Battery module, battery pack comprising same, and vehicle

Abstract

A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a cell assembly including a plurality of battery cells; a lower housing having a space therein so as to accommodate the cell assembly; a cooling liquid accommodated in the lower housing; an upper housing which is mounted on the lower housing and which includes at least one venting hole; and a sealing bracket for sealing the gap between the outer surface of the cell assembly and the inner surface of the lower housing.

Description

Battery module, battery pack including the same, and automobile

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile.

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, which cannot be recharged, secondary batteries refer to batteries capable of charging and discharging, and are applied not only to portable devices but also to electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) driven by electric power sources.

[0003] Currently, widely used types of secondary batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium-polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. The operating voltage of these unit secondary battery cells, or unit battery cells, is approximately 2.5V to 4.6V. Therefore, if a higher output voltage is required, a battery pack is formed by connecting multiple battery cells in series. Additionally, a battery pack is formed by connecting multiple battery cells in parallel depending on the charge / discharge capacity required for the battery pack. Accordingly, the number of battery cells included in the battery pack can be varied depending on the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0004] When configuring a battery pack by connecting multiple battery cells in series or parallel, it is common practice to first configure a battery module consisting of at least one battery cell, preferably multiple battery cells, and then use at least one such battery module to configure the battery pack by adding other components. Here, a battery module refers to a component in which multiple battery cells are connected in series or parallel, and a battery pack refers to a component in which multiple battery modules are connected in series or parallel to increase capacity and output.

[0005] Meanwhile, there is a growing need to satisfy the requirements for fast charging and thermal propagation safety of battery packs based on customer needs. However, in the case of conventional battery modules or packs, heat generation is controlled mainly through indirect cooling such as edge cooling, which has resulted in a problem of reduced fast charging performance.

[0006] Meanwhile, to apply a direct cooling method to improve high-speed charging performance, a sealing structure must be secured; however, such a sealing structure presented a problem in that it was difficult to ensure safety regarding heat propagation in the event of a thermal event. In other words, in a direct cooling structure using coolant immersion, sealing the entire battery module is a prerequisite to ensure that the insulating coolant remains inside the battery module. However, if the entire battery module is sealed in this way, there is no space for high-temperature gases to vent in the event of a thermal event, which poses a problem as it significantly increases the risk of battery module explosion.

[0007] One objective of the present invention is to improve the high-speed charging performance of a battery module.

[0008] In addition, the present invention has another objective of improving cooling performance by applying a direct cooling structure.

[0009] In addition, another objective of the present invention is to ensure safety by smoothly discharging venting gas to the outside of the battery module in the event of a thermal event.

[0010] However, the technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those described above, and other unmentioned problems will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the description of the invention below.

[0011] A battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention for solving the above-described problem comprises: a cell assembly including a plurality of battery cells; a lower housing having an internal space for housing the cell assembly; a coolant contained within the lower housing; an upper housing mounted on the upper part of the lower housing and including at least one venting hole; and a sealing bracket configured to seal the space between the outer surface of the cell assembly and the inner surface of the lower housing.

[0012] In one aspect of the present invention, the cell assembly may include a plurality of battery cells; a cell assembly case that encloses and accommodates the plurality of battery cells; and a through hole provided in at least a portion of the cell assembly case.

[0013] In another aspect of the present invention, the sealing bracket may be located in an area above the surface of the coolant.

[0014] In another aspect of the present invention, the lower housing may include a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet.

[0015] Here, the coolant inlet and the coolant outlet may be located in the lower region of the sealing bracket.

[0016] In one aspect of the present invention, the venting gas may be configured to vent in the upper region of the sealing bracket.

[0017] In another aspect of the present invention, the sealing bracket may include a base portion having a receiving portion configured to allow the cell assembly to pass through; and a sealing portion that contacts the inner surface of the lower housing and is configured to seal the lower region of the sealing bracket.

