Battery module

Abstract

A battery module includes: an inner case having an inner space accommodating a plurality of battery cells, the inner case including a plurality of vent holes communicating with the inner space, separated from each other in a first direction, and having different areas from each other; an outer housing coupled to an outer side of the inner housing, the outer housing accommodating the inner housing; a distribution passage between the outer housing and the inner housing, in communication with the plurality of vent holes, and extending in the first direction; and a fluid port configured for fluid to enter and / or exit through one end of the distribution channel, where a cross-sectional area of the distribution channel varies in the first direction, and the areas of the plurality of vent holes and the cross-sectional area of the distribution channel communicating with the plurality of vent holes are inversely proportional to each other in the first direction.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0034746, filed on March 12, 2024, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] Embodiments of the disclosure relate to a battery module, for example, to a cooling structure of a case of a battery module. BACKGROUND

[0003] Unlike a primary battery that is not rechargeable (e.g., should not be charged), a secondary battery is rechargeable and dischargable. A low-capacity secondary battery is used for small portable electronic devices such as a smart phone, a feature phone, a laptop computer, a digital camera, and / or a camcorder, and a large-capacity secondary battery is widely used as a motor driving power source (e.g., an automotive battery), an energy storage battery, etc. for a hybrid electric vehicle, an electric vehicle, an energy storage system (ESS), etc. A secondary battery includes an electrode assembly including a positive electrode and a negative electrode, an electrode terminal connected to the electrode assembly, a case accommodating the electrode assembly, etc.

[0004] The information disclosed in this section of the disclosure is only for the purpose of enhancing the understanding of the disclosure, and thus can include information that does not constitute the prior art.

[0005] Generally, a battery pack can be used as a device for storing energy for an energy storage system (ESS) or an electric vehicle (EV). Examples of the EV can include a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), a battery electric vehicle (BEV), etc.

[0006] A battery pack is formed by coupling a plurality of battery modules to each other. The battery module can be manufactured by electrically connecting a plurality of battery cells to each other and placing them inside a case. When thermal runaway occurs in the battery cells of the battery module, it is desirable to prevent or reduce secondary incidents (e.g., damage or accidents) due to internal explosion pressure. The battery module has a structure for effectively cooling heat generated by the battery cells. The cooling structure of the battery module can be an air cooling type or kind, or a water cooling type or kind. However, the cooling structure of the similar battery module has a problem in that the cooling efficiency is not satisfactory due to uneven distribution of a fluid for cooling. In addition, the cooling structure of the battery module has a problem in that the structure is complex, resulting in high manufacturing costs. SUMMARY

[0007] Aspects of one or more embodiments of the disclosure relate to a battery module having improved cooling efficiency and reduced manufacturing costs by improving a structure of a case of the battery module.

[0008] Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or can be learned by practice of the presented embodiments of the disclosure.

[0009] According to one or more embodiments of the disclosure, a battery module includes: an inner case having an inner space accommodating a plurality of battery cells, the inner case including a plurality of exhaust holes communicating with the inner space, being separated from each other in a first direction, and having areas different from each other; an outer case coupled to an outer side of the inner case, the outer case surrounding at least a portion of the inner case to protect the plurality of battery cells; a distribution passage between the outer case and the inner case, communicating with the plurality of exhaust holes, and extending in the first direction; and a fluid port configured for fluid to enter and / or exit from one end of the distribution passage, wherein a cross-sectional area of the distribution passage varies in the first direction, and the areas of the plurality of exhaust holes and the cross-sectional area of the distribution passage communicating with the plurality of exhaust holes are inversely proportional to each other in the first direction.

[0010] In one or more embodiments, upper and lower end portions of the distribution passage can include a coupling portion at which the outer case and the inner case are coupled together.

[0011] In one or more embodiments, the outer case can include a ramp protrusion protruding in a direction facing the inner case (e.g., opposite to the inner case), an amount of protrusion of the ramp protrusion varying in the first direction, and the distribution passage can be (e.g., can be formed by) a space between the ramp protrusion and the inner case.

[0012] In one or more embodiments, the amount of protrusion of the ramp protrusion can vary linearly along the first direction from the one end of the distribution passage.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, the inner case can be coupled to upper and lower end surfaces of the ramp protrusion in a sliding structure (e.g., the inner case and the outer case can slide relative to each other in the first direction at the ramp protrusion).

