Battery module and battery pack including same

Abstract

A battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a cell case comprising: a plurality of battery cells, each battery cell comprising a first terminal having a venting portion and a second terminal arranged to be spaced apart from the first terminal; an insertion opening which is opened so that the plurality of battery cells can be inserted; a bottom on which the plurality of battery cells are disposed; and a plurality of first terminal holes disposed in the bottom portion; and a first protection member disposed to surround the first terminal hole exposing the second terminal when the battery cell is disposed on the bottom of the cell case such that the second terminal of the battery cell is exposed through the first terminal hole.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module and a battery pack comprising the battery module, and in particular to a battery module capable of preventing chain fire and a battery pack capable of preventing chain fire.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0051761, dated April 20, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Art

[0003] Figure 1 A conventional battery module 10 is schematically shown, and Figure 2 A conventional battery pack 50 is schematically shown.

[0004] Reference Figure 1 , a conventional battery module 10 includes a cell case 20, at least one battery cell 30, 30A and a cell cover 40. At least one battery cell 30 is accommodated in the cell case 20, and a plurality of battery cells 30, 30A are accommodated in the cell case 20, and then the cell cover 40 is coupled to the cell case 20.

[0005] The battery cell 30 , 30A includes a positive electrode current collector and a negative electrode current collector, a separator, an active material, an electrolyte, etc. The battery cell can be repeatedly charged and discharged through electrochemical reactions.

[0006] In addition, fire may occur in the battery cell 30 due to external force or internal short circuit, etc. The battery module 10 includes a plurality of battery cells 30, and when one battery cell 30A catches fire, flame transfer occurs toward the periphery of the ignited battery cell 30A, whereby chain fire may occur between adjacent battery cells 30.

[0007] When any one of the battery cells 30A catches fire in the battery module 10, a structure is required to prevent the flame from spreading to the battery cells 30 surrounding the ignited battery cell 30A.

[0008] Reference Figure 1 In the battery module 10 , a cover gap G1 exists between the cell cover 40 and the end of the battery cell 30 . In addition, in the internal space of the battery module 10 , a cell gap G2 exists between adjacent battery cells 30 .

[0009] At this time, the flame emitted from the burning battery cell 30A may propagate in the longitudinal direction L of the battery cell 30A through the cover gap G1, and may propagate in the transverse direction F (array direction) of the battery cell 30A through the cell gap G2, thereby causing a chain fire. Therefore, in order to prevent the chain fire of the battery cells 30, a technology for filling the cover gap G1 and the cell gap G2 is required.

[0010] However, in the conventional battery module 10 , the battery cell 30 is housed in the cell case 20 and then the bus bar is spot welded to the terminal of the battery cell 30 , so there is a problem of difficulty in injecting flame retardant material (e.g., potting resin) into the internal space of the cell case 20 .

[0011] Reference Figure 2 The battery pack 50 is assembled such that the plurality of battery modules 10 are electrically connected, and the battery pack case 51 is used to protect the plurality of battery modules 10. As an example, in the battery pack 50, the plurality of battery modules 10 may have a structure stacked in the longitudinal direction L of the battery cells.

[0012] Therefore, when the battery cells 30 of any one battery module 10 explode, there is a problem that the adjacent battery modules 10 are sequentially ignited as the flame propagates along the longitudinal direction L of the battery cells.

[0013] Conventionally, since it is difficult to inject a potting resin into the battery module 10 , a method of forming the potting portion 60 by injecting a potting resin into the inside of the pack case 51 of the battery pack 50 is adopted.

[0014] However, when the potting resin is injected into the pack case 51 of the battery pack 50 , there is a problem that the injection amount of the potting resin increases and the weight of the battery pack 50 increases. Summary of the invention

[0015] Technical issues

[0016] The present invention is directed to a battery module and a battery pack including the same, which can prevent chain fire of battery cells by blocking flame propagation by a protection member disposed to cover negative terminals of the battery cells when adjacent battery cells catch fire.

[0017] Furthermore, the present invention is directed to a battery module and a battery pack including the same, which is capable of preventing chain fire of battery cells by blocking flame propagation when adjacent battery cells catch fire because the battery cells are separated by potting parts in an internal space of the battery module.

[0018] Furthermore, the present invention is directed to a battery module capable of preventing a potting resin from leaking when the potting resin is injected into the battery module, and a battery pack including the battery module.

[0019] In addition, the present invention is directed to a battery module and a battery pack including the battery module, in which, in a battery pack in which a plurality of battery modules are arranged along a longitudinal direction of a battery cell, the battery module can block flame propagation between adjacent battery modules and can reduce gaps between adjacent battery modules.

[0020] Technical Solution

[0021] In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, a battery module according to an example of the present invention includes: a plurality of battery cells, the battery cells including a first terminal having a venting portion and a second terminal arranged separately from the first terminal; a battery cell case, the battery cell case having: an insertion opening, the insertion opening being open so that the plurality of battery cells are inserted; a bottom, the plurality of battery cells being arranged on the bottom; and a plurality of first terminal holes, the plurality of first terminal holes being arranged in the bottom; and a first protective member, the first protective member being arranged to surround the first terminal hole when the battery cell is arranged on the bottom of the battery cell case so that the second terminal of the battery cell is exposed to the first terminal hole, and the second terminal is exposed to the first terminal hole.

