Title of the Invention: A battery module having a plurality of cylindrical battery cells, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle
technical field
[One]
The present invention relates to a battery module having a plurality of cylindrical battery cells, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle, and more particularly, to a battery module with increased energy density and cooling efficiency, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle .
[2]
This application is a priority claim application for Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0095074 filed on August 05, 2019, and all contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the application are incorporated herein by reference.
background
[3]
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.
[4]
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.
[5]
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.
[6]
For one example, the battery module of the prior art is configured by accommodating a plurality of cylindrical battery cells in the module housing. In this case, in general, the plurality of cylindrical battery cells were arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval. Accordingly, the separation space (dead space) between the plurality of cylindrical battery cells becomes a limiting factor in increasing the energy density of the battery module. In addition, as the energy capacity of the battery module increases, there is a problem in that the space utilization rate due to the separation space decreases.
[7]
Moreover, the space between the plurality of cylindrical battery cells is filled with air, and the air exerts an insulating effect, so that heat cannot easily escape to the outside in the central portion of the arrangement of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells. Accordingly, thermal imbalance may occur between the plurality of cylindrical battery cells, and deterioration of some battery cells may be accelerated, resulting in a problem such as shortening the lifespan of the battery module.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
technical challenge
[8]
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a battery module having improved energy density and cooling efficiency, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle, as devised to solve the above problems.
[9]
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. Further, 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.
means of solving the problem
[10]
The battery module according to the present invention for achieving the above object,
[11]
a plurality of cylindrical battery cells electrically connected to each other and arranged in a horizontal direction;
[12]
an upper frame mounted on the plurality of cylindrical battery cells; and
[13]
Including a lower frame mounted on the lower portion of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells,
[14]
It is formed on any one of the upper frame and the lower frame and includes a pressing part for elastically pressing the plurality of cylindrical battery cells in a horizontal inward direction so that the plurality of cylindrical battery cells are dense with each other.
[15]
Moreover, the pressing unit, located on the outer periphery of each of the upper frame and the lower frame and provided with a pressing protrusion protruding in the horizontal inward direction to press the cylindrical battery cell located in the outermost horizontal direction among the plurality of cylindrical battery cells. can
[16]
And, at least one of the upper frame and the lower frame supports one side of each of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells in a horizontal direction such that each of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells is arranged and is disposed between the plurality of cylindrical battery cells, A plurality of fixing protrusions each having a triangular prism shape may be provided on the inner surface.
[17]
Furthermore, between the plurality of fixing protrusions may be opened so that any one of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells is in contact with another adjacent cylindrical battery cell.
[18]
In addition, each of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells includes a battery can for accommodating an electrolyte and an electrode assembly, and a top cap mounted on an upper end of the battery can, and the upper frame has an upper portion of the battery can of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells and the The top cap may be opened to be exposed to the outside, and at least one connection port may be provided.
[19]
Moreover, the lower frame is provided with a plurality of openings open so that the lower surface of the battery can of each of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells can be exposed to the outside,
[20]
A thermally conductive material configured to at least partially cover the lower surface of the battery can of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells may be added to the opening of the lower frame.
[21]
An electrically conductive adhesive may be provided between the fixing projections of the upper frame and the fixing projections of the lower frame so that the plurality of cylindrical battery cells are electrically connected to each other.
[22]
In addition, the plurality of cylindrical battery cells may further include a heat-shrinkable film or insulating sheet for pressing the outer surface of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells in the inner direction of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells to be in close contact with each other.
[23]
Furthermore, an elastic sheet configured to press the outer surface of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells to the inside of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells may be added to the inner surface of the insulating sheet facing the plurality of cylindrical battery cells.
[24]
And, the battery pack according to the present invention for achieving the above object includes at least one or more of the battery module.
[25]
Furthermore, the vehicle according to the present invention for achieving the above object includes the battery pack according to the present invention.
Effects of the Invention
[26]
According to one aspect of the present invention, the battery module of the present invention is provided with a pressing unit configured to elastically press the plurality of cylindrical battery cells on each of the upper frame and the lower frame, thereby minimizing the space between the plurality of cylindrical battery cells. , since a larger number of cylindrical battery cells can be accommodated in the same space, the energy density of the battery module can be effectively increased.
