Battery module

Abstract

A battery module includes a battery assembly, a main case including a main edge portion surrounding an accommodation space in which the battery assembly is located, a first plate including a first edge portion coupled to the main edge portion and a first exposed portion exposed from the main edge portion and defining one side of a cooling path for cooling the accommodation space, and a second plate facing the first plate and defining the other side of the cooling path, wherein a matching structure with the main edge portion is formed at the first edge portion.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Aspects of one or more embodiments relate to a battery module. BACKGROUND

[0002] A secondary battery is generally capable of being repeatedly charged and discharged, in contrast to a primary battery which is not generally recharged. The secondary battery can be used as an energy source for various electronic devices, such as mobile devices, electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, electric bicycles, uninterruptible power supply sources, etc., which benefit from a rechargeable power source, and the secondary battery can be in the form of a single cell or in the form of a pack in which a plurality of cells are connected into one unit, depending on the type of external device to be applied.

[0003] Although a small mobile device such as a mobile phone can operate for a certain period of time with the output and capacity of a single cell, when a relatively long driving time and / or a relatively high power driving is desired, for example, in a large mobile device such as a notebook computer or an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle, which consumes a relatively large amount of power, a pack-type battery including a plurality of cells can be utilized due to the relatively improved output and capacity provided, and the output voltage or output current can be increased depending on the number of built-in cells.

[0004] The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the background of the disclosure, and therefore, it can contain information that does not constitute the prior art. SUMMARY

[0005] Aspects of one or more embodiments include a battery module having a module case which can provide a relatively high cooling performance, and which can have a relatively light weight due to the use of a composite material including different heterogeneous materials. Some embodiments can also have a relatively improved coupling strength between the heterogeneous materials to prevent or reduce the case of leakage of a cooling path.

[0006] Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following description and drawings, or can be learned by practice of the presented embodiments of the disclosure.

[0007] According to one or more embodiments, a battery module includes at least one battery assembly, a main case including a main edge portion surrounding an accommodation space for accommodating the battery assembly, a first plate including a first edge portion coupled to the main edge portion and a first exposed portion exposed from the main edge portion and defining one side of a cooling path for cooling the accommodation space, and a second plate disposed to face the first plate and define the other side of the cooling path, wherein a mating structure with the main edge portion is formed at the first edge portion.

[0008] According to some embodiments, the matching structure can include a plurality of holes filled with a portion of the main edge portion as the plurality of holes formed along the first edge portion, the portion of the main edge portion being formed in a shape complementary to the plurality of holes.

[0009] According to some embodiments, the matching structure can include a plurality of protruding portions formed in a shape complementary to the plurality of protruding portions and embedded by a portion of the main edge portion as the plurality of protruding portions formed along the first edge portion.

[0010] According to some embodiments, the matching structure can include a plurality of holes and a plurality of protruding portions formed along the first edge portion, the plurality of protruding portions being formed at a position more inward of the first edge portion than the plurality of holes formed at an edge of the first edge portion.

[0011] According to some embodiments, the matching structure can include an uneven pattern forming an inclined interface with the main edge portion as the uneven pattern formed along the first edge portion, the main edge portion being formed in a shape complementary to the uneven pattern.

[0012] According to some embodiments, the uneven pattern can form a pair of interfaces inclined to face each other.

[0013] According to some embodiments, the pair of interfaces can have inclinations approaching each other from a lower position to an upper position in a direction opposite to the second plate.

[0014] According to some embodiments, the uneven pattern can include a first pair of interfaces inclined to face each other and a second pair of interfaces inclined to face each other between the first pair of interfaces.

[0015] According to some embodiments, each of the first pair of interfaces and the second pair of interfaces can have inclinations approaching each other from a lower position to an upper position in a direction opposite to the second plate.

[0016] According to some embodiments, the second pair of interfaces can have inclinations inclined further toward the second plate than the first pair of interfaces.

[0017] According to some embodiments, the matching structure can include both the uneven pattern and a plurality of holes formed along the first edge portion, the uneven pattern being formed at a position more inward of the first edge portion than the plurality of holes formed at an edge of the first edge portion.

[0018] According to some embodiments, the main edge portion and the first edge portion can be coupled to each other by a first coupling line formed along the first edge portion.

[0019] According to some embodiments, the first coupling line can include a recessed holding portion recessively formed to surround the first edge portion.

[0020] According to some embodiments, the recessed holding portion can continuously surround an upper surface, a lower surface, and a side surface connecting the upper surface and the lower surface of the first edge portion.

[0021] According to some embodiments, the upper surface of the first plate can include an upper surface of the first edge portion and an upper surface of the first exposed portion facing the accommodation space, and the lower surface of the first plate can include a lower surface of the first edge portion and a lower surface of the first exposed portion facing the cooling path.

[0022] According to some embodiments, the recessed holding portion can include an upper portion having an upper width covering the upper surface of the first edge portion and a lower portion having a lower width covering the lower surface of the first edge portion, at least any one of the upper portion having the upper width and the lower portion having the lower width forming a matching structure with the first plate.

[0023] According to some embodiments, the lower width can be greater than the upper width.

[0024] According to some embodiments, a filling width can be formed on the first edge portion from the first edge portion other than the upper width to a boundary with the first exposed portion.

[0025] According to some embodiments, a filler for reinforcing coupling between the first edge portion and the main edge portion can be formed in the filling width.

[0026] According to some embodiments, the accommodation space can include a plurality of accommodation spaces for accommodating battery components different from each other, the main edge portion surrounding each of the plurality of accommodation spaces.

[0027] According to some embodiments, the first plate can include a plurality of first plates individually formed for each of the plurality of accommodation spaces.

[0028] According to some embodiments, the second plate can include one second plate integrally commonly formed for the plurality of accommodation spaces.

[0029] According to some embodiments, the second plate can include a second edge portion coupled to the main edge portion and a second exposed portion exposed from the main edge portion and defining the other side of the cooling path. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0030] The above and other aspects, features, and characteristics of certain embodiments of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0031] Figure 1is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to some embodiments;

[0032] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a module housing of Figure 1

[0033] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a battery assembly of Figure 1

[0034] Figure 4 is a plan view of a first coupling line for coupling a first plate of Figure 1

[0035] Figure 5 is a plan view of a second coupling line for coupling a second plate of Figure 1

[0036] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the module housing taken along line VI- VI of Figure 2

[0037] Figure 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of portion VII of Figure 6

[0038] Figure 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of portion VIII of Figure 6

[0039] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a mating structure of the module housing according to some embodiments;

[0040] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a first plate of Figure 9

[0041] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the first plate taken along line XI-XI of Figure 10

[0042] is a cross-sectional view of the first plate of Figure 12 Figure 9

[0043] Figure 13 is a perspective view of the first plate of Figure 9

[0044] Figure 14 is an exploded perspective view of a power supply of a battery module comprising Figure 1 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] ​​​​​​​​​​​​Reference will now be made in detail to aspects of some embodiments, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is merely illustrative of the present description and no limitation of the scope of the present description is intended to be implied therefrom. Accordingly, the description below will be described with reference to the attached drawings to facilitate a description of certain embodiments.

[0046] Hereinafter, a battery module according to some embodiments is described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0047] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module 1 according to some embodiments. Figure 2 is Figure 1 is a perspective view of a module housing of Figure 3 is Figure 1 is a perspective view of a battery assembly of Figure 4 is a plan view of a first coupling line for coupling a first plate of Figure 1 Figure 5 is a plan view of a second coupling line for coupling a second plate of Figure 1 Figure 6 is a sectional view of a module housing taken along line VI-VI of Figure 2 Figure 7 is Figure 6 is an enlarged sectional view of a portion VII of Figure 8 Figure 6 is an enlarged sectional view of a portion VIII of

[0048] With reference to Figures 1 to 6 , the battery module 1 can include at least one battery assembly or monobloc stack B and a module housing 5 for accommodating the battery assembly B. The module housing 5 can include a main housing H including a main edge portion M surrounding an accommodation space G for accommodating the battery assembly B, a first plate P1 including a first edge portion P1a coupled to the main edge portion M and a first exposed portion P1b exposed from the main edge portion M to define one side of a cooling path F for cooling the accommodation space G, and a second plate P2 arranged to face the first plate P1 and including a second edge portion P2a coupled to the main edge portion M and a second exposed portion P2b exposed from the main edge portion M and defining the other side of the cooling path F.

[0049] ​​​​The main case H forming the accommodation space G for the battery assembly B can separate a plurality of accommodation spaces G for accommodating battery assemblies B different from each other, and can include a main edge portion M surrounding the accommodation space G. According to some embodiments, the main case H can include first to fourth accommodation spaces G1, G2, G3, and G4 for respectively accommodating battery assemblies B different from each other, and the main edge portion M can surround the first to fourth accommodation spaces G1, G2, G3, and G4 different from each other. The number of accommodation spaces is not limited to four, however, various embodiments can include additional accommodation spaces or fewer accommodation spaces without departing from the spirit and scope of embodiments according to the present disclosure.

[0050] According to some embodiments, while surrounding the accommodation spaces G different from each other, the main edge portion M can further separate a circuit space CS for accommodating a circuit portion between the accommodation spaces G adjacent to each other. For example, according to some embodiments, the circuit space CS can be formed between the first accommodation space G1 and the fourth accommodation space G4 adjacent to each other in the first direction Z1, and between the second accommodation space G2 and the third accommodation space G3 adjacent to each other in the first direction Z1. Throughout the present specification, the first direction Z1 can correspond to a longitudinal direction of the battery assembly B or a longitudinal direction of the accommodation space G for accommodating the battery assembly B, and in the battery assembly B including a plurality of battery cells C arranged in one direction, can correspond to the one direction in which the battery cells C are arranged.

[0051] The main case H can include a main edge portion M surrounding the accommodation space G for accommodating the battery assembly B. According to some embodiments, the main edge portion M can refer to a wall of the main case H formed along the periphery of the battery assembly B. According to some embodiments, the main edge portion M can refer to a wall surrounding the accommodation space G formed in a cuboid shape to surround the battery assembly B in a substantially cuboid shape. The wall forming the main edge portion M can refer to a wall facing a respective side portion of a front surface, a rear surface, and a side surface of the battery assembly B other than the upper surface and the lower surface of the battery assembly B. The wall can include not only a portion facing the respective side portion of the battery assembly B, but also a portion facing a portion of the lower surface of the battery assembly B connected to the respective side portion, or can further include a portion extending from the wall facing the respective side portion of the battery assembly B to face the lower surface (e.g., a portion of the lower surface) of the battery assembly B. According to some embodiments, the side portion of the battery assembly B can refer to a portion connected to the electrode terminal T (see FIG. 1) of the battery assembly B other than the electrode terminal T of the battery assembly B. Figure 3) a side portion connecting the upper surface and the lower surface of the battery assembly B other than the upper surface protruding from the upper surface and the lower surface opposite to the upper surface of the battery assembly B. The main edge portion M can form the accommodation space G for the battery assembly B by surrounding the corresponding side portion of the battery assembly B. As described above, the main edge portion M facing the side portion of the battery assembly B can extend to face a portion of the lower surface of the side portion connected to the battery assembly B.

[0052] The main edge portion M can include a main inner edge portion MI formed between the accommodation spaces G adjacent to each other and a main outer edge portion MO that integrally surrounds the accommodation spaces G adjacent to each other across the accommodation spaces G adjacent to each other. The main outer edge portion MO can be formed along the outer side of the main housing H, and the main inner edge portion MI can be formed at the inner side of the main housing H.

