Battery modules, battery racks and power storage devices

Abstract

The present invention provides a battery module that can prevent the spread of fire and electrical short circuit caused by condensation when a fire occurs. To achieve the above object, the battery module includes: a battery cell assembly, the battery cell assembly includes a plurality of battery cells; a front cover, the front cover includes a top wall, a bottom wall, a left wall, and a right wall forming an internal space; and a module housing, when the battery cell assembly is accommodated in the internal space, the module housing is coupled to the front cover, and the module housing includes a cover portion, the cover portion protruding so that a portion of the cover portion faces at least one of the top wall, the bottom wall, the left wall, and the right wall.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery module, a battery rack, and a power storage device, and more particularly, to a battery module capable of preventing the fire from expanding in scale and preventing an electrical short circuit caused by condensation in the event of a fire.

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0130506 filed in Korea on October 8, 2020, 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 and lithium secondary batteries. Among them, lithium secondary batteries have almost no memory effect compared with nickel-based secondary batteries, so lithium secondary batteries have attracted attention due to their advantages such as free charging and discharging, extremely low self-discharge rate and high energy density.

[0004] Lithium secondary batteries use lithium oxides and carbon materials as positive electrode active materials and negative electrode active materials, respectively. Lithium secondary batteries include: an electrode assembly in which a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate are arranged so that a separator is located therebetween, and a positive electrode active material and a negative electrode active material are applied to the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate, respectively; and a packaging material for sealing and containing the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte, that is, a battery bag packaging material.

[0005] Recently, secondary batteries have been widely used not only in small devices (such as portable electronic devices) but also in medium and large devices (such as vehicles or power storage devices). When used in medium and large devices, a plurality of secondary batteries are electrically connected to each other to increase capacity and output. In particular, pouch-type secondary batteries are widely used in medium and large devices due to the advantage of easy stacking.

[0006] Meanwhile, as demand for large-capacity structures including applications as energy storage sources increases, demand for battery modules including a plurality of secondary batteries electrically connected in series and / or in parallel and a module housing accommodating the secondary batteries therein is increasing.

[0007] However, in the battery module of the related art, when some of the plurality of secondary batteries arranged therein are ignited or explode, heat or fire spreads between the plurality of secondary batteries, and the flame may melt a portion of the battery module and cause a hole in a portion of the battery module. In some cases, the flame erupts to the outside of the battery module through the punctured portion, causing the fire to transfer to another adjacent battery module, or external air is introduced into the battery module to assist combustion, thereby causing a larger fire or secondary explosion.

[0008] Furthermore, in the battery module of the related art, an electrical short circuit or spark may be discharged through the hole caused by the fire. Due to the discharged spark, there is a risk of fire in another battery module or other structure adjacent to the battery module. In particular, when the outer cover structure for accommodating the battery module is made of iron, a large current may flow to other battery modules through the outer cover structure, and therefore, gas insulation breakdown (spark) occurs between the components of other battery modules, so that a secondary fire or secondary explosion may occur. Summary of the invention

[0009] Technical issues

[0010] The present disclosure is designed to solve the problems of the related art, and thus the present disclosure aims to provide a battery module that can prevent the fire from expanding in scale and prevent electrical short circuits due to condensation in the event of a fire.

[0011] Other purposes and advantages of the present disclosure can be understood from the following description and will become more fully apparent from the embodiments of the present disclosure. Moreover, it will be easily understood that the purposes and advantages of the present disclosure can be achieved by the means shown in the appended claims and their combinations.

[0012] Technical Solution

[0013] A battery module according to the present disclosure for achieving the above object includes:

[0014] A battery cell assembly, wherein the battery cell assembly has a plurality of battery cells;

[0015] A front cover, the front cover comprising an upper wall, a lower wall, a left wall and a right wall, wherein the upper wall, the lower wall, the left wall and the right wall form an internal space;

[0016] A module housing that accommodates the battery cell assembly in an internal space, the module housing being coupled to the front cover, and including a cover portion having a portion that protrudes to face at least one of the upper wall, the lower wall, the left wall, and the right wall.

