Cooling enhancement module

Abstract

The present invention provides a battery module structure, the battery module structure comprising: a plurality of battery cells arranged along the thickness direction; a pad member (12) arranged together with the battery cells along the thickness direction to form a cell stack; a housing for accommodating the cell stack; and a thermally conductive resin for connecting the bottom surface of the housing and the bottom surface of the cell stack, wherein the pad member (12) comprises a compression layer and thermally conductive layers stacked on both sides of the compression layer along the thickness direction, and the thermally conductive layers extend downward to be inserted into the thermally conductive resin.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0186512, filed on December 13, 2024, the entire contents of which are disclosed in the patent application and are incorporated herein by reference as part of this specification.

[0002] This invention relates to the structure of a battery module with improved cooling performance. Background Technology

[0003] Secondary batteries are easy to apply to various product groups and have electrical characteristics such as high energy density. Therefore, they are widely used not only in portable devices, but also in electric or hybrid vehicles driven by electric power sources and energy storage devices.

[0004] These secondary batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source for improving environmental friendliness and energy efficiency, not only because of their key advantage of significantly reducing fossil fuel use, but also because they do not produce any byproducts from energy use.

[0005] Currently widely used types of rechargeable batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. These cell-type rechargeable batteries operate at voltages ranging from approximately 2.5 V to 4.2 V. Therefore, when higher output voltage is required, multiple battery cells are connected in series to form a battery pack. Alternatively, depending on the required charge / discharge capacity of the battery pack, multiple battery cells are connected in parallel to form a battery pack. Thus, the number of battery cells and the electrical connection structure of the battery pack can be selected in various ways according to the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0006] Meanwhile, cylindrical, prismatic, and pouch-shaped battery cells are known as unit-type secondary batteries.

[0007] Figure 1 A pouch-type battery cell is shown. (See reference) Figure 1 The pouch-type battery cell 11 is manufactured by housing the electrode assembly in a pouch 110, which is formed by folding and sealing a sheet containing a metallic material such as aluminum.

[0008] Figure 2 The stacked structure of the battery cell assembly is shown. (Refer to...) Figure 2 Multiple battery cells 11 are stacked to form a cell stack 1. The battery cells 11 in the cell stack 1 are connected in series and / or in parallel to form a high-capacity and / or high-voltage battery module.

[0009] The cell stack 1 typically includes a compressible pad member 12 stacked with the battery cells 11. The pad member 12 is used to absorb deformation caused by the expansion of the battery cells 11, tolerances in the assembly process, and movement of the battery cells 11 due to impact. In addition, the technique of using materials with heat resistance and thermal insulation properties to manufacture the pad member 12 to block heat transfer between the battery cells 11 to prevent thermal runaway is also widely used.

[0010] Figure 3 and Figure 4 It shows including Figure 2 Battery modules with stacked cells, Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 A cross-section of the battery module. (Refer to...) Figures 3 to 5 The battery cell stack 1 is typically housed in a casing 2 made of a lightweight metal material such as aluminum to form a battery module M.

[0011] Here, thermally conductive resin 3 is inserted between the bottom surface of the housing 2 and the battery cell stack 1 to connect the battery cell stack 1 and the housing 2 thermally and mechanically. Specifically, after the thermally conductive resin 3 is applied to the bottom surface of the housing 2, the battery cell stack 1 is placed, and then the thermally conductive resin 3 is cured, so that the battery cell stack 1 is firmly fixed to the housing 2, while the heat absorbed from the battery cell stack 1 is conducted to the housing 2, thereby improving the cooling of the battery cell stack 1.

[0012] Meanwhile, to accelerate heat conduction between the thermally conductive resin 3 and the cell stack 1 and thus speed up the cooling of the cell stack 1, it is necessary to increase the contact area. However, since the cell stack 1 and the thermally conductive resin 3 only contact each other in the vertical direction, the contact area is not very large. Therefore, there is an urgent need, but it is difficult to develop a structure that increases the contact area without reducing the energy density of the battery module M. Summary of the Invention

[0013] Technical issues

[0014] In order to solve the problems of the above-mentioned related technologies, the purpose of this invention is to provide a battery module structure that improves the cooling efficiency of battery cells.

