Cooling member and battery pack comprising same

Abstract

A cooling member according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is mounted on a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked, and includes: a top plate; a bottom plate; a refrigerant accommodated in an inner space between the top plate and the bottom plate; and at least one of a top structure supporting the top plate and a bottom structure supporting the bottom plate, in which the top plate and the bottom plate are formed of a material capable of melting or breaking when a thermal event of the battery cell occurs, and the top structure and the bottom structure are formed of a material that remains rigid when a thermal event of the battery cell occurs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0125134 filed on September 30, 2022, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a battery module and a battery pack including a cooling member, and more particularly, to a cooling member having a reinforcement structure and a battery pack including the cooling member. Background Art

[0004] In modern society, since portable devices such as mobile phones, notebook computers, camcorders, and digital cameras have been used every day, the development of technology in the field related to the mobile devices as described above has been active. In addition, rechargeable / dischargeable secondary batteries are used as power sources for electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (P-HEVs), etc., in an attempt to solve air pollution caused by existing gasoline vehicles using fossil fuels, etc. Therefore, the demand for the development of secondary batteries is growing.

[0005] Currently commercialized secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and lithium secondary batteries. Among them, lithium secondary batteries have been focused on because they have advantages such as free charge and discharge, very low self-discharge rate, and high energy density.

[0006] Meanwhile, in the case of a secondary battery for a small device, two to three battery cells are used, but in the case of a secondary battery for a medium- and large-sized device (such as an automobile), a medium- or large-sized battery module in which a large number of battery cells are electrically connected is used. Since a medium- or large-sized battery module is preferably manufactured to be as small in size and weight as possible, a prismatic battery, a pouch-type battery, etc., which can be stacked with a high degree of integration and has a small weight relative to the capacity, is mainly used as a battery cell of a medium- or large-sized battery module.

[0007] On the other hand, the battery cells installed in the battery module can generate a large amount of heat during the charging and discharging process. If the temperature becomes higher than the appropriate temperature due to reasons such as overcharging, the performance may deteriorate, and if the temperature rises excessively, there may be a risk of explosion or fire. If a fire occurs inside the battery module, high-temperature heat, gas or flame may be emitted to the outside of the battery module, wherein the heat, gas, sparks, flames, etc. emitted from one battery module may be transmitted to other adjacent battery modules at narrow intervals in the battery pack, which may cause a cascading thermal runaway phenomenon within the battery pack.

[0008] In order to prevent such a thermal runaway phenomenon, attempts have recently been made to apply a water-cooling type cooling member or a water-cooling type heat radiating member into which a coolant is injected. Figure 1 and Figure 2 5 are perspective views respectively showing a cooling member according to conventional technology and a portion of a battery pack including the cooling member. The cooling member 50 may be provided to reduce the internal temperature of a battery module or a battery pack including a battery cell. The cooling member 50 may be a coolant or water-cooled cooling member 50 into which a coolant is injected. When the cooling member 50 is provided as a water-cooled type, the cooling efficiency of the cooling member 50 may be uniformly maintained, and the battery cells within the battery module or the battery pack may be uniformly cooled. On the other hand, the cooling member 50 according to conventional technology is made of a metal material such as aluminum to achieve heat transfer. For example, the cooling member 50 is formed by bonding two metal plates together using a brazing method or the like.

[0009] On the other hand, since the cooling member 50 according to the conventional technology is composed of a metal material, it may be slightly heavy. When filled with a coolant (cooling water), its weight further increases. When a battery pack including the cooling member 50 is mounted on a car or the like, its driving fuel efficiency or the like may be slightly reduced. However, when the cooling member 50 is manufactured by injection molding of plastic or the like in order to reduce weight, there is a problem that its rigidity is reduced.

[0010] Therefore, there is a need to develop a cooling member that achieves weight reduction and cost reduction while further improving the rigidity of the heat dissipation member and is easy to produce. Summary of the invention

[0011] [Technical issues]

[0012] Therefore, the present disclosure is designed to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a cooling member capable of injecting coolant at the right time and the right position when an internal fire occurs in a battery module or a battery pack, and a battery pack including the cooling member. More specifically, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a cooling member and a battery pack including the cooling member, which achieve weight reduction and cost reduction while further improving rigidity and facilitating production.

[0013] However, the technical problems to be solved by the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and various extensions can be made within the scope of the technical concept included in the present disclosure.

[0014] [Technical solution]

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a cooling member mounted on a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked, the cooling member comprising: an upper plate, a lower plate, and a coolant embedded in an internal space between the upper plate and the lower plate; and at least one of an upper structure supporting the upper plate and a lower structure supporting the lower plate, wherein the upper plate and the lower plate are composed of a material that can melt or rupture when a thermal event occurs in the battery cells, and wherein the upper structure and the lower structure are composed of a material that remains rigid when a thermal event occurs in the battery cells.

[0016] The upper structure may be mounted on an outer surface of the upper plate, and the lower structure may be mounted on an outer surface of the lower plate.

[0017] In the upper plate, a portion not in contact with the upper structure forms a fragile portion, and in the lower plate, a portion not in contact with the lower structure forms a fragile portion, and when a thermal event of the battery cell occurs, the fragile portion melts or breaks, allowing coolant to be injected into the battery cell.

[0018] At least one of the upper plate and the lower plate is produced by plastic injection molding, and at least one of the upper structure and the lower structure may be composed of a metal material.

[0019] At least one of the upper plate and the lower plate may be formed of PP or PE, and at least one of the upper structure and the lower structure may be formed of stainless steel, aluminum, copper, or an alloy containing them.

[0020] The upper structure may include at least one of: a vertical rod installed in the vertical direction of the upper plate and placed parallel to the long side; a horizontal rod installed in the horizontal direction of the upper plate and placed parallel to the short side; and an edge portion installed along the edge of the upper plate.

[0021] The upper plate includes a groove on which the upper structure is mounted, a step with a low height is formed along an edge of the upper plate, and the structure and shape of the upper structure and the structure and shape of the groove and edge of the upper plate may correspond to and engage with each other.

