Power supply device

Abstract

A power supply device includes: a power supply unit including at least one battery module; and a side reinforcement frame on a side surface of the power supply unit and surrounding a refrigerant tube connected to a cooling channel of the at least one battery module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] An aspect of one or more embodiments relates to a power supply. Background Art

[0002] In general, a secondary battery is a battery that can be repeatedly charged and discharged without damaging the secondary battery, compared to a primary battery that cannot be recharged. Secondary batteries can be used as energy sources for various applications such as mobile devices, electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, electric bicycles, uninterruptible power supplies, etc. Secondary batteries can be used in the form of a single battery depending on the type of external device to which the secondary battery is applied, or in the form of a package in which a plurality of batteries are connected and bundled into one unit.

[0003] Small mobile devices such as cellular phones can operate for a period of time with the output and capacity of a single battery. However, larger-sized mobile devices such as laptops or electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles that consume relatively large amounts of power may also require relatively long operating times and may also require relatively high power during operation. In this case, a pack type including multiple batteries may be utilized due to the benefits of relatively high output and capacity, and the output voltage or output current of the pack may be increased according to the number of batteries in the pack.

[0004] The above information disclosed in this background technology section is only for enhancement of understanding of the background technology and therefore the information discussed in this background technology section may not constitute prior art. Summary of the invention

[0005] Aspects of one or more embodiments include a power supply device which has relatively improved impact resistance against external impact and may have a relatively low weight by using a module case including a composite material.

[0006] Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the presented embodiments of the disclosure.

[0007] According to some embodiments, a power supply device includes: a power supply unit including at least one battery module; and a side reinforcement frame arranged on a side surface of the power supply unit and surrounding a refrigerant pipe connected to a cooling channel of the at least one battery module.

[0008] According to some embodiments, the at least one battery module may include: at least one battery assembly; a main shell including a main frame portion surrounding a accommodating space, in which the at least one battery assembly is accommodated; a first plate including a first frame portion connected to the main frame portion and a first exposed portion exposed from the main frame portion and defining a side of a cooling channel for cooling the accommodating space; and a second plate arranged to face the first plate and including a second frame portion connected to the main frame portion and a second exposed portion exposed from the main frame portion and defining the other side of the cooling channel.

[0009] According to some embodiments, the power supply unit may include a plurality of battery modules, each battery module extending in a first direction and the plurality of battery modules arranged in a second direction, and the side reinforcing frame may extend across front and rear surfaces of the plurality of battery modules arranged in the second direction.

[0010] According to some embodiments, the cooling channel may extend in a first direction in which front surfaces of the plurality of battery modules face rear surfaces of the plurality of battery modules.

[0011] According to some embodiments, the refrigerant pipe may extend in the second direction and may branch in the first direction and supply or recover the cooling medium to or from the plurality of cooling channels.

[0012] According to some embodiments, the side reinforcing frame may include: an inner frame arranged to face a side surface of the power supply unit; an outer frame arranged opposite to the side surface of the power supply unit in a first direction; and a connecting rod connecting the inner frame to the outer frame.

[0013] According to some embodiments, each of the inner frame and the outer frame may include a flat portion arranged parallel to a side surface of the power supply unit.

[0014] According to some embodiments, the connecting rod may include a first connecting rod extending between the flat portion of the inner frame and the flat portion of the outer frame.

[0015] According to some embodiments, the first connecting rod may include: a first outer connecting rod connecting an end of the inner frame to an end of the outer frame and forming a closed section of the side reinforcing frame; and a first inner connecting rod formed inside the closed section of the side reinforcing frame.

[0016] According to some embodiments, the inner frame may include a flat portion extending parallel to a side surface of the power supply unit and a curved portion roundedly protruding from the flat portion away from the side surface of the power supply unit in the first direction.

[0017] According to some embodiments, the bent portion may surround the refrigerant pipe formed on the side surface of the power supply unit.

[0018] According to some embodiments, the bent portion may be formed between the flat portions at both sides of the bent portion in a third direction crossing the first direction.

[0019] According to some embodiments, the flat portions formed on both sides of the bent portion may provide coupling locations for coupling between the side reinforcing frame and the power supply unit.

[0020] According to some embodiments, the connecting rod may include a second connecting rod extending between the curved portion of the inner frame and the flat portion of the outer frame.

[0021] According to some embodiments, the second connection bar may be connected to a convex vertex in the bent portion of the inner frame that is farthest from a side surface of the power supply unit in the first direction.

[0022] According to some embodiments, the outer frame may include a flat portion extending parallel to a side surface of the power supply unit and a protrusion protruding from the flat portion away from the side surface of the power supply unit in the first direction.

[0023] According to some embodiments, the protrusion may be formed between flat portions formed at both sides of the outer frame in a third direction crossing the first direction.

[0024] According to some embodiments, the protrusion may include a pair of protrusion members extending in parallel in a first direction and a connection member extending in a third direction crossing the first direction and connecting the pair of protrusion members to each other.

[0025] According to some embodiments, the connection member may include: an outer connection member connecting ends of the pair of protrusion members to each other to form a closed section of the side reinforcing frame; and an inner connection member formed inside the closed section of the side reinforcing frame.

[0026] According to some embodiments, the fastening holes may be formed in a pair of protrusions formed between the outer connector and the inner connector in a third direction crossing the first direction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The above and other aspects, features and characteristics of certain embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to some embodiments;

[0029] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the module housing is shown;

[0030] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 a perspective view of the battery assembly shown;

[0031] Figure 4 is shown for connection Figure 1 A view of a first connection line of a first plate shown;

[0032] Figure 5 is shown for connection Figure 1 A view of a second connection line of the second plate shown;

[0033] Figure 6 The module housing is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI;

[0034] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 An enlarged cross-sectional view of region VII;

[0035] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 an enlarged cross-sectional view of region VIII;

[0036] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a matching structure of a module housing according to some embodiments;

[0037] Fig.10 It is shown Fig. 9 a perspective view of the first panel shown;

[0038] Fig.11 The first board is along Fig.10 A cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI;

[0039] Fig.12 According to some embodiments Fig. 9 a cross-sectional view of the first plate shown;

[0040] Fig.13 According to some embodiments Fig. 9 a perspective view of the first panel shown;

[0041] Fig.14 According to some embodiments, a Figure 1 The power supply device of the battery module shown;

[0042] Fig.15 yes Fig.14 A cross-sectional view of the side reinforcement frame is shown, and the Fig.14 a cross-sectional view taken along line XV-XV of ; and

[0043] Fig.16 yes Fig.14 Another cross-sectional view of the side reinforcement frame is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] Reference will now be made in more detail to aspects of some embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals always refer to the same elements. In this regard, the embodiments present may have different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the descriptions set forth herein. Therefore, the embodiments are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings only to explain aspects of this specification. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more related listed items. Statements such as "at least one of" when following a column of elements modify the entire column of elements without modifying the individual elements in the column.

[0045] Hereinafter, aspects of a power supply device according to some embodiments will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] According to some embodiments, a power supply device may include a power supply unit including a plurality of battery modules to supply driving power to a set device such as a vehicle. Hereinafter, the aspect of the battery module will be described first, and then a power supply unit including a plurality of battery modules and a power supply device including the power supply unit will be described.

[0047] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module 1 according to some embodiments. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the module housing is shown. Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the battery assembly is shown. Figure 4 is shown for connection Figure 1 A view of a first connection line of a first plate is shown. Figure 5 is shown for connection Figure 1 A view of the second connection line of the second plate is shown. Figure 6 The module housing is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI. Figure 7 yes Figure 6 An enlarged cross-sectional view of region VII. Figure 8 yes Figure 6 An enlarged cross-sectional view of region VIII of FIG.

[0048] Reference Figures 1 to 6, the battery module 1 may include one or more battery assemblies or battery stacks B, and a module housing 5 in which the battery assembly B is accommodated. The module housing 5 may include a main housing H, a first plate P1, and a second plate P2. The main housing H includes a main frame portion M surrounding a housing space G, in which the battery assembly B may be located. The first plate P1 includes a first frame portion P1a coupled to the main frame portion M, and a first exposed portion P1b on one side of a cooling channel F exposed from the main frame portion M and defining a cooling channel F for cooling the housing space G. The second plate P2 is arranged to face the first plate P1, and includes a second frame portion P2a coupled to the main frame portion M, and a second exposed portion P2b on the other side of the cooling channel F exposed from the main frame portion M.

[0049] The main housing H forming the accommodation space G for the battery assembly B may form a plurality of accommodation spaces G for accommodating different battery assemblies B by partitioning, and may include a main frame portion M surrounding each of the plurality of accommodation spaces G. According to some embodiments, the main housing H may include first to fourth accommodation spaces G1, G2, G3, and G4 for accommodating different battery assemblies B, respectively, and the main frame portion M may surround each of the first to fourth accommodation spaces G1, G2, G3, and G4 that are different from each other.

[0050] According to some embodiments, while surrounding each of the different accommodation spaces G, the main frame portion M may also form a circuit space CS by partitioning, the circuit space CS being used to accommodate the circuit portion between adjacent accommodation spaces G. For example, according to some embodiments, the circuit space CS may be formed between the first accommodation space G1 and the fourth accommodation space G4 adjacent to each other along the first direction Z1 and between the second accommodation space G2 and the third accommodation space G3 adjacent to each other along the first direction Z1. Here, the first direction Z1 may correspond to the longitudinal direction of the battery assembly B or the longitudinal direction of the accommodation space G in which the battery assembly B is accommodated, and may correspond to a direction in which a plurality of battery cells C are arranged in a battery assembly B including a plurality of battery cells C arranged along one direction.

[0051] The main housing H may include a main frame portion M surrounding an accommodation space G for accommodating the battery assembly B. According to some embodiments, the main frame portion M may refer to a wall of the main housing H formed along the perimeter of the battery assembly B. According to some embodiments, the main frame portion M may refer to a wall surrounding the accommodation space G formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape to surround the battery assembly B having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. In this case, the wall forming the main frame portion M may refer to a wall facing each side of each of the front surface, rear surface, and side surfaces of the battery assembly B except for the upper surface and the lower surface of the battery assembly B. The wall forming the main frame portion M may include not only a portion facing each side of the battery assembly B, but also a portion facing a portion of the lower surface connected to each side of the battery assembly B, and may include a wall extending from the wall facing each side of the battery assembly B and facing the lower surface (e.g., a portion of the lower surface) of the battery assembly B. According to some embodiments, the side of the battery assembly B may refer to a side connecting the upper surface and the lower surface of the battery assembly B to each other, minus the electrode terminal T of the battery assembly B (refer to Figure 3 ) an upper surface protruding from it and a lower surface of the battery assembly B opposite to the upper surface of the battery assembly B, and the main frame portion M can form an accommodating space G for the battery assembly B while surrounding each side of the battery assembly B. As described above, the main frame portion M can extend to face a portion of the lower surface of the side connected to the battery assembly B while mainly facing the side of the battery assembly B.

[0052] The main frame portion M may include a main inner frame portion MI formed between adjacent accommodating spaces G, and a main outer frame portion MO spanning adjacent accommodating spaces G and entirely surrounding adjacent accommodating spaces G. The main outer frame portion MO may be formed along the outer side of the main shell H, and the main inner frame portion MI may be formed on the inner side of the main shell H.

[0053] The main inner frame portion MI may be formed between the first accommodation space G1 and the second accommodation space G2 adjacent to each other along the second direction Z2, between the third accommodation space G3 and the fourth accommodation space G4 adjacent to each other along the second direction Z2, between the first accommodation space G1 and the fourth accommodation space G4 adjacent to each other along the first direction Z1, and between the second accommodation space G2 and the third accommodation space G3 adjacent to each other along the first direction Z1. In this case, the first direction Z1 may correspond to the longitudinal direction of the battery assembly B or the longitudinal direction of the accommodation space G in which the battery assembly B is accommodated, and the second direction Z2 may be a direction intersecting the first direction Z1, and may correspond to the width direction of the battery assembly B or the width direction of the accommodation space G in which the battery assembly B is accommodated.

