Battery module and battery pack and vehicle including same

Abstract

The battery module according to the present invention comprises: a plurality of battery cells; a battery cell frame, wherein the plurality of battery cells are accommodated in the battery cell frame; and a filling member filled between the plurality of battery cells, in which at least a portion of the cell frame is recessed to form a leak-proof groove in which the filling member is accommodated; the cell frame includes: a frame wall forming a perimeter of the cell frame; and a cell accommodating portion provided on an inner side of the frame wall to accommodate the plurality of battery cells; and the leakage-proof groove is arranged between the frame wall and the battery cell accommodating part. According to the present invention, leakage of the filling member during injection of the filling member can be prevented. When the cell frames respectively accommodating the upper and lower portions of the battery cell are coupled to each other, the filling member may also be prevented from leaking between the cell frames. In addition, leakage of the filling member can be prevented while manufacturing cost can be reduced and energy density can be increased.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery module, a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery module. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a battery module capable of preventing leakage of a filler, and a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery module.

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0181620 filed in Korea on December 22, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] In addition, the present application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0073840 filed in Korea on Jun. 8, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0004] Secondary batteries that are easy to apply according to product groups and have electrical characteristics such as high energy density are generally used in electric vehicles (EV) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) driven by electric drive sources and portable devices. Due to the main advantages of secondary batteries that can greatly reduce the use of fossil fuels and do not generate byproducts due to energy use, these secondary batteries are receiving attention as a new energy source for improving eco-friendliness and energy efficiency.

[0005] The types of secondary batteries widely used at present include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, etc. The operating voltage of the unit secondary battery cell (i.e., unit battery cell) is about 2.5V to 4.5V. Therefore, when an output voltage higher than the operating voltage is required, the battery pack can be configured by connecting a plurality of battery cells in series. In addition, the battery pack can be configured by connecting a plurality of battery cells in parallel according to the required charge / discharge capacity of the battery pack. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in the battery pack can be set in various ways according to the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0006] Meanwhile, in the case of configuring a battery pack by connecting a plurality of battery cells in series / parallel, a general method is to preferentially configure a battery module including at least one battery cell, and then add other components using the at least one battery module to configure a battery pack or a battery rack.

[0007] The conventional battery module is configured to include a plurality of battery cells and a cell frame. Here, the conventional battery module is configured to further include a filler filled between the battery cells to prevent heat diffusion and ensure cooling performance.

[0008] However, conventional battery modules have a problem of filler leaking out of the cell frame. In particular, in the case of a structure in which the cell frame is configured by coupling separate upper and lower components, there is a problem that the filler may leak through a gap formed in a portion where the components are coupled to each other.

[0009] To solve this problem, in conventional battery modules, attempts have been made to fill the gap between the upper and lower parts of the cell frame with gaskets or glue to prevent the filler from leaking out of the cell frame. However, in conventional battery modules, the addition of separate gaskets or glue increases the manufacturing cost and the size of the entire battery module, which is not conducive to energy density.

[0010] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a battery module capable of reducing manufacturing costs and improving energy density while preventing leakage of a filler, and a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery module. Summary of the invention

[0011] Technical issues

[0012] Therefore, the present disclosure has been designed to solve the problems of the related art, and is intended to provide a battery module capable of preventing filler leakage, and a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery module.

[0013] In addition, the present disclosure also provides a battery module capable of reducing manufacturing costs and improving energy density, and a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery module.

[0014] The technical problems to be solved by the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned technical problems, and other technical problems not mentioned above will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description of the present disclosure.

[0015] Technical Solution

[0016] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a battery module is provided, comprising: a plurality of battery cells; a cell frame configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells; and a filler filled between the plurality of battery cells, wherein at least a portion of the cell frame is recessed to form a leak-proof groove for receiving the filler, wherein the cell frame comprises: a frame wall forming a perimeter of the cell frame; and a cell accommodating portion disposed on the inner side of the frame wall to accommodate the plurality of battery cells, and wherein the leak-proof groove is disposed between the frame wall and the cell accommodating portion.

[0017] The anti-leakage groove may be provided along the frame wall.

[0018] The battery cell accommodating portion may include: a plurality of battery cell accommodating holes, the plurality of battery cell accommodating holes being arranged side by side so that the plurality of battery cells are respectively inserted into the plurality of battery cell accommodating holes; and a battery cell accommodating wall formed along the outermost periphery of the battery cell accommodating holes, and the anti-leakage groove may be disposed between the battery cell accommodating wall and the frame wall.

[0019] The battery cell accommodating wall may be configured to be inclined toward the leakage preventing groove.

[0020] The plurality of cell accommodating holes may be provided in a cylindrical shape, and the leakage preventing groove may be provided between adjacent cell accommodating holes among the plurality of cell accommodating holes and the frame wall.

[0021] The leakage prevention groove may be provided in a shape surrounded by the battery cell receiving portion and the frame wall.

[0022] The plurality of leakage prevention grooves may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other, and the plurality of leakage prevention grooves may be disposed to be connected to each other.