[0015] Specifically, the purpose of this invention is to provide a battery module structure in which the heat generated by the battery cell is rapidly conducted to the outside through the casing.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery module that improves cooling efficiency and heat dissipation efficiency without reducing energy density.

[0017] The technical problem to be solved by this invention is not limited to the above-described objectives. Other objectives and advantages of this invention not described herein will be understood through the following description and will become clearer through embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, it will be apparent that the objectives and advantages of this invention can be achieved by the means and combinations thereof pointed out in this disclosure.

[0018] Technical solution

[0019] To address the aforementioned problems, the present invention provides a battery module comprising: a plurality of battery cells positioned along a width direction; a pad member positioned together with the plurality of battery cells along the width direction, the pad member and the plurality of battery cells forming a cell stack; a housing accommodating the cell stack; and a thermally conductive resin connecting the bottom surface of the housing to the surface of the cell stack.

[0020] Preferably, the housing is made of a highly thermally conductive material that helps dissipate the heat generated by the battery cell. For this purpose, the housing may include a metallic material. For example, the housing may include at least its bottom a material such as aluminum, which has high thermal conductivity, is lightweight, and has high strength.

[0021] Thermally conductive resin can be configured to be inserted between the bottom surface of the battery cell stack and the housing, connecting the two. Specifically, the thermally conductive resin is applied to the housing and cured after the battery cell stack is placed. This allows the battery cell stack to be thermally and mechanically connected to the housing. Alternatively, the thermally conductive resin can be inserted between the two, simultaneously contacting both the battery cell stack and the housing.

[0022] The battery module may also include a cooling member connected to the bottom surface of the housing, the cooling member being configured to cool the housing. Therefore, heat conducted to the housing via the thermally conductive resin can be absorbed by the cooling member. The cooling member may be a heat-dissipating member with a large surface area to facilitate heat dissipation to the outside, or it may be a heat-absorbing member configured to allow a refrigerant, such as a coolant, to flow or be stored therein. However, any member connected to the housing and capable of cooling the housing is generally acceptable.

[0023] The pad component includes a compressible layer and thermally conductive layers stacked at both ends in the width direction of the compressible layer.

[0024] The compressible layer is configured to be compressible and elastically recoverable to absorb deformation or displacement of the cell stack in the width direction. Specifically, the compressible layer can absorb thickness increases and tolerances caused by the expansion of the battery cells. For this purpose, preferably, the compressible layer comprises a compressible material capable of being compressed in the width direction.

[0025] In addition, the compressible layer may include a porous material with thermal insulation properties to prevent heat transfer between battery cells via conduction.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the compressible layer may include a silicone resin material. The silicone resin may be heat-resistant and porous, thereby possessing compressibility and thermal insulation properties in the width direction.

[0027] The thermally conductive layer can have high thermal conductivity and conduct the heat generated by the battery cell to the casing via the thermally conductive resin.

[0028] For example, the thermally conductive layer may comprise a metallic material. Preferably, the metallic material has high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum, copper, and / or alloys containing aluminum or copper.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the thermally conductive layer comprises a graphite material. Because the graphite material has a chemical structure comprising multiple layers of graphene, it exhibits excellent thermal conductivity in the vertical direction perpendicular to the width direction. Therefore, the graphite material has the characteristic of easily collecting heat from a large area and transferring heat along the extension direction.

[0030] The thermally conductive layer includes: a contact portion that contacts the surfaces of a plurality of battery cells; and an extension portion that extends downward from the contact portion, the extension portion being inserted into and connected to the thermally conductive resin. Because the thermally conductive layer includes the extension portion, it can contact the thermally conductive resin over a larger area, allowing heat from the battery cells to be conducted to the thermally conductive resin more rapidly.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the extension can directly contact the bottom surface of the housing. In this case, the heat generated by the battery cell can be directly transferred to the housing without necessarily passing through the thermally conductive resin. Specifically, in this case, the heat transferred via the thermally conductive layer can be rapidly and evenly transferred to both the thermally conductive resin and the housing.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the extension may extend further downward than the lower end of the compressible layer. Therefore, the compressible layer does not impede horizontal heat transfer within the thermally conductive resin, and the heat absorbed by the thermally conductive resin can be diffused more uniformly horizontally, causing a rapid temperature reduction. However, since the thermally conductive layer constitutes the outermost layer of the pad member, the contact area between the thermally conductive layer and the thermally conductive resin can be increased simply by extending the thermally conductive layer into the thermally conductive resin. Therefore, alternatively, the compressible layer may also extend along with the thermally conductive layer and be inserted into the thermally conductive resin.

