Battery module and battery pack including same

Abstract

The technical idea of ​​the present invention provides a battery module including: a lower case including a plurality of battery cell assemblies each including a plurality of battery cells; a plurality of first pockets spaced apart from each other in a first direction; and a first connecting portion extending between two adjacent first pockets of the plurality of first pockets, wherein each of the plurality of first pockets has a lower accommodating space for accommodating a lower portion of a corresponding battery cell assembly of the plurality of battery cell assemblies; and an upper case including a plurality of second pockets spaced apart from each other in the first direction; and a second connecting portion extending between two adjacent second pockets of the plurality of second pockets, wherein each of the plurality of second pockets has an upper accommodating space for accommodating an upper portion of a corresponding battery cell assembly of the plurality of battery cell assemblies.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module and a battery pack including the same.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0101567, filed on August 3, 2023, and all contents disclosed in the documents of said Korean patent application are incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0003] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged multiple times. Secondary batteries are widely used as energy sources for a variety of wireless devices, such as handsets, laptops, and wireless vacuum cleaners. In recent years, improvements in energy density and economies of scale have dramatically reduced the manufacturing cost per unit capacity of secondary batteries. As the driving range of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) has increased to the same level as fuel-powered vehicles, the primary use of secondary batteries has shifted from mobile devices to mobility.

[0004] As secondary batteries are used in mobility, there is a growing demand for their safety. If a secondary battery used in mobility were to cause a fire or other accident, it could put the driver's life at risk, so research into technologies to improve the safety of secondary batteries is essential. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The problem to be solved by the technical idea of ​​the present invention is to provide a battery module and a battery pack including the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the technical idea of ​​the present invention is to provide a battery module including: a plurality of battery cell assemblies each including a plurality of battery cells; a plurality of first pockets spaced apart from each other in a first direction; and a first connecting portion extending between two adjacent first pockets of the plurality of first pockets, wherein the plurality of first pockets each have a lower accommodating space for accommodating a lower portion of a corresponding battery cell assembly of the plurality of battery cell assemblies; a lower case integrally formed with the plurality of first pockets and the first connecting portion; a plurality of second pockets spaced apart from each other in the first direction; and a second connecting portion extending between two adjacent second pockets of the plurality of second pockets, wherein the plurality of second pockets each have an upper accommodating space for accommodating an upper portion of a corresponding battery cell assembly of the plurality of battery cell assemblies; and an upper case integrally formed with the plurality of second pockets and the second connecting portion, wherein the lower case and the upper case are interconnected by coupling the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion.

[0007] In an exemplary embodiment, the first connecting portion extends from one end of the first pocket portion to the other end in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the second connecting portion extends from one end of the second pocket portion to the other end in the second direction.

[0008] In an exemplary embodiment, the first connecting portion includes a flat upper surface and the second connecting portion includes a flat lower surface, and the upper surface of the first connecting portion is in contact with the lower surface of the second connecting portion.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment, the device further includes a bonding layer interposed between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion.

[0010] In an exemplary embodiment, the bonding layer comprises a metal.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment, the lower case further includes a first flange extending from an outermost first pocket portion of the plurality of first pocket portions, and the upper case further includes a second flange extending from an outermost second pocket portion of the plurality of second pocket portions, and the first flange is coupled to the second flange.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, the first flange extends from one end of the first pocket portion to the other end in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the second flange extends from one end of the second pocket portion to the other end in the second direction, the first flange includes a flat upper surface, the second flange includes a flat lower surface, and the upper surface of the first flange is in contact with the lower surface of the second flange.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment, the first flange and the second flange are joined by a metal bonding layer.

[0014] In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of first pockets each include a first cooling channel.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of second pockets each include a second cooling channel.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, in each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies, the plurality of battery cells are stacked in the first direction.

[0017] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the technical idea of ​​the present invention includes a pack housing and a battery module accommodated in the pack housing, wherein the battery module includes a plurality of battery cell assemblies each including a plurality of battery cells, a plurality of first pockets spaced apart from each other in a first direction, and a first connecting portion extending between two adjacent first pockets of the plurality of first pockets, wherein each of the plurality of first pockets has a lower accommodating space for accommodating a lower portion of a corresponding battery cell assembly of the plurality of battery cell assemblies, and The first connecting portion includes a lower case integrally formed therewith, a plurality of second pocket portions spaced apart from each other in the first direction, and a second connecting portion extending between two adjacent second pocket portions of the plurality of second pocket portions, each of the plurality of second pocket portions having an upper accommodating space for accommodating an upper portion of a corresponding battery cell assembly of a plurality of battery cell assemblies, and an upper case integrally formed with the plurality of second pocket portions and the second connecting portion, and the lower case and the upper case are interconnected by coupling the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion to provide a battery pack.

