Battery module with curved catch portion and battery pack including the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery module having a curved trapping portion and a battery pack including the same, and more particularly, to a battery module having a curved trapping portion including a plurality of battery cells (100), a busbar (200) for electrically connecting the plurality of battery cells (100), and a module case (300) for accommodating the plurality of battery cells (100) and the busbar (200), wherein the module case (300) includes an accommodation portion (310) having a predetermined space, a first trapping portion (320) through which air is introduced, a second trapping portion (330) through which air is discharged, and an air flow portion (340) through which the introduced air flows, and a battery pack including the same.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 2021-0077377, filed on June 15, 2021, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery module having a bend trapping section and a battery pack including the battery module, and more particularly, to: a battery module having a bend trapping section that prevents high-temperature byproducts from being discharged to the outside when thermal runaway occurs in the battery module, thereby suppressing secondary damage; and a battery pack including the battery module. Background Technology

[0003] With the recent development of alternative energy sources due to air pollution and energy depletion caused by fossil fuel use, the demand for rechargeable batteries capable of storing generated electrical energy has increased. Rechargeable batteries are widely used in everyday life. For example, they are used in mobile devices, electric vehicles, and hybrid electric vehicles.

[0004] Due to the increasing use and complexity of mobile devices, as well as the development of electric vehicles, the required capacity of secondary batteries, which serve as energy for various electronic devices inevitably used in modern society, has increased. To meet user needs, multiple battery cells are placed in small devices, while battery modules comprising multiple battery cells electrically connected to each other or battery packs comprising multiple battery modules are used in vehicles.

[0005] When secondary batteries are used in devices that require high capacity and high output (such as electric vehicles), they are used in the form of battery modules or battery packs in which multiple battery cells are arranged.

[0006] Simultaneously, thermal runaway may occur in the individual battery cells housed within the battery module due to overheating, necessitating cooling of these cells. Thermal runaway and fire outbreaks occurring in one cell can transfer to adjacent cells, generating high-temperature gases and byproducts. At this point, while these high-temperature byproducts are being emitted from the battery module, a fire may erupt in the battery pack or device containing the module, potentially causing secondary damage.

[0007] Related to this, Figure 1 This is a 3D diagram of a traditional battery module. (Reference) Figure 1The conventional battery module includes a plurality of stacked battery cells 10 and a module housing 20 configured to receive the plurality of battery cells 10. The module housing 20 is provided with an air inlet 21, an air outlet 22 and an air circulation channel 23 configured to circulate air introduced into the module housing, thereby using the air to cool the battery cells 10.

[0008] In this conventional battery module, the individual battery cells 10 are cooled by air to suppress temperature increases. However, cooling is limited, which can lead to thermal runaway. Additionally, high-temperature byproducts and exhaust gases may be generated due to thermal runaway. When exhaust gases are released through air inlet 21 and air outlet 22, high-temperature byproducts may also be released, potentially causing a secondary fire in the battery pack or device in which the battery module is installed.

[0009] (Existing technical literature)

[0010] (Patent Document 1) Korean Patent Application Publication No. 2020-0110081 Summary of the Invention

[0011] Technical issues

[0012] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and the object of the present invention is to provide: a battery module having a bending trapping section that prevents high-temperature byproducts generated due to thermal runaway in the battery module from being discharged to the outside; and a battery pack including the battery module.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide: a battery module having a bend trapping section capable of venting exhaust gases generated in the battery module to the outside, thereby improving the safety of the battery module; and a battery pack including the battery module.

[0014] Technical solution

[0015] To achieve the above objectives, a battery module with a curved trapping section according to the present invention includes: a plurality of battery cells (100); a busbar (200) configured to electrically connect the plurality of battery cells (100) to each other; and a module housing (300) configured to receive the plurality of battery cells (100) and the busbar (200), wherein the module housing (300) includes: a receiving section (310) configured to define a predetermined space; a first trapping section (320) configured to introduce air; a second trapping section (330) configured to discharge air; and an airflow channel section (340) configured to allow the introduced air to move along the airflow channel section (340).

[0016] Furthermore, in the battery module according to the invention, the first trapping portion (320) may include: a first bag portion (321) which is recessed outward to define a predetermined space; and a first air circulation channel (322) which is formed to be curved in a direction toward the side surface of the first bag portion (321).