[27]
Moreover, according to this aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a pressing protrusion protruding in the horizontal inward direction to press the cylindrical battery cell located at the outermost side in the horizontal direction among the plurality of cylindrical battery cells on the outer periphery of the upper frame and the lower frame. By providing, it is possible to not only fix the arrangement state of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells by the upper frame, but also exert an appropriate pressing force so that the plurality of cylindrical battery cells are densely packed with each other in the horizontal inward direction.
[28]
And, according to another aspect of the present invention, when a thermally conductive material configured to at least partially cover the lower surface of each of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells is added to the opening of the lower frame, heat is generated during use of the battery module. Since heat can be transferred to the outside through a heat conduction method by direct contact with the lower surface of the cylindrical battery cell, the cooling efficiency of the battery module can be increased.
[29]
In addition, according to this aspect of the present invention, by adding an electrically conductive adhesive so that the plurality of cylindrical battery cells are electrically connected to each other between the fixing projections of the upper frame and the fixing projections of the lower frame, the plurality of cylindrical battery cells dense with each other are more It can be supplemented so that they can be completely electrically connected to each other.
[30]
Furthermore, while the adhesive fills a predetermined space formed between the fixing projections of the upper frame and the fixing projections of the lower frame, the problem of lowering the cooling efficiency of the battery module due to the insulation effect of air in the empty space between the plurality of cylindrical battery cells can be solved
Brief description of the drawing
[31]
The following drawings attached to this 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 a matter described in those drawings should not be construed as being limited only to
[32]
1 is a perspective view schematically showing a state of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[33]
2 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating a state in which components of a battery module are separated according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[34]
3 is a vertical cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a cylindrical battery cell cut in a vertical direction of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[35]
4 is a bottom view schematically showing a state of some configuration of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[36]
5 is a plan view schematically showing a state of some configuration of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[37]
6 is a bottom perspective view schematically illustrating a state of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[38]
7 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating some configurations of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[39]
8 and 9 are perspective views schematically illustrating a state in which a heat-shrinkable film, which is a part of a battery module, is added to surround a plurality of cylindrical battery cells according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[40]
10 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a state of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[41]
11 is a partially enlarged view schematically showing an enlarged state of the region B in FIG. 10 .
[42]
12 is a partial perspective view schematically illustrating a state of an insulating sheet of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[43]
13 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a state of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Modes for carrying out the invention
[44]
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.
[45]
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.
[46]
1 is a perspective view schematically showing a state of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating a state in which components of a battery module are separated according to an embodiment of the present invention. And, FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view schematically showing a cylindrical battery cell cut in the vertical direction of the battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[47]
1, 2, and 3 , the battery module 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 , an upper frame 210 , and a lower frame 220 . can do.
[48]
Specifically, the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 may be electrically connected to each other and arranged in a horizontal direction. Here, the horizontal direction may mean a direction parallel to the ground when the cylindrical battery cell 100 is placed on the ground, and may also be referred to as at least one direction on a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction.
[49]
In addition, the cylindrical battery cell 100 accommodates the jelly-roll type electrode assembly 110 , the center pin 150 inserted in the center of the electrode assembly 110 , the electrode assembly 110 , and the center pin 150 . a battery can 120 , a cap assembly 130 coupled to the upper opening of the battery can 120 to seal the battery can 120 , and a gasket interposed between the battery can 120 and the cap assembly (160). A jelly-roll type electrode assembly 110 and an electrolyte (not shown) are accommodated in the battery can 120 .
[50]
In this case, a beading part 140 provided on the upper end of the battery can 120 to mount the cap assembly 130 and a crimping part 141 for sealing the inside of the battery can 120 are provided.
[51]
The jelly-roll type electrode assembly 110 has a structure wound in a jelly-roll shape with a separator 113 interposed between the positive electrode 111 and the negative electrode 112, and the positive electrode 111 has a positive electrode tab ( 111a) is attached and is typically connected to the cap assembly 130 , and a negative electrode tab 112a is attached to the negative electrode 112 and connected to the lower end of the battery can 120 .