[0053] The main inner edge portion MI can be formed between the first accommodation space G1 and the second accommodation space G2 adjacent to each other in the second direction Z2, between the third accommodation space G3 and the fourth accommodation space G4 adjacent to each other in the second direction Z2, between the first accommodation space G1 and the fourth accommodation space G4 adjacent to each other in the first direction Z1, and between the second accommodation space G2 and the third accommodation space G3 adjacent to each other in the first direction Z1. The first direction Z1 can correspond to a longitudinal direction of the battery assembly B or a longitudinal direction of the accommodation space G for accommodating the battery assembly B, and the second direction Z2 as a direction intersecting the first direction Z1 can correspond to a width direction of the battery assembly B or a width direction of the accommodation space G for accommodating the battery assembly B.

[0054] The main inner edge portion MI can be formed as a single wall between the first accommodation space G1 and the second accommodation space G2 adjacent to each other in the second direction Z2 and between the third accommodation space G3 and the fourth accommodation space G4 adjacent to each other in the second direction Z2, and as a double wall between the first accommodation space G1 and the fourth accommodation space G4 adjacent to each other in the first direction Z1 and between the second accommodation space G2 and the third accommodation space G3 adjacent to each other in the first direction Z1. According to some embodiments, the double wall between the first accommodation space G1 and the fourth accommodation space G4 can be arranged to have a circuit space CS therebetween, and similarly, the double wall between the second accommodation space G2 and the third accommodation space G3 can be arranged to have a circuit space CS therebetween. For example, the circuit spaces CS can be connected in one space between the first accommodation space G1 and the fourth accommodation space G4 and between the second accommodation space G2 and the third accommodation space G3. According to some embodiments, a circuit portion electrically connected to the plurality of battery assemblies B can be arranged in the circuit space CS. According to some embodiments, a configuration such as a circuit portion electrically connected to the battery assemblies B (for example, bus bars electrically connecting the battery assemblies B to each other, etc.) can be arranged in the circuit space CS. According to some embodiments, the main inner edge portion MI can refer to an inner wall of the main housing H arranged in each of the spaces partitioned in the main housing H, that is, between the first to fourth accommodation spaces G1, G2, G3, and G4 adjacent to each other and the circuit space CS. Throughout the present specification, among the main inner edge portions MI, each single wall formed in the main inner edge portions MI between the first accommodation space G1 and the fourth accommodation space G4 in the first direction Z1 and between the second accommodation space G2 and the third accommodation space G3 in the first direction Z1 can be referred to as the main inner edge portion MI, or the double walls can be collectively referred to as the main inner edge portion MI.

[0055] The main outer edge portion MO can refer to a wall forming an outer wall of the main housing H and entirely surrounding the first to fourth accommodation spaces G1, G2, G3, and G4 and the circuit space CS partitioned by the main housing H. According to some embodiments, the main outer edge portion MO can correspond to an outer wall of the main housing H extending across the first to fourth accommodation spaces G1, G2, G3, and G4 adjacent to each other and entirely surrounding the first to fourth accommodation spaces G1, G2, G3, and G4.

[0056] According to some embodiments, each of the first to fourth accommodation spaces G1, G2, G3, and G4 can be surrounded by a combination of the main outer edge portion MO and the main inner edge portion MI, and each of the first to fourth accommodation spaces G1, G2, G3, and G4 can be partitioned, for example, due to the main outer edge portion MO and the main inner edge portion MI, which are in a curved form, formed at positions facing each other diagonally across the respective accommodation spaces G, contacting each other. The first plate P1 formed separately for each of the first to fourth accommodation spaces G1, G2, G3, and G4 can form a coupling line with the main outer edge portion MO and the main inner edge portion MI, which are in a curved form, formed at positions facing each other in a diagonal direction across each accommodation space G. For example, the first plate P1 in the first accommodation space G1 can form a coupling line with the main outer edge portion MO and the main inner edge portion MI, which are in a curved form, formed at positions facing each other in a diagonal direction across the first accommodation space G1. As described below, the first plate P1 can form the first coupling line L1 by the recessed holding portion RH (see Figure 7 and Figure 8 ) and each of the main outer edge portion MO and the main inner edge portion MI.

[0057] Throughout this specification, the first coupling line L1 can refer to a coupling line for fixing the position of the first plate P1 by the recessed holding portion RH. The recessed holding portion RH can fix the position of the first plate P1 by continuously surrounding the upper surface, the lower surface, and the side surface of the first edge portion P1a formed along the edge of the first plate P1. Technical matters of the recessed holding portion RH are described in more detail below.

[0058] According to some embodiments, the second plate P2 formed commonly for the accommodation spaces G as a whole can form the second coupling line L2 with the main outer edge portion MO. For example, the second plate P2 can form the second coupling line L2 by the sealing portion 50 (see Figure 7 and Figure 8 ) provided between the main outer edge portion MO and the second plate P2. Throughout this specification, the second coupling line L2 can refer to a coupling line for fixing the position of the second plate P2 by the sealing portion 50. The sealing portion 50 can be provided between the main outer edge portion MO and the second edge portion P2a formed along the edge of the second plate P2, thereby mediating coupling therebetween. Technical matters of the sealing portion 50 are described in more detail below.

[0059] According to some embodiments, the edge of the second plate P2 is a portion formed along the periphery of the second plate P2, and the portion formed around the elongated groove S formed inside the second plate P2 can not correspond to the edge of the second plate P2. As described below, the second edge portion P2a formed in the second plate P2 can include the second edge portion P2a formed along the edge of the second plate P2 and the second edge portion P2a formed around the elongated groove S formed inside the second plate P2, but the portion formed around the elongated groove S formed inside the second plate P2 can not correspond to the edge of the second plate P2.

[0060] According to some embodiments, the second plate P2 can form the second coupling line L2 with the main inner edge portion MI while forming the second coupling line L2 with the main outer edge portion MO. The second plate P2, which is formed in common for the entire accommodation space G and forms a common base with respect to the entire accommodation space G, can form the second coupling line L2 with the main outer edge portion MO. According to some embodiments, in order to increase the positional fixing force of the second plate P2, the elongated groove S is formed inside the second plate P2, and the second coupling line L2 can be formed along the second edge portion P2a around the elongated groove S. In other words, the second coupling line L2 can include the second coupling line L2 for coupling with the main outer edge portion MO along the edge of the second plate P2 and the second coupling line L2 for coupling with the main inner edge portion MI around the elongated groove S of the second plate P2. According to some embodiments, the elongated groove S can be formed in the first direction Z1, be longer along the main inner edge portion MI, and form the second coupling line L2 with the main inner edge portion MI.

[0061] The elongated groove S can extend in the first direction Z1 along the main inner edge portion MI and between the first accommodation space G1 and the second accommodation space G2 adjacent to each other and between the third accommodation space G3 and the fourth accommodation space G4 adjacent to each other. According to some embodiments, the elongated groove S can include a plurality of elongated grooves S separated from each other in the first direction Z1, and according to some embodiments, can include three elongated grooves S separated from each other. In this state, a bridge BR (see Figure 1 ).

[0062] Since the second plate P2 is formed as a large area spanning the entire area of the module housing 5 to integrally cover the first to fourth accommodation spaces G1, G2, G3, and G4, the rigidity of the second plate P2 can be maintained by the bridge BR formed between the elongated grooves S adjacent to each other, and to prevent or reduce the bending of the second plate P2 due to an external impact applied in the second direction Z2 crossing the first direction Z1, the bridge BR can be formed between the elongated grooves S adjacent to each other. Accordingly, the elongated grooves S extending in the first direction Z1 are discontinuous at the bridge BR, and can include a plurality of elongated grooves S separated from each other in the first direction Z1.

[0063] According to some embodiments, the first plate P1 can form a bottom of the accommodation space G for accommodating the battery assembly B, and can also form a cooling path F for cooling a lower surface of the bottom of the accommodation space G of the battery assembly B, can be formed individually for each of the accommodation spaces G, and can not be formed in the circuit space CS which is not for accommodating the battery assembly B. Accordingly, the first plate P1 can not form the bottom in the circuit space CS, and the main housing H surrounding the first plate P1 can form the bottom of the circuit space CS. For example, according to some embodiments, the first plate P1 can form the bottom of each of the first to fourth accommodation spaces G1, G2, G3, and G4 while closing openings formed in the main housing H in correspondence with each of the first to fourth accommodation spaces G1, G2, G3, and G4. In other words, the bottom of the circuit space CS can be formed by the main housing H between the openings corresponding to the first to fourth accommodation spaces G1, G2, G3, and G4.

[0064] The second coupling line L2 can be formed along the second edge portion P2a formed at the edge of the second plate P2 and the second edge portion P2a formed around the elongated groove S. The second edge portion P2a formed at the edge of the second plate P2 forms the second coupling line L2 with the main outer edge portion MO, and the second edge portion P2a formed around the elongated groove S forms the second coupling line L2 with the main inner edge portion MI. Accordingly, the position fixing force of the second plate P2 can be increased by the second coupling line L2 formed inside and outside the second plate P2. The second coupling line L2 can form a coupling with the second edge portion P2a formed at the edge of the second plate P2 and with the second edge portion P2a formed around the elongated groove S. In this state, the second coupling line L2 formed along the edge of the second plate P2 can have a closed loop shape around the edge of the second plate P2, and the second coupling line L2 formed around the elongated groove S can have a bar shape along the elongated groove S which is longer along the main inner edge portion MI. As such, the second coupling line L2 can be formed along the edge of the second plate P2, and can also be formed along the periphery of the elongated groove S of the second plate P2. In this state, the second coupling line L2 formed along the edge of the second plate P2 and the second coupling line L2 formed along the periphery of the elongated groove S of the second plate P2 can have different cross-sectional structures. For example, in a cross-section taken in the second direction Z2, the cross-sectional structure of the second coupling line L2 formed along the edge of the second plate P2 or the sealing portion 50 (see FIG. 10) forming the second coupling line L2 can be different from the cross-sectional structure of the second coupling line L2 formed around the elongated groove S of the second plate P2 or the sealing portion 50 (see FIG. 10) forming the second coupling line L2. Figure 7 Figure 8 ​The cross-sectional structure of the second plate P2. This is because the second connecting line L2 or sealing portion 50 formed along the edge of the second plate P2 (see...) Figure 7 The connection is formed with the second edge portion P2a formed at the edge of the second plate P2, but the second connection line L2 or sealing portion 50 formed along the perimeter of the elongated groove S of the second plate P2 (see...) Figure 8 The connection is formed with the two second edge portions P2a formed on both sides of the elongated groove S. For example, the second connecting line L2 or sealing portion 50 formed along the edge of the second plate P2 forms a connection with a second edge portion P2a formed at the edge of the second plate P2, thus having an asymmetrical cross-sectional structure. The second connecting line L2 or sealing portion 50 formed along the perimeter of the elongated groove S of the second plate P2 can form a connection with the two second edge portions P2a formed on both sides of the elongated groove S, thus having a symmetrical cross-sectional structure. The cross-sectional structure of the second connecting line L2 or sealing portion 50 is described in more detail below. For reference, throughout this specification, such as Figure 5 As shown, in the second edge portion P2a formed on both sides of the elongated groove S, the second edge portion P2a formed on one side and the other side of the elongated groove S can be referred to as the second edge portion P2a respectively, or a pair of second edge portions P2a formed on both sides of the elongated groove S can be collectively referred to as the second edge portion P2a.

