Battery module and battery pack containing the same

Abstract

A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery cell stack including a first battery cell stack and a second battery cell stack, each of which has a plurality of stacked battery cells, a module frame that houses the battery cell stack, and an inlet and an outlet for circulating a coolant within the module frame. The coolant flows into the module frame through the inlet and is discharged through the outlet. An insulating plate is disposed between the first battery cell stack and the second battery cell stack, and an opening is formed in the insulating plate through which the coolant passes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Cross - reference to Related Applications] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2022 - 0135644 filed on October 20, 2022 and Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2023 - 0140469 filed on October 19, 2023, and all the contents disclosed in the documents of the Korean patent applications 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 with improved cooling efficiency and safety and a battery pack including the same.

Background Art

[0003] As the technology development and demand for mobile devices increase, the demand for secondary batteries as an energy source has been rapidly increasing. Accordingly, many studies on secondary batteries that can meet various requirements have been conducted.

[0004] Secondary batteries have attracted much attention not only as an energy source for mobile devices such as mobile phones, digital cameras, and notebook computers, but also as an energy source for power devices such as electric bicycles, electric vehicles, and hybrid electric vehicles.

[0005] Recently, with the increasing utilization of secondary batteries as an energy storage source, the need for a large - capacity secondary battery structure has been growing, and the demand for battery packs with a medium - to - large - module structure formed by aggregating battery modules in which a number of secondary batteries are connected in series / parallel has been increasing.

[0006] On the other hand, when configuring a battery pack by connecting a plurality of battery cells in series / parallel, it is common to form a battery module consisting of at least one battery cell and add other components using at least one battery module to configure the battery pack.

[0007] The battery cells that make up such medium- and large-sized battery modules are composed of rechargeable secondary batteries, and such high-power, high-capacity secondary batteries generate a large amount of heat during the charging and discharging process. In this case, the heat emitted from many battery cells can be added up in a confined space, causing the temperature to rise rapidly and excessively. In other words, while high output can be obtained in battery modules with many battery cells stacked on top of each other and in battery packs with such battery modules attached, it is not easy to remove the heat generated by the battery cells during charging and discharging. If the heat dissipation of the battery cells is not properly carried out, the battery cells will deteriorate quickly, shortening their lifespan and increasing the possibility of explosion or fire.

[0008] Furthermore, battery modules included in vehicle battery packs are frequently exposed to direct sunlight and may be subjected to high-temperature conditions such as those experienced in summer or in desert regions. Also, because numerous battery modules are densely arranged to increase the vehicle's driving range, flames or heat generated in one battery module can easily propagate to adjacent modules, ultimately leading to ignition or explosion of the battery pack itself.

[0009] Furthermore, battery packs are heavy due to their structure, which consists of numerous battery modules, making them unsuitable for mounting in vehicles and other means of transportation. Therefore, there is a need to improve energy density.

[0010] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a conventional battery pack. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the battery pack shown in Figure 1.

[0011] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a conventional battery pack 10 includes a lower pack frame 11 to which multiple battery modules 1 are attached, an upper pack frame 12 located above the battery modules 1, and an internal beam 13 that demarcates the positions in the battery pack 10 where the battery modules 1 are attached.

[0012] Thus, when battery modules 1 are installed inside a battery pack 10, the energy density of the battery pack 10 decreases due to the internal beams 13 that partition the battery modules 1. Therefore, in order to meet the efficiency requirements of a device, a larger number of battery packs 10 must be installed, which presented a problem. In addition, the weight of the battery pack 10 limited the number of battery packs 10 that could be installed in a device. Consequently, in order to reduce the weight of the battery pack 10 and increase its energy density, it was necessary to install a larger number of battery modules 1 inside the battery pack 10.

[0013] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing one of the battery modules included in the battery pack shown in Figure 2.

[0014] Referring to Figure 3, a conventional battery module 1 includes a battery cell stack 3 containing battery cells 2 stacked in a predetermined direction, and a module frame 4 that houses the battery cell stack 3. The battery cell stack 3 is fixedly positioned on a thermally conductive resin layer 5 located on the lower surface of the module frame 4. In this case, a heat sink 6 located below the bottom of the module frame 4 may be provided to cool the heat generated in the battery cell stack 3.

[0015] However, since the heatsink 6 does not directly contact the battery cell stack 3 and receive heat transfer in that manner, it has the disadvantage of not being very efficient at cooling. In particular, an air gap may form between the bottom of the module frame 4 and the thermally conductive resin layer 5, which is a factor that hinders heat transfer. There is a need for a more effective method to cool the battery module 1.

[0016] In summary, the above points indicate the need for more effective methods to improve the cooling efficiency of battery modules. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0017] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a battery module and a battery pack including the same, which have improved cooling performance by improving cooling efficiency.

[0018] 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]

[0019] A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery cell stack comprising a first battery cell stack and a second battery cell stack, each comprising a plurality of battery cells stacked on top of each other; a module frame housing the battery cell stack; and an inlet and an outlet for circulating a refrigerant inside the module frame. The refrigerant flows into the module frame through the inlet and is discharged through the outlet. An insulating plate is placed between the first battery cell stack and the second battery cell stack, and an opening is formed in the insulating plate through which the refrigerant passes.

[0020] The opening may be formed in the center of the insulating plate.

[0021] With respect to the insulating plate, the inlet and the outlet may be located on opposite sides of each other.

[0022] The first battery cell stack may be located between the inlet and the insulating plate, and the second battery cell stack may be located between the outlet and the insulating plate.

[0023] The refrigerant flowing in through the inlet may sequentially pass through the first battery cell stack, the opening of the insulating plate, and the second battery cell stack, and be discharged through the outlet.

[0024] The inlet may be located below the central portion with reference to the height of the battery cell stack, and the outlet may be located above the central portion with reference to the height of the battery cell stack.

[0025] The first battery cell stack and the second battery cell stack may be arranged along a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the battery cells are stacked in the first battery cell stack or the second battery cell stack.

[0026] A first through hole and a second through hole may be formed in the insulating plate, and the electrical connection between the first battery cell stack and the second battery cell stack may be made through the first through hole and the second through hole.

[0027] The battery module may further include a first sealing assembly and a second sealing assembly that respectively cover both open sides of the module frame. The inlet may be formed in the first sealing assembly, and the outlet may be formed in the second sealing assembly.

[0028] The inlet may be located below the central portion with reference to the height of the first sealing assembly, and the outlet may be located above the central portion with reference to the height of the second sealing assembly.

[0029] The battery cell may be a pouch-type battery cell and may include electrode leads protruding in both directions.

[0030] When the direction between the electrode leads is defined as the length direction, the first sealing assembly, the first battery cell stack, the insulating plate, the second battery cell stack, and the second sealing assembly may be sequentially located along the length direction.

[0031] The refrigerant may be insulating oil.

[0032] The refrigerant may come into direct contact with the battery cell stack housed inside the module frame.

[0033] The insulating plate may have a configuration in which it surrounds the periphery of the opening formed in the center of the insulating plate.

[0034] The opening may be made such that it has an area of ​​5% to 60% of the area of ​​one surface of the insulating plate.

[0035] The length from the top edge of the insulating plate to the top edge of the opening may be 25% or more and 49% or less of the length along the height direction of the insulating plate. The length from the bottom edge of the insulating plate to the bottom edge of the opening may be 25% or more and 49% or less of the length along the height direction of the insulating plate.

[0036] An inclined surface may be formed in at least a portion of the region from the upper edge of the insulating plate to the upper edge of the opening, such that the thickness of the insulating plate decreases as it moves from the upper edge of the insulating plate to the upper edge of the opening.

[0037] An inclined surface may be formed in at least a portion of the region from the lower edge of the insulating plate to the lower edge of the opening, such that the thickness of the insulating plate decreases as it moves from the lower edge of the insulating plate towards the lower edge of the opening.

[0038] The insulating plate may include at least one rib extending along the height direction of the insulating plate.

[0039] The battery module may further include a first busbar frame located on one surface of the first battery cell stack and a second busbar frame located on one surface of the second battery cell stack. The insulating plate may be fixed to at least one of the first busbar frame or the second busbar frame.

[0040] A battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention includes the battery module. [Effects of the Invention]

[0041] According to embodiments of the present invention, the cooling efficiency of a battery module and a battery pack containing the same can be increased through direct cooling of the battery cells with a refrigerant.

[0042] Furthermore, energy density can be increased by arranging multiple battery cell stacks along the length of the battery module, and the fluidity of the refrigerant can be improved by placing insulating freight with openings formed between the multiple battery cell stacks.

[0043] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned should be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0044] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a conventional battery pack. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the battery pack shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing one of the battery modules included in the battery pack shown in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module shown in Figure 4. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the battery cell stack and the first and second busbar assemblies included in the battery module of Figure 5. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a plan view showing one of the battery cells included in the battery cell stack shown in Figure 6. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the first battery cell stack and the first busbar assembly included in the battery module of Figure 6. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of the first battery cell stack and the first busbar assembly shown in Figure 8. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a perspective view showing the battery cell stack and the first and second busbar assemblies from Figure 6 with additional side plates. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view showing the first and second battery cell stacks, which were included in the battery cell stack shown in Figure 10, separated from each other. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a perspective view showing how the battery cell stack, the first and second busbar assemblies, and the side plates from Figure 10 are inserted into the module frame. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a magnified view of A1 in Figure 6. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a magnified view of section A2 in Figure 6. [Figure 15] Figure 15 shows the current transfer path between the first battery cell stack and the second battery cell stack. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a perspective view showing a first sealing assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention being attached to one side of a module frame. [Figure 17] Figure 17 shows the process of assembling the first sealing assembly shown in Figure 16. [Figure 18] Figure 18 shows the process of attaching the first sealing assembly from Figure 16 to one side of the module frame. [Figure 19] Figure 19 is an exploded perspective view showing that a first end plate according to one embodiment of the present invention is attached to a first sealing assembly. [Figure 20] Figure 20 shows the configuration from Figure 19 with the first end plate removed, viewed along the -x axis in the yz plane. [Figure 21] Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view showing the portion corresponding to A5 in the cross-section obtained by cutting along the cutting line B-B' in Figure 20. [Figure 22]Figure 22 shows that a second sealing assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention is attached to the other side of the module frame. [Figure 23] Figure 23 is an exploded perspective view showing that a second end plate according to one embodiment of the present invention is attached to a second sealing assembly. [Figure 24] Figure 24 shows the configuration from Figure 23 with the second end plate removed, viewed along the x-axis direction on the yz-plane. [Figure 25] Figure 25 is a cross-sectional view showing the portion corresponding to A6 in the cross-section obtained by cutting along the cutting line C-C' in Figure 24. [Figure 26] Figure 26 is an exploded perspective view of a second sealing assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 27] Figure 27 is a view of Figure 26 along the -x axis in the yz plane. [Figure 28] Figure 28 shows the second end plate attached to the second sealing assembly in Figure 26. [Figure 29] Figure 29 is a magnified partial perspective view showing the insulating plate located between the first and second battery cell stacks in Figure 11. [Figure 30] Figure 30 is a partial perspective view showing an insulating plate included in a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 31] Figures 31(a) and (b) show cross-sections of a battery module according to a comparative example of the present invention and a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, respectively. [Figure 32] Figure 32 is a perspective view showing an insulating plate according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 33] Figure 33 shows a perspective view and a front view of an insulating plate according to a modified embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 34] Figure 34 shows a perspective view and a front view of an insulating plate according to a modified embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 35] Figure 35 is a cross-sectional view showing a section cut along the cutting line D-D' in Figure 34. [Figure 36] Figure 36 is a magnified view of the portion corresponding to A7 in Figure 35. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0045] The following describes various embodiments of the present invention 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 embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0046] To clearly explain the present invention, irrelevant parts have been omitted, and the same reference numerals are used throughout the specification for identical or similar components.