[0033] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the extension may extend horizontally. Because the extension extends horizontally, the contact area between the extension and the thermally conductive resin can be increased without increasing the height of the thermally conductive resin, thereby providing a battery module with high energy density and excellent heat dissipation and cooling performance.

[0034] In one embodiment, the extension may include at least a pair of extensions in contact with each other. That is, the extensions may be configured to exchange heat with each other. Therefore, the area of ​​heat exchange between the extensions and the thermally conductive resin is increased, thereby resulting in faster heat conduction.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the pad member may include a pad comprising the compressible layer and the thermally conductive layer, the pad being folded in half such that the thermally conductive layer forms the two outermost ends in the width direction. The advantage of this structure is that it facilitates the manufacture of the pad member and simplifies the structure of the required components.

[0036] Preferably, the pad member includes a downwardly oriented bend, thereby increasing the contact area between the thermally conductive layer and the thermally conductive resin.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the pad member may include a pair of pads, each comprising the compressible layer and the thermally conductive layer, the pair of pads being stacked facing each other such that the thermally conductive layer forms the two outermost ends in the width direction. The advantage of this structure is that it facilitates the manufacture of the pad member and simplifies the structure of the required components.

[0038] This invention provides a battery module structure, the battery module comprising: a plurality of battery cells positioned along a width direction; a pad member, the pad member being positioned together with the plurality of battery cells along the width direction, the pad member and the plurality of battery cells forming a cell stack; a housing, the housing accommodating the cell stack; and a thermally conductive resin connecting the bottom surface of the housing to the surface of the cell stack, wherein the pad member comprises: a compressible layer; a heat insulation layer, the heat insulation layer being stacked at both ends of the compressible layer in the width direction; and a thermally conductive layer, the thermally conductive layer being stacked at both ends of the heat insulation layer in the width direction.

[0039] The compressible layer is configured to be compressible and elastically recoverable to absorb deformation or displacement of the cell stack in the width direction. Specifically, the compressible layer can absorb thickness increases and tolerances caused by the expansion of the battery cells. For this purpose, preferably, the compressible layer comprises a compressible material capable of being compressed in the width direction.

[0040] In addition, the compressible layer may include a porous material with thermal insulation properties to prevent heat transfer between battery cells via conduction.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the compressible layer may include a silicone resin material. The silicone resin may be heat-resistant and porous, thereby possessing compressibility and thermal insulation properties in the width direction.

[0042] The insulation layer may include an insulating material to prevent the transfer of radiative heat between battery cells. For example, the insulation layer may include at least one material selected from the group consisting of metals, mica, and ceramics.

[0043] The thermally conductive layer can have high thermal conductivity and conduct the heat generated by the battery cell to the casing via the thermally conductive resin.

[0044] For example, the thermally conductive layer may comprise a metallic material. Preferably, the metallic material has high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum, copper, and / or alloys containing aluminum or copper.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the thermally conductive layer comprises a graphite material. Because the graphite material has a chemical structure comprising multiple layers of graphene, it exhibits excellent thermal conductivity in the vertical direction perpendicular to the width direction. Therefore, the graphite material has the characteristic of easily collecting heat from a large area and transferring heat along the extension direction.

[0046] The thermally conductive layer includes: a contact portion that contacts the surfaces of a plurality of battery cells; and an extension portion that extends downward from the contact portion, the extension portion being inserted into and connected to the thermally conductive resin. Because the thermally conductive layer includes the extension portion, it can contact the thermally conductive resin over a larger area, allowing heat from the battery cells to be conducted to the thermally conductive resin more rapidly.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the extension can directly contact the bottom surface of the housing. In this case, the heat generated by the battery cell can be directly transferred to the housing without necessarily passing through the thermally conductive resin. Specifically, in this case, the heat transferred via the thermally conductive layer can be rapidly and evenly transferred to both the thermally conductive resin and the housing.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the extension may extend further downward than the lower end of the compressible layer and / or the lower end of the insulation layer. Therefore, the compressible layer and / or insulation layer may not impede horizontal heat transfer within the thermally conductive resin, and the heat absorbed by the thermally conductive resin can be diffused more uniformly in the horizontal direction, causing a rapid temperature reduction. However, since the thermally conductive layer constitutes the outermost layer of the pad member, the contact area between the thermally conductive layer and the thermally conductive resin can be increased simply by extending the thermally conductive layer into the thermally conductive resin. Therefore, alternatively, the compressible layer and / or insulation layer may also extend together with the thermally conductive layer and be inserted into the thermally conductive resin.

