Battery module

Abstract

A battery module related to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a plurality of battery cells having terminal units; the shell is provided with a plurality of mounting units for mounting each battery cell and is provided with an accommodating space for accommodating the plurality of battery cells; the middle frame is provided with a plurality of supporting holes, the diameter of each supporting hole is larger than that of each battery cell, and the middle frame is installed on the shell so as to divide the containing space in the shell into a cooling space containing cooling water and a terminal exposure space where the terminal unit of each battery cell is located; and a potting unit having, in the terminal exposure space, a first region surrounding the terminal units of the battery cells and one surface of the intermediate frame, and a second region connected to the first region and filled between each battery cell and the support hole.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module, and more particularly, to a battery module capable of waterproofing a terminal exposure space with respect to a cooling space using a waterproof adhesive.

[0002] This application claims the priority benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0069639, filed on May 31, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Art

[0003] As eco-friendly vehicles, electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and plug-in hybrid vehicles that use an electric motor that generates driving force using electric energy instead of an engine that generates driving force by burning existing fossil fuels have been introduced worldwide.

[0004] Among these eco-friendly vehicles that use electric energy, electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles receive power from an external charging facility connected to the power grid to charge a battery provided in the vehicle, and use the charged power of the battery to generate kinetic energy required for vehicle driving.

[0005] In the batteries used in these eco-friendly vehicles, high output power is required, and thus a large amount of heat is generated. In order to improve battery performance and lifespan, it is very important to prevent the battery from overheating by efficiently discharging the heat generated from the battery.

[0006] Conventionally, an air cooling method or a water cooling method is known as a cooling system for discharging heat from a battery. Among them, the direct water cooling method is a method of directly immersing a battery cell in cooling water to directly discharge the heat of the battery cell into the cooling water.

[0007] Figure 1 A configuration diagram of a battery module according to the prior art is schematically shown, and Figure 2 is Figure 1 a schematic diagram of the battery cell shown.

[0008] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , in the direct water cooling method, the battery module 10 includes a cell frame 20 and a plurality of battery cells 30 disposed inside the cell frame 20. The plurality of battery cells 30 are arranged to be spaced apart within the cell frame 20, and the cell frame 20 has a structure in which cooling water W can flow inside.

[0009] The battery cell frame 20 has an assembly hole 21 for inserting the battery cell 10, and a belt 32 having an annular shape made of a compressible material is attached to the battery cell 30. Additionally, a tube member 33 is assembled to surround the outer peripheral surface of the battery cell 30 and the belt 32. At this time, the tube member 33 is used to waterproof the battery cell 30, and the battery cell 30 may be formed of a polymer material.

[0010] The belt 32 protrudes in the lateral direction of the battery cell 31, and the belt 32 is forcibly fitted into the assembly hole 21 of the battery cell frame 20.

[0011] In addition, in order to implement a waterproof structure in the conventional battery module 10, the belt 32 is wound around the battery cell 30 and then heat-treated so that the tube member 33 surrounds the outer surface of the battery cell 30. Thereafter, the belt 32 of the battery cell 30 is forcibly fitted into the assembly hole 21 of the battery cell frame 20, thereby having a structure that seals the gap between the battery cell 30 and the assembly hole 21 of the battery cell frame 20.

[0012] Such an assembly process is performed for each battery cell 30, but as the number of battery cells 30 increases, assembly defects may occur between the battery cell 30 and the assembly hole 21 of the battery cell frame 20. Therefore, as the number of battery cells 30 increases, there is a possibility that the cooling water W leaks through the gap between the battery cell 30 and the assembly hole 21 of the battery cell frame.

[0013] Moreover, since the conventional battery module 10 waterproofs each battery cell 30 individually, the bonding force between the battery cell frame 20 and the battery cell 30 may be weakened due to circumstances such as vibration or shock, and thus there is a possibility that the cooling water W leaks.

