Battery module and assembling method thereof

Abstract

The invention provides a battery module and an assembling method thereof. The battery module comprises a first battery cell and a second battery cell, a first case for accommodating the first battery cell and having a first through region through which a portion of a surface of the first battery cell is exposed; a second housing for accommodating at least a portion of the first housing; and a first thermally conductive member between the first battery cell and the second case.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a battery module having improved heat dissipation performance. Background Art

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, which are not designed to be (re)charged, secondary (or rechargeable) batteries are designed to be discharged and recharged. Low-capacity secondary batteries are used in small portable electronic devices such as smartphones, feature phones, notebook computers, digital cameras, and video cameras, while large-capacity secondary batteries are widely used as an energy source for driving motors in hybrid and electric vehicles and for storing electricity (e.g., home and / or utility-scale power storage). Secondary batteries typically include an electrode assembly consisting of a positive electrode and a negative electrode, a casing that houses the electrode assembly, and electrode terminals connected to the electrode assembly.

[0003] Secondary batteries may generate heat during discharge and / or charging. If the heat generation continues, the secondary battery may experience thermal runaway, which may cause a device or vehicle equipped with the secondary battery to catch fire.

[0004] The above information disclosed in this Background section is for enhancement of understanding of the background of the present disclosure and therefore it may contain information that does not constitute related (or prior) art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure may relate to a battery module having improved heat dissipation performance.

[0006] These and other aspects and features of the present disclosure will be described in or will be apparent from the following description of embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0007] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a battery module includes: a first battery cell; a first shell configured to accommodate the first battery cell and having a first through-area to expose a portion of a surface of the first battery cell through the first through-area; a second shell configured to accommodate at least a portion of the first shell; and a first heat-conducting member located between the first battery cell and the second shell.

[0008] In an embodiment, a first surface of the first heat conducting member may be in direct contact with a portion of the surface of the first battery cell exposed by the first through region, and a second surface of the first heat conducting member may be in contact with the second case.

[0009] In an embodiment, the first heat conducting member may be located in the first through-region of the first housing.

[0010] In an embodiment, an area of ​​the first through region may be smaller than an area of ​​the first surface of the first battery cell.

[0011] In an embodiment, the long side of the first through region may be shorter than the long side of the first surface of the first battery cell, and the short side of the first through region may be shorter than the short side of the first surface of the first battery cell.

[0012] In an embodiment, the first shell may be configured to accommodate a plurality of battery cells including a first battery cell, the first shell may have a plurality of through-regions including a first through-region, each of the through-regions may correspond to a single battery cell among the plurality of battery cells, and a plurality of thermally conductive members including a first thermally conductive member may be respectively located in the through-regions.

[0013] In an embodiment, the first housing may be configured to accommodate a plurality of battery cells including a first battery cell. The first housing may have a plurality of through-regions including a first through-region, each of which may correspond to two or more of the plurality of battery cells. Furthermore, a plurality of thermally conductive members including a first thermally conductive member may be located in each of the through-regions.

[0014] In an embodiment, the first heat conducting member may be thicker than the first housing having the first through region.

[0015] In an embodiment, the first housing may include an insulating material.

[0016] In an embodiment, the second housing may comprise metal.

[0017] In an embodiment, the battery module may further include: a second battery cell; and a second heat conducting member located between the second battery cell and the second housing. The second housing may have a second through region to expose a portion of the surface of the second battery cell.

[0018] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for assembling a battery module includes: preparing a first shell, the first shell being used to accommodate a battery cell and having a through-region to expose a portion of a surface of the battery cell through the through-region; preparing a second shell, the second shell having an internal space for accommodating at least a portion of the first shell; combining the first shell and the second shell so that the first shell is arranged in the internal space of the second shell; disposing a heat-conducting member in the through-region of the first shell; and placing the battery cell in the first shell so that it is disposed on the through-region.

[0019] In an embodiment, when the battery cell is placed in the first case, the first surface of the thermally conductive member may directly contact the portion of the surface of the battery cell exposed by the through region, and the second surface of the thermally conductive member may contact the second case.

[0020] In an embodiment, when preparing the first housing, a through region may be formed in the first housing such that an area of ​​the through region may be smaller than an area of ​​the first surface of the battery cell.

[0021] In an embodiment, when preparing the first shell, a through-region can be formed in the first shell so that the length of the long side of the through-region can be shorter than the length of the long side of the first surface of the battery cell, and the length of the short side of the through-region can be shorter than the length of the short side of the first surface of the battery cell.

[0022] In an embodiment, the first shell may be configured to accommodate a plurality of battery cells including a battery cell, the first shell may have a plurality of through-regions including a through-region, each of the through-regions may correspond to a single battery cell among the plurality of battery cells, and a plurality of thermally conductive members including a thermally conductive member may be respectively arranged in the through-regions.

[0023] In an embodiment, the first shell may be configured to accommodate a plurality of battery cells including a battery cell, the first shell may have a plurality of through-regions including a through-region, each of the through-regions may correspond to two or more battery cells among the plurality of battery cells, and a plurality of thermally conductive members including a thermally conductive member may be respectively arranged in the through-regions.

[0024] In an embodiment, the thickness of the thermally conductive member may be thicker than the thickness of the first housing having the through region.

[0025] In an embodiment, the first housing may include an insulating material.

