Battery module

Abstract

A battery module includes: a plurality of battery cells; a case having an internal space accommodating the plurality of battery cells, and being at least partially formed of a plate member, wherein the plate member includes: a first plate portion disposed at one side; and a second plate portion disposed at the other side and spaced apart from the first plate portion; a core portion disposed between the first plate portion and the second plate portion, and configured to lengthen a path through which a flame or gas passes; and a discharge portion, in the first plate portion or the second plate portion, the discharge portion being formed toward a side or a lower side of the case to discharge the flame or the gas entering between the first plate portion and the second plate portion to the outside.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0042516, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on April 8, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to a battery module. Background Technology

[0004] With technological advancements and increasing demand for mobile devices, electric vehicles, and other energy sources, the need for battery cells as energy sources is rapidly growing. Such battery cells are rechargeable and rechargeable because the conversion between chemical and electrical energy is reversible.

[0005] Such a battery cell includes: an electrode assembly, which is the main component of the battery, including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a separator, and an electrolyte; and a battery body component, which is a laminated film case used to protect the electrode assembly.

[0006] In addition, multiple battery cells can be set up and installed as battery modules in electric vehicles, energy storage systems (ESS), etc.

[0007] However, the electrode assembly generates heat during charging or discharging, and this heat causes the temperature to rise, which in turn leads to the degradation of the battery cell's performance.

[0008] Furthermore, the explosion of any battery cell due to internal factors of the battery module (such as an increase in the temperature of the battery cell) or due to an external impact may lead to the successive explosions of other battery cells in the battery module.

[0009] Furthermore, the heat propagation, flames, or high-temperature, high-pressure gases caused by the explosion of any one battery module may affect another adjacent battery module, leading to a larger problem of successive explosions of battery modules.

[0010] Additionally, these battery modules are typically mounted at the bottom of electric vehicles. In this configuration, if flames were to escape through the top of the battery module, passengers in the electric vehicle, including the driver, would face a greater risk.

[0011] Therefore, in order to solve the above problems or limitations, it is necessary to study battery modules.

[0012] [Related Technical Documents]

[0013] (Patent Document 1) KR 10-2017-0014309 A (February 8, 2017) Summary of the Invention

[0014] One aspect of the present invention provides a battery module that addresses the problem that the explosion of any one battery module causes a subsequent explosion of another adjacent battery module.

[0015] Another aspect of the invention may provide a battery module that addresses the problem of potential hazards to passengers in an electric vehicle, including the driver, from exposure to flames emitted from the battery module.

[0016] According to one aspect of the invention, a battery module may include: a plurality of battery cells; a housing having an internal space for accommodating the plurality of battery cells and being formed at least partially by a plate member, wherein the plate member includes: a first plate portion disposed on one side; a second plate portion disposed on the other side and spaced apart from the first plate portion; a core portion disposed between the first plate portion and the second plate portion and configured to extend the path for the passage of a flame or gas; and a discharge portion formed in the first plate portion or the second plate portion toward the side or below of the housing to discharge the flame or gas entering between the first plate portion and the second plate portion to the outside.

[0017] The housing may include: a bottom member on which multiple battery cells are mounted; front and rear members disposed at the edges of the bottom member and connected to the electrode leads of the battery cells, and may include plate members for at least the front and rear members.

[0018] Each of the front and rear components may include a bolt member that is threaded to the lower end of the plate member to connect the plate member to the bottom component.

[0019] The bolt member may have bolt holes formed in the longitudinal direction to communicate with the space between the first plate portion and the second plate portion.

[0020] The housing may include: a bottom member on which multiple battery cells are mounted; and front and rear members disposed at the edges of the bottom member and connected to the electrode leads of the battery cells, and may at least provide plate members for the bottom member.

[0021] The bottom component may include a recess formed in such a recess that a shark fin portion protruding downward from the seal of each battery cell is located therein. An entrance may be formed in the recess to allow communication between the internal space accommodating the battery cell and the space between the first and second plates.

[0022] The housing may include: a bottom member on which multiple battery cells are mounted; front and rear members disposed at the edges of the bottom member and connected to the electrode leads of the battery cells; side wall members disposed at the edges of the bottom member and adjacent to the front and rear members; and a cover member disposed at the upper ends of the front and rear members and the side wall members, and may include at least a plate member for the side wall members.

[0023] The core can be formed in a pattern in which the unit column part repeats in the shape of a hollow polygonal column.

[0024] The unit column may have a connecting portion formed on at least two of its column surfaces.