[0047] Furthermore, the dimensions and thicknesses of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrary for the sake of explanation and are not necessarily limited to those shown in the present invention. The thicknesses are shown enlarged in the drawings to clearly represent various layers and regions. In addition, the thicknesses of some layers and regions are exaggerated in the drawings for the sake of explanation.

[0048] Furthermore, when we say that a layer, membrane, region, plate, or other part is "on top of" or "on top of" another part, this includes not only when it is "directly above" the other part, but also when the other part is in between. Conversely, when we say that one part is "directly above" another part, it means that there is no other part in between. Also, when we say that a part is "on top of" or "on top of" a reference part, it means that it is located above or below the reference part, and does not necessarily mean that it is located "on top of" or "on top of" in the opposite direction of gravity.

[0049] Furthermore, when a specification states that a part "includes" a certain component, unless otherwise stated, this does not mean that it excludes other components, but rather that it can further encompass other components.

[0050] Furthermore, throughout the specification, "on a plane" means when the subject is viewed from above, and "on a cross-section" means when the subject is viewed from the side of a cross-section obtained by cutting the subject perpendicularly.

[0051] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module of Figure 4. Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the battery cell stack and the first and second busbar assemblies included in the battery module of Figure 5. Figure 7 is a plan view showing one of the battery cells included in the battery cell stack of Figure 6.

[0052] Referring to Figures 4 to 7, a battery module 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery cell stack 120 comprising a first battery cell stack 120a and a second battery cell stack 120b, a module frame 200 housing the battery cell stack 120, and an inlet and an outlet for circulating a coolant inside the module frame 200. The first battery cell stack 120a and the second battery cell stack 120b are formed by stacking a plurality of battery cells 110. The coolant, the inlet and the outlet will be described later.

[0053] First, the battery cell 110 is a pouch-type battery cell and may include electrode leads 130 protruding in both directions. Such a pouch-type battery cell may be formed by housing an electrode assembly in a pouch case made of a laminate sheet containing a resin layer and a metal layer, and then bonding the outer periphery of the pouch case. Such a battery cell 110 may have a rectangular sheet structure. Specifically, the battery cell 110 according to this embodiment has a structure in which two electrode leads 130 protrude from one end 114a and the other end 114b of the battery body 113, respectively. More specifically, the electrode leads 130 may protrude in opposite directions, and one of such electrode leads 130 may be a positive electrode lead and the other a negative electrode lead. In this embodiment, the direction between the electrode leads 130 protruding in both directions of the battery cell 110 is referred to as the longitudinal direction of the battery cell 110. As an example, referring to Figures 6 and 7, the direction parallel to the x-axis can be considered the longitudinal direction of the battery cell 110.

[0054] The battery cell 110 may be manufactured by bonding both ends 114a, 114b of the battery case 114 and one side portion 114c connecting them, with the electrode assembly (not shown) housed in the battery case 114. In other words, the battery cell 110 according to one embodiment of the present invention has a total of three sealing portions, the sealing portions are sealed by methods such as fusion bonding, and the remaining one side portion may consist of a folding portion 115.

[0055] Such battery cells 110 may consist of multiple cells, and multiple battery cells 110 are stacked so as to be electrically connected to each other to form a battery cell stack 120. The battery cell stack 120 includes a first battery cell stack 120a and a second battery cell stack 120b. In particular, the battery cells 110 may be stacked in one direction with the battery cells 110 standing upright and one side of the battery body 113 of the battery cells 110 facing each other. More specifically, as shown in Figures 4 to 7, the battery cells 110 may be stacked in a direction from one side of the module frame 200 to another while standing upright, such that one side of the battery body 113 of the battery cell 110 is parallel to the side of the module frame 200. As an example, a configuration in which multiple battery cells 110 are stacked in a direction parallel to the y-axis is shown. When multiple battery cells 110 are stacked along a direction parallel to the y-axis in this manner, the electrode leads 130 of a particular battery cell 110 may protrude along the x-axis and -x-axis directions, respectively.

[0056] Multiple battery cells 110 can be stacked in one region along a direction parallel to the y-axis to form a first battery cell stack 120a, and multiple battery cells 110 can be stacked in the other region along a direction parallel to the y-axis to form a second battery cell stack 120b.

[0057] The battery case 114 generally consists of a laminated structure of a resin layer / metal thin film layer / resin layer. For example, if the surface of the battery case is made of an O(oriented)-nylon layer, when stacking a large number of battery cells to form a medium-to-large battery module, it tends to slip easily due to external impact. Therefore, in order to prevent this and maintain a stable stacked structure of the battery cells, an adhesive member such as double-sided tape or a chemical adhesive that bonds through a chemical reaction during bonding can be attached to the surface of the battery case to form a first battery cell stack 120a and a second battery cell stack 120b.

[0058] On the other hand, the first battery cell stack 120a and the second battery cell stack 120b are positioned along a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the battery cells 110 are stacked in the first battery cell stack 120a and the second battery cell stack 120b. In other words, the first battery cell stack 120a and the second battery cell stack 120b may be positioned along the direction in which the electrode leads 130 protrude relative to the battery cell 110. That is, the first battery cell stack 120a and the second battery cell stack 120b are positioned along the length direction of the battery cell 110. For example, as shown in Figure 6, when multiple battery cells 110 are stacked along a direction parallel to the y-axis to form the first battery cell stack 120a and the second battery cell stack 120b, the first battery cell stack 120a and the second battery cell stack 120b may be positioned along a direction parallel to the x-axis.

[0059] The module frame 200 may be for protecting the battery cell stack 120 and the electrical components connected thereto from external physical shocks. The battery cell stack 120 and the electrical components connected thereto may be housed in the internal space of the module frame 200.

[0060] The structure of the module frame 200 may be diverse. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the structure of the module frame 200 may be a monoframe structure. Here, the monoframe may be in the form of a metal plate material in which the top surface, bottom surface and both sides are integrated. The monoframe may be manufactured by extrusion molding.

[0061] However, the structure of the module frame 200 is not limited to this, and in other embodiments, the module frame 200 may have a structure in which a U-shaped frame and an upper plate are joined together. In this case, the U-shaped frame may have a bottom surface and two sides extending upward from both corners of the bottom surface, and the upper plate may be in the form of a plate. In this case, each frame or plate constituting the U-shaped frame may be manufactured by press molding. Furthermore, the structure of the module frame 200 may be provided as an L-shaped frame structure in addition to a monoframe or U-shaped frame, and may be provided in a variety of structures not described in the examples above.

[0062] The module frame 200 may be in an open configuration on both sides. More specifically, the module frame 200 may be provided in an open configuration along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell 110. In this case, the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack 120 may not be covered by the module frame 200. The front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack 120 may be covered by the first and second busbar assemblies 300a, 300b, sealing assembly 400, or end plate 500, etc., as described later, thereby protecting the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack 120 from external physical impacts, etc.

[0063] The battery module 100 may include a first busbar assembly 300a located on one side and the other side of the first battery cell stack 120a, and a second busbar assembly 300b located on one side and the other side of the second battery cell stack 120b. Specifically, the first busbar assembly 300a may be positioned in the direction in which the electrode leads 130 of the battery cells 110 contained in the first battery cell stack 120a protrude. Similarly, the second busbar assembly 300b may be positioned in the direction in which the electrode leads 130 of the battery cells 110 contained in the second battery cell stack 120b protrude. The first busbar assembly 300a and the second busbar assembly 300b may each include a busbar frame, busbars, and terminal busbars, which will be described later.

[0064] The battery module 100 may include a sealing assembly 400. The sealing assembly 400 may be located on both open sides of the module frame 200 and formed to cover the battery cell stack 120. The sealing assembly 400 located on one open side of the module frame 200 may be a first sealing assembly 410, and the sealing assembly 400 located on the other open side of the module frame 200 may be a second sealing assembly 450. In other words, the battery module 100 according to this embodiment may further include a first sealing assembly 410 and a second sealing assembly 450 that cover both open sides of the module frame 200, respectively.

[0065] The sealing assembly 400 can isolate the open sides of the module frame 200 from the external environment. Specifically, when a refrigerant is injected into the module frame 200, as described later, the sealing assembly 400 can seal the refrigerant to prevent it from leaking to the outside.

[0066] The end plates 500 may be positioned on both open sides of the module frame 200 and formed to cover the sealing assembly 400. The end plate 500 located on one open side of the module frame 200 may be the first end plate 510, and the end plate 500 located on the other open side of the module frame 200 may be the second end plate 550.

[0067] Such an end plate 500 can physically protect the battery cell stack 120 and other electrical components from external impacts.

[0068] The following describes in detail the components included in the battery module 100 of this embodiment.

[0069] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the first battery cell stack and the first busbar assembly included in the battery module of Figure 6. Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of the first battery cell stack and the first busbar assembly of Figure 8. Figure 10 is a perspective view showing the battery cell stack and the first and second busbar assemblies of Figure 6 with additional side plates. Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view showing the first and second battery cell stacks included in the battery cell stack of Figure 10 separated. Figure 12 is a perspective view showing the battery cell stack, the first and second busbar assemblies and side plates of Figure 10 inserted into the module frame.

[0070] Referring to Figures 6, 8 through 12, as mentioned above, the battery cell stack 120 may include a first battery cell stack 120a and a second battery cell stack 120b arranged along the length of the battery cells 110. Furthermore, a first busbar assembly 300a may be located on one side and the other side of the first battery cell stack 120a, and a second busbar assembly 300b may be located on one side and the other side of the second battery cell stack 120b.

[0071] In this case, the first battery cell stack 120a and the first busbar assembly 300a can be collectively referred to as the first submodule 100a, and the second battery cell stack 120b and the second busbar assembly 300b can be collectively referred to as the second submodule 100b. Specifically, the battery module 100 according to this embodiment may be a configuration in which the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b, which are arranged inside the module frame 200, are electrically coupled.

[0072] First, the first submodule 100a may include a first battery cell stack 120a and a first busbar assembly 300a. The first busbar assembly 300a may be located on one side and the other side of the first battery cell stack 120a. The first busbar assembly 300a may be located in a direction in which the electrode leads 130 of the battery cells 110 contained in the first battery cell stack 120a protrude. Furthermore, a first flexible printed circuit board 350a (FPCB) which is electrically connected to the first busbar assembly 300a may be provided.

[0073] The first battery cell stack 120a may include a plurality of battery cells 110, at least one first cooling pin 210a located between the plurality of battery cells 110, and a first compression pad 250a provided on one side of the outermost battery cell 110.

[0074] The first cooling pin 210a may be located between multiple battery cells 110. For example, the first cooling pin 210a may be located between two battery cells 110. Specifically, one first cooling pin 210a and another adjacent first cooling pin 210a may be located with two battery cells 110 in between.

[0075] The first cooling pin 210a may include a first plate 211a that contacts one side of the battery cell 110. Here, the one side of the battery cell 110 is one side of the battery body 113 (see Figure 7) of the battery cell 110, and may be one side of the battery cell 110 that extends along the length direction (x-axis direction).

[0076] One surface of the first plate 211a may be in contact with one surface of a battery cell 110 that is opposite to the surface of the first plate 211a. The other surface of the first plate 211a may be in contact with one surface of another adjacent battery cell 110 that is opposite to the other surface of the first plate 211a. In this case, although not specifically shown, an adhesive member is interposed between the surface of the battery cell 110 and the first plate 211a, so that the battery cell 110 and the first plate 211a can be bonded and fixed together. For example, the adhesive member may be insulating tape.

[0077] The upper surface (in the z-axis direction) of the first plate 211a may be in contact with the upper surface of the module frame 200, and the lower surface of the first plate 211a may be in contact with the lower surface of the module frame 200. As a result, the first cooling pin 210a may be fixedly positioned within the module frame 200, and as a result, the battery cell 110 bonded to the first cooling pin 210a may also be fixedly positioned within the module frame 200.

