Battery system having battery module

Abstract

To provide a battery module having first and second holding housings for holding a battery cell holding frame for air cooling or fluid cooling.SOLUTION: A battery system includes a battery module that uses first and second holding housings to hold a battery cell holding frame that may be air cooled or fluid cooled. In particular, the first and second holding housings have an inlet port and an outlet port, respectively, for routing fluid through the battery cell holding frame for cooling cylindrical battery cells. Alternatively, the battery cell holding frame may be air cooled to cool the cylindrical battery cells. Also, the first and second retaining housings provide improved structural integrity to the battery module.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Battery modules having cylindrical battery cells are used in many fields.

Background Art

[0002] Battery modules having cylindrical battery cells are used in many fields. Since it is preferable for a battery module to have a high energy / power output, the battery module requires an effective and efficient cooling system for optimal performance. To achieve the desired cooling efficiency, other cooling systems have used complex tooling / assemblies and components. This greatly increases the overall cost. Also, known battery modules can be air-cooled or fluid-cooled, but cannot have the flexibility of being both air-cooled and fluid-cooled.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] The inventor has recognized the need for a battery system using a battery module having first and second holding housings that hold a battery cell holding frame and can be air-cooled or fluid-cooled. In particular, the first and second holding housings each have an inlet port and an outlet port for transmitting fluid through the battery cell holding frame to cool the cylindrical battery cell. Alternatively, the battery cell holding frame can be air-cooled to cool the cylindrical battery cell. Also, the first and second holding housings provide improved structural integrity to the battery module.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] A battery system according to an exemplary embodiment is provided. The battery system includes a battery module having a battery cell holding frame, a first holding housing, and a second holding housing. The battery cell holding frame has a central cooling plate member and first and second outer side plates. The central cooling plate member has first and second manifold portions and first and second intermediate walls disposed between the first and second manifold portions and coupled to the first and second manifold portions. The first and second intermediate walls form internal cooling channels therebetween that are in fluid communication with the first and second manifold portions. The first and second outer side plates are respectively coupled to the first and second manifold portions and extend perpendicular to the central cooling plate member. The first holding housing is disposed within a region formed between the first intermediate wall and the first and second outer side plates. The first holding housing has an end wall and first, second, third, and fourth side walls that form a first inner side region. The first, second, third, and fourth side walls of the first holding housing are coupled to the end wall to form a first open end. The first holding housing internally holds a first plurality of cylindrical battery cells that are in thermal communication with the first intermediate wall. The first side wall of the first holding housing has an inlet port that is in fluid communication with the first manifold portion. The second holding housing is disposed within a region formed by the second intermediate wall and the first and second outer side plates. The second holding housing has an end wall and first, second, third, and fourth side walls that form a second inner side region. The first, second, third, and fourth side walls of the second holding housing are coupled to the end wall to form a second open end. The second holding housing internally holds a second plurality of cylindrical battery cells that are in thermal communication with the second intermediate wall. The first side wall of the second holding housing has an outlet port that is in fluid communication with the second manifold portion.The battery system further includes a fluid supply system fluidly coupled to an inlet port and an outlet port, and the fluid supply system supplies fluid to the inlet port such that the fluid flows through the first manifold portion of the battery cell holding frame and the internal cooling channels of the battery cell holding frame, and the second manifold portion of the battery cell holding frame, and out of the outlet port to extract thermal energy from the plurality of first and second battery cells.

[0005] A battery module according to an exemplary embodiment is provided. The battery module includes a central cooling plate member and a battery cell holding frame having first and second outer side plates. The central cooling plate member has first and second manifold portions and first and second intermediate walls disposed between the first and second manifold portions and coupled to the first and second manifold portions. The first and second intermediate walls form internal cooling channels therebetween that are in fluid communication with the first and second manifold portions. The first and second outer side plates are respectively coupled to the first and second manifold portions and extend perpendicular to the central cooling plate member. The battery module further includes a first holding housing disposed within a region formed between the first intermediate wall and the first and second outer side plates. The first holding housing has an end wall and first, second, third, and fourth side walls that form a first inner side region. The first, second, third, and fourth side walls of the first holding housing are coupled to the end wall to form a first open end. The first holding housing internally holds a first plurality of cylindrical battery cells that are in thermal communication with the first intermediate wall. The first side wall of the first holding housing has an inlet port that is in fluid communication with the first manifold portion. The battery module includes a second holding housing disposed within a region formed by the second intermediate wall and the first and second outer side plates. The second holding housing has an end wall and first, second, third, and fourth side walls that form a second inner side region. The first, second, third, and fourth side walls of the second holding housing are coupled to the end wall to form a second open end. The second holding housing internally holds a second plurality of cylindrical battery cells that are in thermal communication with the second intermediate wall. The first side wall of the second holding housing has an outlet port that is in fluid communication with the second manifold portion.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006]

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Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0007] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 10, a battery system 20 having a fluid supply system 30 and a battery module 32 according to an exemplary embodiment is provided.

[0008] The fluid supply system 30 is provided to supply fluid to the battery module 32 to cool the cylindrical battery cells within the battery module 32. The fluid supply system 30 includes a fluid supply device 40 and conduits 42, 44. The conduit 42 is positioned between and coupled to the fluid supply device 40 and the inlet port 640 of the battery module 32. Also, the conduit 44 is positioned between and coupled to the fluid supply device 40 and the outlet port 1640 of the battery module 32. During operation, the fluid supply device 40 pumps fluid through the conduit 42 and into the inlet port 640. The fluid is transmitted through the battery module 32 to cool the cylindrical battery cells therein and is subsequently transmitted outside the outlet port 1640 and back to the fluid supply device 30 through the conduit 44.

[0009] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the battery module 32 is provided to output an operating voltage. The battery module 32 includes a battery cell holding frame 50, a first holding housing 54, a first plurality of cylindrical battery cells 56, first and second holding plates 60, 62 (shown in FIG. 24), a second holding housing 74, a second plurality of cylindrical battery cells 76 (shown in FIG. 42), third and fourth holding plates 80, 82 (shown in FIG. 42), a first outer plate 90, bolts 91, 92, 93, 94, a second outer plate 100, bolts 101, 102, 103, 104, a circuit board 120, an electrical bus bar 122, a circuit board 124, and a cover plate 126.

[0010] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 10, an advantage of the battery module 32 is that the battery module 32 holds a battery cell holding frame 50 that can be air-cooled or fluid-cooled using the first and second holding housings 54, 74. In particular, the first and second holding housings 54, 74 each have an inlet port 640 and an outlet port 1640 for transmitting fluid through the battery cell holding frame 50 to cool the cylindrical battery cells. As an alternative, the battery cell holding frame 50 can be air-cooled to cool the cylindrical battery cells. Also, the first and second holding housings 54, 74 provide improved structural integrity to the battery module 32.

