Battery module

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery module. The battery module according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a housing; and a battery assembly that includes a battery cell accommodated inside the housing, an inner heat transfer member surrounding the circumference of the battery cell, and an outer heat transfer member surrounding the outer surface of the inner heat transfer member along the circumference of the battery cell, wherein any one heat transfer member from among the inner heat transfer member and the outer heat transfer member can be made of a material with an elasticity or fluidity greater than that of the other heat transfer member.

Description

battery module

[0001] Cross-citation with related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0184839, dated December 18, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Technology field

[0004] The present invention relates to a battery module, and more particularly, to a battery module having a plurality of battery cells.

[0005] Secondary batteries have been used in small applications such as mobile devices and laptops, but their research has recently expanded to medium- to large-scale applications. They are widely used in applications requiring high voltage and large capacity, such as energy storage systems (ESS) and electric vehicles (EVs). Battery modules can be formed by housing and securing battery cells made of these secondary batteries within a module housing.

[0006] Meanwhile, to prevent performance degradation or damage due to external shock or vibration, battery cells must be positioned and secured within the module housing. Furthermore, to prevent problems such as performance degradation or explosion of the battery module, the battery cells must be cooled.

[0007] To achieve this, conventional battery modules secure battery cells to the bottom of a module housing filled with thermal resin. Thermal resin possesses specific adhesive properties and heat transfer capabilities, enabling it to stably secure battery cells to the inner wall of the housing while simultaneously dissipating heat from the cells to the exterior of the housing.

[0008] However, if the battery cells are repeatedly charged and discharged during the operation of a battery module, swelling may occur. Consequently, in conventional battery modules, cracks may develop in the cured thermal resin used to secure the battery cells due to the expansion or contraction of the cells. These cracks not only prevent the battery cells from being securely fixed within the housing, but also degrade cooling performance.

[0009] Accordingly, there is an urgent need for the development of a battery module that can stably cool and position battery cells without causing cracks due to expansion or contraction of the battery cells.

[0010] The present invention has been devised to solve the above problems, and the object of the present invention is to provide a battery module in which battery cells can be stably cooled and positioned without cracks occurring due to expansion or contraction of the battery cells.

[0011] The tasks of the present invention are not limited to the tasks mentioned above, and other tasks not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains from the description below.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, a battery module is provided, including a housing; and a battery assembly including a battery cell accommodated inside the housing, an inner heat transfer member surrounding a periphery of the battery cell, and an outer heat transfer member surrounding an outer surface of the inner heat transfer member along a periphery of the battery cell, wherein one of the inner heat transfer member and the outer heat transfer member is made of a material having greater elasticity or fluidity than the other heat transfer member.

[0013] At this time, any one of the heat transfer members is an external heat transfer member, and the shape of the external heat transfer member can be changed in response to expansion or contraction of the battery cell.

[0014] At this time, the outer heat transfer member may be made of a thermal conductive pad, a thermal conductive gel, or a thermal conductive rubber.

[0015] At this time, the other heat transfer member is the inner heat transfer member, and the inner heat transfer member may be made of a material having higher thermal conductivity than the outer heat transfer member.

[0016] At this time, the inner heat transfer member may be made of a graphite sheet.

[0017] At this time, the battery assembly may be composed of a plurality of units and arranged in a row along one direction.

[0018] At this time, a first heat dissipation body may be further included on one side of the battery assembly to transfer heat generated from the battery cell to the outside.

[0019] At this time, the first heat sink may include a plate-shaped heat sink that contacts the outer surface of the battery assembly and faces the inner wall of the housing.

[0020] At this time, the first heat dissipation body may further include a fin-shaped heat dissipation fin protruding from the heat dissipation plate to the outside of the battery assembly.

[0021] At this time, a first flow space may be provided between the heat sink of the first heat sink and the inner wall of the housing, through which a cooling fluid capable of absorbing heat emitted from the battery cell can flow.

[0022] At this time, the first heat sink may further include a leakage prevention wall provided along the edge of the heat sink to prevent the cooling fluid of the first flow space from leaking toward the edge of the heat sink.

[0023] At this time, the leakage prevention wall may have a partition shape interposed between the heat sink and the inner wall of the housing.

