Secondary battery module

Abstract

A secondary battery module is provided, including: two cell stacks arranged along a first direction, and each of the two cell stacks including: a plurality of unit cells arranged along a second direction crossing the first direction; a cooling plate between the two cell stacks; and a case configured to accommodate the two cell stacks and the cooling plate, wherein the cooling plate includes a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet on a first side surface of the cooling plate. Accordingly, the secondary battery module according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure can improve cooling efficiency by applying a side cooling method.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] An aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure relates to a secondary battery module. Background Technology

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, which are not designed for (re)charging, secondary (or rechargeable) batteries are designed to discharge and be recharged. Low-capacity secondary batteries are used in portable small electronic devices such as smartphones, feature phones, laptops, digital cameras, and camcorders, while high-capacity secondary batteries are widely used as power sources for driving motors in hybrid and electric vehicles, as well as for storing electricity (e.g., household and / or utility-scale power storage). A secondary battery typically comprises an electrode assembly consisting of positive and negative electrodes, a housing that houses the electrode assembly, and electrode terminals connected to the electrode assembly.

[0003] Batteries with high energy density (the amount of energy that can be stored per unit weight or unit volume) can provide longer operating time or longer range in portable devices or electric vehicles. Therefore, the energy density of a rechargeable battery can be one of the important factors determining its performance.

[0004] The information disclosed in this background section is intended to enhance the understanding of the background of this disclosure, and therefore may include information that does not constitute related (or prior art). Utility Model Content

[0005] One object of this invention is to provide a secondary battery module that can improve cooling efficiency by applying a side-cooling method. The embodiment includes a secondary battery module comprising: two battery stacks arranged along a first direction, each of the two battery stacks including a plurality of cell units arranged along a second direction intersecting the first direction; a cooling plate between the two battery stacks; and a housing configured to house the two battery stacks and the cooling plate, wherein the cooling plate includes a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet on a first side surface of the cooling plate.

[0006] The coolant inlet can be located above the coolant outlet on the first side surface of the cooling plate.

[0007] The cooling plate may also include partition walls that separate the internal space of the cooling plate.

[0008] One end of the partition wall can be attached to the first side surface, and the other end of the partition wall opposite to the first side surface can be spaced apart from the second side surface of the cooling plate, the second side surface of the cooling plate being opposite to the first side surface.

[0009] The third side surface of the cooling plate, which is perpendicular to the first side surface, and the fourth side surface of the cooling plate, which is perpendicular to the first side surface and opposite to the third side surface, both have an uneven shape.

[0010] The secondary battery module may also include gap fillers on the third and fourth side surfaces.

[0011] The size of the side surface area of ​​each of the multiple cell units is equal to or greater than the size of the bottom surface area of ​​each of the multiple cell units.

[0012] Each of the multiple cell units may include lithium iron phosphate.

[0013] The housing may include: an end plate connected to a cooling plate, the end plate supporting a first surface of two battery stacks along a second direction; and a front plate connected to the cooling plate, the front plate supporting a second surface of the two battery stacks opposite to the first surface, wherein each of the end plate and the front plate has a recess therein to receive at least a portion of the cooling plate.

[0014] The housing may further include: a top plate connected to a cooling plate, the top plate supporting a third surface of the two battery stacks along a third direction intersecting the first direction; and a bottom plate connected to the cooling plate, the bottom plate supporting a fourth surface of the two battery stacks opposite the third surface, wherein each of the top plate and the bottom plate may have a recess therein to receive at least a portion of the cooling plate.

[0015] The embodiment includes a secondary battery module comprising: a plurality of battery stacks arranged along a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction, each of the plurality of battery stacks including a plurality of cell batteries arranged along the second direction; at least one cooling plate disposed between at least two of the plurality of battery stacks; and a housing housing the plurality of battery stacks and the cooling plate, wherein the cooling plate includes a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet on a first side surface of the cooling plate.

[0016] The coolant inlet can be located above the coolant outlet on the first side surface of the cooling plate.

[0017] The cooling plate may also include partition walls that separate the internal space of the cooling plate.

[0018] One end of the partition wall can be attached to the first side surface, and the other end of the partition wall opposite to said one end can be spaced apart from the second side surface opposite to the first side surface.

[0019] The third and fourth side surfaces of the cooling plate have uneven shapes. The third side surface is perpendicular to the first side surface, and the fourth side surface is perpendicular to the first side surface and opposite to the third side surface.

[0020] The secondary battery module may also include gap fillers on the third and fourth side surfaces.

[0021] The size of the side surface area of ​​each of the multiple cell units can be equal to or greater than the size of the bottom surface area of ​​each of the multiple cell units.

[0022] Each of the multiple cell units may include lithium iron phosphate.