[0018] In another aspect of the present invention, the receiving portion may be configured to seal the lower region of the sealing bracket.

[0019] Preferably, the edge of the sealing bracket is characterized by having a structure that is bent upward.

[0020] In one aspect of the present invention, the sealing bracket may further include an inclined portion between the base portion and the sealing portion.

[0021] In another aspect of the present invention, the sealing portion may be configured to be interposed between the lower housing and the upper housing.

[0022] In another aspect of the present invention, the sealing bracket may include an elastic material.

[0023] Meanwhile, the present invention provides a battery pack comprising at least one battery cell according to the above-described embodiment as a battery pack.

[0024] In addition, the present invention provides a vehicle comprising at least one battery pack according to the above-described embodiment.

[0025] According to the present invention, the high-speed charging performance of a battery module can be improved.

[0026] In addition, according to the present invention, cooling performance can be improved by applying a direct cooling structure.

[0027] In addition, according to the present invention, safety can be ensured by smoothly discharging venting gas to the outside of the battery module when a thermal event occurs.

[0028] However, the effects obtainable through the present invention are not limited to those described above, and other unmentioned technical effects will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the description of the invention below.

[0029] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and serve to further enhance understanding of the technical concept of the present invention together with the detailed description of the invention provided below; therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited only to the matters described in such drawings.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a drawing for illustrating a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of Figure 1.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a drawing for illustrating a cell assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 4 is a drawing for explaining a battery cell included in the cell assembly of Figure 3.

[0034] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining a sealing bracket according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 6 is a drawing for illustrating a sealing bracket according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the battery module of Figure 1 taken along A-A'.

[0037] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the battery module of Figure 1 cut along B-B'.

[0038] FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a portion of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 10 is a drawing for illustrating a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 11 is a drawing for explaining a battery pack including the battery module of FIG. 1.

[0041] FIG. 12 is a drawing for explaining a vehicle including the battery pack of FIG. 11.

[0042] The advantages and features of the present invention and the methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided merely to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. Accordingly, in some embodiments, well-known process steps, well-known device structures, and well-known techniques are not specifically described to avoid the present invention being interpreted ambiguously. Throughout the specification, like reference numerals refer to like components.

[0043] In drawings, thicknesses may be enlarged to clearly represent multiple layers and regions. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals are used for similar parts. When a part such as a layer, film, region, or plate is described as being "above" another part, this includes not only cases where it is "immediately above" another part, but also cases where there is another part in between. Conversely, when a part is described as being "immediately above" another part, it may mean that there is no other part in between. Furthermore, when a part such as a layer, film, region, or plate is described as being "below" another part, this includes not only cases where it is "immediately below" another part, but also cases where there is another part in between. Conversely, when a part is described as being "immediately below" another part, it may mean that there is no other part in between.

[0044] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining a battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 1.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a battery module (10) according to the present invention includes a cell assembly (100), a lower housing (200), a coolant (C), an upper housing (230), and a sealing bracket (300).

[0046] FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining a cell assembly (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] The cell assembly (100) may include a plurality of battery cells (110), a cell assembly case (120), and a through hole (130).

[0048] The plurality of battery cells (110) can be stacked in at least one direction. More specifically, the plurality of battery cells (110) can be arranged in at least a horizontal direction. The plurality of battery cells (110) can be configured to be arranged side by side in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) while standing upright in the vertical direction. For example, based on FIG. 3, the plurality of battery cells (110) can be configured to be arranged side by side in the X-axis direction while standing upright in the Z-axis direction.

[0049] Below, each of the above-mentioned plurality of battery cells (110) will be examined in more detail.

[0050] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining a battery cell (110) included in the cell assembly (100) of FIG. 3.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 4, the battery cell (110) may be a secondary battery, for example, a pouch-type battery cell (110). However, this does not limit the type of the battery cell (110), and other types of battery cells (110), such as cylindrical cells or prismatic cells, may also be used in the battery module (10) of the present invention. The battery cell (110) of the present invention can be applied without restrictions on the cell form-factor.

