Battery Module, Battery Pack, and Vehicle

Abstract

A battery module with improved safety against fire or thermal runaway is disclosed. To achieve the above object, the battery module according to the present invention includes: a cell assembly including at least two battery cells; a module housing having an internal space for accommodating the cell assembly and a communication port for connecting the internal space to the outside; a mesh member having a mesh structure and disposed on the communication port of the module housing; and a sealing member disposed at a position facing the mesh member and configured to seal the mesh holes of the mesh member when its volume expands at a predetermined temperature or higher.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery module, and more particularly, to a battery module having improved safety against fire or thermal runaway.

[0002] This application claims the priority of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0152649, filed in Korea on November 25, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] Currently commercialized secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, lithium secondary batteries, etc. Among these secondary batteries, lithium secondary batteries have attracted much attention due to their almost no memory effect compared with nickel-based secondary batteries, and thus have advantages such as free charge and discharge, extremely low self-discharge rate, and high energy density.

[0004] These secondary batteries have high applicability to various product lines and electrical characteristics with high energy density. Such secondary batteries are applicable not only to portable electronic devices but also to electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles driven by an electric drive source and energy storage devices.

[0005] Since secondary batteries do not produce by-products due to the use of energy and have the main advantage of being able to significantly reduce the use of fossil fuels, secondary batteries have attracted attention as a new energy source for improving environmental protection and energy efficiency.

[0006] A battery pack applied to an electric vehicle has the following structure: among them, a plurality of battery modules each including a plurality of battery cells are connected to obtain a high output. In addition, each battery cell is an electrode assembly and can be repeatedly charged and discharged through an electrochemical reaction between components, and the components include a positive electrode current collector and a negative electrode current collector, a separator, an active material, and an electrolyte.

[0007] Meanwhile, with the increasing demand for large-capacity structures including those used as energy storage sources in recent years, the demand for a plurality of battery modules in which a plurality of secondary batteries are connected in series and / or in parallel is increasing.

[0008] In such a battery module, since a plurality of battery cells (secondary battery cells) are arranged in a compact form in a narrow space of the module housing, when a fire or thermal runaway occurs in some battery cells, the fire or thermal runaway quickly spreads to adjacent battery cells. To prevent the spread, it is important to quickly discharge the high-temperature gas or flame generated by each battery cell to the outside.

[0009] In addition, in a battery module of the prior art, heat generated by charging and discharging a plurality of battery cells inside is likely to accumulate. To reduce heat accumulation, the battery module is generally configured to introduce external air into the inside and discharge the internal air to the outside for cooling.

[0010] However, even when a fire occurs in a plurality of battery cells, since external air may continuously flow into the battery module, the oxygen supply becomes smooth, so there is a serious problem that the fire further expands and the fire spreads to surrounding battery cells. Summary of the Invention

[0011] Technical Problem

[0012] The present disclosure aims to solve the problems of the prior art. Therefore, the present disclosure aims to provide a battery module with improved safety against fire or thermal runaway.

[0013] These and other objects and advantages of the present disclosure can be understood from the following detailed description, and will become fully apparent from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In addition, it will be readily understood that the objects and advantages of the present disclosure can be achieved by the measures and combinations thereof shown in the appended claims.

[0014] Technical Solution

[0015] In one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a battery module including: a monomer assembly including at least two battery cells; a module housing including an internal space for accommodating the monomer assembly and including a circulation hole for connecting the internal space to the outside; a mesh member having a mesh structure and disposed in the circulation hole of the module housing; and a sealing member disposed at a position facing the mesh member and configured to expand in volume when the temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature to seal the mesh holes of the mesh member.

[0016] The sealing member may include a plurality of ventilation holes penetrated to discharge gas generated inside the module housing to the outside.

[0017] The module housing may include at least two fixing members configured to fix the mesh member to the circulation hole.

[0018] The mesh member may be placed between the at least two fixing members.

[0019] The fixing member may include an opening hole configured to insert the sealing member therein.

[0020] The sealing member may be configured to produce a carbonized layer that undergoes volume expansion when the temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature.

[0021] The mesh member may include a stopper configured to prevent the produced carbonized layer of the sealing member from moving more than a predetermined distance in the direction in which the carbonized layer passes through the mesh structure when the carbonized layer of the sealing member passes through the mesh structure.

[0022] The sealing member may include a core unit located in each of the plurality of vent holes and configured to undergo volume expansion when the temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature to seal the vent holes and the mesh holes of the mesh member.

[0023] The battery module may further include a discharge member disposed outside the sealing member, the discharge member being spaced apart from the sealing member by a predetermined distance and including a plurality of discharge holes for discharging gas to the outside.

