Battery pack equipped with thermally conductive resin
The battery pack structure addresses heat dissipation and mechanical stability issues by using anchor portions and extended resin to enhance fixation and conductivity, preventing detachment and improving heat transfer.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-02-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-18
AI Technical Summary
Existing battery packs face issues with poor heat dissipation efficiency and mechanical stability due to the adhesive bonding between thermally conductive resin and the module and pack frames, leading to potential slippage and detachment under load.
The battery pack structure incorporates a module frame with perforated anchor portions and an extended portion of thermally conductive resin that interferes with these anchor portions, enhancing mechanical fixation and heat conduction by increasing contact area and resisting shear loads.
This design effectively prevents detachment of the thermally conductive resin while improving heat dissipation by increasing the contact area and conductivity between the module and pack frames, ensuring stable mechanical fixation and efficient heat transfer.
Smart Images

Figure 2026519863000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0026080 filed on February 22, 2024, and the contents disclosed in the documents of the Korean Patent Application are all included as part of this specification.
[0002] The present invention relates to the structure of a battery pack including a thermally conductive resin. More specifically, the present invention relates to the structure of a battery pack in which the bonding force and thermal conductivity between the thermally conductive resin provided between a battery module and a pack frame and a module frame are improved.
Background Art
[0003] Secondary batteries, which are highly applicable to a variety of products and have electrical characteristics such as high energy density, are widely applied not only to portable devices but also to electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles driven by an electric drive source, power storage devices, etc. These secondary batteries are not only advantageous in that they can significantly reduce the use of fossil fuels, but also environmentally friendly in that they do not generate any by-products from the use of energy, and are attracting attention as a new energy source for improving energy efficiency.
[0004] One or two or three battery cells are used per device for small mobile devices, while high output and large capacity are required for medium and large-sized devices such as automobiles. Therefore, medium and large-sized battery modules in which a large number of battery cells are electrically connected are used. Also, since these battery modules also have higher output and larger capacity, a large number of them can be integrated to form a battery pack.
[0005] FIG. 1 shows a battery pack. Referring to this, the battery pack (P) is composed of a plurality of battery modules (M) and a pack frame (PF) for housing the same. The battery modules (M) are electrically connected to each other to form one high-capacity and high-voltage battery.
[0006] Figures 2 and 3 show how the battery module is placed on the pack frame together with the thermally conductive resin, and Figure 4 shows a cross-section of the battery pack in Figure 2. Referring to these drawings, the thermally conductive resin 3 is interposed between the battery module (M) and the pack frame (PF).
[0007] Secondary batteries generate heat during charging and discharging, and temperature changes, especially high temperatures, significantly reduce the battery's efficiency. The thermally conductive resin 3 conducts heat from the battery module (M) to the pack frame (PF) for heat dissipation. However, as batteries become increasingly high-capacity and high-voltage, the amount of heat generated also increases, and the heat dissipation efficiency of these heat dissipation structures using thermally conductive resin is poor, which is problematic.
[0008] On the other hand, the thermally conductive resin 3 also plays a role in adhesively fixing the battery module (M) and the pack frame (PF) together. However, these fixing methods rely entirely on the adhesive force between the module frame 2 and the pack frame (PF) and the thermally conductive resin 3, making them very vulnerable to loads that could cause slippage. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]
[0009] The present invention was conceived against the background of the prior art described above, and aims to provide a battery pack structure in which heat generated from the battery module can be dissipated to the outside through the pack frame.
[0010] Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide a battery pack structure in which the bonding force between the thermally conductive resin and the module frame is strengthened, thereby firmly maintaining the mechanical fixation between the module frame and the thermally conductive resin and / or the linear connection between the battery module and the pack frame.
[0011] Specifically, the present invention aims to provide a battery pack structure that prevents the thermally conductive resin from falling out of the module frame in the horizontal and / or vertical directions.
[0012] The technical problems of the present invention are not limited to the purposes mentioned above. Other purposes and advantages of the present invention not mentioned can be understood from the following description and will be more clearly understood from the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, it will be readily understood that the purposes and advantages of the present invention can be achieved by the means and combinations thereof described in the claims. [Means for solving the problem]
[0013] To solve the aforementioned problems, the present invention provides a battery pack structure comprising a battery module having a module frame, a pack frame having a bottom plate on which the battery module is placed, and a thermally conductive resin interposed between the bottom plate of the battery module and the bottom plate of the pack frame, wherein the bottom plate of the module frame is provided with a perforated anchor portion, and the thermally conductive resin has an extended portion that extends upward and fills the anchor portion.
