Battery modules including gas cut-off structures

Abstract

This invention relates to a battery module configured to prevent the spread of flame in the event of a fire within the battery module. Specifically, the invention relates to a battery module comprising: a plurality of battery cell module assemblies, wherein the battery cells are closely arranged; a side plate electrically connected to electrode leads of the battery cell module assemblies; a conduit disposed outside the side plate; and a gas cut-off structure disposed within the conduit, wherein the plurality of battery cell module assemblies are arranged to form a partition space.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 2020-0039868, filed on April 1, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery module including a gas cut-off structure, and more particularly, to a battery module including such a gas cut-off structure: the gas cut-off structure is placed in a pipe communicating with a battery cell module assembly, such that in the event of a fire in a particular battery cell module assembly, the flame is prevented from spreading to adjacent battery cell module assemblies. Background Technology

[0003] Secondary batteries have different constructions depending on the required output and capacity in the field or product where they are used. For example, small mobile devices such as mobile phones, digital cameras, and laptops use a single battery cell or a small battery pack consisting of about ten battery cells per device, corresponding to the trend towards smaller, lighter, and thinner products. On the other hand, due to the need for high output and large capacity, medium or large devices such as electric bicycles, electric vehicles, and hybrid electric vehicles use medium or large battery packs, which consist of multiple battery cells electrically connected to each other.

[0004] Typically, the size and weight of a battery pack are directly related to the space and output of the corresponding medium or large device, so manufacturers are trying to make small and lightweight battery packs.

[0005] During the charging and discharging of a secondary battery, heat is generated, causing the battery temperature to rise. In cases of abnormal operation or damage to the internal structure of the secondary battery due to external impact, combustion and fire may occur within the secondary battery.

[0006] In particular, the electrode terminal area of ​​the battery cell used in secondary batteries is a region of concentrated heat, and when a fire breaks out in the battery cell due to the high temperature of the battery cell, the electrode terminal area can be used as a path to exhaust the flames to the outside.

[0007] Meanwhile, in situations where multiple battery cell module components constituting a battery module are placed inside the battery module housing and thus interconnected rather than separately divided, when a fire breaks out in a particular battery cell module component, heat and flames may spread to adjacent battery cell module components, thereby potentially escalating the fire.

[0008] Moreover, in many cases, the battery pack is constructed with an open structure in which busbars for electrical connections between individual battery cells or battery modules received in the battery pack and connectors for connection to external systems are connected to the battery pack, and cooling fans configured to dissipate heat from the battery pack are installed in the battery pack.

[0009] Because the battery pack has a structure that makes it difficult to completely cut off the movement of matter between the inside and outside of the battery pack, as mentioned above, flames generated in the battery pack may easily spread to adjacent areas, and air, including oxygen, may be continuously supplied to the battery pack from the outside, thus the fire may continue.

[0010] Relatedly, Patent Document 1 discloses a battery pack including a thermal expansion member configured to prevent external air from being introduced into the battery pack casing in the event of a fire in the battery module. Patent Document 2 discloses a battery pack including a structure configured to deform due to overheating in the event of a battery malfunction, thereby closing the opening in the battery pack casing.

[0011] However, neither Patent Document 1 nor Patent Document 2 proposes a structure that can prevent flames generated in the battery pack from spreading within the battery pack.

[0012] Therefore, there is an increasing need for a battery module with a structure that prevents the introduction of external air and cuts off the movement of gas in the event of a fire in the battery pack, so that the flames in the already burning battery cell module assembly do not spread to adjacent battery cell module assemblies.

[0013] (Existing technical literature)

[0014] (Patent Document 1) Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-153616 (August 24, 2015)

[0015] (Patent Document 2) Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-201333 (December 1, 2016) Summary of the Invention

[0016] Technical issues

[0017] The present invention was made in view of the above problems, and the object of the present invention is to provide a battery module including a gas cut-off structure that can circulate air to prevent the temperature of the battery module from increasing, and cuts off the movement of air and flame when a fire breaks out in the battery module to prevent the successive outbreak of fire.

[0018] Technical solution

[0019] To achieve the above objectives, a battery module according to the present invention includes: a plurality of battery cell module assemblies, each of the battery cell module assemblies including battery cells arranged in close contact with each other; a side plate electrically connected to electrode leads of the battery cell module assembly; a conduit disposed outside the side plate; and a gas cut-off structure disposed in the conduit, wherein the plurality of battery cell module assemblies are arranged to have space between them.

[0020] The side plate can be configured to have an open structure, allowing the battery cell module assembly to communicate with the pipes.