[52]
In addition, the cap assembly 130 seals the open end of the battery can 120, the top cap 170 forming the positive terminal 191a, the resistance increases when the temperature inside the battery rises to block the current, , a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) device 180 disposed so as to be in contact with the top cap 170, blocks the current and exhausts gas when the pressure inside the battery rises, and one side is in contact with the PTC device 180 and the other side A safety vent 190 electrically connected to the electrode assembly 110 is provided so that a part of it is placed in contact with the gasket 160 . Here, a current blocking device 172 to which the positive electrode tab 111a is connected may be further provided. The cap assembly 130 is coupled to the open end of the upper end of the battery can 120 , and is mounted on the beading portion 140 of the battery can 120 .
[53]
Here, the top cap 170 may serve, for example, as a positive electrode terminal 191a. In addition, the battery can 120 may serve as a negative terminal 191b. In this case, the battery can 120 and the top cap 170 may include an aluminum alloy.
[54]
In addition, the battery module 200 may include a connection member (not shown) configured to electrically connect the electrode terminals 191 of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 in parallel or in series. The connecting member may be, for example, a connecting wire. The connection wire may be configured to be connected to the positive terminal 191a and/or the negative terminal 191b of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 . The connection wire may be, for example, an alloy including nickel, copper, aluminum, or the like. However, the connecting member is not necessarily limited to the form of the connecting wire, and various shapes of metal plates may be applied.
[55]
4 is a bottom view schematically showing a state of some configuration of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[56]
Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5 together with FIGS. 1 and 2 , the upper frame 210 may be mounted on the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 . Here, the upper frame 210 may be provided with an electrically insulating material. For example, the electrically insulating material may be plastic having predetermined elasticity and electric insulating properties. The plastic may preferably be polyvinyl chloride.
[57]
In addition, the upper frame 210 may have a plate shape elongated in the horizontal direction as a whole. In addition, the upper frame 210 may have a size corresponding to the entire upper portion of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 .
[58]
The lower frame 220 may be mounted under the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 . Here, the lower frame 220 may be provided with an electrically insulating material. For example, the electrically insulating material may be plastic having predetermined elasticity and electric insulating properties. The plastic may preferably be polyvinyl chloride.
[59]
In addition, the lower frame 220 may have a plate shape elongated in the horizontal direction as a whole. In addition, the lower frame 220 may have a size corresponding to the entire lower portion of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 .
[60]
Furthermore, a pressing part 211 may be provided on any one of the upper frame 210 and the lower frame 220 . The pressing unit 211 may be configured to elastically press the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 in a horizontal inward direction so that the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 are dense with each other. Here, the 'horizontal inward direction' may refer to a direction toward the center of the horizontal direction among the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 .
[61]
For example, as shown in FIG. 2 , in each of the upper frame 210 and the lower frame 220 , the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 are closely aligned with each other in the horizontal inward direction (D). A pressing part 211 for elastically pressing the cylindrical battery cell 100 may be provided.
[62]
Therefore, according to this configuration of the present invention, by providing a pressing unit 211 configured to elastically press the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 to each of the upper frame 210 and the lower frame 220 , a plurality of It is possible to minimize the space between the cylindrical battery cells 100, so that a larger number of cylindrical battery cells 100 can be accommodated in the same space, so that the energy density of the battery module 200 can be effectively increased.
[63]
Furthermore, by configuring so that there is no gap between the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 by the pressing unit 211 , a thermal insulation effect is generated in the space between the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 due to air It is possible to prevent the temperature deviation between the cylindrical battery cell 100 located in the center of the cylindrical battery cell 100 and the cylindrical battery cell 100 located in the outer shell from deepening. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of premature deterioration of some cylindrical battery cells, thereby increasing the service life of the battery module.
