Battery module with a double-sided cooling method and heat sinks included therein

Abstract

The battery module according to the present invention may include a plurality of cell assemblies each including a plurality of battery cells, a plurality of refrigerant channel portions interposed between adjacent cell assemblies among the plurality of cell assemblies and having refrigerant flowing therein, and a heat sink having both surfaces facing the cell assemblies configured in a planar shape.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module with a double-sided cooling method and a heat sink included therein. More specifically, the present invention relates to a battery module with a double-sided cooling method that enables double-sided cooling, minimizes variations in temperature and thermal resistance between cells, and enables smooth control of cooling to ensure efficient cooling performance, and a heat sink included therein.

[0002] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0178569 filed on December 19, 2022, and all of the content disclosed in the specification and drawings of the application is incorporated into this application.

[0003] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0112325 filed on August 25, 2023, and all of the content disclosed in the specification and drawings of the application is incorporated into this application.

Background Art

[0004] A rechargeable semi-permanent battery that switches electrical energy into chemical energy and can be repeatedly charged and discharged is called a secondary battery, as distinguished from a disposable primary battery that cannot be reused after one use.

[0005] In particular, lithium-ion secondary batteries have recently been actively used as batteries for electric vehicles because they have advantages such as high energy storage density, weight reduction, and miniaturization, as well as excellent safety, low discharge rate, and long life. For reference, lithium-ion secondary batteries are generally classified into cylindrical, square, and pouch types according to their manufacturing form, and their applications also cover a wide range, including batteries for energy storage systems (ESS) and other electrical devices in addition to batteries for electric vehicles.

[0006] Currently, the operating voltage of a single lithium-ion secondary battery cell is around approximately 2.5V to 4.5V. Therefore, in order to apply a secondary battery as an energy source for an electric vehicle, it may be necessary to configure a battery module in which a plurality of lithium-ion secondary battery cells are connected in series and / or in parallel. And the battery module may be used alone, or two or more may be electrically connected in series and / or in parallel with each other to form a higher-level device such as a battery pack and used. Here, the battery module and the battery pack may sometimes be used interchangeably.

[0007] On the other hand, since a secondary battery involves a chemical reaction during charging and discharging, there is a risk that its performance may deteriorate when it is used in an environment where the temperature is higher than the appropriate temperature, and there is a coexistence possibility that unexpected ignition or explosion may occur when thermal control is not performed at the appropriate temperature. Furthermore, a battery pack, which is an aggregate of secondary batteries, has a structure in which these secondary batteries are intensively accommodated as much as possible inside a pack case, and thus may be vulnerable to thermal events.

[0008] For this reason, cooling performance is of utmost importance for the battery module. In particular, cooling performance is recognized as being very important not only for stably performing general functions such as charging / discharging and regenerative braking of the battery module, but also from the aspect of ensuring safety.

[0009] Typical methods for cooling lithium-ion secondary battery cells in a battery module include an air-cooling method using a cooling plate or the like and a water-cooling method using a heat sink. Here, the cooling structure of the water-cooling method can be designed by a method of configuring a conduit (coolant path) having a sealed structure for the flow of a coolant (coolant flow). And most of the conduits require a physical space for forming the flow of the coolant. Therefore, one side of the cooling structure is often designed and manufactured to have a structure protruding from the plate surface or a non-planar structure with unevenness. Therefore, only one surface of the cooling structure can be planar, and the other surface can have a non-planar shape.

[0010] However, in such a cooling structure where only one side has a planar shape, when the non-planar side is used as the cooling surface, there is a risk that temperature variations may occur due to the non-contact part. In particular, in the case of a battery module composed of cylindrical cells or the like that are widely used recently, there is a risk that the bottom surface of each cell may be cooled. At this time, since the area of the bottom surface of each cell is not large, when cooling occurs on the non-planar side, there is a risk that a part that does not contact the cell may be generated. And this may cause variations in thermal resistance, leading to large variations in the temperature between cells. Thus, when the cooling performance deteriorates, it becomes difficult to control the cooling system, and it is inevitably disadvantageous in terms of energy efficiency. Also, the conventional cooling structure is disadvantageous in terms of integration density and energy density by using only one side as the cooling surface, and moreover, there is a problem that the manufacturing cost of the module also increases.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0011] The present invention was conceived in view of the above circumstances, and the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a battery module with a two-sided cooling method that enables two-sided cooling, suppresses variations in temperature and thermal resistance between cells as much as possible, and can ensure efficient cooling performance with smooth cooling control.

[0012] Another problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a battery module with a two-sided cooling method that can significantly reduce the number of heat sinks required for the battery module through two-sided cooling, is advantageous in terms of energy density, and can reduce the manufacturing cost of the module.

[0013] Furthermore, another problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a heat sink in which the cooling performance is improved through a plurality of refrigerant channel portions, and in particular, the refrigerant distribution ratio and the heat transfer efficiency can be improved by adjusting the specifications and shape of the main channel.

[0014] The technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the above-described problems at all, and other problems not mentioned should be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0015] The battery module according to the present invention for solving the above problems may include a plurality of cell assemblies including a plurality of battery cells, and a plurality of refrigerant channel portions interposed between adjacent cell assemblies among the plurality of cell assemblies and through which a refrigerant flows inside, and a heat sink in which both surfaces facing the cell assembly are configured to be flat.

[0016] The battery module may further include a plurality of frame portions that respectively house the plurality of cell assemblies, and based on the heat sink arranged in the horizontal direction, one of the frame portions is arranged to face the upper surface of the heat sink, and the other frame portion may be arranged to face the lower surface of the heat sink in a turned-over state.

[0017] The heat sink may further include a pair of cooling plates in which a flow space portion through which the refrigerant flows is formed at a predetermined interval inside, and a port portion provided on one side of the cooling plate through which the refrigerant enters and exits.