[0014] According to the present invention, the extended portion interferes horizontally with the anchor portion, thereby allowing the thermal conductive resin to resist the shear load generated between it and the bottom plate of the module frame, and preventing the thermal conductive resin from falling horizontally from the module frame.
[0015] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the contact area between the thermally conductive resin and the module frame is increased, thereby accelerating the rate at which heat is conducted from the thermally conductive resin to the pack frame.
[0016] Preferably, the anchor portions may be arranged in a grid pattern of three or more rows and three or more columns. The rows and columns of the anchor portions may also be arranged at equal intervals. This allows each of the anchor portions to uniformly distribute the shear stress, and allows heat dissipation by the thermally conductive resin to occur uniformly.
[0017] The anchor portion may include a first portion having a predetermined first inner width along one horizontal direction, and a second portion having a predetermined second inner width greater than the first inner width along the same horizontal direction and located above the first portion. In other words, the anchor portion may include a first portion and a second portion located above the first portion, and the cross-sectional shape of the first portion does not have to include the entire cross-sectional shape of the second portion in a planar view. This allows the extended portion to interfere with the first portion and the second portion from below, preventing the thermally conductive resin from falling downward from the module frame.
[0018] As an example, the anchor portion may include a first portion having a circular cross-section with a predetermined first inner diameter, and a second portion having a circular cross-section with a predetermined second inner diameter larger than the first inner diameter, and located above the first portion.
[0019] According to a first embodiment of the present invention, the first part may have a rectangular cross-section having a predetermined width and length and extending along one horizontal direction, and the second part may have a rectangular cross-section having the predetermined width and length and extending along another horizontal direction intersecting the first horizontal direction.
[0020] The anchor portion may include a tapered portion whose cross-sectional area narrows as it extends downward. The tapered portion can prevent the thermally conductive resin from falling downward from the module frame by interfering with the extended portion from below.
[0021] As an example, the anchor portion may include a tapered portion having a circular cross-section whose inner diameter decreases as it goes downwards.
[0022] According to a second embodiment of the present invention, the anchor portion may include a tapered portion having a frustoconical inner surface whose inner diameter decreases as it goes downwards.
[0023] The heat-conductive resin may include an upper resin layer connected to the upper part of the bottom plate of the module frame, and a lower resin layer connected to the bottom part of the bottom plate of the module frame. At this time, the extending portion can connect the upper resin layer and the lower resin layer via the anchor portion. The upper resin layer can prevent the entire heat-conductive resin from dropping downward from the bottom plate of the module frame by interfering with the bottom plate of the module frame from below. Also, in this case, the heat-conductive resin can more effectively radiate the heat generated from the battery cell mounted on the module frame to the outside of the module frame by connecting the upper and lower parts of the bottom plate of the module frame.
[0024] The present invention also provides a battery pack including a battery module having a module frame, a pack frame having a bottom plate on which the battery module is placed, and a heat-conductive resin interposed between the bottom plate of the battery module and the bottom plate of the pack frame, wherein a groove-shaped anchor portion recessed upward is provided on the bottom plate of the battery module, and the heat-conductive resin extends upward and has an extending portion filled in the anchor portion.
[0025] According to the present invention, the extending portion interferes with the anchor portion in the horizontal direction, so that the heat-conductive resin can resist the shear load generated between the heat-conductive resin and the bottom plate of the module frame, and prevent the heat-conductive resin from dropping off horizontally from the module frame.
[0026] Also, according to the present invention, the contact area between the heat-conductive resin and the module frame increases, so that the speed of heat conduction from the heat-conductive resin to the pack frame becomes faster.
[0027] Preferably, the anchor portions may extend side by side and be arranged in a plurality of juxtaposed columns. Also, the plurality of columns of the anchor portions may be arranged at equal intervals. Thereby, each of the anchor portions can uniformly share the shear stress, and heat dissipation by the thermally conductive resin can occur uniformly.