[0024] At this time, a pump may be further included to circulate the cooling fluid flowing out from one side of the first flow space to the other side of the first flow space.

[0025] At this time, the pump may be configured to operate by energy stored in the battery cell.

[0026] At this time, the one side and the other side of the first flow space may be spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the battery cell.

[0027] At this time, a second heat dissipation body may be further included on the other side of the battery assembly to transfer heat generated from the battery cell to the outside.

[0028] At this time, the first radiator and the second radiator may be positioned opposite each other with the battery assembly interposed therebetween.

[0029] At this time, the housing includes a first plate facing the first heat radiator; and a second plate facing the second heat radiator, wherein the first heat radiator includes a first heat radiator that forms a first flow space between the first plate and the second plate through which a cooling fluid can flow, and the second heat radiator includes a second heat radiator that forms a second flow space between the second plate and the second plate through which a cooling fluid can flow, and the first flow space and the second flow space can be connected to each other so that the cooling fluid can circulate.

[0030] At this time, the system may further include first and second flow path forming members fluidly connecting the first flow space and the second flow space; and a pump for circulating a cooling fluid in the first flow space and the second flow space.

[0031] At this time, the first flow space and the second flow space may be spaced apart from each other vertically, and the cooling fluid may be configured to fall by gravity from the first flow space to the second flow space through the first flow path forming member, and to be raised by the pump from the second flow space to the first flow space through the second flow path forming member.

[0032] According to one aspect of the present invention, a heat transfer member having a predetermined fluidity or elasticity that allows for shape change is configured to surround the outer surface of a battery cell, thereby preventing cracks from occurring due to expansion or contraction of the battery cell. Accordingly, the battery cell can be stably supported and cooled within the housing.

[0033] According to one aspect of the present invention, since one of the inner heat transfer member and the outer heat transfer member constituting the heat transfer member is made of a material having a higher thermal conductivity than the other, heat generated in a local part (or, local area) of the battery cell can be more quickly diffused and released.

[0034] According to one aspect of the present invention, since the heat dissipator is configured to contact the outside of the battery assembly and receive heat from the battery cell and radiate it to the outside, cooling of the battery cell can be performed more effectively.

[0035] According to one aspect of the present invention, a flow space in which a cooling fluid can flow is provided between a heat sink of a heat sink and an inner wall of a housing, so that heat generated in a battery cell can be more quickly diffused and released by the cooling fluid.

[0036] According to one aspect of the present invention, since multiple flow spaces are provided between the housing and the heat sink, and a pump is provided for circulating the cooling fluid along the multiple flow spaces, heat dissipation by the cooling fluid can be more effectively achieved.

[0037] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains from this specification and the attached drawings.

[0038] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention viewed from above.

[0039] Figure 2 is a drawing showing a state in which the side plate of the housing of the battery module of Figure 1 is cut so that the inside can be seen.

[0040] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module illustrated in Figure 2.

[0041] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line Ⅰ-Ⅰ of Figure 1.

[0042] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of part A of Figure 4.

[0043] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement them. However, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited or restricted by the following examples.

[0044] In order to clearly explain the present invention, a detailed description of a part that is irrelevant to the description or a related known technology that may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention has been omitted, and when adding reference signs to components of each drawing in this specification, the same or similar reference signs are attached to the same or similar components throughout the specification.

[0045] In addition, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as limited to their usual or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted as meanings and concepts that conform to the technical idea of ​​the present invention based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the term to explain his or her own invention in the best way.

[0046] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above. Fig. 2 is a drawing showing a state in which a side plate of a housing of the battery module of Fig. 1 is cut so that the interior can be seen. Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module illustrated in Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I of Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is an enlarged view of portion A of Fig. 4.

[0047] FIGS. 1 to 5 illustrate a battery module (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 , the battery module (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be a module capable of charging and storing electrical energy or discharging stored electrical energy to the outside. To this end, the battery module (1) may include a housing (10) and battery cells (30) provided within the housing (10).

[0048] At this time, in the present embodiment, a heat transfer member (40) having a predetermined thermal conductivity, fluidity, and / or elasticity is provided on the outer periphery of the battery cell (30). Accordingly, the battery cell (30) can be stably fixed inside the housing (10) even if it expands or contracts, and can also be smoothly cooled through the heat transfer member (40).