[0065] The main housing H may include a main edge M surrounding each of the different receiving spaces G, and an opening surrounded by the main edge M. For example, an opening may be formed for each receiving space G. The opening may be formed at the bottom of the receiving space G corresponding to the lower surface of the battery assembly B, and the main edge M may surround the opening formed in each receiving space G. In this state, the lower surface of the battery assembly B may primarily face the opening and a portion of the main edge M surrounding the opening.

[0066] The opening of the main housing H can be closed by a first plate P1. For example, the first plate P1 may include multiple first plates P1 respectively arranged in the first to fourth receiving spaces G1, G2, G3, and G4. In other words, the opening formed in each of the first to fourth receiving spaces G1, G2, G3, and G4 can be closed by a first plate P1 formed individually for each of the first to fourth receiving spaces G1, G2, G3, and G4. The first plate P1 may form the bottom of the receiving space G and provide a support base for supporting the battery assembly B housed in each of the first to fourth receiving spaces G1, G2, G3, and G4. The first plate P1 can form a first connecting line L1 by being coupled to the main edge M surrounding the opening to close the opening.

[0067] According to some embodiments, the first plate P1 can be coupled to the main edge portion M by the first coupling line L1, and for example, since the upper surface, the lower surface, and the side surface of the first edge portion P1a formed at the edge of the first plate P1 can be continuously surrounded by the recessed holding portion RH (see Figure 7 and Figure 8 ) of the main edge portion M, the position of the first plate P1 can be fixed. According to some embodiments, the first edge portion P1a formed at the edge of the first plate P1 in the form of being embedded in the main edge portion M can form the first coupling line L1 with the main edge portion M. For example, the first edge portion P1a of the first plate P1 can be embedded by the main edge portion M not to be exposed from the main edge portion M, that is, since at least the upper surface and the lower surface of the first edge portion P1a are covered by the main edge portion M, the first edge portion P1a can not be exposed from the main edge portion M. According to some embodiments, the upper surface and the lower surface of the first edge portion P1a and the side surface connecting the upper surface and the lower surface can be surrounded by the main edge portion M, and the main edge portion M can include the recessed holding portion RH in the form of a recess for accommodating the first edge portion P1a by continuously surrounding the upper surface, the lower surface, and the side surface of the first edge portion P1a.

[0068] The first plate P1 can include a first edge portion P1a coupled to the main edge portion M and a first exposed portion P1b exposed from the main edge portion M. The first exposed portion P1b exposed from the main edge portion M can be exposed to the accommodation space G surrounded by the main edge portion M. As described below, the first exposed portion P1b exposed toward the accommodation space G can form a cooling path F for cooling the battery assembly B accommodated in the accommodation space G. In other words, since the first edge portion P1a of the first plate P1 forms a coupling with the main edge portion M and the first exposed portion P1b of the first plate P1 extends out of the main edge portion M, a cooling path of the accommodation space G or a cooling path F of the battery assembly B accommodated in the accommodation space G surrounded by the main edge portion M can be formed. As described in more detail below, the cooling path F can be formed between the first plate P1 forming a bottom of the accommodation space G and the second plate P2 disposed to face the first plate P1, and the first plate P1 can cool the battery assembly B by mediating heat transfer between a lower surface of the battery assembly B and the cooling path F. According to some embodiments, the first plate P1 can include a metal material (e.g., an aluminum material) having excellent heat conduction characteristics to facilitate heat transfer between the battery assembly B and the cooling path F. According to some embodiments, the first plate P1 can include a metal material different from a resin material forming the main housing H, and the first plate P1 can be integrally formed with the main housing H by insert molding. In this state, the first plate P1 can be formed individually with respect to each accommodation space G, and can be formed individually with respect to the accommodation spaces G adjacent to each other, and can block heat interference or electrical interference between the battery assemblies B different from each other and accommodated in the accommodation spaces G adjacent to each other. As such, the first plate P1 formed individually with respect to each accommodation space G can form a support base of the battery assembly B accommodated in each accommodation space G, and can be firmly fixed in place by the first coupling line L1 surrounding each accommodation space G. For example, the first coupling line L1 can be formed in a closed loop shape surrounding each accommodation space G.

[0069] The second plate P2, which can be disposed to face the first plate P1, can form the cooling path F with the first plate P1. For example, the first plate P1 and the second plate P2 can be disposed to face each other in a third direction Z3. The third direction Z3 can refer to a direction crossing the first direction Z1 and the second direction Z2, and can correspond to, for example, a height direction of the accommodation space G crossing the first direction Z1 and the second direction Z2, the first direction Z1 corresponding to a lengthwise direction of the accommodation space G, and the second direction Z2 corresponding to a width direction of the accommodation space G. For example, the third direction Z3 can correspond to a height direction of the battery assembly B, the upper surface and the lower surface of the battery assembly B being opposite to each other in the height direction.

[0070] The second plate P2 can be disposed at a position lower than the first plate P1, and like the first plate P1, can be fixed in place by coupling with the main edge portion M. According to some embodiments, the second plate P2 can include a second edge portion P2a coupled to the main edge portion M and a second exposed portion P2b exposed from the main edge portion M. According to some embodiments, the second plate P2 can include a second edge portion P2a formed along an edge of the second plate P2 and a second edge portion P2a formed along a periphery of the elongated slot S of the second plate P2. The second edge portion P2a can form a coupling with the main edge portion M by providing a sealing portion 50 (see Figure 7 and Figure 8 ) therebetween, and form a second coupling line L2.

[0071] The second plate P2 can be formed in common with respect to the accommodation space G as a whole, and can extend across the accommodation space G. In this state, the second plate P2 can form a coupling with the main outer edge portion MO through the second edge portion P2a formed at the edge, and form a coupling with the main inner edge portion MI through the second edge portion P2a formed around the elongated slot S. In other words, the second edge portion P2a of the second plate P2 can form a second coupling line L2 with each of the main outer edge portion MO and the main inner edge portion MI. As such, the second edge portion P2a can form a coupling with the main edge portion M through the second coupling line L2, and a cross-sectional structure of the second coupling line L2 is different at the second coupling line L2 formed along the edge of the second plate P2 (see Figure 7 ) and the second coupling line L2 formed along the periphery of the elongated slot S of the second plate P2 (see Figure 8 ). The second coupling line L2 formed along the edge of the second plate P2 (see Figure 7 ) forms a coupling with one second edge portion P2a formed at the edge of the second plate P2, and the second coupling line L2 formed along the elongated slot S of the second plate P2 (see Figure 8 ) forms a coupling with two second edge portions P2a formed on both sides of the elongated slot S with respect to the elongated slot S of the second plate P2. For example, the second coupling line L2 formed along the edge of the second plate P2 (see Figure 7 ) can have an asymmetric cross-sectional structure, and the second coupling line L2 formed along the periphery of the elongated slot S of the second plate P2 (see Figure 8 ) can have a symmetric cross-sectional structure. The cross-sectional structure can correspond to a cross-sectional structure taken across the second coupling line L2 in a second direction Z2 corresponding to a width direction of the accommodation space G.

[0072] The second plate P2 can form the cooling path F with the first plate P1. For example, the first plate P1 and the second plate P2 can be separated from each other in a third direction Z3 corresponding to a height direction of the accommodation space G, and the cooling path F having a size as large as a gap between the first plate P1 and the second plate P2 separated from each other can be formed. The first plate P1 can be in contact with a lower surface of the battery assembly B and mediate heat transfer between the battery assembly B and the cooling path F, and can include a metal material having excellent heat conduction characteristics. The second plate P2 can have heat insulation characteristics to reduce or prevent heat transfer between the cooling path F and the ground and prevent or reduce transfer of cool air of the cooling path F to the ground. According to some embodiments, the second plate P2 can be formed of a resin material, and in consideration of a coupling force between the second plate P2 and the main housing H, can be formed of the same kind of resin material as the main housing H. As described in more detail below, a second coupling line L2 mediating coupling between the second plate P2 and the main housing H can be formed by a sealing portion 50 (see FIG. 6) provided between the second plate P2 and the main housing H, and the sealing portion 50 can be formed of the same kind of resin material as the second plate P2 and the main housing H subjected to coupling. Thus, the main housing H and the second plate P2 formed of the same kind of resin material can be firmly coupled to each other by providing the sealing portion 50 formed of the same kind of resin material therebetween. However, embodiments according to the present disclosure are not limited thereto, for example, the main housing H and the second plate P2 can include a flame retardant material, and the sealing portion 50 can not include a flame retardant material. Since the sealing portion 50 is formed in a relatively small volume, unlike the main housing H and the second plate P2, even when the sealing portion 50 does not include a flame retardant material, an emergency such as a fire or explosion can be avoided, and as described in more detail below, since the sealing portion 50 is formed at a position adjoining an outer side of the main housing H, additional sealing characteristics are required, so that the sealing portion 50 can be formed of a material different from that of the main housing H or the second plate P2. Figure 7 and Figure 8 ) formed between the second plate P2 and the main housing H, and the sealing portion 50 can be formed of the same kind of resin material as the second plate P2 and the main housing H subjected to coupling. Thus, the main housing H and the second plate P2 formed of the same kind of resin material can be firmly coupled to each other by providing the sealing portion 50 formed of the same kind of resin material therebetween. However, embodiments according to the present disclosure are not limited thereto, for example, the main housing H and the second plate P2 can include a flame retardant material, and the sealing portion 50 can not include a flame retardant material. Since the sealing portion 50 is formed in a relatively small volume, unlike the main housing H and the second plate P2, even when the sealing portion 50 does not include a flame retardant material, an emergency such as a fire or explosion can be avoided, and as described in more detail below, since the sealing portion 50 is formed at a position adjoining an outer side of the main housing H, additional sealing characteristics are required, so that the sealing portion 50 can be formed of a material different from that of the main housing H or the second plate P2.

[0073] The module case 5 according to some embodiments can be formed by a dual slide injection (DSI) method. For example, after the main case H and the first plate P1 made of heterogeneous materials are integrally formed by one-time molding using insert molding, the sealing portion 50 for coupling the one-time molded body combining the main case H and the first plate P1 and the second plate P2 can be formed by two-time molding. For example, according to some embodiments, the second plate P2 can be simultaneously (or contemporaneously) formed while the one-time molded body combining the main case H and the first plate P1 made of heterogeneous materials is formed by one-time molding. In this state, the simultaneous (or contemporaneous) formation of the one-time molded body combining the main case H and the first plate P1 by one-time molding and the second plate P2 can mean that even when the one-time molded body and the second plate P2 are formed by different molding clamps, the molding processes can be simultaneously (or contemporaneously) performed in different molding clamps arranged adjacent to each other.

[0074] The module case 5 can be formed by a DSI method in which, in two-time molding performed after one-time molding, molding clamps in positions adjacent to each other are slid to approach each other and the one-time molded body and the second plate P2 are moved to contact each other, and then a sealing material is injected between the one-time molded body and the second plate P2. In other words, the second plate P2 can be formed by one-time molding. The second plate P2 formed in one-time molding can be slid to contact the one-time molded body combining the main case H and the first plate P1 in two-time molding after one-time molding, and when the sealing material is injected between the second plate P2 and the one-time molded body, the entire module case 5 can be completed.