[0028] The anchor portion may include a first portion having a predetermined first inner width along a horizontal direction, and a second portion having a predetermined second inner width larger than the first inner width along the horizontal direction and positioned above the first portion. In other words, the anchor portion may include a first portion and a second portion positioned above the first portion, and the cross-sectional shape of the first portion may not entirely include the cross-sectional shape of the second portion on a plane. Thereby, the extending portion can interfere from below between the first portion and the second portion, and the thermally conductive resin can be prevented from dropping downward from the bottom plate.
[0029] As an example, the anchor portion may include a first portion having a rectangular cross-section extending along a length direction with a predetermined first inner width, and a second portion having a rectangular cross-section extending along the length direction with a predetermined second inner width larger than the first inner width and positioned above the first portion.
[0030] Alternatively, the anchor portion may include a tapered portion whose cross-sectional area becomes narrower downward. The tapered portion can prevent the thermally conductive resin from dropping upward from the bottom plate of the module frame by interfering from below with the extending portion.
[0031] As an example, the anchor portion may include a tapered portion having a rectangular cross-section whose inner width becomes smaller downward.
[0032] [[ID=十九]] According to the third embodiment of the present invention, the anchor portion may extend in the length direction and include a tapered portion having a trapezoidal cross-section whose upper width is larger than the lower width in the length direction.
[0033] The present invention also provides an automobile structure including the battery pack. The battery pack can be built into the automobile as a power source. The automobile may be an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. The automobile may be a two-wheeled vehicle or a four-wheeled vehicle. However, the structure of the automobile is not limited to the above, and the battery pack does not necessarily have to function as a power source for the automobile. [Effects of the Invention]
[0034] The present invention provides a battery pack structure in which the battery modules and the pack frame are connected in a row by a thermally conductive resin, thereby enabling heat generated from the battery modules to be dissipated to the outside of the pack frame.
[0035] Furthermore, the present invention can provide a battery pack structure in which the bonding force between the thermally conductive resin and the module frame is strengthened, thereby firmly maintaining the mechanical fixation between the module frame and the thermally conductive resin, and the linear connection between the battery module and the pack frame.
[0036] Specifically, the present invention can provide a battery pack structure in which the horizontal detachment of the thermal conductive resin from the module frame is prevented by interference between the downwardly extending portion of the thermal conductive resin and the anchor portion, and can also provide a battery pack structure in which the vertical detachment of the thermal conductive resin from the module frame is prevented by the cross-sectional shape of the anchor portion.
[0037] In addition to the above, the present invention may have various other effects, which will be explained in each embodiment, or effects that can be easily inferred by an ordinary person will be omitted from the explanation. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0038] [Figure 1] This is a diagram of a battery pack. [Figure 2]This diagram shows how the battery module is placed on the pack frame along with the thermally conductive resin. [Figure 3] This diagram shows how the battery module is placed on the pack frame along with the thermally conductive resin. [Figure 4] This figure shows a cross-section of the battery pack shown in Figure 2. [Figure 5] This figure shows a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This figure shows a battery module mounted on a pack frame according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This figure shows how a battery module according to the first embodiment of the present invention is placed on a pack frame together with a thermally conductive resin. [Figure 8] This figure shows a module frame and a thermally conductive resin layer according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This figure shows a module frame and a thermally conductive resin layer according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This figure shows a cross-section of a battery pack according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This figure shows the main parts of a battery pack according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This figure shows how a battery module according to a second embodiment of the present invention is placed on a pack frame together with a thermally conductive resin. [Figure 13] This figure shows a module frame and a thermally conductive resin layer according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] This figure shows a module frame and a thermally conductive resin layer according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] This figure shows a cross-section of a battery pack according to a second embodiment of the present invention and its main components. [Figure 16] This figure shows a cross-section of a battery pack according to a second embodiment of the present invention and its main components. [Figure 17] This figure shows how a battery module according to a third embodiment of the present invention is placed on a pack frame together with a thermally conductive resin. [Figure 18] This figure shows a module frame and a thermally conductive resin layer according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] This figure shows a module frame and a thermally conductive resin layer according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] This figure shows a cross-section of a battery pack according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] This figure shows the main parts of a battery pack according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] This figure shows an automobile according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0039] The aforementioned objectives, features, and advantages will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings, so that a person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains can easily implement the technical concept of the present invention. In describing the present invention, if a specific description of known technology according to the present invention is deemed to obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted. Hereafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings are used to indicate the same or similar components.
[0040] Although terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used to indicate various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are simply used to distinguish one component from another, and unless otherwise specified, the first component may also be the second component.
