Battery module

Abstract

The invention provides a battery module. The battery module secures cooling performance of the battery cells by cooling upper and lower portions of the battery cells, and also secures assemblability of the battery cells by upper and lower side cooling structures. Further, the battery module includes: a lower frame joined to lower sides of the side plates and the cover plate to form one support structure, and having a lower heat transfer member; and an upper frame joined to upper sides of the side plates and the cover plate to form another support structure, and having an upper heat transfer member to secure stability of the battery cells by supporting an expansion force generated by expansion of the battery cells.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module mounted on a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Generally, a battery module is constructed by stacking a plurality of battery cells, and is constructed by assembling various components for promoting cooling while ensuring the structural stability of the stacked battery cells and preparing for the expansion of the battery cells. The battery module has a predetermined size, and thus its output voltage is determined to be constant.

[0003] In other words, due to the need for high output and high capacity, the battery module has been modulated by electrically connecting a plurality of battery cells. An electric vehicle includes a battery pack in which a plurality of battery modules are accommodated to obtain high electric energy.

[0004] In order to construct a high-capacity and large-area battery pack or battery module, the number of battery cells can also be increased. Therefore, it is desirable to improve the assembly efficiency and reduce the weight of the battery module by simplifying the structure of the battery module.

[0005] In addition, the electrode assembly of the battery cell generates heat when undergoing a charge and discharge process. The problem is that when the internal temperature of the battery module increases due to heat generation, the electrical performance of the battery module decreases or the battery module catches fire.

[0006] In particular, if many battery modules or battery cells are installed in the battery pack, the problem is that the flame generated by the fire of any one battery module can be transferred or spread to another nearby battery module or other battery cells, and thus a series of fires or explosions will occur.

[0007] Conventionally, in order to cool the battery cells, a cooling channel is constructed on the lower side of the battery pack to cool the battery cells. However, if the battery cells are only cooled at the bottom of the battery cells, the temperature management efficiency of the battery cells is low due to the temperature deviation between the top and bottom of the battery cells.

[0008] In addition, conventionally, in order to simplify the structure of the battery pack, a cover is provided on the top of the battery pack. In this case, it is limited to ensure both the cooling performance and the structural stiffness of the battery pack.

[0009] Matters explained as the background art are for enhancing the understanding of the background of the present invention, and should not be regarded as admitting that they correspond to the prior art known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The present invention aims to provide a battery module that ensures the cooling performance of battery cells by cooling the upper and lower portions of the battery cells and also guarantees the assemblability of the battery cells according to the upper and lower side cooling structures. In addition, the battery module ensures the stability of the battery cells by supporting the expansion force generated by the expansion of the battery cells. In other words, the battery module contributes to maintaining the stability of the battery cells by providing support against the expansion force caused by the expansion of the battery cells.

[0011] In an embodiment of the present invention, the battery module includes: side plates between which a plurality of battery cells are pressed and stacked; and cover plates, each of which includes a sensing plate electrically connected to the battery cells. The battery module further includes a lower frame that is joined to the lower sides of the side plates and the cover plates to form a support structure. In particular, the lower frame includes a lower heat transfer member that exchanges heat with a lower cooling channel. The battery module also includes an upper frame that is joined to the upper sides of the side plates and the cover plates to form a support structure. The upper frame includes an upper heat transfer member that exchanges heat with an upper cooling channel.

[0012] According to the assembly connection method, the cover plate is connected to the sensing plate by any one of a push-lock method, a snap-fit method, and a Velcro method.

[0013] In one embodiment, a lower bending portion is formed in the lower frame, and the lower bending portion bends upward to contact the side plate. A fastening member passes through the lower bending portion and the side plate and is fastened laterally to the lower bending portion and the side plate.

[0014] In one embodiment, a lower flange portion is formed in the lower frame and extends to surround a part of the lower side of the cover plate. A fastening member passes through the lower flange portion and the sensing plate from the lower side to the upper side and is fastened to the lower flange portion and the sensing plate.

[0015] In one embodiment, the battery module further includes a support plate disposed outside the cover plate. The support plate is formed to surround a part of the upper side of the cover plate and is connected to the lower flange portion.

