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Battery Module, Method For Manufacturing Same, And Battery Pack

Abstract: A battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a battery cell stack comprising a plurality of battery cells stacked together; a first frame member which receives the battery cell stack therein and is open at the top thereof; a second frame member which is disposed on the first frame member to cover the battery cell stack; and a thermally conductive resin layer which is placed between the first frame member and the battery cell stack, wherein the thermally conductive resin layer comprises a plurality of elongated coating lines extending in the direction in which the plurality of battery cells are stacked together.

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Notices, Deadlines & Correspondence

Patent Information

Application #
Filing Date
03 November 2021
Publication Number
21/2022
Publication Type
INA
Invention Field
ELECTRICAL
Status
Email
mahua.ray@remfry.com
Parent Application
Patent Number
Legal Status
Grant Date
2024-09-18
Renewal Date

Applicants

LG ENERGY SOLUTION, LTD.
Tower 1, 108, Yeoui-daero, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul 07335

Inventors

1. LEE, Youngho
LG Chem Research Park, 188, Munji-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34122
2. PARK, Junkyu
LG Chem Research Park, 188, Munji-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34122
3. SEOL, Jae Jung
LG Chem Research Park, 188, Munji-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34122
4. KIM, Namhoon
LG Chem Research Park, 188, Munji-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34122