[0041] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise stated, each component may be singular or plural.
[0042] Hereinafter, the placement of any configuration on the "upper (or lower)" or "above (or below)" of a component means not only that the configuration is placed in contact with the upper (or lower) surface of the component, but also that other configurations may be interposed between the component and any configuration placed on (or below) it.
[0043] Furthermore, when it is stated that one component is “linked,” “joined,” or “connected” to another component, it should be understood that the components may be directly linked or connected to one another, but may also be “interposed” between each component, or each component may be “linked,” “joined,” or “connected” through other components.
[0044] In this specification, singular expressions include plural expressions unless otherwise explicitly stated in the context. Terms such as “composed of” or “including” in this application should not be interpreted as necessarily including all of the multiple components or stages described in the specification, but rather as meaning that some of the components or stages may not be included, or that further components or stages may be included.
[0045] Throughout the specification, "A and / or B" means A, B, or A and B unless otherwise specified, and "C to D" means C or greater and D or less unless otherwise specified.
[0046] The present invention relates to a battery pack comprising a battery module and a pack frame housing the same, wherein a thermally conductive resin is provided to mechanically and linearly connect the battery module and the pack frame, and the thermally conductive resin is prevented from falling off the module frame and is in contact with the module frame over a wide area.
[0047] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0048] [Overall structure of the battery pack] The overall structure of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 5 and 6.
[0049] Figure 5 shows a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to this, the battery pack (P) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of battery modules (M) and a pack frame (PF) on which these are mounted.
[0050] The battery module may comprise a module frame that constitutes its external appearance. The module frame may include a material having high thermal conductivity and strength, such as metal. For example, the module frame according to one embodiment of the present invention may have a box shape manufactured by bending and / or welding an aluminum plate. However, it is sufficient for the module frame to have a flat bottom surface which may be placed on the bottom plate of the pack frame (PF), and its shape and material are not particularly limited.
[0051] The battery module (M) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of battery cells built into the module frame, but is not limited to these structures, and may be a unit secondary battery of various forms and structures.
[0052] Each of the battery modules (M) may have a pair of positive and negative terminals exposed to the outside of the module frame. The terminals of the battery modules (M) may be electrically connected to each other in parallel and / or in series. For this reason, the battery pack may have conductive busbars connected to the terminals. This allows the battery pack to be configured with high voltage and / or high capacity.
[0053] The pack frame (PF) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a material having high thermal conductivity and strength, such as metal. For example, the pack frame (PF) according to one embodiment of the present invention may have a box shape manufactured by bending and / or welding aluminum sheet metal. However, it is sufficient that the pack frame (PF) has a flat bottom surface on which the battery module (M) can be placed, and its shape and material are not particularly limited.
[0054] Specifically, the battery module (M) contains one or more battery cells that can dissipate heat during charging and discharging, or in the event of thermal runaway due to a short circuit or the like. The battery pack can be configured so that this heat is conducted to the pack frame (PF) via the module frame and dissipated to the outside.
[0055] Figure 6 shows a battery module mounted on a pack frame according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to this, the battery pack (P) may include a thermally conductive resin 3 interposed between the frame of the battery module (M) and the pack frame (PF). Specifically, the thermally conductive resin 3 may be interposed between the bottom surface of the module frame 2 and the bottom surface of the pack frame (PF).
[0056] The thermally conductive resin 3 may include a synthetic resin having high thermal conductivity. Furthermore, the battery module (M) and the pack frame (PF) may be adhesively fixed to each other by the thermally conductive resin 3 applied to the bottom surface of the pack frame (PF) curing after the battery module (M) is placed on it. This allows the thermally conductive resin 3 to structurally and linearly connect the battery module (M) and the pack frame (PF).
[0057] [First Embodiment] The shape and bonding structure of the module frame and thermally conductive resin according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 7 to 11.
[0058] Figure 7 shows how a battery module according to the first embodiment of the present invention is placed on a pack frame together with a thermally conductive resin, and Figures 8 and 9 show a module frame and a thermally conductive resin layer according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Referring to these drawings, the module frame 2 may include a bottom plate 20 connected to the thermally conductive resin 3.
[0059] The bottom plate 20 may be provided with a hole-shaped anchor portion 200 that extends upward from its bottom surface.