[0023] The housing may include: an end plate connected to a cooling plate, the end plate supporting a first surface of a plurality of battery stacks along a second direction; and a front plate connected to the cooling plate, the front plate supporting a second surface of the plurality of battery stacks opposite to the first surface, wherein each of the end plate and the front plate may have a recess therein to receive at least a portion of the cooling plate.

[0024] The housing may further include: a top plate connected to a cooling plate, the top plate having a third surface supporting a plurality of battery stacks along a third direction; and a bottom plate connected to the cooling plate, the bottom plate supporting a fourth surface of the plurality of battery stacks opposite the third surface, wherein each of the top plate and the bottom plate may have a recess therein to receive at least a portion of the cooling plate.

[0025] These and other aspects and features of this disclosure will be described in or will become apparent from the following description of embodiments of this disclosure.

[0026] However, the aspects and features of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the detailed description below that other aspects and features not mentioned will be apparent. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the detailed description thereof, further describe aspects and features of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure should not be construed as limited to the drawings.

[0028] Figure 1 A perspective view illustrating a secondary battery module according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0029] Figure 2 An exploded perspective view illustrating a secondary battery module according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0030] Figure 3 The following are shown along one or more embodiments according to this disclosure. Figure 1 A sectional view taken by line A-A'.

[0031] Figure 4 The following are shown along one or more embodiments according to this disclosure. Figure 1 The sectional view taken by line B-B'.

[0032] Figure 5 A perspective view illustrating a cooling plate according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0033] Figure 6 The following are shown along one or more embodiments according to this disclosure. Figure 5 A sectional view taken by line C-C'.

[0034] Figure 7 Another embodiment according to this disclosure is shown along Figure 5 A sectional view taken by line C-C'.

[0035] Figure 8 Examples of secondary battery modules according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. Detailed Implementation

[0036] In the following, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted as meanings and concepts consistent with the technical spirit of the present disclosure, based on the principle that the inventor can be his / her own lexicographer to appropriately define the concepts of the terms so as to best interpret his / her utility model.

[0037] The embodiments described in this specification and the constructions shown in the accompanying drawings are merely some embodiments of this disclosure and do not represent all technical ideas, aspects, and features of this disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications may exist to replace or modify the embodiments described herein at the time of filing.

[0038] It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected to," or "bonded to" another element or layer, it can be directly on, directly connected to, or directly bonded to the other element or layer, or one or more intermediary elements or layers may be present. When an element or layer is referred to as being "directly on," "directly connected to," or "directly bonded to" another element or layer, no intermediary element or layer is present. For example, when a first element is described as being "bonded" or "connected" to a second element, the first element can be directly bonded to or directly connected to the second element, or the first element can be indirectly bonded to or indirectly connected to the second element via one or more intermediary elements.

[0039] In the figures, the dimensions of various elements, layers, etc., may be exaggerated for clarity. The same reference numerals denote the same elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Furthermore, when describing embodiments of this disclosure, the use of "may" refers to "one or more embodiments of this disclosure." Expressions such as "at least one of..." and "any one of..." modify the entire list of elements when following a list, without modifying individual elements within that list. When a list of elements A, B, and C is specified using phrases such as “at least one of A, B, and C,” “at least one of A, B, or C,” “at least one of the groups selected from A, B, and C,” or “at least one of A, B, and C,” the phrase may refer to any suitable combination (or subset) of A, B, and C and all suitable combinations (or subsets), such as A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. As used herein, the term “use” and its variations may be considered synonymous with the term “utilize” and its variations, respectively. As used herein, the terms “substantially,” “about,” and similar terms are used as approximate terms rather than terms of degree and are intended to explain the inherent variations in measured or calculated values ​​that would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0040] It will be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or portion from another element, component, region, layer, or portion. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments, the first element, first component, first region, first layer, or first portion discussed below may be referred to as a second element, second component, second region, second layer, or second portion.

[0041] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as “below,” “under,” “lower,” “above,” and “upper” may be used herein to describe the relationship between one element or feature and another element(s) shown in the figures. It will be understood that, in addition to the orientations depicted in the figures, the spatial relative terms are intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the figure is flipped, an element described as “below” or “under” other elements or features will subsequently be oriented “above” or “above” said other elements or features. Thus, the term “below” can cover both above and below orientations. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptive terms used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0042] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments of this disclosure and is not intended to limit the disclosure. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a” and “an” are also intended to include the plural forms. It will be further understood that when the terms “comprising,” “including,” and / or variations thereof are used in this specification, it indicates the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0043] Furthermore, any numerical range disclosed and / or described herein is intended to include all subranges containing the same numerical precision within the described range. For example, the range "1.0 to 10.0" is intended to include all subranges between the described minimum value of 1.0 and the described maximum value of 10.0 (and includes both the described minimum value of 1.0 and the described maximum value of 10.0), i.e., having a minimum value equal to or greater than 1.0 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10.0, such as 2.4 to 7.6. Any maximum numerical limit described herein is intended to include all lower numerical limits contained therein, and any minimum numerical limit described in this specification is intended to include all higher numerical limits contained therein. Therefore, the applicant reserves the right to amend this specification and the claims to expressly describe any subranges contained within the range expressly described herein.