Specification

One]Cross-Citation with Related Application(s)
[2]
This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0152655 on November 25, 2019 and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0157074 on November 20, 2020, All content disclosed in the literature is incorporated as a part of this specification.
[3]
The present invention relates to a battery module, a manufacturing method thereof, and a battery pack, and more particularly, to a battery module for improving cooling performance, a manufacturing method thereof, and a battery pack.
background
[4]
Secondary batteries that are easy to apply according to product groups and have electrical characteristics such as high energy density are universally applied to electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles driven by an electric drive source, as well as portable devices, and power storage devices. These secondary batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source for improving eco-friendliness and energy efficiency in that not only the primary advantage of being able to dramatically reduce the use of fossil fuels but also the fact that no by-products are generated from the use of energy.
[5]
While one or two or three battery cells are used per device in small mobile devices, medium and large devices such as automobiles require high output and high capacity. Accordingly, a medium or large-sized battery module in which a plurality of battery cells are electrically connected is used.
[6]
Since it is desirable to manufacture the mid-to-large-sized battery module as small as possible in size and weight, a prismatic battery, a pouch-type battery, etc. that can be stacked with a high degree of integration and have a small weight to capacity are mainly used as battery cells of the mid- to large-sized battery module. Meanwhile, in order to protect the cell stack from external shock, heat, or vibration, the battery module may include a frame member having front and rear surfaces open to accommodate the battery cell stack in an internal space.
[7]
In the case of a secondary battery, when the temperature is higher than an appropriate temperature, the performance of the secondary battery may be deteriorated, and in severe cases, there is a risk of explosion or ignition. In particular, a plurality of secondary batteries, ie, a battery module or battery pack having battery cells, may have a higher temperature more rapidly and severely because heat emitted from the plurality of battery cells is added up in a narrow space. In other words, in the case of a battery module in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked and a battery pack equipped with such a battery module, high output can be obtained, but it is not easy to remove heat generated from the battery cells during charging and discharging. If the heat dissipation of the battery cell is not performed properly, the deterioration of the battery cell is accelerated and the lifespan is shortened, and the possibility of explosion or ignition increases.
[8]
Moreover, in the case of a battery module included in a vehicle battery pack, it may be frequently exposed to direct sunlight and may be subjected to high temperature conditions such as summer or desert areas.
[9]
Therefore, when configuring the battery module or battery pack, it can be said that it is very important to secure a stable and effective cooling performance. Accordingly, a heat dissipation layer may be formed in the battery module for discharging heat generated from the battery cells to the outside. The heat dissipation layer may be formed by applying a material having a heat dissipation function to a required portion within the battery module. However, when the heat dissipation material is applied, it may not be possible to apply to a desired site for structural reasons or the amount of application may be excessively large, and thus cooling performance may be deteriorated.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
technical challenge
[10]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a battery module having a novel application pattern of a heat dissipating material, a manufacturing method thereof, and a battery pack in order to improve cooling performance.
[11]
However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above problems and may be variously expanded within the scope of the technical idea included in the present invention.
means of solving the problem
[12]
The battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked, a first frame member accommodating the battery cell stack and an open top, and the upper portion of the first frame member. A second frame member covering the battery cell stack, and a thermal conductive resin layer positioned between the first frame member and the battery cell stack, wherein the thermal conductive resin layer is in a direction in which the plurality of battery cells are stacked. It includes a plurality of application lines extending long along the.
[13]
The first frame member is a U-shaped frame accommodating the battery cell stack and has an open top, and the second frame member is an upper plate covering the battery cell stack on the open top of the U-shaped frame, and the The U-shaped frame includes a bottom portion and two side portions facing each other while being connected by the bottom portion, wherein the thermally conductive resin layer is formed between the bottom portion and the battery cell stack, and the plurality of application lines Silver may have a zigzag shape with the two side portions on both sides.
[14]
The distal end portions of the plurality of application lines having the zigzag shape may be formed to be spaced apart from one of the two side portions.
[15]
The distal end portions of the plurality of application lines may be located closer to the central portion between the two side portions compared to the side portions.
[16]
Each of the plurality of application lines may have the same length.
[17]
A direction in which the plurality of battery cells are stacked may be the same as a direction in which the two side surfaces face each other.
[18]
Both edge portions in the width direction of the thermally conductive resin layer may be adjacent to each of the two side portions, and recessed lines may be respectively formed on both edge portions of the thermally conductive resin layer.
[19]
The thermally conductive resin layer may be positioned in close contact with each of the two side surfaces.
[20]
The battery module may further include pad parts positioned at both ends of the bottom of the U-shaped frame.
[21]
A battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention includes the battery module described above.
[22]
A method of manufacturing a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention includes applying a thermal conductive resin to a bottom portion of a first frame member having an open top, and mounting a battery cell stack to a bottom portion of the first frame member. Step, mounting a second frame member so as to cover the battery cell stack on an upper portion of the opened first frame member, and coupling end plates to the open front and back surfaces of the first frame member, respectively And, the step of applying the thermally conductive resin, between the first side portion and the second side portion facing each other of the first frame member, from the first side portion to the second side portion to form a zigzag application pattern and applying the thermally conductive resin reciprocally along the direction.
