Battery module

Abstract

A battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can include: a case in which a space is formed inside, and which is provided with a flow inlet through which a refrigerant flows in and a flow outlet through which the refrigerant is discharged; a cell stack body which is accommodated in the case and in which a plurality of cells are stacked in a predetermined stacking direction; and a plurality of first support portions which are formed to protrude from a bottom surface of the case and which support the cell stack body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a battery module. Background Technology

[0002] As fossil fuels dwindle and energy prices rise, and concerns about environmental pollution intensify, the demand for environmentally friendly alternative energy sources is becoming an indispensable element of future life. In particular, with the technological development and increasing demand for mobile devices, the demand for secondary batteries as an energy source is increasing dramatically.

[0003] For example, when secondary batteries are mainly used in devices such as mobile devices, even using one or two to four cells can easily achieve the storage capacity and energy output level required by each device. However, medium and large-sized devices such as automobiles require high output and large-capacity storage devices. Therefore, using a small number of cells as mentioned above may cause major problems in terms of energy storage capacity and energy output.

[0004] Therefore, battery modules that electrically connect multiple cells are typically installed in medium to large-sized equipment, or battery packs that include multiple such battery modules.

[0005] For example, a battery module may include a battery assembly with multiple cells stacked, a module frame for protecting the battery assembly from external shocks, heat or vibration, and end plates covering the front and / or back of the battery assembly.

[0006] For example, the battery module has a sealed structure through the combination of the module frame and the end plate, but the end plate may have openings for connecting the internal and external components of the battery module.

[0007] On the other hand, inside the battery module, the internal pressure of the cell may increase due to overcharging or other reasons. High-temperature heat, gas or flames may be released to the outside of the cell, resulting in thermal propagation between the cells and potentially causing a chain fire between the cells.

[0008] This heat transfer and fire phenomenon reduces the durability and safety of the battery module, so it is necessary to develop battery modules that can prevent heat transfer and fire within the battery module. Summary of the Invention

[0009] (a) Technical problems to be solved According to one aspect of this disclosure, a battery module is intended to suppress the thermal propagation phenomenon of secondary batteries.

[0010] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a battery module is intended to prevent secondary battery fires.

[0011] According to another aspect of this disclosure, it is intended to provide a battery module having a structure capable of improving process efficiency in the manufacturing process of secondary batteries.

[0012] On the other hand, the secondary battery module according to this disclosure can be widely used in electric vehicles, battery charging stations, energy storage systems (ESS), and other green technology fields such as solar power generation and wind power generation that use battery cells.

[0013] Furthermore, the secondary battery module according to this disclosure can be used in eco-friendly mobility vehicles, including electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles, to prevent climate change by suppressing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

[0014] (II) Technical Solution This disclosure provides a battery module, which may include: a housing having a space inside and having an inlet for refrigerant inflow and an outlet for refrigerant outflow; a cell stack housed in the housing, wherein a plurality of cells are stacked along a predetermined stacking direction; and a plurality of first support portions protruding from the bottom surface of the housing and supporting the cell stack.

[0015] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the cell stack may be spaced apart from the bottom surface of the housing.

[0016] In one embodiment of this disclosure, a plurality of first support portions may be coated with a thermally conductive material.

[0017] In one embodiment of this disclosure, a plurality of first supports are spaced apart from each other, and a flow channel for cooling the refrigerant flow of the battery cell stack can be formed between the plurality of first supports.

[0018] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the battery module may further include: a first mesh plate sandwiched between a plurality of first supports and a cell stack.

[0019] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the first mesh plate may include a plurality of mesh openings and a plurality of grid sections disposed between the mesh openings.

[0020] In one embodiment of this disclosure, a plurality of mesh openings may be filled with refrigerant.

[0021] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the plurality of first support portions may be a plurality of circular protrusions; the circular protrusions may support a plurality of grid portions.

[0022] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the plurality of first support portions may be a plurality of ribs.

[0023] In one embodiment of this disclosure, multiple ribs may extend in a direction parallel to the stacking direction, and each rib may be arranged parallel to each other.

[0024] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the housing may include: a first sidewall, which stands upright from the bottom surface of the housing and is parallel to the stacking direction; a second sidewall, which stands upright from the bottom surface of the housing and is parallel to and opposite to the first sidewall; a third sidewall, which stands upright from the bottom surface of the housing, is disposed in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction, and is connected to the first sidewall and the second sidewall; and a fourth sidewall, which stands upright from the bottom surface of the housing, is parallel to and opposite to the third sidewall, and is connected to the first sidewall and the second sidewall.

