Battery Module

Abstract

The present invention provides a battery module, comprising: a first submodule and a second submodule, each of the first submodule and the second submodule comprising a plurality of battery cells; a lower cover supporting the first submodule and the second submodule; a connecting component respectively combined with the first submodule and the second submodule; and a cooling plate combined with the lower cover and forming a flow path through which a refrigerant can flow, the flow path being arranged so that at least a portion of the flow path faces the connecting component and the lower cover is sandwiched between at least a portion of the flow path and the connecting component.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a battery module. Background Art

[0002] A battery module including a submodule having a battery cell has been developed and applied as an environmentally friendly power source for electric vehicles such as hybrid vehicles. Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries have the convenience of being able to charge and discharge, and therefore have attracted attention as a power source for various mobile devices and a power source for electric vehicles and the like. For example, a battery module can be constructed by connecting a plurality of secondary batteries of a non-aqueous electrolyte type using a high energy density, and such a battery module can be used as a power source for an electric vehicle.

[0003] When the temperature of the secondary battery is higher than the appropriate temperature, the performance of the secondary battery may be reduced, and in severe cases, there is a risk of explosion or fire. In particular, in order to form a large-capacity and large-area battery module, the number of battery cells required will also increase. Therefore, due to the dense concentration of multiple battery cells in a narrow space, there is a problem that the temperature of the battery module increases more rapidly and sharply.

[0004] Therefore, for stable charging and discharging of a large-capacity battery module including a plurality of battery cells, a cooling structure capable of effectively controlling the temperature of the battery module is required. Summary of the invention

[0005] 1. Technical issues to be resolved

[0006] The present invention is proposed to solve at least a part of the problems of the prior art, and provides a cooling plate capable of rapidly and effectively cooling a large-capacity battery module and a battery module including the cooling plate.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a cooling plate having a structure corresponding to a structure in which a plurality of submodules are combined, and a battery module including the cooling plate.

[0008] (II) Technical solution

[0009] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, in an embodiment of the present invention, an environmentally friendly power source is provided, such as a battery module for a transport vehicle, comprising: a first submodule and a second submodule, each of the first submodule and the second submodule comprising a plurality of battery cells; a lower cover, supporting the first submodule and the second submodule; a connecting component, respectively combined with the first submodule and the second submodule; and a cooling plate, combined with the lower cover and forming a flow path through which a refrigerant can flow, the flow path being arranged so that at least a portion of the flow path faces the connecting component and the lower cover is sandwiched between at least a portion of the flow path and the connecting component.

[0010] In an embodiment, the flow path may include: a first flow path, arranged at a lower portion of a first submodule; a second flow path, arranged at a lower portion of a second submodule; and a third flow path, connecting the first flow path and the second flow path, the third flow path being arranged so that at least a portion of the third flow path may face a connecting component and a lower cover is sandwiched between at least a portion of the third flow path and the connecting component.

[0011] In an embodiment, the cooling plate may include a guide provided in the flow path to guide the flow of the refrigerant.

[0012] In an embodiment, the guide may include a plurality of guide protrusions protruding in a direction toward the lower cover to meet the lower cover.

[0013] In an embodiment, the first submodule and the second submodule may be disposed to face each other in a first direction, and at least one of the plurality of guide protrusions may include: a planar portion inclined relative to the first direction; and curved surface portions disposed at both ends of the planar portion.

[0014] In an embodiment, the first submodule and the second submodule may be disposed to face each other in a first direction, and the guide may include more than one guide protrusion group consisting of a plurality of guide protrusions arranged in a second direction different from the first direction.

[0015] In an embodiment, one or more guide protrusion groups may include a first guide protrusion group and a second guide protrusion group, the multiple guide protrusions constituting the first guide protrusion group may be separated from each other by a first spacing, any one of the multiple guide protrusions constituting the first guide protrusion group may be separated from the second guide protrusion group by a second spacing, and the first spacing may be less than or equal to the second spacing.

[0016] In an embodiment, the connection member may be coupled to one surface of the lower cover, and the cooling plate may be coupled to another surface of the lower cover opposite to the one surface.

[0017] In an embodiment, the lower cover may include a fastening portion fastened to the connection member, and the cooling plate may include an avoidance portion blocking contact of the fastening portion with the refrigerant.

[0018] In an embodiment, the avoidance portion may have an opening shape penetrating the cooling plate.

[0019] In an embodiment, the flow path may include: a first flow path, forming a first path through which refrigerant can flow; and a second flow path, forming a second path distinct from the first path, and an avoidance portion may be sandwiched between a portion of the first flow path and a portion of the second flow path and arranged to be separated from each other.

[0020] In an embodiment, a plurality of avoidance portions may be formed along the length direction of the connecting component, and at least one of the first flow path and the second flow path may include a first sub-flow path and a second sub-flow path, and at least one of the plurality of avoidance portions is sandwiched between the first sub-flow path and the second sub-flow path and separated from each other.

[0021] In an embodiment, a heat dissipation component may be provided on one side of the lower cover.

[0022] In an embodiment, a battery module may be provided, which may include: a first submodule and a second submodule, each including a plurality of battery cells; a lower cover supporting the first submodule and the second submodule; a connecting component disposed between the first submodule and the second submodule; and a cooling plate combined with the lower cover and forming a flow path through which a refrigerant can flow, the lower cover including a fastening portion fastened to the connecting component, and the cooling plate including an avoidance portion exposing the fastening portion.

[0023] In an embodiment, the cooling plate may include a plurality of avoidance portions, the first submodule and the second submodule may be arranged to sandwich a connecting component between the first submodule and the second submodule and face each other in a first direction, and the plurality of avoidance portions are spaced apart in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0024] In an embodiment, the cooling plate may include a flow path forming a flow path in which the refrigerant may flow, and at least a portion of the flow path may be disposed between the plurality of avoidance portions.

[0025] In an embodiment, the flow path may include: a first flow path that can cool the first submodule; a second flow path that can cool the second submodule; and a third flow path that connects the first flow path and the second flow path, and at least a portion of the third flow path is disposed between the avoidance portions.

