Battery module, battery pack including the battery module, and vehicle

Abstract

The present invention provides a battery module with improved energy density and cooling efficiency. In order to achieve the above-described purpose, the battery module according to the present invention includes: a plurality of cylindrical battery cells, which are arranged in a horizontal direction and electrically connected to each other; an upper frame, which is installed above the plurality of cylindrical battery cells; and a lower frame, which is installed below the plurality of cylindrical battery cells, wherein the battery module includes a pressing portion, which is formed on one of the upper frame and the lower frame and elastically presses the plurality of cylindrical battery cells in an inward horizontal direction so that the plurality of cylindrical battery cells are densely packed with each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery module including a plurality of cylindrical battery cells, a battery pack and a vehicle including the same, and more particularly, to a battery module having improved energy density and cooling efficiency, a battery pack and a vehicle including the same. Background Art

[0002] Secondary batteries are applied not only to portable electronic devices but also to electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), or energy storage systems driven by electric drive sources due to their high applicability to various products and electrical properties such as high energy density.

[0003] Secondary batteries have attracted attention due to their advantages of significantly reducing the use of fossil fuels and not generating byproducts from the use of energy, making them new eco-friendly and energy-saving energy sources.

[0004] The battery pack for electric vehicles includes a plurality of battery modules connected to each other, each battery module including a plurality of battery cells to obtain high output. Each battery cell includes an electrode assembly including a positive electrode current collector and a negative electrode current collector, a separator, an active material, and an electrolyte solution, and can be repeatedly charged through electrochemical reactions between the components.

[0005] In one example, a conventional battery module includes a plurality of cylindrical battery cells and a module housing to accommodate the cylindrical battery cells therein. In this case, generally, the plurality of cylindrical battery cells are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance. Due to the gaps (dead zones) between the plurality of cylindrical battery cells, there are limitations in increasing the energy density of the battery module. As the energy capacity of the battery module increases, the space utility decreases due to the gaps.

[0006] In addition, the gaps between the multiple cylindrical battery cells are filled with air, and the air plays a heat insulation effect, and heat cannot be dissipated in the center of the arrangement of the multiple cylindrical battery cells. Therefore, thermal imbalance occurs between the multiple cylindrical battery cells, which accelerates the degradation of some battery cells and reduces the life of the battery module. Summary of the invention

[0007] Technical issues

[0008] The present disclosure is intended to solve the above-mentioned problems, and thus the present disclosure is intended to provide a battery module having increased energy density and cooling efficiency, a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery module.

[0009] These and other purposes and advantages of the present disclosure can be understood through the following description, and will become apparent from the embodiments of the present disclosure. In addition, it is easy to understand that the purposes and advantages of the present disclosure can be achieved through its modes and combinations.

[0010] Technical Solution

[0011] To achieve the above objectives, a battery module according to the present disclosure includes:

[0012] A plurality of cylindrical battery cells, the plurality of cylindrical battery cells are electrically connected to each other and arranged in a horizontal direction;

[0013] an upper frame mounted on the plurality of cylindrical battery cells; and

[0014] The lower frame is installed under a plurality of cylindrical battery cells.

[0015] A pressing portion is formed in any one of the upper frame and the lower frame to elastically press the plurality of cylindrical battery cells in a horizontal inward direction for close arrangement of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells.

[0016] In addition, the pressing portion may have a pressing protrusion that is disposed at an outer circumference of each of the upper frame and the lower frame and extends in a horizontal inward direction to press a cylindrical battery cell disposed at an outermost side among the plurality of cylindrical battery cells.

[0017] In addition, at least one of the upper frame or the lower frame may have a plurality of fixing protrusions on an inner surface to support a horizontal side of each of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells so as to arrange each of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells, the fixing protrusions being arranged between the plurality of cylindrical battery cells, each fixing protrusion having a triangular prism shape.

[0018] In addition, the plurality of fixing protrusions may have intervals therebetween, the intervals being open for contact between one of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells and a cylindrical battery cell adjacent to the one cylindrical battery cell.

