Battery module and battery pack containing it

Abstract

A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells, each including a first electrode lead and a second electrode lead, are stacked, and a cooling fin positioned between the battery cells. The first electrode lead and the second electrode lead protrude in opposite directions from the battery cells. The cooling fin includes a first section, a second section, and a third section. The first section and the second section are spaced apart along a direction parallel to the protruding direction of the first electrode lead and the second electrode lead, and the third section is positioned between the first section and the second section. The thickness of the third section is thinner than the thickness of the first section and the thickness of the second section.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Cross - reference to Related Applications] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2021 - 0003180 filed on January 11, 2021, and all the contents disclosed in the literature of the Korean patent application are included as part of this specification.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery module and a battery pack including the same, and more specifically, to a battery module provided with cooling fins and a battery pack including the same.

Background Art

[0003] In modern society, as the use of portable devices such as mobile phones, notebook computers, camcorders, and digital cameras has become common, the development of technologies in fields related to such mobile devices has been actively promoted. In addition, rechargeable secondary batteries are used as power sources for electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug - in hybrid electric vehicles (P - HEVs), etc. as a solution to problems such as air pollution in existing gasoline vehicles that use fossil fuels. Therefore, the need for the development of secondary batteries is increasing.

[0004] Currently, commercially available secondary batteries include nickel - cadmium batteries, nickel - metal hydride batteries, nickel - zinc batteries, lithium secondary batteries, etc. Among them, lithium secondary batteries have attracted attention because they have almost no memory effect compared to nickel - based secondary batteries, can be freely charged and discharged, have a very low self - discharge rate, and have a high energy density.

[0005] Such 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, respectively, are arranged with a separator interposed therebetween, and a battery case for hermetically storing the electrode assembly together with an electrolytic solution.

[0006] Generally, lithium secondary batteries can be classified into two types based on the shape of their casing: can-type secondary batteries, in which the electrode assembly is housed in a metal can, and pouch-type secondary batteries, in which the electrode assembly is housed in an aluminum laminate sheet pouch.

[0007] In the case of secondary batteries used in small devices, two to three battery cells are arranged, but in the case of secondary batteries used in medium to large devices such as automobiles, a battery module is used in which many battery cells are electrically connected. Such battery modules have improved capacity and output by connecting many battery cells in series or parallel to each other to form a stack of battery cells. In addition, one or more battery modules can be installed together with various control and protection systems such as a BMS (Battery Management System) and a cooling system to form a battery pack.

[0008] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a conventional battery module.

[0009] Referring to Figure 1, a conventional battery module 10 may include a battery cell stack 20 in which multiple battery cells 11 are stacked. The battery cells 11 may be pouch-type battery cells. Cooling fins 30 made of a metal plate material with high thermal conductivity may be placed between the battery cells 11. Generally, the cooling fins 30 are plate-shaped members having a certain thickness.

[0010] Figure 2 is a plan view of the battery cell included in the battery module of Figure 1, viewed from various angles. Specifically, Figure 2a is a plan view of the battery cell 11 of Figure 1 viewed in the -z-axis direction on the xy-plane, and Figure 2b is a plan view of the battery cell 11 of Figure 1 viewed in the -x-axis direction on the yz-plane.

[0011] Referring to Figure 2a, during the process of repeated charging and discharging of the battery cell 11, the electrolyte inside may decompose, generating gas and causing the battery cell 11 to swell, a phenomenon known as swelling. Comparing the degree of swelling, the central part swells much more than the ends where the electrode leads 11L protrude, as shown by the dotted lines. If the swelling of each battery cell 11 cannot be suppressed, it can cause structural deformation of the battery module 10, in which many battery cells 11 are stacked, and can also adversely affect the durability of the battery module 10.

