Battery module

Abstract

A battery module is disclosed. The battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may comprise: a plurality of battery cells stacked along a left-right direction; and cooling plates, each disposed between respective ones of the plurality of battery cells and having a flow path therein, wherein the cooling plate comprises resistance members arranged in the flow path.

Description

battery module

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module.

[0002] This application is a priority claim application for Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0156042 filed on November 6, 2024, and all contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of said application are incorporated into this application by reference.

[0003] As the demand for portable electronic products such as smartphones, tablet PCs, and smartwatches increases significantly and electric vehicles become increasingly widespread, research on batteries installed in them, particularly secondary batteries capable of repeated charging and discharging, is actively underway.

[0004] Currently commercialized secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium, nickel-hydrogen, nickel-zinc, and lithium secondary batteries. Among these, lithium secondary batteries are gaining attention for their advantages, such as the ability to freely charge and discharge with almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based secondary batteries, a very low self-discharge rate, and high energy density.

[0005] These lithium secondary batteries primarily use lithium-based oxides and carbon materials as the positive and negative active materials, respectively. The lithium secondary battery comprises an electrode assembly in which a positive plate and a negative plate, each coated with the positive and negative active materials, are arranged with a separator in between, and an outer casing, namely a battery case, that seals and houses the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte.

[0006] Generally, lithium secondary batteries can be classified according to the shape of the casing into can-type secondary batteries, in which the electrode assembly is embedded in a metal can, and pouch-type secondary batteries, in which the electrode assembly is embedded in a pouch of aluminum laminate sheet.

[0007] Recently, secondary batteries are widely used for driving or energy storage not only in small devices such as portable electronic devices but also in medium-to-large devices such as electric vehicles and Energy Storage Systems (ESS). A single battery module can be formed by housing multiple such secondary batteries together inside a module case while electrically connected. In this case, each secondary battery included in a single battery module can be referred to as a battery cell. Furthermore, multiple such battery modules can be connected to form a single battery pack.

[0008] However, when a battery pack contains multiple battery modules, and each module contains multiple battery cells, it may be vulnerable to thermal chain reactions between modules or cells. For example, if an event such as thermal runaway occurs within a single battery module, it is necessary to suppress the propagation of this runaway to other battery modules or cells. If the propagation of thermal runaway between modules or cells is not properly suppressed, an event originating in a specific module or cell may trigger a chain reaction of thermal reactions in other modules or cells, potentially causing explosions or fires, or significantly amplifying their scale.

[0009] In particular, if an event such as thermal runaway occurs in a single battery module, gases or flames may be randomly released to the outside. If the release of such gases or flames is not properly controlled, they may be released toward other battery modules, potentially causing a thermal chain reaction in those modules. Specifically, module terminals may be located on the front side of a battery module to provide electrical connections to other battery modules or battery packs, such as module busbars. Therefore, if flames are released toward the front of such a battery module, they can damage the module terminals within the battery pack and cause an electrical short circuit. Furthermore, since other battery modules may be located in front of a specific battery module, if flames are released toward the front of that module, the emitted flames may spread toward other modules, making it easy for fire to spread between battery modules.

[0010] If thermal propagation between battery modules or between battery cells is not properly controlled, a rapid voltage drop in the battery module or battery pack may occur. This can lead to a sudden shutdown of the device equipped with the battery module or battery pack, causing unexpected damage. For example, if a sudden voltage drop in the battery pack occurs while an electric vehicle is in operation, there may not be enough time to move the electric vehicle to a safe location.

[0011] Furthermore, if thermal propagation between battery modules or battery cells is not properly controlled and a fire or explosion occurs suddenly, there is a high possibility of causing casualties to users. For example, if thermal runaway occurs in an electric vehicle and a certain amount of time is not secured before it progresses into a full-scale fire, the occupants may not be able to escape safely.

[0012] Therefore, it is necessary to effectively cool the battery cells to suppress thermal events or heat propagation. Additionally, it is necessary to improve the performance of the battery module or battery pack by reducing the temperature variation between multiple battery cells.

