Battery module and battery pack and vehicle including same

Abstract

A battery module, and a battery pack and a vehicle each including same are disclosed. The battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: multiple cylindrical battery cells; a heat sink which is in contact with the multiple cylindrical battery cells to cool the multiple cylindrical battery cells; and a cell cover for covering the multiple cylindrical battery cells, wherein a first battery cell among the multiple cylindrical battery cells is in contact with a first surface of the heat sink, and a second battery cell among the multiple cylindrical battery cells is in contact with a second surface opposite to the first surface of the heat sink.

Description

Battery modules, battery packs containing the same, and vehicles

[0001] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0007429, filed on January 17, 2024, and all contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the said application are incorporated by reference into this application.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery module, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle, and more particularly, to a battery module having a simplified structure, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle.

[0003] As technological development and demand for mobile devices increase, the demand for secondary batteries as an energy source is rapidly increasing. Nickel-cadmium batteries or hydrogen-ion batteries were used as secondary batteries in the past, but recently, lithium secondary batteries are widely used because they have almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based secondary batteries, are free to charge and discharge, have a very low self-discharge rate, and have a high energy density.

[0004] These lithium secondary batteries primarily use lithium oxide and carbon materials as the positive and negative electrode active materials, respectively. Lithium secondary batteries comprise an electrode assembly comprising positive and negative plates coated with the positive and negative electrode active materials, respectively, with a separator interposed between them, and an outer case, i.e., a battery case, that seals and encloses the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte.

[0005] Lithium secondary batteries are composed of a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator and electrolyte interposed between them. Depending on the type of positive and negative electrode active materials used, they are divided into lithium ion batteries (LIBs) and lithium polymer batteries (PLIBs). Typically, the electrodes of these lithium secondary batteries can be formed by applying a positive or negative electrode active material to a current collector such as an aluminum or copper sheet, mesh, film, or foil, and then drying it.

[0006] Lithium secondary batteries are currently in the spotlight due to their advantages such as high operating voltage and significantly higher energy density. However, because they use organic electrolytes, there is a problem that lithium secondary batteries can cause overcurrent and overheating when overcharged, which in severe cases can cause fire due to explosion or ignition.

[0007] Various types of secondary batteries may include a battery module in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked and inserted into a case that is provided to protect the battery cells, and a battery pack in which a plurality of battery modules are stored.

[0008] Meanwhile, known secondary battery cell types include cylindrical, square, and pouch-shaped battery cells. Cylindrical battery cells are formed by interposing a separator, which serves as an insulator, between the positive and negative plates, winding the separator to form a jelly-roll-shaped electrode assembly. This assembly, along with an electrolyte, is then inserted into a battery can to form the battery.

[0009] In the case of battery modules including conventional cylindrical battery cells, there is a problem in that the overall structure is complex and a gasket for sealing is provided to prevent leakage of liquid resin, making it difficult to reduce weight.

[0010] Accordingly, the technical problem to be achieved by the present invention is to provide a battery module whose overall structure can be simplified to reduce weight, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle.

[0011] In addition, the present invention provides a battery module capable of preventing leakage of liquid resin without a sealing gasket, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle.

[0012] However, the technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the problems described above, and other problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

[0013] According to one aspect of the present invention, a battery module may be provided, comprising: a plurality of cylindrical battery cells; a heat sink that contacts the plurality of cylindrical battery cells to cool the plurality of cylindrical battery cells; and a cell cover that covers the plurality of cylindrical battery cells, wherein a first battery cell of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells contacts a first surface of the heat sink, and a second battery cell of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells contacts a second surface opposite the first surface of the heat sink.

[0014] In one embodiment, the heat sink is arranged vertically, and the plurality of cylindrical battery cells are arranged horizontally so as to be in contact with the heat sink.

[0015] In one embodiment, a plate supporting the heat sink may be coupled to a periphery of the heat sink.

[0016] In one embodiment, the plates may include an upper plate coupled to an upper portion of the heat sink; a lower plate coupled to a lower portion of the heat sink; a front plate coupled to a front portion of the heat sink; and a rear plate coupled to a rear portion of the heat sink.

[0017] In one embodiment, the center of the upper plate is coupled to the heat sink, and the upper plate may be symmetric with respect to the heat sink.

[0018] In one embodiment, the center of the lower plate is coupled to the heat sink, and the lower plate may be symmetric with respect to the heat sink.