[0026] In an embodiment, the battery module may further include a fastening member penetrating the fastening portion and fastened to the connection member.

[0027] According to another aspect of the present invention, a battery module is provided, comprising: a first submodule comprising a plurality of first battery cells; a second submodule comprising a plurality of second battery cells; a connecting component having a first side coupled to the first submodule and a second side coupled to the second submodule, the second side being opposite to the first side; and a cooling plate configured to cool the first submodule and the second submodule.

[0028] (III) Beneficial effects

[0029] The cooling plate included in the battery module according to the embodiment may have a structure capable of reducing a pressure drop generated during the flow of a refrigerant, and may quickly cool a plurality of sub-modules including a large number of battery cells.

[0030] The cooling plate included in the battery module according to the embodiment may cool down the plurality of submodules while not interfering with a coupling structure of a connection member connecting the plurality of submodules. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 It is a three-dimensional diagram of a battery module.

[0032] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of the battery module.

[0033] Figure 3 A state in which the cooling plate is coupled to the lower cover is shown.

[0034] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of a submodule included in a battery module.

[0035] Figure 5 is a top view of the cooling plate.

[0036] Figure 6 It is enlarged to show Figure 5 Figure 2. A partial area of ​​a cooling plate.

[0037] Figure 7 Shown in Figure 5 The shape of the avoidance portion in the cooling plate is partially deformed.

[0038] Figure 8 is a top view of a cooling plate according to another embodiment.

[0039] Fig. 9 is a top view of a cooling plate according to yet another embodiment.

[0040] Fig.10 is a top view of a cooling plate according to yet another embodiment.

[0041] Fig.11 is a top view of a cooling plate according to yet another embodiment.

[0042] Description of Reference Numerals

[0043] 10: Battery module 100: Submodule

[0044] 200: Connecting part 300: Lower cover

[0045] 311: First port 312: Second port

[0046] 400: Upper cover 500: Heat dissipation component

[0047] 600: cooling plate 610: cooling frame

[0048] 620: flow path 630: guide

[0049] 640: Avoidance section 1000: Battery unit DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] In the detailed description of the present invention, the terms or words used in the present specification and claims should not be interpreted as limited to the general meaning or the meaning in the dictionary, but should be interpreted as the meaning or concept that conforms to the technical idea of ​​the present invention based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the term in order to explain his own invention in the best way. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification and the structures shown in the drawings are only the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all the technical ideas of the present invention. Therefore, various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may be included when submitting this application.

[0051] The same reference numerals or symbols recorded in each of the drawings attached to this specification represent parts or components that perform substantially the same function. For ease of description and understanding, the same reference numerals or symbols may be used for description in different embodiments. That is, even if components with the same reference numerals are shown in multiple drawings, the multiple drawings do not all represent one embodiment.

[0052] In the following description, unless otherwise clearly stated in the context, singular expressions include plural expressions. It should be understood that terms such as "including" or "consisting of" should be understood as being used to specify the existence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof recorded in the specification, rather than excluding the existence or additional possibility of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof in advance.

[0053] In addition, in the following description, expressions such as upper side, top, lower side, lower part, side, front, rear, etc. are expressed based on the directions shown in the drawings. It should be noted that if the direction of the corresponding object changes, it can be expressed in different ways.

[0054] In addition, in the present specification and claims, terms including ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" may be used to distinguish components. These ordinal numbers are used to distinguish the same or similar components, and the meaning of the terms should not be interpreted in a restrictive manner due to the use of these ordinal numbers. For example, the order of use or arrangement of components combined with these ordinal numbers should not be interpreted in a restrictive manner based on the numbers. Each ordinal number can be used interchangeably as needed.

[0055] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the concept of the present invention is not limited to the proposed embodiments. For example, a person of ordinary skill who understands the concept of the present invention may propose other embodiments included in the scope of the concept of the present invention by adding, changing or deleting components, and these embodiments should also be included in the scope of the concept of the present invention. For a clearer description, the shape and size of the components may be exaggerated in the accompanying drawings.

[0056] Figure 1 It is a three-dimensional diagram of a battery module. Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of the battery module. Figure 3 A state in which the cooling plate is coupled to the lower cover is shown.

[0057] Reference Figure 2 The battery module 10 may include: a plurality of submodules 100; a connection member 200 disposed between the submodules 100; a lower cover 300 and an upper cover 400. The lower cover 300 and the upper cover 400 may support the submodules 100. The battery module 10 may further include a cooling plate 600 for cooling the battery module 10.

[0058] exist Figure 2 In the embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of submodules 100 may include, for example, a first submodule 100a and a second submodule 100b arranged adjacent to each other in a first direction, for example, in the X-axis direction, with the connection member 200 disposed therebetween. The first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b may be assembled with each other to constitute at least a portion of one battery module 10.

[0059] One or more connecting components 200 may be provided between any two of the plurality of submodules 100. Figure 2 As shown, a connection component 200 may be disposed between the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b disposed side by side in the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0060] The connection member 200 may have a partition shape extending in a second direction (Y-axis direction) perpendicular to the first direction (X-axis direction). The connection member 200 may be formed of a material having a prescribed rigidity so as to be able to structurally support the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b. For example, the connection member 200 may include a metal material such as aluminum or stainless steel.

[0061] The first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b may be respectively coupled to opposite sides of the connection member 200. For example, the first submodule 100a may be fastened to at least a portion of a first side of the connection member 200, and the second submodule 100b may be fastened to at least a portion of a second side of the connection member 200. The second side of the connection member 200 may be opposite to the first side of the connection member 200. Therefore, the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b may be fixed to each other by the connection member 200.

[0062] In the battery module 10 including a plurality of submodules 100, the connection member 200 may become an assembly reference point of the submodules 100. That is, the connection member 200 may partition a space accommodating each submodule 100 in the battery module 10 and may guide a position where the submodule 100 is disposed.