[0017] Furthermore, in the battery module according to the present invention, the second trapping section (330) may include: a partition wall (331) which is bent at a predetermined angle to define a predetermined space; and a second air circulation channel (332) which is formed in an "S" shape by means of the partition wall (331).

[0018] Furthermore, in the battery module according to the invention, the first air circulation channel (322) may have a width that gradually increases from the inside to the outside of the first air circulation channel (322).

[0019] Furthermore, in the battery module according to the invention, the second trapping portion (330) may include: a second pocket portion (333) which is recessed outward to define a predetermined space; and a second air circulation channel (332) which is formed to be curved in a direction toward the side surface of the second pocket portion (333).

[0020] Furthermore, in the battery module according to the invention, the first air circulation channel (322) may have a width that gradually increases from the inside to the outside of the first air circulation channel (322).

[0021] Furthermore, in the battery module according to the invention, the second air circulation channel (332) may have a width that gradually increases from the inside to the outside of the second air circulation channel (332).

[0022] Furthermore, in the battery module according to the invention, the first collecting portion (320) may be formed at a corner on one side of the receiving portion (310).

[0023] Furthermore, in the battery module according to the invention, the second trapping portion (330) may be formed at the corner of the receiving portion (310) that is in a straight line with the first trapping portion (320).

[0024] In addition, the present invention provides a battery pack including the battery module.

[0025] Beneficial effects

[0026] As described above, it is obvious that the battery module with a bending trapping section and the battery pack including the battery module according to the present invention have the advantage of preventing the emission of high-temperature byproducts generated due to thermal runaway from the battery module, thereby suppressing secondary damage caused by byproducts.

[0027] Furthermore, the battery module with a bending trapping section and the battery pack including the battery module according to the present invention have the advantage that exhaust gas can be discharged to the outside while preventing high-temperature byproducts from being discharged to the outside, thereby preventing damage to the battery module due to the bulging of the battery module and thus improving the safety of the battery module. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 It is a 3D diagram of a traditional battery module.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a battery module according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The image shows a cross-sectional view of the battery module taken in the horizontal direction.

[0031] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, taken in the horizontal direction. Detailed Implementation

[0032] 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 inclusion might obscure the subject matter of the invention.

[0033] Furthermore, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to parts that perform similar functions or operations. Throughout the specification, where a part is described as being connected to another part, this means that the first part can be directly connected to the second part, and also indirectly connected to the second part via other parts. Additionally, including a particular element does not mean excluding other elements, but rather that such elements may be further included, unless otherwise specified.

[0034] In the following description, a battery module having a curved trapping section and a battery pack including the battery module according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a battery module according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The image shows a cross-sectional view of the battery module taken in the horizontal direction.

[0036] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 According to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, the battery module includes a battery cell 100, a busbar 200, and a module housing 300.

[0037] First, each battery cell 100 includes: a cell assembly; a cell housing configured to receive the cell assembly; and a pair of leads.

[0038] The individual components can be: jelly roll type individual components, which are configured to have a structure in which elongated positive electrodes and elongated negative electrodes are wound together with spacers between them; stacked individual components, which are composed of unit individual components, each unit individual component being configured to have a structure in which rectangular positive electrodes and rectangular negative electrodes are stacked with spacers between them; stacked and folded individual components, which are configured to have a structure in which unit individual components are wound together using long diaphragms; or layered and stacked individual components, which are configured to have a structure in which unit individual components are stacked with spacers between them and then attached to each other. However, the invention is not limited thereto.

[0039] The monomer assembly is mounted within a monomer housing, which is typically configured with a laminated sheet structure comprising an inner layer, a metal layer, and an outer layer. The inner layer is positioned in direct contact with the monomer assembly and therefore should exhibit high insulation and high resistance to electrolytic solutions. Additionally, the inner layer should exhibit high sealability, thereby providing an airtight seal to the monomer housing relative to the outside; that is, the thermally bonded seal between the inner layers should exhibit excellent thermal bond strength. The inner layer can be made from materials selected from those exhibiting excellent chemical resistance and high sealability: polyolefin resins, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene acrylate, or polybutene; polyurethane resins; and polyimide resins. However, the invention is not limited thereto, and polypropylene is most preferably used, exhibiting excellent mechanical and physical properties (such as tensile strength, stiffness, surface hardness, and impact resistance) and excellent chemical resistance.