[0019] In one embodiment, the center of the front plate is coupled to the heat sink, and the front plate may be symmetric with respect to the heat sink.

[0020] In one embodiment, the center of the rear plate is coupled to the heat sink, and the rear plate may be symmetric with respect to the heat sink.

[0021] In one embodiment, the plate is coupled to the heat sink and may be formed in a cross-sectional I shape.

[0022] In one embodiment, a through hole into which the plurality of cylindrical battery cells are inserted may be formed to support the plurality of cylindrical battery cells, and a cell support member coupled to the heat sink may be included.

[0023] In one embodiment, an upper surface protrusion is formed on the upper surface of the heat sink, a fastening hole is formed in the upper plate, and the upper surface protrusion may be coupled to the fastening hole.

[0024] In one embodiment, the coupling portion between the upper surface protrusion and the fastening hole may be welded.

[0025] In one embodiment, a lower surface protrusion is formed on the lower surface of the heat sink, a fastening hole is formed in the lower plate, and the lower surface protrusion may be coupled to the fastening hole.

[0026] In one embodiment, the joint portion of the protrusion and the fastening hole can be welded.

[0027] In one embodiment, the upper plate may be welded to at least one of the front plate and the rear plate.

[0028] In one embodiment, the lower plate may be welded to at least one of the front plate and the rear plate.

[0029] In one embodiment, a pair of said cell covers may be provided to cover said cylindrical battery cell on either side of said heat sink.

[0030] In one embodiment, a liquid resin may be provided between the heat sink and the cell cover.

[0031] Meanwhile, according to another aspect of the present invention, a battery pack including the above-described battery module can be provided, and further, a vehicle including the above-described battery module can be provided.

[0032] Embodiments of the present invention have the effect of simplifying the internal frame and simplifying the overall structure, thereby reducing weight.

[0033] Additionally, it has the effect of preventing leakage of liquid resin even without a sealing gasket.

[0034] However, the effects that can be obtained through the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and other technical effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

[0035] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention, and together with the detailed description of the invention described below, serve to further understand the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to matters described in such drawings.

[0036] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a combined battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of Figure 1.

[0039] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention before the plate is bonded to the heat sink.

[0040] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of part B of Figure 4.

[0041] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the upper plate and the lower plate are coupled to a heat sink.

[0042] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the front plate and the rear plate in Figure 6 combined with the heat sink.

[0043] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C' of Figure 7.

[0044] FIGS. 9 to 15 are drawings illustrating a manufacturing process of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 16 is a schematic drawing showing the configuration of a battery pack including a battery module according to each embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 17 is a drawing for explaining a vehicle including the battery pack of FIG. 16.

[0047] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as limited to their conventional or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted with 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 best explain his or her own invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are only the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and various equivalents and modifications may exist as of the time of this application.

[0048] In the drawings, the sizes of each component or specific parts of that component are exaggerated, omitted, or schematically illustrated for convenience and clarity of explanation. Therefore, the size of each component does not entirely reflect its actual size. If a detailed description of a related known function or configuration is deemed to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, such description will be omitted.

[0049] The term 'joint' or 'connection' as used herein includes not only cases where one member is directly joined or directly connected to another member, but also cases where one member is indirectly joined or indirectly connected to another member through a connecting member.

[0050] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of FIG. 1, FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention before a plate is coupled to a heat sink, FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of part B of FIG. 4, FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an upper plate and a lower plate coupled to a heat sink in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a front plate and a rear plate coupled to a heat sink in FIG. 6, and FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C' of FIG. 7.

[0051] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a cylindrical battery cell (100), a heat sink (200), and a cell cover (300).

[0052] A plurality of cylindrical battery cells (100) are provided. Here, the cylindrical battery cells (100) may include an electrode assembly, a battery can, and a cap plate.

[0053] The electrode assembly has a structure in which a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator interposed between the positive and negative electrode plates are wound in one direction. In addition, a central hole is formed in the center of the electrode assembly, and the electrode assembly can be formed in a jelly roll type.

[0054] For example, an electrode assembly can be manufactured by winding a laminate formed by sequentially stacking a negative electrode plate, a separator, a positive electrode plate, and a separator at least once. Here, the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate can be formed in a sheet shape.

[0055] That is, the electrode assembly applied to the present embodiment may be a coil-type electrode assembly. In this case, an additional separator may be provided on the outer surface of the electrode assembly for insulation from the battery can. That is, the electrode assembly may have a coil structure well known in the relevant technical field without limitation.