[0049] Hereinafter, each component of the battery module (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail.

[0050] A battery module (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a housing (10). In this embodiment, the housing (10) may be configured to accommodate and protect other components of the battery module (1). To this end, the housing (10) may be made of a metal or reinforced plastic having a predetermined rigidity. Accordingly, the components accommodated in the housing (10) may be protected from external impact or contamination.

[0051] In the present embodiment, the housing (10) may be provided as a box-shaped structure. More specifically, the housing (10) may include an upper plate (12) and a lower plate (14) that are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) but are parallel to each other. As a result, a predetermined space may be formed between the upper plate (12) and the lower plate (14). Other components of the battery module (1) may be arranged in the space.

[0052] In this embodiment, the housing (10) may further include a side plate (16). The side plate (16) may be a plate that surrounds the perimeter of the space between the upper plate (12) and the lower plate (14). As a result, the space between the upper plate (12) and the lower plate (14) can be isolated and protected from the outside.

[0053] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the housing (10) is provided as a box-shaped hexahedral structure, but the shape of the housing (10) may be modified as needed, taking into account the arrangement or shape of the components accommodated therein. As an example, the housing (10) may have a curved shape in at least one portion.

[0054] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 5, a battery module (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a battery assembly (20). The battery assembly (20) may be accommodated inside a housing (10) and configured to charge or discharge electric energy.

[0055] In this embodiment, the battery assemblies (20) may be configured in multiple units and arranged in a row along the left-right direction (Y-axis direction). However, the number or arrangement of the battery assemblies (20) is not particularly limited.

[0056] In the present embodiment, the battery assembly (20) may include a battery cell (30). In this case, the battery cell (30) may be a pouch-type secondary battery. As illustrated, the battery cell (30) in the present embodiment may include a pouch-shaped cell body (32) that accommodates an electrode laminate in which a positive electrode and a negative electrode are laminated. The electrode laminate of the cell body (32) may perform the charging and discharging function of the electric energy described above.

[0057] In the present embodiment, the battery cell (30) may include a pair of electrode leads (34, 36) respectively provided at the front (positive direction of the X-axis) and rear (negative direction of the X-axis) of the cell body (32). Of course, the pair of electrode leads (34, 36) may also be positioned together at the front (positive direction of the X-axis) or the negative direction (negative direction of the X-axis) of the cell body (32).

[0058] Although not specifically illustrated, the electrode leads (34, 36) of a battery cell (30) may be electrically connected to the electrode leads (34, 36) of another battery cell (30) in a predetermined manner. For example, the battery cells (30) may be connected in series or in parallel with each other. For this purpose, a bus bar or the like may be provided between the battery cells (30).

[0059] Meanwhile, the battery cell (30) may expand or contract during the charging and discharging process. This expansion phenomenon may be expressed as swelling. Such expansion or contraction of the battery cell (30) may apply a certain force to the components surrounding the battery cell (30), which may cause cracks.

[0060] Such cracks not only degrade the structural stability of the battery module (1), but also may deform components around the battery cell (30), thereby hindering heat transfer (i.e., cooling) between the battery cell (30) and the surrounding components.

[0061] To solve this problem, the battery assembly (20) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a heat transfer member (40). In this embodiment, the heat transfer member (40) may be composed of an inner heat transfer member (42) and an outer heat transfer member (44) having different physical properties. In this case, the physical properties may be thermal conductivity, elasticity, and / or fluidity.

[0062] Referring again to FIGS. 2 to 5, in the present embodiment, the inner heat transfer member (42) can surround the outer surface of the cell body (32) in the circumferential direction. At this time, the circumferential direction of the cell body (32) can be a direction that surrounds the outer surface of the cell body (32) with the front-back direction (X-axis direction) as the center.

[0063] In this embodiment, the inner heat transfer member (42) may be made of a material having higher thermal conductivity (or thermal diffusivity) than the outer heat transfer member (44) described below. As an example, the inner heat transfer member (42) may be made of a graphite sheet surrounding the outer surface of the cell body (32).

