Battery module with improved safety

Abstract

The present invention discloses a battery module with improved safety. The battery module according to one aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of battery cells stacked in at least one direction, a module case that houses the plurality of battery cells in an internal space, and a heat dissipation member interposed between at least some of the plurality of battery cells, at least a portion of the heat dissipation member being in contact with the module case and configured to transfer heat generated from the plurality of battery cells to the module case.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0045095 filed on April 12, 2022, and all of the content disclosed in the specification and drawings of the said application is incorporated into this application.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery, and more particularly, to a battery module with improved safety, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile.

Background Art

[0003] With the significant increase in the demand for portable electronic products such as smartphones, tablet PCs, and smartwatches, and the spread of electric vehicles, research on batteries installed in these products, especially secondary batteries capable of repeated charging and discharging, has been actively conducted.

[0004] Currently, commercially available secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, lithium secondary batteries, etc. Among these, lithium secondary batteries have attracted attention because they have almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based secondary batteries, allowing free charging and discharging, having a very low self-discharge rate, and a high energy density.

[0005] Lithium secondary batteries mainly use lithium-based oxides and carbon materials as the positive electrode active material and the negative electrode active material, respectively. A lithium secondary battery includes an electrode assembly in which a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate coated with such positive electrode active material and negative electrode active material are arranged with a separator interposed therebetween, and an exterior material that seals and houses the electrode assembly together with an electrolytic solution, that is, a battery case.

[0006] Generally, lithium secondary batteries are classified into can-type secondary batteries in which the electrode assembly is incorporated in a metal can and pouch-type secondary batteries in which the electrode assembly is incorporated in a pouch of an aluminum laminate sheet according to the shape of the exterior material.

[0007] Recently, secondary batteries have been widely used not only in small devices such as portable electronic devices but also in medium and large-sized devices such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS) for driving and energy storage. One battery module can be configured in such a form that a plurality of such secondary batteries are electrically connected and housed together inside a module case. Further, a plurality of such battery modules can be connected to form one battery pack.

[0008] However, when a plurality of secondary batteries (battery cells) or a plurality of battery modules are densely arranged in a narrow space, they may be vulnerable to thermal events. In particular, when an event such as thermal runaway occurs in a certain battery cell, there is a possibility that such an event may spread to other battery cells. When such a thermal propagation phenomenon occurs, there is a risk of causing serious problems such as fire or explosion in the corresponding battery module. Further, when a plurality of battery modules are included in a higher-level device such as a single battery pack, a battery rack, or an energy storage system, problems such as fire or explosion may spread to other battery modules included in the higher-level device.

[0009] Furthermore, in the case of medium and large-sized battery modules or battery packs such as those for electric vehicles, since many battery cells are included to increase the output and / or capacity, the risk of a thermal chain reaction may be further increased. Also, in the case of a battery pack mounted on an electric vehicle or the like, there may be a user such as a driver nearby. Therefore, if a thermal event occurring in a specific battery module is not properly controlled and a chain reaction occurs, it may lead not only to serious material damage but also to loss of human life. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0010] Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a battery module capable of suppressing a thermal event that may occur inside the battery module and improving safety, as well as a battery pack and an automobile including the same.

[0011] However, the technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the above problems, and other problems not mentioned will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description of the invention.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0012] A battery module according to an aspect of the present invention for achieving the above object includes a plurality of battery cells stacked in at least one direction, a module case for housing the plurality of battery cells in an internal space, and a heat dissipation member interposed between at least some of the plurality of battery cells, wherein at least a part of the heat dissipation member is in contact with the module case and is configured to transfer heat generated from the plurality of battery cells to the module case.

[0013] Here, at least one end of the heat dissipation member may be configured to be inserted into the module case.

[0014] Also, both ends of the heat dissipation member located on opposite sides of each other may be configured to be inserted into the module case.

[0015] The heat dissipation member may include a main body portion configured in a plate shape and an extension portion provided at at least one end of the main body portion and configured to be thicker than the main body portion.

[0016] The extension portion may be configured such that the battery cell can be seated thereon.

[0017] Also, at least a part of the extension portion may be inserted into the interior of the module case.

[0018] Further, at least a part of the extension portion may be formed to be thicker toward the end portion.

[0019] Further, two or more extension portions may be formed at different end portions of the main body portion, and the two or more extension portions may be made of different materials from each other.

[0020] Further, the extension portion may be configured to be detachable from the main body portion.

[0021] Further, the battery module according to the present invention further includes a cooling member that is located outside the module case and is configured to absorb heat transmitted to the module case and release it to the outside, and the heat dissipation member may include the extension portion at an end portion of a portion where the cooling member is located.

[0022] Further, unevenness may be formed on a surface of the extension portion that contacts the module case.

[0023] A plurality of the heat dissipation members are included along the stacking direction of the plurality of battery cells, and at least two or more of the plurality of heat dissipation members may be configured in different forms from each other.

[0024] Further, a battery pack according to another aspect of the present invention for achieving the above object includes the battery module according to the present invention.

[0025] Further, an automobile according to still another aspect of the present invention for achieving the above object includes the battery module according to the present invention.

Advantages of the Invention

[0026] According to the present invention, effective control of heat events occurring inside the battery module is possible.

[0027] In particular, according to one aspect of the present invention, when a thermal event occurs in a specific battery cell, it is possible to efficiently prevent the thermal event from spreading to other battery cells.

[0028] Also, according to one embodiment of the present invention, inside the battery module, it is possible to control the direction of heat transfer.

[0029] Also, according to one aspect of the present invention, the heat generated from the battery cell can be cooled more smoothly.

[0030] In addition, the present invention can have various effects, which will be described in each embodiment, and the descriptions of effects that can be easily inferred by those skilled in the art will be omitted.

[0031] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate the preferred embodiments of the present invention and serve to further understand the technical idea of the present invention together with the detailed description of the invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be construed as being limited only to the matters described in the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0032]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0033] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Prior to this, the terms and words used in this specification and the claims are not to be construed as being limited to their ordinary and dictionary meanings, but are to be construed in accordance with the technical idea of the present invention in accordance with the principle that the inventor himself can appropriately define the concept of the terms in order to explain the invention in the best way.

[0034] Therefore, it should be understood that the configurations shown in the embodiments described in this specification are merely the most desirable embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention. Thus, there may be various equivalents and modifications that can replace them at the time of this application.