[0019] In addition, each of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells may include a battery can for containing an electrolyte solution and an electrode assembly and a top cover mounted on the battery can, and the upper frame may have at least one connection hole, the at least one connection hole being open to expose the top of the battery can of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells and the top cover.

[0020] In addition, the lower frame may have a plurality of openings that open to expose the lower surface of the battery can of each of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells.

[0021] A thermally conductive material configured to cover at least a portion of a lower surface of the battery can of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells may be added to the opening of the lower frame.

[0022] In addition, a conductive adhesive may be disposed between the fixing protrusions of the upper frame and the fixing protrusions of the lower frame to electrically connect the plurality of cylindrical battery cells.

[0023] In addition, the battery module may further include a heat shrink film or an insulating sheet that presses outer side surfaces of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells in an inward direction of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells to bring the plurality of cylindrical battery cells into close contact.

[0024] In addition, an elastic sheet configured to press the outer side surfaces of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells toward the inner side of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells may be added to the inner surface of the insulation sheet in contact with the plurality of cylindrical battery cells.

[0025] To achieve the above objectives, a battery pack according to the present disclosure includes at least one battery module.

[0026] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a vehicle according to the present disclosure includes a battery pack according to the present disclosure.

[0027] Beneficial Effects

[0028] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the battery module of the present disclosure may include an extrusion portion, which is configured to elastically squeeze the battery cells in each of the upper frame and the lower frame to minimize the gap between the multiple cylindrical battery cells, thereby accommodating a larger number of cylindrical battery cells in the same space, thereby effectively improving the energy density of the battery module.

[0029] According to this aspect of the present disclosure, the present disclosure includes a pressing protrusion extending in a horizontally inward direction to press a cylindrical battery cell disposed outermost in a horizontal direction among a plurality of cylindrical battery cells along the periphery of an upper frame and a lower frame to apply appropriate pressure to densely arrange the plurality of cylindrical battery cells in the horizontally inward direction, and to fix the arrangement of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells by the upper frame.

[0030] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, when a thermally conductive material configured to cover at least a portion of the lower surface of the battery can of each of a plurality of cylindrical battery cells is added to the opening of the lower frame, when the battery module is used, heat can be transferred to the outside through thermal conduction through direct contact with the lower surface of the cylindrical battery cell from which heat is generated, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the battery module.

[0031] According to this aspect of the present disclosure, a conductive adhesive is added between the fixing protrusions of the upper frame and the fixing protrusions of the lower frame to electrically connect a plurality of cylindrical battery cells, thereby more perfectly supplementing the electrical connection of densely arranged battery cells.

[0032] Furthermore, the conductive adhesive fills a predetermined space formed between the fixing protrusions of the upper frame and the lower frame to solve the problem that the cooling efficiency of the battery module is reduced due to the heat insulation effect of air in the gaps between the plurality of cylindrical battery cells. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, and together with the foregoing disclosure, are used to provide a further understanding of the technical spirit of the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure should not be interpreted as being limited to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 2 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 3 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of a cylindrical battery cell of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 4 is a schematic partial bottom view of some components of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 5 is a schematic partial plan view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 6 is a schematic bottom perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 7 is a schematic partially exploded perspective view of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 8 and Fig. 9 is a schematic perspective view of a heat shrink film wrapped around a plurality of cylindrical battery cells in a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Fig.10 is a schematic perspective view of a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Fig.11 yes Fig.10 A partial enlarged schematic diagram of part A in FIG.

[0044] Fig.12 4 is a schematic partial perspective view of an insulating sheet of a battery module according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Fig.13is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Description of Reference Numerals

[0047] 200: Battery module 100: Cylindrical battery cell

[0048] 191, 191a, 191b: electrode terminal, positive electrode terminal, negative electrode terminal

[0049] 120, 170: battery tank, top cover

[0050] 210: Upper frame 220: Lower frame

[0051] 211: Extrusion part 211p1, 211p2: Extrusion protrusion

[0052] 213p, 223p: fixed protrusions T1, T2: connection holes, openings

[0053] 230: Thermally conductive material 240: Electrically conductive adhesive

[0054] 250: Heat shrink film 260: Insulation sheet

[0055] 270: Elastic sheet

[0056] S1: Slit

[0057] 300: Battery Pack DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before the description, it should be understood that the terms or words used in the specification and the appended claims should not be interpreted as being limited to the general meaning and dictionary meaning, but are interpreted based on the meaning and concept corresponding to the technical aspects of the present disclosure based on the principle of allowing the inventor to appropriately define the terms to obtain the best interpretation.