[0021] Each of the battery cell module assemblies can be configured to have multiple battery cells received in an outer casing, and the open surface of the outer casing can be connected to the side plate.

[0022] The side plate can be configured to have an integral structure that covers the entire side surface of the battery module in the direction in which the electrode leads of the battery cell module assembly protrude.

[0023] The gas cut-off structure can be placed in the pipe at a location corresponding to the space.

[0024] The side plate may include a first side plate and a second side plate, the first side plate and the second side plate being located at opposite ends of the battery cell module assembly along the overall length direction of the battery cell module assembly, and the first pipe in the pipe may be located outside the first side plate, while the second pipe in the pipe may be located outside the second side plate.

[0025] The battery module can be configured such that refrigerant is introduced through a first end of the first pipe, passes through the battery cell module assembly, and is discharged through a second end of the second pipe.

[0026] The gas cut-off structure may include: a cut-off diaphragm configured to open and close the pipe; and a fixing portion configured to fix the cut-off diaphragm, and in the event that heat is generated in the battery module, the fixing portion melts, and the fixed state of the cut-off diaphragm is released, the cut-off diaphragm may rotate to cut off the flow of gas through the pipe.

[0027] The gas cut-off structure may include: a cut-off diaphragm configured to open and close the pipe; a temperature fuse connected to a first end of the cut-off diaphragm; and an elastomer connected to a second end of the cut-off diaphragm opposite to the first end of the cut-off diaphragm, wherein, in the event of heat generation in the battery module and the temperature fuse being cut off, the cut-off diaphragm may be rotated by the elastic force of the elastomer, thereby cutting off the flow of gas through the pipe.

[0028] The severing diaphragm may include two blades that extend in opposite directions from a central axis for rotation, and the blades may be shaped to have a straight or spiral shape when viewed from one end of the central axis.

[0029] The inner surface of the pipe may be provided with a protrusion, which is configured to stop the rotation of the cutting diaphragm.

[0030] The protrusion can be formed by recessing a portion of the pipe inward, or the protrusion can be configured such that the protrusion is attached to the inner surface of the pipe.

[0031] In addition, the present invention provides a battery pack including the battery module.

[0032] Beneficial effects

[0033] As is apparent from the above description, the battery module according to the invention is configured such that the battery cell module assembly is received in a separate outer casing, so that the duct can be provided outside the side panel as a path for air circulation.

[0034] Furthermore, in the battery module, the air introduced through the pipe is circulated through the battery cell module assembly and then discharged, thereby cooling the battery module.

[0035] In addition, by providing a gas cut-off structure placed in the duct of circulating air, it is possible to prevent the spread of flame from a particular battery cell module assembly to an adjacent battery cell module assembly.

[0036] In addition, the battery modules can be reused by replacing the battery cells that have caught fire. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the battery module according to the present invention.

[0038] Figure 2 It is by removing the upper surface of the battery cell module assembly from Figure 1 The battery module is shown in its removed state. Figure 1 The battery module shown is a plan view.

[0039] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A magnified view of a portion of the battery module shown.

[0040] Figure 4 This is a partial magnified view showing the state of the gas cut-off structure before its operation.

[0041] Figure 5 It is shown Figure 4 A partially enlarged view of the gas cut-off structure in operation.

[0042] Figure 6 This is a plan view showing the gas cutting-off structure according to an embodiment.

[0043] Figure 7 This is a plan view showing the shape of the cutting diaphragm of the gas cutting structure. Detailed Implementation

[0044] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, enabling those skilled in the art to readily implement these preferred embodiments. However, in describing the operational principles of the preferred embodiments in detail, detailed descriptions of known functions and structures incorporated herein will be omitted where such descriptions might obscure the subject matter of the invention.

[0045] Furthermore, throughout the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals will be used to refer to parts that perform similar functions or operations. In cases where the specification describes one part being connected to another part, the one part may not only be directly connected to the other part, but also indirectly connected to the other part via other parts. Additionally, including a particular element does not imply the exclusion of other elements, but rather means that such elements may be further included, unless otherwise specified.

[0046] Furthermore, descriptions of elements implemented by limitation or addition can be applied to all inventions unless specifically limited, and do not limit any particular invention.

[0047] Furthermore, in describing the invention and claims of this application, the singular form is intended to include the plural form, unless otherwise stated.

[0048] Furthermore, in describing the invention and claims of this application, "or" includes "and" unless otherwise stated. Therefore, "including A or B" means three scenarios: including A, including B, and including both A and B.

[0049] In addition, all numerical ranges include the minimum value, the maximum value, and all intermediate values ​​between the minimum and the maximum value, unless the context explicitly indicates otherwise.