[0024] A column portion may be provided on an outer surface of the discharge member, the column portion protruding in an outward direction and configured to undergo volume expansion when the temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature to seal each of the plurality of vent holes of the sealing member.

[0025] The at least two battery cells of the single cell assembly may be stacked in one direction.

[0026] The single cell assembly may include an elastic member disposed between the at least two stacked battery cells to buffer volume changes of the battery cells.

[0027] In another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a battery pack including at least one of the battery modules.

[0028] In another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a vehicle including the battery pack.

[0029] Advantageous Effects

[0030] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the present disclosure includes a sealing member configured to seal a mesh member disposed in a flow hole of a module housing by undergoing volume expansion when the temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature. Thus, when a fire or thermal runaway occurs in the single cell assembly, the volume of the sealing member expands due to high-temperature gas, and the sealing member after volume expansion can seal the mesh member. Thus, external air can no longer be introduced into the module housing. Thus, the module housing sealed with respect to the outside can prevent further spread of the fire of the single cell assembly and ultimately cause the fire to go out naturally.

[0031] In addition, according to an aspect of the present disclosure, the sealing member includes a plurality of vent holes which are penetrated to discharge the gas generated inside the module housing to the outside. Thus, when a fire or thermal runaway occurs in the single cell assembly, the high-temperature gas can initially be discharged to the outside through the plurality of vent holes of the sealing member. Therefore, the battery module of the present disclosure can quickly discharge the high-temperature gas to prevent the internal temperature of the module housing from rising rapidly, thereby preventing the spread of fire or thermal runaway of adjacent battery cells.

[0032] Then, afterwards, while the volume of the sealing member expands due to the high-temperature gas, the plurality of vent holes can be sealed. Thus, external air can not be introduced into the vent holes of the sealing member, and thus external air can no longer be introduced into the module housing. Therefore, the module housing sealed with respect to the outside can prevent the further spread of the fire of the single cell assembly and ultimately cause the fire to go out naturally.

[0033] In addition, according to an aspect of the present disclosure, the module housing includes: an upper plate which includes a bent portion in which the outer peripheral portion is bent at least twice; and a lower housing which has a box shape with an open top, the upper end portion of which is coupled to the upper plate and has a structure bent at least twice so as to correspond to the outer surface of the bent portion, thereby achieving a tightly sealed structure between the upper plate and the lower housing of the module housing. Therefore, the battery module does not leak the high-temperature gas generated therein, thereby improving user safety. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] The drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and are used together with the foregoing disclosure to provide a further understanding of the technical features of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure should not be construed as being limited to the drawings.

[0035] Figure 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the structure of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing some structures of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the volume expansion of the material of the sealing member applied to the battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 5is a perspective view schematically showing a net-like member, which is a partial structure of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 6 is a front view schematically showing a part of a sealing member of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing some structures of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 8 is schematically showing a Figure 7 horizontal sectional view of the sealing member cut in the horizontal direction.

[0043] Figure 9 is schematically showing a Figure 7 horizontal sectional view of the discharge member cut in the horizontal direction.

[0044] Figure 10 is a schematic sectional view of the battery module taken along the Figure 1 line A-A' of

[0045] Figure 11 is schematically showing Figure 10 a partially enlarged sectional view of region B of

[0046] Figure 12 is schematically showing Figure 10 a partially enlarged sectional view of region C of

[0047] Figure 13 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing some structures of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Description of the Embodiment

[0048] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before the description, it should be understood that the terms used in the specification and the appended claims should not be construed as limited to the general and dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted based on the meanings and concepts corresponding to the technical aspects of the present disclosure on the basis of the principle that allows the inventor to appropriately define the terms for the best interpretation.

[0049] Therefore, the description presented herein is only a preferred example for illustrative purposes and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Thus, it should be understood that other equivalent and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing some configurations of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] Reference Figures 1 to 3 , the battery module 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a cell assembly 100, a module housing 220, a mesh member 230, and a sealing member 240.

[0052] Here, the cell assembly 100 may include at least two battery cells 110. Additionally, the battery cell 110 may be a pouch-type battery cell 110. In particular, the pouch-type battery cell 110 may include an electrode assembly (not shown), an electrolyte (not shown), and a pouch-shaped outer casing 115.

[0053] Here, the electrode assembly may be configured in the following form: one or more positive electrode plates and one or more negative electrode plates are arranged such that a separator is located therebetween. More specifically, the electrode assembly may be divided into a wound type and a stacked type. In the wound type, one positive electrode plate and one negative electrode plate are wound together with the separator, and in the stacked type, multiple positive electrode plates and multiple negative electrode plates are alternately stacked with the separator placed therebetween.