[0022] The battery module may include a cell cover mounted on the insertion opening of the cell case and having a plurality of second terminal holes arranged to face the plurality of first terminal holes, respectively.

[0023] In addition, the multiple battery cells may include: one or more first battery cells, the one or more first battery cells are arranged in the cell housing so that the second terminal is exposed to the first terminal hole, and the first terminal is exposed to the second terminal hole; and one or more second battery cells, the one or more second battery cells are arranged in the cell housing so that the first terminal is exposed to the first terminal hole, and the second terminal is exposed to the second terminal hole.

[0024] In addition, the battery module may include a second protective member, which is configured to surround the second terminal hole when the second battery cell is arranged in the cell housing so that the second terminal of the second battery cell is exposed to the second terminal hole of the cell cover, and the second terminal is exposed to the second terminal hole.

[0025] Furthermore, in the first battery cell and the second battery cell, the first terminal and the second terminal are positioned in opposite directions along the longitudinal direction of the battery cells.

[0026] In addition, the battery module may include: a first bus bar, which is electrically connected to the first terminal of the first battery cell through the second terminal hole and is located outside the battery cell housing; and a third bus bar, which is electrically connected to the second terminal of the first battery cell through the first terminal hole and is located outside the battery cell housing.

[0027] Furthermore, the first protection member may be provided to surround the third bus bar and the first terminal hole.

[0028] In addition, the battery module may include: a second bus bar, which is electrically connected to the second terminal of the second battery cell through the second terminal hole and is located outside the battery cell housing; and a fourth bus bar, which is electrically connected to the first terminal of the second battery cell through the first terminal hole and is located outside the battery cell housing.

[0029] Furthermore, the second protection member may be provided to surround the second bus bar and the second terminal hole.

[0030] In addition, the cell cover may have a resin injection hole provided to achieve fluid movement together with an inner space of the cell case in which the plurality of battery cells are provided.

[0031] In addition, the battery module may include a potting portion filled to surround the plurality of battery cells in the cell case.

[0032] In addition, the cell cover may have an air hole connected to the inner space of the cell case to achieve fluid movement. In addition, the air hole may be arranged to be spaced apart from the resin injection hole, and the size of the air hole may be formed differently from the size of the resin injection hole, for example, the size of the air hole may be formed to be smaller than the size of the resin injection hole.

[0033] Furthermore, the cell case may have a plurality of fitting protrusions protruding toward the inner space at the insertion opening side, and the cell cover may have a plurality of fitting holes into which each fitting protrusion is fitted.

[0034] Furthermore, the cell case may include at least one case column protruding from the bottom of the cell case toward the insertion opening, and the cell cover may include at least one cover column extending toward the bottom of the cell case and connected to the case column.

[0035] In addition, the battery module may include a second sealing member disposed between the cover pillar and the case pillar.

[0036] In addition, the battery module may include a first sealing member disposed between the second terminal of the battery cell and the first terminal hole and coupled to the cell case.

[0037] Furthermore, the first sealing member may be coupled along a circumferential direction of the first terminal hole and have an annular shape to expose at least a partial region of the second terminal to the outside of the first terminal hole.

[0038] Beneficial Effects

[0039] As described above, a battery module relating to at least one example of the present invention and a battery pack including the battery module have the following effects.

[0040] Chain fire of battery cells can be prevented by blocking flame propagation by a protection member provided to cover negative terminals of battery cells provided in a battery module when adjacent battery cells catch fire.

[0041] Furthermore, since the battery cells are separated by the potting portion in the inner space of the battery module, chain fire of the battery cells can be prevented by blocking the spread of flame when adjacent battery cells catch fire.

[0042] Furthermore, when the potting resin is injected into the battery module, the potting resin can be prevented from leaking, and in particular, the potting resin can be prevented from leaking into the insertion opening side of the cell case and the bottom side of the cell case.

[0043] Furthermore, in a battery pack in which a plurality of battery modules are arranged along a longitudinal direction of a battery cell, flame propagation between adjacent battery modules can be blocked, and a gap between adjacent battery modules can be reduced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] Figure 1 A conventional battery module is schematically shown.

[0045] Figure 2 A conventional battery pack is shown schematically.

[0046] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to an example of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the cell casing is shown.

[0048] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of the cell housing, battery cell and cell cover is shown.

[0049] Figure 6 Is a combination of Figure 5 A perspective view of a battery module showing the components shown.

[0050] Figure 7 It is a perspective view of the battery module in a state where the first to fourth bus bars are separated.

[0051] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the battery module in a state where the second protective member is attached.

[0052] Fig. 9 It is along Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the cutting state taken along line XX.

[0053] Fig.10 yes Fig. 9 An enlarged cross-sectional view of portion A of FIG.

[0054] Fig.11 is a schematic diagram of a battery pack according to an example of the present invention.

