Battery module having improved cooling performance and battery pack comprising same

Abstract

A battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; a module case accommodating the battery cell stack; and a first thermally conductive resin layer provided on the top side of the battery cell stack within the module case.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery module and a battery pack including the battery module, and more particularly, to a battery module having improved cooling performance and a battery pack including the battery module. Background Art

[0002] Unlike primary batteries that cannot be recharged, secondary batteries refer to rechargeable batteries and are applied not only to portable devices but also to electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) driven by power sources.

[0003] Types of secondary batteries currently widely used include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, etc. The operating voltage of such a single secondary battery cell (i.e., a single cell) is about 2.5V to 4.6V. Therefore, when a higher output voltage is required, a battery pack can be formed by connecting a plurality of battery cells in series. In addition, according to the charge / discharge capacity required for the battery pack, a battery pack can be formed by connecting a plurality of battery cells in parallel. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in the battery pack can be set in various ways according to the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0004] When configuring a battery pack by connecting a plurality of battery cells in series or in parallel, generally, a battery module including at least one battery cell (preferably, a plurality of battery cells) is first configured, and then the battery pack is configured by using at least one such battery module and adding other components. Here, a battery module refers to a component in which a plurality of battery cells are connected in series or in parallel, and a battery pack refers to a component in which a plurality of battery modules are connected in series or in parallel to increase the capacity and output.

[0005] The battery module constituting such a battery pack generates heat during charge and discharge, and thus, cooling of the battery module is necessary.

[0006] The background description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the present disclosure. Unless otherwise specified herein, the materials described in this section are not prior art to the claims in this application and are not admitted to be prior art or suggestions of prior art by being included in this section. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Technical Problem

[0008] The present disclosure provides a battery module having improved cooling performance and a battery pack including the battery module.

[0009] Technical Solution

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a battery module includes: a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; a module housing that houses the battery cell stack; and a first thermally conductive resin layer located on the top side of the battery cell stack within the module housing.

[0011] The module housing includes a bottom plate and a top plate spaced upward from the bottom plate.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery module further includes two block pads located on the bottom side of the top plate and spaced apart from each other.

[0013] The first thermally conductive resin layer is located between the two block pads.

[0014] The top plate includes one or more injection holes configured to inject a thermally conductive resin.

[0015] The block pads are compressible.

[0016] The block pads may be foam pads.

[0017] Two end portions of the block pads are respectively located at two side edges of the top plate.

[0018] The battery module further includes a film located between the top plate and the block pads.

[0019] One or more welding sections and one or more non-welding sections are provided along the length direction at the edge of the top plate.

[0020] The end portions of the block pads are located in the non-welding sections of the top plate.

[0021] The non-welding sections are located between the welding sections.

[0022] One or more welding sections and one or more non-welding sections are provided along the length direction at each of the two side edges of the top plate, and two end portions of the block pads are respectively located in the non-welding sections of the top plate.

[0023] The module housing includes a top plate assembly, and the top plate assembly includes: a top plate located on the top side of the battery cell stack, and two block pads located on the bottom side of the top plate and spaced apart from each other.

[0024] The battery module further includes a second thermally conductive resin layer located on the bottom side of the battery cell stack inside the module housing.

[0025] The module housing includes a bottom plate and a top plate spaced upward from the bottom plate, and the second thermally conductive resin layer is located on the bottom plate.

[0026] The battery module further includes: a bus bar frame located on one side of the battery cell stack; and an insulating cover located outside the bus bar frame.

[0027] Beneficial effects

[0028] According to the present disclosure, a battery module having improved cooling performance and a battery pack including the battery module are provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a battery cell in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a terminal bus bar in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing an insulating cover and an end plate in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 6 is a view showing a U-shaped frame and a battery cell stack in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 7 is a view showing a state in which a top plate is removed from the battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 8 is a bottom view of a top plate assembly in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 9 is Figure 8 a detailed view of a part of the top plate assembly shown in

[0038] Figure 10 is a view showing injection of a thermally conductive resin into the battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 11 is a longitudinal sectional view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 12 is a side view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 13 is a view showing a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0042] Figure 14 is a perspective view of a vehicle equipped with a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Advantages and features of the present disclosure and methods of implementing the present disclosure will become apparent by referring to the embodiments described in detail below and the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments to be described below, but can be implemented in various different modes. These embodiments are provided only to ensure a complete disclosure of the present disclosure and to fully inform those of ordinary skill in the art of the scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is defined only by the claims. Therefore, in some embodiments, well-known process steps, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals denote the same components.