[0025] The unit column may have a first connecting portion formed adjacent to the first plate portion and a second connecting portion formed adjacent to the second plate portion to form a serrated flame or gas path.

[0026] The second plate may have an entrance portion formed to allow the internal space accommodating the battery cell to communicate with the space between the first plate and the second plate.

[0027] The plate component may include an opening / closing plate portion that is connected to the second plate portion and opens or closes the entrance portion.

[0028] The plate member may include a receiving member that is housed in the space between the first plate portion and the second plate portion and is formed of a material for performing at least one of fire extinguishing function, heat absorption function and fire resistance function. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0030] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view showing a battery module according to the present invention;

[0031] Figure 2 This is a side sectional view showing a plate member provided for a sidewall member in a battery module according to the present invention;

[0032] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view clearly showing a portion of the first plate portion of a plate member that forms the bottom and side wall members of the housing in a battery module according to the present invention;

[0033] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing a plate component in a battery module according to the present invention;

[0034] Figure 5 This is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment, wherein the housing in the battery module according to the invention includes a separating member;

[0035] Figure 6 This is a front sectional view showing a plate member provided for front and rear components in a battery module according to the present invention;

[0036] Figure 7 This is a front sectional view showing a plate member provided for the bottom member in a battery module according to the present invention;

[0037] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing the unit column portion of the core in a battery module according to the present invention;

[0038] Figure 9 It is a side sectional view showing an embodiment, wherein the opening / closing plate portion of the plate member is formed to be damaged by heat or pressure caused by the explosion of the battery cell in the battery module according to the invention;

[0039] Figure 10 It is a side sectional view showing an embodiment, wherein the opening / closing plate portion of the plate member is formed to rotate by pressure caused by the explosion of the battery cell in the battery module according to the invention;

[0040] Figure 11 This is a front sectional view showing an embodiment, wherein the plate member in the battery module according to the invention is provided with a receiving member. Detailed Implementation

[0041] In the following, various embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] The present invention relates to a battery module comprising: a plurality of battery cells; and a housing having an internal space for accommodating the plurality of battery cells, wherein the housing is at least partially formed by a plate member connected to the internal space; and wherein the plate member forms a flame or gas path configured to discharge the generated flame or gas to the outside of the housing in the event of a battery cell failure that generates flame or gas.

[0043] The present invention also relates to a battery module comprising: a housing forming an internal space configured to accommodate a plurality of battery cells, the housing including a plate member; wherein the plate member includes an inlet portion communicating with the internal space, an outlet portion, and a flame or gas path connecting the inlet portion and the outlet portion, and wherein the flame or gas path is configured to discharge flame or gas to the outside of the housing at a reduced discharge rate in the event of a battery cell failure that generates flame or gas in the internal space.

[0044] This invention relates to a battery module that addresses the problem that the explosion of any one battery module leads to the subsequent explosion of another adjacent battery module. Specifically, the invention provides a way to prevent thermal runaway of any battery module from causing heat to propagate to other battery modules.

[0045] On the other hand, the present invention relates to a battery module capable of dissipating flames generated by the explosion of any one of the battery modules, and ensuring structural rigidity in shock and vibration environments while achieving weight reduction.

[0046] On the other hand, the present invention relates to a battery module that addresses the problem of potential danger to passengers in electric vehicles, including the driver, from flames emitted from the battery module. Specifically, the battery module is typically mounted below the bottom of the electric vehicle. In this case, the flames are emitted from the top of the battery module, posing a danger to passengers in the electric vehicle, including the driver. However, the battery module according to the present invention solves this problem.

[0047] Specifically, please refer to the attached diagram. Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view showing a battery module according to the present invention. Figure 2 This is a side cross-sectional view showing a plate member 210 provided for a sidewall member 200b in a battery module according to the present invention.

[0048] in addition, Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view clearly showing a portion of the first plate portion 211 of the plate member 210 provided for the bottom member 200a and the side wall member 200b of the housing 200 in the battery module according to the present invention. Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing a plate component in a battery module according to the present invention.

[0049] refer to Figures 2 to 4 According to an embodiment of the present invention, a battery module may include: a plurality of battery cells 100; and a housing 200 having an internal space R for accommodating the plurality of battery cells 100, and being formed at least partially by a plate member 210. The plate member 210 may include: a first plate portion 211 disposed on one side thereon; a second plate portion 212 disposed on the other side thereon and spaced apart from the first plate portion 211 by a predetermined interval; a core portion 213 disposed between the first plate portion 211 and the second plate portion 212 and extending a flame or gas path F; and a discharge portion 214 formed in the first plate portion 211 or the second plate portion 212 toward the side or underside of the housing 200 to discharge flame or gas entering between the first plate portion 211 and the second plate portion 212 to the outside.