[0025] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the first sidewall may be formed with either an inlet or an outlet, and the second sidewall may be formed with the other of an inlet or an outlet.

[0026] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the plurality of ribs may include: a plurality of first ribs, one end of which terminates at the connection between the bottom surface of the housing and the third sidewall, and the other end of which terminates in any region of the bottom surface of the housing in the direction toward the fourth sidewall; and a plurality of second ribs, one end of which terminates at the connection between the bottom surface of the housing and the fourth sidewall, and the other end of which terminates in any region of the bottom surface of the housing in the direction toward the third sidewall, wherein the plurality of first ribs and the plurality of second ribs may be arranged in a manner in which the first ribs and the second ribs alternate sequentially.

[0027] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the other end of the first rib and the other end of the second rib may have a rounded chamfer shape.

[0028] In another embodiment of this disclosure, at least one of the inlet and outlet may be disposed around one end of the first rib or one end of the second rib.

[0029] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the housing may have an opening in the upper region and further include an upper cover that is coupled to the housing and covers the upper region.

[0030] In one embodiment of this disclosure, a surface pressure pad may be sandwiched between the upper cover and the battery cell stack.

[0031] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the face pad may include a plurality of protrusions projecting toward the cell stack.

[0032] In another embodiment of this disclosure, the upper cover may include a plurality of second support portions that protrude from the bottom surface of the upper cover to form and support the cell stack.

[0033] In another embodiment of this disclosure, the battery module may further include: a second mesh plate sandwiched between a plurality of second supports and a cell stack.

[0034] (III) Beneficial Effects According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the thermal propagation phenomenon of a secondary battery can be suppressed.

[0035] According to another embodiment of this disclosure, fires of secondary batteries can be prevented.

[0036] According to another embodiment of this disclosure, process efficiency in the manufacturing process of secondary batteries can be improved. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating, by way of example, a side view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 3 This is an exemplary schematic diagram showing the flow of refrigerant on the bottom surface of a housing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 4 This is an exemplary exploded perspective view of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 5 This is an exemplary schematic diagram showing the front of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating, by way of example, a side view of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 7 This is an exemplary schematic diagram showing the flow of refrigerant on the bottom surface of a housing according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 8 This is an exemplary exploded perspective view of a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 9 This is an exemplary schematic diagram showing the flow of refrigerant on the bottom surface of the housing according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 10This is an exemplary schematic diagram illustrating refrigerant flow according to the positions of the inlet and outlet according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figure 11 This is an exemplary diagram showing a battery module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from below.

[0048] Figure 12 This is an exemplary diagram showing a face pressure pad according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] Figure 13 This is an exemplary diagram showing a plurality of second support portions and a second mesh plate according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0050] The embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings to enable those skilled in the art to readily implement them. However, this application can be implemented in many different ways and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Furthermore, in order to accurately illustrate this application in the drawings, parts unrelated to the description have been omitted, and similar reference numerals have been assigned to similar parts throughout the specification.

[0051] In this invention, "secondary battery" refers to a battery cell or battery unit, specifically an electrode assembly structure stacked in the outer casing material with a positive electrode plate, separator, and negative electrode plate, and integrated within the outer casing material in a state of connection with electrodes formed on the outside of the electrode assembly. Furthermore, the electrodes may be structures that extend outwards from the outer surface of the stack and extend in the same or opposite directions.

[0052] Furthermore, in this disclosure, secondary batteries include secondary storage batteries, cells, battery cells, or batteries.

[0053] Furthermore, in this disclosure, the secondary battery can be classified as cylindrical, prismatic, or pouch-shaped, depending on the type of outer casing material.

[0054] Furthermore, in this disclosure, the term "battery assembly" is a general term for either a battery module or a battery pack. Therefore, a battery assembly according to an embodiment of this disclosure can refer not only to a battery module, but also to a battery pack that houses battery cells without a battery module, such as a cell-to-pack (CTP) battery pack.

[0055] Furthermore, in this disclosure, a battery cell refers to a lithium secondary battery capable of using electrical energy through charging and discharging, specifically the basic unit of a lithium-ion battery. For example, the main components of a battery cell are an electrode serving as a positive electrode, an electrode serving as a negative electrode, a separator, and an electrolyte, which are housed within a casing (or bag). Additionally, the battery cell may further include tabs for external electrical connection, said tabs being connected to the positive electrode and the negative electrode respectively and protruding outwards from the bag.