[0035] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A1 - A1' of FIG. 1.

[0036] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the battery module according to the present invention includes battery cells 100, a module case 200, and a heat dissipation member 300.

[0037] A plurality of the battery cells 100 may be included in the battery module. Each battery cell 100 may mean a secondary battery. The secondary battery may include an electrode assembly (including a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator), an electrolyte, and a battery case. The plurality of battery cells 100 may be electrically connected to each other. For example, the plurality of battery cells 100 may be electrically connected in series and / or in parallel to each other by a bus bar or the like.

[0038] The plurality of battery cells 100 may be included in the battery module in a stacked form with respect to each other. That is, it can be said that the battery cell 100 according to the present invention includes a cell stack (cell assembly) stacked in at least one direction. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the plurality of battery cells 100 may be arranged side by side in the left - right direction (Y - axis direction).

[0039] The module case 200 may be configured such that an empty space is formed inside thereof and a plurality of battery cells 100 are housed in such an internal space. For example, the module case 200 may include a main body frame 210 and an end frame 220. Here, the main body frame 210 includes an upper plate, a lower plate, a left side plate, and a right side plate to form a storage space, and a stack of battery cells 100 can be stored in such a storage space. Further, the end frame 220 may be configured to be coupled to the main body frame 210 and cover an open portion of the main body frame 210. More specifically, the main body frame 210 may be configured in a form with open front and rear sides, and the end frame 220 may be configured to be coupled to the front and rear open portions of the main body frame 210.

[0040] The heat dissipation member 300 may be interposed between at least some of the plurality of battery cells 100. That is, the heat dissipation member 300 may be configured to be interposed inside the cell stack housed in the module case 200, particularly between two adjacent battery cells 100. Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a plurality of the heat dissipation members 300 may be included in one battery module. At this time, the plurality of heat dissipation members 300 may be arranged at a predetermined distance from each other in the stacking direction of the battery cells 100 (the Y-axis direction in the drawing). Also, one or two or more battery cells 100 may be interposed between two adjacent heat dissipation members 300.

[0041] The heat dissipation member 300 may be configured such that at least a part thereof is in contact with the module case 200. In particular, at least one end of the heat dissipation member 300 may be in contact with the module case 200. For example, the heat dissipation member 300 may be configured such that the lower side end is in contact with the module case 200, like the portion indicated by B1 in FIG. 3. Alternatively, the heat dissipation member 300 may be configured such that the upper side end is in contact with the module case 200, like the portion indicated by B2 in FIG. 3.

[0042] The heat dissipation member 300 can be configured to transfer the heat generated from the plurality of battery cells 100 to the module case 200. That is, when heat is generated from a battery cell 100 among the plurality of battery cells 100, the heat dissipation member 300 can absorb the generated heat. Further, the heat dissipation member 300 can transfer the heat thus absorbed to the module case 200. In particular, the heat dissipation member 300 can transfer heat to the module case 200 through the portion in contact with the module case 200. Also, the heat thus transferred to the module case 200 can be discharged to the outside of the module case 200.

[0043] According to such an embodiment of the present invention, in a battery module including a plurality of battery cells 100 inside, when a heat event such as thermal runaway occurs in a specific battery cell 100, it is possible to prevent or reduce the propagation of such a heat event to other battery cells 100 inside the battery module. Further, according to the above embodiment, it is possible to prevent a thermal runaway propagation phenomenon or the like inside the battery module. Also, according to the above embodiment, the heat generated from the battery cell 100 can be smoothly and quickly discharged to the outside through the heat dissipation member 300 and the module case 200. Therefore, a battery module with excellent cooling performance can be provided.

[0044] Also, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the heat dissipation member 300 can also be provided outside the cell stack. That is, the heat dissipation member 300 can also be interposed between the outermost battery cell 100 of the cell stack and the module case 200. More specifically, referring to the configuration shown in FIG. 2, the heat dissipation member 300 can be provided on the left and right sides of a cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells 100 are stacked in the left - right direction (Y - axis direction).

[0045] According to such an embodiment, not only can the cooling performance of the battery module be further improved, but also the propagation of heat, flames, etc. to other components outside the battery module, such as other battery modules or control units like the BMS (Battery Management System), can be suppressed.

[0046] The module case 200 and / or the heat dissipation member 300 can include a material with high thermal conductivity so as to absorb and transfer the heat generated from the battery cell 100. In particular, the module case 200 and / or the heat dissipation member 300 can be made of a material that does not soften or melt even at a high temperature, for example, a temperature of 1000 °C or higher, or can be configured in a form including such a material. Typically, the module case 200 and / or the heat dissipation member 300 can include a metal material. As a more specific example, the module case 200 and / or the heat dissipation member 300 can be composed of SUS (stainless steel) or a composite material including the same. In the case of such a SUS material, the possibility of softening or melting due to high temperature is lower than that of metals such as aluminum. Therefore, in a situation such as thermal runaway, the problem that the structure of the module case 200 or the heat dissipation member 300 is damaged and the safety is reduced can be more effectively prevented. Additionally, the module case 200 and / or the heat dissipation member 300 can be made of or include other metal materials with high thermal conductivity that do not soften or melt at high temperatures.

[0047] According to such an embodiment of the present invention, the high-temperature durability of the module case 200 and the heat dissipation member 300 can be ensured. Therefore, even if a high-temperature situation occurs inside the battery module due to thermal runaway or the like, softening and melting of the heat dissipation member 300 or the module case 200 can be prevented. Thereby, structural damage to the heat dissipation member 300 or the module case 200 can be prevented, and the safety of the battery module can be further improved.

[0048] The heat dissipation member 300 may be configured such that at least one end thereof is inserted into the module case 200. This will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 4 and the like.

[0049] FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view schematically showing a partial configuration of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. For example, FIG. 4 can be said to be a modified example of the B1 portion in FIG. 3. On the other hand, although many various embodiments are described in this specification including the present embodiment, for the corresponding embodiment, detailed description will be omitted for parts where the description of other embodiments can be applied identically or similarly, and different parts for each embodiment will be mainly described.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 4, the lower end portion of the heat dissipation member 300 may be configured to be inserted into the module case 200. For this purpose, a lower insertion groove may be formed on the inner surface of the lower portion of the module case 200, such as the portion indicated by G1 in FIG. 4. Also, the lower end portion of the heat dissipation member 300 may be inserted into the lower insertion groove G1 of such a module case 200.