[0064] In this embodiment, the inner heat transfer member (42) has high thermal conductivity (or thermal diffusivity) and thus can quickly spread heat generated in the cell body (32) in various directions. That is, the inner heat transfer member (42) can quickly spread heat generated in a local part (or local area) of the cell body (32) in various directions, thereby expanding the surface area to which heat generated in the cell body (32) can be transferred.

[0065] Specifically, using FIGS. 3 to 5, as an example, it can be assumed that a large amount of heat is locally generated in the upper part (positive direction of the Z-axis) of the center of the cell body (32). Hereinafter, this part will be referred to as a heat generation part. In this case, the heat generated in the cell body (32) can be intensively transferred to a part of the inner heat transfer member (42) that is in direct contact with the heat generation part.

[0066] In the above situation, the inner heat transfer member (42) can quickly spread (or transfer) the heat generated in the heat generating portion in various directions. Specifically, the inner heat transfer member (42) can quickly spread (or transfer) the heat transferred through the heat generating portion in the front-back direction (X-axis direction) and the circumferential direction of the cell body (32).

[0067] Due to this, heat locally generated in the cell body (32) can be spread (or transferred) throughout the inner heat transfer member (42). In addition, the heat transferred to the inner heat transfer member (42) can be released through the wide outer surface of the inner heat transfer member (42). In the present embodiment, the heat spread by the inner heat transfer member (42) is released through the outer heat transfer member (44), which will be described in detail later.

[0068] In this way, in the battery module (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention, the surface area through which heat generated in the battery cell (30) is released can be rapidly expanded to the outer surface of the inner heat transfer member (42). Through this, the battery cell (30) of the battery module (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention can be cooled more effectively.

[0069] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the outer heat transfer member (44) may be configured to surround the outer surface of the inner heat transfer member (42). As illustrated, the outer heat transfer member (44) may surround the outer surface of the inner heat transfer member (42) in the circumferential direction of the cell body (32).

[0070] At this time, in the present embodiment, the outer heat transfer member (44) may be made of a material having greater elasticity and / or fluidity than the inner heat transfer member (42) described above. This may be to allow the outer heat transfer member (44) to deform in response to expansion or contraction of the battery cell (30).

[0071] Due to this, cracks may not occur in the outer heat transfer member (44) supporting the battery cell (30). Such characteristics of the outer heat transfer member (44) can prevent the structural stability and cooling performance of the battery module (1) from being deteriorated.

[0072] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the outer heat transfer member (44) may have a predetermined thermal conductivity. This may be to enable the outer heat transfer member (44) to smoothly release heat transferred through the outer surface of the inner heat transfer member (42) to the outside of the battery assembly (20).

[0073] To this end, the outer heat transfer member (44) of the battery module (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be made of a thermal conductive pad, a thermal conductive gel, or a thermal conductive rubber.

[0074] However, the material of the outer heat transfer member (44) is not limited to that described above, and the outer heat transfer member (44) may be made of various materials that have a predetermined elasticity or fluidity so that it can be deformed in response to expansion or contraction of the battery cell (30), while also having a predetermined thermal conductivity so that it can release heat transferred from the inner heat transfer member (42).

[0075] As described above, in the battery module (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention, since the battery cell (30) is surrounded by the heat transfer member (40), locally generated heat can be quickly spread (or transferred) in various directions, while cracks due to expansion or contraction of the battery cell (30) can not occur. Accordingly, the battery cell (30) can be stably supported within the housing (10), while cooling of the battery cell (30) can be effectively achieved.

[0076] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the description is made on the assumption that the battery cell (30) is a pouch-type secondary battery. However, the structure or type of the battery cell (30) is not particularly limited. For example, the battery cell (30) may be a cylindrical secondary battery. In this case, the heat transfer member (40) may be configured to surround the outer periphery of the cylindrical battery cell (30).

[0077] Referring again to FIGS. 2 to 4, the battery module (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a heat dissipator (50, 60). In this embodiment, the heat dissipator (50, 60) may be a structure for more smoothly dissipating heat generated in the battery assembly (20) to the outside of the battery module (1).

[0078] To this end, the heat sink (50, 60) in the present embodiment may be made of a material with high thermal conductivity. As an example, the heat sink (50, 60) may be made of aluminum (Al), but is not limited thereto.