[0044] In the drawings, for clarity, the thickness of layers and regions may be exaggerated. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals are used to denote similar elements. When a part such as a layer, film, region, or plate is described as being "above" another component, this includes not only the case where the part is directly above the other part, but also the case where there is another part therebetween. Conversely, when a part is described as being "directly" above another part, this means that there are no other parts therebetween. Similarly, when a part such as a layer, film, region, or plate is described as being "below" another component, this includes not only the case where the part is "directly" below the other part, but also the case where there is another part therebetween. Conversely, when a part is described as being "directly" below another part, this means that there are no other parts therebetween.

[0045] The battery module 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a battery module according to the present disclosure. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to the present disclosure. Figure 3 is a perspective view of a battery cell in the present disclosure. Figure 4 is a perspective view of a terminal bus bar in the present disclosure. Figure 5 is a perspective view showing an insulating cover and an end plate in the present disclosure. Figure 6 is a view showing a U-shaped frame and a stack of battery cells in an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 is a view showing a state in which a top plate is removed from a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 is a bottom view of a top plate assembly in an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 9 is Figure 8 a detailed view of a part of the top plate assembly shown in Figure 10 is a view showing injection of a thermally conductive resin into a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 11 is a longitudinal sectional view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 12is a side view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 13 is a diagram showing a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and Figure 14 is a perspective view of a vehicle equipped with a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] The battery module 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a battery cell stack 100 in which a plurality of battery cells 110 are stacked, a module housing 200 configured to accommodate the battery cell stack 100, a bus bar frame 300 located on one surface and / or the other surface of the battery cell stack 100, an insulating cover 500 provided outside the bus bar frame 300, and an end plate 400 provided outside the insulating cover 500.

[0048] The battery cell stack 100 may be formed by stacking a plurality of battery cells 110 in one direction, and the plurality of battery cells 110 may be electrically connected. The direction in which the plurality of battery cells 110 are stacked may be Figure 2 the X-axis direction (or the -X-axis direction) in

[0049] The direction from the front surface to the rear surface of the battery cell stack 100 (or vice versa) may be defined as the length direction of the battery cell stack 100, and the length direction of the battery cell stack 100 may correspond to the Y-axis direction in the figure. In addition, the direction from the top surface to the bottom surface of the battery cell stack 100 (or vice versa) may be defined as the width direction of the battery cell stack 100, and the width direction of the battery cell stack 100 may correspond to the Z-axis direction in the figure.

[0050] The length direction of the battery cell stack 100 may be substantially the same as the length direction of the battery cell 110. The electrode leads 111 and 112 of the battery cell 110 may be located on the front surface and the rear surface of the battery cell stack 100, and the bus bars 310 and 320 of the battery module 1000 may be provided near the front surface and the rear surface of the battery cell stack 100 to facilitate electrical connection with the electrode leads 111 and 112.

[0051] The battery cell 110 may be provided as a pouch-type battery cell, and the number of pouch-type battery cells that can be stacked per unit area may be maximized. However, the battery cell 110 is not necessarily provided as a pouch-type, and may also be provided as a square, cylindrical, or various other types.

[0052] Each battery cell 110 provided in the pouch-type battery cell may include an electrode assembly and a battery cell case 115 that houses the electrode assembly (see Figure 3 ).

[0053] The battery cell housing 115 of the battery cell 110 is used to accommodate the electrode assembly and can be a pouch-type battery cell housing 115. The battery cell housing 115 can include a lower housing and an upper housing covering the lower housing, and the upper housing and the lower housing can be integrally formed. Additionally, as Figure 3 shown, the connecting portion of the upper housing and the lower housing can be bent and folded. As shown in the figure, the upper housing can completely cover the lower housing, and the sealing portion 114 can be formed around the perimeter.