[0049] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the extension may extend horizontally. Because the extension extends horizontally, the contact area between the extension and the thermally conductive resin can be increased without increasing the height of the thermally conductive resin, thereby providing a battery module with high energy density and excellent heat dissipation and cooling performance.

[0050] In one embodiment, the extension may include at least a pair of extensions in contact with each other. That is, the extensions may be configured to exchange heat with each other. Therefore, the area of ​​heat exchange between the extensions and the thermally conductive resin is increased, thereby resulting in faster heat conduction.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the pad member may further include a pad comprising the compressible layer, the thermal insulation layer, and the thermally conductive layer, wherein the pad is folded in half such that the thermally conductive layer forms the two outermost ends in the width direction. The advantage of this structure is that it facilitates the manufacture of the pad member and simplifies the structure of the required components.

[0052] Preferably, the pad member is arranged with its bent portion facing downwards to increase the contact area between the thermally conductive layer and the thermally conductive resin.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the pad member may include a pair of pads, each comprising the compressible layer, the thermal insulation layer, and the thermally conductive layer, the pair of pads being stacked facing each other such that the thermally conductive layer forms the two outermost ends in the width direction. The advantage of this structure is that it facilitates the manufacture of the pad member and simplifies the structure of the required components.

[0054] Beneficial effects

[0055] The present invention can provide a battery module structure with a thermally conductive layer. Through the thermally conductive layer, the pad component is in large-area contact with the thermally conductive resin, so that the heat generated by the battery cell is quickly conducted to the outside through the casing, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the battery cell.

[0056] The advantage of this invention is that, while providing the above-mentioned effects, the battery module can be manufactured quickly and economically without reducing the energy density of the battery module through the generalization of components.

[0057] In addition, the present invention may have various other effects, which will be described in the various embodiments, or descriptions of effects that can be easily deduced by those skilled in the art will be omitted. Attached Figure Description

[0058] Figure 1 The image shows a pouch-type battery cell.

[0059] Figure 2 The stacked structure of the battery cell stack is shown.

[0060] Figure 3 and Figure 4 It shows including Figure 2 Battery modules with stacked cells, Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 The cross-section of the battery module.

[0061] Figure 6 A battery cell according to one embodiment is shown.

[0062] Figure 7 A stacked structure of a battery cell stack according to one embodiment is shown.

[0063] Figure 8 and Figure 9 A battery module according to one embodiment is shown.

[0064] Figure 10 and Figure 11 A cross-section of a battery module according to a first embodiment and its main components are shown.

[0065] Figure 12 and Figure 13 A cross-section of the battery module according to the second embodiment and its main parts are shown. Figure 14 Examples of its variations are shown.

[0066] Figure 15 and Figure 16 A cross-section and its main components of a battery module according to a third embodiment are shown. Figure 17 Examples of its variations are shown.

[0067] Figure 18 and Figure 19 A cross-section and its main components of a battery module according to a fourth embodiment are shown. Figure 20 Examples of its variations are shown.

[0068] [Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures]

[0069] 1: Cell stack; 11: Battery cell; 110: Bag; 12: Pad component; 121: Compressible layer; 122: Thermally conductive layer; 1221: Contact portion; 1222: Extension portion; 1223: Bending portion; 123: Thermal insulation layer; 2: Shell; 3: Thermally conductive resin; 4: Cooling component; M: Battery module Detailed Implementation

[0070] The above-described objects, features, and advantages will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings to enable those skilled in the art to implement the technical concept of the invention. In describing the invention, detailed descriptions of related technologies will be omitted where it is determined that such detailed descriptions would unnecessarily obscure the spirit of the invention. Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same or similar parts.

[0071] Although terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used to describe various elements, these elements are certainly not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another, and unless otherwise explicitly stated, a first element can also be a second element.

