Battery module

Abstract

A battery module includes: a plurality of cell stacks, each of the cell stacks including a plurality of unit cells arranged in a first direction and an insulating member around the plurality of unit cells; and a module housing in which a plurality of receiving portions are provided, a cell stack among the plurality of cell stacks is located in a receiving portion among the plurality of receiving portions, and each receiving portion includes a fixing wall around the cell stack received therein and in contact with the cell stack, and the module housing includes an end wall at a corresponding side of each receiving portion in the first direction to engage an end surface of a corresponding side of the cell stack received in the corresponding receiving portion in the first direction.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese invention patent application 201910988354.4, filed on October 17, 2019, entitled "Battery Module". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to battery modules. Background Technology

[0003] Rechargeable batteries, or secondary batteries, differ from primary batteries in that secondary batteries are configured to be repeatedly charged and discharged, while primary batteries are configured to provide only the irreversible conversion from chemical energy to electrical energy. Low-capacity rechargeable batteries can be used as power sources for small electronic devices such as mobile phones, laptops, computers, and portable cameras, while high-capacity rechargeable batteries can be used as power sources for hybrid vehicles, etc.

[0004] A secondary battery may include an electrode assembly, a housing containing the electrode assembly, and electrode terminals electrically connected to the electrode assembly. The electrode assembly includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator inserted between the positive electrode and the negative electrode.

[0005] An electrolyte solution is injected into the casing, enabling the battery to be charged and recharged through electrochemical reactions between the positive electrode, the negative electrode, and the electrolyte solution. For example, depending on the application of the battery, the casing may have different shapes, such as cylindrical or rectangular.

[0006] Rechargeable batteries are used in the form of a stack of cells consisting of multiple units connected in series or parallel, and can provide, for example, high energy density for use in hybrid vehicles.

[0007] With the development of technology, the amount of electricity required by electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and other energy-consuming devices has increased, and multiple battery modules can be provided to meet the required amount of electricity.

[0008] Therefore, it is desirable to develop new modular structures that include multiple stacked units, which can meet the power requirements of power-consuming devices, simplify component composition, reduce manufacturing costs and weight, and make manufacturing processes more efficient.

[0009] The information disclosed in this background section is only intended to enhance the understanding of the background art of this invention, and therefore may contain information that does not constitute prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention provide a battery module (e.g., a large battery module) that can effectively increase power output, simplify components, and effectively improve the manufacturing process.

[0011] A battery module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: a plurality of cell stacks, each of the cell stacks including a plurality of unit cells arranged in a first direction and an insulating member surrounding the plurality of unit cells; and a module housing, wherein a plurality of receiving portions are provided, the cell stacks being located in the receiving portions, wherein each receiving portion includes a fixing wall surrounding and contacting the cell stacks received therein, and wherein the module housing includes an end wall at a corresponding side of each receiving portion along the first direction to engage the end face of the cell stacks received in the corresponding receiving portion along the corresponding side of the first direction.

[0012] The module housing may also include a partition wall that extends in a first direction and divides the internal space surrounded by the outer wall of the module housing to form adjacent receiving portions of a plurality of receiving portions in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The partition wall may correspond to a portion of a fixed wall of the adjacent receiving portions of the plurality of receiving portions and may contact the side surface of the corresponding unit stack received in the adjacent receiving portions of the plurality of receiving portions.

[0013] The end wall may include a first end wall and a second end wall, and the first end wall may face the outer wall of the module housing and may be spaced apart from the outer wall along a first direction, defining a first space between the first end wall and the outer wall.

[0014] The first receiving part and the second receiving part among the multiple receiving parts can be arranged along a first direction in the internal space of the module housing, and the second end wall of the first receiving part and the second end wall of the second receiving part can be spaced apart from each other and face each other, defining a second space between the second end wall of the first receiving part and the second end wall of the second receiving part.

[0015] The end walls can be bent outwards, so that the central portion of the end wall can be positioned further away from the end face of the unit stack than the other portions of the end wall, defining a third space between the respective end face and the respective end wall.

[0016] Each of the cell stacks may also include a pair of end supports located at opposite ends of the cell stack along a first direction and having outer surfaces corresponding to the end faces.

[0017] The end face can be recessed inward, so that its central part is farther from the end wall than other parts of the corresponding end face.

[0018] The inner surface of the end wall can contact the corresponding unit stack, and the outer surface of the end wall can include multiple first ribs.

[0019] Multiple first ribs may extend upward in a third direction and may be spaced apart from each other in a second direction, the third direction being perpendicular to the first and second directions.

[0020] The end support may include a plurality of second ribs projecting from the end face toward the end wall.

[0021] Multiple second ribs can be spaced apart from each other in a grid pattern in the second and third directions, with the third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions.

[0022] The partition walls, end walls, and outer walls can be integrated with the bottom surface of the module housing.

[0023] The battery module may include a cooling channel below the bottom surface of the module housing, the cooling channel being configured to accommodate a flow of coolant.

[0024] The sidewalls of the cooling channel can be integrated with the bottom surface of the module housing.

[0025] The module housing may also include a connecting portion configured to connect to an adjacent module housing.

[0026] The connecting portion can be located on the first and second outer walls along the second direction in the outer wall of the module housing, and the connecting portion on the second outer wall of the module housing can be configured to connect to the connecting portion on the first outer wall of the adjacent module housing.

[0027] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, electrical energy can be effectively increased, components can be simplified, and the manufacturing process of battery modules can be effectively improved. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a partial exploded perspective view illustrating a battery module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing a portion of the receiving section in a battery module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the end wall and end support in a battery module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional perspective view of the end wall in a battery module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the end face of the end support member in a battery module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 6 The diagram schematically illustrates a cooling channel in a battery module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 7This is a bottom view of the cooling channels in a battery module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of multiple battery modules interconnected according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 9 This is a view showing a diagram in which battery modules according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure are connected to each other.

[0037] Description of some symbols

[0038] 100: Unit stack 110: Unit

[0039] 120: End support member; 122: Second rib

[0040] 200: Module housing; 210: Outer wall of the module housing.

[0041] 211: First Wall 212: Second Wall

[0042] 215: First Space 216: Second Space

[0043] 217: Third Space 220: Receiving Unit

[0044] 230: Partition wall; 240: End wall

[0045] 242: First rib; 250: Fixed wall

[0046] 260: Bottom surface of the module housing; 300: Cooling channel.

