Battery module, battery pack and vehicle comprising the same

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a battery module including: a battery cell assembly including a plurality of battery cells; a module case configured to accommodate the battery cell assembly and having a communication hole formed in a first plate; and a heat transfer material configured to at least partially surround an outer side surface of the first plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a battery module, a battery pack including the battery module, and a vehicle.

[0002] This application is based on and claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0169690, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on November 25, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Technology

[0003] Secondary batteries, offering high applicability across product categories and possessing electrical properties such as high energy density, are widely used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) powered by electric sources. Such secondary batteries are gaining attention as a new energy source for enhancing environmental sustainability and energy efficiency, not only because their main advantage lies in significantly reducing fossil fuel use, but also because they do not produce byproducts during energy use.

[0004] Currently widely used rechargeable batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. When a high output voltage is required, multiple battery cells can be connected in series to form a battery module or battery pack. Furthermore, to increase charging / discharging capacity, multiple battery cells can be connected in parallel to configure a battery module or battery pack.

[0005] A common method for configuring a battery pack by connecting multiple battery cells in series or parallel is to first configure a battery module that includes at least one battery cell, and then configure the battery pack or battery rack by adding other components to the at least one battery module. Recently, cell-to-pack type battery packs have been manufactured where multiple battery cells are directly housed in the battery pack housing, etc., rather than being modular.

[0006] On the other hand, in conventional battery modules, heat-transferring materials such as thermal resin can be applied to one side of the battery cell assembly, where battery cells are stacked, to cool the individual cells. In these conventional battery modules, only one side of the battery cell assembly is cooled, which can cause various problems during charge / discharge cycles, such as increased temperature variations within the battery cells.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need to develop a structure that can further enhance the cooling performance of individual battery cells in a battery module. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Technical issues

[0009] This disclosure is designed to address problems in the related technologies, and therefore aims to provide a battery module with an improved structure, as well as a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery module, to further improve the cooling performance of individual battery cells.

[0010] However, the technical problems that this disclosure seeks to solve are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand other problems not mentioned above based on the description of this disclosure below.

[0011] Technical solution

[0012] In one aspect of this disclosure, a battery module is provided, comprising: a battery cell assembly including a plurality of battery cells; a module housing configured to receive the battery cell assembly and having a communication hole formed in a first plate; and a heat transfer material configured to at least partially surround an outer surface of the first plate.

[0013] The first plate and heat transfer material can be placed on top of the battery cell assembly.

[0014] The heat transfer material can be configured to fill the space between the first plate and the battery cell assembly.

[0015] The battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a cooling member disposed inside a second plate, the second plate being disposed on the opposite side of the first plate.

[0016] The first plate can be injection molded under low pressure using heat transfer materials.

[0017] At least a portion of the first plate can be configured as a mesh.

[0018] The heat transfer material may include a first portion disposed on the inner surface of the first plate and a second portion disposed on the outer surface of the first plate.

[0019] The heat transfer material can be configured such that the first part and the second part are connected through a connecting hole.

[0020] The heat transfer material can be configured to surround the outer and inner surfaces of the first plate and the internal space of the connecting holes.

[0021] The first plate may include a guide portion formed at an angle on the inner circumferential surface of the connecting hole.

[0022] Furthermore, this disclosure provides a battery pack including a battery module according to this disclosure.

[0023] Furthermore, this disclosure provides a vehicle including a battery module according to this disclosure.

[0024] Beneficial effects

[0025] According to embodiments of this disclosure, since the heat transfer material is disposed not only at the bottom of the battery cell but also at the top of the battery cell, dual cooling can be achieved, and the cooling performance of the battery module can be improved.

[0026] In particular, according to embodiments of this disclosure, temperature deviations within a single battery cell can be minimized, thereby improving the energy efficiency of the battery cell or battery module.

[0027] Therefore, these aspects of the present disclosure can improve the cycle performance of battery devices. In other words, according to various aspects of the present disclosure, battery devices with extended service life and the ability to operate stably for extended periods can be provided.

