Battery module and battery pack including said battery module

Abstract

A battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of battery cell groups, each including at least one battery cell, stacked in one direction; and a heat sink for cooling the battery cell groups. The battery cell includes an electrode lead protruding in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the battery cell groups are stacked. The heat sink includes a cooling tube interposed between the battery cell groups and a manifold located in a direction in which the electrode lead protrudes based on the battery cell, connected along the direction in which the battery cell groups are stacked, and connecting the cooling tube. A flow path is formed inside the cooling tube and the manifold so that a refrigerant flows along the inside of the cooling tube and the manifold, and the cooling tube contacts one side of the battery cell group.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] [CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0106189 filed on August 24, 2022, and all contents disclosed in the documents of this Korean patent application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery module and a battery pack including the battery module, and more particularly to a battery module capable of direct cooling and having improved cooling performance, and a battery pack including the battery module. [Background technology]

[0003] In modern society, the use of portable devices such as mobile phones, laptops, video cameras, and digital cameras has become commonplace, leading to active development of technologies related to these mobile devices. Furthermore, rechargeable secondary batteries are being used as power sources for electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (P-HEVs) as a solution to air pollution caused by existing gasoline-powered vehicles that use fossil fuels, and the need for development of secondary batteries is increasing.

[0004] Generally, lithium secondary batteries can be classified into can-type secondary batteries, in which an electrode assembly is housed in a metal can, and pouch-type secondary batteries, in which an electrode assembly is housed in an aluminum laminate sheet pouch, depending on the shape of the exterior material.

[0005] While secondary batteries used in small devices typically have two or three battery cells, secondary batteries used in medium- to large-sized devices such as automobiles typically use battery modules in which multiple battery cells are electrically connected. These battery modules improve capacity and output by connecting multiple battery cells in series or parallel to form a battery cell stack. One or more battery modules can also be installed with various control and protection systems, such as a battery disconnect unit (BDU), battery management system (BMS), and cooling system, to form a battery pack.

[0006] If a secondary battery's temperature rises above its optimum level, its performance may deteriorate and, in severe cases, it may explode or catch fire. In particular, in a battery module or battery pack including multiple secondary batteries, i.e., multiple battery cells, the heat generated from the multiple battery cells may be added together in a small space, causing the temperature to rise more quickly and violently. That is, a battery module with multiple stacked battery cells and a battery pack equipped with such a battery module can obtain high output, but it is difficult to remove the heat generated from the battery cells during charging and discharging. If the battery cells do not properly dissipate heat, the battery cells will deteriorate more quickly, their lifespan will be shortened, and the risk of explosion or fire will increase.

[0007] Furthermore, battery modules included in vehicle battery packs are frequently exposed to direct sunlight and may be placed in high-temperature conditions, such as in summer or desert regions. Therefore, ensuring stable and effective cooling performance is very important when constructing battery modules and battery packs. Cooling methods for battery modules and battery packs can be broadly divided into water-cooling methods that use refrigerants such as coolant water, and air-cooling methods that use cooling air. Of these, water-cooling methods have excellent cooling performance and can effectively cool the high heat generated by large-capacity battery modules and battery packs.

[0008] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional battery module, and Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A' in Fig. 1. However, for ease of explanation, Fig. 2 additionally shows a heat sink 30 disposed below the battery module 10.

[0009] 1 and 2, a conventional battery module 10 includes a battery cell stack 12 in which a plurality of battery cells 11 are stacked, and a module frame 20 that houses the battery cell stack 12. In this case, the battery cells 11 are pouch-type battery cells, and the pouch-type battery cells have a rectangular sheet structure.

[0010] Because a large number of battery cells 11 are stacked, the battery module 10 generates a large amount of heat during charging and discharging. The battery module 10 including the pouch-type battery cells is cooled by indirectly or directly contacting the edges of the battery cells 11 with a heat sink 60 having a predetermined position and a predetermined size.

[0011] Specifically, the battery module 10 may include a thermal resin layer 40 positioned between the battery cell stack 12 and the bottom of the module frame 20. Furthermore, when the battery module 10 is mounted on a pack frame to form a battery pack, a heat transfer member 50 and a heat sink 30 may be positioned in this order below the battery module 10. The heat transfer member 50 may be a heat dissipation pad, and the heat sink 30 may have a cooling channel 31 formed therein through which a refrigerant such as coolant flows. The edges of the battery cells 11 stacked in one direction contact the thermal resin layer 40, and heat generated from the battery cells 11 is dissipated to the outside of the battery module 10 via the thermal resin layer 40, the bottom of the module frame 20, the heat transfer member 50, and the heat sink 30 in this order. That is, conventional battery modules 10 employ a water-cooled structure that dissipates heat through the edges of the battery cells 11.

[0012] Although this water-cooled structure utilizing the edge portion of the battery cell 11 has a relatively simple structure, it has a reduced cooling performance. Also, if the battery cell 11 expands significantly, there is a risk of cracks occurring in the pouch case of the battery cell 11. More specifically, during repeated charge / discharge or initial charge, the internal electrolyte of the battery cell 110 may decompose, generating gas and causing the battery cell 110 to expand, i.e., a swelling phenomenon or breathing phenomenon may occur.