[0056] The positive electrode plate may have a positive electrode active material applied to one or both sides thereof, and a first non-coated portion on which the positive electrode active material is not applied may be formed at an end of the positive electrode plate. The first non-coated portion may be exposed to the outside of the separator while forming a plurality of turns around the center of the electrode assembly, and may be used as an electrode tab in its own right. However, the first non-coated portion may not be formed on the positive electrode plate.

[0057] The negative electrode plate may have a negative active material applied to one or both sides thereof, and a second non-coated region may be formed at an end of the negative electrode plate where the negative active material is not applied. The second non-coated region may be exposed to the outside of the separator while forming a plurality of winding turns based on the center of the electrode assembly, and may be used as an electrode tab in its own right. However, the second non-coated region may not be formed on the negative electrode plate.

[0058] Here, when the positive and negative plates each include a non-coated portion, the first non-coated portion and the second non-coated portion can be configured to face in opposite directions.

[0059] In addition, the positive electrode active material coated on the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode active material coated on the negative electrode plate can be used without limitation as long as they are active materials known in the art.

[0060] The separation membrane may be a porous polymer film, for example, a porous polymer film made of a polyolefin polymer such as an ethylene homopolymer, a propylene homopolymer, an ethylene / butene copolymer, an ethylene / hexene copolymer, an ethylene / methacrylate copolymer, etc., which may be used alone or in a laminated manner.

[0061] As another example, the separator may be a conventional porous nonwoven fabric, such as a nonwoven fabric made of high-melting-point glass fiber, polyethylene terephthalate fiber, etc.

[0062] At least one surface of the membrane may include a coating layer of inorganic particles. Furthermore, the membrane itself may be formed of a coating layer of inorganic particles. The particles constituting the coating layer may have a structure in which they are bound to a binder such that an interstitial volume exists between adjacent particles.

[0063] Additionally, the center hole of the electrode assembly is also used for welding the cell terminal (positive terminal) and the positive current collector plate. That is, the electrode assembly can be configured to weld the cell terminal and the positive current collector plate by irradiating a laser through the center hole.

[0064] An electrode assembly is housed in a battery can. A through hole may be formed in the battery can. The battery can is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the electrode assembly is housed within the battery can, and may be electrically connected to the negative electrode plate of the electrode assembly. Accordingly, the battery can have the same polarity as the negative electrode plate, i.e., a negative electrode.

[0065] The diameter of the battery can is formed to be larger than the diameter of the electrode assembly. A gap of a preset size is formed between the battery can and the positive electrode collector plate, and an insulator may be interposed between the gap.

[0066] If the size of the electrode assembly is increased while the size of the battery can is determined according to the standard, the total capacity of the cylindrical battery cell (100) increases, but the gap between the battery can and the electrode assembly decreases.

[0067] That is, when the size of the electrode assembly is increased to increase the overall capacity of the cylindrical battery cell (100), the gap between the battery can and the electrode assembly is reduced. Therefore, in order to increase the capacity of the cylindrical battery cell (100), an insulator must be able to be interposed between the reduced gap between the battery can and the electrode assembly. For this purpose, it is desirable that the thickness of the insulator be as thin as possible.

[0068] A battery can is a roughly cylindrical container made of a conductive material, such as metal. The battery can may be made of, but is not limited to, a conductive metal, such as aluminum, steel, or stainless steel.

[0069] The positive electrode collector is electrically connected to the positive electrode plate, for example, at the top of the electrode assembly. For example, the positive electrode collector is made of a conductive metal material and can be electrically connected to the first non-conductive portion of the positive electrode plate.

[0070] The cell terminal is made of a conductive metal material and is electrically connected to the positive electrode collector plate. In addition, the cell terminal is electrically connected to the positive electrode plate of the electrode assembly through the positive electrode collector plate, thereby having a positive polarity.

[0071] That is, the cell terminal can function as a positive terminal. In addition, the battery can is electrically connected to the negative plate of the electrode assembly as described above, thereby having a negative polarity.

[0072] The negative current collector is electrically connected to the negative electrode plate, for example, at the bottom of the electrode assembly. For example, the negative current collector may be made of a conductive metal material such as aluminum, steel, copper, or nickel, and may be electrically connected to the second non-conductive portion of the negative electrode plate.

[0073] The negative electrode current collector may be electrically connected to the battery can. For this purpose, at least a portion of the edge portion of the negative electrode current collector may be secured between the inner surface of the battery can and a sealing gasket.