[0017] Furthermore, the front cover may further include:

[0018] an upper duct formed on an upper end of the front cover and configured to introduce external air into the module housing; and

[0019] a lower duct formed on a lower end of the front cover and configured to introduce external air into the module housing, and

[0020] The module housing may further include:

[0021] an upper plate disposed above the battery cell assembly and including a first cover portion protruding from an end of the upper plate and extending to face an inner surface of the upper duct; and

[0022] A lower plate is disposed below the battery cell assembly, is configured to be coupled to the upper plate, and includes a second cover portion protruding from an end of the lower plate and extending to face an inner surface of the lower duct.

[0023] Furthermore, the first cover portion may include a main body portion in close contact with at least two of the upper surface, the lower surface, the left surface and the right surface of the upper pipe, and a bent portion bent and extended from the main body portion, and

[0024] The second cover portion may include a body portion in close contact with at least two of the upper surface, the lower surface, the left surface, and the right surface of the lower duct, and a bent portion bent and extended from the body portion.

[0025] Furthermore, the module housing may further include:

[0026] a first insulating plate having electrical insulation, the first insulating plate being arranged between the upper plate and the battery cell assembly, and the first insulating plate extending to cover an upper surface of the battery cell assembly; and

[0027] A second insulating plate having electrical insulation is disposed between the lower plate and the battery cell assembly and extends to cover a lower surface of the battery cell assembly.

[0028] Furthermore, the first insulating plate may include a first protecting portion protruding from an end portion and extending to face an inner surface of the upper pipe, and

[0029] The second insulating plate may include a second protecting portion protruding from an end portion and extending to face an inner surface of the lower pipe.

[0030] Furthermore, each of the first insulating plate and the second insulating plate may further include:

[0031] A sealing member configured to expand in volume at a predetermined temperature or higher to seal the pipe in each of the first protecting portion and the second protecting portion.

[0032] Furthermore, each of the first insulating plate and the second insulating plate may include:

[0033] A partition wall portion is bent from an outer peripheral end portion toward the battery cell assembly and extends along the outer peripheral portion.

[0034] Furthermore, the second insulating plate may have an at least partially inclined surface.

[0035] Furthermore, a discharge port configured to discharge the fluid flowing along the inclined surface to the outside may be further included.

[0036] Furthermore, a battery rack according to the present disclosure for achieving the above-mentioned objects includes at least one battery module.

[0037] Also, a power storage device according to the present disclosure for achieving the object as described above includes at least one battery module.

[0038] Beneficial effects

[0039] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the present disclosure includes a cover portion in the module housing, so when a fire occurs inside the battery module, a double layer can be formed by the cover portion facing at least one of the upper wall, lower wall, left wall and right wall of the front cover, thereby preventing a hole from being caused in at least one of the upper wall, lower wall, left wall and right wall of the front cover due to the fire. Accordingly, the battery module of the present disclosure can significantly improve fire safety.

[0040] Moreover, according to one aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, the present disclosure further includes a first insulating plate and a second insulating plate, so that in the case where condensation occurs due to a temperature difference between the inside and outside of the module housing during use of the module housing, water formed by condensation can be prevented from forming a current transmission path between the upper plate or the lower plate and the battery cell assembly. That is, even when water is accumulated in the module housing, water is accumulated in the inner surface of the first insulating plate or the second insulating plate, thereby preventing water from contacting the upper plate and the lower plate. Accordingly, leakage, electrical short circuit, etc. due to condensation of the battery module can be effectively prevented. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the foregoing disclosure, are used to provide further understanding of the technical features of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is not interpreted as being limited to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 2 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing a state in which components of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are separated.

[0044] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view showing a state of a battery cell assembly of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 4 is a schematic rear perspective view showing a state of a front cover of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 5 It is shown Figure 1 A schematic partial vertical sectional view of the internal state of a battery module.

[0047] Figure 6 is a schematic stereoscopic view of an upper plate of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 7 is a schematic stereoscopic view of a second insulating plate of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] Figure 8 is a schematic perspective view showing a second insulating plate of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] 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 interpreted as being limited to the general and dictionary meanings, but rather interpreted based on the meanings and concepts corresponding to the technical aspects of the present disclosure on the basis of the principle that the inventor is allowed to appropriately define the terms for the best interpretation.