[0014] In one or more embodiments, the plurality of exhaust holes can be slot-shaped holes, wherein the slot-shaped holes extend in a direction orthogonal (e.g., perpendicular) to the first direction.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, the outer case includes the fluid port, and the one end of the distribution passage can be connected to the fluid port of the outer case.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, the fluid port can be a fluid input port.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, the fluid port can be a fluid output port.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, the fluid passing through the fluid port can be a liquid.

[0019] In one or more embodiments, the fluid passing through the fluid port can be a gas. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0020] The above and other aspects, features, and / or principles of certain embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent from the following description of certain embodiments of the disclosure, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0021] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an external structure combining an outer case and an inner case to form a battery module according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure;

[0022] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the structure shown in Figure 1 from another direction according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure;

[0023] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view showing key components of Figure 2 according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure;

[0024] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view taken along line IV-IV of Figure 2 according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure;

[0025] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional perspective view taken along line V-V of Figure 2 according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure; and

[0026] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a detailed structure of an outer case according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The disclosure can be modified in a number of alternative forms, specific embodiments will be illustrated in the drawings and described in more detail below. It is, however, understood that this is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular form disclosed, but is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

[0028] Hereinafter, example embodiments will be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present disclosure may, however, be embodied in various different forms, and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided as examples so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the aspects and features of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, processes, elements and techniques that are completely understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains should not be described in detail, as they can unnecessarily obscure aspects and features of the present disclosure.

[0029] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Expressions such as "at least one of," "one or more of," and other interrogative phrases if written before the list of elements, after the list of elements, or both, should be interpreted to include the conjunctive phrase, and vice versa, unless otherwise expressly and unambiguously stated from the context of the disclosure. For example, the expressions "at least one of a, b, and c," "at least one of a, b, and / or c," "one or more of a, b, and c," "at least one selected from the group consisting of a, b, and c," "at least one selected from a, b, and c," "at least one of a, b, and c," "one of a, b, and c," and "at least one selected from the group consisting of a, b, and c" mean only a, only b, only c, both a and b, both a and c, both b and c, all of a, b, and c, or variations thereof.

[0030] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical and scientific terms, have the same meanings as those generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and / or the present specification, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0031] It should be understood that the configurations illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are merely example embodiments of the present disclosure and do not represent the full scope of the technical idea of the present disclosure, so that one or more suitable equivalents and modifications to them can exist at the time of filing the present application.

[0032] As used herein, "include," "comprise," and "have" when used in this specification are each expressly specified to mean that the stated features, shapes, quantities, steps, operations, components, parts, and / or groups thereof are present, and do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more different features, shapes, quantities, operations, components, parts, and / or groups thereof. Also, the use of "may" or "can" in describing the embodiments of the present disclosure means "one or more embodiments of the present disclosure."

[0033] To aid the understanding of the present disclosure, the drawings can not be to scale, and some components can be exaggerated much beyond their actual size so they can be illustrated more clearly. In the drawings, the relative sizes of elements, layers, and regions can be exaggerated for clarity.

[0034] Unless otherwise stated, like reference numerals in the figures and the written description denote like elements throughout the figures and written description. As such, the repetition of the description can not be provided. In different embodiments, the same reference numerals can be given to the same components.

[0035] The statement that two comparison targets are “the same” as each other can mean that they are “substantially the same” as each other. Thus, the case that they are “substantially the same” as each other can include the case that they deviate from each other at a level that is considered to be a low level, for example, a deviation of 5% or less. If a uniform parameter is uniform in a predetermined region, it can mean that it is uniform (substantially uniform) from an average point of view.

[0036] It will be understood that, although the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc. can be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another element, component, region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0037] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0038] When a component is arranged “above (or below)” or “on (or under)” another component, this means not only that the component can be arranged in contact with the upper surface (or lower surface) of the other component, but also that yet another component can be arranged between the other component and the component arranged on (or under) the other component.