[0054] The main inner frame portion MI may be formed as a single wall between the first accommodation space G1 and the second accommodation space G2 adjacent to each other along the second direction Z2 and between the third accommodation space G3 and the fourth accommodation space G4 adjacent to each other along the second direction Z2, and may be formed as a double wall between the first accommodation space G1 and the fourth accommodation space G4 adjacent to each other along the first direction Z1 and between the second accommodation space G2 and the third accommodation space G3 adjacent to each other along the first direction Z1. According to some embodiments, the double wall between the first accommodation space G1 and the fourth accommodation space G4 may 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 may be arranged to have a circuit space CS therebetween. For example, the circuit space CS may be formed as 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 a plurality of battery assemblies B may be arranged in the circuit space CS. According to some embodiments, a circuit portion electrically connected to a plurality of battery assemblies B (e.g., a configuration such as a bus bar for electrically connecting the plurality of battery assemblies B to each other) may be arranged in the circuit space CS. According to some embodiments, the main inner frame portion MI may represent an inner wall of the main shell H, which is arranged between the spaces formed by the partition of the main shell H, that is, between the first to fourth accommodating spaces G1, G2, G3, and G4 adjacent to each other and the circuit space CS. Here, with respect to the main inner frame portion MI formed as a double wall between the first accommodating space G1 and the fourth accommodating space G4 in the first direction Z1 and between the second accommodating space G2 and the third accommodating space G3 in the first direction Z1, each single wall may be referred to as the main inner frame portion MI, or the double walls may be collectively referred to as the main inner frame portion MI.

[0055] The main outer frame portion MO may refer to an outer wall forming the main housing H, or may refer to a wall that entirely surrounds the first to fourth accommodation spaces G1, G2, G3, and G4 and the circuit space CS formed by partitioning the main housing H. According to some embodiments, the main outer frame portion MO may correspond to an outer wall of the main housing H, which extends across the first to fourth accommodation spaces G1, G2, G3, and G4 adjacent to each other and entirely surrounds the first to fourth accommodation spaces G1, G2, G3, and G4.

[0056] According to some embodiments, each of the first to fourth storage spaces G1, G2, G3, and G4 may be surrounded by a combination of a main outer frame portion MO and a main inner frame portion MI. For example, the main outer frame portion MO with a curved shape and the main inner frame portion MI with a curved shape formed at a position facing each other along the diagonal direction crossing each storage space G may contact each other, and thus, each of the first to fourth storage spaces G1, G2, G3, and G4 may be formed by partitioning. The first plate P1 formed separately for each of the first to fourth storage spaces G1, G2, G3, and G4 may form a connection line with each of the main outer frame portion MO with a curved shape and the main inner frame portion MI with a curved shape formed at a position facing each other along the diagonal direction crossing each storage space G. For example, the first plate P1 formed in the first storage space G1 may form a connection line with each of the main outer frame portion MO with a curved shape and the main inner frame portion MI with a curved shape formed at a position facing each other along the diagonal direction crossing the first storage space G1. As described below, the first plate P1 may form a first coupling line L1 with each of the main outer bezel portion MO and the main inner bezel portion MI through the recessed holding portion RH.

[0057] Here, the first connection line L1 may refer to a connection line for passing through the concave holding portion RH (refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 ) to fix the position of the first plate P1. In this case, the recessed holding portion RH can fix the position of the first plate P1 while continuously surrounding the upper surface, lower surface and side surface of the first frame portion P1a formed along the edge of the first plate P1. The technical details about the recessed holding portion RH are described in more detail below.

[0058] According to some embodiments, the second plate P2 formed in common with respect to the entire accommodation space G may form a second connection line L2 with the main outer frame portion MO. For example, the second plate P2 may be formed by a sealing portion 50 (refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 ) to form a second connection line L2. Here, the second connection line L2 may refer to a connection line for fixing the position of the second plate P2 by a sealing portion 50. The sealing portion 50 may be arranged between the second frame portion P2a formed along the edge of the second plate P2 and the main outer frame portion 540 to mediate the connection therebetween. The technical details about the sealing portion 50 are described in more detail below.

[0059] Here, the edge of the second plate P2 is a portion formed along the outer side of the second plate P2, and the periphery of the elongated groove S formed on the inner side of the second plate P2 may not correspond to the edge of the second plate P2. As described below, the second frame portion P2a formed in the second plate P2 may include a second frame portion P2a formed along the edge of the second plate P2, and a second frame portion P2a formed along the periphery of the elongated groove S formed on the inner side of the second plate P2, but the periphery of the elongated groove S formed on the inner side of the second plate P2 may not correspond to the edge of the second plate P2.

[0060] According to some embodiments, the second plate P2 may form a second connection line L2 with the main outer frame portion MO, and may also form a second connection line L2 with the main inner frame portion MI. The second plate P2 may be formed in common with respect to the entire accommodating space G and form a common base for the entire accommodating space G, and may form a second connection line L2 with the main outer frame portion MO. According to some embodiments, in order to increase the position fixing force of the second plate P2, an elongated groove S may be formed in the second plate P2, and the second connection line L2 may also be formed along the second frame portion P2a around the elongated groove S. That is, the second connection line L2 may include a second connection line L2 connected to the main outer frame portion MO along the edge of the second plate P2, and a second connection line L2 connected to the main inner frame portion MI along the periphery of the elongated groove S. According to some embodiments, the elongated groove S may be formed in the first direction Z1, and may be formed long along the main inner frame portion MI to form a second connection line L2 with the main inner frame portion MI.

[0061] The elongated groove S may extend along the main inner frame portion MI in the first direction Z1, and may also extend between the first accommodation space G1 and the second accommodation space G2 adjacent to each other and the third accommodation space G3 and the fourth accommodation space G4 adjacent to each other. According to some embodiments, the elongated groove S may include a plurality of elongated grooves S separated from each other in the first direction Z1. For example, the elongated groove S may include three elongated grooves S separated from each other. In this case, a bridge BR may be formed between the elongated grooves S adjacent to each other in the first direction Z1 (refer to Figure 1 ).

[0062] Since the second plate P2 has a large area over the entire area of ​​the module housing 5 to completely 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 adjacent elongated grooves S. The bridge BR can be formed between the adjacent elongated grooves S so that the second plate P2 resists the external impact applied in the second direction Z2 intersecting the first direction Z1 without folding. Therefore, the elongated grooves S extending in the first direction Z1 may include a plurality of elongated grooves S that are disconnected by the bridge BR and spaced apart from each other in the first direction Z1.

[0063] According to some embodiments, the first plate P1 forms the bottom of the accommodation space G in which the battery assembly B is accommodated, and forms a cooling channel F for cooling the lower surface of the battery assembly B facing the bottom of the accommodation space G. The first plate P1 may be formed separately for each accommodation space G, and may not be formed in the circuit space CS other than the accommodation space G in which the battery assembly B is located. Therefore, the first plate P1 does not form the bottom in the circuit space CS, and the main housing H surrounding the first plate P1 may form the bottom of the circuit space CS. For example, according to some embodiments, the first plate P1 may form the bottom of each of the first to fourth accommodation spaces G1, G2, G3, and G4 while closing the opening formed in the main housing H to correspond to each of the first to fourth accommodation spaces G1, G2, G3, and G4, and in the circuit space CS, its bottom may 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 connection line L2 can be formed along the second frame portion P2a formed at the edge of the second plate P2 and the second frame portion P2a formed around the elongated groove S. The second frame portion P2a formed on the edge of the second plate P2 forms the second connection line L2 with the main outer frame portion MO, and the second frame portion P2a formed around the elongated groove S forms the second connection line L2 with the main inner frame portion MI, so the position fixing force of the second plate P2 can be increased by the second connection line L2 formed on the inner and outer sides of the second plate P2. In this case, the second connection line L2 can be connected with the second frame portion P2a formed at the edge of the second plate P2, and can also be connected with the second frame portion P2a formed around the elongated groove S. In this case, the second connection line L2 formed along the edge of the second plate P2 can be formed to have a closed loop shape while surrounding the edge of the second plate P2, and the second connection line L2 formed around the elongated groove S can be formed to have a strip shape along the elongated groove S, which extends longer along the main inner frame portion MI. In this way, the second connection line L2 can be formed along the edge of the second plate P2 and along the periphery of the elongated groove S of the second plate P2. In this case, the second connection line L2 formed along the edge of the plate P2 and the second connection 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 along the second direction Z2, the second connection line L2 formed at the edge of the second plate P2 (or the sealing portion 50 forming the second connection line L2 (refer to Figure 7 The cross-sectional structure of the second plate P2 may be different from the second connecting line L2 formed around the elongated groove S of the second plate P2 (or the sealing portion 50 forming the second connecting line L2 (refer to Figure 8This is because the second connection line L2 (or the sealing portion 50 (refer to Figure 7 )) is connected to a second frame portion P2a formed at the edge of the second plate P2, but the second connection line L2 (or the sealing portion 50 (refer to Figure 8 )) is connected to the two second frame portions P2a formed on both sides of the elongated slot S. For example, the second connection line L2 (or the sealing portion 50 (refer to Figure 7 )) may have an asymmetric cross-sectional structure while being connected to a second frame portion P2a formed at the edge of the second plate P2, and a second connection line L2 (or a sealing portion 50 (refer to Figure 8 )) can have a symmetrical cross-sectional structure while being connected to the two second frame portions P2a formed on both sides of the elongated slot S. The cross-sectional structure of the second connection line L2 or the sealing portion 50 is described in more detail below. For reference, here, as Figure 5 As shown, regarding the two second frame portions P2a formed on both sides of the slender groove S, each of the two second frame portions P2a formed on one side and the other side of the slender groove S respectively can be referred to as the second frame portion P2a, or the two second frame portions P2a formed on both sides of the slender groove S can be collectively referred to as the second frame portion P2a.

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

[0066] The opening of the main housing H may be closed by the first plate P1. For example, the first plate P1 may include a plurality of first plates P1 respectively arranged in the first to fourth accommodation spaces G1, G2, G3, and G4. That is, the openings respectively formed in the first to fourth accommodation spaces G1, G2, G3, and G4 may be closed by a plurality of first plates P1 separately formed for the first to fourth accommodation spaces G1, G2, G3, and G4, and the plurality of first plates P1 may form the bottom of the first to fourth accommodation spaces G1, G2, G3, and G4 and provide a supporting substrate that supports the battery assemblies B respectively accommodated in the first to fourth accommodation spaces G1, G2, G3, and G4. The first plate P1 may form a first connection line L1 while being coupled to the main frame portion M surrounding the opening to close the opening.

[0067] According to some embodiments, the first panel P1 may be coupled to the main frame portion M through a first coupling line L1. For example, the upper surface, lower surface, and side surface of the first frame portion P1a formed at the edge of the first panel P1 are formed by the concave holding portion RH of the main frame portion M (refer to Figure 7 and 8 ) is continuously surrounded by the main frame portion M, the position of the first panel P1 may be fixed. According to some embodiments, the first frame portion P1a formed at the edge of the first panel P1 may be embedded in the main frame portion M, and may form a first connection line L1 with the main frame portion M. For example, the first frame portion P1a of the first panel P1 may be covered by the main frame portion M, and may not be exposed from the main frame portion M. In this case, at least the upper surface and the lower surface of the first frame portion P1a may be covered by the main frame portion M, and may not be exposed from the main frame portion M. According to some embodiments, the upper surface and the lower surface of the first frame portion P1a and the side surface connecting the upper surface and the lower surface to each other may be surrounded by the main frame portion M, and the main frame portion M may include a concave retaining portion RH having a concave shape, which continuously surrounds the upper surface, the lower surface and the side surface of the first frame portion P1a and accommodates the first frame portion P1a.