[0011] Battery cell holding frame Referring to FIGS. 11 to 22, a battery cell holding frame 50 is provided to hold and cool a first plurality of cylindrical battery cells 56 and a second plurality of cylindrical battery cells 76. The battery cell holding frame 50 includes a central cooling plate member 140, a first outer side plate 141, a second outer side plate 142, a first heat conductive layer 151, and a second heat conductive layer 152. The advantage of the battery cell holding frame 50 is that the frame 50 can support and protect the battery cells 56, 76 with the first and second outer side plates 141, 142, and hold and cool the first and second pluralities of cylindrical battery cells 56, 76 on the opposing side surfaces of the central cooling plate member 140. In an exemplary embodiment, the central cooling plate member 140, the first outer side plate 141, and the second outer side plate 142 are made of a metal such as aluminum. The first and second heat conductive layers (151 and 152) are made of a heat conductive material that is not electrically conductive.

[0012] Central cooling plate member Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, the central cooling plate member 140 includes a first manifold portion 161, a second manifold portion 162, a first intermediate wall 171, a second intermediate wall 172, a first end plate 181, a second end plate 182, and an internal cooling channel 184.

[0013] First manifold portion Referring to FIGS. 14 and 18 to 20, the first manifold portion 161 includes a first end 191 (shown in FIG. 18), a second end 192, a central body portion 200, a first extension portion 201, and a second extension portion 202.

[0014] Central body portion The central body portion 200 extends along a longitudinal axis 212 (shown in FIG. 18). The central body portion 200 includes an inlet opening 208 (shown in FIGS. 14 and 20) and a longitudinal opening 210 (shown in FIG. 19). The inlet opening 208 extends through the lower end surface of the central body portion 200 and is in fluid communication with the longitudinal opening 210. The longitudinal opening 210 extends from the first end 191 to the second end 192 along the longitudinal axis 212.

[0015] First and second extension portions The first and second extension portions 201, 202 are coupled to opposite side surfaces of the central body portion 200. The first extension portion 201 has a fluid opening 214 that extends therethrough, such fluid opening being in fluid communication with the longitudinal opening 210 and the internal cooling channel 184 of the central body portion 200. The fluid opening 214 has a vertical height smaller than the diameter of the longitudinal opening 210. The second extension portion 202 is coupled between the central body portion 200 and the first outer plate 141.

[0016] Second manifold portion The second manifold portion 162 includes a first end 221 (shown in FIG. 18), a second end 222, a central body portion 230, a first extension portion 231, and a second extension portion 232.

[0017] Central body portion The central body portion 230 extends along a longitudinal axis 242 (shown in FIG. 18). The central body portion 230 includes a discharge opening 238 and a longitudinal opening 240. The discharge opening 238 extends through the upper end surface of the central body portion 230 and is in fluid communication with the longitudinal opening 240. The longitudinal opening 240 extends from the first end 221 to the second end 222 along the longitudinal axis 242.

[0018] First and second extension portions The first and second extension portions 231, 232 are coupled to opposite side surfaces of the central body portion 230. The first extension portion 231 has a fluid opening 244 that extends therethrough, such fluid opening being in fluid communication with the longitudinal opening 240 and the internal cooling channel 184 of the central body portion 230. The fluid opening 244 has a vertical height smaller than the diameter of the longitudinal opening 240. The second extension portion 232 is coupled between the central body portion 230 and the second outer plate 142.

[0019] First and second intermediate walls Referring to FIGS. 18 to 20, the first and second intermediate walls 171, 172 are disposed between and coupled to the first and second manifold portions 161, 162. The first and second intermediate walls 171, 172 form an internal cooling channel 184 therebetween that is in fluid communication with the first and second manifold portions 161, 162. The first intermediate wall 171 includes a first end 251 (shown in FIG. 18), a second end 252, and an outer surface 253. Also, the second intermediate wall 172 includes a first end 261 (shown in FIG. 18), a second end 262, and an outer surface 263.

[0020] First end plate Referring to FIGS. 11, 13, and 18, a first end plate 181 is provided to surround an end of the battery cell holding frame 50. In particular, the first end plate 181 is coupled to the first end 251 (shown in FIG. 18) of the first intermediate wall 171, the first end 261 of the second intermediate wall 172, the first end 191 of the first manifold portion 161, and the first end 221 of the second manifold portion 162.

[0021] Second end plate A second end plate 182 is provided to surround the other end of the battery cell holding frame 50. In particular, the second end plate 182 is coupled to the second end 252 (shown in FIG. 18) of the first intermediate wall 171, the second end 262 of the second intermediate wall 172, the second end 192 of the first manifold portion 161, and the second end 222 of the second manifold portion 162.

[0022] Internal cooling channel

[0023] Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, the internal cooling channel 184 has a vertical height that is higher than the vertical height of the flow opening 214 of the first extension portion 201 of the first manifold portion 161. Also, the internal cooling channel 184 has a vertical height that is higher than the vertical height of the flow opening 244 of the first extension portion 231 of the second manifold portion 162.

[0024] First heat conductive layer Referring to FIGS. 10, 19, and 20, a first heat conductive layer 151 is provided to transfer thermal energy from a first plurality of cylindrical battery cells 56 to a central cooling plate member 140. The first heat conductive layer 151 is disposed on a first outer surface 253 of a first intermediate wall 171.

[0025] Second heat conductive layer A second heat conductive layer 152 is provided to transfer thermal energy from a second plurality of cylindrical battery cells 76 to a central cooling plate member 140. The second heat conductive layer 152 is disposed on an outer surface 263 of a second intermediate wall 172.

[0026] First and second outer side plates Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, first and second outer side plates 141, 142 are respectively coupled to first and second manifold portions 161, 162 of a central cooling plate member 140 and extend perpendicular to the central cooling plate member 140. First and second intermediate walls 171, 172 respectively have first and second outer surfaces 253, 263 that face each other and are disposed between the first and second outer side plates 141, 142.

[0027] First outer side plate A first outer side plate 141 is provided to radiatively transfer thermal energy from the central cooling plate member 140 to the surrounding atmosphere to protect the first and second pluralities of cylindrical battery cells 56, 76. The first outer side plate 141 includes a central outer side plate portion 280, a first rail portion 281, and a second rail portion 282.

[0028] The first and second rail portions 281, 282 extend longitudinally and are respectively coupled to first and second ends of the central outer side plate portion 280. The central outer side plate portion 280 has a corrugated outer surface 290.

[0029] The first rail portion 281 includes a curved portion 296 (shown in FIG. 19) and a head portion 298 having an end surface 299. The curved portion 296 is coupled between the head portion 298 and the central outer plate portion 280. The first rail portion 281 further includes openings 301, 302 (shown in FIG. 13) that extend into the end surface 299.

[0030] The second rail portion 282 includes a curved portion 306 and a head portion 308 having an end surface 309. The curved portion 306 is coupled between the head portion 308 and the central outer plate portion 280. The second rail portion 282 further includes openings 311, 312 (shown in FIG. 13) that extend into the end surface 309.