[0013] As the capacity of battery cells increases, the degree of expansion also increases significantly, and the number of battery cells applied to a battery module also tends to gradually increase, so controlling the expansion of battery cells inside a battery module has become an important issue.

[0014] 2 again, the thermal resin layer 40 generally has adhesive properties to secure the battery cells 11, so when the battery cells 11 expand in a direction parallel to the y-axis, high stress is generated at the edges of the battery cells 11, which may lead to cracks in the pouch cases of the battery cells 11. In particular, the battery cells 11 located on the outer side of the battery cell stack 12 are subject to greater stress due to expansion, and are therefore at greater risk of cracking.

[0015] In the future, to realize high-capacity battery modules and battery packs, pure silicon cells, all-solid-state batteries, and high-SiO2 content cells can be applied as pouch battery cells. These battery cells have a larger degree of expansion.

[0016] If a conventional water-cooling method using the edge portions is applied to a battery module including battery cells with such a high degree of expansion, there is a high risk of cracks occurring in the battery cells, and excessive stress may be applied, which may compromise the structural safety of the battery module.

[0017] Therefore, there is a need for a battery module with a novel cooling structure that can minimize structural damage to battery cells even when the battery module includes battery cells that exhibit high expansion characteristics. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0018] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a battery module that allows direct cooling of each of the battery cells and the bus bars that connect the electrode leads of the battery cells, and a battery pack that includes the battery module.

[0019] However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and can be variously expanded within the scope of the technical ideas included in the present invention. [Means for solving the problem]

[0020] A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of battery cell groups, each including at least one battery cell, stacked in one direction; and a heat sink for cooling the battery cell groups. The battery cells include electrode leads protruding in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction of the battery cell groups. The heat sink includes cooling tubes interposed between the battery cell groups and a manifold located in the direction in which the electrode leads protrude relative to the battery cells, extending in the stacking direction of the battery cell groups, and connecting the cooling tubes. Flow paths are formed inside the cooling tubes and the manifold so that a refrigerant can flow along the insides of the cooling tubes and the manifold, and the cooling tubes contact one side of the battery cell groups.

[0021] The battery module may further include a bus bar connected to the electrode lead, and an insulating member may be disposed between the bus bar and the manifold, wherein one surface of the insulating member may contact the bus bar and the other surface of the insulating member may contact the manifold.

[0022] The battery module may further include an insulating frame positioned in a direction in which the electrode leads protrude from the battery cells, and the bus bars may be attached to the insulating frame.

[0023] The bus bar may be attached to a surface of the insulation frame opposite to a surface facing the battery cell group, and the electrode leads may pass through lead slits formed in the insulation frame and then be bent to be connected to the bus bar.

[0024] An opening may be formed in the insulating frame, and the bus bar may be exposed to the manifold through the opening.

[0025] The bus bar may extend from one side of the insulating frame and be exposed toward the manifold.

[0026] The insulating member may be an insulating tape having electrical insulating properties and adhesive properties.

[0027] The battery module may further include a bus bar connected to the electrode lead, and the bus bar may be in direct contact with the manifold.

[0028] The cooling tube may be in the form of a rectangular sheet, and the cooling tube may cover the entire one surface of the battery cell group and contact the one surface of the battery cell group.

[0029] The manifold may be cylindrical.

[0030] The battery cell group may have at least one battery cell wrapped in a wrapping member.

[0031] The wrapping member may have electrical insulating properties.

[0032] The battery cell group may have a configuration in which two or more of the battery cells are wrapped in a wrapping member, and a compression pad may be interposed between at least one of the two or more battery cells.

[0033] The manifold may include a first manifold located on one side of the cooling tube and a second manifold located on the other side of the cooling tube, and a refrigerant circulation structure may be formed among the first manifold, the cooling tube, and the second manifold.

[0034] An inlet through which the refrigerant flows may be connected to a first portion of the first manifold, and an outlet through which the refrigerant is discharged may be connected to a second portion of the first manifold, and the first portion and the second portion may be separated by a separating member. The refrigerant may flow sequentially through the first portion, the cooling tube connected to the first portion, the second manifold, the cooling tube connected to the second portion, and the second portion.

[0035] An inlet through which the refrigerant flows may be connected to the first manifold, and an outlet through which the refrigerant is discharged may be connected to the second manifold. The refrigerant may flow sequentially through the first manifold, the cooling tube, and the second manifold.

[0036] A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the battery modules, a pack frame in which the battery modules are housed, and vertical beams disposed on the bottom of the pack frame so as to be perpendicular to a bottom surface of the pack frame, with the battery modules disposed between the vertical beams.

[0037] An adhesive member may be positioned between the battery module and the bottom of the pack frame.

[0038] The battery pack may further include an upper bracket positioned on an upper portion of the battery module, extending in a direction in which the battery cell groups are stacked, and fastened to the vertical beam.

[0039] The battery module may further include a module frame that houses the battery cell group and the heat sink, and the module frame may have a protruding module mounting portion that may be fastened to the vertical beam. [Effects of the Invention]

[0040] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the heat sink includes cooling tubes positioned between the battery cells, which allows the battery cells to be surface-cooled instead of the existing edge-cooling structure, thereby providing the battery module with increased cooling performance.

