Battery module and battery pack including same

Abstract

A battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a battery pack case having an internal space; the battery pack comprises a battery pack shell and at least one battery module accommodated in the battery pack shell, the battery module comprises a plurality of sub battery modules, each sub battery module comprises a plurality of battery cells stacked in a first direction and a plurality of battery cell stacked bodies arranged in a second direction, and a plurality of partition plates are arranged among the battery cell stacked bodies, and the partition plates are used for carrying out heat exchange with the plurality of battery cells or blocking heat transmission among the sub-battery modules.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module and a battery pack comprising the battery module. Background Art

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be recharged and reused, and are used as energy sources in a variety of fields such as digital cameras, notebooks, mobile devices, electric vehicles, and hybrid vehicles.

[0003] The most representative of secondary batteries is the lithium secondary battery, in addition to nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, etc.

[0004] This secondary battery can be manufactured and used as a rigid prismatic or cylindrical type battery cell or a flexible pouch-type battery cell, and in the case of products requiring high output characteristics such as electric vehicles, can be used in the form of a battery module or a battery pack, wherein the battery module includes one or more cell stacks in the form of stacked multiple battery cells, and the battery pack includes more than one of the battery modules.

[0005] On the other hand, the size of the battery module and the battery pack can be adjusted by the number of cells. For example, since the pouch-type cells are arranged in a vertical form, the lateral length and longitudinal length of the battery module and the battery pack can be easily adjusted by the number of pouch-type cells. However, since the height of the battery module and the battery pack needs to be adjusted by the height of the pouch-type cells, the variation is slightly limited, which has limitations on providing a battery pack that fits the space provided by various vehicle models.

[0006] Therefore, it is necessary to develop a battery module and a battery pack that can freely adjust the lateral length, longitudinal length, and height corresponding to the provided space.

[0007] In addition, depending on the arrangement structure of the battery modules and battery packs, a cooling structure for removing heat generated in the battery modules and battery packs and an insulation structure for delaying heat transfer to adjacent battery modules when events occur in the battery modules and battery packs need to be appropriately arranged. Summary of the invention

[0008] 1. Technical issues to be resolved

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a battery module having a free structural expansion and a battery pack including the battery module.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery module ensuring thermal stability and a battery pack including the battery module.

[0011] (II) Technical solution

[0012] A battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention may include: a battery pack housing having an internal space; and at least one battery module accommodated in the battery pack housing, and the battery module includes a plurality of sub-battery modules, each of the plurality of sub-battery modules may include a plurality of battery cells stacked along a first direction and a plurality of battery cell stacks arranged along a second direction, and a plurality of partitions may be included between the plurality of battery cell stacks, the partitions being used to perform heat exchange with the plurality of battery cells or to block heat transfer between the sub-battery modules.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a first separator may be provided between the plurality of battery cell stacks included in each of the sub-battery modules, the first separator being used for heat exchange with the plurality of battery cells, and the first separator may include a refrigerant flow channel.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a heat dissipation component may be further included between the first separator and the plurality of battery cell stacks.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a second separator may be disposed between the sub-battery modules, the second separator being used to insulate the sub-battery modules, and the second separator may include a heat insulating component.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a first separator may be further included between the battery pack housing and the battery module.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a battery pack cover may be further included, the battery pack cover covering the battery module, and at least a part of the plurality of partitions may be disposed on the battery pack housing or the battery pack cover.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the sub-battery modules may include a connection portion that can be coupled along the second direction, so that the battery modules are connected along the second direction and the adjacent sub-battery modules can be coupled via the connection portion.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the battery module may include two first sub-battery modules arranged on the outside of the battery module in the length direction, and the battery module may selectively include a second sub-battery module arranged between the two first sub-battery modules.

[0020] A battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention may include: a plurality of battery cell stacks, the battery cell stacks including a plurality of battery cells stacked along a first direction; a battery pack housing having an internal space for accommodating the plurality of battery cell stacks; and a battery pack cover coupled to the battery pack housing to cover the plurality of battery cell stacks, the battery pack housing and the battery pack cover may respectively include a lower partition and an upper partition extending toward each other, the lower partition and the upper partition may be coupled to each other to form a second partition that separates the internal space, and the second partition may insulate at least a portion of the battery cell stacks among the plurality of battery cell stacks.

[0021] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a first separator may be further included, the first separator facing at least a portion of the side surfaces of the plurality of battery cell stacks, and the first separator may include a refrigerant flow channel.

[0022] A battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of sub-battery modules, the sub-battery modules including: a first battery cell stack and a second battery cell stack, each including a plurality of battery cells stacked along a first direction and arranged along a second direction; and a sub-module frame facing the first battery cell stack and the second battery cell stack in the first direction and the second direction, the sub-module frame may include a connecting portion extending from the sub-module frame along the second direction so that the sub-battery modules are connected in the second direction.

[0023] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the submodule frame may include: a first frame and a third frame extending along the second direction and arranged on at least one of one side and the other side of the first direction; and a second frame extending along the first direction and arranged between the first battery cell stack and the second battery cell stack.

[0024] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the first frame may include a first connecting portion, the first connecting portion including a closed portion combined with the second frame and an open portion separated from the second frame to form a gap, and the third frame may include a second connecting portion, the second connecting portion including a closed portion combined with the second frame.

[0025] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the first connection portion or the second connection portion of the adjacently arranged sub-battery module may be arranged in the open portion.

[0026] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the sub-battery module may include two first sub-battery modules, which are arranged on the outside of the second direction and include the first frame to the third frame, and the sub-battery module may selectively include a second sub-battery module, which is arranged between the two first sub-battery modules and includes the first frame and the second frame.