[0018] The plurality of refrigerant channel portions may be arranged in the flow space portion to form a flow path of the refrigerant.

[0019] The upper surface of the outermost periphery and the lower surface of the outermost periphery of the pair of cooling plates may be provided to be flat.

[0020] The refrigerant can be drawn in through one of the pair of cooling plates via the port portion and discharged through the other cooling plate.

[0021] The pair of cooling plates includes a first plate and a second plate disposed above the first plate so as to be separated by an amount corresponding to the thickness of the flow space portion. The port portion may include an inlet port connected to the first plate and communicating with the flow space portion, and an outlet port connected to the second plate and communicating with the flow space portion.

[0022] The flow space portion may include a first flow space in which the refrigerant drawn into the inlet port flows in a first direction that is the longitudinal direction of the cooling plate, a second flow space in which the refrigerant flows in a second direction opposite to the first direction and is discharged to the outlet port, and a transition space formed on the opposite side of the port portion and connecting the first flow space and the second flow space to each other.

[0023] The refrigerant channel portion may include a path channel disposed in the longitudinal direction of the cooling plate at the center of the flow space portion, and main channels disposed in the first flow space and the second flow space.

[0024] The path channel may separate the first flow space and the second flow space from each other.

[0025] The path channel is disposed such that one end thereof is adjacent to the port portion, extends in the length direction, and the other end is disposed up to the transition space, and can move a part of the refrigerant drawn into the inlet port up to the transition space.

[0026] The paste channel and the main channel are provided in a concavo-convex shape in which the longitudinal section is composed of a convex section and a concave section. The convex section may face the inner wall of the second plate, and the concave section may be provided to face the inner wall of the first plate.

[0027] A notch may be formed in the convex section of the paste channel to allow the refrigerant to flow into the concave section.

[0028] The main channel may be formed by repeatedly arranging the concavo-convex shapes in order.

[0029] The refrigerant channel portion may be provided in the first flow space, the second flow space, or the transition space, and may further include a sub-channel arranged at a position where the paste channel and the main channel are not arranged.

[0030] The sub-channel includes a recessed plate arranged to face the first plate, a protruding plate protruding from the recessed plate in the thickness direction of the cooling plate and arranged to face the second plate, and a folded surface connecting the recessed plate and the protruding plate to each other. A communication hole may be formed in the folded surface.

[0031] In another embodiment, the main channel includes a base plate facing the first plate, a protruding portion protruding from the base plate and having a circular cross section, and a connecting surface portion connecting the base plate and the protruding portion to each other. A pair of arc-shaped through holes may be formed in the connecting surface portion.

[0032] In yet another embodiment, the refrigerant channel portion includes a paste channel arranged in the longitudinal direction of the cooling plate at the center of the flow space portion, and a main channel arranged in the first flow space, the second flow space, and the transition space. The main channel may include a base plate facing the first plate and a plurality of protruding members provided on the base plate and having an "n"-shaped longitudinal section.

[0033] Also, according to the present invention, a battery pack including one or more of the above-described battery modules can be provided.

[0034] Furthermore, according to the present invention, a vehicle including one or more of the above-described battery packs can be provided.

Advantages of the Invention

[0035] According to one aspect of the present invention, since both surfaces of the heat sink are provided in a flat shape and double-sided cooling is possible, variations in temperature and thermal resistance between cells can be suppressed as much as possible, and cooling control can be smoothly performed, making it possible to ensure efficient cooling performance.

[0036] Also, through double-sided cooling, the number of heat sinks required for the battery module can be significantly reduced, which is advantageous in terms of energy density, and moreover, the manufacturing cost of the module can be reduced.

[0037] According to another aspect of the present invention, the cooling performance is improved through a plurality of refrigerant channel portions. In particular, the heat transfer efficiency can be improved by adjusting the arrangement of the pass channels, the specifications and shape of the main channels.

[0038] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains from this specification and the accompanying drawings.

[0039] The drawings attached to this specification illustrate desirable embodiments of the present invention and serve to further understand the technical idea of the present invention together with the detailed description of the invention to be described later. Therefore, the present invention is not construed as being limited only to the matters described in the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0041] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Prior to this, the terms and words used in this specification and the claims are not to be construed as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, and the inventor interprets them in accordance with the meaning and concept corresponding to the technical idea of the present invention in accordance with the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the terms in order to explain the invention in the best way.

[0042] Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are only preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention, so there can be various equivalents and modified embodiments that can replace them at the time of this application.

[0043] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an assembled battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a heat sink of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a battery module 10 according to the present invention may include a plurality of cell assemblies 100, a frame portion 200 that houses the cell assemblies 100, a heat sink 300 interposed between a pair of the frame portions 200, and a fixing plate 400.

[0045] The cell assembly 100 may include one or more battery cells 110.

[0046] The battery cell 110 refers to a secondary battery including an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, and a battery case that houses the electrode assembly, and may be provided as a cylindrical secondary battery, a pouch-type secondary battery, or a prismatic secondary battery. Hereinafter, in the present embodiment, the description will be limited to the case where the plurality of battery cells 110 are cylindrical secondary batteries. Such battery cells 110 may be a plurality of cylindrical secondary batteries arranged horizontally and standing vertically in the up-and-down direction.

[0047] Such a plurality of battery cells 110 may form a cell assembly 100 in a stacked shape with each other. For example, the plurality of battery cells 110 may be stacked in a shape arranged horizontally (in the Y-axis direction in the figure) while standing in the up-and-down direction (in the Z-axis direction in the figure).

[0048] Each of the plurality of cell assemblies 100 may be housed in a plurality of frame portions 200. That is, one of the frame portions 200 may house one of the cell assemblies 100. The frame portion 200 may include a cell frame 210 that houses the cell assembly 100 and a cover member 220 that covers the cell frame 210.