[0031] Second outer side plate A second outer plate 142 is provided to radiatively transfer thermal energy from the central cooling plate member 140 to the surrounding atmosphere to protect the plurality of first and second cylindrical battery cells 56, 76. The second outer plate 142 includes a central outer plate portion 340, a first rail portion 341, and a second rail portion 342.

[0032] The first and second rail portions 341, 342 extend longitudinally and are respectively coupled to the first and second ends of the central outer plate portion 340. The central outer plate portion 340 has a corrugated outer surface 350.

[0033] The first rail portion 341 includes a curved portion 356 (shown in FIG. 19) and a head portion 358 having an end surface 359. The curved portion 356 is coupled between the head portion 358 and the central outer plate portion 340. The first rail portion 341 further includes openings 361, 362 (shown in FIG. 13) that extend into the end surface 359.

[0034] The second rail portion 342 includes a head portion 368 having a curved portion 366 and an end surface 369. The curved portion 366 is coupled between the head portion 368 and the central outer plate portion 340. The second rail portion 342 further includes openings 371, 372 (shown in FIG. 13) that extend into the end surface 369.

[0035] Region The first and second outer plates 141, 142 and the first intermediate wall 171 form a region 401 for accommodating a first plurality of cylindrical battery cells 56 therein. Also, the first and second outer plates 141, 142 and the thermally conductive layer 152 form a region 402 for accommodating a second plurality of cylindrical battery cells 76 therein.

[0036] First holding housing Referring to FIGS. 19 and 23 through 38, the first holding housing 54 holds a first plurality of cylindrical battery cells 56 therein and against a first thermally conductive layer 151 (shown in FIG. 19), thereby thermally communicating the battery cells 56 with the first intermediate wall 171 through the first thermally conductive layer 151. The first holding housing 54 is disposed within a region 401 (shown in FIG. 19) formed by the first intermediate wall 171 and the first and second outer plates 141, 142. Referring to FIGS. 23 and 25, the first holding housing 54 has an end wall 450, a first side wall 451, a second side wall 452, a third side wall 453, a fourth side wall 454, an electrical bus bar 456, and an electrical bus bar 458. The first and second side walls 451, 452 extend substantially parallel to each other. Also, the third and fourth side walls 453, 454 extend parallel to each other and perpendicular to the first and second side walls 451, 452. In an exemplary embodiment, the end wall 450 and the first, second, third, and fourth side walls 451, 452, 453, 454 are made of plastic. Also, the electrical bus bars (456 and 458) are made of copper.

[0037] End wall The end wall 450 is coupled to the first, second, third, and fourth side walls 451, 452, 453, 454 to form an inner portion region 460 (shown in FIG. 24) and an open end 462.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 34, the end wall 450 includes a wall portion 600 through which a plurality of openings 470 extend. Each of the plurality of openings 470 is associated with a cylindrical battery cell of the first plurality of cylindrical battery cells 56. The plurality of openings 470 includes a first row of openings 471, a second row of openings 472, a third row of openings 473, a fourth row of openings 474, a fifth row of openings 475, a sixth row of openings 476, and a seventh row of openings 477.

[0039] Referring to FIGS. 34 and 35, the end wall 450 includes a plurality of alignment tabs 490 that extend into the inner portion region 460 (shown in FIG. 24) of the first holding housing 54 for accommodating the first plurality of cylindrical battery cells 56 and that are aligned with the plurality of openings 470. The plurality of alignment tabs 490 includes a first row of alignment tabs 491, a second row of alignment tabs 492, a third row of alignment tabs 493, a fourth row of alignment tabs 494, a fifth row of alignment tabs 495, a sixth row of alignment tabs 496, and a seventh row of alignment tabs 497. The first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh plurality of alignment tabs 491, 492, 493, 494, 495, 496, 497 are respectively aligned with the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh plurality of openings 471, 472, 473, 474, 475, 476, 477. Also, each alignment tab of the plurality of alignment tabs 490 is associated with a respective cylindrical battery cell of the first plurality of cylindrical battery cells 56 and a respective opening of the plurality of openings 470. For example, the alignment tab 500 within the first row of alignment tabs 491 is aligned with the opening 480 within the first row of openings 471 to hold the cylindrical battery cell 800 (shown in FIG. 39).

[0040] Referring to FIG. 34, the end wall 450 further includes tab members 601, 602, 603, 604, 605, 606 that extend upward from the wall portion 600 for alignment with the first outer plate 90 (shown in FIG. 8). Also, the end wall 450 includes grooves 610, 612 that extend into the wall portion 600 for accommodating the electrical bus bars 456, 458 (shown in FIG. 25).

[0041] First side wall Referring to FIGS. 25 and 29, the first side wall 451 is coupled to the end wall 450 and the third and fourth side walls 453, 454, and extends in a first direction perpendicular to the end wall 450. The first side wall 451 includes a wall portion 628, a retaining clip member 630, and tab members 632, 634, 636, and an inlet port 640.

[0042] Referring to FIGS. 29 and 47, the retaining clip 630 is coupled to the wall portion 628 and extends in the first direction from the wall portion 628. The tab member 632 extends outward from the wall portion 628. The retaining clip member 630 is coupled to the tab member 632 (shown in FIG. 47) to couple the first retaining housing 54 to the second retaining housing 74. The tab member 632 is coupled to the retaining clip member 1630 (shown in FIG. 47) to couple the first retaining housing 54 to the second retaining housing 74.

[0043] Referring to FIGS. 29 and 59, the tab member 634 is coupled to the retaining clip member 1904 (shown in FIG. 59) of the first outer plate 90 to couple the first outer plate 90 to the first retaining housing 54. Also, the tab member 636 is coupled to the retaining clip member 1902 (shown in FIG. 59) of the first outer plate 90 to couple the first outer plate 90 to the first retaining housing 54.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 38, the first side wall 451 has an inlet port 640 coupled to the wall portion 628, and such an inlet port is in fluid communication with the inlet opening 208 (shown in FIG. 20) of the first manifold portion 161 of the central cooling plate member 140 of the battery cell holding frame 50. The inlet port 640 is routed at an angle of 90° within the inner region 460 (shown in FIG. 24) of the first holding housing 54.

[0045] Second side wall Referring to FIGS. 25 and 28, the second side wall 452 is coupled to the end wall 450 and the third and fourth side walls 453, 454, and extends in a first direction perpendicular to the end wall 450. The second side wall 452 includes a wall portion 648, a retaining clip member 650, and a tab member 652.

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 28 and 46, the retaining clip 650 is coupled to the wall portion 648 and extends in the first direction from the wall portion 648. The tab member 652 extends outward from the wall portion 648. The retaining clip member 650 is coupled to the tab member 1652 (also shown in FIG. 46) to couple the first holding housing 54 to the second holding housing 74. The tab member 652 is coupled to the retaining clip member 1650 (shown in FIG. 46) to couple the first holding housing 54 to the second holding housing 74.

[0047] Third side wall Referring to FIGS. 25 and 27, the third side wall 453 is coupled to the end wall 450 and the first and second side walls 451, 452, and extends in a first direction perpendicular to the end wall 450. The third side wall 453 includes a wall portion 660.