[0027] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the second frame may include at least one of a refrigerant flow channel or a heat insulation member.

[0028] (III) Beneficial effects

[0029] A battery module and a battery pack including the battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention can be freely expanded in length, width and height directions, and thus can be manufactured to meet size specifications required by various vehicle models.

[0030] In addition, the battery module and the battery pack including the battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention can improve thermal stability and energy density and reduce manufacturing costs by appropriately setting a cooling structure and a heat insulation structure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 is a partially exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a sub-battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 4 is a side view of a battery module including a first separator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 5 is based on Figure 4 A side view of a battery module of a variant embodiment.

[0036] Figure 6 is a side view of a battery module including a second separator according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 7 is based on Figure 6 A side view of a battery module of a variant embodiment.

[0038] Figure 8 is based on Figure 6 A side view of a battery module according to another alternative embodiment.

[0039] Figure 9a and Figure 9b is a diagram showing a sub-battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Fig.10 It is shown that Figure 9a and Figure 9b Diagram of a battery module with sub-battery modules.

[0041] Fig.11 is a side view of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Fig.12a and Figure 12b It is shown Fig.11 FIG. 1 is a diagram of various embodiments of region A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] The terms or words used in this specification and claims described below should not be interpreted as ordinary meanings or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted as meanings and concepts that conform to the technical ideas of the present invention based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define terms in order to explain his invention in the best way. Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are only the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical ideas of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can be replaced may exist when submitting this application.

[0044] The same reference numerals or symbols recorded in the drawings of this specification represent parts or components that perform substantially the same functions. For ease of description and understanding, the same reference numerals or symbols may be used to illustrate different embodiments. That is, even if components with the same reference numerals are shown in multiple drawings, the multiple drawings do not represent the same embodiment.

[0045] In the following description, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, singular expressions include plural expressions. It should be understood that terms such as "including" or "comprising" are intended to specify the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof recorded in the specification, rather than excluding the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof in advance.

[0046] In addition, in the following description, expressions such as upper side, upper part, lower side, lower part, side, front part, and rear part are expressed with reference to the directions shown in the drawings, and may be expressed differently if the directions of the corresponding objects are changed.

[0047] In addition, the terms including ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" used in this specification can be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited to these terms, and these terms are only used to distinguish one component from another component. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, a first component can be named a second component, and similarly, a second component can also be named a first component.

[0048] Various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0049] The present invention relates to a battery module having a freely expandable structure and ensuring thermal stability, and a battery pack including the battery module.

[0050] Figure 1 is a partially exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Reference Figure 1 , a battery pack 1000 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a battery pack housing 1100 , and may further include a battery pack cover (not shown).

[0052] The battery pack housing 1100 may include a tray 1110 and a side frame 1120. The tray 1110 may be in a plate shape and may form the bottom surface of the battery pack housing 1100. The side frame 1120 may be provided along the periphery of the tray 1110. The tray 1110 and the side frame 1120 may form an inner space of the battery pack housing 1100, and a plurality of battery modules 100 may be provided in the inner space. In addition, electrical components may be provided on one side of the inner space of the battery pack housing 1100.

[0053] The battery pack case 1100 may include a center beam 1130. The center beam 1130 may be disposed in an inner space of the battery pack case 1100. The center beam 1130 may partition an inner space of the battery pack case 1100 in which a plurality of battery modules 100 are disposed.

[0054] Reference Figure 1 The central beam 1130 can divide the internal space of the battery pack housing 1100 into two areas. Figure 1 In the embodiment, the battery module 100 is disposed in only one of the two regions separated by the central beam 1130 , but this is for the convenience of explanation, and the battery module 100 may also be disposed in the remaining region.

[0055] Reference Figure 1, the battery modules 100 arranged in different areas may be covered by different covers. For example, the central beam 1130 may separate the inner space of the battery pack housing 1100 into a first space and a second space, and the battery module 100 arranged in the first space and the battery module 100 arranged in the second space may be covered by the sub-battery pack cover 1210, respectively.

[0056] The battery pack cover may be provided to cover the upper portion of the battery pack housing 1100. The battery pack cover may simultaneously cover the battery module 100 disposed in the first space and the battery module 100 disposed in the second space. That is, the battery pack cover may simultaneously cover the plurality of battery modules 100 disposed in the inner space of the battery pack housing 1100. At this time, in consideration of the safety of the battery pack 1000, a separate heat insulating member may be provided between the battery pack cover and the plurality of battery modules 100. The heat insulating member may be formed of an insulating material.

[0057] on the other hand, Figure 1 An embodiment in which the inner space of the battery pack case 1100 is partitioned into two regions is shown, but the inner space of the battery pack case 1100 may be partitioned into more than two regions according to the number of center beams 1130 .

[0058] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Figure 2 It is a perspective view of the battery module 100 disposed in the first area or the second area.

[0060] Reference Figure 2 , a battery module 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of sub-battery modules 10 and a sub-battery group cover 1210 .

[0061] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the battery module 100 may include: a plurality of sub-battery modules 10 arranged along one direction (the x direction based on the figure); and a sub-battery cover 1210 extending along the direction in which the plurality of sub-battery modules 10 are arranged to cover the plurality of sub-battery modules 10 at the same time.

[0062] First, refer to Figure 3 , a sub-battery module 10 constituting a battery module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0063] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a sub-battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the sub-battery module 10 may include two battery cell stacks 11 (a first battery cell stack 11 a and a second battery cell stack 11 b ) and a sub-module frame 12 .

