Battery module, and battery pack and vehicle comprising battery module

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery module with improved manufacturing efficiency, and a battery pack and a vehicle comprising the batter module, the battery module comprising: a plurality of battery cells; and a plurality of module frames, each accommodating the plurality of battery cells, and provided as standardized frames that can be coupled to each other.

Description

Battery modules, battery packs containing the same, and vehicles

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle, and more particularly, to a battery module with improved manufacturing efficiency, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle.

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0053578, filed on April 22, 2024, and all contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the said application are incorporated by reference into this application.

[0003] Secondary batteries, which boast high electrical properties such as high energy density and easy applicability across a wide range of product categories, are widely used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) powered by electrical power sources. These batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source for environmental friendliness and energy efficiency, not only because they can dramatically reduce fossil fuel use, but also because they produce no byproducts from energy use.

[0004] Currently, widely used types of secondary batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. The operating voltage of each of these unit secondary battery cells, i.e., a single battery cell, is approximately 2.5 V to 4.5 V. Therefore, when a higher output voltage is required, multiple battery cells are connected in series to form a battery pack. Furthermore, depending on the required charge / discharge capacity of the battery pack, a battery module is formed by connecting multiple battery cells in parallel or by combining series and parallel connections. Furthermore, a battery pack is formed by configuring multiple battery modules to secure higher capacity, etc. The number of battery cells included in a battery module or battery pack can be set in various ways depending on the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0005] Recently, battery modules applied to electric vehicles, etc. are configured to include a large number of battery cells with higher cell capacity through a stacked structure to increase output and / or capacity.

[0006] However, battery modules with this laminated structure require a variety of components depending on the laminated structure, which increases manufacturing costs. Furthermore, problems with positioning and alignment between components in these laminated battery modules can lead to manufacturing defects due to assembly tolerances, or problems due to accumulated tolerances during assembly of the battery module and battery pack.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need to find a way to solve the problem of assembly defects while reducing manufacturing costs in battery modules with a laminated structure.

[0008] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a battery module capable of reducing manufacturing costs, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile.

[0009] In addition, another object of the present invention is to provide a battery module capable of improving assembly defects, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle.

[0010] 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.

[0011] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides a battery module comprising: a plurality of battery cells; and a plurality of module frames each accommodating the plurality of battery cells and being provided with a common frame and interconnected.

[0012] Additionally, preferably, the battery module may include a heat sink provided between the plurality of module frames and configured to attach the plurality of battery cells to both sides.

[0013] Additionally, preferably, both sides of the heat sink can be provided as cooling surfaces.

[0014] In addition, preferably, the plurality of module frames may include a first module frame provided on one side of the heat sink; and a second module frame provided on the other side of the heat sink and made of the same frame as the first module frame.

[0015] Additionally, preferably, the first module frame and the second module frame can be arranged invertedly centered around the heat sink.

[0016] Additionally, preferably, the heat sink may be provided with a coupling guide portion for guiding coupling with the plurality of module frames.

[0017] Additionally, preferably, the bonding guide portion may be provided on the edge of the heat sink.

[0018] Additionally, preferably, the coupling guide portion may be provided to protrude from the edge of the heat sink by a predetermined length.

[0019] In addition, preferably, the coupling guide portion is provided in a pair, and the pair of coupling guide portions may be provided on both sides of the edge of the heat sink.

[0020] Additionally, preferably, the plurality of module frames may be provided with a frame coupling portion coupled to the coupling guide portion.

[0021] In addition, preferably, the frame joint may include a first joint provided on one edge of each module frame; and a second joint provided on the other edge of each module frame.

[0022] In addition, preferably, the coupling guide portion may be provided with a guide hole through which at least one of the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion passes.

[0023] In addition, preferably, the first coupling portion is coupled with the second coupling portion of the facing module frame, and the second coupling portion can be coupled with the first coupling portion of the facing module frame.

[0024] Additionally, preferably, the first coupling portion may include a coupling protrusion, and the second coupling portion may include a coupling groove.

[0025] Additionally, preferably, the battery module may include a pair of frame supports that are arranged opposite each other with the heat sinks interposed therebetween and at least partially cover the plurality of module frames.

[0026] Additionally, preferably, the pair of frame supports may be provided with identical brackets.

[0027] And, the present invention provides a battery pack, characterized in that it includes at least one battery module according to the above-described embodiments; and a pack case that accommodates the at least one battery module.

[0028] In addition, the present invention provides a vehicle, characterized in that it includes at least one battery pack according to the above-described embodiment.

[0029] According to various embodiments as described above, a battery module capable of reducing manufacturing costs, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle can be provided.

[0030] In addition, according to various embodiments as described above, a battery module capable of improving assembly defects, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle can be provided.

[0031] In addition, various additional effects can be achieved through various embodiments of the present invention. These various effects of the present invention will be described in detail in each embodiment, or descriptions of effects easily understandable to those skilled in the art will be omitted.