[0050] In this way, the battery module according to the invention can be configured to dissipate the flame generated from the battery cell 100 disposed in the internal space R by means of an extended flame or gas path.

[0051] In other words, in the battery module according to the invention, since the flame is dissipated through an extended flame or gas path before being discharged to the outside, the problem of the flame spreading to another adjacent battery module and causing a series of explosions can be prevented.

[0052] The dissipation of a flame is caused by an elongated path that reduces the flame's temperature and consumes oxygen, thereby eliminating the conditions necessary for the flame to persist.

[0053] Furthermore, in the battery module according to the invention, since the gas is cooled before being discharged to the outside, the problem of high-temperature gas spreading to another adjacent battery module and causing a series of explosions can be prevented.

[0054] In other words, by extending the gas path, the gas temperature can be reduced as the gas moves through the gas path, thereby cooling the gas.

[0055] Furthermore, in the battery module according to the invention, since the exhaust portion 214 through which the flame or gas is discharged is formed toward the side or below the housing 200, the flame or gas cannot be discharged upwards. Therefore, the problem of potential hazards to passengers in electric vehicles, including the driver, caused by flames discharged from the battery module can be solved.

[0056] Here, multiple battery cells 100 can be accommodated in the internal space R of the housing 200.

[0057] Additionally, the battery cell 100 may include an electrode assembly and a battery body component surrounding the electrode assembly.

[0058] The electrode assembly may substantially comprise an electrolyte, and the electrolyte may be contained within and used with the battery body component. For example, the electrolyte may comprise a lithium salt in an organic solvent, such as LiPF6 or LiBF4, and the organic solvent may be such as ethylene carbonate (EC), propylene carbonate (PC), diethyl carbonate (DEC), ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC), or dimethyl carbonate (DMC). Furthermore, in one embodiment, the electrolyte may be in a liquid phase, a solid phase, or a gel phase.

[0059] Additionally, the battery body component is a part that protects the electrode assembly while containing the electrolyte. For example, the battery body component can be configured as a pouch-type component or a can-type component. Here, the pouch-type component, which contains the electrode assembly while sealing its three sides, can be a component configured to seal the electrode assembly in such a way that the sealing is achieved by overlapping and bonding the pouch-type components on the three sides of the electrode assembly while the electrode assembly is contained in the pouch-type component. These three sides are typically the upper side (excluding the lower side) and the two lateral sides. Similarly, the can-type component, which contains the electrode assembly while sealing its one side, can be a component configured to seal the electrode assembly in such a way that the sealing is achieved by overlapping and bonding the can-type components on one side of the electrode assembly while the electrode assembly is contained in the can-type component. This one side is typically the upper surface of the three sides (excluding the lower side and the two lateral sides).

[0060] However, the pouch-type battery unit 100 or the can-type battery unit 100 is merely an example of a battery unit 100 housed in a battery module according to the present invention, and the battery unit 100 housed in a battery module according to the present invention is not limited to the types described above. Four-sided sealed secondary batteries and the like can be housed in a battery module according to the present invention.

[0061] The housing can be used as the main body of a battery module in which multiple battery cells 100 are housed.

[0062] In other words, the housing, which contains multiple battery cells, can not only protect the battery cells, but also transfer electrical energy generated by the battery cells to the outside or transfer electrical energy from the outside to the battery cells.

[0063] For this purpose, the housing may include a bottom member 200a, a side wall member 200b, a cover member 200c, and a front and rear member 200e forming an internal space R for accommodating multiple battery cells 100. Plate members 210 that extend the flame or gas path F may be provided for the bottom member 200a, side wall member 200b, cover member 200c, front and rear member 200e, etc.

[0064] Here, the front and rear components 200e may include: a front component 200f, which is disposed at the front of the housing and connected to the electrode lead portion 110 on one side of the battery cell 100; and a rear component 200g, which is disposed at the rear of the housing and connected to the electrode lead portion 110 on the other side of the battery cell 100. Alternatively, a busbar component 200h connected to the electrode lead portion 110 may be disposed between the front and rear components.

[0065] Therefore, the rate at which flames caused by an explosion of the battery cell 100 housed in the internal space R of the casing are ejected outward through the bottom member 200a, side wall member 200b, cover member 200c, front and rear members 200e, etc., can be reduced. This reduction in the rate at which flames are ejected outward from the casing solves the problem of flame propagation to another adjacent battery module, leading to a chain reaction of explosions.