[0022] The grooves of the upper plate may include: a first groove, which is formed at the center of the upper plate and is arranged parallel to the long side of the upper plate; a second groove, which is formed on both sides of the first groove and is arranged parallel to the long side of the upper plate; and a third groove, which intersects the first groove and the second groove and is arranged parallel to the short side of the upper plate.

[0023] The vertical rods of the upper structure may be installed in the first and second grooves of the upper plate, and the horizontal rods of the upper structure may be installed in the third groove of the upper plate.

[0024] The cooling member also includes an inlet port and an outlet port, through which a coolant flows into and out of a first short side of the two short sides of the cooling member, wherein one end of the first groove of the upper plate contacts the first short side, and wherein the other end of the first groove of the upper plate can be spaced apart from a second short side of the cooling member by a specified distance, so that the coolant flows in a U-shape in the internal space of the cooling member.

[0025] Both ends of the second groove of the upper plate may be spaced apart from each of the first short side and the second short side by a prescribed distance so that the coolant may flow in the inner space of the cooling member.

[0026] The third grooves of the upper plate and the horizontal bars of the upper structure may be configured in multiple quantities, respectively.

[0027] The lower structure may include at least one of the following: a horizontal rod installed in the horizontal direction of the lower plate and placed parallel to the long side; a vertical rod installed in the vertical direction of the lower plate and placed parallel to the short side; and an edge portion installed along the edge of the lower plate.

[0028] The upper plate may include a groove on which the lower structure is mounted, a step with a low height is formed along an edge of the lower plate, and the structure and shape of the lower structure and the structure and shape of the groove and edge of the lower plate may correspond to and engage with each other.

[0029] The grooves of the lower plate may include: a fourth groove disposed in parallel with a long side of the lower plate; and a fifth groove intersecting with the fourth groove and disposed in parallel with a short side of the lower plate.

[0030] The vertical rod of the lower structure may be mounted in the fourth groove of the lower plate, and the horizontal rod of the lower structure may be mounted in the fifth groove of the upper plate.

[0031] The fourth groove of the lower plate and the vertical rod of the lower structure are respectively configured in multiple numbers, or the fifth groove of the lower plate and the horizontal rod of the lower structure are respectively configured in multiple numbers.

[0032] The cooling member may further include a sealing gasket interposed between the upper plate and the lower plate so that the coolant does not leak to the outside of the cooling member.

[0033] The upper plate, the lower plate and the gasket may be fastened together by rivets or bolts.

[0034] The upper plate and the lower plate may be integrally formed.

[0035] The cooling member may further include: an inlet port through which the coolant flows into the interior of the cooling member; and an outlet port through which the coolant flows out from the interior of the cooling member.

[0036] A cooling member may be mounted on an upper surface of the battery cell stack.

[0037] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a battery pack including a cooling member.

[0038] [Beneficial Effects]

[0039] The cooling member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure opens a portion of a battery module or a battery pack when an internal fire occurs and injects coolant at the right time and the right position, thereby making it possible to quickly extinguish the internal fire in the battery module or the battery pack and prevent a cascading thermal runaway phenomenon.

[0040] Furthermore, the cooling member according to the embodiment of the present disclosure has advantages in that it achieves weight reduction and cost reduction while further increasing rigidity, and is easy to produce.

[0041] Effects obtainable from the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described effects, and additional other effects not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] Figure 1 and Figure 2 are perspective views respectively showing a cooling member according to conventional technology and a portion of a battery pack including the cooling member;

[0043] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0044] Figure 4 is included in the Figure 3 A perspective view of a battery module in a battery pack;

[0045] Figure 5 is included in the Figure 3 A perspective view of a cooling member in a battery pack and a battery module disposed in a lower portion of the cooling member;

[0046] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A partial enlarged view of

[0047] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 An exploded perspective view of a cooling member;

[0048] Figure 8 yes Figure 5 A perspective view of an upper plate of a cooling member;

[0049] Fig. 9 yes Figure 5 A perspective view of a lower plate of a cooling member;

[0050] Fig.10 yes Figure 5 A perspective view of an upper structure of a cooling member;

[0051] Fig.11 yes Figure 5 A perspective view of the lower structure of the cooling member;

[0052] Fig.12 yes Figure 5 A perspective view of a sealing gasket of a cooling member;

[0053] Fig.13 is a diagram showing a method of injecting a coolant into a cooling member when a thermal event occurs in a battery cell;

[0054] Fig.14 is an enlarged view showing a portion of the coolant flow; and

[0055] Figures 15 to 19 It is shown that the assembly Figure 5 Diagram of the process of cooling a component. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily perform them. The present disclosure can be modified in various different ways and is not limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0057] For clarity, description of parts not related to the description will be omitted, and the same reference numerals will be used throughout the specification to denote the same or similar elements.

[0058] In addition, in the drawings, for the convenience of description, the size and thickness of each element are arbitrarily shown, and the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to those shown in the drawings. In the drawings, for the sake of clarity, the thickness of layers, regions, etc. are exaggerated. In the drawings, for the convenience of description, the thickness of parts and regions is exaggerated.

[0059] Furthermore, it should be understood that when an element such as a layer, film, region, or plate is referred to as being "on" or "over" another element, it can be directly on the other element, or there can be intervening elements. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element, this means that there are no other intervening elements. Furthermore, a particular portion being "above" or "on" a reference portion means that the particular portion is above or below the reference portion, and does not necessarily mean that the particular portion is "above" or "on" in the opposite direction of gravity.

[0060] Meanwhile, similar to the case where it is described as being formed or placed “on” or “over” another part, the case where it is described as being formed or placed “under” or “under” another part will also be understood with reference to the above content.

[0061] Furthermore, since the upper surface / lower surface of a specific member may be determined differently depending on which direction is used, throughout the specification, 'upper surface' or 'lower surface' is defined to mean two facing surfaces on the z-axis of the corresponding member.

[0062] Furthermore, throughout the specification, when a part is referred to as “including” or “comprising” specific components, it means that the part may further include other components, without excluding the other components, unless otherwise specified.