[0065] The cell stack 11 may include a plurality of cells 1 stacked in one direction (z direction in the figure). The plurality of cells 1 may be pouch-type cells and may be arranged in a flat form and stacked in the z direction (or first direction).

[0066] As described above, when the pouch-type battery cells are arranged in a flat form, with the figure as a reference, not only the x-direction and y-direction lengths of the battery module 100 and the battery pack 1000 can be easily adjusted, but also the z-direction lengths of the battery module 100 and the battery pack 1000 can be easily adjusted. Specifically, the x-direction and y-direction lengths of the battery module 100 and the battery pack 1000 can be adjusted by the number of sub-battery modules 10, and the z-direction length can be adjusted by the number of battery cells 1. Therefore, the structural expansion of the battery module 100 and the battery pack 1000 can be free.

[0067] The submodule frame 12 may include a lower frame 12 a and side frames 12 b (distinguished from the side frames of the battery pack case).

[0068] The lower frame 12a may form the bottom surface of the side frame 12, and the cell stack 11 may be disposed on the lower frame 12a. For example, the sub-battery module 10 includes a first cell stack 11a and a second cell stack 11b, and the first cell stack 11a and the second cell stack 11b may be spaced apart on the lower frame 12a in a direction perpendicular to the z direction (the x direction or the second direction based on the figure).

[0069] Although not shown in the drawings, a compression member (not shown) may be provided between the cell stack 11 and the lower frame 12a. In addition, the compression member may be provided at predetermined intervals between the plurality of cells 1 constituting the cell stack 11. The compression member may be formed of an insulating material, for example, the compression member may be formed of a material such as polyurethane, silica gel, or aerogel.

[0070] The side frame 12b may be disposed on the lower frame 12a and may have a shape extending in a stacking direction (z direction based on the drawing) of the plurality of battery cells 1. For example, the lower frame 12a and the side frame 12b may be perpendicular to each other.

[0071] The side frame 12b may be disposed between the first cell stack 11a and the second cell stack 11b disposed on the lower frame 12a. Therefore, the sides of the first cell stack 11a and the second cell stack 11b may face the side frame 12b.

[0072] The side frame 12b may be used as a heat exchange portion. The side frame 12b may include a refrigerant flow channel through which a refrigerant flows. The refrigerant may be a fluid, for example, cooling water. The side frame 12b may include an inlet through which the refrigerant flows in and an outlet through which the refrigerant flows out. The refrigerant flowing in through the inlet may flow in the refrigerant flow channel and be discharged through the outlet.

[0073] As described above, the first battery cell stack 11a and the second battery cell stack 11b can contact the side frame 12b through the side, and the side frame 12b extends along the stacking direction of the multiple battery cells 1 and serves as a heat exchange part. Since the two battery cell stacks 11a and 11b share one side frame 12b, the heat dissipation efficiency and energy density can be improved.

[0074] As another embodiment, the side frame 12b may be used as a heat blocking portion.

[0075] Refer again Figure 2 , the battery module 100 may include a sub-battery group cover 1210 that covers the plurality of sub-battery modules 10 at the same time.

[0076] The sub-battery cover 1210 may include an upper plate 1211 and a plurality of separators (hereinafter, a first separator 1212 and a second separator 1213 ).

[0077] The upper plate 1211 may be disposed on the upper side of the plurality of sub-battery modules 10. The upper plate 1211 may have a shape extending along the arrangement direction (x direction based on the drawing) of the plurality of sub-battery modules 10 to cover the plurality of sub-battery modules 10 simultaneously.

[0078] The first and second separators 1212 and 1213 may be disposed on the upper plate 1211 and may have a shape extending in a stacking direction (z direction in the figure) of the plurality of battery cells 1. For example, the upper plate 1211 and the first and second separators 1212 and 1213 may be perpendicular to each other.

[0079] The first separator 1212 and the second separator 1213 may be disposed between two adjacent sub-battery modules 10. Therefore, the sides of the two adjacent sub-battery modules 10 may face the first separator 1212 or the second separator 1213.

[0080] The first partition 1212 and the second partition 1213 can be distinguished by shape and function. The thickness of the first partition 1212 and the second partition 1213 can be different, and can be used as a heat exchange part or a heat blocking part respectively. For example, the first partition 1212 can be used as a heat exchange part, the second partition 1213 can be used as a heat blocking part, and the thickness of the second partition 1213 can be thicker than the first partition 1212.

[0081] Figure 2 An embodiment in which the sub-battery cover 1210 includes both the first separator 1212 and the second separator 1213 is illustrated, but the sub-battery cover 1210 may include at least one of the first separator 1212 and the second separator 1213 .

[0082] Figure 4 is a side view of a battery module including a first separator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] Reference Figure 4 , the first separator 1212 may be disposed between the plurality of sub-battery modules 10 included in the battery module 100. That is, according to Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the sub-battery cover 1210 may include a first separator 1212 and may not include a second separator 1213 .

[0084] As described above, the first partition 1212 may be used as a heat exchange portion. The first partition 1212 may include a refrigerant flow channel through which a refrigerant flows. The refrigerant may be a fluid, for example, cooling water. The first partition 1212 may include an inlet through which the refrigerant flows in and an outlet through which the refrigerant flows out. The refrigerant flowing in through the inlet may flow in the refrigerant flow channel and be discharged through the outlet.

[0085] according to Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, at least one side surface of all sub-battery modules 10 included in the battery module 100 may be in contact with the first separator 1212 , so that at least one battery cell stack 11 included in the sub-battery module 10 may be heat exchanged on both sides.