[0032] 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.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIGS. 3 and 4 are drawings for explaining the assembly between the first module frame, the heat sink, and the second module frame of the battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIGS. 5 to 7 are drawings for explaining configurations that guide the assembly and positioning of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining an assembly process of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining the combination of a first module frame and a heat sink of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 10 is an enlarged view of part G of Figure 9.

[0040] Figure 11 is an enlarged view of part H of Figure 9.

[0041] FIG. 12 is a drawing for explaining the combination of a first module frame and a second module frame of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 are drawings for explaining the combination of a frame support of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 15 is a drawing for explaining a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 16 is a drawing for explaining a heat sink of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 17 is a drawing for explaining the combination of a first module frame and a heat sink of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 18 is an enlarged view of part I of Figure 17.

[0047] Figure 19 is an enlarged view of part J of Figure 17.

[0048] FIG. 20 is a drawing for explaining the combination of the first module frame and the second module frame of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] FIG. 21 is a drawing for explaining a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, it should be noted that the terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their conventional or dictionary meanings. Based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of terms to best explain his or her invention, they should be interpreted in a way that aligns with the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0051] Accordingly, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention, and it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modified examples that can replace them at the time of this application.

[0052] Meanwhile, in this specification, terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back may be used, but 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.

[0053]

[0054] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 3 and 4 are drawings for explaining the assembly between a first module frame, a heat sink, and a second module frame of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a battery module (10) may include a plurality of battery cells (100) and a plurality of module frames (200, 300).

[0056] The plurality of battery cells (100) may be provided as secondary batteries, and may be formed as cylindrical secondary batteries, pouch-shaped secondary batteries, or square secondary batteries. Hereinafter, in the present embodiment, the description will be limited to the case where the plurality of battery cells (100) are provided as cylindrical secondary batteries. Meanwhile, as previously discussed, the plurality of battery cells (100) may of course also be provided as pouch-shaped secondary batteries or square secondary batteries.

[0057] The above-described plurality of module frames (200, 300) can each accommodate the plurality of battery cells (100). The above-described plurality of module frames (200, 300) can be provided as a frame that can be shared and can be mutually connected. Being shared may mean that the above-described plurality of module frames (200, 300) are provided as an identical frame. In the present embodiment, a battery module (10) having a laminated structure can be configured through the mutual connection of the above-described plurality of module frames (200, 300) that can be shared as an identical frame.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the present invention, when configuring a battery module (10) of a laminated structure for high energy density, the laminated structure is configured by mutually connecting a plurality of module frames (200, 300) provided with the same common possible frame, thereby lowering the manufacturing cost and securing the cost competitiveness of the product.

[0059] Therefore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a battery module (10) having a laminated structure capable of increasing energy density while increasing manufacturing efficiency can be provided.

[0060]

[0061] The above battery module (10) may include a heat sink (400).

[0062] The heat sink (400) is for cooling the battery cells (100) and may be provided between the plurality of module frames (200, 300). The heat sink (400) may be configured to allow the plurality of battery cells (100) to be attached to both sides. In the present embodiment, since the plurality of battery cells (100) are attached to both sides of the heat sink (400), they can be in closer contact with the heat sink (400) and thus cooling performance can be further secured.

[0063] Both sides of the heat sink (400) may be provided as cooling surfaces. In one embodiment of the present invention, both sides of the heat sink (400) to which the battery cells (100) are attached are provided as cooling surfaces, so that the cooling performance of the battery cells (100) can be significantly improved.

[0064] In this way, in one embodiment of the present invention, the cooling performance of the battery cells (100) in the battery module (10) of the laminated structure can also be secured through the heat sink (400) provided between the plurality of module frames (200, 300) that can be shared.

[0065] The above plurality of module frames (200, 300) may include a first module frame (200) and the second module frame (300).

[0066] The first module frame (200) may be provided on one side (-Z-axis direction) of the heat sink (400). Specifically, the first module frame (200) may be provided on the lower side (-Z-axis direction) of the heat sink (400). The first module frame (200) may accommodate the plurality of battery cells (100) therein.

[0067] The second module frame (300) may be provided on the other side (+Z-axis direction) of the heat sink (400). Specifically, the second frame (300) may be provided on the upper side (+Z-axis direction) of the heat sink (400). The second module frame (300) may accommodate the plurality of battery cells (100) therein.

[0068] The second module frame (300) may be provided as the same frame as the first module frame (200) and may be mutually coupled with the first module frame (200) with the heat sink (400) therebetween. In this way, in the present embodiment, the heat sink (400) is placed between the first module frame (200) and the second module frame (300) and mutually coupled to secure cooling performance while reducing manufacturing costs, thereby implementing a battery module (10) having a laminated structure with a high energy density.