[0059] Therefore, the embodiments described herein and the illustrations shown in the accompanying drawings are only the most preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, but are not intended to fully describe the technical aspects of the present disclosure, and it should be understood that various other equivalents and modifications may be made thereto when an application is filed.

[0060] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of a cylindrical battery cell of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0061] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 , a battery module 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 , an upper frame 210 , and a lower frame 220 .

[0062] Specifically, a plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 may be arranged in a horizontal direction and electrically connected. Here, the horizontal direction refers to a direction parallel to the ground when the cylindrical battery cells 100 are placed on the ground, and may be at least one direction on a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0063] The cylindrical battery cell 100 includes a jelly-roll type electrode assembly 110, a central pin 150 inserted into the center of the electrode assembly 110, a battery can 120 for accommodating the electrode assembly 110 and the central pin 150, a cap assembly 130 coupled to the top opening of the battery can 120 to seal the battery can 120, and a gasket 160 interposed between the battery can 120 and the cap assembly. The jelly-roll type electrode assembly 110 and an electrolyte solution (not shown) are accommodated in the battery can 120.

[0064] In this case, in order to mount the cap assembly 130 , the cylindrical battery cell 100 includes a beading portion 140 disposed on the top of the battery can 120 and a crimping portion 141 for sealing the battery can 120 .

[0065] The jelly roll type electrode assembly 110 is wound in a jelly roll form with a separator 113 interposed between a positive electrode 111 and a negative electrode 112 , the positive electrode 111 having a positive electrode tab 111 a connected to the cap assembly 130 , and the negative electrode 112 having a negative electrode tab 112 a connected to the bottom of the battery can 120 .

[0066] The cap assembly 130 includes: a top cover 170 for sealing the open end of the battery can 120 and forming a positive electrode terminal 191a; a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) device 180, which is arranged to contact the top cover 170 to increase resistance so as to cut off current when the internal temperature of the battery increases; and a safety vent 190, which is electrically connected to the electrode assembly 110, one surface of the safety vent 190 is in contact with the PTC device 180 and a part of the other surface is in contact with the gasket 160, so as to cut off current and exhaust gas when the internal pressure of the battery increases. Here, the cap assembly 130 may also include a current cut-off device 172 connected to the positive electrode tab 111a. The cap assembly 130 is coupled to the open end of the top of the battery can 120 and is mounted on the curling portion 140 of the battery can 120.

[0067] Here, the top cover 170 may be used as, for example, a positive electrode terminal 191a. The battery can 120 may be used as a negative electrode terminal 191b. In this case, the battery can 120 and the top cover 170 may include an aluminum alloy.

[0068] The battery module 200 may include a connecting element (not shown) configured to electrically connect the electrode terminals 191 of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 in parallel or in series. The connecting element may be, for example, a connecting wire. The connecting wire may be configured to be connected to the positive electrode terminal 191a and / or the negative electrode terminal 191b of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100. The connecting wire may be, for example, an alloy of nickel, copper, and aluminum. However, the connecting element is not necessarily limited to the shape of the connecting wire and may include metal plates of various shapes.

[0069] Figure 4 is a schematic partial bottom view of some components of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0070] and Figure 1 and Figure 2 Refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the upper frame 210 may be mounted on the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100. Here, the upper frame 210 may include an electrically insulating material. For example, the electrically insulating material may be plastic having predetermined elasticity and electrical insulation. The plastic may preferably be polyvinyl chloride.

[0071] The upper frame 210 may be in a plate shape extending outward in a horizontal direction as a whole, and may have a size corresponding to the entire upper area of ​​the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 .

