Battery module

Abstract

A battery module comprises: a housing; a plurality of battery cells each disposed in the housing and including a first surface and a second surface intersecting each other; at least one first insulating member facing a first surface of the battery cell; and at least one second insulating member extending from the at least one first insulating member and facing the second surface of the battery cell. According to the present disclosure, the first insulating member disposed between the adjacent battery cells may reduce the heat transfer capability between the adjacent battery cells and prevent and delay thermal runaway in the case of heating.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] A battery module is disclosed. Background Art

[0002] Unlike non-rechargeable primary batteries, secondary batteries are batteries that can be charged and discharged. Small-capacity secondary batteries are used in small portable electronic devices such as smartphones, feature phones, laptop computers, digital cameras, and video cameras, and large-capacity secondary batteries are widely used as motor drive power sources and power storage batteries for hybrid electric vehicles or electric vehicles. A secondary battery may include: an electrode assembly including a positive electrode and a negative electrode, a case accommodating the electrode assembly, and electrode terminals connected to the electrode assembly.

[0003] The above information disclosed in the technology forming the background of the present disclosure is only intended to enhance the understanding of the background of the present disclosure, and thus may include information that does not constitute related art. Summary of the Invention

[0004] An embodiment is directed to a battery module including: a housing; a plurality of battery cells, each battery cell disposed in the housing and including a first surface and a second surface intersecting each other; at least one first insulating member facing the first surface of the battery cell; and at least one second insulating member extending from the at least one first insulating member and facing the second surface of the battery cell.

[0005] In an embodiment, the plurality of battery cells are arranged in a first direction, and the first surface intersects the first direction.

[0006] In an embodiment, an area of the at least one first insulating member is larger than an area of the first surface.

[0007] In an embodiment, the at least one first insulating member includes aerogel, glass fiber, carbon fiber, or ceramic fiber.

[0008] In an embodiment, a thickness of the at least one first insulating member is greater than or equal to 1 mm and less than or equal to 4 mm.

[0009] In an embodiment, the at least one first insulating member includes a plurality of first insulating members, the at least one second insulating member includes a plurality of second insulating members, and each second insulating member of the plurality of second insulating members extends from one first insulating member of the plurality of first insulating members.

[0010] In an embodiment, the plurality of second insulating members are spaced apart from each other.

[0011] In an embodiment, the battery cell further includes an exhaust port, the exhaust port is disposed on the second surface and configured to be opened and closed in association with a change in the internal pressure of the battery cell, and at least a portion of the at least one second insulating member faces the exhaust port.

[0012] In an embodiment, the at least one second insulating member includes a first extension extending from the at least one first insulating member and facing the second surface of any one of the battery cells adjacent to each other, a second extension extending from the first extension in an opposite direction and facing the second surface of the other battery cell among the battery cells adjacent to each other, and a third extension extending from the first extension and facing the exhaust port of any one of the battery cells adjacent to each other.

[0013] In an embodiment, the first extension and the second extension extend from an end of the at least one first insulating member.

[0014] In an embodiment, the area of each of the first extension and the second extension is smaller than the area of the second surface.

[0015] In an embodiment, the area of the third extension is larger than the area of the exhaust port.

[0016] In an embodiment, the at least one second insulating member further includes a rupture groove recessedly formed in an outer surface of the third extension.

[0017] In an embodiment, the rupture groove is disposed at two surfaces of the third extension.

[0018] In an embodiment, the rupture groove has a width that narrows toward an end.

[0019] In an embodiment, the battery module further includes a fire extinguishing member, the fire extinguishing member is disposed in the at least one second insulating member and configured to supply a fire extinguishing agent to the battery cell in response to the battery cell being heated to a predetermined temperature or higher.

[0020] In an embodiment, the fire extinguishing member includes a plurality of fire extinguishing capsules filled with a fire extinguishing agent.

[0021] In an embodiment, the battery cell further includes a third surface opposite to the second surface, and the battery module further includes a third insulating member extending from the first insulating member and disposed to face the third surface.

[0022] In an embodiment, the third insulating member has two sides, each of the two sides facing the third surface of one of the battery cells adjacent to each other.

[0023] In an embodiment, the third insulating member extends from an end of the at least one first insulating member. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Features will become apparent to those skilled in the art by referring to the accompanying drawings and describing exemplary embodiments in detail, where:

[0025] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 2 is a plan view showing a configuration of the battery module.