[0049] The cell frame 210 can grip and fix the cell assembly 100. Such a cell frame 210 may have an integral body having a height sufficient to completely accommodate the battery cell 110. An accommodation hole 211 capable of completely accommodating the battery cell 110 may be formed in the cell frame 210. And although not shown, a holder member for completely fixing the battery cell 110 may be further provided in the accommodation hole 211. Thereby, the cell assembly 100 can be completely fixed to the cell frame 210. On the other hand, the cell frame 210 may be provided by combining two structures. In this case, the cell frame 210 may be composed of a lower cell frame and an upper cell frame combined with the lower cell frame, and the ease of assembly is relatively improved compared to the frame portion 200 of the integral body. On the other hand, the cover member 220 may be provided so as to cover one side of the cell frame 210.

[0050] The opposite surface of the cover member 220 of the frame portion 200 may be provided so as to be opened through the accommodation hole 211, and the lower end portion of the battery cell 110 accommodated in the accommodation hole 211 may be provided so as to be exposed.

[0051] On the other hand, a printed circuit board (PCB) or a terminal 230 or the like may be provided on the frame portion 200, and a reinforcing plate 240 may be provided on the side surface.

[0052] Hereinafter, the plurality of cell assemblies 100 and the plurality of frame portions 200 will be described by being limited to a pair of cell assemblies 100 and a pair of frame portions 200 corresponding thereto.

[0053] Referring mainly to FIG. 2, with reference to the heat sink 300 arranged horizontally as a reference, one of the frame parts 200 is arranged to face the upper surface of the heat sink 300, and the other frame part 200 can be arranged to face the lower surface of the heat sink 300 in a turned-over state. In the figure, the frame part 200 provided above the heat sink 300 has its lower surface opened through the accommodation hole 211, and the battery cell 110 of one of the pair of cell assemblies 100 accommodated in the accommodation hole 211 on the lower surface of the frame part 200 can have its lower end exposed. Additionally, the frame part 200 provided below the heat sink 300 has its upper surface opened through the accommodation hole 211, and the upper end of the battery cell 110 of the other cell assembly 100 of the pair of cell assemblies 100 accommodated in the accommodation hole 211 on the upper surface of the frame part 200 can be exposed.

[0054] Thereby, the cell assembly 100 accommodated inside, that is, the battery cell 110, can be provided so as to directly face the heat sink 300 described later.

[0055] The heat sink 300 can be a part for cooling the battery module 10. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the heat sink 300 can be interposed between the pair of cell assemblies 100. Both surfaces of the heat sink 300 facing the cell assembly 100 can be formed in a planar shape. Although it will be described in detail later, the heat sink 300 includes a pair of cooling plates 310, and the upper surface of the outermost contour and the lower surface of the outermost contour of the pair of cooling plates 310 can be provided to be flat. In FIG. 3, the upper surface of the outermost contour of the pair of cooling plates 310 is shown.

[0056] In this way, since both surfaces of the cooling plate 310 are provided in a flat shape, it becomes possible to cool the pair of cell assemblies 100 facing the pair of cooling plates 310. That is, on the upper surface of the outermost periphery of the pair of cooling plates 310, the lower ends of any one cell assembly 100 arranged on the upper side of the heat sink 300 and the plurality of battery cells 110 housed in the cell assembly 100 will directly contact, and it becomes possible to arrange the other cell assembly 100 arranged on the lower side of the heat sink 300 to directly contact the lower surface of the outermost periphery of the pair of cooling plates 310.

[0057] As a result, variations in temperature and thermal resistance between the battery cells 110 can be suppressed as much as possible, and cooling control can be smoothly performed, making it possible to ensure efficient cooling performance. Also, the number of heat sinks 300 required for the pair of cell assemblies 100 can be reduced from two or more in the conventional case to one, which is advantageous in terms of energy density, and it becomes possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of the module.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 2, the battery module 10 according to the present embodiment may include a fixing plate 400. The fixing plate 400 may fix a pair of frame portions 200 and the heat sink 300 interposed between the pair of frame portions 200. Corresponding to the fixing plate 400, a reinforcing plate 240 may be provided on the outer surface of the frame portion 200 at a location where the fixing plate 400 is placed.

[0059] Hereinafter, the double-sided cooling configuration of the heat sink 300 will be described in detail.

[0060] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the heat sink of the battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is a view taken along the line A-A' in FIG. 3, and FIG. 6 is a view taken along the line B-B' in FIG. 3.

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6 in connection with FIGS. 2 and 3, the heat sink 300 may include a pair of cooling plates 310 having a flow space portion formed therein with a predetermined interval for the refrigerant to flow, a plurality of refrigerant channel portions 320 through which the refrigerant flows, and a port portion 380 provided on one side of the cooling plate 310 for the refrigerant to enter and exit. In an embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerant may be provided as water and may include not only water but also one or more cooling fluids capable of exchanging heat with the surrounding environment.

[0062] Referring mainly to FIGS. 4 and 5 in connection with FIG. 3, the pair of cooling plates 310 may refer to outer members disposed on the upper and lower surfaces of the heat sink 300. The pair of cooling plates 310 may include a first plate 311 and a second plate 312 disposed above the first plate 311 so as to be separated by a distance corresponding to the thickness of the flow space portion.

[0063] One side of the first plate 311 and the second plate 312 may be provided in a flat shape. That is, the upper surfaces of the first plate 311 and the second plate 312 shown in FIG. 5 may be provided to be flat. Accordingly, when changing from a conventional non-planar structure to a planar shape and coming into face-to-face contact with the lower end of the battery cell 110, variations in temperature and thermal resistance between the battery cells 110 can be minimized as much as possible. The edge portions of the first plate 311 and the second plate 312 may be joined to form a joint portion 315. Such a joint portion 315 may be joined by a soldering method.