[0069] The first module frame (200) and the second module frame (300) may be arranged invertedly with the heat sink (400) as the center. Being arranged invertedly may mean that one of the first module frame (200) and the second module frame (300) is arranged invertedly. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the second frame (300) may have the same arrangement as the first module frame (200) before being coupled with the first module frame (200), and as illustrated in FIG. 4, it may be arranged invertedly with the heat sink (400) as the center by being flipped in the opposite direction for coupling with the first module frame (200).

[0070] In this way, in the present embodiment, the module frames (200, 300) equipped with the same module frames that can be shared, for example, one of the first module frame (200) and the second module frame (300), for example, the second module frame (300), can be guided for mutual coupling with the first module frame (200) through an inverted arrangement, so that the first module frame (200) and the second module frame (300) can be mutually coupled more simply.

[0071] Therefore, the battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention can significantly increase the assemblability between the first module frame (200) and the second module frame (300) when they are mutually coupled.

[0072]

[0073] Hereinafter, the battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be examined in more detail.

[0074] FIGS. 5 to 7 are drawings for explaining configurations that guide the assembly and positioning of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, the heat sink (400) may be provided with a coupling guide portion (450) to guide coupling with the plurality of module frames (200, 300). Through the coupling guide portion (450), the heat sink (400) can be more easily coupled with the plurality of module frames (200, 300) between the plurality of module frames (200, 300). For example, in the present embodiment, the heat sink (400) can be more easily coupled with the first module frame (200) and the second module frame (300) through the coupling guide portion (450).

[0076] The above-described coupling guide part (450) may be provided on the edge of the heat sink (400). In the present embodiment, the cooling surfaces to which the plurality of battery cells (100) are attached may be provided on both sides (+Z-axis direction and -Z-axis direction) of the heat sink (400) described above, specifically, the upper surface (402) and the lower surface (404) of the heat sink (400). In the present embodiment, since the coupling guide part (450) is provided on the edge of the heat sink (400) rather than the upper surface (402) of the heat sink (400) or the lower surface (404) of the heat sink (400), coupling between the heat sink (400) and the first module frame (200) and the second module frame (300) can be guided without interference with the cooling surfaces.

[0077] The above-described coupling guide portion (450) may be provided to protrude from the edge of the heat sink (400) by a predetermined length. The protruding length may be a length that is arranged on the same line as the frame coupling portions (250, 350) of the plurality of module frames (200, 300) described later in the stacking direction (Z-axis direction) of the battery module (10). In addition, the coupling guide portion (450) may protrude from the edge of the heat sink (400) by the predetermined length in the horizontal direction (Y-axis direction). Accordingly, during the assembly process for manufacturing the battery module (10), it is possible to guide easier identification of the coupling guide portion (450) from the heat sink (400) side by a worker or the like, and furthermore, the assembly accuracy between the plurality of module frames (200, 300) may also be improved.

[0078] The above-described coupling guide portion (450) may be provided as a pair. The pair of coupling guide portions (450) may be provided on both sides (+Y-axis direction and -Y-axis direction) of the edge of the heat sink (400). Specifically, the pair of coupling guide portions (450) may be provided on one side of the front end (-Y-axis direction) of the edge of the heat sink (400) and one side of the rear end (+Y-axis direction) of the edge of the heat sink (400). The pair of coupling guide portions (450) may be arranged on the same line in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the heat sink (400). According to one embodiment of the present invention, the coupling accuracy between the heat sink (400) and the plurality of module frames (200, 300) may be further improved through the pair of coupling guide portions (450). In addition, through the pair of coupling guide parts (450), the heat sink (400) can be more stably fixed and supported between the plurality of module frames (200, 300).

[0079] The plurality of module frames (200, 300) may be provided with frame coupling parts (250 and 260, 350 and 360) that are coupled with the coupling guide part (450) of the heat sink (400). The frame coupling parts (250 and 260, 350 and 360) are provided in each module frame (200, 300), and when the plurality of module frames (200, 300) and the heat sink (400) are coupled, they may be arranged on the same line as the heat sink (400) in the stacking direction (Z-axis direction). The frame coupling parts (250 and 260, 350 and 360) are mutually coupled to interconnect the plurality of module frames (200, 300), and when coupled, may be connected to the coupling guide part (450) of the heat sink (400).

[0080] The above frame coupling portions (250 and 260, 350 and 360) may include a first coupling portion (250, 350) and a second coupling portion (260, 360).

[0081] The first coupling portion (250, 350) may be provided on one edge of each module frame (200, 300). The second coupling portion (260, 360) may be provided on the other edge of each module frame (200, 300). The first coupling portion (250, 350) and the second coupling portion (260, 360) may be provided on both edges of each module frame (200, 300) to guide the mutual coupling of each module frame (200, 300).

[0082] The above-described coupling guide portion (450) may be provided with a guide hole (455) through which at least one of the first coupling portion (250, 350) and the second coupling portion (260, 360) passes. When the respective module frames (200, 300) are coupled to each other, the guide hole (455) passes through at least one of the first coupling portion (250, 350) and the second coupling portion (260, 360) to connect the heat sink (400) to each of the module frames (200, 300) and fix it between the respective module frames (200, 300).