[0075] In this state, in two-time molding in which the sealing material is injected, the second plate P2 in a state of being stably supported on the molding clamp needs to firmly maintain a normal position in contact with the one-time molded body. When the second plate P2 deviates from the normal position, the coupling position between the second plate P2 and the one-time molded body can be disturbed, and thus leakage can occur in the cooling path F formed by the second plate P2. As described in more detail below, according to some embodiments, in order to stably maintain the coupling position of the second plate P2, a jig groove 22 (see Figure 7 and Figure 8 ) is formed in the second plate P2, and a pressing portion PG of the molding clamp is inserted into the jig groove 22 of the second plate P2, so that the coupling position of the second plate P2 can be firmly fixed, and the coupling position between the second plate P2 and the one-time molded body can be appropriately maintained. Technical matters regarding the jig groove 22 are described in more detail below.

[0076] In the following description, reference is made to Figure 7 and Figure 8The cross-sectional structure of the first coupling line L1 for forming the coupling between the main case H and the first plate P1 and the second coupling line L2 for forming the coupling between the main case H and the second plate P2 will be described. According to some embodiments, the cross-sectional structure of the first coupling line L1 and the second coupling line L2 can correspond to the cross-sectional structure of the first coupling line L1 and the second coupling line L2 taken in the second direction Z2 corresponding to the width direction of the accommodation space G.

[0077] The first coupling line L1 and the second coupling line L2 can include the first coupling line L1 and the second coupling line L2 forming the coupling with the main outer edge portion MO and the first coupling line L1 and the second coupling line L2 forming the coupling with the main inner edge portion MI. In the following description, after the cross-sectional structure of the first coupling line L1 and the second coupling line L2 forming the coupling with the main outer edge portion MO is described, the cross-sectional structure of the first coupling line L1 and the second coupling line L2 forming the coupling with the main inner edge portion MI is described.

[0078] For reference, in the following description, although the main edge portion M is described as being divided into the main outer edge portion MO and the main inner edge portion MI, unless otherwise mentioned, technical matters regarding the main outer edge portion MO can be equally applied to the main inner edge portion MI, and vice versa, technical matters regarding the main inner edge portion MI can be equally applied to the main outer edge portion MO.

[0079] Referring to Figure 7 , the first coupling line L1 can include the coupling between the main outer edge portion MO and the first edge portion P1a of the first plate P1. According to some embodiments, the main outer edge portion MO can include a recessed holding portion RH forming the coupling with the first edge portion P1a of the first plate P1. The recessed holding portion RH can be formed to be recessed to continuously cover the upper surface, the lower surface, and the side surface of the first edge portion P1a, thereby embedding the first edge portion P1a. In this way, the recessed holding portion RH can firmly fix the position of the first edge portion P1a by continuously covering the upper surface, the lower surface, and the side surface of the first edge portion P1a, and the recessed holding portion RH is formed by insert molding or one-shot molding, thereby integrally forming the first plate P1 and the main case H.

[0080] The first plate P1 and the second plate P2 form a cooling path F, and when the coupling force between the first plate P1 and the main case H is reduced or a gap therebetween occurs, a high-pressure cooling medium flowing in the cooling path F can be leaked. Accordingly, according to some embodiments, by the recessed holding portion RH formed to be recessed to continuously cover the first plate P1 (that is, the upper surface, the lower surface, and the side surface of the first edge portion P1a), the contact area between the main outer edge portion MO and the first edge portion P1a can be increased and the coupling strength therebetween can be improved.

[0081] An upper surface of the first edge portion P1a covered by the recessed holding portion RH can form an upper surface of the first plate P1 and an upper surface of the first exposed portion P1b can face the accommodation space G. Also, a lower surface of the first edge portion P1a covered by the recessed holding portion RH can form a lower surface of the first plate P1 and a lower surface of the first exposed portion P1b can face the cooling path F.

[0082] The recessed holding portion RH can include an upper portion having an upper width W1 covering an upper surface of the first edge portion P1a and a lower portion having a lower width W2 covering a lower surface of the first edge portion P1a. According to some embodiments, the lower width W2 can be greater than the upper width W1, that is, the lower width W2 in the second direction Z2 can be relatively large. In this state, a filling width W3 can be formed on the first edge portion P1a outside the relatively narrow upper width W1. According to some embodiments, the filling width W3 can be formed from the first edge portion P1a outside the upper width W1 to a boundary with the first exposed portion P1b, and can be formed on the first edge portion P1a from the first edge portion P1a outside the upper width W1 to the boundary with the first exposed portion P1b. The filler 30 can be formed with the filling width W3, and the filler 30 formed with the filling width W3 can strengthen the coupling strength between the main outer edge portion MO and the first edge portion P1a. In other words, since the coupling strength between the main housing H including the main outer edge portion MO and the first plate P1 including the first edge portion P1a is strengthened by the filler 30, the coupling therebetween can be firmly maintained. In this state, since steps are formed at both ends of the filling width W3 in the thickness direction (third direction Z3) of the first plate P1, a filling space in the form of a recess filled with the filler 30 can be formed. At one end of the filling width W3, the filling space can be defined by a step between the main outer edge portion MO forming the upper width W1 and the first edge portion P1a, and at the other end of the filling width W3, the filling space can be defined by a step between the first edge portion P1a and the first exposed portion P1b.

[0083] According to some embodiments, the first edge portion P1a and the first exposed portion P1b forming the first plate P1 can be connected to each other in the form of a step in the thickness direction (third direction Z3) of the first plate P1. According to some embodiments, the first exposed portion P1b can include an upper surface stepped upward from the first edge portion P1a, and can be thicker than the first edge portion P1a. As described above, the step between the first exposed portion P1b and the first edge portion P1a forming the first plate P1 can define a filling space to be filled with the filler 30.

[0084] The first plate P1 closing the opening surrounded by the main edge portion M can form a bottom of the accommodation space G facing a lower surface of the battery assembly B together with the main edge portion M, and a first exposed portion P1b of the first plate P1 exposed to the accommodation space G can form a cooling path F for cooling a lower surface of the battery assembly B. In other words, the first exposed portion P1b can include an upper surface exposed to the accommodation space G for accommodating the battery assembly B and a lower surface exposed to the cooling path F, and can mediate heat transfer between the battery assembly B and the cooling path F.

[0085] The first plate P1 and the second plate P2 can include first and second edge portions P1a and P2a for forming coupling with the main edge portion M, and first and second exposed portions P1b and P2b exposed from the main edge portion M, respectively. In this state, the cooling path F can be formed between the first and second exposed portions P1b and P2b. In other words, the cooling path F can be formed between a lower surface of the first exposed portion P1b and an upper surface of the second exposed portion P2b, and a heat radiation fin 11 for increasing a contact area with a cooling fluid flowing in the cooling path F can be formed on the lower surface of the first exposed portion P1b. For example, the heat radiation fin 11 of the first exposed portion P1b can protrude toward the second exposed portion P2b facing the first exposed portion P1b and forming the cooling path F. As described below, the cooling path F can be formed in a first direction Z1 corresponding to a longitudinal direction of the accommodation space G, and a coolant pipe PL for supplying or collecting a cooling medium to or from the cooling path F can be arranged in the first direction Z1 at the front and rear surfaces of the module housing 5. In this state, the heat radiation fin 11 formed on the first plate P1 (first exposed portion P1b) can be formed in the first direction Z1 along the cooling path F.

[0086] The second coupling line L2 can include coupling between the main outer edge portion MO and the second edge portion P2a of the second plate P2. In this state, a sealing portion 50 is provided between the main outer edge portion MO and the second edge portion P2a to mediate coupling therebetween. According to some embodiments, the second edge portion P2a can include a flat plate portion 20 coupled to the main outer edge portion MO via the sealing portion 50, and a protruding step portion 21 formed between the flat plate portion 20 and the second exposed portion P2b. The second edge portion P2a can be aligned with the main outer edge portion MO by the protruding step portion 21, and can form coupling with the main outer edge portion MO by the flat plate portion 20.

[0087] With regard to the positional alignment between the second edge portion P2a and the main outer edge portion MO, the second edge portion P2a and the main outer edge portion MO can be aligned with each other when the protruding step portion 21 of the second edge portion P2a is inserted between the pair of protruding portions 25 formed on the main outer edge portion MO. According to some embodiments, in the main outer edge portion MO, the pair of protruding portions 25 protruding toward both sides of the protruding step portion 21 can be formed with a lower width W2 that covers the lower surface of the first edge portion P1a, and when the protruding step portion 21 is inserted between the pair of protruding portions 25, the positional alignment can be formed between the main outer edge portion MO in which the pair of protruding portions 25 is formed and the second edge portion P2a in which the protruding step portion 21 is formed.

[0088] The protruding step portion 21 can include an upwardly protruding upper surface and a downwardly recessed recessed lower surface (which corresponds to the jig recess 22), and can secure the coupling position of the second plate P2 by the protruding upper surface having the positional alignment with the main outer edge portion MO, and also by the recessed lower surface (which corresponds to the jig recess 22). The protruding upper surface of the protruding step portion 21 can facilitate the positional alignment with the main outer edge portion MO, while (or contemporaneously with) providing between the sealing portion 50 and the cooling path F to prevent or reduce leakage of the sealing material for forming the sealing portion 50 into the cooling path F, which can otherwise clog the cooling path F. The protruding step portion 21 formed between the flat plate portion 20 in which the sealing portion 50 is formed and the first exposed portion P1b forming the cooling path F can prevent or reduce clogging of the cooling path F due to leakage of the sealing portion 50.

[0089] The protruding step portion 21 can be formed in a press-formed shape including the protruding upper surface and the recessed lower surface, and the pressing portion PG of the mold jig can be inserted into the jig recess 22 formed by the recessed lower surface. In the manufacturing of the module housing 5 according to some embodiments, after forming a primary molded body that combines the main housing H and the first plate P1 to be formed of heterogeneous materials by a primary molding corresponding to insert molding, a secondary molding for inserting a sealing material between the primary molded body and the second plate P2 can be continuously performed.

[0090] In this state, the second plate P2 formed in the primary molding slides to a position in contact with the primary molded body, and then, in a state of being fixed to the position in contact with the primary molded body, the sealing material coupling the primary molded body to the second plate P2 is injected. In order to firmly fix the coupling position of the second plate P2 to a normal position, the secondary molding can be performed while the pressing portion PG of the molding jig is inserted into the jig groove 22 of the second plate P2. In the primary molding according to some embodiments, the second plate P2 is formed at the same time (or contemporaneously) as the primary molded body combining the main housing H and the first plate P1 is formed, and the molding jig of the primary molded body and the molding jig of the second plate P2, which are separate from each other, are moved to approach each other, so the sealing material is injected in a state in which the primary molded body and the second plate P2 are fixed to positions in contact with each other. In this state, the coupling position of the second plate P2 can be firmly fixed by the pressing portion PG of the molding jig inserted into the jig groove 22 of the second plate P2. When the position of the second plate P2 is disturbed in the secondary molding for forming the sealing portion 50, leakage of the cooling path F formed by the second plate P2 can occur, and thus leakage of the cooling path F can be prevented or reduced by firmly maintaining the coupling position through the jig groove 22 of the second plate P2.

