Battery module and battery pack including the same and vehicle including the same

Abstract

A battery module, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile are disclosed. A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells having electrode leads are stacked; a module case in which the battery cell stack is housed; and a fire-resistant insulating member that surrounds the battery cells.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile, and more specifically, to a battery module capable of preventing the propagation of flames, gases, or high-temperature particles, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile. Background Technology

[0002] Generally, a secondary battery refers to a battery capable of repeated charging and discharging, such as lithium-ion batteries, lithium-polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. The battery cells corresponding to the most basic secondary batteries can provide an output voltage of approximately 2.5V to 4.2V.

[0003] Recently, as these battery cells are applied to devices requiring high output voltage and large charging capacity, such as electric vehicles or Energy Storage Systems (ESS), battery modules configured by connecting multiple battery cells in series, parallel, or a combination of series and parallel, and battery packs configured by connecting these battery modules again in series, parallel, or a combination of series and parallel are widely used.

[0004] Lithium secondary batteries are currently in the spotlight due to their advantages, such as high operating voltage and significantly higher energy density, but because they use organic electrolytes, if the lithium secondary battery is overcharged, it causes overcurrent and overheating, which in severe cases can lead to explosions or fires caused by ignition.

[0005] If a thermal event occurs in any battery cell among the battery cells equipped within the battery module, flames, gases, or high-temperature particles propagate to other battery cells placed in close proximity.

[0006] If flames, gases, or high-temperature particles propagate to other battery cells or other battery modules, thermal runaway may occur. If flames leak out due to thermal runaway, there is a problem in that the driver of the electric vehicle may suffer burns or be placed in a dangerous situation.

[0007] Alternatively, there is a problem in that the battery module or battery pack is damaged or completely burned due to a chain reaction of flames caused by flame propagation, making it impossible to ensure the stability of the battery module or battery pack. The problem to be solved

[0008] Accordingly, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a battery module capable of preventing flames, gases, or high-temperature particles generated in any one battery cell from propagating to adjacent other battery cells or other battery modules, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile.

[0009] In addition, the invention provides a battery module capable of emitting flames, gases, or high-temperature particles in a preset direction, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle.

[0010] In addition, the invention provides a battery module capable of preventing thermal runaway by preventing a chain reaction of flames caused by flame propagation, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile.

[0011] However, the technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those described above, and other unmentioned problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention below. means of solving the problem

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, a battery module may be provided comprising: a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells equipped with electrode leads are stacked; a module case in which the battery cell stack is housed; and a fire-resistant insulating member that surrounds the battery cells.

[0013] In one embodiment, the fire-resistant insulating member may be composed of a fire-resistant film.

[0014] In one embodiment, the fire-resistant insulating member may wrap around the upper side of the battery cell.

[0015] In one embodiment, a fire-resistant coating layer may be formed on the fire-resistant insulating member.

[0016] In one embodiment, the fire-resistant insulating member may include silicon or aramid.

[0017] In one embodiment, the module case includes an upper module case, and a first venting hole may be formed in the upper module case to discharge flame, gas, or high-temperature particles.

[0018] In one embodiment, the fire-resistant insulating member may include a fire-resistant coating applied portion in which a fire-resistant coating layer is formed; and a fire-resistant coating not applied portion in which the fire-resistant coating layer is not applied.

[0019] In one embodiment, the portion not coated with fireproof coating may be formed to correspond to the first venting hole.

[0020] In one embodiment, the portion not coated with a fire-resistant coating may be formed to communicate with the first venting hole.

[0021] In one embodiment, the upper module case can be coupled to a flexible mica cover having a second venting hole formed therein.

[0022] In one embodiment, the battery cell has a terrace portion formed therein where the electrode lead is located, and may include a gas inflow prevention member coupled to the terrace portion to prevent external gas from entering the battery cell.

[0023] In one embodiment, the gas inflow prevention member may have a curved portion formed in a curved shape so as to guide the gas and allow it to flow upward.

[0024] In one embodiment, the gas inflow prevention member may be made of silicon (Si) or polyurethane (PU).

[0025] Meanwhile, according to another aspect of the present invention, a battery pack comprising at least one of the aforementioned battery modules may be provided, and a vehicle comprising at least one of the aforementioned battery modules may also be provided. Effects of the invention

[0026] Embodiments of the present invention have the effect of preventing flames, gases, or high-temperature particles generated in any one battery cell from propagating to neighboring other battery cells or other battery modules.