[23]
In the step of applying the thermal conductive resin, a plurality of application lines extending from the first side part to the second side part are formed, and the application amount at both edges of the application line adjacent to each of the first side part and the second side part It can be made to be larger than the application amount of this application line central part.
[24]
In the step of applying the thermal conductive resin, a distance between each of both edges of the application line and the side portion may be 5 millimeters or less.
[25]
The mounting of the battery cell stack to the bottom of the first frame member may include pressing the battery cell stack to a heat conductive resin layer formed by coating the heat conductive resin.
[26]
The width of the thermally conductive resin layer may increase after the battery cell stack pressurizes the thermally conductive resin layer.
[27]
After the step of pressing the thermal conductive resin layer of the battery cell laminate, a depression line may be formed in a portion of the thermal conductive resin layer corresponding to the width direction edge of the battery cell laminate.
[28]
After the step of applying the thermally conductive resin, the battery cell laminate may have a waiting time of 10 minutes or less until the pressing of the thermally conductive resin layer.
[29]
In the step of applying the thermally conductive resin, the distal end of the zigzag-shaped application pattern may be formed to be located close to the center between the first side part and the second side part, compared to the first side part or the second side part. there is.
Effects of the Invention
[30]
According to embodiments, by forming a pattern of a heat dissipation material in a zigzag shape along a direction in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked, the most optimized pattern for completely applying a desired portion may be realized.
[31]
In addition, by implementing the most optimized heat dissipation material pattern, it is possible to minimize/optimize the application amount.
[32]
In addition, the cooling performance of the battery module can be improved by applying the heat dissipation material pattern to the entire desired region.
Brief description of the drawing
[33]
1 is an exploded perspective view showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[34]
2 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the components of the battery module of FIG. 1 are combined.
[35]
3 is a perspective view illustrating one battery cell included in the battery cell stack of FIG. 1 .
[36]
4 is a perspective view illustrating a U-shaped frame in the battery module of FIG. 1 .
[37]
5 is a perspective view illustrating a U-shaped frame in the battery module according to the modified example of FIG. 4 .
[38]
6 is a photograph showing a thermal conductive resin application pattern according to an embodiment of the present invention before insertion of the battery cell stack.
[39]
7 is a photograph showing a thermal conductive resin application pattern according to an embodiment of the present invention after the battery cell stack is inserted.
[40]
8 is a photograph showing a pattern of applying a thermal conductive resin before inserting a battery cell stack according to a comparative example.
[41]
9 is a photograph showing a pattern of applying a thermal conductive resin after inserting a battery cell stack according to a comparative example.
[42]
10 to 12 are views illustrating a method of manufacturing a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.
Modes for carrying out the invention
[43]
Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those of ordinary skill in the art can easily carry out the present invention. The present invention may be embodied in several different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.
[44]
In order to clearly explain the present invention, parts irrelevant to the description are omitted, and the same reference numerals are assigned to the same or similar elements throughout the specification.
[45]
In addition, since the size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily indicated for convenience of description, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the illustrated bar. In order to clearly express various layers and regions in the drawings, the thicknesses are enlarged. And in the drawings, for convenience of description, the thickness of some layers and regions is exaggerated.
[46]
Further, when a part of a layer, film, region, plate, etc. is said to be “on” or “on” another part, it includes not only cases where it is “directly on” another part, but also cases where another part is in between. . Conversely, when we say that a part is "just above" another part, we mean that there is no other part in the middle. In addition, to be "on" or "on" the reference part means to be located above or below the reference part, and to necessarily mean to be located "on" or "on" in the direction opposite to the gravitational force not.
[47]
In addition, throughout the specification, when a part "includes" a certain component, this means that other components may be further included, rather than excluding other components, unless otherwise stated.
[48]
In addition, throughout the specification, when referring to "planar", it means when the target part is viewed from above, and "in cross-section" means when viewed from the side when a cross-section of the target part is vertically cut.
[49]
1 is an exploded perspective view showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the components of the battery module of FIG. 1 are combined. 3 is a perspective view illustrating one battery cell included in the battery cell stack of FIG. 1 .
[50]
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 , the battery module 100 according to the present embodiment includes a battery cell stack 120 including a plurality of battery cells 110 , and a U-shaped frame with an open upper surface, front and rear surfaces. 300 , the upper plate 400 covering the upper portion of the battery cell stack 120 , the end plate 150 and the battery cell stack 120 respectively positioned on the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack 120 , and and a bus bar frame 130 positioned between the end plates 150 . In addition, the battery module 100 includes a thermally conductive resin layer 310 positioned between the U-shaped frame 300 and the battery cell stack 120 . The thermally conductive resin layer 310 is a kind of heat dissipation layer, and may be formed by coating a material having a heat dissipation function.
[51]
When the open sides of the U-shaped frame 300 are referred to as the first side and the second side, respectively, the U-shaped frame 300 is the battery cell stack 120 corresponding to the first side and the second side. Among the remaining outer surfaces except for the surface, it has a bent plate-shaped structure so as to continuously cover the adjacent front, lower, and rear surfaces. The upper surface corresponding to the lower surface of the U-shaped frame 300 is open.
[52]
The upper plate 400 has a single plate-shaped structure that covers the remaining upper surfaces except for the front, lower, and rear surfaces covered by the U-shaped frame 300 . The U-shaped frame 300 and the upper plate 400 may form a structure surrounding the battery cell stack 120 by being coupled by welding or the like in a state in which corresponding corner portions are in contact with each other. That is, the U-shaped frame 300 and the upper plate 400 may be formed with a coupling portion CP formed by a bonding method such as welding at the corner portions corresponding to each other.