[0083] The first coupling portion (250, 350) is coupled with the second coupling portion (260, 360) of the facing module frame (200, 300), and the second coupling portion (260, 360) can be coupled with the first coupling portion (250, 350) of the facing module frame (200, 300). As described above, when the respective module frames (200, 300) are coupled to each other, one of the module frames (300) is coupled while being turned over, and when the respective module frames (200, 300) are coupled to each other, the first coupling portion (250, 350) and the second coupling portion (260, 360) of the facing module frame (200, 300) can be coupled to each other.

[0084] The first coupling portion (250, 350) may include a coupling protrusion (252, 352). The second coupling portion (260, 360) may include a coupling groove (266, 366). The coupling protrusion (252, 352) and the coupling groove (266, 366) may be mutually coupled. The mutual coupling of the coupling protrusion (252, 352) and the coupling groove (266, 366) may be performed by inserting the coupling protrusion (252, 352) into the coupling groove (266, 366).

[0085] Hereinafter, the frame joints (250, 260, 350, 360) will be examined in more detail, focusing on the first module frame (200) and the second module frame (300).

[0086] The first module frame (200) may include a frame body (210), a cell receiving portion (230), and the frame coupling portions (250, 260) including the first coupling portion (250) and the second coupling portion (260).

[0087] The above frame body (210) can form the exterior of the first module frame (200). The above frame body (210) can be provided in a roughly hexahedral shape.

[0088] The cell receiving portion (230) is provided in the frame body (210) and can receive the plurality of battery cells (100). The plurality of cell receiving portions (230) may be provided corresponding to the plurality of battery cells (100). The plurality of battery cells (100) may be inserted into each of the plurality of cell receiving portions (230). Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, one side of the plurality of battery cells (100) may be provided with a protruding electrode portion, such as a positive electrode. Conversely, the other side of the plurality of battery cells (100) may be provided as a flat surface without a protruding portion, unlike one side of the plurality of battery cells (100). In the present embodiment, the plurality of battery cells (100) may be inserted into the plurality of cell receiving portions (230) so that the other side, which is provided as a flat surface, opposite one side having a protruding electrode portion such as an anode, may be exposed outside the cell receiving portions (230). Accordingly, in the present embodiment, when the battery cells (100) are attached to the cooling surface of the heat sink (400) during assembly of the battery module (10), the other side of the battery cells (100) provided as a flat surface may be attached to the cooling surface of the heat sink (400). Accordingly, in the present embodiment, since the battery cells (100) are in closer contact with the cooling surface of the heat sink (400), the cooling performance of the battery cells (100) may be further improved.

[0089] The above first coupling part (250) may include a coupling part body (251) and the coupling protrusion (252).

[0090] The above-described coupling body (251) may be provided at one end of the frame body (210). The above-described coupling body (251) may accommodate a coupling protrusion (252) described later therein. The coupling protrusion (252) may be provided within the above-described coupling body (251) and may be provided to protrude a predetermined length along the stacking direction (Z-axis direction).

[0091] The second coupling part (260) may include a coupling part body (265) and the coupling groove (266).

[0092] The above-described coupling body (265) is provided at the other end of the frame body (210) and can be arranged on the opposite side of the coupling body (251) of the first coupling part (250). The coupling body (265) can accommodate a coupling groove (266) described later therein. The coupling groove (266) is provided within the coupling body (265) and can be formed in a groove shape having a predetermined depth along the stacking direction (Z-axis direction).

[0093] The second module frame (300) may include a frame body (310), a cell receiving portion (330), and the frame coupling portions (350, 360) as the first coupling portion (350) and the second coupling portion (360).

[0094] The above frame body (310) can form the exterior of the second module frame (300). The frame body (310) can be provided in a roughly hexahedral shape. The frame body (310) can be provided as the same component as the frame body (210) of the first module frame (200) so as to enable common use.

[0095] The cell receiving portion (330) is provided in the frame body (310) and can receive the plurality of battery cells (100). The plurality of cell receiving portions (330) may be provided corresponding to the plurality of battery cells (100). The plurality of battery cells (100) may be inserted into each of the plurality of cell receiving portions (330). Like the cell receiving portion (230) of the first module frame (200), the plurality of battery cells (100) may be inserted into the plurality of cell receiving portions (330) so that the other side, which is provided as a flat surface opposite to one side having a protruding electrode portion, such as an anode, may be exposed outside the cell receiving portion (330). Therefore, like the cell receiving portion (230) described above, the battery cells (100) inserted into the cell receiving portion (330) can be in close contact with the cooling surface of the heat sink (400) to increase cooling performance.

[0096] The above first coupling part (350) may include a coupling part body (351) and the coupling protrusion (352).