[0056] Furthermore, in this disclosure, a battery module refers to a battery assembly in which one or more battery cells are bundled together and placed inside a housing to protect the aforementioned battery cells from external impacts, heat, vibration, etc. Such one or more battery cells supply power to or receive power from the outside via a busbar assembly including a busbar with electrical connections and a busbar frame.

[0057] In addition, a battery pack can refer to a set of battery modules that are assembled and electrically connected in a predetermined number to obtain the required voltage or power.

[0058] Hereinafter, the battery module 1 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0059] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view of a battery module 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0060] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the battery module 1 may include: a housing 100 having a space inside and having a refrigerant inlet 101 and a refrigerant outlet 102; a cell stack 300 housed in the housing 100, wherein a plurality of cells 310 are stacked along a predetermined stacking direction; and a plurality of first support portions 111 protruding from the bottom surface 110 of the housing 100 and supporting the cell stack 300.

[0061] For example, battery module 1 may include: a cell stack 300, consisting of a plurality of cells 310 stacked together; and a busbar assembly (not shown) electrically connecting the cell stack 300. Furthermore, the busbar assembly may include: a busbar electrically connected to the electrodes of the cell stack 300; and a busbar frame on which the busbar is mounted.

[0062] For example, multiple battery cells 310 can be assembled in a stacked configuration and electrically connected as a whole by a busbar assembly. The busbar assembly is electrically connected to the outside and can store or charge electrical energy into the battery cell stack 300, or supply or discharge the electrical energy stored in the battery cell stack 300 to the outside.

[0063] like Figure 1 As shown, the housing 100 that houses the battery cell stack 300 has an internal space that can be filled with refrigerant.

[0064] In one embodiment of this disclosure, to achieve effective cooling of the cell stack 300, a cooling fluid, i.e., a refrigerant, with electrical insulation properties can be supplied to the interior of the battery module 1, and a liquid immersion cooling method can be used to directly contact the refrigerant with the cell stack 300. Therefore, since the cell stack 300 is directly cooled with a refrigerant that has a better thermal conductivity than gas, the battery module 1 can be cooled more effectively, and fire can be prevented.

[0065] like Figure 1 As shown, the housing 100 may be provided with a refrigerant inlet 101 and a refrigerant outlet 102. The refrigerant inlet 101 is connected to the housing 100 in a through manner, serving as a fluid channel for supplying refrigerant supplied by the inlet pipe (not shown) from the outside to the inside of the housing 100. The refrigerant outlet 102 is connected to the housing 100 in a through manner, serving as a fluid channel for discharging refrigerant from the inside of the housing 100 to the outlet pipe (not shown) when the battery module 1 is operating normally.

[0066] Therefore, as the refrigerant flows in from the inlet 101 of the housing 100 and out from the outlet 102 of the housing 100, the refrigerant can circulate within the internal space of the housing 100. This reduces the temperature gradient of the refrigerant inside the housing 100, thereby allowing for more uniform cooling of the entire cell stack 300.

[0067] On the other hand, the battery module 1 may generate heat during energy storage, and the temperature of the refrigerant may rise due to the thermally conductive material 600. Furthermore, the volume of the refrigerant may increase or it may evaporate. Therefore, a temperature sensor (not shown) can be installed inside the housing 100 to measure the temperature of the refrigerant stored inside the housing 100. Additionally, a pressure sensor (not shown) can be installed to measure pressure changes inside the housing 100.

[0068] For example, when an air layer is formed in the upper part of the interior of the housing 100, the pressure sensor can measure the pressure change of the air layer. Furthermore, when the housing 100 is completely filled with refrigerant, the pressure change of the refrigerant caused by temperature changes can be measured.

[0069] In addition, separate circulation pumps (not shown) can be installed on the inlet and outlet pipe paths to facilitate the smooth flow of refrigerant through the inlet and outlet pipes.

[0070] For example, the refrigerant comes into direct contact with the cell stack 300 to cool the cell stack 300, thereby preventing thermal runaway of the cell 310 and the resulting fire. For example, the refrigerant, as a fluid with excellent insulation and thermal conductivity, may include hydrofluoroethers, fluoroketones, perfluorinated compounds, or combinations thereof. The type of refrigerant is not limited to these; any solution with insulation and high thermal conductivity is acceptable.

[0071] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the housing 100 may have an opening in the upper region and further include an upper cover 500 that is coupled to the housing 100 and covers the upper region.

[0072] like Figure 1 As shown, the upper cover 500 functions as a cover for the outer casing 100, the upper region of which is open and has an opening shape. Therefore, it acts as a protective plate to prevent refrigerant from overflowing to the outside of the outer casing 100.