[0054] Both the upper housing and the lower housing can have a laminated structure including an inner coating, a metal layer, and an outer coating. The inner coating is located on the inner side of the battery cell housing 115 relative to the metal layer, and since it is in direct contact with the electrode assembly, it should have insulation and electrolyte resistance. Additionally, for sealing, the heat-sealed area where the inner layer is thermally joined needs to have excellent thermal conduction sealing strength. The metal layer located between the inner coating and the outer coating serves as a barrier layer to prevent moisture or various gases from penetrating into the battery cell from the outside. Preferably, a lightweight and highly formable aluminum (Al) film can be used as the material of the metal layer in contact with the inner coating. The outer coating is located on the outer side of the battery cell housing 115 relative to the metal layer. The outer coating can be made of a heat-resistant polymer with excellent tensile strength, moisture resistance, and airtightness to ensure heat resistance and chemical resistance while protecting the electrode assembly. Examples of such polymers include nylon or polyethylene terephthalate.

[0055] Recesses 116 can be respectively formed in the upper housing and the lower housing, and the electrode assembly can be accommodated in the recesses 116 of the upper housing and the lower housing.

[0056] The electrode assembly accommodated in the battery cell housing 115 can be one selected from the group consisting of such electrode assemblies: a wound-type electrode assembly, where a separator is inserted between a long strip-shaped positive electrode and a negative electrode and then wound; a stacked-type electrode assembly, including unit battery cells, where a rectangular positive electrode and a negative electrode are stacked, and a separator is inserted therebetween; a stacked-folded type electrode assembly, where unit battery cells are wound with a long separator; or a laminated stacked-type electrode assembly, where unit battery cells are laminated, a separator is inserted between the unit battery cells, and the unit battery cells are attached to each other.

[0057] The electrode assembly can also include two electrode tabs and two electrode leads 111 and 112 respectively connected to the electrode tabs via welds.

[0058] One of the two electrode leads 111 and 112 can be a positive electrode lead connected to the positive electrode tab, and the remaining one of the electrode leads 111 and 112 can be a negative electrode lead connected to the negative electrode tab.

[0059] The lead film 113 can be attached to the electrode leads 111 and 112 respectively. The lead film 113 attached to the electrode leads 111 and 112 can be located between the electrode leads 111 and 112 and the battery cell housing 115 to prevent a short circuit between the electrode leads 111 and 112 and the battery cell housing 115 and enhance the seal, thereby preventing electrolyte leakage and the like.

[0060] The two electrode leads 111 and 112 are shown as being respectively disposed on both sides of the electrode assembly, but they can also be disposed only on one side of the electrode assembly according to the arrangement of the electrode tabs.

[0061] The module housing 200 can protect the battery cell stack 100 and associated electrical components from external physical impacts, and the module housing 200 can accommodate the battery cell stack 100 and associated electrical components in the internal space of the module housing 200.

[0062] The structure of the module housing 200 can vary. For example, it can be a single-frame structure. Here, the single frame can be in the form of a metal sheet integrated with the top surface, bottom surface, and opposite side surfaces. The single frame can be manufactured by extrusion molding. As another example, the structure of the module housing 200 can be a structure in which a U-shaped frame 210 is combined with a top plate 201. In the case where the U-shaped frame 210 is combined with the top plate 201, the structure of the module housing 200 can be formed by combining the top plate 201 with the top side of the U-shaped frame 210 (which is a metal plate in which a bottom plate 202 and opposite side surfaces 203 are combined or integrated) (see Figure 6 ), and each frame or plate can be manufactured by pressing. In addition, in addition to the single frame or the U-shaped frame 210, the structure of the module housing 200 can be set to the structure of an L-shaped frame, and can also be set to various structures not described in the above examples.

[0063] The structure of the module housing 200 can be set to an open form along the length direction of the battery cell stack 100. The front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack 100 can not be covered by the module housing 200. The electrode leads 111 and 112 of the battery cell 110 can not be covered by the module housing 200. The front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack 100 can be covered by a bus bar frame 300, end plates 400, or bus bars 310 and 320, which will be described later, and thereby, the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack 100 can be protected from external physical impacts.