[64]
And, when the battery can 120 of the cylindrical battery cell 100 serves as the negative terminal 191b, the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 are in close contact with each other by the pressing part 211, can be connected. Accordingly, parallel connection may be made electrically between the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 . Accordingly, a separate bus bar configuration for electrically connecting the negative terminals 191b of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 to each other can be omitted, thereby reducing the weight and manufacturing cost of the battery module 200 . there is an advantage
[65]
Referring back to FIG. 4 , the upper frame 210 may include a pressing protrusion 211p1 positioned on the outer periphery in the horizontal direction. The pressing protrusion 211p1 may be configured to press the cylindrical battery cell 100 located at the outermost side in the horizontal direction among the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 . More specifically, the pressing protrusion 211p1 may have a horizontally inwardly protruding structure.
[66]
For example, as shown in FIG. 4 , 17 pressing protrusions 211p1 may be provided on the outer periphery of the upper frame 210 . Each of the 17 pressing protrusions 211p1 may be configured to press the cylindrical battery cell 100 disposed at the outermost side in the horizontal direction in the horizontal inward direction (D of FIG. 2 ) among the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 . there is. The pressing protrusion 211p1 may protrude in a horizontal inward direction (D) to press the upper end of one cylindrical battery cell 100, and an inner surface in the horizontal direction may have a curved shape.
[67]
Therefore, according to this configuration of the present invention, horizontally inward to press the cylindrical battery cell 100 located at the outermost side in the horizontal direction among the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 on the outer periphery of the upper frame 210 . By having the protruding pressing protrusion 211p1, the arrangement state of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 can be fixed by the upper frame 210, and the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 are horizontally inside. It is possible to exert an appropriate pressing force so as to be densely packed with each other in the direction.
[68]
Referring back to FIG. 5 , the lower frame 220 may include a pressing protrusion 211p2 positioned on the outer periphery in the horizontal direction. The pressing protrusion 211p2 may be configured to press the cylindrical battery cell 100 located at the outermost side in the horizontal direction among the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 . More specifically, the pressing protrusion 211p2 may have a horizontally inwardly protruding structure.
[69]
For example, as shown in FIG. 5 , 17 pressing protrusions 211p2 may be provided on the outer periphery of the lower frame 220 . Each of the 17 pressing protrusions 211p2 may be configured to press the cylindrical battery cell 100 disposed on the outermost side of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 in a horizontal inward direction. The pressing protrusion 211p2 may protrude in a horizontal inward direction to press the lower end of one cylindrical battery cell 100 , and an inner surface in the horizontal direction may have a curved shape.
[70]
Therefore, according to this configuration of the present invention, the pressing part 211 is located on the outer periphery of the lower frame 220 and the cylindrical battery cell ( By providing the pressing protrusion 211p2 protruding in the horizontal inward direction to press the 100), it is possible to fix the arrangement state of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 positioned between the lower frame 220 as well as the plurality of of the cylindrical battery cells 100 may exert an appropriate pressing force so that they are closely packed with each other in the horizontal inward direction.
[71]
Referring back to FIG. 4 , the upper frame 210 includes a plurality of fixing protrusions supporting one side of each of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 in a horizontal direction such that each of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 is arranged. (213p) may be provided.
[72]
In addition, the fixing protrusions 213p are disposed between the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 and may each have a triangular pole shape. The triangular prism shape may have a curved surface in which a side surface in a horizontal direction is curved in an inward direction so that the fixing protrusion 213p can be in close contact with the outer surface of the cylindrical battery cell 100 . Furthermore, the plurality of fixing protrusions 213p may be provided on the inner surface of the upper frame 210 facing the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 .
[73]
For example, as shown in FIG. 4 , the plurality of fixing protrusions 213p provided on the upper frame 210 may be positioned between the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 . Some of the plurality of fixing protrusions 213p may be positioned between the three cylindrical battery cells 100 .
[74]
In addition, between the plurality of fixing protrusions 213p may be opened so that any one of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 is in contact with another adjacent cylindrical battery cell 100 . That is, the plurality of fixing protrusions 213p may be formed to be spaced apart from each other so as to be in contact with one cylindrical battery cell 100 and another adjacent cylindrical battery cell 100 .
