Battery module, battery pack including the same, and vehicle

Abstract

Disclosed are a battery module, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle. The battery module according to an embodiment of the disclosure includes a plurality of battery cells, a case in which the plurality of battery cells are accommodated, a cover combined with the case, a cooling pipe disposed between the case and the cover to cool the plurality of battery cells, and a support structure supporting the cooling pipe and variably disposed in correspondence with a shape of the cooling pipe.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0080409, filed in Korea on June 21, 2021, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This disclosure relates to a battery module, a battery pack including the battery module, and a vehicle; more specifically, it relates to a battery module with a variable support structure provided with cooling pipes, and a battery pack including the battery module and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0003] With technological advancements and increasing demand for mobile devices, the need for secondary batteries as an energy source is rapidly growing. While nickel-cadmium (NiCd) or hydrogen-ion batteries have been used as secondary batteries in existing technologies, lithium-ion batteries have recently become widely used. Compared to NiCd batteries, lithium-ion batteries exhibit almost no memory effect, resulting in free charging and discharging, extremely low self-discharge rates, and high energy density.

[0004] This type of lithium secondary battery primarily uses lithium-based oxide and carbon materials as the positive and negative electrode active materials, respectively. The lithium secondary battery includes: an electrode assembly, in which positive and negative electrode plates, each coated with a positive and negative electrode active material, are disposed and a separator is inserted between them; and a casing, i.e., the battery housing, for sealing and housing the electrode assembly and the electrolyte.

[0005] Lithium-ion batteries consist of a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a separator inserted between them, and an electrolyte. They are classified according to the active materials used for the positive and negative electrodes, such as lithium-ion batteries (LIB) and polymer lithium-ion batteries (PLIB). Typically, the electrodes of these lithium-ion batteries are formed by coating a positive or negative electrode active material onto a current collector (such as an aluminum or copper sheet, mesh, film, foil, etc.) and then drying it. Furthermore, various types of rechargeable batteries include casings that protect individual battery cells, battery modules in which multiple battery cells are stacked and inserted into the casing, and battery packs comprising multiple battery modules.

[0006] Meanwhile, cooling pipes that supply water or air to cool the individual battery cells can be installed in the battery module.

[0007] Here, individual battery cells can be stacked or housed in the casing in various ways. Due to differences in the heat-generating aspects depending on the stacking or housing method of the battery cells, the shape of the cooling pipes also varies.

[0008] In the prior art, when the shape of the cooling pipe changes due to the arrangement of the battery cells, the structure supporting the cooling pipe should be set up separately for each shape of cooling pipe according to the arrangement of the battery cells, which leads to increased costs.

[0009] Additionally, electrical components related to power can be installed within the battery module. Although heat is generated in these electrical components, in the past, cooling devices were not installed or cooling fans were simply used for cooling, resulting in low cooling efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0010] Technical issues

[0011] This disclosure is designed to address the problems of the prior art, and therefore relates to providing a battery module having a variable support structure so as to support the cooling pipe even when the shape of the cooling pipe changes, as well as a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery module.

[0012] Technical solution

[0013] In one aspect of this disclosure, a battery module is provided, the battery module comprising: a plurality of battery cells; a housing configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells; a cover coupled to the housing; a cooling pipe disposed between the housing and the cover to cool the plurality of battery cells; and a support structure supporting the cooling pipe and variably configured in accordance with the shape of the cooling pipe.

[0014] In addition, the cover has multiple receiving slots, and the support structure may include multiple support blocks, each of which has multiple protrusions that are respectively coupled to the multiple receiving slots.

[0015] In addition, multiple receiving slots can be arranged in a predetermined shape, multiple support blocks can be combined with at least a portion of the multiple receiving slots to form a flow path, and cooling pipes can be inserted into the flow path.

[0016] In addition, multiple support blocks can be configured to contact the cooling pipes to support them.

[0017] Furthermore, the flow path can be variably configured according to the number and position of multiple support blocks that are respectively connected to multiple receiving slots.

[0018] Meanwhile, in another aspect of this disclosure, a battery module is provided, the battery module comprising: a plurality of battery cells; a housing configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells; an electrical assembly component coupled to the housing; a cooling pipe disposed in the electrical assembly component to cool the electrical assembly component; and a support structure supporting the cooling pipe and variably configured to a shape corresponding to the cooling pipe.

[0019] In addition, the electrical assembly may include an electrical housing for accommodating electrical components and an electrical cover coupled to the electrical housing, and a cooling pipe may be disposed between the electrical housing and the electrical cover to cool the electrical components.