[0012] Next, referring to Figure 2b, when the battery cell 11 is repeatedly charged and discharged, a lot of heat is generated in the electrode lead 11L portion of the battery cell 11. As a result, the terrace portions T1 and T2, which include the ends in the direction in which the electrode leads 11L protrude, generate more heat than other parts. That is, the terrace portions T1 and T2 show a higher temperature than the central portion M between the terrace portions T1 and T2. Temperature imbalance between the different parts of the battery cell 11 causes a decrease in performance and lifespan.

[0013] Therefore, there is a need for a method that can effectively control the swelling of battery cells while simultaneously reducing temperature differences between different parts of the battery cell. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0014] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a battery module and a battery pack including the same, which are equipped with cooling fins that can control the swelling of the battery cell and reduce the temperature deviation between different parts of the battery cell.

[0015] However, the problems that the embodiments of the present invention aim to solve are not limited to those described above, and can be broadly expanded within the scope of the technical ideas included in the present invention. [Means for solving the problem]

[0016] A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery cell stack comprising a plurality of battery cells, each having a first electrode lead and a second electrode lead; and cooling fins located between the battery cells. The first electrode lead and the second electrode lead protrude from the battery cells in opposite directions. The cooling fins include a first area, a second area, and a third area. The first and second areas are spaced apart from each other along a direction parallel to the direction in which the first and second electrode leads protrude, and the third area is located between the first and second areas. The thickness of the third area is thinner than the thickness of the first and second areas.

[0017] The battery cell may include a first terrace portion, a second terrace portion, and a central portion located between the first and second terrace portions. A first electrode lead may protrude from one end of the first terrace portion, and a second electrode lead may protrude from one end of the second terrace portion. The first, second, and third regions may be located in correspondence with the first, second terrace portion, and central portion, respectively.

[0018] The distance between the central portion and the third area may be wider than the distance between the first terrace portion and the first area.

[0019] The distance between the central portion and the third area may be wider than the distance between the second terrace portion and the second area.

[0020] The thickness of the first and second regions may decrease as they approach the third region.

[0021] The first and second regions may each have empty spaces formed within them.

[0022] The cooling fins can be made of a metal plate with an air layer formed inside.

[0023] The aforementioned battery cell may be a pouch-type battery cell.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a battery pack includes the battery module; a pack frame for housing the battery module; and a thermal resin layer located between the battery module and the bottom of the pack frame, wherein the cooling fins extend from the lower surface of the battery cell laminate and contact the thermal resin layer.

[0025] The lower surface of the battery cell laminate may contact the thermal resin layer.

Advantages of the Invention

[0026] According to an embodiment of the present invention, cooling fins embodied to have different thicknesses for each part are arranged between battery cells, so that pressure can act uniformly on each part of the battery cells when the battery cells swell.

[0027] In addition, the contact between the portion of the battery cell with intense heat generation and the cooling fins can be enhanced, and the temperature deviation of the battery cells can be reduced.

[0028] In addition, by providing an air layer inside the cooling fins, while having cooling and heat dissipation performance, it is possible to block the propagation of fire or heat generated from any one battery cell to adjacent battery cells.

[0029] The advantages of the present invention are not limited to the advantages mentioned above, and other advantages not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0030] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing a conventional battery module. [Figure 2] It is a plan view of the battery cells included in the battery module of FIG. 1 viewed from various angles. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view showing a battery cell laminate and cooling fins according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4]Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the battery cells contained within the battery cell stack. [Figure 5] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the cooling fins. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view showing a section cut along the cutting line A-A' in Figure 3. [Figure 7] Figure 6 is a plan view showing the state of the battery cell during swelling. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view showing a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is an exploded perspective view showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This is a cross-sectional view showing a section cut along the cutting line B-B' in Figure 9. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0031] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings, so that those with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains can easily implement them. The present invention can be realized in a variety of different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0032] To clearly illustrate the present invention, irrelevant parts have been omitted, and the same reference numerals are used throughout the specification for identical or similar components.

[0033] Furthermore, the dimensions and thicknesses of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrary for illustrative purposes, and therefore the present invention is not necessarily limited to those shown. Thicknesses are exaggerated in the drawings to clearly represent multiple layers and regions. Also, for illustrative purposes, the thicknesses of some layers and regions are exaggerated in the drawings.