[0066] In addition, when a plate member 210 is provided for the bottom member 200a, side wall member 200b, cover member 200c or front and rear member 200e, the discharge section 214 (through which flame or gas is discharged) can be formed only to the side or below of the housing, thereby preventing the flame or gas from being discharged upward.

[0067] Furthermore, the plate member 210 may include a core 213. The core 213 may be disposed in a hollow portion H inside the plate member 210, the hollow portion H being the space between the first plate portion 211 and the second plate portion 212, and the core 213 is configured to extend the path of the flame into the hollow portion H.

[0068] Therefore, the plate member 210 of the battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a first plate portion 211 disposed on one side thereof; and a second plate portion 212 formed by a predetermined interval from the first plate portion 211 to form a hollow portion H, wherein a core portion 213 is provided between the first plate portion 211 and the second plate portion 212 in the hollow portion H.

[0069] That is, the bottom member 200a, the side wall member 200b, the cover member 200c or the front and rear members 200e can be formed by the plate member 210 itself, and the plate member 210 can include a first plate portion 211, a second plate portion 212 and a core portion 213.

[0070] As an example, when the sidewall member 200b is formed by the plate member 210, the first plate portion 211 can be disposed on the outwardly exposed side of the plate member 210, and the second plate portion 212 can be disposed inside the first plate portion 211, closer to the battery cell 100 than the first plate portion 211. That is, the two end portions of the second plate portion 212 can be at least partially connected to the first plate portion 211, and the middle portion of the second plate portion 212 can be arranged to be spaced apart from the first plate portion 211 by a predetermined distance, while being arranged closer to the battery cell 100 than the first plate portion 211.

[0071] Alternatively, the core portion 213 may be disposed in the hollow portion H formed between the first plate portion 211 and the second plate portion 212, which are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval. Furthermore, the core portion 213 may be configured to extend the path of the flame into the hollow portion H.

[0072] In other words, the core 213 of the battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention can be formed in the form of repeated unit pillars 213a. The unit pillar 213a can have a polygonal shell and a hollow space surrounded by the shell. For example, the core 213 can have a honeycomb structure. The core 213 includes a plurality of hollow polygonal pillars adjacent to each other.

[0073] In this way, the core 213 can be configured to extend the flame or gas path F through multiple unit pillars 213a, as the flame moves and extends as it passes through the unit pillars 213a.

[0074] As an example, the core 213 can be configured to extend the flame or gas path by forming a connecting portion 213b in the unit column 213a. See later. Figure 8 This will be described in detail.

[0075] Furthermore, the second plate portion 212 may have an inlet portion 215 formed to allow flames to enter the hollow portion H, and the first plate portion 211 may have an outlet portion 214 formed to discharge flames, gases, etc. into the hollow portion H.

[0076] Furthermore, since the core 213 is disposed in the hollow portion H between the first plate portion 211 and the second plate portion 212, the core 213 can also serve to support the first plate portion 211 and the second plate portion 212. Therefore, the plate member 210 can ensure structural rigidity in impact and vibration environments while achieving lightweight design.

[0077] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the second plate portion 212 of the battery module may have an inlet portion 215, which is configured to allow the internal space R accommodating the battery cell 100 to communicate with the space between the first plate portion 211 and the second plate portion 212.

[0078] Therefore, the flame generated from the battery cell 100 housed in the internal space R can enter the hollow portion H of the plate member 210. Therefore, the flow path of the flame, gas, etc. can be extended by the core 213 provided in the hollow portion H.

[0079] The entrance section 215 may be further provided with an opening / closing plate section 216 for opening or closing the entrance section 215. (See later for reference.) Figure 9 This will be described in detail.

[0080] Additionally, the first plate portion 211 may have a discharge portion 214, which is configured to discharge the flame or gas that enters the hollow portion H to the outside of the hollow portion H.

[0081] Therefore, if some flames, gases, etc. that have entered the hollow section H do not dissipate, they can be discharged through the discharge section 214.

[0082] Furthermore, when the first plate portion 211 is configured to contact the outside, if the battery cell 100 housed in the internal space R of the housing 200 explodes, the internal space R becomes a high-pressure environment compared to the relatively low-pressure environment outside. Therefore, high-pressure gases or the like within the internal space R can be guided through the plate member 210 and move towards the low-pressure environment outside. Consequently, flames generated in the internal space R can also be induced to pass through the plate member 210.

