Battery module and battery pack including same

Abstract

Provided is a battery module including: a plurality of sub-modules arranged in a first direction; and one or more connection members disposed between the plurality of sub-modules, at least one of the plurality of sub-modules comprising: a plurality of cell stacks disposed along a first direction; the shell is provided with an internal space for accommodating a plurality of battery cell stacking bodies, and each battery cell stacking body comprises a plurality of battery cells stacked in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

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 (cells) can be easily charged and discharged, and therefore have attracted attention as a power source for various mobile devices, electric vehicles, etc.

[0003] The battery module is modularized by electrically connecting a plurality of battery cells due to the need for high power and large capacity, and a battery pack including a plurality of such battery modules may be applied to devices requiring high power such as electric vehicles.

[0004] For example, Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the battery pack BP may include a plurality of battery modules BM. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a conventional battery pack. Figure 2 is along Figure 1 Schematic cross-sectional view taken along line I-I'. Figure 2 As shown, when a plurality of battery modules BM are arranged inside the battery pack BP, an empty space (so-called dead space DS) may be formed between one battery module BM and another battery module BM. Even if the battery modules are designed to be closely accommodated inside the battery pack BP, such dead space DS may be generated due to manufacturing tolerances, etc.

[0005] As the power value required by the battery pack BP increases, a greater number of battery modules BM are provided, and thus the intervals between the battery modules BM (ie, dead spaces DS) may gradually increase. Such dead spaces DS result in a decrease in the energy density of the battery pack BP.

[0006] In addition, in a conventional battery pack BP, the battery cells BC may be stacked in a direction parallel to the bottom plate of the battery pack BP (e.g., the Y-axis direction). In this case, when the overall height of the battery pack BP (i.e., the length in the Z-axis direction) changes, the battery cells BC and the battery modules BM having a corresponding height need to be re-manufactured. This will result in a decrease in the production efficiency of the battery pack BP.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for a battery module having a structure capable of effectively coping with battery packs having high energy density and various sizes (heights). Summary of the invention

[0008] 1. Technical issues to be resolved

[0009] The present invention aims to solve at least part of the problems existing in the above-mentioned prior art and provide a battery module and a battery pack with high energy density.

[0010] In addition, an object of the present invention is to provide a structure that can quickly and efficiently manufacture battery modules and battery packs of various sizes.

[0011] (II) Technical solution

[0012] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, a battery module is provided in an embodiment of the present invention, comprising: a plurality of sub-modules arranged along a first direction; and one or more connecting components arranged between the plurality of sub-modules, at least one of the plurality of sub-modules comprising: a plurality of battery cell stacks arranged along a first direction; and a casing having an internal space for accommodating the plurality of battery cell stacks, the plurality of battery cell stacks each comprising a plurality of battery cells stacked in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0013] In an embodiment, the housing may include: an upper frame covering one side of at least one of the plurality of battery cell stacks; a lower frame covering the other side of at least one of the plurality of battery cell stacks opposite to the one side; and a transverse frame connected to the upper frame and the lower frame and partitioning the internal space.

[0014] In an embodiment, the plurality of cell stacks may include a first cell stack and a second cell stack disposed along a first direction, and the transverse frame may be disposed between the first cell stack and the second cell stack.

[0015] In an embodiment, the battery module may further include: a protection member disposed on the lateral frame and opposite to the first battery cell stack or the second battery cell stack.

[0016] In an embodiment, more than one connection member may be combined with at least one of the upper frame and the lower frame.

[0017] In an embodiment, the one or more connection components may include: a main body portion opposite to at least one of the plurality of battery cell stacks; and a flange portion extending from an end of the main body portion toward the first direction, and at least one of the upper frame and the lower frame is combined with the flange portion.

[0018] In an embodiment, at least one of the upper frame and the lower frame may include a stepped portion disposed between the flange portion and the battery cell stack body.

[0019] In an embodiment, at least a portion of the flange portion may be seated on the step portion and welded.

[0020] In an embodiment, the one or more connecting components further include a protection component, which is fixed to the main body and faces at least one of the plurality of battery cell stacks.

[0021] In an embodiment, the one or more connecting members may further include a flow channel portion formed inside the body portion and through which the cooling medium flows.

[0022] In an embodiment, the flow channel portion may include a plurality of flow channels, the plurality of flow channels extend in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, and the plurality of flow channels may be arranged side by side along the second direction.

[0023] In an embodiment, a plurality of sub-modules and more than one connecting component may be alternately arranged along the first direction.

[0024] In an embodiment, the battery module may further include: a side cover combined with one of the plurality of sub-modules and disposed at the outermost side in the first direction.

[0025] In an embodiment, the plurality of submodules may include a first submodule and a second submodule, the side cover may be coupled to one side end of the first submodule, and one side end and the other side end of the second submodule may be coupled to the connection components, respectively.

[0026] In an embodiment, the battery module may further include: a first bus bar assembly electrically connected to the battery cell stack of the first submodule; and a second bus bar assembly electrically connected to the battery cell stack of the second submodule, the first bus bar assembly and the second bus bar assembly being arranged side by side along the first direction.

[0027] In an embodiment, the plurality of submodules may include: a first submodule accommodating a plurality of battery cell stacks; and a third submodule connected to the first submodule and accommodating one battery cell stack.

[0028] In an embodiment, a battery pack is provided, comprising: a plurality of battery modules; and a shell accommodating the plurality of battery modules, at least one of the plurality of battery modules comprising: a plurality of sub-modules arranged along a first direction; and one or more connecting components arranged between the plurality of sub-modules, at least one of the plurality of sub-modules comprising: a plurality of battery cell stacks arranged along a first direction; and the plurality of battery cell stacks each comprising a plurality of battery cells stacked in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0029] (III) Beneficial effects

[0030] According to the embodiments, a battery module and a battery pack having high energy density can be realized.