[0034] Furthermore, when a part such as a layer, membrane, region, or plate is said to be "on top of" or "on top of" another part, this includes not only the case where it is "immediately above" the other part, but also the case where there is another part in between. Conversely, when a part is said to be "immediately above" another part, it means that there is no other part in between. Also, being "on top of" or "on top of" a reference part means being located above or below the reference part, and does not necessarily mean being located "on top of" or "on top of" in the opposite direction of gravity.

[0035] Furthermore, when a specification states that a part "includes" a certain component, unless otherwise indicated, this means that it may include other components rather than excluding them.

[0036] Furthermore, throughout the specification, "on a plane" refers to the view of the subject from above, and "on a cross-section" refers to the view of a cross-section obtained by cutting the subject perpendicularly, viewed from the side.

[0037] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a battery cell stack and cooling fins according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a perspective view showing battery cells included in the battery cell stack of Figure 3. Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the cooling fins of Figure 3. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-section taken along the cutting line A-A' of Figure 3. In this case, for the sake of explanation, only one battery cell and one cooling fin are shown in Figure 6, and the illustration of electrode assemblies and other components inside the battery cell is omitted.

[0038] Referring first to Figures 3 and 4, a battery module 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery cell stack 200 in which a plurality of battery cells 110, each including a first electrode lead 111 and a second electrode lead 112, are stacked; and cooling fins 300 located between the battery cells 110.

[0039] First, the battery cell 110 is preferably a pouch-type battery cell and can be formed in a rectangular sheet-type structure. In this embodiment, the first and second electrode leads 111 and 112 protrude from the battery cell 110 in opposite directions. Specifically, the battery cell 110 in this embodiment has a structure in which the first and second electrode leads 111 and 112 protrude from one end 114a and the other end 114b, respectively, facing each other with respect to the cell body 113. More specifically, the first and second electrode leads 111 and 112 are connected to an electrode assembly (not shown) and protrude from the electrode assembly (not shown) to the outside of the battery cell 110. The first and second electrode leads 111 and 112 have different polarities; for example, one of them may be a positive electrode lead 111 and the other may be a negative electrode lead 112. That is, with respect to one battery cell 110, the positive electrode lead 111 and the negative electrode lead 112 can protrude in opposite directions.

[0040] On the other hand, the battery cell 110 can be manufactured by housing an electrode assembly (not shown) in the cell case 114 and then bonding both ends 114a, 114b of the cell case 114 to one side portion 114c that connects them. In other words, the battery cell 110 according to this embodiment has a total of three sealing portions, which are sealed by methods such as heat fusion, and the remaining one side portion consists of a connecting portion 115. The cell case 114 is made of a laminate sheet containing a resin layer and a metal layer.

[0041] On the other hand, referring to Figures 4 and 6, the battery cell 110 according to this embodiment may include a first terrace portion T1, a second terrace portion T2, and a central portion M located between the first terrace portion T1 and the second terrace portion T2. ​​That is, the cell body 113 can be divided into the first terrace portion T1, the second terrace portion T2, and the central portion M.

[0042] Here, the first terrace portion T1 is a region including one end 114a from which the first electrode lead 111 protrudes, and the second terrace portion T2 is a region including the other end 114b from which the second electrode lead 112 protrudes.

[0043] Such battery cells 110 can be composed of multiple cells, and multiple battery cells 110 can be stacked so as to be electrically connected to each other to form a battery cell stack 200. In particular, as shown in Figure 3, multiple battery cells 110 can be stacked along a direction parallel to the x-axis. Therefore, the first and second electrode leads 111 and 112 can protrude in the y-axis direction and the -y-axis direction, respectively.

[0044] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the cooling fin 300 according to this embodiment includes a first area 310, a second area 320, and a third area 330. The first area 310 and the second area 320 are spaced apart from each other along a direction parallel to the direction in which the first electrode lead 111 and the second electrode lead 112 protrude (y-axis direction), and the third area 330 is located between the first area 310 and the second area 320.