[0041] Furthermore, the electrode lead portion of the battery cell is the portion of the battery cell that generates the most heat, but by configuring the bus bar connecting the electrode leads of the battery cell to come into contact with the heat sink via an insulating member, the cooling performance of the battery module can be further improved.

[0042] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0043] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional battery module. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section taken along the line AA' in FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the bus bar assembly separated from the battery module of FIG. 3. [Figure 5]4 is a perspective view of the battery module of FIG. 3 with the bus bar assembly removed, showing only the battery cell group and the heat sink. [Figure 6] 4 is a perspective view showing a battery cell group included in the battery module of FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 7] 7 is a perspective view of the battery cell group of FIG. 6 with the wrapping material removed, showing only the battery cells and compression pads. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a plan view showing one of the battery cells shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a heat sink included in the battery module of FIGS. 3 and 4. [Figure 10] 10 is a plan view showing the heat sink of FIG. 9 as viewed along the −z-axis direction on the xy plane. [Figure 11] 4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a part of a cross section taken along the line BB' in FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 12] 4 is a perspective view showing an insulating frame included in the battery module of FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 13] 4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a part of a cross section taken along the cutting line CC' in FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an insulating frame and a bus bar according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a heat sink according to another embodiment of the present invention as viewed along the −z-axis direction on the xy plane. [Figure 16] 1 is a front view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 17] 1 is a plan view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0044] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can easily implement various embodiments of the present invention. The present invention can be embodied in several different forms and is not limited to the examples described herein.

[0045] In order to clearly describe the present invention, parts that are not relevant to the description will be omitted and the same reference numerals will be used throughout the specification to refer to the same or similar components.

[0046] In addition, the size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily shown for the convenience of explanation, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to those shown in the drawings. In the drawings, thicknesses are exaggerated to clearly show multiple layers and regions. In the drawings, thicknesses of some layers and regions are exaggerated for the convenience of explanation.

[0047] Furthermore, when a layer, film, region, plate, or other part is said to be "on" or "above" another part, this includes not only the case where it is "directly above" that other part, but also the case where there is another part in between. Conversely, when a part is said to be "directly above" another part, it means that there is no other part in the middle. Furthermore, being "on" or "above" a reference part means being located above or below the reference part, and does not necessarily mean being located "above" or "above" the direction opposite to gravity.

[0048] Furthermore, throughout the specification, when a part "comprises" a certain element, it does not mean that it excludes other elements, but that it may further include other elements, unless otherwise specified.

[0049] Also, throughout the specification, "on a plane" means when the target part is viewed from above, and "on a cross section" means when the target part is cut vertically and viewed from the side.

[0050] Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing a battery module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the bus bar assembly 400 separated from the battery module 100 of Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing only the battery cell group 200 and the heat sink 300 from which the bus bar assembly 400 has been removed.

[0051] 3 to 5, a battery module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of battery cell groups 200 stacked in one direction; and a heat sink 300 for cooling the battery cell groups 200.

[0052] The battery cell group 200 includes at least one battery cell, and the battery cell includes electrode leads 111, 112 protruding in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction of the battery cell group 200. Figures 3 to 5 show that the battery cell group 200 is stacked in a direction parallel to the y-axis, and the electrode leads 111, 112 of the battery cell protrude in both the x-axis direction and the -x-axis direction. The battery cell group 200 will be described in more detail below with reference to Figures 6 to 8.

[0053] The heat sink 300 includes cooling tubes 310 and a manifold 320 interposed between the battery cell groups 200. The manifolds 320 are positioned in the direction in which the electrode leads 111, 112 protrude from the battery cells, and are connected in the stacking direction of the battery cell groups 200 to connect the cooling tubes 310. Flow paths are formed inside the cooling tubes 310 and the manifold 320 so that a refrigerant flows along the inside of the cooling tubes 310 and the manifold 320. The refrigerant may be cooling water, for example. The battery module 100 according to this embodiment may have a water-cooling type cooling structure.

[0054] In addition, the cooling tubes 310 interposed between the battery cell groups 200 contact one side of the battery cell groups 200. The cooling tubes 310 may be rectangular sheet-shaped, and such cooling tubes 310 may cover the entire one side of the battery cell groups 200 and contact the one side of the battery cell groups 200. That is, unlike the battery module 10 based on the conventional edge-cooling structure described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the battery module 100 according to this embodiment has a surface-cooling structure in which the cooling tubes 310 through which the refrigerant flows directly contact one side of the battery cell groups 200. The surface-cooling structure significantly improves cooling performance because the cooling surface is relatively wider. Furthermore, unlike the battery module 10 based on the conventional edge-cooling structure, the battery cells are not bonded or fixed to the thermal resin layer 40. Therefore, even if the battery cells expand, high stress is not generated at the edge portions of the battery cells. That is, cracks in the battery cell pouch cases can be prevented, thereby improving the structural safety of the battery module 100.

[0055] Hereinafter, the battery cell group 200 according to this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0056] Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing a battery cell group 200 included in the battery module 100 of Fig. 3. Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing only the battery cells 110 and compression pads 220 from the battery cell group 200 of Fig. 6, with the wrapping member 210 removed. Fig. 8 is a plan view showing one of the battery cells 110 shown in Fig. 7.