[0027] In addition, it has the effect of discharging flames, gases, or high-temperature particles in a preset direction.

[0028] In addition, it has the effect of preventing thermal runaway phenomena by preventing a chain reaction of flames caused by flame propagation.

[0029] However, the technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those described above, and other unmentioned problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention below. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0030] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and serve to further enhance understanding of the technical concept of the present invention together with the detailed description of the invention provided below; therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited only to the matters described in such drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic overall perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module of Figure 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a battery cell included in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, in which a fire-resistant insulating member is separated from the battery cell. FIG. 4 is a partial omitted view of the front of a battery cell included in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 is a view taken along A of Figure 4. Figure 6 is a view taken along B of Figure 4. FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating a modified embodiment of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating a modified embodiment of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating another modified embodiment of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a battery pack including a battery module according to each embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a drawing for explaining a vehicle including the battery pack of FIG. 10. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0031] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the terms to best describe his invention. Accordingly, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely one preferred embodiment of the present invention and do not represent all aspects of the technical spirit of the present invention; therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications capable of replacing them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0032] In the drawings, the size of each component or specific part constituting the component is exaggerated, omitted, or schematically depicted for convenience and clarity of explanation. Accordingly, the size of each component does not entirely reflect its actual size. If it is determined that a detailed description of related known functions or configurations could unnecessarily obscure the essence of the invention, such description shall be omitted.

[0033] As used in this specification, the terms "combination" or "connection" include not only cases where one member and another member are directly joined or directly connected, but also cases where one member is indirectly joined or indirectly connected to another member through a connecting member.

[0034] FIG. 1 is a schematic overall perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module of FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a battery cell included in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which a fire-resistant insulating member is separated from the battery cell, FIG. 4 is a partially omitted front view of a battery cell included in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is a view taken along A of FIG. 4, and FIG. 6 is a view taken along B of FIG. 4.

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery cell stack (100), a module case (200), and a fire-resistant insulating member (300).

[0036] A battery cell stack (100) can be configured to stack a plurality of battery cells (110). The battery cells (110) can have various structures, and the plurality of battery cells (110) can also be stacked in various ways.

[0037] The battery cell (110) may have a structure in which a plurality of unit cells arranged in the order of positive plate-separator-negative plate or bi-cells arranged in the order of positive plate-separator-negative plate-separator-positive plate-separator-negative plate are stacked according to the battery capacity.

[0038] The battery cell (110) may be provided with electrode leads (111, see FIG. 3). The electrode leads (111) may be made of a conductive material as a type of terminal that is exposed to the outside and connected to an external device. The electrode leads (111) may include a positive electrode lead and a negative electrode lead.

[0039] Multiple battery cells (110) can be electrically connected through a busbar coupled to an electrode lead (111).

[0040] A battery cell stack (100) may be provided with a plurality of cartridges (not shown) that accommodate battery cells (110). Each cartridge (not shown) may be manufactured by injection molding of plastic, and a plurality of cartridges (not shown) may be stacked, each having a storage portion formed to accommodate a battery cell (110). A cartridge assembly in which a plurality of cartridges (not shown) are stacked may be provided with a connector element or a terminal element.

[0041] The connector element may include various types of electrical connection components or connection members for connecting to a BMS (Battery Management System, not shown), for example, which can provide data on the voltage or temperature of the battery cell (110).

[0042] Additionally, the terminal element includes a positive terminal and a negative terminal as a main terminal connected to the battery cell (110). The terminal element is equipped with a terminal bolt so that it can be electrically connected to the outside. Meanwhile, the battery cell (110) may have various shapes.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 2, a battery cell stack (100) is housed in a module case (200). The module case (200) may include an upper module case (210), a lower module case (220), and a side module case (230). Here, a first venting hole (211) may be formed in the upper module case (210) to allow for the discharge of flames, gas, or high-temperature particles.

[0044] The module case (200) may include a mica cover (400) made of a mica material that has both thermal insulation and heat resistance to prevent the leakage of flames. Here, the mica cover (400) may be attached to, for example, the upper module case (210).

[0045] A second venting hole (410) may be formed in the mica cover (400). Here, the second venting hole (410) of the mica cover (400) may be connected to the first venting hole (211) of the upper module case (210). That is, flames, gases, or high-temperature particles generated from the battery cell (110) may be discharged to the outside of the module case (200) through the first venting hole (211) of the upper module case (210) and the second venting hole (410) of the mica cover (400).