[0047] 310: Flow space; 320: Side wall of cooling channel

[0048] 330: Channel cover; 350: Guide protrusion

[0049] 400: Connecting part; 410: Fastening part

[0050] 420: Guiding part; 430: Connecting part

[0051] 1000: Battery module; 1001: Adjacent module housing Detailed Implementation

[0052] In the following detailed description, only certain exemplary embodiments of the invention have been shown and described by way of illustration only. However, the invention may be embodied in a variety of different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments shown herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided as examples so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey aspects and features of the invention to those skilled in the art. Therefore, processes, elements, and techniques not essential for a full understanding of the aspects and features of the invention by those of ordinary skill in the art may not be described.

[0053] As those skilled in the art will recognize, the described embodiments can be modified in various different ways without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, the drawings and description are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive in nature. In the drawings, the relative dimensions of elements, layers, and regions may be exaggerated for clarity. Unless otherwise stated, the same reference numerals denote the same elements throughout the drawings and written description, and therefore their description need not be repeated.

[0054] It will be understood that although the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or portion from another element, component, region, layer, or portion. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer, or portion described below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or portion without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0055] For ease of interpretation, spatial relational terms, such as “below,” “lower,” “below,” “above,” “upper,” etc., may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature as shown in the figures to other elements(s) or features(s). It will be understood that, in addition to the orientations depicted in the figures, spatial relational terms are also intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the figures is flipped, the element described as “below” or “below” another element or feature will be oriented “above” said other element or feature. Thus, the example terms “below” and “below” can cover both upper and lower orientations. The device may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in another orientation), and the spatial relational descriptions used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0056] Furthermore, it should be understood in this specification that when a component is referred to as being "on" another component, "attached to," or "connected to" another component, the component may be directly on, attached to, or connected to said other component, or one or more intermediary elements may be present. Conversely, when a component is described as being "directly on" another component, "directly attached to," or "directly connected to" another component, it should be understood that no intermediary element is present. Additionally, it will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "between" two elements or layers, it may be the only element or layer between those two elements or layers, or one or more intermediary elements or layers may be present.

[0057] Furthermore, the terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of simply explaining particular exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the invention. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, singular expressions used herein include plural expressions.

[0058] Furthermore, it will be understood in this specification that the terms “comprising,” “including,” “including,” “having,” and “having” are intended to indicate the presence of the features, numbers, steps, operations, constituent elements and components or combinations thereof described in this specification, and do not preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, constituent elements and components or combinations thereof.

[0059] Furthermore, in this specification, the term "and / or" includes a combination of multiple described items or any one of multiple described items. In this specification, "A or B" can include "A", "B", or "both A and B". Expressions such as "at least one of...", when placed after an element in a column, modify the entire column, not individual elements within the column.

[0060] When used herein, the terms “substantially,” “about,” and similar terms are used as approximate terms rather than terms of degree, and are intended to account for inherent variations in measured or calculated values ​​that will be recognized by those skilled in the art. Furthermore, the use of “may” in describing embodiments of the invention means “one or more embodiments of the invention.” Additionally, the use of alternative language such as “or” in describing embodiments of the invention means “one or more embodiments of the invention” for each listed counterpart. When used herein, the terms “use,” “using…,” and “being used” can be considered synonymous with the terms “utilize,” “using…,” and “being exploited,” respectively. Furthermore, the term “exemplary” is intended to indicate an example or illustration.

[0061] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. It will also be understood that terms such as those defined in general dictionaries should be interpreted as having the meaning consistent with their meaning in the relevant field and / or the context of this specification, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense, unless expressly so defined herein.

[0062] Figure 1 A battery module (e.g., a large battery module) 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, and Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 The receiving section (e.g., receiving unit) 220 in the battery module 1000 shown.

[0063] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a battery module 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a unit stack 100 and a module housing 200. The unit stack 100 may include a plurality of unit cells 110 arranged in a first direction X (or along the first direction X) and an insulating member 112 surrounding (or around) the plurality of unit cells 110. The module housing 200 may include a plurality of receiving portions 220 into which the unit stack 100 is inserted. The receiving portions 220 may include a fixing wall 250 surrounding (or around) the unit stack 100 and at least a portion thereof contacting the unit stack 100.

[0064] The unit stack 100 includes a plurality of unit units 110 arranged (or stacked) in a first direction X. Each unit unit 110 corresponds to a secondary battery, which includes an electrode assembly and is provided with terminal units, and each unit unit 110 may have a housing having any suitable shape (such as square or cylindrical).

[0065] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this context, each unit cell 110 has a rectangular column-shaped shell, but the invention is not limited to or restricted by this; the unit cell 110 can have any suitable shape. In the following description, for ease of description, the unit cell 110 is described as each having a rectangular shell, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown.

[0066] In the unit stack 100, multiple unit cells 110 can be arranged in any suitable arrangement direction (e.g., along any suitable arrangement direction), but in some embodiments, the multiple unit cells 110 can be arranged in a direction in which the wider side surfaces of the side surfaces of the unit cells 110 face each other (or along that direction), such as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown. In the following text, the arrangement direction of the unit cell 110 is defined as the first direction X. The unit cell 110 or the end support 120 may be disposed at both ends of the unit stack 100 along the first direction X.

[0067] The number of unit cells 110 constituting the unit stack 100 can vary as needed or desired. The unit cells 110 included in a unit stack 100 can be electrically connected to each other using a busbar, which can have any suitable shape.

[0068] The unit stack 100 may include an insulating member 112 surrounding (or around) the plurality of unit units 110. The insulating member 112 may be formed of an insulating material such as rubber or plastic and is located around (or around) the plurality of unit units 110.

[0069] The insulating member 112 may also be provided around (or provided as surrounding) the end support 120 and the plurality of unit cells 110, the end support 120 being disposed at both ends of the unit stack 100 along the first direction X, or the insulating member 112 may be provided only around the plurality of unit cells 110 (but not around the end support 120) (or only surrounding the plurality of unit cells 110 (but not surrounding the end support 120)), and the end support 120 may also be disposed separately at both ends of the unit stack 100.

[0070] For example, the insulating member 112 may be provided in the form of a membrane, or multiple rigid structures shaped like a plate may be provided within the insulating member 112. The insulating member 112 may be provided around (or around) all four side surfaces of the unit stack 100, or may be provided at some of the four side surfaces, and may also be provided around (or around) both the upper and lower surfaces of the unit stack 100. However, the insulating member 112 provided on the upper surface of the unit stack 100 may be provided to expose the terminal units of each unit cell 110.