[0039] It will be understood that when an element such as a layer, region, or portion is referred to as being "on" or "connected to" or "coupled to" another element, it can be directly on, connected, or coupled to the other element or intervening elements can also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" or "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to" another element, there are no intervening elements present. Also, it will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "electrically connected" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or connected to the other element with intervening elements present therebetween. In addition, it will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "between" two elements, it can be the only element between the two elements or one or more intervening elements can also be present therebetween.

[0040] Throughout the specification, "A and / or B" can refer to A or B or both A and B unless otherwise specifically noted. For example, "and / or" can include all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. "C~D" can mean at least C and no more than D unless otherwise specifically noted.

[0041] For ease of explanation, spatial relative terms such as "on", "above", "under", "below", "upper", "lower", and the like can be used herein to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element or feature as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if a device in the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "under" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the example terms "below" and "under" can encompass both orientations in

[0042] As used herein, the term "use" can be considered synonymous with the term "utilize".

[0043] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating an outer structure of a battery module in which an outer case and an inner case are combined according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the structure illustrated in Figure 1 from another direction according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure. Figure 3 is a perspective view illustrating an outer structure of a battery module in which an outer case and an inner case are combined according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of key components of Figure 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view taken along line IV-IV of Figure 2 of the structure illustrated inFigure 5 is a cross-sectional perspective view taken along a line V-V of Figure 2 . Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a detailed structure of an outer case according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

[0044] Referring to Figures 1 to 6 , a battery module according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure includes an inner case 20, an outer case 30, exhaust holes 24, a distribution passage 32, a duct structure 50, and a fluid port 40.

[0045] The inner case 20 can be a box-shaped structure. The inner case 20 can accommodate a plurality of battery cells in an inner space 22. The battery cells can each have, for example, a prismatic shape. The inner case 20 can be formed by coupling a plurality of plates to each other.

[0046] The outer case 30 is coupled to an outer side of the inner case 20. The outer case 30 is a structure that surrounds at least a portion of the inner case 20 and protects the battery cells.

[0047] The exhaust holes 24 pass through the inner side and the outer side of the inner case 20 (for example, the exhaust holes 24 extend from the inner side to the outer side of the inner case 20). The exhaust holes 24 communicate with the inner space 22. The exhaust holes 24 are provided as a plurality of exhaust holes 24. The plurality of exhaust holes 24 are formed apart from each other in a first direction X, for example, as shown in Figure 2 . The first direction X can be a direction orthogonal (for example, perpendicular) to a center line of the exhaust holes 24. The exhaust holes 24 can have different areas from each other. The exhaust holes 24 (for example, each of the exhaust holes 24) can be a slotted long hole. The exhaust holes 24 (for example, each of the exhaust holes 24) can be a slotted hole formed or extended in a direction orthogonal (for example, perpendicular) to the first direction X.

[0048] The distribution passage 32 is arranged between the outer case 30 and the inner case 20. The distribution passage 32 is arranged to communicate with the exhaust holes 24. The distribution passage 32 can be formed to extend in the first direction X. The exhaust holes 24 communicate with a side surface defining the distribution passage 32.

[0049] Fluid can enter / exit through one end of the distribution passage 32. The other end of the distribution passage 32 is closed. One end of the distribution passage 32 is connected to a fluid port 40 provided in the outer case 30. A duct structure 50 can be provided between the distribution passage 32 and the fluid port 40. The fluid port 40 is configured for fluid to enter and / or exit through one end of the distribution passage 32. The fluid port 40 can be a fluid input port. In one or more embodiments, the fluid port 40 can be a fluid output port. The fluid passing through the fluid port 40 can be a liquid. In one or more embodiments, the fluid passing through the fluid port 40 can be a gas. The fluid can be a heat exchange medium for cooling the battery cells.

[0050] The cross-sectional area of the distribution passage 32 varies in the first direction X. The cross-sectional area of the distribution passage 32 is defined as the cross-sectional area in a direction orthogonal (e.g., perpendicular) to the first direction X. The cross-sectional area of the distribution passage 32 can gradually increase or decrease in the first direction X.