[0052] Hereinafter, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the battery cell (110) is described as a pouch-type cell. Referring to FIG. 4, the battery cell (110) may include an electrode assembly (111), a receiving area (113) that accommodates the electrode assembly (111), a sealing area (115) formed around the receiving area (113), and a pair of electrode leads (117) that are connected to the electrode assembly (111) and extend outward from the sealing area (115).

[0053] The above pair of electrode leads (117) are coupled to an electrode tab (not shown) provided in the electrode assembly (111) and can be drawn out to the outside of the sealing area (115) through the sealing area (115). The above pair of electrode leads (117) may have a shape that extends along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell (110). The above pair of electrode leads (117) may be drawn out in the same direction or opposite directions to each other.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 4, the battery cell (110) may be configured to vent gas through an upper sealing region (115). The sealing region (115) may be provided with a venting region formed to prevent an increase in internal pressure caused by gas generated inside the battery cell (110). The venting region is formed in a part of the sealing region (115) and corresponds to a region that is structurally weaker than the surrounding region so that it can easily break when internal pressure is applied. The venting region may, for example, be a region where the sealing is formed weaker than the surrounding region. In this case, the venting region may be formed on one of the two corners of the sealing region (115). In particular, the venting region may be formed on the upper corner of the two corners of the sealing region (115).

[0055] According to this structure, gas generated inside the battery cell (110) can be discharged to the outside of the battery cell (110) through a venting area formed at the top of the battery cell (110). Accordingly, the gas can be discharged to the outside of the battery module (10) through an upper housing (230) located at the top of the battery cell (110). That is, according to this structure, high-temperature gas and flames inside the battery module (10) can be smoothly discharged.

[0056] Referring again to FIG. 3, the cell assembly case (120) can accommodate the plurality of battery cells (110). The cell assembly case (120) can be configured to surround and accommodate the plurality of battery cells (110). For example, a predetermined number of battery cells (110) can be defined as a cell block. In this case, a block of cell blocks can be covered by the cell assembly case (120). That is, the cell assembly case (120) can function as a case that surrounds the plurality of battery cells (110).

[0057] The cell assembly case (120) may include a lower case (121) and an upper cover (131) (see FIG. 3). For example, the lower case (121) may be configured to have a space to house the battery cell (110) inside. For example, the lower case (121) may be configured in the form of a box with an internal space. The lower case (121) may include, for example, a plastic material or a metal material. The lower case (121) may function to protect the cell assembly (100) from external impact. Therefore, the material of the lower cover is preferably hard, but is not limited thereto.

[0058] The lower case (121) can perform the function of isolating a plurality of battery cells (110) housed inside from the outside. For example, the lower case (121) can protect the plurality of battery cells (110) from the outside of the lower case (121). For example, if there is a coolant (C) on the outside of the lower case (121), the coolant (C) can be blocked from direct contact with the battery cells (110) by the lower case (121). In this case, the lower case (121) can function as a heat transfer member between the battery cells (110) and the coolant (C).

[0059] Meanwhile, the upper cover (131) may be configured to cover the upper opening of the lower case (121). For example, the upper cover (131) may be configured in the form of a lid with a roughly plate-like shape.

[0060] At least one through hole (130) may be provided in at least a portion of the cell assembly case (120). Specifically, at least one through hole (130) may be provided in at least a portion of the upper cover (131). The through hole (130) may be configured to have a shape that extends long in one direction, for example. The through hole (130) may be provided in a shape that extends long along the sealing area (115) of the battery cell (110). According to such a structure, high-temperature gas and flame inside the battery module (10) can be smoothly discharged. The through hole (130) may be formed in multiple numbers on the upper cover (131). For example, the through hole (130) may be provided in multiple numbers along the sealing area (115) of the battery cell (110). According to this structure, even if a large amount of gas is generated within the battery module (10), the gas can be smoothly discharged to the outside of the cell assembly case (120) through a plurality of penetration holes (130). That is, according to the above configuration, the time that the venting gas remains within the cell assembly case (120) can be minimized.