[53]
The battery cell stack 120 includes a plurality of battery cells 110 stacked in one direction, and the plurality of battery cells 110 may be stacked in the Y-axis direction as shown in FIG. 1 . In other words, the direction in which the plurality of battery cells 110 are stacked may be the same as the direction in which the two side portions of the U-shaped frame 300 face each other.
[54]
The battery cell 110 is preferably a pouch-type battery cell. For example, referring to FIG. 3 , in the battery cell 110 according to the present embodiment, two electrode leads 111 and 112 face each other, so that one end 114a and the other end 114b of the battery body 113 are opposite to each other. ) has a structure protruding from each other. The battery cell 110 is to be manufactured by adhering both ends 114a and 114b of the case 114 and both side surfaces 114c connecting them in a state in which an electrode assembly (not shown) is accommodated in the battery case 114 . can In other words, the battery cell 110 according to the present embodiment has a total of three sealing parts 114sa, 114sb, 114sc, and the sealing parts 114sa, 114sb, 114sc are sealed by a method such as thermal fusion. , the other one side may be formed of a connection part 115 . Between both ends 114a and 114b of the battery case 114 is defined in the longitudinal direction of the battery cell 110 , and one side portion 114c and a connecting portion connecting both ends 114a and 114b of the battery case 114 . A space between 115 may be defined in the width direction of the battery cell 110 .
[55]
The connector 115 is a region extending along one edge of the battery cell 110 , and a protrusion 110p of the battery cell 110 may be formed at an end of the connector 115 . The protrusion 110p may be formed on at least one of both ends of the connecting unit 115 and may protrude in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the connecting unit 115 . The protrusion 110p may be positioned between one of the sealing parts 114sa and 114sb of both ends 114a and 114b of the battery case 114 and the connection part 115 .
[56]
The battery case 114 generally has a laminate structure of a resin layer/metal thin film layer/resin layer. For example, when the battery case surface is made of an O (oriented)-nylon layer, when stacking a plurality of battery cells to form a medium or large-sized battery module, it tends to slide easily due to an external impact. Therefore, in order to prevent this and maintain a stable laminated structure of the battery cells, an adhesive member such as an adhesive such as a double-sided tape or a chemical adhesive bonded by a chemical reaction during adhesion is attached to the surface of the battery case to form a battery cell laminate (120) can be formed. In this embodiment, the battery cell stack 120 is stacked in the Y-axis direction, is accommodated in the U-shaped frame 300 in the Z-axis direction, and may be cooled by a thermally conductive resin layer to be described later. As a comparative example to this, there is a case where the battery cells are formed as cartridge-shaped parts, and the fixing between the battery cells is made by assembling the battery module frame. In this comparative example, there is little or no cooling action due to the presence of the cartridge-shaped part, or it may proceed in the direction of the surface of the battery cell, and the cooling is not well in the direction of the height of the battery module.
[57]
4 is a perspective view illustrating a U-shaped frame in the battery module of FIG. 1 .
[58]
Referring to FIG. 4 , the U-shaped frame 300 according to the present embodiment includes a bottom portion 300a and two side portions 300b facing each other. Before the battery cell stack 120 described in FIG. 1 is mounted on the bottom part 300a of the U-shaped frame 300 , a thermal conductive resin is applied to the bottom part 300a of the U-shaped frame 300 , and thermoelectric The conductive resin may be cured to form the thermally conductive resin layer 310 .
[59]
Before forming the thermally conductive resin layer 310 , that is, before the applied thermally conductive resin is cured, the battery cell stack 120 moves along a direction perpendicular to the bottom portion 300a of the U-shaped frame 300 . It may be mounted on the bottom portion 300a of the U-shaped frame 300 while moving. Thereafter, the thermally conductive resin layer 310 formed by curing the thermally conductive resin is positioned between the bottom portion 300a of the U-shaped frame 300 and the battery cell stack 120 . The thermally conductive resin layer 310 may serve to transfer heat generated from the battery cells 110 to the bottom of the battery module 100 and to fix the battery cell stack 120 .
[60]
The battery module according to the present embodiment may further include a pad part 320 formed on the bottom part 300a of the U-shaped frame 300 . The pad part 320 may guide the application position of the thermal conductive resin or prevent the thermal conductive resin from overflowing to the outside of the bottom part 300a, and at least one pad part may be formed. In FIG. 4 , one pad part 320 is formed at both ends of the bottom part 300a based on the X-axis direction, but the size, position and The number and the like can be modified and designed. The pad part 320 may be formed of an insulating film. In this case, the pad part 320 may be formed of a material such as polyurethane foam or rubber so that the thermal conductive resin can be compressed by contacting the battery cell 110 on the bottom part 300a.
[61]
According to the present embodiment, the thermally conductive resin layer 310 includes a plurality of application lines 315 extending long in a direction in which the plurality of battery cells 110 are stacked. The plurality of application lines 315 have a zigzag shape with the two side portions 300b on both sides. As shown in FIG. 4 , the plurality of application lines 315 may reciprocate in a zigzag manner along the Y-axis direction. The plurality of application lines 315 include a first application line 315a and a second application line 315b, and an insulating film 330 is disposed between the first application line 315a and the second application line 315b. can be formed. Each of the plurality of application lines 315 may have substantially the same length along the Y-axis direction. A portion to which the thermal conductive resin is not applied may be formed between the first application line 315a and the second application line 315b, and in this portion, insulation is formed between the battery cell 110 and the U-shaped frame 300 . may become vulnerable. Accordingly, the insulating film 330 may be applied to secure insulation of a portion to which the thermal conductive resin is not applied.
[62]
In this embodiment, both edge portions in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the thermal conductive resin layer 310 are adjacent to each of the two side portions 300b, and a recessed line ( 340) may be formed. The depression line 340 coincides with the edge in the Y-axis direction of the battery cell stack 120 when the battery cell stack 120 presses the thermal conductive resin layer 310, and may extend in the X-axis direction. there is. The distance between the depression line 340 and the side portion 300b is about 5 millimeters or less. Preferably, the distance between the depression line 340 and the side portion 300b is about 3 millimeters or less, and more preferably about 1.5 millimeters or less. In this case, the thermally conductive resin layer 310 may be positioned in close contact with the two side portions 300b, respectively.