[0051] The area of the exhaust hole 24 and the cross-sectional area of the distribution passage 32 communicating with the exhaust hole 24 are inversely proportional to each other in the first direction X. More specifically, if the area of the exhaust hole 24 is arranged to become smaller and smaller in the first direction X (e.g., when the area of the exhaust hole 24 is arranged to become smaller and smaller in the first direction X), the cross-sectional area of the distribution passage 32 can become larger and larger in the first direction X. Accordingly, the product of the cross-sectional area of the distribution passage 32 and the area of the corresponding exhaust hole 24 can be constant. As a result, the amount of fluid entering / leaving the exhaust hole 24 through the distribution passage 32 can always remain constant regardless of the position of the exhaust hole 24. For example, at a position where the area of the exhaust hole 24 is large, the cross-sectional area of the distribution passage 32 is formed to be small, and at a position where the area of the exhaust hole 24 is small, the cross-sectional area of the distribution passage 32 is formed to be large.

[0052] The upper end portion and the lower end portion of the distribution passage 32 constitute a coupling portion of the outer case 30 and the inner case 20 at which the outer case 30 and the inner case 20 are coupled together (e.g., the upper end surface 35 and the lower end surface 36 of the ramp protrusion 34 of the outer case 30 are coupled to the inner case 20). In one or more embodiments, the outer case 30 includes the ramp protrusion 34 protruding in a direction facing the inner case 20 (e.g., opposite the inner case 20). The amount of protrusion of the ramp protrusion 34 can vary in the first direction X. The distribution passage 32 is formed by the space between the ramp protrusion 34 and the inner case 20. The inner case 20 can be coupled to the upper end surface 35 and the lower end surface 36 of the ramp protrusion 34 in a sliding structure (e.g., the inner case 20 and the outer case 30 can slide relative to each other in the first direction X at the ramp protrusion 34). Accordingly, the inner case 20 is prevented or reduced from being separated from the ramp protrusion 34 in the vertical direction.

[0053] The amount of protrusion of the ramp protrusion 34 can vary linearly with the distance from one end of the distribution passage 32 in the first direction X (for example, the amount of protrusion of the ramp protrusion 34 can vary linearly along the first direction X from one end of the distribution passage 32). For example, the ramp protrusion 34 can be inclined in the form of a ramp in the first direction X.

[0054] Hereinafter, the operation effect of the battery module including the above-described components is described in more detail by providing an example of a case in which a cooling fluid is introduced through the fluid port 40.

[0055] A cooling fluid can be introduced into the fluid port 40. The cooling fluid can be delivered to the fluid port 40 by an external pump or a blower. The fluid that has passed through the fluid port 40 then passes through the duct structure 50 and is supplied to the distribution passage 32. The distribution passage 32 extends in the first direction X, and the other end of the distribution passage 32 has a closed state (for example, is closed). Accordingly, the fluid supplied to the distribution passage 32 moves in the first direction X and moves into the inner space 22 of the inner case 20 through the exhaust hole 24 (for example, the plurality of exhaust holes 24). In this process, the cross-sectional area of the distribution passage 32 gradually decreases in the first direction X. In contrast, the exhaust hole 24 is arranged to have an increasingly large area in the first direction X (for example, the size of the exhaust hole 24 can increase in the first direction X as the distance from the fluid port 40 increases). As a result, the flow rate of the fluid introduced into the inner space 22 through the exhaust hole 24 can remain constant regardless of the position of the exhaust hole 24. Therefore, the cooling effect of the battery cells 10 accommodated in the inner case 20 can be uniformly (for example, substantially uniformly) achieved.

[0056] In one or more embodiments, because the distribution passage 32 is formed in the space between the outer case 30 and the inner case 20, a separate component is not desired or needed to form the distribution passage 32. As a result, manufacturing costs for forming the distribution passage 32 can be reduced.

[0057] As described above, the battery module according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure has a ramp structure such that the cross-sectional area of the distribution passage formed between the inner case and the outer case varies in the first direction, and the area of the exhaust hole formed in the inner case is inversely proportional to the cross-sectional area of the distribution passage, such that the flow rate of the cooling fluid introduced into the battery cell through the exhaust hole remains uniform (for example, substantially uniform), thereby improving the cooling performance of the battery module.