[0013] Accordingly, the present invention is devised to solve the above-mentioned problems and may provide a structure capable of rapidly cooling the temperature of a battery module.

[0014] Another objective of the present invention may be to provide a structure capable of reducing the temperature variation of a plurality of battery cells.

[0015] Another objective of the present invention may be to provide a structure capable of evenly distributing a cooling fluid.

[0016] Another objective of the present invention may be to improve the electrical safety of the battery module.

[0017] 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 those skilled in the art from the description of the invention below.

[0018] A plurality of battery cells stacked along the left and right directions according to one embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned purpose; and a cooling plate disposed between the plurality of battery cells and having a flow path inside, wherein the cooling plate may include a resistance member disposed in the flow path.

[0019] Additionally, the cooling plate further includes an inlet and an outlet communicating with the above-mentioned flow path, and the flow path may include: a supply flow path communicating with the inlet and extending in an upward and downward direction; a discharge flow path communicating with the outlet and extending in an upward and downward direction; and a heat exchange flow path communicating with the supply flow path and the discharge flow path.

[0020] In addition, the resistance member may be placed in the supply path.

[0021] In addition, the resistance member may be placed in the discharge path.

[0022] In addition, the resistance member may have a channel formed along the vertical direction.

[0023] In addition, the resistance members are provided in plurality, and the plurality of resistance members may be arranged along the vertical direction.

[0024] In addition, the cooling plate may include a first cooling plate and a second cooling plate arranged along the left and right directions.

[0025] In addition, the resistance member of the first cooling plate may be configured to be longer than the resistance member of the second cooling plate.

[0026] Additionally, the resistance members of the first cooling plate are provided in multiple numbers, and the resistance members of the second cooling plate are provided in multiple numbers, and the number of resistance members of the first cooling plate may be configured to be greater than the number of resistance members of the second cooling plate.

[0027] Additionally, the battery module further includes a cooling fluid supplied to the first cooling plate and the second cooling plate, and the first cooling plate may be located upstream of the second cooling plate.

[0028] In addition, a battery pack according to another aspect of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned purpose includes a battery module according to the present invention.

[0029] In addition, an automobile according to another aspect of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned purpose includes a battery module according to the present invention.

[0030] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, the temperature of the battery module can be rapidly cooled.

[0031] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, the temperature variation of a plurality of battery cells can be reduced.

[0032] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, the cooling fluid can be evenly distributed.

[0033] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, the electrical safety of the battery pack can be improved.

[0034] 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.

[0035] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 2 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of the battery pack of Figure 1 separated.

[0037] Figure 3 is a drawing showing the battery module of Figure 2.

[0038] Figure 4 is a drawing showing the battery module of Figure 3 in a different direction.

[0039] Figure 5 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of the battery module of Figure 3 separated.

[0040] Figure 6 is a diagram showing the laminate of Figure 5 separated.

[0041] Figure 7 is a diagram showing the change in Figure 4 when a thermal event occurs.

[0042] Figure 8 is a drawing showing the cooling plate of Figure 6.

[0043] Figure 9 is a diagram showing the cooling plate of Figure 8 separated.

[0044] Figure 10 is a drawing showing the resistance member of Figure 9.

[0045] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line A-A' of FIG. 8.

[0046] Figure 12 is a drawing showing the laminate of Figure 5.

[0047] Figure 13 is an enlarged view of a part of the configuration of the cooling plate of Figure 5.

[0048] Figure 14 is a drawing showing a modified embodiment of Figure 13.

[0049] FIG. 15 is a drawing showing a vehicle according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0050] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, and should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the terms to describe his invention by way of.

[0051] Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely examples of the present invention and do not represent all aspects of the technical concept of the present invention, and that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0052] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a battery pack (1000) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a partial configuration of the battery pack (1000) of FIG. 1 separated.