[0063] Furthermore, throughout the specification, when referred to as a “plane”, it means when the target portion is observed from the upper side, and when it is referred to as a “cross section”, it means when the target portion is observed from the side of the cross section cut vertically.

[0064] A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will now be described.

[0065] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 is included in the Figure 3 A perspective view of a battery module in a battery pack.

[0066] Reference Figure 3 , a battery pack 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one battery module 100, a battery pack frame 200 accommodating the battery module 100, a resin layer 300 formed on an inner surface of the battery pack frame 200, an end plate 400 closing an open side of the battery pack frame 200, a cooling member 500 disposed between the battery pack frame 200 and a battery cell stack 120, and cooling fins 600 that contact the battery cells 110 and thus dissipate heat from the battery cells 110. However, the components included in the battery pack 1000 are not limited thereto, and according to design, the battery pack 1000 may be provided in a state where a part of the above components is omitted, or may be provided in a state where other components not mentioned are added.

[0067] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the battery module 100 provided in this embodiment may have a module-free structure in which a module frame is omitted.

[0068] Typically, a conventional battery pack has a dual-component structure in which a battery cell stack and several components connected thereto are assembled to form a battery module, and a plurality of battery modules are again housed in a battery pack. At this time, since the battery module includes a module frame forming its outer surface, etc., the conventional battery cell is doubly protected by the module frame of the battery module and the battery pack frame of the battery pack. However, this dual-component structure not only increases the manufacturing unit cost and manufacturing process of the battery pack, but also has the disadvantage of deteriorating reassembly performance when defects occur in some battery cells. In addition, when a cooling member, etc., as a cooling member, exists outside the battery module, there is a problem that the heat transfer path between the battery cell and the cooling member becomes slightly complicated.

[0069] Therefore, the battery module 100 of the present embodiment may be provided in the form of a 'cell block' in which the module frame is omitted, and the battery cell stack 120 included in the cell block may be directly coupled to the battery pack frame 200 of the battery pack 1000. Thus, the structure of the battery pack 1000 may be made simpler, advantages in manufacturing cost and manufacturing process may be obtained, and weight reduction of the battery pack may be obtained.

[0070] Hereinafter, a battery module 100 without a module frame may be referred to as a 'cell block' to distinguish it from a battery module with a module frame. However, the battery module 100 generally refers to a battery cell stack 120 having a module frame divided into prescribed units for modularization, regardless of the presence or absence of a module frame, and the battery module 100 should be interpreted as including both a conventional battery module with a module frame and a cell block.

[0071] Reference Figure 4 The battery module 100 of the present embodiment may include: a battery cell stack 120 in which a plurality of battery cells 110 are stacked in one direction; side surface plates 130 located at both ends of the battery cell stack 120 in the stacking direction; a retaining band 140 wrapped around the side surface plates 130 and the battery cell stack 120 to fix their shapes; and a bus bar frame 150 covering the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack 120.

[0072] On the other hand, the battery module 100 provided in the form of a single block is Figure 4 , but the content of the figure does not exclude the case where the battery module 100 with a closed structure having a module frame is applied to the battery pack 1000 of the present embodiment.

[0073] Each of the battery cells 110 may include an electrode assembly, a cell housing, and an electrode lead protruding from the electrode assembly. The battery cells 110 may be provided in a pouch shape or a prism shape, which may maximize the number of stacks per unit area. For example, the battery cells 110 provided in a pouch shape may be produced by housing an electrode assembly including a cathode, an anode, and a separator in a cell housing of a laminate sheet and then heat-sealing a sealing portion of the cell housing. On the other hand, Figure 3 and Figure 4 It is shown that the cathode lead and the anode lead of the battery cell 110 protrude in opposite directions to each other, but this is not necessarily the case, and the electrode leads of the battery cell 110 may also protrude in the same direction.

[0074] The battery cell stack 120 may be formed by stacking a plurality of electrically connected battery cells 110 in one direction. The direction in which the plurality of battery cells 110 are stacked (hereinafter referred to as 'stacking direction') may be as follows: Figure 3 and Figure 4 The y-axis direction is shown (alternatively, it may be the -y-axis direction, and hereinafter, the expression 'axis direction' may be interpreted as including both + / - directions).

[0075] On the other hand, the battery cells 110 are placed in a direction such that the electrode leads of the battery cells 110 may be located on one surface of the battery cell stack 120 or on another surface facing the one surface. In this way, the surface where the electrode leads are located in the battery cell stack 120 may be referred to as the front surface or the rear surface of the battery cell stack 120, and Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the front surface and the rear surface of the battery cell stack 120 are shown as two surfaces facing each other on the x-axis.

[0076] In addition, the surface of the outermost battery cell 110 located in the battery cell stack 120 may be referred to as a side surface of the battery cell stack 120, and Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the side surfaces of the battery cell stack 120 are shown as two surfaces facing each other on the y-axis.

[0077] The side surface plate 130 may be provided to maintain the overall shape of the battery cell stack 120. The side surface plate 130 is a plate-shaped member and may supplement the rigidity of the cell block instead of the module frame. The side surface plate 130 may be disposed at both ends of the battery cell stack 120 in the stacking direction and may contact the outermost battery cells 110 on both sides of the battery cell stack 120.

[0078] The side surface plate 130 may be made of various materials and may be provided by various preparation methods. In one example, the side surface plate 130 may be a plastic material made by injection molding. In another example, the side surface plate 130 may be made of a leaf spring material. In yet another example, the side surface plate 130 may be made of a material having elasticity that allows its shape to be partially deformed in response to a volume change of the battery cell stack 120 due to expansion.

[0079] The retaining band 140 may be used to fix the position and shape of the side surface plates 130 at the two side ends of the battery cell stack 120. The retaining band 140 may be a member having a length and a width. Specifically, the battery cell stack 120 may be located between the two side surface plates 130 in contact with the outermost battery cell 110, and the retaining band 140 may cross the battery cell stack 120 and connect the two side surface plates 130. Thus, the retaining band 140 can prevent the distance between the two side surface plates 130 from increasing beyond a certain range, thereby maintaining the overall shape of the cell block within a certain range.