[0064] The first plate 311 and the second plate 312 are disposed so as to be separated by a predetermined interval, and a flow space portion through which the refrigerant flows may be formed therein. The flow space portion will be described in detail later, and includes a first flow space S1 through which the refrigerant drawn into the inlet port 381 flows primarily, a second flow space S2 through which the refrigerant flows secondarily to the outlet port 382, and a transition space S3 (see FIG. 11).

[0065] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the plurality of refrigerant channel portions 320 can be arranged in such a fluid space portion. The plurality of refrigerant channel portions 320 can be arranged in the fluid space portion to form a flow path of the refrigerant. The plurality of refrigerant channel portions 320 may include a path channel 321, a main channel 330 arranged in the first fluid space S1 and the second fluid space S2, and an auxiliary channel 340.

[0066] The path channel 321 is arranged along the longitudinal direction at the central portion of the cooling plate 310 and can set the direction of the basic refrigerant flow path. And the main channel 330 is arranged generally uniformly over the entire area of the plate surface of the heat sink 300 and is a part that determines the distribution ratio of the refrigerant flow and is related to the heat transfer efficiency. The heat transfer efficiency may vary depending on the shape and specifications of the main channel 330.

[0067] Also, the auxiliary channel 340 can be arranged in a fluid space portion where the path channel 321 and the main channel 330 are not arranged to ensure pressure resistance rigidity. That is, when the pressure resistance changes while the refrigerant flows through the heat sink 300, the first plate 311 and the second plate 312 can be firmly held to minimize the change in the distance between the first plate 311 and the second plate 312 due to the change in pressure resistance. Through the plurality of refrigerant channel portions 320 having such a configuration, the cooling performance of the heat sink 300 itself is improved, and this will be described in detail later in the section on the structure of the heat sink 300.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 6, the port portion 380 is a portion where the refrigerant enters and exits the flow space portion of the cooling plate 310. The refrigerant can be drawn in through one of the pair of cooling plates 310 via the port portion 380 and discharged through the other cooling plate 310. Specifically, the port portion 380 may include an inlet port 381 connected to the first plate 311 and communicating with the flow space portion, and an outlet port 382 connected to the second plate 312 and communicating with the flow space portion.

[0069] The port portion 380 can be formed in both directions. For example, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the inlet port 381 is formed in the first plate 311, and the outlet port 382 is provided in the second plate 312, and the inlet port 381 and the outlet port 382 can be provided on opposite sides in opposite directions. Thereby, the refrigerant filling performance inside the heat sink 300 can be improved. In particular, according to the above-described embodiment configuration, it can be optimized so as to easily induce full filling in the refrigerant flow. Further, since the port portion 380 is provided in both directions, it becomes easier to drain the refrigerant during repair of the heat sink 300 or the like.

[0070] A brazing washer 383 as shown in FIG. 6 may be interposed between the inlet port 381 and the outlet port 382 and between the cooling plates 310. The port portion 380 can be fixed to the first plate 311 and the second plate 312 by a brazing joining method to the heat sink 300, and at this time, the brazing washer 383 can be used. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the brazing washer 383 may be interposed between the inlet port 381 and the first plate 311 and between the outlet port 382 and the second plate 312. According to such an embodiment configuration, it becomes possible to improve the brazing joinability between the port portion 380 and the cooling plate 310.

[0071] According to such an implementation configuration, since both surfaces of the heat sink 300 are provided in a planar shape and double-sided cooling is possible, variations in temperature and thermal resistance between cells can be suppressed as much as possible, the control of cooling can be smoothly performed, and efficient cooling performance can be ensured. Through double-sided cooling, the number of heat sinks 300 required for the battery module 10 can be significantly reduced, which is advantageous in terms of energy density, and the manufacturing cost of the module can be saved.

[0072] In addition, the cooling performance is improved through a plurality of refrigerant channel portions 320. In particular, the heat transfer efficiency can be improved by adjusting the specifications and shape of the main channel 330.

[0073] Hereinafter, the fixing structure of the frame portion 200 of the battery module 10 and the heat sink 300 interposed in the middle of the pair of frame portions 200 will be described in more detail.

[0074] FIG. 7 is a side view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 8 is a partial enlarged view of FIG. 7, FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] Referring again to FIGS. 7 and 8 in connection with FIG. 2, the battery module 10 according to the present embodiment may include a fixing plate 400, and the fixing plate 400 can fix a pair of frame portions 200 and the heat sink 300 interposed between the pair of frame portions 200.

[0076] The fixed plate 400 may be provided with a convex protrusion 410 in the longitudinal direction in the middle. Through the convex protrusion 410, the structural rigidity of the fixed plate 400 can be ensured, and the pair of frame parts 200 can be firmly fixed to improve the structural rigidity of the battery module 10. Further, the heat sink 300 may be configured to leave a gap around the frame part 200 where the heat sink 300 is located so that the contact between the joint part 315 of the cooling plate 310 and the fixed plate 400 is blocked through the convex protrusion 410. Thereby, direct contact with the heat sink 300 interposed between the pair of frame parts 200 is blocked, and ventilation of the outside air is facilitated. The convex protrusion 410 may be advantageous in terms of structural rigidity and cooling.

[0077] Referring mainly to FIG. 9, FIG. 7 shows a state in which only the pair of cell assemblies 100 side in the battery module 10 is disassembled. As shown in the figure, the frame part 200 and the cell assembly 100 are arranged in a turned-over state. Therefore, the battery cell 110 is provided so as to be exposed on the bottom surface (the upper surface in the figure) of the cell frame 210, and the battery cell 110 may be provided so as to directly contact the lower surface of the heat sink 300.