[0083] In addition, by forming an exhaust portion 214 on the side or bottom of the housing 200, flames or gases are not allowed to be discharged upwards, thus solving the problem of passengers in electric vehicles, including the driver, being exposed to the danger caused by flames discharged from the battery module.

[0084] Furthermore, the housing 200 of the battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a bottom member 200a on which a plurality of battery cells 100 are disposed; a front and rear member 200e disposed at the edge of the bottom member 200a and connected to the electrode lead portion 110 of the battery cells 100; a side wall member 200b disposed at the edge of the bottom member 200a and adjacent to the front and rear member 200e; and a cover member 200c disposed at the upper end of the front and rear member 200e and the side wall member 200b. A plate member 210 may be provided at least for the side wall member 200b.

[0085] The bottom member 200a, on which multiple battery cells 100 are mounted, can be used to support the multiple battery cells 100 mounted thereon.

[0086] Here, the bottom component 200a can be configured to transfer heat generated from the battery cell 100 to an external heat sink to cool the battery module.

[0087] In addition, the side wall member 200b forming the side of the housing can dissipate the heat generated by the battery cell 100 to the outside.

[0088] The housing can be configured to protect the upper end of the battery cell by including a cover member 200c disposed on the upper end of the sidewall member 200b. Additionally, the housing may include front and rear members 200e, which include a front member 200f and a rear member 200g adjacent to the sidewall member 200b. Therefore, the housing can be configured to surround a plurality of battery cells 100.

[0089] In addition, the front and rear components 200e may be provided with supplemental components, such as the busbar component 200h that electrically connects the battery cell to the outside.

[0090] In addition, a compression member may be provided on the inner surface of the sidewall member 200b to further protect the battery cell 100.

[0091] Additionally, at least one of the bottom member 200a, side wall member 200b, cover member 200c, and front and rear members 200e can be configured as a plate member 210 that extends the flame or gas path F to guide flame dissipation. Therefore, the problem of flames originating from any one battery module spreading to another adjacent battery module and causing a chain reaction of explosions can be solved.

[0092] As an example, a plate member 210 can be provided for the sidewall member 200b, so that the flame or gas path F can be extended to the sidewall member 200b to dissipate the flame.

[0093] Alternatively, plate members 210 can be provided for the front and rear members 200e. See below for further details. Figure 6 This will be described in detail.

[0094] Alternatively, a plate member 210 can be provided for the bottom member 200a. (See below for further details.) Figure 7 This will be described in detail.

[0095] Meanwhile, the plate member 210 can also be provided for the cover member 200c. However, in this case, the discharge portion 214 can be formed only in the side end of the cover member 200c, so that the discharge portion 214 faces only the side of the housing.

[0096] Figure 5 This is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment, wherein in the battery module according to the invention, the housing 200 includes a separating member 200d. Reference Figure 5 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the housing 200 of the battery module may include a partition member 200d, which is disposed in the internal space R to separate the internal space R, and the plate member 210 may also be disposed for the partition member 200d.

[0097] In other words, a partition member 200d can be provided so that an explosion of the battery cell 100 occurring on one side of the internal space R of the housing 200 will not spread to the other side of the internal space R of the housing 200.

[0098] As an example, the partition member 200d can be set in the central part of the interior space R to divide the interior space R into two spaces.

[0099] Therefore, the problem of the battery cell 100 housed on one side of the internal space R expanding into another battery cell 100 housed on the other side of the internal space R can be solved.

[0100] Figure 6 This is a front sectional view showing a plate member 210 provided for the front and rear members 200e in a battery module according to the present invention. The housing 200 of the battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a bottom member 200a on which a plurality of battery cells 100 are disposed; and front and rear members 200e disposed at the edge of the bottom member 200a and connected to the electrode lead portions 110 of the battery cells 100. The plate member 210 may be provided at least for the front and rear members 200e.

[0101] Here, the front and rear components 200e can be connected to the electrode lead portion 110, which is connected to the electrode of the electrode assembly of the battery cell 100.

[0102] Alternatively, plate members 210 can be provided for the front and rear members 200e, so that the flame or gas path F can be extended to the front and rear members 200e to dissipate the flame.

[0103] In the front and rear members 200e, a discharge portion 214 may be formed in a relatively low-level sealed portion (through which flame or gas is discharged from the interior of the plate member 210) connected to a high-voltage (HV) terminal or bolt. The HV terminal connects the electrode lead portion 110 to an external device such as the engine of an electric vehicle. However, the discharge portion 214 according to the invention is not limited to this, as long as the flame or gas is discharged laterally or downward outward from the hollow portion H of the plate member 210 to the housing 200.