[0078] If the size of the first plate 211a is larger than the size of the battery cell 110, the upper and lower parts of the battery cell 110 may be positioned at a certain distance from the upper and lower surfaces of the module frame 200. Specifically, if the height of the first plate 211a is longer than the height of the battery cell 110, the battery cell 110 can be positioned in the center of the first plate 211a and bonded in place. In this case, the upper and lower parts of the battery cell 110 may be positioned at a certain distance from the upper and lower surfaces of the module frame 200. Here, this refers to the length in the z-axis direction that the battery cell 110 and the first plate 211a are elevated.

[0079] The first cooling pin 210a may further include a first plate 211a and a first projection 213a protruding from one end of the first plate 211a. For example, the first cooling pin 210a may be L-shaped. Specifically, referring to Figure 9, the first cooling pin 210a may include a first plate 211a having a surface corresponding to or larger than one side of the battery cell 110, and a first projection 213a protruding from one end of the first plate 211a parallel to the stacking direction (y-axis direction) of the first battery cell stack 120a.

[0080] The first protrusion 213a is a region that protrudes perpendicular to the first plate 211a and may be in contact with at least one of the upper or lower surfaces of the module frame 200. Specifically, one surface of the first protrusion 213a may be positioned opposite the upper or lower surface of the battery cell 110, and the other surface of the first protrusion 213a may be in contact with the lower or upper surface of the module frame 200.

[0081] For example, one surface of the first protrusion 213a may be positioned facing the lower surface of the battery cell 110, and the upper and lower surfaces of the battery cell 110 may be fixed to the first plate 211a at a certain height from the upper and lower surfaces of the module frame 200. In other words, a certain space is provided between one surface of the first protrusion 213a and the lower surface of the battery cell 110, and between the upper surface of the module frame 200 and the upper surface of the battery cell 110, allowing the refrigerant, described later, to move through this space. In this case, the distance between one surface of the first protrusion 213a and the lower surface of the battery cell 110 can correspond to the distance between the upper surface of the module frame 200 and the upper surface of the battery cell 110.

[0082] The other side of the first protrusion 213a may be in contact with the bottom of the module frame 200. Specifically, the other side of the first protrusion 213a may be in contact with and bonded to the bottom of the module frame 200, thereby fixing and positioning the first cooling pin 210a within the module frame 200.

[0083] However, the shape of the first cooling pin 210a is not limited to this drawing; it may be a flat plate shape, or any shape that can contact the battery cell 110 and fix the battery cell 110 in place.

[0084] The first cooling pin 210a may be made of metal. Specifically, the first cooling pin 210a may be made of a metal with high thermal conductivity. Therefore, the first cooling pin 210a can directly transfer the heat generated in the battery cell 110 by the charging and discharging of the battery.

[0085] When heat is generated, it is transferred to the first cooling pin 210a, which is in contact with the side surface of the battery cell 110, and is cooled temporarily. Secondary cooling may then occur when a refrigerant, described later, comes into direct contact with the upper and lower parts of the battery cell 110. This makes it possible to directly cool the upper and lower regions of the battery cell, which were previously difficult to cool, thereby improving cooling efficiency.

[0086] The first compression pad 250a may be located on the outermost side of the first battery cell stack 120a. Such a first compression pad 250a can absorb the expansion of the battery cells 110 when they expand due to charging and discharging. Specifically, the first compression pad 250a can prevent the battery case 114 (see Figure 7) of the battery cell 110 from cracking by pushing out the side of the module frame 200 as the battery cell 110 expands, thereby improving the safety of the battery module 100.

[0087] However, the first compression pad 250a is not limited to being located only on the outermost edge of the first battery cell stack 120a, but may also be located between the battery cells 110 that make up the first battery cell stack 120a.

[0088] The first busbar assembly 300a may include a first busbar frame 310a and a first busbar 330a attached to the first busbar frame 310a.

[0089] The first busbar frame 310a may be located on one surface of the first battery cell stack 120a, covering one surface of the first battery cell stack 120a, and guiding the connection between the first battery cell stack 120a and external equipment. The first busbar frame 310a may be located on one surface and the other surface of the first battery cell stack 120a.

[0090] A first busbar 330a may be attached to the first busbar frame 310a. For example, the inner surface of the first busbar frame 310a may face the first battery cell stack 120a, and a first busbar 330a may be attached to the outer surface of the first busbar frame 310a.

[0091] The first busbar frame 310a may include an electrically insulating material. The first busbar frame 310a can restrict the first busbar 330a from contacting other parts of the battery cell 110 other than the portion joined to the electrode lead (not shown), thereby preventing electrical short circuits.

[0092] The first busbar 330a may be mounted on the outer surface of the first busbar frame 310a, electrically connecting the battery cells 110 contained in the first battery cell stack 120a, and electrically connecting the first battery cell stack 120a to an external equipment circuit. The first busbar 330a is located on the first busbar frame 310a, and such a first busbar assembly 300a is covered by the sealing assembly 400 and end plate 500 described later, so it can be protected from external impacts and minimizes the reduction in durability due to external moisture.

[0093] The first busbar 330a can be electrically connected to the first battery cell stack 120a through the electrode leads 130 of the battery cells 110. Specifically, the electrode leads 130 of the battery cells 110 may be bent after passing through slits formed in the first busbar frame 310a and then connected to the first busbar 330a. The battery cells 110 contained in the first battery cell stack 120a may be electrically connected in series or parallel by the first busbar 330a. There are no special restrictions on the method of connection between the electrode leads 130 and the first busbar 330a, and welding can be applied as an example.

[0094] The first flexible printed circuit board 350a is mounted extending along the length of the battery cell 110 and is configured to sense the battery cell 110. That is, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, the first flexible printed circuit board 350a is located on the upper surface of the first battery cell stack 120a and senses voltage and thermal data of the battery cell 110. In particular, the first flexible printed circuit board 350a is bent at one end toward the first busbar frame 310a and can be electrically connected to the first busbar 330a. This allows it to sense the voltage data of each battery cell 110 and transmit it to the outside.

[0095] The second submodule 100b may include a second battery cell stack 120b and a second busbar assembly 300b, and the second busbar assembly 300b may include a second busbar frame 310b and a second busbar 330b. A second flexible printed circuit board 350b connecting the second busbar assemblies 300b may also be provided.

[0096] The second busbar frame 310b may be located on one surface of the second battery cell stack 120b, covering one surface of the second battery cell stack 120b, and guiding the connection between the second battery cell stack 120b and external equipment. The second busbar frame 310b may be located on one surface and the other surface of the second battery cell stack 120b.

[0097] The components included in the second submodule 100b can be made to have the same or similar structure as the components included in the first submodule 100a described earlier. Therefore, in order to avoid duplication of explanation, a detailed explanation of the components included in the second submodule 100b will be omitted.

[0098] As described above, within the battery module 100, the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b can be electrically connected to each other. In other words, the battery module 100 according to this embodiment corresponds to a twin model battery module having the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b.

[0099] Referring to Figures 6 and 10 to 12, in this embodiment, the first busbar assembly 300a located on the other side of the first battery cell stack 120a and the second busbar assembly 300b located on one side of the second battery cell stack 120b can be electrically connected. In this case, referring to Figure 11, the first busbar assembly 300a and the second busbar assembly 300b can be electrically connected via a connecting cable 380. The connecting cable 380 will be described in more detail in Figure 13.

[0100] Referring to Figures 10 and 11, side plates 210 may be provided on both sides of the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b.

[0101] The side plate 210 may be a plate extending along the length of the battery cell 110. Specifically, the length of the side plate 210 can correspond to the sum of the lengths of the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b.

[0102] The side plate 210 may be positioned opposite the outermost battery cell 110 in the first submodule 100a and the outermost battery cell 110 in the second submodule 100b. Alternatively, the side plate 210 may be positioned opposite the first compression pad 250a in the first submodule 100a and the second compression pad 250b in the second submodule 100b.

[0103] The side plate 210 may be made of a rigid metal. The side plate 210 can protect the outermost battery cells 110 and compression pads 250a and 250b of the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b when they are inserted and mounted into the module frame 200. In addition, the battery module 100 in this embodiment is a twin model having a first battery cell stack 120a and a second battery cell stack 120b, and since the battery cell stack 120 is longer than a typical battery cell stack, it may not be easy to insert and assemble it into the module frame 200. In this case, as shown in Figures 10 to 12, the side plate 210 guides the insertion of the battery cell stack 120 into the module frame 200, allowing the battery module to be easily assembled without damaging the battery cells 110 and compression pads 250a and 250b.

[0104] Figure 13 is a magnified view of section A1 in Figure 6, and Figure 14 is a magnified view of section A2 in Figure 6.

[0105] Referring to Figures 6, 11, and 13, a connecting cable 380 is provided between the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b, thereby electrically connecting the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b. The connecting cable 380 may be a flexible flat cable (FFC).

[0106] The connecting cable 380 can connect the first flexible printed circuit board 350a located in the first submodule 100a and the second flexible printed circuit board 350b located in the second submodule 100b. Voltage data and thermal data for both the first battery cell stack 120a and the second battery cell stack 120b can be transmitted to the BMS (Battery Management System) outside the battery module 100. In other words, a low voltage (LV) connection between the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b may be made by the connecting cable 380. Here, the LV connection refers to a sensing connection for sensing and controlling the voltage of the battery cells, etc.

[0107] Furthermore, as described above, by connecting the first flexible printed circuit board 350a and the second flexible printed circuit board 350b via the connecting cable 380, the overall height of the battery module 100 can be reduced, and the energy density of the battery itself can be increased. In addition, installation space for the battery module 100 can be secured, and when the battery module 100 is installed in a device such as an automobile, driving performance and fuel efficiency can be improved.

[0108] Referring to Figure 14, the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b can be electrically connected by connecting their electrode leads 130 to each other. Specifically, at least one electrode lead 130a of the battery cells 110 included in the first battery cell stack 120a and at least one electrode lead 130b of the battery cells 110 included in the second battery cell stack 120b can overlap and be electrically connected to each other. In this case, the two electrode leads 130a and 130b can be electrically connected together with the connecting busbar 330. The two electrode leads 130a and 130b and the connecting busbar 330 can be welded to each other and electrically connected.

[0109] The two electrode leads 130a and 130b connected to the connecting busbar 330 may be electrode leads protruding from the outermost battery cell 110 in the first battery cell stack 120a and the outermost battery cell 110 in the second battery cell stack 120b, respectively. Referring to Figures 6 and 14, the connection configuration of the connecting busbar 330 to the two electrode leads 130a and 130b is shown as being formed in only one region, but the same connection configuration may also be provided in the opposite region based on the stacking direction of the battery cells 110. The electrical connection relationship and current transfer path between the first battery cell stack 120a and the second battery cell stack 120b will be explained in more detail below.

[0110] Figure 15 shows the current transfer path between the first battery cell stack and the second battery cell stack.

[0111] Referring to Figure 15, in the electrically connected first submodule 100a and second submodule 100b, one end is defined with respect to the x-axis direction, and the other end is defined with respect to the -x-axis direction. The region in which the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b are electrically connected can be defined as the connection region A3. The connection structure of the electrode leads and the flow of current in the aforementioned one end, other end, and connection region A3 will be described in detail below. In particular, for the sake of explanation, the electrode leads included in the first submodule 100a will be referred to as the first electrode leads, and the electrode leads included in the second submodule 100b will be referred to as the second electrode leads.

[0112] The first outermost electrode lead 130a1 located at one end of the first submodule 100a and the first electrode lead 130a6 located adjacent to it are electrically connected to the outside and can supply current to the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b. In this case, the current is supplied to the first submodule 100a from the outside, but since the first electrode lead 130a and the second electrode lead 130b are electrically connected in the connection region A3, the current can also flow to the second submodule 100b.

[0113] In connection region A3, the first electrode lead 130a located on the outermost edge of the first battery cell stack 120a of the first submodule 100a and the second electrode lead 130b located on the outermost edge of the second battery cell stack 120b of the second submodule 100b can be electrically connected to each other. Specifically, the outermost first electrode leads 130a2 and 130a3 located at the other end of the first submodule 100a can be electrically connected to the outermost second electrode leads 130b1 and 130b5 located at one end of the second submodule 100b.