[0051] Therefore, the descriptions presented herein are merely preferred examples for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, so it should be appreciated that other equivalents and modifications may be made to the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0052] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 21 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing a state in which components of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are separated. Figure 3 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a state of a battery cell assembly of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For reference, the front-rear direction is indicated as the Y direction, the left-right direction is indicated as the X direction, and the up-down direction is indicated as the Z direction.

[0053] refer to Figures 1 to 3 The battery module 100 of the present disclosure includes: a battery cell assembly 110 having a plurality of battery cells 111 ; a front cover 140 ; ​​and a module housing 120 .

[0054] Here, the battery cell assembly 110 may include a plurality of battery cells 111 stacked on each other in a front-rear direction. Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the battery cell assembly 110 may include six pouch-type battery cells 111. Figure 2 As shown in , the battery module 100 may include seven battery cell assemblies 110 .

[0055] The battery cell 111 may be a pouch-type battery cell 111. For example, Figure 3 As shown in , the battery cell assembly 110 may be configured as follows: a plurality of pouch-type battery cells 111 are stacked side by side in the front-rear direction (Y direction). In particular, the pouch-type battery cells 111 may include an electrode assembly (not shown), an electrolyte (not shown) and a pouch 111c.

[0056] Furthermore, if Figure 3 As shown in , the positive electrode lead 111a and the negative electrode lead 111b may be formed at opposite ends of the battery cell 111 in the left-right direction (X direction) relative to the center of the battery cell 111. That is, the positive electrode lead 111a may be disposed at one end relative to the center of the battery cell 111. Also, the negative electrode lead 111b may be disposed at the other end relative to the center of the battery cell 111.

[0057] However, the battery module 100 according to the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned pouch-type battery cell 111 , but may employ various battery cells 111 known at the time of filing the present application.

[0058] In the battery module 100 according to the present disclosure, a bus bar (not shown) electrically connecting a plurality of battery cells 111 may be provided at each of the left and right portions of the battery cell assembly 110. The bus bar may include a metal such as aluminum, copper, or nickel. The bus bar may be configured to contact a positive electrode lead 111a or a negative electrode lead 111b of each of the plurality of battery cells 111.

[0059] Meanwhile, the module housing 120 may have an inner space to accommodate the battery cell assembly 110 therein. In detail, the module housing 120 may include an upper plate 121, a lower plate 122, a front plate 123, and a rear plate 124. Each of the upper plate 121, the lower plate 122, the front plate 123, and the rear plate 124 may include steel, aluminum alloy, or stainless steel material.

[0060] In detail, the lower plate 122 may have an area larger than a size of a lower surface of the at least one battery cell assembly 110 to mount the at least one battery cell assembly 110 on the lower plate 122. The lower plate 122 may have a plate shape extending in a horizontal direction.

[0061] Also, the upper plate 121 may include a top portion 121a and a side portion 121b. The top portion 121a may have a plate shape extending in a horizontal direction to cover the upper portion of the battery cell assembly 110. The side portion 121b may have a plate shape extending downward from both ends of the top portion 121a in the left-right direction to cover both side portions of the battery cell assembly 110 in the left-right direction.

[0062] Furthermore, the side portion 121b may be coupled to a portion of the lower plate 122. For example, Figure 2 As shown in , the upper plate 121 may include a top portion 121 a having a plate shape extending in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction.

[0063] Furthermore, the upper plate 121 may include two side portions 121b extending downward from each of the two side portions in the left-right direction of the top portion 121a. Furthermore, the lower end portion of each of the two side portions 121b may be configured to be coupled to both end portions in the left-right direction of the lower plate 122. In this case, the coupling method may be a male-female coupling method or a welding coupling method.

[0064] Furthermore, the front plate 123 may be configured to cover the front of the battery cell assembly 110. For example, the front plate 123 may have a plate shape having a size greater than that of the front surface of the battery cell 111. The plate shape may stand upright in an up-and-down direction.