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment, the battery module is spaced apart from the bottom plate of the pack housing, and a space is provided between the battery module and the bottom plate of the pack housing.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, the pack housing is characterized by including a support structure that supports the combination of the first connector and the second connector.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, the lower case further includes a first flange extending from an outermost first pocket portion of the plurality of first pocket portions, the upper case further includes a second flange extending from an outermost second pocket portion of the plurality of second pocket portions, the first flange being coupled to the second flange, and the pack housing includes a support structure supporting the combined assembly of the first flange and the second flange. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the upper case and the lower case, which are structures for accommodating and supporting a plurality of battery cell assemblies, are each formed as an integral pressed product, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process of the battery module and reducing the manufacturing cost of the battery module. Furthermore, since the accommodating space provided by the upper case and the lower case can accommodate a plurality of battery cell assemblies, an increase in the size of the battery module can be achieved.

[0022] Furthermore, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the lower case and the upper case have a relatively large joining area, which allows a large weldable area to be secured during a welding process for joining the lower case and the upper case, thereby facilitating the manufacturing process of the battery module.

[0023] Furthermore, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the battery module has a relatively large contact area with the support structure of the pack housing, which can distribute stress on the fastening portion between the battery module and the pack housing and reduce damage to the fastening portion between the battery module and the pack housing, thereby improving the safety and reliability of the battery pack.

[0024] The effects that can be obtained from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly derived and understood from the following description by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure belong. In other words, unintended effects accompanying the implementation of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be derived from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure by a person having ordinary skill in the art. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a battery module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a battery module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a battery module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is an exploded view illustrating a battery module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a joining region between an upper case and a lower case of a battery module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a battery module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an electric vehicle equipped with a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before that, the terms and words used in the specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted as meanings and concepts that are consistent with the technical idea of ​​the present invention, based on the principle that an inventor can appropriately define the concepts of terms to best describe his own invention.

[0027] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical idea of ​​the present invention, and there may be various equivalents and modifications that can replace them at the time of this application.

[0028] Furthermore, in the description of the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related publicly known structures or functions may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted.

[0029] The embodiments of the present invention are provided to more completely explain the present invention to those skilled in the art, and therefore the shapes and sizes of components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or shown in a schematic manner for clearer explanation. Therefore, the sizes and proportions of each component do not completely reflect the actual sizes and proportions.

[0030] (First embodiment) 1 to 5 are views showing a battery module 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the battery module 10. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the battery module 10. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the battery module 10. FIG. 4 is an exploded view showing the battery module 10. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a joining region between an upper case 300 and a lower case 200 of the battery module 10.

[0031] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, a battery module 10 may include a plurality of battery cell assemblies 100, a lower case 200, and an upper case 300.

[0032] The plurality of battery cell assemblies 100 may be arranged in a first direction (X direction). The plurality of cell assemblies may be spaced apart in the first direction (X direction). Although the battery module 10 is illustrated as including two battery cell assemblies 100, the number of battery cell assemblies 100 included in the battery module 10 is not limited thereto. For example, the battery module 10 may include two or more battery cell assemblies 100.

[0033] Each battery cell assembly 100 may include a cell block 110. The cell block 110 may include multiple battery cells 111. Each battery cell 111 is the basic unit of a lithium-ion battery, i.e., a secondary battery. Each battery cell 111 may include an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, and a cell case. The electrode assembly housed in the cell case may include a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed between the positive and negative electrodes. Depending on the assembly form, the electrode assembly may be either a jelly roll type or a stack type. A jelly roll type electrode assembly may include a wound structure of a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed therebetween. A stack type electrode assembly may include multiple positive electrodes, multiple negative electrodes, and multiple separators interposed therebetween, stacked in sequence. The positive electrode may include a positive electrode current collector and a positive electrode active material. The negative electrode may include a negative electrode current collector and a negative electrode active material.

[0034] The plurality of battery cells 111 may be connected in series and / or parallel. For example, the plurality of battery cells 111 may be connected in series to each other. For example, the plurality of battery cells 111 may be connected in parallel to each other. For example, when a set of two or more battery cells 111 connected in parallel to each other is defined as a bank, one bank consisting of two or more battery cells 111 connected in parallel to each other and another bank consisting of two or more battery cells 111 connected in parallel to each other may be connected in series.