[0026] In an embodiment, the second housing may comprise metal.

[0027] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a thermally conductive member may be disposed between the battery cell and the metal case, and heat generated by the battery cell may be dissipated to the outside through the thermally conductive member and the case.

[0028] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, by utilizing the through-area provided in the housing and the heat-conducting member provided in the through-area, a larger area of ​​the heat-conducting member can be in contact with the battery cell. As the contact area between the battery cell and the heat-conducting member increases, the heat dissipation effect of the battery cell can be improved.

[0029] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the housing may function as a heat sink, thereby increasing heat capacity.

[0030] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, since the battery cells are placed in the inner space of the combined structure of the first housing related to insulation and the second housing related to heat dissipation, both insulation and heat dissipation of the battery cells can be achieved.

[0031] However, aspects and features of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned aspects and features, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand other aspects and features not mentioned through the detailed embodiments described below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the detailed description of the present disclosure, further describe aspects and features of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure should not be interpreted as being limited to the drawings: Figure 1 An exploded perspective view illustrating a battery module according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown; Figure 2 shows a perspective view illustrating a secondary battery according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 A sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. Figure 4 shows a perspective view illustrating a first housing and a second housing according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 5 shows a perspective view illustrating a coupled state of a first housing and a second housing according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 6 shows a plan view illustrating a coupled state of a first housing and a second housing according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 7 shows a state in which a heat conducting member according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is provided in a plurality of through-regions; Figure 8 An example of a battery module according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown, in which a plurality of battery cells are inserted into a first housing in a state where the first housing and the second housing are combined together; Figure 9 shows through-regions having various shapes according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 10 shows a battery pack according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 11 shows a battery pack according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 12 A vehicle body and vehicle body components having a battery pack according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure are shown; Figure 13 shows a schematic side view of a vehicle according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; and Figure 14A flowchart illustrating a method of assembling a secondary battery module according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as limited to ordinary meanings or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted as meanings and concepts consistent with the technical idea of ​​the present disclosure based on the principle that the inventor can become his / her own lexicon compiler to appropriately define the concept of the term and thus best interpret his / her invention.

[0034] The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the accompanying drawings are only some of the embodiments of the present disclosure and do not represent all technical ideas, aspects, and features of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that at the time of filing this application, various equivalents and modifications that can replace or modify the embodiments described herein may exist.

[0035] It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it can be directly on, directly connected to, or directly coupled to the other element or layer, or one or more intervening elements or layers may be present. When an element or layer is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers. For example, when a first element is described as being “coupled” or “connected to” a second element, the first element can be directly coupled to or directly connected to the second element, or the first element can be indirectly coupled to or indirectly coupled to the second element via one or more intervening elements.

[0036] In the figures, the dimensions of various elements, layers, etc. may be exaggerated for clarity. Identical reference numerals represent identical elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Furthermore, when describing embodiments of the present disclosure, the use of "may" refers to "one or more embodiments of the present disclosure." Phrases such as "at least one of..." and "any of...", when following a list of elements, modify the entire list of elements, not the individual elements in that list. When phrases such as "at least one of A, B, and C," "at least one of A, B, or C," "at least one selected from the group of A, B, and C," or "at least one selected from A, B, and C" are used to specify a list of elements A, B, and C, the phrase may refer to any and all suitable combinations or subsets of A, B, and C, such as A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A, B, and C. As used herein, the term "use" and variations thereof may be considered synonymous with the term "utilize" and variations thereof, respectively. As used herein, the terms "substantially," "approximately," and similar terms are used as terms of approximation, not as terms of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent variations in measurements or calculations that one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize.

[0037] It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc. can be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish an element, component, region, layer or part from another element, component, region, layer or part. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments, the first element, first component, first region, first layer or first part discussed below can be referred to as the second element, second component, second region, second layer or second part.

[0038] For ease of description, spatially relative terms such as “under,” “beneath,” “below,” “above,” and “upper,” etc., may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature as shown in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, an element described as “under” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” or “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the term “under” can include both above and below orientations. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0039] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing the embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a" and "an" are also intended to include the plural forms. It will also be understood that when the terms "comprise," "include," and / or variations thereof are used in this specification, the existence of the stated features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, and / or components is indicated, but the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof is not excluded.

[0040] In addition, any numerical range disclosed and / or described herein is intended to include all subranges of the same numerical precision contained within the described range. For example, the range of "1.0 to 10.0" is intended to include all subranges between (and including) the described minimum value of 1.0 and the described maximum value of 10.0, that is, having a minimum value equal to or greater than 1.0 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10.0, such as 2.4 to 7.6. Any maximum numerical limit described herein is intended to include all lower numerical limits contained therein, and any minimum numerical limit described in this specification is intended to include all higher numerical limits contained therein. Therefore, the applicant reserves the right to amend this specification and the claims to expressly describe any subranges contained within the ranges expressly described herein. All such ranges are intended to be inherently described in this specification so that modifications to expressly describe any such subranges will meet the requirements.

[0041] Referring to two contrasting elements, features, etc. as "the same" may mean that they are "substantially the same." Thus, the phrase "substantially the same" may include situations where there is a low degree of variation (e.g., 5% or less) that is considered in the art. Furthermore, when a parameter is referred to as uniform in a given area, this may mean that it is uniform with respect to the average value.

[0042] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specified, each element may be in the singular or in the plural.