[0014] In addition, in order to implement a waterproof structure, the conventional battery module 10 uses many components and requires a separate process to assemble these components, thereby having a problem that the assembly process of the battery module 10 is complicated. Summary of the Invention

[0015] Technical Problem

[0016] The present invention aims to provide a battery module that can integrally form a waterproof structure for the terminal portions of a plurality of battery cells by applying and curing a waterproof adhesive to an intermediate frame that separates the plurality of battery cells.

[0017] In addition, the present invention aims to provide a battery module that can seal the gap between the support hole of the intermediate frame and the battery cell using a waterproof adhesive.

[0018] In addition, the present invention aims to provide a battery module in which a portion facing the exhaust portion of the battery cell is provided with a flame discharge passage portion.

[0019] Technical solution

[0020] To solve the above problems, a battery module according to an example of the present invention includes: a plurality of battery cells, each of the battery cells having a terminal portion; a housing having a plurality of placement portions and a receiving space, each battery cell being placed in one of the plurality of placement portions, and the plurality of battery cells being received in the receiving space; an intermediate frame having a plurality of support holes, the diameter of each of the plurality of support holes being greater than the diameter of each battery cell, and the intermediate frame being mounted on the housing to divide the receiving space in the housing into a cooling space for receiving cooling water and a terminal exposure space where the terminal portions of each battery cell are located; and a potting portion having a first region disposed in the terminal exposure space to surround the terminal portion of the battery cell and one side of the intermediate frame and a second region connected to the first region and filled into the space between each battery cell and the support holes.

[0021] In addition, the potting portion may be arranged such that the second region surrounds at least a part of the gap space between the support holes and the battery cells. As an example, the corresponding battery cells may also be arranged such that their radial centers coincide with the centers of the support holes, and the corresponding battery cells may also be arranged such that their radial centers do not coincide with the centers of the support holes. At this time, due to the diameter difference between the support holes and the battery cells, a gap may be formed between the support holes and the battery cells. Since the second region of the potting portion fills such a gap space, the terminal exposure space can be made waterproof with respect to the cooling space.

[0022] In addition, the first region and the second region of the potting portion may be integrally formed.

[0023] In addition, the battery module may further include: a bus bar electrically connected to the terminal portion of the battery cell in the terminal exposure space, and the potting portion may be arranged to surround the terminal portion of the battery cell and the bus bar in the terminal exposure space.

[0024] In addition, the terminal portion may include a positive terminal and a negative terminal, wherein the positive terminal and the negative terminal may be electrically connected to a positive bus bar and a negative bus bar respectively in the terminal exposure space. The potting portion may be arranged to surround the welding portions of the positive terminal of the battery cell and the positive bus bar and the welding portions of the negative terminal of the battery cell and the negative bus bar in the terminal exposure space.

[0025] In addition, the first region and the second region of the potting part may be formed by applying and curing a waterproof adhesive to the terminal exposure space. At this time, the first region and the second region of the potting part may be integrally formed by applying a waterproof adhesive to the terminal exposure space and curing it.

[0026] In addition, the waterproof adhesive may include an epoxy main agent having a first viscosity and a curing agent having a second viscosity different from the first viscosity.

[0027] In addition, the waterproof adhesive may have a viscosity in the range of 25,000 cp to 30,000 cp.

[0028] In addition, each battery cell may have an exhaust portion provided in a direction opposite to the terminal portion connected to the bus bar. Additionally, the placement portion of the housing may include a placement groove for accommodating the exhaust portion of the battery cell.

[0029] In addition, the battery module may include an adhesive portion for attaching the exhaust portion of the battery cell to the placement groove.

[0030] In addition, the housing may have a bottom provided with a plurality of placement grooves. Each placement groove may be provided on the inner side of the bottom (the surface facing the accommodation space). Additionally, the housing may have a plurality of exhaust grooves on the outer side of the bottom, and the outer side of the bottom is the opposite side of the placement groove.

[0031] In addition, each exhaust groove may be provided such that its center is coaxially positioned with the center of each placement groove.

[0032] In addition, the housing has a placement rib provided between the placement groove and the exhaust groove, and the thickness of the placement rib may be less than the thickness of the bottom of the housing.