[0074] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the edge of the negative electrode current collector may be supported on the lower surface of the bead formed at the bottom of the battery can and secured to the bead by welding.

[0075] And, at least a portion of the remaining portion, excluding the joining portion of the beading portion of the negative electrode collector plate, can be joined to the folded surface of the second non-conductive portion by welding, for example, laser welding.

[0076] Additionally, the negative electrode current collector may be electrically coupled to at least a portion of an edge of the upper and lower surfaces of the beading portion, the surface adjacent to the crimping portion.

[0077] The cap plate is configured to seal the opening formed at the bottom of the battery can. The cap plate may be made of, for example, a metal material to ensure rigidity.

[0078] Additionally, the cap plate may be provided as non-polar, separate from the electrode assembly. That is, the cap plate may not have polarity even if it is provided as a conductive metal material.

[0079] The non-polarized cap plate means that it is electrically insulated from the battery can and cell terminals. Thus, the cap plate may be non-polarized, and its material does not necessarily have to be a conductive metal.

[0080] The cap plate may be supported by being seated on a beaded portion formed on the battery can. In addition, the cap plate is fixed by a crimping portion described below. A sealing gasket may be interposed between the cap plate and the crimping portion of the battery can to ensure airtightness of the battery can. That is, the sealing gasket may be arranged to be interposed between the edge of the cap plate and the opening of the battery can.

[0081] A heat sink (200) is a member that absorbs and dissipates heat from another object through direct or indirect thermal contact, and cools a plurality of cylindrical battery cells (100) by contacting the plurality of cylindrical battery cells (100).

[0082] The heat sink (200) can be configured in various ways, and for example, it can be provided in a form in which a flow path (230) through which a cooling fluid (water or air) can flow is formed on the inside, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 8. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 7, a plate (400) supporting the heat sink (200) may be coupled to the periphery of the heat sink (200). Here, the plate (400) may be configured in various ways, and may be configured to include, for example, an upper plate (410), a lower plate (420), a front plate (430), and a rear plate (440).

[0084] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 7, for example, the heat sink (200) may be arranged vertically with its narrow surface facing upward and downward, as in FIG. 4. In addition, as in FIG. 6, an upper plate (410) may be coupled to the upper portion of the heat sink (200), and a lower plate (420) may be coupled to the lower portion of the heat sink (200).

[0085] Here, the upper plate (410) and the lower plate (420) can be variously coupled to the heat sink (200). For example, referring to FIG. 6, the center of the upper plate (410) is coupled to the heat sink (200), and the upper plate (410) can be configured to be symmetric about the heat sink (200). Also, the center of the lower plate (420) is coupled to the heat sink (200), and the lower plate (420) can be configured to be symmetric about the heat sink (200).

[0086] And, as shown in FIG. 7, a front plate (430) can be coupled to the front of the heat sink (200), and a rear plate (440) can be coupled to the rear of the heat sink (200). In FIG. 7, the portion where the front plate (430) is located is the front of the battery module (10), and the portion where the rear plate (440) is located is the rear of the battery module (10).

[0087] Here, the front plate (430) and the rear plate (440) can be variously coupled to the heat sink (200). For example, referring to FIG. 7, the center of the front plate (430) is coupled to the heat sink (200), and the front plate (430) can be configured to be symmetric about the heat sink (200). Also, the center of the rear plate (440) is coupled to the heat sink (200), and the rear plate (440) can be configured to be symmetric about the heat sink (200).

[0088] Referring to FIG. 7, the plates (400) (the upper plate (410), the lower plate (420), the front plate (430), and the rear plate (440)) are coupled to the heat sink (200), and a cross-section can be formed in a U-shape. However, it is not limited thereto.

[0089] That is, in the battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention, the heat sink (200) may be formed into a machined shape by being combined with the plate (400). Here, the heat sink (200) and the plate (400) may be manufactured as an integral part from the manufacturing stage, or the heat sink (200) and the plate (400) may be manufactured separately and then combined with each other to become an integral part.

[0090] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 8, a top surface protrusion (210) is formed on the top surface of the heat sink (200), a fastening hole (411) is formed on the upper plate (410), and the top surface protrusion (210) can be coupled to the fastening hole (411). In addition, the joint portion of the top surface protrusion (210) and the fastening hole (411) can be joined by welding.

