened portion of the upper frame and a lower cover that covers the opened portion of the lower frame.

The upper battery cell stack may include a first upper battery cell stack and a second upper battery cell stack. The lower battery cell stack may include a first lower battery cell stack and a second lower battery cell stack.

The upper cover may include an upper recessed part that is recessed downward between the first upper battery cell stack and the second upper battery cell stack. The lower cover may include a lower recessed part that is recessed upward recessed between the first lower battery cell stack and the second lower battery cell stack.

Each of the first upper battery cell stack and the second upper battery cell stack may include an electrode terminal and a module connector exposed toward the upper recessed part. Each of the first lower battery cell stack and the second lower battery cell stack may include an electrode terminal and a module connector exposed toward the lower recessed part. A HV (high voltage) connection for connecting the electrode terminals and a LV (low voltage) connection for connecting the module connector may be formed in each of the upper recessed part and the lower recessed part.

The first upper battery cell stack and the second upper battery cell stack may be spatially separated by the upper recessed part. The first lower battery cell stack and the second lower battery cell stack may be spatially separated by the lower recessed part.

A mounting hole for mounting coupling may be formed in each of the upper recessed part and the lower recessed part. The mounting hole of the upper recessed part and the mounting hole of the lower recessed part may be located so as to correspond to each other.

The upper cover may include a first upper protrusion part located on one side and a second upper protrusion part located on the other side opposite to the one side. The inlet port may be located in the first upper protrusion part, and the outlet port may be located in the second upper protrusion part.

The lower cover may include a first lower protrusion part located so as to correspond to the first upper protrusion part, and a second lower protrusion part located so as to correspond to the second upper protrusion part.

A mounting hole for mounting coupling may be formed in each of the first upper protrusion part and the first lower protrusion part. A mounting hole for mounting coupling may be formed in each of the second upper protrusion part and the second lower protrusion part.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery cell stack is arranged in a two-stage structure and the cooling flow path is arranged so as to share between them, thereby capable of improving space utilization and cooling efficiency. In addition, the cooling flow is configured so as to flow in one direction, thereby capable of reducing the pressure drop of the refrigerant.

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 an embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a diagram which shows the battery module of <FIG> by changing the viewing angles. <FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the battery module of <FIG>. <FIG> is a perspective view showing a state in which the upper cover is removed from the battery module of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, a battery module <NUM> according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes an upper battery cell stack 200U and a lower battery cell stack <NUM> in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; a cooling flow path P located between the upper battery cell stack 200U and the lower battery cell stack <NUM>; and a module frame <NUM> in which the upper battery cell stack 200U and the lower battery cell stack <NUM> are housed. The cooling flow path P refers to a passage through which the refrigerant moves. The refrigerant is a medium for cooling, and may be cooling water as an example.

The upper battery cell stack 200U and the lower battery cell stack <NUM> can be respectively formed by stacking a plurality of battery cells in one direction. The battery cell will be described in detail later with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

The module frame <NUM> according to the present embodiment may include an upper frame <NUM> in which the upper battery cell stack 200U is housed, and a lower frame <NUM> in which the lower battery cell stack <NUM> is housed. A cooling flow path P may be formed between the upper frame <NUM> and the lower frame <NUM>.

<FIG> is a partial view which enlarges and shows a section "B" of <FIG>. <FIG> is a diagram which shows a battery cell included in the battery module of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the battery cells <NUM> according to the present embodiment may be stacked in plural numbers to form an upper battery cell stack 200U and a lower battery cell stack <NUM>, respectively. The upper battery cell stack 200U is located above the lower battery cell stack <NUM>.

Further, the upper battery cell stack 200U may include a first upper battery cell stack 210U and a second upper battery cell stack 220U, and the lower battery cell stack <NUM> may include a first lower battery cell stack <NUM> and a second lower battery cell stack <NUM>. The battery cells <NUM> can be stacked to form a total of four battery cell stacks 210U, 220U, <NUM> and <NUM>. The first upper battery cell stack 210U may be located above the first lower battery cell stack <NUM>, and the second upper battery cell stack 220U may be located above the second lower battery cell stack <NUM>.