[0033] In addition, the battery module may include a lower frame connected to the housing to surround the exhaust groove.

[0034] In addition, the flame discharged through the exhaust portion of the battery cell may damage the placement rib, and thus move to the space between the exhaust groove and the lower frame through the damaged area of the placement rib.

[0035] Advantageous Effects

[0036] As described above, the battery module related to at least one example of the present invention has the following effects.

[0037] By applying and curing a waterproof adhesive to an intermediate frame that separates multiple battery cells in a housing, a waterproof structure for the terminal portions of the multiple battery cells can be integrally formed as a single structure.

[0038] In addition, the gap between the support holes through which the battery cells pass in the intermediate frame and the battery cells can be sealed using the waterproof adhesive.

[0039] In addition, the terminal portions of the multiple battery cells and the gap between the support holes and the battery cells in the housing can be integrally sealed.

[0040] Compared with the conventional method of forcibly assembling each battery cell into the housing, with the battery cells supported on the intermediate frame, the waterproof adhesive is applied to one side of the intermediate frame and cured, whereby the terminal portions of the battery cells can be sealed, and the gap between the support holes and the battery cells can be sealed. In addition, by adjusting the viscosity of the waterproof adhesive and the size of the gap, the terminal portions of the battery cells and the gap between the support holes and the battery cells can be integrally sealed.

[0041] Moreover, the assembly process of the battery module can be simplified, and at the same time, the waterproof efficiency of the battery module can be improved.

[0042] In addition, the possibility of chain combustion of multiple battery cells can be reduced. Description of the Drawings

[0043] Figure 1 A configuration diagram of a battery module according to the prior art is schematically shown.

[0044] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a schematic diagram of the battery cell shown.

[0045] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a battery module related to an example of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 4 is along Figure 3 the cross-sectional view taken along line X-X in

[0047] Figure 5 is Figure 3 a schematic diagram of the battery module shown in a state where each component is separated.

[0048] Figures 6 to 10 is a diagram for explaining the manufacturing process of a battery module according to an example of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 11 is a diagram for explaining the function of the flame discharge channel portion when the battery cell burns. Detailed Description

[0050] Hereinafter, a battery module according to an example of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0051] In addition, regardless of the reference numerals, the same or corresponding components are given the same or similar reference numerals, and their repeated descriptions will be omitted. For ease of explanation, the dimensions and shapes of each component shown in the figures may be exaggerated or reduced.

[0052] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a battery module related to an example of the present invention, Figure 4 is along Figure 3 a cross-sectional view taken along line X-X in Figure 5 is Figure 3 a schematic diagram of the battery module shown in a state where each component is separated.

[0053] A battery module 100 according to an example of the present invention includes a plurality of battery cells 130 having terminal portions 131. The battery cells 130 are secondary batteries, which may be cylindrical, pouch-shaped, or rectangular battery cells. Hereinafter, in this example, the battery cells 130 will be described as cylindrical battery cells as an example.

[0054] Each battery cell 130 may be provided with an exhaust portion 132 for discharging gas or flame. Compared with the surrounding area of the battery cell 130, such an exhaust portion 132 may be formed to have a thinner thickness. In this structure, when the internal pressure of the battery cell 130 increases to a level higher than a certain level, the exhaust portion 132 preferentially ruptures to discharge gas or flame from the battery cell 130.

[0055] In this article, the Y-axis direction represents the longitudinal direction of the battery cell, and the X-axis direction represents the radial direction of the battery cell.

[0056] Each battery cell 130 may have a terminal portion 131 provided at one end along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) and an exhaust portion 132 provided at the other end. The exhaust portion 132 is provided in a direction opposite to the terminal portion 131.

[0057] In this article, the terminal portion 131 includes a positive terminal 131a and a negative terminal 131b, where the positive terminal 131a and the negative terminal 131b are electrically connected to a positive bus bar 161 and a negative bus bar 162, respectively. In addition, the positive terminal 131a and the negative terminal 131b may be electrically connected to the positive bus bar 161 and the negative bus bar 162, respectively, at one end of the battery cell 130.