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the lower housing (200) has an empty space formed inside, so that a cell assembly (100) can be accommodated in the internal space. The lower housing (200) can be configured to accommodate the cell assembly (100). That is, the lower housing (200) can have an internal space to accommodate the cell assembly (100).

[0062] The lower housing (200) may include a base plate (210) extending in a horizontal direction and a side plate (220) extending upward from the base plate (210). In this case, the base plate (210) may be configured to have a plate shape extending approximately in a horizontal direction. The side plate (220) may be configured to have a plate shape extending approximately in a vertical direction. The side plate (220) may be configured perpendicular to the base plate (210).

[0063] In another aspect of the present invention, the base plate (210) and the side plate (220) may be formed integrally. Alternatively, the base plate (210) and the side plate (220) may be configured to be detachable.

[0064] A cooling liquid (C) may be contained within the lower housing (200). The cooling liquid (C) may have insulating properties. That is, after the cell assembly (100) is contained in the internal space of the lower housing (200), the cooling liquid (C) may be contained in the space between the lower housing (200) and the cell assembly (100). With such a structure, the contact area between the cell assembly (100) and the cooling liquid (C) is maximized, thereby improving cooling efficiency.

[0065] Referring again to FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 2, the lower housing (200) may include a coolant inlet (200I) and a coolant outlet (200U).

[0066] The above-mentioned coolant inlet (200I) and coolant outlet (200U) may be formed on the side plate (220) of the lower housing (200), through which the coolant (C) can be introduced and discharged. The lower housing (200) may be airtight except for the coolant inlet (200I) and the coolant outlet (200U) because the coolant (C) passes through its interior. Therefore, the coolant (C) introduced through the coolant inlet (200I) does not leak to the outside of the lower housing (200). Meanwhile, the coolant (C) introduced through the coolant inlet (200I) of the lower housing (200) may discharge through the coolant outlet (200U) after cooling the cell assembly (100) contained within the lower housing (200). Accordingly, the cooling liquid (C) can perform cooling through direct contact with the cell assembly (100) contained within the lower housing (200), thereby improving cooling efficiency. That is, with such a configuration, efficient cooling can be performed when heat is generated due to high-speed charging, etc. Accordingly, the high-speed charging performance of the battery module (10) can be secured.

[0067] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the upper housing (230) may be located on at least one side of the lower housing (200). Preferably, the upper housing (230) may be mounted on the upper part of the lower housing (200). The upper housing (230) may be configured to cover the upper part of the cell assembly (100). For example, the upper housing (230) may be configured to have a plate shape that extends approximately horizontally. In one aspect of the present invention, the upper housing (230) may be configured to be detachably connected to the lower housing (200).

[0068] In another aspect of the present invention, the upper housing (230) may be configured to vent a venting gas. For example, the upper housing (230) may include at least one venting hole (230H).

[0069] The venting hole (230H) may be configured to discharge venting gas. That is, the venting hole (230H) may be configured to have a hole shape that penetrates the upper housing (230) in the vertical direction. The venting hole (230H) may be provided in a shape that extends long along the sealing area (115) of the battery cell (110). According to such a structure, high-temperature gas and flames inside the battery module (10) can be smoothly discharged. The venting hole (230H) may be formed in multiple numbers on the lower housing (200). For example, the venting hole (230H) may be provided in multiple numbers along the sealing area (115) of the battery cell (110) and in multiple numbers along the stacking direction (X-axis direction) of the battery cell (110). The above venting hole (230H) can be extended along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the battery cell (110).

[0070] According to this structure, even if a large amount of gas is generated within the battery module (10), the gas can be smoothly discharged to the outside of the battery module (10) through a plurality of venting holes (230H). That is, the time the venting gas remains within the lower housing (200) can be minimized.