The battery cell <NUM> is preferably a pouch-type battery cell, and can be formed in a rectangular sheet-like structure. For example, 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 part 114a and the other end part 114b of the cell main body <NUM>, respectively. That is, the battery cell <NUM> includes electrode leads <NUM> and <NUM> that are protruded in mutually opposite directions. More specifically, the electrode leads <NUM> and <NUM> are connected to an electrode assembly (not shown), and are protruded from the electrode assembly (not shown) to the outside of the battery cell <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the battery cell <NUM> can be produced by joining both end parts 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 114sa, 114sb and 114sc, wherein the sealing parts 114sa, 114sb and 114sc have a structure that is sealed by a method such as heat-sealing, and the remaining other side part may be composed of a connection part <NUM>. The cell case <NUM> may be composed of a laminated sheet including a resin layer and a metal layer. Further, the connection part <NUM> may extend long along one edge of the battery cell <NUM>, and a bat ear 110p may be formed at an end of the connection part <NUM>.

Such a battery cell <NUM> may be formed in plural numbers, and the plurality of battery cells <NUM> can be stacked so as to be electrically connected to each other, thereby forming an upper battery cell stack 200U and a lower battery cell stack <NUM>.

Particularly, as shown in <FIG>, a plurality of battery cells <NUM> may be stacked along the direction parallel to the y-axis. Thereby, the electrode leads <NUM> and <NUM> may protrude in the x-axis direction and the -x-axis direction, respectively.

The upper battery cell stack 200U and the lower battery cell stack <NUM> according to the present embodiment may be a large-area module in which the number of battery cells <NUM> is increased compared to a conventional case. Specifically, <NUM> to <NUM> battery cells <NUM> may be included per battery cell stack. In the case of such a large-area module, the horizontal length of the battery module becomes long. Here, the horizontal length may mean a length in the direction in which the battery cells <NUM> are stacked, that is, in a direction parallel to the x-axis.

Meanwhile, referring to <FIG> again, in the electrode leads <NUM> and <NUM> protruding in mutually opposite directions, a direction parallel to the protruding direction of the electrode leads <NUM> and <NUM> is referred to as a longitudinal direction d1 of the battery cell <NUM>. Considering the stacking direction of the battery cells <NUM>, the longitudinal direction of the battery cells <NUM> in <FIG> is a direction parallel to the x-axis.

Next, the cooling flow path and the module frame according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a perspective view which shows an upper frame and a lower frame included in the battery module of <FIG>. <FIG> is a view showing a state in which the upper frame of <FIG> is reversed so that the lower surface of the bottom part can be seen. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section taken along the cutting line A-A' of <FIG>. <FIG> is a partial view which enlarges and shows a section "C" of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the module frame <NUM> according to the present embodiment may include an upper frame <NUM> and a lower frame <NUM>, wherein a cooling flow path P may be formed between the upper frame <NUM> and the lower frame <NUM>. The inlet port <NUM> for supplying the refrigerant to the cooling flow path P and the outlet port <NUM> for discharging the refrigerant from the cooling flow path P are located opposite to each other, so that the refrigerant flows in one direction in the cooling flow path P. In addition, the longitudinal direction d1 of the battery cell <NUM> is in parallel with the one direction in which the refrigerant flows on the basis of the battery cell <NUM>. More specifically, the refrigerant may flow in a straight line in the cooling flow path P. As shown in <FIG>, the refrigerant may flow in a straight line in a direction parallel to the x-axis in the cooling flow path P.

The upper frame <NUM> according to the present embodiment may include a bottom part <NUM> on which the upper battery cell stack 200U is placed and a side surface parts <NUM> extending upward from opposite sides of the bottom part <NUM>. The bottom part <NUM> and the side surface parts <NUM> may cover the lower surface and both side surfaces of the upper battery cell stack 200U, respectively.

The lower frame <NUM> according to the present embodiment may include a ceiling part <NUM> located above the lower battery cell stack <NUM> and side surface parts <NUM> extending downward from opposite sides of the ceiling part <NUM>. The upper surface and both side surfaces of the lower battery cell stack <NUM> may be covered by the ceiling part <NUM> and the side surface parts <NUM>, respectively.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the upper frame <NUM> may include an upper plate <NUM> that is located on the lower surface of the bottom part <NUM> of the upper frame <NUM> and an upper recessed part <NUM> that is recessed upward from the upper plate <NUM>. As described above, <FIG> is a state in which the upper frame <NUM> is reversed so that the lower surface of the bottom part <NUM> can be seen, wherein the upper plate <NUM> is structured to protrude relatively in the -z-axis direction, and the upper recessed part <NUM> is structured to be relatively recessed in the z-axis direction. The method of forming the upper plate <NUM> and the upper recessed part <NUM> is not particularly limited. For example, a partial region of the plate-shaped member can be recessed upward to form the upper plate <NUM> and the upper recessed part <NUM>. As another example, the protruding member can be joined to the lower surface of the plate-shaped member to form the upper plate <NUM> and the upper recessed part <NUM>.