[0051] According to such an embodiment of the present invention, the fixing force of the heat dissipation member 300 can be improved inside the battery module. Therefore, even in a situation where vibration or impact is applied to the battery module, the insertion coupling configuration between the heat dissipation member 300 and the module case 200 can maintain the position of the heat dissipation member 300 stably. As a result, the flow of the battery cells 100 inside the battery module can be prevented, and the laminated state of the cell laminate can be maintained stably. Also, when a situation such as thermal runaway occurs and gas or the like may be generated from a specific battery cell 100, even if the pressure of the generated gas is applied to the heat dissipation member 300, it is possible to prevent the heat dissipation member 300 from moving.

[0052] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, the insertion configuration between the heat dissipation member 300 and the module case 200 can more effectively prevent the transmission of flames, gases, etc. between the spaces partitioned by the heat dissipation member 300. Also, according to the above embodiment, since the contact area between the heat dissipation member 300 and the module case 200 increases, the heat conduction performance from the heat dissipation member 300 to the module case 200 can be enhanced.

[0053] Also, the heat dissipation member 300 can be configured such that both of two end portions located on opposite sides thereof are inserted into the module case 200. This will be described more specifically with further reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0054] FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view schematically showing another partial configuration of the battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. For example, FIG. 5 can be said to be a modified example of the B2 portion in FIG. 3.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 5, the upper end portion of the heat dissipation member 300 can be inserted into the inside of the module case 200. In particular, on the upper inner surface of the module case 200, an upper insertion groove can exist, such as the portion indicated by G2. Also, the upper end portion of the heat dissipation member 300 can be inserted into the upper insertion groove G2 of the module case 200.

[0056] In particular, the configuration shown in FIG. 5 and the configuration shown in FIG. 4 can be included in one battery module. That is, the heat dissipation member 300 can be configured such that both of two end portions located on opposite sides thereof, i.e., the lower end portion and the upper end portion, are inserted into the module case 200.

[0057] According to such an embodiment of the present invention, the fixing force of the heat dissipation member 300 is further improved, and the position of the heat dissipation member 300 can be stably maintained even when an external impact, vibration, internal fire, gas, etc. occur. Further, thereby, a cell stack body including a plurality of battery cells 100 can stably maintain its position, interval, etc. constant. Further, according to the above embodiment, it is possible to prevent gas, flame, etc. from leaking into the gap between the heat dissipation member 300 and the inner surface of the module case 200, and it is possible to more reliably prevent heat, radio waves such as flame, etc. between the battery cells 100. Further, in the case of the above embodiment, the heat transfer performance can be further improved by increasing the contact area between the heat dissipation member 300 and the module case 200.

[0058] The module case 200 may be configured such that at least a part thereof is of a monoframe type. In particular, the module case 200 may include a main body frame 210 and an end frame 220, and the main body frame 210 may be configured in a monoframe type. In this case, the main body frame 210 includes an upper plate, a lower plate, a left side plate, and a right side plate, and the upper plate, the lower plate, the left side plate, and the right side plate can be manufactured in an integrated form. That is, the main body frame 210 can be formed in a hollow square tubular shape. Further, the front and rear of the main body frame 210 may be configured to be open.

[0059] In particular, in the case of the embodiment where the lower end portion and the upper end portion of the heat dissipation member 300 are inserted into the module case 200 as in the embodiments of FIGS. 3 to 5 above, the module case 200 can include a monoframe. Further, a lower insertion groove G1 and an upper insertion groove G2 are formed on the upper surface of the lower plate and the lower surface of the upper plate of the monoframe, respectively, and the lower end portion and the upper end portion of the heat dissipation member 300 can be inserted therein. In this case, the heat dissipation member 300 can be inserted into the inside of the monoframe in a sliding manner through the open portion in front of or behind the monoframe while being inserted into the lower insertion groove G1 and the upper insertion groove G2. According to such an embodiment of the present invention, the assembly process of inserting the heat dissipation member 300 into the inside of the module case 200 and further inserting the heat dissipation member 300 into the insertion groove of the module case 200 can be performed more smoothly. Further, according to the above embodiment, since the distance between the upper plate and the lower plate of the module case 200 is maintained constant, the position of the heat dissipation member 300 can be maintained more stably.

[0060] FIG. 6 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of the heat dissipation member 300 according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a view schematically showing a partial configuration of the battery module to which the heat dissipation member 300 of FIG. 6 is applied. In FIG. 7, for convenience of explanation, two battery cells 100 and one heat dissipation member 300 interposed therebetween are shown as the center.

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the heat dissipation member 300 can include a main body portion 310 and an extension portion 320. Here, the main body portion 310 can be configured in a plate shape. For example, the main body portion 310 can be configured in a plate shape standing in the vertical direction and interposed between two battery cells 100 arranged in the horizontal direction. Further, the extension portion 320 can be provided at at least one end of the main body portion 310 and can be configured to be thicker than the main body portion 310. For example, the extension portion 320 can be provided at the upper end and the lower end of the main body portion 310 and can be configured to extend in the horizontal direction, for example, in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction in the drawing) from the main body portion 310. That is, the extension portion 320 can be formed to have a greater thickness in the left-right direction than the main body portion 310.

[0062] In particular, in the heat radiating member 300, the plate-shaped main body portion 310 is interposed between the battery cells 100, and the extension portion 320 may be located at a portion outside the space between the battery cells 100. Further, the plurality of battery cells 100 may be pouch-type batteries. In the case of such a pouch-type battery, an electrode assembly and an electrolytic solution are housed in the central portion to form a housing portion C1, and a pouch exterior material can be reeled at the edge of the housing portion C1 to form a seal portion C2. At this time, the main body portion 310 of the heat radiating member 300 is interposed between the housing portions C1 of the pouch-type battery, and the extension portion 320 of the heat radiating member 300 may be located at a portion other than the housing portion C1 of the pouch-type battery, particularly between the seal portions C2 of the pouch-type battery. Since the space between the seal portions C2 of adjacent pouch-type batteries is formed wider than the space between the housing portions C1, the thick extension portion 320 can be located there.

[0063] Also, the extension portion 320 may be formed at a portion where the heat radiating member 300 contacts the module case 200. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the heat radiating member 300 can contact the module case 200 at the upper end portion and the lower end portion, and the extension portion 320 may be located at the upper end portion and the lower end portion of such a heat radiating member 300. In this case, it can be said that the extension portion 320 of the heat radiating member 300 contacts the module case 200.