[0063] The battery module 10 may include a lower cover 300 and an upper cover 400 for supporting a plurality of submodules 100. Figure 2 , the lower cover 300 formed as one body may be provided to cover the lower surfaces of the plurality of submodules 100, and the upper cover 400 formed as one body may be provided to cover the upper surfaces of the plurality of submodules 100. The lower cover 300 and the upper cover 400 may be formed as one body to stably support the plurality of submodules 100.

[0064] The battery module 10 may include a cooling plate 600 for cooling the battery module. Figure 2 , the cooling plate 600 may be coupled to the lower cover 300 and may absorb heat energy generated by the submodules 100 a , 100 b .

[0065] The cooling plate 600 may include a cooling frame 610 forming a flow path 620. The cooling frame 610 may form a skeleton of the cooling plate 600, and may be coupled to the lower cover 300 and may form the flow path 620 as a flow path of the refrigerant. Any suitable bonding method may be used between the cooling frame 610 and the lower cover 300, for example, welding, brazing, roll-bonding, heat fusion, filler bonding, friction welding, or a physical fastening method achieved by an additional fastening member, etc. These methods may be applied alone or in combination with each other.

[0066] The flow path 620 may be formed on one surface of the cooling frame 610. Figure 2 , the cooling frame 610 may have a structure in which at least a portion is recessed in the downward direction (e.g., the negative direction of the Z axis), and since the cooling frame 610 is coupled to the lower cover 300, a flow path 620 for refrigerant flow may be formed in a space defined between the recessed portion of the cooling frame 610 and the lower cover 300. However, Figure 2Only an exemplary shape of the flow path 620 is shown, and the flow path 620 may also be formed inside the cooling frame 610 .

[0067] On the other hand, Figure 2 In the figure, a portion of the cooling plate 600 is shown as a shadow, which is only for distinguishing the portion in which the refrigerant can flow and the portion in which the refrigerant cannot flow in the flow path 620. The shadow does not indicate that the shadowed portion and the unshaded portion are different components. For example, Figure 2 The cooling plate 600 may have an integrated cooling frame 610 , and a flow path 620 may be formed on at least a portion of a surface of the cooling frame 610 .

[0068] In addition, due to Figure 2 For the same reasons noted, shadows are applied to Figures 5 to 11 middle.

[0069] Continue to refer to Figure 2 The refrigerant flowing through the flow path 620 may be any suitable cooling fluid. The refrigerant flowing through the flow path 620 may be, for example, cooling water. The refrigerant flowing into the cooling plate 600 may absorb heat energy generated in the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b to cool the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b.

[0070] The cooling plate 600 may include a guide member 630 capable of guiding the flow of the refrigerant. Figure 2 , the guide 630 may be formed to protrude from the inside of the flow path 620 toward a portion of the cooling frame 610 toward the lower cover 300. When the cooling frame 610 is coupled to the lower cover 300, the guide 630 may be in contact with the lower cover 300. Thus, the refrigerant cannot pass through the guide 630 and flows along the periphery of the guide 630. Therefore, the flow path or flow rate of the refrigerant may be set by appropriately designing the shape of the guide 630.

[0071] In the cooling plate 600 according to the embodiment, the guide member 630 may be configured in various shapes. Figure 2 As shown, the guide 630 may have a protrusion shape in which at least a portion of the guide extends in a direction inclined relative to the first direction (X-axis direction) in which the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b face each other. However, the shape of the guide 630 is not limited to that shown in the drawings.

[0072] The flow rate, cooling efficiency or pressure drop degree of the refrigerant flowing through the flow path 620 may be different according to the shape of the guide 630. The guide 630 may, for example, have a shape that optimizes the flow of cooling fluid to enhance heat dissipation. The specific shape of the guide 630 will be described below.

[0073] Continue to refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 For illustration, the cooling frame 610 or the lower cover 300 may include a plurality of ports 310 that enable the refrigerant to flow in / out. For example, the lower cover 300 may include a first port 311 and a second port 312 that are connected to the flow path 620 of the cooling plate 600. Among them, the first port 311 may be an inlet for the refrigerant, and the second port 312 may be an outlet for discharging the refrigerant. That is, the refrigerant may flow in from the first port 311, flow along the flow path 620 formed by the cooling frame 610, and then be discharged to the outside of the battery module 10 through the second port 312.

[0074] The positions of the first port 311 and the second port 312 may be different. Figure 2 The configuration is shown in a state where the first port 311 and the second port 312 are provided at opposite side ends of the lower cover 300. Alternatively, the first port 311 and the second port 312 may also be provided on the cooling frame 610.

[0075] In the battery module, a plurality of ports 310 may be provided. Figure 2 As shown, the battery module 10 may include a first port 311 and a second port 312 . In this case, the refrigerant flowing in from the first port 311 may cool both the first submodule 100 a and the second submodule 100 b .

[0076] Alternatively, a plurality of first ports 311 and a plurality of second ports 312 may be provided to form a separate cooling flow path for each submodule 100 a , 100 b .

[0077] In the battery module 10 according to the embodiment, the connection member 200 and the cooling plate 600 may be coupled to the lower cover 300. For example, the connection member 200 may be coupled to one surface of the lower cover 300, and the cooling plate 600 may be coupled to the other surface of the lower cover 300.

[0078] The cooling plate 600 may include one or more avoidance portions 640 for preventing interference with the coupling structure of the connection member 200 and the lower cover 300. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The avoidance portion 640 may be an opening penetrating the cooling frame 610 .

[0079] More than one avoidance portion 640 may be provided corresponding to the joint position of the connection member 200 and the lower cover 300. Figure 3 , the lower cover 300 may include a fastening portion 321 coupled to the connection member 200 , and the fastening portion 321 may be exposed in a lower direction (eg, a negative direction of the Z axis) of the battery module 10 through the avoidance portion 640 .

[0080] The battery module 10 may include a fastening member 322 for combining the lower cover 300 and the connecting member 200. The fastening portion 321 of the lower cover 300 may have a hole shape into which the fastening member 322 can be inserted. The fastening member 322 may penetrate the fastening portion 321 of the lower cover 300 to be fastened to the connecting member 200, and a plurality of avoidance portions 640 may be provided on the cooling frame 610 corresponding to the fastening positions of the fastening member 322.