[0071] Figure 1One embodiment is shown in which, in a cell stack 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the insulating member 112 is provided in the form of an insulating film around (or around) the side surfaces of the plurality of cell units 110, but not around (or around) the end support 120.

[0072] The module housing 200 includes multiple receiving units 220, and the unit stack 100 is inserted (received) into the multiple receiving units 220. Figure 1 An embodiment is shown in which four receiving sections 220 are formed in the module housing 200, while... Figure 2 In the diagram, two receivers 220 are shown separately within the module housing 200. According to embodiments of the invention, any suitable number of receivers 220 can be provided within the module housing 200.

[0073] The module housing 200 includes an outer wall 210 that projects upward from the bottom surface 260 in an upward direction (e.g., a third direction perpendicular to the first direction X and the second direction Y) and surrounds (or around) the bottom surface 260. An internal space is defined inside the outer wall 210. A plurality of receiving portions 220 may be provided in the internal space.

[0074] The module housing 200 can have any suitable shape. For example, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the module housing 200 can be provided with a bottom surface 260 having a generally quadrilateral shape, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown.

[0075] The upper part of the module housing 200 may be open, and therefore the receiving portion 220 provided in the module housing 200 may also have an open upper part. A module cover may be attached to the open upper surface of the module housing 200, allowing the module housing 200 to be sealed, and when the module cover is attached to the module housing 200, the module cover corresponds to the upper surface of the receiving portion 220. The module cover may include a busbar support for covering the unit stack 100 and busbars arranged in the busbar support to electrically connect the unit cells 110 constituting the unit stack 100.

[0076] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A receiving portion 220 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. The receiving portion 220 includes a fixing wall 250 surrounding (or around) the cell stack 100, and at least a portion of the fixing wall 250 contacts the cell stack 100.

[0077] Figure 1An embodiment is shown in which a receiving portion 220 (e.g., a first receiving portion 220) into which a unit stack 100 is inserted and a receiving portion 220 (e.g., a second receiving portion 220) into which the unit stack 100 is not inserted are arranged side by side. A fixing wall 250 corresponds to a boundary wall around (or surrounding) a region of the receiving portion 220, and the unit stack 100 inserted into the receiving portion 220 is stably maintained on four sides in a fixed state with respect to the fixing wall 250 around (or surrounding) the unit stack 100.

[0078] The fixed wall 250 can be configured differently depending on the form of the unit stack 100, but as... Figure 1 As shown, the fixing wall 250 may have four surfaces that support the four side surfaces of the unit stack 100 while facing them respectively, and the fixing wall 250 is disposed around (or configured to surround) the unit stack 100.

[0079] At least a portion of the fixing wall 250 of the receiving section 220 is in direct contact with the unit stack 100. For example, any surface of the fixing wall 250 located in the first direction X may also be in direct contact with the unit stack 100, and any surface of the fixing wall 250 located in the second direction Y perpendicular to the first direction X may also be in direct contact with the side surfaces (e.g., insulating members 112) of the plurality of unit cells 110.

[0080] like Figure 1 As shown, the second direction Y can be defined as a direction perpendicular to the first direction X on the same plane as the plane of the first direction X, and can be defined as the width direction of the unit cell 110.

[0081] As described above, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, even without individual components, the unit stack 100 can maintain its shape through the fixing wall 250 and can maintain an engaged state (e.g., a pressed state) in the first direction X.

[0082] In a typical battery module (i.e., not the battery module 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention), the module frame is connected to a unit stack, and a unit stack connected to the module frame and constructed as a unit constitutes a module.

[0083] Unlike the cell stack according to the invention, the generally processed cell stack can be coupled to a module frame for performance aspects (such as energy density and ease of handling), and the module frame can be formed by end blocks pressing the two ends of the cell stack and side plates extending along the side surfaces of the cell stack, and the end blocks and side plates can be coupled to each other so that the cell stack is pressed to maintain the structure of the cell stack.

[0084] Unlike the battery module 1000 according to the present invention, in a general battery module, a stack of cells connected to a module frame is inserted, and the module housing is fastened to the module frame, and the general battery module has power supplied by a single stack of cells.

[0085] In the case of a typical battery module, multiple battery modules are required to meet the power requirements that are higher than those of a single cell stack. Therefore, additional components are needed to secure the cell stack to the cell body, including the module frame and the module itself.

[0086] Therefore, the process for manufacturing a typical battery module will increase, the consumption of components will increase, the weight of a typical battery module will increase, and the time and cost required to manufacture a typical battery module will increase.

[0087] In the battery module 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, unlike a general battery module, multiple unit stacks 100 are mounted into one module, which is advantageous for meeting the required high power, and the unit stacks 100 are fixed by the fixing wall 250 of the receiving part 220 (at least a portion of which is distinct from the outer wall 210 of the module housing 200), so that no separate component (e.g., module frame) is needed (or required) for fixing the unit stacks 100.

[0088] For example, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of receiving portions 220 are provided in a module housing 200, and a fixing wall 250 surrounding (or around) the receiving portions 220 is provided to fix each unit stack 100 while located around (or around) each unit stack 100, which is different from the outer wall of the module housing 200.

[0089] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the module housing 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may further include an end wall 240, which extends in the second direction Y and may be disposed at both ends of each of the plurality of receiving portions 220 along the first direction X, so that each engages (e.g., presses) the end faces of both sides of the unit stack 100, and the end wall 240 may correspond to a portion of the fixing wall 250.

[0090] In this exemplary embodiment, the side surfaces at both ends of the unit stack 100 in the first direction X are defined as end faces. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the end face may correspond to a surface of the end support 120 or the insulating member 112.

[0091] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The diagram shows a configuration in which end walls 240 are disposed on both sides of the unit stack 100 along the first direction X. Multiple end walls 240 may exist within the module housing 200 and may correspond to the fixing wall 250 of the receiving portion 220 on both sides in the first direction X.

[0092] End wall 240 may be distinguishable from outer wall 210 of module housing 200. For example, end wall 240 has a shape that protrudes from bottom surface 260 within the interior space of module housing 200 and extends in a second direction Y. End wall 240 may include a first end wall 240 and a second end wall 240. The first end wall 240 may be positioned facing and spaced apart from outer wall 210, and the second end walls 240 may face each other, as discussed further below.

[0093] Figure 1 One embodiment is shown, which includes: a plurality of receiving portions 220, for example, a total of four receiving portions 220, two of which are in a first direction X and two of which are in a second direction Y; a partition wall 230 that spans a portion of the internal space of the module housing 200 in the first direction X; and four end walls 240 that extend in the second direction Y.