[0097] The above-mentioned coupling body (351) may be provided at one end of the frame body (310), like the coupling body (251) of the first coupling part (250) of the first module frame (200). The coupling body (351) may accommodate a coupling protrusion (352) described later therein. The coupling protrusion (352) may be provided within the coupling body (351) and may be provided to protrude a predetermined length along the stacking direction (Z-axis direction).

[0098] The second coupling part (360) may include a coupling part body (365) and the coupling groove (366).

[0099] The above-described coupling body (365) is provided at the other end of the frame body (310), like the coupling body (265) of the second coupling part (260) of the first module frame (200), and may be arranged on the opposite side of the coupling body (351) of the first coupling part (350). The coupling body (365) may accommodate a coupling groove (366) described later therein. The coupling groove (366) is provided in the coupling body (365) and may be formed in a groove shape having a predetermined depth along the stacking direction (Z-axis direction).

[0100] In this embodiment, when the first module frame (200) and the second module frame (300) are mutually coupled, the following coupling relationship can be formed by flipping and inverting one of the first module frame (200) and the second module frame (300), for example, the second module frame (300).

[0101] First, as disclosed in FIGS. 5 and 6, when the first module frame (200) and the second module frame (300) are mutually coupled, the coupling protrusion (251) of the first coupling portion (250) of the first module frame (200), the coupling guide portion (450) of the heat sink (400), and the coupling groove (366) of the second coupling portion (360) of the second module frame (300) can be mutually coupled. Specifically, the coupling protrusion (251) of the first coupling portion (250) of the first module frame (200) can pass through the guide hole (455) of the coupling guide portion (450) of the heat sink (400) and then be inserted into the coupling groove (366) of the second coupling portion (360) of the second module frame (300). And, the coupling part main body (251) of the first coupling part (250) of the first module frame (200) and the coupling part main body (365) of the second coupling part (360) of the second module frame (300) may be mutually coupled to cover the coupling protrusion (251) of the first coupling part (250), the coupling guide part (450) of the heat sink (400), and the coupling groove (366) of the second coupling part (360) of the second module frame (300). Here, the mutual coupling between the coupling part main body (251) of the first coupling part (250) of the first module frame (200) and the coupling part main body (365) of the second coupling part (360) of the second module frame (300) may be a hook coupling or a snap coupling to prevent separation after coupling.

[0102] And, as disclosed in FIGS. 5 and 7, when the first module frame (200) and the second module frame (300) are mutually coupled, the coupling groove (266) of the second coupling portion (260) of the first module frame (200), the coupling guide portion (450) of the heat sink (400), and the coupling protrusion (352) of the first coupling portion (350) of the second module frame (300) can be mutually coupled. Specifically, the coupling protrusion (352) of the first coupling portion (350) of the second module frame (300), which penetrates the guide hole (455) of the coupling guide portion (450) of the heat sink (400), can be inserted into the coupling groove (266) of the second coupling portion (260) of the first module frame (200). And, the coupling part main body (265) of the second coupling part (260) of the first module frame (200) and the coupling part main body (351) of the first coupling part (350) of the second module frame (300) may be mutually coupled to cover the coupling groove (266) of the second coupling part (260), the coupling guide part (450) of the heat sink (400), and the coupling protrusion (352) of the first coupling part (350) of the second module frame (300). Here, the mutual coupling between the coupling part main body (265) of the second coupling part (260) of the first module frame (200) and the coupling part main body (351) of the first coupling part (350) of the second module frame (300) may be a hook coupling or a snap coupling to prevent separation after coupling.

[0103]

[0104] Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the battery module (10) may include a pair of frame supports (500).

[0105] The pair of frame supports (500) may be arranged opposite each other with the heat sink (400) therebetween. The pair of frame supports (500) may at least partially cover the plurality of module frames (200, 300). At least a portion of the pair of frame supports (500) may be inserted between the plurality of module frames (200, 300) or may be coupled to the plurality of module frames (200, 300) through a fastening member or the like. In the present embodiment, the rigidity of the battery module (10) may be reinforced through the pair of frame supports (500) and the heat sink (400) may be protected from external impact, etc.

[0106] The above pair of frame supports (500) may be provided with identical brackets. In this way, in the present embodiment, the frame supports (500) and the battery module (10) may be provided with identical, common components, thereby further reducing the manufacturing cost of the battery module.

[0107] The above pair of frame supports (500) may include a first support bracket (520) and a second support bracket (530).

[0108] The first support bracket (520) may at least partially cover one side (+X-axis direction) of the first module frame (200) and the second module frame (300). The first support bracket (520) may be mutually coupled to the first module frame (200) and the second module frame (300) through a fastening member or the like, or may be fixed by being inserted between the first module frame (200) and the second module frame (300).

[0109] The second support bracket (530) may be provided as the same bracket as the first support bracket (520) so as to be usable. The second support bracket (530) may at least partially cover the other side (-X-axis direction) of the first module frame (200) and the second module frame (300). The second support bracket (530) may be mutually coupled to the first module frame (200) and the second module frame (300) through a fastening member or the like, or may be fixed by being inserted between the first module frame (200) and the second module frame (300).