[0020] In addition, the cover has multiple receiving slots, and the support structure may include multiple support blocks, each of which has multiple protrusions that are respectively engaged with the multiple receiving slots.

[0021] In addition, multiple receiving slots can be arranged in a predetermined shape, multiple support blocks can be combined with at least a portion of the multiple receiving slots to form a flow path, and cooling pipes can be inserted into the flow path.

[0022] In addition, multiple support blocks can be configured to contact the cooling pipes to support them.

[0023] Furthermore, the flow path can be variably configured according to the number and position of multiple support blocks that are respectively connected to multiple receiving slots.

[0024] Meanwhile, in another aspect of this disclosure, a battery pack including a battery module is provided. Furthermore, a vehicle including a battery module is also provided.

[0025] Beneficial effects

[0026] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the support structure can be variably configured to support the cooling pipe even when the shape of the cooling pipe changes, thus enabling support for cooling pipes of various shapes and thereby reducing costs. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is an overall perspective view of a battery module according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a view showing the state in which the cooling pipes of the battery module according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure are disposed on the cover and supported by the support block.

[0030] Figure 4 It has been removed. Figure 3 A view of the cooling pipes in the middle.

[0031] Figure 5 It is shown that... Figure 3 Compared to the view of cooling pipes with different shapes set on the cover.

[0032] Figure 6 and Figure 7 This is a perspective view of support blocks with different shapes in a battery module according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 8 This is an exploded perspective view of an electrical component disposed in a battery module according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the terminology used in the specification and appended claims should not be construed as limited to its general or dictionary meaning, but rather is interpreted according to the meaning and concept corresponding to the technical aspects of the present disclosure, based on the principle that inventors are allowed to appropriately define terms for best illustration. Therefore, the descriptions presented herein are merely preferred examples for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure; thus, it should be understood that other equivalents and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0035] In the accompanying drawings, for ease of description and clarity, the dimensions of each component or specific part constituting that component are exaggerated, omitted, or shown schematically. Therefore, the dimensions of each component do not perfectly reflect the actual dimensions. Such descriptions are omitted where detailed descriptions determining relevant known functions or configurations might unnecessarily obscure the gist of this disclosure.

[0036] The terms “joint” or “connection” used in this article refer not only to the case where one component is directly joined or connected to another component, but also to the case where one component is indirectly joined or connected to another component through a connector component.

[0037] Figure 1 This is an overall perspective view of a battery module according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view. Figure 3 This is a view showing a battery module according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, in which the cooling pipe is disposed on the cover and supported by a support block, and Figure 4 It has been removed. Figure 3 A view of the cooling pipes in the middle. Figure 5 It is shown that... Figure 3 Compared to views with cooling pipes of different shapes mounted on the cover, Figure 6 and Figure 7 This is a perspective view of a battery module having support blocks of various shapes according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the battery module 10 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure includes a battery cell 100, a housing 200, a cover 300, a cooling pipe 400, and a support structure 500.

[0039] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 Multiple battery cells 100 are housed and protected within the housing 200. The battery cells 100 can be varied. For example, the battery cell 100 can be a pouch cell or a cylindrical cell.

[0040] The battery cell 100 includes electrode leads, wherein the electrode leads disposed in the battery cell 100 are terminals for connection to an external device and may be made of a conductive material.

[0041] The electrode leads may include positive leads and negative leads. The positive leads and negative leads may be arranged in opposite directions relative to the longitudinal direction of the battery cell 100, or the positive leads and negative leads may be arranged in the same direction relative to the longitudinal direction of the battery cell 100.

[0042] The positive and negative leads can be made of various materials. For example, the positive lead can be made of aluminum, and the negative lead can be made of copper.

[0043] Electrode leads can be electrically coupled to the busbar. Depending on the battery pack capacity, the battery cell 100 can have the following structure: multiple cell units stacked in the order of positive plate-separator-negative plate, or multiple dual cells arranged in the order of positive plate-separator-negative plate-separator-positive plate-separator-negative plate.

[0044] Multiple battery cells 100 may be housed differently in the housing 200. For example, multiple battery cells 100 may be stacked on top of each other to be housed in a stack of battery cells 100. Here, the battery cells 100 may have various structures, and multiple battery cells 100 may be stacked in various ways.

[0045] The stacking of battery cells 100 may include a plurality of boxes (not shown) for accommodating the individual battery cells 100. The individual boxes (not shown) may be manufactured by plastic injection molding, and the plurality of boxes (not shown) having accommodating portions for accommodating the battery cells 100 formed therein may be stacked.