[0060] When the battery module (M) is placed on the thermal conductive resin 3 before it hardens, the thermal conductive resin 3 flows into the anchor portion 200 and then hardens, forming a protruding extension portion 30 that extends upward.
[0061] In this case, since the anchor portion 200 and the extension portion 30 overlap each other horizontally, the thermal conductive resin 3 and the module frame 2 may be shear-connected to each other horizontally. That is, the horizontal interference between the anchor portion 200 and the extension portion 30 can limit the movement of the module frame 2 relative to the thermal conductive resin 3, and the module frame 2 and the thermal conductive resin 3 may be structurally and mechanically bonded and fixed to each other not only by adhesive force. As a result, the battery module (M) may be firmly fixed by the thermal conductive resin 3 and the bottom surface of the pack frame (PF) to which the thermal conductive resin 3 is applied.
[0062] Furthermore, at this time, the anchor portion 200 and the extended portion 30 are in contact with each other horizontally, which can increase the contact area between the module frame 2 and the thermal conductive resin 3. In other words, compared to the case where the bottom surface of the module frame 2 is formed flat, the bottom surface of the module frame 2 equipped with the anchor portion 200 has a larger surface area, and the thermal conductive resin 3 can increase the contact area between the module frame 2 and the thermal conductive resin 3 as a portion of it flows into the anchor portion 200 and hardens. As a result, the area over which heat can be conducted from the module frame 2 to the thermal conductive resin 3 is increased, allowing the heat from the battery module (M) to be conducted to the thermal conductive resin 3 and the pack frame (PF) more quickly for heat dissipation.
[0063] It is preferable that multiple anchor portions 200 are provided. This allows multiple extension portions 30 to be formed, and these multiple extension portions 30 can share the shear stress from the module frame 2.
[0064] For example, the anchor portions 200 may be arranged in a grid pattern of three rows and three or more columns. In this case, it is preferable that the rows and columns of the anchor portions 200 are arranged at equal intervals. This allows the anchor portions 200 and the extended portions 30 to share the stress uniformly, and the heat generated in the battery module (M) to be dissipated uniformly at all parts.
[0065] Figures 10 and 11 show a cross-section and its main parts of a battery pack according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Referring to these drawings, the anchor portion 200 may include a first portion 201 having a predetermined first inner width (D1) along one horizontal direction, and a second portion 202 having a predetermined second inner width (D2) that is larger than the first inner width (D1) along one horizontal direction and located above the first portion 201.
[0066] In other words, the anchor portion 200 may include a first portion 201 and a second portion 202 located above the first portion 201, and the cross-sectional shape of the first portion 201 does not have to include the entire cross-sectional shape of the second portion 202 in plan view. This allows the extending portion 30 to interfere with the first portion 201 and the second portion 202 from below, preventing the thermal conductive resin 3 from falling downward from the module frame.
[0067] According to this embodiment, the first part 201 may have a rectangular cross-section having a predetermined width and length and extending along one horizontal direction, and the second part 202 may have a rectangular cross-section having the predetermined width and length and extending along another horizontal direction intersecting the first horizontal direction.
[0068] In one modified example, the anchor portion 200 may include a first portion 201 having a circular cross-section with a predetermined first inner diameter, and a second portion 202 having a circular cross-section with a predetermined second inner diameter larger than the first inner diameter, and located above the first portion 201.
[0069] [Second Example] The following describes in detail the shape and bonding structure of the module frame and thermally conductive resin according to the second embodiment of the present invention, with reference to Figures 12 to 16.
[0070] Figure 12 shows how a battery module according to a second embodiment of the present invention is placed on a pack frame together with a thermally conductive resin, and Figures 13 and 14 show the module frame and thermally conductive resin layer according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Referring to these drawings, the module frame 2 may include a bottom plate 20 connected to the thermally conductive resin 3.
[0071] The bottom plate 20 may be provided with a hole-shaped anchor portion 200 that extends upward from its bottom surface.
[0072] When the battery module (M) is placed on the thermal conductive resin 3 before it hardens, the thermal conductive resin 3 flows into the anchor portion 200 and then hardens, forming a protruding extension portion 30 that extends upward.