[0094] The partition wall 230 is shared by the receiving portions 220 that are adjacent to each other (or stacked) in the second direction Y, but the end wall 240 is not shared by the adjacent receiving portions 220 that are stacked in the first direction X. Instead, the corresponding end walls 240 (e.g., the second end wall 240) are configured to be spaced apart from each other and face each other at the ends of the two receiving portions 220 that face each other in the first direction X.

[0095] For example, the end wall 240 may be configured such that one side (e.g., the first side) of the end wall 240 contacts the end face of the unit stack 100 inserted into the corresponding receiving part 220, while the other side (e.g., the second side) is separated from the outer wall 210 and faces the outer wall 210 or the end wall 240 of another receiving part 220 arranged in parallel in the first direction X.

[0096] At least a portion of each of the end walls 240 located on opposite sides of the receiving portion 220 along the first direction X is in direct contact with the facing end face of the unit stack 100 (e.g., a surface of the end support 120). Furthermore, the end walls 240 may be configured to engage (e.g., press) the unit stack 100 in the first direction X.

[0097] As described above, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the unit stack 100 inserted into the receiving portion 220 is not secured with a module frame (such as an end block or side plate), but rather an insulating member 112 may be arranged (or simply arranged) around the side surface of the unit stack 100 in which multiple unit units 110 are arranged, and in the battery module 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the end wall 240 may be used to engage (e.g., press) and secure the unit stack 100 in a first direction X.

[0098] The unit stack 100 is joined (e.g., pressed) in the first direction X to provide higher power in the same volume and can remain in a structurally stable state.

[0099] The unit stack 100 can be inserted between the fixed walls 250 of the receiving portion 220, for example, between a pair of end walls 240 provided on both sides along the first direction X (in a state where they are engaged (e.g., pressed) end faces and pressed by a clamp inserted into the receiving portion 220), and can be kept in a state pressed by the pair of end walls 240.

[0100] like Figure 2 As shown, the module housing 200 may also include a partition wall 230 that extends in the first direction X and divides the internal space surrounded by the outer wall 210 to facilitate the formation of a plurality of receivers 220, and the partition wall 230 may form (or be formed) part of the fixing wall 250 of the two receivers 220 disposed on both sides in the second direction Y, and may contact the side surface of the unit stack 100 inserted into each of the two receivers 220.

[0101] The side surface refers to two side surfaces that extend in the first direction X among the side surfaces of the unit stack, and as described above, since the unit stack 100 according to the invention does not include a separate module frame, the side surface may correspond to the insulating member 112 surrounding the side surfaces of the plurality of unit cells 110.

[0102] The partition wall 230 may project upward from the bottom surface 260 of the module housing 200 and may be provided to divide the internal space of the module housing 200 while extending along the first direction X. For example, the partition wall 230 may correspond to the portion of the fixed wall 250 surrounding the receiving portion 220, such as one of its surfaces.

[0103] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The receiving portion 220 may be formed on both sides of the partition wall 230, and the partition wall 230 becomes (or forms) a fixed wall 250 for forming the two receiving portions 220 on its sides.

[0104] Reference Figure 2The partition wall 230 faces the side surface of the unit stack 100 inserted into the receiving part 220. Therefore, the partition wall 230 corresponding to a portion of the fixing wall 250 is in direct contact with at least a portion of the side surface of the unit stack 100 inserted into the receiving part 220, thereby supporting the unit stack 100 in the second direction Y.

[0105] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, a portion of the plurality of end walls 240 is provided at a distance from the outer wall 210 of the module housing 200 (or the first end wall 240 is spaced apart from the outer wall 210 of the module housing 200).

[0106] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a first end wall 240 (which is configured such that one surface of it (e.g., the surface of its second side) faces the outer wall 210 of the module housing 200) can be spaced apart from the outer wall 210 in a first direction X to form a first space (e.g., a first impact absorption space) 215 between the first end wall 240 and the outer wall 210, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown.

[0107] Figure 2 and Figure 3 A receiving portion 220 (e.g., a fixing wall 250 or a first end wall 240) facing the outer wall 210 of the module housing 200 is shown, and a first space 215 formed between the first end wall 240 and the outer wall 210 is shown.

[0108] The module housing 200 protects (or securely protects) the unit stack 100 inserted into the receiving portion 220 from impacts transmitted from the outside of the module housing 200. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the first end wall 240 (which directly contacts and supports and engages (e.g., presses) the unit stack 100 with the end face of the unit stack 100) is spaced apart from the outer wall 210, thereby preventing or reducing the likelihood of impacts transmitted to the outer wall 210 being directly transmitted to the first end wall 240.

[0109] Furthermore, because the impact transmitted from outside the module housing 200 is transmitted to the first end wall 240 and the cell stack 100 in a reduced state through the first space 215, the safety of the battery can be improved.

[0110] Furthermore, it is desirable to properly cool the unit 110 when using it so that it is not heated, and the first space 215 can provide (or is advantageously used as) a heat dissipation space in which the heat of the unit stack 100 is dissipated.

[0111] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, two receiving portions 220 are disposed in the internal space of the module housing 200 in the first direction X, and each of the two receiving portions 220 adjacent to each other in the first direction X includes one of the end walls 240 (e.g., second end walls 240) facing each other in the first direction X and spaced apart from each other in the first direction X, so as to form a second space (e.g., second impact absorption space) 216 between the second end walls 240.

[0112] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the module housing 200 includes four receiving sections 220, and groups of two receiving sections 220 are arranged (or configured) along a first direction X. However, the invention is not limited thereto, and any suitable number of receiving sections 220 can be arranged (or configured) along the first direction X.

[0113] In each of two adjacent receiving portions 220 along the first direction X, a fixed wall 250 (or end wall 240) of one receiving portion 220 faces a fixed wall 250 (or end wall 240) of the other receiving portion 220, and the two receiving portions 220 have different end walls 240 facing each other (e.g., different second end walls 240 facing each other). For example, receiving portions 220 arranged in the first direction X do not share end walls 240.

[0114] Reference Figure 2 In some embodiments, the two receiving portions 220 may be arranged in the first direction X, the second end walls 240 may be spaced apart from each other, and the second space 216 may be formed between the second end walls 240.