[0071] In another aspect of the present invention, the venting hole (230H) may include a mesh. According to such a structure, the mesh can prevent sparks generated in the cell assembly (100) from flying out of the cell assembly (100). In addition, it can prevent fire from spreading to another battery module (10) adjacent to the battery module (10) where a thermal event occurred.

[0072] Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the sealing bracket (300) may be interposed between the lower housing (200) and the upper housing (230). Preferably, the sealing bracket (300) may be configured to seal the space between the outer surface of the cell assembly case (120) and the inner surface of the lower housing (200). That is, the sealing bracket (300) may serve to divide the internal space of the lower housing (200) into two. For example, the lower area of ​​the sealing bracket (300) may be defined as a first space (A1), and the upper area of ​​the sealing bracket (300) may be defined as a second space (A2). The first space (A1) and the second space (A2) are blocked by the sealing bracket (300). Thus, the first space (A1) and the second space (A2) may be in a state where the movement of gas and / or liquid between them is impossible. That is, the sealing bracket (300) can be configured to have a lower region of the sealing bracket (300) in a sealed state (liquid sealed state).

[0073] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, in one aspect of the present invention, the sealing bracket (300) may be located in an area above the surface of the coolant (C). In other words, the coolant (C) may be configured to be contained only within a first space (A1), which is a lower area of ​​the sealing bracket (300). That is, the coolant (C) is not contained in a second space (A2), which is an upper area of ​​the sealing bracket (300). Therefore, the coolant (C) can cool the cell assembly (100) only within the first space (A1). That is, the first space (A1) may correspond to a cooling zone.

[0074] Meanwhile, the coolant inlet (200I) and the coolant outlet (200U) may be located in the lower region of the sealing bracket (300). That is, since the coolant (C) exists only in the lower region of the sealing bracket (300), the coolant inlet (200I) and the coolant outlet (200U) are also located in the lower region of the sealing bracket (300).

[0075] Referring again to FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 2, the venting gas can be configured to vent in the upper region of the sealing bracket (300). Specifically, the venting gas can be discharged to the outside through at least one through hole (130) provided in the upper part of the cell assembly case (120).

[0076] According to the above configuration, the sealing force of the battery module (10) is secured by the sealing bracket (300), and smooth venting can be achieved even when a thermal event occurs within the battery module (10). That is, according to the present invention, both sealing force and venting performance can be satisfied simultaneously.

[0077] Specifically, as described above, the cooling liquid (C) does not flow into the second region, which is the upper region of the sealing bracket (300). Therefore, the cooling liquid (C) can be effectively prevented from flowing into the through hole (130) for venting gas discharge. In addition, since the sealing bracket (300) seals the first region, the cooling liquid (C) can be effectively prevented from leaking out through the venting hole (230H) of the upper housing (230). That is, according to the above configuration, the sealing force of the battery module (10) can be secured. At the same time, if a large amount of gas is generated due to a thermal event occurring within the battery module (10), the gas can be discharged into the second space (A2), which is the upper region of the sealing bracket (300), through the through hole (130) provided in the cell assembly case (120). After that, the venting gas can be smoothly discharged to the outside of the battery module (10) through the venting hole (230H) provided in the upper housing (230) in the second space (A2). That is, the second space (A2) may correspond to a venting zone.

[0078] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining a sealing bracket (300) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 5, the sealing bracket (300) includes a base portion (310) and a sealing portion (320). The sealing bracket (300) may further include an inclined portion (330) between the base portion (310) and the sealing portion (320). The sealing bracket (300) may include an elastic material. For example, the sealing bracket (300) may include a rubber material. In one embodiment of the present invention, an elastic material may be applied to the sealing portion (320) and the receiving portion (310H) of the sealing bracket (300).