[0073] In this case, since the anchor portion 200 and the extension portion 30 overlap each other horizontally, the thermal conductive resin 3 and the module frame 2 may be shear-connected to each other horizontally. That is, the horizontal interference between the anchor portion 200 and the extension portion 30 can limit the movement of the module frame 2 relative to the thermal conductive resin 3, and the module frame 2 and the thermal conductive resin 3 may be structurally and mechanically bonded and fixed to each other not only by adhesive force. As a result, the battery module (M) may be firmly fixed by the thermal conductive resin 3 and the bottom surface of the pack frame (PF) to which the thermal conductive resin 3 is applied.
[0074] Furthermore, at this time, the anchor portion 200 and the extended portion 30 are in contact with each other horizontally, which can increase the contact area between the module frame 2 and the thermal conductive resin 3. In other words, compared to the case where the bottom surface of the module frame 2 is formed flat, the bottom surface of the module frame 2 equipped with the anchor portion 200 has a larger surface area, and the thermal conductive resin 3 can increase the contact area between the module frame 2 and the thermal conductive resin 3 as a portion of it flows into the anchor portion 200 and hardens. As a result, the area over which heat can be conducted from the module frame 2 to the thermal conductive resin 3 is increased, and the heat from the battery module (M) may be conducted to the thermal conductive resin 3 and the pack frame (PF) more quickly for heat dissipation.
[0075] It is preferable that multiple anchor portions 200 are provided. This allows multiple extension portions 30 to be formed, and these multiple extension portions 30 can share the shear stress from the module frame 2.
[0076] For example, the anchor portions 200 may be arranged in a grid pattern of three rows and three or more columns. In this case, it is preferable that the rows and columns of the anchor portions 200 are arranged at equal intervals. This allows the anchor portions 200 and the extended portions 30 to share the stress uniformly, and the heat generated in the battery module (M) to be dissipated uniformly at all parts.
[0077] Figures 15 and 16 show a cross-section and its main parts of a battery pack according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Referring to these drawings, the anchor portion 200 may include a tapered portion 203 whose cross-sectional area narrows as it goes downwards. The tapered portion 203 interferes with the extended portion from below, thereby preventing the thermal conductive resin 3 from falling downwards from the module frame 2.
[0078] According to one aspect of this embodiment, the anchor portion 200 may include a tapered portion 203 having a frustoconical inner surface whose inner diameter (D1, D2) decreases as it goes downwards.
[0079] In one modified example, the anchor portion 200 may include a tapered portion 203 having a circular cross-section whose inner diameter decreases as it goes downwards.
[0080] In yet another aspect of this embodiment, the thermally conductive resin 3 may include an upper resin layer 31 connected to the upper part of the bottom plate 20 of the module frame 2, and a bottom resin layer 32 connected to the bottom of the bottom plate 20 of the module frame 2. In this case, the extended portion can connect the upper resin layer 31 and the bottom resin layer 32 via the anchor portion 200.
[0081] The upper resin layer 31 interferes with the bottom plate 20 of the module frame 2 from below, thereby preventing the entire thermally conductive resin 3 from falling off the bottom plate 20 of the module frame 2.
[0082] Furthermore, in this case, the thermally conductive resin 3 connects the upper and lower parts of the bottom plate 20 of the module frame 2, thereby more effectively dissipating the heat generated from the battery cells 1 mounted on the module frame 2 to the outside of the module frame 2. That is, at this time, the thermally conductive resin 3 simultaneously contacts the bottom surface of the bottom plate 20, the upper surface of the bottom plate 20, and the bottom surface of the battery cells 1 mounted on the bottom plate 20, thereby very effectively absorbing the heat generated from the battery module (M) and releasing it to the pack frame (PF).
[0083] [Third Embodiment] The following describes in detail the shape and bonding structure of the module frame and thermally conductive resin according to the third embodiment of the present invention, with reference to Figures 17 to 21.
[0084] Figure 17 shows how a battery module according to a third embodiment of the present invention is placed on a pack frame together with a thermally conductive resin, and Figures 18 and 19 show a module frame and a thermally conductive resin layer according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Referring to these drawings, the module frame 2 may include a bottom plate 20 connected to the thermally conductive resin 3.
[0085] The bottom plate 20 may be provided with a groove-shaped anchor portion 200 that extends upward from its bottom surface.
[0086] When the battery module (M) is placed on the thermal conductive resin 3 before it hardens, the thermal conductive resin 3 flows into the anchor portion 200 and then hardens, forming a protruding extension portion 30 that extends upward.