[0072] The lower frame 220 may be installed under the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100. Here, the lower frame 220 may include an electrically insulating material. For example, the electrically insulating material may be plastic having predetermined elasticity and electrical insulation. The plastic may preferably be polyvinyl chloride.

[0073] The lower frame 220 may be in the shape of a plate extending outward in a horizontal direction as a whole, and may have a size corresponding to the entire lower area of ​​the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 .

[0074] Any one of the upper frame 210 and the lower frame 220 may include a pressing portion 211. The pressing portion 211 may be configured to elastically press the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 in a horizontal inward direction so that the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 are densely arranged. Here, the “horizontal inward direction” refers to a direction toward the horizontal center of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100.

[0075] For example, Figure 2As shown, each of the upper frame 210 and the lower frame 220 may include a pressing portion 211 to elastically press the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 in the horizontal inward direction D for densely arranging the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 .

[0076] According to the configuration of the present disclosure, each of the upper frame 210 and the lower frame 220 includes an extrusion portion 211 configured to elastically squeeze the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 to minimize the gaps between the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100, thereby accommodating a greater number of cylindrical battery cells 100 in the same space, thereby effectively increasing the energy density of the battery module 200.

[0077] Since there is no gap between the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 by the pressing portion 211, it is possible to reduce an increase in a temperature difference between a cylindrical battery cell 100 disposed at the center of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 and cylindrical battery cells 100 disposed at the outside due to a heat insulation effect of air in the space between the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100. Therefore, it is possible to prevent premature degradation of some cylindrical battery cells, thereby increasing the service life of the battery module.

[0078] When the battery can 120 of the cylindrical battery cell 100 is used as the negative electrode terminal 191b, the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 can be connected in close contact with each other through the pressing portion 211. Therefore, an electrical parallel connection can be established between the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100. Therefore, a separate bus bar configuration for electrically connecting the negative electrode terminals 191b of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 can be eliminated, thereby reducing the weight or production cost of the battery module 200.

[0079] Return to reference Figure 4 , the upper frame 210 may have a pressing protrusion 211p1 disposed on the outer circumference in the horizontal direction. The pressing protrusion 211p1 may be configured to press the cylindrical battery cell 100 disposed on the outermost side in the horizontal direction among the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100. More specifically, the pressing protrusion 211p1 may extend in the horizontal inward direction.

[0080] For example, Figure 4 As shown, the upper frame 210 may have 17 pressing protrusions 211p1 on the outer periphery. Each of the 17 pressing protrusions 211p1 may be configured to extend in a horizontal inward direction ( Figure 2 The pressing protrusion 211p1 may extend in the horizontal inward direction D to press the top of one cylindrical battery cell 100, and the horizontal inner side may have a curved shape.

[0081] According to this configuration of the present disclosure, a pressing protrusion 211p1 extending in the horizontal inward direction is provided on the outer periphery of the upper frame 210 to press the cylindrical battery cell 100 disposed on the outermost side in the horizontal direction among the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100, thereby applying appropriate pressure to densely arrange the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 in the horizontal inward direction, and the arrangement of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 is fixed by the upper frame 210.

[0082] Return to reference Figure 5 , the lower frame 220 may have a pressing protrusion 211p2 disposed on the outer circumference in the horizontal direction. The pressing protrusion 211p2 may be configured to press the cylindrical battery cell 100 disposed on the outermost side in the horizontal direction among the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100. More specifically, the pressing protrusion 211p2 may extend in the horizontal inward direction.

[0083] For example, Figure 5 As shown, the outer circumference of the lower frame 220 may have 17 pressing protrusions 211p2. Each of the 17 pressing protrusions 211p2 may be configured to press the cylindrical battery cell 100 disposed at the outermost side in the horizontal direction among the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 in the horizontal inward direction. The pressing protrusion 211p2 may extend in the horizontal inward direction to press the bottom of one cylindrical battery cell 100, and the horizontal inner surface may have a curved shape.

[0084] According to such a configuration of the present disclosure, the pressing portion 211 has a pressing protrusion 211p2, which is disposed on the periphery of the lower frame 220 and extends in the horizontal inward direction to press the cylindrical battery cell 100 disposed in the outermost direction in the horizontal direction among the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100, thereby applying appropriate pressure to densely arrange the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 in the horizontal inward direction, and fix the arrangement of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 disposed between the lower frames 220.