[0086] On the other hand, although it is described in the above description that the first separator 1212 is disposed between two adjacent sub-battery modules 10, the first separator 1212 may also be disposed between the sub-battery module 10 and the side frame 1120. In this case, both side surfaces of all sub-battery modules 10 included in the battery module 100 may contact the first separator 1212, and thus all battery cell stacks 11 included in the sub-battery module 10 may be heat exchanged on both side surfaces.

[0087] As described above, when the first separator 1212 used as a heat exchange portion is provided between a plurality of sub-battery modules 10, the heat dissipation efficiency can be improved and the thermal resistance value can be improved. In addition, in the case where two adjacent sub-battery modules 10 share the structure of the first separator 1212, the battery module 100 and the battery pack 1000 can include more sub-battery modules 10, so the cost reduction effect can be maximized.

[0088] Figure 5 is based on Figure 4A side view of a battery module of a variant embodiment.

[0089] Reference Figure 5 , the first partition plate 1212 may not be disposed on the upper plate 1211 but may be disposed on the tray 1100 .

[0090] In addition to the location of the first partition 1212, Figure 5 The illustrated embodiment can be used with Figure 4 The embodiments shown are identical.

[0091] On the other hand, a heat dissipation member 130 may be further included between the cell stack 11 and the side frame 12b and between the sub-battery module 10 and the first separator 1212. For example, the heat dissipation member 130 may be a material having high thermal conductivity and adhesiveness.

[0092] Gaps may be formed between the cell stack 11 and the side frame 12 b and between the sub-battery module 10 and the first separator 1212 , and the heat dissipation component 130 may fill the gaps to facilitate heat transfer between the plurality of cells 10 and the side frame 12 b and between the plurality of cells 10 and the first separator 1212 .

[0093] As another embodiment, when the side frame 12 b is a heat blocking portion, a heat insulating member 140 to be described later may be provided between the cell stack 11 and the side frame 12 b .

[0094] Figure 6 is a side view of a battery module including a second separator according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0095] Reference Figure 6 , the second separator 1213 may be disposed between the plurality of sub-battery modules 10 included in the battery module 100. That is, according to Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the sub-battery cover 1210 may include the second separator 1213 , and may not include the first separator 1212 .

[0096] As described above, the second partition 1213 may be used as a heat blocking portion. The second partition 1213 may include a heat insulating member. The heat insulating member may be a material with low thermal conductivity, and preferably, may be a material with a thermal conductivity coefficient of 0.3 (W / mK) or less. For example, the heat insulating member may be aerogel, ceramic wool, mica sheet, fire resistive paint, etc.

[0097] In one embodiment, the second partition 1213 may be provided in the form of a sandwich panel having the above-mentioned heat insulating component provided on both side surfaces of a partition made of aluminum or steel material.

[0098] according to Figure 6 In the illustrated embodiment, at least one side surface of all sub-battery modules 10 included in the battery module 100 may be in contact with the second separator 1213 .

[0099] On the other hand, although it is described in the above description that the second separator 1213 is disposed between two adjacent sub-battery modules 10, the second separator 1213 may be disposed between the sub-battery module 10 and the side frame 1120. In this case, both side surfaces of all the sub-battery modules 10 included in the battery module 100 may be in contact with the second separator 1213, and thus, heat transfer between adjacent sub-battery modules 10 in the battery module 100 may be blocked.

[0100] As described above, when the second partition plate 1213 serving as a heat blocking portion is disposed between a plurality of sub-battery modules 10, even if an event occurs in any one of the sub-battery modules 10 within the battery module 100, the heat propagation to the other sub-battery modules 10 disposed adjacently can be blocked or delayed. In addition, the transfer of flames and flame ash can also be blocked.

[0101] Figure 7 is based on Figure 6 A side view of a battery module of a variant embodiment.

[0102] Reference Figure 7 , the second partition plate 1213 may not be disposed on the upper plate 1211 but may be disposed on the tray 1110 .

[0103] In addition to the location of the second partition 1213, Figure 7 The illustrated embodiment can be used with Figure 6 The embodiments shown are identical.

[0104] Figure 8 is based on Figure 6 A side view of a battery module according to another alternative embodiment.

[0105] Reference Figure 8 , a heat insulating member 140 may be further provided at the upper and lower portions of the battery module 100 to prevent heat propagation between the plurality of sub-battery modules 10 included in the battery module 100 .

[0106] Specifically, the heat insulating member 140 may be disposed at the upper and / or lower portion of the sub-battery module 10. For example, the heat insulating member 140 may be disposed between the sub-battery module 10 and the tray 1110 and between the sub-battery module 10 and the sub-battery pack cover 1120.

[0107] Typically, the outermost components of the battery module 100 and the battery pack 1000 are formed of a material with high thermal conductivity such as aluminum or steel, and thus by further providing a heat insulating component 140 between the sub-battery module 10 and the components, heat propagation between the sub-battery modules 10 can be more reliably blocked.

[0108] The heat insulating member may be a material with low thermal conductivity, and preferably, may be a material with a thermal conductivity of 0.3 or less. For example, the heat insulating member may be aerogel, ceramic wool, mica sheet, fire resistive paint, or the like.

[0109] Next, sub-battery modules 20, 30 and a battery module 200 including the sub-battery modules 20, 30 according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0110] Figure 9a and Figure 9b is a diagram showing a sub-battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention, Fig.10 It is shown that Figure 9a and Figure 9b Diagram of a battery module with sub-battery modules.