[0027] Figure 3 is a side view showing a configuration of the battery module.

[0028] Figure 4 is Figure 2 a cross-sectional view along the X-axis direction of

[0029] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a battery cell.

[0030] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of the battery cell.

[0031] Figure 7 is a view showing configurations of a first insulating member and a second insulating member.

[0032] Figure 8 is a side view showing a configuration of the second insulating member.

[0033] Figure 9 is an enlarged view showing a configuration of the second insulating member.

[0034] Figure 10 is a plan view showing a configuration of the battery module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Now, example embodiments will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings; however, they may be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey exemplary embodiments to those skilled in the art.

[0036] In the drawings, for clarity of illustration, the dimensions of layers and regions may be exaggerated. It will also be understood that when a layer or element is referred to as being "on" another layer or substrate, it can be directly on the other layer or substrate, or there can also be intervening layers. Further, it will be understood that when a layer is referred to as being "under" another layer, it can be directly under the other layer, and there can also be one or more intervening layers. Additionally, it will also be understood that when a layer is referred to as being "between" two layers, it can be the only layer between the two layers, or there can also be one or more intervening layers. The same reference numerals always refer to the same elements.

[0037] Here, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. The terms or words used in this specification and the claims should not be construed as being limited to the ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted as meanings and concepts consistent with the technical idea of the present disclosure based on the principle that the inventor can be his / her own lexicographer to appropriately define the concept of the term.

[0038] The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are provided as some example embodiments of the present disclosure and do not represent all the technical ideas, aspects, and features of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications of the embodiments described herein may be available or made at the time of filing this application.

[0039] It should be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on", "connected to", or "coupled to" another element or layer, it can be directly on, directly connected to, or directly coupled to the other element or layer, or there can also be one or more intervening elements or layers. When an element or layer is referred to as being "directly on", "directly connected to", or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers. For example, when a first element is described as being "coupled" or "connected" to a second element, the first element can be directly coupled or connected to the second element, or the first element can be indirectly coupled or connected to the second element via one or more intervening elements.

[0040] In the figures, for clarity of illustration, the dimensions of various elements, layers, etc. may be exaggerated. Like reference numerals indicate like or similar elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Further, when describing embodiments of the present disclosure, the use of "may" refers to "one or more embodiments of the present disclosure". When expressions such as "at least one of..." and "any one of..." are used after a list of elements, they modify the entire list of elements and not individual elements in the list. When phrases such as "at least one of A, B, and C", "at least one of A, B, or C", "at least one selected from the group consisting of A, B, and C", or "at least one selected from among A, B, and C" are used to specify a list of elements A, B, and C, the phrase can refer to any and all suitable combinations or subsets of A, B, and C, such as A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. As used herein, the terms "use", "using", and "being used" can be considered to be synonymous with the terms "utilize", "utilizing", and "being utilized", respectively. As used herein, the terms "substantially", "about", and similar terms are used as approximate terms and not degree terms, and are intended to account for the inherent variations in measured or calculated values that would be recognized by a person of ordinary skill in the art.

[0041] It should be understood that although terms such as "first", "second", "third", etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or portion from another element, component, region, layer, or portion. Thus, a first element, first component, first region, first layer, or first portion discussed below may be referred to as a second element, second component, second region, second layer, or second portion without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0042] For ease of description, spatial relationship terms such as "under", "below", "lower", "above", "upper", etc. may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature as shown in the figures. It should be understood that, in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures, the spatial relationship terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the figures is flipped, an element described as "under" or "below" another element or feature will be oriented "above" or "over" the other element or feature. Thus, the term "under" can encompass both an upper and a lower orientation. The device may be oriented in other ways (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relationship descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0043] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a" and "an" are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," and / or "including" when used in this specification, specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0044] In addition, any numerical range disclosed and / or recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges of the same numerical precision contained within the recited range. For example, the range "1.0 to 10.0" is intended to include all sub-ranges between the recited minimum value 1.0 and the recited maximum value 10.0 (including the recited minimum value 1.0 and the recited maximum value 10.0), i.e., having a minimum value equal to or greater than 1.0 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10.0, such as, for example, 2.4 to 7.6. Any maximum numerical limitation recited herein is intended to include all lower numerical limitations contained therein, and any minimum numerical limitation recited in this specification is intended to include all higher numerical limitations contained therein. Accordingly, the applicant reserves the right to amend this specification (including the claims) to expressly recite any sub-ranges contained within the ranges expressly recited herein.