The lower frame <NUM> may include a lower plate <NUM> that is located on the upper surface of the ceiling part <NUM> of the lower frame <NUM> and a lower recessed part <NUM> that is recessed downward from the lower plate <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the lower plate <NUM> is structured to protrude relatively in the z-axis direction, and the lower recessed part <NUM> is structured to be relatively recessed in the -z-axis direction. The method of forming the lower plate <NUM> and the lower recessed part <NUM> is not particularly limited. For example, a partial region of the plate-shaped member can be recessed downward to form the lower plate <NUM> and the lower recessed part <NUM>. As another example, the protruding member can be joined to the upper surface of the plate-shaped member to form the lower plate <NUM> and the lower recessed part <NUM>.

When the bottom part <NUM> of the upper frame <NUM> is placed on the ceiling part <NUM> of the lower frame <NUM>, the upper plate <NUM> and the lower plate <NUM> can be joined, and the upper recessed part <NUM> and the lower recessed part <NUM> corresponding to each other can form the cooling flow path P.

The upper plate <NUM> and the lower plate <NUM> may extend in parallel with the longitudinal direction d1 of the battery cell <NUM>. Thereby, the refrigerant may flow in one direction through the upper recessed part <NUM> and the lower recessed part <NUM> in the cooling flow path P.

The cooling flow path P formed in the battery module <NUM> according to the present embodiment extends along one direction instead of the bent path. Also, it is in parallel with the longitudinal direction d1 of the battery cell <NUM>. Uniform cooling for each of the plurality of battery cells <NUM> may be possible for the upper battery cell stack 200U or the lower battery cell stack <NUM>. Since the temperature deviation between the battery cells <NUM> included in the battery module <NUM> leads to deterioration of battery performance, it is important to eliminate the temperature deviation. Since the battery module <NUM> according to the present embodiment enables uniform cooling of each battery cell <NUM>, a temperature deviation between respective battery cells <NUM> can be reduced.

Further, in accordance with the present embodiment, the straight-line cooling flow path P can reduce pressure drop in the latter half of the cooling flow path P, compared to the paths curved in plural numbers. In the case of a cooling flow path having the paths curved in plural numbers, particularly, a cooling flow path in which the inlet port and the outlet port of the refrigerant are located on the same side and which essentially includes a large bent path, the pressure loss of the refrigerant is large, and thus, a large-capacity refrigerant pump is required for supplying and discharging the refrigerant. Since such a large-capacity refrigerant pump occupies a large space, the space efficiency inside a device such as an automobile is deteriorated. On the other hand, the cooling flow path P according to the present embodiment is a path that extends along one direction, and pressure drop can be greatly reduced. Thereby, equivalent heat exchange performance and cooling performance can be realized even with a smaller capacity refrigerant pump. Since a refrigerant pump having a smaller capacity can be used, there is an advantage in that the space inside a device such as an automobile can be efficiently utilized.

Meanwhile, as described above, the upper battery cell stack 200U and the lower battery cell stack <NUM> have a structure stacked in two stages, and a cooling flow path P is formed therebetween. That is, the upper battery cell stack 200U and the lower battery cell stack <NUM> have a shape of sharing one cooling flow path P, rather than having separate cooling flow paths. As compared to forming a separate cooling path, the number of parts required for cooling can be reduced, and as the number of parts is reduced, the assembling property of the battery module can be improved. Further, since one cooling flow path P is shared, the space utilization inside the battery module <NUM> can be increased.

Meanwhile, an upper thermal resin layer may be located between the upper battery cell stack 200U and the bottom part <NUM> of the upper frame <NUM>. Also, a lower thermal resin layer may be located between the lower battery cell stack <NUM> and the ceiling part <NUM> of the lower frame <NUM>. The upper and lower thermal resin layers can be formed by applying a thermal resin having high thermal conductivity and adhesiveness and then curing it. In one example, the thermal resin may include at least one of a silicone material, a urethane material, or an acrylic material. Heat generated in the upper battery cell stack 200U may be transferred to the cooling flow path P through the upper thermal resin layer, and heat generated in the lower battery cell stack <NUM> may be transferred to the cooling flow path P through the lower thermal resin layer.