[0115] The second space 216 protects the unit stack 100 inserted into the corresponding receiving section 220 from impacts transmitted from the outside of the receiving section 220, which is very similar to the first space 215. For example, the first space 215 can prevent impacts transmitted from the outer wall 210 of the module housing 200 from being transmitted to the internal space of the module housing 200, and the second space 216 can prevent impacts transmitted to any receiving section 220 (or the first receiving section 220) from being transmitted to the receiving section 220 (or the second receiving section 220) adjacent to the first receiving section 220 in the first direction X.

[0116] Figure 3 An end wall 240 is shown, which is curved (or bent) such that the central portion of the end wall 240 is further spaced from the end face of the unit stack 100, and Figure 4 The inner surface of the end face of the unit stack 100 at the curved end wall 240 is shown.

[0117] like Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, in the battery module 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the end wall 240 may be bent (or flexed) to the outside (or toward the outer wall 210) such that the center (or central) portion of the end wall 240 is further away from the facing (or adjacent) end face of the cell stack 100, thereby forming a third space (e.g., a bulge space) 217 ​​between the end wall 240 and the end face.

[0118] End wall 240 may be curved (or bent) such that the center portion of end wall 240 is further away from the end face of the unit stack 100 inserted into receiving portion 220. In some embodiments, only the center portion may be bent outward, but end wall 240 may be bent such that the cross-section of end wall 240 is curved, such as... Figure 3 As shown.

[0119] The end wall 240 has a curved (or bent) shape, thereby forming a space at least in the central portion between the end wall 240 and the end face of the unit stack 100 (or in the central portion between the end wall 240 and the end face of the unit stack 100), which is referred to as the third space 217 in an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0120] In the unit cells(s) 110 forming the unit stack 100, bulging (where gas is generated and expands from the internal electrode assembly) can occur due to reduced durability caused by use (e.g., repeated use) and surrounding conditions (e.g., bulging by adjacent unit cells 110), and the implementation of the structure (which is able to properly handle (or take into account) bulging) is particularly important when arranging multiple unit cells 110.

[0121] For example, when bulging occurs in any of the unit cells 110, other unit cells 110 of the unit stack 100, including the corresponding unit cell 110, may experience bulging, and when bulging occurs in one of the unit cells 110 and thus increases the thickness, it will significantly affect the overall length of the unit stack 100. Furthermore, changes in the length of the unit stack 100 will affect the end walls 240 that are engaged (e.g., pressed) in the first direction X, potentially causing damage, etc.

[0122] When bulging occurs, due to its structural features, the unit cell 110 has a large expansion of the central portion on the side surface located in the first direction X. Therefore, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a third space 217 is formed between the end wall 240 and the end face to accommodate, for example, the volume expansion of the unit stack 100 caused by bulging when bulging occurs.

[0123] As described above, the cell stack 100 is joined (e.g., pressed) in the first direction X for efficiency (such as energy density), and in an exemplary embodiment of the invention, even if the central portion of the end wall 240 of the joined (e.g., pressed) end face is bent, the cell stack 100 is properly operated because at least the two ends of the end wall 240 in the second direction Y maintain the joined (e.g., pressed) state of the end face of the cell stack 100.

[0124] Figure 3 The end support 120 is shown to be located on the outside of the outermost unit of the unit stack 100, and Figure 5 The end face (or outer surface) of the end support 120 is shown.

[0125] like Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, in the battery module 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the cell stack 100 may further include a pair of end supports 120 disposed at two (or opposite to each other) ends in a first direction X, and the outer surface of the support 120 corresponding to the end face of the cell stack 100.

[0126] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of unit cells 110 may be provided such that at least a side surface is surrounded by an insulating member 112 (or the insulating member 112 is around at least a side surface of the plurality of unit cells 110), and end supports 120 may be configured such that the inner surface of each end support 120 contacts the surface of the insulating member 112 at both ends of the unit stack 100 along a first direction X. However, the invention is not limited thereto.

[0127] End supports 120 are disposed at both ends of the cell stack 100 along the first direction X, and the outer surface of the end supports 120 may correspond to the end face of the cell stack 100. The end supports 120 may be used to absorb impacts between the end wall 240 and the plurality of unit cells 110, and may be used to uniformly transmit the force (e.g., pressing force) of the end wall 240 to the outermost unit among the plurality of unit cells 110.

[0128] The outermost unit refers to the unit unit 110 located at the outermost position in the first direction X among the plurality of unit units 110 constituting the unit stack 100. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the outermost unit is disposed at each end of the unit stack 100 along the first direction X.

[0129] Even if the entire surface of the end wall 240 does not press against the end support 120 (e.g., because the end wall 240 has a curved shape), the entire surface of the end support 120 can press against the insulating member 112 and the outer surface of the outermost unit.

[0130] like Figure 5 As shown, the end face of the end support 120 can be recessed such that the central portion of the end face of the end support 120 can be away from the facing end wall 240. For example, the end support 120 can have a shape in which the central portion of the end face of the end support 120 is recessed.

[0131] When the end support 120 is provided, the end face of the end support 120 can be shaped such that the central portion of the end face is recessed, thereby forming a space in at least the central portion between the end face of the end support 120 and the end wall 240, similar to the end wall 240 having a curved (or bent) shape, so that the third space 217 can be formed in at least the central portion between the end support 120 and the end wall 240.

[0132] For example, bulging may occur in at least one of the multiple unit cells 110, thus expanding the central portion of the unit cell 110, and due to the expansion of the central portions of the multiple unit cells 110, the central portion of the end support 120 is pressed toward the end wall 240. However, according to an embodiment of the invention, the central portion of the end face of the end support 120 is recessed inward, such that even when the central portion of the end support 120 is pressed outward or deformed, deformation or damage to the end wall 240 can be suppressed or prevented, or its likelihood can be reduced, by the third space 217 formed between the end support 120 and the end wall 240.

[0133] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, a plurality of first ribs 242 may be formed in the end wall 240 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. For example, the end wall 240 may include a plurality of first ribs 242 on its outer surface along the first direction X.

[0134] The end wall 240 should be able to resist external impacts when engaging (e.g., pressing) the end face of the unit stack 100. Furthermore, the end wall 240 should have mechanical strength even when forming the third space 217, which prevents the end wall 240 from being damaged or reduces the possibility of damage.

[0135] Therefore, in exemplary embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, a plurality of first ribs 242 may be provided in the outer surface of the end wall 240, for example, the surface facing the outer wall 210 or the surface opposite to the unit stack 100.

[0136] A first rib 242 is formed on the outer surface of the end wall 240 to protect the unit stack 100. As used herein, the outer surface of the end wall 240 refers to the surface facing the side opposite to the end support 120. The first rib 242 can be manufactured separately and can be attached to the end wall 240, and the first rib 242 can be integrally formed with the end wall 240 by a casting process.

