KR102311076B1 - Battery Module Having Heat Pipe and Battery Pack Having the Same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention discloses a battery module in which the thermal balance of a plurality of cylindrical battery cells is improved and a battery pack including the same. A battery module according to the present invention for achieving the above object, a plurality of cylindrical battery cells; a module housing having an accommodating part therein to accommodate the plurality of cylindrical battery cells; and an outer wall to form a closed tube structure, a refrigerant is embedded in the tube structure, a filler positioned to surround the inner wall of the tube structure and provided with a plurality of micropores, the plurality of cylindrical battery cells It includes a heat pipe extending long in the horizontal direction along the heat pipe, which is formed in a plate shape so that both sides thereof are erected in the horizontal direction.

Description

Battery Module Having Heat Pipe and Battery Pack Having the Same}

The present invention relates to a battery module including a heat pipe and a battery pack including the same, and more particularly, to a battery module having improved thermal balance of a plurality of cylindrical battery cells and a battery pack including the same.

Secondary batteries are highly applicable to various product groups and have electrical characteristics with high energy density. Such secondary batteries are being applied to electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles driven by an electric driving source as well as portable electronic devices, power storage devices, and the like.

Secondary batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source for improving eco-friendliness and energy efficiency in that they do not generate any by-products from the use of energy as well as the primary advantage of dramatically reducing the use of fossil fuels.

A battery pack applied to an electric vehicle has a structure in which a plurality of battery modules including a plurality of battery cells are connected to obtain high output. In addition, as an electrode assembly, each battery cell can be repeatedly charged and discharged by an electrochemical reaction between components, including positive and negative current collectors, separators, active materials, electrolytes, and the like.

On the other hand, as the need for a large-capacity structure, including its use as an energy storage source, increases in recent years, the demand for a battery pack having a multi-module structure in which a plurality of secondary batteries are connected in series and/or in parallel is increasing. .

Since a battery pack having a multi-module structure is manufactured in a form in which a plurality of secondary batteries are concentrated in a narrow space, it is important to easily dissipate heat generated from each secondary battery.

That is, in the process of charging or discharging the secondary battery, heat is generated by an electrochemical reaction. Therefore, if the heat of the battery module generated in the charging/discharging process is not effectively removed, heat accumulation may occur. In addition, deterioration of the battery module is accelerated, and in some cases, ignition or explosion may occur. Therefore, in the prior art, a high-output, large-capacity battery module and a cooling device for cooling the battery cells contained therein are applied.

In addition, in the case of a high rate discharge battery module in the prior art, it is composed of a plurality of battery cells for high rate discharge.

However, when a plurality of battery cells are mounted inside one battery module, the density of the battery cells is very high due to space constraints. In addition, since the amount of heat generated by the battery cell is proportional to the square of the current, a phenomenon in which the temperature of the battery cell rapidly increases during high-rate discharge tends to occur. In particular, it is easy to generate a heat island phenomenon in which heat is concentrated in the central portion of the arrangement structure of the battery cells mounted inside the battery module.

When such a heat island phenomenon occurs for a long time, the output voltages of the battery cells electrically connected in a parallel structure are not uniform, so that a cell imbalance phenomenon occurs. It was difficult.

Therefore, there is a need for a technology capable of improving effective cooling and heat balance in order to increase the performance and lifespan characteristics of the battery module.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a battery module having improved thermal balance of a plurality of cylindrical battery cells and a battery pack including the same.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention may be understood by the following description, and will become more clearly understood by the examples of the present invention. Moreover, it will be readily apparent that the objects and advantages of the present invention may be realized by the means and combinations thereof indicated in the claims.

The battery module according to the present invention for achieving the above object,

a cylindrical battery cell in which the battery can is vertically erected, electrode terminals are formed on the top and bottom, respectively, the side of the battery can is covered with an electrically insulating member, and a plurality of cylindrical battery cells are arranged in a horizontal direction;

a module housing having an accommodating part therein to accommodate the plurality of cylindrical battery cells; and

An outer wall is provided to form a closed tube structure, a refrigerant is built in the tube structure, a filler positioned to surround the inner wall of the tube structure and a plurality of micropores are formed, the plurality of cylindrical battery cells Accordingly, the heat pipe may include a heat pipe extending long in the horizontal direction and formed in a plate shape so that both sides thereof are erected in the horizontal direction.

In addition, the heat pipe may be formed with a curved portion curved in the horizontal direction so that both surfaces of the heat pipe are in close contact with at least a portion of the outer surface of the cylindrical battery cell.

Moreover, each of both surfaces in the horizontal direction of the heat pipe may extend to face at least a portion of the outer surface of the one or more cylindrical battery cells.

In addition, the plurality of cylindrical battery cells may be arranged in a plurality of columns and rows.

Furthermore, the heat pipe may be located on one side or the other side in a horizontal direction of a plurality of cylindrical battery cells arranged in a central column or a central row.

In addition, the plurality of cylindrical battery cells may be arranged in a plurality of columns and rows. Moreover, both ends of the heat pipe in a direction elongated along the plurality of cylindrical battery cells to face the cylindrical battery cells located in the outer column, or the outer row, or the outer column and the outer row of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells. can be located. And, the central portion of the heat pipe extending along the plurality of cylindrical battery cells in a direction to face the cylindrical battery cells located in the inner column, or the inner row, or the inner column and the inner row of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells. can be located.

Furthermore, the module housing may include: an upper case having a first accommodating part formed in a hollow structure to surround an outer surface of an upper portion of the cylindrical battery cell; and a lower case coupled to a lower portion of the upper case and provided with a second accommodating portion formed in a hollow structure to surround an outer surface of a lower portion of the cylindrical battery cell.