<FIG> is a perspective view which shows a lower frame according to a modified embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the lower frame <NUM>' according to a modified embodiment of the present disclosure may include a ceiling part <NUM> and a side surface part <NUM>, and may include a lower plate <NUM>' that is located on the upper surface of the ceiling part <NUM> and a lower recessed part <NUM>' that is recessed downward from the lower plate <NUM>'. The cooling flow path P' formed by the lower plate <NUM>' and the lower recessed part <NUM>' may have a curved path while continuing in one direction. Although it is not bent at a level of about <NUM> degrees, a curved cooling flow path P' having bending to some degree may be formed by the lower plate <NUM>' and the lower recessed part <NUM>'. Thereby, the refrigerant may flow in a curved line along one direction in the cooling flow path P'. Meanwhile, although not specifically shown in the figure, the upper plate and the upper recessed part of the upper frame may also form a curved cooling flow path so as to correspond to the lower plate <NUM>' and the lower recessed part <NUM>'.

Next, the upper cover, the lower cover, and the HV and LV connection structures according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

<FIG> is a perspective view which shows an upper cover included in the battery module of <FIG>. <FIG> is a perspective view which shows a lower cover included in the battery module of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the battery module <NUM> according to the present embodiment may further include an upper cover <NUM> for covering the opened portion of the upper frame <NUM> and a lower cover <NUM> for covering the opened portion of the lower frame <NUM>.

The upper cover <NUM> may cover the front surface and the upper surface of the first upper battery cell stack 210U, and the rear surface and the upper surface of the second upper battery cell stack 220U. Here, the front surface and the upper surface of the first upper battery cell stack 210U mean a surface in the x-axis direction and a surface in the z-axis direction of the first upper battery cell stack 210U. The rear surface and the upper surface of the second upper battery cell stack 220U mean a surface in the - x-axis direction and a surface in the z-axis direction of the second upper battery cell stack 220U.

The upper cover <NUM> and the upper frame <NUM> are joined to their corresponding edges, so that the upper battery cell stack 200U can be housed therein.

The lower cover <NUM> may cover the front and lower surfaces of the first lower battery cell stack <NUM>, and the rear and lower surfaces of the second lower battery cell stack <NUM>. Here, the front surface and the lower surface of the first lower battery cell stack <NUM> mean a surface in the x-axis direction and a surface in the -z-axis direction of the first lower battery cell stack <NUM>. The rear surface and the lower surface of the second lower battery cell stack <NUM> mean a surface in the -x-axis direction and a surface in the -z-axis direction of the second lower battery cell stack <NUM>.

The lower cover <NUM> and the lower frame <NUM> are joined to their corresponding edges, so that the lower battery cell stack <NUM> can be housed therein.

The upper cover <NUM> may include an upper recessed part 600D that is recessed downward between the first upper battery cell stack 210U and the second upper battery cell stack 220U. The first upper battery cell stack 210U and the second upper battery cell stack 220U may be spatially separated by the upper recessed part 600D.

The lower cover <NUM> may include a lower recessed part 700D that is recessed upward between the first lower battery cell stack <NUM> and the second lower battery cell stack <NUM>. The first lower battery cell stack <NUM> and the second lower battery cell stack <NUM> may be spatially separated by the lower recessed part 700D.

Referring to <FIG>, the first upper battery cell stack 210U and the second upper battery cell stack 220U may include an electrode terminal ET and a module connector MT, respectively. The electrode terminal ET and the module connector MT may be mounted on a busbar frame located on one surface of each battery cell stack.

The electrode terminal ET may be electrically connected to any one of the electrode leads <NUM> and <NUM> (see <FIG>) of the battery cell <NUM>. The electrode terminal ET is exposed to the outside of the battery module <NUM>, wherein the battery module <NUM> is connected to another battery module, BDU (battery disconnect unit) or the like via the electrode terminal ET, thereby capable of realizing HV (High Voltage) connection. Here, the HV connection is a connection that serves as a power source for supplying power, and means a connection between battery cells or a connection between battery modules.