[0023] The anti-leakage groove may include: a plurality of first grooves, which are formed between adjacent battery cell accommodating holes among the plurality of battery cell accommodating holes; and a second groove, which is formed between adjacent first grooves among the plurality of first grooves so as to be connected with the adjacent first grooves, and the first groove and the second groove may have different depths.

[0024] The leakage prevention groove may include an inclined surface disposed between the first groove and the second groove to be inclined toward the first groove, thereby guiding the flow of the filler.

[0025] The height of the battery cell receiving wall and the depth of the leakage preventing groove may be configured to correspond to the height of the frame wall.

[0026] The battery cell frame may include: a battery cell top frame, which is configured to accommodate the upper portion of the multiple battery cells; and a battery cell bottom frame, which is connected to the bottom of the battery cell top frame and is configured to accommodate the lower portion of the multiple battery cells, and the anti-leakage groove may be provided in the battery cell bottom frame.

[0027] The cell bottom frame may include a coupling portion to which the cell top frame is coupled, and the leakage prevention groove may be provided at an inner side of the coupling portion.

[0028] The battery cell bottom frame may include: a first wall, which is defined as an outer wall of the battery cell bottom frame; and a second wall, which is spaced inward from the first wall, and the connecting portion may be arranged between the first wall and the second wall so that a portion of the battery cell top frame is inserted into the connecting portion.

[0029] The anti-leakage groove may be provided on an inner side of the second wall.

[0030] The filler may be provided as a potting resin.

[0031] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a battery module is provided, comprising: a plurality of battery cells; a cell frame configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells and having a top opening; and a filler, the filler being filled into the cell frame through the top opening of the cell frame, wherein the cell frame has a leak-proof groove configured to prevent leakage of the filler.

[0032] Here, the battery cell frame may include: a battery cell top frame, which is configured to accommodate the upper portion of the multiple battery cells; a battery cell bottom frame, which is connected to the bottom of the battery cell top frame and is configured to accommodate the lower portion of the multiple battery cells, and the anti-leakage groove may be set in the battery cell bottom frame.

[0033] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, a battery pack is provided, which includes the battery module according to the present disclosure.

[0034] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes the battery pack according to the present disclosure.

[0035] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, a battery cell frame is provided, which includes: a frame wall, which forms a rectangular frame; a battery cell accommodating portion, which is arranged on the inner side of the frame wall and is configured to accommodate a plurality of battery cells; and an anti-leakage groove, which is arranged between the frame wall and the battery cell accommodating portion.

[0036] The battery cell accommodating portion may include: a plurality of cylindrical battery cell accommodating holes, the plurality of cylindrical battery cell accommodating holes being arranged side by side so that the plurality of battery cells are respectively inserted into the plurality of cylindrical battery cell accommodating holes; and a battery cell accommodating wall formed along the outermost periphery of the battery cell accommodating holes, and the anti-leakage groove may be disposed between the battery cell accommodating wall and the frame wall.

[0037] The anti-leakage groove may include: a plurality of first grooves, which are formed between adjacent battery cell accommodating holes among the plurality of battery cell accommodating holes; and a second groove, which is formed between adjacent first grooves among the plurality of first grooves so as to be connected with the adjacent first grooves, and the first groove and the second groove may have different depths.

[0038] Beneficial Effects

[0039] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a battery module capable of preventing a filler from leaking when injecting a filler, and a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery module.

[0040] In addition, in the case where the cell frames accommodating the upper and lower portions of the battery cells are coupled to each other, it is possible to prevent the filler from leaking through a gap between the coupled cell frames.

[0041] In addition, since no gaskets or glue are used, manufacturing costs can be reduced, energy density can be increased, and packing leakage can be prevented.

[0042] Furthermore, the present disclosure may have various other effects, and these will be described in the corresponding embodiments, or descriptions of effects that can be easily inferred by those skilled in the art will be omitted. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the detailed description of the present disclosure, are used to provide a further understanding of the technical features of the present disclosure; therefore, the present disclosure is not to be construed as being limited to the accompanying drawings.

[0044] Figure 1 is an overall perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Exploded perspective view of the battery module.

[0046] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional image of the battery cell frame.

[0047] Figure 4 It is viewed from above Figure 1 Illustration of the battery cell frame in .

[0048] Figure 5 is with Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the battery module corresponding to the section II' in FIG.

[0049] Figure 6 is an overall perspective view of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 An exploded perspective view of the battery module in FIG.

[0051] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 A three-dimensional view of an embodiment of the bottom frame of the battery cell.

[0052] Fig. 9 is with Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the battery module corresponding to the section II-II'.

[0053] Fig.10 yes Figure 6 A three-dimensional view of another embodiment of the bottom frame of the battery cell.

[0054] Fig.11 yes Fig.10 Magnified view of section A in FIG.

[0055] Fig.12 is with Fig.11 Schematic diagram of the battery module corresponding to the cross section III-III'.

[0056] Fig.13 yes Figure 6 A three-dimensional view of another embodiment of the bottom frame of the battery cell.