[0064] According to such an embodiment of the present invention, the heat discharge performance can be improved by the heat radiating member 300 without expanding the space between the cell stacks. In particular, in the case of the above embodiment, the contact area between the heat radiating member 300 and the module case 200 can be increased by the extension portion 320. Therefore, the heat conduction performance from the heat radiating member 300 to the module case 200 can be improved. Also, according to the above embodiment, due to the increase in the contact area between the heat radiating member 300 and the module case 200, the form, position, and particularly the standing state of the heat radiating member 300 can be more stably maintained inside the module case 200.

[0065] Also, according to the above embodiment, the performance of suppressing heat and flame transfer between cells can be further improved. For example, when a pouch-type battery forms a laminate and is included in a battery module, high-temperature gas, flame, etc. discharged from the battery cell 100 can be located in the space between the seal portions C2, which is a relatively large space inside the module case 200. At this time, since the thickened extension portion 320 is located in the space between the seal portions C2, the space between the seal portions C2 between the cells can be more reliably partitioned. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively prevent heat, flame, etc. between cells from being transmitted through the space where the seal portion C2 is formed.

[0066] The extension portion 320 can be configured such that the battery cell 100 can be seated thereon. For example, referring to the configurations shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the heat dissipation member 300 can be formed with a seating part on the lower extension portion 320 so that the battery cell 100 can be seated thereon, like the portion indicated by M1. Further, since the battery cells 100 can be located on the left and right sides of the heat dissipation member 300 respectively, separate seating parts M1 can be formed on the left and right sides of the lower extension portion 320 of the heat dissipation member 300 respectively. Also, the left battery cell 100 and the right battery cell 100 can be seated on such seating parts M1 respectively.

[0067] In particular, as shown in FIG. 7, when the battery cell 100 is a pouch-type battery, the storage portion C1 of the pouch-type battery can be seated on the seating part M1 formed on the extension portion 320 of the heat dissipation member 300. That is, in the configuration of FIG. 7, the storage portion C1 of the left battery cell 100, particularly the lower right portion of the storage portion C1, can be seated on the left seating part M1 of the heat dissipation member 300. Also, in the configuration of FIG. 7, the storage portion C1 of the right battery cell 100, particularly the lower left portion of the storage portion C1, can be seated on the right seating part M1 of the heat dissipation member 300.

[0068] According to such an embodiment of the present invention, the mounting part M1 provided on the heat dissipation member 300 can stably maintain the stacked state of the battery cells 100. In particular, in the case of a pouch-type battery, due to its morphological characteristics, it may be difficult to stably maintain a configuration in which a plurality of them are stacked in the left-right direction in a vertically standing state. However, according to the above embodiment, since each pouch-type battery stably mounts on the mounting part M1 of the heat dissipation member 300 in a standing state, the horizontal stacked state of the pouch-type batteries can be stably maintained.

[0069] Moreover, according to the above embodiment, the contact area between the battery cell 100 and the heat dissipation member 300 can be increased. That is, in the above embodiment, not only does the battery cell 100 come into contact with the main body part 310 of the heat dissipation member 300, but the battery cell 100 may also come into contact with the extension part 320 of the heat dissipation member 300. For example, when the battery cell 100 is a pouch-type battery, the lower end of the storage part C1 of the pouch-type battery and the mounting part M1 of the heat dissipation member 300 can come into contact with each other. As a result, in this case, the heat transfer performance between the battery cell 100 and the heat dissipation member 300 is improved, and the cooling performance and thermal runaway prevention performance of the battery module can be further improved.

[0070] The battery module according to the present invention may further include a thermal resin. The thermal resin is a substance for improving the heat conduction efficiency between different members, and various heat transfer substances known at the time of filing the present invention can be included as the thermal resin of the present invention. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 7, the space between the battery cell 100 and the module case 200, such as the portions indicated by B3 and B4, may be filled with a thermal resin. In an embodiment of the present invention, the heat conduction performance of such a thermal resin can be further improved, and this will be described more specifically with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

[0071] FIG. 8 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of the heat radiating member 300 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Further, FIG. 9 is a view showing an enlarged part of a configuration in which the heat radiating member 300 of FIG. 8 is interposed between the battery cells 100. For example, FIG. 9 can be said to show a partial configuration of a cross section with respect to the line A2 - A2' in a state where the battery cells 100 are located on the left side and the right side of the heat radiating member 300 of FIG. 8, respectively.

[0072] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, an inflow groove can be formed in the extension portion 320 of the heat radiating member 300, like the portion indicated by D. Such an inflow groove D can be formed in a form that is recessed up to the portion where the seating part M1 is formed from the viewpoint of the extension portion 320. For example, the inflow groove D can be formed in the lower extension portion 320 of the heat radiating member 300 and have a shape that is recessed downward on the upper surface of the lower extension portion 320. Further, such an inflow groove D can be formed in a form that extends from the upper surface to the side surface of the lower extension portion 320 and is recessed. Although not shown, the inflow groove D can also be formed in the upper extension portion 320 of the heat radiating member 300.

[0073] According to such an embodiment of the present invention, the thermal conductivity performance of the thermal resin can be further improved. For example, in such an embodiment, the thermal resin filled between the battery cell 100 and the module case 200 can flow into the space between the battery cell 100 and the heat radiating member 300 through the inflow groove D, as indicated by the dotted arrow in FIG. 9. Therefore, the heat transfer performance between the battery cell 100 and the heat radiating member 300 can be further improved. In particular, during the manufacturing and assembly process of the battery module, the thermal resin can be filled in a fluid state such as gel or sol in the space between the battery cell 100 and the module case 200. At this time, the fluid thermal resin can easily penetrate into the space between the battery cell 100 and the heat radiating member 300 through the inflow groove D.

[0074] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing a partial configuration of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. For example, FIG. 10 can be said to be a modification of the embodiment of FIG. 7.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 10, the extension portion 320 of the heat dissipation member 300 can be configured to be inserted inside the module case 200. For this purpose, an insertion groove may be formed on the inner surface of the module case 200 in a shape corresponding to the shape of the extension portion 320. For example, as shown by G3 on the upper surface of the lower plate of the module case 200 in FIG. 10, an insertion groove formed to be recessed downward may be formed. Further, the lower extension portion 320 of the heat dissipation member 300 can be inserted into such an insertion groove G3. Also, as shown by G4 on the lower surface of the upper plate of the module case 200 in FIG. 10, an insertion groove formed to be recessed upward may be formed. Further, the upper extension portion 320 of the heat dissipation member 300 can be inserted into such an insertion groove G4.