[0045] Referring to two comparative elements, features, etc. as "the same" may mean that they are "substantially the same." Thus, the phrase "substantially the same" may include cases having a deviation considered to be low in the art (e.g., a deviation of 5% or less). In addition, when a certain parameter is said to be uniform in a given region, this may mean that it is uniform in terms of the average value.

[0046] Throughout the specification, each element may be singular or plural unless otherwise stated.

[0047] When any element is said to be disposed (or located or positioned) "above (or below)" or "on (or under)" a component, it may mean that the any element is placed in contact with the upper (or lower) surface of the component, or it may mean that another component may be interposed between the component and the any element disposed (or located or positioned) "above (or below)" it.

[0048] In addition, it should be understood that when an element is referred to as being "coupled", "linked" or "connected" to another element, the elements can be directly "coupled", "linked" or "connected" to each other, or there can be one or more intermediate elements therebetween, and the element can be "coupled", "linked" or "connected" to the other element through the intermediate element. In addition, when a part is referred to as being "electrically coupled" to another part, the part can be directly electrically connected to the other part, or there can be one or more intermediate parts therebetween such that the part and the other part are indirectly electrically connected to each other.

[0049] Throughout the specification, when stating "A and / or B", it means A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise specified. That is, "and / or" includes any or all combinations of the recited items. Unless otherwise specified, when stating "C to D", it means C or above and D or below.

[0050] The terms used in this specification are for describing embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0051] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the battery module, Figure 2 is a plan view showing the configuration of the battery module, Figure 3 is a side view showing the configuration of the battery module, Figure 4 is Figure 2 a cross-sectional view along the X-axis direction of

[0052] Referring to Figures 1 to 4 , the battery module according to the present embodiment includes a housing 100, battery cells 200, a first insulating member 300, and a second insulating member 400.

[0053] The housing 100 can be used as a component that forms the overall appearance of the battery module and supports the battery cells 200, the first insulating member 300, and the second insulating member 400. The housing 100 can include a housing body 110 and a housing cover 120.

[0054] The housing body 110 can have a hollow box shape and have an open upper side. The cross-sectional shape of the housing body 110 can be a quadrilateral as shown in Figure 1 , but can be changed to various other shapes.

[0055] The housing cover 120 can open and close the internal space of the housing body 110. The housing cover 120 can be substantially plate-shaped and can face the open upper side of the housing body 110. The housing cover 120 can be detachably coupled to the housing body 110 by various coupling methods such as bolt connection and assembly. The battery cells 200 can be used as a unit structure for storing and supplying electric power in the battery module.

[0056] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a battery cell, Figure 6 and is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the battery cell.

[0057] Referring to Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the battery cell 200 may include at least one electrode assembly, a case 20 in which the electrode assembly is embedded, and a cover assembly coupled to an opening of the case 20. After a separator 13 as an insulator is interposed between a positive electrode 11 and a negative electrode 12, the electrode assembly is wound.

[0058] An example in which the battery cell 200 is a lithium ion secondary battery having a prismatic shape will be described. The battery cell 200 may also be a lithium polymer battery or a cylindrical battery.

[0059] Each of the positive electrode 11 and the negative electrode 12 may include a coated portion, which may be a region where an active material is coated on a current collector formed of a thin metal foil, and may respectively include an uncoated portion 11a and 12a, and the planar portion may be a region where the active material is not coated.

[0060] The positive electrode 11 and the negative electrode 12 may be wound after the separator 13 as an insulator is interposed therebetween. The electrode assembly may also be formed in a stacked structure in which the positive electrode and the negative electrode, which may be formed of a plurality of sheets, may be alternately stacked and the separator is disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode.

[0061] The case 20 forms an overall appearance of the battery cell 200 and may be formed of a conductive metal such as aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or nickel-plated steel. In addition, the case 20 may provide a space for accommodating the electrode assembly therein.

[0062] The cover assembly may include a cover plate 31 covering the opening of the case 20, and the case 20 and the cover plate 31 may be made of a conductive material. Here, a positive electrode terminal 21 and a negative electrode terminal 22 respectively electrically connected to the positive electrode 11 and the negative electrode 12 may be mounted to pass through the cover plate 31 and protrude to the outside.