[0064] The compression pad 150 can be located between one side surface of the battery cell stack 100 and the inner surface of the module housing 200.

[0065] The compression gasket 150 can be arranged to face the outermost battery cell 110 of the battery cell stack 100 in the X-axis direction within the battery cell stack 100.

[0066] In addition, a thermally conductive resin can be injected into the space between the battery cell stack 100 and the inner surface of the module housing 200, and thermally conductive resin layers 610 and 620 can be formed between one surface of the battery cell stack 100 and one inner surface of the module housing 200 through the injected thermally conductive resin. At this time, the thermally conductive resin layers 610 and 620 can be arranged on the Z-axis of the battery cell stack 100 and are formed between the bottom plate 202 located on the -Z axis of the battery cell stack 100 and the module housing 200. The thermally conductive resin layers 610 and 620 will be described in more detail later.

[0067] The bus bar frame 300 can be located on one surface of the battery cell stack 100 to cover the one surface of the battery cell stack 100 and guide the connection between the battery cell stack 100 and an external device. Specifically, the bus bar frame 300 can be located on the front surface or the rear surface of the battery cell stack 100 as shown in the figure, and can also be located on the top surface, the bottom surface or the side surface. At least one of the bus bars 310 and 320 and the module connector can be mounted on the bus bar frame 300. As Figure 2 shown, one surface of the bus bar frame 300 can be connected to one surface or another surface of the battery cell stack 100, and the other surface of the bus bar frame 300 can be connected to the bus bars 310 and 320.

[0068] The bus bar frame 300 can be made of an electrically insulating material. The bus bar frame 300 can limit the contact between the bus bars 310 and 320 and other parts of the battery cell 110 except for the parts connected to the electrode leads 111 and 112, and can prevent electrical short circuits from occurring.

[0069] The bus bar frame 300 can be located on opposite sides of the battery cell stack 100 respectively.

[0070] The bus bars 310 and 320 can be mounted on one surface of the bus bar frame 300 and can electrically connect the battery cell stack 100 or the battery cell 110 to an external device circuit. A plurality of bus bars 310 and 320 can be provided, and by being provided between the battery cell stack 100 or the bus bar frame 300 and the end plate 400, the plurality of bus bars can be protected from external impacts and the like, and durability degradation caused by external moisture and the like can be minimized.

[0071] The bus bars 310 and 320 can be electrically connected to the battery cell stack 100 via the electrode leads 111 and 112 of the battery cell 110.

[0072] Specifically, the electrode leads 111 and 112 of the battery cell 110 can pass through the lead slits formed in the bus bar frame 300, and then can be bent and connected to the bus bars 310 and 320. The battery cells 110 constituting the battery cell stack 100 can be connected in series or in parallel through the bus bars 310 and 320.

[0073] The bus bars 310 and 320 can include a terminal bus bar 320 for electrically connecting one battery module 100 to another battery module 100. For connection to another battery module 100, at least a part of the terminal bus bar 320 can be exposed to the outside of the end plate 400, and for this purpose, the end plate 400 can be provided with a terminal opening 410.

[0074] The terminal bus bar 320 can have one end (second part 322) exposed through the opening 510 of the insulating cover 500 and the terminal opening 410 of the end plate 400.

[0075] As Figure 4 shown, the terminal bus bar 320 can include a first part 321 connected to the electrode leads 111 and 112 of the battery cell 110 and a second part 322 exposed to the outside through the terminal opening 410. The terminal bus bar 320 can also include a bent portion 323 formed between the first part 321 and the second part 322.

[0076] In the terminal bus bar 320, the first part 321 can be connected to the second part 322 via the bent portion 323, and one surface of the first part 321 and one surface of the second part 322 can be perpendicular to each other. That is, by forming the bent bent portion 323 in the terminal bus bar 320, the second part 322 can protrude and be placed on the placement portion 530 on the insulating cover 500, and the second part 322 can be electrically connected to an intermediate bus bar (not shown). A coupling hole 322a is formed in the second part 322 constituting one end of the terminal bus bar 320, and the second part 322 of the terminal bus bar 320 is fixed by a fixing pin (not shown) inserted into the coupling hole 322a.