[0076] According to such an embodiment of the present invention, the coupling force between the heat dissipation member 300 and the module case 200 can be improved by the fitting between the extension portion 320 and the insertion grooves G3 and G4. Therefore, even in situations such as external impact or generation of internal gas, the components inside the battery module can be stably maintained without being displaced or collapsed from their positions. Also, according to the above embodiment, the contact area between the heat dissipation member 300 and the module case 200 can be increased. Therefore, the heat conduction efficiency from the heat dissipation member 300 to the module case 200 can be enhanced. As a result, according to such an embodiment of the present invention, the cooling performance and the heat propagation prevention performance of the battery module can be further improved.

[0077] Further, the extension portion 320 of the heat dissipation member 300 can be configured such that the thickness becomes even thicker toward the end.

[0078] For example, referring to the configuration shown in FIG. 10, the lower extension portion 320 of the heat dissipation member 300 may be configured to have a portion that becomes thicker as it goes downward. Further, the upper extension portion 320 of the heat dissipation member 300 may be configured to have a portion that becomes thicker as it goes upward. Furthermore, the extension portion 320 of the heat dissipation member 300 may have a trapezoidal cross-section.

[0079] According to such an embodiment of the present invention, the contact area between the lower surface of the heat dissipation member 300 and the module case 200 can be increased, and the heat transfer performance and the bonding force between the heat dissipation member 300 and the module case 200 can be improved. Furthermore, when the cross-section is formed in a trapezoid as in the above embodiment, while providing a space where the battery cell 100 can be stably seated, it is also possible to make sufficient contact with the module case 200.

[0080] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 10, in the embodiment where the extension portion 320 of the heat dissipation member 300 is inserted into the module case 200, if the extension portion 320 is formed to be thicker toward the end, the bonding force between the heat dissipation member 300 and the module case 200 can be further improved. For example, in the configuration shown in FIG. 10, the lower extension portion 320 of the heat dissipation member 300 may be difficult to detach upward from the lower plate of the module case 200. Also, in the embodiment of FIG. 10, the upper extension portion 320 of the heat dissipation member 300 may be difficult to detach downward from the upper plate of the module case 200. Also, in the embodiment of FIG. 10, it is possible to suppress the heat dissipation member 300 from moving in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction).

[0081] As described in the above embodiment, two or more extension portions 320 can be formed at different ends of the main body portion 310. At this time, the two or more extension portions 320 may be made of different materials from each other.

[0082] For example, as in the embodiment of FIG. 10, the heat dissipation member 300 may be configured such that the extension portion 320 is provided at both the upper and lower portions of the main body portion 310. At this time, the upper extension portion 320 and the lower extension portion 320 may be made of different materials from each other.

[0083] In particular, the two extension parts 320 can be made of materials having different thermal conductivities from each other. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 10, the heat dissipation member 300 can be configured such that the upper extension part 320 and the lower extension part 320 have different thermal conductivities from each other. As a more specific example, in the embodiment of FIG. 10, the lower extension part 320 can be made of a material having a higher thermal conductivity than the upper extension part 320.

[0084] According to such an embodiment of the present invention, the path through which heat is transferred by the heat dissipation member 300 can be induced. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 10, when the thermal conductivity of the lower extension part 320 is higher than that of the upper extension part 320, the heat absorbed from the battery cell 100 by the main body part 310 can be induced to move to the lower extension part 320 side rather than the upper extension part 320. In particular, as will be described later, when a cooling member is located on the lower side of the module case 200, it is preferable to induce heat to the lower extension part 320 side.

[0085] Also, the two extension parts 320 different from each other can be made of materials having different melting points. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 10, the upper extension part 320 can be made of a material having a higher melting point than the lower extension part 320. At this time, the lower extension part 320 can be made of a material having a lower melting point than the upper extension part 320 but a higher thermal conductivity.

[0086] According to such an embodiment of the present invention, different functions can be partially given to the heat dissipation member 300. For example, as in the above embodiment, in the case of the upper extension part 320, by being made of a material having a high melting point, even if a flame or high temperature likely to occur upward inside the module case 200 is generated, the heat dissipation member 300 can be stably maintained without melting or breaking. Also, in the case of the lower extension part 320, by being made of a material having a high thermal conductivity, the heat absorbed from the battery cell 100 can be smoothly discharged to the lower side of the battery module through the heat dissipation member 300.

[0087] As another example, the upper extension portion 320 can be made of a polymer material with low thermal conductivity, and the lower extension portion 320 can be made of a metal material with high thermal conductivity. In this case, the heat absorbed by the main body portion 310 of the heat dissipation member 300 mainly goes downward, and the heat transfer upward can be suppressed as much as possible. Such an embodiment can be applied particularly when it is not preferable for heat to be applied to the upper side of the battery module. For example, when other components such as another battery module or a BMS are located above the battery module, or when a user such as a driver of an electric vehicle is located above, by blocking the heat transfer to the upper side of the battery module as in the above embodiment, the safety can be further improved.

[0088] FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the heat dissipation member 300 according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] Referring to FIG. 11, the extension portion 320 can be configured to be detachable from the main body portion 310. For example, the lower extension portion 320 provided in the heat dissipation member 300 can be configured to be separable or attachable from the lower end portion of the main body portion 310. Also, the upper extension portion 320 provided in the heat dissipation member 300 can be configured to be separable or attachable from the upper end portion of the main body portion 310.

[0090] According to such an embodiment of the present invention, the heat dissipation member 300 provided with the main body portion 310 and the extension portion 320 can be manufactured more easily. In particular, according to such an embodiment, as described above, a configuration in which different extension portions 320 are formed of different materials can be more easily realized. Further, according to the above embodiment, the main body portion 310 is used in common, and the extension portion 320 of an appropriate material and form can be used according to the internal or external structure and situation of the battery module. For example, for some battery modules, a material with high thermal conductivity can be applied to the lower extension portion 320, and for other battery modules, a material with high thermal conductivity can be applied to the upper extension portion 320. Alternatively, for other battery modules, a material with excellent flame resistance performance can also be applied to the upper extension portion 320. Thus, according to these embodiments of the present invention, the heat dissipation member 300 can be configured in various forms as required according to the situation.