[0044] Referring to two compared elements, features, etc., as “identical” can mean that they are “substantially identical.” Therefore, the phrase “substantially identical” can include cases with deviations considered low in the art (e.g., 5% or less). Additionally, when a parameter is said to be uniform in a given region, it can mean that it is uniform in terms of the average value.

[0045] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0046] Placing any element "above (or below)" or "on (below)" another element can mean that the element can be positioned to contact the upper (or lower) surface of the element, and that the other element can be positioned between the element and any element positioned on (or below) the element.

[0047] Additionally, it will be understood that when a component is referred to as “linked,” “combined,” or “connected” to another component, these components can be directly “combined,” “linked,” or “connected” to each other, or another component can be “placed” between these components.

[0048] Throughout the specification, when “A and / or B” is stated, it means A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise stated. That is, “and / or” includes any or all combinations of the listed items. Unless otherwise stated, when “C to D” is stated, it means C or greater and D or less.

[0049] In this specification, unless the context clearly specifies the singular form, the singular form as used herein includes the plural form. Conversely, unless the context clearly specifies the plural form, the plural form as used herein includes the singular form. It will be understood that the terms “comprising,” “including,” or “having” as used herein indicate the presence of the stated element, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other elements.

[0050] In this disclosure, for clarity of explanation, the dimensions and relative dimensions of the layers and regions shown in the accompanying drawings may be exaggerated. That is, the dimensions shown in the drawings are for ease of understanding only and are not limiting. Furthermore, throughout the specification, the same reference numerals denote the same elements.

[0051] Figure 1 A perspective view illustrating a secondary battery module 10 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of a secondary battery module 10 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 3 The following are shown along one or more embodiments according to this disclosure. Figure 1 A sectional view taken by line A-A'. Figure 4 The following are shown along one or more embodiments according to this disclosure. Figure 1 The sectional view taken by line B-B'.

[0052] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a secondary battery module 10 may include two battery stacks S arranged along a first direction (e.g., the Z1 axis direction in the figures), a cooling plate 110 arranged between the two battery stacks S, and a housing that accommodates the two battery stacks S and the cooling plate 110. Each of the two battery stacks S includes a plurality of cell batteries 100 arranged along a second direction (e.g., the Z2 axis direction in the figures) that intersects the first direction.

[0053] In one or more embodiments, the housing may include: an end plate 130, connected to a cooling plate 110 and supporting a first surface of the two battery stacks S along a second direction intersecting a first direction in which the two battery stacks are arranged (e.g., the Z2 axis direction in the figures); and a front plate 120, connected to the cooling plate 110 and supporting a second surface opposite to the first surface of the two battery stacks S. Figure 4 As shown, the end plate 130 and the front plate 120 may each have a groove 132 and a groove 122 formed to accommodate at least a portion of the cooling plate 110. In addition, a channel 124 through which the coolant inlet 112 and the coolant outlet 114 pass may be formed in the front plate 120.

[0054] Additionally, the housing may include: a top plate 140, connected to the cooling plate 110 and supporting a third surface of the two battery stacks S along a third direction intersecting the first direction (e.g., the Z3 axis direction in the figures); and a bottom plate 150, connected to the cooling plate 110 and supporting a fourth surface of the two battery stacks S opposite to the third surface. Figure 3 As shown, the top plate 140 and the bottom plate 150 may each have grooves 142 and 152 formed to accommodate at least a portion of the cooling plate 110.

[0055] In one or more embodiments, the cooling plate 110 may contain coolant circulating within it to cool the cell battery 100. A coolant inlet 112 through which coolant is introduced may be formed on a first side surface of the cooling plate 110 along a second direction. Additionally, a coolant outlet 114 through which coolant is discharged may be formed on the first side surface of the cooling plate 110 along the second direction. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the diagram, the coolant inlet 112 and coolant outlet 114 are shown as cylindrical, but their shapes can be similar to those of other coolant inlets and outlets. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The shapes shown are different cube shapes or other shapes.

[0056] In one or more embodiments, a coolant inlet 112 may be formed above a coolant outlet 114. With this configuration, coolant introduced into the cooling plate 110 through the coolant inlet 112 can circulate within the cooling plate 110, cool the cell battery 100, descend due to gravity, and then be discharged through the coolant outlet 114.