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a battery pack (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a case (100). The case (100) may form the exterior of the battery pack (1000). The case (100) may have a rectangular shape. The case (100) may provide space inside. The case (100) may include a pack cover (150). The pack cover (150) may have a rectangular plate shape. A battery module (200) may be located inside the case (100). A plurality of battery modules (200) may be provided.

[0054] The case (100) may include a base assembly (110). The base assembly (110) may have a rectangular shape. The base assembly (110) may form the exterior of the battery pack (1000). The base assembly (110) may provide an internal space for the battery pack (1000).

[0055] The case (100) may include side walls (120). The side walls (120) may be installed, fastened, joined, fixed, or attached to the upper surface of the base assembly (110). The side walls (120) may consist of four. The side walls (120) may be arranged along the perimeter of the base assembly (110). The side walls (120) may form the exterior of the battery pack (1000). The side walls (120) may provide an internal space.

[0056] The side wall (120) may be equipped with a connector (610). The connector (610) may output power from the battery pack (1000). Additionally, the connector (610) may charge power to the battery pack (1000). Multiple connectors (610) may be provided.

[0057] The side wall (120) may be provided with a port (620). The port (620) may function as a passage for the inflow or outflow of a cooling fluid (CM). Multiple ports (620) may be provided.

[0058] The BMS (700, battery management system) can be located inside the case (100). The BMS (700) can control the charging and discharging of the battery module. The BMS (700) can obtain status information of the battery module.

[0059] The pack cover (150) can be installed, fastened, joined, fixed, or attached to the side wall (120). The pack cover (150) can cover the internal space of the battery pack (1000).

[0060] The battery pack (1000) may include a venting device (500). The venting device (500) may be installed in the base assembly (110). For example, the venting device (500) may be a gas valve. The venting device (500) may open to discharge gas when the pressure inside the case (100) increases. Additionally, the venting device (500) may block external air from entering the case (100). Multiple venting devices (500) may be provided.

[0061] The battery pack (1000) may include a partition wall (300). The partition wall (300) may include a first partition wall (310) and a second partition wall (320). The partition wall (300) may be provided in multiple numbers. The partition wall (300) may be installed, fastened, fixed, coupled, or attached to the upper surface of the base assembly (110). The partition wall (300) may partition the internal space of the battery pack (1000). The battery module (200) may be located in the space partitioned by the partition wall (300).

[0062] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing the battery module (200) of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a drawing showing the battery module (200) of FIG. 3 in a different direction. FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a part of the battery module (200) of FIG. 3 separated. FIG. 6 is a drawing showing the laminate (201) of FIG. 5 separated. FIG. 7 is a drawing showing the change of FIG. 4 when a thermal event occurs.

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 3 through 7, the battery module (200) may include a bottom cover (211). The bottom cover (211) may be provided as a pair. The pair of bottom covers (211) may be arranged along the front-rear direction or the X-axis direction. The bottom cover (211) may form the exterior of the battery module (200). The bottom cover (211) may have a flat shape.

[0064] A venting cover (212) may be positioned between a pair of bottom covers (211). The venting cover (212) may be fastened, coupled, fixed, or attached to a pair of bottom covers (211). The venting cover (212) may cover the space between a pair of bottom covers (211). The venting cover (212) may form the exterior of a battery module (200). The venting cover (212) may include a material with high heat resistance. The venting cover (212) may include a material with high fire resistance. The venting cover (212) may include a material with high thermal insulation. For example, the venting cover (212) may include a mica material.

[0065] The battery module (200) may include a battery cell (220). The battery cell (220) may refer to a secondary battery. In particular, the battery cell (220) may be a pouch-type secondary battery. However, the shape of the battery cell (220) is not limited to a pouch shape and may have various shapes, such as a cylindrical shape or a rectangular shape.

[0066] The battery cell (220) may be extended along the front-rear direction or the X-axis direction. The battery cell (220) may include a storage portion (221) having an electrode assembly, a first sealing portion (222) protruding toward the front and rear sides of the storage portion (221), and a second sealing portion (223) protruding downward from the storage portion (221). Additionally, the battery cell (220) may include electrode leads (224) protruding toward the front and rear sides of the first sealing portion (222), respectively. The electrode leads (224) may protrude toward the front and rear sides of each storage portion (221).