[0028] Furthermore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, a heat-transfer material cured on one side of the module housing (specifically, on the top plate) can protect the outer surface of the top plate. This ensures the structural rigidity of the module housing.

[0029] In addition, when the top plate is injection molded at low temperature using heat transfer material, the heat transfer material can be evenly distributed, thereby ensuring the structural stability of the top plate.

[0030] Furthermore, this disclosure may have various other effects, which will be described in the corresponding embodiments, or descriptions of effects that can be readily deduced by those skilled in the art will be omitted. Attached Figure Description

[0031] The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the foregoing disclosure, serve to provide a further understanding of the technical features of the present disclosure; therefore, the present disclosure should not be construed as being limited to the drawings.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a first plate having a heat-transferring material included in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 5 This is a partial anatomical view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the application of a heat transfer material to a first plate of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 7 This is an enlarged perspective view of a first plate included in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional perspective view of a first plate having a heat-transferring material included in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 10 This is a perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 11 This is a perspective view schematically showing a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0043] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before the description, it should be understood that the terminology used in the specification and appended claims should not be construed as limited to its general and dictionary meanings, but rather is interpreted in accordance with the principle of allowing the inventors to appropriately define the terminology for the best interpretation, in the sense of meaning and concept corresponding to the technical aspects of the present disclosure.

[0044] Therefore, the description presented herein is merely a preferred example for illustrative purposes and does not represent the full scope of this disclosure. It should be understood that other equivalents and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0045] Furthermore, this disclosure may include various embodiments. Redundant descriptions of substantially the same or similar configurations will be omitted from the various embodiments, and descriptions will be based on the differences between the embodiments.

[0046] On the other hand, although directional terms such as up (towards), down (towards), left, right, front (towards), and back (towards) are used in this specification, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains that these terms are merely for the convenience of interpretation with reference to the accompanying drawings and may vary depending on the position of the target object or the position of the observer.

[0047] For example, in the embodiments of this disclosure, the X-axis direction shown in the figure can represent the left-right direction, that is, the stacking direction of the battery cells; the Y-axis direction can represent the front-back direction, that is, the length direction of the battery cells; the Y-axis direction is perpendicular to the X-axis direction on the horizontal plane (XY plane); and the Z-axis direction can represent the up-down direction (vertical direction), that is, the height direction of the battery cells; the Z-axis direction is perpendicular to both the X-axis and Y-axis directions.

[0048] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a first plate having a heat-transferring material included in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] Reference Figures 1 to 3 According to this disclosure, the battery module 10 includes a battery cell assembly 100, a module housing 200, and a heat transfer material 300.

[0050] The battery cell assembly 100 may include one or more battery cells 110, specifically, a plurality of battery cells 110. Here, each battery cell 110 may represent a single secondary battery or a battery pack of multiple secondary batteries. In this specification, the battery cell 110 will be described as representing a single secondary battery.

[0051] Multiple battery cells 100 may include electrode assemblies, battery cell housings housing the electrode assemblies, and electrode leads 111 connected to the electrode assemblies and extending outward from the battery cell housings to serve as electrode terminals.

[0052] Here, the battery casing can be configured in various shapes, and depending on the shape of the battery casing, the battery cell 110 can be classified as a pouch cell, a cylindrical cell, or a prismatic cell. Since these types of battery cells 110 are well known at the time of filing this disclosure, their detailed description will be omitted. This disclosure applies to all types of secondary batteries known at the time of filing, and is not limited to any particular type of secondary battery.

[0053] In the battery cell assembly 100, a plurality of battery cells 110 can be configured to be stacked in at least one direction. For example, as Figure 2 As shown, multiple battery cells 110 can be arranged to be stacked in the horizontal direction, specifically, in the left-right direction (X-axis direction). Furthermore, the multiple battery cells 110 disposed in the battery cell assembly 100 can be electrically connected in series and / or in parallel via busbars (not shown).