[75]
For example, as shown in FIG. 4 , the 32 fixing protrusions 213p of the upper frame 210 have any one of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 adjacent to each other with the other cylindrical battery cells 100 . They may be spaced apart by a predetermined distance so as to be in contact. Between the two fixing protrusions 213p adjacent to each other, one cylindrical battery cell 100 and another cylindrical battery cell 100 adjacent to each other are spaced apart so as to be in contact with each other and may have an open shape.
[76]
Referring back to FIG. 5 , the lower frame 220 includes a plurality of fixing protrusions supporting one side of each of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 in a horizontal direction such that each of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 is arranged. (223p) may be provided.
[77]
In addition, the fixing protrusions 223p are disposed between the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 and may each have a triangular pole shape. The triangular prism shape may have a curved surface in which a side surface in a horizontal direction is curved in an inward direction so that the fixing protrusion 223p can be in close contact with the outer surface of the cylindrical battery cell 100 . Furthermore, the plurality of fixing protrusions 223p may be provided on the inner surface of the lower frame 220 facing the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 .
[78]
For example, as shown in FIG. 5 , the plurality of fixing protrusions 223p provided on the lower frame 220 may be positioned between the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 . Some of the plurality of fixing protrusions 223p may be positioned between the three cylindrical battery cells 100 .
[79]
In addition, between the plurality of fixing protrusions 223p may be opened so that any one of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 comes into contact with another adjacent cylindrical battery cell 100 . That is, the plurality of fixing protrusions 223p may be formed to be spaced apart so that one cylindrical battery cell 100 and another cylindrical battery cell 100 adjacent to each other can contact each other.
[80]
For example, as shown in FIG. 5 , the 32 fixing protrusions 223p of the lower frame 220 have one of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 adjacent to each other and the other cylindrical battery cells 100 . They may be spaced apart by a predetermined distance so as to be in contact. Between the two fixing protrusions 223p adjacent to each other, one cylindrical battery cell 100 and another adjacent cylindrical battery cell 100 may be spaced apart so as to be in contact with each other and have an open shape.
[81]
Therefore, according to this configuration of the present invention, any one of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 between the plurality of fixing protrusions 223p provided on each of the upper frame 210 and the lower frame 220 . By opening the adjacent other cylindrical battery cells 100 to come into contact with each other, the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 are arranged by the fixing protrusions 213p formed on the upper frame 210 and the lower frame 220 and at the same time. , may be in contact with each other, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process of the battery module 200 .
[82]
Referring back to FIG. 2 , the upper frame 210 has an upper end of the battery can 120 of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 and the top cap 170 open to be exposed to the outside, and at least one or more A connector T1 may be provided. For example, as shown in FIG. 2 , when viewed in the F direction of FIG. 1 , the upper frame 210 may include three connecting ports T1 elongated in the front and rear directions.
[83]
Therefore, according to this configuration of the present invention, the upper frame 210 is opened so that the upper portion and the top cap 170 of the battery can 120 of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 can be exposed to the outside, and When at least one connection port T1 is provided, the upper portion of the battery can 120 serving as the negative terminal 191b and the top cap 170 serving as the positive terminal 191a may be exposed to the outside. Therefore, there is an advantage that can be easily connected to both the positive terminal 191a and the negative terminal 191b of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 from the upper portion through a separate connecting member.
[84]
6 is a bottom perspective view schematically illustrating a state of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[85]
Referring to FIG. 6 together with FIG. 2 , the lower frame 220 has a plurality of openings T2 opened so that the lower surface of the battery can 120 of each of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 can be exposed to the outside. ) may be provided. For example, as shown in FIG. 2 , the lower frame 220 may be provided with 24 openings ( FIG. 2 , T2 ) configured to expose the lower surface of each of the 24 cylindrical battery cells 100 to the outside. there is.
[86]
Furthermore, a thermally conductive material 230 configured to at least partially cover the lower surface of the battery can 120 of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 may be added to the opening T2 of the lower frame 220 . Here, further, the thermally conductive material 230 may include a high thermally conductive material. In addition, the thermally conductive material 230 may include an electrically insulating material. For example, the thermally conductive material 230 may be in the form of a high thermal conductivity polymer resin or silicone-based resin solidified. More specifically, the polymer resin may be a polysiloxane resin, a polyamide resin, a urethane resin, or an epoxy resin.