[0073] In one embodiment of this disclosure, a surface pressure pad 400 may be sandwiched between the upper cover 500 and the cell stack 300.

[0074] like Figure 1 As shown, the battery module 1 may include a face pressure pad 400 disposed between the housing 100 and the upper cover surface 510 of the upper cover 500. For example, the face pressure pad 400 may be made of a polymer with elastic properties. Therefore, the face pressure pad 400 can apply pressure to the cell stack 300 between the housing 100 and the upper cover 500, thereby preventing the cell stack 300 from moving.

[0075] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the side of a battery module 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0076] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the battery cell stack 300 can be separated from the bottom surface 110 of the housing 100 by a plurality of first support portions 111 supporting the battery cell stack 300, and the upper part of the plurality of first support portions 111 can be coated with a thermally conductive material 600.

[0077] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the bottom surface 110 of the housing 100 may have a plurality of first support portions 111 for supporting the battery cell stack 300. For example, the plurality of first support portions 111 may be integrally formed with the housing 100, or the plurality of first support portions 111 may be attached to the housing 100 as components independent of the housing 100 by welding or adhesive.

[0078] For example, the bottom surface 110 of the outer casing 100 can be in the form of a flat plate, composed of a rectangular plate. For example, the plurality of first support portions 111 can be protrusions extending from the bottom surface 110 of the outer casing 100.

[0079] For example, multiple protrusions can protrude from the bottom surface 110 of the housing 100 toward the cell stack 300. Furthermore, each of the multiple protrusions can protrude at the same height as the others. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the cell stack 300, which is positioned above the multiple protrusions, from tilting, and it is possible to prevent the cell stack 300 from moving due to protrusions of different heights.

[0080] like Figure 2 As shown, the upper part of the plurality of first support portions 111 may be coated with a thermal interface material 600. For example, the thermal interface material 600 may be any type of thermally conductive adhesive, such as liquid, sol, or gel.

[0081] For example, the thermally conductive material 600 can be any one or more of the following: polymer materials or metal composite materials made by mixing metals such as Al, Ag, Cu, and Ni with polymers; ceramic composite materials such as AlN, Al2O3, BN, SiC, and BeO; and carbon composite materials such as graphite, carbon nanotubes, carbon fibers, and graphene.

[0082] For example, the lower end of the cell stack 300 disposed on the upper part of the plurality of first support portions 111 is in contact with the thermally conductive material 600 coated on the upper part of the first support portions 111 during the initial placement of the cell stack 300. After a predetermined time following placement, the cell stack 300 can be firmly fixed as the thermally conductive material 600 hardens. Here, the thermally conductive material 600 can form a heat transfer path that discharges the heat generated by the cell stack 300 through the lower end of the cell stack 300. Furthermore, the lower end of the cell stack 300 can be fixed, thereby reducing damage caused by vibration and impact applied to the cell stack 300. In addition, the thermally conductive material 600 can fill the gap between the lower end of the cell stack 300 and the plurality of first support portions 111, thereby increasing the contact force while reducing thermal contact resistance.

[0083] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, a first mesh plate 200 may be sandwiched at the lower part of the cell stack 300. In this case, the thermally conductive material 600 can directly contact the first mesh plate 200. Similar to the contact between the cell stack 300 and the thermally conductive material 600 described above, the first mesh plate 200 contacts the thermally conductive material 600, and the thermally conductive material 600 can form a heat transfer path between the first mesh plate 200 and the plurality of first support portions 111, and can prevent the first mesh plate 200 from moving.

[0084] Figure 3 This is an exemplary schematic diagram showing the flow of refrigerant on the bottom surface 110 of the housing 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0085] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the plurality of first support portions 111 may be a plurality of ribs, which extend in a direction parallel to the stacking direction and may be arranged parallel to each other.

[0086] like Figure 3 As shown, since multiple first support portions 111 extend in a direction parallel to the stacking direction of the battery cell 310, multiple first support portions 111 can support one battery cell 310 at the same time.

[0087] Furthermore, since the ribs are arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart, flow channels for refrigerant can be formed between the ribs. As a result, the refrigerant flow rate becomes uniform, and the cooling efficiency can be improved.

[0088] Furthermore, the direction from the refrigerant inlet 101 to the refrigerant outlet 102 can be perpendicular to the direction of the rib extension. Therefore, the ribs act as blocking walls at multiple points, preventing refrigerant flow, and during the discharge of refrigerant from the refrigerant inlet 101 to the refrigerant outlet 102, the multiple ribs can guide the refrigerant flow to flow uniformly across the bottom surface 110 of the housing 100. Thus, since the lower end of the cell stack 300 can be cooled uniformly, the cooling efficiency of the cell stack 300 is significantly improved, and refrigerant waste is prevented.