[0078] Here, mainly referring to FIG. 10, the battery cell 110 may include a tab portion 111 and one end surface 112 at one end. The tab portion 111 has a first polarity, and the one end surface 112 may have a second polarity. The tab portion 111 and the one end surface 112 may be electrically insulated from each other. The first polarity may be the positive electrode of the battery cell 110, and the second polarity may be the negative electrode of the battery cell 110. That is, the tab portion 111 may be the positive electrode portion of the battery cell 110, and the one end surface 112 may be the negative electrode portion of the battery cell 110. The tab portion 111 may be provided to protrude more than the one end surface 112. Alternatively, the tab portion 111 may be configured not to protrude more than the one end surface 112. For example, it may be a so-called tab-less structure in which the tab portion 111 is flush with the one end surface 112. In an implementation configuration of the present invention, the battery cell 110 includes both a positive electrode and a negative electrode at one end, and electrical connection can be realized in one direction.

[0079] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10, since the pair of cell assemblies 100 are arranged in a state of being turned over with respect to each other with reference to the heat sink 300, in the case of the battery cell 110 arranged above the heat sink 300, the tab portion 111 and the one end surface 112 for the electrical connection are arranged above the battery cell 110. In the case of the battery cell 110 arranged below the heat sink 300, the tab portion 111 and the one end surface 112 for the electrical connection may be arranged below the battery cell 110.

[0080] As a result, the tab portion 111 for the electrical connection and the opposite surface of the battery cell 110 where the one end surface 112 is not provided can be directly in surface contact with the heat sink 300. In this way, both surfaces of the heat sink 300 are provided in a flat shape, so that the contact area with the battery cell 110 can be further ensured, and double-sided cooling becomes possible, suppressing variations in temperature and thermal resistance between cells as much as possible. Therefore, according to such an embodiment configuration of the present invention, cooling control can be smoothly performed and efficient cooling performance can be ensured. Through double-sided cooling, the number of heat sinks 300 required for the battery module 10 can be significantly reduced, which is advantageous in terms of energy density, and the manufacturing cost of the module can be reduced. On the other hand, instead of the direct facing method between the battery cell 110 and the heat sink 300, there may be an indirect contact with the heat sink 300 in a form where a thermal conduction material (TIM) such as a thermal conductive adhesive is interposed. Alternatively, a separate lower plate (not shown) may be provided on the frame portion 200, and the battery cell 110 and the heat sink 300 may be indirectly in contact through the lower plate.

[0081] Also, the cooling performance is improved through a plurality of refrigerant channel portions 320. In particular, the heat transfer efficiency can be improved by adjusting the arrangement of the pass channels 321, the specifications and shape of the main channel 330.

[0082] Hereinafter, the structure of the heat sink 300, particularly, the plurality of refrigerant channel portions 320 will be described in detail.

[0083] FIG. 11 is a plan view of a state in which a top plate is removed from a heat sink of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a portion adjacent to a port portion in the heat sink of the battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a portion adjacent to a transition space in the heat sink of the battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIGS. 14 and 15 are partially enlarged views of FIG. 5, and FIG. 16 is a plan view and a cross-sectional view of a sub-channel in the heat sink of the battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0084] Referring mainly to FIG. 11, the plurality of refrigerant channel portions 320 may be disposed in the flow space portion to form a flow path of the refrigerant. Here, the flow space portion may include a first flow space S1, a second flow space S2, and a transition space S3.

[0085] The first flow space S1 may refer to a space in which the refrigerant drawn into the inlet port 381 flows in a first direction (-Y-axis direction) which is the longitudinal direction of the cooling plate 310. Since the refrigerant flowing into the first flow space S1 is the refrigerant immediately after being drawn into the inlet port 381, the refrigerant temperature may be relatively low. Therefore, optimal cooling performance may be exhibited and the cooling efficiency may be relatively high.

[0086] The second flow space S2 may refer to a space in which the refrigerant flows in a second direction (+Y-axis direction) opposite to the first direction (-Y-axis direction) and exits into the outlet port 382. The refrigerant already includes the refrigerant that has undergone a heat transfer process in the first flow space S1. The cooling performance in the second flow space S2 may be slightly reduced, and the cooling efficiency or heat transfer efficiency may be relatively low.

[0087] The transition space S3 is formed on the opposite side of the second flow space S2 and the port portion 380, and may refer to a space that connects the first flow space S1 and the second flow space S2 to each other. When viewed from the drawings, the refrigerant drawn into the inlet port 381 flows downward through the first flow space S1, flows to the left while passing through the transition space S3, and then flows upward again to be discharged from the outlet port 382.

[0088] The refrigerant channel portion 320 may include a path channel 321, a main channel 330, and a sub-channel 340 disposed at a position where the path channel 321 and the main channel 330 are not disposed.

[0089] Referring mainly to FIGS. 11 to 13, the path channel 321 may be disposed in the longitudinal direction of the cooling plate 310 at the center of the flow space portion. Such a path channel 321 may be disposed such that one end thereof is adjacent to the port portion 380 and extends in the length direction so that the other end reaches the transition space S3. Thereby, the path channel 321 can separate the first flow space S1 and the second flow space S2 from each other, and can suppress as much as possible the refrigerant in the first flow space S1 from flowing into the second flow space S2, and can reduce the re-entry of the refrigerant from the second flow space S2 into the first flow space S1.

[0090] Referring mainly to FIG. 14, the path channel 321 is provided in an uneven shape composed of a convex section 322 and a concave section 323 in the longitudinal section, and the convex section 322 may face the inner wall of the second plate 312, and the concave section 323 may be provided to face the inner wall of the first plate 311.

[0091] A notch 322a for allowing the refrigerant to flow into the concave section 323 may be formed in the convex section 322 of the path channel 321. Such a path channel 321 can move a part of the refrigerant drawn into the inlet port 381 to the transition space S3.

[0092] More specifically, a part of the refrigerant rides on the notch 322a formed on the convex section 322 of the passage channel 321 and enters the concave section 323, and can flow in the first direction (-Y axis direction) along the longitudinal direction of the passage channel 321. The refrigerant flowing along the passage channel 321 flows directly into the transition space S3 without passing through the first flow space S1, so that the refrigerant with relatively excellent cooling performance can flow into the second flow space S2.