[0035] Each battery cell 111 may correspond to a pouch-type battery cell, a cylindrical battery cell, or a prismatic battery cell. The electrode assembly of a pouch-type battery cell is housed in a pouch case including an aluminum laminate sheet. The electrode assembly of a cylindrical battery cell is housed in a cylindrical metal can. The electrode assembly of a prismatic battery cell is housed in a prismatic metal can.

[0036] In the exemplary embodiment, each battery cell 111 corresponds to a pouch-type battery cell, and the plurality of battery cells 111 in one battery cell assembly 100 may be stacked on top of each other in a first direction (X direction). In the exemplary embodiment, each battery cell assembly 100 includes the plurality of battery cells 111 each corresponding to a pouch-type battery cell whose length along the first direction (X direction) is shorter than its length along a second direction (Y direction), and the plurality of battery cells 111 may be stacked on top of each other in the first direction (X direction).

[0037] When viewed from above, the cell block 110 may have a rectangular shape with a length along a first direction (X direction) that is shorter than a length along a second direction (Y direction). The cell block 110 may have first and second side surfaces opposite each other in the first direction (X direction), front and back surfaces opposite each other in the second direction (Y direction), and top and bottom surfaces opposite each other in a third direction (Z direction).

[0038] A busbar frame on which a busbar is mounted may be disposed on each of the front and rear surfaces of the cell block 110. A plurality of busbars may be mounted on the busbar frame on the front surface of the cell block 110, and a plurality of busbars may be mounted on the busbar frame on the rear surface of the cell block 110. The battery cell assembly 100 may include an end plate 120 for covering the busbar frame connected to the front surface or the rear surface of the cell block 110.

[0039] The bus bars may be coupled to the electrode leads of the battery cells 111. For example, the bus bars may be coupled to the electrode leads of the battery cells 111 by welding. For example, each bus bar may be coupled to an electrode lead coupled to different battery cells 111 belonging to the cell block 110, and may be an inter-bus bar for electrically coupling the different battery cells 111. For example, each bus bar may be a terminal bus bar for electrically coupling the battery cell assembly 100 to another external battery cell assembly 100 or other electrical devices.

[0040] The battery cell assembly 100 may include a plurality of cell blocks 110. For example, as shown in Fig. 1, each battery cell assembly 100 may include two cell blocks 110 arranged in the second direction (Y direction) and electrically connected to each other.

[0041] The lower case 200 can support a plurality of battery cell assemblies 100. The lower case 200 can include a plurality of lower accommodating spaces 220 for accommodating the plurality of battery cell assemblies 100. Each lower accommodating space 220 can accommodate a lower portion of a corresponding battery cell assembly 100 among the plurality of battery cell assemblies 100. The number of lower accommodating spaces 220 provided in the lower case 200 can be the same as the number of battery cell assemblies 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the lower case 200 can be a single piece and have the same material composition throughout. For example, to manufacture the lower case 200, a single flat plate can be prepared and pressed to process the single flat plate so that it has a predetermined structure.

[0042] The lower case 200 may include a plurality of first pocket portions 210, a first connecting portion 230, and a first flange 240. The plurality of first pocket portions 210, the first connecting portion 230, and the first flange 240 may be formed as a single body.

[0043] The first pockets 210 may be spaced apart from one another in a first direction (X direction). Each first pocket 210 may have a lower accommodating space 220 for accommodating a lower portion of a corresponding battery cell assembly 100. Each first pocket 210 may have a U-shape when viewed in cross section. Each first pocket 210 may include a bottom wall facing the lower surface of the battery cell assembly 100 and two lower side walls spaced apart in the first direction (X direction) with the battery cell assembly 100 interposed therebetween. One of the two lower side walls may extend continuously along a first edge of the bottom wall, and the other of the two lower side walls may extend continuously along a second edge opposite the first edge of the bottom wall. When viewed in a plan view, the bottom wall may have a rectangular shape. In each first pocket 210, the lower accommodating space 220 may be defined by the bottom wall and the two lower side walls. The length of the lower accommodating space 220 along the first direction (X direction) may be the same as the length of the bottom wall along the first direction (X direction), the length of the lower accommodating space 220 along the second direction (Y direction) may be the same as the length of the bottom wall along the second direction (Y direction), and the length of the lower accommodating space 220 along the third direction (Z direction) (or the depth of the lower accommodating space 220) may be the same as the length of the lower side wall along the third direction (Z direction).