[0091] Regarding the coupling between the second edge portion P2a and the main outer edge portion MO, the sealing portion 50 is provided between the second edge portion P2a and the main outer edge portion MO so that the second edge portion P2a and the main outer edge portion MO can be coupled to each other. The sealing portion 50 can allow the flat plate portion 20 of the second edge portion P2a and the main outer edge portion MO to be coupled to each other by being filled between the flat plate portion 20 of the second edge portion P2a and the main outer edge portion MO. The sealing portion 50 can include a first sealing portion 51 filled between the flat plate portion 20 of the second edge portion P2a and the main outer edge portion MO, and a second sealing portion 52 extending across the first sealing portion 51 from a position contiguous to the outside of the main outer edge portion MO in a direction crossing the first sealing portion 51.

[0092] The first sealing portion 51 can extend substantially in the surface direction (second direction Z2) of the flat plate portion 20 or the second plate P2 including the flat plate portion 20, and can be formed between the flat plate portion 20 and the main outer edge portion MO. The second sealing portion 52 can extend in a direction crossing the first sealing portion 51, that is, substantially in the thickness direction (third direction Z3) of the flat plate portion 20 or the second plate P2 including the flat plate portion 20, from a position abutting the outer side of the main outer edge portion MO to a position outside the second sealing portion 52. The first sealing portion 51 and the second sealing portion 52 can extend in the second direction Z2 and the third direction Z3, respectively, crossing each other, the first sealing portion 51 can be formed between the flat plate portion 20 and the main outer edge portion MO, and the second sealing portion 52 can extend from a position abutting the outer side of the main outer edge portion MO across the first sealing portion 51. Within the above limitations, it can be sufficient that the first sealing portion 51 and the second sealing portion 52 extend in directions crossing each other, and the first sealing portion 51 and the second sealing portion 52 can not need to extend substantially in the surface direction (second direction Z2) of the flat plate portion 20 or the second plate P2 including the flat plate portion 20 and in the thickness direction (third direction Z3) of the flat plate portion 20 or the second plate P2 including the flat plate portion 20, respectively. In other words, according to some embodiments, the first sealing portion 51 and the second sealing portion 52 can extend substantially in the surface direction (second direction Z2) of the second plate P2 and substantially in the thickness direction (third direction Z3) of the second plate P2, respectively. However, the extending directions of the first sealing portion 51 and the second sealing portion 52 can not be limited thereto, and it can be sufficient that the first sealing portion 51 and the second sealing portion 52 extend in any directions crossing each other.

[0093] As described below, the sealing portion 50 can be formed of a sealing material injected between the main edge portion M and the second edge portion P2a in positions aligned with each other, and the sealing material can be injected from a position abutting the outer side of the main outer edge portion MO. The second sealing portion 52 being formed from a position abutting the outer side of the main outer edge portion MO can mean that, for the injection of the sealing material, the main outer edge portion MO in the form of opening outward includes an injection space for the sealing material. For example, the injection space for the sealing material can have a shape matching the first sealing portion 51 and the second sealing portion 52 from the position abutting the outer side of the main outer edge portion MO.

[0094] The second sealing portion 52 can extend substantially in the sealing material injection direction, that is, the second sealing portion 52 can extend substantially in the third direction Z3 from a position adjoining the outer side, to facilitate injection of the sealing material. The first sealing portion 51 can cross the second sealing portion 52 in the third direction Z3 at a position intermediate the second sealing portion 52, for example, a position corresponding to the upper surface of the flat plate portion 20, so that a gap that is not filled with sealing material can be prevented or reduced from being generated at a position where the first sealing portion 51 and the second sealing portion 52 cross each other due to the flow of the sealing material to change direction. For example, in a system in which the crossing position of the first sealing portion 51 and the second sealing portion 52 is formed at the uppermost position of the second sealing portion 52 in the third direction Z3, a gap that is not filled with sealing material can be formed at a position where the first sealing portion 51 and the second sealing portion 52 cross each other due to the flow of the sealing material to change direction.

[0095] Since the second sealing portion 52 is formed at a position adjoining the outer side, the sealing material forming the second sealing portion 52 can have a sealing property to block external harmful substances. The first sealing portion 51 and the second sealing portion 52 can include the same material by injecting the same sealing material, and such a sealing material can include a material having excellent sealing properties capable of blocking external harmful materials.

[0096] The second plate P2 can be positionally aligned with respect to the main housing H by the pair of protruding steps 21 being inserted and the protruding step 21 between them, and the position alignment of the second plate P2 can limit the size of the cooling path F limited by the second plate P2. For example, the cooling path F can be formed between the first plate P1 and the second plate P2, that is, between the first exposed portion P1b of the first plate P1 and the second exposed portion P2b of the second plate P2. In this state, the height of the cooling path F formed between the first exposed portion P1b and the second exposed portion P2b can be determined according to the fit between the protruding step 21 and the protruding portion 25. For example, the size of the cooling path F formed by the first plate P1 can be determined according to the height of the second plate P2, which is determined according to the fit between the protruding step 21 and the protruding portion 25.

[0097] The first edge portion P1a and the second edge portion P2a can form a coupling with the main outer edge portion MO, and can be coupled to the main outer edge portion MO by the recessed holding portion RH and the sealing portion 50 of the main outer edge portion MO, respectively. The first edge portion P1a and the second edge portion P2a can be formed at a position where the first edge portion P1a and the second edge portion P2a at least partially overlap each other to overlap the lower width W2 of the main outer edge portion MO provided therebetween.

[0098] Referring to Figure 8The first coupling line L1 can include a coupling between the main inner edge portion MI and the first edge portion P1a of the first plate P1. The first coupling line L1 can form a coupling with both of the first plates P1 formed on both sides of the main inner edge portion MI. Accordingly, the first coupling line L1 for forming a coupling with the main inner edge portion MI can include a pair of recessed holding portions RH for forming a coupling with both of the first plates P1 arranged on both sides. Each of the recessed holding portions RH can form a coupling with a corresponding one of the two first plates P1, and can be formed in a recessed form to continuously cover the first edge portion P1a of the upper surface, the lower surface, and the side surface of the first plate P1. Each of the recessed holding portions RH can include an upper portion having an upper width W1 covering the upper surface of the first edge portion P1a and a lower portion having a lower width W2 covering the lower surface of the first edge portion P1a, and the lower width W2 of the recessed holding portion RH can be formed wider than the upper width W1 in the second direction Z2, and wherein the filling width W3 in which the filler 30 is formed can be formed on the first edge portion P1a outside the upper width W1 formed relatively narrow.

[0099] Referring to Figure 8 The second coupling line L2 can include a coupling between the main inner edge portion MI and the second edge portion P2a of the second plate P2. Since the sealing portion 50 is provided between the main inner edge portion MI and the second edge portion P2a, the coupling therebetween can be mediated. The sealing portion 50 can form a coupling with the second edge portion P2a formed along the periphery of the elongated groove S of the second plate P2, and can symmetrically form a coupling with the second edge portion P2a formed on both sides of the elongated groove S.

[0100] According to some embodiments, the sealing portion 50 can include a third sealing portion 53 extending between the second edge portion P2a and the main inner edge portion MI, and a fourth sealing portion 54 extending from the elongated groove S of the second plate P2 in a direction crossing the third sealing portion 53. For example, the third sealing portion 53 can extend in a surface direction (second direction Z2) of the second plate P2, and the fourth sealing portion 54 can extend in a direction (e.g., a thickness direction (third direction Z3) of the second plate P2) crossing the third sealing portion 53. The fourth sealing portion 54 can extend from the elongated groove S of the second plate P2 toward the main inner edge portion MI in the sealing material injection direction (third direction Z3) to facilitate injection of the sealing material, and the third sealing portion 53 can cross the fourth sealing portion 54 at an intermediate position (e.g., a position corresponding to an upper surface of the second edge portion P2a) in the extension direction (third direction Z3) of the fourth sealing portion 54 (i.e., at an intermediate position between an uppermost position and a lowermost position of the fourth sealing portion 54 in the third direction Z3) to prevent or reduce the generation of a gap without filling the sealing material due to a change in the flow of the sealing material at a position where the third sealing portion 53 and the fourth sealing portion 54 cross each other.

[0101] In a system in which the third sealing portion 53 and the fourth sealing portion 54 cross each other at the uppermost position of the fourth sealing portion 54 in the extension direction (third direction Z3), a gap without filling the sealing material can be formed due to a change in the flow of the sealing material according to the direction. As for the injection position of the sealing material, the sealing material can be injected from the elongated groove S of the second plate P2, and an injection space for the sealing material can be formed by extending from a position corresponding to the elongated groove S at the main inner edge portion MI in contact with the elongated groove S of the second plate P2. The injection space for the sealing material can be formed from a position adjacent to the outside of the main inner edge portion MI (or the elongated groove S of the second plate P2). For example, the injection space for the sealing material can have a shape matching the third sealing portion 53 and the fourth sealing portion 54 from a position adjacent to the elongated groove S of the second plate P2.

[0102] The third sealing portion 53 can extend from both sides of the fourth sealing portion 54 in the second direction Z2. The third sealing portion 53 for forming coupling with the second edge portion P2a formed along the periphery of the elongated groove S can be formed at both sides of the fourth sealing portion 54 for coupling with the second edge portion P2a formed at both sides of the elongated groove S. In this way, the third sealing portion 53 can cross the fourth sealing portion 54 at an intermediate position (e.g., a position corresponding to an upper surface of the second edge portion P2a) in the extension direction (third direction Z3) of the fourth sealing portion 54, extend toward both sides of the fourth sealing portion 54, and the third sealing portion 53 and the fourth sealing portion 54 can have an overall cross shape.

[0103] Referring to Figure 5 A second coupling line L2 for coupling between the second edge portion P2a and the main inner edge portion can be formed along the elongated slots S, can be uninterrupted at the bridges BR between the elongated slots S adjacent to each other in the first direction Z1, and can be continuously formed along the entirety of the elongated slots S and the bridges BR arranged in the first direction Z1. In this state, although the elongated slots S for injecting the sealing material are not formed at the bridges BR, the sealing material can be injected through the adjacent elongated slots S in the first direction Z1, and the second coupling line L2 can be continuously formed in the first direction Z1 along the entirety of the elongated slots S and the bridges BR.

[0104] Referring to Figure 7 The sealing portion 50 described with reference to FIG. 2 (which corresponds to the outer sealing portion 50a) can form coupling with the second edge portion P2a formed along the edge of the second plate P2, and can be asymmetrically formed for coupling with the second edge portion P2a formed at the edge of the second plate P2. For example, the first sealing portion 51 can extend from one side of the second sealing portion 52. Unlike the above, the sealing portion 50 described with reference to FIG. 3 (which corresponds to the inner sealing portion 50b) can form coupling with the second edge portion P2a along the periphery of the elongated slot S of the second plate P2, and can be symmetrically formed for coupling with the two second edge portions P2a formed at both sides of the elongated slot S. For example, the third sealing portion 53 can extend from both sides of the fourth sealing portion 54. Figure 8

[0105] ​As a reference, the seal portion 50 (outer seal portion 50a) formed along the edge of the second plate P2 can include a first seal portion 51 extending between the main edge portion M and the second edge portion P2a, and a second seal portion 52 extending across the first seal portion 51 in a direction crossing the first seal portion 51 from a position adjoining the outer side of the main edge portion M. Further, the seal portion 50 (inner seal portion 50b) formed along the periphery of the elongated slot S of the second plate P2 can include a third seal portion 53 extending between the main edge portion M and the second edge portion P2a, and a fourth seal portion 54 extending across the third seal portion 53 in a direction crossing the third seal portion 53 from a position adjoining the elongated slot S of the second plate P2 corresponding to the outer side of the main edge portion M. In this state, the first seal portion 51 and the third seal portion 53 can correspond to the first seal portion of the claim because it extends between the main edge portion M and the second edge portion P2a. Further, the second seal portion 52 and the fourth seal portion 54 can correspond to the second seal portion of the claim because it extends across the first seal portion 51 and the third seal portion 53 (which correspond to the first seal portion of the claim) in a direction crossing the first seal portion 51 and the third seal portion 53 (which correspond to the first seal portion of the claim) from a position adjoining the outer side of the main edge portion M. However, as described above, depending on the position of the seal portion 50, the seal portion 50 (outer seal portion 50a) formed along the edge of the second plate P2 (see Figure 7 ) can include the first seal portion 51 extending from one side of the second seal portion 52, thereby forming an asymmetric cross-section, the seal portion 50 (inner seal portion 50b) formed along the periphery of the elongated slot S of the second plate P2 (see Figure 8 ) can include the third seal portion 53 (which corresponds to the first seal portion) extending to both sides of the fourth seal portion 54 (which corresponds to the second seal portion of the claim), thereby forming a symmetric cross-section.