[0067] A plurality of battery cells (220) may be provided. A plurality of battery cells (220) may be located on top of a bottom cover (211). A plurality of battery cells (220) may be located on top of a venting cover (212). A plurality of battery cells (220) may form a laminate (201).

[0068] Multiple battery cells (220) can be stacked along one direction. For example, multiple battery cells (220) can be stacked along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction.

[0069] When a thermal event occurs, venting gas (G) may be discharged from the battery cell (220). The venting gas (G) may be discharged through the second sealing part (223).

[0070] The battery module (200) may include a cartridge (270). The cartridge (270) may be mounted, coupled, fastened, fixed, or received in the first sealing portion (222) of the battery cell (220). A pair of cartridges (270) may be mounted, coupled, fastened, fixed, or received in the front first sealing portion (222) and the rear first sealing portion (222), respectively. A plurality of cartridges (270) may be provided. A pair of cartridges (270) may be provided to correspond one-to-one with a single battery cell (220). A plurality of cartridges (270) may form a laminate (201).

[0071] The battery module (200) may include a cooling plate (240). The cooling plate (240) may have a flow path (241) inside. A cooling fluid (CM) may flow along the flow path (241). The cooling plate (240) may be in contact with, coupled with, fastened to, or fixed to the battery cell (220). The cooling plate (240) may be provided in multiple numbers. The cooling plate (240) may be stacked along one direction. For example, the cooling plate (240) may be stacked along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. The cooling plate (240) may be placed between multiple battery cells (220). For example, the cooling plate (240) may be placed every two battery cells (220). Multiple cooling plates (240) may form a stack (201).

[0072] The cooling plate (240) may have a flat plate shape. The cooling plate (240) may be provided with an inlet (244) and an outlet (245). A flow path (241) may connect the inlet (244) and the outlet (245). A cooling fluid (CM) may be introduced into the inlet (244) and discharged through the outlet (245).

[0073] The first tube (242) and the second tube (243) may be connected. The first tube (242) may be provided in multiple numbers. The second tube (243) may be provided in multiple numbers. The first tube (242) and the second tube (243) may be arranged alternately. The first tube (242) or the second tube (243) may be connected to the inlet (244) of the cooling plate (240). The first tube (242) or the second tube (243) may be connected to the outlet (245) of the cooling plate (240). The first tube (242) and the second tube (243) may be connected to multiple cooling plates (240).

[0074] A pad (250) may be placed between a plurality of battery cells (220). A plurality of pads (250) may be provided. A pad (250) may be placed between at least some of the battery cells (220) and / or outside the stack (201). For example, a pad (250) may be configured to be placed between every two battery cells (220) stacked in the left-right direction. A plurality of pads (250) may form the stack (201).

[0075] These pads (250) may be provided with an elastic material to absorb swelling of the battery cell (220). For example, the pads (250) may be made of a foam material such as polyurethane. Alternatively, the pads (250) may be provided with a material capable of blocking heat or flames. For example, the pads (250) may be provided with an insulating or fireproof material such as silicone or mica.

[0076] A busbar frame assembly (230) may be provided on the front and rear sides of a plurality of battery cells (220), respectively. The busbar frame assembly (230) may be electrically connected to the electrode leads (224) of the plurality of battery cells (220).

[0077] The front busbar frame assembly (230) can be electrically connected to the front electrode leads (224) of a plurality of battery cells (220). The front busbar frame assembly (230) can cover the front of the cooling plate (240). The front busbar frame assembly (230) can cover the front of the pad (250). The front busbar frame assembly (230) can cover the front of the cartridge (270).

[0078] The rear busbar frame assembly (230) can be electrically connected to the rear electrode leads (224) of a plurality of battery cells (220). The rear busbar frame assembly (230) can cover the rear of the cooling plate (240). The rear busbar frame assembly (230) can cover the rear of the pad (250). The rear busbar frame assembly (230) can cover the rear of the cartridge (270).