[0057] Fig.14 is with Fig.13 Schematic diagram of the battery module corresponding to the section IV-IV' in FIG.

[0058] Fig.15 Yes Figure 6 A three-dimensional view of a battery pack with battery modules in FIG.

[0059] Fig.16 Yes Fig.15 A perspective view of a vehicle with a battery pack in it. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] Hereinafter, the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before the description, it should be understood that the terms used in the specification and the appended claims should not be interpreted as being limited to the general and dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted according to the meanings and concepts corresponding to the technical aspects of the present disclosure based on the principle of allowing the inventor to appropriately define the terms for the best interpretation.

[0061] Therefore, since the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are only one of the most preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and do not represent the overall technical ideas of the present disclosure, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications may exist when the present application is filed.

[0062] In the accompanying drawings, for the convenience and clarity of explanation, the sizes of the corresponding components or specific parts constituting the components are exaggerated, omitted or schematically shown. Therefore, the sizes of the corresponding components cannot fully reflect the actual sizes. The description of the related known functions or the detailed description of the configuration that may obscure the subject matter of the present disclosure may be omitted. For reference, in this specification, the terms indicating directions are based on the components shown in the accompanying drawings and are relative terms that may vary according to the posture or position of the actual components.

[0063] Figure 1 is an overall perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Exploded perspective view of the battery module.

[0064] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 , a battery module 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a plurality of battery cells 100 , a cell frame 200 accommodating the plurality of battery cells 100 , and a filler R filled between the plurality of battery cells 100 .

[0065] The battery cell 100 can be applied to any type of secondary battery, such as a square, cylindrical or pouch-type battery cell, and in the present embodiment, the battery cell 100 is provided as a cylindrical battery cell. A plurality of battery cells 100 can be electrically connected to each other. A plurality of battery cells 100 can be arranged in columns and rows to form a battery module 10.

[0066] At the same time, a cell frame 200 may be provided to accommodate all of the plurality of battery cells 100. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the cell frame 200 may be configured as a box having a top opening and four walls. In the figure, some of the walls extend in the X-axis direction, and the remaining walls extend in the Y-axis direction. A plurality of battery cells 100 are accommodated in the cell frame 200 while standing upright in the Z-axis direction. Specifically, referring to Figure 2 The cell frame 200 may include a frame wall 210 forming a perimeter of the cell frame 200 and a cell receiving portion 220 disposed inside the frame wall 210 and receiving a plurality of battery cells 100 .

[0067] The cell frame 200 may be made into a single unit by filling the space between the plurality of battery cells 100 with the filler R. That is, the filler R may be filled into the space formed between the plurality of battery cells 100 .

[0068] Reference Figure 2 , the filler R can be filled in the space between the plurality of battery cells 100 in the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the battery module 10. Meanwhile, for ease of understanding, the Figure 2The hexahedral filler R is represented by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 1 , and the entire space between the plurality of battery cells 100 may be filled with the filler R.

[0069] The filler R may cover the upper and lower sides of the battery cells 100 , thereby constituting the structure of the battery module 10 together with the cell frame 200 .

[0070] In addition, the filler R can more stably fix the plurality of battery cells 100 , improve the heat dissipation efficiency of the plurality of battery cells 100 , and thus improve the cooling performance of the battery cells 100 .

[0071] In addition, the filler R may also prevent moisture or foreign matter from entering the battery cell 100 , prevent chain fire when a thermal event occurs due to an abnormality in the battery cell 100 , and improve the structural rigidity of the battery pack 20 .

[0072] Here, the filler R may be a potting resin and may be provided to be mixed with beads such as glass bubbles. The potting resin may be formed by injecting a diluted resin material into the plurality of battery cells 100 and curing it. Here, the injection of the resin material may be performed at a room temperature of about 15° C. to 25° C. to prevent thermal damage to the plurality of battery cells 100.

[0073] Specifically, the filler R may be provided as silicone resin. It is not limited thereto, and the filler R may also be provided as other resin materials capable of improving the fixing and heat dissipation efficiency of the battery cell 100 other than silicone resin.

[0074] The filler R may have a predetermined viscosity and may include at least two materials. Specifically, the filler R may be provided by mixing a predetermined resin and beads at a predetermined ratio. By mixing the beads, the cost of the potting resin of the filler R may be reduced, and the physical properties of the filler R, such as viscosity, may be adjusted according to the mixing ratio.

[0075] The filler R may guide the thermal balance of the battery cell 100 and avoid cooling differences in the battery cell 100, thereby preventing local degradation of the battery cell 100. In addition, by preventing local degradation of the battery cell 100, the safety of the battery cell 100 may be significantly improved.

[0076] In addition, the filler R may function as an insulator that prevents current from flowing to adjacent battery cells 100 when damage or the like occurs due to an abnormality occurring in at least one specific battery cell 100 among the plurality of battery cells 100 .