[0065] Furthermore, a portion of the outer peripheral portion of the front plate 123 may be coupled to the lower plate 122. For example, a lower portion of the outer peripheral portion of the front plate 123 may be coupled to the front end portion of the lower plate 122. Furthermore, an upper portion of the outer peripheral portion of the front plate 123 may be coupled to the front end portion of the upper plate 121. Here, bolt coupling may be adopted as a coupling method.

[0066] Also, the rear plate 124 may be configured to cover the rear of the battery cell assembly 110. For example, the rear plate 124 may have a plate shape having a size greater than that of the rear surface of the battery cell 111.

[0067] Moreover, a portion of the outer peripheral portion of the rear plate 124 may be coupled to the lower plate 122. For example, a lower portion of the outer peripheral portion of the rear plate 124 may be coupled to the front end portion of the lower plate 122. Furthermore, an upper portion of the outer peripheral portion of the rear plate 124 may be coupled to the rear end portion of the upper plate 121. Here, bolt coupling may be adopted as a coupling method. A discharge hole may be formed in the rear plate 124, the discharge hole being formed to allow the inflow of external air or discharge the internal air to the outside.

[0068] Furthermore, the module housing 120 may include steel or stainless steel material having excellent mechanical strength.

[0069] Figure 4 is a schematic rear perspective view showing a state of a front cover of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0070] Come back for reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The front cover 140 may include an upper wall 140a, a lower wall 140b, a left wall 140c, and a right wall 140d, and the upper wall 140a, the lower wall 140b, the left wall 140c, and the right wall 140d form an internal space. The front cover 140 may be coupled to the front end of the module housing 120. For example, Figure 1 As shown in , the front cover 140 may be coupled to the front plate 123 of the module housing 120 .

[0071] Furthermore, the front cover 140 may include an electrically insulating material. For example, the front cover 140 may include a polyvinyl chloride material.

[0072] Furthermore, the module housing 120 may include a cover portion 125 having a portion protruding to face at least one of the upper wall 140a, the lower wall 140b, the left wall 140c, and the right wall 140d. Figure 2As shown in FIG. 1 , when the Y direction is viewed as the front-rear direction, two first cover portions 125 a protruding toward the front cover 140 may be provided on the front end surface of the upper plate 121 of the module housing 120. Two second cover portions 125 b protruding toward the front cover 140 may be provided on the front end surface of the lower plate 122.

[0073] Therefore, according to such a configuration of the present disclosure, the present disclosure includes the cover portion 125, and therefore, when a fire occurs in the battery module 100, a double layer can be formed by the cover portion 125 facing at least one of the upper wall 140a, the lower wall 140b, the left wall 140c, and the right wall 140d of the front cover 140, thereby preventing a hole from being made in at least one of the upper wall 140a, the lower wall 140b, the left wall 140c, and the right wall 140d of the front cover 140 due to the fire. Accordingly, the present disclosure can significantly improve fire safety.

[0074] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A schematic partial vertical cross-sectional view showing the internal state of the battery module taken along line CC'.

[0075] and Figure 2 and Figure 4 Reference together Figure 5 , the front cover 140 of the battery module 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include an upper duct 141 and a lower duct 142. The upper duct 141 may be formed on the upper end of the front cover 140 and may be configured so that external air is introduced into the module housing 120. Moreover, the upper duct 141 may have a rectangular tube shape, wherein a portion of the rectangular tube extends in the front-to-back direction. The top plate inside the upper duct 141 may be the upper wall 140a of the front cover 140.

[0076] Also, the lower duct 142 may be formed on the lower end of the front cover 140 and may be configured such that external air is introduced into the module housing 120. Also, the lower duct 142 may have a rectangular tube shape, wherein a portion of the rectangular tube extends in the front-rear direction. The bottom of the inside of the lower duct 142 may be the lower wall 140b of the front cover 140.