[0080] The base portion (310) may be composed of a plate-shaped structure extending approximately horizontally. The base portion (310) may have a receiving portion (310H) configured to allow the cell assembly (100) to pass through. For example, the receiving portion (310H) may be provided in the central area of ​​the receiving portion (310H).

[0081] In one aspect of the present invention, the receiving portion (310H) may be configured to seal the lower region of the sealing bracket (300). That is, when the cell assembly (100) is inserted into the receiving portion (310H), no gap is formed between the cell assembly (100) and the receiving portion (310H). In other words, the receiving portion (310H) comes into close contact with the cell assembly (100) without gaps, thereby reliably separating the first space (A1) and the second space (A2). Accordingly, the airtightness (liquid tightness) of the first region can be secured.

[0082] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 5, the area of ​​the edge of the base portion (310) where the sealing portion (320) is not extended can also be configured to maintain airtightness of the first space (A1) through close contact with the lower housing (200). In this case, an elastic material may be applied to the area of ​​the edge of the base portion (310) of the sealing bracket (300) where the sealing portion (320) is not extended.

[0083] In another aspect of the present invention, the sealing portion (320) may be in contact with the inner surface of the lower housing (200). The sealing portion (320) may be configured to seal the lower region of the sealing bracket (300). The sealing bracket (300) may seal and block the lower region of the sealing bracket (300) from the upper region of the sealing bracket (300). Accordingly, the coolant (C) may be sealed in the lower region of the sealing bracket (300) by the sealing bracket (300). That is, the movement of the coolant (C) to the second space (A2) is blocked by the sealing portion (320).

[0084] In another embodiment of the present invention, the sealing portion (320) may be configured to have a structure extending in all directions from the edge of the receiving portion (310H). For example, in the case where the receiving portion (310H) is in the shape of a plate having a roughly rectangular structure, sealing portions (320) extending from each of the four corners of the rectangle may be provided. In such an embodiment, the sealing portion (320) may be in contact with and sealed on all side plates (220) constituting the lower housing (200). According to the above configuration, the sealing force of the sealing bracket (300) may be further improved.

[0085] Preferably, the edge of the sealing bracket (300) may be configured to have an upwardly curved structure. More preferably, the sealing portion (320) may be configured to have an upwardly curved structure. For example, referring to FIG. 5, the sealing portion (320) may be configured parallel to the side of the lower housing (200). That is, the sealing portion (320) may be configured to be in contact with the lower housing (200). With such a configuration, the sealing force of the sealing bracket (300) can be improved by the surface contact between the sealing portion (320) and the lower housing (200).

[0086] In another aspect of the present invention, the sealing bracket (300) may further include an inclined portion (330) between the base portion (310) and the sealing portion (320).

[0087] Referring to FIG. 5, the receiving portion (310H) may extend approximately horizontally, and the sealing portion (320) may extend approximately vertically. Accordingly, the area connecting the receiving portion (310H) and the sealing portion (320) may have an approximately inclined structure. That is, the inclined portion (330) may have a structure extending from the edge of the base portion (310) toward the sealing portion (320).

[0088] FIG. 6 is a drawing for illustrating a sealing bracket (300) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] Referring to FIG. 6, the sealing portion (320) may include at least one protrusion (P). The sealing portion (320) may include a plurality of protrusions (P). The protrusions (P) may protrude from the sealing portion (320) in a direction toward the inner surface of the lower housing (200). The protrusions (P) may be configured such that, for example, the width of the protrusions (P) narrows as they move from the sealing portion (320) toward the inner surface of the lower housing (200). The protrusions (P) may have a shape that extends in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the battery module (10), for example.

[0090] According to the above configuration, the sealing performance between the sealing bracket (300) and the lower housing (200) can be further improved.