[0054] Additionally, the pouch-shaped outer casing 115 may be configured to include an outer insulating layer, a metal layer, and an inner adhesive layer. The pouch-shaped outer casing 115 may be configured to include a metal thin film, such as an aluminum thin film, to protect internal components, such as the electrode assembly and the electrolyte, thereby supplementing the electrochemical characteristics of the electrode assembly and the electrolyte and improving heat dissipation. Additionally, this aluminum thin film may be placed between insulating layers formed of insulating materials to ensure electrical insulation from components inside the battery cell 110 (such as the electrode assembly and the electrolyte) or other components outside the battery cell 110.

[0055] In particular, the pouch-shaped outer casing 115 may include two pouches. A concave inner space may be formed in at least one of the two pouches. Additionally, the electrode assembly may be accommodated in the inner space of the pouch. Additionally, sealing portions are provided on the outer peripheral surfaces of the two pouches such that the sealing portions are fused to each other, and thus the inner space accommodating the electrode assembly can be sealed. That is, an accommodating portion 115c for accommodating the electrode assembly and the electrolyte can be formed in the outer casing 115.

[0056] Each pouch-type battery cell 110 may include electrode leads 111 respectively located at both ends in the front-rear direction. According to the electrode polarity, the electrode leads 111 may be positive electrode leads or negative electrode leads.

[0057] More specifically, the electrode lead 111 may be configured to protrude forward or backward from a sealing portion on an outer peripheral surface of a front or rear portion of the pouch-shaped outer casing 115. Additionally, such an electrode lead 111 may serve as an electrode terminal of the battery cell 110. For example, as Figure 2 shown, one electrode lead 111 may be configured to protrude forward from the battery cell 110, while the other electrode lead 111 may be configured to protrude backward from the battery cell 110.

[0058] Thus, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, there is no interference between the positive and negative electrode leads in one battery cell 110, so that the area of the electrode lead 111 can be increased, and the soldering process between multiple electrode leads 111 or between the electrode lead 111 and a bus bar (not shown), etc., can be more easily performed.

[0059] Additionally, multiple pouch-type battery cells 110 may be included in the battery module 200 and arranged to be stacked in at least one direction. For example, as Figure 2 shown, multiple pouch-type battery cells 110 may be stacked in the vertical direction. At this time, each pouch-type battery cell 110 may be placed substantially horizontally on the ground such that when observed in the F direction, two wide surfaces are located on the left and right sides respectively, and the sealing portions are located on the left, right, front, and rear sides.

[0060] Meanwhile, the terms indicating directions described in this specification (such as front, rear, left, right, up, and down) may vary according to the position of the observer or the shape of the object placed. However, in this specification, for ease of description, the directions such as front, rear, left, right, up, and down are separately indicated based on the situation when observed in the F direction.

[0061] The configuration of the above-mentioned pouch-type battery cell 110 is obvious to those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains, and thus more detailed description will be omitted. Additionally, in the single cell assembly 100 according to the present disclosure, various battery cells (secondary batteries) known at the time of filing this application may be employed.

[0062] Meanwhile, the battery module 200 may further include a bus bar (not shown) that electrically connects two or more battery cells 110 of the single cell assembly 100. The bus bar may include a conductive metal to electrically connect multiple battery cells 110. For example, the conductive metal may be copper, copper alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy, or nickel.

[0063] Referring back to Figure 1 and Figure 2, in the battery module 200, the module housing 220 can protect the internal structure from external impacts or prevent the introduction of external materials. Thus, the module housing 220 can provide structural stability to the battery module 200 and protect the components (such as the single cell assembly 100) housed inside from other external physical factors (such as impacts or substances). For this purpose, the module housing 220 can include a metallic material such as steel or aluminum.

[0064] In particular, when the module housing 220 includes a metallic material (including aluminum), the module housing 220 can effectively discharge the heat generated from the single cell assembly 100 to the outside of the module housing 220 by using the high thermal conductivity of aluminum. For example, when observed in the F direction, the module housing 220 can include a front side wall 220a, a rear side wall 220b, an upper side wall 220c, a lower side wall 220d, a left side wall 220e, and a right side wall 220f with respect to the single cell assembly 100.

[0065] In addition, the module housing 220 can include an internal space defined by the side walls to accommodate the single cell assembly 100. Specifically, the internal space can have an internal structure corresponding to the external shape of the single cell assembly 100.