[0040] The metal layer placed adjacent to the inner layer corresponds to a barrier layer constructed to prevent moisture or various gases from penetrating into the battery from the outside. Lightweight and easily formable aluminum thin film can be used as a preferred material for the metal layer.

[0041] An outer layer is disposed on another surface of the metal layer. The outer layer can be made of a heat-resistant polymer exhibiting excellent tensile strength, resistance to moisture penetration, and resistance to air permeability, thus providing high heat and chemical resistance while protecting the monomer components. As an example, the outer layer can be made of nylon or polyethylene terephthalate. However, the invention is not limited thereto.

[0042] Simultaneously, the leads, including the positive electrode lead and the negative electrode lead, are electrically connected to the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal of the cell assembly, respectively, and are exposed outward from the casing. The cell corresponds to a generally known structure, and therefore a more detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0043] Busbars 200 connect the positive and negative electrode leads protruding and extending from multiple stacked battery cells 100 in series or parallel to each other. For bidirectional battery cells 100, busbars are provided at each of the front and rear surfaces of the battery module. For unidirectional battery cells 100, busbars are provided at only one of the front and rear surfaces of the battery module.

[0044] Next, the module housing 300 includes a receiving part 310, a first capturing part 320, a second capturing part 330, and an air flow channel part 340.

[0045] The receiving portion 310, configured to receive multiple stacked battery cells 100, includes a flat lower cover, side plates extending vertically from the edge of the lower cover, and an upper cover configured to cover the upper portion of the multiple stacked battery cells 100. The receiving portion protects the battery cells 100 from external foreign objects and impacts.

[0046] The first collection section 320 is formed at a corner on one side of the receiving section 310 and includes: a first bag section 321 that is recessed to a predetermined depth in the outward direction; and a first air circulation channel 322 configured to allow air to be introduced into the battery module through the first air circulation channel 322.

[0047] Although the first air circulation channel 322 is used as an air intake passage, it can also be used as an air exhaust passage.

[0048] The first pocket portion 321 is recessed to a predetermined depth to define a predetermined space, and the first air circulation channel 322 is formed to bend at a predetermined angle in the direction toward the side surface of the first pocket portion 321. Therefore, when exhaust gas and high-temperature byproducts are generated due to thermal runaway in the battery cell 100 and the exhaust gas and byproducts are discharged from the battery module, the byproducts accumulate in the predetermined space of the first pocket portion 321, and the exhaust gas is discharged to the outside along the first air circulation channel 322 which is bent at a predetermined angle, thereby having the advantage of preventing secondary damage caused by high-temperature byproducts.

[0049] The first air circulation channel 322 is formed in the shape of a funnel with a width that gradually increases from the inside to the outside of the first air circulation channel 322, so that air can be introduced more easily, and the internal passage of the first air circulation channel is narrow, thereby suppressing the emission of by-products to the outside.

[0050] The second trapping section 330 is formed at the corner of the receiving section 310 that is in a straight line with the first trapping section 320, and includes: a partition wall 331; and a second air circulation channel 332 configured to allow air to be discharged from the battery module through the second air circulation channel 332.

[0051] Although the first trapping section 320 and the second trapping section 330 are located on the same straight line for smoother air circulation, their positions are not limited, as long as the battery cell 100 can be cooled by the introduced air. For example, the first trapping section and the second trapping section can be placed diagonally.

[0052] Although the second air circulation channel 332 is used as an air exhaust passage, it can also be used as an air intake passage.

[0053] The partition wall 331 is formed inside the second trapping section 330 in a flat shape with a predetermined angle relative to the side plate of the receiving section 310, and a predetermined space is defined between the side plate and the partition wall 331.

[0054] Because the partition wall 331 is formed with a predetermined angle, the second air circulation channel 332 is bent at a predetermined angle to have an "S" shape. Therefore, when by-products and exhaust gases generated due to thermal runaway in the battery cell 100 are discharged from the battery cell 100, the by-products accumulate in the predetermined space defined between the side plate and the partition wall 331, and the exhaust gases separated from the by-products are discharged along the "S"-shaped second air circulation channel 332. This has the advantage of preventing fires caused by by-products and preventing damage to the battery module due to bulging caused by exhaust gases.