[0046] In a battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention, as described below, since the fire-resistant insulating member (300) is combined with the battery cell (110) itself, it is unnecessary to have any other flame-retardant material composition other than the mica cover (400).

[0047] Therefore, the process of combining the flame-retardant material composition and the mica cover (400) is unnecessary, and the work is completed simply by directly combining the mica cover (400) with the upper module case (210), thus improving overall workability.

[0048] Meanwhile, the mica cover (400) can be configured in various ways, for example, it can be configured flexibly. That is, a flexibly formed mica cover (400) can be combined with the upper module case (210). By doing so, it can have an effect that is advantageous for bending.

[0049] The module case (200) can be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the battery cell stack (100). For example, if the cross-section of the battery cell stack (100) is provided in a rectangular hexahedron shape, the module case (200) can also be provided in a hexahedron shape corresponding to this.

[0050] The module case (200) can be manufactured, for example, by bending a metal plate, thereby forming the module case (200) as a single unit. When the module case (200) is manufactured as a single unit, the joining process becomes simpler and easier. Alternatively, the module case (200) may be provided as a separate unit and joined by welding or the like. However, the material of the module case (200) is not limited to metal.

[0051] When the module case (200) is formed as a single unit or joined by welding, adhesive is unnecessary, so even if the temperature inside the battery module (10) rises, the upper module case (210) is not separated from the side module case (230), thereby preventing flames, gas, or high-temperature particles from being discharged all at once in an unwanted direction.

[0052] The module case (200) surrounds the battery cells (110) and thereby protects the battery cells (110) from external vibrations or shocks.

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 3 and FIGS. 4 together, the fire-resistant insulating member (300) is configured to surround the battery cell (110). The fire-resistant insulating member (300) can surround the battery cell (110) at various locations on the battery cell (110), for example, the fire-resistant insulating member (300) can be configured to surround the upper side of the battery cell (110).

[0054] The fire-resistant insulating member (300) may be composed of a fire-resistant film (310). The fire-resistant film (310) is attached to the upper side of the battery cell (110), thereby protecting the battery cell (110) from flames. The battery cell stack (100) is in the form of a plurality of battery cells (110) stacked, and a fire-resistant film (310) may be attached to each individual battery cell (110).

[0055] The fire-resistant insulating member (300) may be formed from a material including silicon or aramid, which has excellent fire resistance. However, the material of the fire-resistant insulating member (300) is not limited to this, and various materials that are provided with the necessary fire resistance may be used.

[0056] The fire-resistant insulating member (300) can be attached to the battery cell (110) in various ways. For example, it may be attached by bonding, or by taping by taping (340, see FIG. 3), and various other methods may be applied.

[0057] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 5, a fire-resistant coating layer may be formed on the fire-resistant insulating member (300). Also, referring to FIG. 6, the fire-resistant insulating member (300) may include a fire-resistant coating application portion (320) and a fire-resistant coating non-application portion (330).

[0058] The fire-resistant coating application part (320) is a part where a fire-resistant coating layer is formed. The fire-resistant coating layer consists of a layer coated with various materials that can withstand flames.

[0059] And, the fire-resistant coating non-applied portion (330) is a portion to which the fire-resistant coating layer is not applied. When the fire-resistant coating non-applied portion (330) is formed in this way, if the fire-resistant insulating member (300) melts due to a flame generated from any battery cell (110), the flame, gas, or high-temperature particles can be discharged to the outside through the fire-resistant coating non-applied portion (330).

[0060] To this end, the fire-resistant coating non-applied portion (330) may be formed to correspond to the first venting hole (211). The fire-resistant coating non-applied portion (330) may be in communication with the first venting hole (211), and to this end, the fire-resistant coating non-applied portion (330) may be formed to have various shapes or sizes.

[0061] To explain this further, when a flame occurs in the battery cell (110), the battery cell (110) is protected by the fire-resistant insulating member (300). However, if the temperature of the flame rises above a preset temperature, the fire-resistant insulating member (300) will eventually burn or melt.

[0062] At this time, the fire-resistant coating layer attached to the fire-resistant insulating member (300) secondarily protects the battery cell (110) from the flame. However, the fire-resistant coating non-applied part (330) where the fire-resistant coating layer is not formed burns or melts due to the flame, and a hole is formed in that part, and flame, gas, or high-temperature particles move through the hole created by the melting or burning of the fire-resistant coating non-applied part (330).