[0066] For example, as Figure 2 shown, the module housing 220 can have a structure in which the front side wall 220a, the rear side wall 220b, the upper side wall 220c, the lower side wall 220d, the left side wall 220e, and the right side wall 220f of the module housing 220 are connected to form right angles with each other so as to accommodate the single cell assembly 100 in an overall approximate rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0067] Meanwhile, the module housing 220 can include a circulation hole H4 such that the internal space is connected to the outside. The circulation hole H4 can be provided in a penetrating form in the front side wall 220a of the module housing 220. The circulation hole H4 can be configured to discharge the gas generated inside to the outside, or allow external cooling air to be introduced into the module housing 220. For example, a cooling fan (not shown) can be provided outside the circulation hole H4, and the cooling fan is configured to inject external air into the module housing 220.

[0068] In addition, the mesh member 230 may be disposed in the flow hole H4 of the module housing 220. The mesh member 230 may have a mesh structure. The size range of the mesh openings may be from 0.5 mm to 2 mm. The mesh member 230 may include a wire 230a connected to the mesh structure at its edge. The mesh member 230 may be configured to allow the gas discharged from the flow hole H4 to pass through the mesh member 230. Alternatively, the mesh member 230 may be used as a filter to filter foreign matters before the outside air is introduced into the flow hole H4 of the module housing 220.

[0069] For example, as Figure 2 shown, the battery module 200 includes two mesh members 230 located outside the flow hole H4 of the module housing 220.

[0070] In addition, the sealing member 240 may be disposed at a position facing the mesh member 230. For example, as Figure 2 shown, the sealing member 240 may be placed between the two mesh members 230. That is, the sealing member 240 may be positioned in close contact with one surface of the two mesh members 230.

[0071] In addition, the sealing member 240 may be configured to expand in volume when the temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature to seal the mesh openings of the mesh member 230. For example, the predetermined temperature may be 200 degrees Celsius or higher. In addition, the sealing member 240 may prevent the leakage of flames, smoke, and high-temperature gases. The sealing member 240 may be easily deformable and have elasticity capable of returning to its original shape.

[0072] In addition, the sealing member 240 may have heat insulation properties such that the module housing 220 can be heat-insulated. At least a part of the sealing member 240 may be, for example, a material of the FS1000 product of Saint-Gobain. Alternatively, the sealing member 240 may include graphite flakes that expand in volume when the temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature.

[0073] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the volume expansion of the material of the sealing member applied to the battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0074] Referring to Figure 4 , at least a part of the sealing member 240 may be configured to generate a carbonized layer 241 that expands in volume when the temperature exceeds the predetermined temperature. The carbonized layer 241 may be a layer in which at least a part of the sealing member 240 is carbonized to expand in volume. For example, as Figure 4As shown, when the central portion of the sealing member 240 is heated to 200 degrees Celsius or higher, the central portion can be carbonized to cause volume expansion, and the carbonized layer 241 can be generated.

[0075] Therefore, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, the present disclosure includes a sealing member 240 configured to seal a mesh member 230 disposed in the flow hole H4 of the module housing 220 by volume expansion when the temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature. Thus, when a fire or thermal runaway occurs in the single cell assembly 100, the volume of the sealing member 240 expands due to the high-temperature gas, and the sealing member 240 after volume expansion can seal the mesh member 230, so that external air can no longer be introduced into the module housing 220. Thus, the module housing 220 sealed with respect to the outside can prevent the fire of the single cell assembly 100 from further spreading, and ultimately can cause the fire to go out naturally.

[0076] Referring back to Figure 3 , the sealing member 240 may include a plurality of penetrating ventilation holes H1. The ventilation holes H1 may be configured to discharge the gas generated inside the module housing 220 to the outside. Alternatively, the ventilation holes H1 may be configured to allow external air to be introduced into the module housing 220. For example, as Figure 3 shown, twenty-two ventilation holes H1 may penetrate in the front-rear direction and be formed in the sealing member 240.

[0077] In addition, the sealing member 240 may expand in volume when the temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature to seal the plurality of ventilation holes H1. Here, the predetermined temperature may be 200 degrees Celsius or higher.

[0078] Thus, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, the sealing member 240 includes a plurality of ventilation holes H1 that are penetrated to discharge the gas generated inside the module housing 220 to the outside. Thus, when a fire or thermal runaway occurs in the single cell assembly 100, the high-temperature gas can initially be discharged to the outside through the plurality of ventilation holes H1 of the sealing member 240. Thus, the battery module 200 of the present disclosure can quickly discharge the high-temperature gas to prevent the internal temperature of the module housing 220 from rising rapidly, thereby preventing the spread of fire or thermal runaway of adjacent battery cells 100.