[0085] Return to reference Figure 4 , the upper frame 210 may have a plurality of fixing protrusions 213 p to support a horizontal side of each of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 to align each of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 .

[0086] The fixing protrusions 213p may be arranged between the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100, and each may have a triangular prism shape. The triangular prism shape may have an inwardly curved horizontal side for close contact between the fixing protrusions 213p and the outer surface of the cylindrical battery cell 100. A plurality of fixing protrusions 213p may be provided on the inner surface of the upper frame 210 in contact with the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100.

[0087] For example, Figure 4 As shown, the plurality of fixing protrusions 213p provided in the upper frame 210 may be provided between the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100. Some of the plurality of fixing protrusions 213p may be provided between three cylindrical battery cells 100.

[0088] The plurality of fixing protrusions 213p may have intervals therebetween, the intervals being open for contact between one of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 and a cylindrical battery cell 100 adjacent to the one cylindrical battery cell. That is, the plurality of fixing protrusions 213p may be spaced apart from each other for contact between one cylindrical battery cell 100 and a cylindrical battery cell 100 adjacent to the one cylindrical battery cell.

[0089] For example, Figure 4 As shown, the 32 fixing protrusions 213p of the upper frame 210 may be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance for contact between one of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 and an adjacent cylindrical battery cell 100. There may be a space between two adjacent fixing protrusions 213p, and the space is open for contact between one cylindrical battery cell 100 and an adjacent cylindrical battery cell 100 to the one cylindrical battery cell.

[0090] Return to reference Figure 5 , the lower frame 220 may have a plurality of fixing protrusions 223 p to support a horizontal side of each of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 to align each of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 .

[0091] The fixing protrusions 223p may be arranged between the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100, and each may have a triangular prism shape. The triangular prism shape may have a horizontal side bent in an inward direction for the fixing protrusion 223p to be in close contact with the outer surface of the cylindrical battery cell 100. A plurality of fixing protrusions 223p may be provided on the inner surface of the lower frame 220 in contact with the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100.

[0092] For example, Figure 5 As shown, the plurality of fixing protrusions 223p provided in the lower frame 220 may be provided between the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100. Some of the plurality of fixing protrusions 223p may be provided between three cylindrical battery cells 100.

[0093] The plurality of fixing protrusions 223p may have intervals therebetween, the intervals being open for contact between one of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 and the cylindrical battery cells 100 adjacent thereto. That is, the plurality of fixing protrusions 223p may be spaced apart from each other for contact between one cylindrical battery cell 100 and the battery cells 100 adjacent thereto.

[0094] For example, Figure 5 As shown, the 32 fixing protrusions 223p of the lower frame 220 may be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance for contact between one of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 and an adjacent cylindrical battery cell 100. There may be a space between two adjacent fixing protrusions 223p, and the space is open for contact between one cylindrical battery cell 100 and an adjacent cylindrical battery cell 100.

[0095] According to this configuration of the present disclosure, since a plurality of fixing protrusions 223p provided in each of the upper frame 210 and the lower frame 220 have openings for spacing for contact between one of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 and the cylindrical battery cells 100 adjacent thereto, the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 can be arranged in contact with each other by the fixing protrusions 213p formed in the upper frame 210 and the lower frame 220, thereby simplifying the process of manufacturing the battery module 200.

[0096] Return to reference Figure 2 , the upper frame 210 may have at least one connection hole T1 that is open to expose the top of the battery can 120 of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 and the top cover 170. For example, Figure 2 As shown, when from Figure 1 When viewed from a direction F, the upper frame 210 may have three connection holes T1 extending in the front-rear direction.

[0097] According to this configuration of the present disclosure, when the upper frame 210 has at least one connection hole T1 to expose the top of the battery can 120 and the top cover 170 of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100, the top of the battery can 120 serving as the negative electrode terminal 191b and the top cover 170 serving as the positive electrode terminal 191a are exposed to the outside, thereby easily connecting the positive electrode terminal 191a and the negative electrode terminal 191b of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 through separate connecting elements.