[0016] In one embodiment, a through portion is formed in the support plate to match a bracket portion provided in the cover plate, such that the bracket portion passes through the through portion.

[0017] In one embodiment, a connection end is formed in the upper frame. In particular, the connection end can extend to the upper side of the cover plate and is connected to the top of the support plate.

[0018] In one embodiment, an upper bending portion is formed in the upper frame, and the upper bending portion bends downward to contact the side plate. A fastening member passes through the upper bending portion and the side plate and is fastened laterally to the upper bending portion and the side plate.

[0019] In one embodiment, a locking protrusion is formed in the side plate. An accommodation groove is formed in the upper bending portion of the upper frame, and the locking protrusion is inserted into the accommodation groove and the accommodation groove is seated on the locking protrusion.

[0020] The battery module is constructed in the following assembly sequence: a cover plate including a sensing plate is assembled in a state where a plurality of battery cells have been stacked between the side plates, the lower frame is fastened to the side plates and the sensing plate, the support plate is fastened to the sensing plate and the lower frame, and the upper frame is fastened to the support plate and the side plates.

[0021] In one embodiment, a lower reinforcing portion is formed in the lower frame, and the lower reinforcing portion extends in a direction in which a plurality of battery cells have been stacked to intersect with the lower frame.

[0022] In one embodiment, a lower concave portion matching the lower reinforcing portion is formed in the lower heat transfer member, such that the lower reinforcing portion is seated in the lower concave portion.

[0023] In one embodiment, the lower heat transfer member has an upper surface in contact with the battery cells and a lower surface in contact with the lower cooling channel, and the lower heat transfer member is constructed by using a material having high thermal conductivity.

[0024] In one embodiment, a thermal conductive material is applied or a thermal conductive pad is provided between the lower heat transfer member and the lower cooling channel or between the lower heat transfer member and the battery cells.

[0025] In one embodiment, an upper reinforcing portion is formed in the upper frame, and the upper reinforcing portion extends in a direction in which a plurality of battery cells have been stacked to intersect with the upper frame.

[0026] In one embodiment, an upper concave portion matching the upper reinforcing portion is formed in the upper heat transfer member, such that the upper reinforcing portion is seated in the upper concave portion.

[0027] In one embodiment, the upper heat transfer member has a lower surface in contact with the battery cells and an upper surface in contact with the upper cooling channel, and the upper heat transfer member is constructed by using a material having high thermal conductivity.

[0028] In one embodiment, a thermal conductive material is applied or a thermal conductive pad is provided between the upper heat transfer member and the upper cooling channel or between the upper heat transfer member and the battery cells.

[0029] The battery module having the above structure ensures the cooling performance of the battery cells, ensures the assemblability of the battery cells according to the upper and lower side cooling structures, and supports the expansion force generated by the expansion of the battery cells through the cooling of the upper and lower portions of the battery cells, thereby ensuring the stability of the battery cells. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] The above and other objects, features, and other advantages of the present invention will be clearly understood from the following detailed description presented in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0031] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of the battery module shown;

[0033] Figure 3 is Figure 2 an enlarged schematic diagram of part "A" in the battery module shown;

[0034] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing Figure 1 the battery cells and side plates of the battery module shown;

[0035] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing Figure 1 the assembly of the cover plate of the battery module shown;

[0036] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing Figure 1 the assembly of the cover plate and the sensing plate of the battery module shown;

[0037] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing Figure 1 the assembly of the lower frame of the battery module shown;

[0038] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing Figure 1 the assembly of the lower frame and the side plate of the battery module shown;

[0039] Figure 9 is a perspective view showing Figure 1 the assembly of the support plate of the battery module shown;

[0040] Figure 10 is a perspective view showing Figure 1 the upper frame of the battery module shown;

[0041] Figure 11 is a perspective view showing Figure 1 the assembly of the upper frame of the battery module shown; and

[0042] Figure 12 is a perspective view showing Figure 1 the assembly of the upper frame, the support frame, and the side plate of the battery module shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0043] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same or similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals regardless of the reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0044] The component suffixes "module" and "unit" used in the following description are provided or used interchangeably for convenience in preparing the specification, and do not have different meanings or functions in themselves.