[0057] In one or more embodiments, the size of the side surface area of ​​each of the cell 100 may be equal to or greater than the size of the bottom surface area of ​​each of the cell 100. That is, the length of each of the cell 100 in the height direction may be greater than or equal to its length in the width direction. (Refer to...) Figures 1 to 4The cooling plate 110 may have a plate shape extending in a second direction and may be positioned between two battery stacks S. Therefore, the long side of the cooling plate 110 and the short side of each cell 100 may be arranged to face each other. That is, the side cooling method can be applied to the secondary battery module 10 according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure. With this configuration, cooling of the cell 100 can be effectively achieved even when the height of each cell 100 is increased (e.g., a larger cell may be used).

[0058] In one or more embodiments, each of the cell 100 may include lithium iron phosphate (LFP). Batteries including lithium iron phosphate may have a length in the height direction that is longer than its length in the width direction. Therefore, the secondary battery module 10 according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure can improve cooling efficiency by applying a side-cooling method.

[0059] In one or more embodiments, the cell units 100 may be electrically and / or mechanically connected to each other. For example, the cell units 100 may be electrically connected via a busbar disposed at the upper end of the secondary battery module 10. According to one or more embodiments, insulating members are disposed between the cell units 100 included in each battery stack S, and therefore, the cell units 100 may be electrically insulated from each other via portions excluding the busbars. Additionally or optionally, insulating members and / or spacers may be disposed between the cell units 100 included in each battery stack S.

[0060] In one or more embodiments, end plate 130 may have a plate shape that extends in a first direction and may be connected to side plates 160, 162, top plate 140, and bottom plate 150. For example... Figure 4 As shown, a groove can be formed in the center of the end plate 130 to accommodate the cooling plate 110. When the cooling plate 110 is placed in the groove of the end plate 130, the cooling plate 110 can be stably fixed.

[0061] In one or more embodiments, the front panel 120 may have a plate shape that extends in a first direction and may be connected to the side panels 160, 162, the top panel 140, and the bottom panel 150. For example... Figure 4 As shown, a groove can be formed in the center of the front panel 120 to accommodate the cooling plate 110. When the cooling plate 110 is placed in the groove of the front panel 120, the cooling plate 110 can be stably fixed. Additionally, as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the channels through which the coolant inlet 112 and coolant outlet 114 pass can be formed in the front panel 120.

[0062] In one or more embodiments, the base plate 150 may have a plate shape that extends in a first direction and may be connected to the side plates 160, 162, the front plate 120, and the end plate 130. For example... Figure 3 As shown, a groove can be formed in the center of the base plate 150 to accommodate the cooling plate 110. When the cooling plate 110 is placed in the groove of the base plate 150, the cooling plate 110 can be stably fixed.

[0063] In one or more embodiments, the top plate 140 may have a plate shape that extends in a first direction and may be connected to the side plates 160, 162, the front plate 120, and the end plate 130. For example... Figure 3 As shown, a groove may be formed in the center of the top plate 140 to accommodate the cooling plate 110. When the cooling plate 110 is placed in the groove of the top plate 140, the cooling plate 110 can be stably fixed.

[0064] According to one or more embodiments, at least two of the plurality of plates 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 162 may be connected by welding. For example, opposite ends of the front plate 120 may be welded to one end of each of the side plates 160, 162. Additionally, opposite ends of the end plate 130 may be welded to the other end of each of the side plates 160, 162. In another embodiment, at least two of the plates 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 162 may be connected by mechanical fastening methods other than welding (e.g., bolting, adhesive fastening, etc.), or optionally by welding.

[0065] In one or more embodiments, the cooling plate 110 may include a partition wall 116 separating the internal space of the cooling plate 110. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the internal space of the cooling plate 110 can be separated by a partition wall 116. The upper space of the internal space separated by the partition wall 116 can be a space in which coolant introduced from the coolant inlet 112 circulates. The lower space of the internal space separated by the partition wall 116 can be a space through which coolant passes to be discharged to the coolant outlet 114.

[0066] Figure 5 A perspective view illustrating a cooling plate 500 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 6 The following are shown along one or more embodiments according to this disclosure. Figure 5 A sectional view taken by line C-C'. Figure 7 Another embodiment according to this disclosure is shown along Figure 5 A sectional view taken by line C-C'.

[0067] As shown, the cooling plate 500 may include a coolant inlet 510 and a coolant outlet 520 formed on a first side surface of the cooling plate 500.

[0068] In one or more embodiments, the cooling plate 500 may house coolant circulating within it to cool multiple cell units. A coolant inlet 510, through which coolant is introduced, may be formed on a first side surface of the cooling plate 500 along a second direction (e.g., Z2 direction in the figures). Additionally, a coolant outlet 520, through which coolant is discharged, may be formed on the first side surface of the cooling plate 500 along the second direction. Figure 5 In the diagram, the coolant inlet 510 and coolant outlet 520 are shown as cylindrical; however, the shapes of the coolant inlet 510 and coolant outlet 520 can be different. Figure 5 The shapes shown are different cube shapes or other shapes.