[0058] In the battery cell 130, the terminal portion 131 is electrically connected to a bus bar 160 at one end along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction), and the exhaust portion 132 is provided at the other end.

[0059] The battery module 100 includes a housing 110 having a plurality of placement portions 117 and an accommodation space 112. Each battery cell 130 is placed in a placement portion 117, and the plurality of battery cells 130 are accommodated in the accommodation space 112.

[0060] In addition, the housing 110 has a bottom 116 provided with the placement portions 117, and the placement portions 117 are provided on the inner side 116a of the bottom 116.

[0061] In addition, the battery module 100 includes an intermediate frame 150 having a plurality of support holes 151 with a diameter R1 greater than the diameter R2 of each battery cell 130. When the battery cell 130 is a cylindrical battery cell, the support holes 151 can be circular or oval holes. The number of support holes 151 can be set to be equal to the number of battery cells 130 provided in the accommodation space 112. According to the arrangement shape of the plurality of battery cells 130 in the housing 110, the intermediate frame 150 can have a plurality of support holes 115.

[0062] The intermediate frame 150 is mounted on the housing 110 to divide the accommodation space 112 in the housing 110 into a cooling space 113 for accommodating cooling water W and a terminal exposure space 114 where the terminal portions 131 of each battery cell 130 are located.

[0063] Moreover, the intermediate frame 150 can have a plate shape. The intermediate frame 150 can have one side 152 facing the terminal exposure space 114 and the other side 153 facing the cooling space 113. The other side 153 is the side facing the bottom 116 of the housing 110.

[0064] Referring to Figure 4 and Figure 5 and, the battery module 100 includes a potting portion 170 having a first region 171 and a second region 173. The first region 171 is provided in the terminal exposure space 114 to surround the terminal portion 131 of the battery cell 130 and one side 152 of the intermediate frame 150. The second region 173 is connected to the first region 171 and filled into the space (gap) between each battery cell 130 and the support hole 151.

[0065] The potting portion 170 can be set such that the second region 173 surrounds at least a part of the gap space between the support hole 151 and the battery cell 130. In addition, the potting portion 170 can be set such that the second region 173 completely surrounds the gap space between the support hole 151 and the battery cell 130 along the circumferential direction of the battery cell 130.

[0066] In addition, the first region 171 and the second region 173 of the potting part 170 may be integrally formed, and the battery module 100 includes a bus bar 160 that is electrically connected to the terminal part 131 of the battery cell 130 in the terminal exposure space 114.

[0067] The potting part 170 may be arranged to surround the bus bar 160 and the terminal part 131 of the battery cell 130 in the terminal exposure space 114.

[0068] The bus bar 160 may include a positive bus bar 161 and a negative bus bar 162, and the positive terminal 131a and the negative terminal 131b constituting the terminal part 160 may be electrically connected to the positive bus bar 161 and the negative bus bar 162 respectively at one end of the battery cell 130. That is, in each battery cell 130, the welded part of the positive terminal 131a and the positive bus bar 161 and the welded part of the negative terminal 131b and the negative bus bar 162 are each located at one end of the battery cell 130, and in each battery cell 130, the welded part of the positive terminal 131a and the positive bus bar 161 and the welded part of the negative terminal 131b and the negative bus bar 162 are located in the terminal exposure space 114. In this case, the potting part 170 surrounds the welded part of the positive terminal 131a and the positive bus bar 161 and the welded part of the negative terminal 131b and the negative bus bar 162.

[0069] In addition, the first region 171 and the second region 173 of the potting part 170 may be formed by applying a waterproof adhesive to the terminal exposure space 114 and curing the waterproof adhesive. In addition, the first region 171 and the second region 173 of the potting part 170 may be integrally formed.

[0070] Figures 6 to 10 is a diagram for explaining the manufacturing process of a battery module according to an example of the present invention, while Figure 11 is a diagram for explaining the function of the flame discharge channel part when the battery cell burns.