[87]
For example, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 6 , at least a portion of the lower surface of the battery can 120 of the 24 cylindrical battery cells 100 in each of the 24 openings T2 of the lower frame 220 . A thermally conductive material 230 configured to cover may be added.
[88]
Therefore, according to this configuration of the present invention, the thermally conductive material configured to at least partially cover the lower surface of the battery can 120 of each of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 in the opening T2 of the lower frame 220 . When 230 is added, since heat can be transferred to the outside in a heat conduction manner by direct contact with the lower surface of the cylindrical battery cell 100 , which generates heat during use of the battery module 200 , the cooling efficiency of the battery module 200 . can increase
[89]
7 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating some configurations of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. Here, the battery module according to another embodiment shown in FIG. 7 is the same as the battery module shown in FIG. 2 , except that an adhesive 240 is further added.
[90]
Referring to FIG. 7 together with FIG. 2 , between the fixing protrusions 213p of the upper frame 210 and the fixing protrusions 213p of the lower frame 220, the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 are electrically connected to each other. An electrically conductive adhesive 240 may be provided to be connected. The electrically conductive adhesive 240 may be in a form in which an electrically conductive filler is mixed with a resin such as acrylic, polyester, polyurethane, or rubber. For example, the filler may be a carbon nanotube or a metal.
[91]
For example, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 7 , a predetermined space may be formed between the fixing protrusion 213p of the upper frame 210 and the fixing protrusion 223p of the lower frame 220 . In addition, the electrically conductive adhesive 240 may be added to the space so that the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 are electrically connected to each other.
[92]
Therefore, according to this configuration of the present invention, the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 between the fixing protrusion 213p of the upper frame 210 and the fixing protrusion 223p of the lower frame 220 are electrically connected to each other. By adding the electrically conductive adhesive 240 to be connected, it can be supplemented so that a plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 densely connected to each other can be more completely electrically connected to each other. Moreover, while the adhesive 240 fills a predetermined space formed between the fixing protrusion 213p of the upper frame 210 and the fixing protrusion 223p of the lower frame 220, a plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 It is possible to solve the problem of lowering the cooling efficiency of the battery module 200 due to the insulation effect of the air in the empty space therebetween.
[93]
8 and 9 are perspective views schematically illustrating a state in which a heat-shrinkable film, which is a part of a battery module, is added to surround a plurality of cylindrical battery cells according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[94]
8 and 9 , the battery module 200A according to another embodiment of FIG. 9 may further include a heat-shrinkable film 250 as compared to the battery module 200A of FIG. 1 . Other than that, the configurations of the battery module 200A of FIG. 9 may be the same as those of the battery module 200 of FIG. 1 . Therefore, since some of the components included in the battery module 200A of FIG. 9 have already been described in the description of the configuration of the battery module 200 of FIG. 1 , a description thereof will be omitted.
[95]
Specifically, the heat-shrinkable film 250 may have a heat-shrinkable shape. To this end, the heat-shrinkable film 250 may include a heat-shrinkable material whose volume is reduced at a specific temperature. For example, the heat-shrinkable film may be prepared using a polyester-based resin, a polyolefin-based resin, or a polyphenylene sulfide-based resin. More specifically, the heat-shrinkable film 250 includes at least one of polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyolefin, nylon, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT). can do.
[96]
In addition, the heat-shrinkable film 250 presses the outer surfaces of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 in the inner direction of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 so that the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 are in close contact with each other. can For example, in FIG. 8, the heat-shrinkable film 250a before heat-shrinking is shown. The heat-shrinkable film 250a may have a strip shape in which both ends of the extended longitudinal direction are connected. 24 cylindrical battery cells 100 may be positioned inside the band-shaped heat-shrinkable film 250a.
[97]
Thereafter, by using a heater that discharges heated air of a predetermined temperature, the heat shrinkable film 250a is contracted, as in the battery module 200A shown in FIG. 9 , the heat shrinkable film 250 is formed of 24 cylindrical battery cells. The outer surface of ( 100 ) may be pressed in the inner direction of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells ( 100 ).