[0043] Arranging an arbitrary element “on (or below)” or “on (under)” another element may mean that the arbitrary element may be disposed in contact with the upper surface (or lower surface) of the another element, or other elements may be interposed between the another element and the arbitrary element disposed on (or below) the another element.

[0044] Furthermore, it will be understood that when a component is referred to as being “linked,” “coupled,” or “connected” to another component, the components may be directly “coupled,” “linked,” or “connected” to each other or other components may be “interposed” between the components.

[0045] Throughout the specification, when "A and / or B" is stated, it means A, B, or A and B unless otherwise specified. That is, "and / or" includes any or all combinations of the listed items. When "C to D" is stated, it means C or greater and D or less unless otherwise specified.

[0046] A battery pack according to one or more embodiments includes at least one battery module and a battery pack case having an accommodation space for accommodating the at least one battery module.

[0047] A battery module may include a module housing and a plurality of battery cells. The battery cells may be housed within the module housing in a stacked form (or stacked arrangement or configuration). Each battery cell may have a positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal and, depending on the battery shape, may be cylindrical, prismatic, or pouch-shaped. In this specification, a battery cell may also be referred to as a secondary battery, battery, or cell.

[0048] In a battery pack, a battery cell stack may constitute a stack module instead of a battery module. The battery cell stack may be accommodated in an accommodation space of a pack case, or in an accommodation space partitioned by a frame, a partition wall, or the like.

[0049] The terms used herein are intended to describe the embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0050] Figure 1 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a battery module 100 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the battery module 100 may be a secondary battery module. Figure 1 , the battery module 100 may include a plurality of battery cells 110 , a thermally conductive member 120 , a first case 130 , a second case 140 , and a module cover 150 .

[0051] The battery cell 110 is chargeable and dischargeable and generates heat during the charge / discharge period. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The configuration of the battery cell 110 is described in more detail.

[0052] In the first housing 130, a first internal space 132 may be formed to accommodate the battery cell 110, and the battery cell 110 may be placed in the first internal space 132. In addition, in the first housing 130, a plurality of through-areas may be formed to expose a portion of the surface of the battery cell 110. The size / area of ​​each through-area may be smaller than the size / area of ​​the bottom surface of each battery cell. In addition, the first housing 130 may have a plurality of heat dissipation holes (e.g., Figure 4 432 in the .

[0053] According to an embodiment, the first case 130 may include an insulating material. For example, the first case 130 may include at least one of polycarbonate, polyester, polyamide, and the like.

[0054] The second housing 140 may have a second inner space 142 formed to accommodate at least a portion of the first housing 130. The first housing 130 may be placed in the second inner space 142 of the second housing 140 to be connected to (e.g., coupled to or attached to) the second housing 140. In addition, the second housing 140 may have a plurality of heat dissipation holes (e.g., Figure 4 452 in the ).

[0055] According to an embodiment, the second housing 140 may include (eg, may be made of) a metal having high thermal conductivity. For example, the second housing 140 may include at least one of aluminum (Al), aluminum alloy, aluminum oxide, steel, and the like.

[0056] The thermally conductive member 120 may be disposed between the battery cells 110 and the second housing 140 . For example, the thermally conductive member may be a thermally conductive sheet, a thermally conductive layer, or the like. In this case, in each thermally conductive member 120 , the first surface may be in direct contact with the first surface of the corresponding battery cell (e.g., the bottom surface of the corresponding battery cell), and the second surface may be in direct contact with the second housing 140 . Thus, the thermally conductive member 120 may transfer heat from the battery cell 110 to the second housing 140 . The thermally conductive member 120 may include a suitable material with high thermal conductivity (e.g., may be made of a suitable material with high thermal conductivity). For example, the thermally conductive member 120 may be a silicone sheet, an acrylic sheet, a polyurethane sheet, a graphite sheet, or the like with high thermal conductivity. For convenience, the thermally conductive member 120 may be described in more detail below as being made of an insulating material.

[0057] In a state where the battery cells 110 are disposed within the first case 130 and the first case 130 is connected to (e.g., coupled to or attached to) the second case 140, the module cover 150 may be connected to (e.g., coupled to or attached to) the tops of the first and second case 130 and 140. The module cover 150 may have a plurality of through-holes 152 through which the electrode terminals 112 disposed on the top surfaces of the battery cells 110 may extend.

[0058] The material of the module cover 150 may be a resin material. For example, the module cover 150 may include a thermoplastic resin such as polycarbonate, polyethylene, polypropylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) resin, polyamide, nylon, or polyaryletherketone (PEEK). (For example, the module cover 150 may be made of a thermoplastic resin such as polycarbonate, polyethylene, polypropylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) resin, polyamide, nylon, or polyaryletherketone (PEEK).) However, the material of the module cover 150 is not limited to the above examples. Furthermore, not only a single type of material but also a mixture of two or more types of materials may be used as the resin material.

[0059] exist Figure 1 , the battery cell 110 is shown as a prismatic cell, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the battery cell 110 may be other types of battery cells, such as a cylindrical cell and a pouch-shaped cell.

[0060] The first case 130 may function as an insulator, and the second case 140 may function as a heat sink, thereby providing both insulation and heat dissipation for the battery cells 110 .