[0069] In one or more embodiments, a coolant inlet 510 may be formed above a coolant outlet 520. With this configuration, the coolant introduced into the cooling plate 500 through the coolant inlet 510 can circulate within the cooling plate 500, cool the cell battery, and may descend due to gravity before being discharged through the coolant outlet 520.

[0070] In one or more embodiments, the cooling plate 500 may include a partition wall 530 that separates (e.g., divides) the internal space of the cooling plate 500. Figure 5 As shown, the internal space of the cooling plate 500 can be separated by a partition wall 530. The upper space of the internal space separated by the partition wall 530 can be a space in which coolant introduced from the coolant inlet 510 circulates. The lower space of the internal space separated by the partition wall 530 can be a space through which coolant passes to be discharged to the coolant outlet 520. By installing the partition wall 530 inside the cooling plate 500, a circulation path for coolant can be provided within the cooling plate 500 (e.g., along...). Figure 5 (The direction of the arrow in the passage).

[0071] In one or more embodiments, one end of the partition wall 530 may be attached to a first side surface of the cooling plate 500, and the other end of the partition wall 530 opposite to said one end may be spaced apart from a second side surface of the cooling plate 500 opposite to the first side surface. The first side surface of the cooling plate 500 may be the side surface forming the coolant inlet 510 and the coolant outlet 520. Because one end of the partition wall 530 is attached to the first side surface of the cooling plate 500, coolant introduced into the upper space within the cooling plate 500 through the coolant inlet 510 can advance in a substantially horizontal direction (e.g., in the Z2 direction) until the coolant approaches the second side surface of the cooling plate 500 without falling into the lower space. Furthermore, because the other end of the partition wall 530 is spaced apart from the second side surface of the cooling plate 500, coolant flowing into the upper space within the cooling plate 500 through the coolant inlet 510 can fall into the lower space only upon reaching the second side surface of the cooling plate 500. The partition wall 530, with one end connected to the first side surface of the cooling plate 500 and the other end spaced apart from the second side surface of the cooling plate 500, provides a channel for the coolant to circulate through it. As a coolant with a low temperature introduced through the coolant inlet 510, it does not mix with the coolant with a high temperature circulating through the cooling plate 500, and thus cooling can be effectively achieved through the cooling plate 500.

[0072] Reference Figure 6 It may be possible to provide one or more embodiments of the present disclosure along Figure 5 The cross-sectional view is taken along line C-C'. As shown, the cooling plate 500 can be separated into an upper space 532 and a lower space 534 by a partition wall 530 installed inside the cooling plate 500. The upper space 532 can be the space for coolant circulation introduced from the coolant inlet 510, and the lower space 534 can be the space for coolant that has passed through the upper space 532 to be discharged to the coolant outlet 520.

[0073] like Figure 6 As shown, the cross-section of the cooling plate 500 can have a rectangular shape in which the height is longer than the width. That is, the cooling plate 500 can have a shape in the form of a narrow plate that stands vertically. With this configuration, when the cooling plate 500 is placed between battery stacks, the proportion of space occupied by the cooling plate 500 within the secondary battery module can be minimized. In addition, by minimizing the proportion of space occupied by the cooling plate 500 within the secondary battery module, the energy density of the secondary battery module can be improved.

[0074] Reference Figure 7 It may be possible to provide along another embodiment of this disclosure Figure 5The cross-sectional view is taken along line C-C'. As shown, the cooling plate 500 can be separated into an upper space 532 and a lower space 534 by a partition wall 530 installed inside the cooling plate 500. The upper space 532 can be the space for coolant circulation introduced from the coolant inlet 510, and the lower space 534 can be the space for coolant that has passed through the upper space 532 to be discharged to the coolant outlet 520.

[0075] like Figure 7 As shown, the gap filler 540 can be applied to two opposing side surfaces of the cooling plate along a first direction intersecting the second direction (e.g., the Z1 direction in the figures). The gap filler 540 can also be applied between the cell adjacent to the cooling plate 500 and the sidewall of the cooling plate 500. The gap filler 540 can comprise a material with high thermal conductivity or a thermal interface material. Heat exchange between the cell and the cooling plate 500 can be effectively achieved through the gap filler 540, and the cooling efficiency of the cooling plate 500 can be improved.

[0076] Additionally, the gap filler 540 may include a material with adhesive properties. By applying the gap filler 540 with adhesive strength between the sidewall of the cooling plate 500 and the cell, the cooling plate 500 and the cell can be in close contact with each other. As described above, by bonding the cell to the cooling plate 500, heat exchange between the cell and the cooling plate 500 can be effectively achieved, and the cooling efficiency of the cooling plate 500 can be improved.