[0071] The battery module 100 related to an example of the present invention may include: a plurality of battery cells 130, each battery cell 130 being equipped with a terminal part 131 and an exhaust part 132 on the opposite side of the terminal part 131; and a housing 110 having a plurality of placement grooves 117 in which the exhaust part 132 of each battery cell 130 is placed, and the housing having a cooling space 113 for accommodating cooling water W and a terminal exposure space 114 where the terminal part 131 of each battery cell 130 is located.

[0072] In addition, the battery module 100 may include: an intermediate frame 150 having a plurality of support holes 151 to separate a cooling space 113 and a terminal exposure space 114, each battery cell 130 passing through the support hole 151 and being disposed in the housing 110; and a potting portion 170 disposed in the terminal exposure space 114 to surround a terminal portion 131 of the battery cell 130 and one side of the intermediate frame 150.

[0073] The housing 110 has a receiving space 112 for accommodating a plurality of battery cells 130, and as an example, the housing 110 may be in the form of a cylinder with an open top. The housing 110 has an insertion opening 111 at the open top. A plurality of battery cells 130 may enter the interior of the housing 110 through the insertion portion 111.

[0074] Moreover, a placement portion of the housing 110 may include a placement groove 117 in which an exhaust portion 132 of the battery cell 130 is received.

[0075] The housing 110 may include one or more inlet ports 241 for introducing cooling water W into the cooling space 113 and one or more discharge ports 243 for discharging the cooling water W from the cooling space 113 to the outside.

[0076] The receiving space 112 may be divided by the intermediate frame 150 into a cooling space 113 for accommodating the cooling water W and a terminal exposure space 114 where the terminal portion 131 of each battery cell 130 is located. As an example, along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the battery cells 130 disposed in the receiving space 112, the receiving space 112 may be divided into the cooling space 113 and the terminal exposure space 114. In this case, it is important to prevent the cooling water W in the cooling space 113 from leaking into the terminal exposure space 114.

[0077] In addition, a stepped portion 115 may be provided on the inner surface of the housing 110. The intermediate frame 150 may be placed on the stepped portion 115. The intermediate frame 150 is inserted into the receiving space 112 of the housing 110 such that an edge of the intermediate frame 150 is caught by the stepped portion 115.

[0078] The potting portion 170 may include a third region 175 that is provided to fill a gap between the intermediate frame 150 and the housing 110. The third region 175 may function to seal a gap between the intermediate frame 150 and the stepped portion 115 of the housing 110. In addition, the first region 171, the second region 173, and the third region 175 of the potting portion 170 may be integrally formed using a waterproof adhesive.

[0079] In this way, in the battery cell 130, the welded portions of the positive electrode terminal 131a and the positive electrode bus bar 161 and the welded portions of the negative electrode terminal 131b and the negative electrode bus bar 162 can be sealed by the first region 171 of the potting portion 170, the gap between the support hole 151 and the battery cell 130 can be sealed by the second region 173 of the potting portion 170, and the gap between the intermediate frame 150 and the stepped portion 115 of the housing 110 can be sealed by the third region 175 of the potting portion 170.

[0080] The cooling space 113 can be the space between the bottom 116 of the housing 110 and the intermediate frame 150. As the cooling water W, a special insulating oil for vehicles or general cooling water can be used. However, when general cooling water for vehicles is used as the cooling water W, a waterproof treatment can also be added to the outer surface of the battery cell 130.

[0081] The terminal exposure space 114 is the space where the terminal portion 131 of the battery cell 130 is located, and the terminal exposure space 114 can be the space between the insertion opening 111 of the housing 110 and one side 152 of the intermediate frame 150.

[0082] The intermediate frame 150 can support the outer peripheral surface of the battery cell 130 in the lateral direction. The lateral direction is the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the battery cell from the terminal portion 131 toward the exhaust portion 132, and this direction can be the radial direction (X-axis direction) of the battery cell.