[0077] The end plate 400 can cover the open surface of the module housing 200 to protect the battery cell stack 100 and the electrical components connected thereto from external physical impacts. For this purpose, the end plate 400 can be made of a material having a predetermined strength. For example, the end plate 400 can include a metal (such as aluminum) or a plastic material.

[0078] The terminal opening 410 can be formed in the end plate 400. The terminal opening 410 can be provided on both sides of the end plate 400, and a part of the insulating cover 500 and one end (second part 322) of the terminal bus bar 320 can be exposed through the terminal opening 410.

[0079] In addition, the connector opening can be located between the terminal openings 410 on opposite sides of the end plate 400, and the module connector can be exposed to the outside through the connector opening.

[0080] The end plate 400 can be coupled to the module housing 200 while covering the bus bar frame 300 or the bus bars 310 and 320 located on one surface of the battery cell stack 100. Each edge of the end plate 400 can be coupled to the corresponding edge of the module housing 200 by welding, bolting, hook fastening, or other methods.

[0081] The end plates 400 can be located on opposite surfaces of the module housing 200, respectively, to cover opposite surfaces of the battery cell stack 100. In this embodiment, an example in which the end plates 400 are located on the front surface and the rear surface of the module housing 200, respectively, is shown.

[0082] In addition, the insulating cover 500 for electrical insulation can be located between the end plate 400 and the bus bar frame 300. That is, the bus bar frame 300, the insulating cover 500, and the end plate 400 can be sequentially arranged outward from the battery cell stack 100. Similar to the end plate 400, a plurality of bus bar frames 300 and insulating covers 500 can be provided.

[0083] The insulating cover 500 can include an electrical insulating material and can block the contact between the bus bars 310 and 320 and the end plate 400.

[0084] The insulating cover 500 can include an opening 510 and a placement portion 530. The openings 510 can be located on both sides of the upper part of the insulating cover 500, respectively, and one end (the second part 322) of the terminal bus bar 320 can be exposed through the openings 510.

[0085] In addition, the connector opening can be located between the openings 510 on opposite sides of the insulating cover 500, and the module connector can be exposed to the outside through the connector opening.

[0086] The insulating cover 500 can be located on the inner surface of the end plate 400 and can but does not necessarily be in close contact with the inner surface of the end plate 400.

[0087] As described above, one end (the second part 322) of the terminal bus bar 320 can be exposed through the opening 510, and the exposed end (the second part 322) of the terminal bus bar 320 can be placed on the placement portion 530. Therefore, the placement portion 530 can be arranged adjacent to the opening 510 and can be provided on the upper outer surface.

[0088] On the top surface of the placement portion 530, the second portion 322 of the terminal bus bar 320 can be placed, so the top surface of the placement portion 530 can form a placement surface. In addition, as Figure 5 shown, the placement portion 530 can include a fixing member 531 for fixing the terminal bus bar 320.

[0089] The fixing member 531 can fix the second portion 322 of the terminal bus bar 320 and can include fixing holes.

[0090] A fixing pin (not shown) can be inserted into the fixing holes. The second portion 322 of the terminal bus bar 320 can be fixedly coupled to the insulating cover 500 by fixing the fixing pin (not shown) inserted into the coupling holes 322a formed in the second portion 322 of the terminal bus bar 320 to the fixing holes.

[0091] Therefore, the second portion 322 of the terminal bus bar 320 is placed on the placement portion 530 of the insulating cover 500, and the second portion 322 is placed on and in contact with the fixing member 531 provided on the placement portion 530.

[0092] In addition, a terminal cover (not shown) for covering one end (the second portion 322) of the terminal bus bar 320 can be provided on the insulating cover 500.

[0093] Meanwhile, as Figures 6 to 10 shown, the battery module 1000 in this embodiment can include heat-conductive resin layers 610 and 620.

[0094] As Figure 6 shown, in this embodiment, the second heat-conductive resin layer 610 can be provided on the bottom plate 202 of the module housing 200. Therefore, the second heat-conductive resin layer 610 can be provided on the bottom side of the battery cell stack 100 within the module housing 200.