[0068] The first plate P1 may include a first frame portion P1a coupled to the main frame portion M and a first exposed portion P1b exposed from the main frame portion M. In this case, the first exposed portion P1b may be exposed from the main frame portion M and may be exposed to the accommodation space G surrounded by the main frame portion M. As described below, the first exposed portion P1b may form a cooling channel F for cooling the battery assembly B accommodated in the accommodation space G while being exposed toward the accommodation space G. That is, the first frame portion P1a of the first plate P1 may be coupled to the main frame portion M, and the first exposed portion P1b of the first plate P1 may form a cooling channel F of the accommodation space G (the battery assembly B accommodated in the accommodation space G) surrounded by the main frame portion M while extending out of the main frame portion M. As described below, the cooling channel F may be formed between the first plate P1 forming the bottom of the accommodation space G and the second plate P2 arranged to face the first plate P1, and the first plate P1 may cool the battery assembly B while mediating heat transfer between the lower surface of the battery assembly B and the cooling channel F. According to some embodiments, the first plate P1 may include a metal material (e.g., an aluminum material) having excellent thermal conductivity to facilitate heat transfer between the battery assembly B and the cooling channel F. According to some embodiments, the first plate P1 may include a metal material different from the resin material forming the main housing H, and the first plate P1 may be formed integrally with the main housing H by insert molding. In this case, the first plate P1 may be formed separately for each of the plurality of accommodation spaces G. In addition, since the first plate P1 is formed separately for the adjacent accommodation spaces G, the first plate P1 may block thermal interference or electrical interference between different battery assemblies B accommodated in the adjacent accommodation spaces G. In this way, the first plate P1 formed separately for each of the plurality of accommodation spaces G may form a support base for the battery assembly B accommodated in each accommodation space G, and the position of the first plate P1 may be firmly fixed by the first connection line L1 surrounding each accommodation space G. For example, the first connection line L1 may be formed to have a closed loop shape surrounding each accommodation space G.

[0069] The second plate P2 may be arranged to face the first plate P1, and the cooling channel F may be formed between the second plate P2 and the first plate P1. For example, the first plate P1 and the second plate P2 may be arranged to face each other in a third direction Z3. The third direction Z3 may refer to a direction intersecting the first direction Z1 and the second direction Z2. For example, the third direction Z3 may correspond to a height direction of the accommodating space G, which intersects with the first direction Z1 corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the accommodating space G and the second direction Z2 corresponding to the width direction of the accommodating space G. For example, the third direction Z3 may correspond to a height direction of the battery assembly B, and the upper surface of the battery assembly B and the lower surface thereof face each other in this height direction.

[0070] The second plate P2 may be arranged at a position lower than the first plate P1, and similar to the first plate P1, the position of the second plate P2 may be fixed by coupling with the main frame portion M. For example, the second plate P2 may include a second frame portion P2a coupled to the main frame portion M and a second exposed portion P2b exposed from the main frame portion M. According to some embodiments, the second plate P2 may include a second frame portion P2a formed along an edge of the second plate P2 and a second frame portion P2a formed along the periphery of the elongated groove S of the second plate P2. The two second frame portions P2a may utilize a sealing portion 50 (refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 ) is connected to the main frame part M, and a second connection line L2 can be formed.

[0071] The second plate P2 may be formed in common with respect to the entire accommodating space G, and may extend across a plurality of accommodating spaces G. In this case, the second plate P2 may be connected to the main outer frame portion MO via a second frame portion P2a formed at the edge of the second plate P2, and may also be connected to the main inner frame portion MI via a second frame portion P2a formed around the elongated groove S. That is, the second frame portion P2a of the second plate P2 may form a second connection line L2 with the main outer frame portion MO and the main inner frame portion MI. In this way, the second frame portion P2a may be connected to the main frame portion M via the second connection line L2, and the cross-sectional structure of the second connection line L2 may be formed along the second connection line L2 formed along the edge of the second plate P2 (see Figure 7 ) and a second connection line L2 (refer to Figure 8 This is because the second connection line L2 (refer to Figure 7 ) is connected to a second frame portion P2a formed at the edge of the second plate P2, and a second connection line L2 (refer to Figure 8 ) is connected to the two second frame portions P2a formed on both sides of the elongated groove S based on the second plate P2. For example, the second connection line L2 (refer to Figure 7 ) may have an asymmetric cross-sectional structure, and the second connecting line L2 (refer to Figure 8 ) may have a symmetrical cross-sectional structure. In this case, the cross-sectional structure may correspond to a cross-sectional structure taken across the second connection line L2 in the second direction Z2 corresponding to the width direction of the accommodation space G.

[0072] The second plate P2 may form a cooling channel F together with the first plate P1. For example, the first plate P1 and the second plate P2 may be separated from each other in a third direction Z3 corresponding to the height direction of the accommodating space G, and a cooling channel F having a size corresponding to a gap between the first plate P1 and the second plate P2 separated from each other may be formed. Because the first plate P1 mediates heat transfer between the battery assembly B and the cooling channel F while contacting the lower surface of the battery assembly B, the first plate P1 may include a metal material having excellent thermal conductivity. On the other hand, the second plate P2 may have at least a heat-insulating property rather than a heat-conducting property to block heat transfer between the cooling channel F and the ground and prevent or reduce cold air from the cooling channel F from being transferred to the ground. According to some embodiments, the second plate P2 may include a resin material, and may include the same resin material as the main shell H in consideration of the coupling force between the second plate P2 and the main shell H. As described below, the second coupling line L2 that mediates the coupling between the second plate P2 and the main shell H is formed by a sealing portion 50 (refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 ) is formed, and the sealing portion 50 may include the same resin material as the second plate P2 and the main shell H to be connected to each other. Therefore, the main shell H and the second plate P2 including the same resin material can be firmly connected to each other with the sealing portion 50 between them, and the sealing portion 50 includes the same resin material as the main shell H and the second plate P2. However, the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the main shell H and the second plate P2 may include a flame retardant material, and the sealing portion 50 may not include the flame retardant material. Unlike the main shell H and the second plate P2, the sealing portion 50 has a relatively small volume, so even if the sealing portion 50 does not include a flame retardant material, it will not cause problems in emergency situations such as fire or explosion. As described below, because the sealing portion 50 requires additional sealing properties while being formed at a position in contact with the outside, the sealing portion 50 may include a material different from that of the main shell H or the second plate P2.

[0073] The module housing 5 according to some embodiments may be formed by mold sliding injection (DSI). For example, the main housing H and the first plate P1 including different materials may be integrally formed by one-time molding applying insert molding, and then by secondary molding, a sealing portion 50 for connecting the one-time molded body in which the main housing H and the first plate P1 are integrated to the second plate P2 may be formed. For example, according to some embodiments, when the one-time molded body in which the main housing H and the first plate P1 formed by different materials are integrated by one-time molding is formed, the second plate P2 may be formed at the same time. In this case, forming the second plate P2 together with the one-time molded body in which the main housing H and the first plate P1 are integrated by one-time molding may mean that, even if the one-time molded body and the second plate P2 are formed by different molding jigs, the molding process may be performed simultaneously in different molding jigs arranged adjacent to each other. Furthermore, in the secondary molding performed after the primary molding, after the primary molding body and the second plate P2 are moved to contact each other when the molding jigs in adjacent positions slide to approach each other, the module housing 5 can be formed by the DSI method of injecting a sealing material between the primary molding body and the second plate P2. That is, the second plate P2 can be formed by the primary molding, and after the second plate P2 formed by the primary molding slides to contact the primary molding body in which the main housing H and the first plate P1 are integrated in the secondary molding after the primary molding, the module housing 5 can be completed while injecting a sealing material between the second plate P2 and the primary molding body. In this case, in the secondary molding in which the sealing material is injected, the second plate P2 needs to firmly maintain its original position to contact the primary molding body while being stably supported on the molding jig. When the second plate P2 deviates from the appropriate position, the coupling position between the second plate P2 and the primary molding body may be disturbed, and leakage of the cooling channel F formed by the second plate P2 may occur. As described below, according to some embodiments, in order to stably maintain the coupling position of the second plate P2, a clamping groove 22 (see Figure 7 and Figure 8 ), and the pressing portion PG of the molding jig can be fitted into the jig groove 22 of the second plate P2 to firmly fix the coupling position of the second plate P2 and correctly maintain the coupling position between the second plate P2 and the primary molded body. The technical details about the jig groove 22 are described in more detail below.

[0074] In the following, reference is made to Figure 7 and Figure 8, describes a cross-sectional structure of a first connection line L1 forming a connection between the main housing H and the first plate P1, and a cross-sectional structure of a second connection line L2 forming a connection between the main housing H and the second plate P2. According to some embodiments, the cross-sectional structure of the first connection line L1 and the second connection line L2 may correspond to a cross-sectional structure of the first connection line L1 and the second connection line L2 taken in a second direction Z2 corresponding to the width direction of the accommodating space G.

[0075] The first connection line L1 and the second connection line L2 may respectively include the first connection line L1 and the second connection line L2 connected to the main outer frame part MO, and the first connection line L1 and the second connection line L2 connected to the main inner frame part MI. Hereinafter, the cross-sectional structure of the first connection line L1 and the second connection line L2 connected to the main outer frame part MO will be described first, and then the cross-sectional structure of the first connection line L1 and the second connection line L2 connected to the main inner frame part MI will be described.

[0076] For reference, in the following description, the main border part M is divided into a main outer border part MO and a main inner border part MI, but unless otherwise specified, the technical details about the main outer border part MO may be equally applicable to the main inner border part MI, and conversely, the technical details about the main inner border part MI may be equally applicable to the main outer border part MO.

[0077] Reference Figure 7 , the first connection line L1 may include a connection between the main outer frame portion MO and the first frame portion P1a of the first plate P1. For example, the main outer frame portion MO may include a recessed retaining portion RH that forms a connection with the first frame portion P1a of the first plate P1. The recessed retaining portion RH may be recessedly formed to continuously cover the upper surface, lower surface, and side surface of the first frame portion P1a, and may be formed to be embedded in the first frame portion P1a. In this way, the recessed retaining portion RH may continuously cover the upper surface, lower surface, and side surface of the first frame portion P1a to firmly fix the position of the first frame portion P1a. The recessed retaining portion RH may be formed by insert molding or one-time molding for integrally forming the first plate P1 and the main shell H.

[0078] The first plate P1 forms a cooling channel F together with the second plate P2, and when the coupling force between the first plate P1 and the main housing H is reduced or a gap appears therebetween, the high-pressure cooling medium flowing through the cooling channel F may leak. Therefore, in the present disclosure, by concavely forming the concave retaining portion RH to continuously cover the upper surface, the lower surface, and the side surface of the first bezel portion P1a of the first plate P1, the contact area between the main outer bezel portion MO and the first bezel portion P1a can be increased, and the coupling strength of the first bezel portion P1a can be increased.

[0079] The upper surface of the first bezel portion P1a covered by the recessed retaining portion RH may form the upper surface of the first plate P1 together with the upper surface of the first exposed portion P1b facing the accommodating space G. In addition, the lower surface of the first bezel portion P1a covered by the recessed retaining portion RH may form the lower surface of the first plate P1 together with the lower surface of the first exposed portion P1b facing the cooling channel F.

[0080] The recessed holding portion RH may include an area having an upper width W1 covering the upper surface of the first frame portion P1a, and an area having a lower width W2 covering the lower surface of the first frame portion P1a. According to some embodiments, the lower width W2 may be greater than the upper width W1, that is, the lower width W2 may be formed to be relatively wide in the second direction Z2. In this case, an area having a filling width W3 may be formed on the first frame portion P1a outside the area having a relatively narrow upper width W1. According to some embodiments, the area having a filling width W3 may be formed from the first frame portion P1a outside the area having the upper width W1 to the boundary with the first exposed portion P1b, and may be formed on the first frame portion P1a from the first frame portion P1a outside the area having the upper width W1 to the boundary with the first exposed portion P1b. The filling material 30 may be formed in the area having the filling width W3, and the filling material 30 formed in the area having the filling width W3 may strengthen the coupling strength between the main outer frame portion MO and the first frame portion P1a. That is, the filling material 30 can strengthen the connection strength between the main shell H including the main outer frame portion MO and the first plate P1 including the first frame portion P1a, thereby allowing the connection between the main shell H and the first plate P1 to be firmly maintained. In this case, since steps are formed in the thickness direction (third direction Z3) of the first plate P1 at both ends of the area with the filling width W3, a filling space with a concave shape in which the filling material 30 is filled can be formed. In detail, at one end of the area with the filling width W3, the filling space can be formed by a step between the main outer frame portion MO forming the area with the upper width W1 and the first frame portion P1a, and at the other end of the area with the filling width W3, the filling space can be formed by a step between the first frame portion P1a and the first exposed portion P1b.