[0137] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, a plurality of first ribs 242 may extend in a third direction (e.g., the height direction) of the end wall 240 and may be spaced apart from each other in a second direction Y.

[0138] The first rib 242 may extend upward from a third side of the end wall 240, for example, it may extend from the bottom surface 260 of the module housing 200 toward the top (or upper) side of the module housing 200. Therefore, the first rib 242 can effectively improve the strength of the end wall 240 and can be integrally formed with the end wall 240, for example, in a casting process using an upper mold and a lower mold.

[0139] Furthermore, the first ribs 242 are spaced apart from each other in the second direction Y (or along the second direction Y), thereby uniformly and stably increasing the overall strength of the end wall 240. Figure 3 A cross-section of a plurality of first ribs 242 spaced apart from each other in the second direction Y is shown.

[0140] Figure 5 An end support 120 is shown, wherein a plurality of second ribs 122 are formed on the end face of the end support 120. As shown Figure 5 As shown, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the end support 120 may include a plurality of second ribs 122 protruding toward the end wall 240 in the end face of the end support 120.

[0141] When bulging occurs, the bulging force transmitted from the multiple unit cells 110 can be applied to the end support 120. Thus, the end support 120 is configured to respond to the expansion of the unit cells 110 and to powerfully resist deformation and damage in response to the bulging phenomenon.

[0142] Therefore, a second rib 122 is formed on the end face of the end support 120 to improve the strength of the end support 120. For example, the inner surface of the end support 120 (e.g., the surface opposite to the end face) contacts the surface of the outermost unit or insulating member 112 of the unit stack 100 to uniformly ensure pressing performance, and the second rib 122 is formed on the end face of the end support 120.

[0143] In addition, such as Figure 5As shown, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the second ribs 122 may be spaced apart from each other in the second direction Y and the third direction upward of the end support 120, thereby forming a lattice shape.

[0144] Reference Figure 5 In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the second rib 122 may be formed to generally span the entire end face in the extension direction, and some of the plurality of second ribs 122 extend in the second direction Y, and the remaining second ribs 122 extend upward in the third direction of the end support 120, such that the plurality of second ribs 122 may be configured to form a lattice.

[0145] For example, multiple second ribs 122 can be configured to be spaced apart from each other in the second direction Y and the third direction upward of the end support 120 to form a lattice shape, and thus the robustness of the end support 120 can be effectively improved.

[0146] According to the embodiment, in the end support 120, the quadrilateral recess can be provided in a generally grid-like shape on the end face, and the second rib 122 can be manufactured separately and connected to the end face of the end support 120, or it can be integrally formed with the end support 120 when the end support 120 is manufactured.

[0147] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the fixing wall 250 of any receiving part 220 may be defined as including a partition wall 230, a pair of end walls 240, and a portion of an outer wall 210, and the partition wall 230 and the end walls 240 may be integrally formed, for example, by a casting process.

[0148] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, one of the four surfaces of the fixed wall 250 corresponds to the partition wall 230, the other two surfaces correspond to the end wall 240 respectively, and the remaining surface may be formed by the outer wall 210 of the module housing 200.

[0149] In a battery module 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the end wall 240, the partition wall 230 and the outer wall 210 can be integrally formed with the bottom surface 260 of the module housing 200, for example, by a casting process.

[0150] For example, in an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the end wall 240 and the partition wall 230 may be integrally formed with the module housing 200, and when the mold is used for a manufacturing process (e.g., for a casting process), the engraving (or intaglio) of the end wall 240 and the partition wall 230 may be integrally formed in the mold.

[0151] Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the end wall 240 and the partition wall 230 may also be integrally formed with the outer wall 210 of the module housing 200. For example, in the module housing 200, the outer wall 210, the partition wall 230, the end wall 240, and the bottom surface 260 may all be integrally formed.

[0152] As described above, in the module housing 200 which integrally forms end walls 240 and partition walls 230, the additional manufacturing process of forming a module frame for fixing the unit stack 100 can be omitted, and as previously stated, even when the module frame is omitted by the end walls 240 and partition walls 230, the unit stack 100 can be fixed (e.g., stably fixed) while the multiple unit units 110 are in an engaged state (e.g., a pressed state) in the joint 220.

[0153] Figure 6 A cross-section of a module housing 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, and a cooling channel 300 having a flow space 310 in which coolant (e.g., cooling water) flows below a bottom surface 260. Figure 7 A bottom view of the cooling channel 300 is shown.

[0154] like Figure 6 As shown, in a battery module 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a cooling channel 300 through which the coolant flows can be formed below the bottom surface 260 of the module housing 200. Additionally, a plurality of guide protrusions 350 extending in the coolant flow direction and guiding the coolant flow can be provided on the lower surface of the bottom surface 260, such as... Figure 7 As shown.

[0155] The flow space 310 of the cooling channel 300 may extend across the entire bottom surface 260, or it may be formed as a cross-sectional area corresponding to the internal space of the module housing 200, in which the receiving portion 220 is formed. For example, the cooling channel 300 may be designed such that the flow space 310 of the cooling channel 300 is not formed below the first space 215. Coolant flows through the cooling channel 300, and various suitable refrigerants, such as air, may be used.

[0156] The unit cell 110 constituting the unit stack 100 corresponds to a heating element that dissipates heat during discharge, and when the temperature of the unit cell rises excessively, thermal runaway may occur, in which heat increases rapidly due to a sudden chemical reaction and fire occurs.

[0157] Furthermore, in a stack of cells 100 in which multiple unit cells 110 are arranged along the first direction X, when thermal runaway occurs in any of the unit cells 110, thermal runaway propagation (which affects other surrounding unit cells 110) will also occur.

[0158] As described above, when multiple unit cells 110 are arranged along the first direction X, it is important to adequately cool the heat generated in the unit stack 100. Therefore, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the battery module 1000 effectively cools the multiple unit stack 100 by forming a cooling channel 300 under the bottom surface 260 of the module housing 200.

[0159] Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, by forming the cooling channel 300 below the bottom surface 260 of the module housing 200 rather than inside the module housing 200 (e.g., in the internal space and partition space of the module housing 200), the maintenance and management of the cooling channel 300 can be performed more easily. For example, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the cooling channel 300 can be maintained and managed from the lower part of the module housing 200 even when assembling the module cover of the module housing 200.