[0057] 6 to 8 together with Fig. 5, the battery cell group 200 includes at least one battery cell 110. That is, one battery cell 110 can constitute one battery cell group 200, or a plurality of battery cells 110 can constitute one battery cell group 200. Figs. 6 and 7 show, as an example, two battery cells 110 coming together to constitute one battery cell group 200.

[0058] The battery cell group 200 in the present invention may be a unit that divides a group of battery cells 110 arranged between cooling tubes 310. At least one battery cell 110 forms a battery cell group 200, and such battery cell groups 200 are stacked in one direction to form a battery cell stack.

[0059] The battery cell 110 according to this embodiment may be a pouch-type battery cell. Such a pouch-type battery cell may be formed by housing an electrode assembly in a laminated sheet-in-pouch case including a resin layer and a metal layer, and then bonding the outer periphery of the pouch case. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the battery cell 110 may have a rectangular sheet shape. Specifically, the battery cell 110 according to this embodiment has a structure in which two electrode leads 111 and 112 face each other and protrude from one end 114a and the other end 114b of a battery body 113, respectively. The battery cell 110 may be manufactured by housing an electrode assembly (not shown) in a battery case 114 and then bonding one end 114a and the other end 114b of the battery case 114 to one side surface 114c connecting them. That is, the battery cell 110 according to one embodiment of the present invention has a total of three sealing portions, and the sealing portions are structured to be sealed by a method such as fusion, and the remaining other side portion 114d may be formed by the folded portion of the battery case 114.

[0060] These battery cells 110 form the battery cell group 200, and the battery cell groups 200 are stacked upright in one direction to form a battery cell stack. The stacking direction is perpendicular to one surface of the battery body 113 of the battery cell 110, which corresponds to a direction parallel to the y-axis direction in this specification. Accordingly, the directions in which the electrode leads 111 and 112 protrude from the battery cells 110 correspond to the x-axis direction and the -x-axis direction, which are perpendicular to the direction in which the battery cell groups 200 are stacked. Also, as described above, the manifolds 320 of the heat sink 300 may be located one each in the x-axis direction and the -x-axis direction, which are directions in which the electrode leads 111 and 112 protrude, based on the battery cell 110.

[0061] Meanwhile, the battery cell group 200 according to this embodiment may have a configuration in which at least one battery cell 110 is wrapped in a wrapping member 210. As an example, FIG. 7 shows two battery cells 110 included in the battery cell group 200, and these battery cells 110 may be wrapped together in the wrapping member 210 to form the battery cell group 200 as shown in FIG. 6. The wrapping member 210 may have electrical insulation properties. As an example, the wrapping member 210 may be an insulating tape having electrical insulation properties.

[0062] Furthermore, two or more battery cells 110 in the battery cell group 200 may be wrapped in a wrapping member 210, and a compression pad 220 may be interposed between at least one of the two or more battery cells 110. When the battery cells 110 expand, the compression pad 220 is compressed to absorb the expansion of the battery cells 110. There are no particular limitations on the material of the compression pad 220 as long as it can be compressed to absorb the expansion, and one example may include a polyurethane (PU) material.

[0063] In the battery module 100 according to this embodiment, the battery cell group 200 corresponds to a unit that divides a group of battery cells 110 arranged between the cooling tubes 310 of the heat sink 300. When arranging the battery cells 110 between the cooling tubes 310, the battery cell group 200 is formed by wrapping the battery cells 110 with a wrapping member 210, which facilitates assembly into a battery module and improves structural stability after assembly. If the battery cell group 200 is not formed by wrapping the various battery cells 110 between the cooling tubes 310 with a wrapping member 210, the multiple battery cells 110 will not be accurately fixed, which will make assembly into a battery module difficult and reduce stability after assembly. In addition, the wrapping member 210 has electrical insulation properties, which can prevent the battery cells 110 from coming into contact with leaking refrigerant and causing a short circuit.

[0064] Furthermore, an adhesive may be applied to a portion of the outer portion of the wrapping member 210 corresponding to one side of the battery cell group 200. When the one side of the battery cell group 200 contacts the cooling tube 310, the adhesive is applied to at least a portion of the one side of the battery cell group 200, and the one side of the battery cell group 200 and the cooling tube 310 can be bonded together. This can improve ease of assembly and structural safety.

[0065] Hereinafter, the heat sink and the refrigerant circulation structure inside the heat sink according to this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0066] Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing the heat sink 300 included in the battery module 100 of Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. Fig. 10 is a plan view showing the heat sink 300 of Fig. 9 as viewed along the -z axis direction on the xy plane. Fig. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a part of the cross section cut along the cutting line B-B' of Fig. 3.

[0067] As described above, the heat sink 300 according to this embodiment includes cooling tubes 310 interposed between the battery cell groups 200 and a manifold 320 connecting the cooling tubes 310. The manifold 320 is located in the direction in which the electrode leads 111, 112 protrude from the battery cells 110, and is connected along the stacking direction of the battery cell groups 200 to connect the cooling tubes 310. Flow paths are formed inside the cooling tubes 310 and the manifold 320 so that the refrigerant flows along the inside of the cooling tubes 310 and the manifold 320. The cooling tubes 310 and the manifold 320 may be tubular and include a metal material with excellent thermal conductivity to improve cooling performance.