[0079] A pair of end covers (280) can cover the front and rear sides of the busbar frame assembly (230), respectively. The end covers (280) can have a rectangular shape. A pair of end covers (280) can form the exterior of the battery module (200).

[0080] The front end cover (280) can be fastened, coupled, assembled, or fixed to the front bottom cover (211). The rear end cover (280) can be fastened, coupled, assembled, or fixed to the rear bottom cover (211).

[0081] The control unit (290) may be fastened, coupled, assembled, or fixed to the front end cover (280). The control unit (290) may be provided on the outer surface of the front end cover (280) or on the front surface of the front end cover (280). The control unit (290) may be electrically connected to a plurality of battery cells (220). The control unit (290) may control the charging and discharging of the plurality of battery cells (220). The control unit (290) may obtain status information of the plurality of battery cells (220).

[0082] Side covers (213) may be provided in pairs. Side covers (213) may have a flat shape. Side covers (213) may have a square shape. A pair of side covers (213) may each cover both sides of the laminate (201). Side covers (213) may be fastened, coupled, assembled, or fixed to end covers (280). Side covers (213) may be fastened, coupled, assembled, or fixed to bottom covers (211). Side covers (213) may be fastened, coupled, assembled, or fixed to venting covers (212). A pair of side covers (213) may form the exterior of the battery module (200).

[0083] The top cover (215) may be positioned on top of the laminate (201). The top cover (215) may cover the upper surface of the laminate (201). The top cover (215) may have a flat shape. The top cover (215) may have a square shape. The top cover (215) may form the exterior of the battery module (200). The top cover (215) may be fastened, coupled, assembled, or fixed to the side cover (213). The top cover (215) may be fastened, coupled, assembled, or fixed to the end cover (280).

[0084] The top pad (214) may be positioned between the top cover (215) and the laminate (201). The top pad (214) may have a square shape. The top pad (214) may have a flat shape. The top pad (214) may be provided with an elastic material to absorb swelling of the battery cell (220). For example, the top pad (214) may be composed of a foam material such as polyurethane. Alternatively, the top pad (214) may be provided with a material capable of blocking heat or flames. For example, the top pad (214) may be provided with an insulating material or a fire-resistant material such as silicone or mica. The top pad (214) may be compressed between the top cover (215) and the laminate (201).

[0085] The battery module (200) may include a heat transfer member (260). The heat transfer member (260) may include a material with high thermal conductivity. For example, the heat transfer member (260) may be resin.

[0086] The bottom cover (211) may be provided with a plurality of injection holes (211c). A heat transfer member (260) may be introduced into the interior of the battery module (200) through the injection holes (211c). At this time, the heat transfer member (260) may be in a liquid state. The heat transfer member (260) may be in a liquid state at high temperatures. The injected heat transfer member (260) may become a solid state as the temperature decreases.

[0087] A heat transfer member (260) may be placed between the bottom cover (211) and the laminate (201). The heat transfer member (260) may connect the bottom cover (211) and the laminate (201). The heat transfer member (260) may be placed between the bottom cover (211) and a plurality of battery cells (220). The heat transfer member (260) may connect the plurality of battery cells (220) and the bottom cover (211).

[0088] The heat transfer member (260) may not be placed between the venting cover (212) and the laminate (201).

[0089] A heat transfer member (260) may be positioned between the front busbar frame assembly (230) and the front end cover (280). The heat transfer member (260) may connect the front busbar frame assembly (230) and the front end cover (280). The heat transfer member (260) may be positioned between the rear busbar frame assembly (230) and the rear end cover (280). The heat transfer member (260) may connect the rear busbar frame assembly (230) and the rear end cover (280).

[0090] The venting cover (212) may be provided with a separation line (212b). The separation line (212b, score line) may be used as a general term including a perforated line (212b, perforated line), a notching line (212b, notching line), a cutting line (212b, cutting line), a shredding line (212b, shredding line), a tear line (212b, tear line), or a separation line (212b, separation line). The separation line (212b) may be configured to be easily separated by pressure applied to the venting cover (212).