[63]
1 and 2 again, the width of the side portion 300b and the upper plate 400 of the U-shaped frame 300 according to the present embodiment may be the same as each other. In other words, the edge portion along the X-axis direction of the upper plate 400 and the edge portion along the X-axis direction of the side portion 300b of the U-shaped frame 300 may directly meet and be coupled by a method such as welding.
[64]
5 is a perspective view illustrating a U-shaped frame in the battery module according to the modified example of FIG. 4 .
[65]
The embodiment of FIG. 5 is mostly the same as the embodiment of FIG. 4 described above, and only the parts with differences will be described below.
[66]
Referring to FIG. 5 , the thermally conductive resin layer 310 includes a plurality of application lines 315 extending long in the Y-axis direction. The plurality of application lines 315 may reciprocate in a zigzag manner along the Y-axis direction. The plurality of application lines 315 include a first application line 315a and a second application line 315b, and an insulating film 330 is disposed between the first application line 315a and the second application line 315b. can be formed.
[67]
The distal end 315T of the plurality of application lines 315 having a zigzag shape according to the present embodiment may be formed to be spaced apart from one of the two side portions 300b. The distal end 315T of the application line 315 zigzags between the first side portions 300b1 and the second side portions 300b2 facing each other of the U-shaped frame 300 to form the thermally conductive resin layer 300 . It refers to the point at which the thermal conductive resin is reciprocally applied in the form of application and the application is terminated. The distal end portions 315T of the plurality of application lines may be located closer to the central portion between the two side portions compared to the side portion 300b.
[68]
In addition to the differences described above, all of the contents described with reference to FIG. 4 may be applied to the embodiment of FIG. 5 .
[69]
The U-shaped frame described herein may have a configuration corresponding to the frame member. For example, the U-shaped frame may correspond to the first frame member, and the upper plate may correspond to the second frame member.
[70]
Hereinafter, an example of the manufacturing method of the battery module according to the present embodiment described above will be described.
[71]
6 is a photograph showing a thermal conductive resin application pattern according to an embodiment of the present invention before insertion of the battery cell stack. 7 is a photograph showing a thermal conductive resin application pattern according to an embodiment of the present invention after the battery cell stack is inserted. 8 is a photograph showing a pattern of applying a thermal conductive resin before inserting a battery cell stack according to a comparative example. 9 is a photograph showing a pattern of applying a thermal conductive resin after inserting a battery cell stack according to a comparative example.
[72]
10 to 12 are views illustrating a method of manufacturing a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[73]
First, referring to FIG. 6 , in the battery module manufacturing method according to this embodiment, a thermal conductive resin 310p is applied to the bottom part 300a of the U-shaped frame 300 corresponding to the first frame member with an open top. including the steps of The thermally conductive resin 310p may then be cured to form the thermally conductive resin layer 310 described with reference to FIG. 4 . In the step of applying the thermal conductive resin 310p, between the first side part 300b1 and the second side part 300b2 facing each other of the U-shaped frame 300, to form a zigzag application pattern, the first side part ( and applying the thermal conductive resin 310p reciprocally along the direction from 300b1) to the second side part 300b2. In other words, as shown in FIG. 6 , the application direction of the thermal conductive resin 310p may have a zigzag shape along the Y-axis direction.
[74]
According to the present embodiment, the step of applying the thermal conductive resin 310p is to form a plurality of application lines 315 extending from the first side part 300b1 to the second side part 300b2, and the first side part 300b1 ) and the application amount at both edges of the application line 315 adjacent to each of the second side portions 300b2 may be adjusted to be greater than the application amount of the central portion of the application line 315 . To this end, when forming the application pattern of the zigzag shape, the speed of the portion in which the zigzag direction is bent or the degree of time stagnation may be adjusted. In this case, the distance between each of both edges of the plurality of application lines 315 extending from the first side part 300b1 to the second side part 300b2 and the side part 300b may be about 5 millimeters or less. Preferably, the distance between each of both edges of the plurality of application lines 315 and the side portion 300b is about 3 millimeters or less, and more preferably, about 1.5 millimeters or less. In this case, the thermally conductive resin layer 310 may be positioned in close contact with the two side portions 300b, respectively.
[75]
According to this embodiment, as described in FIG. 5, so that the distal end 315T of the plurality of application lines 315 having a zigzag shape is spaced apart from one of the two side portions 300b, the application of the thermal conductive resin is terminated point can be set. In this case, the distal end portions 315T of the plurality of application lines may be formed to be located closer to the center between the two side portions compared to the side portion 300b. In addition, it is possible to reduce the administration time of the thermal conductive resin at the dispensing time (dispensing time) of the thermal conductive resin at the distal end 315T of the application line during reciprocating application.
[76]
By controlling the formation position of the distal end 315T of the application line and/or the administration time of the thermal conductive resin as described above, excessive accumulation of the thermal conductive resin at the distal end 315T of the application line can be prevented. Accordingly, when the battery cell stack is inserted after the thermal conductive resin is applied, it is possible to prevent the left and right heights of the terminal bus bars included in the battery module from being changed by being inserted obliquely in the Y-axis direction, which is the width direction.
[77]
The step of forming the pad part 320 described in FIG. 4 on the bottom part 300a of the U-shaped frame 300 before the step of applying the thermal conductive resin 310p may be further included. 4 and 10, when the thermal conductive resin is applied between the pad parts 320, the pad part 320 not only guides the application position of the thermal conductive resin, but also prevents the thermal conductive resin from overflowing. and the amount of thermal conductive resin applied can be easily adjusted.