[0055] Fig.12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to one example of the present invention.

[0056] Fig.13 yes Fig.12 An enlarged schematic diagram of part B. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] Hereinafter, a chain fire prevention battery module and a chain fire prevention battery pack according to one example of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0058] In addition, regardless of the reference numerals, the same or corresponding parts are given the same or similar reference numerals, and their repeated descriptions will be omitted, and the size and shape of each constituent member shown in the drawings may be exaggerated or reduced for convenience of explanation.

[0059] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module 100 according to an example of the present invention, Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the cell casing is shown, Figure 5 yes Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of the cell housing, battery cell and cell cover shown, and Figure 6 It's a combination Figure 5 A perspective view of a battery module with the components shown in FIG.

[0060] A battery module 100 relating to one example of the present invention includes a plurality of battery cells 120 ( 121 , 122 ) including first terminals 121 a , 122 a having vent portions and second terminals 121 b , 122 b provided separately from the first terminals 121 a , 122 a .

[0061] Each battery cell 120 (121, 122) has a first terminal 121a, 122a and a second terminal 121b, 122b, where as an example, the first terminal 121a, 122a may be a positive terminal, and the second terminal 121b, 122b may be a negative terminal, which is an electrode having a polarity opposite to that of the first terminal 121a, 122a. In addition, in each battery cell 120, the first terminal 121a, 122a and the second terminal 121b, 122b may be arranged to be positioned in opposite directions to each other along the longitudinal direction L of the battery cell 120. That is, the first terminal 121a, 122a may be arranged at one end along the longitudinal direction L of the battery cell 120, and the second terminal 121b, 122b may be arranged at the other end along the longitudinal direction L.

[0062] In addition, the vent portion is provided at the first terminal 121a, 122a of the battery cell 120. The vent portion may be formed at the first terminal 121a, 122a along one end edge of the battery cell 120. For example, the vent portion may be formed at the center position of one end where the first terminal 121a, 122a of the battery cell 120 is located.

[0063] The vent portion is intended to relieve the internal pressure of the battery cell 120 , wherein the vent portion is formed at one end of the battery cell 120 to have a relatively weak strength and thus is configured to be preferentially broken when an internal fire occurs in the battery cell 120 .

[0064] In this manner, when the internal pressure of the battery cell 120 increases to be higher than a preset critical pressure (e.g., a rupture pressure of the vent portion), the vent portion is intended to relieve the internal pressure of the battery cell 120 when the vent portion is ruptured at the battery cell 120. Therefore, when a fire occurs inside the battery cell 120, the internal pressure of the battery cell 120 increases, and the flame is discharged to the outside of the battery cell 120 while the vent portion provided in the first terminal 121a, 122a as the positive terminal is ruptured.

[0065] Furthermore, the battery cell 120 may be a cylindrical battery cell or a rectangular battery cell.

[0066] refer to Figures 3 to 5The battery module 100 includes a cell housing 110 having: an insertion opening 111, which is open to allow a plurality of battery cells 120 (121, 122) to be inserted; a bottom 115, on which the plurality of battery cells 120 are placed; and a plurality of first terminal holes 116 arranged in the bottom 115.

[0067] In addition, the cell housing 110 has an internal space 110a in which a plurality of battery cells 120 (121, 122) are accommodated. The cell housing 110 may be open in one direction and may have a cylindrical shape having an internal space 110a. A plurality of battery cells 120 are placed on the bottom 115, and a plurality of first terminal holes 116 are provided in the bottom. In addition, the insertion opening 111 may be provided to face the bottom 115. The insertion opening 111 and the bottom 115 may be provided to face each other along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell 120.

[0068] The first terminal holes 116 may be formed in the same number as the number of battery cells 120 accommodated in the internal space 110a. The first terminal holes 116 perform a function of exposing partial areas of the first terminals 121a, 122a or partial areas of the second terminals 121b, 122b to the outside along the insertion direction of the battery cells 120 in a state where one end of the battery cells 120 is placed on the bottom 115. Therefore, the diameter of the first terminal holes 116 may be smaller than the diameter of the battery cells 120 to prevent the battery cells 120 from falling out of the cell case 110.

[0069] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a battery module in a state where the first to fourth bus bars are separated, Figure 8 is a perspective view of the battery module in a state where the second protective member is connected, Fig. 9 It is along Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the cut state taken along line XX of Fig.10 yes Fig. 9 An enlarged cross-sectional view of portion A of FIG.

[0070] refer to Figure 3 and Fig. 9 The battery module 100 may include a first protective member 150, which is configured to surround the first terminal hole 116 (the second terminal 121b is exposed to the first terminal hole 116) when the battery cell 121 is placed on the bottom 115 of the battery cell housing 110 so that the second terminal 121b of the battery cell (e.g., the battery cell 121) is exposed to the first terminal hole 116.

[0071] The first protective member 150 performs a function of preventing an impact or flame applied from the outside of the cell case 110 from propagating to the second terminal 121b of the battery cell 121 through the first terminal hole 116. The first protective member 150 may have a plate shape of a predetermined thickness, and may have a diameter greater than that of the first terminal hole 116 to surround the entire area of ​​the first terminal hole 116. For example, the first protective member 150 may be located outside the cell case 110, and may be fixed to the cell case 110 from the outside of the cell case 110 by bonding or the like.