[0063] In addition, the outer circumferential surfaces of the upper columns of the positive electrode terminal 21 and the negative electrode terminal 22 that may protrude to the outside of the cover plate 31 may be threaded and fixed to the cover plate 31 by nuts.

[0064] The positive electrode terminal 21 and the negative electrode terminal 22 may be formed of a rivet structure and be riveted and coupled, or may be welded and coupled to the cover plate 31.

[0065] In addition, the cover plate 31 may be formed of a thin plate and be coupled to the opening of the case 20. An electrolyte inlet 32 on which a sealing plug 33 may be mounted may be formed in the cover plate 31, and an exhaust port 34 having a notch 34a formed therein may be mounted in the cover plate 31.

[0066] The exhaust port 34 can be opened and closed in association with a change in the internal pressure of the housing 20. That is, during normal operation of the electrode assembly, the exhaust port 34 can remain closed to seal the housing 20. When the internal pressure of the housing 20 increases to a predetermined level or higher due to overcharging or ignition, the exhaust port 34 can be opened to allow flames, gases, etc. in the housing 20 to be discharged to the outside of the housing 20.

[0067] The positive electrode terminal 21 and the negative electrode terminal 22 can be electrically connected to current collectors, and the current collectors include a first current collector 40 and a second current collector 50 (hereinafter referred to as the "positive electrode current collector 40" and the "negative electrode current collector 50") that are respectively joined by welding to the uncoated portion 11a of the positive electrode and the uncoated portion 12a of the negative electrode.

[0068] In an embodiment, the positive electrode terminal 21 and the negative electrode terminal 22 can be joined by welding to the positive electrode current collector 40 and the negative electrode current collector 50, respectively. The positive electrode terminal 21, the negative electrode terminal 22, the positive electrode current collector 40, and the negative electrode current collector 50 can be formed by integral joining.

[0069] In addition, an insulating member can be installed between the electrode assembly and the cover plate 31. Here, the insulating member can include a first lower insulating member 60 and a second lower insulating member 70, and each of the first lower insulating member 60 and the second lower insulating member 70 can be installed between the electrode assembly and the cover plate 31.

[0070] In addition, one end of a partition member that can be installed opposite to one side surface of the electrode assembly can be installed between the insulating member and the positive electrode terminal 21 or the negative electrode terminal 22. Here, the partition member can include a first partition member 80 and a second partition member 90.

[0071] Therefore, one end of the first partition member 80 that can be installed opposite to one side surface of the electrode assembly can be installed between the first lower insulating member 60 and the positive electrode terminal 21, and one end of the second partition member 90 that can be installed opposite to one side surface of the electrode assembly can be installed between the second lower insulating member 70 and the negative electrode terminal 22.

[0072] As a result, the positive electrode terminal 21 welded and joined to the positive electrode current collector 40 can be joined to one end of the first partition member 80 and the first lower insulating member 60, and the negative electrode terminal 22 welded and joined to the negative electrode current collector 50 can be joined to one end of the second partition member 90 and the second lower insulating member 70.

[0073] The battery cell 200 can be a plurality of battery cells 200. The plurality of battery cells 200 can be disposed in the housing 100. The plurality of battery cells 200 can be arranged in the housing 100 in a first direction. Here, based on Figure 1 , the first direction can represent a direction parallel to the X-axis. Depending on the size of the battery module, etc., the number of battery cells 200 can be various other numbers. The battery cell 200 can include a first surface 201, a second surface 202, a third surface 203, and a fourth surface 204.

[0074] The first surface 201 and the fourth surface 204 can be surfaces among the outer peripheral surfaces of the battery cell 200 (more specifically, the housing 20) that are perpendicular to the first direction. In an embodiment, the first surface 201 and the fourth surface 204 can be a pair of surfaces among the outer peripheral surfaces of the battery cell 200 that are perpendicular to the X-axis direction based on Figure 1 and face each other and are parallel to each other. The first surface 201 of any one of a pair of battery cells 200 adjacent to each other in the first direction in the housing 100 can face the fourth surface 204 of the other battery cell 200.

[0075] The second surface 202 can be the upper surface of the battery cell 200, that is, the upper surface of the cover plate 31, which faces the lower surface of the housing cover 120 and has an exhaust port 34 formed therein.