[0031] According to the embodiments, battery modules of various sizes and a structure of a battery pack may be manufactured quickly and efficiently using battery modules of the same size. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a conventional battery pack.

[0033] Figure 2 is along Figure 1 Schematic cross-sectional view taken along line II'.

[0034] Figure 3 It is a three-dimensional diagram of a battery module.

[0035] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of the battery module.

[0036] Figure 5 The cell stack and housing included in the submodule are shown.

[0037] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a battery cell included in a battery module.

[0038] Figure 7 A state in which the connection member and the side cover are coupled to the housing of the submodule is shown.

[0039] Figure 8 The figure shows a state where the flow channel portion is formed in the connecting member.

[0040] Fig. 9 is along Figure 3 Schematic cross-sectional view taken along line II-II'.

[0041] Fig.10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a battery module including three or more submodules.

[0042] Fig.11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a battery module according to another embodiment.

[0043] Fig.12 Shows a state where a plurality of battery modules are accommodated in a battery pack.

[0044] Fig.13 yes Fig.12 Schematic cross-sectional view of portion III-III'. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] Before describing the present invention in detail, it should be noted that the terms or words used in the present specification and claims should not be interpreted as limited to the general meaning or the meaning in the dictionary, but should be interpreted as the meaning and concept that conforms to the technical idea of ​​the present invention based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the terms in order to explain his own invention in the best way. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification and the structures shown in the drawings are only the most preferred embodiments of the present invention, and do not represent all the technical ideas of the present invention, and may include various equivalents and modifications that can replace them at the time of submitting this application.

[0046] The same reference numerals or symbols recorded in each of the drawings attached to this specification represent components or components that perform substantially the same functions. For ease of description and understanding, the same reference numerals or symbols will be used to describe 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.

[0047] In the following description, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular expression includes the plural expression. The terms such as "comprising" or "consisting of" should be understood as being used to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or their combinations recorded in this specification, rather than excluding the existence or additional possibility of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or their combinations in advance.

[0048] In addition, it should be noted that in the following description, expressions such as upper side, upper part, lower side, lower part, side, front part, and rear part are expressed based on the directions shown in the figures, and may be expressed in different ways if the directions of the corresponding objects change.

[0049] In addition, in this specification and claims, in order to distinguish each component, terms including ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" may be used. These ordinals are used to distinguish the same or similar components, and the meaning of the terms cannot be interpreted in a restrictive manner due to the use of these ordinals. For example, the order of use or the order of setting of the components combined with these ordinals should not be interpreted in a restrictive manner by these ordinals. If necessary, these ordinals can be used interchangeably.

[0050] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the concept of the present invention is not limited to the proposed embodiments. For example, those skilled in the art who understand the concept of the present invention can propose other embodiments included in the scope of the concept of the present invention by adding, changing or deleting components, etc., and these embodiments are also included in the scope of the concept of the present invention. For a clearer description, the shapes and sizes of the components in the drawings may be exaggerated.

[0051] Below, refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 A battery module 10 according to an embodiment is described. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the battery module 10 . Figure 4 It is an exploded perspective view of the battery module 10 .

[0052] The battery module 10 may include a plurality of submodules 100 and a connection member 200 connecting the submodules 100 to each other.

[0053] The battery module 10 may include a plurality of submodules 100. For example, the battery module 10 may include a first submodule 100a and a second submodule 100b arranged in a first direction.

[0054] One or more connecting components 200 may be provided between any two submodules 100 among the plurality of submodules 100. Figure 4 A connecting component 200 may be disposed between two submodules 100 disposed side by side along the first direction (Y-axis direction).

[0055] The plurality of submodules 100 may be connected to each other through the connection member 200. For example, the first submodule 100a may be coupled to one side of the connection member 200, and the second submodule 100b may be coupled to the other side of the connection member 200, so the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b may be connected to each other through the connection member 200.

[0056] The connection member 200 may include a material having a predetermined rigidity to connect and stably support the plurality of submodules 100. For example, the connection member 200 may include a metal material such as aluminum or stainless steel.

[0057] In an embodiment, a plurality of submodules 100 may be connected to each other by a connection member 200 to form one battery module 10. Figure 4 Only two submodules (i.e., the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b) are shown in the figure, but the number of submodules 100 included in one battery module 10 may be more than three. In this case, a plurality of connection components 200 may be provided according to the number of submodules 100. For example, the battery module 10 may include N submodules 100 and N-1 connection components 200. The plurality of submodules 100 and the plurality of connection components 200 may be alternately arranged and combined along the first direction (Y-axis direction) to form at least a portion of the entire battery module 10.

[0058] The manufacturer can determine the number of submodules 100 according to the power value required by the battery module 10, and connect the submodules 100 to each other through the connection member 200 to manufacture the battery module 10. Therefore, the manufacturer can quickly and easily manufacture battery modules 10 of various sizes and types.

[0059] The battery module 10 may further include a side cover 300 combined with at least one of the plurality of submodules 100. The side cover 300 may be disposed at the outermost side of the battery module 10 in the first direction (Y-axis direction) to form a side of the battery module 10.

[0060] The side cover 300 may be spaced apart from the connection member 200 in the first direction (Y-axis direction). At least one of the plurality of submodules 100 may be combined with the side cover 300 and the connection member 200, respectively. Figure 4, the connection member 200 may be coupled to one side of the first submodule 100 a in the first direction (Y-axis direction), and the side cover 300 may be coupled to the other side of the first submodule 100 a in the first direction (Y-axis direction).

[0061] Like the connection member 200, the side cover 300 may include a material having a predetermined rigidity to protect the battery module 10. For example, the side cover 300 may include a metal material such as aluminum or stainless steel.