[0079] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, the heat dissipation body (50, 60) of the battery module (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an upper heat dissipation body (50). The upper heat dissipation body (50) may be in contact with the upper portion of the battery assembly (20).

[0080] In this embodiment, the upper heat sink (50) may be configured to radiate heat emitted from the battery cell (30) to the upper side (positive direction of the Z-axis) of the housing (10). To this end, the upper heat sink (50) may be positioned to face the upper plate (12) of the housing (10).

[0081] In the present embodiment, the upper heat sink (50) may include a heat sink (52) that contacts the upper surface of the battery assembly (20). At this time, the heat sink (52) may have a sufficient width and length in the front-back direction (X-axis direction) and left-right direction (Y-axis direction) so as to be in contact with each of the plurality of battery assemblies (20) arranged in a row. This configuration may be for the heat sink (52) to be in direct contact with and exchange heat with each of the battery assemblies (20).

[0082] In this embodiment, the heat sink (52) may be parallel to the upper plate (12), but spaced apart in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). Accordingly, a predetermined space may be formed between the heat sink (52) and the upper plate (12). Hereinafter, the space is referred to as an upper flow space (S1).

[0083] A predetermined cooling fluid flows in the upper flow space (S1) and can release heat from the upper heat sink (50) to the upper plate (12) or the outside. As an example, the cooling fluid may be water, but the type of cooling fluid is not particularly limited.

[0084] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the upper heat sink (50) may include a fin-shaped heat sink fin (54) protruding from the heat sink (52) toward the outside of the battery assembly (20). Such a heat sink fin (54) may increase the surface area through which heat transferred from the battery cell (30) to the heat sink (52) is dissipated upward (in the positive direction of the Z-axis).

[0085] More specifically, the heat dissipation fin (54) may protrude upward from the heat dissipation plate (52). In other words, the heat dissipation fin (54) may protrude from the heat dissipation plate (52) toward the upper plate (12).

[0086] At this time, in this embodiment, the upper end (positive direction of the Z-axis) of the heat dissipation fin (54) may be spaced apart from the upper plate (12) by a predetermined distance in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). This configuration may be to allow the cooling fluid to flow into the upper flow space (S1) provided between them. Accordingly, the cooling fluid may flow in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) in the upper flow space (S1) and exchange heat.

[0087] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the heat dissipation fins (54) can be extended in a long direction in the front and rear (X-axis direction). In addition, the heat dissipation fins (54) can be configured in multiple pieces and spaced apart in the left and right direction (Y-axis direction). The extension direction and arrangement direction of the heat dissipation fins (54) are not particularly limited.

[0088] At this time, the upper heat sink (50) of the battery module (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a leak prevention wall (56). The leak prevention wall (56) may be configured to prevent the cooling fluid flowing in the aforementioned upper flow space (S1) from leaking toward the edge of the heat sink (52). Through this, the battery cell (30) may be isolated from the cooling fluid.

[0089] In this embodiment, the leak prevention wall (56) may protrude upward (in the positive direction of the Z-axis) from the edge side of the heat sink (52). In other words, the leak prevention wall (56) may have a partition shape interposed between the heat sink (52) and the lower surface of the upper plate (12).

[0090] At this time, in this embodiment, the end of the leak prevention wall (56) can be in contact with the lower surface of the upper plate (12). Accordingly, cooling fluid can be prevented from leaking between the leak prevention wall (56) and the upper plate (12).

[0091] And, in this embodiment, the leak prevention wall (56) may be provided along the edge of the upper heat sink (52). In other words, when viewed in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction), the leak prevention wall (56) may have a ring shape that entirely surrounds the heat sink (52). Accordingly, cooling fluid can be prevented from leaking from the entire edge of the heat sink (52).

[0092] As described above, in the battery module (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention, an upper heat dissipation body (50) is provided on the upper side of the battery assembly (20), so that heat generated from the battery cell (30) can be quickly released to the outside of the housing (10). Through this, cooling of the battery cell (30) can be achieved more effectively.

[0093] Referring again to FIGS. 2 to 4, the heat sink (50, 60) of the battery module (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a lower heat sink (60). The lower heat sink (60) may be in contact with the lower portion of the battery assembly (20).