[0083] Moreover, the diameter R1 of the support hole 151 can be larger than the diameter R2 of the battery cell 130. Each battery cell 130 passes through the support hole 151, whereby the lower end (the other end) of the battery cell 130 provided with the exhaust portion 132 can be inserted into the cooling space 113, and the upper end (one end) of the battery cell 130 provided with the terminal portion 131 can be located in the terminal exposure space 114. As an example, the diameter difference (R1 - R2) can also be set to 1 mm or less.

[0084] The potting portion 170 can be provided to surround the outer peripheral surface of one end of the battery cell 130 exposed in the terminal exposure space 114 on one side 152 of the intermediate frame 150 and to integrally surround the terminal portions 131 of the plurality of battery cells 130.

[0085] In addition, the potting portion 170 can be provided to surround the gap between the support hole 151 and the battery cell 130.

[0086] The potting part 170 can be provided by applying a waterproof adhesive from the terminal exposure space 114 to one side of the intermediate frame 150 and curing it. In addition, when the waterproof adhesive is applied and cured, the potting part 170 can adhere to one side 152 of the intermediate frame 150.

[0087] The waterproof adhesive can have waterproofness and adhesiveness. As an example, the waterproof adhesive can be an epoxy-based hybrid structure adhesive. As the waterproof adhesive, a hybrid two-component adhesive can be used.

[0088] The waterproof adhesive can have a viscosity in the range of 25,000 cp to 30,000 cp. The waterproof adhesive can include an epoxy-based main agent with a viscosity (first viscosity) of 24,000 cp and a curing agent with a viscosity (second viscosity) of 20,000 cp. When the waterproof adhesive is applied from the terminal exposure space 114 to one side 152 of the intermediate frame 150, the viscosity of the waterproof adhesive is adjusted to an appropriate range, whereby the applied waterproof adhesive can be allowed to flow into the gap between the support hole 151 and the battery cell 130.

[0089] In this way, the waterproof adhesive seals the gap between the support hole 151 of the intermediate frame 150 and the battery cell 130, whereby leakage of the cooling water W through the gap between the support hole 151 and the battery cell 130 can be prevented.

[0090] In addition, the waterproof adhesive seals the gap between the intermediate frame 150 and the stepped portion 115 of the housing 110, whereby leakage of the cooling water W can be prevented.

[0091] Referring to Figure 5 , a plurality of placement grooves 117 and a plurality of exhaust grooves 118 can be respectively provided on the bottom 116 of the housing 110.

[0092] The exhaust part 132 of each battery cell 130 can be placed in the plurality of placement grooves 117. A partial area of the other end of the battery cell 130 including the exhaust part 132 of the battery cell 130 can be accommodated in each placement groove 117. The plurality of placement grooves 117 are provided on the inner side 116a of the bottom 116. The diameter of the placement groove 117 can be larger than the diameter R2 of the battery cell 130.

[0093] A plurality of exhaust grooves 118 can be provided on the outer side 116b of the bottom 116.

[0094] Each exhaust groove 118 can be arranged such that a partial area thereof overlaps with each placement groove 117. As an example, each exhaust groove 118 can be arranged such that its center is coaxially L-positioned with the center of each placement groove 117. Additionally, each exhaust groove 118 can be arranged to be recessed toward each placement groove 117.

[0095] In this structure, in a state where the placement groove 117 is in the outer side 116b of the recessed bottom 116 and the exhaust groove 118 is in the inner side 116a of the recessed bottom 116, the thickness D1 of the region between the placement groove 117 and the exhaust groove 118 is thinner than the thickness D2 of the bottom 116 of the housing 110.

[0096] The housing 110 has a placement rib 119 provided between the placement groove 117 and the exhaust groove 118. The placement rib 119 is provided to face the exhaust portion 132 of the battery cell 130.

[0097] The placement rib 119 has a thickness thinner than the thickness of the bottom 116 of the housing 110. When any one of the plurality of battery cells 130 housed in the housing 110 burns, the placement rib 119 can be set to be damaged by the force of pushing out the exhaust portion 132 of the burning battery cell 130.