[0091] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the battery module (10) of FIG. 1 taken along A-A', and FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the battery module (10) of FIG. 1 taken along B-B'. FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a portion of the battery module (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0092] Referring to FIGS. 7 to 9, a cell assembly (100) is accommodated within the lower housing (200), and a cooling liquid (C) can be accommodated in the space between the cell assembly (100) and the lower housing (200). With such a structure, the contact area with the cell assembly (100) is maximized, thereby improving cooling efficiency.

[0093] The sealing bracket (300) may be interposed between the lower housing (200) and the upper housing (230). The sealing bracket (300) may be configured to seal the space between the outer surface of the cell assembly (100) and the inner surface of the lower housing (200). Preferably, the sealing bracket (300) may be configured to seal the space between the outer surface of the cell assembly case (120) and the inner surface of the lower housing (200). The first space (A1) and the second space (A2) are blocked by the sealing bracket (300). The sealing bracket (300) maintains the lower region of the sealing bracket (300) in an airtight (liquid-tight) state. That is, according to the present invention, an airtight condition, which is a condition for applying a direct cooling method, can be achieved. Accordingly, an improvement in cooling efficiency due to direct cooling can be satisfied.

[0094] Meanwhile, if a thermal event occurs inside the battery module (10) and gas is generated, the venting gas can be vented in the upper region of the sealing bracket (300). Specifically, the venting gas can be discharged to the outside through at least one through hole (130) provided on the upper part of the cell assembly case (120).

[0095] At this time, since the sealing bracket (300) seals the first region, the coolant (C) can be effectively prevented from leaking out through the venting hole (230H) of the upper housing (230). That is, according to the above configuration, the sealing force of the battery module (10) can be secured. At the same time, if a large amount of gas is generated due to a thermal event occurring within the battery module (10), the gas can be discharged into the second space (A2), which is the upper region of the sealing bracket (300), through the through hole (130) provided in the cell assembly case (120). After that, the venting gas can be smoothly discharged from the second space (A2) to the outside of the battery module (10) through the venting hole (230H) provided in the upper housing (230).

[0096] According to the above configuration, the sealing force of the battery module (10) is secured by the sealing bracket (300), and smooth venting can be achieved even when a thermal event occurs within the battery module (10). That is, according to the present invention, both sealing force and venting performance can be satisfied simultaneously. In other words, according to the sealing structure of the present invention, safety can be ensured even when thermal propagation occurs.

[0097] FIG. 10 is a drawing for illustrating a battery module (10) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0098] Referring to FIG. 10, the sealing portion (320) may be configured to be interposed between the lower housing (200) and the upper housing (230). In this embodiment, the end portion (320E) of the sealing portion (320) may be configured to be exposed to the outside of the battery module (10). Specifically, the end portion (320E) of the sealing portion (320) may be interposed between the upper housing (230) and the lower housing (200) (side plate (220)) of the battery module (10).

[0099] According to this structure, since the sealing portion (320) contacts the upper housing (230) and the lower housing (200) simultaneously, the sealing can be applied multiple times. In addition, according to the structure, since the sealing bracket (300) physically blocks the first space (A1) and the second space (A2), the possibility of leakage of the coolant (C) is lowered. That is, according to the above configuration, the airtightness (liquid tightness) performance of the coolant (C) can be further improved.

[0100] Meanwhile, the sealing bracket (300) application structure of the present invention can be applied not only to a top venting structure but also to a bottom venting structure.

[0101] For example, the sealing bracket (300) of the present invention may be applied to a structure in which the venting area (115) of the battery cell (110) is positioned toward the bottom of the battery module (10), rather than a structure in which the venting area (115) of the battery cell (110) is positioned toward the top. In this case, since the venting is performed in the bottom area of ​​the battery module (10), the through hole (130) of the cell assembly (100) is also positioned toward the bottom of the battery module (10). Additionally, the sealing bracket (300) may also be provided in an area adjacent to the area where the through hole (130) is located. At this time, the sealing portion (320) of the sealing bracket (300) may be configured to extend toward the bottom of the battery module (10). In addition, in this case, the venting hole (320H) of the battery module (10) may also be provided on the base plate (210) of the battery module (10). In such a structure, the cooling liquid can be accommodated within the upper region of the sealing bracket (300).