[78]
Next, referring to FIG. 10 , the method for manufacturing a battery module according to this embodiment includes mounting the battery cell stack 120 on the bottom part 300a of the U-shaped frame 300 with an open top. . At this time, in the direction (Z-axis direction) perpendicular to the stacking direction of the plurality of battery cells 110 included in the battery cell stack 120 , the battery cell stack 120 is positioned at the bottom of the U-shaped frame 300 ( 300a) is preferably inserted.
[79]
6 and 10 , the step of mounting the battery cell stack 120 on the bottom part 300a of the U-shaped frame 300 is a thermally conductive resin layer 310 formed by applying a thermally conductive resin 310p. ) may include the step of pressing the battery cell stack 120 . At this time, if the width in the Y-axis direction of the thermally conductive resin layer 310 is the first width, the thermally conductive resin layer 310 after the battery cell stack 120 presses the thermally conductive resin layer 310 . ) in the Y-axis direction increases compared to the first width. This is because the thermal conductive resin 310p spreads to the first and second side surfaces 300b1 and 300b2 by inserting and pressing the battery cell stack 120 into the bottom portion 300a of the U-shaped frame 300. am.
[80]
4, 6 and 10 , after the battery cell stack 120 presses the thermal conductive resin layer 310 , the thermal conductive resin layer 310 before pressing the thermal conductive resin layer 310 . ) A depression line 340 may be formed at the edge portion. The depression line 340 may be generated by a force pressing the thermal conductive resin layer 310 from the top of the battery cell stack 120 . The height of the thermally conductive resin 310p diffused to the first and second side portions 300b1 and 300b2 based on the depression line 340 is high compared to the height of the thermally conductive resin 310p pressed by the battery cell stack 120 . can
[81]
According to the present embodiment, after the step of applying the thermally conductive resin 310p, the battery cell stack 120 may have a waiting time of 10 minutes or less until the pressing of the thermally conductive resin layer 310 . When it has the above range, the thermal conductive resin 310p is spread to the first and second side parts 300b1 and 300b2 by the pressure of the battery cell stack 120, and the first and second side parts 300b1 and 300b2 and the thermal conductive resin layer The distance to 310 may be less than or equal to about 1.5 millimeters. If the above range is not satisfied, even if the thermally conductive resin 310p is maximally spread to the first and second side portions 300b1 and 300b2, the first and second side portions 300b1 and 300b2 and the thermally conductive resin layer ( 310) is about 2.5 millimeters, so the desired specification cannot be satisfied.
[82]
Referring to FIG. 7 , as the thermal conductive resin 310p is applied in a zigzag form along the direction in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked by the battery module manufacturing method according to the present embodiment, the battery cell stack 120 after pressing It can be seen that the thermal conductive resin 310p is applied to the first and second side portions 300b1 and 300b2. Therefore, by applying the heat dissipation material to the entire desired portion, it is possible to improve the cooling performance of the battery module. In addition, by implementing the most optimized heat dissipation material pattern, it is possible to minimize/optimize the application amount.
[83]
Unlike the battery module manufacturing method according to the embodiment of the present invention described above, in the comparative example of FIGS. 8 and 9 , the thermal conductive resin 310p is zigzag along a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the plurality of battery cells are stacked. It can be applied in the form In other words, as shown in FIG. 8 , the application direction of the thermal conductive resin 310p may have a zigzag shape along the X-axis direction. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 9 , after the battery cell stack 120 is pressed, the thermal conductive resin 310p does not diffuse to the first and second side portions 300b1 and 300b2, so it can be confirmed that an uncoated region is formed. . Specifically, the desired specifications cannot be satisfied because the minimum distance between the first and second side surfaces and the thermally conductive resin layer exceeds about 5 millimeters. In addition, when moving the nozzle for applying the thermal conductive resin along the X-axis direction, the time for interference with the side portion of the U-shaped frame is greatly increased compared to this embodiment, so it is difficult to form an application pattern of the desired specification. , the application amount can be greatly increased to actually satisfy the specifications. In addition, an empty space may be generated between the application lines, and when an empty space is formed along the X-axis direction, the empty space may actually correspond to a specific battery cell, resulting in cell failure. Here, the cell failure may include a case in which the lifespan of a specific battery cell is shortened due to a decrease in the cooling effect of the specific battery cell.
[84]
In the battery module manufacturing method according to this embodiment, before mounting the battery cell stack 120 on the bottom part 300a of the U-shaped frame 300 , the battery cells 110 included in the battery cell stack 120 . ) may further include connecting the battery cell stack 120 and the bus bar frame 130 while moving the bus bar frame 130 in a direction opposite to the direction in which the electrode leads protrude.
[85]
Referring to FIG. 11 , the method of manufacturing a battery module according to the present embodiment includes mounting the upper plate 400 to cover the battery cell stack 120 on the open U-shaped frame 300 .
[86]
12, the battery module manufacturing method according to this embodiment includes the steps of coupling the upper plate 400 and the side portion 300b of the U-shaped frame and end plates 150 on both open sides of the U-shaped frame, respectively. It includes the step of combining A welding method, a bonding method using an adhesive, a bolting method, a riveting method, and a tape bonding method may be used to couple the upper plate 400 and the side portion 300b of the U-shaped frame.
[87]
Meanwhile, one or more battery modules according to an embodiment of the present invention may be packaged in a pack case to form a battery pack.
[88]
The above-described battery module and battery pack including the same may be applied to various devices. Such a device may be applied to transportation means such as an electric bicycle, an electric vehicle, and a hybrid vehicle, but the present invention is not limited thereto and is applicable to various devices that can use a battery module and a battery pack including the same, and this It belongs to the scope of the invention.
[89]
Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and improvements by those skilled in the art using the basic concept of the present invention as defined in the following claims are also provided. is within the scope of the
[90]
Explanation of symbols
[91]
100: battery module
[92]
300: U-shaped frame
[93]
310: thermally conductive resin layer
[94]
320: pad part
[95]
340: depression line
[96]
315: application line
[97]
315T: end of application line