[0089] Figure 4 This is an exemplary exploded perspective view of a battery module 1 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 This is an exemplary schematic diagram showing the front of a battery module 1 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0090] In another embodiment of this disclosure, it may further include a first mesh plate 200, sandwiched between the first support portion 111 and the cell stack 300. Furthermore, the first mesh plate 200 may include a plurality of mesh openings 210 and a plurality of grid portions 220 disposed between the mesh openings 210, and the plurality of mesh openings 210 may be filled with refrigerant. In this other embodiment of the present disclosure, the first support portion may be a circular protrusion 112, which may support the plurality of grid portions 220.

[0091] For example, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the first mesh plate 200 can directly contact the battery cell stack 300 and the plurality of first support portions 111 respectively between the battery cell stack 300 and the plurality of first support portions 111. Specifically, the upper surface of the first mesh plate 200 can directly contact the battery cell stack 300, and the lower surface of the first mesh plate 200 can directly contact the plurality of first support portions 111.

[0092] For example, the first mesh plate 200 can be made of a metal material to ensure rigidity. For example, the first mesh plate 200 can be made of aluminum to ensure rigidity while achieving a lightweight overall battery module 1. Not limited to this, the first mesh plate 200 can also be made of a plastic material, as long as it has the predetermined rigidity to support the cell stack 300. For example, when the first mesh plate 200 is made of a metal material, its upper surface can be coated with an insulating material to prevent short circuits with the cell stack 300.

[0093] Figure 6 This is an exemplary schematic diagram showing the side of a battery module 1 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 This is an exemplary schematic diagram showing the flow of refrigerant on the bottom surface 110 of the housing 100 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0094] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the first mesh plate 200 may include mesh openings 210. The mesh openings 210 are designed to minimize the contact resistance of the first mesh plate 200 caused by contact with the cell stack 300, and may be disposed between the bottom surface 110 of the housing 100 and the cell stack 300.

[0095] For example, the mesh 210 can be formed in a quadrilateral shape. For example, the mesh 210 can also be formed in a circular shape. It is not limited to this, the shape of the mesh 210 can also be formed in other honeycomb shapes, various polygonal shapes and elliptical shapes, etc., with a mesh structure that can minimize the contact resistance of the first mesh plate 200.

[0096] For example, the mesh 210 can be filled with refrigerant. Therefore, the refrigerant can be filled in the mesh 210 to directly contact the cell stack 300. That is, the refrigerant filled in the mesh 210 can be disposed on the same plane as the mesh plate. Therefore, the efficiency of the thermally conductive material 600 of the cell stack 300 can be further improved.

[0097] On the other hand, such as Figure 7As shown, the first mesh plate 200 may include a grid portion 220 in the portion where the rigid reinforcing strips overlap around the mesh openings 210. Multiple rigid reinforcing strips are included in the first mesh plate 200 and are spaced apart from each other at predetermined distances to divide the mesh openings 210. For example, the grid portion 220 is disposed on the same plane as the first mesh plate 200 and can directly contact the cell stack 300 on its upper surface along with the refrigerant filled in the mesh openings 210. Furthermore, the lower surface of the grid portion 220 can directly contact a circular protrusion projecting from the bottom surface 110 of the housing 100.

[0098] For example, the heat generated by the cell stack 300 can first be transferred to the first mesh plate 200, which is in contact with the bottom surface of the cell stack 300. Furthermore, the heat transferred to the first mesh plate 200 can be directly transferred to the refrigerant filled in the mesh 210 or to the refrigerant flowing between the bottom surface of the first mesh plate 200 and the bottom surface 110 of the outer casing 100. Thus, the heat generated by the cell stack 300 can be directly transferred to the refrigerant.

[0099] In addition, such as Figure 6 As shown, a thermally conductive material is also coated on the upper surface of the circular protrusion 112, which can further ensure the contact force between the first mesh plate 200 and the circular protrusion 112.

[0100] In addition, such as Figure 7 As shown, since the refrigerant can flow in the space between the circular protrusions 112, the refrigerant flow on the bottom surface of the first mesh plate 200 can be ensured, thus improving the cooling performance of the battery module 1.

[0101] That is, while the first mesh plate 200 and the circular protrusion 112 support the bottom surface of the cell stack 300, a predetermined space can be ensured between the cell stack 300 and the bottom surface 110 of the outer casing 100. Therefore, a structure in which refrigerant can flow into the predetermined space can be adopted. As a result, the cooling performance of the battery module 1 can be improved while reducing the manufacturing time and cost of the battery module 1.