[0093] When such a passage channel 321 does not exist, there is a risk that the temperature variation becomes severe due to the flow of the refrigerant that frequently occurs in the conventional heat sink. Therefore, in the heat sink 300 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the cooling performance is improved and the cooling efficiency is improved through the passage channel 321. In particular, the performance of the refrigerant flowing through the second flow space S2 (for example, the refrigerant temperature, etc.) can be configured to be substantially the same as the performance of the refrigerant in the first flow space S1. That is, the refrigerant whose temperature is equal to or slightly lower than the temperature at the inlet port 381 can enter the second flow space S2.

[0094] Referring to FIGS. 12, 13, and 15, the main channel 330 can be arranged in most regions of the first flow space S1 and the second flow space S2. The main channel 330 is provided in a concavo-convex shape whose longitudinal section is composed of a convex section 332 and a concave section 333, and the concavo-convex shape can be formed by repeating in order. The convex section 332 can be provided to face the inner wall of the second plate 312, and the concave section 333 can be provided to face the inner wall of the first plate 311.

[0095] That is, the concavo-convex main channel 330 has a wider contact area with the refrigerant, improving the heat transfer efficiency. In this way, the shape and specifications of the main channel 330 are parts that determine the distribution ratio of the refrigerant flow and are related to the heat transfer efficiency.

[0096] As shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, the sub-channel 340 can be arranged at a position where the pass-channel 321 and the main-channel 330 are not arranged. Referring mainly to FIG. 16, the sub-channel 340 can be provided in the first flow space S1, the second flow space S2, or the transition space S3. The sub-channel 340 may include a concave plate 341 arranged to face the first plate 311, a protruding plate 342 protruding from the concave plate 341 in the thickness direction of the cooling plate 310 and arranged to face the second plate 312, and a curved surface 343 connecting the concave plate 341 and the protruding plate 342 to each other.

[0097] The concave plate 341 can be coupled to and supported by the first plate 311, and the protruding plate 342 can be coupled to and supported by the second plate 312. That is, it can function as a supporting means for maintaining a predetermined interval in the flow space portion between the first plate 311 and the second plate 312. Thereby, the sub-channel 340 can be a means for ensuring pressure-resistant rigidity. That is, the occurrence of distortion, torsion, etc. of the cooling plate 310 due to the pressure resistance acting on the flow space portion is suppressed as much as possible.

[0098] At least one communication hole 344 can be provided in the curved surface 343 so that the flow of the refrigerant can be smoothly performed. In the present embodiment, a total of two communication holes 344 can be formed, one on each side of the curved surface 343. Although the sub-channel 340 may act as an obstacle to the flow of the flow, the refrigerant can flow through the communication hole 344, and the flow of the refrigerant can be smoothed.

[0099] According to such an implementation configuration, since both surfaces of the heat sink 300 are provided in a flat shape and double-sided cooling is possible, variations in temperature and thermal resistance between cells can be suppressed as much as possible, cooling control can be smoothly performed, and efficient cooling performance can be ensured. Through double-sided cooling, the number of heat sinks 300 required for the battery module 10 can be significantly reduced, which is advantageous in terms of energy density, and the manufacturing cost of the module can be reduced.

[0100] Also, according to such an implementation configuration, the cooling performance is improved through a plurality of refrigerant channel portions 320. In particular, the heat transfer efficiency can be improved by adjusting the arrangement of the passage channels 321, the specifications and shape of the main channel 330.

[0101] FIGS. 17 and 18 are diagrams schematically showing the flow of the refrigerant drawn in through the inlet port of the heat sink of the battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0102] Hereinafter, the cooling process of the heat sink 300 of the battery module 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 10 to 18.

[0103] Referring to FIG. 10, in the battery module 10 of the present invention, a heat sink 300 may be interposed between one cell assembly 100 disposed on the upper side and one cell assembly 100 disposed on the lower side.

[0104] Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, the refrigerant can be drawn into the inlet port 381 and drawn into the interior of the first flow space S1 through the draw hole 381a (see FIG. 11).

[0105] The drawn-in refrigerant enters the first flow space S1, and the refrigerant flows in the first direction (-Y-axis direction) of the first flow space S1. At this time, the refrigerant can flow through the communication hole 344 of the sub-channel 340 without disturbing the flow of the flow.

[0106] The refrigerant flowing into the first flow space S1 enters the main channel 330 side and flows along the main channel 330. During the flow process, heat exchange occurs while contacting the convex section 332 and the concave section 333 of the main channel 330. Specifically, referring to FIG. 15, the refrigerant flows along the space between the convex section 332 and the concave section 333, and in the flow process, heat exchange can occur by directly contacting the bottom surface of the convex section 332 and the upper surface of the concave section 333. The flow of the refrigerant moving into the first flow space S1 only flows in the first direction. Then, the refrigerant flows to the transition space S3. The refrigerant that has flowed into the first flow space S1 and moved along the main channel 330 has undergone heat exchange, and there is a possibility that the cooling efficiency will relatively decrease.

[0107] Therefore, a part of the refrigerant rides on the notch 322a formed on the convex section 322 of the bypass channel 321 and enters, and flows in the first direction along the concave section 323 of the bypass channel 321. The refrigerant flowing along the bypass channel 321 directly enters the transition space S3 without passing through the first flow space S1. As a result, compared with the refrigerant passing through the main channel 330 of the first flow space S1, it is refrigerant in a state where heat exchange has not occurred, so it is relatively excellent in cooling performance.

[0108] In the transition space S3, the refrigerant flowing along the bypass channel 321 and the refrigerant passing through the main channel 330 rejoin, and as shown in FIG. 18, a flow flowing to the left is formed.