[0098] Figure 6 is a schematic bottom perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0099] and Figure 2 Refer to Figure 6 , the lower frame 220 may have a plurality of openings T2 that are opened to expose the lower surface of the battery can 120 of each of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100. For example, Figure 2 As shown, the lower frame 220 may have 24 openings ( Figure 2 T2 in the figure is configured to expose the lower surface of each of the 24 cylindrical battery cells 100 to the outside.

[0100] A thermally conductive material 230 configured to cover at least a portion of the lower surface of the battery can 120 of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 may be added to the opening T2 of the lower frame 220. Here, the thermally conductive material 230 may include a material having high thermal conductivity. The thermally conductive material 230 may include an electrically insulating material. For example, the thermally conductive material 230 may be a cured form of a polymer resin or a silicon-based resin having high thermal conductivity. More specifically, the polymer resin may be a polysiloxane resin, a polyamide resin, a polyurethane resin, or an epoxy-based resin.

[0101] For example, Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown, a thermally conductive material 230 configured to cover at least a portion of the lower surface of the battery cans 120 of the 24 cylindrical battery cells 100 may be added to each of the 24 openings T2 of the lower frame 220 .

[0102] According to this configuration of the present disclosure, when a thermally conductive material 230 configured to cover at least a portion of the lower surface of the battery can 120 of each of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 is added to the opening T2 of the lower frame 220, while the battery module 200 is in use, heat can be transferred to the outside through heat conduction by direct contact with the lower surface of the cylindrical battery cell 100 that generates heat, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the battery module 200.

[0103] Figure 7 is a schematic partially exploded perspective view of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 The battery modules shown are compared to Figure 7 The battery module of another embodiment shown further includes a conductive adhesive 240 , and other configurations are the same.

[0104] and Figure 2 Refer to Figure 7 , a conductive adhesive 240 may be provided between the fixing protrusion 213p of the upper frame 210 and the fixing protrusion 213p of the lower frame 220 to electrically connect the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100. The conductive adhesive 240 may be a mixture of an acrylic-based resin, a polyester-based resin, a polyurethane-based resin or a rubber-based resin and a conductive filler. For example, the filler may be a carbon nanotube or a metal.

[0105] For example, Figure 2 and Figure 7 As shown, a predetermined space may be formed between the fixing protrusion 213p of the upper frame 210 and the fixing protrusion 223p of the lower frame 220. A conductive adhesive 240 may be added to the space to electrically connect the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100.

[0106] According to such a configuration of the present disclosure, a conductive adhesive 240 may be added between the fixing protrusions 213p of the upper frame 210 and the fixing protrusions 223p of the lower frame 220 to electrically connect the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100, thereby more perfectly establishing the electrical connection of the plurality of densely arranged cylindrical battery cells 100. The conductive adhesive 240 fills the predetermined space between the fixing protrusions 213p of the upper frame 210 and the fixing protrusions 223p of the lower frame 220, thereby solving the problem of reduced cooling efficiency of the battery module 200 due to the heat insulation effect of the air in the empty space between the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100.

[0107] Figure 8 and Fig. 9 is a schematic perspective view of a heat shrink film wrapped around a plurality of cylindrical battery cells in a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0108] Reference Figure 8 and Fig. 9 , when Figure 1 When compared with the battery module 200A, Fig. 9 The illustrated battery module 200A according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a heat shrink film 250 . Fig. 9 The components of the battery module 200A can be Figure 1 The components of the battery module 200 are the same. Therefore, Fig. 9 Some components of the battery module 200A have been Figure 1 The battery module 200 is described in detail, and its detailed description is omitted here.

[0109] Specifically, the heat shrink film 250 may shrink due to heat. To this end, the heat shrink film 250 may include a heat shrink material whose volume decreases at a predetermined temperature. For example, the heat shrink film may be made of a polyester-based resin, a polyolefin-based resin, or a polyphenylene sulfide-based resin. More specifically, the heat shrink film 250 may include at least one of polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyolefin, nylon, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT).