[0114] In this case, the electrode leads, excluding the outermost first electrode leads 130a2 and 130a3 and the outermost second electrode leads 130b1 and 130b5, can be electrically connected to their adjacent electrode leads. More specifically, at the other end of the first submodule 100a, the first electrode leads, excluding the outermost first electrode leads 130a2 and 130a3, can be electrically connected in pairs to their adjacent first electrode leads. Similarly, at one end of the second submodule 100b, the second electrode leads, excluding the outermost second electrode leads 130b1 and 130b5, can be electrically connected in pairs to their adjacent second electrode leads.

[0115] At one end of the first submodule 100a, excluding the connection region A3, the remaining first electrode leads, excluding the first outermost electrode lead 130a1 and its adjacent first electrode lead 130a6 which are electrically connected to an external power supply, can be electrically connected to adjacent first electrode leads. For example, adjacent first electrode leads can be electrically connected in pairs.

[0116] At the other end of the second submodule 100b, excluding the connection region A3, it can be electrically connected to an adjacent second electrode lead. For example, adjacent second electrode leads can be electrically connected in pairs. Here, the second outermost electrode leads 130b2 and 130b4 of the second submodule 100b can also be electrically connected in pairs to their adjacent second electrode leads.

[0117] As described above, when an electrical connection is formed between the electrode leads 130a and 130b, current can move along such an electrical connection between the electrode leads 130a and 130b.

[0118] In other words, the arrows in this drawing represent the flow of current, and the flow of current is not limited as explained in this drawing. Any current flow is possible as long as an ordinary engineer can easily change the flow of current by changing the electrical connection of the electrode leads.

[0119] In this embodiment, a twin-model battery module 100 is formed by arranging a first battery cell stack 120a and a second battery cell stack 120b, which are positioned along the length of a single battery module 100. Compared to two single-model battery modules, each containing one battery cell stack, the twin-model battery module of this embodiment can significantly reduce the space required in the length direction. In other words, the battery module 100 according to this embodiment has the advantage of reducing the number of components and increasing energy density and space utilization by reducing the required space.

[0120] The following section will describe in detail the structure for circulating a refrigerant inside the battery module according to this embodiment.

[0121] Referring again to Figures 4, 5, and 11, the battery module 100 according to this embodiment includes an inlet 421 and an outlet 461 for circulating a refrigerant inside the module frame 200. The refrigerant flows into the module frame 200 through the inlet 421 and is then discharged to the outside of the battery module 100 through the outlet 461.

[0122] The refrigerant is in direct contact with the battery cell stack 120, the first and second busbar assemblies 300a, 300b, and other electrical components housed inside the module frame 200, and can receive heat transfer from them.

[0123] The refrigerant may be a fluid. However, since the refrigerant is in direct contact with the battery cell stack 120, the first and second busbar assemblies 300a, 300b and other electrical components within the battery module 100, the refrigerant must be electrically insulated. Therefore, the refrigerant may be an insulating material. For example, the refrigerant may be an insulating oil.

[0124] In other words, in this embodiment, the refrigerant directly contacts the battery cell stack 120, the first and second busbar assemblies 300a, 300b, and other electrical components that generate heat within the battery module 100, receiving heat transfer and directly cooling them. Therefore, compared to conventional battery modules 1 (see Figure 3), which indirectly cool the battery module 1 using a heat sink 6 or the like, the battery module 100 according to this embodiment can improve cooling efficiency through direct cooling, thereby extending the battery life.

[0125] In this embodiment, an insulating plate 700 is placed between the first battery cell stack 120a and the second battery cell stack 120b, and an opening 700H is formed in the insulating plate 700 through which the refrigerant passes. For example, the opening 700H may be formed in the center of the insulating plate 700, and more specifically, the opening 700H may be formed in the shape of a rectangle where the top and bottom sides are longer than the sides. In other words, the opening 700H may be formed so as to extend along the direction in which the battery cells 110 are stacked.

[0126] The insulating plate 700 may contain an electrically insulating material. For example, the insulating plate 700 may be a plastic injection molded product.

[0127] More specifically, the inlet 421 and outlet 461 may be located on opposite sides of the insulating plate 700. The first battery cell stack 120a may be located between the inlet 421 and the insulating plate 700, and the second battery cell stack 120b may be located between the outlet 461 and the insulating plate 700.

[0128] The refrigerant flowing in through the inlet 421 may sequentially pass through the first battery cell stack 120a, the opening 700H of the insulating plate 700, and the second battery cell stack 120b, and be discharged through the outlet 461.

[0129] Since both the first battery cell stack 120a and the second battery cell stack 120b are contained within a single module frame 200, there is a risk of short circuits occurring due to contact between the first battery cell stack 120a and the second battery cell stack 120b, or between the first busbar assembly 300a located on the other side of the first battery cell stack 120a and the second busbar assembly 300b located on one side of the second battery cell stack 120b.

[0130] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the battery module 100 according to this embodiment has a configuration that extends along the length direction and includes a first battery cell stack 120a and a second battery cell stack 120b. When the refrigerant circulates inside the module frame 200, there is a possibility that a section may occur between the first battery cell stack 120a and the second battery cell stack 120b where the flow of the refrigerant stagnates.

[0131] In this embodiment, an insulating plate 700 having electrical insulation properties was placed between the first battery cell stack 120a and the second battery cell stack 120b. The insulating plate 700 was used to ensure electrical insulation and creepage distance between the first battery cell stack 120a and the second battery cell stack 120b, or between the first busbar assembly 300a and the second busbar assembly 300b.

[0132] Furthermore, by designing the insulating plate 700 such that an opening 700H through which the refrigerant passes is formed in the center of the insulating plate 700, congestion of the refrigerant flow in the space between the first battery cell stack 120a and the second battery cell stack 120b is prevented. In other words, the aim was to improve cooling performance by ensuring the flow of the refrigerant.

[0133] On the other hand, as described above with reference to Figures 13 to 15, the electrical connection between the first battery cell stack 120a and the second battery cell stack 120b, for example, the electrical connection between the outermost first electrode leads 130a2, 130a3 and the outermost second electrode leads 130b1, 130b5 in the connection region A3, and the LV connection by the connection cable 380 have been explained. Referring to Figure 11 along with Figures 13 to 15, such an electrical connection between the first battery cell stack 120a and the second battery cell stack 120b may be made through first and second through-holes 700H1, 700H2 formed in the insulating plate 700.

[0134] Specifically, the outermost first electrode lead 130a2 in the first battery cell stack 120a and the outermost second electrode lead 130b1 in the second battery cell stack 120b can be connected to each other by passing through one of the first through-holes 700H1 formed in the insulating plate 700. Then, the outermost first electrode lead 130a3 in the first battery cell stack 120a and the outermost second electrode lead 130b5 in the second battery cell stack 120b can be connected to each other by passing through the other of the first through-holes 700H1 formed in the insulating plate 700. Preferably, the first through-holes 700H1 are opened only to a size that allows the outermost first electrode leads 130a2, 130a3 and the outermost second electrode leads 130b1, 130b5 to just barely pass through.

[0135] A connecting cable 380 that links the first flexible printed circuit board 350a located in the first submodule 100a and the second flexible printed circuit board 350b located in the second submodule 100b can pass through a second through-hole 700H2 formed in the insulating plate 700. Preferably, the second through-hole 700H2 is opened only to a size that allows the connecting cable 380 to pass through just.

[0136] On the other hand, the opening 700H in this embodiment may be opened such that it has an area of ​​5% to 60% of the area of ​​one surface of the insulating plate 700. Here, the area of ​​one surface of the insulating plate 700 may be the area included by the opening areas of the first and second through holes 700H1 and 700H2. In other words, assuming that the first and second through holes 700H1 and 700H2 are closed, the area of ​​one surface of the insulating plate 700 can be the basis for the above ratio.

[0137] If the area of ​​the opening 700H is less than 5% of the area of ​​one surface of the insulating plate 700, the area through which the refrigerant passes may be excessively narrow, potentially obstructing the flow of the refrigerant. Furthermore, if the area of ​​the opening 700H exceeds 60% of the area of ​​one surface of the insulating plate 700, the area of ​​the opening 700H is excessively large, preventing the congestion of the refrigerant flow in the space between the first battery cell stack 120a and the second battery cell stack 120b, and posing a risk of a short circuit between the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b.

[0138] The following describes in detail the specific locations where the inlet 421 and outlet 461 are formed in this embodiment.

[0139] Figure 16 is a perspective view showing a first sealing assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention being attached to one side of a module frame.

[0140] Referring to Figures 4 to 7 and Figure 16, as described above, the battery module 100 may include a first sealing assembly 410 and a second sealing assembly 450 that cover the open sides of the module frame 200, respectively. The inlet 421 may be formed in the first sealing assembly 410, and the outlet 461 may be formed in the second sealing assembly 450.

[0141] As described above, the battery cell 110 according to this embodiment is a pouch-type battery cell and may include electrode leads 130 protruding in both directions. The direction between the electrode leads 130 protruding in both directions can be called the longitudinal direction of the battery cell 110. The direction parallel to the x-axis can correspond to the longitudinal direction of the battery cell 110. Along this longitudinal direction, the first sealing assembly 410, the first battery cell stack 120a, the insulating plate 700, the second battery cell stack 120b, and the second sealing assembly 450 may be positioned in order. In other words, the refrigerant flowing in through the inlet 421 formed in the first sealing assembly 410 may sequentially pass through the first battery cell stack 120a, the opening 700H of the insulating plate 700, and the second battery cell stack 120b, and be discharged through the outlet 461 formed in the second sealing assembly 450.

[0142] In the battery module 100 according to this embodiment, the first busbar assembly 300a, which is electrically connected to the battery cell stack, may be located on one open side of the module frame 200, and the first sealing assembly 410 may be attached to cover the first busbar assembly 300a. More specifically, the first sealing assembly 410 may cover the first busbar assembly 300a located on one side of the first battery cell stack 120a.

[0143] The first sealing assembly 410 may include a first sealing cover 420 which is a plate that covers one open side of the module frame 200, an inlet 421 which is a hole formed in the first sealing cover 420, and a module connector 430 which is attached to one area of ​​the first sealing cover 420.

[0144] The first sealing cover 420 is a plate that covers one open side of the module frame 200 and may have a size corresponding to the size of the open side of the module frame 200. In other words, the first sealing cover 420 may be attached to the module frame 200 by covering one open side of the module frame 200. For example, the first sealing cover 420 may be insert-coupled to the module frame 200.

[0145] The inlet 421 may be a hole formed in one area of ​​the first sealing cover 420. The inlet 421 may be a hole that protrudes outward (in the x-axis direction) from the outer surface (x-axis direction) of the first sealing cover 420. In other words, the inlet 421 may be a hole that protrudes in the direction opposite to the direction in which the module frame 200 is located. The protruding inlet 421 can pass through the inlet opening 540 formed in the first end plate 510, which will be described later.

[0146] The inlet 421 may be located below the center with respect to the height of the battery cell stack 120. The inlet 421 may also be located near the lower part of the first sealing assembly 410. Specifically, the inlet 421 may be located below the center with respect to the height of the first sealing assembly 410. Here, this refers to the length in the z-axis direction on the drawing, which is the height of the battery cell stack 120 or the first sealing assembly 410.

[0147] The module connector 430 may also detect and control phenomena such as overvoltage, overcurrent, and overheating of the battery cells. The module connector 430 is for LV (Low voltage) connection and can transmit voltage and temperature information of the battery cells to an external BMS (Battery Management System) through the module connector 430.

[0148] The module connector 430 may be attached to the first sealing cover 420. In this case, the module connector 430 may be attached by coupling with the first sealing cover 420 through a coupling member 440. At least a portion of the module connector 430 may be exposed to the outside of the first end plate 510, which will be described later, and the first end plate 510 may be provided with a module connector opening 530 for this purpose.