[0050] In the following, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0051] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the battery module according to the present invention, and Figure 2 It is by removing the upper surface of the battery cell module assembly from Figure 1 The battery module is shown in its removed state. Figure 1 The battery module shown is a plan view.

[0052] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 According to the present invention, the battery module 100 is configured such that a plurality of battery cell module assemblies 110 are placed such that there is a space 115 between the plurality of battery cell module assemblies 110, and the battery cells 111 are arranged in each battery cell module assembly 110 in a manner that is in close contact with each other.

[0053] Each battery cell module assembly 110 is configured such that a plurality of battery cells 111 are received in an outer casing, and in the state where the battery cell module assembly is received in a separate outer casing, the battery cell module assembly is independently placed in the battery module outer casing.

[0054] As described above, because the present invention includes battery cell module assemblies, each using an independent outer casing, it can solve the following conventional problem: the battery cell module assemblies are placed in an open state (i.e., the battery cell module assemblies are not received in a separate outer casing), thereby making it easy for flames to spread when a fire breaks out.

[0055] The outer casing of each battery cell module assembly 110 is formed with a single-frame shape, thus the casing has an open structure in the direction in which the electrode leads protrude. The battery module is assembled by attaching side plates 120 to the open surfaces of the casing, which includes the open structure.

[0056] The side plate 120, which is electrically connected to the electrode leads of the battery cell 111, includes a first side plate and a second side plate, which are located at opposite ends of the battery cell module assembly 110 along the overall length of the battery cell module assembly 110.

[0057] The side plate 120 is configured to have an integral structure that covers the entire first surface of the battery cell module assembly 110 in the direction in which the electrode leads protrude and the first surface of the space 115 defined between the battery cell module assemblies.

[0058] That is, the side plate 120 is configured to have dimensions that allow it to cover the entire first surface formed by a plurality of battery cell module assemblies and the space between the plurality of battery cell module assemblies.

[0059] As described above, the battery module according to the present invention is configured such that the battery cell module assembly is received in a separate housing and includes a side panel with an integral structure, thereby eliminating the need for a separate battery module housing.

[0060] A conduit 130 is positioned outside each of the first and second side panels, and is configured to allow air to flow through it. A first conduit is located outside the first side panel, and a second conduit is located outside the second side panel.

[0061] The battery module according to the invention is configured such that air introduced through the conduit passes through the battery cell module assembly and is discharged through the opposite conduit. Therefore, the side plate can be configured with an open structure, allowing the battery cell module assembly to communicate with the conduit, thereby circulating air.

[0062] In a specific example, air used as a refrigerant is introduced into the battery module from outside the module via a fan 112 connected to one end of the first duct. As by Figure 2 As shown by the dashed arrow, air is introduced through the first end of the first pipe, passes through the side plate which is configured with an open structure, passes through the battery cell module assembly 110, passes through the opposite side plate which is configured with an open structure, and is discharged through the second end of the second pipe.

[0063] The heated battery module can be cooled by the aforementioned airflow.

[0064] Furthermore, in conjunction with the structure of the pipe according to the present invention, the side plate can form one side surface of the pipe 130. Alternatively, a separate rectangular pipe can be placed outside the side plate, and a structure can be formed at one side surface of the pipe that overlaps with the side plate, communicating with the battery cell module assembly through the side plate.

[0065] Figure 3 yes Figure 1A partial magnified view of the battery module shown. Figure 4 This is a partially enlarged view showing the state of the gas cut-off structure before its operation, and Figure 5 It is shown Figure 4 A partially enlarged view of the gas cut-off structure in operation.

[0066] refer to Figures 3 to 5 The gas cut-off structure 140 is located in the conduit 130. Specifically, the gas cut-off structure 140 is located in the conduit 130 at a position corresponding to the space 115, thereby preventing the flame from moving between adjacent battery cell module assemblies 110.

[0067] The side plate 120 includes an opening 122 formed by cutting and bending a portion of the side plate, such that the battery cell module assembly is in communication with the conduit 130.

[0068] The shape of the opening is not limited to Figures 3 to 5 The shape shown is given, and the opening can be formed as a through hole or a slit.

[0069] The gas cut-off structure 140 includes: a cut-off diaphragm 142 configured to open and close the conduit 130; and a fixing portion 141 configured to fix the cut-off diaphragm 142.

[0070] Figure 4 The diagram illustrates the state in which the fixing part 141 holds the cut diaphragm 142 in place to secure it when the battery module is in normal operation. The cut diaphragm 142 is positioned parallel to the direction of airflow (indicated by the dashed arrow).