[0111] According to another embodiment of the present invention, Fig.10 The battery module 200 shown can be combined Figure 9a and Figure 9b The sub-battery modules 20 and 30 are shown.

[0112] Fig.10 The battery module 200 shown may be housed in Figure 1 The battery module 200 may be disposed in the inner space of the battery pack 1000. Figure 1 The central beam 1130 of the battery pack housing 1100 is shown as partitioning the first space or the second space.

[0113] Fig.10 The battery module shown may include Figure 9a and Figure 9b The sub-battery modules 20 and 30 (hereinafter referred to as the first sub-battery module and the second sub-battery module) are shown.

[0114] The first sub-battery module 20 may be disposed outside the battery module 200, and the second sub-battery module 30 may be disposed inside the battery module 200. For example, the first sub-battery module 20 may be disposed between the battery pack housing 1100 and the second sub-battery module 30, the second sub-battery module 30 may be disposed between the second sub-battery modules 30, or may be disposed between the first sub-battery module 20 and the second sub-battery module 30.

[0115] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the battery module 200 includes two first sub-battery modules 20, and may selectively include more than one second sub-battery module 30. That is, the battery module 200 can adjust the lateral (x direction or second direction based on the figure) length of the battery module 200 by adjusting the number of the second sub-battery modules 30.

[0116] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the first sub-battery module 20 and the second sub-battery module 30 may have different structures.

[0117] The first sub-battery module 20 and the second sub-battery module 30 may include two battery cell stacks 21, 31 and a sub-module frame, respectively. That is, the first sub-battery module 20 and the second sub-battery module 30 may include a first battery cell stack and a second battery cell stack, respectively, and a sub-module frame. The first battery cell stack and the second battery cell stack may be spaced apart on the sub-module frame along the x direction (or the second direction).

[0118] The battery cell stack 21, 31 may include a plurality of battery cells 2, 3 stacked in one direction (the z direction in the figure). The plurality of battery cells 2, 3 may be pouch-type battery cells and may be arranged in a flat form and stacked in the z direction. Therefore, the z-direction length of the battery module 200 may be adjusted according to the number of the plurality of battery cells 2, 3 constituting the battery cell stack 21, 31.

[0119] The submodule frame may include a first frame 22 , 32 and a second frame 23 , 33 , and may selectively include a third frame 24 , 34 .

[0120] Reference Figure 9a , the submodule frame of the first sub-battery module 20 may include a first frame 22, a second frame 23 and a third frame 24. On the other hand, referring to Figure 9b , the submodule frame of the second sub-battery module 30 may include a first frame 32 and a second frame 33 . At this time, the submodule frame of the second sub-battery module 30 may include two first frames 32 .

[0121] The first frame 22, 32 and the third frame 24 may be arranged along the stacking direction of the cell stacks 21, 31. In the case of the first sub-battery module 20, the first frame 22 may be arranged at the lower portion of the cell stack 21, and the third frame 24 may be arranged at the upper portion. However, on the contrary, the third frame 24 may be arranged at the lower portion of the cell stack 21, and the first frame 22 may be arranged at the upper portion. In the case of the second sub-battery module 30, the first frame 32 may be arranged at the upper portion and the lower portion of the cell stack 31, respectively.

[0122] That is, according to another embodiment of the present invention, in a first sub-battery module 20 arranged on the outside of the battery module 200, different frames can be set at the upper and lower parts of the battery cell stack 21, and in a second sub-battery module 30 arranged on the inside of the battery module 200, the same frame can be set at the upper and lower parts of the battery cell stack 31.

[0123] On the other hand, although not shown in the figure, as in the previously described embodiment, a compression member (not shown) may be provided between the cell stack 21, 31 and the first frame 22, 32 and the third frame 24. In addition, the compression member may be provided between the plurality of cells 2, 3 constituting the cell stack 21, 31 at predetermined intervals.

[0124] The first frame 22, 32 and the third frame 24 may include connection parts 221, 241, 321. The sub-battery modules 20, 30 may be connected and combined with each other through the first connection parts 221, 321 or the second connection parts 241 to form the battery module 200.

[0125] The first frames 22 , 32 and the third frame 24 may be distinguished by the shapes of the connection parts 221 , 241 , 321 .

[0126] The first frame 22, 32 and the third frame 24 may include connecting portions 221, 321, 241 (hereinafter, first connecting portion and second connecting portion) at both ends in the length direction. The first connecting portion 221, 321 and the second connecting portion 241 may be formed by extending from the first frame 22, 32 or the third frame 24 along the direction in which the battery module 200 extends (the x direction in the figure).

[0127] In addition, the thickness of the first connection part 221, 321 and the second connection part 241 may be thinner than the thickness of the first frame 22, 32 and the third frame 24. For example, the thickness of the first connection part 221, 321 and the second connection part 241 may be about half the thickness of the first frame 22, 32 and the third frame 24. Here, the thickness may refer to the z-direction length.

[0128] The first frame 22, 32 may include first connection parts 221, 321 extending at different heights in the direction in which the battery module 200 extends. In other words, the first connection parts 221, 321 formed at one end in the length direction of the first frame 22, 32 and the first connection parts 221, 321 formed at the other end in the z direction with reference to the drawing may be different. Therefore, one of the first connection parts 221, 321 extending from both ends in the length direction of the first frame 22, 32 may not be directly coupled to the second frame 23, 33 to be described later.

[0129] For example, a portion of the first connection portion 221 , 321 directly coupled to the second frame 23 , 33 may be a closed portion, and a portion not coupled to the second frame 23 , 33 may be an open portion.