[0104] Additionally, each of the front and rear members 200e of the battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a bolt member 220, which is threaded to the lower end of the plate member 210 to connect the plate member 210 to the bottom member 200a.

[0105] In other words, the bolt member 220 can penetrate the bottom member 200a and be threaded to the lower end portion of the plate member 210 provided for the front and rear members 200e, thereby fixing the plate member 210 provided for the front and rear members 200e to the bolt member 220.

[0106] Here, the bolt member 220 of the battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may have a bolt hole 220a formed in the length direction to communicate with the space between the first plate portion 211 and the second plate portion 212.

[0107] Bolt hole 220a can communicate with discharge portion 214 of plate member 210 formed below the housing. Therefore, plate member 210 can discharge flame or gas that has not dissipated to the outside from the hollow portion H of plate member 210 (which is the space between the first plate portion 211 and the second plate portion 212) via bolt hole 220a.

[0108] Figure 7 This is a front sectional view showing a plate member 210 provided for a bottom member 200a in a battery module according to the present invention. (See reference) Figure 7 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the housing 200 of the battery module may include: a bottom member 200a on which a plurality of battery cells 100 are disposed; and front and rear members 200e disposed at the edges of the bottom member 200a and connected to the electrode lead portions 110 of the battery cells 100. A plate member 210 may be provided at least for the bottom member 200a.

[0109] In other words, a plate member 210 can be provided for the bottom member 200a, so that the flame or gas path F can be extended to the bottom member 200a to dissipate the flame.

[0110] Here, the discharge portion 214 for discharging flame or gas outward from the hollow portion H of the plate member 210 can be formed in the lower surface of the bottom member 200a, so that the flame or gas is discharged downward toward the shell, or formed in the side end of the bottom member 200a, so that the flame or gas is discharged to the side of the shell 200.

[0111] Additionally, an inlet 215 of a plate member 210 can be formed in the recess 230 of the bottom member 200a, allowing the hollow portion H to communicate with the internal space R that houses the battery unit 100. Flames or gases generated from the battery unit 100 can relatively easily converge into this recess 230.

[0112] In other words, the bottom member 200a of the battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a recess 230, which is formed to be recessed such that the shark portion 120a protruding downward from the sealing portion 120 of the battery cell 100 is located therein. In the recess 230, the inlet portion 215 may be formed to allow communication between the internal space R of the battery cell 100 and the space between the first plate portion 211 and the second plate portion 212.

[0113] Here, the sealing portion 120 is a portion formed at the end of the battery body member to seal the electrode assembly when the electrode assembly is housed in the battery body member of the battery cell 100.

[0114] In addition, the shark fin portion 120a, which is part of the sealing portion 120, is a portion that extends further in the direction toward the bottom member 200a.

[0115] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing the unit column 213a of the core 213 in the battery module according to the present invention. (See reference) Figure 8 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the unit column portion 213a of the battery module may have a connecting portion 213b formed on at least two of its column surfaces.

[0116] Therefore, flames, gases, etc., introduced into the unit column 213a of the core 213 can diffuse to another adjacent unit column 213a. As a result, the flow path of flames, gases, etc., entering the core 213 can be extended.

[0117] In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the unit column portion 213a of the battery module may have a first connecting portion 213c formed adjacent to the first plate portion 211 and a second connecting portion 213d formed adjacent to the second plate portion 211 to form a serrated flame or gas path.

[0118] When the connecting portion 213b is formed in this form, the flow path of the flame, gas, etc., can be further extended, and an indirect cooling effect can also be caused. Therefore, the flame dissipation effect can be improved and gas can be formed at a relatively low temperature.

[0119] As an example, flames, gases, etc. can enter unit column 213a through the first connecting part 213c, and flames, gases, etc. can be discharged to another adjacent unit column 213a through the second connecting part 213d, thereby extending the flow path of flames, gases, etc.

[0120] Furthermore, if the first connecting portion 213c is a hole formed adjacent to the first plate portion 211 and the second connecting portion 213d is a hole formed adjacent to the second plate portion 212, then flames, gases, etc. can pass through the unit column portion 213a on a plane that is horizontal to the first plate portion 211 or the second plate portion 212 (ensuring the state of the flow path in the direction intersecting the plane), thereby further extending the flow path of flames, gases, etc. in a zigzag shape.