[0091] Further, according to the above embodiment, the assemblability of the battery module can be further improved. For example, only the lower extension portion 320 is coupled to the main body portion 310, and the upper extension portion 320 is in a separated state. A plurality of battery cells 100 and heat dissipation members 300 are alternately stacked, and after the stacking is completed, the upper extension portion 320 can be coupled to the upper side of each heat dissipation member 300. In this case, it is possible to prevent the upper extension portion 320 from interfering with the stacking process of the battery cell 100 and the heat dissipation member 300.

[0092] In such an embodiment, the main body portion 310 and the extension portion 320 may be configured to be fittable. For example, referring to the embodiment of FIG. 11, fastening protrusions protruding in the left-right direction may be formed at the lower end and the upper end of the main body portion 310 as indicated by P1 and P2. Further, the lower extension portion 320 and the upper extension portion 320 may be formed with fastening grooves in a shape corresponding to the form of the fastening protrusions P1 and P2 as indicated by F1 and F2.

[0093] According to such an embodiment of the present invention, with the fitting configuration of the main body portion 310 and the extension portion 320, it is possible to prevent the extension portion 320 from being easily separated from the main body portion 310 when the extension portion 320 is coupled to the main body portion 310. In particular, according to the above-described embodiment, in order to separate the extension portion 320 from the main body portion 310, the extension portion 320 must be moved in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction), and it may be difficult to move and separate the extension portion 320 in the up-down direction (Z-axis direction) or the left-right direction (Y-axis direction). Thus, in this case, the detachable configuration of the main body portion 310 and the extension portion 320 can be more easily realized.

[0094] On the other hand, in the embodiment of FIG. 11, although both the upper extension portion 320 and the lower extension portion 320 are shown in a detachable form, some of them may be maintained in a fixed state or manufactured integrally, and only some of the others can be configured to be detachable. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 11, the lower extension portion 320 can be configured so as not to be separable in a form integrated with the main body portion 310, and the upper extension portion 320 can be configured to be detachable from the main body portion 310.

[0095] FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically showing a partial configuration of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0096] Referring to FIG. 12, the battery module according to the present invention may further include a cooling member 400. The cooling member 400 is located outside the module case 200 and may be configured to absorb heat transferred to the module case 200 and release the absorbed heat to the outside. In particular, the cooling member 400 may be configured such that a refrigerant such as cooling water flows inside, so that the heat of the module case 200 can be more easily absorbed and discharged to the outside of the module. Such a configuration of the cooling member 400 can adopt various forms of cooling configurations known at the time of filing of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited by such a specific form of the cooling member 400. For example, the cooling member 400 may be a heat sink.

[0097] At this time, the heat dissipation member 300 can include an extension portion 320 at an end of a portion where the cooling member 400 is located. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, when the cooling member 400 is located at the lower part of the module case 200, the extension portion 320 can be located at the lower end of the heat dissipation member 300. That is, the upper end of the heat dissipation member 300 may not include the extension portion 320.

[0098] According to such an embodiment of the present invention, the heat absorbed by the main body portion 310 can be smoothly transferred to the side where the cooling member 400 is located via the extension portion 320. Therefore, the heat transfer to the cooling member 400 through the heat dissipation member 300 and the module case 200 can be quickly performed in the shortest possible path. Therefore, the cooling performance and the heat propagation suppression performance of the battery module can be further improved.

[0099] On the other hand, when the cooling member 400 is provided on one side of the battery module in this way, the various embodiments described above, particularly the embodiments described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 11, can also be applied. For example, with respect to the embodiment of FIG. 12, a heat dissipation member 300 as shown in FIG. 10 or FIG. 11 is applied, and the lower extension portion 320 can be made of a material having a higher thermal conductivity than the upper extension portion 320.

[0100] Also, as in the above embodiment, when the cooling member 400 is located on one side of the module case 200, a heat conductive substance such as TIM (Thermal Interface Material) can be interposed between the cooling member 400 and the module case 200, as shown by the portion indicated by I in FIG. 12.

[0101] FIG. 13 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a heat dissipation member 300 according to still another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 14 is a view schematically showing a partial configuration of a battery module to which the heat dissipation member 300 of FIG. 13 is applied.

[0102] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, unevenness may be formed on the outer surface of the extension portion 320 of the heat dissipation member 300 that contacts the module case 200. Here, the unevenness can show a shape in which concave portions and convex portions are repeatedly arranged. Considering more specifically, the upper extension portion 320 of the heat dissipation member 300 may have first unevenness formed on the upper surface like the portion indicated by J1. Also, the lower extension portion 320 of the heat dissipation member 300 may have first unevenness formed on the lower surface like the portion indicated by J1'. Such first unevenness of the heat dissipation member 300 may be configured to have a shape in which concave portions and convex portions are repeatedly arranged in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) in which a plurality of battery cells 100 are stacked.

[0103] Also, unevenness may be formed on the module case 200 at the portion that contacts the extension portion 320 of such a heat dissipation member 300. That is, like the portion indicated by J2 in FIG. 14, on the upper inner surface of the module case 200, at the portion that contacts the upper extension portion 320 of the heat dissipation member 300, second unevenness may be formed in a shape corresponding to the first unevenness J1 of the heat dissipation member 300. Also, like the portion indicated by J2' in FIG. 14, on the lower inner surface of the module case 200, at the portion that contacts the lower extension portion 320 of the heat dissipation member 300, second unevenness may be formed at a position and in a shape corresponding to the first unevenness J1' of the heat dissipation member 300. Further, as described in the embodiment of FIG. 10 above, insertion grooves G3 and G4 may be formed in the module case 200 so that the extension portion 320 is inserted. At this time, the second unevenness J2 and J2' may be formed on the inner surfaces of the insertion grooves G3 and G4.

[0104] In the above embodiment, the unevenness J1 and J1' of the extension portion 320 and the unevenness J2 and J2' of the module case 200 can have a form that meshes with each other. In particular, the first unevenness J1 and J1' of the extension portion 320 and the second unevenness J2 and J2' of the module case 200 can be configured such that the convex portions and the concave portions fit together and the surfaces of the convex portions and the concave portions contact each other.