[0072] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0073] In the following text, "arranging an element above (or below) another element" or "arranging an element on top (or at the bottom) of another element" means not only "arranging the element in contact with the upper (or lower) surface of the other element", but also "arranging the element above the upper (or lower) surface of the other element with another element interspersed therebetween".

[0074] Furthermore, when an element is described as being “connected to,” “linked to,” or “in contact with” another element, it should be understood that the element may be “directly connected to,” “directly linked to,” or “directly in contact with” the other element, or that the element may be “connected to,” “linked to,” or “in contact with” the other element through or via another element.

[0075] Unless the context clearly specifies otherwise, the singular form used herein includes the plural form. Terms such as “consisting of” or “comprising” as used herein should not be construed as necessarily including all elements or steps described in the specification, but rather as excluding some elements or steps, or including additional elements or steps.

[0076] Throughout this instruction manual, unless otherwise expressly stated, “A and / or B” means A, B, or A and B, and “C to D” means greater than or equal to C and less than or equal to D.

[0077] For convenience, all expressions indicating direction (including “up,” “down,” “left,” and “right”) used throughout this specification should be interpreted as any direction defined independently of any absolute orientation, including the direction of gravity, and should not be interpreted as necessarily being orthogonal or parallel to each other. For example, “upward” and “downward” refer to any pair of opposite directions, while “horizontal” in this document refers only to any one or more directions that intersect with “upward” and “downward.”

[0078] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0079] Figure 6 A battery cell according to one embodiment is shown. (Refer to...) Figure 6 According to one embodiment of the present invention, the battery module accommodates a plurality of pouch-type battery cells 11.

[0080] Meanwhile, it is acceptable as long as the battery cells 11 can be stacked to form a cell stack as described below. The specific shape and structure of the battery cells 11 can be different.

[0081] Battery cells 11 are typically manufactured by embedding stacked electrode assemblies within a pouch 110. However, the structure of the electrode assemblies is irrelevant to this invention.

[0082] Although bag 110 can be formed by sealing a folded metal sheet, its materials and structure are not limited to this.

[0083] Figure 7 A stacked structure of a battery cell stack according to one embodiment is shown. (Refer to...) Figure 7 Battery cells 11 are stacked along their width to form a cell stack 1. Here, a pad member 12 is inserted between the battery cells 11 and stacked together with the battery cells 11. Although the battery cells 11 and the pad member 12 are fixed to each other by adhesives or tapes, the battery cells 11 and the pad member 12 may also be fixed or not fixed by other methods and are housed in a housing described below.

[0084] Figure 8 and Figure 9 A battery module according to one embodiment is shown. (See reference...) Figure 8 and Figure 9 The battery cell stack 1 is housed in the casing 2 to form the battery module M.

[0085] Although the housing 2 preferably comprises a lightweight metallic material such as aluminum, its material is not limited to this. Meanwhile, the housing 2 preferably comprises a material with high thermal conductivity to rapidly absorb heat from the battery cell stack 1 and dissipate the heat to the outside.

[0086] A thermally conductive resin 3 is inserted between the bottom surface of the housing 2 and the cell stack 1. The thermally conductive resin 3 may comprise a resin material with high thermal conductivity and connects the cell stack 1 and the housing 2 thermally and mechanically. Specifically, according to one embodiment, the thermally conductive resin 3 is applied to the bottom surface of the housing 2, the cell stack 1 is placed thereon, and then the thermally conductive resin 3 is cured, so that the cell stack 1 is firmly connected to the housing 2. Therefore, the heat generated in the battery cell 11 can be dissipated to the housing 2 via the thermally conductive resin 3 and then dissipated to the outside via the housing 2. However, the thermally conductive resin 3 may also be inserted between the cell stack 1 and the housing 2 in other ways to contact both the cell stack 1 and the housing 2 simultaneously.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the battery module M may further include a cooling member 4, which is connected to the bottom surface of the housing 2 and cools the housing 2. Therefore, heat conducted to the housing 2 via the thermally conductive resin 3 can be absorbed by the cooling member 4. The cooling member 4 may be a heat-dissipating member with a large surface area to facilitate heat dissipation to the outside, or it may be a heat-absorbing member configured to allow a refrigerant, such as a coolant, to flow or be stored therein. However, any member connected to the housing 2 and capable of cooling the housing 2 is generally acceptable.