[0095] In this embodiment, the second heat-conductive resin layer 610 can be formed by coating or injecting heat-conductive resin onto the top surface of the bottom plate 202 of the module housing 200 (the top surface of the bottom plate 202 facing the inside of the module 1000). The second heat-conductive resin layer 610 provided between the battery cell stack 100 and the bottom plate 202 of the module housing 200 can be used to transfer heat from the battery cell stack 100 to the bottom plate 202 of the module housing 200, thereby cooling the battery cell stack 100.

[0096] Figure 6 An example of a structure in which the module housing 200 is formed to include a U-shaped frame 210 is shown, but it can also be formed as a single frame.

[0097] In Figure 6In [the above description], the second thermally conductive resin layer 610 is disposed on the bottom plate 202 of the module housing 200, but it may also be disposed on the bottom plate 202 and the side surface 203 of the module housing 200.

[0098] In this embodiment, the thermally conductive resin may have adhesiveness and thermoplasticity, and various thermally conductive adhesives may be used as the thermally conductive resin. For example, the battery module 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may employ various organic and / or inorganic thermally conductive adhesives, such as a thermally conductive epoxy resin adhesive, a thermally conductive silicone resin adhesive, and a thermally conductive polyurethane adhesive.

[0099] As Figure 6 、 Figure 7 、 Figure 11 and Figure 12 shown, in this embodiment, a first thermally conductive resin layer 620 may be disposed on the top side of the battery cell stack 100.

[0100] The first thermally conductive resin layer 620 may be formed by injecting or coating a thermally conductive resin onto the top surface or the top side of the battery cell stack 100. The first thermally conductive resin layer 620 disposed between the battery cell stack 100 and the top plate 201 may be used to transfer heat from the battery cell stack 100 to the top plate 201 of the module housing 200, thereby cooling the battery cell stack 100.

[0101] Specifically, in this embodiment, the thermally conductive resin for forming the first thermally conductive resin layer 620 may be injected through the top plate assembly 220 coupled to the top side of the U-shaped frame 210. Thus, in this embodiment, the module housing 200 may include a U-shaped frame 210 and a top plate assembly 220, as Figure 6 shown.

[0102] As Figure 8 、 Figure 11 and Figure 12 shown, in this embodiment, the top plate assembly 220 may include a top plate 201 coupled to the top side of the U-shaped frame 210, a film 221 disposed on the top plate 201, and a block pad 230 disposed on the film 221.

[0103] The top plate 201 is coupled to the top side of the U-shaped frame 210 and may be coupled to the U-shaped frame 210 by welding. Specifically, both side edges of the top plate 201 may be coupled to the upper ends of the opposite side surfaces 203 of the U-shaped frame 210 by welding, respectively. As an example, the top plate 201 may be coupled to the U-shaped frame 210 by laser welding.

[0104] Each of both side edges of the top plate 201 may include a welding section 201b for performing welding and a non-welding section 201c between the welding sections 201b where welding is not performed along its length.

[0105] Figure 8 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 shows an example in which four welded sections 201b and three non-welded sections 201c are formed on the top plate 201, but the numbers of the welded sections 201b and the non-welded sections 201c can vary.

[0106] In addition, more than one injection hole 201a can be formed in the top plate 201. The injection hole 201a is used for injecting a thermally conductive resin, and the thermally conductive resin can be injected from the outside of the battery module 1000 through these injection holes 201a. Figure 8 shows an example in which four injection holes 201a are formed, but the number of the injection holes 201a can vary.

[0107] In the top plate assembly 220, a film 221 can be attached to the top plate 201, and in the example, the film can be a polycarbonate film. The film 221 can be disposed between the top plate 201 and the battery cell stack 100 to electrically insulate the top plate 201 from the battery cell stack 100.

[0108] As Figure 8 shown, through holes 221a can be formed in the film 221. The through holes 221a can be disposed at positions corresponding to the injection holes 201a in the top plate 201 and can communicate with the injection holes 201a. Therefore, the thermally conductive resin can be injected from the outside into the top side of the battery cell stack 100 through the injection holes 201a and the through holes 221a.