[0102] Figure 8 An exploded perspective view of a battery module 1 according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown as an example.

[0103] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the housing 100 may include: a first sidewall 120, which stands upright from the bottom surface 110 of the housing 100 and is parallel to the stacking direction of the cell stack 300; a second sidewall 130, which stands upright from the bottom surface 110 of the housing 100 and is parallel to and opposite to the first sidewall 120; a third sidewall 140, which stands upright from the bottom surface 110 of the housing 100, is disposed in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction of the cell stack 300, and is connected to the first sidewall 120 and the second sidewall 130; and a fourth sidewall 150, which stands upright from the bottom surface 110 of the housing 100, is parallel to and opposite to the third sidewall 140, and is connected to the first sidewall 120 and the second sidewall 130.

[0104] like Figure 8 As shown, the walls forming the sidewalls of the housing 100, which sandwiches the first mesh plate 200 and accommodates the cell stack 300, may include a first sidewall 120, a second sidewall 130, a third sidewall 140, and a fourth sidewall 150. For example, the first sidewall 120 to the fourth sidewall 150 may be erected vertically from the bottom surface 110 of the housing 100. For example, the first sidewall 120 and the second sidewall 130 may be arranged parallel to each other, and the third sidewall 140 and the fourth sidewall 150 may be arranged parallel to each other. Furthermore, the first sidewall 120 may be arranged perpendicular to the third sidewall 140 and the fourth sidewall 150. Furthermore, the second sidewall 130 may be arranged perpendicular to the third sidewall 140 and the fourth sidewall 150. Therefore, the first sidewall 120 to the fourth sidewall 150 forming the sidewalls of the housing 100 may be rectangular.

[0105] Figure 9 This is an exemplary schematic diagram showing the flow of refrigerant on the bottom surface 110 of the housing 100 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0106] In another embodiment of this disclosure, the first sidewall 120 may have either a refrigerant inlet 101 or an outlet 102, and the second sidewall 130 may have the other of the refrigerant inlet 101 and outlet 102. Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the plurality of ribs may include: a plurality of first ribs 113, one end 113a of which terminates at the junction of the bottom surface 110 of the housing 100 and the third sidewall 140, and the other end 113b of which terminates in any region of the bottom surface 110 of the housing 100 in the direction toward the fourth sidewall 150. Additionally, the plurality of ribs may include: a plurality of second ribs 114, one end 114a of which terminates at the junction of the bottom surface 110 of the housing 100 and the fourth sidewall 150, and the other end 114b of which terminates in any region of the bottom surface 110 of the housing 100 in the direction toward the third sidewall 140. Furthermore, the plurality of first ribs 113 and the plurality of second ribs 114 can be arranged in a manner in which the first ribs 113 and the second ribs 114 alternate in sequence.

[0107] like Figure 9 As shown, one end 113a of the first rib 113 terminates at the edge region of the bottom surface 110 of the housing 100, which is connected to the third sidewall 140, and the other end 113b of the first rib 113 may be located within a region of the bottom surface 110 of the housing 100. Furthermore, one end 114a of the second rib 114 terminates at the edge region of the bottom surface 110, which is connected to the fourth sidewall 150, and the other end 114b of the second rib 114 may be located within a region of the bottom surface 110 of the housing 100.

[0108] Furthermore, while the first rib 113 and the second rib 114 are alternately arranged in sequence, they can be configured to extend perpendicularly to the direction from the refrigerant inlet 101 to the refrigerant outlet 102. Therefore, the first rib 113 and the second rib 114 can act as blocking walls to obstruct the flow of refrigerant at multiple locations.

[0109] Furthermore, as described above, since one end 113a of the first rib 113 and one end 114a of the second rib 114 terminate at the edge region of the bottom surface 110 of the housing 100, the flow of refrigerant in the enclosed region 110a formed around each termination can be retained for a predetermined time. Therefore, while the refrigerant flowing in from the refrigerant inlet 101 is discharged from the refrigerant outlet 102, the enclosed region 110a can guide the refrigerant flow to sufficiently cool the edge region of the bottom surface 110 of the housing 100. Therefore, since the lower end of the cell stack 300 can be cooled as a whole, the cooling efficiency of the cell stack 300 is significantly improved, and refrigerant waste can be prevented.