The module connector MT may be electrically connected to any one of the electrode leads <NUM> and <NUM> (see <FIG>) of the battery cell <NUM>. The module connector MT is exposed to the outside of the battery module <NUM>, wherein the voltage information or temperature level of the battery cell <NUM> is transferred to the BMS (battery management system) via the module connector (MT), thereby capable of realizing LV (low voltage) connection. Here, the LV connection means a sensing connection that senses and controls the voltage and temperature information of the battery cell.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG> together, each of the first upper battery cell stack 210U and the second upper battery cell stack 220U may include an electrode terminal ET and a module connector MT that are exposed toward the upper recessed part 600D of the upper cover <NUM>. In other words, the upper cover <NUM> may be formed with an upper opening <NUM> through which the electrode terminal ET and the module connector MT of each of the first upper battery cell stack 210U and the second upper battery cell stack 220U can be exposed, wherein the upper opening <NUM> may be opened toward the upper recessed part 600D.

Although specifically not shown in the figure, each of the first lower battery cell stack <NUM> and the second lower battery cell stack <NUM> may include an electrode terminal and a module connector that are exposed toward the lower recessed part 700D of the lower cover <NUM>. In other words, the lower cover <NUM> may be formed with a lower opening <NUM> through which electrode terminals and module connectors of the first lower battery cell stack <NUM> and the second lower battery cell stack <NUM> can be exposed, wherein the lower opening <NUM> may be opened toward the lower recessed part 700D.

At this time, a high voltage (HV) connection for connecting the electrode terminals ET and a low voltage (LV) connection for connecting the module connector MT are formed in each of the upper recessed part 600D and the lower recessed part 700D. Specifically, it will be described with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a plan view which shows a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG> together with <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the battery pack <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a plurality of battery modules <NUM>. The plurality of battery modules <NUM> are arranged so that the side surfaces are in contact with each other, and can be housed in the pack frame <NUM>. The electrode terminals ET exposed through the upper openings <NUM> of the upper recessed part 600D may be connected to each other through a connection member to form an HV connection. Further, the module connectors MT exposed through the upper openings <NUM> of the upper recessed part 600D may be connected to each other through a connecting member to form an LV connection. As described above, it can eventually be connected to a BMS (battery management system). HV connection and LV connection can be made in the upper recessed part 600D of the upper battery cell stack 200U. Meanwhile, although not specifically shown in the figure, HV connection and LV connection between the lower battery cell stacks <NUM> may be made similarly to the above in the lower recessed part 700D.

That is, according to the present embodiment, it has been configured such that an upper recessed part 600D that spatially separates the first upper battery cell stack 210U and the second upper battery cell stack 220U is formed, and HV connection and LV connection are made to the upper recessed part 600D. Similarly, it has been configured such that a lower recessed part 700D that spatially separates the first lower battery cell stack <NUM> and the second lower battery cell stack <NUM> is formed, and HV connection and LV connection are made to the lower recessed part 700D. By providing a separate space for HV connection and LV connection, as in the upper recessed part 600D and the lower recessed part 700D, the connection form of HV connection and LV connection can be simplified, and space can be used efficiently.

Meanwhile, referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> together, a mounting hole MH for mounting coupling may be formed in each of the upper recessed part 600D and the lower recessed part 700D. The mounting hole MH of the upper recessed part 600D and the mounting hole MH of the lower recessed part 700D may be located so as to correspond to each other.

Further, holes may be formed in the upper plate <NUM> of the upper frame <NUM> and the lower plate <NUM> of the lower frame <NUM> so as to correspond to the mounting holes MH of the upper recessed part 600D and the lower recessed part 700D.

Using the mounting hole MH of the upper recessed part 600D and the mounting hole MH of the lower recessed part 700D, the upper cover <NUM>, the upper frame <NUM>, the lower frame <NUM> and the lower cover <NUM> can be fixed to each other and at the same time, the battery module <NUM> can be fixed to the pack frame <NUM>. The fixing method through the mounting hole MH is not particularly limited, and as an example, a bolt and nut coupling can be used. The upper recessed part 600D and the lower recessed part 700D according to the present embodiment can not only provide a space for HV connection and LV connection, but also perform the function of fixing the mounting of the battery module <NUM>.

Next, the first upper protrusion part and the second upper protrusion part according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, the upper cover <NUM> according to the present embodiment may include a first upper protrusion part <NUM> located on one side and a second upper protrusion part <NUM> located on the other side opposite to the one side.