[0068] The cooling tubes 310 interposed between the battery cell groups 200 contact one side of the battery cell groups 200. The cooling tubes 310 may be in the form of a rectangular sheet and may be positioned upright between the battery cell groups 200. The cooling tubes 310 may cover the entire one side of the battery cell groups 200 and contact the one side of the battery cell groups 200. The wrapping member 210 that wraps the battery cells 110 at the outermost side of the battery cell groups 200 may contact the sheet-shaped cooling tubes 310.

[0069] As described above, an adhesive may be applied to at least a portion of the one surface of the battery cell group 200, thereby adhering the one surface of the battery cell group 200 to the cooling tube 310. As shown in Fig. 11, a refrigerant flows in the internal space (S) of the cooling tube 310, cooling the surrounding battery cell group 200.

[0070] Meanwhile, the manifold 320 is connected to each of the cooling tubes 310, and the internal space of the manifold 320 and the internal space (S) of the cooling tube 310 are connected to each other, allowing the refrigerant to circulate. For example, the manifold 320 may be cylindrical. Although the manifold 320 is shown connected to the lower end of the cooling tube 310, there is no particular limitation on the vertical position of the manifold 320, and it may be located at the upper end of the cooling tube 310.

[0071] The manifold 320 according to this embodiment may include a first manifold 321 located on one side of the cooling tube 310 and a second manifold 322 located on the other side of the cooling tube 310. With respect to the electrode leads 111 and 112 protruding in opposite directions from the battery cell 110, the first manifold 321 may be located in a direction in which one electrode lead 111 protrudes, and the second manifold 322 may be located in a direction in which the other electrode lead 112 protrudes. That is, the first manifold 321 and the second manifold 322 may be located on opposite sides of the cooling tube 310.

[0072] In the heat sink 300 according to this embodiment, a refrigerant circulation structure may be formed by the first manifold 321, the cooling tube 310, and the second manifold 322. Specifically, an inlet 330 through which the refrigerant flows may be connected to a first portion 321a of the first manifold 321, and an outlet 340 through which the refrigerant is discharged may be connected to a second portion 321b of the first manifold 321. The first portion 321a and the second portion 321b may be separated by a separating member 321c. The first portion 321a and the second portion 321b are separated by the separating member 321c, so that communication between the internal space of the first portion 321a and the internal space of the second portion 321b may be blocked.

[0073] The refrigerant that has flowed into the inlet 330 may flow sequentially through the first portion 321a, the cooling tube 310 connected to the first portion 321a, the second manifold 322, the cooling tube 310 connected to the second portion 321b, and the second portion 321b, and may finally be discharged through the outlet 340 connected to the second portion 321b. The inlet 330 and the outlet 340 are connected to a refrigerant circulation device (not shown) including a pump, etc., and the refrigerant flows along this circulation structure.

[0074] In the case of the heat sink 300 according to this embodiment, when the battery module 100 is housed in the pack frame to form a battery pack, the inlet 330 and the outlet 340 are located in the same direction, so that a refrigerant circulating device including a pump, etc., only needs to be provided on one side of the battery pack, which has the advantage of efficiently configuring the space inside the battery pack and eliminating the need for a complicated design for the refrigerant circulating device.

[0075] The bus bar assembly 400 according to this embodiment will now be described in detail.

[0076] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing an insulating frame 430 included in the battery module 100 of FIG.

[0077] 3, 4, and 12, the battery module 100 according to this embodiment may include a bus bar assembly 400, and the bus bar assembly 400 may include a bus bar 410 connected to the electrode leads 111, 112 of the battery cell 110 and an insulating frame 430 positioned in the direction in which the electrode leads 111, 112 protrude from the battery cell 110.

[0078] When the battery cells 110 or the battery cell group 200 are used as a reference, the insulating frame 430 may be located on the same side of the heat sink 300 as the manifold 320. That is, a plurality of insulating frames 430 may be formed, and each may be located on one side and the other side of the battery cell group 200.

[0079] The bus bar 410 preferably includes a metal material that allows electrical connection. The insulating frame 430 preferably includes an electrically insulating material to prevent short circuits caused by contact with the battery cells 110. For example, the insulating frame 430 may be made of plastic injection molding.

[0080] The bus bar 410 may be attached to the surface of the insulating frame 430 opposite to the surface facing the battery cell group 200. The electrode leads 111 and 112 protruding from the battery cells 110 may pass through lead slits 430S formed in the insulating frame 430 and then be bent to connect to the bus bar 410. More specifically, one electrode lead 111 may pass through the lead slit 430S of the insulating frame 430 located on one side of the battery cell group 200 and then be connected to the bus bar 410, and the other electrode lead 112 may pass through the lead slit 430S of the insulating frame 430 located on the other side of the battery cell group 200 and then be connected to the bus bar 410. There are no particular limitations on the method of connecting the electrode leads 111 and 112 to the bus bar 410, but welding may be used, for example.

[0081] In this manner, the battery cells 110 can be electrically connected to each other in series or in parallel.