[0062] Any submodule 100 may include: a cell stack 110, wherein the cell stack 110 includes battery cells 1000 stacked in a second direction (e.g., Z-axis direction) perpendicular to the first direction (Y-axis direction); a housing 160, accommodating the cell stack 110; and a bus bar assembly 120, electrically connected to the cell stack 110.

[0063] The cell stack 110 may include a plurality of battery cells 1000 electrically connected to each other. The battery cells 1000 of the cell stack 110 may be connected to each other in series or in parallel to store or output electric energy.

[0064] The bus bar assembly 120 may include a plurality of bus bars 121 electrically connecting the battery cells 1000 of the battery cell stack 110 and a bus bar frame 122 supporting the bus bars 121 .

[0065] The bus bar assembly 120 may be disposed on at least one side of the battery cell stack 110. Figure 4 The bus bar assembly 120 may be disposed opposite to the cell stack 110 in a third direction (eg, X-axis direction). Here, the third direction (X-axis direction) may be a direction perpendicular to the first direction (Y-axis direction) and the second direction (Z-axis direction).

[0066] The bus bar 121 may be formed of a conductive material and performs the function of electrically connecting the plurality of battery cells 1000 to each other. The bus bar 121 may be electrically connected to the battery cell 1000 in a state of being fixed to the bus bar frame 122. A terminal portion 123 may be provided on at least a portion of the bus bars 121. Any submodule 100 may be electrically connected to other adjacent submodules 100 or an external circuit through the terminal portion 123.

[0067] The bus bar frame 122 may support the bus bars 121 to be stably connected to the battery cells 1000. The bus bar frame 122 may include a non-conductive material (eg, plastic) having a predetermined rigidity and structurally support the plurality of bus bars 121.

[0068] The battery module 10 may include a plurality of bus bar assemblies 120 corresponding to the plurality of submodules 100, respectively. For example, the first submodule 100a may include a first bus bar assembly 120a, the second submodule 100b may include a second bus bar assembly 120b, and the first bus bar assembly 120a and the second bus bar assembly 120b may be separated from each other and arranged side by side along the first direction (Y-axis direction). However, this is only an example, and the battery module 10 may include an integrated bus bar assembly connected to more than two submodules 100.

[0069] The plurality of bus bar assemblies 120a, 120b may be electrically connected to each other through the connecting conductor 130. For example, referring to Figure 4 , the battery module 10 may include a connection conductor 130 that electrically connects the first bus bar assembly 120 a and the second bus bar assembly 120 b to each other.

[0070] The connection conductor 130 may be disposed opposite to the connection member 200 in the third direction (X-axis direction). However, the position of the connection conductor 130 is not limited thereto.

[0071] The battery module 10 may include an insulating cover 140 covering at least one side of the bus bar assembly 120. The insulating cover 140 may include a non-conductive material to prevent the bus bar 121 of the bus bar assembly 120 from accidentally short-circuiting with other configurations.

[0072] The insulation cover 140 and the bus bar assembly 120 may be opposed to each other in a third direction (X-axis direction) perpendicular to the first direction (Y-axis direction).

[0073] The end cap 150 may be disposed at the outermost side of one side of the battery module 10. The end cap 150 may include a material having rigidity (eg, a metal material such as aluminum) to protect the battery module 10 from external impact.

[0074] like Figure 4 As shown, the insulating cover 140 or the end cover 150 may be an integral component capable of fully covering a plurality of submodules 100. However, this is only an example, and a plurality of insulating covers 140 and end covers 150 may be provided, respectively, to cover the submodules 100 individually.

[0075] Taking any submodule 100 as a reference, the end cover 150, the connecting member 200 and the side cover 300 may cover different surfaces of the submodule 100. Figure 4 One side of the first submodule 100a in the first direction (Y-axis direction) may be covered by the side cover 300, the other side of the first submodule 100a in the first direction (Y-axis direction) may be covered by the connecting component 200, and both side surfaces of the first submodule 100a in the third direction (X-axis direction) may be covered by the insulating cover 140 and the end cover 150.

[0076] In one battery module 10, a plurality of submodules 100 may be electrically connected to each other to output a design power value required by the battery module 10. For example, two submodules 100 facing each other across the connection member 200 may be connected in series or in parallel through the connection conductor 130.

[0077] Below, refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The cell stack 110 included in the submodule 100 will be described in detail.

[0078] Figure 5 The submodule 100 includes a cell stack 110 and a housing 160 . Figure 6 is a perspective view of a battery cell 1000 included in the battery module 10 .

[0079] Figure 5 and Figure 6 The battery cell 1000, battery cell stack 110 and submodule 100 described in the previous Figure 3 and Figure 4 The battery cell 1000, the battery cell stack 110 and the submodule 100 are described in detail, and thus repeated descriptions will be omitted.

[0080] The submodule 100 may include a housing 160 having an inner space accommodating the cell stack 110 .

[0081] Reference Figure 5 The housing 160 may include an upper frame 161 and a lower frame 162, and the upper frame 161 and the lower frame 162 are spaced apart in a second direction (Z-axis direction) perpendicular to the first direction (Y-axis direction). An internal space for accommodating the battery cell stack 110 may be formed between the upper frame 161 and the lower frame 162. When the battery cell stack 110 is disposed in the internal space, one side of the battery cell stack 110 may be covered by the upper frame 161, and the other side of the battery cell stack 110 may be covered by the lower frame 162.

[0082] The housing 160 may further include a cross frame 163, which divides the internal space into a plurality of accommodation spaces S1 and S2. Both side ends of the cross frame 163 may be connected to the upper frame 161 and the lower frame 162, respectively. Since the upper frame 161, the lower frame 162 and the cross frame 163 may be connected to each other, the housing may have an "I"-shaped (or "H"-shaped) frame structure.