[0130] Reference Figure 9b , a gap 34 may be formed between the first connection portion 321 of the open portion of the first frame 32 and the second frame 33. The first connection portion 221 (the portion extending from the first frame 22) or the second connection portion 241 (the portion extending from the third frame 24) of the first sub-battery module 20 may be disposed in the gap 34, or the first connection portion 321 (the portion extending from the first frame 32) of another second sub-battery module 30 may be disposed in the gap 34. At this time, the first connection portions 221, 321 and the second connection portion 241 may be disposed in the gap 34 in an overlapping manner in the z direction based on the figure.

[0131] The third frame 24 may include a second connection portion 241 extending at the same height in the direction in which the battery module 200 extends (the x direction based on the figure). In other words, the second connection portion 241 formed at one end portion in the length direction of the third frame 23, 33 and the second connection portion 241 formed at the other end portion may have the same position in the z direction based on the figure.

[0132] Reference Fig.10 , the second connection parts 241 extending from both ends in the length direction of the third frame 24 can be directly coupled to the second frames 22, 23 to be described later. That is, the second connection part 241 can include only the enclosing part. The enclosing part can be coupled to the first connection part 221, 321, and in the case where the first sub-battery module 20 or the second sub-battery module 30 is not additionally provided, the enclosing part may not be coupled to the connection part.

[0133] In summary, the first sub-battery module 20 and the second sub-battery module 30 can be extended along the x direction based on the drawing by combining the first connection parts 221, 321 of the first frame 22, 32 arranged in the stacking direction of the plurality of battery cells 2, 3 and the second connection part 241 of the third frame 24.

[0134] In addition, the first connection portion 221, 321 and the second connection portion 241 may include an open portion forming a gap with the second frame 23, 33 and / or a closed portion directly coupled to the second frame 23, 33, and the first sub-battery module 20 and the second sub-battery module 30 may extend through the coupling between the open portion and the closed portion.

[0135] For example, a closed portion (first connection portion 221, 321 or second connection portion 241) of an adjacent sub-battery module may be disposed in the gap of the open portion, and an open portion (first connection portion 221, 321) of an adjacent sub-battery module may be disposed in the closed portion, or no connection portion may be disposed.

[0136] The second frames 23 , 33 have a shape extending along the stacking direction of the plurality of battery cells 2 , 3 (z direction based on the drawing), and may be provided on the side of the battery cell stack 21 , 31 .

[0137] The first sub-battery module 20 and the second sub-battery module 30 may include at least two second frames 23 , 33 , and specifically, may include two or three second frames 23 , 33 .

[0138] For example, one of the plurality of second frames 23, 33 included in the first sub-battery module 20 and the second sub-battery module 30 may be disposed between the two battery cell stacks 21 (21a, 21b), 31 (31a, 31b) to simultaneously face the sides of the two battery cell stacks 21 (21a, 21b), 31 (31a, 31b) included in each sub-battery module 20, 30. In addition, the remaining second frames 23, 33 may be disposed to face any one side of the two battery cell stacks 21 (21a, 21b), 31 (31a, 31b) included in each sub-battery module 20, 30.

[0139] The second frame 23, 33 may be used as a heat exchange portion or a heat blocking portion. When the second frame 23, 33 is used as a heat exchange portion, the second frame 23, 33 may include a refrigerant flow channel through which the refrigerant flows. On the other hand, when the second frame 23, 33 is used as a heat blocking portion, the second frame 23, 33 may include a heat insulating member. The description of the heat exchange portion and the heat blocking portion may be replaced by the above description.

[0140] According to one embodiment, the second frames 23, 33 facing the sides of the two battery cell stacks 21 (21a, 21b), 31 (31a, 31b) at the same time can be a heat exchange part, and the second frames 23, 33 facing any one side of the two battery cell stacks 21 (21a, 21b), 31 (31a, 31b) can be a heat exchange part or a heat blocking part.

[0141] The second frame 23 , 33 may be combined with the first frame 22 , 32 or the third frame 24 at both ends in the length direction.

[0142] Fig.10 A battery module 200 including two first sub-battery modules 20 and one second sub-battery module 30 is shown.

[0143] As described above, different frames, for example, the first frame 22 and the third frame 24 are respectively arranged at the upper and lower parts of the battery cell stack 21 of the first sub-battery module 20 , and the same frames, for example, the first frame 32 are respectively arranged at the upper and lower parts of the battery cell stack 31 of the second sub-battery module 30 .

[0144] On the other hand, refer to Fig.10 , the positions of the first frame 22 and the third frame 24 of the two first sub-battery modules 20 disposed on the outside of the battery module 200 may be different from each other. For example, the first sub-battery module 20 may be disposed on one side in the length direction (the x direction in the figure as a reference) of the battery module 200, the first frame 22 of the first sub-battery module 20 is disposed at the lower part, and the third frame 24 is disposed at the upper part. Also, the first sub-battery module 20 may be disposed on the other side in the length direction (the x direction in the figure as a reference) of the battery module 200, the first frame 22 of the first sub-battery module 20 is disposed at the upper part, and the third frame 24 is disposed at the lower part.

[0145] As described above, when the battery module 200 is formed, the positions of the first frame 22 and the third frame 24 of the two first sub-battery modules 20 disposed at the outer side of the battery module 200 may be different from each other.

[0146] On the other hand, in another embodiment different from the above-described embodiment, the battery module 200 may not include the second sub-battery module 30 but may include only two first sub-battery modules 20. This may be an embodiment of the battery module 200 in the simplest form.