[0149] The first sealing cover 420 may be provided with terminal bus bars 340. The terminal bus bars 340 may include a first terminal bus bar 341 and a second terminal bus bar 343, and the first terminal bus bar 341 and the second terminal bus bar 343 may have different polarities.

[0150] The terminal busbar 340 may be electrically connected to a busbar or electrode lead and may be used to electrically connect one battery module 100 to another battery module 100. The first terminal busbar 341 and the second terminal busbar 343 may be connected to the first outermost electrode lead 130a1 (see Figure 15) located at one end of the first submodule 100a and the first electrode lead 130a6 (see Figure 15) located adjacent thereto, respectively. To connect one battery module 100 to another external battery module 100, at least a portion of the terminal busbar 340 may be exposed to the outside of the end plate 510, which will be described later, and the end plate 500 may be provided with a terminal busbar opening 520 for this purpose.

[0151] The terminal busbar 340 may further include a projection that protrudes from the outer surface of the first sealing cover 420. The projection may be exposed to the outside of the battery module 100 through a terminal busbar opening 520, which will be described later. The terminal busbar 340 can be connected to other battery modules 100 or BDUs (Battery Disconnect Units) by the projection exposed through the terminal busbar opening 520, and can form an HV (High voltage) connection with them.

[0152] Figure 17 shows the process of assembling the first sealing assembly shown in Figure 16. Figure 17(a) shows the module connector being connected to the first sealing cover. Figure 17(b) shows the sensing unit being connected to the first sealing cover. Figure 17(c) shows the first sealing cover with both the module connector and the sensing unit connected.

[0153] Referring to Figures 17(a), (b), and (c), a module connector 430 may be attached to one side of the first sealing assembly 410, and a sensing unit 360 may be attached to the other side of the first sealing assembly 410, with the module connector 430 and the sensing unit 360 being electrically connected to each other.

[0154] A module connector 430 may be attached to one side of the first sealing cover 420. Specifically, the module connector 430 may be attached to the outer surface 420a of the first sealing cover 420. The outer surface 420a of the first sealing cover 420 is the surface facing the first end plate 510 (see Figure 19), which will be described later, and may be the surface opposite to the surface facing the module frame 200 (see Figure 16).

[0155] Referring to Figure 17(a), the module connector 430 may be mounted and positioned in a fourth region A4, which is a region of the outer surface 420a of the first sealing cover 420. The fourth region A4 is a region corresponding to the size of the module connector 430, and the center of the fourth region A4 is provided with a hole that penetrates the first sealing cover 420, and the apex of the fourth region A4 may be provided with a groove to which the coupling member 440 is mounted. In this case, the coupling member 440 is provided at the apex of the module connector 430, and the coupling member 440 may be located in a region corresponding to the groove of the fourth region A4. Therefore, the coupling member 440 may be coupled to the groove of the fourth region A4, thereby mounting the module connector 430 to the fourth region A4.

[0156] The connecting member 440 can be anything that connects and fixes the module connector 430 to the fourth region A4, for example, it may be a bolt and nut or a rivet.

[0157] Referring to Figures 17(b) and (c), a sensing unit 360 may be attached to one side of the first sealing cover 420. Specifically, the sensing unit 360 may be attached to the inner surface 420b of the first sealing cover 420. The inner surface 420b of the first sealing cover 420 is the surface facing the module frame 200 (see Figure 16) and may be the opposite surface from the surface facing the end plate 510 (see Figure 19), which will be described later.

[0158] The sensing unit 360 may include a sensing printed circuit board 361 and a sensing cable 363 electrically connected to the sensing printed circuit board 361. The sensing printed circuit board 361 can be electrically connected to a module connector 430. The sensing printed circuit board 361 may be located in a region corresponding to the module connector 430. Specifically, the sensing printed circuit board 361 may be located in the fourth region A4. The sensing printed circuit board 361 may be located electrically connected to the module connector 430 through a hole in the fourth region A4.

[0159] The sensing cable 363 is a cable electrically connected to the sensing printed circuit board 361, and may include a cable connection portion 363a and a cable extension portion 363b.

[0160] The cable connection portion 363a is connected to the sensing printed circuit board 361 and may be positioned in contact with the inner surface 420b of the first sealing cover 420. The cable connection portion 363a is fixed in contact with the inner surface 420b of the first sealing cover 420 and does not move arbitrarily within the battery module 100, thus potentially preventing damage to components.

[0161] Specifically, the cable connection portion 363a extends from the sensing printed circuit board 361 to the lower part of the first sealing cover 420, and may also extend from the lower part of the first sealing cover 420 by being bent. In this case, the portion that extends from the cable connection portion 363a by being bent at the lower part of the first sealing cover 420 can be defined as the cable extension portion 363b.

[0162] The cable extension 363b can be electrically connected to the first flexible printed circuit board 350a located on the busbar assembly, which will be described later in Figure 18.

[0163] Figure 18 shows the process of attaching the first sealing assembly shown in Figure 16 to one side of the module frame. Figure 18(a) shows the sensing cable being electrically connected to the flexible printed circuit board. Figure 18(b) shows the first sealing assembly being coupled to the module frame. Figure 18(c) shows the sealing of the first sealing assembly and the module frame.

[0164] Referring to both Figure 17(c) and Figure 18(a), the sensing cable 363 can be electrically connected to the first flexible printed circuit board 350a located in the busbar structure. In this case, the sensing cable 363 can transmit voltage information and temperature information of the battery cells obtained from the first flexible printed circuit board 350a to the sensing printed circuit board 361. In this case, the sensing printed circuit board 361 can transmit the information obtained from the first flexible printed circuit board 350a to the module connector 430. In other words, the sensing unit 360 can transmit battery cell data obtained from the first flexible printed circuit board 350a to the module connector 430.

[0165] Therefore, the module connector 430 can transmit data obtained from the first flexible printed circuit board 350a and the sensing unit 360 to the BMS (Battery Management System), and the BMS can control the charging and discharging of the battery cells based on the collected voltage data.

[0166] Referring to Figures 18(a) and 18(b), the first sealing cover 420 may be attached to the module frame 200 by covering one open side of the module frame 200. For example, the first sealing cover 420 may be insert-coupled to the module frame 200. In this case, the periphery of the first sealing cover 420 may include a projection that protrudes in the direction of coupling with the module frame 200 (-x axis direction). The periphery of the module frame 200 that is coupled to the first sealing cover 420 may have a step formed so that the peripheral projection of the first sealing cover 420 can be fitted into it. Thus, the first sealing cover 420 and the module frame 200 may be insert-coupled.

[0167] Referring to Figure 18(c), when the first sealing cover 420 is coupled to the open side of the module frame 200, the first sealing member 610 may be interposed along the periphery of the first sealing cover 420 and the module frame 200. When the first sealing cover 420 and the module frame 200 are coupled, a minute gap may occur between them due to assembly tolerances, and this can be sealed with the first sealing member 610 to improve the airtightness of the battery module 100. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the refrigerant located inside the battery module 100 from leaking, to prevent the leakage of gas generated inside the battery module 100, to control the direction of gas discharge, and to improve the safety of the battery module 100.

[0168] In this case, the first sealing member 610 may be, for example, an adhesive tape.

[0169] Although not specifically shown, after the first sealing assembly 410 is connected to the module frame 200 and its periphery is sealed by the first sealing member 610, any other gaps in the first sealing assembly 410 can be sealed with the second sealing member 620 (see Figure 21). This is done to seal the parts of the first sealing assembly 410 other than the periphery that cannot be sealed by the first sealing member 610, thereby further improving the airtightness of the battery module 100. The second sealing member 620 will be explained in more detail in Figure 21.

[0170] Figure 19 is an exploded perspective view showing that a first end plate according to one embodiment of the present invention is attached to a first sealing assembly.

[0171] Referring to Figure 19, in a battery module 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the first end plate 510 may be positioned to cover the first sealing assembly 410.

[0172] The first end plate 510 may have a terminal busbar opening 520, a module connector opening 530, and an inlet opening 540 formed therein.

[0173] The terminal busbar opening 520 may be an opening formed in the area corresponding to the location of the terminal busbar 340 provided in the first sealing assembly 410. The terminal busbar opening 520 may protrude from the first end plate 510 toward the outside of the battery module 100, and only the upper surface of such protruding form may be open. A portion of the terminal busbar 340 may be exposed to the outside through such open portion.

[0174] The size of the terminal busbar opening 520 can be determined primarily by the size around the terminal busbar 340. However, for ease of assembly or for manufacturing process reasons, the size of the terminal busbar opening 520 may be larger than the size of the exposed portion of the terminal busbar 340, in which case a gap may occur between the terminal busbar opening 520 and the terminal busbar 340 that is exposed to the outside.

[0175] The module connector opening 530 and the inlet opening 540 are openings provided in the first end plate 510, and are holes that penetrate the first end plate 510. Specifically, the module connector opening 530 may be an opening formed in a region corresponding to the location of the module connector 430 provided in the first sealing assembly 410, and the inlet opening 540 may be an opening formed in a region corresponding to the location of the inlet 421 provided in the first sealing assembly 410. As a result, even when the first end plate 510 is attached, at least a portion of the module connector 430 and the inlet 421 may pass through the module connector opening 530 and the inlet opening 540, respectively, and be exposed to the outside.

[0176] The sizes of the module connector opening 530 and the inlet opening 540 can be determined by the size around the module connector 430 and the inlet 421. However, for ease of assembly or for manufacturing reasons, the sizes of the module connector opening 530 and the inlet opening 540 may be larger than the size of the exposed portions of the module connector 430 and the inlet 421. In this case, gaps may occur between the module connector opening 530 and the exposed portion of the module connector 430, and between the inlet opening 540 and the exposed portion of the inlet 421.

[0177] The terminal busbar 340 and module connector 430 are exposed to the outside through the terminal busbar opening 520 and module connector opening 530, respectively, which facilitates HV and LV connections with external electrical components. Therefore, assembly process efficiency can be improved.

[0178] Since the inlet 421 is exposed to the outside of the battery module 100 through the inlet opening 540, when the refrigerant flows in through the inlet 421, it is possible to prevent the refrigerant from leaking between the first sealing assembly 410 and the first end plate 510. Therefore, the refrigerant may not come into contact with the terminal busbar 340 or module connector 430 that make electrical connections to the outside. In other words, it is possible to prevent short circuits between the above components and improve the safety of the battery module 100.

[0179] A third sealing member 630 may be interposed between the first end plate 510 and the first sealing assembly 410.

[0180] The third sealing member 630 may have a shape corresponding to the periphery of the first sealing assembly 410 or the periphery of the first end plate 510. The third sealing member 630 may be a resin that hardens after being applied to correspond to the periphery of the first sealing assembly 410 or the periphery of the first end plate 510. Specifically, the third sealing member 630 may be applied to a first groove 411, which is a groove formed along the periphery of the first sealing assembly 410, and harden after the first sealing assembly 410 and the first end plate 510 are joined together. As an example, the third sealing member 630 may contain epoxy resin.

[0181] In other words, by interposing the third sealing member 630 between the first sealing assembly 410 and the first end plate 510, the first sealing assembly 410 and the first end plate 510 can be joined and sealed without any gaps formed by assembly tolerances.

[0182] Therefore, the sealing performance of the battery module 100 is improved, preventing the refrigerant located inside the battery module 100 from leaking and thereby improving the cooling performance of the battery module 100.

[0183] Furthermore, the venting direction can be adjusted so that venting gas, which is generated within the battery module 100 at temperatures and pressures above a certain level, is not discharged to the outside through the gaps, thereby improving the safety of the battery module 100.

[0184] The type and method of forming the third sealing member 630 are not limited to those described above, and may take the form of a gasket made of an elastic material, or any other form that can perform the role of sealing the first sealing assembly 410 and the first end plate 510.

[0185] Figure 20 shows the configuration from Figure 19 with the first end plate removed, viewed along the -x axis in the yz plane. Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view showing the portion corresponding to A5 in the cross section cut along the cutting line B-B' in Figure 20.