[0083] The upper frame 161 , the lower frame 162 , and the lateral frame 163 may be integrally formed with each other, or may be respectively formed as separate components and combined with each other.

[0084] In the housing 160, a plurality of accommodation spaces S1 and S2 may be arranged along the first direction (Y-axis direction). For example, the first accommodation space S1 may be formed on one side of the first direction (Y-axis direction) with the transverse frame 163 as a reference, and the second accommodation space S2 may be formed on the other side of the first direction (Y-axis direction) with the transverse frame 163 as a reference.

[0085] The plurality of accommodation spaces S1 and S2 may have a shape open in the first direction (y-axis direction). For example, the first accommodation space S1 may have a shape open on one side in the first direction (negative direction of the Y-axis), and the second accommodation space S2 may have a shape open on the other side in the first direction (positive direction of the Y-axis).

[0086] Each accommodation space S1, S2 can accommodate more than one battery cell stack 110. Figure 5 The cell stack 110 may include a first cell stack 111 accommodated in the first accommodation space S1 and a second cell stack 112 accommodated in the second accommodation space S2. Here, the first cell stack 111 and the second cell stack 112 may be arranged along the first direction (Y-axis direction) with the transverse frame 163 interposed therebetween. Figure 5 2 shows a state where one battery cell stack 110 is accommodated in each of the accommodation spaces S1 and S2 , but this is only an example, and a plurality of battery cell stacks 110 may be accommodated in one of the accommodation spaces S1 and S2 .

[0087] In order to improve the heat dissipation efficiency of the battery module 10, at least a portion of the housing 160 may be made of a material with high thermal conductivity, such as metal. For example, at least a portion of the upper frame 161, the lower frame 162, and the transverse frame 163 may be made of aluminum having excellent thermal conductivity. Therefore, the heat energy generated in the battery cell stack 110 can be quickly dissipated to the outside through the housing 160. However, the material of the housing 160 is not limited thereto, and can be made of any material as long as it has sufficient rigidity to protect the battery cell stack 110 and has thermal conductivity.

[0088] The cell stack 110 accommodated in each accommodation space S1, S2 may include a plurality of battery cells 1000 stacked in one direction. In the following description, the stacking direction of the plurality of battery cells 1000 included in the cell stack 110 is referred to as a "cell stacking direction".

[0089] The cell stacking direction of the cell stack body 110 may be a direction perpendicular to the first direction (Y-axis direction). Figure 5, the first battery cell stack 111 and the second battery cell stack 112 may be arranged to face each other in a first direction (Y-axis direction) with the lateral frame 163 interposed therebetween, and in addition, the first battery cell stack 111 and the second battery cell stack 112 may each include a plurality of battery cells 1000 stacked in a second direction (Z-axis direction) perpendicular to the first direction (Y-axis direction). In this case, the battery cell stacking direction may be a direction parallel to the direction in which the upper frame 161 and the lower frame 162 face each other.

[0090] In addition, the stacking direction of the battery cells can also be parallel to the direction of gravity. Figure 5 In the embodiment, the stacking direction of the battery cell stack 110 may be parallel to the gravity direction.

[0091] The battery cell 1000 included in the battery cell stack 110 may be a secondary battery. As an example, the battery cell 1000 may be a lithium secondary battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0092] In an embodiment, Figure 6 As shown, the battery cell 1000 may be a pouch type secondary battery including a battery cell body portion 1110 and a sealing portion 1120 .

[0093] In a pouch-type secondary battery, an electrode assembly 1200 and an electrolyte (not shown) may be contained inside a pouch 1100 formed by forming one or more sheets of casing. For example, one or two receiving portions may be formed in one sheet of casing, and then the casing may be folded so that the receiving portions form a space, thereby forming the pouch 1100.

[0094] The bag 1100 may include: a battery cell body 1110 accommodating the electrode assembly 1200 and an electrolyte (not shown); a sealing portion 1120 formed around the battery cell body 1110 ; and an electrode lead 1140 electrically connected to the electrode assembly 1200 and exposed outside the bag 1100 .

[0095] The cell body 1110 provides an internal space for accommodating the electrode assembly 1200 and the electrolyte (not shown). The electrode assembly 1200 may have a form in which a plurality of positive plates and a plurality of negative plates are stacked with a separator sandwiched therebetween. The plurality of positive plates and the plurality of negative plates may be connected to each other with the same polarity and connected to different electrode leads 1140. The electrode lead 1140 may be electrically connected to the bus bar 121 of the bus bar assembly 120.

[0096] A sealing portion 1120 formed by bonding the bag 1100 may be provided along at least a portion of the periphery of the cell body 1110. The sealing portion 1120 may have a flange shape extending outward from the cell body 1110 formed in a container shape, and may be provided along the periphery of the cell body 1110. The bag 1100 may be bonded by heat fusion, but is not limited thereto.

[0097] The sealing portion 1120 may include a first sealing portion 1121 formed at a portion where the electrode lead 1140 is provided, and a second sealing portion 1122 formed at a portion where the electrode lead 1140 is not provided.

[0098] The sealing portion 1120 in the battery cell 1000 may be formed in a folded shape at least once to improve the bonding reliability of the sealing portion 1120 and minimize the area of ​​the sealing portion 1120. For example, the second sealing portion 1122 without the electrode lead 1140 may have a folded shape at least once.