[0110] The heat shrink film 250 may press the outer side surfaces of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 in the inward direction of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 to bring the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 into close contact. Figure 8 The heat shrink film 250a before heat shrinkage is shown. The heat shrink film 250a may have a strip shape with two longitudinal ends connected to each other. The strip-shaped heat shrink film 250a may be configured to accommodate 24 cylindrical battery cells 100 therein.

[0111] Subsequently, when the heat shrink film 250a is shrunk using a heater that emits hot air at a predetermined temperature, the heat shrink film 250 may be shrunk in a manner similar to that of the heat shrink film 250a. Fig. 9 The illustrated battery module 200A compresses the outer side surfaces of 24 cylindrical battery cells 100 in the inward direction of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 in the same manner.

[0112] The heat shrink film 250 may be configured to wrap a portion of the upper frame 210 and a portion of the lower frame 220. Thus, the heat shrink film 250 may bond the upper frame 210, the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100, and the lower frame 220 together.

[0113] According to such a configuration of the present disclosure, the battery module 200A according to another embodiment further includes a heat shrink film 250 to press the outer side surfaces of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 in the inward direction of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100, thereby effectively densely (closely contacting) arranging the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100. In addition, the heat shrink film 250 may be used as a module housing to fix the arrangement of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 and protect internal components from external impacts.

[0114] Fig.10 is a schematic perspective view of a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.11 yes Fig.10 A partial enlarged schematic diagram of part A in FIG.

[0115] Reference Fig.10 and Fig.11 , when Figure 1 When compared with the battery module 200A, Fig.10 The battery module 200B may further include an electrical insulating sheet 260. In addition to the configuration of the lower frame 220B, Fig.10 The components of the battery module 200B can be Figure 1 The components of the battery module 200 are the same. Therefore, Fig.10 The components of the battery module 200B are already in Figure 1 The battery module 200 is described in detail, and its detailed description is omitted here.

[0116] The insulating sheet 260 may be provided to press the outer side surfaces of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 in the inward direction of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 so that the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 are in close contact. The insulating sheet 260 may have a strip shape with two longitudinal ends connected to each other. The insulating sheet 260 may have a predetermined tension to press the outer side surfaces of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 in the inward direction of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100. For example, the insulating sheet 260 may include polystyrene that is easily bent and very soft.

[0117] For example, Fig.10 As shown, the insulating sheet 260 may press the outer side surfaces of the 24 cylindrical battery cells 100 in an inward direction to bring the 24 cylindrical battery cells 100 into close contact.

[0118] Fig.10 The lower frame 220B may have a linear slit S1 inserted into the lower end of the insulating sheet 260. The slit S1 may extend along the horizontal periphery of the lower frame 220B. Fig.10 As shown, in the lower frame 220B, the linear slit S1 into which the lower end of the insulation sheet 260 is inserted may extend along the inner surface of the outer sidewall 227 provided at the outer circumference.

[0119] According to such a configuration of the present disclosure, the insulating sheet 260 may press the outer side surfaces of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 in the inward direction of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 to bring the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 into close contact, thereby more densely (more closely contacting) arranging the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100. The insulating sheet 260 may serve as a module housing to fix the arrangement of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 and protect internal components from external impact.

[0120] Fig.12 FIG. 1 is a schematic partial perspective view of an insulating sheet of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.12 In the figure, for ease of description, a portion of the insulating sheet is removed to make the internal components visible.

[0121] and Fig.10 Refer to Fig.12 , an elastic sheet 270 configured to press the outer side surfaces of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 toward the inner side of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 may be added to the inner surface of the insulating sheet 260 in contact with the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100. For example, the elastic sheet 270 may be a sponge having a restoring strength to expand when contracted by external pressure.

[0122] For example, Fig.12 As shown, an elastic sheet 270 extending along a length direction of the insulation sheet 260 may be attached to an inner surface of the insulation sheet 260 contacting the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 .

[0123] According to this configuration of the present disclosure, the elastic sheet 270 may be disposed on the inner surface of the insulating sheet 260 in contact with the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 to press the outer side surfaces of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 inwardly, thereby arranging the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 more densely (in closer contact).