[0186] Referring to Figures 20 and 21, the first sealing member 610 and the third sealing member 630 may be positioned along the periphery of the first sealing assembly 410, and the second sealing member 620 may be positioned in one area of ​​the first sealing assembly 410.

[0187] With regard to the second sealing member 620, referring to Figure 21, the second sealing member 620 may be located in a region of the first sealing assembly 410 excluding the peripheral region. In other words, the second sealing member 620 can seal the remaining region of the first sealing assembly 410 that cannot be covered by the first sealing member 610 and the third sealing member 630. Specifically, the second sealing member 620 can seal a gap in a region of the first sealing assembly 410. However, the region in which the second sealing member 620 is located is not limited to the region shown in this drawing. For example, the second sealing member 620 can also seal a gap in a region of the first sealing assembly 410 to which the module connector 430 is connected.

[0188] In addition to the peripheral portion of the first sealing assembly 410, any additional gaps are also sealed by the second sealing member 620, thereby improving the airtightness of the battery module 100 and preventing leakage of the refrigerant located inside the battery module 100. This improves the cooling performance of the battery module 100. Furthermore, since gas generated inside the battery module 100 above a certain temperature and pressure is not discharged between the gap between the first sealing assembly 410 and the first end plate 510, the safety of the battery module 100 can be improved.

[0189] Figure 22 shows that a second sealing assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention is attached to the other side of the module frame.

[0190] Referring to Figures 5, 6, and 22, a battery module 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a second sealing assembly 450 attached to the open other side of the module frame 200. Specifically, in the battery module 100 according to this embodiment, the second busbar assembly 300b, which is electrically connected to the battery cell assembly, may be located on the open other side of the module frame 200, and the second sealing assembly 450 may be attached to cover such a second busbar assembly 300b.

[0191] The second sealing assembly 450 may include a second sealing cover 460, which is a plate that covers the other open side of the module frame 200, and an outlet 461, which is a hole formed in the second sealing cover 460.

[0192] The second sealing cover 460 is a plate that covers the other open surface of the module frame 200 and may have a size corresponding to the size of the other open surface of the module frame 200. In other words, the second sealing cover 460 may be attached to the module frame 200 by covering the other open surface of the module frame 200. For example, the second sealing cover 460 may be insert-coupled to the module frame 200.

[0193] The outlet 461 may be a hole formed in one area of ​​the second sealing cover 460. The outlet 461 may be a hole that protrudes outward from the outer surface (-x axis direction) of the second sealing cover 460. In other words, the outlet 461 may be a hole that protrudes in the direction opposite to the direction in which the module frame 200 is located. The protruding outlet 461 can pass through the outlet opening 560 formed in the second end plate 550, which will be described later.

[0194] The outlet 461 may be located above the center with respect to the height of the battery cell stack 120. The outlet 461 may be located near the upper part of the second sealing assembly 450. Specifically, the outlet 461 may be located above the center with respect to the height of the second sealing assembly 450. The position of the outlet 461 is not limited to this, but it allows the inside of the module frame 200 to be sufficiently filled with coolant. Here, the height of the battery cell stack 120 and the second sealing assembly 450 refers to the length in the z-axis direction on the drawing.

[0195] Considering the positions of the inlet 421 and outlet 461 described earlier, the inlet 421 may be located below the center relative to the height of the battery cell stack 120, and the outlet 461 may be located above the center relative to the height of the battery cell stack 120. In other words, the inlet 421 may be located near the lower part of the first sealing assembly 410, and the outlet 461 may be located near the upper part of the second sealing assembly 450.

[0196] If the inlet 421 is located above the center of the battery cell stack 120, the refrigerant will flow into the battery module 100 from a higher position, potentially causing bubbles to form inside the refrigerant. Such bubbles can hinder the cooling effect.

[0197] Furthermore, if the outlet 461 is located below the center of the battery cell stack 120, the refrigerant that flows into the battery module 100 will fill up to the height of the outlet 461 before escaping to the outside. As a result, the inside of the battery module 100 may not be filled with a sufficient amount of refrigerant, potentially leading to a decrease in cooling performance.

[0198] Therefore, in order to prevent foaming from occurring in the incoming refrigerant and to ensure that the inside of the battery module 100 is filled with refrigerant, it is preferable that the inlet 421 is located below the center with respect to the height of the battery cell stack 120, and the outlet 461 is located above the center with respect to the height of the battery cell stack 120.

[0199] When the second sealing assembly 450 and the other open side of the module frame 200 are joined together, the first sealing member 610 can be interposed along the periphery of the second sealing cover 460 and the module frame 200. When the second sealing cover 460 and the module frame 200 are joined, a minute gap may occur between them due to assembly tolerances, and this can be sealed with the first sealing member 610 to improve the airtightness of the battery module 100. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the refrigerant located inside the battery module 100 from leaking, to prevent the leakage of venting gas generated inside the battery module 100, to control the direction of gas discharge, and to improve the safety of the battery module 100.

[0200] In this case, the first sealing member 610 may be, for example, an adhesive tape.

[0201] Although not specifically shown, after the second sealing assembly 450 is connected to the module frame 200 and its periphery is sealed by the first sealing member 610, any gaps on the second sealing assembly 450 can be sealed with the second sealing member 620 (see Figure 25). This is to further improve the sealing performance of the battery module 100 by using the second sealing member 620 to seal the parts of the second sealing assembly 450 other than the periphery that cannot be sealed by the first sealing member 610. The second sealing member 620 will be explained in more detail in Figure 25.

[0202] Figure 23 is an exploded perspective view showing that a second end plate according to one embodiment of the present invention is attached to a second sealing assembly.

[0203] As shown in Figure 23, in a battery module 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the second end plate 550 may be positioned to cover the second sealing assembly 450.

[0204] An outlet opening 560 may be formed in the second end plate 550.

[0205] The outlet opening 560 is an opening provided in the second end plate 550, and is a hole that penetrates the second end plate 550. Specifically, the outlet opening 560 may be an opening formed in a region corresponding to the location of the outlet 461 provided in the second sealing assembly 450. This allows at least a portion of the outlet 461 to pass through the outlet opening 560 and be exposed to the outside even when the second end plate 550 is installed.

[0206] The dimensions of the outlet opening 560 can be determined primarily by the size of the outlet 461. However, for ease of assembly or for manufacturing reasons, the size of the outlet opening 560 may be larger than the size of the exposed portion of the outlet 461, in which case a gap may occur between the outlet opening 560 and the outlet 461 exposed to the outside.

[0207] Since the outlet 461 is exposed to the outside of the battery module 100 through the outlet opening 560, when the refrigerant that has flowed into the module frame 200 is discharged to the outside through the outlet 461, it is possible to prevent the refrigerant from leaking between the second sealing assembly 450 and the second end plate 550. Therefore, it is possible to prevent short circuits by not coming into contact with other electrical components, thereby improving the safety of the battery module 100.

[0208] A third sealing member 630 may be interposed between the second end plate 550 and the second sealing assembly 450.

[0209] The third sealing member 630 may have a shape corresponding to the periphery of the second sealing assembly 450 or the periphery of the second end plate 550. The third sealing member 630 may be a resin that hardens after being applied to correspond to the periphery of the second sealing assembly 450 or the periphery of the second end plate 550. Specifically, the third sealing member 630 may be applied to the second groove 451, which is a groove formed along the periphery of the second sealing assembly 450, and harden after the second sealing assembly 450 and the second end plate 550 are joined together. As an example, the third sealing member 630 may be an epoxy resin.

[0210] In other words, by interposing the third sealing member 630 between the second sealing assembly 450 and the second end plate 550, the second sealing assembly 450 and the second end plate 550 can be joined and sealed without any gaps formed by assembly tolerances.

[0211] Therefore, the sealing performance of the battery module 100 is improved, preventing the refrigerant located inside the battery module 100 from leaking and thereby improving the cooling performance of the battery module 100.

[0212] Furthermore, the venting direction can be adjusted so that venting gas, which is generated within the battery module 100 at temperatures and pressures above a certain level, is not discharged to the outside through the gaps, thereby improving the safety of the battery module 100.

[0213] The type and method of forming the third sealing member 630 are not limited to those described above, and may take the form of a gasket made of an elastic material, or any other form that can perform the role of sealing the second sealing assembly 450 and the second end plate 550.

[0214] Figure 24 shows the configuration in Figure 23 with the second end plate removed, viewed along the x-axis in the yz-plane. Figure 25 is a cross-sectional view showing the portion corresponding to A6 in the cross section cut along the cutting line C-C' in Figure 24.

[0215] Referring to Figures 24 and 25, the first sealing member 610 and the third sealing member 630 may be positioned along the periphery of the second sealing assembly 450, and the second sealing member 620 may be positioned in one area of ​​the second sealing assembly 450.

[0216] With regard to the second sealing member 620, referring to Figure 25, the second sealing member 620 may be located in a region of the second sealing assembly 450 excluding the peripheral region. In other words, the second sealing member 620 can seal the remaining region of the second sealing assembly 450 that cannot be covered by the first sealing member 610 and the third sealing member 630. Specifically, the second sealing member 620 can seal a region of the first sealing assembly 410 that has a gap. However, the region in which the second sealing member 620 is located is not limited to the region shown in this drawing.

[0217] In addition to the peripheral portion of the second sealing assembly 450, any additional gaps are also sealed by the second sealing member 620, thereby improving the airtightness of the battery module 100 and preventing leakage of the refrigerant located inside the battery module 100. This improves the cooling performance of the battery module 100. Furthermore, since gas generated inside the battery module 100 above a certain temperature and pressure is not discharged between the gaps of the second sealing assembly 450 and the second end plate 550, the safety of the battery module 100 can be improved.

[0218] Figure 26 is an exploded perspective view of a second sealing assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 27 is a view of Figure 26 along the -x axis in the yz plane.

[0219] Referring to Figures 26 and 27, the second sealing assembly 450 according to another embodiment of the present invention may include an outlet 461 and a module venting section 470. Since the outlet 461 is the same as described above, the module venting section 470 will be described in detail below.

[0220] The module venting section 470 can discharge gas generated inside the battery module 100 to the outside when the temperature and pressure exceed a certain level. Specifically, the module venting section 470 can discharge gas from inside the battery module 100 to the outside while preventing the refrigerant inside the battery module 100 from leaking.

[0221] The module venting section 470 may be provided in one area of ​​the second sealing cover 460. The module venting section 470 may include a venting hole 471, a membrane 473, a fixing cover 475, and a venting projection 477.

[0222] The venting hole 471 may be a passage through which gas generated inside the battery module 100 moves to the outside. The venting hole 471 may be at least one hole provided in one area of ​​the second sealing cover 460. The venting hole 471 may be structurally connected to the module connecting section 472, which will be described in detail in Figure 28.

[0223] The membrane 473 can vent gas located inside the battery module 100 to the outside through the venting holes 471, but the refrigerant may be a thin film that prevents leakage to the outside.

[0224] The membrane 473 may be located between the inner surface 460b of the second sealing cover 460 and the fixing cover 475. The membrane 473 may be located in contact with the inner surface 460b of the second sealing cover 460. In this case, one surface of the membrane 473 may be located in contact with the inner surface 460b of the second sealing cover 460 and fixed therein, while the other surface of the membrane 473 may be located in contact with one surface of the fixing cover 475 and fixed therein.

[0225] The fixed cover 475 allows gases and coolants located inside the battery module 100 to pass through temporarily. The fixed cover 475 may be positioned closest to the battery cell stack.

[0226] The fixing cover 475 may be positioned in contact with the membrane. Specifically, one side of the fixing cover 475 may be bonded and fixed to the other side of the membrane 473. In this case, the size of the fixing cover 475 may correspond to the size of the membrane 473, or it may be larger than the size of the membrane 473.

[0227] The fixing cover 475 may be in the form of a flat plate with holes. However, holes may not be located in the peripheral region of the fixing cover 475.