[0081] The avoidance portion 640 may be disposed to face the connection member 200 with the lower cover 300 interposed therebetween. The fastening portion 321 of the lower cover 300 may be exposed through the avoidance portion 640, and the fastening member 322 may be inserted into the exposed fastening portion 321 and coupled to the connection member 200.

[0082] At least a portion of the flow path 620 may be formed between the plurality of avoidance portions 640. That is, the cooling flow path may be formed between the avoidance portions 640, and thus at least a portion of the refrigerant flowing into the cooling plate 600 may flow between the plurality of avoidance portions 640.

[0083] In the cooling plate 600, the flow path 620 may be configured to cover all of the plurality of submodules 100. For example, referring to Figure 2 , the flow path 620 of the cooling plate 600 may have a cooling area facing the lower surface of the first submodule 100a and the lower surface of the second submodule 100b, so as to be able to cool both the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b. That is, the cooling plate 600 of the battery module 10 may be configured to have an integrated cooling structure capable of cooling a plurality of submodules 100.

[0084] In order to improve the cooling efficiency, a heat dissipation component 500 may be provided between the lower cover 300 and the plurality of submodules 100. The heat dissipation component 500 may be provided so that one side of the heat dissipation component contacts the submodule 100, and the other side of the heat dissipation component opposite to the one side contacts the lower cover 300. The heat dissipation component 500 may be provided as a thermally conductive adhesive. The heat dissipation component 500 may fill the space between the submodule 100 and the lower cover 300 to more actively realize heat transfer based on conduction. Therefore, the heat dissipation efficiency of the battery module 10 may be increased.

[0085] The battery module 10 may include an upper cover 400 covering an upper portion of the submodule 100. The upper cover 400 may be formed as one body so as to be able to support a plurality of submodules 100 at the same time.

[0086] The upper cover 400 may have an opening 401 to allow the terminal portion 122 (eg, Figure 4 ) or a portion of the sensing module of the submodule 100 is exposed.

[0087] Each submodule 100 may be configured to include a plurality of battery cells, and may be capable of storing or releasing electrical energy.

[0088] In one battery module 10, a plurality of submodules 100 may be configured to be electrically connected to each other to output the designed power value required by the battery module. For example, two submodules 100 facing each other with the connection member 200 sandwiched therebetween may be electrically connected to each other through the terminal portion 122 (e.g., Figure 4 ) are connected in series or in parallel with each other.

[0089] On the contrary, in one battery module 10, a plurality of submodules 100 may also be configured to be electrically separated from each other. For example, two submodules 100 facing each other with the connection member 200 sandwiched therebetween may be electrically separated from each other, and the terminal portion 122 (e.g., Figure 4 ) can also be configured to be electrically connected to other adjacent battery modules 10.

[0090] Below, refer to Figure 4 , the sub-modules according to the embodiment are described in detail.

[0091] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of a submodule 100 included in the battery module 10 . Figure 4 The described submodule 100 may correspond to Figures 1 to 3 Any one of the first submodule 100a or the second submodule 100b described above may therefore be omitted from repeated description.

[0092] The battery module 10 may include a plurality of submodules 100. At least one of the plurality of submodules 100 included in the battery module 10 may include a battery cell assembly CA and a plurality of protective covers 140, 150 for protecting the battery cell assembly CA. The protective covers 140, 150 may include an end cover 140 covering at least one side of the battery cell assembly CA and one or more side covers 150.

[0093] The battery cell assembly CA may include a battery cell stack 110 including a battery cell stack 110 in one direction (eg, Figure 4 The invention also includes a battery cell 1000 stacked in a Y-axis direction (in a Y-axis direction); a bus bar assembly 120 electrically connected to the battery cell stack 110; and an insulating cover 130 coupled to the bus bar assembly 120.

[0094] The battery cell stack 110 may include a plurality of battery cells 1000 electrically connected to each other. In one battery cell stack 110, the plurality of battery cells 1000 may be stacked in one direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction). In the following description, the stacking direction of the battery cells 1000 included in the battery cell stack 110 is referred to as a "second direction" or a "battery cell stacking direction".

[0095] The bus bar assembly 120 may include a plurality of bus bars 121 electrically connecting the battery cells 1000 of the battery cell stack 110 , and a support frame supporting the bus bars 121 .

[0096] The bus bar 121 may be formed of a conductive material, and plays a role of electrically connecting the plurality of battery cells 1000 to each other. The bus bar 121 may be electrically connected to the battery cells 1000 in a state of being fixed to a support frame.

[0097] The support frame may support the bus bar 121 to be stably connected to the battery cell 1000. The support frame may include a non-conductive material (eg, plastic) having prescribed rigidity, and structurally support the plurality of bus bars 121.

[0098] The support frame may face at least one side of the battery cell stack 110. Figure 4 The support frame may include: a bus bar frame 123 facing the battery cell stack 110 in a first direction (X-axis direction) and supporting the bus bar 121; and a connection frame 124 facing the battery cell stack 110 in a third direction (Z-axis direction) and connected to the bus bar frame 123. The second direction may be a direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the third direction may be a direction perpendicular to both the first direction and the second direction.

[0099] The connection frame 124 may be provided with a sensing module 125 that can sense the electrical and thermal states of the battery cell 1000. Voltage information or temperature information sensed by the sensing module 125 may be transmitted to the outside of the submodule 100 for controlling the battery module 10.

[0100] The battery cell assembly CA may include an insulating cover 130 covering at least one side of the bus bar assembly 120. The insulating cover 130 may include a non-conductive material to prevent the bus bar 121 of the bus bar assembly 120 from accidentally short-circuiting with other structures.

[0101] An end cap 140 may be provided at the outermost portion of one side of the submodule 100. The end cap 140 may include a rigid material (e.g., a metal material such as aluminum) to protect the battery cell assembly CA from external impact. Figure 2) and a lower cover 300 (eg, Figure 2 ), the end cover 140 can be separated from the connecting part 200 and arranged on any side edge of the lower cover 300.