[0091] The separation line (212b) may have a rectangular trajectory. The portion of the venting cover (212) surrounded by the separation line (212b) may be referred to as the separation part (212c). The venting section (212a) may include the separation line (212b) and the separation part (212c). The separation line (212b) may be provided in multiple numbers. The multiple separation lines (212b) may be arranged along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. The separation part (212c) may be provided in multiple numbers. The multiple separation parts (212c) may be arranged along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction.

[0092] The separation part (212c) can be separated from the venting cover (212) by pressure applied to the venting cover (212). As a result, a venting hole (212d) can be formed in the venting cover (212).

[0093] The venting portion (212a) may face the second sealing portion (223). When a thermal event occurs, the venting gas (G) may be discharged through the second sealing portion (223). The venting gas (G) may be discharged in a downward direction or in the -Z axis direction. The venting gas (G) may apply pressure to the separation part (212c). The separation part (212c) may be separated by the venting gas (G), and a venting hole (212d) may be formed. The venting gas (G) may be discharged to the outside of the battery module (200) through the venting hole (212d).

[0094] At this time, the venting hole (212d) may be formed only in the separation part (212c) facing the battery cell (220) where the thermal event occurred. The other separation part (212c) may not be separated. The separation part (212c) that is not separated may block the venting gas (G) from flowing into the interior of the battery module (200).

[0095] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing the cooling plate (240) of FIG. 6. FIG. 9 is a drawing showing the cooling plate (240) of FIG. 8 separated. FIG. 10 is a drawing showing the resistance member (246) of FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a drawing showing the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line A-A' of FIG. 8.

[0096] Referring to FIGS. 8 through 11, the cooling plate (240) may include a first plate (247) and a second plate (248). A flow path (241) may be formed between the first plate (247) and the second plate (248). The first plate (247) and the second plate (248) may have substantially the same size. The first plate (247) and the second plate (248) may have symmetrical shapes. The first plate (247) and the second plate (248) may have substantially the same shape.

[0097] The resistance member (246) may be located between the first plate (247) and the second plate (248). The resistance member (246) may be placed in the flow path (241). The resistance member (246) may increase the resistance of the flow path (241). By increasing the resistance of the flow path (241) with the resistance member (246), the flow rate of the cooling fluid (CM) may be controlled.

[0098] The pressure of the cooling fluid (CM) supplied to the cooling plate (240) may vary depending on the position of the cooling plate (240). By providing the cooling plate (240) with various shapes or various numbers of resistance members (246), the cooling fluid (CM) can be introduced at a constant pressure regardless of the position of the cooling plate (240). By providing the cooling plate (240) with various shapes or various numbers of resistance members (246), the cooling fluid (CM) can be discharged at a constant pressure regardless of the position of the cooling plate (240).

[0099] The Euro (241) may include a supply Euro (241a). The supply Euro (241a) may be in communication with the inlet (244). The supply Euro (241a) may extend vertically or along the Z-axis direction. The lower end of the supply Euro (241a) may be in communication with the inlet (244).

[0100] The channel (241) may include a discharge channel (241c). The discharge channel (241c) may be in communication with the outlet (245). The discharge channel (241c) may extend vertically or along the Z-axis direction. The lower end of the discharge channel (241c) may be in communication with the outlet (245).

[0101] The Euro (241) may include a heat exchange channel (241b). The heat exchange channel (241b) may connect the supply channel (241a) and the discharge channel (241c). The heat exchange channel (241b) may be connected to the top of the supply channel (241a). The heat exchange channel (241b) may be connected to the top of the discharge channel (241c).

[0102] A resistance member (246) may be placed in the supply channel (241a). The resistance member (246) may reduce the pressure of the supply channel (241a). The resistance member (246) may reduce the flow rate of the cooling fluid (CM) flowing through the supply channel (241a). The resistance member (246) may reduce the cross-sectional area of ​​the supply channel (241a) in the vertical direction or the Z-axis direction. A plurality of resistance members (246) may be provided in the supply channel (241a).