[0054] The module housing 200 can be configured to accommodate the battery cell assembly 100. Specifically, the module housing 200 may have an internal accommodating space and can be configured to accommodate the battery cell assembly 100 within the accommodating space.

[0055] For example, the module housing 200 may be configured to include multiple plates for defining a defined space. The battery cell assembly 100 may be located within this defined space. The module housing 200 may be made at least partially of metal and / or plastic.

[0056] Furthermore, the module housing 200 may include a first plate 210. For example, the first plate 210 may be a plate forming the upper surface of the module housing 200. A connecting hole H may be formed in the first plate 210. The connecting hole H may be configured as a hole penetrating at least a portion of the first plate 210. The connecting hole H may be configured to allow communication between the internal space and the external space of the first plate 210.

[0057] The heat transfer material 300 may be disposed on the first plate 210. The heat transfer material 300 may be configured to at least partially surround the outer surface of the first plate 210. The heat transfer material 300 may be configured to coat the outer surface of the first plate 210.

[0058] The heat transfer material 300 can be coated and integrated with the first plate 210. For example, the heat transfer material 300 can be applied to the first plate 210 by spraying or using a low-pressure injection molding process. The heat transfer material 300 can be applied through the connecting hole H and then cured to coat the outer surface of the first plate 210.

[0059] The heat transfer material 300 may comprise a material capable of transferring heat. The heat transfer material 300 may be made of at least one of a thermally conductive adhesive, a phase change material, and a heat sink. For example, the heat transfer material 300 may be made of a resin material. The heat transfer material 300 may be referred to as a thermal resin. The heat transfer material 300 may comprise various materials, such as polyurethane, silicone resin, and epoxy resin. The heat transfer material 300 may be referred to by other terms, such as thermal interface material (TIM), potting resin, etc., and various heat transfer materials or TIMs known at the time of filing this disclosure may be used as the heat transfer material 300 of the battery module 10 according to this disclosure.

[0060] According to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, the heat transfer material 300 is configured to surround the outer surface of the first plate 210, thereby protecting the outer surface of the first plate 210. Therefore, the structural rigidity of the module housing 200 can be ensured.

[0061] Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, the first plate 210 can ensure airtightness and waterproofness through the heat transfer material 300. The first plate 210 can protect the internal components of the battery module 10 from external heat, moisture, and impact.

[0062] Furthermore, the heat transfer material 300 can be configured to transfer heat between the battery cell assembly 100 and the module housing 200. The battery cell 110 may generate heat during use. If this heat is not properly dissipated, the performance of the battery cell 110 may not be reliably guaranteed, and in severe cases, it may lead to thermal runaway, ignition, or explosion of the battery cell. In this regard, the heat generated from the battery cell 110 needs to be properly dissipated to the outside through the module housing 200.

[0063] According to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, the heat transfer material 300 ensures good heat transfer between the battery cell 110 and the module housing 200, thereby stably ensuring the cooling performance of the battery module 10.

[0064] Reference Figure 2 According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the module housing 200 may further include a second plate 220, a third plate 230, and a fourth plate 240. The first plate 210 to the fourth plate 240 may form the appearance of the module housing 200. The module housing 200 may be formed into a cuboid shape by means of the first plate 210 to the fourth plate 240.

[0065] More specifically, the second plate 220 may be disposed on the opposite side of the first plate 210. The second plate 220 may be configured to face the first plate 210. For example, as shown, the first plate 210 may form the upper surface of the module housing 200, and the second plate 220 may be configured to form the lower surface of the module housing 200.

[0066] The third plate 230 can be disposed at the left and right ends of the first plate 210. That is, a pair of third plates 230 facing each other can be disposed. For example, as shown in the figure, the first plate 210 can form the upper surface of the module housing 200, and the third plate 230 can be configured to form the left and right sides of the module housing 200 on both sides of the first plate 210.