[0098] The placement rib 119 is set to be thinner than the thickness D2 of the bottom 116 of the housing 110. The thickness D1 of the placement rib 119 can be the distance between the placement groove 117 and the exhaust groove 118, and the thickness D2 of the bottom 116 can be the distance between the inner side 116a and the outer side 116b of the bottom 116.

[0099] When an internal combustion occurs in the battery cell 130, the exhaust portion 132 of the battery cell 130 may be damaged due to the internal pressure of the battery cell 130. At this time, the flame ejected from the exhaust portion 132 of the battery cell 130 damages the placement rib 119 where the exhaust portion 132 is placed. The flame discharged to the outside of the battery cell 130 through the exhaust portion 132 can be discharged to the outside of the bottom 116 of the housing 110 through the damaged portion of the placement rib 119.

[0100] Reference Figure 11 The battery module 100 may include a lower frame 210 connected to the housing 110 to surround the exhaust groove 118.

[0101] The flame discharged through the exhaust portion of the battery cell 130A can move to the space between the exhaust groove 118 and the lower frame 210. At this time, the flame is not discharged to the outside of the battery module 100 due to the lower frame 210. In addition, the space between the exhaust groove 118 and the lower frame 210 can be used as a flame discharge channel portion 211.

[0102] In addition, since the discharge direction of the flame in the battery cell 130 faces the bottom 116 of the housing 110, it does not affect the flame retardant rating of the potting portion 170 surrounding the terminal portion 131, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the battery module 100.

[0103] Referring to the attached Figures 6 to 10 , a method for manufacturing a battery module 100 having such a structure will be described.

[0104] Apply a waterproof adhesive to the placement groove 117 at the bottom 116 of the housing 110. The waterproof adhesive applied to the placement groove 117 functions to fix the other end of the battery cell 130 and forms an adhesive portion 120 after curing. The waterproof adhesive applied to the placement groove 117 can be an epoxy-based mixed structure adhesive.

[0105] Refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 , insert a plurality of battery cells 130 into the housing 110. In this case, the exhaust portion 132 of each battery cell 130 is received in the placement groove 117 of the housing 110, and the terminal portion 131 is arranged to face the insertion opening 111 side. When all the plurality of battery cells 130 are inserted into the accommodation space 112, mount the intermediate frame 150 on the housing 110.

[0106] Refer to Figure 9 , the bus bars 160 (positive bus bar and negative bus bar) are electrically connected to the terminal portions 131 of the battery cells 130. The bus bars 160 are well-known components, so their detailed description will be omitted.

[0107] After coupling the intermediate frame 150 to the housing 110, the bus bars 160 can be welded to the terminal portions 131 of the battery cells 130, where the bus bars 160 are electrically connected to the terminal portions 131 of the battery cells 130. In addition, the positive terminal 131a and the negative terminal 131b can be electrically connected to the positive bus bar 161 and the negative bus bar 162, respectively, at one end of the battery cell 130.

[0108] When the welding of the bus bars 160 is completed, apply a waterproof adhesive to the side 152 of the intermediate frame 150 facing the terminal exposure space 114, and cure the applied waterproof adhesive to form a potting portion 170. At this time, the potting portion 170 includes a first region 171, a second region 173, and a third region 175, where the corresponding regions 171, 173, 175 can be integrally formed.

[0109] The waterproof adhesive fills the terminal exposure space 114 so that the terminal portions 131 of the battery cells 130 and the welded portions between the terminal portions 131 and the bus bars 160 are not exposed to the outside.

[0110] Refer to Figure 3 , cooling water W can be supplied to the cooling space 113 inside the housing 110. At this time, the cooling water W can be cooled by a cooling device (cooler 240) provided outside the battery module 100.

[0111] In addition, the battery module 100 may include an upper frame 230 mounted on the housing 110 to surround the potting portion 170.

[0112] In addition, the lower frame 210 may form a flame discharge passage portion 211 in a space between the corresponding exhaust grooves 118.