[0045] When describing the embodiments, when it is determined that a detailed description of related known technologies may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in the present invention, the detailed description thereof is omitted. In addition, the drawings are only used to easily understand the embodiments disclosed in the present invention. It should be understood that the technical spirit disclosed in the present invention is not limited by the drawings, and should include all modifications, equivalent means or substitutions included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0046] Terms including ordinals such as first or second may be used to describe various components, but these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0047] When the first component is described as "connected" or "joined" to the second component, it should be understood that the first component may be directly connected or joined to the second component, or a third component may exist therebetween. On the other hand, when the first component is described as "directly connected" or "directly joined" to the second component, it should be understood that no third component exists therebetween.

[0048] Unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, singular expressions include plural expressions. When a component, device, element, etc. of the present invention is described as having a purpose or performing an operation, function, etc., the component, device or element should be regarded herein as "configured to" meet the purpose or perform the operation or function.

[0049] In the present invention, it should be understood that terms such as "including" or "having" are intended to specify the presence of the features, numerical values, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof described in the specification, but do not exclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numerical values, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

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

[0051] As Figures 1 to 12As shown, the battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: side plates 200, between which a plurality of battery cells 100 are pressed and stacked; and cover plates 300, each cover plate 300 including a sensing plate 310 electrically connected to the battery cell 100. The battery module further includes a lower frame 400, which forms a support structure by being joined to the lower sides of the side plates 200 and the cover plates 300, and the lower frame 400 is provided with a lower heat transfer member 410 that exchanges heat with the lower cooling channel C1. The battery module further includes: an upper frame 500, which forms a support structure by being joined to the upper sides of the side plates 200 and the cover plates 300. In particular, the upper frame 500 is provided with an upper heat transfer member 510 that exchanges heat with the upper cooling channel C2.

[0052] The battery module has a plurality of battery cells 100 constructed therein that can be charged and discharged, and stores or releases electrical energy. The battery cell 100 can be constructed as a secondary cell, such as a lithium-ion cell or a nickel-metal hydride cell.

[0053] The battery cells 100 are protected by the side plates 200, the cover plates 300, the lower plate, and the upper plate, and form a battery pack. The lower plate and the upper plate mask the upper and lower portions of the battery pack, and the lower plate and the upper plate are not shown in the drawings.

[0054] The side plates 200 are constructed as a pair, and the pair of side plates 200 are provided on both sides in the stacking direction of the plurality of battery cells 100. The side plates 200 provide an applied pressure in the stacking direction of the battery cells 100, thereby suppressing the expansion of the battery cells 100.

[0055] The cover plates 300 are constructed as a pair, and the pair of cover plates 300 are provided in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the battery cells 100 have been stacked. The sensing plate 310 electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells 100 is provided within the cover plate 300. The sensing plate 310 can include a temperature sensor or a voltage sensor.

[0056] Therefore, the plurality of battery cells 100 and the sensing plate 310 form a structure in which the battery cells 100 and the sensing plate 310 are protected by the side plates 200 and the cover plates 300.

[0057] In an embodiment of the present invention, the lower frame 400 is provided below the battery cells 100. The upper frame 500 is provided above the battery cells 100.

[0058] The lower frame 400 includes a lower heat transfer member 410, which is joined to the lower sides of the side plates 200 and the cover plate 300 and contacts the lower part of the battery cell 100. The lower frame 400 can be constructed by using a material with high strength and can be manufactured as a high-strength steel plate. Therefore, the lower frame 400 has a strong support structure relative to the side plates 200 and the cover plate 300, thus ensuring the surface pressure maintaining performance of the battery cell 100.

[0059] The lower heat transfer member 410 can be constructed by using a material with high heat conductivity and can be made of, for example, aluminum.

[0060] In addition, the lower heat transfer member 410 contacts the lower cooling channel C1, so that the cooling fluid flowing into the lower cooling channel C1 exchanges heat with the battery cell 100 through the lower heat transfer member 410 as a medium.