[0080] The holding belt 140 may have hooks at both ends in the longitudinal direction to stably couple with the side surface plate 130. The hooks may be formed by bending both ends in the longitudinal direction of the holding belt 140. Meanwhile, the side surface plate 130 may be formed with hooking grooves at positions corresponding to the hooks, and the holding belt 140 and the side surface plate 130 may be stably coupled by coupling of the hooks and the hooking grooves.

[0081] The holding band 140 may be provided with various materials or by various preparation methods. In one example, the holding band 140 may be prepared with a material having elasticity so that a volume change of the battery cell stack 120 due to expansion may be allowed within a certain range.

[0082] On the other hand, the retaining band 140 is used to fix the relative position between the side surface plate 130 and the battery cell stack 120, and if its purpose as a 'fixing member' is achieved, it can be provided in a configuration different from the configuration shown. For example, the fixing member can be provided in the form of a long bolt that crosses between the two side surface plates 130, i.e., a long bolt. The side surface plate 130 can be provided with a groove into which the long bolt can be inserted, and the long bolt can simultaneously connect the two side surface plates 130 through the groove, thereby fixing the relative position of the two side surface plates 130. The long bolt can be provided at the edge of the side surface plate 130, preferably at a position close to the vertex of the side surface plate 130. Depending on the design, the retaining band 140 can be replaced by the above-mentioned long bolt, but both the retaining band 140 and the long bolt can also be provided in the monomer block.

[0083] The busbar frame 150 is located on one surface of the battery cell stack 120 so that it can cover one surface of the battery cell stack 120 and guide the connection between the battery cell stack 120 and the external device at the same time. The busbar frame 150 may be located on the front surface or the rear surface of the battery cell stack 120. The busbar frame 150 may be arranged to be located on the front surface and the rear surface of the battery cell stack 120. The busbar may be mounted to the busbar frame 150, whereby the electrode leads of the battery cell stack 120 may be connected to the busbar, and thus, the battery cell stack 120 may be electrically connected to the external device.

[0084] The bus bar frame 150 may include an electrically insulating material. The bus bar frame 150 may limit contact of the bus bar with other portions of the battery cell 110 except for portions coupled to the electrode leads, and prevent an electrical short circuit from occurring.

[0085] The battery pack frame 200 may be used to protect the battery module 100 and the electrical components connected thereto from external physical impact. The battery pack frame 200 may accommodate the battery module 100 and the electrical components connected to the cell block 100 in the inner space of the battery pack frame 200. Here, the battery pack frame 200 includes an inner surface and an outer surface, and the inner space of the battery pack frame 200 may be defined by the inner surface.

[0086] The battery modules 100 accommodated in the battery pack frame 200 may be formed in multiple numbers. Multiple battery modules 100 may be referred to as a 'module assembly'. The battery modules may be arranged in rows and columns within the battery pack frame 200. Here, a 'row' may refer to a group of battery modules 100 arranged in one direction, and a 'column' may refer to a group of battery modules 100 arranged in a direction perpendicular to the one direction. For example, the battery modules 100 may be arranged along the stacking direction of the battery cell stack to form a battery pack frame 200 such as Figure 3 Module components in a row or column as shown.

[0087] The battery pack frame 200 may be provided in a hollow shape opened in one direction. Figure 3 As shown, the plurality of cell modules 100 are sequentially positioned along a stacking direction of the battery cells 110 , and the battery pack frame 200 may have a hollow shape opened along the above stacking direction.

[0088] The battery pack frame 200 may have various structures. In one example, Figure 3As shown, the battery pack frame 200 may include a lower frame 210 and an upper frame 220. Here, the lower frame 210 may be provided in a plate shape, and the upper frame 220 may be provided in a U shape. At least one battery module 100 may be arranged in the plate-shaped lower frame 210, and the U-shaped upper frame 220 may be provided so as to surround the upper surface of the module assembly and both side surfaces on the x-axis.

[0089] The battery pack frame 200 may include a portion having high thermal conductivity to quickly dissipate the heat generated in the internal space to the outside. For example, at least a portion of the battery pack frame 200 may be made of a metal having high thermal conductivity, and examples thereof include aluminum, gold, silver, copper, platinum, alloys containing them, and the like. In addition, the battery pack frame 200 may have partial electrical insulation properties, and an insulating film may be provided or an insulating paint may be applied at a location where insulation is required. In the battery pack frame 200, the portion to which the insulating film or insulating paint is applied may be referred to as an insulating portion.

[0090] The resin layer 300 may be disposed between the battery module 100 and the inner surface of the battery pack frame 200. The resin layer 300 may be disposed between the bottom surface of the battery module 100 and the lower frame 210. The resin layer 300 may be disposed between the upper surface of the battery module 100 and the upper frame 220. Here, specifically, the resin layer 300 may be disposed between the cooling member 500 and the upper frame 220, which will be described later.

[0091] The resin layer 300 may be formed by injecting a resin between the battery cell stack 120 and one of the inner surfaces of the pack frame 200. However, this is not necessarily the case, and the resin layer 300 may be a member provided in a plate shape.

[0092] The resin layer 300 may be made of various materials, and the function of the resin layer 300 may vary depending on the material. For example, the resin layer 300 may be formed of an insulating material, and the transfer of electrons between the battery module 100 and the battery pack frame 200 may be prevented by the insulating resin layer 300. In another example, the resin layer 300 may be formed of a thermally conductive material. The resin layer 300 made of a thermally conductive material transfers the heat generated in the battery cell 110 to the battery pack frame 200 so that the heat can be released / transferred to the outside. In another example, the resin layer 300 may include an adhesive material, and the battery module 100 and the battery pack frame 200 may be fixed to each other by the adhesive material. In a specific example, the resin layer 300 may be configured to include at least one of a silicone-based material, a polyurethane-based material, and an acrylic-based material.

[0093] The end plate 400 may be used to protect the battery module 100 and the electrical components connected thereto from external physical impact by sealing the open surface of the battery pack frame 200. Each edge of the end plate 400 may be coupled to the corresponding edge of the battery pack frame 200 by a method such as welding. The end plate 400 may be provided in two numbers to seal the two open surfaces of the battery pack frame 200, and may be made of a metal material having a prescribed strength.