In addition, in each of the lower part of the first accommodating part and the upper part of the second accommodating part, an indentation groove partially recessed therein may be formed so that the heat pipe may be inserted therethrough.

In addition, through holes may be formed in the module housing so that both ends of the heat pipe in the longitudinal direction protrude to the outside of the module housing.

In addition, heat dissipation fins may be formed on outer surfaces of both ends of the heat pipe exposed to the outside through the through hole of the module housing.

Furthermore, the battery module may further include a tray having a mounting unit configured to mount the module housing on an upper surface, and a side wall extending upwardly along an outer wall of the module housing from an outer periphery of the mounting unit.

In addition, both ends of the heat pipe or both ends of the heat pipe and at least a portion of the heat dissipation fin may be configured to contact a sidewall of the tray.

Furthermore, the electrode terminal of the cylindrical battery cell may include a first electrode terminal formed on the upper end of the battery can and a second electrode terminal formed on the lower end.

The battery module may include: a first current collecting plate mounted on the module housing and electrically connected to the first electrode terminal of the cylindrical battery cell; a second current collecting plate mounted on a lower portion of the module housing to be electrically connected to a second electrode terminal of the cylindrical battery cell; and an electrically insulating thermal conductive pad positioned on a lower surface of the second current collecting plate.

Furthermore, the heat pipe may be positioned on a lower surface of the heat conductive pad such that an electrically insulating heat conductive pad is interposed between the second current collecting plate and the heat pipe.

In addition, the battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above object is configured in a form in which the battery can is erected in the vertical direction, so that electrode terminals are formed on the upper and lower portions, respectively, and the side of the battery can is a cylindrical battery cell covered with an electrical insulating member and arranged in a plurality in a horizontal direction; a module housing having an accommodating part therein to accommodate the plurality of cylindrical battery cells; and an outer wall to form a sealed tube structure, a refrigerant is built in the tube structure, a filler positioned to surround the inner wall of the tube structure and provided with a plurality of micropores, the plurality of heat pipes A heat pipe extending long in the horizontal direction along the cylindrical battery cell of

Here, the outer wall of the heat pipe may include a polymer layer, and the polymer layer may be configured to be dissolved and lost when the battery rises above a predetermined temperature.

And, the battery pack according to the present invention for achieving the above object includes at least one or more battery modules according to the present invention.

Furthermore, the device according to the present invention for achieving the above object includes the battery pack according to the present invention.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the battery module is provided with a heat pipe in the form of which both sides, each having a relatively larger area than the other side, face the horizontal direction so that the area facing the side of the cylindrical battery cell can be maximized, Heat generated from the plurality of cylindrical battery cells can be effectively conducted to the heat pipe, so the cooling efficiency is high, and the refrigerant inside the heat pipe is circulated by the temperature difference between the heat storage unit and the heat dissipation unit without a separate refrigerant circulation device. , the manufacturing cost can be drastically reduced.

In addition, according to this aspect of the present invention, the heat pipe can not only increase the contact area with the outer surface of the cylindrical battery cell through the curved portion formed on the outer wall, but also effectively utilize the narrow space of the module housing to be disposed. There is this.

Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, in consideration of the positions of a cylindrical battery cell exhibiting the highest temperature among a plurality of cylindrical battery cells and a cylindrical battery cell exhibiting the lowest temperature during charging and discharging of a battery module, the heat pipe By setting the position of the center and both ends of Thermal balance can be effectively achieved. Accordingly, it is possible to improve the life characteristics and performance of the battery module.

And, according to one aspect of the present invention, both ends of the heat pipe are exposed to the outside of the battery module, so that the temperature difference between the heat storage unit and the heat dissipation unit of the heat pipe can be maximized, so that the internal circulation of the refrigerant is smoothed, and cooling efficiency is achieved. can be effectively increased.

Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, both ends of the heat pipe are in contact with the sidewall of the tray), so that both ends of the heat pipe simply come into contact with the outside air to radiate heat to the outside, and higher cooling. efficiency can be achieved.

In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, the coupling protrusion of the module housing is inserted into the guide groove to be fastened and fixed, so that the arrangement of a plurality of battery modules can be guided, so that another battery module connected to one battery module can be easily arranged. Not only can it be done, but it can also be fixed so that it is not easily separated from each other.

The following drawings attached to the present specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention, and serve to further understand the technical spirit of the present invention together with the detailed description of the present invention to be described later, so that the present invention is described in such drawings should not be construed as being limited only to
1 is a perspective view showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is an exploded perspective view showing the components of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a perspective view illustrating a partial configuration of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a cross-sectional view of a heat pipe cut along line AA′ of FIG. 3 .
5 is a plan view illustrating some configurations of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a plan view illustrating some configurations of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a perspective view illustrating an upper case that is a part of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
8 is a perspective view illustrating a lower case that is a part of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a perspective view illustrating a heat pipe that is a part of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.
10 is a perspective view illustrating a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.
11 is a partial front view schematically illustrating some configurations of the battery module in area C' of FIG. 10 .
12 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.
13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a cross-sectional view of a heat pipe that is a part of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.
14 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.
15 is a diagram illustrating a result of estimating a thermal balance using a thermal analysis of a simulation program for a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention and a battery pack according to comparative examples.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Prior to this, the terms or words used in the present specification and claims should not be construed as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, and the inventor should properly understand the concept of the term in order to best describe his invention. Based on the principle that it can be defined, it should be interpreted as meaning and concept consistent with the technical idea of the present invention.

Therefore, the configuration shown in the embodiments and drawings described in the present specification is only the most preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not represent all of the technical idea of the present invention, so at the time of the present application, various It should be understood that there may be equivalents and variations.