[0113] Reference Figure 11 , when any one of the plurality of battery cells 130 embedded in the battery module 100 burns, the placement rib 119 facing the burning battery cell 130A is damaged. The flame discharged from the burning battery cell 130A is discharged to the flame discharge passage portion 211 through the exhaust groove 118 connected to the damaged placement rib 119.

[0114] At this time, the flame discharged to the flame discharge passage portion 211 is not discharged to the outside of the battery module 100 due to the lower frame 210. In addition, the flame of the burning battery cell 130A can be prevented from being transmitted to the surrounding battery cells 130.

[0115] The preferred embodiments of the present invention described above are disclosed for illustrative purposes, and those of ordinary skill in the art of the present invention can make various modifications, changes, and additions within the spirit and scope of the present invention, and these modifications, changes, and additions should be regarded as falling within the scope of the following claims.

[0116] Industrial Applicability

[0117] According to the battery module related to at least one example of the present invention, a waterproof structure of the terminal portions of a plurality of battery cells can be integrally formed by applying and curing a waterproof adhesive to an intermediate frame that separates the plurality of battery cells within a housing.

Claims

1. A battery module, comprising: a plurality of battery cells, each of the battery cells having a terminal portion; a housing having a plurality of placement portions and a receiving space, each battery cell being placed in the plurality of placement portions, and the plurality of battery cells being received in the receiving space; an intermediate frame having a plurality of support holes having a diameter greater than a diameter of each battery cell, and the intermediate frame is mounted on the housing to divide the accommodation space in the housing into a cooling space for accommodating cooling water and a terminal exposure space where the terminal portion of each battery cell is located; as well as A potting portion having a first area and a second area, the first area being arranged in the terminal exposure space to surround the terminal portion of the battery cell and one side of the intermediate frame, and the second area being connected to the first area and filling in a space between each battery cell and the supporting hole.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The potting portion is disposed such that the second region surrounds at least a portion of a gap space between the supporting hole and the battery cell.

3. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The first region and the second region of the potting portion are formed integrally.

4. The battery module according to claim 1, further comprising: a bus bar electrically connected to the terminal portion of the battery cell in the terminal exposure space, The potting portion is configured to surround the bus bar and the terminal portion of the battery cell in the terminal exposure space.

5. The battery module according to claim 4, wherein: The terminal portion includes a positive terminal and a negative terminal, The positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal are electrically connected to a positive electrode bus bar and a negative electrode bus bar, respectively, in the terminal exposure space.

6. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The first region and the second region of the potting portion are formed by applying a waterproof adhesive to the terminal exposure space and curing the waterproof adhesive.

7. The battery module according to claim 6, wherein: The waterproof adhesive is obtained by mixing an epoxy-based main agent having a first viscosity and a curing agent having a second viscosity different from the first viscosity.

8. The battery module according to claim 6, wherein: The waterproof adhesive has a viscosity in a range of 25,000 cp to 30,000 cp.

9. The battery module according to claim 4, wherein: Each battery cell has a vent portion disposed in an opposite direction of the terminal portion connected to the bus bar, and The seating portion of the housing includes a seating groove that accommodates the vent portion of the battery cell.

10. The battery module according to claim 9, further comprising: An adhesive portion is used to attach the vent portion of the battery cell to the seating groove.

11. The battery module according to claim 9, wherein: The housing has a bottom provided with a plurality of the placement grooves, and The housing has a plurality of exhaust grooves on an outer side of the bottom, the outer side of the bottom being an opposite side of the seating groove.

12. The battery module according to claim 11, wherein: Each of the exhaust grooves is arranged so that its center is coaxially located with the center of each of the seating grooves.

13. The battery module according to claim 11, wherein: The housing has a seating rib disposed between the seating groove and the exhaust groove, wherein a thickness of the seating rib is smaller than a thickness of the bottom of the housing.

14. The battery module according to claim 13, further comprising: A lower frame is connected to the housing to surround the exhaust groove.

15. The battery module according to claim 14, wherein: The flame discharged through the exhaust portion of the battery cell moves to a space between the exhaust groove and the lower frame.

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