[0072] In addition, the battery module 100 may include a cell cover 130 mounted on the insertion opening 111 of the cell housing 110, the cell cover 130 having a plurality of second terminal holes 132, and the plurality of second terminal holes 132 are arranged to face the plurality of first terminal holes 116, respectively. When the battery cell 120 is disposed in the inner space 110a of the cell housing, one end of the battery cell may be supported on the bottom 115, and the other end of the battery cell may be supported on the cell cover 130. The number of the first terminal holes 116 and the number of the second terminal holes 132 may be set to be the same. When the cell cover 130 is mounted on the cell housing 110, the second terminal hole 132 performs the following function: in a state where one end of the battery cell 120 is placed on the bottom 115, a partial area of ​​the first terminal 121a, 122a or the second terminal 121b, 122b located at the other end is exposed to the outside. Therefore, the diameter of the second terminal hole 132 may be smaller than the diameter of the battery cell 120 to prevent the battery cell 120 from falling out of the cell case 110 or the cell cover 130 .

[0073] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 5 , a plurality of battery cells 120 may be inserted such that the first terminal or the second terminal faces the bottom 115 of the cell housing 110 .

[0074] For example, the plurality of battery cells 120 may include one or more first battery cells 121 disposed in the cell housing 110 such that the second terminal 121 b is exposed to the first terminal hole 116 and the first terminal 121 a is exposed to the second terminal hole 132 .

[0075] In addition, the plurality of battery cells 120 may include one or more second battery cells 122 disposed in the cell case 110 such that the first terminal 122a is exposed to the first terminal hole 116, and such that the second terminal 122b is exposed to the second terminal hole 132. The first battery cell 121 and the second battery cell 122 have the same configuration and differ from each other only in the direction in which they are inserted into the cell case 110. Specifically, the first battery cell 121 is inserted such that the second terminal 121b faces the bottom 115 of the cell case 110, and the second battery cell 122 is inserted such that the first terminal 122a faces the bottom 115 of the cell case 110.

[0076] In this structure, the plurality of first terminal holes 116 each exposes the second terminal 121 b of the first battery cell 121 to the outside of the cell case 110 , or exposes the first terminal 122 a of the second battery cell 122 to the outside of the cell case 110 .

[0077] In addition, the plurality of second terminal holes 132 each exposes the first terminal 121 a of the first battery cell 121 to the outside of the cell case 110 , or exposes the second terminal 122 b of the second battery cell 122 to the outside of the cell case 110 .

[0078] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 8 The battery module 100 may include a second protective member 155, which is configured to surround the second terminal hole 132 when the second battery cell 122 is arranged in the cell housing 110 so that the second terminal 122b of the second battery cell 122 is exposed to the second terminal hole 132 of the cell cover 130, and the second terminal 122b is exposed to the second terminal hole 132.

[0079] The second protective member 155 performs a function of preventing an impact or flame applied from the outside of the cell cover 130 from propagating to the second terminal 122b of the second battery cell 122 through the second terminal hole 132. The second protective member 155 may have a plate shape of a predetermined thickness, and may have a diameter greater than that of the second terminal hole 132 to surround the entire area of ​​the second terminal hole 132. For example, the second protective member 150 may be located outside the cell cover 130, and may be fixed to the cell cover 130 from the outside of the cell cover 130 by bonding or the like.

[0080] In summary, the first protective member 150 performs the function of preventing an impact or flame applied from the outside of the battery cell housing 110 from propagating to the second terminal 121 b of the first battery cell 121 through the first terminal hole 116, and the second protective member 155 performs the function of preventing an impact or flame applied from the outside of the battery cell cover 130 from propagating to the second terminal 122 b of the second battery cell 122 through the second terminal hole 132.

[0081] The first protective member 150 and the second protective member 155 may each be formed of a material having heat resistance and insulation properties, and may include, for example, glass fiber or mica.

[0082] In addition, the battery module 100 may include a plurality of bus bars 141 to 144 electrically connected to the first battery cells 121 and the second battery cells 122 , respectively.

[0083] Specifically, the battery module 100 may include: a first bus bar 141, which is electrically connected to the first terminal 121a of the first battery cell 121 through the second terminal hole 132 and is located outside the battery cell housing 110; and a third bus bar 143, which is electrically connected to the second terminal 121b of the first battery cell 121 through the first terminal hole 116 and is located outside the battery cell housing 110.

[0084] In addition, the first bus bar 141 may be welded to the first terminal 121a of the first battery cell 121 through the second terminal hole 132, wherein at least a partial area (welding area) is located inside the cell cover 130, and the remaining area is located outside the cell cover 130. In addition, the third bus bar 143 may be welded to the second terminal 121b of the first battery cell 121 through the first terminal hole 116, wherein at least a partial area (welding area) is located inside the cell housing 110, and the remaining area is located outside the cell housing 110.