1 is a perspective view showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. And, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the components of the battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

1 and 2 , the battery module 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 , a module housing 210 , and a heat pipe 260 . .

Here, the cylindrical battery cell 100 may include a cylindrical battery can 120 and an electrode assembly (not shown) accommodated in the battery can 120 .

Here, the battery can 120 may be configured in a vertical direction. In addition, the battery can 120 includes a material with high electrical conductivity, for example, the battery can 120 may include an aluminum or copper material.

In addition, electrode terminals 111 and 112 may be formed on the upper and lower portions of the battery can 120 , respectively. Specifically, a first electrode terminal 111 may be formed on a flat, circular upper surface of the upper end of the battery can 120 , and a second electrode terminal 112 on a flat, circular lower surface of the lower end of the battery can 120 . ) can be formed.

In addition, an electrically insulating member may be coated on the side of the battery can 120 . That is, since the battery can 120 is electrically connected to the electrode of the electrode assembly therein, an unintended conductive object contacts the battery can 120 to prevent electrical leakage from occurring. To surround the sides, for example, an insulating film may be coated.

In addition, the electrode assembly (not shown) may be formed in a structure wound in a jelly-roll shape with a separator interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. A positive electrode tab may be attached to the positive electrode (not shown) to be connected to the first electrode terminal 111 at the upper end of the battery can 120 . A negative electrode tab may be attached to the negative electrode (not shown) to be connected to the second electrode terminal 112 at the lower end of the battery can 120 .

Furthermore, the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 may be horizontally arranged in a vertical direction within the module housing 210 when viewed in the F direction.

Here, terms indicating directions such as front, back, left, right, up, and down may vary depending on the position of the observer or the placed shape of the object. However, in the present specification, for convenience of explanation, directions such as front, rear, left, right, top, and bottom are separately indicated based on the time when viewed in the F direction.

Here, the module housing 210 may be provided with accommodating parts 212A and 212B therein to accommodate the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 . Specifically, the accommodating parts 212A and 212B may have a plurality of hollow structures formed to surround the outer surface of the cylindrical battery cell 100 .

3 is a perspective view illustrating a partial configuration of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. And, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-sectional state of the heat pipe cut along the line A-A' of FIG. 3 .

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4 , the heat pipe 260 has the same concept as the general heat pipe 260 , and absorbs heat generated in the cylindrical battery cell 100 to generate a refrigerant 264 . It is composed of a heat storage unit vaporized, and a heat dissipation unit in which the refrigerant 264 vaporized in the heat storage unit is liquefied by dissipating heat to the outside. For example, in the heat pipe 260 of the present invention, a central portion in a direction extending along the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 may be a heat storage unit, and both ends of the heat pipe 260 may be configured as a heat dissipation unit. have.

In addition, the heat pipe 260 may have an outer wall 262 to form a sealed tube structure. In addition, the outer wall 262 may be provided with a material with high thermal conductivity. For example, the material having high thermal conductivity may be aluminum or copper.

Moreover, cooling fins may be formed on the outer wall 262 to increase a contact area with the cylindrical battery cell 100 . For example, the cooling fins may be a plurality of fins extending upward along the outer surface of the cylindrical battery cell 100 from the outer wall 262 of the heat pipe 260 .

In addition, a refrigerant 264 may be embedded in the tube structure. For example, the refrigerant 264 may be water, a Freon-based refrigerant, ammonia, acetone, methanol, ethanol, naphthalene, sulfur or mercury.

Furthermore, a filler 265 (wick) having a plurality of micropores formed therein may be provided in the heat pipe 260 . In addition, the filler 265 may be positioned to surround the inner wall of the tube structure. Moreover, the filler 265 may be configured to have a refrigerant 264 therein in a vacuum state.

In addition, the heat pipe 260 may extend long in the horizontal direction along the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 . That is, the heat pipe 260 may have a tube structure elongated in one direction, and may extend to face the sides of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 arranged in a horizontal direction.

In addition, the heat pipe 260 may be formed in a plate shape. Specifically, the plate shape may have both side surfaces in the horizontal direction (B) having a relatively larger area than the other surfaces, and upper and lower surfaces having a relatively narrower area than the both side surfaces. For example, as shown in FIG. 3 , the two heat pipes 260 may be configured such that both sides thereof face the horizontal direction (B).

Therefore, according to this configuration of the present invention, both sides of the heat pipe 260 having a relatively larger area than the other side face the horizontal direction so that the area facing the side of the cylindrical battery cell 100 can be maximized. By being configured so as to be erected so that the heat generated in the cylindrical battery cell 100 can be effectively conducted to the heat pipe 260 , the cooling efficiency is high, and the heat pipe 260 is heated without a separate refrigerant circulation device. The internal refrigerant is circulated by the temperature difference between the heat storage unit and the heat dissipation unit, so that the manufacturing cost can be drastically reduced.

5 is a plan view illustrating some configurations of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5 together with FIGS. 2 and 3 , both sides of the heat pipe 260 may be configured to be in close contact with at least a portion of the outer surfaces of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 . For example, a portion of the heat pipe 260 may be formed with a curved portion 267 having a curved shape to correspond to the round outer surface of the cylindrical battery cell 100 .

In addition, since the battery can 120 of the cylindrical battery cell 100 is configured to be erected in the vertical direction, the heat pipe 260 may have a curved portion 267 curved in the horizontal direction (B). can Moreover, the heat pipe 260 may be provided with a plurality of bent portions 267 to contact the outer surfaces of each of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 . For example, as shown in FIG. 3 , the bent portion 267 may be formed such that both side surfaces of each of the two heat pipes 260 come into contact with a portion of the outer surfaces of the 12 cylindrical battery cells 100 .