[0094] In this embodiment, the lower heat sink (60) may be configured to radiate heat emitted from the battery cell (30) toward the lower side (negative direction of the Z-axis) of the housing (10). To this end, the lower heat sink (60) may be positioned to face the lower plate (14) of the housing (10).

[0095] In the present embodiment, the lower heat sink (60) may include a heat sink (62) that contacts the lower surface of the battery assembly (20). At this time, the heat sink (62) may have a sufficient width and length in the front-back direction (X-axis direction) and left-right direction (Y-axis direction) so as to be in contact with each of the plurality of battery assemblies (20) arranged in a row. This configuration may be for the heat sink (62) to be in direct contact with and exchange heat with each of the battery assemblies (20).

[0096] In this embodiment, the heat sink (62) may be parallel to the lower plate (14), but spaced apart in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). Accordingly, a predetermined space may be formed between the heat sink (62) and the lower plate (14). Hereinafter, this is referred to as a lower flow space (S2).

[0097] A predetermined cooling fluid flows in the lower flow space (S2) and can release heat from the lower heat sink (60) to the lower plate (14) or the outside. At this time, in the present embodiment, the cooling fluid flowing in the lower flow space (S2) may be the same type of fluid as the fluid flowing in the upper flow space (S1) described above.

[0098] In addition, in the present embodiment, the upper flow space (S1) and the lower flow space (S2) may be configured to be fluidly connected to each other so that the cooling fluid circulates between them. This will be described later together with the pump (70) and the flow path forming member (72, 74).

[0099] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the lower heat sink (60) may include a fin-shaped heat sink fin (64) protruding from the heat sink (62) toward the outside of the battery assembly (20). Such a heat sink fin (64) may increase the surface area through which heat transferred from the battery cell (30) to the heat sink (62) is dissipated upward (in the positive direction of the Z-axis).

[0100] More specifically, the heat dissipation fin (64) may protrude downward (in the negative direction of the Z-axis) from the heat dissipation plate (62). In other words, the heat dissipation fin (64) may protrude from the heat dissipation plate (62) toward the lower plate (14).

[0101] At this time, in this embodiment, the lower end (negative direction of the Z-axis) of the heat dissipation fin (64) may be slightly spaced apart from the lower plate (14) in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). This configuration may be to allow the cooling fluid to flow into the lower flow space (S2) provided between them. Accordingly, the cooling fluid may flow in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) in the lower flow space (S2) and exchange heat.

[0102] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the heat dissipation fins (64) can be extended in a long direction in the front and rear (X-axis direction). In addition, the heat dissipation fins (64) can be configured in multiple pieces and spaced apart in the left and right direction (Y-axis direction). The extension direction and arrangement direction of the heat dissipation fins (64) are not particularly limited.

[0103] At this time, the lower heat sink (60) of the battery module (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a leak prevention wall (66). The leak prevention wall (66) may be configured to prevent the cooling fluid flowing in the aforementioned lower flow space (S2) from leaking toward the edge of the heat sink (62).

[0104] In this embodiment, the leak prevention wall (66) may protrude downward (in the negative direction of the Z-axis) from the edge side of the heat sink (62). In other words, the leak prevention wall (66) may have a partition shape interposed between the heat sink (62) and the upper surface of the lower plate (14).

[0105] At this time, in this embodiment, the end of the leak prevention wall (66) can be in contact with the lower surface of the lower plate (14). Accordingly, cooling fluid can be prevented from leaking between the leak prevention wall (66) and the lower plate (14).

[0106] And, in this embodiment, the leak prevention wall (66) may be provided along the edge of the upper heat sink (62). In other words, when viewed in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction), the leak prevention wall (66) may have a ring shape that entirely surrounds the heat sink (62). Through this, cooling fluid can be prevented from leaking from the entire edge of the heat sink (62).

[0107] As described above, in the battery module (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention, a lower heat dissipation body (60) is provided on the lower side of the battery assembly (20), so that heat generated from the battery cell (30) can be quickly released to the outside of the housing (10). Through this, cooling of the battery cell (30) can be achieved more effectively.

[0108] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, in a battery module (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention, a cooling fluid can circulate through an upper flow space (S1) and a lower flow space (S2) to transfer heat.