[0088] The following will first refer to Figure 10 and Figure 11 The common components of the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention are described.

[0089] Figure 10 and Figure 11 A cross-section and its main components of a battery module according to a first embodiment are shown. (Refer to...) Figure 10 and Figure 11 The pad member 12 includes a compressible layer 121 and a thermally conductive layer 122 stacked at both ends in the width direction of the compressible layer 121.

[0090] The compressible layer 121 is configured to be compressible and elastically recoverable to absorb deformation or displacement of the cell stack 1 in the width direction. Specifically, the compressible layer 121 can absorb the increase in thickness and tolerance caused by the expansion of the battery cell 11. For this purpose, preferably, the compressible layer 121 comprises a compressible material that can be compressed in the width direction.

[0091] Additionally, the compressible layer 121 may include a porous material with thermal insulation properties to prevent heat transfer between battery cells 11 via conduction.

[0092] According to various embodiments, the compressible layer 121 may include a silicone resin material. The silicone resin may be heat-resistant and porous, thereby giving the silicone resin compressibility and thermal insulation properties in the width direction.

[0093] The thermally conductive layer 122 can have high thermal conductivity and conduct the heat generated by the battery cell 11 to the housing 2 via the thermally conductive resin 3.

[0094] For example, the thermally conductive layer 122 may comprise a metallic material. Preferably, the metallic material has high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum, copper, and / or alloys containing aluminum or copper.

[0095] According to various embodiments, the thermally conductive layer 122 includes a graphite material. Because the graphite material has a chemical structure containing multiple layers of graphene, it exhibits excellent thermal conductivity in the vertical direction perpendicular to the width direction. Therefore, the graphite material has the characteristic of easily collecting heat from a large area and transferring heat along the extension direction.

[0096] The thermally conductive layer 122 includes: a contact portion 1221 that contacts the surfaces of a plurality of battery cells; and an extension portion 1222 that extends downward from the contact portion and is inserted into and connected to the thermally conductive resin 3. Because the thermally conductive layer 122 includes the extension portion 1222, it can contact the thermally conductive resin 3 over a larger area, allowing heat from the battery cells 11 to be conducted to the thermally conductive resin 3 more rapidly.

[0097] The following will refer to again Figure 10 and Figure 11 The first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0098] The pad member 12 according to the first embodiment includes: a compressible layer 121; a heat insulation layer 123 stacked on both ends of the compressible layer 121 in the width direction; and a heat-conducting layer 122 stacked on both ends of the heat insulation layer 123 in the width direction.

[0099] The heat insulation layer 123 may include a heat insulation material to prevent the transmission of radiative heat between the battery cells 11. For example, the heat insulation layer 123 may include at least one material selected from the group consisting of metals, mica, and ceramics.

[0100] According to the first embodiment, the extension 1222 may extend further downward than the lower end of the compressible layer 121 and / or the heat insulation layer 123. Therefore, the compressible layer 121 and / or the heat insulation layer 123 may not impede the horizontal heat transfer within the thermally conductive resin 3, and the heat absorbed by the thermally conductive resin 3 can be diffused more uniformly in the horizontal direction, causing the temperature to drop rapidly. However, since the thermally conductive layer 122 constitutes the outermost layer of the pad member 12, the contact area between the thermally conductive layer 122 and the thermally conductive resin 3 can be increased simply by extending the thermally conductive layer 122 into the thermally conductive resin 3. Therefore, alternatively, the compressible layer 121 and / or the heat insulation layer 123 may also extend together with the thermally conductive layer 122 and be inserted into the thermally conductive resin 3.

[0101] The following will refer to Figures 12 to 14 The second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0102] Figure 12 and Figure 13 A cross-section and its main components of a battery module according to a second embodiment are shown. (Refer to...) Figure 12 and Figure 13 According to the second embodiment, at least a portion of the extension 1222 extends in a horizontal direction. Since the extension 1222 extends in a horizontal direction, the contact area between the extension 1222 and the thermally conductive resin 3 can be increased without increasing the height of the thermally conductive resin 3, thereby providing a battery module M with high energy density and excellent heat dissipation and cooling performance.