[0077] Furthermore, the module housing 120 may include an upper plate 121 located on the battery cell assembly 110 and a lower plate 122 located below the battery cell assembly 110. The upper plate 121 may include the first cover portion 125a. The first cover portion 125a may protrude and extend from an end of the upper plate to face the inner surface of the upper pipe 141. For example, Figure 5As shown in FIG. 1 , the first cover portion 125 a may be configured to face a top plate (upper wall) 141 a inside the upper duct 141 .

[0078] Furthermore, the lower plate 122 may include the second cover portion 125b. The second cover portion 125b may protrude from the end of the lower plate and extend to face the inner surface of the lower pipe 142. Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the second cover portion 125 b may be configured to face a bottom (lower wall) 142 b inside the lower duct 142 .

[0079] Furthermore, the upper duct 141 and the lower duct 142 may be configured to communicate with a blower 143. The blower 143 may be configured to deliver external air into the module housing 120.

[0080] Also, the front cover may include an external terminal (not shown) for electrical connection between the battery module 100 and an external device and a single cover 144 accommodating the external terminal.

[0081] Therefore, according to such a configuration of the present disclosure, the present disclosure includes the first cover portion 125a and the second cover portion 125b, which are respectively configured to face the inner surfaces of the upper duct 141 and the lower duct 142 of the front cover 140, so that when a fire occurs in the battery module 100, a double layer can be formed by the first cover portion 125a or the second cover portion 125b, thereby preventing a hole from being caused in the inner surfaces of the upper duct 141 and the lower duct 142 of the front cover 140 due to the fire. Accordingly, the present disclosure can significantly improve fire safety.

[0082] Figure 6 is a schematic stereoscopic view of an upper plate of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0083] refer to Figure 6 , when Figure 2 When compared with the upper plate 121 of the battery module 100 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the upper plate 121 of the battery module 100 may further include a bent portion 125a2. In addition, the remaining configurations may be the same.

[0084] In detail, the first cover portion 125a of the upper plate 121 may be configured to be in close contact with at least two of the upper surface, the lower surface, the left surface, and the right surface of the upper pipe 141. For example, the first cover portion 125a may include a main body portion 125a1 and a bent portion 125a2. The main body portion 125a1 may be configured to be in close contact with the upper surface of the upper pipe 141. The bent portion 125a2 may be configured to be in close contact with the left surface or the right surface of the upper pipe 141. The main body portion 125a1 may have a plate shape protruding toward the upper pipe 141. The bent portion 125a2 may be bent downward from the left end or the right end of the main body portion 125a1, and may have a shape extending downward.

[0085] Also, although not shown, like the first cover portion 125 a of the upper plate 121 , the second cover portion 125 b of the lower plate 122 may also include a main body portion facing the inner surface of the lower duct 142 and a bent portion.

[0086] Therefore, according to such a configuration of the present disclosure, the present disclosure includes the main body portion 125a1 and the bent portion 125a2 in the first cover portion 125a and the second cover portion 125b, respectively, and therefore, when a fire occurs in the battery module 100, due to the first cover portion 125a or the second cover portion 125b, it is possible to prevent holes from being formed in at least two of the upper surface, the lower surface, the left surface, and the right surface of the upper duct 141 and the lower duct 142 due to the fire. Accordingly, the present disclosure can significantly improve fire safety.

[0087] At the same time, refer back to Figure 2 The module housing 120 may further include a first insulating plate 131 and a second insulating plate 132. The first insulating plate 131 and the second insulating plate 132 may have electrical insulation. For example, the first insulating plate 131 may include polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, or silicon material.

[0088] Also, the first insulating plate 131 may be interposed between the upper plate 121 and the battery cell assembly 110. The first insulating plate 131 may have a shape extending in a horizontal direction to cover an upper surface of the battery cell assembly 110. The first insulating plate 131 may have a size corresponding to an upper surface of the battery cell assembly 110.

[0089] Furthermore, the second insulating plate 132 may be disposed between the lower plate 122 and the battery cell assembly 110. The second insulating plate 132 may have a shape extending in a horizontal direction to cover a lower surface of the battery cell assembly 110. The second insulating plate 132 may have a size corresponding to the lower surface of the battery cell assembly 110.