[0061] In other words, the lower heat transfer member 410 has an upper surface contacting the battery cell 100 and a lower surface contacting the lower cooling channel C1, and is constructed by using a material with high heat conductivity, so that the heat exchange efficiency between the lower part of the battery cell 100 and the cooling fluid can be ensured.

[0062] In this case, a heat conduction material or a heat conduction pad can be applied between the lower heat transfer member 410 and the lower cooling channel C1 or between the lower heat transfer member 410 and the battery cell 100.

[0063] For example, the heat conduction material or the heat conduction pad can be a thermal interface material (TIM). Since TIM is applied between the lower heat transfer member 410 and the lower cooling channel C1 and between the lower heat transfer member 410 and the battery cell 100, the heat exchange efficiency can be further improved.

[0064] The upper frame 500 includes an upper heat transfer member 510, which is joined to the upper sides of the side plates 200 and the cover plate 300 and contacts the upper part of the battery cell 100. The upper frame 500 can be constructed by using a material with high strength and can be manufactured as a high-strength steel plate. Therefore, the upper frame 500 forms a strong support structure relative to the side plates 200 and the cover plate 300, thus ensuring the surface pressure maintaining performance of the battery cell 100.

[0065] The upper heat transfer member 510 can be constructed by using a material with high heat conductivity and can be made of, for example, aluminum.

[0066] In addition, the upper heat transfer member 510 contacts the upper cooling channel C2, so that the cooling fluid flowing into the upper cooling channel C2 exchanges heat with the battery cell 100 through the upper heat transfer member 510 as a medium.

[0067] In other words, the upper heat transfer member 510 includes a lower surface in contact with the battery cell 100 and an upper surface in contact with the upper cooling channel C2. The upper heat transfer member 510 is constructed using a material having high thermal conductivity, so that the heat exchange efficiency between the upper part of the battery cell 100 and the cooling fluid can be ensured.

[0068] In this case, a thermal conductive material or a thermal conductive pad can be applied between the upper heat transfer member 510 and the upper cooling channel C2 or between the upper heat transfer member 510 and the battery cell 100.

[0069] As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the cooling performance of the battery cell 100 is ensured by cooling the upper and lower parts of the battery cell 100, and the stability of the battery cell 100 is ensured because the expansion force generated by the expansion of the battery cell 100 is supported.

[0070] The above embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described. According to the assembly connection method, the cover plate 300 can be connected to the sensing plate 310 by using any one of the push latch method, the snap-fit assembly method, and the Velcro method.

[0071] In the embodiment of the present invention, as Figure 6 shown, it is assumed that the cover plate 300 is connected and fixed to the sensing plate 310 by using the snap-fit assembly method.

[0072] Since the cover plate 300 is connected to the sensing plate 310 by the assembly connection method having a simple assembly structure as described above, the connection convenience between the cover plate 300 and the sensing plate 310 is improved. In particular, since the cover plate 300 is sufficiently fixed to the sensing plate 310 by the lower frame 400, the upper frame 500, and the support plate 600 to be described later in a state where the cover plate 300 has been temporarily fixed to the sensing plate 310 by the assembly connection method, a strong connection structure for the battery cell can be ensured while ensuring the assemblability of the battery cell.

[0073] A lower bending portion 420 is formed in the lower frame 400. The lower bending portion 420 is bent upward and formed such that the lower bending portion 420 contacts the side plate 200. The fastening member B can pass through the lower bending portion 420 and the side plate 200 and be fastened laterally to the lower bending portion 420 and the side plate 200.

[0074] As Figure 7 and Figure 8 shown, the lower bending portion 420 is formed in the lower frame 400. The lower bending portion 420 is bent upward and formed to contact the bottom of the side plate 200 at the edge of the lower frame 400.

[0075] The lower bending portions 420 may be formed as a pair such that the pair of lower bending portions 420 are respectively in contact with the side plates 200 on both sides of the lower frame 400.

[0076] Accordingly, the lower frame 400 forms a support structure for the side plates 200 that press the plurality of battery cells 100, and can support the force that expands when the battery cells 100 expand.