[0103] A resistance member (246) may be placed in the discharge channel (241c). The resistance member (246) may reduce the pressure in the discharge channel (241c). The resistance member (246) may reduce the flow rate of the cooling fluid (CM) flowing through the discharge channel (241c). The resistance member (246) may reduce the cross-sectional area of ​​the discharge channel (241c) in the vertical direction or the Z-axis direction. A plurality of resistance members (246) may be provided in the discharge channel (241c).

[0104] The resistance member (246) may have a channel (246a) formed in the vertical direction or the Z-axis direction. Multiple channels (246a) may be provided. The channels (246a) may penetrate the resistance member (246) in the vertical direction or the Z-axis direction. A cooling fluid (CM) may pass through the channels (246a).

[0105] A plurality of resistance members (246) provided in the supply channel (241a) may be arranged along the vertical direction or the Z-axis direction. A plurality of resistance members (246) may be arranged at equal intervals.

[0106] A plurality of resistance members (246) provided in the discharge channel (241c) may be arranged along the vertical direction or the Z-axis direction. A plurality of resistance members (246) may be arranged at equal intervals.

[0107] The resistance member (246) provided in the supply channel (241a) and the resistance member (246) provided in the discharge channel (241c) may be symmetrical. For example, the number of resistance members (246) provided in the supply channel (241a) and the number of resistance members (246) provided in the discharge channel (241c) may be the same. For example, the spacing of the plurality of resistance members (246) provided in the supply channel (241a) and the spacing of the plurality of resistance members (246) provided in the discharge channel (241c) may be the same. For example, the shape of the resistance member (246) provided in the supply channel (241a) and the shape of the resistance member (246) provided in the discharge channel (241c) may be the same.

[0108] The turbulence member (249) may be placed in the flow path (241). The turbulence member (249) may be placed in the heat exchange flow path (241b). The turbulence member (249) may induce the cooling fluid (CM) to flow in a turbulent manner. The turbulence member (249) may increase the heat exchange efficiency of the cooling fluid (CM).

[0109] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing the laminate (201) of FIG. 5. FIG. 13 is an enlarged drawing of a part of the configuration of the cooling plate (240) of FIG. 5.

[0110] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, the inlets (244) of a plurality of cooling plates (240) can be connected. A plurality of first tubes (242) and a plurality of second tubes (243) can be connected to the inlets (244) of a plurality of cooling plates (240). The outlets (245) of a plurality of cooling plates (240) can be connected. A plurality of first tubes (242) and a plurality of second tubes (243) can be connected to the outlets (245) of a plurality of cooling plates (240).

[0111] The cooling fluid (CM) flowing into the laminate (201) along the +Y axis direction can be distributed to a plurality of cooling plates (240) through the inlet (244) of each cooling plate (240). The cooling fluid (CM) flowing through the cooling plates (240) can be combined through the outlet (245) of each cooling plate (240). The combined cooling fluid (CM) can be discharged from the laminate (201) along the -Y axis direction.

[0112] At this time, a cooling plate (240) located close to the end or left end in the -Y-axis direction of the laminate (201) can be said to be located upstream. At this time, a cooling plate (240) located close to the end or right end in the +Y-axis direction of the laminate (201) can be said to be located downstream.

[0113] The first cooling plate (240a) may be the leftmost cooling plate (240). The first cooling plate (240a) may be located at the uppermost level. The second cooling plate (240b) may be the rightmost cooling plate (240). The second cooling plate (240b) may be located at the lowermost level. The first cooling plate (240a) may be located upstream of the second cooling plate (240b). The second cooling plate (240b) may be located downstream of the first cooling plate (240a).

[0114] The pressure of the cooling fluid (CM) supplied to the first cooling plate (240a) may be higher than the pressure of the cooling fluid (CM) supplied to the second cooling plate (240b). The first cooling plate (240a) may include a greater number of resistance members (246) than the second cooling plate (240b).