[98]
In addition, the heat-shrinkable film 250 may be configured to cover a portion of the upper frame 210 and a portion of the lower frame 220 . Accordingly, the heat-shrinkable film 250 may bind the upper frame 210 , the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 , and the lower frame 220 to each other.
[99]
Therefore, according to this configuration of the present invention, the battery module 200A according to another embodiment presses the outer surfaces of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 in the inner direction of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 and By further providing a heat-shrinkable film 250, the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 can be effectively clustered (closed). In addition, the heat-shrinkable film 250 may serve as a module housing for fixing the arrangement of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 and protecting the internal configuration from external impact.
[100]
10 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a state of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. And Fig. 11 is a partial enlarged view schematically showing an enlarged state of the region B in Fig. 10 .
[101]
10 and 11 , the battery module 200B of FIG. 10 may further include an electrically insulating insulating sheet 260 as compared to the battery module 200 of FIG. 1 . Other than that, the configurations of the battery module 200B of FIG. 10 may be the same as those of the battery module 200 of FIG. 1 , except for the configuration of the lower frame 220B. Therefore, since the description of the components provided in the battery module 200B of FIG. 10 has already been described in the description of the configuration of the battery module 200 of FIG. 1 , it will be omitted.
[102]
An insulating sheet 260 that presses the outer surfaces of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 in the inner direction of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 so that the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 are in close contact with each other. can The insulating sheet 260 may have a strip shape in which both ends in the extended longitudinal direction are connected. In addition, the insulating sheet 260 may have a predetermined tension to press the outer surfaces of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 in the inner direction of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 . For example, the insulating sheet 260 may be formed of a polystyrene material having good flexibility and good elasticity.
[103]
For example, as shown in FIG. 10 , the insulating sheet 260 may press the outer surfaces of the 24 cylindrical battery cells 100 in the inward direction so that the 24 cylindrical battery cells 100 are in close contact with each other. .
[104]
Also, a linear slit S1 into which the lower end of the insulating sheet 260 is inserted may be formed in the lower frame 220B of FIG. 10 . The slit S1 may extend along an outer periphery of the lower frame 220B in a horizontal direction. For example, as shown in FIG. 10 , the lower frame 220B has a linear slit S1 into which the lower end of the insulating sheet 260 is inserted along the inner surface of the outer wall 227 provided on the outer periphery. It may be formed by extending.
[105]
Therefore, according to this configuration of the present invention, the outer surfaces of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 are pressed in the inner direction of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 so that the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 are in close contact with each other. By providing the insulating sheet 260, the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 can be more completely dense (adherent). In addition, the insulating sheet 260 may serve as a module housing for fixing the arrangement of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 and protecting the internal configuration from external impact.
[106]
12 is a partial perspective view schematically illustrating a state of an insulating sheet of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. Here, FIG. 12 is shown in a state in which a portion of the insulating sheet has been removed to show the internal configuration for convenience of drawing description.
[107]
Referring to FIG. 12 together with FIG. 10 , the outer surface of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 is formed on the inner surface of the insulating sheet 260 facing the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 . An elastic sheet 270 configured to press the inside of the battery cell 100 may be added. For example, the elastic sheet 270 may be a sponge having a restoring force that expands when contracted by external pressure.
[108]
For example, as shown in FIG. 12 , an elastic sheet extending along the longitudinal direction of the insulating sheet 260 has an inner surface facing the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 of the insulating sheet 260 . 270 may be attached.
[109]
Therefore, according to this configuration of the present invention, on the inner surface facing the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 of the insulating sheet 260, the outer surface of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 is pressed inward. By providing the elastic sheet 270, the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100 can be more completely densified (adhered).
[110]
13 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a state of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[111]
Referring to FIG. 13 , the battery pack 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include at least one battery module 200 . For example, as shown in FIG. 13 , the battery pack 300 may include nine battery modules 200 arranged in close contact with each other.