[0067] The first plate 210, the second plate 220, and the third plate 230 can be configured to be integrated with each other. The first plate 210, the second plate 220, and the third plate 230 can be combined to form a square tube with a front opening and a rear opening.

[0068] The fourth plate 240 can be disposed at both ends of the first plate 210 in the front-rear direction. That is, a pair of fourth plates 240 facing each other can be disposed. The fourth plate 240 can be located on the side from which the electrode lead 110 of the battery cell 100 extends outward.

[0069] For example, as shown in the figure, the fourth plate 240 can be configured to form the front and rear sides of the module housing 200. The fourth plate 240 can be integrated with the front and rear openings of the integrated first plate 210, second plate 220, and third plate 230.

[0070] The battery module 10 of this disclosure may further include a busbar frame assembly 500. The busbar frame assembly 500 may be disposed inside the module housing 200 and configured to cover at least one side of the plurality of battery cells 100. The busbar frame assembly 500 may be located on the side of the battery cell 100 from which the electrode leads 110 extend outward. In this embodiment, as... Figure 2 As shown, the busbar frame assembly 500 can be integrated into the front and rear of multiple battery cells 100.

[0071] The busbar frame assembly 500 may include a busbar frame 510 and a plurality of busbars 520. The busbar frame 510 may be configured to be substantially integrated into the front and rear portions of a plurality of battery cells 100. The busbar frame 510 may have slits through which electrode leads 110 of the battery cells 100 may extend outward in a front-rear direction.

[0072] Furthermore, the busbar frame 510 may be made of an electrically insulating material (such as a plastic material) and configured such that the busbar 520 is attached to its outer surface.

[0073] Multiple busbars 520 are devices for connecting battery cells 100 in series and / or in parallel, and may be made of a rod-shaped metal such as copper, aluminum or nickel.

[0074] The electrode lead 110 of the battery cell 100 can pass through the slit in the busbar frame 510 and extend outward from the busbar frame 510, and the extended portion can be attached to the surface of the busbar 520 by welding or other methods.

[0075] When the busbar frame assembly 500 is installed, to ensure electrical insulation, the fourth plate 240 can be configured, for example, such that its inner surface is made of an insulating material and its outer surface is made of a metallic material. Furthermore, the fourth plate 240 may be partially provided with holes or slits to expose components that require external exposure, such as the module terminals or connectors of the battery module 10.

[0076] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 This is a partial anatomical view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0077] Reference Figure 4The first plate 210 can be disposed on top of the battery cell assembly 100. Similarly, the heat transfer material 300 can be disposed on top of the battery cell assembly 100. Therefore, the heat transfer rate between the battery cell assembly 100 and the first plate 210 can be increased, allowing the heat generated from the battery cell assembly 100 to be dissipated to the upper part of the module housing 200. In other words, the upper part of the battery cell assembly 100 can be cooled.

[0078] When a heat transfer material 300, made of a thermally conductive adhesive such as a thermosetting resin, is applied to the upper part of the battery cell assembly 100, the heat transfer material 300 can be applied to the battery cell 110 or the busbar frame assembly 500 and cured. In this case, if expansion or external impact occurs in the battery cell 110, the battery cell 110 may be damaged.

[0079] However, according to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, the heat transfer material 300 can be disposed on top of the battery cell assembly 100 without damaging the internal components of the module housing 200, such as the battery cell 110.

[0080] Specifically, refer to Figure 5 The heat transfer material 300 can be applied only to the first plate 210 before it is bonded to the other plates of the module housing 200, and then cured to coat the first plate 210. The first plate 210 can then be bonded to the other plates constituting the module housing 200.

[0081] Therefore, according to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, since it is not necessary to separately coat the heat transfer material 300 onto the inside of the module housing 200, it is possible to substantially prevent the heat transfer material 300 from flowing to the battery cell 110 or the busbar frame assembly 500.

[0082] Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, since the first plate 210 coated with heat transfer material 300 will be bonded to the other plates of the module housing 200, the assemblability and productivity during the manufacture of the battery module 10 can be improved.