[0077] Reference Figure 7 The two opposing side surfaces of the cooling plate 500 along the first direction (e.g., the Z1 direction in the figure) can be formed into an uneven (or non-flat) shape. Because the two opposing side surfaces of the cooling plate 500 are formed into an uneven shape, the flow of the gap filler 540 applied to the two opposing side surfaces of the cooling plate 500 downwards can be prevented. Furthermore, since the two opposing side surfaces of the cooling plate 500 are formed into an uneven shape, the contact area between the cell and the cooling plate 500 can be increased, thereby increasing the cooling area and cooling efficiency of the cooling plate 500.

[0078] Figure 8 Figures are shown illustrating examples of a secondary battery module 800 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, the secondary battery module 800 may include: a plurality of battery stacks 810, each including a plurality of cell batteries, arranged in a first direction (e.g., direction Z1 in the figures) and a second direction intersecting the first direction (e.g., direction Z2 in the figures); at least one cooling plate 820 arranged between at least two battery stacks within the battery stacks 810; and a housing housing at least two battery stacks and the cooling plate 820.

[0079] In one or more embodiments, the housing may include: an end plate, connected to the cooling plate 820 and supporting a first surface of the two battery stacks along a second direction intersecting the first direction (e.g., the Z2 axis direction in the figures); and a front plate, connected to the cooling plate 820 and supporting a second surface opposite to the first surface of the two battery stacks. Recesses may be formed in each of the end plate and the front plate to receive the cooling plate 820. Additionally, the front plate may have channels through which a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet pass.

[0080] In one or more embodiments, the housing may include: a top plate, a third surface connected to the cooling plate 820 and supporting the two battery stacks along a third direction intersecting the first direction (e.g., the Z3 axis direction in the figures); and a bottom plate, a fourth surface connected to the cooling plate 820 and supporting the two battery stacks opposite the third surface. Recesses may be formed in each of the top and bottom plates to receive the cooling plate 820.

[0081] In one or more embodiments, the cooling plate 820 may contain coolant circulating within it to cool multiple cell units. A coolant inlet through which coolant is introduced may be formed on a first side surface of the cooling plate 820 along a second direction. Additionally, a coolant outlet through which coolant is discharged may be formed on the first side surface of the cooling plate 820 along the second direction.

[0082] In one or more embodiments, a coolant inlet may be formed above a coolant outlet. With this configuration, the coolant introduced into the cooling plate 820 through the coolant inlet can circulate inside the cooling plate 820, cool the cell battery, and may descend due to gravity before being discharged through the coolant outlet.

[0083] In one or more embodiments, the size of the side surface area of ​​each of the cell units may be equal to or greater than the size of the bottom surface area of ​​each of the cell units.

[0084] In one or more embodiments, each of the cell cells may include lithium iron phosphate (LFP).

[0085] In one or more embodiments, the cooling plate 820 may include partition walls that separate the internal space of the cooling plate 820.

[0086] In one or more embodiments, one end of the partition wall may be attached to a first side surface of the cooling plate 820, and the other end of the partition wall opposite to said one end may be spaced apart from a second side surface of the cooling plate 820 opposite to the first side surface.

[0087] In one or more embodiments, a gap filler may be applied to two opposing side surfaces of the cooling plate 820 along a first direction (e.g., the Z1 direction in the figures) that intersects the second direction.

[0088] In one or more embodiments, the two opposite side surfaces of the cooling plate 820 along the first direction may be formed in an uneven shape.

[0089] With the development of rechargeable battery technology, it is hoped that thermal management can maintain the performance of rechargeable batteries. Especially for prismatic aluminum-cased batteries, effective thermal management is crucial for maintaining battery stability, performance, and long-term reliability. Traditional thermal management methods primarily involve installing a liquid cooling plate at the bottom of the battery. However, this method may become ineffective as the battery height increases. As the battery weight increases, the thickness of the cooling plate needs to be increased. Therefore, the energy density of the rechargeable battery may decrease.

[0090] According to one or more embodiments, the housing may include: an end plate, a first surface connected to a cooling plate and supporting two battery stacks along a second direction intersecting the first direction; and a front plate, a second surface connected to the cooling plate and supporting two battery stacks opposite the first surface, wherein each of the end plate and the front plate may have a groove formed therein to receive at least a portion of the cooling plate.

[0091] According to one or more embodiments, the housing may further include: a top plate, a third surface connected to the cooling plate and supporting the two battery stacks along a third direction intersecting the first direction; and a bottom plate, a fourth surface connected to the cooling plate and supporting the two battery stacks opposite the third surface, wherein each of the top plate and the bottom plate may have a groove formed therein to receive at least a portion of the cooling plate.

[0092] A secondary battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a plurality of battery stacks, each including a plurality of cell batteries and arranged along a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction; at least one cooling plate arranged between at least two battery stacks among the plurality of battery stacks; and a housing that accommodates the plurality of battery stacks and the cooling plate, wherein the cooling plate may include a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet formed on a first side surface of the cooling plate.