[0121] In addition, when the first plate portion 211 or the second plate portion 212 are arranged adjacent to each other externally in a relatively low temperature environment, flames, gases, etc. can be cooled while passing through the first connecting portion 213c or the second connecting portion 213d.

[0122] Figure 9 This is a side sectional view showing an embodiment, wherein the opening / closing plate portion 216 of the plate member 210 is formed to be damaged by heat or pressure caused by the explosion of the battery cell 100 in the battery module according to the invention. Figure 10 The diagram shows a side sectional view of an embodiment, wherein the opening / closing plate portion 216 of the plate member 210 is configured to rotate under pressure caused by the explosion of the battery cell 100 in the battery module according to the invention.

[0123] refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the plate member 210 of the battery module may include an on / off plate 216 connected to the second plate 212 and opening or closing the inlet 215.

[0124] By means of the opening / closing plate 216 as described above, the problem of external foreign objects flowing backward can be prevented from entering the internal space R through the plate member 210.

[0125] In addition, in order to direct the flames, gases and other substances generated when the battery cell 100 contained in the internal space R explodes to the plate member 210, the opening / closing plate part 216 needs to open the inlet part 215 when the battery cell 100 explodes.

[0126] Therefore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the on / off plate 216 of the battery module can be configured to be damaged by heat or pressure caused by the explosion of any of the battery cells 100.

[0127] In other words, the on / off plate 216 can be configured to be melted and damaged by the heat caused by the explosion of the battery cell 100, thereby opening the inlet 215, or it can be configured to be opened by the rupture and damage of the high-pressure gas caused by the explosion of the battery cell 100.

[0128] As an example, such as Figure 9 As shown, the on / off plate portion 216 may have a groove formed in a portion thereof, such that the grooved portion is more susceptible to the influence of high-pressure gas than other portions.

[0129] Optionally, the opening / closing plate 216 can be as follows: Figure 10 The setup is shown as a door that is either open or closed.

[0130] In other words, one end of the on / off plate 216 of the battery module according to the embodiment of the present invention can be hinged to the second plate 212, such that the on / off plate 216 can be rotated in the direction toward the hollow part H by the pressure caused by the explosion of any of the battery cells 100 to open the inlet 215.

[0131] In this way, the opening / closing plate 216 can be configured to be damaged by heat or pressure caused by the explosion of the battery cell 100 to open the entrance 215, but it can also be configured as a door to open the entrance 215.

[0132] For this purpose, one end of the opening / closing plate 216 can be hinged to the second plate 212 to allow the opening / closing plate 216 to rotate, and an elastic member can be connected to one end of the opening / closing plate 216 to apply a predetermined elastic force in the direction of closing the inlet 215.

[0133] Therefore, when the battery cell 100 contained in the internal space R explodes and the internal space R is thus in a high-pressure environment, the switch plate 216 can rotate in the direction of opening the inlet 215.

[0134] Figure 11 This is a front sectional view showing an embodiment where the plate member 210 in the battery module according to the invention is provided with a receiving member 240. (Reference) Figure 11 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the plate member 210 of the battery module may include a receiving member 240, which is received in the space between the first plate portion 211 and the second plate portion 212, and is formed of a material for performing at least one of fire extinguishing function, heat absorption function and fire resistance function.

[0135] Therefore, when the first plate portion 211 or the second plate portion 212 arranged adjacent to the internal space R melts due to heat or flame, the housing member 240 can perform at least one of the functions of fire extinguishing, heat absorption and fire resistance while in direct contact with heat and flame.

[0136] As described above, according to various embodiments of the present invention, the advantage of the battery module according to the present invention is that it can solve the following problem: the explosion of any one battery module will cause another adjacent battery module to explode in succession.

[0137] In other words, the battery module according to the present invention is effective in preventing thermal runaway of any battery module from causing heat to spread to another battery module.

[0138] Furthermore, the battery module according to the present invention has the advantage that it can dissipate the flames generated by the explosion of any one of the battery modules.

[0139] In addition, the battery module according to the invention has the advantage of solving the problem that passengers in electric vehicles, including the driver, are exposed to the danger that may be caused by the flame emitted from the battery module.