[0063] Here, if the fire-resistant coating non-applied portion (330) is connected to the first venting hole (211) and the first venting hole (211) is connected to the second venting hole (410), flames, gases, or high-temperature particles generated from any battery cell (110) can be discharged to the outside through the hole formed in the fire-resistant coating non-applied portion (330), the first venting hole (211), and the second venting hole (410). As a result, flames, gases, or high-temperature particles can be discharged in a predetermined direction rather than propagating to other battery cells (110) placed in close proximity.

[0064] Here, the battery pack (20, see FIG. 10) described below may include a pack case (21), and the pack case (21) may include an upper pack case (22), and a space may be formed between the upper pack case (22) and the upper module case (210).

[0065] And, as described above, flames, gases, or high-temperature particles generated from any battery cell (110) can be discharged to the outside through the hole formed in the fire-resistant coating non-applied part (330), the first venting hole (211), and the second venting hole (410), and then discharged in a preset direction through the space between the upper pack case (22) and the upper module case (210).

[0066] Accordingly, the battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention not only prevents flames, gas, or high-temperature particles generated in any one battery cell (110) from propagating to neighboring other battery cells (110) or other battery modules (10), but also has the effect of enabling directional venting, which allows the flames, gas, or high-temperature particles to be discharged in a preset direction (a direction intended by the designer).

[0067] In addition, it has the effect of preventing thermal runaway phenomena by preventing a chain reaction of flames caused by flame propagation.

[0068] FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating a modified embodiment of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating a modified embodiment of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating another modified embodiment of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] Among the contents described in the aforementioned embodiment, those applicable to the modified embodiment are also applicable to the modified embodiment, so a detailed description is omitted. Furthermore, among the contents described in this modified embodiment, those applicable to the above embodiment may also be applicable to the above embodiment.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 7, a terrace portion (112) may be formed in the battery cell (110), which is the portion where the electrode lead (111) is located. Additionally, a gas inflow prevention member (500) may be coupled to the terrace portion (112).

[0071] In this way, when a gas inflow prevention member (500) is attached to the terrace portion (112) of the battery cell (110), it is possible to prevent external gas from the battery cell (110) from flowing into the battery cell (110).

[0072] For example, if a thermal event occurs in any battery cell (110), flames, gas, or high-temperature particles may be introduced into the battery cell (110) through the terrace portion (112) of the battery cell (110) where no thermal event has occurred.

[0073] However, when the gas inflow prevention member (500) is coupled to the terrace portion (112) of the battery cell (110), it is possible to prevent flames, gas, or high-temperature particles from entering the battery cell (110).

[0074] The gas inflow prevention member (500) can be formed in various shapes, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, it can be formed in the shape of a square plate, but the shape is not limited thereto.

[0075] Also, the gas inflow prevention member (500) can be made of various materials, for example, silicon (Si) or polyurethane (PU, polyurethane), but is not limited thereto.

[0076] When the gas inflow prevention member (500) is made of silicone or polyurethane, it has the effect of reducing heat conduction from external flames, gases, or high-temperature particles.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 8, a fire-resistant insulating member (300) is coupled to a corner portion (see part a in FIG. 8) of a battery cell (110) and connected to a gas inflow prevention member (500), and the fire-resistant insulating member (300) may be configured to cover at least a portion of the gas inflow prevention member (500), thereby preventing gas inflow more reliably.

[0078] Referring to FIG. 8, the fire-resistant insulating member (300) is extended to cover the corner portion of the battery cell (110), but in a modified embodiment, the gas inflow prevention member (500) may be extended to cover the corner portion of the battery cell (110).

[0079] Referring to FIG. 9, the gas inflow prevention member (500) may have a curved portion (510) formed in a curved shape to guide gas and allow it to flow upward. That is, external flames, gas, or high-temperature particles may strike the curved portion (510) of the gas inflow prevention member (500) and move upward, and may be discharged to the outside of the module case (200) through the first venting hole (211) of the upper module case (210) and the second venting hole (410) of the mica cover (400). To this end, the gas inflow prevention member (500) has a lower side and an upper side protruding from the battery cell (110), with the lower side of the gas inflow prevention member (500) protruding more than the upper side, and the curved portion (510) can be formed to be inclined in a curved shape toward the battery cell (110) as it goes from the lower side to the upper side of the gas inflow prevention member (500).