[0090] Therefore, according to such a configuration of the present disclosure, the present disclosure further includes a first insulating plate 131 and a second insulating plate 132, and therefore, in the case where condensation occurs due to a temperature difference between the inside and the outside of the module housing 120 during use of the module housing 120, water formed due to condensation can be prevented from forming a current transmission path between the upper plate 121 or the lower plate 122 and the battery cell assembly 110. That is, even when water accumulates inside the module housing 120, the water is contained in the inner surface of the first insulating plate 131 or the second insulating plate 132, thereby preventing the water from contacting the upper plate 121 or the lower plate 122. Accordingly, it is possible to effectively prevent leakage, electrical short circuit, etc., due to condensation of the battery module 100.

[0091] At the same time, refer back to Figure 2 and Figure 5 , the first insulating plate 131 of the present disclosure may include a first protection portion 133a. The first protection portion 133a may have a shape that protrudes from the end of the first insulating plate and extends to face the inner surface of the upper pipe 141. The first protection portion 133a may be configured to face the inner top plate surface of the upper pipe 141. Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the first protection portion 133 a may be located below the first cover portion 125 a. That is, the first protection portion 133 a may form a three-layer structure together with the upper wall 140 a of the front cover 140 and the first cover portion 125 a.

[0092] Furthermore, the second insulating plate 132 of the present disclosure may include a second protecting portion 133b. The second protecting portion 133b may have a shape that protrudes from an end of the second insulating plate and extends to face the inner surface of the lower pipe 142. The second protecting portion 133b may be configured to face the inner bottom surface of the lower pipe 142. Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the second protection portion 133 b may be located on the second cover portion 125 b. That is, the second protection portion 133 b may form a three-layer structure together with the lower wall 140 b of the front cover 140 and the second cover portion 125 b.

[0093] Therefore, according to such a configuration of the present disclosure, the present disclosure includes the first protection portion 133a and the second protection portion 133b in the first insulating plate 131 and the second insulating plate 132, respectively, thereby forming a three-layer structure wall, and when a fire occurs in the battery module 100, due to the three-layer structure, it is possible to prevent holes from being caused in the inner surfaces of the upper and lower pipes 141 and 142 due to the fire. Accordingly, the present disclosure can significantly improve fire safety.

[0094] Figure 7is a schematic stereoscopic view of a second insulating plate of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0095] refer to Figure 7 , when Figure 2 Compared with the battery module 100 of FIG. 1 , the first insulating plate 131 and the second insulating plate 132 of the battery module 100 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may each further include a sealing member 150 .

[0096] In detail, the sealing member 150 may be configured to expand in volume at a predetermined temperature or higher to seal the upper pipe 141 or the lower pipe 142. For example, the predetermined temperature may be 200 degrees Celsius or higher. Moreover, the sealing member 150 may prevent flames, smoke, and high-temperature gas from leaking out through the upper pipe 141 or the lower pipe 142. Furthermore, the sealing member 150 may have heat insulation properties.

[0097] At least a portion of the sealing member 150 may be, for example, FS1000 material available from Saint-Gobain. Alternatively, the sealing member 150 may include a graphite sheet that expands in volume at a predetermined temperature. Furthermore, when the central portion of the sealing member 150 is heated to 200 degrees Celsius or higher, the central portion is carbonized to produce a carbonized layer that expands in volume.

[0098] Moreover, if Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , the sealing member 150 may be disposed on the second protection portion 133 b of the second insulating plate 132 . Although not shown, the sealing member 150 may be disposed on the first protection portion 133 a of the first insulating plate 131 .

[0099] Therefore, according to such a configuration of the present disclosure, the present disclosure includes a sealing member 150 configured to expand in volume at a predetermined temperature or higher for sealing, and therefore, when a fire or thermal runaway occurs in the battery cell assembly 110, the volume of the sealing member 150 expands due to high-temperature gas or air, and the sealing member 150 after volume expansion can seal the upper pipe 141 or the lower pipe 142, so that external air can no longer be introduced into the module housing 120. Accordingly, the module housing 120 sealed from the outside can prevent the fire of the battery cell assembly 110 from further spreading, and eventually lead to natural fire extinguishing.