[0079] In addition, later, while the volume of the sealing member 240 expands due to the high-temperature gas, a plurality of vent holes H1 can be sealed. Thus, external air is not introduced into the vent holes H1 of the sealing member 240, so that external air can no longer be introduced into the module housing 220. Thus, the module housing 220 sealed relative to the outside can prevent the further spread of the fire of the single component 100 and can ultimately cause the fire to go out naturally.

[0080] In addition, referring again to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the module housing 220 may include at least two fixing members 250 configured to fix the mesh member 230 to the flow hole H4. The fixing member 250 may have a plate body extending vertically and horizontally.

[0081] In addition, an open opening hole H2 may be formed in the center of the plate body of the fixing member 250 so that external air can flow through. For example, the opening hole H2 of the fixing member 250 may have a size corresponding to the size of the flow hole H4. Fastening holes H5 may be respectively formed in the upper and lower ends of the fixing member 250 to be bolted to the module housing 220. The sealing member 240 may be inserted into the open opening holes H2 of two or more fixing members 250. For example, as Figure 1 shown, the sealing member 240 may be inserted and positioned in the open opening holes H2 of four fixing members 250.

[0082] The mesh member 230 may be placed between two or more fixing members 250. For example, as Figure 3 shown, one mesh member 230 may be placed between two fixing members 250 to fix the position of the mesh member 230.

[0083] Figure 5 is a perspective view schematically showing a mesh member, which is a partial structure of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0084] With Figure 3 referred to together Figure 5 , when compared with the mesh member 230 of Figure 3 , except that the mesh member 230A further includes a plurality of stoppers 245, the mesh member 230A of the battery module according to another embodiment of Figure 5 is the same as the mesh member 230 shown in Figure 3 in other structures.

[0085] The stopper 245 may be disposed on the outer surface of the mesh member 230A in a direction opposite to the direction in which the sealing member 240 is located. When the generated carbonized layer ( Figure 4 241) of the sealing member 240 passes through the mesh structure m1 of the mesh member 230A, the stopper 245 may be configured to prevent the carbonized layer from moving more than a predetermined distance in the direction in which the carbonized layer passes through the mesh structure m1.

[0086] For example, the stopper 245 may have an "L" shape. That is, the stopper 245 may include a lower portion 245a connected to one surface of the mesh member 230A in an outward direction and a rear portion 245b extending upward from an end of the lower portion 245a in an outward direction. For example, as Figure 5 shown, six stoppers 245 may be provided on the outer surface of the mesh member 230A.

[0087] Thus, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, when the generated carbonized layer of the sealing member 240 passes through the mesh structure m1, the mesh member 230A includes the stopper 245, which is configured to prevent the carbonized layer from moving more than a predetermined distance in the direction in which the carbonized layer passes through the mesh structure m1, thereby preventing the carbonized layer of the sealing member 240 from passing through the mesh structure m1 and separating from the mesh structure m1. Thus, the reliability of the sealing member 240 that completely seals the mesh member 230A can be improved. Ultimately, the safety of the battery module 200 can be improved.

[0088] Figure 6 is a front view schematically showing a part of the sealing member of the battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0089] Referring to Figure 6 , when compared with the sealing member 240, the sealing member 240A of the battery module according to Figure 6 another embodiment is different from the sealing member 240 shown in Figure 3 in that the sealing member 240A further includes a core unit 247. However, Figure 6 the remaining configuration of the sealing member 240A shown in Figure 3 may be the same as those of the sealing member 240 shown in

[0090] The core unit 247 may be located in each of the plurality of ventilation holes H1. The core unit 247 may have a shape connected to a part of the ventilation hole H1. As Figure 6As shown, the core unit 247 may have a cross shape in the front surface extending in the vertical and left - right directions. The core unit 247 may be configured to be connected to the upper inner surface, lower inner surface, left inner surface, and right inner surface of the vent hole H1. The core unit 247 may be configured to expand in volume when the temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature to seal the vent hole H1 and the mesh holes of the mesh member 230.

[0091] Thus, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, the discharge member 260 includes a core unit 247 that is located in each of the plurality of vent holes H1 and expands in volume when the temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature to seal the vent hole H1 and the mesh holes of the mesh member 230. Thus, the sealing member 240A can seal the vent hole H1 faster when the temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature. In addition, the core unit 247 can help achieve a more complete seal of the vent hole H1.

[0092] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing some configurations of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 is schematically showing a horizontal cross - sectional view of the sealing member cut in the horizontal direction Figure 7 of. Figure 9 is schematically showing a horizontal cross - sectional view of the discharge member cut in the horizontal direction Figure 7 of.