[0048] Fourth side wall Referring to FIGS. 23 and 25, the fourth side wall 454 is coupled to the end wall 450 and the first and second side walls 451, 452, and extends in a first direction perpendicular to the end wall 450. The fourth side wall 454 includes a wall portion 670.

[0049] First plurality of cylindrical battery cells Referring to FIGS. 10, 30, 31 and 39, a first plurality of cylindrical battery cells 56 are held within a first holding housing 54 and against a battery cell holding frame 50. The first plurality of cylindrical battery cells 56 includes a first row of battery cells 751, a second row of battery cells 752, a third row of battery cells 753, a fourth row of battery cells 754, a fifth row of battery cells 755, a sixth row of battery cells 756, and a seventh row of battery cells 757.

[0050] In an exemplary embodiment, each battery cell in the first row of battery cells 751 is electrically coupled in parallel to each other. Also, each battery cell in the second row of battery cells 752 is electrically coupled in parallel to each other. Also, each battery cell in the third row of battery cells 753 is electrically coupled in parallel to each other. Also, each battery cell in the fourth row of battery cells 754 is electrically coupled in parallel to each other. Also, each battery cell in the fifth row of battery cells 755 is electrically coupled in parallel to each other. Also, each battery cell in the sixth row of battery cells 756 is electrically coupled in parallel to each other. Also, each battery cell in the seventh row of battery cells 757 is electrically coupled in parallel to each other. Also, the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh rows of battery cells 756 are electrically coupled in series to each other. Additionally, each negative terminal of the battery cells within the first row of battery cells 751 is electrically coupled to an electrical bus bar 456 (shown in FIG. 31). Additionally, each negative terminal of the battery cells within the seventh row of battery cells 757 is electrically coupled to an electrical bus bar 458 (shown in FIG. 31).

[0051] Referring to FIGS. 39 and 40, since each of the cylindrical battery cells in the first plurality of cylindrical battery cells 56 has the same structure, for simplicity, only the structure of the cylindrical battery cell 800 will be specifically described. The cylindrical battery cell 800 includes an outer surface 802, a lower end surface 804, a positive electrode 806, and a negative electrode 808. The positive electrode 806 is surrounded by the negative electrode 808. Also, the lower end surface 804 contacts the first thermally conductive layer 151 (shown in FIG. 19) of the battery cell holding frame 50 so that thermal energy from the cylindrical battery cell 800 is transmitted to the first thermally conductive layer 151.

[0052] First and second holding plates Referring to FIGS. 30, 31, 34, and 39, the first and second holding plates 60, 62 are coupled to the first, second, third, and fourth side walls 451, 452, 453, 454 of the first holding housing 54 to hold the first plurality of cylindrical battery cells 56 within the inner region 460 (shown in FIG. 24) of the first holding housing 54. In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second holding plates 60, 62 are made of plastic.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 30, the first holding plate 60 includes a plurality of openings 830 that extend therethrough. The plurality of openings 830 includes a first row of openings 831, a second row of openings 832, a third row of openings 833, a fourth row of openings 834, a fifth row of openings 835, a sixth row of openings 836, and a seventh row of openings 837. Each opening of the first plurality of openings 830 is sized to hold the cylindrical battery cell within the inner region 460 (shown in FIG. 24) of the first holding housing 54 and to allow the lower end surface of each cylindrical battery cell to contact the first thermally conductive layer 151.

[0054] The second holding plate 62 includes a plurality of openings 860 that penetrate and extend. The plurality of openings 860 include a first row of openings 861, a second row of openings 862, a third row of openings 863, a fourth row of openings 864, a fifth row of openings 865, a sixth row of openings 866, and a seventh row of openings 867 (aligned with the first row of openings 831, the second row of openings 832, the third row of openings 833, the fourth row of openings 834, the fifth row of openings 835, the sixth row of openings 836, and the seventh row of openings 837 respectively). Each opening of the plurality of openings 860 is sized to hold a cylindrical battery cell within the inner region 460 of the first holding housing 54 and to allow the lower end surface of each cylindrical battery cell to contact the first thermally conductive layer 151.

[0055] Referring to FIGS. 30 and 39, the first row of openings 831 in the first holding plate 60 and the first row of openings 861 in the second holding plate 62 are aligned with the first row of battery cells 751. Also, the second row of openings 832 in the first holding plate 60 and the second row of openings 862 in the second holding plate 62 are aligned with the second row of battery cells 752. Also, the third row of openings 833 in the first holding plate 60 and the third row of openings 863 in the second holding plate 62 are aligned with the third row of battery cells 753. Also, the fourth row of openings 834 in the first holding plate 60 and the fourth row of openings 864 in the second holding plate 62 are aligned with the fourth row of battery cells 754. Also, the fifth row of openings 835 in the first holding plate 60 and the fifth row of openings 865 in the second holding plate 62 are aligned with the fifth row of battery cells 755. Also, the sixth row of openings 836 in the first holding plate 60 and the sixth row of openings 866 in the second holding plate 62 are aligned with the sixth row of battery cells 756. Also, the seventh row of openings 837 in the first holding plate 60 and the seventh row of openings 867 in the second holding plate 62 are aligned with the seventh row of battery cells 757.

[0056] Second holding housing Referring to FIGS. 19 and 41 to 56, the second holding housing 74 holds a second plurality of cylindrical battery cells 76 therein and against a second thermally conductive layer 152 (shown in FIG. 19), thereby thermally communicating the battery cells 76 with the second intermediate wall 172 via the second thermally conductive layer 152. The second holding housing 74 has the same structure as the first holding housing 54. The second holding housing 74 is disposed within a region 402 (shown in FIG. 19) formed by the second intermediate wall 172 and the first and second outer side plates 141, 142. Referring to FIGS. 41 and 43, the second holding housing 74 has an end wall 1450, a first side wall 1451, a second side wall 1452, a third side wall 1453, a fourth side wall 1454, an electrical bus bar 1456, and an electrical bus bar 1458. The first and second side walls 1451, 1452 extend substantially parallel to each other. Also, the third and fourth side walls 1453, 1454 extend substantially parallel to each other and perpendicular to the first and second side walls 1451, 1452. In an exemplary embodiment, the end wall 1450 and the first, second, third, and fourth side walls 1451, 1452, 1453, 1454 are made of plastic. Also, the electrical bus bars (1456 and 1458) are made of copper.

[0057] End wall The end wall 1450 is coupled to the first, second, third, and fourth side walls 1451, 1452, 1453, 1454 to form an inner region 1460 (shown in FIG. 42) and an open end 1462.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 52, the end wall 1450 includes a wall portion 1600 through which a plurality of openings 1470 extend. Each opening of the plurality of openings 1470 is associated with a cylindrical battery cell of a second plurality of cylindrical battery cells 756. The plurality of openings 1470 includes a first row of openings 1471, a second row of openings 1472, a third row of openings 1473, a fourth row of openings 1474, a fifth row of openings 1475, a sixth row of openings 1476, and a seventh row of openings 1477.