[0102] In an embodiment, the battery cell assembly CA may have a plurality of insulating covers 130. For example, the submodule 100 may include: a first insulating cover 131 to electrically separate the connection component 200 from the bus bar assembly 120; and a second insulating cover 132 to electrically separate the end cap 140 from the bus bar assembly 120.

[0103] The first insulating cover 131 may be disposed between the connection member 200 and the bus bar 121 to electrically separate the connection member and the bus bar from each other. Similarly, the second insulating cover 132 may be disposed between the end cover 140 and the bus bar 121 to electrically separate the end cover and the bus bar from each other.

[0104] The insulation cover 130 may be coupled to the bus bar assembly 120. For example, the first insulation cover 131 and the second insulation cover 132 may be respectively inserted and coupled to the bus bar frame 123 and fixed. Alternatively, the insulation cover 130 may be fixed in the bus bar frame 123 by a separate fastening member.

[0105] The submodule 100 may include a side cover 150 facing at least one side of the battery cell stack 110 .

[0106] The side cover 150 may be provided as a pair so that it can cover different surfaces of the battery cell stack 110. The pair of side covers 150 are respectively coupled to the end cover 140 and the connection member 200 to constitute the side of the submodule 100 and can protect the battery cell stack 110 from the external environment.

[0107] The side cover 150 may face the battery cell stack 110 in a different direction from the end cover 140. Figure 4 As shown, the side cover 150 may be disposed to face the battery cell stack 110 in the second direction (Y-axis direction), and the end cover 140 may be disposed to face the battery cell stack 110 in the first direction (X-axis direction) and sandwich the bus bar assembly 120 and the second insulation cover 132 between the end cover and the battery cell stack. Thus, the end cover 140, the pair of side covers 150, and the first insulation cover 131 may constitute four surfaces of the submodule 300.

[0108] For any one of the side covers 150, one end portion thereof may be coupled to the end cover 140, and the other end portion opposite to the one end portion may be coupled to the connection member 200 of the battery module 10. The bus bar assembly 120 may also be coupled to the side cover 150 in order to improve coupling strength.

[0109] The side cover 150 may further include a connection portion 153 that is structurally connected to the external structure of the battery module 10. Figure 4 The connection portion 153 may have a structure protruding in the second direction (Y-axis direction) on the surface of the side cover 150. The battery module 10 may be coupled to an external structure (eg, a battery pack housing accommodating a plurality of battery modules 10) through the connection portion 153 of the side cover 150.

[0110] The lower surface of the submodule 100 may be configured to expose the battery cell stack 110. For example, the submodule 100 may not have a separate cover member on the lower surface, and thus the battery cell stack 110 may be separated from the outer structure of the submodule 100 (eg, Figure 2 The lower cover 300 or the heat dissipation member 500 of the battery module 10 shown in the figure is directly connected. Therefore, the heat can be smoothly discharged from the battery cell stack 110 to the lower part of the submodule 100, so that the heat dissipation efficiency of the submodule 100 can be increased.

[0111] The outermost part of one side of the submodule 100 may be provided with an end cap 140, and the outermost part of the other side may be provided with a first insulating cover 131. That is, any submodule 100 may include a first surface provided with the insulating cover 131 and a second surface provided with the end cap 140. For example, referring to Figure 4 The outermost side of the first surface of any submodule 100 may be completed by the insulating cover 131 , and the outermost side of the second surface opposite to the first surface may be completed by the end cover 140 .

[0112] The two submodules 100 facing each other with the connection member 200 interposed therebetween may be arranged so that the respective first surfaces face the connection member 200. For example, the first submodule 100a may be coupled to the connection member 200 so that the first surface provided with the insulating cover 130 faces the connection member 200, and the second submodule 100b may be coupled to the connection member 200 so that the first surface provided with the insulating cover 130 faces the connection member 200. According to such a connection structure, in the battery module 10 to which the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b are connected, the end caps 140 of the respective submodules 100 may form the front peripheral surface and the rear peripheral surface of the battery module 10, and the side caps 150 coupled with the end caps 140 may form the side peripheral surface.

[0113] Below, refer to Figures 5 to 7 , the flow path formed by the cooling plate is described.

[0114] Figure 5 is a top view of the cooling plate 600 . Figure 6 It is enlarged to show Figure 5 FIG. 6 is a diagram of a partial area of ​​a cooling plate 600 . Figure 7 Shows Figure 5 The shape of the avoidance portion 640 in the cooling plate 600 is partially deformed. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The cooling plate 600 described includes the above Figures 1 to 3 The features of the cooling plate 600 have been described, and therefore repeated descriptions may be omitted.

[0115] The cooling plate 600 may be configured to cool the battery module 10 (eg, Figure 1 and Figure 2 ) in a plurality of submodules 100 (e.g., Figure 2 For example, the cooling plate 600 may cool the first area A and the second area C corresponding to the portions where the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b are respectively provided, and the portions where the connecting member 200 (for example, Figure 2 and Figure 3 ) parts corresponding to the third area B are all cooled.

[0116] The flow paths of the cooling plate 600 may include a first flow path 621 for cooling the first region A, a second flow path 623 for cooling the second region C, and a third flow path 622 for cooling the third region B. Figure 5 The first flow path 621, the third flow path 622, and the second flow path 623 may be arranged in a direction parallel to a first direction (eg, an X-axis direction) in which the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b are arranged.

[0117] The first flow path 621 of the cooling plate 600 may be connected to the second flow path 623 through the third flow path 622 .

[0118] The refrigerant flowing in from the first port 311 may cool the first submodule 100a while flowing along the first flow path 621. The refrigerant passing through the first flow path 621 may flow into the second flow path 623 through the third flow path 622. The refrigerant may cool the second submodule 100b while flowing along the second flow path 623, and then may be discharged through the second port 312.