[0110] The first support bracket (520) and the second support bracket (530) are the same brackets, and it is also possible that the second support bracket (530) is coupled to the first module frame (200) and the second module frame (300) so that the second support bracket (530) at least partially covers one side (+X-axis direction) of the first module frame (200) and the second module frame (300), and the first support bracket (520) at least partially covers the other side (-X-axis direction) of the first module frame (200) and the second module frame (300).

[0111]

[0112] Hereinafter, the assembly process of the battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be examined in more detail.

[0113] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining an assembly process of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0114] Referring to FIG. 8, when assembling the battery module (10), a manufacturer, such as a worker, can first insert the battery cells (100) into the cell receiving portion (230) of the first module frame (200) and the cell receiving portion (330, see FIG. 5) of the second module frame (300). Here, as described above, the battery cells (100) can be inserted into the cell receiving portions (230, 330) so as to expose the flat surface on the opposite side, which is the protruding electrode portion, so as to increase the contact area with the upper surface (402) and the lower surface (404), which are the cooling surfaces (402, 404) of the heat sink (400).

[0115] Meanwhile, the second module frame (300), which is made of the same components as the first module frame (200) and can be used interchangeably, can be flipped over and placed on the upper side (+Z-axis direction) of the first module frame (200) with the heat sink (400) interposed therebetween, as disclosed in the preceding FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0116] The above worker, etc., can arrange the frame coupling portions (250, 260) of the first module frame (200), the coupling guide portion (450) of the heat sink (400), and the frame coupling portions (360, 350) of the second module frame (300) on the same line in the stacking direction (Z-axis direction) for coupling the first module frame (200), the heat sink (400), and the second module frame (300). Specifically, when viewed from the front end (-Y-axis direction) of the battery module (10), the worker, etc. can arrange the first coupling portion (250) of the first module frame (200), the coupling guide portion (450) of the front end (-Y-axis direction) of the heat sink (400), and the second coupling portion (360) of the second module frame (300) on the same line along the stacking direction (Z-axis direction). And, when viewed from the rear end (+Y-axis direction) of the battery module (10), the worker, etc., can arrange the second coupling portion (260) of the first module frame (200), the coupling guide portion (450) of the rear end (+Y-axis direction) of the heat sink (400), and the first coupling portion (350, see FIGS. 5 to 7) of the second module frame (300) on the same line along the stacking direction (Z-axis direction).

[0117] In this embodiment, through positioning guides through the frame joint portion (250, 260) of the first module frame (200), the joint guide portion (450) of the heat sink (400), and the frame joint portion (360, 350) of the second module frame (300) in the stacking direction (Z-axis direction), the assembling efficiency can be increased and assembly defects can be minimized during the assembling process of the battery module (10).

[0118] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining the combination of a first module frame and a heat sink of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of part G of FIG. 9, and FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of part H of FIG. 9.

[0119] Referring to FIGS. 9 to 11, thereafter, the worker, etc., can mount the heat sink (400) on the first module frame (200). At this time, the coupling guide part (450) provided at the front end (-Y-axis direction) of the heat sink (400) can be mounted on the coupling part main body (251) of the first coupling part (250) of the first module frame (200). In addition, the coupling protrusion (252) protrudingly formed within the coupling part main body (251) can protrude a predetermined length toward the upper side (+Z-axis direction) of the coupling guide part (450) of the heat sink (400) by penetrating through the guide hole (455) of the coupling guide part (450). In addition, the coupling guide part (450) provided at the rear end (+Y-axis direction) of the heat sink (400) can be mounted on the coupling part main body (265) of the second coupling part (260) of the first module frame (200). In addition, the coupling groove (266) formed in the coupling part main body (265) can be exposed to the upper side (+Z-axis direction) of the coupling guide part (450) by communicating with the guide hole (455) of the coupling guide part (450).

[0120] In this embodiment, the heat sink (400) can be guided to be properly positioned between the first module frame (200) and the second module frame (300) through the fixation of the coupling guide part (450) of the heat sink (400) toward the coupling part body (251) of the first coupling part (250) of the first module frame (200) and the coupling part body (265) of the second coupling part (260).