[0061] Figure 2 shows a perspective view illustrating a secondary battery according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 Hereinafter, the secondary battery 200 may correspond to Figure 1 The battery cell 110 in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The secondary battery 200 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one electrode assembly 210 wound with a separator 213 as an insulator interposed between a positive electrode 211 and a negative electrode 212, a shell 220 in which the electrode assembly 210 is housed (or accommodated), and a cap assembly 230 coupled to an opening of the shell 220.

[0063] We will now describe Figure 2 and Figure 3The secondary battery 200 according to one or more embodiments is shown as an example of a prismatic lithium-ion secondary battery. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and appropriate aspects, features, and principles described herein can be applied to various other types of batteries, such as lithium polymer batteries and / or cylindrical batteries.

[0064] Each of the positive electrode 211 and the negative electrode 212 may include a current collector made of a thin metal foil having a coated portion coated with an active material and an uncoated portion 211 a , 212 a not coated with the active material.

[0065] The positive electrode 211 and the negative electrode 212 are wound after a separator 213 as an insulator is inserted between the positive electrode 211 and the negative electrode 212. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the electrode assembly 210 may have a structure in which the positive electrodes 211 and the negative electrodes 212, each made of a plurality of sheets, are alternately stacked with a separator inserted therebetween.

[0066] The case 220 may form the overall appearance of the secondary battery 200 and may be made of a conductive metal such as aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or nickel-plated steel. In addition, the case 220 may provide a space for accommodating the electrode assembly 210.

[0067] The cap assembly 230 may include a cap plate 231 covering the opening in the case 220, and the case 220 and the cap plate 231 may be made of a conductive material. The positive electrode terminal 221 and the negative electrode terminal 222, which are electrically connected to the positive electrode 211 and the negative electrode 212, respectively, may be installed to penetrate (or extend through) the cap plate 231 and protrude outward through it.

[0068] In addition, outer peripheral surfaces (eg, circumferential surfaces) of upper posts of the positive electrode terminal 221 and the negative electrode terminal 222 protruding outward from the cap plate 231 may be threaded and may be fixed to the cap plate 231 by using nuts.

[0069] However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the positive electrode terminal 221 and the negative electrode terminal 222 may have a riveted structure and may be riveted or welded to the cap plate 231 .

[0070] In addition, the cover plate 231 can be made of a thin plate and can be coupled to the opening in the housing 220, and the electrolyte injection port 232 into which the sealing plug 233 is installed can be located (e.g., formed) in the cover plate 231, and the exhaust portion 234 having the recess 234a can be installed.

[0071] The positive electrode terminal 221 and the negative electrode terminal 222 may be electrically connected to a current collector including a first current collector 240 and a second current collector 250 (hereinafter referred to as a positive electrode current collector and a negative electrode current collector) by being joined or bonded to the positive electrode uncoated portion 211 a and the negative electrode uncoated portion 212 a , respectively (e.g., via welding).

[0072] For example, the positive electrode terminal 221 and the negative electrode terminal 222 may be respectively joined to the positive electrode current collector 240 and the negative electrode current collector 250 by welding. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and in one or more embodiments, the positive electrode terminal 221 and the negative electrode terminal 222 and the positive electrode current collector 240 and the negative electrode current collector 250 may be integrally formed.

[0073] In addition, an insulating member may be installed between the electrode assembly 210 and the cap plate 231. The insulating member may include a first lower insulating member 260 and a second lower insulating member 270, and each of the first lower insulating member 260 and the second lower insulating member 270 may further have a portion located between the electrode assembly 210 and the case 220.

[0074] In addition, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, one end of the separation member may face one side of the electrode assembly 210 and may be installed between the insulation member and the positive electrode terminal 221 or the negative electrode terminal 222 .

[0075] In one or more embodiments, the separation member may include a first separation member 280 and a second separation member 290 .

[0076] In such an embodiment, first ends of the first and second separating members 280 and 290 installed to face one side of the electrode assembly 210 may be installed between the first and second lower insulating members 260 and 270 and the positive and negative electrode terminals 221 and 222 , respectively.

[0077] Thus, the positive and negative electrode terminals 221 and 222 , which may be coupled to the positive and negative electrode collectors 240 and 250 by welding, may be coupled to first ends of the first and second separation members 280 and 290 and the first and second lower insulation members 260 and 270 .

[0078] Figure 4 A perspective view illustrating a first housing 410 and a second housing 420 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 4 The first housing 410 may correspond to the above reference Figure 1 The first housing 130 is described, Figure 4 The second housing 420 may correspond to the above reference Figure 1 The second housing 140 is described.

[0079] According to an embodiment, the first housing 410 may be provided with a first inner space 412 for accommodating at least one battery cell. A plurality of through regions 414 may be formed in the bottom surface of the first housing 410 within the first inner space 412.

[0080] Depending on the embodiment, the area of ​​each through-region 414 may be smaller than the area of ​​the first surface (e.g., bottom side) of the corresponding battery cell. Additionally or in another example, the long side of each through-region 414 may be shorter than the long side of the first surface of the battery cell. Additionally or in another example, the short side of each through-region 414 may be shorter than the short side of the first surface of the battery cell. Thus, the battery cell can be secured within the first interior space 412 of the first housing 410.

[0081] According to an embodiment, the number of through regions 414 may be equal to the number of battery cells accommodated in the first internal space 412. In some embodiments, the number of through regions 414 may be less than or greater than the number of battery cells accommodated in the first internal space 412.