[0115] For example, the first cooling plate (240a) may include six resistance members (246), and the second cooling plate (240b) may include three resistance members (246). The six resistance members (246) of the first cooling plate (240a) may be spaced at equal intervals. The three resistance members (246) of the second cooling plate (240b) may be spaced at equal intervals. As a result, the flow rate of the cooling fluid (CM) supplied to the first cooling plate (240a) and the flow rate of the cooling fluid (CM) supplied to the second cooling plate (240b) may be equal.

[0116] The cooling plate (240) located downstream may include fewer resistance members (246) than the cooling plate (240) located upstream. The cooling plate (240) located upstream may include more resistance members (246) than the cooling plate (240) located downstream. As a result, the flow distribution of the cooling fluid (CM) can be evenly distributed.

[0117] FIG. 14 is a drawing showing a modified embodiment of FIG. 13. Referring to FIG. 14, the resistance member (246) of the first cooling plate (240a) may be configured to be longer than the resistance member (246) of the second cooling plate (240b).

[0118] For example, the first cooling plate (240a) may include four long resistance members (246), and the second cooling plate (240b) may include four short resistance members (246). The resistance members (246) of the first cooling plate (240a) may be spaced at equal intervals. The resistance members (246) of the second cooling plate (240b) may also be spaced at equal intervals. As a result, the flow rate of the cooling fluid (CM) supplied to the first cooling plate (240a) and the flow rate of the cooling fluid (CM) supplied to the second cooling plate (240b) may be equal.

[0119] The cooling plate (240) located downstream may include a resistance member (246) that is shorter than the cooling plate (240) located upstream. The cooling plate (240) located upstream may include a resistance member (246) that is longer than the cooling plate (240) located downstream. As a result, the flow rate distribution of the cooling fluid (CM) can be evenly distributed.

[0120] FIG. 15 is a drawing showing a vehicle (V) according to one aspect of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 15, the vehicle (V) according to the present invention may include a battery module (200) of the present invention.

[0121] The battery module (200) according to the present invention may be applied to a vehicle such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. The vehicle (V) according to the present invention may further include various other components included in the vehicle in addition to the battery module (200). For example, the vehicle (V) according to the present invention may further include a vehicle body, a motor, an ECU (electronic control unit), and other control devices.

[0122] As described above, although the present invention has been explained 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.

Claims

1. Multiple battery cells stacked along the left-right direction; and, A battery module comprising a cooling plate disposed between the plurality of battery cells and having a flow path inside, the cooling plate comprising a resistance member disposed in the flow path.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above cooling plate is, It further includes an inlet and an outlet communicating with the above-mentioned Euro, The above Euro is: A supply channel connected to the above-mentioned inlet and extending in the vertical direction; A discharge channel communicating with the above-mentioned outlet and extending in the vertical direction; and, A battery module including a heat exchange channel connecting the supply channel and the discharge channel.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above resistance member is, A battery module placed in the above supply path.

4. In Paragraph 2, The above resistance member is, A battery module placed in the above discharge path.

5. In Paragraph 3, The above resistance member is, A battery module having a channel formed along the vertical direction.

6. In Paragraph 3, The above resistance member is, Served in multiple forms, The above plurality of resistance members are, Battery modules arranged along the vertical direction.

7. In Paragraph 3, The above cooling plate is, A battery module comprising a first cooling plate and a second cooling plate arranged along the left-right direction.

8. In Paragraph 7, The resistance member of the first cooling plate above is, A battery module configured to be longer than the resistance member of the second cooling plate.

9. In Paragraph 7, The resistance members of the first cooling plate are provided in plurality, and The resistance members of the second cooling plate are provided in plurality, and The number of resistance members of the first cooling plate is, A battery module configured to have more than the number of resistance members of the second cooling plate.

10. In Paragraph 8 or 9, It further includes a cooling fluid supplied to the first cooling plate and the second cooling plate, The first cooling plate above is, A battery module located upstream of the second cooling plate.

11. A battery pack comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. An automobile comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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