[0045] In this case, the thickness t3 of the third area 330 is thinner than the thickness t1 of the first area 310 and the thickness t2 of the second area. In other words, the cooling fin 300 according to this embodiment has a structure in which both ends are thicker than the center, with reference to the direction parallel to the direction in which the first electrode lead 111 and the second electrode lead 112 protrude (y-axis direction). Specifically, the first area 310, the second area 320, and the third area 330 of the cooling fin 300 can be positioned corresponding to the first terrace T1, the second terrace T2, and the central area M of the battery cell 110, respectively. When the cooling fin 300 with different thicknesses according to this embodiment is arranged between the battery cells 110, the distance d3 between the central area M and the third area 330 is wider than the distance d1 between the first terrace T1 and the first area 310. Also, the distance d3 between the central area M and the third area 330 is wider than the distance d2 between the second terrace T2 and the second area 320. In Figure 6, the differences in thickness and spacing have been slightly exaggerated for illustrative purposes.

[0046] Such cooling fins 300 can include metal materials with high thermal conductivity. There are no specific material limitations; for example, aluminum (Al) can be included. Although only one cooling fin 300 is shown in Figure 3, all of the cooling fins 300 according to this embodiment can be positioned between each of the battery cells 110.

[0047] The advantages of the cooling fins according to this embodiment in controlling the swelling of battery cells will be explained below with reference to Figures 2a, 6, and 7.

[0048] Referring to Figures 2a and 7, during the process of repeated charging and discharging of the battery cell 11, the electrolyte inside decomposes, generating gas and causing the battery cell 11 to swell, a phenomenon known as swelling. Comparing the degree of swelling, the central part of the battery cell 11 expands more significantly. Similarly, in the battery cell 110 according to this embodiment, the central part M expands more significantly than the first terrace T1 and the second terrace T2.

[0049] Conventional plate-shaped cooling fins 30 have a uniform thickness and therefore cannot effectively control battery cells 11 that expand to different degrees in different areas. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the cooling fins 300 have thicknesses in the first area 310 and the second area 320, which are the ends of the fins, compared to the third area 330. This allows for uniform pressure to be applied to the battery cells 110 when they swell. In other words, considering the difference in the degree of swelling between areas of the battery cells 110, the thicknesses t1 and t2 of the first area 310 and the second area 320 are set to be thicker than the thickness t3 of the third area 330 so that a uniform elastic force can be applied. In this way, the pressure deviation acting on the swelling of the battery cells 110 can be minimized, thereby preventing structural deformation of the battery module 100 due to swelling and increasing the durability of the battery module 100.

[0050] As described above, the battery cell 110 according to this embodiment is a pouch-type battery manufactured by sealing the cell case 114. The sealing structure allows the first terrace portion T1 and the second terrace portion T2 to form a structure in which the thickness decreases as they move toward the first electrode lead 111 and the second electrode lead 112, respectively. The first area 310 and the second area 320 can be configured so that they are closer to and facing the first terrace portion T1 and the second terrace portion T2, and their thickness decreases as they approach the third area 330. That is, the thickness of the first area 310 and the second area 320 decreases toward the third area 330 on their outer sides. Such a cooling fin 300 can be in close correspondence with the first terrace portion T1 and the second terrace portion T2 and may be effective in controlling swelling.

[0051] On the other hand, referring to Figures 2b, 4, and 6, when the battery cell 11 is repeatedly charged and discharged, a lot of heat is generated in the electrode lead 11L portion of the battery cell 11. Therefore, the terrace portions T1 and T2, which include the ends in the direction in which the electrode lead 11L protrudes, heat up more intensely than other parts. Similarly, in the battery cell 110 according to this embodiment, the first terrace portion T1 and the second terrace portion T2 show a higher temperature than the central portion M. Although it varies from case to case, in extreme cases, the first terrace portion T1 and the second terrace portion T2 may show a temperature about 4.5 degrees Celsius higher than the central portion M.