[0077] In addition, the filler R may further include a material having high specific heat properties. Therefore, even in the case of rapid charge and discharge of the battery cell 100 , for example, the filler R may increase heat capacity and delay temperature increase of the battery cell 100 , thereby preventing rapid temperature rise.

[0078] In addition, the filler R may further include a material having high heat resistance. Therefore, when a thermal event such as overheating occurs in at least one specific battery cell 100 among the plurality of battery cells 100 , the filler R may effectively prevent thermal runaway of adjacent battery cells.

[0079] In addition, the filler R may further include a material having a high flame retardant property. Therefore, when a thermal event such as overheating occurs in at least one specific battery cell 100 among the plurality of battery cells 100 , the filler R may minimize the risk of fire.

[0080] Meanwhile, in a conventional battery module, when a filler is injected into a cell frame, the filler may overflow and leak out of the cell frame.

[0081] The present disclosure provides a battery module 10 including a leakage prevention groove 230 in which at least a portion of a cell frame 200 is recessed to accommodate a filler R, thereby preventing leakage of the filler R. Therefore, the filler R can be accommodated in the leakage prevention groove 230 before the filler R leaks out of the cell frame 200, thereby preventing the filler R from leaking out of the cell frame 200.

[0082] Hereinafter, the structural shape of the leakage prevention groove 230 provided in the cell frame 200 to prevent leakage of the filler R will be described in more detail.

[0083] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of the battery cell frame in Figure 4 It is viewed from above Figure 1 , and Figure 5 is with Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the battery module corresponding to the section II' in FIG.

[0084] At the same time, refer to Figures 3 to 5 The cell frame 200 of the present disclosure can accommodate a plurality of battery cells 100 and has a top opening, so that the cell frame 200 can be filled with a filler R through the top opening of the cell frame 200. At this time, it is desirable to provide a leak-proof groove 230 at the top of the cell frame 200 to prevent the filler R from leaking.

[0085] The present disclosure provides a cell frame 200 including a frame wall 210 forming a rectangular frame, a cell accommodating portion 220 disposed inside the frame wall 210 to accommodate a plurality of battery cells 100, and a leakage prevention groove 230 disposed between the frame wall 210 and the cell accommodating portion 220. The cell frame 200 may be integrally manufactured using plastic by injection molding.

[0086] The cell accommodating portion 220 may include a plurality of cell accommodating holes 221 arranged side by side so that a plurality of battery cells 100 are respectively inserted into the plurality of cell accommodating holes 221, and a cell accommodating wall 222 formed along the outermost periphery of the cell accommodating holes 221. In addition, the cell accommodating portion 220 may include a cell supporting portion 223 that forms the plurality of cell accommodating holes 221 and supports the outer sides of the battery cells 100. In particular, referring to Figure 5 , the cell supporting portion 223 may support a lower portion of an outer peripheral surface of the battery cell 100 .

[0087] The leakage prevention groove 230 may be provided between the frame wall 210 and the cell accommodating portion 220. For example, the leakage prevention groove 230 may be provided between the cell accommodating wall 222 and the frame wall 210. In addition, the leakage prevention groove 230 may be provided along the frame wall 210. Therefore, when the filler R filled into the cell accommodating portion 220 leaks to the outside of the cell accommodating wall 222, the filler R may be mainly accommodated in the leakage prevention groove 230, and the filler R is prevented from overflowing the frame wall 210.

[0088] In this case, although Figure 3 and Figure 5 Although not shown, the cell accommodating wall 222 may be configured to be inclined so that its height gradually decreases toward the leakage prevention groove 230. As a result, the cell accommodating wall 222 may guide the filler R leaking from the cell accommodating portion 220 to be accommodated in the leakage prevention groove 230, thereby effectively preventing the leakage of the filler R.

[0089] At the same time, since the battery cell 100 is configured as a cylindrical cell, the plurality of cell receiving holes 221 may be configured as a cylindrical shape. Figure 4 As shown, when the cell frame 200 is viewed from above, the plurality of cell receiving holes 221 may be arranged in a circular shape. In this case, the leakage prevention groove 230 may be arranged along the frame wall 210, and may be arranged between two cell receiving holes 221 arranged adjacent to the frame wall 210. That is, the leakage prevention groove 230 may be arranged between two adjacent cell receiving holes 221 among the plurality of cell receiving holes 221 and the frame wall 210. In this case, as Figure 4 As shown, the leakage prevention groove 230 may be provided in a shape surrounded by the cell receiving portion 220 and the frame wall 210 .

[0090] The plurality of leakage prevention grooves 230 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other, or as Figures 3 to 5 As shown, a plurality of leakage prevention grooves 230 may be provided to be connected to each other.

[0091] Specifically, the leakage prevention groove 230 may include a plurality of first grooves 231 formed between adjacent cell accommodating holes 221 among the plurality of cell accommodating holes 221 and a second groove 232 formed between adjacent first grooves 231 among the plurality of first grooves 231 so as to communicate with the adjacent first grooves 231. That is, the plurality of first grooves 231 and the plurality of second grooves 232 may be respectively provided to be spaced apart from each other, and the first groove 231 and the second groove 232 may be provided to be connected to each other. For example, in the case where the battery cell 100 is provided as a cylindrical cell, if the shape of the first groove 231 is formed in the empty space between the plurality of cell accommodating holes 221, the first groove 231 and the second groove 232 may be easily manufactured when manufacturing a plastic injection molded product of the cell frame 200.