[0046] Connector elements or terminal elements may be disposed in a housing assembly in which multiple housings (not shown) are stacked. Connector elements may include, for example, various types of electrical connection parts or connecting members for connection to a battery management system (BMS, not shown) capable of providing data on the voltage or temperature of the battery cell 100.

[0047] In addition, as the main terminal connected to the battery cell 100, the terminal element includes a positive terminal and a negative terminal.

[0048] Reference Figure 1 and 2 The housing 200 contains a plurality of battery cells 100, such as a stack of battery cells 100, or a box assembly in which a stack of battery cells 100 is contained.

[0049] The housing 200 can be configured in various ways, such as... Figure 2As shown, it can be configured to include an upper housing 210 and a lower housing 220. However, this is only one embodiment, and the housing 200 can be arranged in many different ways.

[0050] Here, the housing 200 can be configured as a box assembly that surrounds a stack of battery cells 100 formed by multiple battery cells 100 or contains a stack of battery cells 100. That is, the housing 200 surrounds all battery cells 100, thereby protecting the battery cells 100 from external vibration or impact.

[0051] The housing 200 can be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the battery cell 100 (e.g., a stack or box assembly of battery cells 100). For example, when the stack or box assembly of battery cells 100 is configured in a hexahedral shape, the housing 200 can also be configured in a hexahedral shape to correspond to it.

[0052] The cover 300 is assembled with the housing 200. (See reference) Figure 1 and Figure 2 The cover 300 can be engaged with the lower side of the housing 200. However, the engagement portion of the cover 300 can be modified.

[0053] Multiple receiving slots 310 are formed in the cover 300, and multiple support blocks 510 are combined with the multiple receiving slots 310 to receive the slots. A detailed description of the multiple receiving slots 310 will be given later.

[0054] A cooling pipe 400 is disposed between the housing 200 and the cover 300 to cool multiple battery cells 100. The cooling pipe 400 is a flow path for the movement of water or air and can have various shapes depending on the arrangement of the multiple battery cells 100.

[0055] The support structure 500 supports the cooling pipe 400. Furthermore, the support structure 500 can be variably configured in various shapes corresponding to the shape of the cooling pipe 400. That is, when the heating element changes according to the stacking method or arrangement of the multiple battery cells 100, the shape of the cooling pipe 400 also changes accordingly. In addition, the support structure 500 can also be modified to support the cooling pipe 400 with its changed shape.

[0056] In other words, since the battery module 10 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure can support the cooling pipe 400 with various shapes by the variable support structure 500, it is easy to manufacture and has the effect of cost reduction.

[0057] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The support structure 500 includes a plurality of support blocks 510, and the plurality of support blocks 510 have a plurality of protrusions 511 that are respectively coupled to the plurality of receiving grooves 310 (see reference). Figure 6 and 7 ).

[0058] The support block 510 can have various shapes. For example, such as Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, the support block 510a can be formed in a rectangular shape and is located at or near the interior center of the cover 300. Here, an arc can be formed at the corner of the support block 510a.

[0059] In addition, for example, refer to Figure 3 and Figure 7 The support block 510b can be configured to have a smaller size than the support block 510a and be positioned on the edge of the cover 300.

[0060] However, the size and shape of the support block 510 are not limited to Figure 6 and Figure 7 And it can be more diverse.

[0061] Multiple receiving slots 310 are formed in the cover 300. There are various ways in which the multiple receiving slots 310 can be formed in the cover 300. For example, the cover 300 can be configured such that the receiving slots 310 are formed in an intaglio shape.

[0062] Or, such as Figure 3 As shown, a plurality of relief protrusions 320 can be formed on the cover 300, and a receiving groove 310 can be formed between the plurality of protrusions 320.

[0063] Furthermore, the multiple receiving slots 310 can be arranged in a predetermined shape. For example, as Figure 3 As shown, the plurality of receiving slots 310 can be arranged such that horizontal slots and vertical slots with equal spacing are orthogonal to each other. However, the arrangement of the plurality of receiving slots 310 is not limited to this.

[0064] In addition, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, protrusions 511 can be formed in multiple support blocks 510, and protrusions 511 can be configured to be respectively coupled to multiple receiving slots 310. That is, protrusions 511 with shapes corresponding to the shapes of receiving slots 310 are formed in each support block 510, and the protrusions 511 of the support block 510 are inserted into the receiving slots 310.