[0106] Referring to Figure 7 and Figure 8The protruding step portion 21 can be formed at the second edge portion P2a of the second plate P2, and the protruding step portion 21 can be formed at each of the second edge portion P2a (the second edge portion P2a adjacent to the main outer edge portion MO) formed at the edge of the second plate P2 and the second edge portion P2a (the second edge portion P2a adjacent to the main inner edge portion MI) formed around the elongated groove S of the second plate P2. The protruding step portion 21 can include an upwardly protruding upper surface and a downwardly recessed recessed lower surface, and the recessed lower surface of the protruding step portion 21 can serve as the jig groove 22. The protruding upper surface of the protruding step portion 21 can serve as a wall to define the cooling path F therebetween, and the cooling path F can be formed between the protruding step portion 21 formed at the edge of the second plate P2 and the protruding step portion 21 formed around the elongated groove S of the second plate P2. The protruding step portion 21 can function to protect the cooling path F, for example, when a sealing portion 50 (a sealing material forming the sealing portion 50) formed around the cooling path F leaks into the cooling path F, clogging of the cooling path F can be prevented or reduced.

[0107] The cooling path F can be formed between the first plate P1 formed individually for each accommodation space G and the second plate P2 arranged to face the first plate P1, and between the first exposed portion P1b of the first plate P1 and the second exposed portion P2b of the second plate P2. In this state, the first exposed portion P1b can define one side of the cooling path F in the third direction Z3, and the second exposed portion P2b can define the other side of the cooling path F in the third direction Z3. In this state, the second exposed portion P2b defining the other side of the cooling path F can correspond to the protruding step portion 21 (see Figure 7 ) formed at the edge of the second plate P2 and the protruding step portion 21 (see Figure 8 ) formed around the elongated groove S of the second plate P2. The cooling path F can be formed individually for each accommodation space G, and the first plate P1 can be formed individually for each accommodation space G and can define one side of the cooling path F.

[0108] Although the second plate P2 can not be separately formed for each accommodation space G, one cooling path F from one edge of the second plate P2 to the elongated groove S (the protruding step portion 21 around the elongated groove S) can be defined, and another cooling path F from the elongated groove S (the protruding step portion 21 around the elongated groove S) to the other edge of the second plate P2 can be defined. In this state, the pair of protruding step portions 21 (the protruding step portions 21 adjacent to the main inner edge portion MI) formed around the elongated groove S can form different cooling paths F, the pair of protruding step portions 21 formed around the elongated groove S can include flat upper surfaces connected to each other, and the elongated groove S formed between the pair of protruding step portions 21 can provide an injection position for the sealing material for forming the third and fourth sealing portions 53 and 54. According to some embodiments, the protruding step portion 21 formed around the elongated groove S can be formed between the cooling path F and the sealing portion 50, and can prevent or reduce clogging of the cooling path F when the sealing material forming the sealing portion 50 leaks into the cooling path F. For example, the resistance of the sealing material to the leakage path can be increased by the upper surface of the protruding step portion 21, and thus the leakage of the sealing material into the cooling path F can be prevented or reduced.

[0109] According to some embodiments, the cooling path F can extend in a first direction Z1 corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the battery module 1, and the cooling path F extending in the first direction Z1 can extend across the accommodation spaces G arranged in the first direction Z1 to cool the battery assemblies B accommodated in the accommodation spaces G.

[0110] The module case 5 according to some embodiments can be formed by a DSI method. For example, in the DSI method, the main case H and the first plate P1 formed of heterogeneous materials can be integrally formed by insert molding via one-shot molding. In this state, in the one-shot molding, the molding of the second plate P2 can be performed simultaneously (or contemporaneously) with the insert molding of the main case H and the first plate P1. For example, in the one-shot molding, the molding jigs for the insert molding and the molding jigs for forming the second plate P2 can perform the respective molding processes at positions separated from each other, and in the two-shot molding after the one-shot molding, while at least one of the molding jigs for the insert molding and the molding jigs for forming the second plate P2 slides toward the other, the one-shot molded body in which the main case H and the first plate P1 are combined and the second plate P2 are slid to a position in which they contact each other, and then the sealing material is injected through the injection position, thereby forming the sealing portion 50 mediating the coupling between the one-shot molded body and the second plate P2.

[0111] According to some embodiments, in order to increase the coupling force in the secondary molding, the main housing H, the second plate P2, and the sealing portion 50 can include a homogeneous resin material, and the first plate P1 can include a metal material having excellent heat conduction characteristics, such as an aluminum material, in consideration of the cooling performance of the accommodation spaces G. In this way, the module housing 5 according to some embodiments can include a composite material including a metal material and a resin material.

[0112] The structure of the first coupling line L1 forming the coupling between the first plate P1 and the main housing H will be described below with reference to Figure 4 The first coupling line L1 can be formed along the first edge portion P1a formed at the edge of the first plate P1 formed separately for each of the accommodation spaces G, and thus, the first coupling line L1 can each form a closed loop around each of the accommodation spaces G. In other words, the first coupling line L1 can have a closed loop shape formed along the edge of the first plate P1 formed separately for each of the accommodation spaces G. For example, four closed loop shapes can be formed separately around each of the first to fourth accommodation spaces G1, G2, G3, and G4, respectively. For example, according to some embodiments, the first coupling line L1 of the closed loop shape can have angular corners. As described below, the second coupling line L2 can be formed in a closed loop shape along the edge of the second plate P2, and in consideration of the flowability of the sealing material for forming the sealing portion 50, the second coupling line L2 can have rounded corners. Since the second coupling line L2 includes the recessed holding portion RH formed by insert molding, unlike the second coupling line L2, the first coupling line L1 can have angular corners.

[0113] The first coupling line L1 separately surrounding each of the accommodation spaces G can be formed in pairs along the elongated groove S of the second plate P2 formed between the accommodation spaces G adjacent to each other, that is, the first and second accommodation spaces G1 and G2 and the third and fourth accommodation spaces G3 and G4 in the second direction Z2. For example, along the elongated groove S of the second plate P2, the first coupling line L1 can include a pair of first coupling lines L1 separately surrounding the first accommodation space G1 and the second accommodation space G2, and in addition, a pair of first coupling lines L1 separately surrounding the third accommodation space G3 and the fourth accommodation space G4.

[0114] The structure of the first coupling line L1 forming the coupling between the first plate P1 and the main housing H will be described below with reference to Figure 5To describe the structure of the second coupling line L2 forming the coupling between the second plate P2 and the main housing H. The second coupling line L2 can include a second coupling line L2 formed at a second edge portion P2a formed in a closed loop shape along an edge of the second plate P2, which is commonly formed for the entire accommodation space G. In this state, since the second coupling line L2 includes the sealing portion 50 formed by injecting the sealing material, the second coupling line L2 formed in a closed loop shape in consideration of the fluidity of the sealing material can include rounded corners. For example, the second coupling line L2 formed in a closed loop shape can form the second coupling line L2 in a closed loop shape as the sealing material flows along the second coupling line L2 with at least one position of the second coupling line L2 as an inflow position of the sealing material, and thus, the second coupling line L2 can include rounded corners in consideration of the fluidity of the sealing material.

[0115] The second coupling line L2 can include a second coupling line L2 formed in a bar shape along a second edge portion P2a formed around an elongated groove S formed inside the second plate P2. In this state, with a position of the elongated groove S as an injection position of the sealing material, the second coupling line L2 can not be interrupted at a bridge BR between the elongated grooves S and can continuously extend in the first direction Z1 across the bridge BR. The second coupling line L2 can be formed by flowing in the sealing material with at least any one position as an injection position of the sealing material of the second coupling line L2 formed in a bar shape, and as the sealing material flows in the second direction Z2, the second coupling line L2 extended in a bar shape can be formed.

[0116] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a matching structure of a module housing 5 according to some embodiments. Figure 10 is Figure 9 a perspective view of the first plate P1 of Figure 11 is Figure 10 a cross-sectional view taken along the line XI-XI of the first plate P1 of Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the first plate P1 of Figure 9 according to some embodiments. Figure 13 is a perspective view of the first plate P1 of Figure 9 according to some embodiments.

[0117] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the module housing 5 according to some embodiments may include a matching structure P11 between a first edge portion P1a and a main edge portion M, serving as a structure to strengthen the connection between the first plate P1 formed by insert molding and the main housing H. The matching structure P11 between the first edge portion P1a and the main edge portion M may refer to a structure with shape matching to insert each other through complementary shapes, such that the first edge portion P1a and the main edge portion M, integrally formed by insert molding, do not separate from each other. According to some embodiments, holes 61, protrusions 62, and uneven patterns 63 may be formed along the first edge portion P1a formed at the edge of the first plate P1, and the holes 61, protrusions 62, and uneven patterns 63 formed along the first edge portion P1a may be filled or embedded by portions of the main housing H formed in complementary shapes, and may form an interface with the main housing H.

[0118] Holes 61, protrusions 62, and irregular patterns 63 formed in the first edge portion P1a, which are filled or embedded in or form interfaces with portions of the main housing H having complementary shapes, can form a robust connection between the first edge portion P1a and the main housing H. The portion of the main housing H that physically interferes with the holes 61, protrusions 62, and irregular patterns 63 formed in the first edge portion P1a can refer to at least one of an upper portion with an upper width W1 covering the upper surface of the first edge portion P1a and a lower portion with a lower width W2 covering the lower surface of the first edge portion P1a in the recessed retaining portion RH forming the connection with the first edge portion P1a. Furthermore, at least one of the upper portion with upper width W1 and the lower portion with lower width W2 can form a robust connection with the first plate P1 by filling or embedding the holes 61, protrusions 62, and irregular patterns 63 formed in the first edge portion P1a or by forming an interface.