[0092] As a result, since the anti-leakage groove 230 is provided in all spaces formed between the frame wall 210 and the battery cell accommodating portion 220, the anti-leakage groove 230 can accommodate the filler R even if the filler R leaks in any direction. At the same time, although the filler R is injected into the battery cell accommodating wall 222 from the top in order to reduce material costs, the filler R may overflow from the battery cell accommodating wall 222 due to a delay in the injection end time or other reasons such as vibration. At this time, the filler R flows into the first groove 231 and the second groove 232 instead of flowing out of the battery cell frame 200. Although Figure 5 An example in which the first groove 231 is filled with the overflowing filler R is shown, but the first groove 231 may not be completely filled with the filler R.

[0093] In this case, if Figure 5 As shown, the depth h1 of the first groove 231 and the depth h2 of the second groove 232 may be configured to be different from each other. The first groove 231 may be formed deeper than the second groove 232 and may be used to store the leaked filler R. That is, the depth h1 of the first groove 231 may be formed to be greater than the depth h2 of the second groove 232. Figure 3 , the leakage prevention groove 230 may include an inclined surface 233 which is provided such that its height gradually decreases toward the first groove 231 between the first groove 231 and the second groove 232, thereby guiding the flow of the filler R. As a result, the filler R may first flow into the second groove 232 having a smaller depth, and then further flow along the inclined surface 233 to be guided to the first groove 231 having a larger depth and be stored in the first groove 231, thereby more effectively preventing the filler R from leaking out of the cell frame 200.

[0094] Figure 6 is an overall perspective view of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Exploded perspective view of the battery module.

[0095] Different from the above-mentioned embodiment, Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the illustrated battery module 10 , the cell frame 200 may include a cell top frame 202 accommodating upper portions of the plurality of battery cells 100 and a cell bottom frame 201 coupled to the bottom of the cell top frame 202 and accommodating lower portions of the plurality of battery cells 100 .

[0096] In this way, when the cell top frame 202 is coupled to the cell bottom frame 201, the portion where the cell top frame 202 is coupled to the cell bottom frame 201 may have a certain tolerance between the cell top frame 202 and the cell bottom frame 201 according to the height tolerance between the plurality of battery cells 100 and the cell frame 200. Therefore, if there is no structure such as the leakage prevention groove 230, the filler R may leak to the outside of the cell frame 200 through the coupling portion.

[0097] In a conventional battery module having a structure in which a cell frame is divided into an upper part and a lower part to be coupled to each other, a gap between the upper part and the lower part of the cell frame is attempted to be filled with a gasket or glue to prevent the filler from leaking out of the cell frame. However, in the conventional battery module, the addition of a separate gasket or glue increases the manufacturing cost, and the size of the entire battery module increases, which is not conducive to energy density.

[0098] In the present disclosure, no gasket or glue is used, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost, and in order to increase the energy density, a leak-proof groove 230 is provided to prevent the filler R from leaking through the portion where the cell top frame 202 and the cell bottom frame 201 are connected when the cell top frame 202 and the cell bottom frame 201 are connected. The leak-proof groove 230 may be provided in the cell bottom frame 201. Therefore, since the leak-proof groove 230 is provided integrally with the cell frame 200, the filler R may be accommodated in the leak-proof groove 230 before leaking to the outside of the cell frame 200 without adding any other components, so that when the cell frame 200 is separately provided as the cell top frame 202 and the cell bottom frame 201, the filler R may be prevented from leaking to the outside of the cell frame 200 through its connection portion. In addition, the manufacturing cost may be reduced, and the energy density may be increased.

[0099] Next, we will refer to Figure 8 and Fig. 9 The structures of the cell bottom frame 201 and the cell top frame 202 that may be included in the battery module 10 of the present disclosure according to one embodiment are described.

[0100] Figure 8 yes Figure 6A perspective view of an embodiment of a bottom frame of a battery cell, Fig. 9 is with Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the battery module corresponding to the section II-II'.

[0101] Reference Figure 8 and Fig. 9 , the cell bottom frame 201 and the cell top frame 202 may include frame walls 210a and 210b and cell receiving portions 220a and 220b, respectively. In this case, the frame wall 210a of the cell bottom frame 201 forms the perimeter of the cell bottom frame 201, and the cell receiving portion 220a has the same Figures 3 to 5 The cell receiving portion 220 of the cell frame 200 described above has the same structure.

[0102] Reference Fig. 9 , the frame wall 210b of the cell top frame 202 may form the perimeter of the cell top frame 202, and may further include a leakage prevention wall 214b in which a portion protrudes upward, thereby preventing the filler R from leaking when the cell frame 200 is filled with the filler R. Similarly, the cell accommodating portion 220b of the cell top frame 202 has the same structure as the reference Figures 3 to 5 The cell receiving portion 220 of the cell frame 200 is described as having the same structure, but is turned upside down. In this case, the cell supporting portion 223 b of the cell top frame 202 can support the upper portion of the outer peripheral surface of the battery cell 100 .