[0082] According to an embodiment, the first housing 410 may include a plurality of heat dissipation holes 432. For example, the heat dissipation holes 432 may be provided on the side surface and / or the bottom surface of the first housing 410. The positions of the heat dissipation holes 432 of the first housing 410 may correspond to the positions of the heat dissipation holes 452 of the second housing 420. The heat dissipation holes 432 of the first housing 410 are shown as having an elliptical through-hole shape, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the heat dissipation holes 432 may have any suitable shape.

[0083] According to an embodiment, the first housing 410 may be provided with a partition wall 434 to define an area in which the battery cells are to be arranged. For example, the partition wall 434 may be formed by protruding from the bottom surface of the first housing 410. In an embodiment, the partition wall 434 may be configured so that one battery cell is disposed in each area defined by the partition wall 434. In another embodiment, the partition wall 434 may be configured so that two or more battery cells are disposed in each area defined by the partition wall 434.

[0084] According to an embodiment, the first housing 410 may be provided with guide protrusions 436 to guide the installation of the battery cells. For example, the guide protrusions 436 may be provided on the side surfaces of the first housing 410 and / or on opposite sides of the partition wall 434. In addition, the guide protrusions 436 can structurally strengthen the first housing 410. The first housing 410 may be provided with a through area 414 where a heat conductive member is to be provided (for example, therein or on it) and a plurality of through holes for forming heat dissipation holes 432, and therefore, structural reinforcement may be required. Therefore, the guide protrusions 436 may be formed on the side surfaces of the first housing 410 and / or on opposite sides of the partition wall 434 and protrude outward, thereby structurally strengthening the first housing 410.

[0085] In addition, support protrusions 438 may be provided on the first housing 410 to structurally reinforce the first housing 410. For example, the support protrusions 438 may be provided by protruding outward from the side surface of the first housing 410 in a grid-like pattern.

[0086] According to an embodiment, a space 440 may be formed in the first housing 410 in which a battery management module (e.g., a battery management system) is disposed. In addition, the first housing 410 may include a coupling member (e.g., a coupling member) 442 formed for connecting (e.g., coupling or attaching) with the battery management module. The number, shape, and position of the coupling member 442 for connecting (e.g., coupling or attaching) with the battery management module are not limited to Figure 4 , and they can be provided in different quantities, shapes, and locations as needed or desired.

[0087] According to an embodiment, the second housing 420 may be provided with a second inner space 422 that may accommodate at least a portion of the first housing 410. The first housing 410 and the second housing 420 may be connected (e.g., coupled or attached) together such that the first housing 410 is placed in the second inner space 422 provided in the second housing 420.

[0088] In more detail, the first housing 410 and the second housing 420 may each be provided with a coupling member and may be coupled / fixed together using the coupling member. In an embodiment, the first housing 410 and the second housing 420 may include coupling holes 446, 454 for screw coupling. For example, the first housing 410 and the second housing 420 may have coupling holes 446, 454 for allowing screws to be coupled and inserted at corresponding positions.

[0089] In an embodiment, one or more engaging protrusions may be provided on the outer surface of the first housing 410 (e.g., on the lower portion of the first housing 410), and an engaging groove 458 may be provided on the inner surface of the second housing 420 at a position corresponding to the engaging protrusion. In this case, the engaging protrusion of the first housing 410 may be inserted into the engaging groove 458 of the second housing 420, thereby connecting (e.g., combining or attaching) the first housing 410 and the second housing 420 together.

[0090] In an embodiment, the first housing 410 and the second housing 420 can be coupled / fixed together using a hook-type coupling. For example, the coupling protrusion of the first housing 410 can include a clasp. In this case, the first housing 410 and the second housing 420 can be coupled / fixed together such that the clasp of the coupling protrusion of the first housing 410 is inserted into the coupling groove 458 of the second housing 420. The manner in which the first housing 410 and the second housing 420 are coupled (e.g., coupled or attached) together is not limited to the above example; they can be coupled (e.g., coupled or attached) together in various suitable manners.

[0091] In an embodiment, a protrusion may be provided on the outer surface of the first housing 410 (e.g., on the lower portion of the first housing 410) to guide the engagement position between the first housing 410 and the second housing 420. A through-hole 456 may be formed on the inner surface of the second housing 420 at a position corresponding to the protrusion. The through-hole 456 of the second housing 420 may have a shape corresponding to the protrusion of the first housing 410. In this case, the protrusion of the first housing 410 may be inserted into the through-hole 456 of the second housing 420 to guide the engagement position of the first housing 410 and the second housing 420.

[0092] According to an embodiment, the second housing 420 may include a plurality of heat dissipation holes 452. For example, the heat dissipation holes 452 may be provided on the side surface and / or the bottom surface of the second housing 420. The positions of the heat dissipation holes 452 of the second housing 420 may correspond to the positions of the heat dissipation holes 432 of the first housing 410. The heat dissipation holes 452 of the second housing 420 are shown as having an elliptical through-hole shape, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the heat dissipation holes 452 may have various suitable shapes.

[0093] According to an embodiment, a raised portion 460 may be provided on the second housing 420 to structurally reinforce the second housing 420. For example, the raised portion 460 may be provided so that a portion of the inner surface of the second housing 420 protrudes inward and a portion of the outer surface of the second housing 420 protrudes outward.