[0100] At the same time, refer back to Figure 7, the first insulating plate 131 or the second insulating plate 132 of the present disclosure may include a partition wall portion W. The partition wall portion W may have a shape that is bent from the outer peripheral end toward the battery cell assembly 110. The partition wall portion W may have a shape that extends along the outer peripheral portion of the first insulating plate 131 or the second insulating plate 132. For example, Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , the second insulating plate 132 may include a partition wall portion W extending along an outer circumference and protruding upward to a predetermined height.

[0101] Therefore, according to such a configuration of the present disclosure, both the first insulating plate 131 and the second insulating plate 132 of the present disclosure include a partition wall portion W, and therefore, through the partition wall portion W, when condensation occurs inside the module housing 120 due to the temperature difference between the outside and the inside of the module housing 120, the generated water can be contained in the first insulating plate 131 or the second insulating plate 132. That is, the water contained in the inner surface of the first insulating plate 131 or the second insulating plate 132 can move to the outer periphery, and thus the water can be prevented from flowing into the upper plate 121 or the lower plate 122. Accordingly, it is possible to effectively prevent leakage, electrical short circuit, etc., due to the condensation phenomenon of the battery module 100.

[0102] Figure 8 is a schematic perspective view showing a second insulating plate of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0103] refer to Figure 8 , when Figure 2 When compared with the second insulating plate 132 of the battery module 100 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the second insulating plate 132 of the battery module 100 may further have a surface 132c that is at least partially inclined. Figure 8 As shown in , the second insulating plate 132 may have an inclined surface having a low center in the left-right direction and gradually increasing in height toward the left and right ends. For example, the inclined surface may have an angle of 1 to 5 degrees relative to the ground.

[0104] Therefore, according to such a configuration of the present disclosure, the second insulating plate 132 of the present disclosure has a surface 132c that is at least partially inclined, and therefore, when condensation occurs inside the module housing 120 due to the temperature difference between the outside and the inside of the module housing 120, the generated water may be accumulated in the center of the second insulating plate 132. That is, the second insulating plate 132 may prevent the water accumulated in the inner surface from moving to the outer periphery and flowing into the upper plate 121 or the lower plate 122. Accordingly, it is possible to effectively prevent leakage, electrical short circuit, etc., from occurring due to the condensation phenomenon of the battery module 100.

[0105] At the same time, refer back to Figure 8 , when Figure 2 Compared with the second insulating plate 132 of the battery module 100 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the second insulating plate 132 may further include a discharge port 135. The discharge port 135 may be configured to discharge the fluid to the outside. For example, Figure 8 The second insulating plate 132 shown may be configured such that water flowing along the inclined surface 132c is discharged to the outside through the discharge port 135. In this case, an opening T may be formed in a portion of a partition wall of the second insulating plate 132 to communicate with the discharge port 135.

[0106] Therefore, according to such a configuration described in the present disclosure, the present disclosure includes the discharge port 135 in the second insulating plate 132, and therefore, when condensation occurs in the module housing 120 due to the temperature difference between the outside and the inside of the module housing 120, the generated water may be accumulated in the center of the second insulating plate 132 along the inclined surface 132c, and the water accumulated in the center may be discharged to the outside again through the discharge port 135. Accordingly, it is possible to effectively prevent leakage, electrical short circuit, etc., due to the condensation phenomenon of the battery module 100.

[0107] Meanwhile, a battery rack (not shown) according to the present disclosure may include at least one battery module 100. The battery rack may include a battery rack housing for accommodating the battery module 100. The battery rack may further include a battery management system (BMS) for performing charge and discharge control of the plurality of battery modules 100.

[0108] The power storage device (not shown) according to the present disclosure may include at least one battery module 100 according to the present disclosure. In particular, the power storage device may include a plurality of battery modules 100 according to the present disclosure. Moreover, the plurality of battery modules 100 may be electrically connected to each other. The power storage device according to the present disclosure may be implemented in various forms, such as a smart grid system or a charging station.

[0109] At the same time, although terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front and back are used in this specification, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that these terms are only for convenience of description and may change depending on the position of the object or the position of the observer.