[0160] In a battery module 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the sidewall 320 of the cooling channel 300 may be integrally formed with the bottom surface 260 of the module housing 200, for example, by a casting process.

[0161] The sidewalls 320 of the cooling channel 300 may protrude downward from the bottom surface 260 around (or while surrounding) the bottom surface 260. For example, in an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the sidewalls 320 of the cooling channel 300 may be integrally formed with the bottom surface 260 of the module housing 200, for example, by a casting process, thereby omitting the connection area between the sidewalls 320 and the bottom surface 260, thus preventing or reducing the possibility of coolant accidentally leaking into the module housing 200.

[0162] The channel cover 330 of the sealed cooling channel 300 can be attached to the side wall 320 of the cooling channel 300 by any suitable method (e.g., welding). Figure 7 The cooling channel 300 is shown as viewed from the bottom, with the channel cover 330 removed.

[0163] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the outer wall 210 and bottom surface 260 of the module housing 200 and the side wall 320 of the cooling channel 300 can be integrally formed, for example, by a casting process. Therefore, there is no leakage area (or no leakage-prone area is formed). In addition, the cooling channel 300 is provided in the lower part of the bottom surface 260 of the module housing 200, for example outside the internal space of the module housing 200, so that even if the coolant accidentally leaks from the cooling channel 300, the coolant can be prevented from flowing into the internal space of the module housing 200 in which the unit stack 100 is located, or its possibility can be reduced.

[0164] As a result, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, multiple unit stacks 100 are inserted to simplify the assembly process and components and effectively meet high power requirements. The multiple unit stacks 100 can be effectively cooled by the cooling channel 300. In addition, the multiple unit stacks 100 can be effectively protected from coolant leakage in the cooling channel 300.

[0165] Figure 8 A plurality of battery modules 1000 interconnected with each other are shown according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. For example, Figure 8 An embodiment in which battery modules 1000 are interconnected to form a large battery pack is shown.

[0166] like Figure 8 As shown, the battery module 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may further include a connecting portion 400 provided in the module housing 200 for connection to an adjacent module housing 1001.

[0167] In the module housing 200 of the present invention, multiple receiving units 220 are provided with multiple unit stacks 100, thereby effectively achieving high output. The power requirements of power-consuming devices may exceed the output that the battery module 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention can provide. Therefore, the battery modules 1000 can be interconnected to meet the required power, thereby enabling a large battery pack structure. Figure 8 An embodiment is shown in which the connection portion 400 between the corresponding module housing 200 and the adjacent module housing 1001 is connected to each other.

[0168] The connecting part 400 can be provided in various suitable types and shapes, and Figure 8 The diagram shows fastening portions 410 fastened together by fastening members, guide portions 420 aligning the positions of the respective fastening portions 410 of the corresponding battery module and the adjacent battery module, and connecting portions 430, which are connection channels of a busbar for electrical connection with the adjacent module housing 1001 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0169] like Figure 8 As shown, in a battery module 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connecting portion 400 may be provided on a first wall 211 and a second wall 212 located in the outer wall 210 of the module housing 200 in the second direction Y (or spaced apart from each other in the second direction Y) (or at the first wall 211 and the second wall 212), and the connecting portion 400 provided on the second wall 212 of the module housing 200 may be connected to a connecting portion 400 provided on the first wall 211 of an adjacent module housing 1001.

[0170] The connecting part 400 can be disposed in (or located in) the module housing 200, and as... Figure 8 As shown, it can be disposed on the outer wall 210 of the module housing 200. The connecting part 400 can be provided in each of the four sides of the outer wall 210 facing each other, so that multiple battery modules can be connected to each other.

[0171] For example, in a battery module 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, since a plurality of unit stacks 100 are inserted into a module housing 200, and the unit stacks 100 include a plurality of unit units 110 arranged in a first direction X, the module housing 200 may have a rectangular cross-section having a length in the first direction X that is greater than its width in the second direction Y.

[0172] Therefore, even when multiple module housings 200 are arranged in a line or connected to each other via connecting portions 400, the connecting portions 400 can be positioned on the first wall 211 and the second wall 212 in the second direction Y within the outer wall 210 of the module housing 200, thereby reducing the overall length of the multiple module housings 200. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the cross-sectional shape of the module housing 200 or the position of the connecting portions 400 on the outer wall 210 may not be limited to the above description.

[0173] Therefore, the connecting portion 400 provided on the first wall 211 of any of the module housings 200 can be connected to the connecting portion 400 provided on the second wall 212 of another adjacent module housing facing the first wall 211, and the connecting portion 400 provided on the second wall 212 of any of the module housings 200 can be connected to the connecting portion 400 provided on the first wall 211 of the adjacent module housing 1001 facing the second wall 212.

[0174] The connecting portion 400 provided in the first wall 211 of the outer wall 210 of the module housing 200 is configured to be inserted into the connecting portion 400 of the adjacent module housing 1001, so that the corresponding module housing 200 and the adjacent module housing 1001 can be connected to each other. For example, the fastening portion 410, the guide pin of the guide portion 420, and the connecting channel of the connecting portion 430 can be provided in the first wall 211.

[0175] Furthermore, the connecting portion 400 provided in the second wall 212 can be inserted into the connecting portion 400 of the adjacent module housing 1001, so that the corresponding module housing 200 and the adjacent module housing 1001 can be connected to each other. For example, the fastening portion 410, the guide pin of the guide portion 420, and the channel insertion portion of the connecting portion 430 can be provided in the second wall 212. However, the insertion relationship of the connecting portions 400 respectively provided in the first wall 211 and the second wall 212 and each constituent element are not limited thereto, and can have any suitable shape.

[0176] Figure 9 A diagram illustrates a plurality of battery modules provided and interconnected according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. That is, Figure 9 The diagram shows battery modules connected to each other to form a large package (e.g., a battery pack).

[0177] like Figure 9 As shown, connecting portions 400 are formed on the upper surface (or module cover) and bottom surface of the battery module, and connecting portions 400 between adjacent battery modules are connected to each other. Therefore, multiple battery modules can be stacked in the vertical direction (perpendicular to the first direction X and the second direction Y) through the connecting portions 400.

[0178] For example, a connection portion 430 provided on the upper surface of battery module 1000 can be inserted into a connection portion 430 provided on the bottom surface of an adjacent battery module 1001. Furthermore, the connection portion 430 can be a connection channel for a busbar, used for electrical connection with an adjacent battery module.