[0044] The first connecting portion 230 may extend between two adjacent first pockets 210 in the first direction (X direction) among the plurality of first pockets 210. For example, the first connecting portion 230 may extend from the upper end of one of the two first pockets 210 to the upper end of the other of the two second pockets 310 to physically connect the two first pockets 210. The first connecting portion 230 may have a rectangular flat plate shape. The first connecting portion 230 may have a rectangular shape when viewed from above, and the upper surface of the first connecting portion 230 may be flat. The first connecting portion 230 may extend continuously in the second direction (Y direction) from one end of the first pocket 210 to the other end, and the length of the first connecting portion 230 in the second direction (Y direction) may be substantially the same as or similar to the length of the first pocket 210 in the second direction (Y direction).

[0045] The first flange 240 may be connected to the outermost first pocket 210 among the plurality of first pockets 210. For example, the lower case 200 may include one first flange 240 extending outward from the leftmost first pocket 210 among the plurality of first pockets 210 and one first flange 240 extending outward from the rightmost first pocket 210 among the plurality of first pockets 210. The first flanges 240 may extend continuously in the second direction (Y direction) along the edges of the corresponding first pockets 210. The first flanges 240 may have a rectangular flat plate shape. The first flanges 240 may have a rectangular shape when viewed from a plane, and the top surface of the first flanges 240 may be flat. The first flange 240 may extend continuously in the second direction (Y direction) from one end to the other end of the first pocket portion 210, and the length of the first flange 240 along the second direction (Y direction) may be substantially the same as or similar to the length of the first pocket portion 210 along the second direction (Y direction).

[0046] The upper case 300 may be disposed on the lower case 200. The upper case 300 may be coupled to the lower case 200 to cover the plurality of cell assemblies therein. The upper case 300 may include a plurality of upper accommodating spaces 320 for accommodating the plurality of battery cell assemblies 100. Each upper accommodating space 320 may accommodate an upper portion of a corresponding battery cell assembly 100 among the plurality of battery cell assemblies 100. The number of upper accommodating spaces 320 provided in the upper case 300 may be the same as the number of battery cell assemblies 100, and each upper accommodating space 320 may be positioned vertically overlapping a corresponding lower accommodating space 220 among the plurality of lower accommodating spaces 220. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper case 300 may be a single piece and may have the same material composition throughout. For example, to manufacture the upper case 300, a single flat plate may be prepared and then pressed to process the single flat plate so that it has a predetermined structure.

[0047] The upper case 300 may include a plurality of second pocket portions 310, a second connecting portion 330, and a second flange 340. The plurality of second pocket portions 310, the second connecting portion 330, and the second flange 340 may be integrally formed.

[0048] The second pockets 310 may be spaced apart from one another in a first direction (X direction). Each second pocket 310 may have an upper accommodating space 320 for accommodating an upper portion of a corresponding battery cell assembly 100. Each second pocket 310 may include an upper wall facing an upper surface of the battery cell assembly 100 and two upper side walls spaced apart in the first direction (X direction) with the battery cell assembly 100 interposed therebetween. One of the two upper side walls may extend continuously along a first edge of the upper wall, and the other of the two upper side walls may extend continuously along a second edge opposite the first edge of the upper wall. When viewed from above, the upper wall may have a rectangular shape. In each second pocket 310, the upper accommodating space 320 may be defined by the upper wall and two upper side walls. The length of the upper accommodating space 320 along the first direction (X direction) may be the same as the length of the upper wall along the first direction (X direction), the length of the upper accommodating space 320 along the second direction (Y direction) may be the same as the length of the upper wall along the second direction (Y direction), and the length of the upper accommodating space 320 along the third direction (Z direction) (or the depth of the upper accommodating space 320) may be the same as the length of the upper side wall along the third direction (Z direction).

[0049] The second connecting portion 330 may extend between two adjacent second pockets 310 in the first direction (X direction) among the plurality of second pockets 310. For example, the second connecting portion 330 may extend from the lower end of one of the two second pockets 310 to the lower end of the other of the two second pockets 310 to physically connect the two second pockets 310. The second connecting portion 330 may have a rectangular flat plate shape. The second connecting portion 330 may have a rectangular shape when viewed from above, and the lower surface of the second connecting portion 330 may be flat. The second connecting portion 330 may extend continuously in the second direction (Y direction) from one end to the other end of the second pockets 310, and the length of the second connecting portion 330 in the second direction (Y direction) may be substantially the same as or similar to the length of the second pockets 310 in the second direction (Y direction). The lower surface of the second connecting part 330 may be in surface contact with the upper surface of the first connecting part 230. The contact between the first connecting part 230 and the first connecting part 230 may be continuous or discontinuous in the second direction (Y direction). The second connecting part 330 may be coupled to the first connecting part 230. By coupling the second connecting part 330 to the first connecting part 230, the upper case 300 may be coupled to the lower case 200.