[0091] In addition, referring to FIG. 8, a lower protrusion (220) may be formed on the lower surface of the heat sink (200), a fastening hole (421) may be formed on the lower plate (420), and the lower protrusion (220) may be coupled to the fastening hole (421). In addition, the joint portion of the lower protrusion (220) and the fastening hole (421) may be joined by welding.

[0092] And, the upper plate (410) can be welded to at least one of the front plate (430) and the rear plate (440). And, the lower plate (420) can also be welded to at least one of the front plate (430) and the rear plate (440).

[0093] In this way, when the upper plate (410), the lower plate (420), the front plate (430), and the rear plate (440) are fixedly connected to the heat sink (200), a heat sink (200) having a machined shape can be formed. Hereinafter, a heat sink (200) formed by fixing the upper plate (410), the lower plate (420), the front plate (430), and the rear plate (440) to the heat sink (200) and forming a machined shape is referred to as an integrated heat sink (200).

[0094] Referring to FIG. 2, a plurality of cylindrical battery cells (100) are arranged in a horizontal direction (a direction in which the negative or positive terminals of the battery cells (100) contact a wide surface of the heat sink (200)) and contact the heat sink (200).

[0095] That is, among the plurality of cylindrical battery cells (100), the first battery cell (110) contacts the first surface of the heat sink (200), and among the plurality of cylindrical battery cells (100), the second battery cell (120) contacts the second surface opposite the first surface of the heat sink (200).

[0096] In this way, heat generated from the cylindrical battery cell (100) can be discharged.

[0097] In addition, due to the structure and shape of the plate (400) and the heat sink (200) as described above, a gasket (gasket provided in the prior art) for preventing leakage of the liquid resin (600) is unnecessary. That is, since the integrated heat sink (200) is formed as an integral body and the gap through which the resin leaks is eliminated, even without a gasket for sealing, leakage of the liquid resin (600) can be prevented by the plate (400) and the heat sink (200) having the structure and shape described above.

[0098] In addition, since gaskets are unnecessary, the internal frame is simplified, assembly is easy, process time is shortened, costs are reduced, and the overall weight is also reduced.

[0099] Meanwhile, since components such as gaskets are eliminated, overall weight reduction is possible even if the plate (400) is manufactured from aluminum. In other words, the rigidity of the plate (400) can be secured by manufacturing the plate (400) from aluminum. However, this is not limited thereto.

[0100] Referring to FIG. 2, a cell support member (500) is formed with a through hole (510, see FIG. 10) into which a plurality of cylindrical battery cells (100) are inserted to support a plurality of cylindrical battery cells (100), and is coupled to a heat sink (200). Since the cell support member (500) does not require a sealing function and simply has a supporting function for a plurality of cylindrical battery cells (100), a simple structure is acceptable.

[0101] A liquid resin (600) may be provided between the heat sink (200) and the cell cover (300). Here, the resin (600) may be a thermal resin for cooling a plurality of cylindrical battery cells (100).

[0102] In Fig. 2, drawing symbol 700 is a busbar frame, and drawing symbol 800 is a busbar.

[0103] Referring to FIG. 2, the cell cover (300) is configured to cover a plurality of cylindrical battery cells (100). The cell cover (300) may have various shapes, for example, it may be formed in a square shape, but the shape of the cell cover (300) is not limited thereto.

[0104] The cell covers (300) may be provided in pairs. In addition, a pair of cell covers (300) may be provided to cover the cylindrical battery cell (100) on both sides of the heat sink (200).

[0105] FIGS. 9 to 15 are drawings illustrating a manufacturing process of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. Here, the manufacturing process of the battery module is sequentially performed from FIGS. 9 to 15.

[0106] Referring to FIG. 9, an adhesive (900) is applied to an integrated heat sink (200) in which a lower plate (420), a front plate (430), and a rear plate (440) are fixedly connected to a heat sink (200).

[0107] And, referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the cell support member (500) is bonded to the integrated heat sink (200) by an adhesive (900).

[0108] And, referring to FIG. 12, a plurality of cylindrical battery cells (100) are inserted into and supported by through holes (510) of a cell support member (500) and are in contact with the side surface of a heat sink (200).

[0109] And, referring to FIG. 13, a bus bar (800) connecting a cylindrical battery cell (100) and a bus bar frame (700) supporting the bus bar (800) are combined.

[0110] And, referring to Fig. 14, liquid resin (600) is applied to Fig. 13.

[0111] And, referring to FIG. 15, the cell cover (300) is combined.