[0085] In addition, the battery module 100 may include: a second bus bar 142, which is electrically connected to the second terminal 122b of the second battery cell 122 through the second terminal hole 132 and is located outside the battery cell housing 110; and a fourth bus bar 144, which is electrically connected to the first terminal 122a of the second battery cell 122 through the first terminal hole 116 and is located outside the battery cell housing 110.

[0086] In addition, the second bus bar 142 may be welded to the second terminal 122 b of the second battery cell 122 through the second terminal hole 132, wherein at least a portion of the area (welding area) is located inside the battery cell cover 130, and the remaining area is located outside the battery cell cover 130. In addition, the fourth bus bar 144 may be welded to the second terminal 122 a of the second battery cell 122 through the first terminal hole 116, wherein at least a portion of the area (welding area) is located inside the battery cell housing 110, and the remaining area is located outside the battery cell housing 110.

[0087] At this time, the first protective member 150 can be disposed to surround the third bus bar 143 and the first terminal hole 116 , and can be fixed to the cell case 110 to cover the area where the second terminal 121 b of the first battery cell 121 is exposed outside the bottom 115 of the cell case 110 through the first terminal hole 116 .

[0088] Also, the second protective member 155 may be disposed around the second bus bar 142 and the second terminal hole 132 , and may be fixed to the cell cover 130 to cover an exposed region of the second battery cell 122 where the second terminal 122 b exposed from the outside of the cell cover 130 through the second terminal hole 132 is exposed.

[0089] In addition, the battery module 100 may include a potting portion 170 disposed in the inner space 110 a of the cell case 110 to surround the plurality of battery cells 120 ( 121 , 122 ).

[0090] The potting portion 170 may be formed by curing the potting resin R injected into the inner space 110a of the cell case 110. The potting portion 170 may be disposed in the inner space 110a of the cell case 110 to surround the outer surface of each battery cell 121, 122, and the potting portion 170 may perform a function of preventing the flame from propagating in the lateral direction (F, arrangement direction) of the battery cell 120 when an internal fire occurs in the battery cells 121, 122 in the cell case 110, and improve the strength of the cell case 110. The potting resin R may have flame retardancy, and as an example, the potting resin R may be a flame retardant composite material made with silicon as a base material.

[0091] Reference Figure 8 and Fig. 9 The cell cover 130 may have at least one resin injection hole 135 provided to achieve fluid movement together with the inner space 110a of the cell case 110. At this time, the potting portion 170 may be formed by curing the potting resin R injected into the inner space of the cell case 110 through the resin injection hole 135.

[0092] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 After the plurality of battery cells 121, 122 are accommodated inside the cell case 110 and the cell cover 130 is mounted on the insertion opening 111 of the cell case 110, a welding process of the first to fourth bus bars 141 to 144 may be performed. Thereafter, a potting resin R may be injected into the inner space of the cell case 110 through the resin injection hole 135.

[0093] In this case, when the potting resin R is injected, it is important to prevent the potting resin R from leaking to the outside of the cell case 110 .

[0094] The cell case 110 may have a plurality of assembly protrusions 112 protruding toward the internal space 110a on the side of the insertion opening 111, and the cell cover 130 may have a plurality of assembly holes 134 into which each assembly protrusion 112 is assembled. The cell cover 130 may contact at least a partial area of ​​the inner surface 110b of the cell case in the circumferential direction, and may be assembled to the cell case 110 through the assembly protrusions 112 formed on the inner surface 110b of the cell case.

[0095] The cell cover 130 may have a cover portion 131 having a plurality of second terminal holes 132 and one or more resin injection holes 135, and one or more cover coupling portions 133 provided with one or more assembly holes 134 and arranged along the circumferential direction of the cover portion 131. The assembly hole 134 may be an opening penetrating the cover coupling portion 133 along the transverse direction F.

[0096] In addition, the cover portion 131 is provided to cover the inner space 110a of the cell case 110. The plurality of second terminal holes 132 and the one or more resin injection holes 135 may be openings penetrating the cover portion 131 up and down.

[0097] In addition, the cover connecting portion 133 can extend from the edge of the cover portion 131 along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell 120, and as an example, the cover connecting portion 133 can extend vertically relative to the cover portion 131 and be formed into a shape corresponding to the inner surface of the battery cell housing 110, and is thus configured to contact the inner surface 110b of the battery cell housing 110 at least in some areas along the circumferential direction.

[0098] In addition, the resin injection hole 135 may be provided at a boundary portion between the cover coupling portion 133 and the cover portion 131 , and the resin injection hole 135 may be provided on the same plane as the second terminal hole 132 , and the resin injection hole 135 is provided to be spaced apart from the second terminal hole 132 .

[0099] Moreover, the assembly hole 134 of the cell cover 130 is assembled with the assembly protrusion 112 of the cell case 110 in a hook manner, so that the coupling force between the cell cover 130 and the cell case 110 can be improved. In addition, in the case where no hole structure is formed in the cell case 110, the potting resin R can be prevented from leaking to the outside of the cell case 110 when the potting resin R is injected into the internal space of the cell case 110.