[0077] In addition, the lower bending portions 420 of the lower frame 400 are joined to the side plates 200. Since the fastening member B passes through the lower bending portions 420 and the side plates 200 and is laterally fastened to the lower bending portions 420 and the side plates 200, the fastening member B can form a firm support structure even under the action of a force related to the fastening direction of the fastening member B.

[0078] A lower flange portion 430 extending to surround a part of the lower portion of the cover plate 300 is formed in the lower frame 400. The fastening member B can pass through the lower flange portion 430 and the sensing plate 310 from the lower side to the upper side and be fastened to the lower flange portion 430 and the sensing plate 310.

[0079] As Figure 7 and Figure 8 shown, the lower flange portion 430 is formed in the lower frame 400. The lower flange portion 430 is bent upward and formed such that the lower flange portion 430 contacts the bottom of the cover plate 300 at the edge of the lower frame 400.

[0080] The lower flange portions 430 may be formed as a pair such that the pair of lower flange portions 430 are respectively in contact with the cover plates 300 on both sides of the lower frame 400.

[0081] Accordingly, the position of the cover plate 300 fixed to the sensing plate 310 is fixed because a part of the lower side of the cover plate 300 is surrounded by the lower flange portion 430 of the lower frame 400. Since the lower flange portion 430 supports the cover plate 300, the cover plate 300 can support the force that expands when the battery cells 100 expand.

[0082] In addition, the lower flange portion 430 is joined to the sensing plate 310, and the fastening member B passes through the lower flange portion 430 and the sensing plate 310 from the lower side to the upper side and is fastened to the lower flange portion 430 and the sensing plate 310. Accordingly, since the lower frame 400 is fastened to the fastening member B in the direction in which the sensing plate 310 is supported when the fastening member B is fastened, a firm support structure for the sensing plate 310 can be formed.

[0083] As Figure 9 and Figure 11 shown, a support plate 600 may be further provided outside the cover plate 300.

[0084] The support plate 600 is formed to surround a part of the upper side of the cover plate 300 and is connected to the lower flange portion 430. The support plate 600 can be constructed by using a material with high strength.

[0085] In other words, since the support plate 600 is formed to surround a part of the upper side of the cover plate 300 (leaving the lower frame 400 after being surrounded by the lower flange portion 430), the cover plate 300 is protected by being shielded by the lower frame 400 and the support plate 600.

[0086] The support plate 600 can be connected to the lower flange portion 430 of the lower frame 400. For this purpose, the bottom of the support plate 600 is bent and extends laterally, and the top of the lower flange portion 430 is also bent and extends laterally in the same manner. In a state where the extending portions of the support plate 600 and the lower flange portion 430 have been matched with each other, the fastening member B can pass through the support plate 600 and the lower flange portion 430 and be fastened to the support plate 600 and the lower flange portion 430.

[0087] Through the connection structure of the support plate 600 and the lower frame 400, although the surface pressure is increased due to the application of the battery cell 100 with high output, since the supporting force is ensured from the upper part to the lower part of the battery cell 100, the surface pressure can be stably controlled.

[0088] In this case, a through portion 610 can be formed in the support plate 600 to match with the bracket portion 311 provided in the cover plate 300, and the bracket portion 311 passes through the through portion 610.

[0089] In other words, the bracket portion 311 to be fixed to the vehicle body is provided in the cover plate 300. Since the cover plate 300 is provided inside the support plate 600, the through portion 610 can be formed in the support plate 600 so that the bracket portion 311 can be exposed to the outside.

[0090] The number of the through portions 610 is the same as the number of the bracket portions 311. The through portions 610 are formed to match with the bracket portions 311 at the same positions. Since the bracket portions 311 of the cover plate 300 are inserted into the through portions 610 and form the support structure of the support plate 600, the position of the support plate 600 relative to the cover plate 300 can be stable.

[0091] In another embodiment, a connection end 520 can be formed in the upper frame 500. Specifically, the connection end 520 extends to the upper side of the cover plate 300 and is connected to the top of the support plate 600.