[0105] According to such an embodiment of the present invention, the heat transfer performance between the heat dissipation member 300 and the module case 200 can be further improved. In particular, in the above embodiment, the contact area between the extension portion 320 of the heat dissipation member 300 and the module case 200 can be enlarged. Therefore, more heat can be transferred through the contact portion. As a result, in this case, the cooling performance by the heat dissipation member 300 can be further improved.

[0106] Also, according to the above embodiment, the coupling property between the heat dissipation member 300 and the module case 200 can be improved by the concavo-convex coupling between the heat dissipation member 300 and the module case 200. For example, according to the above embodiment, the coupling between the concavities and convexities can suppress the heat dissipation member 300 from moving in the left-right direction inside the module case 200. In particular, even when vibration or impact is applied to the battery module, since the horizontal movement of the heat dissipation member 300 is suppressed, the laminated state of the plurality of battery cells 100 and the heat dissipation member 300 can be maintained more stably. Also, in this case, even when swelling occurs in the battery cell 100, the swelling can be controlled by fixing the heat dissipation member 300. Also, in this case, the standing state with respect to the plurality of battery cells 100 can be maintained more stably.

[0107] FIG. 15 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of the heat dissipation member 300 according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

[0108] Referring to FIG. 15, the extension portion 320 of the heat dissipation member 300 can be provided with extension protrusions on the outer surface, like the portion indicated by K. Such extension protrusions K can be configured to protrude outward in the outer direction on the outer surface of the extension portion 320. For example, in the case of the upper extension portion 320, the extension protrusions K can be provided in a shape that further protrudes in the upper direction on the upper surface. Also, although not shown in FIG. 15, the lower extension portion 320 can also be provided with extension protrusions K in a shape that further protrudes in the lower direction on the lower surface. Such extension protrusions K can be provided as one form of the concavo-convex configurations J1, J1', J2, J2' described in the embodiments of FIGS. 13 and 14 above.

[0109] The extension protrusion K has a shape that bulges in the vertical direction in the process of extending in the left - right direction, which is the stacking direction of the battery cell 100, like the uneven configurations J1, J1', J2, J2' described above, and can be formed in a shape that extends long in the front - rear direction. Further, in the module case 200, an extension groove can be formed in a shape corresponding to the extension protrusion K so that such an extension protrusion K can be inserted.

[0110] In particular, the extension protrusion K in FIG. 15 and the uneven configurations J1, J1', J2, J2' in FIGS. 13 and 14 can be configured to have an unformed portion in the front - rear direction in the extension portion 320 of the heat - radiating member 300. For example, referring to the embodiment of FIG. 15, the extension protrusion K can have a portion where the extension protrusion K does not protrude, like the portions indicated by A3 and A3' on the upper - side surface of the extension portion 320.

[0111] According to such an embodiment of the present invention, not only can the coupling property between the heat - radiating member 300 and the module case 200 be further improved by the extension protrusion K, but also the contact area between them increases, and the cooling performance can be improved. In particular, according to the above - mentioned embodiment, not only the left - right movement of the heat - radiating member 300 inside the module case 200 but also the front - rear movement of the heat - radiating member 300 can be suppressed. That is, in the case of the above - mentioned embodiment, the movement of the heat - radiating member 300 can be controlled in all horizontal directions.

[0112] FIG. 16 is a cross - sectional view schematically showing a partial configuration of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. For example, FIG. 16 can be said to be a modification of the configuration of FIG. 12.

[0113] Referring to FIG. 16, a plurality of the heat dissipation members 300 may be included along the stacking direction of the plurality of battery cells 100. At this time, the plurality of heat dissipation members 300 may be arranged at a predetermined distance from each other along the stacking direction of the battery cells 100. In particular, at least two or more of the plurality of heat dissipation members 300 may be configured in different forms from each other. For example, in FIG. 16, four heat dissipation members 300 (N1 to N4) are arranged at intervals in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction).

[0114] Here, for the four heat dissipation members 300 shown in the embodiment of FIG. 16, the heat dissipation member 300 located on the leftmost side is defined as the first member N1, and the heat dissipation members 300 located in order toward the right side, which is the inner direction, are defined as the second to fourth members N2 to N4. At this time, it can be said that the fourth member N4 is the one located most inward in the stacking direction of the battery cells 100 among the four heat dissipation members 300.

[0115] In particular, at least a part of the four heat dissipation members 300 may have different structures from each other. For example, the first member N1 and the second member N2 may be configured in a different form from the third member N3 and the fourth member N4. More specifically, the first member N1 and the second member N2 can be in contact with and coupled to the module case 200 with a structure different from that of the third member N3 and the fourth member N4.

[0116] Furthermore, the plurality of heat dissipation members 300 arranged horizontally in one battery module may be configured such that the heat dissipation members 300 arranged inside have better heat transfer performance than the heat dissipation members 300 arranged outside. For example, referring to the embodiment shown in FIG. 16, the third member N3 and the fourth member N4 located inside are provided with extension portions 320 at both upper and lower ends, and an uneven structure may be formed at the ends of the extension portions 320, like the portions indicated by Q3 and Q4. On the other hand, for the first member N1 and the second member N2, there may be no separate uneven structure or extension portion 320 formed, like the portions indicated by Q1 and Q2.

[0117] In this case, in the case of the third member N3 and the fourth member N4 which are the heat dissipation members 300 located inside, compared with the first member N1 and the second member N2 which are the heat dissipation members 300 located relatively outside, the contact area with the module case 200 can be increased. Therefore, the heat transfer amount and speed of the heat dissipation member 300 located inside can be increased compared with the heat dissipation member 300 located outside. Usually, among the plurality of battery cells 100 stacked in the cell assembly, the temperature on the inner battery cell 100 side may be higher than the temperature on the outer battery cell 100 side. According to the above embodiment, the heat transfer efficiency of the heat dissipation member 300 arranged adjacent to the inner battery cell 100 is improved, and the cooling performance of the inner battery cell 100 can be further ensured. Thereby, it can be advantageous for temperature balancing between the inner and outer battery cells 100 by preventing the inner battery cell 100 from becoming excessively high in temperature compared with the outer battery cell 100.

[0118] Also, the heat dissipation member 300 arranged outside can be configured to be further suppressed in horizontal movement compared with the heat dissipation member 300 arranged inside. In other words, the outer heat dissipation member 300 can be configured not to move easily in the horizontal direction compared with the inner heat dissipation member 300. Such suppression of movement can be achieved by an insertion configuration or a frictional force increasing configuration between the heat dissipation member 300 and the module case 200.