In other words, when the heat pipe 260 is configured to extend flat without a curved shape, the contact area of the cylindrical battery cell 100 cannot be maximized, so it is difficult to increase the heat dissipation effect.

Therefore, according to this configuration of the present invention, the heat pipe 260 can effectively increase the contact area with the outer surface of the cylindrical battery cell 100 through the bent portion 267 as well as the module housing 210 It has the advantage that it can be arranged by effectively utilizing the narrow space of

Furthermore, the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 may be arranged in a plurality of columns and rows in the receiving portions 212A and 212B of the module housing 210 . In addition, the heat pipe 260 may be disposed between a column and a column or between a row and a row of the cylindrical battery cell 100 . That is, each of both side surfaces of the heat pipe 260 in the horizontal direction B may be formed to face at least a portion of the outer surface of the one or more cylindrical battery cells 100 .

More specifically, the heat pipe 260 may be located on one side or the other side in the horizontal direction of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 arranged in the central column L1 or the central row W2. In other words, the heat pipe 260 may be formed to extend to contact at least a portion of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 arranged in the central column L1 or the central row W2.

For example, as shown in FIG. 5 , each of the two heat pipes 260 may be located at one side and the other side of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 located in the central column L1 . In addition, each of the two heat pipes 260 is in contact with a portion of a plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 located in the central column L1 and a plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 in another row adjacent to the central column L1 . can be extended to

6 is a plan view illustrating some configurations of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 6 together with FIG. 2 , the battery module 200A according to another embodiment of the present invention includes the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 in the receiving portions 212A and 212B of the module housing 210 . An arrangement can be formed and accommodated according to a predetermined arrangement.

At this time, the central portion of the heat pipe 260B in a direction extending along the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 is the highest among the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 when the battery module 200 is charged and discharged. It may be arranged to be in contact with the cylindrical battery cell 100 having a temperature. For example, the central portion of the heat pipe 260B may be configured to contact the cylindrical battery cells 100 located at the center of the arrangement of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 .

In addition, both ends of the heat pipe 260B in the elongated direction may be disposed to contact the cylindrical battery cell 100 having the lowest temperature among the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 . For example, both ends of the heat pipe 260B in the elongated direction may be configured to contact the cylindrical battery cells 100 located outside the arrangement of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 .

More specifically, when the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 are disposed in a plurality of columns and rows in the receiving portions 212A and 212B of the module housing 210 , the plurality of cylindrical battery cells of the heat pipe 260B are disposed. Both ends in the elongated direction along the battery cell 100 may be positioned to face the cylindrical battery cells 100 positioned in the outer rows L2 and L3 of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 .

That is, the cylindrical battery cells 100 located in the outer rows L2 and L3 are closer to the outside as compared to the cylindrical battery cells 100 located in the inner column L1 , so that when the battery module 200 is charged and discharged, it is low. Since it is easy to have a temperature, it is appropriate that both ends of the heat pipe 260B of the present invention be positioned to face the cylindrical battery cells 100 located in the outer rows L2 and L3.

Conversely, a central portion of the heat pipe 260B in a direction extending along the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 is a cylindrical battery cell 100 located in the inner row L1 of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 . may be positioned to face the

Moreover, both ends of the heat pipe 260B in a direction elongated along the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 are cylindrical battery cells located in outer rows W1 and W3 of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 . It may be positioned to face ( 100 ).

That is, the cylindrical battery cells 100 positioned in the outer rows W1 and W3 tend to have a lower temperature during charging and discharging of the battery module 200 compared to the cylindrical battery cells 100 positioned in the inner row W2. Therefore, both ends of the heat pipe 260B of the present invention may be positioned to face the cylindrical battery cells 100 located in the outer rows (W1, W3).

Conversely, the central portion of the heat pipe 260B in a direction extending along the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 is a cylindrical battery cell 100 located in the inner row W2 of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 ). may be positioned to face the

In addition, both ends of the heat pipe 260B in a direction extending along the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 are the outer columns L2 and L3 and the outer rows W1 of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 , It may be positioned to face the cylindrical battery cell 100 located in W3).

That is, the cylindrical battery cells 100 located in the outer columns (L2, L3) and the outer rows (W1, W3) are compared with the cylindrical battery cells 100 located in the inner column (L1) and the inner row (W2). Since it is located outside and tends to have a low temperature during charging and discharging of the battery module 200, both ends of the heat pipe 260B of the present invention are cylindrically located in the outer columns L2 and L3 and the outer rows W1 and W3. It may be positioned to face the battery cell 100 .

Conversely, the central portion of the heat pipe 260B in a direction extending along the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 is located in the inner column L1 and the inner row W2 of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 . It may be positioned to face the cylindrical battery cell 100 .

For example, as shown in FIG. 6 , both ends of the two heat pipes 260B are positioned to face the cylindrical battery cells 100 positioned in the outer columns L2 and L3 and the outer rows W1 and W3. can be Conversely, the central portion of the heat pipe 260B may be positioned to face the cylindrical battery cells 100 positioned in the inner column L1 and the inner row W2.

Therefore, according to this configuration of the present invention, the cylindrical battery cell 100 exhibiting the highest temperature among the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 during charging and discharging of the battery module 200 and the cylindrical battery exhibiting the lowest temperature By setting the positions of the center and both ends of the heat pipe 260B in consideration of the location of the cell 100, the cooling effect of the heat pipe 260B can be increased, and ultimately, a plurality of cylindrical battery cells ( By cooling the cylindrical battery cell 100 in the portion where heat accumulation is high among 100), heat balance in the battery module 200 can be effectively achieved.