[0099] In the battery cell 1000, if the battery cell 1000 has a structure in which a sheet of outer packaging material is folded to cover the electrode assembly 1200, it is not necessary to form the sealing portion 1120 at the folded portion of the outer packaging material. Figure 6 As shown, the sealing portion 1120 may be formed only on three sides of the periphery of the battery cell body 1110, and the folding portion 1130 may be formed on one side of the periphery of the battery cell body 1110. However, the structure of the battery cell 1000 is not limited to the structure shown. For example, two sheets of outer packaging materials may be overlapped to form the battery cell body 1110, and the sealing portion 1120 may be formed on all four sides of the periphery of the battery cell body 1110.

[0100] The battery cell 1000 according to the embodiment is not limited to a pouch-type secondary battery, for example, the battery cell 1000 may be a prismatic can-type secondary battery, or may have a structure in which a plurality of pouch-type secondary batteries are combined to form a bundle.

[0101] Although not shown in the figure, the battery cell stack 110 may further include a heat insulating member (not shown) and a compression member (not shown) for protecting the battery cells 1000. The heat insulating member (not shown) and the compression member (not shown) may be stacked with the plurality of battery cells 1000 in the second direction (Z-axis direction) to constitute at least a portion of the battery cell stack 110.

[0102] The heat insulating member (not shown) can block the flame or high-temperature heat from propagating between adjacent battery cells 1000, thereby preventing a chain fire from occurring inside the battery cell stack 110. For example, the heat insulating member (not shown) can include at least a portion of materials selected from mica, silica, silicate, graphite, alumina, ceramic wool, and aerogel that can perform a function of preventing heat and / or flame propagation.

[0103] The compression member (not shown) may be compressed and elastically deformed when a specific battery cell 1000 expands, thereby suppressing the overall volume expansion of the battery cell stack 110. For example, the compression member (not shown) may be made of a foam of a polyurethane material and have a size corresponding to the wide surface of the battery cell 1000. However, the material and size of the compression member (not shown) are not limited to the above materials and sizes.

[0104] The submodule 100 including a plurality of battery cell stacks 110 may be connected to other submodules 100 through a connection member 200 to form the entire battery module 10. Figures 7 to 9 Such a connection structure will be described in detail.

[0105] Figure 7 A state in which the connection member 200 and the side cover 300 are coupled to the housing 160 of the submodule 100 is shown. Figure 8 The state in which the flow channel portion is formed in the connecting member 200 is shown. Fig. 9 is along Figure 3 Schematic cross-sectional view taken along line II-II'. Figures 7 to 9 The housing 160, the side cover 300 and the connecting member 200 described in the previous Figures 1 to 5 The housing 160, the side cover 300 and the connecting member 200 are described in detail, and thus repeated descriptions will be omitted.

[0106] The housing 160 of the submodule 100 may include an upper frame 161 and a lower frame 162 that are separated from each other, and a transverse frame 163 that connects the upper frame 161 and the lower frame 162. A space that can accommodate a plurality of battery cell stacks 110 may be formed between the upper frame 161 and the lower frame 162, and the transverse frame 163 may separate the space into a first accommodation space S1 and a second accommodation space S2.

[0107] The housing 160 of the submodule 100 may be combined with the connection member 200 and the side cover 300. Figure 7 , the side cover 300 may be coupled to one side of the first submodule 100 a , and the connection member 200 may be coupled to the other side opposite to the one side.

[0108] Alternatively, the connection member 200 may be coupled to both sides of any submodule 100 included in the battery module 10. For example, in a structure where three or more submodules 100 are connected in a row by the connection member 200, the connection member 200 may be provided on both sides of the middle submodule 100.

[0109] The connection member 200 may include a body portion 210 and a flange portion 220 formed at an end of the body portion 210 .

[0110] The main body 210 is a portion of the connection component 200 extending in the second direction (Z-axis direction), that is, the height direction of the submodule 100, and constitutes the main body of the connection component 200. When the connection component 200 is coupled to the submodule 100, the main body 210 may be opposite to one side of the cell stack 110.

[0111] The first protection member 240 may be provided on at least one surface of the body portion 210. The first protection member 240 may include a material capable of performing a heat dissipation function, a cooling function, or a heat insulation function.

[0112] For example, the first protection component 240 may include at least a portion of mica, silica, silicate, graphite, alumina, ceramic wool, and aerogel to block the heat energy generated in any submodule (e.g., 100a) from propagating to other adjacent submodules (e.g., 100b).

[0113] Alternatively, the first protection member 240 may include a material with excellent thermal conductivity to help heat be quickly transferred from the cell stack 110 to the connection member 200 . Therefore, heat energy generated in the cell stack 110 may be quickly dissipated to the outside of the battery module 10 through the connection member 200 .

[0114] The flange portion 220 may be a portion formed at upper and lower end portions of the body portion 210 , and a width of the flange portion 220 may be greater than a width of the body portion 210 .

[0115] In the combined structure of the connection member 200 and the housing 160, the housing 160 may include a stepped portion 164 that engages with the flange portion 220 of the connection member 200. Figure 7 and Fig. 9 The upper frame 161 of the housing 160 may be provided with a narrowed step portion 164 at one end, and at least a portion of the flange portion 220 may be engaged with and combined with the step portion 164. In addition, the lower frame 162 of the housing 160 may also be provided with a narrowed step portion 164 at one end, and at least a portion of the flange portion 220 may be engaged with and combined with the step portion 164.

[0116] The flange portion 220 can have a shape extending from the end of the main body portion 210 to both sides of the first direction (y-axis direction), so that one side of the flange portion in the first direction (y-axis direction) can be combined with the first submodule 100a, and the other side of the flange portion 220 in the first direction (y-axis direction) can be combined with the second submodule 100b.

[0117] The connection member 200 may be welded to the housing 160 in a state of being seated on the step portion 164 of the housing 160 , and thus the connection member 200 and the housing 160 may be firmly combined.