[0071] The structure of the fixing part is not limited to Figure 4 The structure shown is not particularly limited, as long as the fixing part can stably maintain and fix the cutting diaphragm in the normal state, and can quickly melt to release the fixed state of the cutting diaphragm when heat is generated or when a fire breaks out.

[0072] Figure 5 The following state is shown: heat is generated in the right-side battery cell module assembly 110, causing the retaining portion 141 to melt, thus releasing the fixed state of the cut-off separator 142. The retaining portion 141 is made of a material capable of melting at high temperatures. For example, the retaining portion may be made of a polymeric resin having a glass transition temperature or melting point of 300°C or lower.

[0073] When the fixing part 141 melts, the fixed state of the cutting diaphragm 142 is released, thereby causing the cutting diaphragm to rotate due to the flow of gas in the pipeline.

[0074] Specifically, the gas heated in the right-side battery cell module assembly 110 moves to the left in the figure, and the air introduced into the battery module from the outside of the battery module by the fan is introduced to the right in the figure. The cutting diaphragm 142, which rotates due to the pressure difference between the heated gas and the introduced air, is stopped by the protrusion 144 formed on the inner surface of the pipe 130.

[0075] The airflow flowing in the duct is cut off by the cut-off diaphragm 142, which stops in the manner described above, thereby preventing the heated gas from spreading to the adjacent battery cell module assembly and also preventing the introduction of external air, including oxygen, into the already ignited battery cell module assembly, thereby preventing the battery cell module assembly from continuing to burn.

[0076] Figure 6 This is a plan view showing the gas cutting-off structure according to an embodiment.

[0077] refer to Figure 6 The gas shut-off structure 240 includes: a shut-off diaphragm 242 configured to open and close the conduit; a temperature fuse 247 connected to a first end of the shut-off diaphragm 242; and an elastomer 248 connected to a second end of the shut-off diaphragm 242, the second end of which is opposite to the first end. When heat is generated in the battery module, the temperature fuse 247 is activated, and the shut-off diaphragm 242 rotates due to the elastic force of the elastomer 248, thereby completely blocking the conduit. As a result, the gas flow through the conduit is cut off.

[0078] Therefore, as referenced Figure 5 The aforementioned ground can prevent the heated gas from spreading to adjacent battery cell module assemblies, and can also prevent external air, including oxygen, from being introduced into the already ignited battery cell module assembly, thereby preventing the battery cell module assembly from continuing to burn.

[0079] Although from Figure 6 Omitted, but formed in Figure 5 The protrusions on the inner surface of the pipe shown can also be formed in Figure 6 On the inner surface of the pipe shown, the rotation of the cutting diaphragm can be stopped by the protrusion.

[0080] In addition, although Figure 5 The image shows the protrusion formed on the inner surface of the outer portion of the pipe, but the protrusion may also be formed on the inner surface of the bottom of the pipe, or on the inner surface of the side plate.

[0081] Figure 7 This is a plan view showing the shape of the cutting diaphragm of the gas cutting structure.

[0082] Figure 7 (a) shows the shape of the cut diaphragm 342 and Figure 5 and Figure 6 Each of the cut diaphragms 142 and 242 shown is identical, and the cut diaphragm 342 includes two blades 349 extending in opposite directions from a central axis 343 for rotation. The blades 349 are formed to have a straight shape when viewed from one end of the central axis 343.

[0083] Figure 7 (b) shows a slit diaphragm 442 comprising two blades 449 extending in opposite directions from a central axis 443 for rotation. The blades 449 are formed to have a helical shape when viewed from one end of the central axis 443.

[0084] Although from Figure 7 Omitted, but formed in Figure 5 The protrusions on the inner surface of the pipe shown can also be formed in Figure 7 On the inner surface of the pipe, and the rotation of the cutting diaphragm can be stopped by the protrusion.

[0085] As described above, in the gas cut-off structure according to the present invention, the cut-off diaphragm is rapidly rotated by the pressure difference in the gas passing through the pipe, thereby completely cutting off the gas passing through the pipe. Therefore, the spread of flames and heat generated in the battery cell module assembly can be prevented, and the introduction of external air into the battery module can be prevented, thereby preventing the fire from escalating into a large-scale fire.

[0086] Those skilled in the art will understand that, based on the above description, various applications and modifications within the scope of this invention are possible.