[0065] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 The protrusions 511 of the support block 510 can have various shapes. That is, such as... Figure 6 As shown, protrusions 511 can form straight lines that are orthogonal to each other, or as... Figure 7 As shown, a protrusion 511 in a straight line shape can be formed.

[0066] However, the shape of the protrusion 511 is not limited to this, and more protrusions 511 with different shapes can be set.

[0067] Reference Figure 4 Multiple support blocks 510 are coupled to at least a portion of multiple receiving slots 310 to form a flow path 600. Furthermore, referring to... Figure 3 Cooling pipe 400 is inserted into flow path 600.

[0068] Here, when the cooling pipe 400 is inserted into the flow path 600, multiple support blocks 510 contact the cooling pipe 400 to support the cooling pipe 400.

[0069] In other words, the flow path 600 can be variably configured according to the number and position of the multiple support blocks 510a, 510b respectively coupled to the multiple receiving slots 310, so that the shape of the flow path 600 can be changed relative to the cooling pipes 400 having various shapes.

[0070] In addition, the cooling pipe 400 can be inserted into the flow path 600 so that it can be supported by multiple support blocks 510.

[0071] For example, having Figure 3 The cooling pipe 400 of the shape shown can be supported by multiple support blocks 510, or has Figure 5 The modified cooling pipe 400 shown can also be supported by multiple support blocks 510 with altered arrangements.

[0072] In the following description, the operation and effects of the battery module 10 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0073] The battery module 10 disclosed herein includes a plurality of battery cells 100 which can be arranged in the housing 200 in various ways. In this case, the heating element can be changed, and the shape of the cooling pipe 400 used to cool the heating element should also be changed according to the change of the heating element.

[0074] In addition, such as Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, when the shape of the cooling pipe 400 changes, the support structure 500 for supporting the cooling pipe 400 should also change. In the case of the battery module 10 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure, the support structure 500 is variably configured.

[0075] The support structure 500 includes multiple support blocks 510 having various shapes, and the multiple support blocks 510 are combined with multiple receiving grooves 310 to form a flow path 600 in which the cooling pipe 400 can be inserted.

[0076] Here, since the flow path 600 can have various shapes depending on the number and position of the multiple support blocks 510, even if the shape of the cooling pipe 400 inserted in the flow path 600 changes, the multiple support blocks 510 can still support the cooling pipe 400 with various shapes.

[0077] Figure 8 An exploded perspective view of an electrical component disposed in a battery module according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0078] In the following text, the cooling of the electrical assembly 700 disposed in the battery module 10 will be described, but the parts common to the cooling method of the battery cell 100 in the first embodiment described above will be replaced by the above description.

[0079] Reference Figure 8 Electrical component 700 refers to a component equipped with electrical devices 730 related to electricity, such as relays and busbars, which generate heat due to electricity. Therefore, electrical component 700 also requires cooling.

[0080] The description of the first embodiment described above will be used instead of the description of the plurality of battery cells 100 and the housing 200 containing the plurality of battery cells 100. However, the structure for cooling the battery cells 100 in the second embodiment may be the same as that in the first embodiment described above, or it may be configured to cool the battery cells 100 in a different manner.

[0081] Electrical components 700 are attached to different parts of the housing 200. For example, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the electrical component 700 can be attached to the outside of the housing 200. Furthermore, although not shown in the figures, the electrical component 700 can be attached to the inside of the housing 200.

[0082] The electrical assembly 700 can be configured to include an electrical housing 710 and an electrical cover 720. Various electrical components 730 are housed in the electrical housing 710, thereby protecting the electrical components 730 from external impacts. In addition, the electrical cover 720 is attached to the electrical housing 710.

[0083] Multiple receiving slots 721 are formed in the electrical cover 720, which engage with multiple support blocks 751. A detailed description of the multiple receiving slots 721 will be given later.

[0084] Cooling pipe 740 is provided in electrical assembly 700 to cool electrical assembly 700. For example, cooling pipe 740 may be provided between electrical assembly housing 710 and electrical assembly cover 720 of electrical assembly 700 to cool electrical device 730 provided in electrical assembly 700.

[0085] The difference between the cooling pipe 740 of the second embodiment and the first embodiment which cools the battery cell 100 is that the electrical assembly component 700 is cooled.

[0086] However, just as the cooling pipe 400 in the first embodiment has different shapes depending on the different arrangements of the plurality of battery cells 100, the cooling pipe 740 in the second embodiment also has different shapes depending on the different arrangements of the electrical devices 730 disposed in the electrical assembly 700.