[0094] An opening 410 may be formed in the end plate 400 to expose an inlet / outlet port 530 of the cooling member 500 , which will be described later, and a connector 420 for low voltage (LV) connection or high voltage (HV) connection with an external device may be installed.

[0095] The cooling member 500 may be used to cool the interior of the battery pack 1000 by dissipating heat generated from the battery cells 110. Considering that high-temperature air or gas emitted when the battery cells 110 catch fire mainly moves in a direction opposite to gravity, the cooling member 500 may be preferably located at an upper portion of the battery cells 110, such as Figure 3 However, the cooling member 500 may be located at a lower portion of the battery cell 110 according to various design reasons.

[0096] The cooling member 500 may be a water-cooled cooling member 500 into which a coolant such as cooling water is injected. At this time, the coolant for the cooling member 500 may be used without limitation as long as it can dissipate heat of the battery cells 110 by moving along a flow path inside the cooling member 500 .

[0097] Figure 5 is included in the Figure 3 A perspective view of a cooling member in a battery pack and a battery module disposed in a lower portion of the cooling member. Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A partial enlarged view of . Figure 7 yes Figure 5 An exploded perspective view of a cooling component. Figure 8 and Fig. 9 yes Figure 5 A perspective view of the upper and lower plates of a cooling member. Fig.10 and 11 yes Figure 5 A perspective view of the upper and lower structures of a cooling member. Fig.12 yes Figure 5 A perspective view of a sealing gasket of a cooling member. Fig.13 is a diagram illustrating a method of injecting a coolant into a cooling member when a thermal event occurs in a battery cell. Fig.14 is an enlarged view showing a portion of the coolant flow.

[0098] Reference Figures 5 to 7, more specifically, with reference to Figure 7 , the cooling member 500 may include an upper plate 510, a lower plate 520, and an inlet / outlet port 530. The cooling member 500 may be formed by coupling the upper plate 510 and the lower plate 520. An empty space may be formed between the coupled upper plate 510 and the lower plate 520, and a coolant may be injected into the empty space through the inlet / outlet port 530. The coolant may be supplied through the inlet port 53 and discharged to the outlet port 530. In addition, the cooling member 500 may further include an upper structure 540 supporting the upper plate 510 and a lower structure 550 supporting the lower plate 520.

[0099] Reference Figure 8 and Fig. 9 , grooves 511 and 521 are respectively formed on the outer surface of the upper plate 510 and the outer surface of the lower plate 520. Here, when the upper plate 510 and the lower plate 520 are coupled to form the cooling member 500, the outer surface refers to the outer surface of the cooling member 500.

[0100] Fig.10 The upper structure 540 and Fig.11 The lower structure 550 shown is installed in the groove 511 of the upper plate 510 and the groove 521 of the lower plate 520, respectively, and the flow of the coolant (cooling water) can be determined by the structure of the grooves 511 and 521. As an example thereof, Figure 5 It is shown that the flow of the coolant (cooling water) is formed in a U-shape through the grooves 511 and 521 formed in the cooling member 500 .

[0101] For example, if based on Figure 7 The groove 511 of the upper plate 510 is explained, and the groove 511 includes a first groove 511a located in the center along the vertical direction (y-axis direction) and two second grooves 511b arranged on both sides relative to the first groove 511a. In addition, the groove 511 includes one or more third grooves 511c in the horizontal direction orthogonal to the vertical direction. The third groove 511c intersects the first groove 511a and the second groove 511b.

[0102] The flow of the coolant (cooling water) can be determined by the structure of the first groove 511a. More specifically, the first groove 511a extends in the vertical direction from the first short side of the two short sides of the cooling member 500, where the inlet / outlet port 530 is provided, at the center point between the inlet port 530 and the outlet port 530. At this time, the first groove 511a extends only to a point spaced a specified distance from the second short side, which is the remaining short side of the two short sides of the cooling member 500. Thus, a point where the coolant makes a detour (U-turn) is formed (see Fig.14 ).

[0103] In summary, one end of the first groove 511a contacts the first short side provided with the inlet / outlet port 530, and the other end of the first groove 511a is spaced apart from the second short side by a prescribed distance. Therefore, the coolant flows into the inlet port 530, passes through the space between the end of the first groove 511a and the second short side, and flows out from the outlet port 530. Thus, the flow of the coolant (cooling water) in the cooling member 500 is formed into a U shape.

[0104] Furthermore, the bottom of the first groove 511a may contact the lower plate 520. Therefore, the interior of the cooling member 500 may be mainly divided into two sections: a section where the coolant flows into the inlet port 530 and flows to the detour point, and a section where the coolant flows from the detour point to the outlet port 530.

[0105] Of course, as will be described later, the upper structure 540 is installed in the first groove 511 a to supplement the rigidity of the cooling member 500 .

[0106] The second groove 511b is provided to supplement the rigidity of the cooling member 500 in the vertical direction. Two second grooves 511b are arranged on both sides of the first groove 511a in the vertical direction of the cooling member 500, and both ends of the second groove 511b are spaced apart from the two short sides of the cooling member 500 by a predetermined distance. Thus, the flow of the U-shaped coolant (cooling water) in the cooling member 500 is not hindered (see Fig.14 On the other hand, if the depth of the second groove 511b is slightly shallow and does not hinder the flow of the coolant in the inner space of the cooling member 500, that is, if it does not contact the sealing gasket 560 and / or the lower plate 520, which will be described later, both ends of the second groove 511b may contact the two short sides of the cooling member 500.

[0107] The third groove 511c is also provided to increase the rigidity of the cooling member 500. One or more third grooves 511c are provided in the horizontal direction (x-axis direction) of the cooling member 500. Figures 5 to 7 In the embodiment of , the third groove 511c is provided in a plurality of numbers. The third groove 511c is provided to supplement the rigidity of the cooling member 500 in the horizontal direction. Both ends of the third groove 511c are respectively in contact with the two long sides of the cooling member 500. At this time, the depth of the third groove 511c is shallower than the depth of the first groove 511a, so that the U-shaped flow of the coolant is not hindered by the third groove 511c.