[0110] As described above, although the present disclosure has been described based on limited embodiments and drawings, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and various modifications and variations are possible for a person skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present disclosure and the appended claims.

[0111] Description of Reference Numerals

[0112] 100: Battery module 110: Battery cell assembly

[0113] 111: Battery cell 120: Module housing

[0114] 121, 122, 123, 124: upper plate, lower plate, front plate, rear plate

[0115] 131, 132: first insulating plate, second insulating plate

[0116] 140: Front cover

[0117] 140a, 140b, 140c, 140d: upper wall, lower wall, left wall, right wall

[0118] 141, 142: Upper pipe, lower pipe

[0119] 125, 125a, 125b: cover, first cover, second cover

[0120] 133a, 133b: first protection part, second protection part

[0121] 143: Hair dryer

[0122] 150: Sealing member W: Partition wall portion

[0123] 125a1, 125a2: Main body, curved part

[0124] 132c: inclined surface 135: discharge port

Claims

1. A battery module, comprising: A battery cell assembly, wherein the battery cell assembly has a plurality of battery cells; A front cover, the front cover comprising an upper wall, a lower wall, a left wall and a right wall, wherein the upper wall, the lower wall, the left wall and the right wall form an internal space; a module housing accommodating the battery cell assembly in an inner space thereof, the module housing being coupled to the front cover, and comprising a cover portion having a portion protruding to face at least one of the upper wall, the lower wall, the left wall, and the right wall, wherein the front cover includes an upper duct formed on an upper end of the front cover and configured to introduce external air into the module housing; The module housing further includes an upper plate disposed above the battery cell assembly, and the upper plate includes a first cover portion protruding from an end of the upper plate and extending to face an inner surface of the upper pipe, Wherein, the first cover portion comprises: a first main body portion configured to be in close contact with an upper surface of the upper pipe and having a plate shape protruding toward the upper pipe; The first bent portion is configured to be in close contact with a left surface or a right surface of the upper pipe, and is bent downward from a left end or a right end of the first body portion and has a shape extending downward.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The front cover further comprises: a lower duct formed on a lower end of the front cover and configured to introduce external air into the module housing, and The module housing further comprises: A lower plate is disposed below the battery cell assembly, is configured to be coupled to the upper plate, and includes a second cover portion protruding from an end of the lower plate and extending to face an inner surface of the lower duct.

3. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein: The first main body is in close contact with at least two of the upper surface, the lower surface, the left surface and the right surface of the upper pipe, and The second cover portion includes a second body portion in close contact with at least two of the upper surface, the lower surface, the left surface, and the right surface of the lower duct, and a second bent portion bent and extended from the second body portion.

4. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein: The module housing further comprises: a first insulating plate having electrical insulation, the first insulating plate being arranged between the upper plate and the battery cell assembly, and the first insulating plate extending to cover an upper surface of the battery cell assembly; and A second insulating plate having electrical insulation is disposed between the lower plate and the battery cell assembly and extends to cover a lower surface of the battery cell assembly.

5. The battery module according to claim 4, wherein: The first insulating plate includes a first protecting portion protruding from an end portion of the first insulating plate and extending to face the inner surface of the upper pipe, and The second insulating plate includes a second protecting portion protruding from an end portion of the second insulating plate and extending to face the inner surface of the lower pipe.

6. The battery module according to claim 5, wherein: Each of the first and second insulating plates further includes a sealing member configured to undergo volume expansion at a predetermined temperature or higher to seal the pipe in each of the first and second protecting portions.

7. The battery module according to claim 4, wherein: Each of the first insulating plate and the second insulating plate includes a partition wall portion that is bent from an outer peripheral end portion toward the battery cell assembly and extends along the outer peripheral portion.

8. The battery module according to claim 4, wherein: The second insulating plate has an at least partially inclined surface. 9 . The battery module according to claim 8 , further comprising a discharge port configured to discharge the fluid flowing along the inclined surface to the outside.

10. A battery rack comprising at least one battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A power storage device comprising at least one battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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