[0083] When the first plate 210 coated with heat transfer material 300 is bonded to other plates of the module housing 200, the heat transfer material 300 can be located between the battery cell assembly 100 and the module housing 200. For example, see reference... Figure 4 The heat transfer material 300 can be disposed between one side of the battery cell assembly 100 (i.e., the upper surface of the battery cell assembly 100) and the inner surface of the first plate 210.

[0084] The heat transfer material 300 can be configured to fill the space between the first plate 210 and the battery cell assembly 100. The inner surface of the heat transfer material 300 can be configured to contact the upper surface of the battery cell assembly 100. The inner surface of the heat transfer material 300 can be configured to correspond to the shape of the upper surface of the battery cell assembly 100.

[0085] Furthermore, the heat transfer material 300 can be located between all the battery cells 110 included in the battery cell assembly 100 and the first plate 210. That is, the heat transfer material 300 can be configured to directly contact all the battery cells 110 included in the battery cell assembly 100.

[0086] According to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, the heat generated from all the battery cells 110 included in the battery module 10 can be dissipated through the heat transfer material 300. Therefore, the overall cooling performance of the battery module 10 can be further improved.

[0087] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 4 The battery module 10 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may further include a cooling member 400. The cooling member 400 may be disposed on the opposite side of the first plate 210. For example, the cooling member 400 may be disposed on the inner side of the second plate 220.

[0088] For example, refer to Figure 4 The cooling component 400 may be disposed between one surface of the battery cell assembly 100 (e.g., the lower surface of the battery cell assembly 100) and the lower surface of the module housing 200.

[0089] The cooling member 400 can be configured to dissipate heat from the lower part of the battery cell assembly 100. The cooling member 400 can be configured as at least one of a thermally conductive adhesive, a phase change material, and a heat sink. For example, the cooling member 400 can be made of a resin material. The cooling member 400 can be referred to as a thermal resin. The cooling member 400 can comprise various materials, such as polyurethane, silicone, and epoxy resin. The cooling member 400 can be referred to by other terms, such as thermal interface material (TIM), potting resin, etc., and various heat transfer materials or TIMs known at the time of filing this disclosure can be used as materials for the cooling member 400 of the battery module 10 according to this disclosure.

[0090] The cooling member 400 can be configured to secure the battery cell assembly 100 to the module housing 200. For this purpose, the cooling member 400 may include adhesive components. For example, such as... Figure 4 As shown, when the cooling component 400 is located inside the second plate 220, the cooling component 400 can fix the lower surface of the battery cell assembly 100 to the second plate 220 by adhesive.

[0091] The cooling component 400 can be applied to the lower surface (second plate 220) of the module housing 200 and cured before the battery cell assembly 100 is housed in the module housing 200.

[0092] According to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, cooling of both the lower and upper parts of the battery cell 110 can be achieved simultaneously. Therefore, the cooling performance of the battery module 10 can be further improved.

[0093] Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiments of this disclosure, the temperature deviation within the battery cell 110 can be minimized, thereby improving the energy efficiency of the battery cell 110 or the battery module 10.

[0094] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the application of a heat transfer material to a first plate of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0095] As an example, the first plate 210 can be injection molded using heat transfer material 300 under low pressure.

[0096] Low-pressure injection molding is an encapsulation process that uses very low injection pressure (0.15 to 4 MPa) to inject materials such as thermal transfer material 300 into a mold and allow them to solidify rapidly. Low-pressure injection molding can provide excellent sealing and thermal insulation properties for high-temperature molten materials.

[0097] As a specific example, heat transfer material 300 can be injected under low pressure through a connecting hole H formed in the first plate 210. The connecting hole H can serve as a channel through which the heat transfer material 300 is injected. The heat transfer material 300 injected under low pressure can pass through the connecting hole H and uniformly coat the outer and inner surfaces of the first plate 210. Therefore, a protective layer can be formed on the outer surface of the first plate 210.