[0103] In the second embodiment, at least one pair of extensions 1222 can contact each other. That is, the extensions 1222 can be configured to exchange heat with each other. Therefore, the area of ​​heat exchange between the extensions 1222 and the thermally conductive resin 3 is increased, thereby making heat conduction faster.

[0104] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, the extension 1222 can directly contact the bottom surface of the housing 2. In this case, the heat generated by the battery cell 11 can be directly transferred to the housing 2 without necessarily passing through the thermally conductive resin 3. Specifically, in this case, the heat transferred via the thermally conductive layer 122 can be rapidly and uniformly transferred to both the thermally conductive resin 3 and the housing 2.

[0105] Figure 14 A variation of the second embodiment is shown. (Refer to...) Figure 14 According to this variant, the pad member 12 includes: a compressible layer 121; a heat insulation layer 123 stacked at both ends of the compressible layer 121 in the width direction; and a heat-conducting layer 122 stacked at both ends of the heat insulation layer 123 in the width direction.

[0106] The heat insulation layer 123 may include a heat insulation material to prevent the transmission of radiative heat between the battery cells 11. For example, the heat insulation layer 123 may include at least one material selected from the group consisting of metals, mica, and ceramics.

[0107] The following will refer to Figures 15 to 17 The third embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0108] Figure 15 and Figure 16 A cross-section and its main components of a battery module according to a third embodiment are shown. (Refer to...) Figure 15 and Figure 16According to the third embodiment, the pad member 12 includes a structure in which a pad comprising a compressible layer 121 and a thermally conductive layer 122 is folded in half, such that the thermally conductive layer 122 forms the two outermost ends in the width direction. The advantage of this structure is that it facilitates the manufacture of the pad member 12, and the structure of the required components becomes simpler.

[0109] Preferably, the pad member 12 is arranged such that its bent portion 1223 faces downward, thereby increasing the contact area between the thermally conductive layer 122 and the thermally conductive resin 3.

[0110] Figure 17 A variation of the third embodiment is shown. (Refer to...) Figure 17 According to this variant, the pad member 12 includes: a compressible layer 121; a heat insulation layer 123 stacked at both ends of the compressible layer 121 in the width direction; and a heat-conducting layer 122 stacked at both ends of the heat insulation layer 123 in the width direction.

[0111] The heat insulation layer 123 may include a heat insulation material to prevent the transmission of radiative heat between the battery cells 11. For example, the heat insulation layer 123 may include at least one material selected from the group consisting of metals, mica, and ceramics.

[0112] Here, the pad member 12 may include a structure in which the pad, comprising a compressible layer 121, a heat insulation layer 123, and a heat-conducting layer 122, is folded in half, such that the heat-conducting layer 122 forms the two outermost ends in the width direction. The advantage of this structure is that it facilitates the manufacture of the pad member 12, and the structure of the required components becomes simpler.

[0113] Preferably, the pad member 12 is arranged such that its bent portion 1223 faces downward, thereby increasing the contact area between the thermally conductive layer 122 and the thermally conductive resin 3.

[0114] The following will refer to Figures 18 to 20 The fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0115] Figure 18 and Figure 19 A cross-section and its main components of a battery module according to a fourth embodiment are shown. (Refer to...) Figure 18 and Figure 19 According to the fourth embodiment, the pad member 12 may include a structure in which a pair of pads, each comprising a compressible layer 121 and a thermally conductive layer 122, are stacked facing each other, such that the thermally conductive layer 122 forms the two outermost ends in the width direction. The advantage of this structure is that it facilitates the manufacture of the pad member 12, and the structure of the required components becomes simpler.

[0116] Figure 20 A variation of the fourth embodiment is shown. (See also...) Figure 20 According to this variant, the pad member 12 includes: a compressible layer 121; a heat insulation layer 123 stacked at both ends of the compressible layer 121 in the width direction; and a heat-conducting layer 122 stacked at both ends of the heat insulation layer 123 in the width direction.

[0117] The heat insulation layer 123 may include a heat insulation material to prevent the transmission of radiative heat between the battery cells 11. For example, the heat insulation layer 123 may include at least one material selected from the group consisting of metals, mica, and ceramics.

[0118] Here, the pad member 12 may include a structure in which a pair of pads, each comprising a compressible layer 121, a heat insulation layer 123, and a heat-conducting layer 122, are stacked facing each other, such that the heat-conducting layer 122 forms the two outermost ends in the width direction. The advantage of this structure is that it facilitates the manufacture of the pad member 12 and simplifies the structure of the required components.