[0119] For example, the first member N1 and the second member N2 located relatively outside can have their ends inserted and joined to the inner surface of the module case 200 like the portions indicated by Q1 and Q2. On the other hand, the third member N3 and the fourth member N4 located relatively inside can be configured such that their ends do not insert into the inner surface of the module case 200 like the portions indicated by Q3 and Q4.

[0120] According to such an embodiment, when swelling of the battery cell 100 occurs in the cell assembly, while allowing a certain degree of movement with respect to the heat dissipation member 300 located inside, it can be configured such that movement is relatively difficult with respect to the heat dissipation member 300 located outside. In this case, with respect to the inner heat dissipation member 300, the swelling of the battery cell 100 can be well absorbed, while with respect to the outer heat dissipation member 300, the movement of the battery cell 100 can be suppressed to prevent damage and breakage of the outermost battery cell 100.

[0121] In particular, the cell assembly can be fixed by a thermal resin or the like at the lower end or the like. When swelling occurs in the cell assembly, the battery cell 100 arranged on the outermost periphery moves the most, and there is a high possibility that cracks and tearing phenomena of the pouch exterior material occur frequently. However, according to the above embodiment, while allowing a certain degree of movement of the inner battery cell 100, the movement of the outermost battery cell 100 is suppressed as much as possible, so that swelling can be controlled and damage to the battery cell 100 can be effectively prevented.

[0122] The battery pack according to the present invention can include one or more of the battery modules according to the present invention described above. Further, the battery pack according to the present invention can further include various other components in addition to such a battery module, for example, components of a battery pack known at the time of filing of the present invention such as a BMS, a bus bar, a pack case, a relay, a current sensor, and the like. Further, in the battery pack according to the present invention, the aforementioned module case 200 can serve as a pack case. In this case, components of a battery pack such as a BMS, a bus bar, and a relay can be included inside the module case 200. In this case, it is also referred to as cell to pack in that the battery cell 100 is directly housed in the pack case.

[0123] The battery module according to the present invention can be applied to automobiles such as electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles. That is, an automobile according to the present invention can include the battery module according to the present invention or the battery pack according to the present invention. Further, an automobile according to the present invention can further include various other components included in the automobile in addition to such a battery module and battery pack. For example, an automobile according to the present invention can further include a vehicle body, a motor, a control device such as an ECU (electronic control unit), etc. in addition to the battery module according to the present invention.

[0124] Note that in this specification, terms indicating directions such as up and down, left and right, front and back, etc. are used, but these terms are for convenience of explanation, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art of the present invention that they can vary depending on the position of the object to be targeted and the position of the observer, etc.

[0125] As described above, the present invention has been described based on the limited embodiments and drawings, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and it goes without saying that various changes and modifications can be made by those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims described later.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0126] 100: Battery cell C1: Storage part, C2: Seal part 200: Module case 210: Main body frame 220: End frame 300: Heat dissipation member 310: Main body part 320: Extension part 400: Cooling member

Claims

1. A plurality of battery cells stacked in at least one direction, A module case that houses the plurality of battery cells in an internal space, A heat dissipation member interposed between at least some of the plurality of battery cells, wherein at least a part of the heat dissipation member is in contact with the module case and is configured to transfer heat generated from the plurality of battery cells to the module case, comprising, The heat dissipation member includes a main body portion configured in a plate shape and an extension portion provided at at least one end of the main body portion, the extension portion being thicker than the main body portion, The extension portion is configured such that the battery cell can be seated thereon, a battery module.

2. The heat dissipation member is configured such that at least one end thereof is inserted into the module case, the battery module according to claim 1.

3. The heat dissipation member is configured such that both of two ends located on opposite sides thereof are inserted into the module case, the battery module according to claim 2.

4. The extension portion is configured such that at least a part thereof is inserted into the interior of the module case, the battery module according to claim 1.

5. A plurality of battery cells stacked in at least one direction, A module case that houses the plurality of battery cells in an internal space, A heat dissipation member interposed between at least some of the plurality of battery cells, wherein at least a part of the heat dissipation member is in contact with the module case and is configured to transfer heat generated from the plurality of battery cells to the module case, comprising, The heat radiating member is a main body portion configured in a plate shape and an extension portion provided at at least one end portion of the main body portion, the extension portion being thicker than the main body portion. The extension portion is formed such that at least a part thereof becomes thicker toward the end portion, and a battery module characterized by this.

6. A plurality of battery cells laminated in at least one direction, A module case that houses the plurality of battery cells in an internal space, A heat radiating member interposed between at least some of the plurality of battery cells, at least a part of the heat radiating member being in contact with the module case and configured to transfer heat generated from the plurality of battery cells to the module case. Including, The heat radiating member is a main body portion configured in a plate shape and an extension portion provided at at least one end portion of the main body portion, the extension portion being thicker than the main body portion. Two or more extension portions are formed at different end portions of the main body portion, The two or more extension portions are made of different materials from each other, and a battery module characterized by this.

7. A plurality of battery cells laminated in at least one direction, A module case that houses the plurality of battery cells in an internal space, A heat radiating member interposed between at least some of the plurality of battery cells, at least a part of the heat radiating member being in contact with the module case and configured to transfer heat generated from the plurality of battery cells to the module case. Including, The heat radiating member is a main body portion configured in a plate shape and an extension portion provided at at least one end portion of the main body portion, the extension portion being thicker than the main body portion. The extension portion is configured to be detachable from the main body portion, and a battery module characterized by this.

8. Further comprising a cooling member located outside the module case and configured to absorb heat transmitted to the module case and release it to the outside. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the heat radiating member includes the extension portion at an end of a portion where the cooling member is located.

9. A plurality of battery cells laminated in at least one direction, A module case for housing the plurality of battery cells in an internal space, A heat radiating member interposed between at least some of the plurality of battery cells, at least a part of the heat radiating member being in contact with the module case and configured to transmit heat generated from the plurality of battery cells to the module case. including The heat radiating member includes a main body portion configured in a plate shape and an extension portion provided at at least one end of the main body portion, the extension portion being thicker than the main body portion. The battery module, wherein the extension portion has unevenness formed on a surface in contact with the module case.

10. A plurality of the heat radiating members are included along the stacking direction of the plurality of battery cells. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein at least two or more of the plurality of heat radiating members are configured in different forms.

11. A battery pack including the battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. An automobile including the battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

Images