[0098] According to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, when the first plate 210 is subjected to a low-pressure injection molding process, the heat transfer material 300 can be injected uniformly and consistently onto the first plate 210, thereby ensuring the structural stability of the first plate 210. Therefore, the internal components of the module housing 200 can be reliably protected.

[0099] Furthermore, the weight of the first plate 210 formed by the low-pressure injection molding process can be minimized. Therefore, the energy efficiency of the battery module 10 can be improved.

[0100] Furthermore, the first plate 210 formed by low-pressure injection molding can be airtight and waterproof. That is, the heat transfer material 300 coated on the outer surface of the first plate 210 can protect the internal components of the module housing 200 from external heat, moisture or impact.

[0101] Figure 7This is an enlarged perspective view of a first plate included in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0102] At least a portion of the first plate 210 can be configured in the form of a mesh. That is, the first plate 210 can be configured to have interconnecting holes H densely arranged like a mesh. When the first plate 210 undergoes a low-pressure injection molding process, the heat transfer material 300 can be injected through the mesh structure.

[0103] According to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, the space (connecting hole H) capable of accommodating the heat transfer material 300 can be densely formed in the first plate 210, thereby suppressing the flow of the heat transfer material 300. This prevents the heat transfer material 300 from excessively diffusing or overflowing.

[0104] Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, the heat transfer material 300 can be guided to be uniformly or evenly coated onto the first plate 210.

[0105] The connecting hole H can be circular. Alternatively, it can be rectangular. The shape of the connecting hole H is not limited to these; it can also be formed in other shapes, such as a honeycomb shape with a mesh structure, various polygonal shapes, and elliptical shapes.

[0106] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional perspective view of a first plate having a heat-transferring material included in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0107] Reference Figure 8 The structure of the first plate 210 coated or coated with heat transfer material 300 will be described in more detail.

[0108] The heat transfer material 300 can be located on both the inner and outer surfaces of the first plate 210. That is, the heat transfer material 300 can be configured to coat both surfaces of the first plate 210. Specifically, the heat transfer material 300 may include a first portion P1 disposed on the inner surface of the first plate 210 and a second portion P2 disposed on the outer surface of the first plate 210.

[0109] According to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, since the cured heat transfer material 300 is arranged to surround the two surfaces of the first plate 210, the structural stability of the first plate 210 can be further improved. Furthermore, the heat dissipation performance of the first plate 210 can be further improved.

[0110] Furthermore, the heat transfer material 300 can be configured such that the first portion P1 and the second portion P2 are connected through the connecting hole H. That is, the heat transfer material 300 can be configured to fill the internal space of the connecting hole H.

[0111] In other words, according to the embodiments of this disclosure, the heat transfer material 300 can be disposed on the outer surface and the inner surface, as well as in the internal space of the connecting hole H of the first plate 210.

[0112] According to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, the entire outer surface of the first plate 210 can be coated with a heat transfer material 300. Furthermore, the heat transfer material 300 disposed on the inner and outer surfaces of the first plate 210 can be configured such that the first portion P1 and the second portion P2 are connected through a connecting hole H and are cured or hardened to each other. Therefore, separation of the heat transfer material 300 from the first plate 210 can be minimized, and the structural rigidity of the first plate 210 can be further enhanced.

[0113] Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, the heat transfer material 300 can reach the space of the connecting hole H, thereby allowing the maximum amount of heat transfer material 300 to be coated onto the first plate 210. Therefore, the thickness of the heat transfer material 300 can be maximized, thereby further improving the cooling performance of the battery module 10.

[0114] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0115] As another embodiment, refer to Figure 9 In the illustrated embodiment, the first plate 210 may include a guide portion 211. The guide portion 211 may be formed on the inner peripheral surface of the connecting hole H. The guide portion 211 may be formed obliquely on the inner surface of the connecting hole H.