[0087] In other words, in the first embodiment, the cooling pipe 400 cools multiple battery cells 100, while in the second embodiment, the cooling pipe 740 cools the electrical components 730 disposed in the electrical assembly 700. The purpose of cooling differs in this respect, but other basic constructions are common.

[0088] The support structure 750 supports the cooling pipe 740 and can be variably configured to correspond to the shape of the cooling pipe 740. The support structure 750 in the second embodiment is substantially the same in construction as the support structure 500 in the first embodiment.

[0089] The support structure 750 includes a plurality of support blocks 751, and a plurality of protrusions 755 are formed in the plurality of support blocks 751, which respectively engage with a plurality of receiving grooves 721 (see reference). Figure 6 and 7 Here, the detailed description of the plurality of receiving slots 721 and the plurality of support blocks 751 (e.g., support blocks 751a and support blocks 751b) and the protrusions 755 is the same as the description of support blocks 510a and support blocks 510b and protrusions 511 in the first embodiment, and therefore will be replaced by the description of the first embodiment.

[0090] That is, multiple support blocks 751 are combined with multiple receiving slots 721 to form a flow path 760, and a cooling pipe 740 is inserted into the flow path 760. The multiple support blocks 751 contact the cooling pipe 740 to support the cooling pipe 740, and in this case, the construction of the flow path 760 is variably arranged according to the number and position of the multiple support blocks 751, which is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0091] Meanwhile, the battery pack (not shown) according to the embodiments of this disclosure may include one or more battery modules 10 as described in the embodiments of this disclosure. Furthermore, in addition to the battery modules 10, the battery pack (not shown) may further include a housing for accommodating the battery modules 10, and various devices for controlling the charging / discharging of the battery modules 10, such as a BMS, a current sensor, a fuse, etc.

[0092] Furthermore, a vehicle (not shown) according to embodiments of this disclosure may include the aforementioned battery module 10 or battery pack (not shown), and the battery pack (not shown) may include the battery module 10. Additionally, the battery module 10 according to embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to a vehicle (not shown), such as a predetermined vehicle (not shown) configured to use electricity, such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle.

[0093] This disclosure has been described in detail. However, it should be understood that while indicating preferred embodiments of this disclosure, the detailed description and specific examples are given by way of illustration only, as various modifications and variations within the scope of this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art through this detailed description.

[0094] Industrial applicability

[0095] This disclosure relates to a battery module, a battery pack including the battery module, and a vehicle, and specifically, to industries related to secondary batteries.

Claims

1. A battery module, comprising: Multiple battery cells; The housing is configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells; The cover is attached to the housing; A cooling pipe is disposed between the housing and the cover to cool the plurality of battery cells; as well as A support structure that supports the cooling pipe and is variably configured to correspond to the shape of the cooling pipe. The cover has multiple receiving slots formed therein, and The support structure includes multiple support blocks, each support block having multiple protrusions that respectively engage with the multiple receiving slots, and The plurality of receiving slots are arranged in a predetermined shape. The plurality of support blocks are combined with at least a portion of the plurality of receiving slots to form a flow path, and The cooling pipe is inserted into the flow path.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of support blocks contact the cooling pipe to support the cooling pipe.

3. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein, The flow path is variably configured according to the number and position of the plurality of support blocks that are respectively coupled to the plurality of receiving slots.

4. A battery module, comprising: Multiple battery cells; The housing is configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells; An electrical assembly, coupled to the housing, and comprising an electrical housing for accommodating electrical components and an electrical cover coupled to the electrical housing; A cooling pipe is provided in the electrical assembly to cool the electrical assembly; as well as A support structure that supports the cooling pipe and is variably configured to correspond to the shape of the cooling pipe. The electrical cover has multiple receiving slots formed therein, and The support structure includes multiple support blocks, each support block having multiple protrusions that respectively engage with the multiple receiving slots, and The plurality of receiving slots are arranged in a predetermined shape. The plurality of support blocks are combined with at least a portion of the plurality of receiving slots to form a flow path, and The cooling pipe is inserted into the flow path.

5. The battery module according to claim 4, wherein, The cooling pipe is disposed between the electrical housing and the electrical cover to cool the electrical components.

6. The battery module according to claim 4, wherein, The plurality of support blocks contact the cooling pipe to support the cooling pipe.

7. The battery module according to claim 6, wherein, The flow path is variably configured according to the number and position of the plurality of support blocks that are respectively coupled to the plurality of receiving slots.

8. A battery pack comprising the battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A vehicle comprising the battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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