[0109] To this end, the battery module (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a pump (70) and a flow path forming member (72, 74). In this embodiment, the flow path forming member (72, 74) may be a member for fluidly connecting the upper flow space (S1) and the lower flow space (S2) to each other. The flow path forming member (72, 74) may be formed of a hose or a pipe, but is not particularly limited as long as it can connect the flow spaces (S1, S2) to each other.

[0110] In the present embodiment, the flow path forming member (72, 74) may include a first flow path forming member (72) and a second flow path forming member (74). The first flow path forming member (72) may be a member that forms a flow path from the upper flow space (S1) to the lower flow space (S2), and the second flow path forming member (74) may be a member that forms a flow path from the lower flow space (S2) to the upper flow space (S1).

[0111] In the present embodiment, the first flow path forming member (72) can fluidly connect a front (positive direction of the X-axis) and right (positive direction of the Y-axis) portion of the upper flow space (S1) and a front (positive direction of the X-axis) and right (positive direction of the Y-axis) portion of the lower flow space (S2). The cooling fluid can flow along the first flow path forming member (72) and fall downward (negative direction of the Z-axis) by gravity.

[0112] In this embodiment, the first euro forming member (72) may be penetratedly joined at the upper end to the heat sink (52) of the upper heat sink (50), and may be penetratedly joined at the lower end to the heat sink (62) of the lower heat sink (60). For this purpose, the heat sinks (52, 62) may be provided with a predetermined joining hole (63a).

[0113] In this embodiment, the second flow forming member (74) can fluidly connect a rear (negative direction of the X-axis) right side (positive direction of the Y-axis) portion of the upper flow space (S1) and a rear (negative direction of the X-axis) right side (positive direction of the Y-axis) portion of the lower flow space (S2).

[0114] That is, the first flow forming member (72) and the second flow forming member (74) can be arranged at a predetermined distance in the front-back direction (X-axis direction). As a result, the cooling fluid can flow in the front-back direction (X-axis direction) between the upper flow space (S1) and the lower flow space (S2) and exchange heat (or, heat transfer).

[0115] In this embodiment, the cooling fluid may flow along the second flow path forming member (74) and rise upward (in the positive direction of the Z-axis). At this time, this flow may be forced against gravity. This flow may be achieved by a pump (70) described below.

[0116] In this embodiment, the second euro forming member (74) may be penetratedly joined at the upper end to the heat sink (52) of the upper heat sink (50), and may be penetratedly joined at the lower end to the heat sink (62) of the lower heat sink (60). For this purpose, the heat sinks (52, 62) may be provided with a predetermined joining hole (63b).

[0117] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the first flow forming member (72) and the second flow forming member (74) are configured to be arranged at a distance in the front-back direction (X-axis direction) on the left side (positive Y-axis direction) of the flow space (S1, S2), but the relative positions of the first flow forming member (72) and the second flow forming member (74) may be changed as needed.

[0118] For example, the first flow forming member (72) and the second flow forming member (74) may be positioned opposite each other with the battery assembly (20) interposed therebetween. In this case, the cooling fluid may flow in the front-back direction (X-axis direction) and the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) between the upper flow space (S1) and the lower flow space (S2) to exchange heat (or, transfer heat).

[0119] The pump (70) of the battery module (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured to raise the cooling fluid. To this end, the pump (70) may be provided on the second flow path forming member (74). Of course, the type or location of the pump (70) is not particularly limited as long as it can raise the cooling fluid from the lower flow space (S2) to the upper flow space (S1).

[0120] At this time, in the present embodiment, the pump (70) may be configured to be electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of battery cells (30) and to be operated by receiving electrical energy therefrom.

[0121] By this configuration, the status of the battery cell (30) can be indirectly confirmed from the operating status of the pump (70). For example, if the pump (70) no longer operates, it can be determined that the battery cell (30) is discharged or broken.

[0122] Meanwhile, the upper plate (12) and the lower plate (14) of the battery module (1) according to the present embodiment may be referred to as a first plate and a second plate, respectively, the upper heat dissipator (50) and the lower heat dissipator (60) may be referred to as a first heat dissipator and a second heat dissipator, respectively, and the upper flow space (S1) and the lower flow space (S2) may be referred to as a first flow space and a second flow space, respectively.