[0087] In this case, since the anchor portion 200 and the extension portion 30 overlap each other horizontally, the thermal conductive resin 3 and the module frame 2 may be shear-connected to each other horizontally. That is, the horizontal interference between the anchor portion 200 and the extension portion 30 can limit the movement of the module frame 2 relative to the thermal conductive resin 3, and the module frame 2 and the thermal conductive resin 3 may be structurally and mechanically bonded and fixed to each other not only by adhesive force. As a result, the battery module (M) may be firmly fixed by the thermal conductive resin 3 and the bottom surface of the pack frame (PF) to which the thermal conductive resin 3 is applied.
[0088] Furthermore, at this time, the anchor portion 200 and the extended portion 30 are in contact with each other in the horizontal direction, which can increase the contact area between the module frame 2 and the thermal conductive resin 3. In other words, compared to the case where the bottom surface of the module frame 2 is formed flat, the bottom surface of the module frame 2 equipped with the anchor portion 200 has a larger surface area, and a portion of the thermal conductive resin 3 flows into the anchor portion 200 and hardens, which can increase the contact area between the module frame 2 and the thermal conductive resin 3. As a result, the area over which heat can be conducted from the module frame 2 to the thermal conductive resin 3 is increased, so that the heat from the battery module (M) can be conducted to the thermal conductive resin 3 and the pack frame (PF) more quickly for heat dissipation.
[0089] It is preferable that multiple anchor portions 200 are provided. This allows multiple extension portions 30 to be formed, and these multiple extension portions 30 can share the shear stress from the module frame 2.
[0090] For example, the anchor portions 200 may extend side by side and be arranged in multiple adjacent rows. In this case, the multiple rows of anchor portions 200 may be arranged at equal intervals. This allows each of the anchor portions 200 to uniformly share the shear stress, and allows heat dissipation by the thermally conductive resin 3 to occur uniformly.
[0091] Figures 20 and 21 show a cross-section and its main parts of a battery pack according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Referring to these, the anchor portion 200 may include a tapered portion 203 whose cross-sectional area narrows as it goes downwards. The tapered portion 203 interferes with the extended portion 30 from below, thereby preventing the thermal conductive resin 3 from falling upward from the bottom plate 20 of the module frame 2.
[0092] According to this embodiment, the anchor portion 200 may include a tapered portion 203 having a rectangular cross-section in which its inner width (D1, D2) decreases as it goes downwards. More specifically, the anchor portion 200 may include a tapered portion 203 extending in the longitudinal direction and having a trapezoidal cross-section in the longitudinal direction in which the upper width is greater than the lower width.
[0093] In one modified example, the anchor portion 200 may include a first portion having a predetermined first inner width along one horizontal direction, and a second portion having a predetermined second inner width greater than the first inner width along one horizontal direction and located above the first portion.
[0094] In other words, the anchor portion 200 may include a first portion and a second portion located above the first portion, and the cross-sectional shape of the first portion does not have to include the entire cross-sectional shape of the second portion in a planar view. This allows the extending portion 30 to interfere with the first portion and the second portion from below, preventing the thermal conductive resin 3 from falling downward from the bottom plate 20.
[0095] As an example, the anchor portion 200 may include a first portion having a rectangular cross-section extending along the length direction with a predetermined first inner width, and a second portion having a rectangular cross-section extending along the length direction with a predetermined second inner width greater than the first inner width, and located above the first portion.
[0096] In this embodiment, when the anchor portion 200 is formed in a groove shape rather than a hole shape, the anchor portion 200 cannot be machined from the upper surface of the bottom plate 20 and must be machined from the bottom surface. Therefore, it is very difficult to machine the anchor portion 200 to have the same undercut shape as described above. In this case, when the anchor portion 200 is machined in a groove shape that extends from one horizontal end to the other end of the bottom plate 20, the anchor portion 200 can be machined from the side, making it easy to form the undercut shape.
[0097] [Cars with built-in battery packs] The structure of an automobile according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figure 22.
[0098] Figure 22 shows an automobile according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to this, the battery pack (P) according to one embodiment of the present invention can be built into an automobile (V) as a power source. The automobile (V) may be, but is not limited to, a hybrid automobile or an electric automobile. Furthermore, the automobile (V) may be, but is not limited to, a two-wheeled vehicle or a four-wheeled vehicle.