[0147] Fig.11 is a side view of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0148] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a battery pack 4000 may include a battery pack housing 4100 and a battery pack cover 4200. In addition, the battery pack housing 4100 may include a tray 4110 and a side frame 4120, and although not shown in the drawings, may include a center beam (not shown) that partitions the internal space of the battery pack housing 4100.

[0149] The basic structure of a battery pack 4000 according to another embodiment of the present invention is similar to Figure 1 The basic structure of the battery pack 1000 shown is the same, and repeated description will be omitted.

[0150] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of sub-battery modules may be directly disposed in the battery pack housing 4100 of the battery pack 4000. That is, the sub-battery modules may be directly disposed in the battery pack housing 4100 without a sub-module frame. At this time, a compression member (not shown) may be disposed between the sub-battery module and the battery pack housing 4100, and the description of the compression member will be omitted.

[0151] According to another embodiment of the present invention, since the sub-battery modules provided in the battery pack 4000 do not include a sub-module frame, the battery pack 4000 may include a structural member serving as the sub-module frame.

[0152] Reference Fig.11 , the battery pack housing 4100 may include a first separator 4300 and a second separator 4400a, and the battery pack cover 4200 may include a second separator 4400b. That is, the first separator 4300 may be provided on the battery pack housing 4100, and the second separators 4400 (4400a, 4400b) may be provided on the battery pack housing 4100 and the battery pack cover 4200, respectively. At this time, the second separator 4400a (hereinafter, the lower separator) on the battery pack housing 4100 side and the second separator 4400b (hereinafter, the upper separator) on the battery pack cover 4200 side may be combined to form a complete second separator 4400, and the battery pack housing 4100 and the battery pack cover 4200 may be combined with each other by forming a combination between the lower separator 4400a and the upper separator 4400b of the second separator 4400. This will be described in detail later.

[0153] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the first partition plate 4300 may be used as a heat exchange part, and the second partition plate 4400 may be used as a heat blocking part, and its detailed description will be replaced by the above description. In addition, the second partition plate 4400 may further separate the areas separated by the central beam.

[0154] In another embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of battery cell stacks 40 arranged in an area separated by a central beam correspond to the above-mentioned battery module, and one or more battery cell stacks 40 located in an area further separated by a second partition 4400 can be understood as corresponding to the concept of the above-mentioned sub-battery module.

[0155] Reference Fig.11 , the lower partition 4400a may be spaced apart in the length direction (x direction based on the figure) of the battery pack housing 4100. In addition, although not shown in the drawings, the lower partition 4400a may have a length in the width direction (y direction based on the figure) of the battery pack housing 4100.

[0156] More than one battery cell stack 40 may be disposed in a region partitioned by the lower separator 4400a. The battery cell stack 40 may include a plurality of battery cells stacked in a z direction based on the drawing.

[0157] The first separator 4300 and one or more cell stacks 40 may be disposed together in a region partitioned by the lower separator 4400 a . The first separator 4300 may be disposed between the cell stacks 40 or between the cell stacks 40 and the side frames 4120 .

[0158] The first separator 4300 may be disposed to face the side of the cell stack 40. At this time, a heat dissipation component (not shown) may be further disposed between the cell stack 40 and the first separator 4300 to increase the heat exchange efficiency through the first separator 4300. For example, the heat dissipation component may be a material having a thermal conductivity of 1 (W / mK) or more.

[0159] Reference Fig.11 , in a state where the battery pack cover 4200 is not coupled to the battery pack housing 4100, the length of the lower partition 4400a in the height direction (z direction based on the figure) may be shorter than the first partition 4300. When the battery pack cover 4200 is coupled, the height of the second partition 4400 may be substantially the same as the height of the first partition 4300. In other words, in a state where the battery pack cover 4200 is coupled to the battery pack housing 4100, the height of the second partition 4400 (4400a, 4400b) may be substantially the same as the height of the first partition 4300.

[0160] On the other hand, the pack case 4100 and the pack cover 4200 may be coupled to each other through coupling between the lower separator 4400 a and the upper separator 4400 b forming the second separator 4400 .

[0161] Fig.11 The A region is the region where the second separator 4400 is formed. Fig.12a and Figure 12b It is shown Fig.11 FIG. 1 is a diagram of various embodiments of region A.

[0162] Reference Fig.12a and Figure 12b The second separator 4400 may be formed by combining a lower separator 4400a and an upper separator 4400b. The lower separator 4400a and the upper separator 4400b may be combined with each other by inserting and then fixing with an adhesive material 4430.

[0163] In one embodiment, the lower separator 4400a may include a groove portion 4410a on a surface facing the upper separator 4400b. The adhesive substance 4430 may be accommodated in the groove portion 4410a. The upper separator 4400b may include a protrusion portion 4410b formed to protrude in a direction toward the lower separator 4400a.

[0164] The protrusion 4410b may have a shape corresponding to the groove 4410a so that the protrusion 4410b can be inserted into the groove 4410a. For example, the groove 4410a may have a shape in which the cross-sectional width widens along the direction in which the upper separator 4400b is coupled, and the protrusion 4410b may have a shape in which the cross-sectional width narrows along the direction in which the protrusion 4410b is coupled to the lower separator 4400a.

[0165] The protrusion 4410b of the upper separator 4400b may be press-fitted into the groove 4410a of the lower separator 4400a. In a state where the protrusion 4410b is press-fitted into the groove 4410a, a portion of the protrusion 4410b may be fixed by the adhesive substance 4430 accommodated in the groove 4410a.