An inlet port <NUM> may be located in the first upper protrusion part <NUM>, and an outlet port <NUM> may be located in the second upper protrusion part <NUM>. As described above, the inlet port <NUM> for supplying the refrigerant to the cooling flow path P and the outlet port <NUM> for discharging the refrigerant from the cooling flow path P may be located opposite to each other. The refrigerant inflowed through the inlet port <NUM> may flow along the cooling flow path P in one direction and then be discharged through the outlet port <NUM>.

The lower cover <NUM> according to the present embodiment may include a first lower protrusion part <NUM> located so as to correspond to the first upper protrusion part <NUM> and a second lower protrusion part <NUM> located so as to correspond to the second upper protrusion part <NUM>.

A mounting hole MH for mounting coupling may be formed in each of the first upper protrusion part <NUM> and the first lower protrusion part <NUM>. The mounting hole MH of the first upper protrusion part <NUM> and the mounting hole MH of the first lower protrusion part <NUM> may be located so as to correspond to each other.

Further, a mounting hole for mounting coupling may be formed in each of the second upper protrusion part <NUM> and the second lower protrusion part <NUM>. The mounting hole MH of the second upper protrusion part <NUM> and the mounting hole MH of the second lower protrusion part <NUM> may be located so as to correspond to each other.

That is, the first upper protrusion part <NUM> and the first lower protrusion part <NUM> may be coupled to each other through the mounting hole MH. In addition, the battery module <NUM> may be fixed to the pack frame <NUM> through the mounting holes MH of the first upper protrusion part <NUM> and the first lower protrusion part <NUM>. Similarly, the second upper protrusion part <NUM> and the second lower protrusion part <NUM> may be coupled to each other through the mounting hole MH. Also, the battery module <NUM> may be fixed to the pack frame <NUM> through the mounting holes MH of the second upper protrusion part <NUM> and the second lower protrusion part <NUM>.

Because the first upper protrusion part <NUM> provided with the inlet port <NUM> is mount-coupled to the first lower protrusion part <NUM>, it is possible to reduce the possibility of leakage of the refrigerant through the gap between the first upper protrusion part <NUM> and the first lower protrusion part <NUM>. That is, the pressing force of the mounting coupling can be used as a sealing force for preventing leakage in the process of inflowing the refrigerant.

In addition, because the second upper protrusion part <NUM> provided with the outlet port <NUM> is mount-coupled to the second lower protrusion part <NUM>, it is possible to reduce the possibility of leakage of the refrigerant through the gap between the second upper protrusion part <NUM> and the second lower protrusion part <NUM>. That is, the pressing force of the mounting coupling can be used as a sealing force for preventing leakage in the discharge process of the refrigerant.

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 embodiments of the present disclosure, 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:
an upper battery cell stack (200U) and a lower battery cell stack (<NUM>) in which a plurality of battery cells (<NUM>) are stacked;
a cooling flow path (P) located between the upper battery cell stack (200U) and the lower battery cell stack (<NUM>); and
a module frame (<NUM>) in which the upper battery cell stack (200U) and the lower battery cell stack (<NUM>) are housed,
wherein an inlet port (<NUM>) for supplying a refrigerant to the cooling flow path (P) and an outlet port (<NUM>) for discharging the refrigerant from the cooling flow path (P) are located opposite to each other, so that the refrigerant flows in one direction in the cooling flow path (P), and
wherein a longitudinal direction (d1) of the battery cell (<NUM>) is in parallel with the one direction in which the refrigerant flows,
wherein the module frame (<NUM>) comprises an upper frame (<NUM>) in which the upper battery cell stack (200U) is housed and a lower frame (<NUM>) in which the lower battery cell stack (<NUM>) is housed,
wherein the cooling flow path (P) is formed between the upper frame (<NUM>) and the lower frame (<NUM>),
characterized in that
the upper frame (<NUM>) comprises an upper plate (<NUM>) that is located on the lower surface of the bottom part (<NUM>) of the upper frame (<NUM>), and an upper recessed part (<NUM>) that is recessed upward from the upper plate (<NUM>),
in that the lower frame (<NUM>) comprises a lower plate (<NUM>) that is located on the upper surface of the ceiling part (<NUM>) of the lower frame (<NUM>), and a lower recessed part (<NUM>) that is recessed downward from the lower plate (<NUM>), and
in that the upper plate (<NUM>) and the lower plate (<NUM>) are joined so that the upper recessed part (<NUM>) and the lower recessed part (<NUM>) form the cooling flow path (P).