[0058] In one or more embodiments, the distribution passage is formed in the space between the inner case and the ramp protrusion protruding from the outer case to the inner case, such that no additional structure is used to form the distribution passage, thereby simplifying the structure of the battery module and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0059] As used herein, the terms“substantially,”“about,” and similar terms are used as terms of approximation and not as terms of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent deviations in measured or calculated values that would be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art. “Substantially” as used herein encompasses the recited value, and means within an acceptable range of deviation of the particular value that would be determined by one of ordinary skill in the art to be within the limits of error for the particular measurement and associated with the measurement of the particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). For example,“substantially” can mean within one or more standard deviations, or within ± 30%, 20%, 10%, 5% of the recited value.

[0060] It is to be understood that the embodiments described herein are to be considered in a descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Descriptions of features or aspects within each embodiment should typically be considered as being applicable to other similar features or aspects in other embodiments, unless specifically stated otherwise. Thus, features, characteristics, and / or elements described in connection with one embodiment can be used singly or in combination with features, characteristics, and / or elements described in connection with other embodiments, unless specifically stated otherwise. It is to be understood that the foregoing description is illustrative only, and not limiting, of the various example embodiments, and that various modifications can be made to the embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A battery module, characterized by, comprises a plurality of exhaust holes which communicate with the inner space, are separated from each other in a first direction, and have areas different from each other; an outer case coupled to an outer side of the inner case, the outer case surrounding at least a portion of the inner case to protect the plurality of battery cells; a distribution passage which communicates with the plurality of exhaust holes between the outer case and the inner case, and extends in the first direction; and a fluid port configured for fluid to enter and / or exit through one end of the distribution passage, wherein a cross-sectional area of the distribution passage varies in the first direction, and the areas of the plurality of exhaust holes and the cross-sectional area of the distribution passage which communicates with the plurality of exhaust holes from each other are inversely proportional to each other in the first direction. upper and lower end portions of the distribution passage comprise a coupling portion at which the outer case and the inner case are coupled together. 3.The battery module of claim 1, wherein:

2. The battery module of claim 1, wherein, the outer case comprises a ramp protrusion which protrudes in a direction facing the inner case, an amount of protrusion of the ramp protrusion varies in the first direction, and the distribution passage is a space between the ramp protrusion and the inner case. the amount of protrusion of the ramp protrusion varies linearly along the first direction from the one end of the distribution passage. the inner case is coupled to upper and lower end surfaces of the ramp protrusion in a sliding structure.

4. The battery module of claim 3, wherein, the plurality of exhaust holes are slot-shaped holes, and wherein the slot-shaped holes extend in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

5. The battery module of claim 3, wherein, the outer case comprises the fluid port, and the one end of the distribution passage is connected to the fluid port of the outer case.

6. The battery module of claim 1, wherein, the fluid port is a fluid input port.

7. The battery module of claim 1, wherein, the fluid port is a fluid output port.

8. The battery module of claim 7, wherein, the fluid passing through the fluid port is liquid.

9. The battery module of claim 7, wherein, the fluid passing through the fluid port is gaseous.

10. The battery module of claim 7, wherein, comprises a plurality of exhaust holes which communicate with the inner space, are separated from each other in a first direction, and have areas different from each other; 11. The battery module of claim 7, wherein, an outer case coupled to an outer side of the inner case, the outer case surrounding at least a portion of the inner case to protect the plurality of battery cells; 12. A battery module, characterized by a distribution passage which communicates with the plurality of exhaust holes between the outer case and the inner case, and extends in the first direction; and a fluid configured to enter and / or exit through one end of the distribution passage, wherein a cross-sectional area of the distribution passage varies in the first direction, and wherein the areas of the plurality of exhaust holes and the cross-sectional area of the distribution passage which communicates with the plurality of exhaust holes from each other are inversely proportional to each other in the first direction. the outer case comprises a fluid port configured for the fluid to enter and / or exit through the one end of the distribution passage, and the one end of the distribution passage is connected to the fluid port of the outer case. the fluid port is a fluid input port. the fluid port is a fluid output port. ​ 13. The battery module of claim 12, wherein, ​ 14. The battery module of claim 13, wherein, ​ 15. The battery module of claim 13, wherein, ​ 16. The battery module of claim 13, wherein, The fluid passing through the fluid port is liquid.

17. The battery module of claim 13, wherein, The fluid passing through the fluid port is gaseous.

Images