[0121] FIG. 12 is a drawing for explaining the combination of a first module frame and a second module frame of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0122] Referring to Fig. 12, thereafter, the worker, etc., can couple the second module frame (300) that is flipped over and arranged in an inverted manner to the first module frame (200). Specifically, the coupling protrusion (252) of the first coupling portion (250) of the first module frame (200) that protrudes out of the coupling guide portion (450) of the heat sink (400) at the front end (-Y-axis direction) of the battery module (10) can be fitted into the coupling groove (366, see Figs. 5 to 7) of the second coupling portion (360) of the second module frame (300). In addition, the coupling body (251) of the first coupling portion (250) of the first module frame (200) and the coupling body (365) of the second coupling portion (360) of the second module frame (300) can be coupled to each other to cover the coupling protrusion (252) of the first coupling portion (250), the coupling guide portion (450) of the heat sink (400), and the coupling groove (366, see FIGS. 5 to 7) of the second coupling portion (360). And, the coupling protrusion (352, see Figs. 5 to 7) of the first coupling portion (350, see Figs. 5 to 7) of the second module frame (300) can be fitted into the coupling groove (266, see Figs. 5 to 7) of the second coupling portion (260) of the first module frame (200) exposed outside the coupling guide portion (450) of the heat sink (400) at the rear end (+Y-axis direction) of the battery module (10).In addition, the coupling body (265, see FIGS. 5 to 7) of the second coupling portion (260) of the first module frame (200) and the coupling body (351) of the first coupling portion (350, see FIGS. 5 to 7) of the second module frame (300) can be coupled to each other to cover the coupling groove (266, see FIGS. 5 to 7) of the second coupling portion (260), the coupling guide portion (450) of the heat sink (400), and the coupling protrusion (352, see FIGS. 5 to 7) of the first coupling portion (350).

[0123] In this embodiment, when the first module frame (200) and the second module frame (300) are mutually coupled through the first module frame (200) and the first module frame (300) which are equipped with the same components that can be shared and the second module frame (300) which is flipped and inverted and coupled with the first module frame (200), the first coupling portion (250), which is the frame coupling portion (250) of the first module frame (200), and the second coupling portion (360), which is the frame coupling portion (360) of the second module frame (300), are coupled to each other, and the second coupling portion (260), which is the frame coupling portion (260) of the first module frame (200), and the first coupling portion (250), which is the frame coupling portion (250) of the second module frame (300), are forced to be coupled to each other. That is, when the first module frame (200) and the second module frame (300) are mutually coupled, the coupling protrusion (252) of the first coupling portion (250) and the coupling groove (366) of the second coupling portion (360) are coupled, and the coupling of the coupling groove (266) of the second coupling portion (260) and the coupling protrusion (352) of the first coupling portion (350) is forced through the reverse arrangement of one of the module frames (300), so that the risk of misassembly can be more fundamentally blocked.

[0124] FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 are drawings for explaining the combination of a frame support of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0125] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, thereafter, the worker, etc., can attach the first support bracket (520) and the second support bracket (530) of the frame support member (500) made of identical, common components to the first module frame (200) and the second module frame (300) on both sides (X-axis direction) of the battery module (10), respectively.

[0126] In this way, in one embodiment of the present invention, during the assembly process of the battery module (10), the battery module (10) is assembled using the first module frame (200) and the second module frame (300), and the first support bracket (520) and the second support bracket (530), which are made of identical components that can be shared, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and shortening assembly tap time. Therefore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the efficiency of the assembly process of the battery module (10) can be significantly increased.

[0127] In this way, in the present embodiment, a battery module (10) having a laminated structure with a high energy density can be provided while realizing easier assembly through an assembly structure of a plurality of common components.

[0128]

[0129] FIG. 15 is a drawing for explaining a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 16 is a drawing for explaining a heat sink of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 17 is a drawing for explaining the combination of a first module frame and a heat sink of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of part I of FIG. 17, FIG. 19 is an enlarged view of part J of FIG. 17, and FIG. 20 is a drawing for explaining the combination of a first module frame and a second module frame of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0130] Since the battery module (20) according to the present embodiment is similar to the battery module (10) of the previous embodiment, duplicate descriptions of components that are substantially the same or similar to those of the previous embodiment will be omitted, and the following will focus on differences from the previous embodiment.

[0131] Referring to FIGS. 15 to 20, the battery module (20) may include the plurality of battery cells (100), the first module frame (200), the second module frame (300), the frame support (500), and the heat sink (600).

[0132] The above plurality of battery cells (100), the first module frame (200), the second module frame (300), and the frame support (500) are substantially the same as or similar to those of the previous embodiment, and therefore, a duplicate description thereof will be omitted.

[0133] The above heat sink (600) may include a bonding guide portion (650).

[0134] The above-described coupling guide part (650) may include a guide hook (655). The guide hook (655) may be provided in a ring shape having an opening in the protruding direction of the coupling guide part (650). Specifically, the guide hook (655) of the coupling guide part (650) provided at the front end (-Y-axis direction) of the heat sink (600) may have an opening that is open to the front (-Y-axis direction) of the heat sink (600), and the guide hook (655) of the coupling guide part (650) provided at the rear end (+Y-axis direction) of the heat sink (600) may have an opening that is open to the rear (+Y-axis direction) of the heat sink (600).

[0135] The above guide hook (655) can guide the insertion of the coupling protrusion (252, 352) through the opening more smoothly when the heat sink (600) is installed, and can also guide the smoother exposure of the coupling groove (266, 366) out of the heat sink (600).