[0099] The embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative and not limiting, and the scope of the present invention is indicated more by the claims described below than by the detailed description above. Furthermore, the meaning and scope of the claims described below, as well as any modified and transformable forms conceived from their equivalent concepts, should all be interpreted as being included within the scope of the present invention.
[0100] As described above, the present invention has been explained with reference to the illustrative drawings, but it is clear that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and drawings disclosed herein, and that various modifications can be made by a person skilled in the art within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. Furthermore, even if the effects of the configuration of the present invention are not explicitly described in the embodiments described above, it is natural that the effects that can be predicted by such configuration should also be recognized. [Explanation of symbols]
[0101] 1 battery cell 2 Module Frames 20 Bottom plate 200 Anchor section 201 Part 1 202 Part 2 203 Tapered section 3. Thermally conductive resin 30 Extension 31 Upper resin layer 32 Bottom resin layer M Battery Module P Battery Pack PF Pack Frame V Automobile D1 First inner width (first inner diameter) D2 1st inner width (1st inner diameter)
Claims
1. A battery module comprising a modular frame, A pack frame comprising a bottom plate on which the battery module is mounted, A thermally conductive resin interposed between the bottom plate of the battery module and the bottom plate of the pack frame, In a battery pack including, The bottom plate of the module frame is provided with a perforated anchor portion. The thermally conductive resin has an extended portion that extends upward and fills the anchor portion. Battery pack.
2. The anchor portion is arranged in a grid pattern of three or more rows and three or more columns. The battery pack according to claim 1.
3. The rows and columns of the aforementioned anchor section are arranged at equal intervals. The battery pack according to claim 2.
4. The anchor portion includes a first portion having a predetermined first inner width along one horizontal direction, and a second portion having a predetermined second inner width greater than the first inner width along one horizontal direction and located above the first portion. The battery pack according to claim 1.
5. The anchor portion includes a first portion having a circular cross-section with a predetermined first inner diameter, and a second portion having a circular cross-section with a predetermined second inner diameter larger than the first inner diameter, and located above the first portion. The battery pack according to claim 1.
6. The aforementioned anchor portion includes a tapered portion whose cross-sectional area becomes narrower as it goes downwards. The battery pack according to claim 1.
7. The anchor portion includes a tapered portion having a circular cross-section whose inner diameter decreases as it goes downwards. The battery pack according to claim 6.
8. The anchor portion includes a tapered portion having a frustoconical inner surface whose inner diameter decreases as it goes downwards. The battery pack according to claim 7.
9. The aforementioned thermally conductive resin is An upper resin layer connected to the top of the bottom plate of the module frame, A bottom resin layer connected to the bottom of the bottom plate of the module frame, Includes, The extended portion connects the upper resin layer and the bottom resin layer via the anchor portion. The battery pack according to claim 1.
10. A battery module comprising a modular frame, A pack frame comprising a bottom plate on which the battery module is mounted, A thermally conductive resin interposed between the bottom plate of the battery module and the bottom plate of the pack frame, In a battery pack including, The bottom plate of the aforementioned battery module is provided with an upwardly recessed groove-shaped anchor portion. The thermally conductive resin has an extended portion that extends upward and fills the anchor portion. Battery pack.
11. The aforementioned anchor portions extend in a parallel manner and are provided in multiple adjacent rows. The battery pack according to claim 10.
12. The multiple rows of the anchor section are arranged at equal intervals. The battery pack according to claim 11.
13. The anchor portion includes a first portion having a predetermined first inner width along one horizontal direction, and a second portion having a predetermined second inner width greater than the first inner width along one horizontal direction and located above the first portion. The battery pack according to claim 10.
14. The anchor portion includes a first portion having a rectangular cross-section extending along the length direction with a predetermined first inner width, and a second portion having a rectangular cross-section extending along the length direction with a predetermined second inner width greater than the first inner width, and located above the first portion. The battery pack according to claim 10.
15. The aforementioned anchor portion includes a tapered portion whose cross-sectional area becomes narrower as it goes downwards. The battery pack according to claim 10.
16. The anchor portion includes a tapered portion having a rectangular cross-section whose inner width decreases as it goes downwards. The battery pack according to claim 15.
17. The anchor portion extends in the longitudinal direction and includes a tapered portion having a trapezoidal cross-section in the longitudinal direction where the upper width is greater than the lower width. The battery pack according to claim 16.
18. An automobile comprising a battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 17.