[0087] (Explanation of reference numerals in the attached diagram)

[0088] 100: Battery Module

[0089] 110: Battery cell module assembly

[0090] 111: Battery cell

[0091] 112: Fan

[0092] 115: Space

[0093] 120: Side panel

[0094] 122: Opening

[0095] 130: Pipeline

[0096] 140, 240: Gas cut-off structure

[0097] 141: Fixing part

[0098] 142, 242, 342, 442: Cut the diaphragm

[0099] 144: Protrusion

[0100] 247: Temperature fuse

[0101] 248: Elastomer

[0102] 343, 443: Central axis

[0103] 349, 449: Blades

[0104] Industrial applicability

[0105] As is apparent from the above description, the battery module according to the invention is configured such that the battery cell module assembly is received in a separate outer casing, so that the duct can be provided outside the side panel as a path for air circulation.

[0106] Furthermore, in the battery module, the air introduced through the pipe is circulated, passing through the battery cell module assembly and then discharged, thereby cooling the battery module.

[0107] In addition, by setting up a gas cut-off structure placed in a duct that circulates air, it is possible to prevent flames in a particular battery cell module from spreading to adjacent battery cell modules.

[0108] In addition, the battery modules can be reused by replacing the battery cells that have caught fire.

Claims

1. A battery module, comprising: Multiple battery cell module assemblies, each of which includes battery cells arranged in close contact with each other; Side plate, the side plate being electrically connected to the electrode leads of the battery cell module assembly; A pipe, which is placed outside the side panel; and A gas cut-off structure is disposed within the pipeline, wherein... The plurality of battery cell module assemblies are arranged such that there is space between them. The gas cut-off structure includes: A diaphragm is cut off, the diaphragm being configured to open and close the conduit; and A fixing part, the fixing part being configured to fix the cut diaphragm, and When heat is generated in the battery module, the fixing part melts, and the fixed state of the cutting diaphragm is released, the cutting diaphragm rotates, thereby cutting off the flow of gas through the pipe.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The side plate is configured to have an open structure, allowing the battery cell module assembly to communicate with the conduit.

3. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the battery cell module assemblies is configured to have multiple battery cells received within an outer casing, and The open surface of the outer cover is connected to the side panel.

4. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The side plate is configured to have an integral structure that covers the entire side surface of the battery module in the direction in which the electrode leads of the battery cell module assembly protrude.

5. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The gas cut-off structure is placed in the pipe at a position corresponding to the space.

6. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The side plate includes a first side plate and a second side plate, which are located at opposite ends of the battery cell module assembly along its overall length. The first pipe in the pipeline is located outside the first side plate, while the second pipe in the pipeline is located outside the second side plate.

7. The battery module according to claim 6, wherein, The battery module is configured such that refrigerant is introduced through a first end of the first pipe, passes through the battery cell module assembly, and is discharged through a second end of the second pipe.

8. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The cutting diaphragm includes two blades that extend in opposite directions from a central axis for rotation, and The blades are formed to have a straight or spiral shape when viewed from one end of the central axis.

9. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The inner surface of the pipe is provided with a protrusion, which is configured to stop the rotation of the cutting diaphragm.

10. The battery module according to claim 9, wherein, The protrusion is formed by recessing a portion of the pipe inward, or the protrusion is configured such that the protrusion is attached to the inner surface of the pipe.

11. A battery module, comprising: Multiple battery cell module assemblies, each of which includes battery cells arranged in close contact with each other; Side plate, the side plate being electrically connected to the electrode leads of the battery cell module assembly; A pipe, which is placed outside the side panel; and A gas cut-off structure is disposed within the pipeline, wherein... The plurality of battery cell module assemblies are arranged such that there is space between them. The gas cut-off structure includes: A diaphragm is cut off, the diaphragm being configured to open and close the conduit; A temperature fuse, which is connected to the first end of the cutting diaphragm; and An elastomer is attached to a second end of the severing diaphragm, the second end of which is opposite to the first end of the severing diaphragm. When heat is generated in the battery module and the temperature fuse is tripped, the cutting diaphragm rotates due to the elastic force of the elastomer, thereby cutting off the flow of gas through the pipe.

12. The battery module according to claim 11, wherein, The cutting diaphragm includes two blades that extend in opposite directions from a central axis for rotation, and The blades are formed to have a straight or spiral shape when viewed from one end of the central axis.

13. The battery module according to claim 11, wherein, The inner surface of the pipe is provided with a protrusion, which is configured to stop the rotation of the cutting diaphragm.

14. The battery module according to claim 13, wherein, The protrusion is formed by recessing a portion of the pipe inward, or the protrusion is configured such that the protrusion is attached to the inner surface of the pipe.

15. A battery pack comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1-14.

Images