[0103] Meanwhile, the structure in which the cell top frame 202 is coupled to the cell bottom frame 201 is described in more detail, and the cell top frame 202 may be coupled so as to accommodate the entire cell bottom frame 201. Alternatively, as Fig. 9 As shown, the cell bottom frame 201 may include a coupling portion 213a to which the cell top frame 202 is coupled. The coupling portion 213a may be provided by recessing a portion of the frame wall 210a. That is, a portion of the cell top frame 202 may be inserted into and coupled to the coupling portion 213a of the cell bottom frame 201. As a result, the cell bottom frame 201 and the cell top frame 202 may be securely coupled to each other without requiring any special member such as a gasket or glue, thereby improving the rigidity of the battery module 10.

[0104] At the same time, in order to prevent the filler R from leaking from the connecting portion 213 when the battery cell bottom frame 201 is connected to the battery cell top frame 202, a leak-proof groove 230a may be provided between the frame wall 210a and the battery cell accommodating portion 220a. For example, the leak-proof groove 230a may be provided between the battery cell accommodating wall 222a and the frame wall 210a. In addition, the leak-proof groove 230a may be provided along the frame wall 210a. Therefore, when the filler R filled into the battery cell accommodating portion 220a leaks to the outside of the battery cell accommodating wall 222a, the filler R may be mainly accommodated in the leak-proof groove 230a, thereby preventing the filler R from overflowing the frame wall 210a.

[0105] In this case, although Figure 8 and Fig. 9 Although not shown in the figure, the cell accommodating wall 222a can be configured to be inclined so that its height gradually decreases toward the leakage prevention groove 230a. As a result, the cell accommodating wall 222a can guide the filler R leaking from the cell accommodating portion 220a to be accommodated in the leakage prevention groove 230a, thereby more effectively preventing the leakage of the filler R.

[0106] Specifically, the cell bottom frame 201 may include a first wall 211a defined as an outer wall of the cell bottom frame 201 and a second wall 212a that is set to be spaced inward from the first wall 211a, and the connecting portion 213a may be arranged between the first wall 211a and the second wall 212a, so that a portion of the frame wall 210b of the cell top frame 202 can be inserted into the connecting portion 213a. In this case, the anti-leakage groove 230a may be arranged on the inner side of the connecting portion 213a, and may be arranged on the inner side of the second wall 212a. Therefore, when the cell bottom frame 201 is connected to the cell top frame 202, the filler R may be mainly accommodated inside the connecting portion 213a to prevent leakage, and the connecting portion 213a may also play the same role as the anti-leakage groove 230a, thereby preventing leakage of the filler R secondarily.

[0107] At the same time, since the battery cell 100 is configured as a cylindrical battery, the plurality of cell receiving holes 221a may be configured in a cylindrical shape. In this case, the leakage-proof groove 230a may be provided along the frame wall 210a, and may be provided between two cell receiving holes 221a adjacent to the frame wall 210a. That is, the leakage-proof groove 230a may be provided between two adjacent cell receiving holes 221a among the plurality of cell receiving holes 221a and the frame wall 210a. In this case, as Figure 8 As shown, the leakage prevention groove 230 a may be provided in a shape surrounded by the cell receiving portion 220 a and the frame wall 210 a .

[0108] A plurality of anti-leakage grooves 230a may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other. According to one embodiment, the anti-leakage grooves 230a of the cell bottom frame 201 may be configured as only a plurality of first grooves 231a formed between adjacent cell accommodating holes 221a among a plurality of cell accommodating holes 221a. In this case, the first grooves 231a may be used to store the leaked filler R and to accommodate the filler R.

[0109] Will refer to Figures 10 to 12 The structure of a cell bottom frame 201 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is described. Fig.10 yes Figure 6 A perspective view of another embodiment of the bottom frame of the battery cell, Fig.11 yes Fig.10 is an enlarged view of part A in FIG. 1 , and Fig.12 is with Fig.11 Schematic diagram of the battery module corresponding to the cross section III-III'.

[0110] If Figure 8 and Fig. 9 If only the first groove 231a is provided as shown, the filler R may leak into the empty space between the plurality of first grooves 231a. Figures 10 to 12 As shown, a plurality of leakage prevention grooves 230a may be provided to be connected to each other. Therefore, since the leakage prevention grooves 230a are provided in all spaces formed between the frame wall 210a and the cell receiving portion 220a, the filler R can be accommodated even if the filler R leaks in any direction.

[0111] Specifically, the leakage prevention groove 230a may include a plurality of first grooves 231a formed between adjacent battery cell accommodating holes 221a among the plurality of battery cell accommodating holes 221a and a second groove 232a formed between adjacent first grooves 231a among the plurality of first grooves 231a so as to communicate with the adjacent first grooves 231a. That is, the plurality of first grooves 231a and the plurality of second grooves 232a may be respectively arranged to be spaced apart from each other, and the first grooves 231a and the second grooves 232a may be arranged to be connected to each other.