[0108] In addition, the edge portion 512 of the upper plate 510 has a step based on the cross section in the height direction (based on the z-axis) of the upper plate 510. That is, the height of the edge portion 512 along the periphery of the upper plate 510 is lower than the height of the portion of the upper plate 510 through which the coolant flows. As will be described later, the height of the edge portion 522 along the periphery of the lower plate 520 is lower than the height of the portion of the lower plate 520 through which the coolant flows. Thus, the edge portion 512 of the upper plate 510 and the edge portion 522 of the lower plate 520 can contact and couple with each other, and a channel through which the coolant flows is formed in the internal space between the upper plate 510 and the lower plate 520.

[0109] refer to Fig.10 , the upper structure 540 may be installed in the groove 511 formed on the outer surface of the upper plate 510. In this case, the outer surface of the upper plate 510 to which the upper structure 540 is coupled may have a substantially flat configuration.

[0110] The upper structure 540 includes at least one of the following: vertical rods 541 and 542, which are installed in the vertical direction of the upper plate 510 and placed parallel to the long sides; a horizontal rod 543, which is installed in the horizontal direction of the upper plate 510 and placed parallel to the short sides; and an edge portion 544, which is installed on the edge portion 512 of the upper plate 510.

[0111] In addition, the shape and structure of the upper structure 540 may completely or partially match the shape and structure of the groove 511 and / or the shape and structure of the edge portion 512. In detail, for example, the upper structure 540 includes a portion that matches the first groove 511a and at least one of the two second grooves 511b, and / or a portion that matches the third groove 511c and / or a portion that matches the edge portion 512 of the upper plate 510.

[0112] exist Fig.10 In the embodiment, illustratively, the upper structure 540 includes a first vertical rod 541 mounted to a first groove 511a in the center of the upper plate 510 and a second vertical rod 542 mounted to two second grooves 511b of the upper plate 510, respectively, a horizontal rod 543 mounted to a third groove 511c of the upper plate 510, and an edge portion 544 mounted to an edge portion 512 of the upper plate 510.

[0113] The first vertical rod 541 and the second vertical rod 542 are placed parallel to the two long sides of the cooling member 500 along the vertical direction (y-axis direction) of the cooling member 500. One end of the first vertical rod 541 contacts the first short side of the edge portion 544 provided with the inlet / outlet port 530, and the other end of the first vertical rod 541 is spaced apart from the second short side by a prescribed distance. Both ends of the second vertical rod 542 are spaced apart from the two short sides of the edge portion 544 by a prescribed distance. The horizontal rod 543 connects the two short sides of the cooling member 500 along the horizontal direction (x-axis direction) of the cooling member 500.

[0114] On the other hand, the cooling member 500 may be a cooling tank system without the inlet / outlet port 530. Both ends of the first vertical rod 541 and the second vertical rod 542 may be configured to extend to the edge portion 544 and contact each other. That is, it may have the same shape and structure as the lower structure 550 to be described below. The present disclosure is not limited to those described above, and various modifications and changes may be made.

[0115] Fig. 9 The grooves 521 of the lower plate 520 in the embodiment may have a quadrilateral (eg, rectangular or square) lattice structure as a whole, which is similar to the Figure 8 The grooves 511 of the upper plate 510 in the cooling member 500 are slightly different. That is, the fourth groove 521a connecting the two long sides of the cooling member 500 along the vertical direction (y-axis direction) of the cooling member 500 can be formed in a singular or plural form. That is, the two ends of the fourth groove 521a are respectively in contact with the two long sides. In addition, the fifth groove 521b connecting the two short sides of the cooling member 500 along the horizontal direction (x-axis direction) of the cooling member 500 can be formed in a singular or plural form. That is, the two ends of the fifth groove 521b are respectively in contact with the two short sides.

[0116] Reference Fig.11 , the lower structure 550 is installed in the groove 521 formed on the outer surface of the lower plate 520, and the shape and structure of the lower structure 550 can completely or partially match the shape and structure of the groove 521 and / or the shape and structure of the edge portion 522.

[0117] The lower structure 550 includes at least one of the following: a vertical rod 551, which is installed in the vertical direction of the lower plate 520 and placed parallel to the long side; a horizontal rod 552, which is installed in the horizontal direction of the lower plate 520 and placed parallel to the short side; and an edge portion 553, which is installed on the edge portion 523 of the lower plate 520.

[0118] exist Fig.11In the embodiment of the present invention, illustratively, the lower structure 550 includes a plurality of vertical rods 551 respectively mounted to the plurality of fourth grooves 521a of the lower plate 520, a plurality of horizontal rods 552 respectively mounted to the plurality of fifth grooves 521b of the lower plate 520, and an edge portion 553 mounted to the edge portion 522 of the lower plate 520. The vertical rods 551 connect the two long sides of the cooling member 500 along the vertical direction (y-axis direction) of the cooling member 500. The horizontal rods 552 connect the two short sides of the cooling member 500 to each other along the horizontal direction (x-axis direction) of the cooling member 500.

[0119] Reference Fig. 9 and Fig.13 , the portion surrounded by the fourth groove 521a and the fifth groove 521b forms a fragile portion 523, which will be described later. The rigid lower structure 550 is installed in the groove 521 of the lower plate 520. However, the fragile portion 523 surrounded by the fourth groove 521a and the fifth groove 521b only exists in the lower plate 520, and the lower plate 520 is injection molded by a material such as plastic. Therefore, when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell in contact with the lower portion of the cooling member 500, the fragile portion 523, which is the portion where the rigid lower structure 550 is not installed, melts, so that the coolant of the cooling member 500 is introduced into the battery module 100.

[0120] Reference Figure 7 and Fig.12 , the sealing gasket 560 is disposed between the upper plate 510 and the lower plate 520. Thus, when the coolant flows in the inner space between the upper plate 510 and the lower plate 520, the sealing gasket 560 prevents the coolant from flowing out to the outside of the cooling member 500.