[0050] The second flange 340 may be connected to the outermost second pocket 310 among the plurality of second pockets 310. For example, the upper case 300 may include one second flange 340 extending outward from the leftmost second pocket 310 among the plurality of second pockets 310 and one second flange 340 extending outward from the rightmost second pocket 310 among the plurality of second pockets 310. The second flanges 340 may extend continuously in the second direction (Y direction) along the edges of the corresponding second pockets 310. The second flanges 340 may have a rectangular flat plate shape. The second flanges 340 may have a rectangular shape when viewed from a plane, and the lower surface of the second flanges 340 may be flat. The second flange 340 may extend continuously in the second direction (Y direction) from one end to the other end of the second pocket portion 310, and the length of the second flange 340 in the second direction (Y direction) may be substantially the same as or similar to the length of the second pocket portion 310 in the second direction (Y direction). The contact between the second flange 340 and the first flange 240 may be continuous or discontinuous in the second direction (Y direction). The lower surface of the second flange 340 may be in surface contact with the upper surface of the first flange 240. The second flange 340 may be coupled to the first flange 240. The upper case 300 may be coupled to the lower case 200 by coupling the second flange 340 to the first flange 240.

[0051] In an exemplary embodiment, the lower case 200 and the upper case 300 may be joined to each other by welding. As shown in FIG. 5 , a bonding layer 410, for example, a metal bonding layer including a metal, may be interposed between the lower case 200 and the upper case 300. The metal bonding layer may be a material layer formed by welding. In an exemplary embodiment, the bonding layer 410 may be interposed between an upper surface of the first connecting portion 230 of the lower case 200 and a lower surface of the second connecting portion 330 of the upper case 300, and the first connecting portion 230 may be bonded to the second connecting portion 330 by the bonding layer 410. At the interface between the first connecting portion 230 and the second connecting portion 330, the bonding layer 410 may extend continuously or discontinuously along the second direction (Y direction). In an exemplary embodiment, a bonding layer 410 may be interposed between an upper surface of the first flange 240 of the lower case 200 and a lower surface of the second flange 340 of the upper case 300, and the first flange 240 may be bonded to the second flange 340 by the bonding layer 410. At the interface between the first flange 240 and the second flange 340, the bonding layer 410 may extend continuously or discontinuously along the second direction (Y direction).

[0052] In an exemplary embodiment, the upper case 300 may have cooling channels 311 configured to allow a cooling fluid to flow therethrough and may be configured to cool the battery cell assemblies 100 so that the battery cell assemblies 100 have an appropriate operating temperature. The cooling channels 311 may be provided in each of the second pockets 310 of the upper case 300. For example, the cooling channels 311 may be provided in the upper wall and / or the upper side wall of each second pocket 310. A cooling fluid provided from the outside may be introduced into the cooling channels 311 through an inlet of the cooling channel 311, flow along the cooling channel 311, and be discharged to the outside through an outlet of the cooling channel 311. The battery cell assemblies 100 may be cooled while the cooling fluid flows along the cooling channel 311. In an exemplary embodiment, a thermally conductive adhesive layer may be interposed between the upper case 300 and the battery cell assemblies 100 to strengthen thermal coupling between the upper case 300 and the battery cell assemblies 100. The thermally conductive adhesive layer may include, for example, a thermal interface material (TIM), in which case, heat generated from the battery cell assembly 100 may be transferred to the upper case 300 through the thermally conductive adhesive layer.

[0053] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the upper case 300 and the lower case 200, which are structures for accommodating and supporting a plurality of battery cell assemblies 100, are each formed as an integrated pressed product, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process of the battery module 10 and reducing the manufacturing cost of the battery module 10. Furthermore, since a plurality of battery cell assemblies 100 can be accommodated in the accommodation space provided by the upper case 300 and the lower case 200, the battery module 10 can be made larger.

[0054] Furthermore, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the lower case 200 and the upper case 300 have a relatively large joining area, so that a large weldable area can be secured during the welding process for joining the lower case 200 and the upper case 300. This can further facilitate the manufacturing process of the battery module 10.

[0055] (Second embodiment) 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery module 10A according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The battery module 10A shown in FIG. 6 will be described below, focusing on differences from the battery module 10 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5.