7 is a perspective view illustrating an upper case that is a part of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. And, FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a lower case that is a part of the battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

7 and 8 , the module housing 210 may include an upper case 210A and a lower case 210B.

Here, the upper case 210A may include a first accommodating part 212A formed in a hollow structure to surround the outer surface of the upper portion of the cylindrical battery cell 100 .

In addition, the lower case 210B is fastened to the lower portion of the upper case 210A and includes a second accommodating portion 212B formed in a hollow structure to surround the outer surface of the lower portion of the cylindrical battery cell 100 . can be

At this time, the heat pipe 260 is inserted into each of the lower portion of the first accommodating part 212A and the upper part of the second accommodating part 212B so that the heat pipe 260 can be embedded in the module housing 210 . An indentation groove 213 in which a portion is indented to be penetrated may be formed.

Specifically, the lower surface of the first receiving portion 212A formed inside the upper case 210A may be formed with an indentation groove 213A that is depressed in the upper direction relative to the other lower surface portion. In addition, the indentation groove 213A may be formed to extend from one side to the other side of the upper case 210A.

In addition, an indentation groove 213B which is depressed in a lower direction relative to the other upper surface portion may be formed on the upper surface of the second receiving part 212B formed inside the lower case 210B. In addition, the indentation groove 213 may be formed to extend from one side to the other side of the lower case 210B.

Furthermore, the indentation groove 213A of the first accommodating part 212A and the indentation groove 213B of the second accommodating part 212B are coupled to each other so that the heat pipe 260 can be inserted and disposed therein. can be In other words, when the lower case 210B is fastened to the lower portion of the upper case 210A, the indentation groove 213A of the first accommodating part 212A and the indentation groove 213A of the second accommodating part 212B ( 213B) may be coupled to each other.

Referring back to FIGS. 7 and 8 together with FIG. 1 , the module housing 210 has through-holes 215 such that both ends of the heat pipe 260 in the longitudinal direction protrude to the outside of the module housing 210 . can be formed.

Specifically, one end in the longitudinal direction of the heat pipe 260 accommodated in the module housing 210 may be positioned on the outer wall of one side of the module housing 210 to protrude to the outside, and the module housing 210 . The other end in the longitudinal direction of the heat pipe 260 accommodated in the module housing 210 may protrude to the outside on the other outer wall of the module housing 210 .

For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 , a through hole 215 may be formed in one outer wall and the other outer wall of the module housing 210 , and two heat pipes are provided in the through hole 215 . Both ends of the 260 may be inserted to protrude to the outside of the module housing 210 .

Therefore, according to this configuration of the present invention, both ends of the heat pipe 260 are exposed to the outside of the battery module 200, so that both ends of the heat pipe 260 are liquefied by emitting heat to the outside. can Moreover, in the heat pipe 260 , as the temperature difference between the heat storage unit and the heat dissipation unit increases, the internal circulation of the refrigerant 264 may be smoothly performed, and cooling efficiency may be effectively increased.

9 is a perspective view illustrating a heat pipe that is a part of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 9 together with FIG. 4 , heat dissipation fins 268 may be formed on an outer wall 262 of the heat pipe 260C. Specifically, the heat pipe 260C increases the contact area with the outer surface of the cylindrical battery cell 100 or heat dissipation fins 268 to more effectively dissipate heat accumulated inside the battery module 200 to the outside. can be formed.

In addition, heat dissipation fins 268 may be formed on the outer surfaces of both ends of the heat pipe 260C exposed to the outside through the through hole 215 of the module housing 210 .

Specifically, a plate-shaped heat dissipation fin 268 extending in the vertical direction may be formed at one end of the heat pipe 260C exposed to the outside through the through hole 215 of the module housing 210 . In addition, a plate-shaped heat dissipation fin 268 extending in the vertical direction may be formed at the other end of the heat pipe 260C.

However, the shape of the heat dissipation fin 268 is not necessarily limited to such a plate shape, and may be various such as a needle shape and a wave structure.

Therefore, according to this configuration of the present invention, by forming the heat dissipation fins 268 in the heat pipe 260C, the refrigerant 264 in the heat pipe 260C helps circulation, and by effectively dissipating the internal heat to the outside, It is possible to more effectively reduce the temperature deviation of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 .

10 is a perspective view illustrating a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. And, FIG. 11 is a partial front view schematically showing some configurations of the battery module in area C' of FIG. 10 .

10 and 11 , the battery module 200B may further include a tray 270 as compared to the battery module 200A of FIG. 1 .

Here, the tray 270 may be provided with a mounting part 272 configured to mount the module housing 210 on the upper surface. Specifically, the mounting portion 272 may have a plate shape in which upper and lower surfaces are relatively wider than the side surfaces. In addition, in the tray 270 , the mounting part 272 may extend in one direction to mount a plurality of module housings 210 on the upper surface.

In addition, the tray 270 may include a side wall 274 extending upward from the outer periphery of the mounting part 272 along the outer wall 262 of the module housing 210 . Specifically, the side wall 274 may be formed to face the outer wall of the module housing 210 .

In addition, the tray 270 may include a material with high thermal conductivity, for example, the material with high thermal conductivity may be a metal such as copper or aluminum.

More specifically, in the heat pipe 260 , at least a portion of both ends of the heat pipe 260 exposed to the outside through the through hole 215 of the module housing 210 has a sidewall 274 of the tray 270 . ) can be extended to come into contact with For example, as shown in FIG. 11 , one end surface of the heat pipe 260 in a direction extending along the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 is inside the sidewall 274 of the tray 270 . It can come into contact with the side.