[0121] exist Fig.12 In the embodiment of the present invention, the first vertical rod 561 of the sealing gasket 560 matches the structure and shape of the first groove 511a of the upper plate 510, and is placed between the bottom of the first groove 511a of the upper plate 510 and the upper part of the fourth groove 521a of the lower plate 520. The two second vertical rods 562 of the sealing gasket 560 match the structure and shape of the two second grooves 511b of the upper plate 510, and are placed between the bottom of the second groove 511b of the upper plate 510 and the upper part of the fourth groove 521a of the lower plate 520. The edge portion 563 of the sealing gasket 560 is placed between the edge portion 512 of the upper plate 510 and the edge portion 522 of the lower plate 520.

[0122] On the other hand, the upper plate 510 and the lower plate 520 can be made of a material having chemical resistance caused by cooling water but not having a high heat resistance temperature, so that it can melt when a thermal event of the battery cell occurs, and for example, they can be made of a plastic material such as PP or PE. The upper plate 510 and the lower plate 520 can be manufactured by injection molding and can melt / break when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell. The upper structure 540 and the lower structure 550 are made of a metal material with rigidity, for example, they can be made of stainless steel, aluminum, copper or an alloy containing them. The upper structure 540 and the lower structure 550 allow the cooling member 500 to maintain its overall structure and shape. The sealing pad 560 can be made of an elastic material, such as a silicone-based foam pad, an acrylic-based foam pad or a polyurethane-based foam pad.

[0123] Reference above Figures 5 to 13 Each component of the cooling member 500 described corresponds to an illustrative example, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. That is, various modifications and changes may be made in the structure, shape, arrangement, etc. of the cooling member 500 and each component of the cooling member 500 depending on the environment in which the present invention is implemented.

[0124] For example, the above-mentioned grooves are not provided in the upper plate 510 and / or the lower plate 520, and in the flat upper plate 510 and / or the lower plate 520, only the upper structure 540 and / or the lower structure 550 may surround the upper plate 510 and / or the lower plate 520, or may also be attached to the upper plate 510 and / or the lower plate 520. Alternatively, various modifications and changes may be made, such as the upper structure 540 and / or the lower structure 550 being installed on the inner surface of the upper plate 510 and / or the lower plate 520.

[0125] Figures 15 to 19 Shown by assembling Figure 5 The process of producing the cooling member 500 by each component of the cooling member 500. First, a lower plate 520 ( Fig.15 Next, the sealing gasket 560 is placed on the inner surface (upper surface) of the lower plate 520 ( Fig.16 Next, the upper plate 510 is placed on the sealing gasket 560 ( Fig.17 Here, for the detailed arrangement of the components between the lower plate 520, the sealing gasket 560 and the upper plate 510, refer to the above reference. Figures 7 to 12 Explanation of description.

[0126] Next, the lower structure 550 is mounted on the outer surface of the lower plate 520 ( Fig.18 ). See above Figures 15 to 17The assembly of the lower plate 520, the sealing gasket 560 and the upper plate 510 described above is turned over and installed on the lower structure 550, and then turned over again together with the lower structure 550. Alternatively, the assembly of the lower plate 520, the sealing gasket 560 and the upper plate 510 can be installed on the lower structure 550. Fig.15 In the embodiment, the lower plate 520 can be installed on the lower structure 550, and then the sealing gasket 560 and the upper plate 510 can be installed respectively. Fig.16 and Fig.17 Install as described in .

[0127] Finally, the upper structure 540 is installed on the outer surface (upper surface) of the upper plate 510 , and the lower structure 550 - the lower plate 520 - the sealing gasket 560 - the upper plate 510 - the upper structure 540 are fastened with rivets, bolts, etc., thereby completing the manufacture of the cooling member 500 .

[0128] On the other hand, the present disclosure is not limited to those described above, and in some cases, various modifications and changes may be made, for example, the upper plate 510 and the lower plate 520 are integrally injection molded without including the sealing gasket 56, and the upper structure 540 and the lower structure 550 are respectively mounted on the outer surfaces of the upper plate 510 and the lower plate 520.

[0129] On the other hand, the above explanation is mainly made about the cooling member 500 provided outside the battery module 100, but this is not necessarily the case, and the cooling member 500 may be disposed inside the battery module 100. When the cooling member 500 is disposed inside the battery module 100, heat transfer between the cooling member 500 and the battery cells 110 may be easily achieved even if the battery module 100 has a closed type structure with a module frame.

[0130] When the cooling member 500 is provided to the battery pack 1000 or the battery module 100, the heat generated in the battery cell 110 may be absorbed by the cooling member 500 and discharged. However, it is almost impossible to design so that the cooling member 500 and the battery cell 110, which are coupled by assembly after manufacturing, are completely in contact within the battery pack 1000 or the battery module 100, whereby a separation space may be generally formed between the cooling member 500 and the battery cell 110. In this way, an air gap or air pocket may be formed in the space generated between the cooling member 500 and the battery cell 110, whereby the heat transfer from the battery cell 110 to the cooling member 500 may not be smooth, and the cooling efficiency of the cooling member 500 may be slightly reduced.

[0131] In order to overcome the reduction in cooling efficiency due to air pockets, etc., a method has been designed in which the above-mentioned separation space is filled with a thermal interface material (TIM) to form a heat transfer path. However, due to the cost of the heat dissipation interface material, the overall production cost of the battery pack 1000 increases, and due to the addition process, the production time of the battery pack 1000 increases. Therefore, the battery module 100 or the battery pack 1000 of the present embodiment may be provided with cooling fins 600 to minimize the reduction in cooling efficiency due to air gaps.

[0132] On the other hand, although not specifically mentioned above, the battery pack according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a battery management system (BMS) and / or a cooling device that controls and manages the temperature, voltage, etc. of the battery.