WE CLAIMS

A battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; and a thermally conductive resin layer positioned between the first frame member and the battery cell stack, wherein the thermally conductive resin layer includes a plurality of application lines extending long in a direction in which the plurality of battery cells are stacked battery module.
[Claim 2]
The method of claim 1, wherein the first frame member is a U-shaped frame that accommodates the battery cell stack and has an open top, and the second frame member covers the battery cell stack on the open top of the U-shaped frame. an upper plate, wherein the U-shaped frame includes a bottom portion and two side portions facing each other while being connected by the bottom portion, and the thermally conductive resin layer is formed between the bottom portion and the battery cell stack, The plurality of application lines is a battery module having a zigzag shape with the two side portions on both sides.
[Claim 3]
The battery module of claim 2, wherein the distal end portions of the plurality of application lines having the zigzag shape are spaced apart from one of the two side portions.
[Claim 4]
The battery module of claim 3, wherein the distal end of the plurality of application lines is located closer to the center between the two side portions compared to the side portion.
[Claim 5]
The battery module of claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of application lines has the same length.
[Claim 6]
The battery module of claim 5 , wherein a direction in which the plurality of battery cells are stacked is the same as a direction in which the two side surfaces face each other.
[Claim 7]
The battery module of claim 2 , wherein both edge portions in the width direction of the thermally conductive resin layer are adjacent to each of the two side surfaces, and recessed lines are respectively formed on both edge portions of the thermally conductive resin layer.
[Claim 8]
The battery module of claim 2 , wherein the thermally conductive resin layer is positioned in close contact with each of the two side surfaces.
[Claim 9]
The battery module of claim 2, further comprising pad parts positioned at both ends of the bottom part of the U-shaped frame.
[Claim 10]
Applying a thermal conductive resin to the bottom of the first frame member with an open top, mounting the battery cell stack on the bottom of the first frame member, the battery on the open top of the first frame member Mounting a second frame member to cover the cell stack, and coupling end plates to the open front and back surfaces of the first frame member, respectively, wherein applying the thermal conductive resin comprises: 1 Between the first side part and the second side part facing each other of the frame member, applying the thermally conductive resin reciprocally along the direction from the first side part to the second side part to form a zigzag application pattern. A method of manufacturing a battery module comprising a.
[Claim 11]
The method of claim 10, wherein the applying the thermal conductive resin comprises forming a plurality of application lines extending from the first side portion to the second side portion, and the application line adjacent to each of the first side portion and the second side portion A method of manufacturing a battery module such that the amount of application at both edges is greater than that of the central portion of the application line.
[Claim 12]
The method of claim 11 , wherein, in the applying the thermal conductive resin, a distance between each of both edges of the application line and the side portion is 5 millimeters or less.
[Claim 13]
The battery module of claim 11 , wherein the mounting of the battery cell stack to the bottom of the first frame member includes pressing the battery cell stack to the thermal conductive resin layer formed by applying the thermal conductive resin. manufacturing method.
[Claim 14]
The method of claim 13 , wherein the width of the thermally conductive resin layer increases after the battery cell stack presses the thermally conductive resin layer.
[Claim 15]
The battery module of claim 14, wherein after the step of pressing the thermally conductive resin layer by the battery cell laminate, a recessed line is formed in a portion of the thermally conductive resin layer corresponding to the width direction edge of the battery cell laminate. manufacturing method.
[Claim 16]
The method of claim 11 , wherein the battery cell stack has a waiting time of 10 minutes or less until the step of pressing the thermally conductive resin layer after the step of applying the thermally conductive resin.
[Claim 17]
11. The method of claim 10, In the step of applying the thermal conductive resin, the distal end of the zigzag-shaped application pattern is closer to the center between the first side part and the second side part compared to the first side part or the second side part A method of manufacturing a battery module that is formed to be positioned.
[Claim 18]
A battery pack comprising the battery module according to claim 1 .