[0112] In this case, if Fig.12 As shown, the depth h3 of the first groove 231a and the depth h4 of the second groove 232a may be configured to be different from each other. The first groove 231a may be formed deeper than the second groove 232a and may be used to store the leaked filler R. That is, the depth h3 of the first groove 231a may be formed to be greater than the depth h4 of the second groove 232a. Fig.10The leakage prevention groove 230a may include an inclined surface 233a which is configured such that its height gradually decreases toward the first groove 231a between the first groove 231a and the second groove 232a, thereby guiding the flow of the filler R.

[0113] As a result, the filler R can first flow into the second groove 232a with a smaller depth, and then flow further along the inclined surface 233a to be guided to the first groove 231a with a larger depth and be stored in the first groove 231a, thereby more effectively preventing the filler R from leaking out of the battery cell bottom frame 201 without deteriorating the rigidity of the battery cell bottom frame 201.

[0114] Will refer to Fig.13 and Fig.14 The structure of a cell bottom frame 201 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is described. Fig.13 yes Figure 6 A perspective view of another embodiment of the bottom frame of the battery cell, Fig.14 is with Fig.13 Schematic diagram of the battery module corresponding to the section IV-IV' in FIG.

[0115] Reference Fig.13 and Fig.14 , the first groove 231a and the second groove 232a can be set to be connected to each other, and the depth h5 of the first groove 231a and the depth h6 of the second groove 232a can be formed to be the same. In addition, the height of the battery cell accommodating wall 222a and the depth of the leakage prevention groove 230a can be set to correspond to the height of the frame wall 210a. In this case, the battery cell accommodating wall 222a and the frame wall 210a can be set to be completely spaced apart from each other.

[0116] In other words, the anti-leakage groove 230a may be defined as all spaces between the cell accommodating wall 222a and the frame wall 210a. Therefore, if the filler R leaks to the outside of the cell accommodating wall 222a, the anti-leakage groove 230a may store a large amount of filler R, thereby preventing the filler R from leaking to the outside of the cell frame 210a.

[0117] Fig.15 Yes Figure 6 A three-dimensional view of a battery pack with battery modules in FIG.

[0118] Reference Fig.15The present disclosure provides a battery pack 20 including at least one battery module 10 according to the above-mentioned embodiment. The battery pack 20 may include a battery pack case 21 accommodating the battery module 10. To this end, the battery pack case 21 may be provided with a receiving chamber therein to accommodate the battery module 10. The receiving chamber may be a bottom space of the battery pack case 21, which is stepped from the edge of the battery pack case 21 to a predetermined depth.

[0119] In addition, although Fig.15 Although not shown in the drawings, the pack case 21 may also be configured to further include a pack cover covering the battery module 10. Here, the pack case 21 may be bolted to the pack cover by a bolt member.

[0120] In addition, the battery pack 20 may include a battery management system (BMS) as a control module for controlling the battery module 10. The control module may manage the battery module 10 through charging and discharging of the battery module 10, voltage, temperature sensing, and the like.

[0121] In addition, although not shown, the battery pack 20 may further include a cooling unit such as a radiator for cooling the battery module 10. The radiator may be air-cooled or water-cooled, and may be disposed above or below the bottom of the battery pack case 21.

[0122] In addition, the battery pack may further include various other components such as components of the battery pack 20 known at the time of filing the present disclosure, for example, a relay, a current sensor, etc.

[0123] Fig.16 Yes Fig.15 A perspective view of a vehicle with a battery pack in it.

[0124] Reference Fig.16 The present disclosure may provide a vehicle 30 including at least one of the above-described battery packs 20. That is, the battery pack 20 according to the present disclosure may be applied to a vehicle such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. For example, the battery pack 20 may be installed in a trunk space or in a vehicle body frame under a vehicle seat.

[0125] According to the various embodiments described above, it is possible to provide the battery module 10 capable of reducing costs and increasing energy density while preventing leakage of filler, and the battery pack 20 and the vehicle 30 including the battery module.

[0126] For reference, the battery pack 20 according to the present disclosure can also be applied to ESS (energy storage system) or various electric devices other than vehicles. As described above, the devices, instruments and equipment including the battery pack 20, such as the vehicle 30 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, can include the above-mentioned battery module 10, so these devices, instruments and equipment can be implemented to have all the advantages of the battery module 10.

[0127] At the same time, although terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are used in this specification, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that these terms are merely for ease of interpretation and may vary depending on the position of the target object or the position of the observer.

[0128] As described above, although the present disclosure has been described with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs may make various modifications and variations within the technical concept of the present disclosure and the equivalent scope of the claims to be described additionally.