[0052] Conventional plate-shaped cooling fins 30 have a constant thickness, making it difficult to eliminate temperature deviations between parts of a battery cell 110, where the degree of heat generation varies greatly from part to part. In contrast, the first area 310 and the second area 320 in this embodiment can be located closer to the first terrace T1 and the second terrace T2 compared to the area between the third area 330 and the central part M. In other words, the cooling fins 300 in this embodiment can improve contact and adhesion with the parts of the battery cell that generate a lot of heat. Therefore, heat can be effectively dissipated from the parts of the battery cell 110 that generate a lot of heat, and the temperature deviation between parts of a single battery cell 110 can be minimized. Since temperature deviations between parts of a battery cell 110 ultimately cause a decrease in the performance of the battery module 100, the cooling fins 300 in this embodiment can contribute to improving the performance and lifespan of the battery module.

[0053] On the other hand, referring again to Figure 6, empty spaces can be formed inside the first region 310 and the second region 320. Empty spaces can be formed inside the first region 310 and the second region 320 to achieve the thickness differences between the first region 310, the second region 320, and the third region 330 as previously described. More specifically, the cooling fin 300 may be a metal plate material with an air layer AL formed inside. As an example, it may be a structure in which a metal plate material such as aluminum (Al) forms a two-layer structure with an air layer AL formed between them. The thickness differences between the first region 310, the second region 320, and the third region 330 can be achieved by adjusting the spacing between the metal plates.

[0054] Conventional cooling fins (30, see Figure 1) are simply made of a single metal plate, which is sufficient for transferring heat generated in the battery cell 11, but makes it difficult to prevent a fire that has started in one battery cell 11 from spreading to an adjacent battery cell 11. On the other hand, the cooling fins 300 according to this embodiment have an air layer AL formed inside, and this air layer AL can function as an insulating layer. Even if a fire occurs in any one of the battery cells 110 due to overheating, the air layer AL provided between the battery cells 110 can delay the spread of the fire and heat to the adjacent battery cell 110. In other words, it is possible to ensure time for the fire to spread to the surrounding battery cells 110 and improve the safety of the battery module 100. In particular, if the battery module 100 is included in a vehicle battery pack, it is possible to delay the spread of fire between battery cells 110 and ensure that the driver has enough time to evacuate from the fire. Furthermore, since the two-layer metal plate material faces each of the battery cells 110, there is no abnormality in the upward or downward heat transfer of the battery module 100. In particular, since the cooling fins 300 are in direct contact with the thermally conductive resin layer 1300 described later, there is no risk of a decrease in heat transfer performance. In other words, the cooling fins 300 according to this embodiment have cooling and heat dissipation performance, and at the same time can block the propagation of a fire that originates in one battery cell to an adjacent battery cell.

[0055] Furthermore, since the cooling fins 300 in this embodiment are made of a two-layer metal plate, the elastic restoring force against the swelling of the battery cell 110 is easily exerted. This elastic restoring force can reduce the pressure transmitted to the battery cell 110 located on the opposite side when the battery cell 110 is swelling. In other words, it is easily controlled by swelling control.

[0056] The following describes a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention with reference to Figures 3 and 8. Figure 8 is a perspective view showing a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Referring to Figures 3 and 8, a battery module 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a battery cell stack 200, first and second sensing blocks 410, 420, an elastic member 700, and a side pad 600. The battery cell stack 200 can be formed by stacking battery cells 110 with cooling fins 300 in between, as previously described.

[0058] The first sensing block 410 and the second sensing block 420 may include materials that exhibit electrical insulation, such as plastic materials, polymer materials, or composite materials. Furthermore, the first sensing block 410 and the second sensing block 420 may have a basket shape and be configured to cover the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack 200, respectively. Although not specifically shown, the first and second electrode leads 111 and 112 of the battery cell 110 can pass through slits formed in the first sensing block 410 and the second sensing block 420 and then join to each other to form an electrode lead assembly.