[0092] As Figure 10 and Figure 11 shown, the connection end 520 to be connected to the support plate 600 is formed in the upper frame 500.

[0093] The connection end 520 extends from the edge of the upper frame 500 to the upper side of the cover plate 300 and matches the top of the support plate 600. Since the fastening member B passes through the connection end 520 and the support plate 600 and is fastened to the connection end 520 and the support plate 600, the upper frame 500 and the support plate 600 are interconnected.

[0094] In this case, the fastening member B can pass through the connection end 520 and the support plate 600 from the upper side to the lower side and be fastened to the connection end 520 and the support plate 600.

[0095] Accordingly, since the upper frame 500 is connected to the top of the support plate 600 and the lower frame 400 is connected to the bottom of the support plate 600, the support plate 600 can form an upper and lower firm joint structure through the upper frame 500 and the lower frame 400.

[0096] As Figure 12 shown, an upper bending portion 530 that bends downward is formed in the upper frame 500, such that the upper bending portion 530 contacts the side plate 200. The fastening member B can pass through the upper bending portion 530 and the side plate 200 and be fastened horizontally to the upper bending portion 530 and the side plate 200.

[0097] The upper bending portion 530 is formed in the upper frame 500. The upper bending portion 530 is formed to bend downward such that the upper bending portion 530 contacts the top of the side plate 200 at the edge of the upper frame 500.

[0098] The upper bending portion 530 can be formed as a pair, such that the pair of upper bending portions 530 respectively contact the side plates 200 on both sides of the upper frame 500.

[0099] Therefore, the upper frame 500 forms a support structure for the side plates 200 that press on the plurality of battery cells 100. The upper frame 500 can support the force that expands when the battery cells 100 expand, that is, provide support against the expansion force caused by the expansion of the battery cells.

[0100] In addition, the upper bending portion 530 of the upper frame 500 is joined to the side plate 200. The fastening member B passes through the upper bending portion 530 and the side plate 200 and is fastened horizontally to the upper bending portion 530 and the side plate 200. Therefore, since a force is applied in the fastening direction of the fastening member B, the fastening member B forms a firm support structure.

[0101] From Figure 7 it can be seen that a locking protrusion portion 210 is formed in the side plate 200. A placement groove portion 540 can be formed in the upper bending portion 530 of the upper frame 500, and the locking protrusion portion 210 is inserted into the placement groove portion 540 and the placement groove portion 540 is placed on the locking protrusion portion 210.

[0102] That is to say, the upper frame 500 and the side plate 200 together form an inter-insertion structure. Since the placement groove portion 540 and the locking protrusion portion 210 match each other, the upper frame 500 and the side plate 200 form a temporary fixing structure. Therefore, the subsequent fastening work between the upper bending portion 530 and the side plate 200 and between the connection end 520 and the support plate 600 by the fastening member B is easy.

[0103] As Figure 7 shown, a lower reinforcing portion 440 may be formed in the lower frame 400. The lower reinforcing portion 440 extends in the direction in which the battery cells 100 have been stacked to intersect with the lower frame 400.

[0104] As described above, the lower reinforcing portion 440 is formed in the lower frame 400. The lower reinforcing portion 440 extends linearly in the same direction as the direction in which the battery cells 100 have been stacked.

[0105] Since the rigidity of the vehicle body of the lower frame 400 is improved by the lower reinforcing portion 440 and the supporting force in the direction in which the battery cells 100 have been stacked is strengthened by the lower reinforcing portion 440, the expansion suppression performance of the battery cells 100 is improved.

[0106] In this case, a lower concave portion 411 that matches the lower reinforcing portion 440 is formed in the lower heat transfer member 410 so that the lower reinforcing portion 440 is firmly placed in the lower concave portion 411.

[0107] Accordingly, since the lower reinforcing portion 440 is inserted and placed in the lower concave portion 411, the lower heat transfer member 410 can be pre-assembled with the lower frame 400. That is to say, by the matching of the lower reinforcing portion 440 and the lower concave portion 411, the lower heat transfer member 410 is set at an appropriate position (regular position) inside the lower frame 400, and the assembled state of the lower heat transfer member 410 and the lower frame 400 is maintained. Therefore, the lower heat transfer member 410 can be set below the battery cells 100 only through the process of assembling the lower frame 400 with the side plate 200 and the cover plate 300.