[0094] Figure 5A perspective view illustrating a coupled state of a first housing 410 and a second housing 420 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 6 A plan view illustrating a coupled state of a first housing 410 and a second housing 420 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0095] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 When the first shell 410 and the second shell 420 are connected (eg, coupled or attached) together, a portion of the second shell 420 may be exposed to the first internal space 412 through the through region 414. Figure 5 and Figure 6 , eight rectangular through-regions 414 having the same size as one another are illustrated as being formed in the first housing 410. However, the shape, size, and number of the through-regions 414 are not limited thereto.

[0096] Figure 7 FIG. 4 shows a state in which the heat conducting member 710 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is disposed in a plurality of through-regions. Figure 7 As shown in FIG, the heat conducting member 710 may be disposed in the through region 414 formed in the first housing 410 (eg, see FIG. Figure 6 Here, the number of through-regions 414 may be the same as the number of heat-conducting sheets of the heat-conducting member 710. In addition, the through-regions may correspond to battery cells.

[0097] In an embodiment, the length of the long side of the thermally conductive member 710 may be shorter than or equal to the length of the long side of the through-region 414, and the length of the short side of the thermally conductive member 710 may be shorter than or equal to the length of the short side of the through-region 414. Therefore, each thermally conductive member 710 may be accommodated within a corresponding through-region 414 in the through-region 414 and may be in direct contact with the second housing 420.

[0098] According to an embodiment, the thickness of the thermally conductive member 710 may be thicker than the thickness of the first housing 410 in which the through region 414 is provided. Therefore, the second surface of the thermally conductive member 414, opposite to the first surface directly contacting the second housing 420, may directly contact the first surface (e.g., bottom side) of the battery cell.

[0099] Figure 8 An example of a battery module 800 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown, in which a plurality of battery cells 810 are inserted into a first case 410 in a state where the first case 410 and the second case 420 are combined together. Figure 8 The A-A' cross-section diagram shows the Figure 8 FIG. 8 is a cross-section of the battery module 800 taken along line AA′ in region B. FIG. Figure 8 The battery cell 810 shown in FIG. 8 may correspond to the battery cell 810 shown in FIG. Figure 1 The battery cell 110 is described.

[0100] Reference Figure 8 The battery cell 810 can be placed in the first interior space defined in the first housing 410. In the first housing 410, a plurality of heat-conducting members 820 are provided in the through-region. Thus, the first surface of the heat-conducting member 820 can directly contact the portion of the surface of the battery cell 810 exposed through the through-region, and the second surface of the heat-conducting member 820 can contact the second housing 420. For example, in the heat-conducting member 820, the first heat-conducting member 822 can be provided in the first through-region 832, the first surface of the first heat-conducting member 822 can directly contact the surface of the first battery cell 812 exposed through the first through-region 832, and the second surface of the first heat-conducting member 822 can contact the second housing 420. Furthermore, in the heat-conducting member 820, the second heat-conducting member 824 can be provided in the second through-region 834, the first surface of the second heat-conducting member 824 can directly contact the surface of the second battery cell 814 exposed through the second through-region 834, and the second surface of the second heat-conducting member 824 can contact the second housing 420.

[0101] As described above, the heat generated by the battery cell 810 can be dissipated outward through the second housing 420 by means of the heat conductive member 820. In more detail, since the battery cell 810 is surrounded by (e.g., surrounded by) the first housing 410 including the insulating material having low thermal conductivity, heat is generated, and the first inner space (e.g., Figure 1 However, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, since heat from the battery cell 810 can be transferred and dissipated outward through the heat conductive member 820 and the second housing 420, the temperature of the battery cell 810 placed in the first housing 410 can be reduced.

[0102] Furthermore, since through-regions 832 and 834 are formed in first housing 410 and thermally conductive members 820 are disposed within through-regions 832 and 834, a larger area of ​​thermally conductive member 820 can contact battery cell 810. Furthermore, as the area of ​​each through-region 832 and 834 and each thermally conductive member 820 increases, a larger area of ​​a single thermally conductive member 822 or 824 can contact a single battery cell. As the total contact area of ​​battery cell 810 and thermally conductive member 820 increases, heat dissipation from the battery cell can be improved.

[0103] In addition, a plurality of holes having various appropriate shapes may be provided in the first case 410 and the second case 420. Through the holes, heat of the battery cells 810 may be dissipated to the outside.

[0104] Figure 9 Through-regions having various shapes are shown according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 9 The first, second, and third examples 910, 920, and 930 in the drawings respectively illustrate through-regions 912, 922, and 932 corresponding to two or more battery cells. To achieve sufficient heat dissipation, the areas of through-regions 912, 922, and 932 can be configured so that the area of ​​contact between the thermally conductive member and the battery cells is at least an appropriate size (e.g., a predetermined area). Since the number of through-regions is smaller than the number of battery cells, the process of forming the through-regions in the first housing, as well as the process of preparing and arranging the thermally conductive member, can be simplified.