[0059] Referring to FIGS. 52 and 53, the end wall 1450 includes a plurality of alignment tabs 1490 that extend into an inner region 1460 (shown in FIG. 42) of a second retaining housing 74 for receiving a second plurality of cylindrical battery cells 76 from a wall portion 1600 and that align with a plurality of openings 1470. The plurality of alignment tabs 1490 includes a first row of alignment tabs 1491, a second row of alignment tabs 1492, a third row of alignment tabs 1493, a fourth row of alignment tabs 1494, a fifth row of alignment tabs 1495, a sixth row of alignment tabs 1496, and a seventh row of alignment tabs 1497. The first, second, third, and fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh pluralities of alignment tabs 1491, 1492, 1493, 1494, 1495, 1496, 1497 align with the first, second, third, and fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh pluralities of openings 1471, 1472, 1473, 1474, 1475, 1476, 1477, respectively. Also, each alignment tab of the plurality of alignment tabs 1490 is associated with a respective cylindrical battery cell of the second plurality of cylindrical battery cells 76 and a respective opening of the plurality of openings 1470. For example, an alignment tab 1500 within the first row of alignment tabs 1491 aligns with an opening 1480 within the first row of openings 1471 to hold a cylindrical battery cell 1800 (shown in FIG. 57).

[0060] Referring to FIG. 52, the end wall 1450 further includes tab members 1601, 1602, 1603, 1604, 1605, 1606, 1606 that extend upwardly from a wall portion 1600 for alignment with a second outer plate 100 (shown in FIG. 8). Also, the end wall 1450 includes grooves 1610, 1612 that extend into a wall portion 1600 for receiving electrical bus bars 1456, 1458 (shown in FIG. 41).

[0061] First side wall Referring to FIGS. 43 and 47, the first side wall 1451 is coupled to the end wall 1450 and third and fourth side walls 1453, 1454 and extends in a first direction perpendicular to the end wall 1450. The first side wall 1451 includes a wall portion 1628, a retaining clip member 1630, and tab members 1632, 1634, 1636, and an outlet port 1640.

[0062] Referring to FIGS. 29 and 47, the retaining clip 1630 is coupled to the wall portion 1628 and extends in a first direction from the wall portion 1628. The tab member 1632 extends outwardly from the wall portion 1628. The retaining clip member 1630 is coupled to the tab member 632 (also shown in FIG. 29) to couple the second retaining housing 74 to the first retaining housing 54. The tab member 1632 is coupled to the retaining clip member 630 (also shown in FIG. 29) to couple the second retaining housing 74 to the first retaining housing 54.

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 47 and 63, the tab member 1634 is coupled to the retaining clip member 2004 (shown in FIG. 63) of the second outer plate 100 to couple the second outer plate 100 to the first retaining housing 74. Also, the tab member 1636 is coupled to the retaining clip member 2002 (shown in FIG. 63) of the second outer plate 100 to couple the second outer plate 100 to the second retaining housing 74.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 56, the first side wall 1451 has a discharge port 1640 coupled to the wall portion 1628, and such a discharge port is in fluid communication with the discharge opening 238 (shown in FIG. 20) of the second manifold portion 162 of the central cooling plate member 140 of the battery cell holding frame 50. The discharge port 1640 is routed at a 90° angle within the inner portion region 1460 (shown in FIG. 42) of the second retaining housing 74.

[0065] Second side wall Referring to FIGS. 43 and 46, the second side wall 1452 is coupled to the end wall 1450 and the third and fourth side walls 1453, 1454 and extends in a first direction perpendicular to the end wall 1450. The second side wall 1452 includes a wall portion 1648, a retaining clip member 1650, and a tab member 1652.

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 28 and 46, the retaining clip 1650 is coupled to the wall portion 1648 and extends in a first direction from the wall portion 1648. The tab member 1652 extends outwardly from the wall portion 1648. The retaining clip member 1650 is coupled to the tab member 652 (also shown in FIG. 28) to couple the second retaining housing 74 to the first retaining housing 54. The tab member 1652 is coupled to the retaining clip member 650 (also shown in FIG. 28) to couple the second retaining housing 74 to the first retaining housing 54.

[0067] Third side wall Referring to FIGS. 43 and 45, the third side wall 1453 is coupled to the end wall 1450 and the first and second side walls 1451, 1452 and extends in a first direction perpendicular to the end wall 1450. The third side wall 1453 includes a wall portion 1660.

[0068] Fourth side wall Referring to FIGS. 41 and 43, the fourth side wall 1454 is coupled to the end wall 1450 and the first and second side walls 1451, 1452 and extends in a first direction perpendicular to the end wall 1450. The fourth side wall 1454 includes a wall portion 1670.

[0069] Second plurality of cylindrical battery cells Referring to FIGS. 10, 48, 49 and 57, a second plurality of cylindrical battery cells 76 are held within the second retaining housing 74 and against the battery cell retaining frame 50. The second plurality of cylindrical battery cells 76 include a first row of battery cells 1751, a second row of battery cells 1752, a third row of battery cells 1753, a fourth row of battery cells 1754, a fifth row of battery cells 1755, a sixth row of battery cells 1756, and a seventh row of battery cells 1757.

[0070] In an exemplary embodiment, each battery cell in the first row of battery cells 1751 is electrically coupled in parallel with each other. Also, each battery cell in the second row of battery cells 1752 is electrically coupled in parallel with each other. Also, each battery cell in the third row of battery cells 1753 is electrically coupled in parallel with each other. Also, each battery cell in the fourth row of battery cells 1754 is electrically coupled in parallel with each other. Also, each battery cell in the fifth row of battery cells 1755 is electrically coupled in parallel with each other. Also, each battery cell in the sixth row of battery cells 1756 is electrically coupled in parallel with each other. Also, each battery cell in the seventh row of battery cells 1757 is electrically coupled in parallel with each other. Also, the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh rows of battery cells 1751, 1752, 1753, 1754, 1755, 1756, 1757 are electrically coupled in series with each other. Additionally, each negative terminal of the battery cells within the first row of battery cells 1751 is electrically coupled to an electrical bus bar 1456 (shown in FIG. 49). Additionally, each negative terminal of the battery cells within the seventh row of battery cells 1757 is electrically coupled to an electrical bus bar 1458 (shown in FIG. 49).

[0071] Referring to FIGS. 40 and 57, each of the cylindrical battery cells within the second plurality of cylindrical battery cells 76 has the same structure as the cylindrical battery cell 800 described above in the present application and has a lower end surface that contacts the second thermally conductive layer 152 (shown in FIG. 19) of the battery cell holding frame 50.