[0059] The elastic member 700 can be configured to cover the first sensing block 410, the second sensing block 420, and both sides of the battery cell stack 200. In particular, the top and bottom of the elastic member 700 are open, allowing the top and bottom surfaces of the battery cell stack 200 to be exposed to the outside, and therefore the battery module 100 according to this embodiment may be effective in heat dissipation. The material of the elastic member 700 is not particularly limited as long as it has a predetermined elastic force, but as an example, it may include at least one of a polymer composite material, a composite material such as FRB (Fiber-reinforced plastic), and a metal alloy.

[0060] The side pads 600 are positioned on both sides of the battery cell stack 200 and can complement the rigidity of the battery module 100. That is, the plate-shaped side pads 600 can be positioned between the two sides of the battery cell stack 200 and the elastic member 700.

[0061] Here, the front surface refers to the y-axis direction surface of the battery cell stack 200, the rear surface refers to the -y-axis direction surface of the battery cell stack 200, and both sides refer to the x-axis and -x-axis direction surfaces of the battery cell stack 200, respectively. Also, the bottom surface refers to the -z-axis direction surface of the battery cell stack 200, and the top surface refers to the z-axis direction surface of the battery cell stack 200. However, these are designated surfaces for the sake of explanation and may change depending on the position of the object in question, the position of the observer, etc. The front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack 200 may be the surfaces on which the protruding first and second electrode leads 111, 112 of the battery cell 110 are located.

[0062] On the other hand, the battery module 100 shown in Figure 8 is one exemplary structure of a battery module that includes a battery cell stack 200 and cooling fins 300. That is, although not specifically shown, a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention can be manufactured by housing the battery cell stack 200 in a module frame and an end plate, and then welding the module frame and the end plate together.

[0063] The following describes a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention in detail, with reference to Figures 9 and 10.

[0064] Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-section taken along the cutting line B-B' in Figure 9. In this case, Figure 10 assumes that the battery module 100, the thermal conductive resin layer 1300, and the bottom portion 1110 of the pack frame 1100 are in contact with each other, unlike in Figure 9, and shows the cross-section therein.

[0065] Referring to Figures 9 and 10, a battery pack 1000 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery module 100, a pack frame 1100 that houses the battery module 100, and a thermal resin layer 1300 located between the battery module 100 and the bottom 1110 of the pack frame 1100.

[0066] As previously explained, the battery module 100 includes a battery cell stack 200 and cooling fins 300. The explanation of the battery module 100 is omitted here as it is redundant with what has already been stated.

[0067] The battery pack 1000 may further include an upper cover 1200 that covers the pack frame 1100. That is, a number of battery modules 100 can be housed between the pack frame 1100 and the upper cover 1200.

[0068] The thermal conductive resin layer 1300 can be formed by applying a thermal conductive resin to the bottom portion 1110. Specifically, the thermal conductive resin is applied to the bottom portion 1110, the battery module 100 according to this embodiment is placed on top of it, and then the thermal conductive resin hardens to form the thermal conductive resin layer 1300.

[0069] The thermally conductive resin may include a thermally conductive adhesive, specifically at least one of a silicone material, a urethane material, and an acrylic material. The thermally conductive resin is liquid when applied but hardens after application to perform the role of fixing the multiple battery cells 110 that constitute the battery cell laminate 200. Furthermore, it has excellent thermal conductivity properties and can quickly transfer the heat generated in the battery module 100 to the bottom 1110, preventing overheating of the battery pack 1000.

[0070] Referring to Figures 3, 8, through 10, as described above, the lower part of the elastic member 700 is open, exposing the lower surface of the battery cell stack 200. The lower surface of the battery cell stack 200 can come into contact with the thermally conductive resin layer 1300. As shown in Figure 10, the battery cell 110 in this embodiment is in direct contact with the thermally conductive resin layer 1300, thus simplifying the heat transfer path downward of the battery module 100 and reducing the possibility of air gaps and other air layers. Therefore, the cooling performance of the battery module 100 and the battery pack 1000 containing it can be improved.