[0093] Referring to Figures 7 to 9 , according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery module 200 may further include a discharge member 260 that includes a plurality of discharge holes H3. The discharge member 260 may be disposed outside the sealing member 240B. The discharge member 260 may be spaced apart from the sealing member 240B by a predetermined distance. The plurality of discharge holes H3 may be configured to discharge high - temperature gas formed due to a fire or thermal runaway of the monomer assembly 100 to the outside. At this time, each of the discharge member 260 and the sealing member 240B may expand in volume when the temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature, so that the discharge hole H3 and the vent hole H1 can be spaced apart from each other by a certain distance, thereby sealing each other.

[0094] A column portion 265 protruding in the outward direction may be provided on the outer surface of the discharge member 260. The column portion 265 may be configured to expand in volume when the temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature to seal each of the plurality of vent holes H1 of the sealing member 240. For example, at least a part of the discharge member 260 may be a material such as the FS1000 product of Saint - Gobain. Alternatively, the discharge member 260 may include a graphite sheet that expands in volume when the temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature.

[0095] For example, as shown in Figure 7 and Figure 9 the discharge member 260 may include a plurality of column portions 265 that are as many as the number of vent holes H1 of the seal member 240B. The plurality of column portions 265 may be respectively formed at positions facing the plurality of vent holes H1 in the front-rear direction.

[0096] In addition, compared with the seal member 240 of Figure 3 the seal member 240B of Figure 7 may further include a plurality of insertion portions 246. The plurality of insertion portions 246 may be formed on one surface of the seal member 240B facing the discharge member 260. The insertion portions 246 have a columnar structure that expands in volume when the temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature and protrudes toward each of the plurality of discharge holes H3 to seal each of the plurality of discharge holes H3 of the discharge member 260. The plurality of insertion portions 246 may be respectively formed at positions corresponding to the plurality of discharge holes H3 of the seal member 240B.

[0097] Therefore, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, the battery module of the present disclosure further includes a discharge member 260 that is disposed outside the seal member 240B, the discharge member 260 is spaced apart from the seal member 240B by a predetermined distance, and the discharge member 260 includes a plurality of discharge holes H3 to discharge gas to the outside, and the battery module of the present disclosure includes column portions 265 that expand in volume when the temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature and protrude in an outward direction to seal each of the plurality of vent holes H1 on the outer surface of the seal member 240B. Thus, the discharge member 260 can effectively seal the plurality of vent holes H1 of the seal member 240B, thereby preventing external air from being introduced into the vent holes H1 of the seal member 240B.

[0098] Thus, external air is no longer introduced into the module housing 220. Thus, the module housing 220 sealed with respect to the outside can prevent the fire of the single cell assembly 100 from further spreading and can ultimately cause the fire to go out naturally.

[0099] In addition, the sealing member 240B includes a plurality of insertion portions 246 to seal each of the plurality of discharge holes H3 formed in the discharge member 260 when the temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature. Thus, external air is not introduced into the discharge holes H3 of the discharge member 260, so that external air can no longer be introduced into the module housing 220. Thus, the module housing 220 sealed with respect to the outside can prevent the fire of the single cell assembly 100 from spreading further and can ultimately cause the fire to go out naturally.

[0100] Figure 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the battery module taken along the Figure 1 line A-A' of.

[0101] Refer again to Figure 2 together with Figure 10 , at least two battery cells 110 of the single cell assembly 100 can be stacked in one direction. For example, as shown in Figure 2 , six battery cells 110 can be stacked in the vertical direction and are accommodated within the module housing 220. The single cell assembly 100 may further include an elastic member 270 configured to cushion the volume change of the battery cells 110 between at least two stacked battery cells 110.

[0102] When gas is generated and expands in at least two battery cells 110, the elastic member 270 can be compressed. Thereafter, when the gas is discharged from at least two battery cells 110, the elastic member 270 can return to its original shape and apply pressure (elastic force) to at least two battery cells 110. Thus, the elastic member 270 can assist the discharge of gas from each of the at least two battery cells 110 provided in the single cell assembly 100 to the outside.

[0103] Therefore, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, the single cell assembly 100 includes an elastic member 270 configured to cushion the volume change of the battery cells 110 between at least two stacked battery cells 110. Thus, when a fire or thermal runaway occurs in the single cell assembly 100, by assisting the discharge of gas from at least two battery cells 110, the gas can be quickly discharged to the outside of the module housing 220. Thus, the battery module 200 of the present disclosure can quickly discharge high-temperature gas to prevent the internal temperature of the module housing 220 from rising rapidly, thereby preventing the spread of fire or thermal runaway of adjacent battery cells 100.