[0118] The step portion 164 and the flange portion 220 of the housing 160 may be opposite to each other in the second direction (Z-axis direction), that is, in the height direction of the housing 160. In this case, the flange portion 220 may be disposed outside the step portion 164 in the second direction (Z-axis direction). For example, in a state where the flange portion 220 and the step portion 164 are engaged, the step portion 164 may be disposed between the battery cell stack 110 accommodated in the accommodation space of the housing 160 and the flange portion 220. According to this structure, the housing 160 may better withstand the expansion pressure of the battery cell stack 110 generated when the swelling phenomenon occurs. Specifically, when the battery cell stack 110 stacked in the second direction (Z-axis direction) undergoes swelling, the housing 160 may be subjected to the expansion pressure in the second direction (Z-axis direction), but since the flange portion 220 is engaged with the step portion 164, the housing 160 may be prevented from opening in the second direction (Z-axis direction). Therefore, the case 160 can reliably withstand the expansion pressure of the cell stack 110 and can prevent the cell stack 110 from expanding beyond a certain degree.

[0119] The side cover 300 may be coupled to the submodule 100 to form a side surface of the battery module 10 .

[0120] Like the connecting member 200, the side cover 300 may also have a structure that engages with the stepped portion 164 of the housing 160. Figure 7 The side cover 300 may have a bent portion 310 that is bent toward the first direction (Y-axis direction), and the bent portion 310 may be engaged with and combined with the stepped portion 164 of the housing 160 .

[0121] The bent portion 310 of the side cover 300 may be opposite to the stepped portion 164 of the housing 160 in the second direction (Z-axis direction). In this case, the bent portion 310 of the side cover 300 may be disposed outside the stepped portion 164 in the second direction (Z-axis direction). According to this structure, the housing 160 may reliably withstand the expansion pressure of the battery cell stack 110. For detailed description, reference may be made to the above description of the coupling structure between the flange portion 220 of the connection component 200 and the stepped portion 164 of the housing 160.

[0122] Like the connection member 200 , the side cover 300 may be welded to the housing 160 in a state of being engaged with the step portion 164 of the housing 160 .

[0123] The second protective member 320 may be disposed on the inner surface of the side cover 300. The second protective member 320 may face the cell stack 110 accommodated in the housing 160 in the first direction (Y-axis direction). The second protective member 320 may be made of the same material as the first protective member 240 and perform the same function.

[0124] In addition, the third protective member 165 may be provided in at least a portion of the inner surface of the housing 160. Figure 7 , the third protective member 165 may be disposed in a portion of the lateral frame 163 facing the cell stack 110. Here, the third protective member 165 may be made of the same material as the first protective member 240 or the second protective member 320 and perform the same function.

[0125] In an embodiment, the connection component 200 may be provided with a flow channel portion 230, and a cooling medium (eg, a coolant) may flow through the flow channel portion 230. For example, referring to Figure 8 A flow channel portion 230 may be provided inside the main body portion 210 of the connecting component 200 , and the cooling medium may flow along the flow channel portion 230 and absorb heat energy generated in the battery cell stack 110 , thereby cooling the battery module 10 .

[0126] The flow channel portion 230 may have one or more flow channels 231 inside, and the cooling medium may flow through the flow channels 231. Figure 8 As shown, the flow channel 231 of the flow channel portion 230 may be a tubular flow channel extending in the third direction (X-axis direction) inside the main body 210 , but the specific shape of the flow channel 231 is not limited to the shape shown in the figure.

[0127] The flow channel portion 230 may form a plurality of layers along the extension direction (eg, the second direction (Z-axis direction)) of the main body portion 210 , and the cooling medium may flow through at least a portion of the plurality of layers sequentially or simultaneously to cool the battery module 10 .

[0128] The cooling medium may flow along the flow channel portion 230 through a refrigerant circulation unit (CU). The refrigerant circulation unit CU may be configured to circulate the cooling medium by supplying the cooling medium to the flow channel portion 230 or recovering the cooling medium having completed heat exchange.

[0129] The connection member 200 may be disposed between the submodules 100 to block heat transfer between adjacent submodules 100. In particular, when the flow channel portion 230 is disposed in the connection member 200, the cooling medium may flow between the submodules 100 and the submodules 100, thereby more reliably blocking heat transfer between the submodules 100 and improving the cooling efficiency of the battery module 10.

[0130] However, the connecting member 200 may also be made into a simple beam-shaped structure without the Figure 8 The flow channel portion is shown.

[0131] The battery module 10 according to the embodiment has a structure in which a plurality of submodules 100 are arranged along a first direction (Y-axis direction), wherein each submodule 100 includes a battery cell stack 110 stacked in a second direction (Z-axis direction), so that a plurality of battery cells 1000 can be densely arranged in a limited space of the battery module 10, thereby realizing a large-capacity battery module 10.

[0132] In addition, according to this structure, battery modules 10 of various sizes can be manufactured quickly and efficiently.

[0133] In conventional battery modules (e.g. Figure 1 and Figure 2 If the required design height of the battery module BM (e.g., the length in the Z-axis direction) is changed, it is necessary to re-manufacture the battery cell with the corresponding size (e.g., Figure 1 and Figure 2 BC in).

[0134] In contrast, in the case of the battery module 10 according to the embodiment, the height of the cell stack 110 can be appropriately adjusted by changing the number of stacked battery cells 1000 , and thus battery modules 10 of various heights can be manufactured using the manufactured battery cells 1000 .

[0135] In addition, if the required width of the battery module 10 (eg, the length in the Y-axis direction) changes, this can be addressed by appropriately adjusting the number of connected submodules 100 , thereby improving the manufacturing efficiency of the battery module 10 .

[0136] Hereinafter, battery modules of various sizes and structures formed by combining the above-mentioned submodules and connecting members will be described.