[0055] The airflow channel 340 is a space defined by the battery cells 100 housed in the receiving section 310 being spaced apart from the side plate connecting the first trapping section 320 and the second trapping section 330 by a predetermined distance. The airflow channel 340 is configured to allow air introduced through the first trapping section 320 or the second trapping section 330 and used to cool the multiple battery cells 100 to move along the airflow channel 340.

[0056] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, taken in the horizontal direction.

[0057] refer to Figure 4 Apart from the second trapping section 330, the battery module according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention is structurally similar to the reference module. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The battery module described according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention is the same, and therefore descriptions of the same structure will be omitted.

[0058] The second trapping portion 330 of the battery module according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention includes: a second pocket portion 333 recessed to a predetermined depth in an outward direction; and a second air circulation channel 332 configured to allow air to be discharged from the battery module through the second air circulation channel 332.

[0059] Although the second air circulation passage 332 is used as an air exhaust passage, as mentioned above, the second air circulation passage can also be used as an air intake passage.

[0060] Similar to the first pocket portion 321, the second pocket portion 333 is recessed to a predetermined depth to define a predetermined space, and the second air circulation channel 332 is formed to bend at a predetermined angle in the direction toward the side surface of the second pocket portion 333. Therefore, when exhaust gas and high-temperature byproducts are generated due to thermal runaway in the battery cell 100 and the exhaust gas and byproducts are discharged from the battery module, the byproducts accumulate in the second pocket portion 333, and the exhaust gas is discharged to the outside along the second air circulation channel 332 bent at the predetermined angle, thereby having the advantage of preventing secondary fires caused by high-temperature byproducts.

[0061] In addition, the second air circulation channel 332 is formed in the shape of a funnel with a width that gradually increases from the inside to the outside of the second air circulation channel 332, so that air can be introduced more easily, and the internal passage of the second air circulation channel is narrow, thereby suppressing the emission of by-products to the outside.

[0062] The present invention provides a battery pack comprising a battery module having at least one of the features described above, and the battery pack can be installed in a device such as an electric vehicle, a hybrid electric vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.

[0063] Those skilled in the art will understand that, based on the foregoing description, various applications and modifications are possible within the scope of this invention.

[0064] (Explanation of reference numerals in the attached diagram)

[0065] 100: Battery cell

[0066] 200: Busbar

[0067] 300: Module casing

[0068] 310: Reception Department

[0069] 320: First Capture Division

[0070] 321: First Bag Section

[0071] 322: First air circulation channel

[0072] 330: Second Capture Division

[0073] 331: Partition wall

[0074] 332: Second air circulation channel

[0075] 333: Second Bag Section

[0076] 340: Airflow Channel Section

Claims

1. A battery module, comprising: Multiple battery cells; Busbar, the busbar being configured to electrically connect the plurality of battery cells to each other; and Module housing, the module housing being configured to receive the plurality of battery cells and the busbar, wherein The module housing includes: a receiving portion configured to define a predetermined space; a first trapping portion configured to introduce air; a second trapping portion configured to discharge air; and an airflow channel portion configured to allow the introduced air to move along the airflow channel portion. The first capturing unit includes: The first bag portion is recessed outwards, thereby defining a predetermined space; and A first air circulation channel is formed to be curved in a direction toward the side surface of the first bag portion.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The second collection unit includes: A partition wall, which is bent at a predetermined angle to define a predetermined space; and The second air circulation channel is formed in an "S" shape by the partition wall.

3. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein, The first air circulation channel has a width that gradually increases from the inside to the outside of the first air circulation channel.

4. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The second collection unit includes: The second bag portion is recessed outwards, thereby defining a predetermined space; and The second air circulation channel is formed to be curved in the direction toward the side surface of the second bag portion.

5. The battery module according to claim 4, wherein, The first air circulation channel has a width that gradually increases from the inside to the outside of the first air circulation channel.

6. The battery module according to claim 4, wherein, The second air circulation channel has a width that gradually increases from the inside to the outside of the second air circulation channel.

7. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The first collecting part is formed at the corner of one side of the receiving part.

8. The battery module according to claim 7, wherein, The second trapping section is formed at the corner of the receiving section that is in a straight line with the first trapping section.

9. A battery pack comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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