[0100] In addition, the battery module 100 may include a first sealing member 161, which is disposed between the second terminal 121b of the battery cell 121 and the first terminal hole 116 in a state where the battery cell 121 is seated on the bottom 115 of the cell case 110, so that the second terminal 121b of the battery cell (e.g., the first battery cell 121) is exposed to the first terminal hole 116. The first sealing member 161 may be coupled to the cell case 110.

[0101] Reference Figure 3 and Fig. 9 The first sealing member 161 may be coupled along a circumferential direction of the first terminal hole 116 and configured to expose at least a partial region of the second terminal 122 b to the outside of the first terminal hole 116 .

[0102] The first sealing member 161 may perform a function of sealing between the inner space 110a of the cell case 110 and the first terminal hole 116. That is, when the potting resin R is injected, the potting resin R may be prevented from leaking to the outside of the cell case 110 through the first terminal hole 116.

[0103] The first sealing member 161 may have an annular shape having an inner diameter greater than the diameter of the first terminal hole 116. In addition, the first sealing member 161 may include a double-sided tape having an annular shape. That is, in the first sealing member 161, one of the two sides of the tape may be bonded along the circumferential direction of the first terminal hole 116, and the other side may be bonded to the end of the battery cell 120 disposed on the first terminal hole 116 side.

[0104] The first sealing member 161 may be provided in plurality, that is, a first sealing member 161 may be attached to each of the first terminal holes 116 .

[0105] refer to Fig. 9 , the first battery cell 121 can be disposed in the cell housing 110 so that the second terminal 121 b of the first battery cell 121 is exposed to the first terminal hole 116, and the second battery cell 122 can be disposed in the cell housing 110 so that the first terminal 122 a of the second battery cell 122 is exposed to the first terminal hole 116.

[0106] Here, the first sealing member 161 disposed between the second terminal 121 b of the first battery cell 121 and the first terminal hole 116 may be coupled along a circumferential direction of the first terminal hole 116 and disposed to expose at least a partial area of ​​the second terminal 121 b to the outside of the first terminal hole 116 .

[0107] In addition, reference Fig.10 The first sealing member 161 disposed between the first terminal 122a of the second battery cell 122 and the first terminal hole 116 may be coupled along a circumferential direction of the first terminal hole 116 and configured to expose at least a portion of the first terminal 122a to the outside of the first terminal hole 116 .

[0108] Each of the first sealing members 116 performs a function of sealing between the inner space 110 a of the cell case 110 and the first terminal hole 116 .

[0109] Furthermore, the cell case 110 may include at least one case column 117 protruding from the bottom 115 of the cell case 110 toward the insertion opening 111 , and the cell cover 130 may include at least one cover column 137 extending toward the bottom 115 of the cell case 110 and connected to the case column 117 .

[0110] The case columns 117 may be disposed between adjacent first terminal holes 116, and the case columns 117 may be disposed to protrude from the bottom 115 of the cell case 110 in the longitudinal direction L of the battery cell 120. When the cell cover 130 is assembled to the cell case 110, each case column 117 may be inserted into the cover column 137 of the cell cover 130.

[0111] The cap column 137 may be formed to extend along the longitudinal direction L of the battery cell between adjacent second terminal holes 132. The cap column 137 may be mounted on the case column 117 of the cell case 110, and as an example, the case column 117 may be inserted into an end of the cap column 137 to be assembled to the cap column 137.

[0112] The housing column 117 may have a first hollow portion 117a, and the cover column 137 may have a second hollow portion 137a. At this time, the housing column 117 may be assembled into the cover column 137, and the first hollow portion 117a and the second hollow portion 137a may be connected. In this structure, the mounting bolt (700, see Fig.11 ) passes through the first hollowness 117a and the second hollowness 137a from the outside of the battery module 100, thereby being able to penetrate the battery module 100.

[0113] When the cap column 137 and the case column 117 are assembled, the potting resin R may leak through the coupling portion. To prevent this, the battery module 100 may include a second sealing member 162 disposed between the cap column 137 and the case column 117 .

[0114] The second sealing member 162 may also be a double-sided tape having a ring shape. At this time, the second sealing member 162 may be configured to be respectively coupled to the end of the cover column 137 and the end of the housing column 117. In addition, the second sealing member 162 may further include an O-ring.

[0115] Also, the cell cover 130 may have an air hole 136 connected to achieve fluid movement together with the inner space 110a of the cell case 110. As an example, the cell cover 130 may be curved so that a portion contacting the inner surface of the cell case 110 (i.e., a portion of the cover coupling portion 133) is spaced apart from the inner surface of the cell case 110, and the air hole 136 may also be formed through the separation space.

[0116] Reference Figure 6 When the potting resin R is injected into the inner space of the cell case 110, the air in the inner space 110a of the cell case 110 may be discharged to the outside of the cell case 110 through the air holes 136. Therefore, when the potting resin R is injected into the inner space of the cell case 110, the air in the inner space 110a is discharged to the outside of the cell case 110 through the air holes 136, thereby preventing defects in the potting portion 170 due to bubbles.