[0108] An upper reinforcing portion 550 may be formed in the upper frame 500. The upper reinforcing portion 550 extends in the direction in which the battery cells 100 have been stacked to intersect with the upper frame 500.

[0109] As described above, the upper reinforcing portion 550 is formed in the upper frame 500. The upper reinforcing portion 550 extends linearly in the same direction as the direction in which the battery cells 100 have been stacked.

[0110] Since the stiffness of the vehicle body of the upper frame 500 is increased by the upper reinforcing portion 550, and the supporting force in the direction in which the battery cells 100 are stacked is strengthened by the upper reinforcing portion 550, the expansion suppression performance of the battery cells 100 is improved.

[0111] In this case, an upper concave portion 511 that matches the upper reinforcing portion 550 is formed in the upper heat transfer member 510, such that the upper reinforcing portion 550 is firmly seated in the upper concave portion 511.

[0112] Accordingly, since the upper reinforcing portion 550 is inserted and seated in the upper concave portion 511, the upper heat transfer member 510 can be pre-assembled with the upper frame 500. That is, by the matching of the upper reinforcing portion 550 and the upper concave portion 511, the upper heat transfer member 510 is disposed at an appropriate position inside the upper frame 500, and the assembled state of the upper heat transfer member 510 and the upper frame 500 is maintained. Therefore, the upper heat transfer member 510 can be disposed above the battery cells 100 only by the process of assembling the upper frame 500 with the side plates 200 and the cover plate 300.

[0113] The battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention ensures the cooling performance of the battery cells 100 by cooling the upper and lower portions of the battery cells 100, and ensures the stability of the battery cells 100 by supporting the expansion force generated by the expansion of the battery cells 100.

[0114] In particular, the battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention can cool the upper and lower surfaces of the battery cells 100 and ensure the assemblability of the battery cells 100 in the structure in which the battery cells 100 are pressurized and stacked.

[0115] The assembly process of the battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention is as follows.

[0116] As Figure 4 shown, the battery cells 100 are stacked between the side plates 200, and the battery cells 100 are pressurized by the side plates 200.

[0117] Thereafter, as Figure 5 shown, the sensing plate 310 is electrically connected to the battery, and the cover plate 300 is assembled with the sensing plate 310 into a snap-fit structure.

[0118] In this case, as Figure 7 shown, the lower frame 400 is matched with the lower sides of the side plates 200 and the cover plate 300 surrounding the battery cells 100. The side plates 200 and the sensing plate 310 are fastened to the lower frame 400. In this case, when the side plates 200 and the lower frame 400 are fastened, the fastening member B is fastened horizontally, and when the sensing plate 310 and the lower frame 400 are fastened, the fastening member B is fastened vertically.

[0119] Thereafter, as Figure 9 shown, the support plate 600 is assembled. When the support plate 600 is fastened to the sensing plate 310 and the lower frame 400, the position of the support plate 600 is fixed.

[0120] In this case, as Figure 11 shown, the upper frame 500 matches the side plate 200 surrounding the battery cell 100 and the upper side of the support plate 600. The upper frame 500 is fastened to the sensing plate 310 and the side plate 200. In this case, when the side plate 200 and the upper frame 500 are fastened, the fastening member B is fastened horizontally, and when the sensing plate 310, the cover plate 300, and the upper frame 500 are fastened, the fastening member B is fastened vertically.

[0121] Therefore, finally, the battery module can be constructed as Figure 1 shown.

[0122] As described above, in the embodiment of the present invention, both the upper and lower portions of the battery cell 100 can be cooled by the upper heat transfer member 510 provided in the upper frame 500 and the lower heat transfer member 410 provided in the lower frame 400.

[0123] In particular, the lower frame 400 and the upper frame 500 are separately constructed and have an assembled structure in which the lower frame 400 and the upper frame 500 are interconnected. Therefore, the upper and lower cooling structures can be applied to the battery cell 100, and the assemblability and structural strength of the battery cell 100 are ensured.