[0105] Referring to the first example 910, multiple through-regions 912 having a wider lateral width and a narrower longitudinal width can be formed in the first housing. In this case, the first surface (e.g., longitudinal side) of the through-region 912 can be shorter than the first surface of the battery cell, and the second surface (e.g., lateral side) of the through-region 912 can be longer than the second surface of the battery cell. Because the first surface of the through-region 912 is shorter than the first surface of the battery cell, the battery cell can be placed without passing through the through-region 912. In the first example 910, each through-region can correspond to four battery cells. In this case, portions of the surface of the battery cell can be exposed through a separate through-region. In the first example 910, portions of the surface of the four battery cells are shown as being exposed through a pair of through-regions 912. The contact area between the battery cell and the thermally conductive member provided in the through-region 912 can be equal to or greater than a predetermined area.

[0106] Referring to the second example 920, each through-region 922 may correspond to four battery cells. In this case, portions of the surfaces of multiple batteries may be exposed through a single through-region 922. In the second example 920, portions of the surfaces of four battery cells are shown as being exposed through a single through-region 922. The contact area between the battery cells and the thermally conductive member disposed in the through-region 922 may be equal to or greater than a predetermined area.

[0107] Referring to the third example 930, the first surface (e.g., longitudinal side) of the through-region 932 may be longer than the first surface of the battery cell, and the second surface (e.g., lateral side) of the through-region 932 may be shorter than the second surface of the battery cell. Because the second surface of the through-region 932 is shorter than the second surface of the battery cell, the battery cell can be placed without passing through the through-region 932. In the third example 930, each through-region 932 may correspond to two battery cells. In this case, portions of the surface of the battery may be exposed through each through-region 932. In the third example 930, portions of the surfaces of two battery cells are shown as being exposed through a single through-region 932. The contact area between the battery cell and the thermally conductive member provided in the through-region 932 may be equal to or greater than a predetermined area.

[0108] In the first example 910 , the second example 920 , and the third example 930 , a plurality of heat conductive members corresponding to sizes of respective corresponding through-regions may be provided in the through-regions.

[0109] In addition, multiple through-regions may correspond to a single battery cell. In order to obtain a sufficient heat dissipation effect even in this case, the area of ​​the through-region may be set so that the contact area between the heat-conducting member and the battery cell is equal to or greater than a predetermined area. In an embodiment, more through-regions than the number of battery cells may be provided in the first shell. For example, based on the number of battery cells, through-regions corresponding to a multiple of n (where n is a real number greater than 1) may be provided in the first shell. In this case, the surface of a single battery cell may be exposed through multiple through-regions, and the size of each through-region may be larger than that of the through-regions described above. Figure 6 The described examples are small in size. For example, when the surface of a single battery cell is exposed through a pair of through regions, the total area of ​​the pair of through regions may be smaller than the area of ​​the first surface (eg, bottom side) of the battery cell.

[0110] In the above embodiment, the through-region is shown as having a rectangular shape, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Through-regions having various suitable shapes may be provided in the first housing. For example, the first housing may be provided with a through-region having an appropriate shape (such as a polygonal or circular shape) and a suitable size so that the battery cells can be placed without passing through it. In addition, a thermally conductive member having an appropriate shape (such as a polygonal or circular shape) may be provided in the through-region. The shape of the through-region may be determined differently depending on the battery type (e.g., prismatic, cylindrical, or pouch-type).

[0111] Figures 10 to 11 A battery pack according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0112] The battery pack may include a plurality of battery modules 50 and a housing 10 for accommodating the battery modules 50. For example, the housing 10 may include a first housing 11 and a second housing 12 coupled in opposite directions via the battery modules 50. The battery modules 50 may be electrically connected to one another using bus bars 51, and the battery modules 50 may be electrically connected to one another in a series / parallel or mixed series-parallel manner to obtain a desired (e.g., required) electrical output.

[0113] The battery pack may include a high-voltage connector 60 exposed to the outside of the housing 10. For example, the high-voltage connector 60 may be provided on the first housing 11 forming the upper portion of the housing 10. The battery pack may provide driving power for the vehicle, and the high-voltage connector 60 may form an output terminal for providing the driving power.

[0114] Figure 12 A vehicle body and vehicle body components having a battery pack according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure are shown.

[0115] exist Figure 12 In FIG. 8 , the battery pack 91 may include a pack cover 23 as a part of the vehicle bottom 92 and a pack frame 20 provided below the vehicle bottom 92 . The pack frame 20 and the pack cover 23 may be formed integrally with the vehicle floor 82 .

[0116] The vehicle bottom 92 separates the interior of the vehicle from the exterior, and the battery pack frame 20 may be provided outside the vehicle.

[0117] Figure 13 A schematic side view of a vehicle is shown, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0118] The vehicle 1000 can be constructed by combining additional components such as a hood 97 at the front of the vehicle and fenders 98 located at the front and rear of the vehicle, respectively, to a vehicle body 99 (see FIG. Figure 12 ) and formed.

[0119] The vehicle 1000 may further include a vehicle floor 82 , which is one of the vehicle body components 90 including a battery pack 91 including a battery pack frame 20 and a battery pack cover 23 .

[0120] Figure 14 A flow chart illustrating a method 1400 of assembling a secondary battery module according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0121] First, assembly method 1400 may begin by preparing a first housing (S1410) to accommodate a battery cell. The first housing may be provided with a plurality of through-regions through which portions of the surface of the battery cell are exposed. The first housing may comprise an insulating material. Furthermore, each through-region may correspond to a single battery cell. In another example, each through-region may correspond to two or more battery cells. In another example or in addition, each battery cell may correspond to two or more through-regions.