[0119] For example, such as Figure 12 As shown, the protruding portion 62, which protrudes from the first edge portion P1a in a vertically opposite direction, can form a matching structure P11 with the upper portion having an upper width W1 and the lower portion having a lower width W2 of the recessed retaining portion RH. For example, a groove shape complementary to the protruding portion 62 can be formed on each of the upper portion having an upper width W1 and the lower portion having a lower width W2 to embed the protruding portion 62. Furthermore, as Figure 13 As shown, the uneven pattern 63 formed upward at the first edge portion P1a can form a matching structure P11 with the upper width W1 of the recessed retaining portion RH. For example, a wedge complementary to the uneven pattern 63 can be formed in the upper width W1 to form an inclined interface with the uneven pattern 63. Figure 9As shown, the hole 61 formed in the first edge portion P1a can be filled with a protruding shape extending from the upper portion having the upper width W1 and the lower portion having the lower width W2 of the recessed holding portion RH, and the protruding shape extending from the upper portion having the upper width W1 and the lower portion having the lower width W2 of the recessed holding portion RH can form the mating structure P11 while filling the hole of the first edge portion P1a.

[0120] In the following description, the mating structure P11 between the first plate P1 and the main housing H is described in more detail.

[0121] Referring to Figures 9 to 11 The hole 61 filled with the portion of the main edge portion M can be formed in the first edge portion P1a formed along the edge of the first plate P1. According to some embodiments, the hole 61 formed in the first edge portion P1a can be formed along the edge of the first plate P1, and can be formed integrally along the first coupling line L1 forming a coupling with the first edge portion P1a formed at the edge of the first plate P1. Since the hole 61 of the first edge portion P1a is filled with the portion of the main edge portion M formed in a shape complementary thereto, the coupling strength between the first edge portion P1a and the main edge portion M can be improved. According to some embodiments, the first plate P1 can be formed together with the main housing H by insert molding. In this state, in the insert molding, since the hole 61 formed in the first edge portion P1a of the first plate P1 is filled with the molten resin forming the main housing H, the main edge portion M for filling the hole 61 of the first edge portion P1a can be formed. In this state, the main edge portion M formed in a complementary shape to fill the hole 61 of the first edge portion P1a can form a firm coupling by having a shape matching between the main edge portion M and the hole 61 of the first edge portion P1a.

[0122] When the first plate P1 forming the cooling path F with the second plate P2 is lifted by the high pressure of the cooling medium flowing in the cooling path F, the cooling medium leaks. Therefore, the position of the first plate P1 needs to be firmly fixed and the coupling force between the first plate P1 and the main housing H needs to be increased. Therefore, according to some embodiments, since the plurality of holes 61 are formed along the edge of the first plate P1 to have a shape matching by insert molding, the coupling strength between the first plate P1 and the main housing H can be increased, and the leakage of the cooling path F due to the first plate P1 can be prevented or reduced. The plurality of heat radiation fins 11 protruding toward the cooling path F can be formed at the first exposed portion P1b of the first plate P1 defining one side of the cooling path F. According to some embodiments, the heat radiation fins 11 can extend in a first direction Z1 in which the cooling path F extends. The first direction Z1 in which the cooling path F extends can correspond to the longitudinal direction of the accommodation space G.

[0123] Referring to Figure 12 The protruding portion 62 can be formed around the hole 61 formed at the edge of the first plate P1. The protruding portion 62 can be formed along the first edge portion P1a formed at the edge of the first plate P1, and according to some embodiments, the protruding portion 62 can be formed integrally along the first coupling line L1 formed along the edge of the first plate P1. Similar to the hole formed along the edge of the first plate P1, the protruding portion 62 can reinforce the coupling force formed between the first edge portion P1a and the main edge portion M by insert molding.

[0124] For example, the protruding portion 62 formed to protrude in the thickness direction (third direction Z3) at the edge of the first plate P1 can have a shape matching the main edge portion M, the main edge portion M is inserted into the protruding portion 62 in a complementary shape, and a recess of a complementary shape is formed in the main edge portion M to accommodate the protruding portion 62 of the first edge portion P1a, forming shapes matching each other. According to some embodiments, the insertion of the protruding portion 62 by the main edge portion M in a complementary shape can mean that the main edge portion M is formed in a shape complementary to the protruding portion 62 and integrally surrounds the protruding portion 62 without exposing the protruding portion 62.

[0125] According to some embodiments, the protruding portion 62 can protrude in vertically opposite directions in the thickness direction (third direction Z3) of the first plate P1, and a recess for accommodating the protruding portion 62 can be formed in the main edge portion M at both upper and lower positions of the first plate P1. According to some embodiments, the protruding portion 62 can be formed around the hole 61 formed along the edge of the first plate P1. For example, the protruding portion 62 can be formed at a position more inward than the hole 61 formed at the edge of the first plate P1. However, in various embodiments, the protruding portion 62 can be formed along the edge of the first plate P1 where the hole 61 is not formed, and the protruding portion 62 can form a shape matching between the first edge portion P1a and the main edge portion M regardless of the presence of the hole 61, thereby improving the coupling strength therebetween.

[0126] Referring to Figure 13 The uneven pattern 63 for forming an inclined interface with the main edge portion M can be formed on the edge of the first plate P1. For example, the uneven pattern 63 can be formed along the edge of the first plate P1, for example, the uneven pattern 63 can be formed integrally along the first coupling line L1 formed at the edge of the first plate P1. According to some embodiments, the uneven pattern 63 can form an interface with the main edge portion M formed in a complementary shape, and can form at least one inclined interface. For example, the uneven pattern 63 can form an inclined interface in the second direction Z2. According to some embodiments, the uneven pattern 63 can form a first pair I1 of interfaces inclined to face each other.

[0127] According to some embodiments, the uneven pattern 63 can form a dovetail-shaped inclined interface with the main edge portion M. For example, the uneven pattern 63 can form a first pair I1 of interfaces inclined to face each other by forming an interface inclined by 45° with respect to the second direction Z2 and an interface inclined by -45° with respect to the second direction Z2. That the first pair I1 of interfaces formed by the uneven pattern 63 is inclined to face each other can mean that the first pair I1 of interfaces gradually approach each other in a thickness direction (third direction Z3) of the first plate P1 from a lower position to an upper position. In other words, the first pair I1 of interfaces formed by the uneven pattern 63 can approach each other in a direction opposite to the second plate P2 from a lower position to an upper position. As such, because the interface can have an inclination that approaches each other from a lower position to an upper position, a portion of the main housing H formed between the first pair I1 of interfaces can be effectively prevented from being separated from the first pair I1 of interfaces.

[0128] The uneven pattern 63 is configured to reinforce the coupling strength between the first plate P1 and the main housing H integrated by insert molding, and can form a shape matching because the main housing H fills the uneven pattern 63 of the first plate P1 in a complementary shape. According to some embodiments, the uneven pattern 63 can be formed at an edge of the first plate P1 having the hole 61. For example, according to some embodiments, the hole 61 filled with the main edge portion M and the uneven pattern 63 can be formed together at an edge (first edge portion P1a) of the first plate P1. In this state, the uneven pattern 63 can be formed at a position more inward than the hole 61 formed at the edge of the first plate P1. However, in various embodiments, the uneven pattern 63 can be formed along an edge of the first plate P1 in which the hole 61 is not formed, and the uneven pattern can improve the coupling strength therebetween by forming a shape matching between the first edge portion P1a and the main edge portion M regardless of the presence or absence of the hole 61.

[0129] According to some embodiments, in addition to the first pair of I1 interfaces being inclined to face each other, the uneven pattern 63 can further include a second pair of I2 interfaces being inclined to face each other between the first pair of I1 interfaces facing each other. In this state, each of the first pair of I1 interfaces and the second pair of I2 interfaces being inclined to face each other can mean that each of the first pair of I1 interfaces and the second pair of I2 interfaces has an inclination gradually approaching each other from a lower position to an upper position in the thickness direction (third direction Z3) of the first plate P1. In this state, the first pair of I1 interfaces can include an interface inclined by 45° with respect to the second direction Z2 and an interface inclined by -45° with respect to the second direction Z2, and the second pair of I2 interfaces can include an interface inclined further downward toward the second plate P2 than the first pair of I1 interfaces. For example, the second pair of I2 interfaces can include an interface inclined by an inclination greater than 45° and -45°. According to some embodiments, while each of the first pair of I1 interfaces and the second pair of I2 interfaces has an inclination approaching each other from a lower position to an upper position in a direction opposite to the second plate P2, the second pair of I2 interfaces can have an inclination inclined further toward the second plate P2 than the first pair of I1 interfaces.

[0130] With regard to the uneven pattern 63 including the first pair of I1 interfaces and the second pair of I2 interfaces, the main housing H having a shape complementary to the uneven pattern 63 (for example, a complementary shape including a wedge shape formed between one interface of the first pair of I1 interfaces and one interface of the second pair of I2 interfaces, and a wedge shape formed between the other interface of the first pair of I1 interfaces and the other interface of the second pair of I2 interfaces in the second direction Z2) has a shape matching the uneven pattern 63, thereby improving coupling strength by insert molding with the first plate P1 including the uneven pattern 63.

[0131] Figure 14 is a power supply of a battery module according to some embodiments. Figure 1 A disassembled perspective view of a power supply of a battery module.

[0132] Referring to the drawings, the power supply 100 can include a power supply unit SU and a first metal plate 101 and a second metal plate 102 arranged on at least one side of the power supply unit SU. The power supply unit SU can include a plurality of battery modules 1 arranged in the second direction Z2 as Figure 1 A disassembled perspective view of a power supply of a battery module. According to some embodiments, the power supply unit SU can include a plurality of battery modules 1 arranged in the second direction Z2. According to some embodiments, the first metal plate 101 and the second metal plate 102 can be arranged on the upper surface and the lower surface of the power supply unit SU, respectively. The upper surface and the lower surface of the power supply unit SU can refer to a surface forming an upper portion of the power supply unit SU and a surface forming a lower portion of the power supply unit SU in the third direction Z3.

[0133] The first metal plate 101 and the second metal plate 102 can block electromagnetic wave noise radiated from the power supply unit SU and electromagnetic wave noise approaching the power supply unit SU, thereby preventing or reducing the occurrence of malfunctions of the power supply 100 and malfunctions of a device on which the power supply 100 is mounted. According to some embodiments, the first metal plate 101 and the second metal plate 102 can include steel material.

[0134] A plurality of protrusion bars 100a for absorbing a shock can be formed on the first metal plate 101 and the second metal plate 102. For example, according to some embodiments, the protrusion bars 100a can be formed on at least any one of the first metal plate 101 and the second metal plate 102, for example, on the second metal plate 102 disposed at a relatively low position in the third direction Z3 and supporting the power supply unit SU. In this state, each protrusion bar 100a can be individually formed with respect to each battery module 1 provided in the power supply unit SU, and formed in a broken shape form with respect to each battery module 1. The protrusion bars 100a formed on the first metal plate 101 and the second metal plate 102 can absorb external impact applied in the third direction Z3 and impact applied to the inside of the battery module 1. For example, the power supply 100 according to some embodiments can be installed in a vehicle as a driving power source for the vehicle, and can protect the battery module 1 from impact applied during driving of the vehicle. In this state, the protrusion bars 100a formed on the first metal plate 101 and the second metal plate 102 in a broken shape form with respect to each battery module 1 can prevent or reduce impact of one adjacent battery module 1 on another adjacent battery module 1 via the protrusion bars 100a. For example, the protrusion bars 100a can be formed in a bar form extending in the second direction Z2, and formed in a broken shape form in the second direction Z2 with respect to each battery module 1. The protrusion bars 100a protecting the battery module 1 can be formed on the inner surfaces of the first metal plate 101 and the second metal plate 102 facing the battery module 1.