[0140] Although various embodiments have been shown and described above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A battery module comprising: Multiple battery cells; and The casing has an internal space to accommodate multiple battery cells. The shell is at least partially formed by plate members connected to the interior space; and The plate member forms a flame or gas path, which is configured to exhaust the generated flame or gas to the outside of the housing in the event of a battery cell malfunction that produces flame or gas. The plate component includes: First board section; A second plate portion is disposed opposite to and spaced apart from the first plate portion, wherein the first plate portion and the second plate portion form a flame or gas path; A core portion, disposed between the first plate portion and the second plate portion, is configured to extend the flame or gas path. The core comprises a plurality of hollow polygonal pillars that are adjacent to each other. The unit column portion of the plurality of hollow polygonal columns has a connecting portion formed on at least two of its column surfaces. The unit column has a first connecting portion formed adjacent to the first plate portion and a second connecting portion formed adjacent to the second plate portion to form a flame or gas path.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The core is configured to reduce the rate at which flames or gases are expelled.

3. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The plate member is integrally formed with the bottom member or side wall member of the housing, and includes an inlet communicating with the interior space and an outlet configured to discharge flames or gases.

4. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The plate component also includes: The discharge section is formed on the side or below of the housing in the first plate section or the second plate section to discharge flames or gases that enter between the first plate section and the second plate section to the outside.

5. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein, The housing includes: The bottom component, on which the plurality of battery cells are mounted; and The front and rear components are disposed at the edge of the bottom component and connected to the electrode leads of the plurality of battery cells. The plate member is provided for at least the front and rear members.

6. The battery module according to claim 5, wherein, Each of the front and rear components includes a bolt member that is threaded to the lower end of the plate member to connect the plate member to the bottom component.

7. The battery module according to claim 6, wherein, The bolt member has bolt holes formed in the longitudinal direction to communicate spatially with the flame or gas path formed between the first plate portion and the second plate portion.

8. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The housing includes: A bottom component, on which the plurality of battery cells are mounted; and The front and rear components are disposed at the edge of the bottom component and connected to the electrode leads of the plurality of battery cells. The plate member is provided for at least the bottom member.

9. The battery module according to claim 8, wherein, The bottom component includes a recess formed to accommodate a shark fin portion protruding downward from the seal of each battery cell, and An entrance is formed in the recess to allow communication between the interior space and the flame or gas path.

10. The battery module according to claim 4, wherein, The housing includes: A bottom component on which the plurality of battery cells are mounted; Front and rear components are disposed at the edge of the bottom component and connected to the electrode leads of the plurality of battery cells; A sidewall member is disposed at the edge of the bottom member and adjacent to the front and rear members; A cover member is disposed at the upper end of the front and rear members and the side wall members, and The plate member is provided for at least the sidewall member.

11. The battery module according to claim 4, wherein, The flame or gas path is formed in a zigzag shape through the plurality of hollow polygonal columns.

12. The battery module according to claim 4, wherein, The second plate has an entrance portion, which is configured to allow the internal space accommodating the battery cell to communicate with the space between the first plate and the second plate.

13. The battery module according to claim 4, wherein, The plate member includes an inlet communicating with the interior space and an outlet configured to discharge flames or gases, and wherein the plate member includes an open / close plate connected to the second plate and opening or closing the inlet.

14. The battery module according to claim 4, wherein, The plate member includes a receiving member housed in the space between the first plate portion and the second plate portion, and is formed of a material for performing at least one of fire extinguishing, heat absorption, and fire resistance functions.

15. A battery module comprising: A housing that forms an internal space configured to accommodate multiple battery cells, the housing including plate members; The plate component includes an inlet and an outlet communicating with the internal space, as well as a flame or gas path connecting the inlet and the outlet. The flame or gas path is configured to exhaust the flame or gas to the outside of the housing at a reduced exhaust rate in the event of a battery cell malfunction that generates flame or gas in the internal space. The plate component includes: First board section; A second plate portion is disposed opposite to and spaced apart from the first plate portion, wherein the first plate portion and the second plate portion form a flame or gas path; A core portion, disposed between the first plate portion and the second plate portion, is configured to extend the flame or gas path. The core comprises a plurality of hollow polygonal pillars that are adjacent to each other. The unit column portion of the plurality of hollow polygonal columns has a connecting portion formed on at least two of its column surfaces. The unit column has a first connecting portion formed adjacent to the first plate portion and a second connecting portion formed adjacent to the second plate portion to form a flame or gas path.

16. The battery module according to claim 15, wherein, The core is configured to reduce the rate at which flames or gases are expelled.

17. The battery module according to claim 15, wherein, The plate member is integrally formed with the bottom member of the housing and is configured to exhaust flames or gases below the battery module.

18. The battery module according to claim 17, in, The bottom component of the battery module includes a recess formed to accommodate a shark fin-like portion protruding downward from the sealing portions of multiple battery cells. The recess includes an entrance portion.

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