[0081] According to some embodiments, the first frame portion P1a and the first exposed portion P1b forming the first plate P1 may be connected to each other in a stepped form in the thickness direction (third direction Z3) of the first plate P1. For example, the first exposed portion P1b may include an upper surface that is stepped upward from the first frame portion P1a and is thicker than the first frame portion P1a. As described above, the step between the first exposed portion P1b and the first frame portion P1a forming the first plate P1 may form a filling space in which the filling material 30 is filled.

[0082] The first plate P1 may form the bottom of the lower surface of the accommodation space G facing the battery assembly B together with the main frame portion M while closing the opening surrounded by the main frame portion M, and the first exposed portion P1b of the first plate P1 exposed to the accommodation space G may form a cooling channel F for cooling the lower surface of the battery assembly B. That is, the first exposed portion P1b may include an upper surface exposed to the accommodation space G in which the battery assembly B is accommodated and a lower surface exposed to the cooling channel F, and may mediate heat transfer between the battery assembly B and the cooling channel F. The first plate P1 may include a first frame portion P1a coupled to the main frame portion M, and a first exposed portion P1b exposed from the main frame portion M, and the second plate P2 may include a second frame portion P2a coupled to the main frame portion M, and a second exposed portion P2b exposed from the main frame portion M. In this case, the cooling channel F may be formed between the first exposed portion P1b and the second exposed portion P2b. That is, the cooling channel F may be formed between the lower surface of the first exposed portion P1b and the upper surface of the second exposed portion P2b, and the heat dissipation fins 11 for increasing the contact area with the cooling fluid flowing through the cooling channel F may be formed on the lower surface of the first exposed portion P1b. For example, the heat dissipation fins 11 of the first exposed portion P1b may be formed to protrude toward the second exposed portion P2b facing the first exposed portion P1b and form the cooling channel F. As described below, the cooling channel F may be formed in a first direction Z1 corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the accommodating space G, and the refrigerant pipe PL for supplying a cooling medium to the cooling channel F or recovering a cooling medium from the cooling channel F may be arranged on the front and rear surfaces of the module housing 5 in the first direction Z1. In this case, the heat dissipation fins 11 formed on the first plate P1 (first exposed portion P1b) may be formed in the first direction Z1 along the cooling channel F.

[0083] The second connection line L2 may include a connection between the main outer frame portion M0 and the second frame portion P2a of the second plate P2. In this case, a sealing portion 50 may be between the main outer frame portion M0 and the second frame portion P2a to mediate the connection therebetween. For example, the second frame portion P2a may include a flat plate portion 20 connected to the main outer frame portion M0 via the sealing portion 50, and a protruding jaw 21 formed between the flat plate portion 20 and the second exposed portion P2b. In this case, the second frame portion P2a may be positionally aligned with the main outer frame portion M0 by the protruding jaw 21, and may be connected to the main outer frame portion M0 by the flat plate portion 20.

[0084] Regarding the positional alignment between the second frame portion P2a and the main outer frame portion MO, the second frame portion P2a and the main outer frame portion MO can be positionally aligned with each other when a pair of protrusions 25 are fitted onto the protruding jaws 21, the pair of protrusions 25 being formed on the main outer frame portion MO with the protruding jaws 21 of the second frame portion P2a between them. For example, in an area having a lower width W2 covering the lower surface of the first frame portion P1a in the main outer frame portion MO, a pair of protrusions 25 protruding toward both sides of the protruding jaws 21 can be formed. Since the pair of protrusions 25 are fitted onto the protruding jaws 21 to sandwich the protruding jaws 21 therebetween, positional alignment between the main outer frame portion MO in which the pair of protrusions 25 are formed and the second frame portion P2a in which the protruding jaws 21 are formed can be performed.

[0085] The protruding jaw 21 may include an upper surface protruding upward and a concave lower surface (which corresponds to the clamp groove 22) pulled in from below, and may be positionally aligned with the main outer frame portion MO by the protruding upper surface and may firmly fix the coupling position of the second plate P2 by the concave lower surface (which corresponds to the clamp groove 22). In this case, the protruding upper surface of the protruding jaw 21 may be interposed between the sealing portion 50 and the cooling channel F while facilitating positional alignment with the main outer frame portion MO, and thus may prevent or reduce the sealing material forming the sealing portion 50 from leaking into the cooling channel F and blocking the cooling channel F. The protruding jaw 21 may be formed between the flat plate portion 20 on which the sealing portion 50 is formed and the first exposed portion P1b forming the cooling channel F, and may prevent or reduce the blocking of the cooling channel F due to leakage of the sealing portion 50.

[0086] The protruding jaw 21 may be formed to have an embossed shape including a protruding upper surface and a concave lower surface, and the pressing portion PG of the molding jig may be fitted into the jig groove 22 formed by the concave lower surface. In the manufacture of the module housing 5 according to some embodiments, a primary molded body in which the main housing H and the first plate P1 including different materials are integrated may be formed by primary molding corresponding to insert molding, and then, secondary molding for injecting a sealing material between the primary molded body and the second plate P2 may be subsequently performed. In this case, the second plate P2 formed in the primary molding may slide to a position in contact with the primary molded body, and then, in a state where the second plate P2 is fixed in position to contact with the primary molded body, a sealing material for coupling the primary molded body to the second plate P2 may be injected. In this case, in order to firmly fix the coupling position of the second plate P2 to the original position, the secondary molding may be performed in a state where the pressing portion PG of the molding jig is fitted through the jig groove 22 of the second plate P2. In the one-shot molding according to some embodiments, a one-shot molded body integrating the main housing H and the first plate P1 may be formed together with the second plate P2, and a sealing material may be injected in a state where a molding jig of the one-shot molded body and a molding jig of the second plate P2, which are separated from each other, are close to each other, so that the one-shot molded body and the second plate P2 are fixed in position to contact each other. In this case, the connection position of the second plate P2 may be firmly fixed by a pressing portion PG of the molding jig that fits in a 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 channel F formed by the second plate P2 may occur, and therefore, the connection position may be firmly maintained by the jig groove 22 of the second plate P2 and leakage of the cooling channel F may be prevented.

[0087] Regarding the connection between the second frame portion P2a and the main outer frame portion MO, the sealing portion 50 can be arranged between the second frame portion P2a and the main outer frame portion MO and connect the second frame portion P2a to the main outer frame portion MO. The sealing portion 50 can connect the flat plate portion 20 of the second frame portion P2a to the main outer frame portion MO while filling the space between the flat plate portion 20 of the second frame portion P2a and the main outer frame portion MO. The sealing portion 50 may include a first sealing portion 51 between the flat plate portion 20 of the second frame portion P2a and the main outer frame portion MO, and a second sealing portion 52 extending across the first sealing portion 51 from a position in contact with the outer side of the main outer frame portion MO in a direction intersecting the first sealing portion 51.

[0088] The first sealing portion 51 may extend substantially in the plane direction (second direction Z2) of the flat plate portion 20 or the second plate P2 including the flat plate portion 20 and be formed between the flat plate portion 20 and the main outer frame portion MO. The second sealing portion 52 may extend from a position in contact with the outer side of the main outer frame portion MO to a position outside the first sealing portion 51 across the first sealing portion 51 in a direction intersecting with the first sealing portion 51 (i.e., substantially in the thickness direction (third direction Z3) of the second plate P2 including the flat plate portion 20). In this case, the first sealing portion 51 and the second sealing portion 52 may extend in the second direction Z2 and the third direction Z3 intersecting each other, the first sealing portion 51 may be formed between the flat plate portion 20 and the main outer frame portion MO, and the second sealing portion 52 may extend from a position in contact with the outer side of the main outer frame portion MO to a position across the first sealing portion 51. Within this limit, it is sufficient that the first seal portion 51 and the second seal portion 52 extend in directions intersecting each other, and it is not necessary for the first seal portion 51 and the second seal portion 52 to extend in the plane direction (second direction Z2) of the flat plate portion 20 or the second plate P2 including the flat plate portion 20 and the thickness direction (third direction Z3) of the flat plate portion 20 or the second plate P2 including the flat plate portion 20, respectively. That is, according to some embodiments, the first seal portion 51 and the second seal portion 52 may extend substantially in the plane 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 extension direction of the first seal portion 51 and the second seal portion 52 is not limited thereto, and it is sufficient that the first seal portion 51 and the second seal portion 52 extend in directions intersecting each other.

[0089] As described below, the sealing portion 50 can be formed by a sealing material injected between the main frame portion M and the second frame portion P2a aligned with each other, and the sealing material can be injected from a position in contact with the outer side of the main outer frame portion MO. The fact that the second sealing portion 52 is formed from a position in contact with the outer side of the main outer frame portion MO can indicate that the main outer frame portion MO includes an injection space for the sealing material, wherein the main outer frame portion MO is open to the outside for injecting the sealing material. For example, the injection space for the sealing material can be formed from a position in contact with the outer side of the main outer frame portion MO into a shape that matches the first sealing portion 51 and the second sealing portion 52.

[0090] The second sealing portion 52 can extend substantially in the injection direction of the sealing material, that is, the second sealing portion 52 can extend substantially in the third direction Z3 from the position in contact with the outside, so that the sealing material can be smoothly injected. The first sealing portion 51 can intersect with the second sealing portion 52 at an intermediate position of the second sealing portion 52 in the third direction Z3 (for example, a position corresponding to the upper surface of the flat portion 20), so that the formation of a gap in which the sealing material is not filled according to the flow of the sealing material direction at the intersection of the first sealing portion 51 and the second sealing portion 52 can be prevented. For example, unlike the present disclosure, when the intersection of the first sealing portion 51 and the second sealing portion 52 is at the uppermost position of the second sealing portion 52 in the third direction Z3, a gap in which the sealing material is not filled according to the flow of the sealing material direction at the intersection of the first and second sealing portions 51 and 52 can be formed.

[0091] Since the second sealing portion 52 is formed to a position in contact with the outside, the sealing material forming the second sealing portion 52 may have a sealing property capable of blocking external harmful substances. The first sealing portion 51 and the second sealing portion 52 may be formed of the same material by injecting the same sealing material, and the sealing material may include a material having an excellent sealing property capable of blocking external harmful materials.

[0092] By fitting to a pair of protrusions 25 on the protruding jaw 21 with the protruding jaw 21 therebetween, the second plate P2 can be positionally aligned relative to the main housing H, and the positional alignment of the second plate P2 can limit the size of the cooling channel F defined by the second plate P2. For example, the cooling channel 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 case, the height of the cooling channel F formed between the first exposed portion P1b and the second exposed portion P2b can be determined according to the fit between the protruding jaw 21 and the protrusion 25. For example, according to the height of the second plate P2 determined according to the fit between the protruding jaw 21 and the protrusion 25, the size of the cooling channel F formed between the first plate P1 and the second plate P2 can be determined.

[0093] The first frame portion P1a and the second frame portion P2a can be connected to the main outer frame portion MO and can be connected to the main outer frame portion MO respectively through the recessed retaining portion RH and the sealing portion 50 of the main outer frame portion MO. The first frame portion P1a and the second frame portion P2a can be formed to at least partially overlap each other to overlap with the area having the lower width W2 of the main outer frame portion MO therebetween.