[0124] Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes can be made to the present invention without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention provided by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A battery module, comprising: Side plates, between which a plurality of battery cells are pressurized and stacked; cover plates, each cover plate including a plurality of sensing plates electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of battery cells; a lower frame joined to the side panels and the underside of the cover panel to form a support structure and including a lower heat transfer member for heat exchange with the lower cooling channel; as well as An upper frame is joined to upper sides of the side plates and the cover plate to form another supporting structure and includes an upper heat transfer member that exchanges heat with the upper cooling channel.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: According to the assembly connection method, the cover plates are respectively connected to the sensing plates by at least one of a push-lock method, a snap-fit ​​method or a Velcro method.

3. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: A lower bent portion is formed in the lower frame, the lower bent portion being bent upward to contact a corresponding one of the side plates, The fastening members are laterally fastened to the lower bent portion and the corresponding side panel.

4. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: A lower flange portion extending to surround a portion of the lower side of the cover plate is formed in the lower frame, The fastening member passes through the lower flange portion and the sensing plate from a lower side to an upper side to be fastened to the lower flange portion and the sensing plate.

5. The battery module according to claim 4, further comprising a support plate disposed on the outer side of the cover plate, in, The support plate is formed as a portion of an upper side surrounding the cover plate, and is connected to the lower flange portion by means of a fastening member.

6. The battery module according to claim 5, wherein: A through portion is formed in the support plate to match with a bracket portion provided in the cover plate, so that the bracket portion passes through the through portion.

7. The battery module according to claim 5, wherein: A connection end is formed in the upper frame, the connection end is configured to extend to an upper side of the cover plate, and the connection end is connected to a top of the support plate.

8. The battery module according to claim 5, wherein: An upper bent portion is formed in the upper frame, the upper bent portion being bent downward to contact a corresponding one of the side plates, The fastening members are laterally fastened to the upper bent portion and the corresponding side panel.

9. The battery module according to claim 8, wherein: A catch protrusion is formed in the corresponding side plate, A seating groove portion is formed in the upper bent portion of the upper frame, into which the catching protrusion is inserted and on which the seating groove portion is seated.

10. The battery module according to claim 5, wherein: The battery module is constructed in the following assembly order: the cover plate including the sensing plate is assembled in a state where a plurality of battery cells have been stacked between the side plates, the lower frame is fastened to the side plates and the sensing plate, the support plate is fastened to the sensing plate and the lower frame, and the upper frame is fastened to the support plate and the side plates.

11. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: A lower reinforcement portion is formed in the lower frame, the lower reinforcement portion extending in a direction in which the plurality of battery cells have been stacked to intersect the lower frame.

12. The battery module according to claim 11, wherein: A lower recess matching the lower reinforcing portion is formed in the lower heat transfer member so that the lower reinforcing portion is seated in the lower recess.

13. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The lower heat transfer member includes an upper surface in contact with the plurality of battery cells and a lower surface in contact with the lower cooling channel; wherein the lower heat transfer member includes a material having high thermal conductivity.

14. The battery module according to claim 13, wherein: A heat conductive material is applied or a heat conductive pad is provided between the lower heat transfer member and the lower cooling channel or between the lower heat transfer member and the plurality of battery cells.

15. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: An upper reinforcement portion is formed in the upper frame, the upper reinforcement portion extending in a direction in which the plurality of battery cells have been stacked to intersect the upper frame.

16. The battery module according to claim 15, wherein: An upper recess matched with the upper reinforcing portion is formed in the upper heat transfer member so that the upper reinforcing portion is seated in the upper recess.

17. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The upper heat transfer member includes a lower surface in contact with the plurality of battery cells and an upper surface in contact with the upper cooling channel; wherein the upper heat transfer member includes a material having high thermal conductivity.

18. The battery module according to claim 17, wherein: A heat conductive material is applied or a heat conductive pad is provided between the upper heat transfer member and the upper cooling channel or between the upper heat transfer member and the plurality of battery cells.

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