[0082] Meanwhile, the insulating frame 430 may be provided with refrigerant holes 430RH so that the inlet 330 and the outlet 340 of the heat sink 300 can pass through. Although not specifically shown, the insulating frame 430 may be equipped with a terminal bus bar for connecting external power to the battery module 100 and a module connector for transmitting voltage and temperature sensing information.

[0083] 3. On the other hand, FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a part of a cross section taken along the line CC' in FIG.

[0084] 3, 4, 12, and 13, the bus bar 410 and the manifold 320 of the heat sink 300 may be in contact with each other via the insulating member 420 located therebetween. That is, the insulating member 420 may be attached to a surface of the bus bar 410 other than the portion to which the electrode leads 111 and 112 are connected, and the bus bar 410 may be in contact with the manifold 320 of the heat sink 300 via the surface to which the insulating member 420 is attached. One surface of the insulating member 420 may be in contact with the bus bar 410, and the other surface of the insulating member 420 may be in contact with the manifold 320.

[0085] For example, an opening 430H may be formed in the insulating frame 430, and the bus bar 410 may be exposed through the opening 430H toward the manifold 320 of the heat sink 300, allowing the bus bar 410 and the manifold 320 to come into contact with each other via the insulating member 420. To prevent the bus bar 410 from coming into contact with other parts of the battery cells 110 except for the electrode leads 111 and 112, the bus bar 410 is attached to the surface of the insulating frame 430 opposite to the surface facing the battery cell group 200. In this case, to form a direct cooling structure for the bus bar 410, the opening 430H is formed in the insulating frame 430, and the bus bar 410 passes through the opening 430H and extends close to the manifold 320.

[0086] When the battery cells 110 are repeatedly charged and discharged, heat is generated in the battery cells 110, and it is important to control this heat. If the heat of the battery cells is not properly dissipated, the battery cells will deteriorate quickly, their lifespan will be shortened, and the possibility of explosion or fire will increase. In particular, a large amount of heat is generated in the electrode leads 111, 112 of the battery cells 110 and in one end 114a and the other end 114b of the battery case 114 adjacent to the electrode leads 111, 112 (see FIG. 8). Therefore, a large amount of heat is also generated in the bus bar 410, which is the part of the battery module 100 that is directly joined to the electrode leads 111, 112.

[0087] In the battery module 100 according to this embodiment, the bus bar 410 is in direct contact with the manifold 320 of the heat sink 300 through which a refrigerant flows, thereby realizing a direct cooling structure for the bus bar 410, which generates a lot of heat. The direct cooling structure for the bus bar 410 helps improve the overall cooling performance of the battery module, and also makes it possible to easily dissipate heat generated in the electrode leads 111 and 112 directly joined to the bus bar 410.

[0088] Meanwhile, the insulating member 420 may be an insulating tape having electrical insulating properties and adhesive properties. In order to increase the thermal conductivity of the heat sink 300, the cooling tube 310 and the manifold 320 included in the heat sink 300 may contain a metal material. If the bus bar 410 comes into contact with such a manifold 320, a short circuit may occur, so it is preferable to have the insulating member 420 having electrical insulating properties and adhesive properties be placed between the bus bar 410 and the manifold 320.

[0089] In the event that manifold 320 is made of an electrically insulating material rather than a metallic material, in another embodiment of the present invention, bus bar 410 may be in direct contact with manifold 320 without the need for insulating member 420.

[0090] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing an insulating frame 430' and a bus bar 410 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0091] 14, a bus bar 410 can be attached to an insulating frame 430′ according to another embodiment of the present invention. An electrode lead passes through a lead slit 430S formed in the insulating frame 430′, and is then bent to be connected to the bus bar 410. A detailed description thereof will be omitted as it is the same as that described above.

[0092] In this embodiment, the bus bar 410 may extend from one side of the insulating frame 430' and be exposed toward the manifold of the heat sink. As shown in Fig. 14, the bus bar 410 may extend further downward than the insulating frame 430'. Unlike the insulating frame 430 having the opening holes 430H shown in Figs. 12 and 13, the insulating frame 430' in this embodiment may have a reduced height so that the bus bar 410 is exposed toward the manifold.

[0093] Meanwhile, FIG. 15 is a plan view showing a heat sink 300' according to another embodiment of the present invention as viewed along the -z axis direction on the xy plane.

[0094] 15, a heat sink 300′ according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a cooling tube 310 and a manifold 320 connecting the cooling tube 310. The manifold 320 may include a first manifold 321 located on one side of the cooling tube 310 and a second manifold 322 located on the other side of the cooling tube 310.

[0095] In the heat sink 300′ according to this embodiment, a refrigerant circulation structure may be formed in the first manifold 321, the cooling tube 310, and the second manifold 322. Specifically, an inlet 330 through which the refrigerant flows may be connected to the first manifold 321, and an outlet 340 through which the refrigerant is discharged may be connected to the second manifold 322.

[0096] The refrigerant that has entered the inlet 330 may flow sequentially through the first manifold 321, the cooling tube 310, and the second manifold 322, and may finally be discharged through the outlet 340 connected to the second manifold 322. The inlet 330 and the outlet 340 are connected to a refrigerant circulation device (not shown) including a pump, etc., and the refrigerant flows along this circulation structure.