[0119] The cooling frame 610 forming the first to third flow paths 621 , 622 , and 623 may be formed as one body, thereby realizing the cooling plate 600 which is simple in structure and has stable cooling performance.

[0120] A plurality of guides 630 may be provided inside the first flow path 621 and the second flow path 623. The guides 630 may guide the flow of the refrigerant.

[0121] The guide member 630 may include a plurality of guide protrusions 630a, 630b arranged in a prescribed pattern. Various patterns formed by the guide protrusions 630a, 630b may be set according to the cooling performance requirement value of the battery module 10. For example, referring to Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the cooling plate 600 may include a plurality of guide protrusions 630a, 630b formed in an oblique pattern relative to the first direction (X-axis direction) so that the inflowing refrigerant can be rapidly and widely diffused. The refrigerant flowing in through the first port 311 can be rapidly and uniformly diffused in the first flow path 621 according to the guide protrusions 630a provided in an oblique pattern in the interior of the first flow path 621. Therefore, during the period when the refrigerant flows through the flow path, the generation of a pressure drop can be suppressed while ensuring a high cooling performance.

[0122] Reference Figure 6 , the structure and setting of the guide protrusion are described in detail.

[0123] At least a portion of the plurality of guide protrusions may be arranged in one direction and form a protrusion group. For example, the guide member 630 may include a plurality of guide protrusion groups (631, 632, 633, 634, etc.), wherein the guide protrusion group is a collection of a plurality of guide protrusions (634a, 634b, etc.) arranged in an oblique direction relative to a side edge of the cooling frame 610.

[0124] A plurality of guide protrusion groups (631, 632, 633, 634, etc.) may be formed in the flow path 620. Figure 6 The guide member 630 may include a plurality of guide protrusion groups (631, 632, 633, 634, etc.) consisting of different numbers of guide protrusions. For example, the first guide protrusion group 631 may consist of one guide protrusion, the second guide protrusion group 632 may consist of two guide protrusions, and the third guide protrusion group 633 may consist of three guide protrusions.

[0125] The guide protrusions constituting any one guide protrusion group may have different shapes. For example, referring to the fifth guide protrusion group 635, a portion of the guide protrusions 635a may have a circular shape, and another portion of the guide protrusions 635b may have curved ends and a flat center.

[0126] The guide protrusions constituting any one of the guide protrusion groups may be arranged spaced apart in one direction. For example, the guide protrusions (634a, 634b, etc.) of the fourth guide protrusion group 634 may be spaced apart by a first spacing d1 and may be arranged in a fourth direction that forms a specified angle a with the first direction (X-axis direction). The specified angle may be an acute angle.

[0127] Any one of the guide protrusion groups may be provided at a predetermined interval from other guide protrusion groups. Figure 6 Any one of the guide protrusions 634a constituting the fourth guide protrusion group 634 and any one of the guide protrusions 635b constituting the fifth guide protrusion group 635 may be disposed at a second interval d2.

[0128] When the guide protrusion is provided, the first interval d1 may be equal to or smaller than the second interval d2. When the first interval d1 is smaller than the second interval d2, the refrigerant may flow more smoothly in the fourth direction.

[0129] At least one of the plurality of guide protrusions may include: a plane portion FP having a surface parallel to the fourth direction; and a curved portion CP provided at both ends of the plane portion FP. Figure 6 In the partially enlarged view, any one of the guide protrusions may include: a pair of planar portions FP, which are inclined relative to the first direction (X-axis direction); and a curved portion CP, which connects the pair of planar portions FP. At this time, the multiple guide protrusions constituting any one of the guide protrusion groups can be arranged so that the curved portions CP face each other. According to this arrangement structure, the generation of pressure drop can be suppressed when the refrigerant flows between the multiple guide protrusions, and the effect of making the diffusion of the refrigerant easier can be achieved.

[0130] Like the first flow path 621, a plurality of guides 630 may also be provided inside the second flow path 623. The guides 630 provided in the second flow path 623 may have a pattern similar to that of the guides 630 provided in the first flow path 621. For example, a plurality of guide protrusions 630b may be formed in the second flow path 623, wherein the direction of the pattern formed by the guide protrusions 630b is parallel to the fourth direction.

[0131] Reference Figure 5 To describe, when the first area A or the second area C has a shape that is roughly a rectangular plane, the fourth direction as the style direction of the guide can be a direction roughly parallel to the diagonal connecting the lower left corner (hereinafter referred to as the first corner) and the upper right corner (hereinafter referred to as the second corner) of the first area A or the second area C. The first port 311 through which the refrigerant flows in can be arranged close to the first corner of the first area A. In addition, the second port 312 through which the refrigerant flows out can be arranged close to the second corner of the second area C. According to this arrangement, the guide 630 can reduce the flow friction during the flow of the refrigerant flowing in from the first port 311 and being discharged through the second port 312, and can thereby suppress the pressure drop of the refrigerant. Therefore, the smooth flow of the refrigerant can be maintained with less energy, thereby saving the energy required for cooling the battery module 10.

[0132] In order to allow the refrigerant to flow smoothly through the first flow path 621 and the second flow path 623, the third flow path 622 provided between the first flow path 621 and the second flow path 623 may have a plurality of flow paths. Figure 5 The cooling frame 610 may have a plurality of avoidance portions 640 that avoid the joint portion of the connection member 200 and the lower frame, and a flow path may be formed between the avoidance portions 640. For example, the third flow path 622 may include: a side flow path 622a disposed between the avoidance portion 640 and an edge of the cooling frame 610; and a central flow path 622b disposed between the plurality of avoidance portions 640.

[0133] As described above, the cooling plate 600 has a plurality of flow paths between the avoidance portions 640, thereby preventing interference with the coupling structure of the battery module 10 while ensuring a smooth cooling flow path. Figure 3 ) part to form a flow path, thereby blocking the refrigerant leakage through the fastening components at the root.

[0134] However, the specific shape of the guide member 630 is not limited to the above. Figure 5 As shown, the guide 630 formed inside the first flow path 621 and the guide 630 formed in the second flow path 623 may include a plurality of guide protrusions arranged in different patterns from each other.