[0123] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various embodiments are possible within the scope equivalent to the technical idea of ​​the present invention and the patent claims to be described below by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains.

[0124] [Explanation of symbols]

[0125] 1: Battery module

[0126] 10: Housing

[0127] 20: Battery assembly

[0128] 30: Battery cell

[0129] 40: Absence of heat transfer

[0130] 50, 60: Radiator

[0131] 70: Pump

[0132] 72, 74: Absence of euro formation

Claims

1. Housing; and A battery assembly comprising a battery cell accommodated inside the housing, an inner heat transfer member surrounding the periphery of the battery cell, and an outer heat transfer member surrounding the outer surface of the inner heat transfer member along the periphery of the battery cell, A battery module, wherein one of the inner heat transfer member and the outer heat transfer member is made of a material having greater elasticity or fluidity than the other heat transfer member.

2. In paragraph 1, Any one of the above heat transfer members is an external heat transfer member, A battery module wherein the outer heat transfer member can be deformed in shape in response to expansion or contraction of the battery cell.

3. In paragraph 2, A battery module wherein the outer heat transfer member is made of a thermal conductive pad, a thermal conductive gel, or a thermal conductive rubber.

4. In paragraph 1, The other one of the above heat transfer members is the inner heat transfer member, A battery module, wherein the inner heat transfer member is made of a material having higher thermal conductivity than the outer heat transfer member.

5. In paragraph 4, A battery module wherein the inner heat transfer member is made of a graphite sheet.

6. In paragraph 1, The above battery assembly is a battery module composed of a plurality of battery modules arranged in a row along one direction.

7. In paragraph 1, A battery module further comprising a first heat dissipator provided on one side of the battery assembly and configured to transfer heat generated from the battery cell to the outside.

8. In paragraph 7, The above first radiator, A battery module including a plate-shaped heat sink that contacts the outer surface of the battery assembly and faces the inner wall of the housing.

9. In paragraph 8, The above first radiator, A battery module further comprising a fin-shaped heat dissipation fin protruding from the heat dissipation plate toward the outside of the battery assembly.

10. In paragraph 8, A battery module, wherein a first flow space is provided between the heat sink of the first heat sink and the inner wall of the housing, through which a cooling fluid capable of absorbing heat emitted from the battery cell can flow.

11. In Article 10, The above first radiator, A battery module further comprising a leakage prevention wall provided along the edge of the heat sink to prevent the cooling fluid of the first flow space from leaking toward the edge of the heat sink.

12. In paragraph 11, A battery module wherein the above leakage prevention wall has a bulkhead shape interposed between the heat sink and the inner wall of the housing.

13. In paragraph 10, A battery module further comprising a pump for circulating cooling fluid flowing out from one side of the first flow space to the other side of the first flow space.

14. In paragraph 13, A battery module, wherein the pump is configured to be operated by energy stored in the battery cell.

15. In paragraph 13, A battery module, wherein the one side and the other side of the first flow space are spaced apart in the length direction of the battery cell.

16. In paragraph 7, A battery module further comprising a second heat sink provided on the other side of the battery assembly to transfer heat generated from the battery cell to the outside.

17. In paragraph 16, A battery module, wherein the first radiator and the second radiator are positioned opposite each other with the battery assembly interposed therebetween.

18. In paragraph 16, The above housing, a first plate facing the first radiator; and Including a second plate facing the second radiator, The above first radiator, A first heat sink is included, which forms a first flow space between the first plate and the first plate through which a cooling fluid can flow; The above second radiator, A second heat sink is included that forms a second flow space between the second plate and the second plate through which a cooling fluid can flow, A battery module wherein the first flow space and the second flow space are connected to each other so that cooling fluid can circulate.

19. In paragraph 18, First and second flow path forming members fluidly connecting the first flow space and the second flow space; and A battery module further comprising a pump for circulating cooling fluid in the first flow space and the second flow space.

20. In paragraph 19, The first flow space and the second flow space are spaced apart vertically, The cooling fluid falls by gravity from the first flow space to the second flow space through the first euro forming member, A battery module configured such that cooling fluid is raised from the second flow space to the first flow space by the pump through the second euro forming member.

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