[0166] In another embodiment, the lower partition 4400a may include a groove 4410a and a stopper 4420a protruding from the inner circumference of the groove 4410a. In addition, the upper partition 4400b may include a protrusion 4410b and a stopper protrusion 4420b protruding from the outer circumference of the protrusion 4410b.

[0167] The protrusion 4410b of the upper partition 4400b may be press-fitted into the groove 4410a of the lower partition 4400a. The protrusion 4410b may be inserted into the groove 4410a until the locking protrusion 4420b and the locking member 4420a contact each other. In a state where the locking protrusion 4420b and the locking member 4420a contact each other, the protrusion 4410b may be fixed to the groove 4410a. Moreover, at this time, a part of the protrusion 4410b may be fixed by the adhesive substance 4430 accommodated in the groove 4410a.

[0168] However, the lower separator 4400 a and the upper separator 4400 b are not limited to the above-mentioned structure and manner, and may be combined in other structures and manners to form the second separator 4400 .

[0169] On the other hand, a heat insulating member (not shown) may be further provided between the battery cell stack 40 and the second separator 4400. Two adjacent second separators 4400 may be isolated from each space formed by the second separators 4400 by the heat insulating member. For example, the heat insulating member may be formed of polyurethane, silicone grease, or the like.

[0170] As described above, the battery modules 100, 200 and the battery packs 1000, 4000 including the battery modules 100, 200 according to various embodiments of the present invention can be freely expanded in the lateral, longitudinal and height directions, and thus can be manufactured to meet the size specifications required by various vehicle models.

[0171] In addition, by appropriately providing a cooling structure and / or a heat insulating structure between adjacent sub-battery modules 10 , 20 , 30 , thermal stability and energy density can be improved, and manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0172] The structure and features of the present invention are described above based on the embodiments, but the present invention is not limited thereto. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes or modifications can be made within the concept and scope of the present invention, and therefore it is declared in advance that these changes or modifications fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A battery pack comprising: A battery pack housing having an interior space; as well as at least one battery module housed in the battery pack housing, wherein the battery module includes a plurality of sub-battery modules, The plurality of sub-battery modules respectively include a plurality of battery cells stacked along a first direction, and the plurality of sub-battery modules include a plurality of battery cell stacks arranged along a second direction, A plurality of partitions are disposed between the plurality of battery cell stacks, and the partitions are used to perform heat exchange with the plurality of battery cells or block heat transfer between the sub-battery modules.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: A first separator is provided between each of the plurality of battery cell stacks included in the sub-battery module, wherein the first separator is used for heat exchange with the plurality of battery cells. The first partition plate includes a refrigerant flow channel.

3. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein: A heat dissipation component is further included between the first separator and the plurality of battery cell stacks.

4. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein: A second separator is arranged between the sub-battery modules, and the second separator is used to insulate the sub-battery modules. The second partition includes a heat insulating member.

5. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein: A first separator is further included between the battery pack housing and the battery module.

6. The battery pack according to claim 1, further comprising: a battery pack cover, covering the battery module, At least a portion of the plurality of separators is disposed on the battery case or the battery cover.

7. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: The sub-battery module includes a connection portion that can be combined along the second direction, so that the battery module is connected along the second direction, The adjacent sub-battery modules are connected via the connecting portion.

8. The battery pack according to claim 7, wherein: The battery module includes two first sub-battery modules arranged on the outside of the battery module in the length direction. The battery module selectively includes a second sub-battery module disposed between the two first sub-battery modules.

9. A battery pack comprising: A plurality of battery cell stacks, wherein the battery cell stacks include a plurality of battery cells stacked along a first direction; A battery pack housing having an internal space for accommodating the plurality of battery cell stacks; as well as a battery pack cover coupled to the battery pack housing to cover the plurality of battery cell stacks, The battery pack housing and the battery pack cover respectively include a lower partition and an upper partition extending toward each other, The lower partition plate and the upper partition plate are combined with each other to form a second partition plate that partitions the inner space. The second separator thermally insulates at least a portion of the plurality of battery cell stacks.

10. The battery pack according to claim 9, further comprising: a first separator, the first separator facing at least a portion of the side surfaces of the plurality of battery cell stacks, The first partition plate includes a refrigerant flow channel.

11. A battery module, comprising: A plurality of sub-battery modules, each of which comprises: The first battery cell stack and the second battery cell stack each include a plurality of battery cells stacked along a first direction and arranged along a second direction; and a submodule frame facing the first battery cell stack and the second battery cell stack in the first direction and the second direction, The submodule frame includes a connection portion extending from the submodule frame along the second direction so that the sub-battery modules are connected in the second direction.

12. The battery module according to claim 11, wherein: The submodule framework includes: a first frame and a third frame extending along the second direction and disposed on at least one of one side and the other side of the first direction; and The second frame extends along the first direction and is disposed between the first battery cell stack and the second battery cell stack.

13. The battery module according to claim 12, wherein: The first frame includes a first connection portion, the first connection portion including a closed portion combined with the second frame and an open portion spaced apart from the second frame to form a gap, The third frame includes a second connection portion, and the second connection portion includes a closed portion combined with the second frame.

14. The battery module according to claim 13, wherein: The first connection portion or the second connection portion of the adjacently arranged sub-battery module is arranged in the open portion.

15. The battery module according to claim 12, wherein: The sub-battery module includes two first sub-battery modules, the first sub-battery module is arranged on the outside of the second direction and includes the first frame to the third frame, The sub-battery module selectively includes a second sub-battery module disposed between the two first sub-battery modules and including the first frame and the second frame.

16. The battery module according to claim 12, wherein: The second frame includes at least one of a refrigerant flow passage or a heat insulating member.

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