[0116] Specifically, the guide portion 211 can be configured to guide the heat transfer material 300 toward the interior of the connecting hole H. More specifically, the guide portion 211 can be configured to be inclined toward the interior of the connecting hole H. The guide portion 211 can be configured such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the connecting hole H decreases toward the outer side of the first plate 210.

[0117] According to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, when the heat transfer material 300 is coated onto the first plate 210, the heat transfer material 300 can be guided along the guide portion 211 toward the interior of the connecting hole H. Therefore, leakage of the heat transfer material 300 to the exterior of the connecting hole H can be suppressed, thereby maximizing the amount of heat transfer material 300 coated onto the first plate 210.

[0118] Figure 10 This is a perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0119] Reference Figure 10The battery pack 1 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include one or more battery modules 10 according to embodiments of the present disclosure described above. The battery pack 1 according to the present disclosure may also include a battery pack housing 2 for housing a battery management system (BMS), a current sensor, and a fuse for integrated control of charging and discharging of one or more battery modules, as well as the aforementioned components.

[0120] Alternatively, the battery pack 1 according to this disclosure may include the battery module 10 according to this disclosure, without a separate battery pack housing 2, such that the module housing 200 of the battery module 10 serves as the battery pack housing 2. In this case, battery pack components such as a BMS, busbars, and relays may be included within the module housing 200. This type of battery pack is also referred to as a module-less (CTP) type, in which the individual battery cell assembly 100 is directly housed in the battery pack housing 2. Recently, the development of CTP-type battery packs has become increasingly active, and this disclosure can also be applied to such CTP-type battery packs.

[0121] Furthermore, the battery pack 1 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may also include a cooling plate 3. The cooling plate 3 may be disposed inside the battery pack housing 2. For example, the cooling plate 3 may be disposed in at least one of the upper and lower portions of the battery cell assembly 100 and the battery module 10. The cooling plate 3 may be configured to face the heat transfer material 300 and the cooling member 400 of the battery module 10.

[0122] According to the above-described embodiments of this disclosure, the battery cell assembly 100 or battery module 10 can dissipate heat or be cooled from both sides (i.e., the upper and lower sides) of the battery pack 1. Therefore, the cooling performance of the battery pack 1 can be improved.

[0123] Figure 11 This is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0124] Reference Figure 11 A vehicle V according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include one or more battery packs 1 according to embodiments of the present disclosure, or one or more battery modules 10 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the vehicle V according to the present disclosure may be an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The vehicle V includes four-wheeled vehicles and two-wheeled vehicles. The vehicle V can operate by receiving power from the battery pack 1 or battery module 10 according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0125] As described above, although this disclosure has been described with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and various modifications and alterations can be made by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains without departing from the technical concept of this disclosure and the equivalent scope of the claims described below.

Claims

1. A battery module, comprising: A battery cell assembly, wherein the battery cell assembly comprises a plurality of battery cells; A module housing configured to accommodate the battery cell assembly and having a communication hole formed in a first plate; as well as A heat transfer material, the heat transfer material being configured to at least partially surround the outer surface of the first plate.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The first plate and the heat transfer material are disposed on top of the battery cell assembly.

3. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The heat transfer material is configured to fill the space between the first plate and the battery cell assembly.

4. The battery module according to claim 1, further comprising: A cooling component is disposed on the inner side of a second plate, which is disposed on the opposite side of the first plate.

5. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The first plate is injection molded under low pressure using the heat transfer material.

6. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, At least a portion of the first plate is configured as a mesh.

7. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The heat transfer material includes: A first portion disposed on the inner surface of the first plate and a second portion disposed on the outer surface of the first plate.

8. The battery module according to claim 7, wherein, The heat transfer material is configured such that the first portion and the second portion are connected through the connecting hole.

9. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The heat transfer material is configured to surround the outer and inner surfaces of the first plate and the internal space of the connecting hole.

10. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The first board includes: A guide portion is formed obliquely on the inner circumferential surface of the connecting hole.

11. A battery pack comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A vehicle comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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