[0109] The refrigerant entering the second flow space S2 flows along the second direction (Y-axis direction) and passes through the main channel 330. As described above, in the main channel 330, heat exchange occurs between the refrigerant and the cooling plate 310, and finally it is discharged to the outside through the outlet port 382. As shown in FIG. 18, the flow of the refrigerant can flow in the clockwise direction.

[0110] On the other hand, the auxiliary channel 340 disposed at a position where the paste channel 321 and the main channel 330 are not arranged will ensure pressure resistance rigidity. That is, in order to form the flow of the refrigerant, a strong pressure is applied to the refrigerant. In this process, strong pressure resistance occurs inside the cooling plate 310. If the auxiliary channel 340 is not arranged, there is a risk that the predetermined interval formed by the flow space portions of the first plate 311 and the second plate 312 of the cooling plate 310 will shrink (such as buckling phenomenon) or twist or severe strain such as elongation will occur. For this reason, referring to FIG. 16, the concave plate 341 of the auxiliary channel 340 can be coupled to and supported by the first plate 311, and the protruding plate 342 can be coupled to and supported by the second plate 312. As a result, the auxiliary channel 340 can ensure the rigidity of the cooling plate 310 in response to pressure resistance, and it is possible to prevent the occurrence of strain and twist of the cooling plate 310.

[0111] According to one aspect of the present invention, since both surfaces of the heat sink 300 are provided in a flat shape and double-sided cooling is possible, variations in temperature and thermal resistance between cells can be suppressed as much as possible, cooling control can be smoothly performed, and efficient cooling performance can be ensured. Through double-sided cooling, the number of heat sinks 300 required for the battery module 10 can be significantly reduced, which is advantageous in terms of energy density, and the manufacturing cost of the module can be reduced.

[0112] In addition, the cooling performance is improved through a plurality of refrigerant channel portions 320. In particular, the heat transfer efficiency can be improved by adjusting the arrangement of the paste channel 321, the specifications and shape of the main channel 330.

[0113] FIGS. 19 and 20 are diagrams for explaining the main channel of the battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 21 and 22 are diagrams for explaining the main channel of the battery module according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

[0114] Next, with reference to FIGS. 19 to 22, another embodiment of the battery module 10 of the present invention will be briefly described.

[0115] The same member numbers as in the previous drawings indicate the same members, and duplicate descriptions of the same members are omitted. The description will focus on the differences from the previously described embodiments.

[0116] When comparing the battery module 10 according to another embodiment of the present invention with the previously described embodiment, it includes a main channel 350 whose shape and structure are changed compared to the main channel 330, and the sub-channel 340 is omitted.

[0117] Mainly referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, the main channel 350 of the heat sink 300A according to this embodiment may include a base plate 351 facing the first plate 311, a protruding portion 352 protruding from the base plate 351 and having a circular cross-section, and a connecting surface portion 353 connecting the base plate 351 and the protruding portion 352 to each other.

[0118] The base plate 351 may be provided in a plate-like plate type and may be arranged to face the first plate 311.

[0119] The protruding portion 352 may be provided to protrude from the base plate 351 in the thickness direction (Z-axis direction). The protruding height of the protruding portion 352 may be provided to protrude in the thickness direction by an amount corresponding to the height of the flow space portion (that is, the distance between the first plate 311 and the second plate 312 (see FIG. 15)). Therefore, the upper surface of the protruding portion 352 may be provided to face the bottom surface of the second plate 312.

[0120] The connecting surface portion 353 connects the protruding portion 352 and the base plate 351 to each other, and the connecting surface portion 353 may be provided so as to be inclined in one direction. And a pair of through holes 353a may be formed in the connecting surface portion 353. Here, the through hole 353a may be formed in an arc shape. On the other hand, the protruding portion 352 and the connecting surface portion 353 may be formed by pressing the base plate 351.

[0121] The main channel 350 of the present embodiment may be arranged in most parts within the fluid space portion. That is, as shown in FIG. 19, the main channel 330 may be arranged in the first fluid space S1 and the second fluid space S2. Here, different from the above-described embodiment, the first fluid space S1 and the second fluid space S2 may point to the end of the first plate 311. And a predetermined region from the tip of the bypass channel 321 to the end of the first plate 311 where the main channel 350 is not arranged may become the transition space S3.

[0122] In the case of the main channel 350 according to the present embodiment, the flow of the refrigerant drawn into the inlet port 381 and discharged to the outlet port 382 through the first fluid space S1, the transition space S3, and the second fluid space S2 is the same as that of the above-described embodiment, and heat exchange of the refrigerant can occur through the base plate 351 in contact with the first plate 311 and the protruding portion 352 in contact with the second plate 312.

[0123] The main channel 360 in the battery module 10 according to still another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 21 and 22.

[0124] Mainly referring to FIGS. 21 and 22, the refrigerant channel portion 320 of the heat sink 300B according to the present embodiment may include a bypass channel 321 arranged in the longitudinal direction of the cooling plate 310 at the center of the fluid space portion, and a main channel �60 arranged in the first fluid space S1, the second fluid space S2, and the transition space S3.

[0125] As mainly referred to FIG. 21, the main channel 360 can be arranged not only in the first flow space S1 and the second flow space S2 but also in the transition space S3.

[0126] As mainly referred to FIG. 22, the main channel 360 may include a base plate 361 facing the first plate 311 and a plurality of protruding members 362.

[0127] The base plate 361 may be provided in a plate-like type and may be arranged to face the first plate 311. The protruding member 362 may be provided on the base plate 361 and may have a longitudinal cross-section provided in an "n" shape. The plurality of protruding members 362 may be arranged in a staggered pattern along the longitudinal direction of the cooling plate 310.

[0128] Heat exchange between the first plate 311, the second plate 312 and the refrigerant can occur through such a protruding member 362. Thus, the heat transfer efficiency can be improved by adjusting the specifications and shape of the main channel 360.