[0094] Reference Figure 8, the first connection line L1 may include a connection between the main inner frame portion MI and the first frame portion P1a of the first plate P1. The first connection line L1 may form a connection with the two first plates P1 formed on both sides of the main inner frame portion MI, and therefore, the first connection line L1 formed with the main inner frame portion MI may include a pair of concave retaining portions RH formed with the two first plates P1 arranged on both sides of the main inner frame portion MI. Each concave retaining portion RH may form a connection with each first plate P1, and may have a concave shape to continuously cover the upper surface, lower surface and side surface of the first frame portion P1a of the first plate P1. Each concave retaining portion RH may include an area with an upper width W1 covering the upper surface of the first frame portion P1a and an area with a lower width W2 covering the lower surface of the first frame portion P1a. In addition, in the second direction Z2, the lower width W2 of the concave retaining portion RH may be greater than the upper width W1 of the concave retaining portion RH, and the area with a filling width W3 in which the filling material 30 is formed may be formed on the first frame portion P1a outside the area with a relatively narrow upper width W1,

[0095] Reference Figure 8, the second connection line L2 may include a connection between the main inner frame portion MI and the second frame portion P2a of the second plate P2. The sealing portion 50 may be between the main inner frame portion MI and the second frame portion P2a to mediate the connection therebetween. The sealing portion 50 may be connected to the second frame portion P2a formed along the periphery of the elongated groove S of the second plate P2, and may be formed to have a symmetrical form for connecting with the second frame portion P2a formed on both sides of the elongated groove S. According to some embodiments, the sealing portion 50 may include a third sealing portion 53 extending between the second frame portion P2a and the main inner frame portion MI, and a fourth sealing portion 54 extending from the elongated groove S of the second plate P2 in a direction intersecting the third sealing portion 53. For example, the third sealing portion 53 may extend in the planar direction (second direction Z2) of the second plate P2, and the fourth sealing portion 54 may extend in a direction intersecting the third sealing portion 53 (for example, in the thickness direction (third direction Z3) of the second plate P2). The fourth sealing portion 54 may extend from the elongated groove S of the second plate P2 toward the main inner frame portion MI in the injection direction of the sealing material (third direction Z3), and thus, the sealing material may be smoothly injected. The third sealing portion 53 may intersect with the fourth sealing portion 54 at an intermediate position (e.g., a position corresponding to the upper surface of the second frame portion P2a) of the fourth sealing portion 54 in the extension direction (third direction Z3) (i.e., at an intermediate position between the uppermost position and the lowermost position of the fourth sealing portion 54 in the third direction Z3), and thus, the formation of a gap in which the sealing material is not filled according to the flow that changes in the direction of the sealing material at the intersection of the third sealing portion 53 and the fourth sealing portion 54 can be prevented. Unlike the present disclosure, when the third sealing portion 53 and the fourth sealing portion 54 intersect each other at the uppermost position of the fourth sealing portion 54 in the extension direction (third direction Z3), a gap in which the sealing material is not filled according to the flow that changes in the direction of the sealing material can be formed. Regarding the injection position of the sealing material, the sealing material may be injected from the elongated groove S of the second plate P2, and an injection space for the sealing material extending from a position corresponding to the elongated groove S may be formed in the main inner frame portion MI in contact with the elongated groove S of the second plate P2. In this case, the injection space for the sealing material may be formed from a position in contact with the outer side of the main inner frame portion MI (or the elongated groove S of the second plate P2). For example, the injection space for the sealing material may be formed to have a shape that matches the third sealing portion 53 and the fourth sealing portion 54 from a position in contact with the elongated groove S of the second plate P2.

[0096] The third sealing portion 53 may extend from both sides of the fourth sealing portion 54 in the second direction Z2. The third sealing portion 53 forms a connection with the second border portion P2a formed along the periphery of the elongated slot S, and may be formed on both sides of the elongated slot S to connect with the second border portion P2a formed on both sides of the elongated slot S. In this way, the third sealing portion 53 may intersect with the fourth sealing portion 54 at a middle position (e.g., a position corresponding to the upper surface of the second border portion P2a) of the fourth sealing portion 54 in the extension direction (third direction Z3), and extend to both sides of the fourth sealing portion 54, and the third sealing portion 53 and the fourth sealing portion 54 may be formed as a cross as a whole.

[0097] Reference Figure 5 , the second connection line L2 for connecting the second frame portion P2a to the main inner frame portion MI may be formed along the elongated groove S, and may not be disconnected from the bridge BR between the elongated grooves S adjacent to each other in the first direction Z1, and may be formed continuously along the elongated grooves S and the bridge BR arranged in the first direction Z1. In this case, the elongated grooves S for injecting the sealing material are not formed in the bridge BR, but the sealing material may be injected through the elongated grooves S adjacent to each other in the first direction Z1, and the second connection line L2 may be formed continuously along the elongated grooves S and the bridge BR in the first direction Z1.

[0098] Reference Figure 7 The described sealing portion 50 (which corresponds to the outer sealing portion 50a) is connected to the second frame portion P2a formed along the edge of the second plate P2, and can be formed to have an asymmetric shape for connecting with a second frame 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. On the contrary, referring to Figure 8 The described sealing portion 50 (which corresponds to the inner sealing portion 50 b) is connected to the second bezel portion P2 a formed along the periphery of the elongated slot S of the second plate P2, and may be formed to have a symmetrical shape for connection with two second bezel portions P2 a formed on both sides of the elongated slot S. For example, the third sealing portion 53 may extend from both sides of the fourth sealing portion 54.

[0099] For reference, the sealing portion 50 formed along the edge of the second plate P2 (which corresponds to the outer sealing portion 50a) may include a first sealing portion 51 extending between the main frame portion M and the second frame portion P2a, and a second sealing portion 52 extending across the first sealing portion 51 from a position in contact with the outer side of the main frame portion M in a direction intersecting the first sealing portion 51. In addition, the sealing portion 50 formed along the periphery of the elongated groove S of the second plate P2 (which corresponds to the inner sealing portion 50b) may include a third sealing portion 53 extending between the main frame portion M and the second frame portion P2a, and a fourth sealing portion 54 extending across the third sealing portion 53 from a position in contact with the elongated groove S of the second plate P2 corresponding to the outer side of the main frame portion M in a direction intersecting the third sealing portion 53. In this case, since the first sealing portion 51 and the third sealing portion 53 extend between the main frame portion M and the second frame portion P2a, the first sealing portion 51 and the third sealing portion 53 may correspond to the first sealing portion of the claim. In addition, since the second sealing portion 52 and the fourth sealing portion 54 extend from the position in contact with the outer side of the main frame portion M in the direction crossing the first sealing portion 51 and the third sealing portion 53 to cross the first sealing portion 51 and the third sealing portion 53 (which corresponds to the first sealing portion of the claim), the second sealing portion 52 and the fourth sealing portion 54 can correspond to the second sealing portion of the claim. However, as described above, according to the position of the sealing portion 50, the sealing portion 50 formed along the edge of the second plate P2 (which corresponds to the outer sealing portion 50a (refer to Figure 7 )) may include a first sealing portion 51 extending from one side of a second sealing portion 52, thereby forming an asymmetric cross section, and forming a sealing portion 50 (which corresponds to the inner sealing portion 50b (refer to Figure 8 )) may include a third sealing portion 53 (which corresponds to the first sealing portion of the claim) extending from both sides of a fourth sealing portion 54 (which corresponds to the second sealing portion of the claim), thereby forming a symmetrical cross-section.

[0100] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8, a protruding jaw 21 may be formed on the second frame portion P2a of the second plate P2. The protruding jaw 21 may be formed in each of the second frame portion P2a formed at the edge of the second plate P2 (i.e., the second frame portion P2a adjacent to the main outer frame portion MO) and the second frame portion P2a formed around the elongated groove S of the second plate P2 (i.e., the second frame portion P2a adjacent to the main inner frame portion MI). The protruding jaw 21 may include an upper surface protruding upward and a concave lower surface pulled in from below, and the concave lower surface of the protruding jaw 21 may be used as a clamp groove 22. The protruding upper surface of the protruding jaw 21 may be used as a wall for defining a cooling channel F therebetween, and the cooling channel F may be formed between the protruding jaw 21 formed at the edge of the second plate P2 and the protruding jaw 21 formed around the elongated groove S of the second plate P2. The protruding jaw 21 may play a role in protecting the cooling channel F, for example, when the sealing portion 50 formed around the cooling channel F (ie, the sealing material forming the sealing portion 50 ) leaks into the cooling channel F, the cooling channel F may be prevented from being blocked.

[0101] The cooling channel F may be formed between the first plate P1 formed for each individual accommodation space G and the second plate P2 arranged to face the first plate P1, and may be formed between the first exposed portion P1b of the first plate P1 and the second exposed portion P2b of the second plate P2. In this case, the first exposed portion P1b may define one side of the cooling channel F in the third direction Z3, and the second exposed portion P2b may define the other side of the cooling channel F in the third direction Z3. In this case, the second exposed portion P2b defining the other side of the cooling channel F may correspond to the protruding jaw 21 (refer to Figure 7 ) and the protruding jaws 21 formed around the elongated groove S of the second plate P2 (refer to Figure 8) area between the first plate P1 and the second plate P2. The cooling channel F may be formed separately for each accommodating space G, and the first plate P1 may be formed separately for each accommodating space G and may define one side of the cooling channel F. On the other hand, the second plate P2 is not formed separately for each accommodating space G, but may define one cooling channel F from one edge of the second plate P2 to the elongated groove S (i.e., to the protruding jaws 21 around the elongated groove S), and may define another cooling channel F from the elongated groove S (i.e., from the protruding jaws 21 around the elongated groove S) to the other edge of the second plate P2. In this case, a pair of protruding jaws 21 (protruding jaws 21 adjacent to the main inner frame MI) formed around the elongated groove S may form different cooling channels F, respectively. The pair of protruding jaws 21 formed around the elongated groove S may include upper surfaces flatly connected to each other, and the elongated groove S formed between the pair of protruding jaws 21 may provide an injection position for a sealing material for forming the third sealing portion 53 and the fourth sealing portion 54. According to some embodiments, the protruding jaw 21 formed around the elongated groove S may be formed between the cooling channel F and the sealing portion 50, and may prevent or reduce the sealing material used to form the sealing portion 50 from leaking into the cooling channel F and blocking the cooling channel F. For example, the resistance to the leakage path of the sealing material may be increased by the upper surface of the protruding jaw 21, and thus, the leakage of the sealing material into the cooling channel F may be prevented or reduced.

[0102] According to some embodiments, the cooling channel F can extend in a first direction Z1 corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the battery module 1, and the cooling channel F extending in the first direction Z1 can extend across the accommodating space G arranged in the first direction Z1, and can cool the battery assembly B accommodated in the accommodating space G.

[0103] The module housing 5 according to some embodiments may be formed by DSI. For example, in DSI, the main housing H and the first plate P1 including different materials may be formed integrally by insert molding by one-time molding. In this case, in one-time molding, the insert molding of the main housing H and the first plate P1 and the molding of the second plate P2 may be performed together. For example, in one-time molding, the molding jig for insert molding and the molding jig for forming the second plate P2 may undergo respective molding processes at positions separated from each other. In the secondary molding after the one-time molding, while at least one molding jig between the molding jig for insert molding and the molding jig for forming the second plate P2 slides toward each other, the second plate P2 and the one-time molding body in which the main housing H and the first plate P1 are integrated slide to a position in contact with each other, after which the sealing material may be injected through the injection position, and thus, the sealing portion 50 mediating the connection between the one-time molding body and the second plate P2 may be formed.

[0104] 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 may include the same resin material, and the first plate P1 may include a metal material having excellent thermal conductivity, such as an aluminum material, in consideration of the cooling performance of the accommodation space G. As described above, the module housing 5 according to some embodiments may include a composite material including a metal material and a resin material.