[0135] In addition, if Figure 7 As shown, only one avoidance portion 640 may be formed. In this case, connecting flow paths 622a may be formed at both ends of the avoidance portion 640 in the second direction (Y-axis direction). Figure 7 In the cooling plate of FIG. 1 , the remaining features except the shape of the avoidance portion 640 and the structure of the connecting flow path 622a based thereon can be the same as those of FIG. Figure 5 The cooling plate 600 corresponds to the cooling plate 600.

[0136] Hereinafter, various shapes of guide members according to other embodiments will be described.

[0137] Figures 8 to 11 are top views of cooling plates according to other embodiments. Figures 8 to 11 In the cooling plate described, other features except the shape of the guide can be the same as Figures 1 to 6 The features of the cooling plate described in are corresponding, so repeated description can be omitted.

[0138] Reference Figure 8 In the cooling plate 700, the guide members 730a and 730b may include a plurality of guide protrusion groups 731 and 732, wherein the direction of the pattern formed by the plurality of guide protrusion groups 731 and 732 is the same as Figure 6For example, the guide members 730a, 730b may include a series of guide protrusion groups 731, 732 formed by a plurality of guide protrusions arranged along a fifth direction perpendicular to the fourth direction.

[0139] In the case of such a configuration, the refrigerant flowing in through the first port 311 can be widely diffused to the first flow path 721 by the guide 730a having the pattern of the fifth direction. Therefore, there is an advantage that the entire first region can be quickly cooled.

[0140] Reference Fig. 9 , the guide member 830 of the cooling plate 800 may have a pattern in which guide protrusions 831 , 832 , 833 of different shapes and directions are alternately arranged.

[0141] For example, the guide 830 may include the above-mentioned Figure 6 The first guide protrusion 831 extending in the fourth direction as described in Figure 8 The second guide protrusion 832 extending in the fifth direction and the third guide protrusion 833 having a substantially elliptical (or egg) shape are described in detail.

[0142] The first guide protrusion 831, the second guide protrusion 832, and the third guide protrusion 833 may be alternately arranged in various ways. Figure 8 As shown, the first guide protrusions 831 and the second guide protrusions 832 may be alternately arranged in the first direction (X-axis direction) and the second direction (Y-axis direction), and a third guide protrusion 833 may be arranged therebetween. At this time, the third guide protrusion 833 may be arranged between any two first guide protrusions 831 and between any two second guide protrusions 832.

[0143] According to Fig. 9 The guide member pattern structure shown can guide the refrigerant to flow stably in the first direction (X-axis direction) and the second direction (Y-axis direction), thereby suppressing the pressure drop caused by friction and the like during the flow through the flow path.

[0144] Reference Fig.10 and Fig.11 The guides of the cooling plates 900a and 900b may be configured as continuous wall surfaces to form the tube-type flow paths 921 and 922. For example, the guides may be configured such that the refrigerant flowing in through the first port 311 flows along the first flow path 921 and the second flow path 922 separated from each other and is discharged through the second port 312.

[0145] The first flow path 921 may form a first path through which the refrigerant may flow. In addition, the second flow path 922 may form a second path that is different from the first path and through which the refrigerant may flow. Therefore, the refrigerant flowing in through the first port 311 may cool the battery module 10 while flowing along two or more different paths, and then be discharged through the second port 312.

[0146] The first flow path 921 and the second flow path 922 have paths that are bent multiple times, so the refrigerant can flow evenly through the area corresponding to the lower portion of the first submodule and the second submodule.

[0147] On the other hand, a portion of the first flow path 921 and a portion of the second flow path 922 can be separated in the second direction (Y-axis direction) and an avoidance portion 940 of the cooling plates 900a and 900b can be sandwiched between a portion of the first flow path 921 and a portion of the second flow path 922.

[0148] At this time, if Fig.10 When only one avoidance portion 940 is provided as shown, a portion of the first flow path 921 and a portion of the second flow path 922 may be formed along the edge of the cooling frame with the avoidance portion 940 interposed therebetween.

[0149] Or, if Fig.11 As shown, when along as a connecting component (for example, Figure 2 When a plurality of avoidance portions 940 are provided in a first direction (Y-axis direction) of the extension direction of the first channel 921 (i.e., the first channel 921) may include a first sub-channel 921a and a second sub-channel 921b, which are separated and arranged with at least one avoidance portion 940 sandwiched therebetween. The first sub-channel 921a and the second sub-channel 921b may be reunited through the avoidance portion 940 to form the first channel 921. Similarly, the second channel 922 may include a third sub-channel 922a and a fourth sub-channel 922b, which are separated and arranged with at least one avoidance portion 940 sandwiched therebetween. The third sub-channel 922a and the fourth sub-channel 922b may be reunited into one channel through the avoidance portion 940 to form the second channel 922.

[0150] The manufacturing method of the battery module may include: a submodule manufacturing step of manufacturing a plurality of submodules 100; a connection step of connecting the manufactured submodules 100 to each other through a connecting component 200; and a covering step of covering the upper and lower parts of the connected submodules by a shell (e.g., an upper cover and a lower cover) to complete the manufacturing.

[0151] A submodule is a subunit that constitutes at least a part of a battery module, and a plurality of submodules can be assembled to make a battery module. The plurality of submodules 100 made as described above can be assembled to each other by a connecting member 200. The plurality of submodules 100 connected to each other according to the connecting member 200 can be coupled to an upper cover 400 and a lower cover 300 covering the upper and lower parts. A plurality of submodules 100a, 100b can be placed on a lower cover 300 that can support them as a whole. In order to improve the heat dissipation efficiency, the upper surface of the lower cover 300 can be coated with a heat dissipation member 500. In addition, the connecting member 200 disposed between the plurality of submodules 100a, 100b can be fastened to the lower cover 300 and the upper cover 400, at which time a bolt connection method using a separate fastening member 322 can be applied.