[0117] Hereinafter, a method for manufacturing the battery module 100 having such a structure will be described. A plurality of first sealing members 161 may be bonded to the ends of the first battery cell 121 and the second battery cell 122 or the edges of the first terminal hole 116. Thereafter, the first battery cell 121 and the second battery cell 122 are inserted into the inner space 110a of the cell case 110 so that the portion to which the first sealing member 161 is bonded is seated on the bottom 115 of the cell case 110.

[0118] Next, the cell cover 130 is mounted on the insertion opening 111 side of the cell case 110 to surround a plurality of the first and second battery cells 121 and 122. At this time, the fitting holes 134 of the cell cover 130 may be fitted with the fitting protrusions 112 of the cell case 110.

[0119] Next, the first to fourth bus bars 141 to 144 are welded, respectively.

[0120] In addition, the potting resin R is injected into the inner space 110a of the cell case 110 through the resin injection hole 135 of the cell cover 130. While the potting resin R is injected into the inner space, the air in the inner space can be discharged to the outside through the air hole 136. When the potting resin R is cured in the inner space of the cell case 110, it forms a potting portion 170 surrounding the outer surface of the battery cells 121, 122.

[0121] In addition, the first protection member 150 is coupled to the cell case 110 to surround a region where the second terminal 121 b of the first battery cell 121 is exposed to the first terminal hole 116 of the cell case 110 on the outside of the bottom 115 of the cell case 110 .

[0122] Also, the second protection member 155 is coupled to the cell cover 130 to surround a region where the second terminal 122 b of the second battery cell 122 is exposed to the second terminal hole 132 of the cell cover 130 on the outside of the cell cover 130 .

[0123] At this time, on the outside of the bottom 115 of the battery cell case 110, the first protective member 150 can be fixed to the battery cell case 110 to cover the third bus bar 143, and in addition, on the outside of the battery cell cover 130, the second protective member 150 can be fixed to the battery cell cover 130 to cover the second bus bar 142.

[0124] Fig.11 is a schematic diagram of a battery pack 1000 according to an example of the present invention, Fig.12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to one example of the present invention, and Fig.13 yes Fig.12 An enlarged schematic diagram of part B.

[0125] A battery pack 1000 according to one example of the present invention may include a plurality of battery modules 100 , 200 , a battery pack case 1010 accommodating the plurality of battery modules 100 , 200 , mounting bolts 700 for connecting adjacent battery modules 100 , 200 , and fastening members 800 fastened to the mounting bolts 700 .

[0126] For example, in the battery module 100, after the cell cover 130 is mounted on the cell case 110, the mounting bolt 700 may pass through the case column 117 and the cover column 137, and the cell cover 130 and the cell case 110 may be connected so that one end is stuck on the bottom 115 of the cell case 110 and the other end protrudes out of the cell cover 130. At this time, the fastening member 800 may be coupled to the other end of the mounting bolt 700 and fixed to the cell cover 130. In addition, a nut coupled to the mounting bolt 700 may be used as the fastening member 800. In addition, the mounting bolt 700 may sequentially penetrate two or more battery modules 100, 200 to connect the battery modules.

[0127] In addition, the first battery module 100 and the second battery module 200 may each be arranged in a row along the longitudinal direction L of the battery cells 121, 221. In addition, in a state where they are arranged in a row, the adjacent first battery modules 100 and the second battery modules 200 may be assembled by the mounting bolts 700 and the fastening members 800 fastened to the mounting bolts 700.

[0128] The plurality of battery modules 100 and 200 are connected to each other by Figures 1 to 10 The battery modules 100 described are identical, and herein, the battery modules 100 , 200 are divided and designated as a first battery module 100 , a second battery module 200 along the order in which they are arranged in the battery pack 1000 .

[0129] As described above, the first battery module 100 and the second battery module 200 each include a cell housing 110, 210, a first battery cell 121, 221 disposed in the cell housing 110, 210 and having a second terminal 121b, 221b and a first terminal 121a, 221a with a vent portion, and a second battery cell 122, 222 disposed in the cell housing 110, 210 and having a second terminal 122b, 222b and a first terminal 122a, 222a with a vent portion. In addition, a potting portion 170, 270 may be provided in each battery module 100, 200.

[0130] In addition, the first battery module 100 and the second battery module 200 may each be provided with first to fourth bus bars 141 , 241 , 144 , 244 .

[0131] In the battery pack 1000, the first battery cell 221 of the second battery module 200 can be arranged so that the first terminal 221a faces the second terminal 121b of the first battery cell 121 in the first battery module 100, and the second battery cell 122 of the first battery module 100 can be arranged so that the first terminal 122a faces the second terminal 222b of the second battery cell 222 in the second battery module 200.

[0132] In this case, the first battery module 100 and the second battery module 200 are each provided with a first protective member 150 , 250 and a second protective member 155 , 255 .

[0133] The first protective member 150 , 250 and the second protective member 155 , 255 are intended to prevent flames from spreading in the longitudinal direction L of the battery cells when an internal fire occurs in a battery cell within any of the battery modules 100 , 200 .