[0105] In the following, reference is made to Figure 4 The structure of the first connection line L1 forming the connection between the first plate P1 and the main shell H is described. The first connection line L1 may be formed along the first border portion P1a formed at the edge of the first plate P1 formed separately for each accommodating space G, and therefore, the first connection line L1 may form each closed loop around each accommodating space G. In other words, the first connection line L1 may be formed to have a closed loop shape along the edge of the first plate P1 formed separately for each accommodating space G. For example, the first connection line L1 may be formed to have the form of four closed loops that separately surround the first to fourth accommodating spaces G1, G2, G3, and G4, respectively. For example, according to some embodiments, the first connection line L1 having a closed loop shape may have an angled corner. As described below, the second connection line L2 may be formed to have a closed loop shape along the edge of the second plate P2, and in consideration of the fluidity of the sealing material used to form the sealing portion 50, the second connection line L2 may have a rounded corner. Because the second connection line L2 includes the sealing portion 50 formed by injecting the sealing material, the second connection line L2 can have rounded corners considering the fluidity of the sealing material, and because the first connection line L1 includes the concave retaining portion RH formed by insert molding, the first connection line L1 can have an angled corner unlike the second connection line L2.

[0106] The first connection lines L1 may surround each accommodation space G, and may be formed in pairs along the elongated grooves S formed between adjacent accommodation spaces G (i.e., between the first accommodation space G1 and the second accommodation space G2 adjacent to each other along the second direction Z2 and the third accommodation space G3 and the fourth accommodation space G4 adjacent to each other along the second direction Z2) of the second plate P2. For example, along the elongated grooves S of the second plate P2, the first connection lines L1 may include a pair of first connection lines L1 surrounding the first accommodation space G1 and the second accommodation space G2, respectively, and a pair of first connection lines L1 surrounding the third accommodation space G3 and the fourth accommodation space G4, respectively.

[0107] In the following, reference is made to Figure 5The structure of the second connection line L2 forming the connection between the second plate P2 and the main shell H is described. The second connection line L2 may include the second connection line L2 formed to have a closed loop shape along the second border portion P2a, and the second border portion P2a is formed at the edge of the second plate P2 formed commonly relative to all the accommodating spaces G. In this case, because the second connection line L2 includes the sealing portion 50 formed by injecting the sealing material, the second connection line L2 having the closed loop shape can have rounded corners in consideration of the fluidity of the sealing material. For example, because by setting at least one position along the second connection line L2 as an injection position of the sealing material, the second connection line L2 having the closed loop shape can be formed while the sealing material flows along the second connection line L2, the second connection line L2 can have rounded corners in consideration of the fluidity of the sealing material.

[0108] The second connection line L2 may be formed to have a strip shape along the second border portion P2a formed around the elongated groove S formed inside the second plate P2. In this case, the second connection line L2 may be formed by setting the position of each elongated groove S as an injection position of the sealing material without being disconnected from the bridge BR between the elongated grooves S, and may extend continuously across the bridge BR in the first direction Z1. The second connection line L2 may be formed by injecting the sealing material at at least one position of the second connection line L2 along the strip shape that is set as the injection position of the sealing material. In this case, the second connection line L2 extending in a strip shape while the sealing material flows along the second direction Z2 may be formed.

[0109] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a mating structure of a module case according to some embodiments. Fig.10 It is shown Fig. 9 A perspective view of the first plate is shown. Fig.11 The first board is along Fig.10 A sectional view taken along line XI-XI. Fig.12 According to some embodiments Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view of the first plate is shown. Fig.13 According to some embodiments Fig. 9 A perspective view of the first plate is shown.

[0110] Reference Figures 9 to 13, the module housing 5 according to some embodiments may include a matching structure P11 between the first bezel portion P1a and the main bezel portion M as a structure for strengthening the coupling force between the first plate P1 formed by insert molding and the main housing H. In this case, the matching structure P11 between the first bezel portion P1a and the main bezel portion M may represent a structure in which the first bezel portion P1a and the main bezel portion M integrated by insert molding cooperate with each other through complementary shapes so as not to be separated from each other. For example, according to some embodiments, the hole 61, the protrusion 62, and the uneven pattern 63 may be formed along the first bezel portion P1a formed at the edge of the first plate P1, and the hole 61, the protrusion 62, and the uneven pattern 63 formed along the first bezel portion P1a may be filled or covered by a portion of the main housing H having a shape complementary to them, and may form an interface with the main housing H. In this case, the hole 61, the protrusion 62, and the uneven pattern 63 formed in the first frame portion P1a can form a strong connection between the first frame portion P1a and the main shell H while being filled or covered by a portion of the main shell H having a shape complementary to them, or forming an interface. In this case, the portion of the main shell H that physically interferes with the hole 61, the protrusion 62, and the uneven pattern 63 formed in the first frame portion P1a can represent at least one of an area with an upper width W1 covering the upper surface of the first frame portion P1a or an area with a lower width W2 covering the lower surface of the first frame portion P1a in the recessed retaining portion RH that forms a connection with the first frame portion P1a. In the recessed retaining portion RH, at least one of the area with the upper width W1 or the area with the lower width W2 can form a strong connection with the first plate P1 while filling or covering the hole 61, the protrusion 62, and the uneven pattern 63 formed in the first frame portion P1a, or forming an interface.

[0111] For example, Fig.12 As shown, the protrusion 62 protruding from the first frame portion P1a in both the upper and lower directions can form a matching structure P11 with the region having the upper width W1 and the region having the lower width W2 in the recessed holding portion RH. For example, in each of the region having the upper width W1 and the region having the lower width W2, a groove shape complementary to the protrusion 62 can be formed to allow the protrusion 62 to be embedded. In addition, as Fig.13 As shown, the uneven pattern 63 formed upward from the first frame portion P1a can form a matching structure P11 with the region having the upper width W1 in the concave holding portion RH. For example, a wedge shape complementary to the uneven pattern 63 can be formed in the region having the upper width W1 to form an inclined interface with the uneven pattern 63. Fig. 9As shown, the hole 61 formed in the first bezel portion P1a can be filled with a protrusion shape extending from an area having an upper width W1 and an area having a lower width W2 in the recessed holding portion RH. The protrusion shape extending from an area having an upper width W1 and an area having a lower width W2 in the recessed holding portion RH can form a matching structure P11 while filling the hole 61 of the first bezel portion P1a.

[0112] Hereinafter, the matching structure P11 between the first plate P1 and the main housing H is described in more detail.

[0113] Reference Figures 9 to 11 , a hole 61 filled with a portion of the main frame portion M may be formed in the first frame portion P1a formed along the edge of the first plate P1. According to some embodiments, the hole 61 formed in the first frame portion P1a may be formed along the edge of the first plate P1, and may be formed entirely along the first connection line L1, which is connected to the first frame portion P1a formed in the edge of the first plate P1. The hole 61 of the first frame portion P1a may be filled with a portion of the main frame portion M having a complementary shape, thereby improving the connection strength between the first frame portion P1a and the main frame portion M. For example, the first plate P1 may be formed together with the main shell H by insert molding. In this case, the hole 61 formed in the first frame portion P1a of the first plate P1 in the insert molding may be filled with the molten resin forming the main shell H, and thus, the main frame portion M filling the hole 61 of the first frame portion P1a may be formed. In this case, the main bezel portion M may be formed to have a complementary shape to fill the hole 61 of the first bezel portion P1a, and the main bezel portion M and the hole 61 of the first bezel portion P1a may form a strong connection while forming shapes connected relative to each other.

[0114] The first plate P1 forms a cooling channel F together with the second plate P2. When the first plate P1 is lifted by the high pressure of the cooling medium flowing through the cooling channel F, leakage of the cooling medium occurs, and therefore, it is necessary to firmly fix the position of the first plate P1 and increase the coupling force between the first plate P1 and the main housing H. Therefore, according to some embodiments, by forming a plurality of holes 61 along the edge of the first plate P1 for shape coupling by insert molding, the coupling strength between the first plate P1 and the main housing H can be increased, and leakage of the cooling channel F formed by the first plate P1 can be prevented. In a first exposed portion P1b of the first plate P1 on one side defining the cooling channel F, a plurality of heat dissipation fins 11 protruding toward the cooling channel F may be formed. According to some embodiments, the plurality of heat dissipation fins 11 may extend in a first direction Z1 in which the cooling channel F extends. In this case, the first direction Z1 in which the cooling channel F extends may correspond to the longitudinal direction of the accommodating space G.

[0115] Reference Fig.12 , the protrusion 62 may be formed around the hole 61 formed at the edge of the first plate P1. The protrusion 62 may be formed along the first frame portion P1a formed at the edge of the first plate P1, and according to some embodiments, the protrusion 62 may be formed entirely along the first connection 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 protrusion 62 may strengthen the coupling force formed between the first frame portion P1a and the main frame portion M by insert molding. For example, the protrusion 62 formed to protrude from the edge of the first plate P1 in the thickness direction thereof (third direction Z3) may be shaped to be coupled with the main frame portion M for embedding the protrusion 62 in a complementary shape. A groove of a complementary shape may be formed in the main frame portion M to accommodate the protrusion 62 of the first frame portion P1a, and the protrusion 62 and the main frame portion M may form a shape that is not coupled to each other. According to some embodiments, the fact that the main bezel portion M embeds the protrusion 62 in a complementary shape may mean that the main bezel portion M is formed in a shape complementary to the protrusion 62 and entirely surrounds the protrusion 62 so that the protrusion 62 is not exposed.

[0116] According to some embodiments, the protrusion 62 may protrude in both the upper and lower directions in the thickness direction (third direction Z3) of the first plate P1, and in the main frame portion M, a groove for accommodating the protrusion 62 may be formed on both upper and lower sides of the first plate P1. According to some embodiments, the protrusion 62 may be formed around the hole 61 formed along the edge of the first plate P1. For example, the protrusion 62 may be formed at a position further inside than the hole 61 formed at the edge of the first plate P1. However, according to some embodiments, the protrusion 62 may be formed along the edge of the first plate P1 where the hole 61 is not formed, and regardless of whether the hole 61 is present, the protrusion 62 may form a shape connection between the first frame portion P1a and the main frame portion M, and the connection strength therebetween may be improved.

[0117] Reference Fig.13, an uneven pattern 63 forming an inclined interface with the main frame portion M may be formed on the edge of the first plate P1. For example, the uneven pattern 63 may be formed along the edge of the first plate P1, for example, may be formed entirely along the first connection line L1 formed at the edge of the first plate P1. According to some embodiments, the uneven pattern 63 may form an interface with the main frame portion M formed in a complementary shape, and may form at least one inclined interface. For example, the uneven pattern 63 may form an inclined interface in the second direction Z2. For example, the uneven pattern 63 may form a first pair of interfaces I1 inclined to face each other, and according to some embodiments, the uneven pattern 63 may form a dovetail-shaped inclined interface with the main frame portion M. For example, the uneven pattern 63 may form an interface inclined at an inclination of about 45 degrees relative to the second direction Z2 and an interface inclined at an inclination of about -45 degrees relative to the second direction Z2, and thus, a first pair of interfaces I1 inclined to face each other may be formed. In this case, the fact that each of the first pair of interfaces I1 formed by the uneven pattern 63 is inclined to face each other can mean that each of the first pair of interfaces I1 has an inclination that gradually approaches each other from a lower position to an upper position in the thickness direction of the first plate P1 (third direction Z3). In other words, the first pair of interfaces I1 formed by the uneven pattern 63 can have an inclination that approaches each other from a lower position to an upper position in a direction opposite to the second plate P2. In this way, since the first pair of interfaces I1 has an inclination that approaches each other from a lower position to an upper position, it is possible to effectively prevent the portion of the main shell H formed between the first pair of interfaces I1 from being separated by the gap between the first pair of interfaces I1.

[0118] The uneven pattern 63 is configured to strengthen the connection strength between the first plate P1 and the main shell H integrated by insert molding, and a shape connection can be formed while the main shell H fills the uneven pattern 63 of the first plate P1 with a complementary shape. According to some embodiments, the uneven pattern 63 can be formed together with the hole 61 at the edge of the first plate P1. For example, according to some embodiments, on the edge (first border portion P1a) of the first plate P1, the hole 61 filled by the main border portion M and the uneven pattern 63 can be formed together. In this case, the uneven pattern 63 can be formed at a position further inside than the hole 61 formed at the edge of the first plate P1. However, according to some embodiments, the uneven pattern 63 can be formed along the edge of the first plate P1 where the hole 61 is not formed, and regardless of whether the hole 61 is present, the uneven pattern can form a shape connection between the first border portion P1a and the main border portion M, thereby improving the connection strength therebetween.