Therefore, according to this configuration of the present invention, both ends of the heat pipe 260 are connected to the tray 270 compared to a structure in which both ends of the heat pipe 260 simply come into contact with the outside air to dissipate heat to the outside. ) by being in contact with the sidewall 274 can exhibit a higher cooling efficiency.

Furthermore, the heat pipe 260 is formed at both ends of the heat pipe 260 exposed to the outside through the through hole 215 of the module housing 210 and at both ends of the heat pipe 260C of FIG. 9 . At least a portion of the heat dissipation fins 268 may extend to contact the sidewall 274 of the tray 270 .

Therefore, according to this configuration of the present invention, both ends of the heat pipe 260 and the heat dissipation fin ( When the 268 is in contact with the sidewall 274 of the tray 270, higher cooling efficiency may be exhibited.

Referring back to FIG. 2 , the battery module 200 may include a bus bar 250 , a first current collecting plate 230 , and a second current collecting plate 240 .

Specifically, the bus bar 250 may include a structure in which one surface is electrically connected to the electrode terminals 111 and 112 of at least two cylindrical battery cells 100 among the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 . can

Also, the bus bar 250 may include an electrically conductive material, for example, a nickel material. For example, as shown in FIG. 2 , five bus bars 250 electrically connecting the first electrode terminals 111 of the 30 cylindrical battery cells 100 in parallel in one direction may be configured. . Similarly, five bus bars 250 electrically connecting the second electrode terminals 112 of the 30 cylindrical battery cells 100 in parallel in one direction may be configured.

In addition, the first current collecting plate 230 may include an electrically conductive material, for example, the electrically conductive material may be copper or aluminum.

Furthermore, the first current collecting plate 230 may be mounted on the module housing 210 to be electrically connected to the first electrode terminal 111 of the cylindrical battery cell 100 .

In addition, the first current collecting plate 230, at least a portion of one surface is in contact with the other surface of the bus bar 250 electrically connected to the first electrode terminal 111 of the cylindrical battery cell 100, the cylindrical battery cell 100 ) can be electrically connected to.

In other words, the first current collecting plate 230 may be mounted on the module housing 210 and electrically connected to the first electrode terminal 111 of the cylindrical battery cell 100 . In this case, one surface of the first current collecting plate 230 and the other surface of the bus bar 250 may have a structure in which they are combined by laser welding.

Furthermore, the second current collecting plate 240 may include an electrically conductive material, for example, the electrically conductive material may be copper or aluminum.

In addition, the second current collecting plate 240 may be mounted on the lower portion of the module housing 210 to be electrically connected to the second electrode terminal 112 of the cylindrical battery cell 100 .

Furthermore, the second current collecting plate 240, at least a part of one surface of the cylindrical battery cell 100 is in contact with the other surface of the bus bar 250 electrically connected to the second electrode terminal 112 of the cylindrical battery cell 100. ) can be electrically connected to.

In other words, the second current collecting plate 240 may be mounted under the module housing 210 and electrically connected to the second electrode terminal 112 of the cylindrical battery cell 100 . In this case, one surface of the second current collecting plate 240 and the other surface of the bus bar 250 may be laser-welded and combined.

12 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 12 , the battery module 200C may further include an electrically insulating thermal conductive pad 280 .

Specifically, the heat-conducting pad 280 may be located on the upper surface of the first current collecting plate 230 or the lower surface of the second current collecting plate 240 .

In addition, the heat conduction pad 280 may be positioned to cool a central portion of an outer surface of the second current collecting plate 240 in a left and right direction. That is, the heat-conducting pad 280 may be positioned at the center of the second current collecting plate 240 in the left-right direction.

In addition, the heat-conducting pad 280 may be formed to extend from one side of the second current collecting plate 240 in the horizontal direction to the other side. For example, as shown in FIG. 12 , the heat-conducting pad 280 may be located on the lower surface of the second current collecting plate 240 .

Furthermore, when the tray 270 is positioned on the lower surface of the heat-conducting pad 280 , the cooling effect can be further enhanced compared to the case where the heat-conducting pad 280 is positioned on the upper surface of the first current collecting plate 230 .

Accordingly, according to this configuration of the present invention, the heat-conducting pad 280 is located on the upper surface of the first current collecting plate 230 or the lower surface of the second current collecting plate 240 , and thus the center of the battery module 200C. It is possible to effectively dissipate heat generated at the contact portion between the electrode terminals 111 and 112 and the bus bar 250 of the cylindrical battery cell 100 arranged in the .

In addition, the battery module 200 includes an electrically insulating thermal conductive pad between the first current collecting plate 230 and the heat pipe 260 or between the second current collecting plate 240 and the heat pipe 260 . A heat pipe 290 positioned on the other surface of the heat-conducting pad 280 may be further included such that the 280 is interposed therebetween. For example, as shown in FIG. 12 , the battery module 200C of the present invention may further include a heat pipe 290 positioned on the lower surface of the heat conduction pad 280 .

Therefore, according to this configuration of the present invention, the battery module 200C is located in the center of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 by configuring the heat pipe 260 to be in contact with one surface of the heat-conducting pad 280 . The cooling effect of the positioned cylindrical battery cell 100 can be enhanced.

Furthermore, since the heat pipe 290 located on the lower surface of the heat conduction pad 280 may come into contact with the tray 270 located under the module housing 210 again, the heat pipe 290 is disposed on the upper surface of the first current collecting plate 230 . Compared with the case where the 260 is located, the cooling effect may be further increased.

13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a cross-sectional view of a heat pipe that is a part of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 13 , an outer wall of a heat pipe 260C according to another exemplary embodiment may include a polymer layer 263 . Specifically, the polymer layer 263 may be configured to be dissolved and lost when the battery rises above a predetermined temperature.