[0228] The peripheral region of the fixing cover 475 may be in contact with at least one of the membrane 473 or the inner surface 460b of the second sealing cover 460. In this case, although not shown in the drawings, an adhesive member may be interposed along the peripheral region of the fixing cover 475, and the fixing cover 475 may be fixed to the second sealing cover 460 by the adhesive member. The holes provided in the fixing cover 475 allow gas and coolant located inside the battery module 100 to move to the membrane 473.

[0229] The venting protrusion 477 may be a region that protrudes outward from the module venting portion 470, with the portion corresponding to the module venting portion 470 facing outward. The venting protrusion 477 may also be a region that extends outward from a region where the venting hole 471 is provided. A portion of the venting protrusion 477 may pass through the second end plate 550 and be exposed to the outside, thereby allowing the venting gas to be completely discharged to the outside of the battery module 100. This will be explained in more detail with reference to Figure 28.

[0230] Figure 28 shows the second end plate attached to the second sealing assembly in Figure 26.

[0231] Referring to Figure 28, if the second end plate 550 is mounted to cover the second sealing assembly 450, at least a portion of the outlet 461 and the module venting section 470 may penetrate the second end plate 550 and be exposed to the outside.

[0232] Specifically, the outlet 461 may pass through the outlet opening 560 provided in the second end plate 550, and a portion of it may be exposed to the outside. The module venting section 470 may pass through the venting opening 570 provided in the second end plate 550, and a portion of it may be exposed to the outside.

[0233] Since the outlet 461 and outlet opening 560 are the same as those described above in Figure 23, their explanation will be omitted, and the module venting section 470 and venting opening 570 will be described in detail.

[0234] The module venting section 470 includes a venting projection 477 that passes through the venting opening 570 and protrudes to the outside, and the venting projection 477 may be provided with a module connecting section 472.

[0235] The module connection portion 472 is a single hole that communicates with the aforementioned venting hole 471, and may, like the venting projection portion 477, penetrate the venting opening 570 of the second end plate 550 and be partially exposed to the outside. The module connection portion 472 can be connected to a pack venting device (not shown) of the battery pack, so that the venting gas that has moved through the venting hole 471 is discharged to the outside. In this case, by exposing at least a part of the module connection portion 472 to the outside by penetrating the second end plate 550, assembly with the pack venting device is made easier. Therefore, the efficiency of the assembly process can be improved. In addition, the venting gas discharged through the module connection portion 472 may not remain in the space between the second end plate 550 and the second sealing assembly 450. As a result, venting gas may not remain inside the battery module 100, thus improving the safety of the battery module 100.

[0236] The venting opening 570 is an opening provided in the second end plate 550, and is a hole that penetrates the second end plate 550. Specifically, the venting opening 570 may be an opening formed in a region corresponding to the location of the venting projection 477 provided in the second sealing assembly 450. In this case, the venting projection 477 may pass through the venting opening 570 together with the module connector 472, so that at least a portion of the venting projection 477 and the module connector 472 is exposed to the outside.

[0237] The size of the venting opening 570 can be determined primarily by its size around the venting projection 477. However, for ease of assembly or for manufacturing reasons, the size of the venting opening 570 may be larger than the size of the exposed portion of the venting projection 477, in which case a gap may occur between the venting opening 570 and the venting projection 477 exposed to the outside.

[0238] In the following sections, various forms of insulating plates according to embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Figures 29 to 31.

[0239] Figure 29 is a magnified partial perspective view showing the insulating plate located between the first and second battery cell stacks in Figure 11.

[0240] Referring to Figures 11 and 29, the insulating plate 700 according to one embodiment of the present invention may have a configuration in which the insulating plate 700 surrounds the periphery of an opening 700H formed in the center of the insulating plate 700. As described above, the refrigerant can flow from the first battery cell stack 120a to the second battery cell stack 120b by passing through the opening 700H formed in the center of the insulating plate 700.

[0241] Figure 30 is a partial perspective view showing an insulating plate included in a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0242] Referring to both Figures 4 and 30, in another embodiment of the present invention, the insulating plate 700' may not have the first and second through holes 700H1 and 700H2 as shown in Figure 29, but may only have the opening 700H.

[0243] The insulating plate 700' according to this embodiment may be applied to a model of a battery module in which there is no electrical connection between the first battery cell stack 120a and the second battery cell stack 120b, and instead the first battery cell stack 120a and the second battery cell stack 120b individually embody electrical connections to external electrical components. In the battery module of this embodiment, the HV connection and LV connection in the first battery cell stack 120a may be formed independently of the second battery cell stack 120b, and similarly, the HV connection and LV connection in the second battery cell stack 120b may be formed independently of the first battery cell stack 120a.

[0244] Therefore, since there is no need for HV connection and LV connection between the first battery cell stack 120a and the second battery cell stack 120b, there is no need to form first and second through holes in the insulating plate 700'.

[0245] In the following section, the effects and detailed morphology of the insulating plate according to this embodiment will be explained in detail with reference to Figures 31 and 32.

[0246] Figures 31(a) and (b) show cross-sections of a battery module according to a comparative example of the present invention and a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, respectively.

[0247] Referring to Figures 4 to 6, Figure 11, and Figure 31(a), the battery module 100CE according to the comparative example of the present invention includes a first battery cell stack 120a, a second battery cell stack 120b, a module frame 200, a first end plate 510, and a second end plate 550. A detailed explanation of each component included in the battery module 100CE is omitted as it would overlap with what has been explained earlier. In this case, unlike the battery module according to this embodiment, the battery module 100CE according to this comparative example does not have an insulating plate interposed between the first battery cell stack 120a and the second battery cell stack 120b.

[0248] The coolant C flows into the internal space of the module frame 200 through an inlet 421 formed in the first end plate 510, and after flowing along the internal space of the module frame 200, it is discharged through an outlet 461 in the second end plate 550. The first battery cell stack 120a and the second battery cell stack 120b are immersed in this coolant C.

[0249] In this configuration, the battery module 100CE has a structure that extends along its length, including a first battery cell stack 120a and a second battery cell stack 120b. In such a structure, the space S between the first battery cell stack 120a and the second battery cell stack 120b can become a region where the flow of the refrigerant C stagnates. As the refrigerant C flows along the empty space S, the flow velocity is slow, and in severe cases, congestion of the refrigerant C flow occurs. When the flow of the refrigerant stagnates, the cooling performance and cooling efficiency of the battery module 100CE may decrease.

[0250] Referring to Figures 4 to 6, Figure 11 and Figure 31(a), in the case of the battery module 100 according to this embodiment, the problems of the comparative example can be solved by an insulating plate 700 placed between the first battery cell stack 120a and the second battery cell stack 120b. In the battery module 100 according to this embodiment, an insulating plate 700 with an opening 700H is placed in the space S between the first battery cell stack 120a and the second battery cell stack 120b.

[0251] The fact that the refrigerant C flows through the opening 700H of the insulating plate 700 means that, compared to the comparative example, the refrigerant C flows through a relatively narrow area. In other words, by the refrigerant C flowing through a relatively narrow area, its flow velocity increases, preventing stagnation of the refrigerant C flow. Ultimately, by eliminating congestion in the flow of refrigerant C, the cooling performance and cooling efficiency for the battery module 100 can be increased. In short, the insulating plate 700 according to this embodiment can prevent short circuits by ensuring the insulation distance between the first battery cell stack 120a and the second battery cell stack 120b, and can improve cooling performance and cooling efficiency by eliminating congestion in the flow of refrigerant C between the first battery cell stack 120a and the second battery cell stack 120b.

[0252] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the opening 700H may be opened to have an area of ​​5% to 60% of the area of ​​one surface of the insulating plate 700. The range of the ratio of the opening area of ​​such an opening 700H is related to the function of resolving stagnation of the flow of refrigerant C. A detailed explanation of this range will be omitted as it will overlap with what was explained earlier.

[0253] Figure 32 is a perspective view showing an insulating plate according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0254] Referring to Figures 9, 11, and 32, the insulating plate 700 in this embodiment has an opening 700H formed therein, and if necessary, first and second through holes 700H1, 700H2, etc., may be further formed therein. The opening 700H may be formed in the center of the insulating plate 700. Specifically, the length L1 from the upper edge 700U of the insulating plate 700 to the upper edge 700HU of the opening 700H may be 25% or more and 49% or less of the length H along the height direction of the insulating plate 700. Also, the length L2 from the lower edge 700L of the insulating plate 700 to the lower edge 700HL of the opening 700H may be 25% or more and 49% or less of the length H along the height direction of the insulating plate 700. Here, the height direction of the insulating plate 700 means the direction between the upper edge 700U and the lower edge 700L of the insulating plate 700. More specifically, the height direction of the insulating plate 700 is perpendicular to the direction in which the battery cells 110 are stacked in the first and second battery cell stacks 120a and 120b (parallel to the y-axis) and the direction in which the first and second battery cell stacks 120a and 120b are arranged (parallel to the x-axis), and may also be parallel to the z-axis. The opening 700H may be formed in the center of the insulating plate 700 while satisfying the above range.

[0255] Furthermore, the opening 700H may be in the shape of a rectangle where the upper side 700HU and the lower side 700HL are longer than the side sides 700HS. Also, one or more openings 700H may be formed in the insulating plate 700. Multiple openings 700H may be located along the width direction of the insulating plate 700. Here, the width direction of the insulating plate 700 means the direction between the side sides 700S) of the insulating plate 700, and is parallel to the direction in which the battery cells 110 are stacked in the battery cell stacks 120a and 120b, and may also be parallel to the y-axis. As an example, Figure 32 shows that three openings 700H are located along the width direction of the insulating plate 700.

[0256] In the following, an insulating plate 700'' according to a modified embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Figures 33 to 36.

[0257] Figures 33 and 34 are a perspective view and a front view, respectively, of an insulating plate according to a modified embodiment of the present invention. Figure 35 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-section obtained by cutting along the cutting line D-D' in Figure 34. Figure 36 is a magnified partial view showing the portion corresponding to A7 in Figure 35.

[0258] Referring to Figures 33 to 36, an opening 700H is formed in the insulating plate 700'' according to a modified embodiment of the present invention. In this case, an inclined surface 700C may be formed in at least one of the upper region of the opening 700H or the lower region of the opening 700H of the insulating plate 700''. That is, an inclined surface 700C may be formed in either the upper region of the opening 700H or the lower region of the opening 700H of the insulating plate 700'', or an inclined surface 700C may be formed in both the upper region of the opening 700H and the lower region of the opening 700H of the insulating plate 700''.

[0259] Specifically, an inclined surface 700C may be formed in at least a portion of the region from the upper edge 700U or lower edge 700L of the insulating plate 700'' to the upper edge 700HU or lower edge 700HL of the opening 700H, such that the thickness of the insulating plate 700'' decreases as it moves from the upper edge 700U or lower edge 700L of the insulating plate 700'' to the upper edge 700HU or lower edge 700HL of the opening 700H. Here, the thickness of the insulating plate 700'' refers to the thickness of the plate-shaped insulating plate 700'', and can correspond to the length of the insulating plate 700'' along the direction parallel to the x-axis on the drawing.

[0260] More specifically, an inclined surface 700C may be formed in at least a portion of the region from the upper edge 700U of the insulating plate 700'' to the upper edge 700HU of the opening 700H, such that the thickness of the insulating plate 700'' decreases as it moves in the direction from the upper edge 700U of the insulating plate 700'' to the upper edge 700HU of the opening 700H (in the -z-axis direction in the drawing). Alternatively, an inclined surface 700C may be formed in at least a portion of the region from the lower edge 700L of the insulating plate 700'' to the lower edge 700HL of the opening 700H, such that the thickness of the insulating plate 700'' decreases as it moves in the direction from the lower edge 700L of the insulating plate 700'' to the lower edge 700HL of the opening 700H (in the +z-axis direction in the drawing).