[0109] In the top plate assembly 220, a block pad 230 can be attached to the film 221, and the flow of the thermally conductive resin injected onto the battery cell stack 100 can be restricted.

[0110] In this embodiment, as Figure 8 shown, two block pads 230 spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the top plate 201 (or the longitudinal direction of the battery module 100, i.e., the Y-axis direction) can be disposed on the film 221 in parallel with each other.

[0111] Therefore, the thermally conductive resin injected through the injection holes 201a and the through holes 221a fills the space between the two block pads 230 instead of flowing over the block pads 230 on the battery cell stack 100.

[0112] Each end of the block pad 230 can extend to the edge of the top plate 201. Specifically, in Figure 8 it, the upper end of the block pad 230 can extend to the upper edge of the top plate 201, and the lower end of the block pad 230 can extend to the lower edge of the top plate 201.

[0113] In addition, the end portions of the block gasket 230 may be located in the non-welded section 201c along the edge of the top plate 201. That is, in Figure 8 the upper end portion of the block gasket 230 may be located in the non-welded section 201c at the upper edge of the top plate 201, and the lower end portion of the block gasket 230 may be located in the non-welded section 201c at the lower edge of the top plate 201.

[0114] As described above, at the edge of the top plate 201, the welded section 201b and the non-welded section 201c are arranged in the longitudinal direction. Since the end portions of the block gasket 230 are arranged in the non-welded section 201c, deformation or deterioration of the block gasket 230 during the welding of the top plate 201 can be prevented, and reduction in the function of the block gasket 230 can be prevented.

[0115] The block gasket 230 may be made of a compressible material. Inside the module housing 200, the block gasket 230 may contact and be compressed by the top surface of the battery cell stack 100. Therefore, the block gasket 230 may be in close contact with the top surface of the battery cell stack 100, thereby firmly preventing the flow of the injected thermally conductive resin.

[0116] The block gasket 230 may be a foam gasket, and materials such as polyurethane foam, shock-absorbing memory foam, or rubber gaskets may be used for the block gasket 230.

[0117] Meanwhile, it has been described that in the top plate assembly 220, the film 221 is provided on the top plate 201 and the block gasket 230 is provided on the film 221, but inside the battery module 1000, the film 221 may also be provided on the bottom side of the top plate 201, and the block gasket 230 may be provided on the bottom side of the film 221.

[0118] In this way, the top plate assembly 220 in which the film 221 is attached to the top plate 201 and the block gasket 230 is combined with the film 221 can be assembled and then combined with the U-shaped frame 210 to form the module housing 200.

[0119] Meanwhile, Figure 10 injecting the thermally conductive resin through the top plate 201 of the housing 200 of the battery module 1000 in this embodiment is shown. As shown, in the battery module 1000 according to this embodiment, after the top plate 201 or the top plate assembly 220 is welded to the U-shaped frame 210, the thermally conductive resin may be injected through the four injection holes 201a.

[0120] Once injected through the injection hole 201a, the thermally conductive resin moves through the through-hole 221a in the film 221 attached to the lower side of the top plate 201 to the top surface of the battery cell stack 100. After reaching the top surface of the battery cell stack 100, the thermally conductive resin moves toward the two opposing block pads 230 in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction or -Y-axis direction) of the battery module 1000 and toward the opposing side surfaces 203 of the module housing 200 in the width direction (X-axis direction or -X-axis direction) of the battery module 1000.

[0121] Accordingly, the thermally conductive resin injected through the injection hole 201a in the top plate 201 fills the space defined by the top surface of the battery cell stack 100, the two opposing block pads 230, the side surfaces 203 of the module housing 200, and the top plate 201, and forms a first thermally conductive resin layer 620 on the top side of the battery cell stack 100.

[0122] As described above, in the battery module 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first thermally conductive resin layer 620 is formed on the top side of the battery cell stack 100, and a second thermally conductive resin layer 610 is formed on the bottom side of the battery cell stack 100.