[0104] Figure 11 schematically shows Figure 10 a partial enlarged cross-sectional view of region B of.

[0105] in reference with Figure 2 and Figure 10 in combination Figure 11 ,the module housing 220 may include an upper plate 226 and a lower housing 227. Specifically, the upper plate 226 may include a bent portion 226b in which an outer peripheral portion is bent at least twice in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. Additionally, the lower housing 227 may have a box shape with an open top.

[0106] In addition, an upper end portion of the box shape of the lower housing 227 may be coupled to the upper plate 226. The upper end portion of the box shape may have a bent structure 227b that is bent at least twice so as to correspond to an outer surface of the bent portion 226b of the upper plate 226. The upper plate 226 and the lower housing 227 are not limited to such a bent coupling structure. For example, the upper plate 226 and the lower housing 227 may be coupled in a seam structure, a clamping structure, or a hemming structure.

[0107] The module housing 220 may further include a sealing member (not shown) disposed between the bent portion 226b and an outer peripheral portion of the lower housing 227 that is bent to correspond to the outer surface of the bent portion 226b. The sealing member may be, for example, a gasket including a silicon material.

[0108] Thus, according to such a configuration of the present disclosure, the module housing 220 includes: an upper plate 226 having a bent portion 226b in which an outer peripheral portion is bent at least twice; and a lower housing 227 having a box shape with an open top, an upper end portion of the box shape being coupled to the upper plate 226 and having a bent structure 227b that is bent at least twice so as to correspond to the outer surface of the bent portion 226b, thereby achieving a tight sealing structure between the upper plate 226 and the lower housing 227 of the module housing 220. Thus, the battery module does not leak high-temperature gas generated therein, thereby improving user safety.

[0109] Figure 12 is a partial enlarged cross-sectional view schematically showing Figure 10 region C.

[0110] Referring back to Figure 10 in combination Figure 12 ,the battery module 200 of the present disclosure may further include a heat transfer sheet 280 and a cooling sheet 285. The heat transfer sheet 280 may be configured to be positioned in close contact with an inner surface of the module housing 220. The heat transfer sheet 280 may be disposed on each of a left inner surface and a right inner surface of the module housing 220.

[0111] The cooling fin 285 may have a plate shape. The plate shape may have dimensions corresponding to one side of the battery cell 110. A part of the cooling fin 285 may be disposed between at least two battery cells 110. The cooling fin 285 may have a bent structure 285b in which the outer peripheral portion is bent in one direction. Through the bent structure 285b, the outer peripheral portion of the cooling fin 285 may be configured to contact the heat transfer fin 280.

[0112] Thus, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, the battery module further includes: a heat transfer fin 280 configured to be positioned in close contact with the inner surface of the module housing 220; and a cooling fin 285 having a plate shape, the cooling fin 285 being disposed between at least two battery cells 110, and the cooling fin 285 having an outer peripheral portion bent in one direction to be in close contact with the heat transfer fin 280. Thus, when the monomer assembly 100 is charged and discharged, the generated heat can be effectively transferred to the module housing 220. Therefore, the cooling efficiency of the battery module 200 can be improved.

[0113] Figure 13 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing some configurations of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0114] Reference Figure 13 , according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the module housing 220 of the battery module 200A may include an intermediate housing 229, a top plate 228, and a bottom plate 225.

[0115] The intermediate housing 229 may have side walls 229a extending in the horizontal direction such that the upper and lower portions are open and an internal space is formed. Coupling portions 229b may be provided at each of the upper and lower ends of the side walls 229a, and the coupling portions 229b are bent at least twice in the outward direction. Here, the "outward direction" may refer to a direction opposite to the direction in which the monomer assembly 100 is located.

[0116] In addition, the top plate 228 may have a plate shape configured to be mounted on the upper portion of the intermediate housing 229. The top plate 228 may have a bent structure 228b bent at least twice such that the outer peripheral portion corresponds to the outer surface of the coupling portion 229b. The coupling portion 229b formed on the upper end portion of the intermediate housing 229 and the bent structure 228b are coupled to each other, thereby sealing between the top plate 228 and the intermediate housing 229.

[0117] In addition, the lower plate 225 may have a plate shape configured to be located on the lower portion of the intermediate housing 229. The lower plate 225 may have a bending structure 225b that is bent at least twice such that the outer peripheral portion corresponds to the outer surface of the coupling portion 229b. The coupling portion 229b and the bending structure 225b formed on the lower end portion of the intermediate housing 229 may provide a seal between the lower plate 225 and the intermediate housing 229.