[0135] According to some embodiments, the power supply 100 can include a front surface reinforcing frame 110, a rear surface reinforcing frame 120, and a side surface reinforcing frame 150 disposed in each of the side portions connecting the upper and lower surfaces of the power supply unit SU. For example, the front surface reinforcing frame 110, the rear surface reinforcing frame 120, and the side surface reinforcing frame 150 can be disposed on the front surface, the rear surface, and the side surface of the power supply unit SU, respectively. The front surface reinforcing frame 110, the rear surface reinforcing frame 120, and the side surface reinforcing frame 150 can include a metal material, and can provide noise blocking together with the first metal plate 101 and the second metal plate 102. For example, the front surface reinforcing frame 110, the rear surface reinforcing frame 120, and the side surface reinforcing frame 150 can include the same steel material as the first metal plate 101 and the second metal plate 102. The front surface and the rear surface of the power supply unit SU can refer to surfaces forming the front side and the rear side of the power supply unit SU in the second direction Z2. The side surface of the power supply unit SU can refer to a side surface extending in the second direction Z2 and connecting the front surface and the rear surface of the power supply unit SU.

[0136] According to some embodiments, the front surface and the rear surface of the power supply unit SU can correspond to the short sides of the power supply unit SU or the long sides of the battery module 1, and the side surface of the power supply unit SU can correspond to the long side of the power supply unit SU or the short side of the battery module 1. For example, according to some embodiments, the power supply unit SU can include a plurality of battery modules 1 arranged in the second direction Z2 such that the long sides of the battery modules 1 extending in the first direction Z1 face each other. Accordingly, the power supply unit SU can include short sides corresponding to the long sides of the battery modules 1 extending in the first direction Z1 and long sides extending in the second direction Z2 along which the battery modules 1 are arranged. In other words, the long side of the power supply unit SU can correspond to the short side of each of the battery modules 1, and the short side of the power supply unit SU can correspond to the long side of each of the battery modules 1.

[0137] Throughout the present specification, the front surface and the rear surface of the power supply unit SU or the front surface and the rear surface of the battery module 1 can respectively refer to the short sides forming both ends in the longitudinal direction of the power supply unit SU or the longitudinal direction of the battery module 1. The side surface of the power supply unit SU or the side surface of the battery module 1 can respectively refer to the long side extending in the longitudinal direction of the power supply unit SU or the longitudinal direction of the battery module 1. Accordingly, the front surface reinforcing frame 110 and the rear surface reinforcing frame 120 disposed at the front surface and the rear surface of the power supply unit SU corresponding to the short side of the power supply unit SU can be disposed at the side surface corresponding to the long side of the battery module 1. Furthermore, the side surface reinforcing frame 150 disposed at the side surface of the power supply unit SU corresponding to the long side of the power supply unit SU can be disposed at the front surface and the rear surface corresponding to the short side of the battery module 1.

[0138] The front surface reinforcing frame 110 can include an accommodation portion protruding forward to accommodate a battery management system (BMS) disposed at a front surface of the power supply unit SU. Accordingly, a curved portion 110a for forming the accommodation portion can be formed at the front surface reinforcing frame 110. Further, a connection hole 110' for electrical connection with the BMS can be formed in the front surface reinforcing frame 110.

[0139] The exhaust hole 120' can be formed in the rear surface reinforcing frame 120. For example, the power supply 100 according to some embodiments can be installed in a vehicle as a driving power source of the vehicle, and the front surface and the rear surface of the power supply 100 can be disposed toward the front surface and the rear surface of the vehicle. Accordingly, exhaust gas discharged through the exhaust hole 120' of the rear surface reinforcing frame 120 can be discharged to the outside through an exhaust pipe at the rear of the vehicle.

[0140] The front surface reinforcing frame 110, the rear surface reinforcing frame 120, and the side surface reinforcing frame 150 can block electromagnetic wave noise together with the first metal plate 101 and the second metal plate 102, and can also protect the power supply unit SU. For example, in the power supply 100 installed in a vehicle, although an amount of external impact expected to be applied to the front surface and the rear surface of the power supply 100 is absorbed by a bumper placed on the front surface and the rear surface of the vehicle, it is difficult to expect that external impact applied toward the side surface of the power supply 100 is absorbed by the vehicle, and thus it can be desirable to employ an impact absorbing structure of the power supply 100 itself. Accordingly, in the power supply 100 according to some embodiments, the side surface reinforcing frame 150 having a structure that is further reinforced than the front surface reinforcing frame 110 and the rear surface reinforcing frame 120 can be employed. For reference, the front surface, the rear surface, and the side surface of the power supply 100 according to some embodiments can be disposed to face the front surface, the rear surface, and the side surface of the vehicle, respectively, in the vehicle. Accordingly, the bumper placed on the front surface and the rear surface of the vehicle can reduce external impact applied to the front surface and the rear surface of the power supply 100.

[0141] According to some embodiments, the front surface reinforcing frame 110 and the rear surface reinforcing frame 120 can be provided in the form of a metal strip, and the side surface reinforcing frame 150 can have a closed cross-section, rather than taking the form of at least a metal strip, thereby providing superior impact absorption as compared with the front surface reinforcing frame 110 and the rear surface reinforcing frame 120.

[0142] For example, the side surface reinforcing frame 150 can be disposed on a side surface of the power supply unit SU. For example, the side surface reinforcing frame 150 can be disposed in pairs at two side surfaces of the power supply unit SU opposite each other in the first direction Z1. The side surface of the power supply unit SU on which the side surface reinforcing frame 150 is disposed can correspond to a long side of the power supply unit SU, and to the front surface and the rear surface corresponding to the short sides of the battery module 1. In other words, the side surface reinforcing frame 150 can extend across the plurality of front surfaces and rear surfaces of the battery module 1 extending in the first direction Z1 and arranged in the second direction Z2, respectively.

[0143] The side surface reinforcing frame 150 according to some embodiments can surround the coolant pipe PL disposed on the side surface of the power supply unit SU. According to some embodiments, the side surface reinforcing frame 150 can partially surround the coolant pipe PL, and can surround portions of the coolant pipe PL disposed on opposite sides with respect to the power supply unit SU. For example, the coolant pipe PL can be connected to the cooling path F provided in each battery module 1, can extend across the plurality of cooling paths F provided in each battery module 1, and can supply or collect a cooling medium to or from the cooling path F. According to some embodiments, the coolant pipe PL can supply or collect the cooling medium with respect to the cooling path F extending in the first direction Z1 corresponding to the longitudinal direction of each battery module 1, by extending in the second direction Z2 along which the battery modules 1 are arranged and branching in the first direction Z1 at positions corresponding to each battery module 1 or the cooling path F provided in each battery module 1.

[0144] According to some embodiments, the battery module having the module housing can provide a relatively high cooling performance, can have a relatively light weight due to the use of a composite material including different heterogeneous materials, and can have a relatively improved coupling strength between the heterogeneous materials to prevent or reduce leakage of the cooling path.

[0145] It is to be understood that the embodiments described herein are to be considered in a descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Descriptions of features or aspects within each embodiment should typically be considered as being applicable to other similar features or aspects in other embodiments. While one or more embodiments have been described with reference to the figures, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the following claims and their equivalents.

[0146] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0189841, filed on December 31, 2020, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0192905, filed on December 30, 2021, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A battery module, comprising: Battery components; The main housing includes a main edge surrounding a receiving space in which the battery assembly is located; A first plate includes a first edge portion and a first exposed portion, the first edge portion being coupled to the main edge portion, and the first exposed portion exposing from the main edge portion and defining one side of a cooling path for cooling the receiving space; and The second plate faces the first plate and defines the other side of the cooling path. The matching structure with the main edge portion is formed at the first edge portion. The primary edge portion includes a recessed retaining portion that is recessed to surround the first edge portion, and The main housing is formed of resin material, and the first plate is formed of metal material. The recessed retaining portion includes an upper portion having an upper width covering the upper surface of the first edge portion and a lower portion having a lower width covering the lower surface of the first edge portion, and, Wherein the lower width is greater than the upper width, and The filler for reinforcing the connection between the first edge portion and the main edge portion is formed on the first edge portion and between the upper portion of the recessed retaining portion and the first exposed portion.

2. The battery module of claim 1, wherein the matching structure includes a plurality of holes formed along the first edge portion and filling a portion of the main edge portion, the portion of the main edge portion being formed in a shape complementary to the plurality of holes.

3. The battery module of claim 1, wherein the matching structure includes a plurality of protrusions formed along the first edge portion, the main edge portion including a portion formed in a shape complementary to the plurality of protrusions and embedded therein.

4. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein The matching structure includes a plurality of holes and a plurality of protrusions formed along the first edge portion, and Compared to the plurality of holes formed at the edge of the first edge portion, the plurality of protrusions are formed at a position further inside the first edge portion.

5. The battery module of claim 1, wherein the matching structure includes an uneven pattern formed along the first edge portion and forming an inclined interface with the main edge portion formed in a shape complementary to the uneven pattern.

6. The battery module of claim 5, wherein the uneven pattern forms a pair of interfaces that are tilted to face each other.

7. The battery module of claim 6, wherein the pair of interfaces have an inclination that approaches each other from a lower position to an upper position in a direction opposite to the second plate.

8. The battery module of claim 5, wherein the uneven pattern comprises a first pair of interfaces tilted to face each other and a second pair of interfaces tilted to face each other between the first pair of interfaces.

9. The battery module of claim 8, wherein each of the first pair of interfaces and the second pair of interfaces has an inclination that approaches each other from a lower position to an upper position in a direction opposite to the second plate.

10. The battery module of claim 8, wherein the second pair of interfaces has a tilt angle that is further inclined toward the second plate than the first pair of interfaces.

11. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein The matching structure includes both multiple holes formed along the first edge and an uneven pattern. Compared to the plurality of holes formed at the edge of the first edge portion, the uneven pattern is formed at a position further inside the first edge portion.

12. The battery module of claim 1, wherein the main edge portion and the first edge portion are connected to each other by a first connecting line formed along the first edge portion.

13. The battery module of claim 1, wherein the recessed retaining portion continuously surrounds the upper surface, the lower surface, and the side surface connecting the upper surface and the lower surface of the first edge portion.

14. The battery module according to claim 13, wherein The upper surface of the first plate includes the upper surface of the first edge portion and the upper surface of the first exposed portion facing the receiving space, and The lower surface of the first plate includes the lower surface of the first edge portion and the lower surface of the first exposed portion facing the cooling path.

15. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein At least one of the upper portion having the upper width and the lower portion having the lower width forms a matching structure with the first plate.

16. The battery module of claim 15, wherein the fill width extends from the first edge portion beyond the upper width to the boundary with the first exposed portion and is formed on the first edge portion.

17. The battery module of claim 16, wherein the filler for reinforcing the connection between the first edge portion and the main edge portion is formed at the filler width.

18. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein The housing space includes multiple housing spaces for accommodating battery components that are different from each other, and The main edge surrounds each of the plurality of accommodating spaces.

19. The battery module of claim 1, wherein the first plate comprises a plurality of first plates, the plurality of first plates being individually formed for each of a plurality of receiving spaces.

20. The battery module of claim 1, wherein the second plate comprises a second plate generally formed over a plurality of receiving spaces.

21. The battery module of claim 1, wherein the second plate includes a second edge portion and a second exposed portion, the second edge portion being coupled to the main edge portion, and the second exposed portion being exposed from the main edge portion and defining the other side of the cooling path.

Images