[0071] Furthermore, the cooling fins 300 in this embodiment extend from the lower surface of the battery cell stack 200 and contact the thermally conductive resin layer 1300. Since the lower surface of the battery cell stack 200 is exposed, the cooling fins 300 located between the battery cells 110 can directly contact the thermally conductive resin layer 1300 on the bottom 1110. By configuring the cooling fins 300 facing the battery cells 110 to directly contact the thermally conductive resin layer 1300, the heat dissipation performance can be maximized.

[0072] On the other hand, it is essential to fix the exposed battery cells 110 for the structural safety of the battery pack 1000. Since each battery cell 110 constituting the battery module 100 is fixed while remaining in contact with the thermally conductive resin layer 1300, structural safety can be enhanced.

[0073] Furthermore, since the number of components in the height direction of the battery pack 1000 is reduced, the efficiency of space utilization can be increased, and the capacity and output of the battery module can be increased.

[0074] In this embodiment, terms indicating directions such as front, back, left, right, up, and down were used, but these terms are for convenience of explanation and may change depending on the position of the object being examined, the observer's position, etc.

[0075] One or more battery modules according to the above-described embodiment can be mounted together with various control and protection systems such as a BMS (Battery Management System) and a cooling system to form a battery pack.

[0076] The aforementioned battery modules and battery packs can be applied to a variety of devices. Specifically, they can be applied to means of transportation such as electric bicycles, electric vehicles, and hybrids, but are not limited to these, and can be applied to a variety of devices that can use secondary batteries.

[0077] Although 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 by those skilled in the art that utilize the basic concepts of the present invention as defined in the following claims also fall within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0078] 100 Battery Modules 110 battery cells 300 cooling fins 310 Area 1 320 Second area 330 Third Area

Claims

1. A battery cell laminate comprising multiple battery cells stacked together, including a first electrode lead and a second electrode lead; and Includes a metal cooling fin located between the battery cells, The first electrode lead and the second electrode lead protrude from the battery cell in opposite directions. The cooling fins include a first zone, a second zone, and a third zone. The first and second regions are located apart from each other in a direction parallel to the direction in which the first and second electrode leads protrude. The third area is located between the first and second areas. The thickness of the third area is thinner than the thickness of the first and second areas, and this difference in thickness is achieved by the formation of empty spaces within the first and second areas. The battery cell includes a first terrace portion, a second terrace portion, and a central portion located between the first terrace portion and the second terrace portion. A battery module in which the adhesion between the cooling fins and the first terrace portion and the second terrace portion is higher than the adhesion between the cooling fins and the central portion.

2. A battery cell laminate comprising multiple battery cells stacked together, including a first electrode lead and a second electrode lead; and Includes cooling fins located between the aforementioned battery cells, The first electrode lead and the second electrode lead protrude from the battery cell in opposite directions. The cooling fins include a first zone, a second zone, and a third zone. The first and second regions are located apart from each other in a direction parallel to the direction in which the first and second electrode leads protrude. The third area is located between the first and second areas. The thickness of the third area is thinner than the thickness of the first and second areas, and this difference in thickness is achieved by the formation of empty spaces within the first and second areas. The battery cell includes a first terrace portion, a second terrace portion, and a central portion located between the first terrace portion and the second terrace portion. The first electrode lead protrudes from one end of the first terrace portion, The second electrode lead protrudes from one end of the second terrace portion, The first area, the second area, and the third area are located in correspondence with the first terrace section, the second terrace section, and the central section, respectively. A battery module in which the adhesion between the cooling fins and the first terrace portion and the second terrace portion is higher than the adhesion between the cooling fins and the central portion.