[0122] According to an embodiment, the through-region may be provided in the first housing such that the area of ​​the through-region is smaller than the area of ​​the first surface of the battery cell. According to some embodiments, the through-region may be provided in the first housing such that the length of the long side of the through-region is shorter than the length of the long side of the first surface of the battery cell, and the length of the short side of the through-region is shorter than the length of the short side of the first surface of the battery cell.

[0123] A second housing may be prepared (S1420) to have an inner space for accommodating at least a portion of the first housing. Here, the second housing may include (eg, be made of) a metal having high thermal conductivity.

[0124] The first case and the second case may be combined together ( S1430 ), thereby accommodating the first case in an internal space provided in the second case.

[0125] A heat conducting sheet (eg, a heat conducting member) may be provided in each through region of the first housing (S1440). Here, the heat conducting member may include (eg, be made of) a suitable material having high thermal conductivity.

[0126] The battery cell may be placed in the first case ( S1450 ), thereby disposing the battery cell in the through-region, and the method 1400 may end.

[0127] According to one or more embodiments, the battery cell may be placed in the first housing so that the first surface of the heat conductive member is in direct contact with the portion of the surface of the battery cell exposed by the through-region, and the second surface of the heat conductive member may be in contact with the second housing.

[0128] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to the embodiments and the accompanying drawings illustrating various aspects thereof, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Various modifications and variations may be made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technical spirit of the present disclosure and the claims and their equivalents.

[0129] Description of Reference Signs 100: Battery module 110: Battery cell 120: Thermal conductive components 130: First shell 140: Second shell.

Claims

1. A battery module, comprising: a first battery cell; a first housing configured to accommodate the first battery cell and having a first through-region to expose a portion of a surface of the first battery cell through the first through-region; a second housing configured to accommodate at least a portion of the first housing, and The first heat-conducting member is located between the first battery cell and the second shell.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: A first surface of the first heat conducting member is in direct contact with a portion of a surface of the first battery cell exposed through the first through region, and a second surface of the first heat conducting member is in contact with the second case.

3. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The first heat conducting member is located in the first through-region of the first housing.

4. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: An area of ​​the first through region is smaller than an area of ​​the first surface of the first battery cell.

5. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The length of the long side of the first through region is shorter than the length of the long side of the first surface of the first battery cell, and The length of the short side of the first through-region is shorter than the length of the short side of the first surface of the first battery cell.

6. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The first housing is configured to accommodate a plurality of battery cells including the first battery cell. wherein the first shell has a plurality of through-regions including the first through-region, wherein each of the plurality of through regions corresponds to a single battery cell among the plurality of battery cells, and Wherein, a plurality of heat-conducting components including the first heat-conducting component are respectively located in the plurality of through-passing areas.

7. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The first housing is configured to accommodate a plurality of battery cells including the first battery cell. wherein the first shell has a plurality of through-regions including the first through-region, wherein each of the plurality of through regions corresponds to two or more battery cells among the plurality of battery cells, and Wherein, a plurality of heat-conducting components including the first heat-conducting component are respectively located in the plurality of through-passing areas.

8. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The first heat conducting member is thicker than the first housing having the first through region.

9. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The first housing includes insulating material.

10. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The second housing includes metal.

11. The battery module according to claim 1, further comprising: a second battery cell, and a second heat-conducting member, located between the second battery cell and the second housing; The second housing has a second through-region, so as to expose a portion of the surface of the second battery cell through the second through-region.

12. A method for assembling a battery module, the method comprising: preparing a first housing for accommodating a battery cell and having a through region to expose a portion of a surface of the battery cell; preparing a second housing having an inner space for accommodating at least a portion of the first housing; combining the first shell and the second shell together so that the first shell is placed in the inner space of the second shell; disposing a heat conducting member in the through-going region of the first housing; as well as The battery cell is arranged in the first housing so as to be positioned on the through-region.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein: When the battery cell is placed in the first case, the first surface of the thermally conductive member is in direct contact with the portion of the surface of the battery cell exposed by the through region, and the second surface of the thermally conductive member is in contact with the second case.

14. The method according to claim 12, wherein: When preparing the first housing, the through region is formed in the first housing such that an area of ​​the through region is smaller than an area of ​​the first surface of the battery cell.

15. The method according to claim 12, wherein: When preparing the first shell, the through-region is formed in the first shell so that the length of the long side of the through-region is shorter than the length of the long side of the first surface of the battery cell, and the length of the short side of the through-region is shorter than the length of the short side of the first surface of the battery cell.

16. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The first housing is configured to accommodate a plurality of battery cells including the battery cell. wherein the first shell has a plurality of through-regions including the through-region, wherein each of the plurality of through regions corresponds to a single battery cell among the plurality of battery cells, and Wherein, a plurality of heat-conducting components including the heat-conducting component are respectively arranged in the plurality of through-passing areas.

17. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The first housing is configured to accommodate a plurality of battery cells including the battery cell. wherein the first shell has a plurality of through-regions including the through-region, wherein each of the plurality of through regions corresponds to two or more battery cells among the plurality of battery cells, and Wherein, a plurality of heat-conducting components including the heat-conducting component are respectively arranged in the through-passing areas.

18. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The thickness of the thermally conductive member is greater than the thickness of the first housing having the through region.

19. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The first housing includes insulating material.

20. The method according to claim 12, wherein The second housing includes metal.

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