[0119] According to some embodiments, the uneven pattern 63 may form a first pair of interfaces I1 that are inclined to face each other, and a second pair of interfaces I2 that are inclined to face each other between the first pair of interfaces I1 that face each other. In this case, as described above, the fact that the first pair of interfaces I1 are inclined to face each other may indicate that the first pair of interfaces I1 have an inclination that gradually approaches each other from a lower position to an upper position in the thickness direction (third direction Z3) of the first plate P1. In addition, the fact that the second pair of interfaces I2 are inclined to face each other may indicate that the second pair of interfaces I2 have an inclination that gradually approaches each other from a lower position to an upper position in the thickness direction (third direction Z3) of the first plate P1. In this case, the first pair of interfaces I1 may include an interface inclined at an inclination of about 45 degrees relative to the second direction Z2 and an interface inclined at an inclination of about -45 degrees relative to the second direction Z2. In addition, the second pair of interfaces I2 may include an interface that is inclined downward toward the second plate P2 more than the first pair of interfaces I1. For example, the second pair of interfaces I2 may include an interface inclined at an inclination greater than about 45 degrees and an interface inclined at an inclination greater than about -45 degrees. According to some embodiments, each pair of the first pair of interfaces I1 and the second pair of interfaces I2 has an inclination approaching each other from a lower position to an upper position in a direction opposite to the second plate P2, but the second pair of interfaces I2 may have an inclination more inclined toward the second plate P2 than the first pair of interfaces I1.

[0120] Regarding the uneven pattern 63 including the first pair of interfaces I1 and the second pair of interfaces I2, the main housing H may be shape-coupled with the uneven pattern 63 in a shape complementary to the uneven pattern 63. For example, the main housing H may be shape-coupled with the uneven pattern 63 in a complementary shape including a wedge shape formed between one of the first pair of interfaces I1 and one of the second pair of interfaces I2 in the second direction Z2, and another wedge shape formed between the other of the first pair of interfaces I1 and the other of the second pair of interfaces I2 in the second direction Z2.

[0121] Fig.14 According to some embodiments, a Figure 1 A power supply device 100 of a battery module is shown. Fig.15 yes Fig.14 A cross-sectional view of the side reinforcement frame is shown, and the Fig.14 A sectional view taken along line XV-XV of FIG. Fig.16 yes Fig.14 Another cross-sectional view of the side reinforcement frame is shown.

[0122] Reference Figures 14 to 16 The power supply device 100 may 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 may include Figure 1 One or more battery modules 1 shown, and according to some embodiments, the power supply unit SU may include a plurality of battery modules 1 arranged along the second direction Z2. According to some embodiments, the first metal plate 101 and the second metal plate 102 may be arranged on the upper surface and the lower surface of the power supply unit SU, respectively. In this case, the upper surface and the lower surface of the power supply unit SU may each represent 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.

[0123] The first metal plate 101 and the second metal plate 102 can block electromagnetic noise radiated from the power supply unit SU and electromagnetic noise close to the power supply unit SU, thereby preventing or reducing the malfunction of the power supply device 100 and the malfunction of the equipment on which the power supply device 100 is installed. According to some embodiments, the first metal plate 101 and the second metal plate 102 can both include steel.

[0124] A plurality of beads 100a for absorbing impact may be formed on the first metal plate 101 and the second metal plate 102. For example, according to some embodiments, a plurality of beads 100a may be formed on at least one of the first metal plate 101 or the second metal plate 102, for example, on the second metal plate 102 arranged at a relatively downward position in the third direction Z3 and capable of supporting the power supply unit SU. In this case, the beads 100a may be formed individually in units of the battery modules 1 provided in the power supply unit SU, and may be disconnected in units of the battery modules 1. The beads 100a formed on the first metal plate 101 and the second metal plate 102 may absorb external impact in the third direction Z3 and absorb internal impact applied to the battery module 1. For example, the power supply device 100 according to some embodiments may be installed in a vehicle as a driving power source of the vehicle, and may protect the battery module 1 from impact applied while the vehicle is traveling. In this case, since the convex 100a formed on the first metal plate 101 and the second metal plate 102 is disconnected in units of the battery module 1, the convex 100a can prevent or reduce the impact on the battery module 1 from being transferred to another battery module 1 adjacent to the battery module 1. For example, the convex 100a may be formed to have a strip shape extending in the second direction Z2, and may be disconnected in units of the battery module 1 in the second direction Z2. The convex 100a is intended to protect the battery module 1, and may be formed on the inner surfaces of the first metal plate 101 and the second metal plate 102 facing the battery module 1.

[0125] According to some embodiments, the power supply device 100 may include a front reinforcement frame 110, a rear reinforcement frame 120, and a side reinforcement frame 150 arranged on each side connecting the upper surface of the power supply unit SU to the lower surface thereof. For example, the front reinforcement frame 110, the rear reinforcement frame 120, and the side reinforcement frame 150 may be arranged on the front surface, the rear surface, and the side surface of the power supply unit SU, respectively. The front reinforcement frame 110, the rear reinforcement frame 120, and the side reinforcement frame 150 may each include a metal material and may provide noise blocking together with the first metal plate 101 and the second metal plate 102. For example, the front reinforcement frame 110, the rear reinforcement frame 120, and the side reinforcement frame 150 may include the same steel material as the first metal plate 101 and the second metal plate 102. In this case, the front surface and the rear surface of the power supply unit SU may respectively refer to a surface forming the front of the power supply unit SU and a surface forming the rear of the power supply unit SU in the second direction Z2. In addition, the side surface of the power supply unit SU may refer to a side surface extending in the second direction Z2 and connecting the front surface of the power supply unit SU to the rear surface of the power supply unit SU.

[0126] According to some embodiments, the front and rear surfaces of the power supply unit SU may correspond to the short sides of the power supply unit SU or the long sides of each battery module 1, and the side surfaces of the power supply unit SU may correspond to the long sides of the power supply unit SU or the short sides of each battery module 1. For example, according to some embodiments, the power supply unit SU may include a plurality of battery modules 1 arranged in the second direction Z2 so that the long sides of the battery modules 1 extending in the first direction Z1 face each other. Therefore, the power supply unit SU may have 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 in which the battery modules 1 are arranged. In other words, the long sides of the power supply unit SU may correspond to the short sides of each battery module 1, and the short sides of the power supply unit SU may correspond to the long sides of each battery module 1.

[0127] Here, 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 may each refer to short sides forming both ends in the longitudinal direction of the power supply unit SU or the longitudinal direction of the battery module 1, and the side surface of the power supply unit SU or the side surface of the battery module 1 may refer to long sides extending in the longitudinal direction of the power supply unit SU or the longitudinal direction of the battery module 1. Therefore, the front reinforcement frame 110 and the rear reinforcement frame 120 respectively arranged on the front surface and the rear surface of the power supply unit SU corresponding to the short sides of the power supply unit SU may be arranged on the side surface of the battery module 1 corresponding to the long sides of the battery module 1. In addition, the side reinforcement frame 150 arranged on the side surface of the power supply unit SU corresponding to the long sides of the power supply unit SU may be arranged on the front surface and the rear surface of the battery module 1 corresponding to the short sides of the battery module 1.

[0128] The front reinforcing frame 110 may include an accommodation portion protruding forward to accommodate a battery management system (BMS) disposed at the front side of the power supply unit SU, and thus a bent portion 110a for forming the accommodation portion may be formed in the front reinforcing frame 110. In addition, a connection hole 110' for electrical connection with the BMS may be formed in the front reinforcing frame 110.

[0129] The exhaust hole 120' may be formed in the rear reinforcement frame 120. For example, the power supply device 100 according to some embodiments may be installed in a vehicle as a driving power source of the vehicle, and the front and rear surfaces of the power supply device 100 may be arranged toward the front and rear surfaces of the vehicle, respectively. Therefore, the exhaust gas discharged through the exhaust hole 120' of the rear reinforcement frame 120 may be discharged to the outside through the exhaust pipe at the rear of the vehicle.

[0130] The front reinforcement frame 110, the rear reinforcement frame 120, and the side reinforcement frame 150 can block electromagnetic noise together with the first metal plate 101 and the second metal plate 102, and can protect the power supply unit SU. For example, in the power supply device 100 installed in the vehicle, the external impact applied to the front and rear surfaces of the power supply device 100 can be absorbed to a certain extent by the buffers arranged at the front and rear of the vehicle, but the external impact applied to the side surface of the power supply device 100 may not be absorbed. Therefore, it is desirable to apply the impact mitigation structure to the power supply device 100 itself. Therefore, in the power supply device 100 according to some embodiments, the side reinforcement frame 150 having a structure more reinforced than the front reinforcement frame 110 and the rear reinforcement frame 120 can be applied. For reference, the power supply device 100 according to some embodiments can be arranged in the vehicle so that the front surface, rear surface, and side surface of the power supply device 100 face the front surface, rear surface, and side surface of the vehicle, respectively, and therefore, the buffers arranged at the front and rear sides of the power supply device 100 can mitigate the external impact applied to the front and rear surfaces of the power supply device 100.

[0131] According to some embodiments, the front reinforcement frame 110 and the rear reinforcement frame 120 may each have the form of a metal bar, and the side reinforcement frame 150 is at least not formed in the form of a metal bar and may have a closed cross-section.

[0132] Reference Fig.15 and Fig.16 The side reinforcing frame 150 may include an inner frame 151 and an outer frame 152 arranged to face each other, and may have a closed cross-section when the inner frame 151 and the outer frame 152 are connected to each other by a connecting rod 153. Therefore, the side reinforcing frame 150 may provide better impact absorption than the front reinforcing frame 110 or the rear reinforcing frame 120.

[0133] In the following, reference is made to Figures 14 to 16 The side reinforcing frame 150 is described in more detail.

[0134] Reference Figures 14 to 16 , the side reinforcing frames 150 may be arranged on the side surfaces of the power supply unit SU. For example, the side reinforcing frames 150 may be arranged in pairs on two side surfaces of the power supply unit SU facing each other in the first direction Z1. In this case, the side surfaces of the power supply unit SU on which the side reinforcing frames 150 are arranged may correspond to the long sides of the power supply unit SU, and may correspond to the front and rear sides of the battery module 1 corresponding to the short sides of the battery module 1. That is, the side reinforcing frames 150 may extend across the front and rear surfaces of a plurality of battery modules 1 extending in the first direction Z1 and arranged in the second direction Z2.

[0135] The side reinforcing frame 150 according to some embodiments may surround the refrigerant pipe PL arranged on the side surface of the power supply unit SU. According to some embodiments, the side reinforcing frame 150 may partially surround the refrigerant pipe PL, and may surround a portion of the refrigerant pipe PL arranged on an opposite side to the power supply unit SU. For example, the refrigerant pipe PL may be connected to a cooling channel F provided in each battery module 1. The refrigerant pipe PL may extend across a plurality of cooling channels F provided in the battery module 1, and may supply a cooling medium to or recover a cooling medium from the plurality of cooling channels F. For example, the refrigerant pipe PL may extend in a second direction Z2 in which a plurality of battery modules 1 are arranged, branch in a first direction Z1 at a position corresponding to the cooling channel F provided in each battery module 1, and supply a cooling medium to or recover a cooling medium from the cooling channel F extending in the first direction Z1 corresponding to the longitudinal direction of each battery module 1.

[0136] The side reinforcing frame 150 may include an inner frame 151 disposed to face a side surface of the power supply unit SU, an outer frame 152 disposed to be opposite to the side surface of the power supply unit SU in the first direction Z1, and a connecting rod 153 connecting the inner frame 151 to the outer frame 152. The inner frame 151 and the outer frame 152 may include a flat portion 151a and a flat portion 152a disposed in parallel with the side surface of the power supply unit SU, respectively, and a first connecting rod 1531 may be disposed between the flat portion 151a of the inner frame 151 and the flat portion 152a of the outer frame 152. The first connecting rod 1531 may connect the inner frame 151 to the outer frame 152 in the first direction Z1 and resist an external impact applied in the first direction Z1, i.e., in the lateral direction. The first connection rod 1531 may include a first outer connection rod 1531 a connecting an end of the inner frame 151 to an end of the outer frame 152 and forming a closed section of the side reinforcing frame 150 , and a first inner connection rod 1531 b formed within the closed section of the side reinforcing frame 150 .