[0124] Fig.13 is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0125] Reference Fig.13 , the battery pack 300 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one battery module 200. For example, Fig.13 As shown, the battery pack 300 may include nine battery modules 200 arranged in close contact.

[0126] In addition to the battery module 200, the battery pack 300 according to the present disclosure may also include a battery pack housing for accommodating the battery module 200, and various devices (e.g., a battery management system (BMS), a current sensor, and a fuse) for controlling the charging / discharging of the battery module 200. In this case, each battery module 200 may have a protrusion extending forward on the front side and a recessed portion recessed forward on the rear side. A plurality of battery modules 200 may be arranged by coupling the protrusion and the recessed portion.

[0127] A vehicle (not shown) according to the present disclosure may include a battery pack 300. The vehicle may be, for example, an electric vehicle having a motor (not shown) using the battery pack 300 as a power source.

[0128] The terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and rear used herein are only for convenience of description, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that the terms may vary according to the position of the element or the observer.

[0129] Although the present disclosure has been described above with respect to a limited number of embodiments and drawings, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes may be made thereto within the technical aspects of the present disclosure and the equivalent scope of the appended claims.

[0130] Industrial Applicability

[0131] The present disclosure relates to a battery module including a plurality of cylindrical battery cells. In addition, the present disclosure can be used in industries related to electronic devices and vehicles including the battery pack.

[0132] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0095074 filed on August 5, 2019, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Claims

1. A battery module, comprising: a plurality of cylindrical battery cells electrically connected to each other and arranged in a horizontal direction, wherein battery cans of the cylindrical battery cells serve as negative electrode terminals; an upper frame mounted on the plurality of cylindrical battery cells; and a lower frame installed below the plurality of cylindrical battery cells, wherein a pressing portion is formed in any one of the upper frame and the lower frame to elastically press the plurality of cylindrical battery cells in a horizontal inward direction for close arrangement of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells, wherein at least one of the upper frame and the lower frame has a plurality of fixing protrusions on an inner surface to support a horizontal side of each of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells so as to arrange each of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells, the fixing protrusions being arranged between the plurality of cylindrical battery cells, each fixing protrusion having a triangular prism shape, The plurality of fixing protrusions have intervals therebetween, the intervals being open for electrical contact between one of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells and a cylindrical battery cell adjacent to the one cylindrical battery cell, and A conductive adhesive is disposed between the fixing protrusions of the upper frame and the fixing protrusions of the lower frame to electrically connect the plurality of cylindrical battery cells.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The pressing portion has a pressing protrusion disposed at an outer circumference of each of the upper frame and the lower frame and extending in the horizontal inward direction to press a cylindrical battery cell disposed at an outermost side among the plurality of cylindrical battery cells.

3. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells includes a battery can for containing an electrolyte solution and an electrode assembly, and a top cover mounted on the battery can, and The upper frame has at least one connection hole that is opened to expose the tops of the battery cans of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells and the top cover.

4. The battery module according to claim 3, wherein: The lower frame has a plurality of openings that open to expose a lower surface of the battery can of each of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells, and A thermally conductive material configured to cover at least a portion of the lower surface of the battery can of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells is added to one opening among the plurality of openings of the lower frame.

5. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The conductive adhesive fills a predetermined space formed between the fixing protrusion of the upper frame and the fixing protrusion of the lower frame.

6. The battery module according to claim 1, further comprising: A heat shrink film is provided to press outer side surfaces of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells in an inward direction of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells so as to bring the plurality of cylindrical battery cells into close contact.

7. The battery module according to claim 1, further comprising: An insulating sheet presses outer side surfaces of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells in an inward direction of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells to bring the plurality of cylindrical battery cells into close contact.

8. The battery module according to claim 7, wherein: An elastic sheet configured to press outer side surfaces of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells toward inner sides of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells is added to an inner surface of the insulating sheet facing the plurality of cylindrical battery cells.

9. A battery pack comprising at least one battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A vehicle comprising the battery pack according to claim 9.

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