[0072] Third and fourth holding plates Referring to FIGS. 48, 49, 52 and 57, the third and fourth holding plates 80, 82 are coupled to the first, second, third and fourth side walls 1451, 1452, 1453, 1454 of the second holding housing 74 to hold a second plurality of cylindrical battery cells 76 within an inner region 1460 (shown in FIG. 42) of the second holding housing 74. In an exemplary embodiment, the third and fourth holding plates 80, 82 are made of plastic.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 48, the third holding plate 80 includes a plurality of openings 1830 extending therethrough. The plurality of openings 1830 includes a first row of openings 1831, a second row of openings 1832, a third row of openings 1833, a fourth row of openings 1834, a fifth row of openings 1835, a sixth row of openings 1836, and a seventh row of openings 1837. Each opening of the first plurality of openings 1830 is sized to hold a cylindrical battery cell within the inner region 1460 of the second holding housing 74 and to allow the lower end surface of each cylindrical battery cell to contact the second thermally conductive layer 152.

[0074] The fourth holding plate 82 includes a plurality of openings 1860 extending therethrough. The plurality of openings 1860 includes a first row of openings 1861, a second row of openings 1862, a third row of openings 1863, a fourth row of openings 1864, a fifth row of openings 1865, a sixth row of openings 1866, and a seventh row of openings 1867 (each aligned with the first row of openings 1831, the second row of openings 1832, the third row of openings 1833, the fourth row of openings 1834, the fifth row of openings 1835, the sixth row of openings 1836, and the seventh row of openings 1837, respectively). Each opening of the plurality of openings 1860 is sized to hold a cylindrical battery cell within the inner region 1460 (shown in FIG. 42) of the second holding housing 74 and to allow the lower end surface of each cylindrical battery cell to contact the second thermally conductive layer 152.

[0075] Referring to FIGS. 48 and 57, the first row of the opening 1831 of the third holding plate 80 and the first row of the opening 1861 of the fourth holding plate 82 are aligned with the first row of the battery cell 1751. Also, the second row of the opening 1832 of the third holding plate 80 and the second row of the opening 1862 of the fourth holding plate 82 are aligned with the second row of the battery cell 1752. Also, the third row of the opening 1833 of the third holding plate 80 and the third row of the opening 1863 of the fourth holding plate 82 are aligned with the third row of the battery cell 1753. Also, the fourth row of the opening 1834 of the third holding plate 80 and the fourth row of the opening 1864 of the fourth holding plate 82 are aligned with the fourth row of the battery cell 1754. Also, the fifth row of the opening 1835 of the third holding plate 80 and the fifth row of the opening 1865 of the fourth holding plate 82 are aligned with the fifth row of the battery cell 1755. Also, the sixth row of the opening 1836 of the third holding plate 80 and the sixth row of the opening 1866 of the fourth holding plate 82 are aligned with the sixth row of the battery cell 1756. Also, the seventh row of the opening 1837 of the third holding plate 80 and the seventh row of the opening 1867 of the fourth holding plate 82 are aligned with the seventh row of the battery cell 1757.

[0076] First outer plate Referring to FIGS. 8, 14, 29, and 58 to 61, the first outer plate 90 is coupled to the first holding housing 54 and the first and second outer side plates 141, 142 of the battery cell holding frame 50. The first outer plate 90 includes a plate portion 1900 and holding clip members 1902, 1904. Referring to FIG. 59, the plate portion 1900 has tab members (1910 and 1912) that extend outwardly from the plate portion 1900. Also, the plate portion 1900 has through-extension openings 1921, 1922, 1923, 1924. The holding clip members 1902, 1904 are coupled to the plate portion 1900 and extend in a first direction from the plate portion 1900. In an exemplary embodiment, the first outer plate 90 is made of plastic.

[0077] Referring to FIGS. 29 and 59, the holding clip member 1902 is coupled to the tab member 636 (shown in FIG. 29) of the first holding housing 54. Also, the holding clip member 1904 is coupled to the tab member 634 (shown in FIG. 29) of the first holding housing 54.

[0078] Referring to FIGS. 59 and 68, the tab member 1912 is coupled to the holding clip member 2202 (shown in FIG. 68) of the cover plate 126. Also, the tab member 1910 is coupled to the holding clip member 2201 (shown in FIG. 68) of the cover plate 126.

[0079] Referring to FIGS. 8, 13, 14 and 59, a bolt 91 (shown in FIG. 8) extends through an opening 1921 in the first outer plate 90 and into an opening 311 (shown in FIG. 14) of the first outer side plate 141 of the battery cell holding frame 50 to couple the first outer plate 90 to the battery cell holding frame 50.

[0080] An additional bolt 92 (shown in FIG. 8) extends through an opening 1922 in the first outer plate 90 and into an opening 312 (shown in FIG. 14) of the first outer side plate 141 of the battery cell holding frame 50 to couple the first outer plate 90 to the battery cell holding frame 50.

[0081] An additional bolt 93 (shown in FIG. 8) extends through an opening 1923 in the first outer plate 90 and into an opening 371 (shown in FIG. 14) of the second outer side plate 142 of the battery cell holding frame 50 to couple the first outer plate 90 to the battery cell holding frame 50.

[0082] An additional bolt 94 (shown in FIG. 8) extends through an opening 1924 in the first outer plate 90 and into an opening 372 (shown in FIG. 14) of the second outer side plate 142 of the battery cell holding frame 50 to couple the first outer plate 90 to the battery cell holding frame 50.

[0083] Second outer plate Referring to FIGS. 8, 13, 47, and 62 through 64, the second outer plate 100 is coupled to the second holding housing 74 and the first and second outer side plates 141, 142 of the battery cell holding frame 50. The second outer plate 100 includes a plate portion 2000 and holding clip members 2002, 2004. The plate portion 2000 has tab members (2010 and 2012) extending outwardly from the plate portion 2000. Also, the plate portion 2000 has through-extension openings 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024. The holding clip members 2002, 2004 are coupled to the plate portion 2000 and extend in a first direction from the plate portion 2000. In an exemplary embodiment, the second outer plate 100 is made of plastic.

[0084] Referring to FIGS. 47 and 63, the holding clip member 2002 is coupled to the tab member 1636 (shown in FIG. 47) of the second holding housing 74. Also, the holding clip member 2004 is coupled to the tab member 1634 (shown in FIG. 47) of the second holding housing 74.

[0085] Referring to FIGS. 63 and 67, the tab member 2012 is coupled to the holding clip member 2204 (shown in FIG. 67) of the cover plate 126. Also, the tab member 2010 is coupled to the holding clip member 2203 (shown in FIG. 67) of the cover plate 126.

[0086] Referring to FIGS. 8, 13, and 63, a bolt 101 (shown in FIG. 8) extends through the opening 2023 in the second outer plate 100 and into the opening 301 (shown in FIG. 13) of the first outer side plate 141 of the battery cell holding frame 50 to couple the second outer plate 100 to the battery cell holding frame 50.

[0087] An additional bolt 102 (shown in FIG. 8) extends through the opening 2024 in the second outer plate 100 and into the opening 302 (shown in FIG. 11) of the first outer side plate 141 of the battery cell holding frame 50 to couple the second outer plate 100 to the battery cell holding frame 50.