[0097] In the heat sink 300′ according to this embodiment, the coolant flows in only one direction inside the cooling tube 310, and the path is shortened, which is advantageous in that the coolant can circulate with relatively low pump pressure. In addition, since the coolant flows in only one direction, it is advantageous in that a uniform cooling effect can be achieved for each battery cell 110.

[0098] Hereinafter, a battery pack including a battery module according to this embodiment will be described in detail.

[0099] 16 and 17 are a front view and a plan view, respectively, of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, in a battery pack 1000 including two battery modules 100 of FIG. 3, Fig. 16 shows a view along the -x-axis direction in the yz plane, and Fig. 17 shows a view along the -z-axis direction in the xy plane.

[0100] 3, 16 and 17, a battery pack 1000 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery module 100, a pack frame 1100 in which the battery module 100 is housed, and a vertical beam 1200 disposed on the bottom (1100F) of the pack frame 1100 so as to be perpendicular to one surface of the bottom (1100F) of the pack frame 1100. The battery module 100 is disposed between the vertical beams 1200. There is no particular limit to the number of battery modules 100 provided in the battery pack 1000, and one or more battery modules 100 may be disposed.

[0101] At this time, an adhesive member 1400 may be positioned between the battery module 100 and the bottom (1100F) of the pack frame 1100. The battery module 100 may be fixed to the bottom (1100F) of the pack frame 1100 through the adhesive member 1400. The battery module 100 according to this embodiment may have a configuration in which the battery cell group 200 and the heat sink 300 are directly fixed to the adhesive member 1400 and mounted on the pack frame 1100, rather than a configuration in which the battery cells 110 are housed in a specific frame.

[0102] The battery pack 1000 may further include an upper bracket 1300 located on top of the battery module 100, connected in the stacking direction of the battery cell groups 200, and fastened to the vertical beam 1200. The upper bracket 1300 may be assembled to the vertical beam 1200, and there is no particular limitation on the assembly method between the upper bracket 1300 and the vertical beam 1200, and adhesive, welding, bolting, etc. may be applied. The battery module 100 may be mounted and fixed on the pack frame 1100 via the vertical beam 1200 and the upper bracket 1300.

[0103] In summary, the battery module 100 according to this embodiment is not housed in a separate frame and fixed to the pack frame as is, but is fixed by adhesive members 1400 on the bottom (1100F), vertical beams 1200, and upper brackets 1300. Because it is not housed in a separate frame, the weight and volume of the frame can be reduced, resulting in a simplified structure, which is effective in improving space utilization and increasing battery capacity.

[0104] However, because the battery module 100 is not housed in a frame, it does not have sufficient structural rigidity against the expansion of the battery cells 110. In contrast, in this embodiment, the side of the battery module 100 is closely attached to the vertical beam 1200, so that the vertical beam 1200 can supplement the structural rigidity against the expansion of the battery cells 110.

[0105] Meanwhile, a pad 1500 for tolerance compensation may be disposed at least at one of between the battery module 100 and the vertical beam 1200 and between the battery module 100 and the upper bracket 1300 .

[0106] FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0107] Referring to FIG. 18, a battery pack 1000 according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a battery module 100, a pack frame 1100 in which the battery module 100 is housed, and a vertical beam 1200 arranged on the bottom (1100F) of the pack frame 1100 so as to be perpendicular to one surface of the bottom (1100F) of the pack frame 1100, and the battery module 100 is arranged between the vertical beams 1200.

[0108] The battery module 100 may further include a module frame 500 that houses the battery cell group 200 and the heat sink 300. The module frame 500 may include a bottom surface and side surfaces 510 extending upward from opposite sides of the bottom surface, and may have an open top.

[0109] A module mounting portion 500M protruding perpendicularly from the side surface 510 of the module frame 500 may be formed on the side surface 510, and the module mounting portion 500M may be fastened to the vertical beam 1200. For example, a through hole may be formed in the module mounting portion 500M. After a bolt member passes through the through hole, a bolting assembly may be performed in which the module is fastened to the vertical beam 1200.

[0110] In the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment, the side of the battery module 100 is tightly attached to the vertical beam 1200, and the module mounting portion 500M of the module frame 500 is fastened to the vertical beam 1200, thereby supplementing the structural rigidity against expansion of the battery cells 110, and the battery module 100 is designed to be firmly fixed to the pack frame 1100.

[0111] In this embodiment, terms indicating directions such as front, back, left, right, up, and down are used, but these terms are used for convenience of explanation and may differ depending on the position of the object of interest or the position of the observer.

[0112] One or more battery modules according to the above-described embodiments may be mounted together with various control and protection systems such as a BMS (Battery Management System), a BDU (Battery Disconnect Unit), and a cooling system to form a battery pack.

[0113] The battery module or battery pack can be applied to various devices, specifically, but not limited to, transportation means such as electric bicycles, electric cars, and hybrids, and ESS (Energy Storage Systems).