[0134] Specifically, in the first battery module 100 , the first protective member 150 may be disposed to surround the second terminal 121 b of the first battery cell 121 , and in the second battery module 200 , the first protective member 250 may be disposed to surround the second terminal 221 b of the first battery cell 221 .

[0135] Furthermore, in the first battery module 100 , the second protective member 155 may be disposed to surround the second terminal 122 b of the second battery cell 122 , and in the second battery module 200 , the second protective member 255 may be disposed to surround the second terminal 222 b of the second battery cell 222 .

[0136] Reference Fig.12 and Fig.13 When the exhaust portion ruptures when an internal fire occurs from the first battery cell 221 in the second battery module 200 and the flame is discharged through the ruptured first terminal 221a, the first protective member 150 of the first battery module 100 reflects the discharged flame, thereby preventing the flame from spreading.

[0137] At this time, the first protective member 150 provided in the first battery module 100 may be arranged to be separated by a predetermined distance G relative to the first terminal 221a of the first battery cell 221, and the gap G may be set to 5 mm or less, preferably 3 mm or less. In the battery pack 100, the gap G may be a gap between the first battery module 100 and the second battery module 200.

[0138] The preferred examples of the present invention described above are disclosed for illustrative purposes, and a person skilled in the art may make various modifications, changes and additions within the spirit and scope of the present invention, and these modifications, changes and additions should be considered to fall within the scope of the following claims.

[0139] Industrial Applicability

[0140] According to a battery module and a battery pack including the battery module relating to at least one example of the present invention, chain fires of battery cells can be prevented by blocking the spread of flames when a fire occurs in an adjacent battery cell by a protective member that is arranged to cover the negative terminal of the battery cell arranged in the battery module.

Claims

1. A battery module, comprising: a plurality of battery cells, the battery cells comprising a first terminal having a vent portion and a second terminal disposed separately from the first terminal; A cell case having: an insertion opening opened so as to allow the plurality of battery cells to be inserted; a bottom on which the plurality of battery cells are placed; and a plurality of first terminal holes provided in the bottom; as well as A first protective member is provided to surround the first terminal hole in a state where the battery cell is placed on the bottom of the cell case so that the second terminal of the battery cell is exposed to the first terminal hole, and the second terminal is exposed to the first terminal hole.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, further comprising: A cell cover is mounted on the insertion opening of the cell case and has a plurality of second terminal holes arranged to face the plurality of first terminal holes, respectively.

3. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein: The plurality of battery cells include: one or more first battery cells, the one or more first battery cells being disposed in the cell case so that the second terminal is exposed to the first terminal hole and so that the first terminal is exposed to the second terminal hole; and One or more second battery cells are disposed in the cell case such that the first terminal is exposed to the first terminal hole and the second terminal is exposed to the second terminal hole.

4. The battery module according to claim 3, comprising: A second protective member is provided to surround the second terminal hole of the cell cover in a state where the second battery cell is provided in the cell case so that the second terminal of the second battery cell is exposed to the second terminal hole of the cell cover.

5. The battery module according to claim 3, wherein: In the first battery cell and the second battery cell, the first terminal and the second terminal are positioned in opposite directions along a longitudinal direction of the battery cells.

6. The battery module according to claim 3, comprising: a first bus bar electrically connected to the first terminal of the first battery cell through the second terminal hole and located outside the cell housing; and a third bus bar electrically connected to the second terminal of the first battery cell through the first terminal hole and located outside the cell housing, Wherein, the first protection member is disposed to surround the third bus bar and the first terminal hole.

7. The battery module according to claim 3, comprising: a second bus bar electrically connected to the second terminal of the second battery cell through the second terminal hole and located outside the cell housing; and a fourth bus bar electrically connected to the first terminal of the second battery cell through the first terminal hole and located outside the cell housing, The second protection member is disposed to surround the second bus bar and the second terminal hole.

8. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein: The cell cover has a resin injection hole provided to achieve fluid movement together with an inner space of the cell case in which the plurality of battery cells are provided.

9. The battery module according to claim 8, further comprising: A potting portion is filled to surround the plurality of battery cells in the cell case.

10. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein: The cell cover has an air hole connected to the inner space of the cell case to achieve fluid movement.

11. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein: The cell case has a plurality of fitting protrusions protruding toward the inner space on the insertion opening side, and The cell cover has a plurality of assembly holes, and each assembly protrusion is assembled into the assembly hole.

12. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein: The cell case includes at least one case column protruding from the bottom of the cell case toward the insertion opening, and The cell cover includes at least one cover post extending toward the bottom of the cell case and connected to the case post.

13. The battery module according to claim 12, further comprising: A second sealing member is disposed between the cover column and the housing column.

14. The battery module according to claim 1, further comprising: A first sealing member is disposed between the second terminal of the battery cell and the first terminal hole and is coupled to the cell case.

15. The battery module according to claim 14, wherein: The first sealing member is coupled along a circumferential direction of the first terminal hole and has an annular shape to expose at least a partial area of ​​the second terminal to the outside of the first terminal hole.

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