[0136] In addition, in this embodiment, through the guide hook (655) of the coupling guide portion (650) of the heat sink (600), smoother mutual coupling and guidance can be achieved between the coupling protrusions (252, 352) and the coupling grooves (266, 366).

[0137] Therefore, in the battery module (20) according to the present embodiment, the assembly efficiency can be further improved when the first module frame (200), the heat sink (600), and the second module frame (300) are mutually coupled.

[0138]

[0139] FIG. 21 is a drawing for explaining a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0140] Referring to FIG. 21, a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include at least one battery module (10, 20) of the aforementioned embodiment and a pack case that accommodates the at least one battery module (10, 20). The pack case may be mounted on a vehicle, as described below. Meanwhile, the pack case may also be configured as a chassis of the vehicle, as described below.

[0141] The battery pack may include a cooling pipe assembly. The cooling pipe assembly supplies a cooling medium to a heat sink (400, 600, see FIGS. 2 and 15) of the battery module (10, 20) and discharges the cooling medium circulated through the heat sink (400, 600, see FIGS. 2 and 15) to the outside of the battery module (10, 20). The heat sink (400, 600, see FIGS. 2 and 15) may be connected to an external cooling device.

[0142] The above battery pack may include a battlefield unit.

[0143] The above-mentioned electric unit may include electric components such as a BMS that controls the battery module (10, 20). The above-mentioned electric unit may further include components such as a current sensor, a fuse, and a service plug.

[0144] A vehicle (V) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include at least one battery pack including the aforementioned battery module (10, 20) according to the present invention. In addition to the battery pack, the vehicle (V) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include various other components included in the vehicle. For example, a vehicle (V) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a body, a motor, a control device such as an ECU (electronic control unit), etc., in addition to the battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0145] In addition, it goes without saying that the battery pack including the battery module (10, 20) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be equipped in other devices, apparatuses, and facilities, such as an energy storage system using a secondary battery, in addition to the automobile (1).

[0146] According to various embodiments as described above, a battery module (10, 20) capable of reducing manufacturing costs, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle (V) can be provided.

[0147] In addition, according to various embodiments as described above, a battery module (10, 20) capable of improving assembly defects, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle (V) can be provided.

[0148]

[0149] As described above, although the present invention has been described by limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is obvious that various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention and the equivalent scope of the patent claims to be described below by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains.

Claims

1. In the battery module, multiple battery cells; and A plurality of module frames that each accommodate the above plurality of battery cells and are provided as a common frame and are interconnected. A battery module characterized by including:

2. In paragraph 1, A heat sink provided between the plurality of module frames and configured to attach the plurality of battery cells to both sides. A battery module characterized by including:

3. In paragraph 1, Both sides of the above heat sink are, A battery module characterized by being provided with a cooling surface.

4. In paragraph 1, The above multiple module frames, A first module frame provided on one side of the heat sink; and A second module frame provided on the other side of the heat sink and made of the same frame as the first module frame. A battery module characterized by including:

5. In paragraph 3, The above first module frame and the above second module frame, A battery module characterized in that it is arranged invertedly around the above heat sink.

6. In paragraph 1, In the above heat sink, A battery module characterized in that a coupling guide portion is provided to guide coupling with the above plurality of module frames.

7. In paragraph 6, The above-mentioned combination guide part, A battery module characterized in that it is provided on the edge of the above heat sink.

8. In paragraph 6, The above-mentioned combination guide part, A battery module characterized in that it is provided to protrude from the edge of the heat sink by a predetermined length.

9. In paragraph 6, The above-mentioned combination guide part, Comes in a pair, The above pair of coupling guide parts are, A battery module characterized in that it is provided on both sides of the edge of the above heat sink.

10. In paragraph 6, In the above multiple module frames, A battery module characterized in that it is provided with a frame coupling portion coupled with the above coupling guide portion.

11. In paragraph 10, The above frame joint is, A first connecting portion provided on one side edge of each module frame; and A second connecting member provided on the other side edge of each module frame A battery module characterized by including:

12. In paragraph 11, In the above combination guide part, A battery module characterized in that at least one of the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion is provided with a guide hole penetrating therethrough.

13. In paragraph 11, The above first connecting portion is, It is connected to the second connecting portion of the facing module frame, The above second connecting portion, A battery module characterized in that it is coupled to the first coupling portion of the facing module frame.

14. In paragraph 11, The above first connecting portion is, Includes a connecting protrusion, The above second connecting portion, A battery module characterized by including a joining home.

15. In paragraph 1, A pair of frame supports arranged opposite each other with the heat sinks interposed therebetween and at least partially covering the plurality of module frames. A battery module characterized by including:

16. In paragraph 15, The above pair of frame supports, A battery module characterized by being equipped with mutually identical brackets.

17. In the battery pack, At least one battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 16; and A pack case accommodating at least one battery module A battery pack comprising:

18. In automobiles, A vehicle characterized by comprising at least one battery pack according to claim 17.

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