[0123] In this embodiment, the first thermally conductive resin layer 620 and the second thermally conductive resin layer 610 are formed on the top and bottom sides of the battery module 1000, so that heat can be transferred to the top and bottom sides of the battery cell stack 100 and the cooling performance can be improved. Additionally, during fast charging, a higher current is introduced, so that improved cooling performance is required. As described above, in the battery module 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cooling performance is improved, so that the fast charging ability can be improved.

[0124] As described above, one or more battery modules 1000 according to the present disclosure can form a battery pack 2000. As Figure 13 shown, the battery pack 2000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can accommodate at least one battery module 1000 within a battery pack housing 2100 and can include various control and protection systems, for example, a battery management system (BMS) and a cooling system.

[0125] The battery pack housing 2100 can include a lower housing 2110 and an upper housing (not shown) coupled to the top of the lower housing 2110, and a plurality of battery modules 1000 can be accommodated within the internal space of the lower housing 2110 and the upper housing.

[0126] Meanwhile, an embodiment of the present disclosure shows an example in which a plurality of battery modules 1000 are accommodated within the battery pack 2000, but a plurality of battery cells 110 can also be directly disposed within the battery pack 2000.

[0127] The battery module 1000 and the battery pack 2000 configured in this way according to the present disclosure are applicable to various devices. Specifically, the battery module and the battery pack are applicable to, for example, transportation means such as electric bicycles, electric vehicles V, and hybrid vehicles, or an energy storage system (ESS). However, not limited thereto, they are applicable to various devices capable of using secondary batteries.

[0128] Figure 14 FIG. is a view showing an electric vehicle V equipped with the battery pack 2000. In the electric vehicle V, the wheels are driven by a motor powered by the battery pack 2000, enabling the electric vehicle to operate.

[0129] The present disclosure has been described with reference to the embodiments as described above, but is not limited to these embodiments. Various modifications and changes can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0130] Industrial Applicability

[0131] The present disclosure can provide a battery module having improved cooling performance and a battery pack including the battery module.

Claims

1. A battery module, comprising: A battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; A module housing that houses the battery cell stack; And A first thermally conductive resin layer located on the top side of the battery cell stack within the module housing.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein The module housing includes: A bottom plate; and A top plate that is spaced upward from the bottom plate.

3. The battery module according to claim 2, further comprising: Two block pads located on the bottom side of the top plate and spaced apart from each other.

4. The battery module according to claim 3, wherein, The first thermally conductive resin layer is located between the two block pads.

5. The battery module according to claim 3, wherein, The top plate includes one or more injection holes configured to inject thermally conductive resin.

6. The battery module according to claim 3, wherein, The block pads are compressible.

7. The battery module according to claim 3, wherein, The block pads are foam pads.

8. The battery module according to claim 3, wherein, The two end portions of the block pads are respectively located at the two side edges of the top plate.

9. The battery module according to claim 3, further comprising: A film located between the top plate and the block pads.

10. The battery module according to claim 3, wherein, One or more welding sections and one or more non-welding sections are provided along the length direction at the edge of the top plate.

11. The battery module according to claim 10, wherein, The end portions of the block pads are located in the non-welding sections of the top plate.

12. The battery module according to claim 10, wherein, The non-welding sections are located between the welding sections.

13. The battery module according to claim 3, wherein, One or more welding sections and one or more non-welding sections are provided along the length direction at each of the two side edges of the top plate, and Wherein, the two end portions of the block pads are respectively located in the non-welding sections of the top plate.

14. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The module housing includes a top plate assembly, and Wherein, the top plate assembly includes: A top plate located on the top side of the battery cell stack; and Two block pads located on the bottom side of the top plate and spaced apart from each other.

15. The battery module according to claim 1, further comprising: A second thermally conductive resin layer located on the bottom side of the battery cell stack within the module housing.

16. The battery module according to claim 15, wherein, The module housing includes: A bottom plate; and A top plate that is spaced upward from the bottom plate, and Wherein, the second thermally conductive resin layer is located on the bottom plate.

17. The battery module according to claim 1, further comprising: A bus bar frame located on one side of the battery cell stack; And An insulating cover located outside the bus bar frame.

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