[112]
In addition, the battery pack 300 according to the present invention, in addition to the battery module 200, a pack case for accommodating the battery module 200, various devices for controlling the charging and discharging of the battery module 200, such as It may further include a battery management system (BMS), a current sensor, a fuse, and the like. In this case, each of the battery modules 200 may be provided with a protrusion protruding forward in the front portion and an inlet portion protruding forward in the rear portion. The plurality of battery modules 200 may be arranged in which the protrusion and the inner portion are coupled to each other.
[113]
Moreover, the vehicle (not shown) according to the present invention may include the battery pack 300 . Furthermore, the vehicle may be, for example, an electric vehicle equipped with an electric motor (not shown) using the battery pack 300 as a power source.
[114]
Meanwhile, in this specification, terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are used, but these terms are for convenience of explanation only, 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
[115]
[116]
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.
[117]
[Explanation of code]
[118]
200: battery module 100: cylindrical battery cell
[119]
191, 191a, 191b: electrode terminal, positive terminal, negative terminal
[120]
120, 170: battery can, top cap
[121]
210: upper frame 220: lower frame
[122]
211: pressing part 211p1, 211p2: pressing projection
[123]
213p, 223p: fixing protrusion T1, T2: connection hole, opening hole
[124]
230: thermally conductive material 240: adhesive
[125]
250: heat shrink film 260: insulating sheet
[126]
270: elastic sheet
[127]
S1: slit
[128]
300: battery pack
Industrial Applicability
[129]
The present invention relates to a battery module having a plurality of cylindrical battery cells. In addition, the present invention can be used in industries related to automobiles and electronic devices including the battery pack.
Claims
[Claim 1]
a plurality of cylindrical battery cells electrically connected to each other and arranged in a horizontal direction; an upper frame mounted on the plurality of cylindrical battery cells; and a lower frame mounted on the lower portion of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells, wherein the plurality of cylindrical batteries are formed on any one of the upper frame and the lower frame in a horizontal inward direction so that the plurality of cylindrical battery cells are densely packed with each other. A battery module, characterized in that it has a pressurizing part for elastically pressurizing the cell.
[Claim 2]
According to claim 1, wherein the pressing unit is positioned on the outer periphery of each of the upper frame and the lower frame, the pressure protruding in the horizontal inward direction to press the cylindrical battery cell located at the outermost in the horizontal direction among the plurality of cylindrical battery cells A battery module comprising a protrusion.
[Claim 3]
According to claim 1, wherein any one or more of the upper frame and the lower frame, support one side of each of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells in a horizontal direction so that each of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells are arranged, and the plurality of cylindrical battery cells It is disposed between the plurality of fixing protrusions each having a triangular prism shape on the inner surface, and between the plurality of fixing protrusions is opened so that any one of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells is in contact with another adjacent cylindrical battery cell. Characterized by the battery module.
[Claim 4]
The battery can of claim 3, wherein each of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells includes a battery can for accommodating an electrolyte and an electrode assembly, and a top cap mounted on an upper end of the battery can, and the upper frame has a battery can of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells The battery module, characterized in that the upper part and the top cap are opened so as to be exposed to the outside, and at least one connection port is provided.
[Claim 5]
According to claim 4, wherein the lower frame is provided with a plurality of openings open so that the lower surface of each of the battery cans of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells can be exposed to the outside, and the openings of the lower frame have the plurality of cylindrical battery cells. A battery module comprising a thermally conductive material configured to at least partially cover the lower surface of the battery can of the battery cell.
[Claim 6]
The battery module according to claim 4, wherein an electrically conductive adhesive is provided between the fixing projections of the upper frame and the fixing projections of the lower frame so that the plurality of cylindrical battery cells are electrically connected to each other.
[Claim 7]
According to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a heat-shrinkable film or insulating sheet pressing the outer surfaces of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells in the inner direction of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells so that the plurality of cylindrical battery cells are in close contact with each other. battery module.
[Claim 8]
According to claim 7, wherein an elastic sheet configured to press the outer surface of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells to the inside of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells to the inner surface facing the plurality of cylindrical battery cells of the insulating sheet is added A battery module, characterized in that.
[Claim 9]
A battery pack comprising at least one battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 8.
[Claim 10]
A vehicle comprising the battery pack according to claim 9 .