3. A battery cell laminate comprising multiple battery cells stacked together, including a first electrode lead and a second electrode lead; and Includes cooling fins located between the aforementioned battery cells, The first electrode lead and the second electrode lead protrude from the battery cell in opposite directions. The cooling fins include a first zone, a second zone, and a third zone. The first and second regions are located apart from each other in a direction parallel to the direction in which the first and second electrode leads protrude. The third area is located between the first and second areas. The thickness of the third area is thinner than the thickness of the first area and the thickness of the second area. The battery cell includes a first terrace portion, a second terrace portion, and a central portion located between the first terrace portion and the second terrace portion. The first electrode lead protrudes from one end of the first terrace portion, The second electrode lead protrudes from one end of the second terrace portion, The first area, the second area, and the third area are located in correspondence with the first terrace section, the second terrace section, and the central section, respectively. A battery module in which the distance between the central portion and the third area is wider than the distance between the first terrace portion and the first area.

4. A battery cell laminate comprising multiple battery cells stacked together, including a first electrode lead and a second electrode lead; and Includes cooling fins located between the aforementioned battery cells, The first electrode lead and the second electrode lead protrude from the battery cell in opposite directions. The cooling fins include a first zone, a second zone, and a third zone. The first and second regions are located apart from each other in a direction parallel to the direction in which the first and second electrode leads protrude. The third area is located between the first and second areas. The thickness of the third area is thinner than the thickness of the first area and the thickness of the second area. The battery cell includes a first terrace portion, a second terrace portion, and a central portion located between the first terrace portion and the second terrace portion. The first electrode lead protrudes from one end of the first terrace portion, The second electrode lead protrudes from one end of the second terrace portion, The first area, the second area, and the third area are located in correspondence with the first terrace section, the second terrace section, and the central section, respectively. A battery module in which the distance between the central portion and the third area is wider than the distance between the second terrace portion and the second area.

5. The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first and second regions become thinner as they approach the third region.

6. A battery cell laminate comprising multiple battery cells stacked together, including a first electrode lead and a second electrode lead; and Includes cooling fins located between the aforementioned battery cells, The first electrode lead and the second electrode lead protrude from the battery cell in opposite directions. The cooling fins include a first zone, a second zone, and a third zone. The first and second regions are located apart from each other in a direction parallel to the direction in which the first and second electrode leads protrude. The third area is located between the first and second areas. The thickness of the third area is thinner than the thickness of the first area and the thickness of the second area. The first and second regions each have empty spaces formed inside them so as to realize the difference in thickness between the first and second regions and the third region. The battery cell includes a first terrace portion, a second terrace portion, and a central portion located between the first terrace portion and the second terrace portion. A battery module in which the adhesion between the cooling fins and the first terrace portion and the second terrace portion is higher than the adhesion between the cooling fins and the central portion.

7. A battery cell laminate comprising multiple battery cells stacked together, including a first electrode lead and a second electrode lead; and Includes cooling fins located between the aforementioned battery cells, The first electrode lead and the second electrode lead protrude from the battery cell in opposite directions. The cooling fins include a first zone, a second zone, and a third zone. The first and second regions are located apart from each other in a direction parallel to the direction in which the first and second electrode leads protrude. The third area is located between the first and second areas. The thickness of the third area is thinner than the thickness of the first area and the thickness of the second area. The cooling fin is a two-layer metal plate material with an air layer formed inside, and the difference in thickness between the first and second regions and the third region is achieved by adjusting the spacing between the two-layer metal plate materials. The battery cell includes a first terrace portion, a second terrace portion, and a central portion located between the first terrace portion and the second terrace portion. A battery module in which the adhesion between the cooling fins and the first terrace portion and the second terrace portion is higher than the adhesion between the cooling fins and the central portion.

8. The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the battery cell is a pouch-type battery cell.

9. A battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 8; A pack frame for housing the aforementioned battery module; and It includes a thermally conductive resin layer located between the battery module and the bottom of the pack frame, A battery pack in which the cooling fins extend from the lower surface of the battery cell stack and contact the thermally conductive resin layer.

10. The battery pack according to claim 9, wherein the lower surface of the battery cell stack is in contact with the thermally conductive resin layer.

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