[0056] 6 , in the battery module 10A, the lower case 200 may have cooling channels 211 configured to allow a cooling fluid to flow therethrough, and may be configured to cool the battery cell assemblies 100 so that the battery cell assemblies 100 maintain an appropriate operating temperature. The cooling channels 211 may be provided in each of the plurality of first pockets 210 of the lower case 200. For example, the cooling channels 211 may be provided in the lower wall and / or the lower side wall of each first pocket 210. A cooling fluid provided from the outside may be introduced into the cooling channels 211 through an inlet of the cooling channel 211, flow along the cooling channel 211, and be discharged to the outside through an outlet of the cooling channel 211. In an exemplary embodiment, a thermally conductive adhesive layer including a material such as a TIM may be interposed between the lower case 200 and the battery cell assemblies 100 to strengthen thermal coupling between the lower case 200 and the battery cell assemblies 100.

[0057] In an exemplary embodiment, both the upper case 300 and the lower case 200 may include cooling channels 211. That is, the upper case 300 may have cooling channels 311 therein as shown in FIG. 3, and the lower case 200 may have cooling channels 211 therein as shown in FIG.

[0058] (Third embodiment) FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a battery pack 500 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] 7, a battery pack 500 may include a pack housing 501 and a battery module 10 mounted in the pack housing 501. The battery pack 500 may include one or more battery modules 10 mounted in the pack housing 501. In FIG. 7, the battery pack 500 is illustrated as including the battery module 10 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, but is not limited thereto, and may also include the battery module 10A described with reference to FIG. 6.

[0060] The pack housing 501 may include a lower housing 510 having an accommodation space for accommodating the battery module 10, and a pack lid 520 coupled to the lower housing 510 to cover the lower housing 510 in which the battery module 10 is accommodated. The accommodation space of the lower housing 510 may be defined by a bottom plate 511 facing the lower surface of the battery module 10 and side walls 513 positioned around the bottom plate 511. A plurality of support structures 515 for supporting the battery module 10 may be provided on the bottom plate 511 of the lower housing 510. The plurality of support structures 515 may be spaced apart from each other in a first direction (X direction) and each of the plurality of support structures 515 may extend in a second direction (Y direction). The length of each support structure 515 in the second direction (Y direction) may be the same as or longer than the length of the battery module 10 in the second direction (Y direction).

[0061] The battery modules 10 may be mounted in the pack housing 501 by a side mounting method. A plurality of support structures 515 each extending in the second direction (Y direction) may be provided on the bottom plate of the pack housing 501, and the battery modules 10 may be fastened to the plurality of support structures 515 by fastening members such as bolts BT.

[0062] More specifically, the first connecting portion 230 of the lower case 200 and the second connecting portion 330 of the upper case 300 are connected to form a first combined body, and the first combined body is disposed on a corresponding one of the plurality of support structures 515, and may be fastened to the corresponding support structure 515 by a bolt BT. The support structure 515 may be continuously in contact with the first combined body in the second direction (Y direction). Since the support structure 515 and the first combined body may have a relatively wide contact area, the battery module 10 may be stably supported by the support structure 515.

[0063] In addition, the first flange 240 of the lower case 200 and the second flange 340 of the upper case 300 are coupled to form a second combined body, which is disposed on a corresponding one of the plurality of support structures 515 and fastened to the corresponding support structure 515 by a bolt BT. The support structure 515 may be continuously in contact with the second combined body in a second direction (Y direction). The support structure 515 and the second combined body may have a relatively wide contact area, so that the battery module 10 may be stably supported by the support structure 515.

[0064] When the battery pack 500 is mounted on a vehicle, a cabin room where passengers board may be located above the pack lid 520, and the ground on which the vehicle runs may be located below the lower housing 510.

[0065] The battery module 10 may be supported by a support structure 515 provided on the bottom plate 511 of the lower housing 510 in a side mounting manner, and a free volume FV may be provided between the bottom plate 511 of the lower housing 510 and the battery module 10, with the bottom plate 511 of the lower housing 510 and the battery module 10 spaced apart in a third direction (Z direction). The free volume FV allows gas and flame generated in a thermal runaway situation to move. That is, the free volume FV serves as a venting passage through which high-temperature gas and flame can move.

[0066] In addition, even when a strong impact occurs due to foreign objects being thrown onto the underside of the vehicle while driving on hard ground such as an unpaved road, the impact can be absorbed by the free volume FV. Therefore, the battery module 10 can be prevented from being damaged by the impact. The free volume FV can be understood as the space between the battery module 10 and the lower housing 510. When the lower housing 510 deforms toward the battery module 10 due to an impact applied to the underside of the vehicle, the free volume FV can freely accommodate the deformation of the lower housing 510 to a certain extent.