Documents

Application Documents

# Name Date
1 202117050517.pdf 2021-11-03
2 202117050517-TRANSLATIOIN OF PRIOIRTY DOCUMENTS ETC. [03-11-2021(online)].pdf 2021-11-03
3 202117050517-STATEMENT OF UNDERTAKING (FORM 3) [03-11-2021(online)].pdf 2021-11-03
4 202117050517-PROOF OF RIGHT [03-11-2021(online)].pdf 2021-11-03
5 202117050517-PRIORITY DOCUMENTS [03-11-2021(online)].pdf 2021-11-03
6 202117050517-POWER OF AUTHORITY [03-11-2021(online)].pdf 2021-11-03
7 202117050517-FORM 1 [03-11-2021(online)].pdf 2021-11-03
8 202117050517-DRAWINGS [03-11-2021(online)].pdf 2021-11-03
9 202117050517-DECLARATION OF INVENTORSHIP (FORM 5) [03-11-2021(online)].pdf 2021-11-03
10 202117050517-COMPLETE SPECIFICATION [03-11-2021(online)].pdf 2021-11-03
11 202117050517-FORM 3 [22-04-2022(online)].pdf 2022-04-22
12 202117050517-FORM 18 [22-04-2022(online)].pdf 2022-04-22
13 202117050517-FER.pdf 2022-08-31
14 202117050517-OTHERS [27-02-2023(online)].pdf 2023-02-27
15 202117050517-FER_SER_REPLY [27-02-2023(online)].pdf 2023-02-27
16 202117050517-DRAWING [27-02-2023(online)].pdf 2023-02-27
17 202117050517-COMPLETE SPECIFICATION [27-02-2023(online)].pdf 2023-02-27
18 202117050517-CLAIMS [27-02-2023(online)].pdf 2023-02-27
19 202117050517-ABSTRACT [27-02-2023(online)].pdf 2023-02-27
20 202117050517-Response to office action [26-04-2024(online)].pdf 2024-04-26
21 202117050517-US(14)-HearingNotice-(HearingDate-29-07-2024).pdf 2024-07-08
22 202117050517-US(14)-ExtendedHearingNotice-(HearingDate-30-07-2024)-1230.pdf 2024-07-24
23 202117050517-FORM-26 [24-07-2024(online)].pdf 2024-07-24
24 202117050517-Correspondence to notify the Controller [24-07-2024(online)].pdf 2024-07-24
25 202117050517-Correspondence to notify the Controller [25-07-2024(online)].pdf 2024-07-25
26 202117050517-Written submissions and relevant documents [08-08-2024(online)].pdf 2024-08-08
27 202117050517-PatentCertificate18-09-2024.pdf 2024-09-18
28 202117050517-IntimationOfGrant18-09-2024.pdf 2024-09-18

Search Strategy

1 202117050517SearchHistoryE_31-08-2022.pdf

ERegister / Renewals

3rd: 11 Oct 2024

From 23/11/2022 - To 23/11/2023

4th: 11 Oct 2024

From 23/11/2023 - To 23/11/2024

5th: 11 Oct 2024

From 23/11/2024 - To 23/11/2025

6th: 25 Oct 2025

From 23/11/2025 - To 23/11/2026