[0119] It should be understood that the described embodiments are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the specific embodiments described. The meaning and scope of the following claims, as well as all changes and modifications derived from their equivalents, should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the invention.

[0120] Although the invention has been described with reference to exemplary drawings, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments and drawings disclosed in this specification, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications can be made without departing from the scope and concept of the invention. Furthermore, although the effects and functions of the invention's construction are not explicitly described in the description of embodiments of the invention, it should be understood that foreseeable effects from this construction should also be acknowledged.

Claims

1. A battery module, the battery module comprising: Multiple battery cells positioned along the width direction; A pad member is positioned along the width direction together with the plurality of battery cells, and the pad member and the plurality of battery cells form a cell stack; A housing that accommodates the battery cell stack; as well as Thermally conductive resin, which connects the bottom surface of the housing to the surface of the battery cell stack. The pad component includes a compressible layer and a thermally conductive layer, wherein the thermally conductive layer is stacked at both ends of the compressible layer in the width direction. The thermally conductive layer includes: Contact portion, the contact portion being in contact with the surface of the plurality of battery cells; and An extension portion extends downward from the contact portion, the extension portion is inserted into the thermally conductive resin and connected to the thermally conductive resin.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The compressible layer comprises a compressible material capable of being compressed along the width direction.

3. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The compressible layer comprises a porous material with thermal insulation properties.

4. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The thermally conductive layer may be made of metallic or graphite materials.

5. The battery module according to claim 1, further comprising a cooling member connected to the bottom surface of the housing, the cooling member being configured to cool the housing.

6. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The extension is in direct contact with the bottom surface of the housing.

7. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The extension extends further downward than the lower end of the compressible layer.

8. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, At least a portion of the extension extends in a horizontal direction.

9. The battery module according to claim 7, wherein, The extension includes at least one pair of extensions that are in contact with each other.

10. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The pad component further includes a pad comprising the compressible layer and the thermally conductive layer, the pad being folded in half such that the thermally conductive layer forms two outermost ends in the width direction.

11. The battery module according to claim 10, wherein, The pad member includes a downward-facing bend.

12. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The pad component includes a pair of pads, each pair comprising the compressible layer and the thermally conductive layer, the pair of pads being stacked facing each other such that the thermally conductive layer forms the two outermost ends in the width direction.

13. A battery module, the battery module comprising: Multiple battery cells positioned along the width direction; A pad member is positioned along the width direction together with the plurality of battery cells, and the pad member and the plurality of battery cells form a cell stack; Housing, the housing housing the battery cell stack; as well as Thermally conductive resin, which connects the bottom surface of the housing to the surface of the battery cell stack. The pad component includes: Compressible layer; A thermal insulation layer, said thermal insulation layer being laminated at both ends in the width direction of the compressible layer, said thermal insulation layer comprising at least one material selected from the group consisting of metals, mica, and ceramics; and A thermally conductive layer is stacked at both ends of the insulation layer in the width direction, and The thermally conductive layer includes: Contact portion, the contact portion being in contact with the surface of the plurality of battery cells; and An extension portion extends downward from the contact portion and is inserted into the thermally conductive resin.

14. The battery module according to claim 13, wherein, The extension is in direct contact with the bottom surface of the housing.

15. The battery module according to claim 13, wherein, The extension extends further downward than at least one of the lower end of the compressible layer and the lower end of the insulation layer.

16. The battery module according to claim 13, wherein, At least a portion of the extension extends in a horizontal direction.

17. The battery module according to claim 16, wherein, The extension includes at least one pair of extensions that are in contact with each other.

18. The battery module according to claim 13, wherein, The pad component further includes a pad comprising the compressible layer, the thermal insulation layer, and the thermally conductive layer, wherein the pad is folded in half such that the thermally conductive layer forms two outermost ends in the width direction.

19. The battery module according to claim 18, wherein, The pad member includes a downward-facing bend.

20. The battery module according to claim 13, wherein, The pad component also includes a pair of pads, each pair comprising the compressible layer, the thermal insulation layer, and the thermally conductive layer, the pair of pads being stacked facing each other such that the thermally conductive layer forms the two outermost ends in the width direction.

Images