[0179] Although the invention has been described in conjunction with what is now considered to be practical exemplary embodiments, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but rather is intended to cover various variations and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A battery module, comprising: Multiple units are stacked, each of the unit stacks comprising: Multiple unit cells arranged in the first direction; and Insulating members surrounding the plurality of unit cells; and The module housing provides multiple receiving units, wherein the unit stack of the multiple unit stacks is located within the receiving units of the multiple receiving units. Each of the receiving portions includes a fixing wall surrounding and contacting the unit stack received therein. The module housing includes an end wall at a corresponding side of each of the receiving portions along the first direction to engage the end faces of the unit stacks received in the respective receiving portions along the corresponding side of the first direction. The end walls are curved outwards such that the central portion of the end wall is positioned further away from the end face of the stacked units than other portions of the end wall, defining a third space between the respective end face and the respective end wall. The third space is formed between the central portion of the corresponding end wall and the central portion of the corresponding end face. Each of the unit stacks further includes a pair of end supports located at opposite ends of the unit stack along the first direction and having outer surfaces corresponding to the end faces. The end face is recessed inward, such that its central portion is farther from the end wall than other portions of the corresponding end face.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, The module housing further includes a partition wall extending in the first direction and separating the internal space surrounded by the outer wall of the module housing, to form adjacent receiving portions of the plurality of receiving portions along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and The partition wall corresponds to a portion of the fixed wall of the adjacent receiving portion of the plurality of receiving portions, and The partition wall contacts are received on the side surface of the corresponding unit stack in the adjacent receiving portions of the plurality of receiving portions.

3. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein the end wall comprises a first end wall and a second end wall, and The first end wall faces the outer wall of the module housing and is spaced apart from the outer wall along the first direction, defining a first space between the first end wall and the outer wall.

4. The battery module according to claim 3, wherein the first receiving portion and the second receiving portion of the plurality of receiving portions are arranged along the first direction in the internal space of the module housing, and The second end wall of the first receiving part and the second end wall of the second receiving part are spaced apart from each other and face each other, and a second space is defined between the second end wall of the first receiving part and the second end wall of the second receiving part.

5. The battery module of claim 1, wherein the inner surface of the end wall contacts the corresponding unit stack, and The outer surface of the end wall includes a plurality of first ribs.

6. The battery module of claim 5, wherein the plurality of first ribs extend upward in a third direction and are spaced apart from each other in a second direction, the third direction being perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

7. The battery module of claim 6, wherein the end support includes a plurality of second ribs projecting from the end face toward the end wall.

8. The battery module of claim 7, wherein the plurality of second ribs are spaced apart from each other in a grid shape in the second direction and the third direction, the third direction being perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

9. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein the partition wall, the end wall and the outer wall are integral with the bottom surface of the module housing.

10. The battery module according to claim 1, It also includes a cooling channel below the bottom surface of the module housing, the cooling channel being configured to accommodate a flow of coolant.

11. The battery module of claim 10, wherein the sidewall of the cooling channel is integral with the bottom surface of the module housing.

12. The battery module according to claim 1, The module housing further includes a connecting portion configured to connect to the connecting portion of an adjacent module housing.

13. The battery module of claim 12, wherein the connecting portion is located on the first and second outer walls along a second direction in the outer wall of the module housing, and The connecting portion at the second outer wall of the module housing is configured to connect to the connecting portion at the first outer wall of the adjacent module housing.

14. A battery module, comprising: Multiple units are stacked, each of the unit stacks comprising: Multiple unit cells arranged in the first direction; A pair of end supports, at opposite ends of the stacked units along the first direction; and Insulating members surrounding the plurality of unit cells; and The module housing provides multiple receiving units, wherein the unit stack of the multiple unit stacks is located within the receiving units of the multiple receiving units. Each of the receiving portions includes a fixing wall surrounding and contacting the unit stack received therein; and The module housing includes an end wall at a corresponding side of each of the receiving portions along the first direction to engage the end support members of the unit stack received in the respective receiving portions along the corresponding side of the first direction. The end support is recessed inward, such that its central portion is farther from the end wall than other portions of the corresponding end support.

15. The battery module according to claim 14, The module housing further includes a partition wall extending in the first direction and separating the internal space surrounded by the outer wall of the module housing, to form adjacent receiving portions of the plurality of receiving portions along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and The partition wall corresponds to a portion of the fixed wall of the adjacent receiving portion of the plurality of receiving portions, and The partition wall contacts are received on the side surface of the corresponding unit stack in the adjacent receiving portions of the plurality of receiving portions.

16. The battery module of claim 15, wherein the end wall comprises a first end wall and a second end wall, and The first end wall faces the outer wall of the module housing and is spaced apart from the outer wall along the first direction, defining a first space between the first end wall and the outer wall.

17. The battery module of claim 16, wherein the first and second receiving portions of the plurality of receiving portions are arranged along the first direction in the internal space of the module housing, and The second end wall of the first receiving part and the second end wall of the second receiving part are spaced apart from each other and face each other, and a second space is defined between the second end wall of the first receiving part and the second end wall of the second receiving part.

18. The battery module of claim 17, wherein the end wall is bent outward such that a central portion of the end wall is positioned further away from the end support of the cell stack than other portions of the end wall, defining a third space between the respective end support and the respective end wall.

19. The battery module of claim 18, wherein the inner surface of the end wall contacts the corresponding unit stack, and The outer surface of the end wall includes a plurality of first ribs.

20. The battery module of claim 19, wherein the plurality of first ribs extend upward in a third direction and are spaced apart from each other in a second direction, the third direction being perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

21. The battery module of claim 18, wherein the end support includes a plurality of second ribs projecting from the end face toward the end wall.

22. The battery module of claim 21, wherein the plurality of second ribs are spaced apart from each other in a grid shape in the second direction and the third direction, the third direction being perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

23. The battery module of claim 15, wherein the partition wall, the end wall and the outer wall are integral with the bottom surface of the module housing.

24. The battery module according to claim 14, It also includes a cooling channel below the bottom surface of the module housing, the cooling channel being configured to accommodate a flow of coolant.

25. The battery module of claim 24, wherein the sidewall of the cooling channel is integral with the bottom surface of the module housing.

26. The battery module according to claim 14, The module housing further includes a connecting portion configured to connect to the connecting portion of an adjacent module housing.

27. The battery module of claim 26, wherein the coupling portion is located on the first and second outer walls along a second direction in the outer wall of the module housing, and The connecting portion at the second outer wall of the module housing is configured to connect to the connecting portion at the first outer wall of the adjacent module housing.

Images