[0088] Additional bolts 103 (shown in FIG. 8) extend through an opening 2021 in the second outer plate 100 and into an opening 361 (shown in FIG. 13) in the second outer side plate 142 of the battery cell holding frame 50 to couple the second outer plate 100 to the battery cell holding frame 50.

[0089] Additional bolts 104 (shown in FIG. 8) extend through an opening 2022 in the second outer plate 100 and into an opening 362 (shown in FIG. 13) in the second outer side plate 142 of the battery cell holding frame 50 to couple the second outer plate 100 to the battery cell holding frame 50.

[0090] Circuit board Referring to FIGS. 8 and 66, the circuit board 120 includes a battery management controller 2100 (shown in FIG. 8) electrically coupled to a first and second plurality of cylindrical battery cells 56, 76 to monitor the operation of the battery cells 56, 76. The circuit board 120 is coupled to the ends of the first holding housing 54 and the second holding housing 74.

[0091] Electrical bus bar Referring to FIG. 8, an electrical bus bar 122 is provided to electrically couple the first plurality of cylindrical battery cells 56 and the second plurality of cylindrical battery cells 76 together. In particular, the electrical bus bar 122 is electrically coupled to an electrical bus bar 458 (electrically coupled to the battery cell 56) and to an electrical bus bar 1456 (electrically coupled to the battery cell 76).

[0092] Cover plate Referring to FIGS. 8 and 66 to 68, a cover plate 126 is attached to first and second outer plates 90, 100 to cover a circuit board 120. The cover plate 126 includes a plate portion 2200 and retaining clip members 2201, 2202, 2203, 2204, 2205, 2206 extending in a first direction from the plate portion 2200. The retaining clip members 2201, 2202 are respectively coupled to tab members 1912, 1910 (shown in FIG. 59) of the first outer plate 90. The retaining clip members 2203, 2204 are respectively coupled to tab members 2010, 2012 (shown in FIG. 63) of the second outer plate 100. The retaining clip members 2205, 2206 are coupled to corresponding tab members to couple the cover plate 126 to first and second retaining housings 54, 74. In an exemplary embodiment, the cover plate 126 is made of plastic.

[0093] Referring to FIGS. 69 to 73, a part of an assembly step for assembling a battery module 32 is shown. As shown in FIG. 69, first and second retaining housings 54, 74 for internally holding respective ones of a plurality of first and second cylindrical battery cells 56, 76 move towards a battery cell holding frame 50. Referring to FIGS. 70 and 71, the first and second retaining housings 54, 74 are coupled together and additionally coupled to the battery cell holding frame 50. Referring to FIG. 72, first and second outer plates 90, 100 move respectively towards the first and second retaining housings 54, 74. Referring to FIG. 73, the first and second outer plates 90, 100 are coupled to the first and second retaining housings 54, 74.

[0094] Referring to FIGS. 1, 10 and 20, the operation of the battery system 20 will be described more specifically.

[0095] As a general overview, the fluid supply device 40 pumps fluid through the inlet port 640 of the first holding housing 54 and into the central cooling plate member 140 of the battery cell holding frame 50. The central cooling plate member 140 transfers thermal energy from the plurality of first and second cylindrical battery cells 56, 76 into the fluid. The fluid flows from the central cooling plate member 140 to the outside of the outlet port 1640 of the second holding housing 74, cooling the plurality of first and second cylindrical battery cells 56, 76.

[0096] The operation of the battery system 20 will be described more specifically. The fluid supply device 40 pumps fluid through the conduit 42 to the inlet port 640 of the battery cell holding frame 50. The fluid flows from the inlet port 640 into the inlet opening 208 (shown in FIG. 20) of the first manifold portion 161 and then continues to flow into the longitudinal opening 210 of the first manifold portion 161. From the longitudinal opening 210, the fluid flows through the flow opening 214 of the first manifold portion 161 and into the internal cooling channel 184. The fluid flows through the internal cooling channel 184, through the flow opening 244 of the second manifold portion 162, and into the longitudinal opening 240 of the second manifold portion 162. From the longitudinal opening 240, the fluid flows through the outlet opening 238 of the second manifold portion 162 and the outlet port 1640 and then continues to flow through the conduit 44 to the fluid supply device 40. Referring to FIG. 10, while the fluid flows through the battery cell holding frame 50, thermal energy is transferred from the plurality of first cylindrical battery cells 56 and the plurality of second cylindrical battery cells 76 to the battery cell holding frame 50 and into the fluid flowing through the battery cell holding frame 50 to cool the battery cells 56, 76.

[0097] Referring to FIGS. 3, 19, and 74, the battery module 32 can cool the first and second plural cylindrical battery cells 56, 76 without using the fluid supply system 30. In particular, the central cooling plate member 140 of the battery cell holding frame 50 transfers thermal energy from the first and second plural cylindrical battery cells 56, 76 to the first and second outer side plates 141, 142 of the battery cell holding frame 50 via the frame 54 to cool the battery cells 56, 76. The first and second outer side plates 141, 142 transfer thermal energy to the ambient air adjacent to the first and second outer side plates 141, 142.

[0098] The battery system 20 having the battery module 32 provides considerable advantages over other systems. In particular, the advantage of the battery module 32 is that the battery module 32 holds a battery cell holding frame 50 that can be air-cooled or fluid-cooled using the first and second holding housings 54, 74. In particular, the first and second holding housings 54, 74 each have an inlet port 640 and an outlet port 1640 for transferring fluid through the battery cell holding frame 50 to cool the cylindrical battery cells. Alternatively, the battery cell holding frame 50 can be air-cooled to cool the cylindrical battery cells. Also, the first and second holding housings 54, 74 provide improved structural integrity to the battery module 32.

[0099] Although the invention has been specifically described in connection with only a limited number of embodiments, it will be readily understood that the invention is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Instead, the claimed invention can be modified to include various variations, changes, substitutions, or equivalent arrangements that are not described in this application but are within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, although some embodiments of the claimed invention have been described, it will be understood that aspects of the invention can include only a portion of the described embodiments. Accordingly, the claimed invention is not limited by the foregoing description.

Claims

1. A battery module, comprising: a battery cell holding frame having a central cooling plate member, a first outer side plate, and a second outer side plate, wherein the central cooling plate member has a first manifold portion and a second manifold portion, and a first intermediate wall and a second intermediate wall disposed between the first manifold portion and the second manifold portion and coupled to the first manifold portion and the second manifold portion, the first intermediate wall and the second intermediate wall forming an internal cooling channel therebetween that is in fluid communication with the first manifold portion and the second manifold portion, the first outer side plate and the second outer side plate being respectively coupled to the first manifold portion and the second manifold portion, and the battery cell holding frame extending perpendicular to the central cooling plate member; a first holding housing disposed within a region formed by the first intermediate wall, the first outer side plate, and the second outer side plate, the first holding housing having an end wall forming a first inner side region, and a first side wall, a second side wall, a third side wall, and a fourth side wall, the first side wall, the second side wall, the third side wall, and the fourth side wall of the first holding housing being coupled to the end wall to form a first open end, the first holding housing internally holding a first plurality of cylindrical battery cells in thermal communication with the first intermediate wall, and the first side wall of the first holding housing having an inlet port in fluid communication with the first manifold portion; and a second holding housing disposed within a region formed by the second intermediate wall, the first outer side plate, and the second outer side plate, the second holding housing having an end wall forming a second inner side region, and a first side wall, a second side wall, a third side wall, and a fourth side wall, the first side wall, the second side wall, the third side wall, and the fourth side wall of the second holding housing being coupled to the end wall to form a second open end, the second holding housing internally holding a second plurality of cylindrical battery cells in thermal communication with the second intermediate wall, and the first side wall of the second holding housing having an outlet port in fluid communication with the second manifold portion, the battery module including the second holding housing.