[0129] The battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention may include the at least one battery module 10 and a pack case (not shown) for housing the at least one battery module 10.

[0130] FIG. 23 is a view of an automobile according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

[0131] An automobile V according to an embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery modules 10 or battery packs according to the present invention. For example, an automobile V according to an embodiment of the present invention may include at least one or more battery packs among the battery packs described above.

[0132] In addition to such a battery pack, the vehicle V according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include various other components included in the vehicle. For example, the vehicle V according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include, in addition to the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle body, a motor, a control device such as an electronic control unit (ECU), and the like.

[0133] On the other hand, it goes without saying that the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention can also be provided in other devices, mechanisms, facilities, etc., such as an energy storage system using a secondary battery, in addition to the vehicle V.

[0134] In this specification, directional terms such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are used, but these terms are merely used for ease of explanation and may vary depending on the position of the object in question and the position of the observer, etc., which is self-evident to those skilled in the art of the present invention.

[0135] As described above, the present invention has been described with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, but the present invention is not limited thereby, and it goes without saying that those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can make various modifications and variations within the equivalent scope of the technical idea of the present invention and the appended claims.

[0136] The drawings and the like attached for the purpose of explaining the present invention and illustrating its embodiments may be shown in an exaggerated form in order to emphasize or highlight the technical content according to the present invention, but it should be understood that various modified application forms can be adopted at the level of an ordinary technician in this technical field in consideration of the content described above and the illustrated matters.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0137] 10 Battery Module 100 Cell Assembly 110 Battery Cell 200 Frame Part 300 Heat Sink 320 Refrigerant Channel Part 400 Fixed Plate

Claims

1. A plurality of cell assemblies including a plurality of battery cells, a heat sink provided between adjacent cell assemblies among the plurality of cell assemblies, with a plurality of refrigerant channel portions through which a refrigerant flows internally, and both surfaces facing the cell assemblies being planar, A battery module including the above.

2. Further including a plurality of frame portions for respectively accommodating the plurality of cell assemblies, Based on the heat sink arranged in the horizontal direction, one of the frame portions is arranged to face the upper surface of the heat sink, and the other frame portion is arranged to face the lower surface of the heat sink in an inverted state, The battery module according to claim 1.

3. The heat sink, A pair of cooling plates with a flow space portion formed inside at a predetermined interval through which the refrigerant flows, A port portion provided on one side of the cooling plate through which the refrigerant enters and exits, The battery module according to claim 2, further including the above.

4. The plurality of refrigerant channel portions are arranged in the flow space portion to form a flow path of the refrigerant. The battery module according to claim 3.

5. The upper surface and the lower surface of the outermost contour of the pair of cooling plates are provided to be flat. The battery module according to claim 3.

6. The refrigerant is drawn in through one of the pair of cooling plates via the port portion and discharged through the other cooling plate. The battery module according to claim 3.

7. The pair of cooling plates, A first plate, A second plate arranged above the first plate and separated by a distance corresponding to the thickness of the flow space portion, Including, The port portion, An inlet port connected to the first plate and communicating with the flow space portion, An outlet port connected to the second plate and communicating with the flow space portion, The battery module according to claim 3, further including the above.

8. The flow space portion, A first flow space in which the refrigerant drawn into the inlet port flows in a first direction which is the longitudinal direction of the cooling plate, A second flow space in which the refrigerant flows in a second direction opposite to the first direction and is discharged to the outlet port, Although formed on the opposite side of the port portion, a transition space that connects the first flow space and the second flow space to each other, The battery module according to claim 7, comprising

9. The refrigerant channel portion A pass channel arranged in the longitudinal direction of the cooling plate at the center of the flow space portion, The main channels arranged in the first flow space and the second flow space, The battery module according to claim 8, comprising

10. The battery module according to claim 9, wherein the pass channel separates the first flow space and the second flow space from each other.

11. The pass channel One end is arranged adjacent to the port portion and extends in the length direction so that the other end is arranged up to the transition space, The battery module according to claim 9, which moves a part of the refrigerant drawn into the inlet port up to the transition space.

12. The pass channel and the main channel are provided in an uneven shape in which the longitudinal section is composed of a convex section and a concave section, The convex section faces the inner wall of the second plate, and the concave section is provided so as to face the inner wall of the first plate. The battery module according to claim 9.

13. The battery module according to claim 12, in which a notch is formed in the convex section of the pass channel to allow the refrigerant to flow into the concave section.

14. The battery module according to claim 12, wherein the main channel is formed by repeatedly arranging uneven shapes in order.

15. The refrigerant channel portion is provided in the first flow space, the second flow space, or the transition space, and further includes a sub-channel arranged at a position where the pass channel and the main channel are not arranged. The battery module according to claim 9.

16. The sub-channel A recessed plate arranged to face the first plate, A protruding plate protruding from the recessed plate in the thickness direction of the cooling plate and arranged to face the second plate, A curved surface connecting the recessed plate and the protruding plate to each other, Including The battery module according to claim 15, in which communication holes are formed in the curved surface.

17. The main channel A base plate facing the first plate, A protruding portion protruding from the base plate and having a circular cross-section, A connecting surface portion connecting the base plate and the protruding portion to each other, Including, The battery module according to claim 9, wherein a pair of arc-shaped through holes are formed in the connecting surface portion.

18. The refrigerant channel portion, A path channel arranged in the longitudinal direction of the cooling plate at the center of the fluid space portion, The main channels arranged in the first fluid space, the second fluid space, and the transition space, Including, The main channel, A base plate facing the first plate, A plurality of protruding members provided on the base plate and having an "n"-shaped longitudinal section, The battery module according to claim 8, including.

19. A battery pack including the battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

20. An automobile including the battery pack according to claim 19.

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