[0102] That is, the present invention is not limited to the top venting structure illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 10, and can also be applied to a bottom venting structure in which venting is performed toward the bottom.

[0103] FIG. 11 is a drawing for explaining a battery pack (3) including the battery module (10) of FIG. 1.

[0104] Referring to FIG. 11, the battery pack (3) according to the present invention may include at least one battery module (10) according to the present invention as described above. Additionally, the battery pack (3) according to the present invention may include a pack case (50) capable of accommodating the at least one battery module (10). Furthermore, in addition to the battery module (10), various other components, such as a battery management system (BMS), a pack case, a relay, a current sensor, etc., which are components of the battery pack (3) known at the time of filing the present invention, may be further included.

[0105] FIG. 12 is a drawing for explaining a vehicle (5) including the battery pack (3) of FIG. 11.

[0106] Referring to FIG. 12, the automobile (5) according to the present invention may include at least one battery pack (3) according to the present invention.

[0107] The battery module (10) according to the present invention can be applied to a vehicle (5), such as an electric vehicle (5) or a hybrid vehicle (5). That is, the vehicle (5) according to the present invention may include the battery module (10) according to the present invention or the battery pack (3) according to the present invention. In addition, the vehicle (5) according to the present invention may further include various other components included in the vehicle (5) in addition to the battery module (10) or the battery pack (3). For example, the vehicle (5) according to the present invention may further include, in addition to the battery module (10) according to the present invention, a vehicle body, a motor, an ECU (electronic control unit), or other control devices.

[0108] Meanwhile, although terms indicating direction such as up and down have been used in this specification, these terms are used merely for convenience of explanation, and it is obvious to a person skilled in the art that they may vary depending on the location of the object or the position of the observer.

[0109] Although the present invention has been described above 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 spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims described below by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs.

[0110] The present invention can provide a battery module that improves high-speed charging performance and improves cooling performance by applying a direct cooling structure.

Claims

1. A cell assembly comprising a plurality of battery cells; A lower housing having an internal space to accommodate the above cell assembly; Coolant contained within the lower housing above; An upper housing mounted on the upper part of the lower housing and including at least one venting hole; and A sealing bracket configured to seal the space between the outer surface of the cell assembly and the inner surface of the lower housing; A battery module including 2. In Paragraph 1, The above cell assembly is, Multiple battery cells; A cell assembly case that encloses and accommodates the plurality of battery cells; and A through hole provided in at least a portion of the cell assembly case; A battery module including 3. In Paragraph 1, A sealing bracket is a battery module located in an area above the surface of the coolant.

4. In Paragraph 1, The lower housing above is a battery module including a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet.

5. In Paragraph 4, The above coolant inlet and the above coolant outlet are a battery module located in the lower region of the sealing bracket.

6. In Paragraph 1, A battery module configured so that venting gas is vented in the upper region of the sealing bracket.

7. In Paragraph 1, The above sealing bracket is, A base portion having a receiving portion configured to allow the cell assembly to pass through; and A sealing part configured to contact the inner surface of the lower housing and seal the lower region of the sealing bracket. A battery module including 8. In Paragraph 7, The above-mentioned receiving portion is configured to seal the lower region of the sealing bracket, thereby forming a battery module.

9. In Paragraph 1, A battery module having a structure in which the edge of the sealing bracket is bent upward.

10. In Paragraph 7, The above sealing bracket is a battery module further comprising an inclined portion between the base portion and the sealing portion.

11. In Paragraph 7, The above sealing portion is a battery module configured to be interposed between the lower housing and the upper housing.

12. In Paragraph 1, The above sealing bracket is a battery module comprising an elastic material.

13. A battery pack comprising at least one battery module described in any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. An automobile comprising at least one battery pack as described in claim 13.

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