[0152] The manufacturing method of the battery module 10 may further include a cooling plate bonding step of bonding a cooling plate 600 for cooling the submodule 100 to the lower cover 300. At this time, the cooling plate 600 may be bonded to the lower cover 300 by welding, brazing, roll bonding, thermal fusion, filler bonding, friction welding, etc. The cooling plate bonding step may be performed before bonding a plurality of submodules 100 to the lower cover 300. Alternatively, the cooling plate 600 bonding step may also be performed simultaneously in the process of bonding a plurality of submodules 100 to the lower cover 300 or after the process.

[0153] The manufacturing method of the battery module 10 is not limited to the above content. For example, it may further include: each sensing module 125 ( Figure 4 ) are connected to each other, or the terminal portion 122 ( Figure 4 ) steps to connect to the connector, etc.

[0154] The cooling plate included in the battery module according to the embodiment may form a cooling flow path capable of cooling each of the plurality of submodules while not interfering with a coupling structure of a connection member connecting the plurality of submodules.

[0155] In addition, the cooling plate may guide the flow of the refrigerant through a guide having a prescribed pattern, thereby reducing a pressure drop generated during the flow, and may quickly cool a plurality of submodules including a large number of battery cells.

[0156] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the specific exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the technical concept of the present invention as described in the claims. In addition, the present invention can be implemented by deleting some of the components in the above-mentioned embodiments or by combining various embodiments.

Claims

1. A battery module, comprising: a first submodule and a second submodule, each of the first submodule and the second submodule comprising a plurality of battery cells; A lower cover, supporting the first submodule and the second submodule; a connecting component, disposed between the first submodule and the second submodule and coupled to the lower cover; A fastening component, used to combine the lower cover and the connecting component; as well as A cooling plate is combined with the lower cover to form a flow path through which the refrigerant can flow. At least a portion of the flow path is disposed to face the connection component with the lower cover interposed between at least a portion of the flow path and the connection component. The cooling plate includes an avoidance portion, and the avoidance portion is provided on a flow path of the cooling plate. The avoidance portion is provided corresponding to a position where the fastening member is fastened, and has an opening shape penetrating the cooling plate to prevent interference between the fastening member and the cooling plate.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The flow path comprises: A first flow path, arranged at the lower part of the first submodule; A second flow path is provided at a lower portion of the second submodule; and a third flow path connecting the first flow path and the second flow path, At least a portion of the third flow path is disposed to face the connection member with the lower cover interposed therebetween.

3. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The cooling plate includes a guide provided in the flow path to guide a flow of the refrigerant.

4. The battery module according to claim 3, wherein: The guide member includes a plurality of guide protrusions protruding in a direction toward the lower cover to be in contact with the lower cover.

5. The battery module according to claim 4, wherein: The first submodule and the second submodule are arranged to face each other in a first direction, At least one of the plurality of guide protrusions comprises: a planar portion inclined relative to the first direction; and The curved surface portion is provided at both ends of the planar portion.

6. The battery module according to claim 3, wherein: The first submodule and the second submodule are arranged to face each other in a first direction, The guide member includes one or more guide protrusion groups, and the guide protrusion group is composed of a plurality of guide protrusions arranged in a second direction different from the first direction.

7. The battery module according to claim 6, wherein: The one or more guide protrusion groups include a first guide protrusion group and a second guide protrusion group, The plurality of guide protrusions included in the first guide protrusion group are spaced apart from each other at a first interval, One of the plurality of guide protrusions included in the first guide protrusion group and the second guide protrusion group are spaced apart from each other by a second interval, The first spacing is less than or equal to the second spacing.

8. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The connecting member is coupled to one side of the lower cover, The cooling plate is coupled to the other surface of the lower cover opposite to the one surface.

9. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The lower cover and the connecting member are combined by a fastening portion provided on the lower cover. The avoidance portion is provided at a position facing the fastening portion.

10. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The opening shape penetrating the cooling plate is provided between a first flow path provided at a lower portion of the first submodule and a second flow path provided at a lower portion of the second submodule.

11. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The flow path comprises: a first flow path forming a first path through which the refrigerant can flow; and a second flow path, forming a second path distinct from the first path, A portion of the first flow path and a portion of the second flow path are disposed to be spaced apart from each other with the avoidance portion interposed therebetween.

12. The battery module according to claim 11, wherein: The plurality of avoidance portions are arranged in the length direction of the connecting member. At least one of the first flow path and the second flow path includes a first sub-flow path and a second sub-flow path, and the first sub-flow path and the second sub-flow path are disposed apart from each other with at least one of the plurality of avoidance portions interposed therebetween.

13. The battery module according to claim 8, wherein: A heat dissipation component is disposed on the one surface of the lower cover.

14. A battery module, comprising: The first submodule and the second submodule each include a plurality of battery cells; A lower cover, supporting the first submodule and the second submodule; a connecting component, disposed between the first submodule and the second submodule and combined with the lower cover; as well as A cooling plate is combined with the lower cover to form a flow path through which the refrigerant can flow. The lower cover includes a fastening portion fastened to the connecting member, The cooling plate includes an avoidance portion, and the avoidance portion is provided on a flow path of the cooling plate. The avoidance portion is provided corresponding to the joining position of the connection member and the lower cover and has an opening shape penetrating the cooling plate. The fastening portion is exposed through the avoidance portion.

15. The battery module according to claim 14, wherein: The cooling plate includes a plurality of avoidance portions, The first submodule and the second submodule are arranged to face each other in a first direction with the connection member interposed therebetween. The plurality of avoidance portions are spaced apart from each other in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

16. The battery module according to claim 15, wherein: The cooling plate includes a flow path forming a flow path through which a refrigerant can flow, At least a portion of the flow path is provided between the plurality of avoidance portions.

17. The battery module according to claim 16, wherein: The flow path comprises: a first flow path, cooling the first submodule; a second flow path, cooling the second submodule; and The third flow path connects the first flow path and the second flow path, and at least a portion of the third flow path is provided between the plurality of avoidance portions.

18. The battery module according to claim 14, further comprising: A fastening member penetrates the fastening portion and is fastened to the connecting member.

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