[0137] Fig.10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a battery module 50 including three or more submodules 500. Fig.10 , the battery module 50 may include first to fourth submodules 500 a , 500 b , 500 c , 500 d connected to each other by the connection member 200 .

[0138] At least one of the first to fourth submodules 500a, 500b, 500c, 500d may correspond to the previous Figure 5 That is, at least one of the first to fourth submodules 500a, 500b, 500c, 500d may include a transverse frame (eg, Figure 5 163) arranged along a first direction (Y-axis direction) are two or more battery cell stacks (for example, Figure 5 110), at this time, each battery cell stack (for example, Figure 5 110) may include a plurality of battery cells (eg, Figure 5 The specific structure of the submodule 500 can be referred to Figure 5 , repeated descriptions will be omitted.

[0139] The first to fourth submodules 500a, 500b, 500c, and 500d may be arranged along the first direction (Y-axis direction) and connected to each other. The connecting member 200 may be disposed between any two submodules 500 and connect the submodules 500 to each other. On the other hand, the first submodule 500a and the fourth submodule 500d disposed at the outermost sides in the first direction (Y-axis direction) may be connected to the side cover (e.g., Figure 4 300) in combination.

[0140] exist Fig.10 In the battery module 50 shown in the figure, the coupling structure between the first to fourth submodules 500a, 500b, 500c, 500d and the connecting member 200 and the coupling structure between the first and fourth submodules 500a, 500b, 500c, 500d and the side cover 300 can be applied to the above Figures 7 to 9 The combined structure described in , so repeated description will be omitted.

[0141] Fig.10 4 shows a structure in which four submodules 500 a , 500 b , 500 c , and 500 d are connected, but this is only an example, and five or more submodules may be connected to each other to form the battery module 50 .

[0142] As described above, the plurality of submodules 500a, 500b, 500c, 500d may be continuously connected using the connection member 200 to constitute the entire battery module 50, and thus a high-capacity battery module 50 having a high energy density may be implemented.

[0143] Fig.11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a battery module 60 according to another embodiment. Fig.11, the battery module 60 may include first to third submodules 600 a , 600 b , 600 c connected to each other by the connection member 200 .

[0144] Here, the first and second submodules 600a, 600b may correspond to the previous Figure 5 The submodule 100 described in the above, the detailed description of its structure can be referred to Figure 5 .

[0145] The third submodule 600c may have a different structure from the first and second submodules 600a, 600b. In order to distinguish and explain the submodules with different structures, the submodule with the same structure as the first and second submodules 600a, 600b is defined as a first type submodule T1, and the submodule with the same structure as the third submodule 600c is defined as a second type submodule T2.

[0146] The housing 610 of the third submodule 600c may have a structure for accommodating a battery cell stack (eg, Figure 5 For example, refer to Fig.11 The housing 610 of the third submodule 600c may include: an upper frame 611 and a lower frame 612, which are separated in a first direction (Y-axis direction), i.e., the stacking direction of the battery cell stack 110; and a side frame 613, which is opposite to the battery cell stack 110 in a second direction (Z-axis direction).

[0147] One side of the upper frame 611 and the lower frame 612 may be combined with the connection member 200, and the other side of the upper frame 611 and the lower frame 612 may be connected with the side frame 613. For example, the housing 610 of the third submodule 600c may have a "U" shaped cross-sectional structure opened in a direction toward the connection member 200.

[0148] The third submodule 600c can accommodate one battery cell stack 110, so the battery module can have a structure that accommodates an odd number of battery cell stacks 110. Here, for a detailed description of each battery cell stack 110, please refer to Figure 5 A battery cell stack 110 is provided.

[0149] A connection component 200 may be provided between the first submodule 600a and the second submodule 600b and between the second submodule 600b and the third submodule 600c for coupling, so that the first to third submodules 600a, 600b, 600c may be connected to each other in the first direction (Y-axis direction) to constitute the entire battery module 60.

[0150] The outermost first submodule 600a disposed on one side in the first direction (Y-axis direction) may be combined with the side cover 300. However, the outermost third submodule 600c disposed on the other side in the first direction (Y-axis direction) does not need to be combined with the side cover 300. That is, the side frame 613 of the outermost third submodule 600c on the other side in the first direction (Y-axis direction) is exposed to the outside to form the side of the battery module 60.

[0151] On the other hand, the connection structure between the connecting member 200 and the submodules 600a, 600b, 600c and the connection structure between the side cover 300 and the first submodule 600a can be applied to the above Figures 7 to 9 Therefore, repeated description will be omitted.

[0152] Although Fig.11 , a structure of two first-type submodules T1 and one second-type submodule T2 is shown, but this is only an example, and one or more than three first-type submodules T1 and one second-type submodule T2 may be connected to each other to form a battery module.

[0153] In addition, Fig.11 Different from the figure, the second type submodule T2 can be arranged at the outermost sides of the battery module in the first direction (Y-axis direction), and one or more first type submodules T1 can be arranged therebetween. In this case, the two side surfaces of the battery module in the first direction (Y-axis direction) can be formed by the side frames 613 of the second type submodule T2.

[0154] A plurality of battery modules may be connected to each other to form at least a portion of a battery pack. Fig.12 and Fig.13 A battery pack 1 including a plurality of battery modules 70 is described.

[0155] Fig.12 The state in which a plurality of battery modules 70 are accommodated in the battery pack 1 is shown. Fig.13 yes Fig.12 Schematic cross-sectional view of portion III-III'.

[0156] because Fig.12 and Fig.13 The battery module 70 described in the previous Figures 1 to 11 One of the battery modules 10, 50 or 60 described in the specification, so repeated description will be omitted.

[0157] The battery pack 1 may include a plurality of battery modules 70. For example, the plurality of battery modules 70 may be disposed on the bottom surface 21 of the housing 20.