In addition, the filler 265 is not formed on the inner surface of the outer wall 262 at least in part D' so that the refrigerant 264 of the heat pipe 260C can be in direct contact with the outer wall 262. A site may be formed.

That is, when the battery module 200 operates abnormally and the internal temperature of the battery module 200 exceeds the normal range and overheats, the polymer layer 263 that is the outer wall 262 of the heat pipe 260C. As this is dissolved and lost, the refrigerant 264 built in the heat pipe 260 may flow out of the outer wall 262 .

In addition, the refrigerant 264 discharged in this way can directly contact the outer surfaces of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 to cool the cylindrical battery cells 100 in a faster time. Accordingly, it is possible to effectively prevent fire or explosion due to overheating of the battery module 200 .

14 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 14 together with FIGS. 1 and 2 , the battery pack 1000 may include at least one or more of the battery modules 200 . In addition, one battery module 200 may be electrically connected to the adjacent front battery module 202 and the rear battery module 201 . For example, the plurality of battery modules 200 , 201 , 202 , and 203 of the battery pack 1000 may be electrically connected in series to each other through the contact between the first current collecting plate 230 and the second current collecting plate 240 . can

Specifically, the first current collecting plate 230 of the battery module 200 is configured to be in contact with the upper surface of the bus bar 250 that is connected to the first electrode terminal 111 of the cylindrical battery cell 100 in contact. can

In addition, a connection part 231 that protrudes forward and extends so as to be in contact with at least a portion of the second current collecting plate 240 may be formed on one side of the first current collecting plate 230 .

Furthermore, the second current collecting plate 240 may be formed to contact the lower surface of the bus bar 250 connected to the second electrode terminal 112 of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 .

Furthermore, the second current collecting plate 240 may have a structure 242 that is vertically bent and extended in an upward direction from one side of the plate in contact with the lower surface of the bus bar 250 .

In addition, the second current collecting plate 240 is horizontally bent backward from the upper end of the vertically bent and extended structure 242 so as to be electrically connected to the connection portion 231 of the first current collecting plate 230 ( 244) may have.

Referring back to FIG. 14 along with FIGS. 1, 7 and 8 , on the outer wall of the module housing 210 , a coupling protrusion 217 and a guide groove for guiding the arrangement position of another battery module 200 . 218 may be formed.

Specifically, a plurality of coupling protrusions 217 may be formed on one outer wall of the module housing 210, and a coupling protrusion formed on the other battery module 201 on the other outer wall 262 of the module housing 210 ( A plurality of guide grooves 218 may be formed so that the 217 may be inserted thereinto.

Furthermore, an external input/output terminal 291 may be formed in the battery module 200 located in the front of the plurality of battery modules 200 , 201 , 202 , 203 of the battery pack 1000 .

Therefore, according to this configuration of the present invention, the coupling protrusion 217 of the module housing 210 of the present invention can be inserted into the guide groove 218 of another battery module to guide the arrangement of a plurality of battery modules, A plurality of battery modules can be easily arranged and fixed so that they are not easily separated from each other.

15 is a diagram illustrating a result of estimating a thermal balance using a thermal analysis of a simulation program for a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention and a battery pack according to comparative examples.

The inventors of the present invention prepared battery modules according to Comparative Example 1, Example, and Comparative Example 2 below.

Specifically, the battery module according to Comparative Example 1 includes the remaining components except for the heat pipe configuration among the configurations of the battery module of the present invention.

In addition, the battery module according to the embodiment has the same configuration as the battery module shown in FIG. 6 . That is, as compared to Comparative Example 1, the battery module further includes two heat pipes extending in a diagonal direction from two centers.

And, the battery module according to Comparative Example 2 is a battery module having four heat pipes extending in the horizontal direction. That is, the battery module of Comparative Example 2 has the same configuration as the battery module shown in FIG. 6 except for the heat pipe configuration.

And, the inventor of the present invention estimated the heat balance of the battery modules of Example, Comparative Example 1, and Comparative Example 2 using thermal analysis of a simulation program. At this time, the simulation program used was FloEFD (Mentor Graphics, Inc.), the set environmental temperature was 25℃, and after discharging each battery module at a current of 1C for 3600 seconds (discharging at 3.1A for each battery cell), The temperature of the cylindrical battery cells was analyzed and estimated. And, the analysis result was shown in the chart of FIG.

As a result of the estimation, as shown in the diagram of FIG. 15 , the thermal deviation between the built-in cylindrical battery cells of the battery module of the embodiment is 1.9°C. That is, the battery module of the embodiment had the smallest temperature deviation compared to the battery modules of Comparative Example 1 (3.7°C) without a heat pipe and Comparative Example 2 (2.0°C) with four heat pipes. . In particular, the battery module of Comparative Example 2, despite using four heat pipes, had a greater temperature deviation than the battery module of the Example using two heat pipes.

This is, in the battery module of the embodiment, the position of the center and both ends of the heat pipe in consideration of the positions of the cylindrical battery cell exhibiting the highest temperature and the cylindrical battery cell exhibiting the lowest temperature among the plurality of cylindrical battery cells during charging and discharging. It is to prove that the cooling effect of the heat pipe can be effectively increased by setting In other words, the battery module of the present invention can ultimately achieve proper thermal balance of the battery cells in the battery module by effectively cooling the cylindrical battery cell in the central portion of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells, which has a large amount of heat accumulation. can increase lifespan.

Meanwhile, although terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are used in this specification, these terms are only for convenience of explanation, and may vary depending on the location of the object or the position of the observer. It is apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may

As described above, although the present invention has been described with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the technical idea of the present invention and the following by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. Of course, various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of equivalents of the claims to be described.