[0080] Meanwhile, in the case of FIG. 9, a fire-resistant insulating member (300) may be attached to the corner (part corresponding to part a in FIG. 8) of the battery cell (110) and connected to a gas inflow prevention member (500).

[0081] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a battery pack including a battery module according to each embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] Referring to FIG. 10, a battery pack (20) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery modules (10) according to each embodiment of the present invention described above.

[0083] Additionally, the battery pack (20) may further include a pack case (21) for housing the battery module (10) and various devices for controlling the charging and discharging of the battery cells (110) included in the battery module (10), such as a BMS, a current sensor, a fuse, etc.

[0084] FIG. 11 is a drawing for explaining a vehicle including the battery pack of FIG. 10.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 11, a vehicle (30) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery modules (10) according to each embodiment of the present invention or battery packs (20) according to each embodiment of the present invention. Here, the battery pack (20) may include one or more battery modules (10) according to each embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] Here, the above-mentioned automobile (30) includes various types of automobiles configured to use electricity, such as electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles, for example.

[0087] In this specification, where terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, and right are used, these terms are used merely for convenience of explanation, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that they may vary depending on the location of the object or the position of the observer.

[0088] Although the present invention has been described above by means of limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is obvious that various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims set forth below by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed above should be considered in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. That is, the scope of the true technical spirit of the present invention is indicated in the claims, and all variations within the equivalent scope thereof should be interpreted as being included in the present invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0089] 10: Battery Module 100 : Battery cell laminate 110 : Battery cell 111: Electrode lead 112: Terrace section 200 : Module case 210 : Upper module case 211: 1st venting hole 220: Lower module case 230 : Side module case 300 : Fire-resistant insulation member 310: Fire-resistant film 320: Fire-resistant coating application area 330: Area without fire-resistant coating 340: Taped area 400 : My car cover 410 : 2nd venting hole 500 : Gas inflow prevention member 510 : Curved part 20: Battery pack 21 : Pack case 22 : Upper pack case 30 : Car

Claims

Claim 1 A battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells equipped with electrode leads are stacked; a module case in which the battery cell stack is housed; A battery module comprising a fire-resistant insulating member surrounding the battery cell, wherein the battery cell has a terrace portion formed therein where the electrode lead is located, and a gas inflow prevention member coupled to the terrace portion to prevent external gas from entering the battery cell, wherein the fire-resistant insulating member is coupled to the corner portion of the battery cell and connected to the gas inflow prevention member, and wherein the fire-resistant insulating member is configured to cover at least a portion of the gas inflow prevention member, and wherein the gas inflow prevention member has a curved portion formed in a curved shape to guide gas and allow it to flow upward, wherein the lower and upper portions of the gas inflow prevention member protrude from the battery cell, with the lower portion of the gas inflow prevention member protruding more than the upper portion, and wherein the curved portion is formed to be inclined in a curved shape toward the battery cell as it extends from the lower portion to the upper portion of the gas inflow prevention member. Claim 2 A battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that the fire-resistant insulating member is composed of a fire-resistant film. Claim 3 A battery module according to claim 1, wherein the fire-resistant insulating member surrounds the upper side of the battery cell. Claim 4 A battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that a fire-resistant coating layer is formed on the fire-resistant insulating member. Claim 5 A battery module according to claim 1, wherein the fire-resistant insulating member is formed of a material including silicon or aramid. Claim 6 A battery module according to claim 1, wherein the module case includes an upper module case, and the upper module case has a first venting hole formed therein through which flame, gas, or high-temperature particles can be discharged. Claim 7 A battery module according to claim 6, wherein the fire-resistant insulating member comprises: a fire-resistant coating applied portion in which a fire-resistant coating layer is formed; and a fire-resistant coating not applied portion in which the fire-resistant coating layer is not applied. Claim 8 A battery module according to claim 7, characterized in that the fire-resistant coating-unapplied portion is formed to correspond to the first venting hole. Claim 9 A battery module according to claim 8, characterized in that the portion not coated with the fire-resistant coating is formed to communicate with the first venting hole. Claim 10 A battery module according to claim 6, wherein the upper module case is coupled to a flexible mica cover having a second venting hole formed therein. Claim 11 delete Claim 12 delete Claim 13 A battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that the gas inflow prevention member is made of silicon (Si) or polyurethane (PU). Claim 14 A battery pack comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 through 10 and 13. Claim 15 An automobile comprising a battery module according to any one of paragraphs 1 through 10 and paragraph 13.

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