Claims

1. A battery module, comprising: Multiple battery cells; a cell frame configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells; as well as A filler, wherein the filler is filled between the plurality of battery cells, Wherein, at least a portion of the cell frame is recessed to form a leak-proof groove for receiving the filler. Wherein, the battery cell frame comprises: a frame wall forming a perimeter of the cell frame; and a cell accommodating portion, the cell accommodating portion being disposed inside the frame wall to accommodate the plurality of battery cells, and Wherein, the anti-leakage groove is arranged between the frame wall and the battery cell accommodating portion.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, in, The anti-leakage groove is arranged along the frame wall.

3. The battery module according to claim 1, in, The battery cell accommodating portion comprises: a plurality of battery cell receiving holes, the plurality of battery cell receiving holes being arranged side by side so that the plurality of battery cells are respectively inserted into the plurality of battery cell receiving holes; and a cell accommodating wall formed along the outermost periphery of the cell accommodating hole, and Wherein, the anti-leakage groove is arranged between the battery cell accommodating wall and the frame wall.

4. The battery module according to claim 3, in, The battery cell accommodating wall is inclined toward the leakage-proof groove.

5. The battery module according to claim 3, in, The plurality of battery cell receiving holes are arranged in a cylindrical shape, and Wherein, the anti-leakage groove is arranged between adjacent battery cell accommodating holes among the plurality of battery cell accommodating holes and the frame wall.

6. The battery module according to claim 5, in, The leakage prevention groove is provided in a shape surrounded by the battery cell receiving portion and the frame wall.

7. The battery module according to claim 6, in, A plurality of leakage-proof grooves are provided to be spaced apart from each other, and Wherein, the plurality of leakage-proof grooves are arranged to be connected to each other.

8. The battery module according to claim 6, in, The anti-leakage groove comprises: a plurality of first grooves formed between the adjacent battery cell receiving holes among the plurality of battery cell receiving holes; and a second groove formed between adjacent first grooves among the plurality of first grooves so as to communicate with the adjacent first grooves, and Wherein, the first groove and the second groove have different depths.

9. The battery module according to claim 8, in, The leakage prevention groove includes an inclined surface disposed between the first groove and the second groove to be inclined toward the first groove, thereby guiding the flow of the filler.

10. The battery module according to claim 7, in, The height of the battery cell accommodating wall and the depth of the leakage preventing groove are configured to correspond to the height of the frame wall.

11. The battery module according to claim 2, in, The cell frame comprises: a cell top frame configured to accommodate upper portions of the plurality of battery cells; and a cell bottom frame coupled to a bottom of the cell top frame and configured to accommodate lower portions of the plurality of battery cells, and Wherein, the anti-leakage groove is arranged in the bottom frame of the battery cell.

12. The battery module according to claim 11, in, The cell bottom frame includes a coupling portion to which the cell top frame is coupled, and Wherein, the anti-leakage groove is arranged on the inner side of the connecting part.

13. The battery module according to claim 12, in, The battery bottom frame comprises: a first wall, the first wall being defined as an outer wall of the cell bottom frame; and a second wall spaced inwardly from the first wall, and The coupling portion is disposed between the first wall and the second wall such that a portion of the cell top frame is inserted into the coupling portion.

14. The battery module according to claim 13, in, The anti-leakage groove is arranged on the inner side of the second wall.

15. The battery module according to claim 1, in, The filler is configured as a potting resin.

16. A battery module, comprising: Multiple battery cells; a cell frame configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells and having a top opening; as well as a filler, wherein the filler is filled into the cell frame through the top opening of the cell frame, The cell frame has a leak-proof groove configured to prevent leakage of the filler.

17. The battery module according to claim 16, in, The cell frame comprises: a cell top frame configured to accommodate upper portions of the plurality of battery cells; and a cell bottom frame coupled to a bottom of the cell top frame and configured to accommodate lower portions of the plurality of battery cells, and Wherein, the anti-leakage groove is arranged in the bottom frame of the battery cell. 18 . A battery pack comprising at least one battery module according to claim 1 .

19. A vehicle comprising at least one battery pack according to claim 18.

20. A battery cell frame, comprising: a frame wall, the frame wall forming a rectangular frame; a cell accommodating portion disposed inside the frame wall and configured to accommodate a plurality of battery cells; as well as A leak-proof groove is provided between the frame wall and the battery cell accommodating portion.

21. The cell frame according to claim 20, in, The battery cell accommodating portion comprises: a plurality of cylindrical cell accommodating holes, the plurality of cylindrical cell accommodating holes being arranged side by side so that the plurality of battery cells are respectively inserted into the plurality of cylindrical cell accommodating holes; and a cell accommodating wall formed along the outermost periphery of the cell accommodating hole, and Wherein, the anti-leakage groove is arranged between the battery cell accommodating wall and the frame wall.

22. The cell frame according to claim 21, in, The anti-leakage groove comprises: a plurality of first grooves formed between adjacent battery cell receiving holes among the plurality of battery cell receiving holes; and a second groove formed between adjacent first grooves among the plurality of first grooves so as to communicate with the adjacent first grooves, and Wherein, the first groove and the second groove have different depths.

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