1000: battery pack 100: cylindrical battery cell
200: battery module 111: first electrode terminal
260: heat pipe 112: second electrode terminal
262: outer wall 230: first current collecting plate
264: refrigerant 240: second current collecting plate
265: filling material 250: bus bar
267: bent portion 270: tray
268: heat dissipation fin 272: mounting portion
210: module housing 274: side wall
210A: upper case 280: thermal pad
210B: lower case 263: polymer layer
212A: first receiving unit
212B: second receiving unit
213: indentation home
215: through hole

Claims (13)

a cylindrical battery cell in which the battery can is vertically erected, electrode terminals are formed on the top and bottom, respectively, the side of the battery can is covered with an electrically insulating member, and a plurality of cylindrical battery cells are arranged in a horizontal direction;
a module housing having an accommodating part therein to accommodate the plurality of cylindrical battery cells; and
An outer wall is provided to form a closed tube structure, a refrigerant is embedded in the tube structure, a filler positioned to surround the inner wall of the tube structure and a plurality of micropores are formed, the plurality of cylindrical battery cells It includes a heat pipe extending long in the horizontal direction along the
Each of both surfaces in the horizontal direction of the heat pipe extends to face at least a portion of the outer surface of the one or more cylindrical battery cells,
The plurality of cylindrical battery cells are arranged in a plurality of columns and rows,
Both ends of the heat pipe in a direction elongated along the plurality of cylindrical battery cells are positioned to face the cylindrical battery cells located in an outer column, or an outer row, or an outer column and an outer row of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells, and , The central portion of the heat pipe extending in a direction elongated along the plurality of cylindrical battery cells is positioned to face the cylindrical battery cells located in an inner column, or an inner row, or an inner column and an inner row of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells. A battery module, characterized in that. According to claim 1,
The heat pipe is a battery module, characterized in that both surfaces are formed with a curved portion curved in the horizontal direction so that both sides are in close contact with at least a portion of the outer surface of the cylindrical battery cell. delete According to claim 1,
The plurality of cylindrical battery cells are arranged in a plurality of columns and rows,
The heat pipe is a battery module, characterized in that it is located on one side or the other side in the horizontal direction of a plurality of cylindrical battery cells arranged in a central column or a central row. delete According to claim 1,
The module housing,
an upper case having a first accommodating part formed in a hollow structure to surround the outer surface of the upper part of the cylindrical battery cell; and
It is fastened to the lower portion of the upper case, and includes a lower case provided with a second accommodating portion formed in a hollow structure to surround the outer surface of the lower portion of the cylindrical battery cell,
The battery module, characterized in that each of the lower portion of the first accommodating portion and the upper portion of the second accommodating portion is formed with a recessed groove partially recessed therein so that the heat pipe can be inserted therethrough. 7. The method of claim 6,
The battery module, characterized in that the through-holes are formed in the module housing so that both ends of the heat pipe in the longitudinal direction protrude to the outside of the module housing. 8. The method of claim 7,
The battery module, characterized in that heat radiation fins are formed on the outer surfaces of both ends of the heat pipe exposed to the outside through the through hole of the module housing. 9. The method of claim 8,
The battery module further includes a tray provided with a mounting unit configured to mount the module housing on an upper surface, and a side wall extending upward along the outer wall of the module housing from the outer periphery of the mounting unit,
Both ends of the heat pipe, or both ends of the heat pipe and at least a portion of the heat dissipation fins are configured to contact a sidewall of the tray. According to claim 1,
The electrode terminal of the cylindrical battery cell includes a first electrode terminal formed at the upper end of the battery can and a second electrode terminal formed at the lower end,
The battery module is
a first current collecting plate mounted on the module housing and electrically connected to the first electrode terminal of the cylindrical battery cell;
a second current collecting plate mounted on a lower portion of the module housing to be electrically connected to a second electrode terminal of the cylindrical battery cell; and
Further comprising an electrically insulating thermal conductive pad located on the lower surface of the second current collecting plate,
The heat pipe is located on a lower surface of the heat conductive pad such that an electrically insulating heat conductive pad is interposed between the second current collecting plate and the heat pipe. a cylindrical battery cell in which the battery can is vertically erected, electrode terminals are formed on the top and bottom, respectively, the side of the battery can is covered with an electrically insulating member, and a plurality of cylindrical battery cells are arranged in a horizontal direction;
a module housing having an accommodating part therein to accommodate the plurality of cylindrical battery cells; and
An outer wall is provided to form a closed tube structure, a refrigerant is embedded in the tube structure, a filler positioned to surround the inner wall of the tube structure and a plurality of micropores are formed, the plurality of cylindrical battery cells It includes a heat pipe extending long in the horizontal direction along the
The outer wall of the heat pipe includes a polymer layer, wherein the polymer layer is configured to be dissolved and lost when the battery rises above a predetermined temperature,
Each of both surfaces in the horizontal direction of the heat pipe extends to face at least a portion of the outer surface of the one or more cylindrical battery cells,
The plurality of cylindrical battery cells are arranged in a plurality of columns and rows,
Both ends of the heat pipe in a direction elongated along the plurality of cylindrical battery cells are positioned to face the cylindrical battery cells located in an outer column, or an outer row, or an outer column and an outer row of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells, and , The central portion of the heat pipe extending in a direction elongated along the plurality of cylindrical battery cells is positioned to face the cylindrical battery cells located in an inner column, or an inner row, or an inner column and an inner row of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells. A battery module, characterized in that. A battery pack comprising at least one battery module according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4, and 6 to 10 arranged in one direction. A device comprising a battery pack according to claim 12 .

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