[0137] The inner frame 151 may include a flat portion 151a extending parallel to the side surface of the power supply unit SU, and a curved portion 151b protruding rounded from the flat portion 151a away from the side surface of the power supply unit SU in the first direction Z1. In this case, the flat portion 151a of the inner frame 151 may include two flat portions 151a separated from each other with the curved portion 151b located therebetween in the third direction Z3, and the two flat portions 151a may provide a coupling position for coupling between the side reinforcing frame 150 and the power supply unit SU.

[0138] The bent portion 151b of the inner frame 151 may be arranged between the flat portions 151a of the inner frame 151 in the third direction Z3. The bent portion 151b of the inner frame 151 may be formed to be rounded to surround the refrigerant pipe PL arranged on the side surface of the power supply unit SU, that is, may have an arc shape following the circular cross-section of the refrigerant pipe PL. According to some embodiments, the bent portion 151b of the inner frame 151 is not formed to be rounded to simply surround the refrigerant pipe PL having a circular cross-section, and local stress concentration against external impact may be prevented or reduced and damage to the inner frame 151 due to local stress concentration may be prevented or reduced by smoothly transferring stress via the rounded bent portion 151b. That is, according to some embodiments, the bent portion 151b surrounding the refrigerant pipe PL may be formed to be rounded and may not include at least a portion bent at a certain angle.

[0139] The refrigerant pipe PL has a structure for supplying a cooling medium to a cooling channel F provided in each battery module 1 or recovering a cooling medium discharged from the cooling channel F, and may be provided in the form of a pipe having a circular cross-section. The refrigerant pipe PL may extend across a plurality of battery modules 1 arranged in the second direction Z2, and supply a low-temperature cooling medium or recover a high-temperature cooling medium in parallel to the plurality of battery modules 1. The cooling channel F provided in each battery module 1 is the same as described above, and therefore, some redundant descriptions thereof may be omitted.

[0140] The second connecting rod 1532 may be formed between the curved portion 151b of the inner frame 151 and the flat portion 152a of the outer frame 152. According to some embodiments, the second connecting rod 1532 may be connected to the convex vertex protruding the farthest in the first direction Z1 in the curved portion 151b of the inner frame 151. According to some embodiments, the second connecting rod 1532 is intended to resist an external impact applied in the first direction Z1, and the impact of the outer frame 152 may be transmitted to the inner frame 151 through the second connecting rod 1532. In this case, since the external impact is transmitted to the convex vertex of the inner frame 151 through the second connecting rod 1532, the stress transmission to both sides of the curved portion 151b connected to the convex vertex may be smoothly balanced through the convex vertex. When the connection position of the second connecting rod 1532 is formed at a different position of the curved portion 151b instead of the convex vertex of the curved portion 151b, the stress transmitted through the second connecting rod 1532 may be transmitted biased to one side, resulting in an imbalance of stress and a local concentration of stress.

[0141] The outer frame 152 may include a flat portion 152a extending parallel to the side surface of the power supply unit SU, and a protrusion 155 protruding from the flat portion 152a away from the side surface of the power supply unit SU in the first direction Z1. According to some embodiments, the protrusion 155 may provide a coupling position relative to a mounting plate that provides a support base for the power supply device 100. For example, the protrusion 155 may include a pair of protrusions 155a extending in parallel in the first direction Z1, and a connecting member 156 extending in a third direction Z3 intersecting the first direction Z1 and connecting the pair of protrusions 155a to each other. According to some embodiments, the pair of protrusions 155a may extend in parallel in the first direction Z1 from the first connecting rod 1531 and the second connecting rod 1532, respectively. For example, an external impact applied in the first direction Z1 may be first transferred to the protrusion 155 protruding in the first direction Z1, and may be transferred to the inner frame 151 through a pair of protrusion pieces 155a forming the protrusion 155 and the first and second connecting rods 1531 and 1532 connected to the pair of protrusion pieces 155a in a straight line. In the process of the external impact being transferred to each of the flat portion 151a and the curved portion 151b of the inner frame 151, the external impact may be absorbed by the pair of protrusion pieces 155a extending in the first direction Z1, or the first and second connecting rods 1531 and 1532 connected to the pair of protrusion pieces 155a in a straight line. For example, an external impact applied in the first direction Z1 may be transferred to the power supply unit SU in the form of being dispersed to several places while being propagated from the pair of protrusion pieces 155a to the four first and second connecting rods 1531 and 1532, and may be transferred to multiple places in the third direction Z3, thereby alleviating the impact on the power supply unit SU.

[0142] The protrusion 155 may provide a coupling position relative to a mounting plate forming a support base of the power supply device 100. For example, the position of the protrusion 155 may be fixed relative to the mounting plate by a fastening member that fits into fastening holes 155' formed at positions corresponding to each other in a pair of protrusions 155a, and the position of the power supply device 100 may be fixed by the protrusion 155.

[0143] The pair of protrusions 155a may be supported relative to each other by a connection member 156, and the connection member 156 may include an outer connection member 156a connecting ends of the pair of protrusions 155a to form a closed section of the side reinforcing frame 150, and an inner connection member 156b formed inside the closed section of the side reinforcing frame 150. In this case, a fastening hole 155' into which a fastening member is fitted may be formed between the outer connection member 156a and the inner connection member 156b.

[0144] The connecting member 156 can extend in the third direction Z3 along the fastening direction of the fastening member fitted into the protrusion 155, and can support the pair of protrusion members 155a to each other at regular intervals in the third direction Z3, thereby resisting the fastening force applied in the fastening direction and preventing or reducing damage to the protrusion 155.

[0145] The protrusion 155 may be formed between the flat portions 152a formed on both sides of the outer frame 152 along the third direction Z3. The protrusion 155 may provide a coupling position with a mounting plate at a position elevated from a mounting plate that provides a support base for the power supply device 100 in the third direction Z3. Therefore, the coupling force with the mounting plate may not be affected by the deformation or shape of the protrusion 155.

[0146] According to some embodiments, in the lower surface of the power supply unit SU, a step space SS pulled out from the side surface of the power supply unit SU in the first direction Z1 may be formed. In addition, the side reinforcement frame 150 may be connected to the extension frame 160 arranged in the step space SS. The step space SS may be formed while a portion of the lower surface of the power supply unit SU connected to the side surface is pulled out from the side surface of the power supply unit SU in the first direction Z1. According to some embodiments, the extension frame 160 together with the inner frame 151 may surround the corner where the side surface and the lower surface of the power supply device 100 contact each other. The extension frame 160 may include a pair of extension frames 160 extending in parallel in the first direction Z1, and the pair of extension frames 160 may include one end connected to each other by the inner frame 151 (i.e., the flat portion 151a) and the other end formed in an open form. That is, unlike the side reinforcement frame 150, the extension frame 160 may be formed in an open form, and therefore, the tolerance of the step space SS may be provided by the extension frame 160 formed in an open form, and the external impact in the third direction Z3 may be more effectively absorbed. The side reinforcing frame 150 may be formed to have a closed cross-section by a first outer connecting rod 1531 a connecting the inner frame 151 to the outer frame 152 and an outer connecting member connecting the pair of protrusions 155 a to each other.

[0147] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a power supply device may have relatively improved impact resistance against external impact and may have relatively low weight by using a module case including a composite material.

[0148] It should be understood that the embodiments described herein should be considered as descriptive only and not for limiting purposes. The description of features or aspects within each embodiment should generally be considered to be applicable to other similar features or aspects in other embodiments. Although aspects of one or more embodiments have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0149] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0189842 filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on December 31, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Claims

1. A power supply device, comprising: A power supply unit, comprising at least one battery module; as well as a side reinforcing frame on a side surface of the power supply unit and surrounding a refrigerant pipe connected to a cooling channel of the at least one battery module, The refrigerant pipe is formed on the side surface of the power supply unit and is located between the side reinforcing frame and the side surface of the power supply unit, The side reinforcement frame comprises: an inner frame facing the side surface of the power supply unit; an outer frame opposite to the side surface of the power supply unit in a first direction; and a connecting rod connecting the inner frame to the outer frame, The inner frame includes a flat portion extending parallel to the side surface of the power supply unit and a curved portion protruding in a rounded manner from the flat portion away from the side surface of the power supply unit in the first direction, the curved portion surrounding the refrigerant pipe, The inner frame and the outer frame are connected to each other by the connection rod to have a closed cross section, and the refrigerant pipe is located between the closed cross section and the side surface of the power supply unit.

2. The power supply device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one battery module comprises: at least one battery assembly; A main housing, comprising a main frame portion surrounding a receiving space, wherein the at least one battery assembly is located in the receiving space; a first plate including a first frame portion coupled to the main frame portion and a first exposed portion exposed from the main frame portion and defining a side of the cooling channel for cooling the accommodation space; as well as The second plate faces the first plate and includes a second frame portion coupled to the main frame portion and a second exposed portion exposed from the main frame portion and defining the other side of the cooling channel.

3. The power supply device according to claim 1, wherein The power supply unit includes a plurality of battery modules, each battery module extending in the first direction and the plurality of battery modules are arranged in a second direction, and The side reinforcing frame extends across front and rear surfaces of the plurality of battery modules arranged in the second direction. 4 . The power supply device according to claim 3 , wherein the cooling channel extends in the first direction in which the front surfaces of the plurality of battery modules face the rear surfaces of the plurality of battery modules. 5 . The power supply device according to claim 4 , wherein the refrigerant pipe extends in the second direction, branches in the first direction, and is configured to supply a cooling medium to a plurality of cooling channels or recover the cooling medium from the plurality of cooling channels. 6 . The power supply device according to claim 1 , wherein each of the inner frame and the outer frame includes a flat portion arranged parallel to the side surface of the power supply unit. 7 . The power supply device of claim 6 , wherein the connection bar comprises a first connection bar extending between the flat portion of the inner frame and the flat portion of the outer frame.

8. The power supply device according to claim 7, wherein the first connecting rod comprises: a first outer connecting rod connecting an end of the inner frame to an end of the outer frame and forming a closed section of the side reinforcing frame; as well as A first inner connecting rod is formed at an inner side of the closed cross section of the side reinforcing frame. 9 . The power supply device according to claim 1 , wherein the bent portion is formed between flat portions on both sides of the bent portion in a third direction intersecting the first direction. 10 . The power supply device according to claim 9 , wherein the flat portions formed at both sides of the bent portion provide coupling locations for coupling between the side reinforcing frame and the power supply unit. 11 . The power supply device of claim 1 , wherein the connection bar comprises a second connection bar extending between a curved portion of the inner frame and a flat portion of the outer frame. 12 . The power supply device according to claim 11 , wherein the second connection bar is connected to a convex vertex in the bent portion of the inner frame that is farthest from the side surface of the power supply unit in the first direction. 13 . The power supply device according to claim 1 , wherein the outer frame comprises a flat portion extending parallel to the side surface of the power supply unit and a protrusion protruding from the flat portion away from the side surface of the power supply unit in the first direction. 14 . The power supply device according to claim 13 , wherein the protrusion is formed between the flat portions formed at both sides of the outer frame in a third direction crossing the first direction. 15 . The power supply device according to claim 13 , wherein the protrusion comprises a pair of protrusion pieces extending in parallel in the first direction and a connection piece extending in a third direction intersecting the first direction and connecting the pair of protrusion pieces to each other.

16. The power supply device according to claim 15, wherein the connecting member comprises: an outer connecting member connecting the ends of the pair of protruding members to each other to form a closed cross section of the side reinforcing frame; as well as An inner connecting member is formed on the inner side of the closed cross section of the side reinforcing frame. 17 . The power supply device according to claim 16 , wherein fastening holes are formed in the pair of protrusions along the third direction crossing the first direction, the pair of protrusions being formed between the outer connector and the inner connector.

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