[0118] Thus, with this configuration according to the present disclosure, the top plate 228 and the lower plate 225 respectively have the bending structures 228b and 225b, which are configured to be coupled to the coupling portion 229b of the intermediate housing 229. Thus, the module housing 220 may have a tight sealing structure. Accordingly, the battery module 200A does not leak the high-temperature gas generated therein, thereby enhancing user safety.

[0119] In addition, a battery pack (not shown) according to the present disclosure may include at least one battery module 200. Further, in addition to the battery module 200, the battery pack according to the present disclosure may further include a battery pack housing that houses the battery module 200, and various devices for controlling charging and discharging of the battery module 200, such as a BMS, a current sensor, a fuse, etc.

[0120] The battery pack according to the present disclosure may be applied to vehicles such as electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles. That is, a vehicle according to the present disclosure may include the battery pack according to the present disclosure.

[0121] Meanwhile, in this specification, although terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are used, those skilled in the art should understand that these terms are only for convenience of explanation and may vary depending on the position of the target object or the position of the observer.

[0122] The present disclosure has been described in detail. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, although indicating preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, are given only by way of illustration, since various changes and modifications within the scope of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art through this detailed description.

[0123] Description of Reference Numerals

[0124] 200: Battery module

[0125] 100: Monomer assembly 110: Battery cell

[0126] 111: Electrode lead 220: Module housing

[0127] 230: Mesh member 240: Sealing member

[0128] H1: Vent hole H4: Flow hole

[0129] 250: Fixing member

[0130] H2: Opening hole 245: Stopper

[0131] 247: Core unit 260: Discharge member

[0132] H3: Discharge hole 265: Column part

[0133] 270: Elastic member 280: Heat transfer fin

[0134] 285: Cooling fin 226: Upper plate

[0135] 227: Lower housing 228: Top plate

[0136] 229: Intermediate housing 225: Lower plate

[0137] Industrial applicability

[0138] The present disclosure relates to a battery module. Further, the present disclosure is applicable to industries related to a battery pack or a vehicle including the battery module.

Claims

1. A battery module, comprising: a single cell assembly, the single cell assembly including at least two battery cells; a module housing, the module housing including an internal space for accommodating the single cell assembly and including a circulation hole such that the internal space is connected to the outside; two mesh members, the two mesh members having a mesh structure and being disposed outside the circulation hole of the module housing; and a sealing member, the sealing member being disposed between the two mesh members and being configured to expand in volume when the temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature to seal the mesh holes of each of the mesh members, wherein the sealing member includes a plurality of ventilation holes, the plurality of ventilation holes being penetrated to discharge the gas generated inside the module housing to the outside, wherein the battery module further includes a discharge member, the discharge member being disposed outside the sealing member, the discharge member being spaced apart from the sealing member by a predetermined distance, and the discharge member including a plurality of discharge holes to discharge the gas to the outside, wherein a column portion is provided on an outer surface of the discharge member, the column portion protruding in an outward direction, the column portion being configured to expand in volume when the temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature to seal each of the plurality of ventilation holes of the sealing member, wherein the sealing member further includes a plurality of insertion portions, the plurality of insertion portions being formed on a surface of the sealing member facing the discharge member, the insertion portions expanding in volume when the temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature and protruding toward each of the plurality of discharge holes to seal each of the plurality of discharge holes of the discharge member.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the module housing includes at least two fixing members, the at least two fixing members being configured to fix the mesh member to the circulation hole, and wherein the mesh member is disposed between the at least two fixing members.

3. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein the fixing member includes an opening hole, the opening hole being configured to insert the sealing member therein.

4. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the sealing member is configured to generate a carbonized layer, the carbonized layer expanding in volume when the temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature, and wherein the mesh member includes a stopper, the stopper being configured to: when the generated carbonized layer of the sealing member passes through the mesh structure, the stopper prevents the carbonized layer from moving more than a predetermined distance in the direction in which the carbonized layer passes through the mesh structure.

5. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the sealing member includes a core unit, the core unit being located in each of the plurality of ventilation holes, and the core unit being configured to expand in volume when the temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature to seal the ventilation holes and the mesh holes of the mesh member.

6. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the at least two battery cells of the single cell assembly are stacked in one direction, and Wherein, the monomer component includes an elastic member, and the elastic member is disposed between the at least two battery monomers in the stack to buffer the volume change of the battery monomers.

7. A battery pack, comprising at least one battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A vehicle, comprising the battery pack according to claim 7.

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