[0110] In yet another embodiment of this disclosure, the other end 113b of the first rib 113 and the other end 114b of the second rib 114 may have a rounded chamfer 114c shape. Specifically, as Figure 9 As shown, the other end 113b of the first rib 113 and the other end 114b of the second rib 114 can have a rounded chamfer 114c shape. For example, compared to a structure where the ends of the ribs have a vertical edge shape, the ends of the ribs can prevent obstruction of the refrigerant flow. Therefore, since the refrigerant flow F at the lower end of the cell stack 300 can be achieved more effectively, the cooling efficiency of the cell stack 300 can be significantly improved.

[0111] Figure 10 This is an exemplary schematic diagram showing the refrigerant flow according to the positions of inlet 101 and outlet 102 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0112] In another embodiment of this disclosure, at least one of the inlet 101 and the outlet 102 may be disposed around one end 113a of the first rib 113 or one end 114a of the second rib 114.

[0113] For example, such as Figure 9 In one embodiment of this disclosure, a portion of the refrigerant flowing in from the refrigerant inlet 101 may flow after passing through a closed region around one end 114a of the second rib 114 upon first encounter. That is, considering only the flow of the refrigerant, the effect of repeated flow paths of the refrigerant within the housing may occur.

[0114] On the contrary, such as Figure 10 In another embodiment of this disclosure, the inlet 101 and outlet 102 can be disposed around one end 113a of the first rib 113 or one end 114a of the second rib 114, i.e., disposed in a closed area. Therefore, the refrigerant flow path within the housing is not duplicated, and the refrigerant can flow naturally from the inlet 101 to the outlet 102. Furthermore, the flow velocity of the refrigerant within the housing can be increased.

[0115] Figure 11 This is an exemplary diagram showing a battery module 1 viewed from below according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Furthermore, Figure 12 This is an exemplary diagram showing a face pressure pad 400 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0116] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the face pressure pad 400 may include a plurality of protrusions 410 projecting toward the cell stack 300.

[0117] like Figure 11 and Figure 12As shown, multiple protrusions 410 can be formed from the surface of the face pad 400. For example, the multiple protrusions 410 can be integrally formed with the face pad 400, or multiple protrusions 410 independent of the face pad 400 can be attached to the face pad 400 to form a shape.

[0118] Multiple protrusions 410 can be formed from a synthetic resin material with predetermined elasticity, for example, they can be made from a material selected from EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate), EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer), TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), and EPP (expanded polypropylene) to have cushioning properties. Alternatively, they can be made from a material selected from rubber series such as EPDM, thermoplastic series such as TPE and TPU, and high-density foamed plastic series such as EPP. Alternatively, they can be changed to various materials within the range of conditions that meet suitable elasticity, so that after the protrusions 410 are compressed under external pressure, they return to their original shape when the pressure is released.

[0119] Furthermore, the material of the multiple protrusions 410 can have a predetermined elasticity, and the selection is also taken into account their reactivity with the refrigerant of the cooling cell stack 300. For example, when mineral oil is selected as the refrigerant, since this refrigerant has poor reactivity with EPDM, the material of the multiple protrusions 410 is preferably an elastic material of silicone or acrylic series.

[0120] like Figure 11 As shown, the protrusion 410 of the face pressure pad 400 can press the cell stack 300 between the upper cover surface 510 of the upper cover 500 and the cell stack 300 to prevent movement of the cell stack 300. Furthermore, although not shown, when the aforementioned first mesh plate 200 is also applied to the upper end of the cell stack 300, the protrusion 410 of the face pressure pad 400 can contact the first mesh plate 200, simultaneously pressing both the first mesh plate 200 and the cell stack 300, thereby preventing movement of both.

[0121] like Figure 2 and Figure 12As shown, since the multiple protrusions 410 are formed spaced apart from each other, channels for refrigerant to flow can be formed between the protrusions 410. In addition, the cell stack 300 can be separated from the upper cover surface 510 of the upper cover 500 by the multiple protrusions 410 of the pressurized cell stack 300.

[0122] Therefore, since the upper end of the cell stack 300 also forms a channel for refrigerant to flow, the cooling efficiency of the upper end of the cell stack 300 can be improved, thereby preventing refrigerant waste.

[0123] Figure 13 This is an exemplary diagram showing a plurality of second support portions 511 and a second mesh plate 200a according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0124] In another embodiment of this disclosure, the upper cover 500 may include a plurality of second support portions 511 that protrude from the bottom surface of the upper cover 500 and support the cell stack 300.

[0125] For example, the plurality of second support portions 511 formed on the bottom surface of the upper cover 500 may be protrusions extending from the bottom surface of the upper cover 500. The plurality of protrusions may support the cell stack 300 downward from the upper part of the cell stack 300. Therefore, the cell stack 300 may be spaced apart from the bottom surface of the upper cover 500.