[0067] The height of the free volume FV and the distance between the bottom plate 511 of the lower housing 510 and the battery module 10 may be set sufficiently to absorb external impacts. The height of the free volume FV may be determined in consideration of the dimensions and rigidity of the vehicle frame, the dimensions and rigidity of the lower housing 510, the dimensions of the battery pack 500, the amount of gas generated and the rate of gas discharge during thermal runaway, and the like. For example, when the thickness or rigidity of the vehicle frame or the bottom plate 511 of the lower housing 510 is relatively large, at least one of the size and height of the free volume FV may be relatively small. Furthermore, when the thickness or rigidity of the vehicle frame or the bottom plate 511 of the lower housing 510 is relatively small, there is a high possibility of deformation of the bottom plate 511 of the lower housing 510. Therefore, to protect the battery module 10, at least one of the size and height of the free volume FV may be relatively increased. Furthermore, when the size of the battery pack 500 is relatively large according to the battery pack 500 specifications, a relatively large free volume FV may be ensured. When the size of the battery pack 500 is relatively small, the height of the free volume FV that can be secured may be relatively low, and the thickness and rigidity of the bottom plate 511 of the lower housing 510 may need to be relatively increased. Also, if the height of the free volume FV is too low, the gas discharge path becomes small, and the internal pressure of the battery pack 500 may rise rapidly during thermal runaway. Therefore, the size and height of the free volume FV can be determined taking into consideration the amount of gas generated and the discharge speed.

[0068] The maximum height of the free volume FV may be determined depending on the damage tolerance of the battery cells 111 included in the battery module 10. For example, if the damage tolerance of the battery cells 111 is 1 mm, the free volume FV may be determined so that the battery cells 111 do not deform more than 1 mm when the lower housing 510 deforms and presses the lower surface of the battery cell 111. In this case, the amount of deformation of the lower housing 510 may vary depending on the thickness and rigidity of the lower housing 510. Therefore, the size and height of the free volume FV may be determined in consideration of both the damage tolerance of the battery cells 111 and the thickness and rigidity of the lower housing 510.

[0069] In an exemplary embodiment, the upper surface of the battery module 10 may be in close contact with the lower surface of the pack lid 520. In an exemplary embodiment, the battery module 10 may be supported by being suspended from the pack lid 520. If there is a space between the battery module 10 and the pack lid 520, high-temperature gas may be introduced into the space between one battery module 10 and the pack lid 520 during thermal runaway, causing heat and flame to spread to other adjacent battery modules 10. The heat and flame may also be transmitted to the pack lid 520, potentially affecting the cabin room above the pack lid 520. Therefore, by bringing the upper surface of the battery module 10 and the lower surface of the pack lid 520 into close contact, gas and flame generated inside the battery pack 500 can be guided to the free volume FV.

[0070] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the battery module 10 has a relatively large contact area with the support structure 515 of the pack housing 501, so that stress acting on the fastening portion between the battery module 10 and the pack housing 501 can be dispersed, thereby reducing damage to the fastening portion between the battery module 10 and the pack housing 501. This can improve the safety and reliability of the battery pack 500.

[0071] (Fourth embodiment) FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an electric vehicle 1000 equipped with a battery pack 1100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] For simplicity of illustration, Fig. 8 shows only a body frame 1200 that forms the lower skeleton of the vehicle, the battery pack 1100 coupled to the body frame 1200, and tires. The battery pack 1100 may include the battery pack 500 described with reference to Fig. 7.

[0073] In a typical battery pack, a battery module is installed at the bottom of the pack housing of the battery pack. In an embodiment, a free volume (see FV in FIG. 7) may be provided below the battery module 10 of the battery pack 1100, and there may be no or very narrow space between the battery module 10 and the pack lid 520. This prevents gas generated from the battery module 10 from being transferred to the cabin room above the vehicle, and the gas is guided to the free volume FV provided in the battery module 10 and the pack housing 501 of the battery pack 1100. The gas flows through the free volume FV and can be discharged to the underside of the vehicle through a gas exhaust port provided in the battery pack 1100. In addition, according to the present embodiment, since the free volume FV is provided between the battery module 10 and the pack housing 501 within the battery pack 1100, damage to the battery module 10 can be prevented even if the pack housing 501 is deformed.

[0074] According to the embodiment of the present invention, the battery pack 1100 and the electric vehicle 1000 equipped with the same can enhance passenger safety, protect the battery module 10, which is a core component, and improve the durability of the battery pack 1100 and the electric vehicle 1000.