[0158] The battery module 70 included in the battery pack 1 may include a plurality of submodules. Fig.13 , a battery module 70 may include first to third submodules 700a, 700b, 700c, and the first to third submodules 700a, 700b, 700c are connected in the first direction (Y-axis direction) by the connecting member 200. Here, at least one of the first to third submodules 700a, 700b, 700c may correspond to Figure 5 Alternatively, at least one of the first to third submodules 700a, 700b, 700c may correspond to Fig.11 The third submodule 600c described in FIG.

[0159] The battery pack 1 may include a support frame 22 disposed between the battery modules 70 to structurally support the battery pack 1. For example, the battery pack 1 may include a support frame 22 disposed between the battery modules 70 and extending from the bottom surface 21 in a height direction (e.g., a Z-axis direction) of the battery pack 1.

[0160] Compared with the traditional battery module structure (e.g. Figure 1 and Figure 2 Compared with a battery pack BP including a battery module BM, the battery pack 1 including the battery module 70 according to the embodiment may have a higher energy density.

[0161] Specifically, according to the embodiment, a plurality of submodules can be connected to each other by the connection member 200 to constitute the entire battery module 70, and thus a single module structure including a large number of cells and having a stable structure can be realized. Therefore, the number of battery modules 70 accommodated in the battery pack 1 can be reduced, thereby reducing the ineffective space G1 formed between the battery modules 70.

[0162] In addition, the battery module 70 can improve the module rigidity by the connection member 200 disposed between the submodules, so the support frame 22 of the housing 20 or the number thereof can be omitted or reduced. Since the support frame 22 is reduced, the ineffective space G2 generated between the battery module 70 and the support frame 22 will naturally be reduced.

[0163] As described above, the battery pack 1 including the battery module 70 according to the embodiment may minimize the dead space G1 or G2 inside the case 20 , thereby having high energy density.

[0164] In addition, according to the embodiment, the battery modules 70 of various sizes can be manufactured by changing the number of stacked battery cells, so even if the design size of the battery pack 1 changes, the battery modules 70 can be manufactured quickly and efficiently.

[0165] Although various embodiments of the present invention are described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes can be made to the present invention without departing from the technical concept of the present invention as described in the claims. In addition, the present invention can be implemented by deleting some components in the above embodiments, or by combining the embodiments with each other.

Claims

1. A battery module, comprising: A plurality of submodules are arranged along a first direction; as well as One or more connecting components are arranged between the plurality of submodules, At least one of the plurality of submodules comprises: A plurality of battery cell stacks are arranged along the first direction; as well as The housing has an inner space for accommodating the plurality of battery cell stacks. Each of the plurality of battery cell stacks includes a plurality of battery cells stacked in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The housing comprises: an upper frame covering one side of at least one of the plurality of battery cell stacks; a lower frame covering another side of at least one of the plurality of battery cell stacks opposite to the one side; and A transverse frame is connected to the upper frame and the lower frame and divides the internal space.

3. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein: The plurality of battery cell stacks include a first battery cell stack and a second battery cell stack arranged along the first direction, The transverse frame is disposed between the first battery cell stack and the second battery cell stack.

4. The battery module according to claim 3, further comprising: A protection component is disposed on the transverse frame and is opposite to the first battery cell stack or the second battery cell stack.

5. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein: The one or more connection members are combined with at least one of the upper frame and the lower frame.

6. The battery module according to claim 5, wherein: The one or more connecting components include: a main body portion, facing at least one of the plurality of battery cell stacks; and a flange portion extending from an end portion of the main body portion toward the first direction, At least one of the upper frame and the lower frame is combined with the flange portion.

7. The battery module according to claim 6, wherein: At least one of the upper frame and the lower frame includes a stepped portion provided between the flange portion and the battery cell stack body.

8. The battery module according to claim 7, wherein: At least a portion of the flange portion is seated on and engaged with the step portion.

9. The battery module according to claim 6, wherein: The one or more connecting members further include a protection member fixed to the main body and facing at least one of the plurality of battery cell stacks.

10. The battery module according to claim 6, wherein: The one or more connecting members further include a flow channel portion formed inside the main body portion and through which a cooling medium flows.

11. The battery module according to claim 10, wherein: The flow channel portion includes a plurality of flow channels, and the plurality of flow channels extend in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction. The plurality of flow channels are arranged side by side along the second direction.

12. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of submodules and the one or more connecting components are alternately arranged along the first direction.

13. The battery module according to claim 12, further comprising: A side cover is combined with one of the plurality of sub-modules and is disposed at the outermost side in the first direction.

14. The battery module according to claim 13, wherein: The plurality of submodules include a first submodule and a second submodule, The side cover is coupled to one end of the first submodule. One end portion and the other end portion of the second submodule are respectively combined with the connecting component.

15. The battery module according to claim 14, further comprising: A first bus bar assembly is electrically connected to the battery cell stack of the first submodule; as well as a second bus bar assembly, electrically connected to the battery cell stack of the second submodule, The first bus bar assembly and the second bus bar assembly are arranged side by side along the first direction.

16. The battery module according to claim 13, wherein: The multiple sub-modules include: A first submodule, accommodating the plurality of battery cell stacks; and The third submodule is connected to the first submodule and accommodates a battery cell stack.

17. A battery pack comprising: Multiple battery modules; as well as a housing for accommodating the plurality of battery modules, At least one of the plurality of battery modules comprises: A plurality of submodules are arranged along a first direction; and One or more connecting components are arranged between the plurality of submodules, At least one of the plurality of submodules comprises: A plurality of battery cell stacks are arranged along the first direction; and Each of the plurality of battery cell stacks includes a plurality of battery cells stacked in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

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