2. The first holding housing has a first holding clip member on the first side wall, The second holding housing has the first tab member on the first side wall such that the first holding clip member is coupled with the first tab member to couple the first holding housing to the second holding housing. The battery module according to claim 1.

3. The first holding housing has a second holding clip member on the second side wall, The second holding housing has the second tab member on the second side wall such that the second holding clip member is coupled with the second tab member to couple the first holding housing to the second holding housing. The battery module according to claim 2.

4. A first electrical bus bar coupled to the third side wall of the first holding housing, the first electrical bus bar being additionally electrically coupled to the plurality of first cylindrical battery cells, and A second electrical bus bar coupled to the fourth side wall of the first holding housing, the second electrical bus bar being additionally electrically coupled to the plurality of second cylindrical battery cells. The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The end wall of the first holding housing has a plurality of openings extending therethrough. The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The size and shape of each opening of the plurality of openings in the end wall of the first holding housing are determined such that each cylindrical battery cell has a positive terminal and a negative terminal accessible through each opening of the plurality of openings. The battery module according to claim 5.

7. The end wall of the first holding housing has a plurality of coupling tab groups extending toward the first open end, and each coupling tab group of the plurality of coupling tab groups contacts an outer surface of each cylindrical battery cell of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells such that each cylindrical battery cell is aligned with each opening of the plurality of openings in the end wall of the first holding housing. The battery module according to claim 5.

8. A first holding wall having a plurality of holes extending therethrough, A first holding wall that is coupled to the first holding housing within the first inner region and holds the plurality of first cylindrical battery cells between the first holding wall and an end wall of the first holding housing, and The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising lower end surfaces of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells that extend through the plurality of holes and contact a first thermally conductive layer on the first intermediate wall. **Claim 9** The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a first outer plate coupled to the first holding housing and the first outer plate and the second outer plate of the battery cell holding frame. **Claim 10** The battery module according to claim 9, further comprising a second outer plate coupled to the second holding housing and the first outer plate and the second outer plate of the battery cell holding frame. **Claim 11** The first outer plate has a first holding clip member, The battery module according to claim 10, wherein the first holding clip member of the first outer plate is coupled to a first tab member so that the first outer plate is coupled to the first holding housing, and the first holding housing has the first tab member on the first side wall. **Claim 12** Further comprising a first bolt and a second bolt, The first outer plate has a first opening and a second opening that extend internally, The first outer plate and the second outer plate of the battery cell holding frame have a first opening and a second opening that extend internally, The first bolt extends through the first opening of the first outer plate and the first opening of the first outer plate to couple the first outer plate to the battery cell holding frame, The battery module according to claim 11, wherein the second bolt extends through the second opening of the second outer plate and the second opening of the first outer plate to couple the first outer plate to the battery cell holding frame. **Claim 13** The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the battery cell holding frame further comprises a first thermally conductive layer and a second thermally conductive layer that are respectively coupled to the first intermediate wall and the second intermediate wall. **Claim 14** The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the structure of the first holding housing is the same as the structure of the second holding housing. **Claim 15** Fluid flows through the inlet port of the first holding housing and into the central cooling plate member, and the central cooling plate member transfers thermal energy from the first plurality of cylindrical battery cells and the second plurality of cylindrical battery cells into the fluid. The fluid then flows out of the central cooling plate member and outside the outlet port of the second holding housing to cool the first plurality of cylindrical battery cells and the second plurality of cylindrical battery cells. The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. The central cooling plate member transfers thermal energy from the first plurality of cylindrical battery cells and the second plurality of cylindrical battery cells through the central cooling plate member to the first outer side plate and the second outer side plate to cool the first plurality of cylindrical battery cells and the second plurality of cylindrical battery cells. The first outer side plate and the second outer side plate transfer the thermal energy to the surrounding air adjacent to the first outer side plate and the second outer side plate. The battery module according to claim 1.

17. A battery system, A battery module having a battery cell holding frame, a first holding housing, and a second holding housing, The battery cell holding frame has a central cooling plate member, a first outer side plate, and a second outer side plate. The central cooling plate member has a first manifold portion and a second manifold portion, and a first intermediate wall and a second intermediate wall disposed between the first manifold portion and the second manifold portion and coupled to the first manifold portion and the second manifold portion. The first intermediate wall and the second intermediate wall form an internal cooling channel therebetween that is in fluid communication with the first manifold portion and the second manifold portion. The first outer side plate and the second outer side plate are respectively coupled to the first manifold portion and the second manifold portion and extend perpendicularly to the central cooling plate member. The first holding housing is disposed within a region formed by the first intermediate wall, the first outer side plate, and the second outer side plate. The first holding housing has an end wall that forms a first inner region, and first, second, third, and fourth side walls. The first, second, third, and fourth side walls of the first holding housing are coupled to the end wall thereof to form a first open end. The first holding housing holds a plurality of first cylindrical battery cells that are in thermal communication with the first intermediate wall therein. The first side wall of the first holding housing has an inlet port that is in fluid communication with the first manifold portion. The second holding housing is disposed within a region formed by the second intermediate wall, the first outer side plate, and the second outer side plate. The second holding housing has an end wall that forms a second inner region, and first, second, third, and fourth side walls. The first, second, third, and fourth side walls of the second holding housing are coupled to the end wall thereof to form a second open end. The second holding housing holds a plurality of second cylindrical battery cells that are in thermal communication with the second intermediate wall therein. The first side wall of the second holding housing has an outlet port that is in fluid communication with the second manifold portion. A battery module, and A fluid supply system fluidly coupled to the inlet port and the outlet port, wherein fluid is supplied to the inlet port such that the fluid flows through the first manifold portion of the battery cell holding frame, the internal cooling channels of the battery cell holding frame, and the second manifold portion of the battery cell holding frame, and out of the outlet port to extract thermal energy from the plurality of first cylindrical battery cells and the plurality of second cylindrical battery cells. A battery system comprising the same.

18. The battery system according to claim 17, wherein the fluid supply system includes a fluid supply device and first and second conduits, the first conduit being coupled between the fluid supply device and the inlet port to couple the fluid supply device and the inlet port, and the second conduit being coupled between the fluid supply device and the outlet port to couple the fluid supply device and the outlet port.

Images