[0112] FIG. 16 is a schematic drawing showing the configuration of a battery pack including a battery module according to each embodiment of the present invention.

[0113] Referring to FIG. 16, a battery pack (20) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery modules (10) according to each embodiment of the present invention described above.

[0114] In addition, the battery pack (20) may further include a pack housing (21) for storing the battery module (10), and various devices for controlling charging and discharging of the cylindrical battery cells (100) included in the battery module (10), such as a BMS, a current sensor, a fuse, etc.

[0115] FIG. 17 is a drawing for explaining a vehicle including the battery pack of FIG. 16.

[0116] Referring to FIG. 17, a vehicle (30) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery modules (10) according to each embodiment of the present invention described above or one or more battery packs according to each embodiment of the present invention described above.

[0117] Here, the above-mentioned automobile (30) includes various automobiles that are designed to use electricity, such as electric automobiles or hybrid automobiles.

[0118] In this specification, when terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, and right are used, these terms are only for convenience of explanation, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that these terms may vary depending on the location of the target object or the location of the observer.

[0119] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains may make various modifications and variations within the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims to be described below. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed above should be considered in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. In other words, the true scope of the technical spirit of the present invention is set forth in the claims, and all differences within the scope of equivalents thereof should be construed as being included in the present invention.

[0120] The present invention relates to a battery module, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile, and is particularly applicable to industries related to secondary batteries.

Claims

1. Multiple cylindrical battery cells; A heat sink that contacts the plurality of cylindrical battery cells and cools the plurality of cylindrical battery cells; and A cell cover covering the above plurality of cylindrical battery cells is included, A battery module, characterized in that a first battery cell among the plurality of cylindrical battery cells contacts a first surface of the heat sink, and a second battery cell among the plurality of cylindrical battery cells contacts a second surface opposite the first surface of the heat sink.

2. In paragraph 1, A battery module characterized in that the heat sink is arranged vertically, and the plurality of cylindrical battery cells are arranged horizontally and are in contact with the heat sink.

3. In paragraph 2, A battery module characterized in that a plate supporting the heat sink is joined around the periphery of the heat sink.

4. In paragraph 3, The above plate, A top plate coupled to the top of the heat sink; A lower plate coupled to the lower portion of the heat sink; a front plate coupled to the front of the heat sink; and A battery module characterized by including a rear plate coupled to the rear of the heat sink.

5. In paragraph 4, The center of the upper plate is joined to the heat sink, A battery module, characterized in that the upper plate is symmetrical with respect to the heat sink.

6. In paragraph 4, The center of the above lower plate is joined to the heat sink, A battery module, characterized in that the lower plate is symmetrical with respect to the heat sink.

7. In paragraph 4, The center of the above front plate is coupled to the heat sink, A battery module, characterized in that the front plate is symmetrical with respect to the heat sink.

8. In paragraph 4, The center of the above rear plate is joined to the above heat sink, A battery module, characterized in that the rear plate is symmetrical with respect to the heat sink.

9. In paragraph 4, A battery module characterized in that the above plate is joined to the above heat sink and the cross-section is formed into a wrought shape.

10. In paragraph 1, A battery module characterized in that it includes a cell support member coupled to the heat sink, wherein a through hole is formed to support the plurality of cylindrical battery cells, into which the plurality of cylindrical battery cells are inserted.

11. In paragraph 4, A battery module characterized in that an upper surface protrusion is formed on the upper surface of the heat sink, a fastening hole is formed in the upper plate, and the upper surface protrusion is coupled to the fastening hole.

12. In paragraph 11, A battery module characterized in that the joining portion of the upper surface protrusion and the fastening hole is welded.

13. In paragraph 4, A battery module characterized in that a lower projection is formed on the lower surface of the heat sink, a fastening hole is formed on the lower plate, and the lower projection is coupled to the fastening hole.

14. In paragraph 13, A battery module characterized in that the joining portion of the above-mentioned protrusion and the above-mentioned fastening hole is welded.

15. In paragraph 4, A battery module, characterized in that the upper plate is welded to at least one of the front plate and the rear plate.

16. In paragraph 4, A battery module, characterized in that the lower plate is welded to at least one of the front plate and the rear plate.

17. In paragraph 1, A battery module characterized in that a pair of said cell covers are provided to cover the cylindrical battery cells on both sides of the heat sink.

18. In paragraph 1, A battery module characterized in that a liquid resin is provided between the heat sink and the cell cover.

19. A battery pack comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

20. A vehicle comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

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