[0093] According to one or more embodiments, a coolant inlet may be formed on the first side surface of the cooling plate above the coolant outlet.

[0094] According to one or more embodiments, the cooling plate may include partition walls that separate the internal space of the cooling plate.

[0095] According to one or more embodiments, one end of the partition wall may be attached to a first side surface, and the other end of the partition wall opposite to said one end may be spaced apart from a second side surface opposite to the first side surface.

[0096] According to one or more embodiments, the third side surface of the cooling plate, which is perpendicular to the first side surface, and the fourth side surface of the cooling plate, which is perpendicular to the first side surface and opposite to the third side surface, can be formed into an uneven shape.

[0097] According to one or more embodiments, the secondary battery module may further include gap fillers applied to the third and fourth side surfaces.

[0098] According to one or more embodiments, the size of the side surface area of ​​each of the plurality of cell cells may be equal to or greater than the size of the bottom surface area of ​​each of the plurality of cell cells.

[0099] According to one or more embodiments, each of the plurality of cell cells may include lithium iron phosphate (LFP).

[0100] According to one or more embodiments, the housing may include: an end plate, a first surface connected to a cooling plate and supporting a plurality of battery stacks along a second direction; and a front plate, a second surface connected to the cooling plate and supporting a plurality of battery stacks opposite to the first surface, and each of the end plate and the front plate may have a groove formed therein to receive at least a portion of the cooling plate.

[0101] According to one or more embodiments, the housing may further include: a top plate, a third surface connected to the cooling plate and supporting a plurality of battery stacks along a third direction; and a bottom plate, a fourth surface connected to the cooling plate and supporting a plurality of battery stacks opposite to the third surface, and each of the top plate and the bottom plate may have a groove formed therein to receive at least a portion of the cooling plate.

[0102] The side-cooling method can be applied to secondary battery modules according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure. With this configuration, cooling of the individual battery cells can be effectively achieved even when the height of each cell is increased.

[0103] Therefore, the secondary battery module according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure can improve cooling efficiency by applying a side cooling method.

[0104] In one or more embodiments, a coolant inlet may be formed above a coolant outlet. With this configuration, the coolant introduced into the cooling plate through the coolant inlet can circulate inside the cooling plate, cool the cell, descend due to gravity, and then be discharged through the coolant outlet.

[0105] In one or more embodiments, the cooling plate can be stably fixed by means of being disposed in a groove formed in each of the front plate, end plate, top plate and bottom plate.

[0106] In one or more embodiments, a passage for coolant circulation can be provided by a configuration in which one end of a partition wall is connected to a first side surface of the cooling plate and the other end of the partition wall is spaced apart from a second side surface of the cooling plate. Cooling of the cooling plate can be effectively achieved because the coolant, which is at a low temperature and introduced through the coolant inlet, does not mix with the coolant, which is at a high temperature and circulates through the cooling plate.

[0107] In one or more embodiments, the cooling plate may have a shape resembling a narrow, vertically erected plate. This configuration minimizes the proportion of space occupied by the cooling plate within the secondary battery module when it is positioned between battery stacks. Furthermore, by minimizing the proportion of space occupied by the cooling plate within the secondary battery module, the energy density of the secondary battery module can be increased.

[0108] In one or more embodiments, heat exchange between the cell and the cooling plate can be effectively achieved through gap filler, and the cooling efficiency of the cooling plate can be improved.

[0109] In one or more embodiments, because the two opposite side surfaces of the cooling plate are formed with an uneven or irregular shape, the flow of the gap filler applied to the two opposite side surfaces of the cooling plate downwards can be prevented. Furthermore, because the two opposite side surfaces of the cooling plate are formed with an uneven or irregular shape, the contact area between the cell and the cooling plate can be increased, thereby increasing the cooling area and cooling efficiency of the cooling plate.

[0110] Preferred embodiments of this disclosure have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications, alterations, and additions are possible within the spirit and scope of this disclosure, and such modifications, alterations, and additions should be considered to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0111] Those skilled in the art will understand that various substitutions, modifications, and changes can be made without departing from the technical spirit of this disclosure; therefore, this disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments and drawings.

[0112] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to embodiments thereof, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Various modifications and variations may be made thereto by those skilled in the art within the spirit of the present disclosure and the equivalents of the appended claims.

[0113] Example embodiments have been disclosed herein, and although specific terminology has been used, it is used and interpreted in a general and descriptive sense only and not for limiting purposes. In some instances, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, features, characteristics, and / or elements described in connection with particular embodiments may be used alone or in combination with features, characteristics, and / or elements described in connection with other embodiments, unless specifically instructed otherwise. Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

[0114] Description of some figure labels

[0115] S: Battery stacking components

[0116] 10: Secondary battery module

[0117] 100: Cell battery

[0118] 110: Cooling plate

[0119] 112: Coolant Inlet

[0120] 114: Coolant Outlet

[0121] 120: Front panel

[0122] 130: End plate

[0123] 140: Top plate

[0124] 150: Base Plate

[0125] 160, 162: Side panels.