[0261] In other words, the inclined surface 700C may be formed in either the upper region or the lower region of the opening 700H, or it may be formed in both the upper region and the lower region of the opening 700H. Furthermore, the inclined surface 700C may be formed on either one of the two opposing surfaces of the insulating plate 700'', or it may be formed on both of the two opposing surfaces of the insulating plate 700''. Here, the two opposing surfaces of the insulating plate 700'' refer to the surfaces of the insulating plate 700'' that face the first battery cell stack 120a (see Figure 11) and the second battery cell stack 120b (see Figure 11).

[0262] In this embodiment, the formation of an inclined surface 700C on the insulating plate 700'' improves the flowability of the refrigerant through the opening 700H of the insulating plate 700''. In other words, in the space between the first battery cell stack 120a (see Figure 11) and the second battery cell stack 120b (see Figure 11), the inclined surface 700C can guide the flow of the refrigerant so that it flows well toward the opening 700H of the insulating plate 700''.

[0263] On the other hand, the inclination angle TA formed by the inclined surface 700C may be between 80 degrees and 90 degrees, or between 85 degrees and 87 degrees. As shown in Figure 36, the inclination angle TA formed by the inclined surface 700C refers to the acute angle formed between the inclined surface 700C and the ground. Here, the ground can correspond to a plane aligned with the xy plane.

[0264] In the insulating plate 700'' according to this embodiment, the area, position, and number of inclined surfaces 700C can be appropriately changed considering the degree of refrigerant flow, depending on the size of the internal space of the battery module 100 through which the refrigerant flows, the material properties of the refrigerant, and so on.

[0265] On the other hand, the insulating plate 700'' according to this embodiment may include at least one rib 700R (Rib) extending along the height direction of the insulating plate 700''. In other words, the insulating plate 700'' may include one rib 700R or multiple ribs 700R. If multiple ribs 700R are formed, the multiple ribs 700R may be arranged along the width direction while maintaining a predetermined interval. The opening 700H may be divided into multiple parts by such ribs 700R.

[0266] At least one rib 700R in this embodiment may be provided to complement the rigidity of the insulating plate 700''. There are no special restrictions on the number or thickness of the ribs 700R, and they can be appropriately adjusted considering the size and material of the insulating plate 700''. In particular, since the thickness of the portion of the insulating plate 700'' where the inclined surface 700C is formed is thin, it is preferable that at least one rib 700R for rigidity complementation be formed on the insulating plate 700'' where the inclined surface 700C is formed. However, it is not limited to this, and at least one rib 700R may be formed on the insulating plate 700 where the inclined surface 700C is not formed, for example, on the insulating plate 700 in Figure 32.

[0267] On the other hand, referring again to Figures 29, 32, and 33, the insulating plates 700 and 700' according to this embodiment may be fixed to at least one of the first busbar frame 310a or the second busbar frame 310b. For example, the insulating plates 700 and 700'' according to this embodiment may include a mounting portion 700M that is fixed to the first busbar frame 310a or the second busbar frame 310b. The mounting portion 700M may protrude from the insulating plates 700 and 700'' toward the first busbar frame 310a or the second busbar frame 310b, and fastening holes may be formed in such a mounting portion 700M.

[0268] As an example, a part of the mounting portion 700M may protrude toward the first bus bar frame 310a, and the remaining part of the mounting portion 700M may protrude toward the second bus bar frame 310b. After the bolt passes through the fastening hole of the mounting portion 700M protruding toward the first bus bar frame 310a, it may be fastened to the first bus bar frame 310a. Also, after the other bolt passes through the fastening hole of the mounting portion 700M protruding toward the second bus bar frame 310b, it may be fastened to the second bus bar frame 310b. In particular, the mounting portion 700M may be formed adjacent to the upper side 700U or the lower side 700L of the insulating plates 700, 700''. Thereby, the bolt passing through the mounting portion 700M may also be fastened to the adjacent area of the upper side or the lower side of the first bus bar frame 310a or the second bus bar frame 310b.

[0269] In the above-described manner, the insulating plates 700, 700'' may be fixed to at least one of the first bus bar frame 310a or the second bus bar frame 310b. However, this is an example in which the insulating plates 7, 700'' are fixed to at least one of the first bus bar frame 310a or the second bus bar frame 310b, and they may be fixed in other ways.

[0270] In this embodiment, terms indicating directions such as front, rear, left, right, up, and down are used, but such terms are only for the convenience of explanation and may vary depending on the position of the object and the position of the observer, etc.

[0271] One or more battery modules according to the above-described embodiment may be attached 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.

[0272] The battery module and battery pack may be applied to various devices. Specifically, they can be applied to transportation means such as electric bicycles, electric vehicles, and hybrids, or ESS (Energy Storage System), but are not limited thereto, and can be applied to various devices using secondary batteries.

[0273] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above. However, the scope of the rights 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 belong to the scope of the rights of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0274] 100: Battery module 110: Battery cell 120: Battery cell laminate 120a: First battery cell laminate 120b: Second battery cell laminate 200: Module frame 300a: First bus bar assembly 300b: Second bus bar assembly 400: Sealing assembly 500: End plate 610: First sealing member 620: Second sealing member 630: Third sealing member 700: Insulating plate 700H: Opening

Claims

1. A battery cell stack comprising a first battery cell stack and a second battery cell stack, each containing multiple battery cells stacked on top of each other, A module frame that houses the aforementioned battery cell stack, The module frame has an inlet and an outlet for circulating the refrigerant, Includes, The refrigerant flows into the module frame through the inlet and is discharged through the outlet. A battery module is provided, wherein an insulating plate is placed between the first battery cell stack and the second battery cell stack, and an opening is formed in the insulating plate through which the refrigerant passes, A battery module in which the opening extends along the direction in which the battery cell stack is stacked.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the opening is formed in the center of the insulating plate.

3. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the inlet and the outlet are located on opposite sides of each other with respect to the insulating plate.

4. The first battery cell stack is positioned between the inlet and the insulating plate. The battery module according to claim 3, wherein the second battery cell stack is located between the outlet and the insulating plate.

5. The battery module according to claim 4, wherein the refrigerant flowing in through the inlet sequentially passes through the first battery cell stack, the opening of the insulating plate, and the second battery cell stack, and is discharged through the outlet.

6. A battery cell stack comprising a first battery cell stack and a second battery cell stack, each having multiple battery cells stacked on top of each other, A module frame that houses the aforementioned battery cell stack, The module frame has an inlet and an outlet for circulating the refrigerant, Includes, The refrigerant flows into the module frame through the inlet and is discharged through the outlet. A battery module is provided, wherein an insulating plate is placed between the first battery cell stack and the second battery cell stack, and an opening is formed in the insulating plate through which the refrigerant passes, The inlet is located below the center, with reference to the height of the battery cell stack. The aforementioned outlet is a battery module located above the center, based on the height of the battery cell stack.

7. A battery cell stack comprising a first battery cell stack and a second battery cell stack, in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked, A module frame that houses the aforementioned battery cell stack, The module frame has an inlet and an outlet for circulating the refrigerant, Includes, The refrigerant flows into the module frame through the inlet and is discharged through the outlet. A battery module is provided, wherein an insulating plate is placed between the first battery cell stack and the second battery cell stack, and an opening is formed in the insulating plate through which the refrigerant passes, A battery module in which the first battery cell stack and the second battery cell stack are arranged along a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the battery cells are stacked in the first battery cell stack or the second battery cell stack.

8. A first through-hole and a second through-hole are formed in the insulating plate. The battery module according to claim 7, wherein the electrical connection between the first battery cell stack and the second battery cell stack is made through the first through-hole and the second through-hole.

9. It further includes a first sealing assembly and a second sealing assembly that cover the open sides of the module frame, respectively. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the inlet is formed in the first sealing assembly and the outlet is formed in the second sealing assembly.

10. The inlet is located below the center, with reference to the height of the first sealing assembly. The battery module according to claim 9, wherein the outlet is located above the center, with reference to the height of the second sealing assembly.

11. The aforementioned battery cell is a pouch-type battery cell and includes electrode leads protruding in both directions. The battery module according to claim 9, wherein, when the direction between the electrode leads is defined as the longitudinal direction, the first sealing assembly, the first battery cell stack, the insulating plate, the second battery cell stack, and the second sealing assembly are sequentially positioned along the longitudinal direction.

12. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the refrigerant is insulating oil.

13. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the refrigerant is in direct contact with the battery cell stack housed inside the module frame.

14. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the insulating plate has a configuration in which the insulating plate surrounds the periphery of the opening formed in the center of the insulating plate.

15. A battery cell stack comprising a first battery cell stack and a second battery cell stack, each having multiple battery cells stacked on top of each other, A module frame that houses the aforementioned battery cell stack, The module frame has an inlet and an outlet for circulating the refrigerant, Includes, The refrigerant flows into the module frame through the inlet and is discharged through the outlet. A battery module is provided, wherein an insulating plate is placed between the first battery cell stack and the second battery cell stack, and an opening is formed in the insulating plate through which the refrigerant passes, A battery module in which the opening is made such that it has an area of ​​5% or more and 60% or less of the area of ​​one surface of the insulating plate.

16. A battery cell stack comprising a first battery cell stack and a second battery cell stack, in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked, A module frame that houses the aforementioned battery cell stack, The module frame has an inlet and an outlet for circulating the refrigerant, Includes, The refrigerant flows into the module frame through the inlet and is discharged through the outlet. A battery module is provided, wherein an insulating plate is placed between the first battery cell stack and the second battery cell stack, and an opening is formed in the insulating plate through which the refrigerant passes, The length from the top edge of the insulating plate to the top edge of the opening is 25% or more and 49% or less of the length along the height direction of the insulating plate. A battery module in which the length from the lower edge of the insulating plate to the lower edge of the opening is 25% or more and 49% or less of the length along the height direction of the insulating plate.

17. A battery cell stack comprising a first battery cell stack and a second battery cell stack, in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked, A module frame that houses the aforementioned battery cell stack, The module frame has an inlet and an outlet for circulating the refrigerant, Includes, The refrigerant flows into the module frame through the inlet and is discharged through the outlet. A battery module is provided, wherein an insulating plate is placed between the first battery cell stack and the second battery cell stack, and an opening is formed in the insulating plate through which the refrigerant passes, In at least a portion of the region from the upper edge of the insulating plate to the upper edge of the opening, A battery module in which an inclined surface is formed such that the thickness of the insulating plate decreases as it moves from the upper edge of the insulating plate towards the upper edge of the opening.

18. A battery cell stack comprising a first battery cell stack and a second battery cell stack, each having multiple battery cells stacked on top of each other, A module frame that houses the aforementioned battery cell stack, The module frame has an inlet and an outlet for circulating the refrigerant, Includes, The refrigerant flows into the module frame through the inlet and is discharged through the outlet. A battery module is provided, wherein an insulating plate is placed between the first battery cell stack and the second battery cell stack, and an opening is formed in the insulating plate through which the refrigerant passes, In at least a portion of the region from the lower edge of the insulating plate to the lower edge of the opening, A battery module in which an inclined surface is formed such that the thickness of the insulating plate decreases as it moves from the lower edge of the insulating plate towards the lower edge of the opening.

19. A battery cell stack comprising a first battery cell stack and a second battery cell stack, each having multiple battery cells stacked on top of each other, A module frame that houses the aforementioned battery cell stack, The module frame has an inlet and an outlet for circulating the refrigerant, Includes, The refrigerant flows into the module frame through the inlet and is discharged through the outlet. A battery module is provided, wherein an insulating plate is placed between the first battery cell stack and the second battery cell stack, and an opening is formed in the insulating plate through which the refrigerant passes, The battery module comprises an insulating plate including at least one rib extending along the height direction of the insulating plate.

20. The system further includes a first busbar frame located on one surface of the first battery cell stack and a second busbar frame located on one surface of the second battery cell stack, The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the insulating plate is fixed to at least one of the first busbar frame or the second busbar frame.

21. A battery pack comprising the battery module described in claim 1.

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