[0114] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and improvements made by those skilled in the art using the basic concept of the present invention defined in the following claims also fall within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0115] 100 battery modules 110 battery cells 200 battery cell groups 300 Heatsink 310 Cooling tube 320 manifold 400 Busbar Assembly 410 Busbar

Claims

1. a plurality of battery cell groups, each including at least one battery cell, stacked in one direction; and a heat sink for cooling the battery cell group; The battery cells include electrode leads protruding in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the battery cell groups are stacked, the heat sink includes: cooling tubes interposed between the battery cell groups; and manifolds positioned in a direction in which the electrode leads protrude from the battery cells, extending in a direction in which the battery cell groups are stacked, and connecting the cooling tubes; a flow path is formed within the cooling tubes and the manifold so that a refrigerant flows along the interior of the cooling tubes and the manifold; the cooling tube contacts one surface of the battery cell group; the battery module further includes a bus bar connected to the electrode lead; an insulating member is positioned between the bus bar and the manifold; one surface of the insulating member contacts the bus bar, and the other surface of the insulating member contacts the manifold.

2. The battery module further includes an insulating frame positioned in a direction in which the electrode leads protrude from the battery cells, The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the bus bar is attached to the insulating frame.

3. the bus bar is attached to a surface of the insulating frame opposite to a surface facing the battery cell group; The battery module according to claim 2 , wherein the electrode leads are passed through lead slits formed in the insulating frame, and then bent and connected to the bus bars.

4. An opening hole is formed in the insulating frame, The battery module according to claim 3 , wherein the bus bars are exposed to the manifold through the opening holes.

5. The battery module according to claim 3 , wherein the bus bar extends from one side of the insulating frame and is exposed toward the manifold.

6. The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the insulating member is an insulating tape having electrical insulating properties and adhesive properties.

7. A plurality of battery cell groups, each including at least one battery cell, stacked in one direction; and a heat sink for cooling the battery cell group; The battery cells include electrode leads protruding in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the battery cell groups are stacked, the heat sink includes: cooling tubes interposed between the battery cell groups; and manifolds positioned in a direction in which the electrode leads protrude from the battery cells, extending in a direction in which the battery cell groups are stacked, and connecting the cooling tubes; a flow path is formed within the cooling tubes and the manifold so that a refrigerant flows along the interior of the cooling tubes and the manifold; the cooling tube contacts one surface of the battery cell group; the battery module further includes a bus bar connected to the electrode lead; The battery module has direct contact between the bus bar and the manifold.

8. The cooling tube is in the form of a rectangular sheet, The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the cooling tube covers the entire one surface of the battery cell group and contacts the one surface of the battery cell group.

9. The battery module of claim 1 , wherein the manifold is cylindrical.

10. The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of the battery cells in the battery cell group is wrapped in a wrapping member.

11. The battery module according to claim 10 , wherein the wrapping member has electrical insulation properties.

12. 2. The battery module of claim 1, wherein the battery cell group is formed by wrapping two or more of the battery cells with a wrapping member, and a compression pad is interposed between the two or more battery cells at at least one location.

13. The manifold includes a first manifold located on one side of the cooling tube and a second manifold located on the other side of the cooling tube, The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein a refrigerant circulation structure is formed in the first manifold, the cooling tube, and the second manifold.

14. A plurality of battery cell groups, each including at least one battery cell, stacked in one direction; and a heat sink for cooling the battery cell group; The battery cells include electrode leads protruding in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the battery cell groups are stacked, the heat sink includes: cooling tubes interposed between the battery cell groups; and manifolds positioned in a direction in which the electrode leads protrude from the battery cells, extending in a direction in which the battery cell groups are stacked, and connecting the cooling tubes; a flow path is formed within the cooling tubes and the manifold so that a refrigerant flows along the interior of the cooling tubes and the manifold; the cooling tube contacts one surface of the battery cell group; The manifold includes a first manifold located on one side of the cooling tube and a second manifold located on the other side of the cooling tube, a refrigerant circulation structure is formed in the first manifold, the cooling tube, and the second manifold; an inlet port through which the refrigerant is introduced is connected to a first portion of the first manifold, and an outlet port through which the refrigerant is discharged is connected to a second portion of the first manifold; The first portion and the second portion are separated by a separating member, the refrigerant flows sequentially through the first portion, the cooling tube connected to the first portion, the second manifold, the cooling tube connected to the second portion, and the second portion.

15. an inlet through which the refrigerant flows is connected to the first manifold, and an outlet through which the refrigerant flows is connected to the second manifold; The battery module according to claim 13 , wherein the refrigerant flows through the first manifold, the cooling tube, and the second manifold in that order.

16. The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 15; a pack frame in which the battery module is housed; and a vertical beam disposed on the bottom of the pack frame so as to be perpendicular to one surface of the bottom of the pack frame; The battery pack, wherein the battery modules are disposed between the vertical beams.

17. The battery pack according to claim 16 , wherein an adhesive member is located between the battery module and the bottom of the pack frame.

18. The battery pack of claim 16 , further comprising an upper bracket located on an upper portion of the battery module, extending along a direction in which the battery cell groups are stacked, and fastened to the vertical beam.

19. the battery module further includes a module frame that houses the battery cell group and the heat sink; The module frame is formed with a protruding module mounting portion, The battery pack of claim 16 , wherein the module mounting portion is fastened to the vertical beam.

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