[0075] The present invention has been described in more detail above with reference to the drawings and embodiments, etc. However, the configurations shown in the drawings or embodiments in this specification are merely one embodiment of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention, and therefore, at the time of filing this application, there may be various equivalents and modifications that can replace them. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 10 Battery Module 10A battery module 100 Battery Cell Assembly 110 Cell Block 111 Battery Cells 120 End plate 200 Lower Case 210 First pocket 211 Cooling Channel 220 Lower storage space 230 1st connection part 240 First flange 300 upper case 310 Second pocket 311 Cooling Channel 320 Upper storage space 330 2nd connection part 340 Second flange 410 Bonding layer 500 battery pack 501 Pack Housing 510 Lower Housing 511 Bottom plate 513 Side wall 515 Support Structure 520 Pack Lid 1000 electric cars 1100 Battery Pack 1200 body frame

Claims

1. a plurality of battery cell assemblies each including a plurality of battery cells; a lower case including a plurality of first pockets spaced apart from one another in a first direction and a first connecting portion extending between two adjacent first pockets among the plurality of first pockets, each of the plurality of first pockets having a lower accommodating space for accommodating a lower portion of a corresponding battery cell assembly among a plurality of battery cell assemblies, and the plurality of first pockets and the first connecting portion being integrally formed; an upper case including a plurality of second pockets spaced apart from each other in the first direction and a second connecting portion extending between two adjacent second pockets among the plurality of second pockets, each of the plurality of second pockets having an upper accommodating space for accommodating an upper portion of a corresponding battery cell assembly among a plurality of battery cell assemblies, and the plurality of second pockets and the second connecting portion being integrally formed; The lower case and the upper case are interconnected by connecting the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion.

2. the first connecting portion extends from one end to the other end of the first pocket portion in a second direction intersecting the first direction; The battery module of claim 1 , wherein the second connection portion extends in the second direction from one end to the other end of the second pocket portion.

3. the first coupling portion includes a flat upper surface; the second connecting portion includes a flat lower surface; The battery module of claim 2 , wherein the upper surface of the first connecting portion is in contact with the lower surface of the second connecting portion.

4. The battery module of claim 1 , further comprising a bonding layer interposed between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion.

5. The battery module according to claim 4 , wherein the bonding layer comprises a metal.

6. The lower case further includes a first flange extending from an outermost first pocket portion among the plurality of first pocket portions, the upper case further includes a second flange extending from an outermost second pocket portion of the plurality of second pocket portions, The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the first flange is coupled to the second flange.

7. The first flange extends from one end to the other end of the first pocket portion in a second direction intersecting the first direction, The second flange extends in the second direction from one end to the other end of the second pocket portion, the first flange includes a flat upper surface; the second flange includes a flat lower surface; The battery module according to claim 6 , wherein the upper surface of the first flange is in contact with the lower surface of the second flange.

8. The battery module according to claim 6 , wherein the first flange and the second flange are bonded together by a metal bonding layer.

9. The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of first pockets includes a first cooling channel.

10. The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein each of the second pocket portions includes a second cooling channel.

11. The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein in each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies, the plurality of battery cells are stacked in the first direction.

12. A pack housing; a battery module housed in the pack housing; The battery module includes: a plurality of battery cell assemblies each including a plurality of battery cells; a lower case including a plurality of first pockets spaced apart from one another in a first direction and a first connecting portion extending between two adjacent first pockets among the plurality of first pockets, each of the plurality of first pockets having a lower accommodating space for accommodating a lower portion of a corresponding battery cell assembly among a plurality of battery cell assemblies, and the plurality of first pockets and the first connecting portion being integrally formed; an upper case including a plurality of second pockets spaced apart from each other in the first direction and a second connecting portion extending between two adjacent second pockets among the plurality of second pockets, each of the plurality of second pockets having an upper accommodating space for accommodating an upper portion of a corresponding battery cell assembly among a plurality of battery cell assemblies, and the plurality of second pockets and the second connecting portion being integrally formed; The lower case and the upper case are interconnected by connecting the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion.

13. the battery module is spaced apart from the bottom plate of the pack housing; The battery pack according to claim 12 , wherein a space is provided between the battery module and the bottom plate of the pack housing.

14. The battery pack according to claim 12 , wherein the pack housing includes a support structure that supports the combination of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion.

15. The lower case further includes a first flange extending from an outermost first pocket portion among the plurality of first pocket portions, the upper case further includes a second flange extending from an outermost second pocket portion of the plurality of second pocket portions, the first flange is coupled to the second flange; The battery pack according to claim 12 , wherein the pack housing includes a support structure that supports the combination of the first flange and the second flange.

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