Claims

1. A secondary battery module, characterized in that, The secondary battery module includes: Two battery stacks are arranged along a first direction, and each of the two battery stacks includes a plurality of cell batteries, the plurality of cell batteries being arranged along a second direction intersecting the first direction; A cooling plate is placed between the two battery stacks; and The housing is configured to accommodate the two battery stacks and the cooling plate. The cooling plate includes a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet on a first side surface of the cooling plate.

2. The secondary battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The coolant inlet is located above the coolant outlet on the first side surface of the cooling plate.

3. The secondary battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cooling plate also includes a partition wall that separates the internal space of the cooling plate.

4. The secondary battery module according to claim 3, characterized in that, One end of the partition wall is attached to the first side surface, and the other end of the partition wall opposite to the first end is spaced apart from the second side surface of the cooling plate, the second side surface of the cooling plate being opposite to the first side surface.

5. The secondary battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The third side surface of the cooling plate, which is perpendicular to the first side surface, and the fourth side surface of the cooling plate, which is perpendicular to the first side surface and opposite to the third side surface, both have an uneven shape.

6. The secondary battery module according to claim 5, characterized in that, The secondary battery module also includes gap fillers on the third and fourth side surfaces.

7. The secondary battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The side surface area of ​​each of the plurality of cell units is equal to or greater than the bottom surface area of ​​each of the plurality of cell units.

8. The secondary battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the plurality of cell units includes a lithium iron phosphate battery.

9. The secondary battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer casing includes: End plate, connected to the cooling plate, the end plate supporting the first surface of the two battery stacks along the second direction; and A front panel, connected to the cooling plate, supports the second surface of the two battery stacks opposite the first surface. Each of the end plate and the front plate has a groove therein to accommodate at least a portion of the cooling plate.

10. The secondary battery module according to claim 9, characterized in that, The outer casing also includes: A top plate, connected to the cooling plate, the top plate supporting a third surface of the two battery stacks along a third direction intersecting the first direction; and A base plate, connected to the cooling plate, supports a fourth surface of the two battery stacks opposite the third surface. Each of the top plate and the bottom plate has a groove therein to accommodate at least a portion of the cooling plate.

11. A secondary battery module, characterized in that, The secondary battery module includes: Multiple battery stacks are arranged along a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction, and each of the multiple battery stacks includes multiple cell batteries arranged along the second direction; At least one cooling plate is disposed between at least two of the plurality of battery stacks; and The housing accommodates the plurality of battery stacks and the cooling plate. The cooling plate includes a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet on a first side surface of the cooling plate.

12. The secondary battery module according to claim 11, characterized in that, The coolant inlet is located above the coolant outlet on the first side surface of the cooling plate.

13. The secondary battery module according to claim 11, characterized in that, The cooling plate also includes a partition wall that separates the internal space of the cooling plate.

14. The secondary battery module according to claim 13, characterized in that, One end of the partition wall is attached to the first side surface, and the other end of the partition wall opposite to the first end is spaced apart from the second side surface, which is opposite to the first side surface.

15. The secondary battery module according to claim 11, characterized in that, The third and fourth side surfaces of the cooling plate have uneven shapes. The third side surface is perpendicular to the first side surface, and the fourth side surface is perpendicular to the first side surface and opposite to the third side surface.

16. The secondary battery module according to claim 15, characterized in that, The secondary battery module also includes gap fillers on the third and fourth side surfaces.

17. The secondary battery module according to claim 11, characterized in that, The side surface area of ​​each of the plurality of cell units is equal to or greater than the bottom surface area of ​​each of the plurality of cell units.

18. The secondary battery module according to claim 11, characterized in that, Each of the plurality of cell units includes a lithium iron phosphate battery.

19. The secondary battery module according to claim 11, characterized in that, The outer casing includes: An end plate, connected to the cooling plate, the end plate supporting a first surface of the plurality of battery stacks along the second direction; and A front panel, connected to the cooling plate, supports a second surface of the plurality of battery stacks opposite the first surface. Each of the end plate and the front plate has a groove therein to accommodate at least a portion of the cooling plate.

20. The secondary battery module according to claim 19, characterized in that, The outer casing also includes: A top plate, connected to the cooling plate, the top plate supporting a third surface of the plurality of battery stacks along a third direction; and A base plate, connected to the cooling plate, supports a fourth surface opposite to the third surface of the plurality of battery stacks. Each of the top plate and the bottom plate has a groove therein to accommodate at least a portion of the cooling plate.

Images