[0133] The battery pack according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can be applied to various devices. For example, the device to which the battery pack is applied can be a vehicle device, such as an electric bicycle, an electric vehicle, or a hybrid vehicle, etc. However, the above-mentioned device is not limited thereto, and the battery pack according to this embodiment can also be used for various devices in addition to those shown above, and these devices also fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0134] Although the present invention has been shown and described in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and those skilled in the art may make various modifications and improvements using the basic concepts of the present disclosure defined in the appended claims, which also fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0135] [Explanation of symbols]

[0136] 100: Battery module

[0137] 110: Battery Cell

[0138] 120: Battery cell stack

[0139] 130: Side panel

[0140] 140: Holding belt

[0141] 150: Busbar frame

[0142] 200: Battery Pack Frame

[0143] 300: Resin layer

[0144] 400: End plate

[0145] 500: Cooling components

[0146] 510: On the board

[0147] 520: Lower the board

[0148] 511, 521: Groove

[0149] 512, 522: Edge

[0150] 523: Ministry of Fragility

[0151] 530: Ingress / egress port

[0152] 540: Upper structure

[0153] 550: Lower structure

[0154] 560: Sealing gasket

[0155] 541, 542, 551, 561, 562: vertical rod

[0156] 543, 552: Horizontal bar

[0157] 544, 553, 563: Edge

[0158] 600: Cooling fins

Claims

1. A cooling member mounted on a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked, the cooling member comprising: an upper plate, a lower plate, and a coolant embedded in an inner space between the upper plate and the lower plate; as well as at least one of an upper structure supporting the upper plate and a lower structure supporting the lower plate, wherein the upper plate and the lower plate are made of a material that can melt or rupture when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell, and Wherein, the upper structure and the lower structure are formed of a material that maintains rigidity when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell.

2. The cooling member according to claim 1, wherein: The upper structure is mounted on the outer surface of the upper plate, and The lower structure is mounted on an outer surface of the lower plate.

3. The cooling member according to claim 1, wherein: In the upper plate, a portion not in contact with the upper structure forms a fragile portion, In the lower plate, a portion not in contact with the lower structure forms the fragile portion, and When a thermal event of the battery cell occurs, the fragile portion melts or breaks, thereby allowing the coolant to be injected into the battery cell.

4. The cooling member according to claim 1, wherein: At least one of the upper plate and the lower plate is manufactured by plastic injection molding, and At least one of the upper structure and the lower structure is formed of a metal material.

5. The cooling member according to claim 4, wherein: At least one of the upper plate and the lower plate is made of PP or PE, and At least one of the upper structure and the lower structure is made of stainless steel, aluminum, copper, or an alloy containing them.

6. The cooling member according to claim 1, wherein: The upper structure includes at least one of the following: A vertical rod, which is installed in the vertical direction of the upper plate and is placed parallel to the long side; A horizontal rod, the horizontal rod being installed in the horizontal direction of the upper plate and placed parallel to the short side; as well as An edge portion is installed along an edge of the upper plate.

7. The cooling member according to claim 6, wherein: The upper plate includes a groove on which the upper structure is mounted, A low step is formed along the edge of the upper plate, and The structure and shape of the upper structure and the structure and shape of the groove and the edge of the upper plate correspond to and engage with each other.

8. The cooling member according to claim 7, wherein: The groove of the upper plate includes: a first groove formed at the center of the upper plate and disposed parallel to a long side of the upper plate; a second groove formed on both sides of the first groove and disposed parallel to a long side of the upper plate; and A third groove intersects the first groove and the second groove and is disposed parallel to the short side of the upper plate.

9. The cooling member according to claim 8, wherein: The vertical rods of the upper structure are mounted in the first groove and the second groove of the upper plate, and The horizontal bars of the upper structure are mounted in the third grooves of the upper plate.

10. The cooling member according to claim 8, wherein: further comprising an inlet port and an outlet port through which a coolant flows into and out of a first short side among the two short sides of the cooling member, wherein one end of the first groove of the upper plate contacts the first short side, and The other end of the first groove of the upper plate is spaced apart from the second short side of the cooling member by a prescribed distance, so that the coolant flows in a U-shape in the inner space of the cooling member.

11. The cooling member according to claim 10, wherein: Both ends of the second groove of the upper plate are spaced apart from each of the first short side and the second short side by a prescribed distance so that the coolant can flow in the inner space of the cooling member.

12. The cooling member according to claim 8, wherein: The third grooves of the upper plate and the horizontal bars of the upper structure are respectively configured in plural numbers.

13. The cooling member according to claim 1, wherein: The lower structure includes at least one of the following: A vertical rod, which is installed in the vertical direction of the lower plate and is placed parallel to the long side; A horizontal rod, the horizontal rod being installed in the horizontal direction of the lower plate and placed parallel to the short side; as well as An edge portion is installed along an edge of the lower plate.

14. The cooling member according to claim 13, wherein: The upper plate includes a groove on which the lower structure is mounted, A low step is formed along the edge of the lower plate, and The structure and shape of the lower structure and the structures and shapes of the groove and the edge of the lower plate correspond to and engage with each other.

15. The cooling member according to claim 14, wherein: The groove of the lower plate includes: a fourth groove disposed parallel to a long side of the lower plate; and A fifth groove intersects with the fourth groove and is disposed parallel to the short side of the lower plate.

16. The cooling member according to claim 15, wherein: The vertical rods of the lower structure are mounted in the fourth grooves of the lower plate, and The horizontal rod of the lower structure is mounted in the fifth groove of the upper plate.

17. The cooling member according to claim 16, wherein: The fourth groove of the lower plate and the vertical rod of the lower structure are respectively configured in multiple numbers, or The fifth groove of the lower plate and the horizontal rod of the lower structure are respectively configured in plural numbers.

18. The cooling member according to claim 1, A sealing gasket is further included, the sealing gasket being disposed between the upper plate and the lower plate so that the coolant does not leak to the outside of the cooling member.

19. The cooling member according to claim 18, wherein: The upper plate, the lower plate and the sealing gasket are fastened together by rivets or bolts.

20. The cooling member according to claim 1, wherein: The upper plate and the lower plate are integrally formed.

21. The cooling member according to claim 1, further comprising: an inlet port through which the coolant flows into the interior of the cooling member, and An outlet port through which the coolant flows out from the interior of the cooling member.

22. The cooling member according to claim 1, wherein: The cooling member is mounted on an upper surface of the battery cell stack.

23. A battery pack comprising the cooling member according to claim 1.

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