[0126] like Figure 13 As shown, for example, the multiple second support portions 511 can be composed of multiple ribs, which can be arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other. Therefore, since refrigerant flow channels can be formed between the ribs, the refrigerant flow rate becomes uniform and the cooling efficiency is improved.

[0127] On the other hand, although not specifically illustrated, the plurality of second support portions 511 may have similar shape, position, arrangement and material to the first support portion 111 described above, and may have similar function and role to the first support portion 111.

[0128] In another embodiment of this disclosure, a second mesh plate 200a may be sandwiched between a plurality of second support portions 511 and the cell stack 300.

[0129] For example, the second mesh plate 200a can directly contact the cell stack 300 and the plurality of second support portions 511 respectively. Specifically, the upper surface of the second mesh plate 200a can directly contact the plurality of second support portions 511, and the lower surface of the second mesh plate 200a can directly contact the cell stack 300.

[0130] On the other hand, although not specifically shown, the second mesh plate 200a may have a similar shape, position, arrangement and material to the first mesh plate 200 described above, and may have similar functions and effects to the first mesh plate 200.

[0131] The scope of this disclosure is defined by the claims rather than by the detailed description above, and all changes or modifications derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalents shall be construed as being included within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A battery module, comprising: The outer casing has an internal space and is provided with an inlet for refrigerant to flow in and an outlet for refrigerant to discharge. A cell stack is housed in the housing, and multiple cells are stacked along a predetermined stacking direction; as well as Multiple first support portions protrude from the bottom surface of the housing and support the cell stack.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The cell stack is separated from the bottom surface of the outer casing.

3. The battery module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The plurality of first support portions are coated with a thermally conductive material.

4. The battery module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The plurality of first support portions are spaced apart from each other. A flow channel for cooling the cell stack is formed between the plurality of first support portions.

5. The battery module according to claim 3, further comprising: The first mesh plate is sandwiched between the plurality of first support portions and the battery cell stack.

6. The battery module according to claim 5, wherein, The first mesh plate includes a plurality of mesh openings and a plurality of grid sections disposed between the mesh openings. The plurality of mesh openings are filled with refrigerant. The plurality of first support portions are plurality of circular protrusions. The circular protrusions support the plurality of grille sections.

7. The battery module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The plurality of first support portions are multiple ribs.

8. The battery module according to claim 7, wherein, The plurality of ribs extend in a direction parallel to the stacking direction, and each rib is arranged parallel to the others.

9. The battery module according to claim 8, wherein, The outer casing includes: The first sidewall stands upright from the bottom surface of the outer shell and is parallel to the stacking direction; The second sidewall stands upright from the bottom surface of the outer shell and is parallel to and opposite the first sidewall; A third sidewall, standing upright from the bottom surface of the housing, is arranged in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction and connects to the first and second sidewalls; and The fourth sidewall stands upright from the bottom surface of the outer shell, parallel to and opposite the third sidewall, and is connected to the first sidewall and the second sidewall.

10. The battery module according to claim 9, wherein, The first sidewall has either the inlet or the outlet, and the second sidewall has the other of the inlet and the outlet.

11. The battery module according to claim 10, wherein, The plurality of ribs includes: A plurality of first ribs, the first end of each first rib terminating at the junction of the bottom surface of the housing and the third sidewall, the second end of each first rib being located in the opposite direction to the first end; and Multiple second ribs, the third end of each second rib terminating at the junction of the bottom surface of the outer casing and the fourth sidewall, the fourth end of each second rib being located in the opposite direction to the third end. The plurality of first ribs and the plurality of second ribs are arranged in an alternating manner between the first ribs and the second ribs. The second end and the fourth end have rounded chamfers.

12. The battery module according to claim 11, wherein, At least one of the inlet and the outlet is disposed around the first end of the first rib or the third end of the second rib.

13. The battery module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The outer casing has an opening in the upper region and further includes an upper cover that is combined with the outer casing and covers the upper region. A face pressure pad is sandwiched between the upper cover and the battery cell stack. The face pad includes a plurality of protrusions that project toward the cell stack.

14. The battery module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The outer casing has an opening in the upper region and further includes an upper cover that is combined with the outer casing and covers the upper region. The upper cover includes a plurality of second support portions, which protrude from the bottom surface of the upper cover to form and support the battery cell stack.

15. The battery module according to claim 14, further comprising: The second mesh plate is sandwiched between the plurality of second support portions and the cell stack.

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