[0076] The third surface 203 is a surface opposite to the second surface 202, and can be the lower surface of the battery cell 200, that is, the lower surface of the housing 20 that faces the upper surface of the housing main body 110.

[0077] Figure 7 is a view showing the configuration of the first insulating member and the second insulating member.

[0078] Referring to Figures 1 to 7 , the first insulating member 300 can face the first surface 201 of the battery cell 200. The first insulating member 300 can be provided as a plurality of first insulating members 300. Each of the plurality of first insulating members 300 can face the first surface 201 of one battery cell 200. Any one of the plurality of first insulating members 300 can face the first surface 201 of the battery cell 200 disposed at one end among the plurality of battery cells 200 arranged in the first direction. Each of the other first insulating members 300 can be located between a pair of adjacent battery cells 200 except for the corresponding first insulating member 300.

[0079] The first insulating member 300 may be formed of an insulating material having excellent insulating properties. Here, the insulating material may include aerogel, glass fiber, carbon fiber, and ceramic fiber. Accordingly, the first insulating member 300 may block heat transfer between the first surface 201 of any one of a pair of adjacent battery cells 200 and the fourth surface 204 of the other battery cell 200, to reduce the heat transfer ability between adjacent battery cells 200, and to prevent and delay thermal runaway in the case of heating.

[0080] The cross-sectional shape of the first insulating member 300 may have a shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shapes of the first surface 201 and the fourth surface 204. The area of the first insulating member 300 may be larger than the areas of the first surface 201 and the fourth surface 204. In an embodiment, the first insulating member 300 may have a shape of a substantially rectangular sheet. The width of the first insulating member 300 parallel to the Y-axis direction may be 200 mm or more, and the height of the first insulating member 300 parallel to the Z-axis direction may be 100 mm or more.

[0081] The thickness of the first insulating member 300 parallel to the X-axis direction may be greater than or equal to 1 mm and less than or equal to 4 mm. When the thickness of the first insulating member 300 is less than 1 mm, the heat transfer blocking performance between adjacent battery cells 200 may be excessively degraded. When the thickness of the first insulating member 300 is greater than 4 mm, the energy density of the battery module may be excessively reduced.

[0082] The second insulating member 400 may extend from the first insulating member 300 and may face the second surface 202 of the battery cell 200. That is, the second insulating member 400 may serve as a component for ensuring the insulation and heat resistance of the second surface 202 of the battery cell 200. At least a part of the second insulating member 400 may face the exhaust port 34 of the battery cell 200. Accordingly, when thermal runaway occurs in any one of the battery cells 200, the second insulating member 400 may block heat transfer to the second surface 202 of the adjacent battery cell 200, and may block the introduction of a flame or gas into the exhaust port 34 of the adjacent battery cell 200, to prevent continuous thermal runaway in the battery cell 200.

[0083] The second insulating member 400 may be integrally connected to the upper end of the first insulating member 300. The second insulating member 400 may be disposed on the second surface 202 of the battery cell 200, and then may be pressed and fixed to the second surface 202 by the housing cover 120 or the bus bar holder. Accordingly, the second insulating member 400 may prevent displacement of the first insulating member 300 in the vertical direction, and may prevent the first insulating member 300 from being separated from the battery cell 200, to improve reliability. In addition, the first insulating member 300 and the second insulating member 400 may be integrally connected to further simplify the assembly process of the battery cell 200.

[0084] The second insulating member 400 may be formed of a polymeric material including epoxy resin, polyurethane, and silicone elastomer. The second insulating member 400 may be fabricated in the form of a slurry and then integrally bonded to the upper end of the first insulating member 300 fixed to a jig or the like through a dispensing and curling process.

[0085] The thickness of the second insulating member 400 in the direction parallel to the Z-axis may be greater than or equal to 1 mm and less than or equal to 4 mm. When the thickness of the second insulating member 400 is less than 1 mm, the heat transfer prevention performance between adjacent battery cells 200 may be excessively degraded. When the thickness of the second insulating member 400 is greater than 4 mm, the energy density of the battery module may be excessively reduced.

[0086] The second insulating member 400 may be provided as a plurality of second insulating members 400. Each of the plurality of second insulating members 400 may be connected to one of the first insulating members 300 and may extend from one of the first insulating members 300. The plurality of second insulating members 400 may be spaced apart from each other. Accordingly, when thermal runaway occurs in any one of the battery cells 200, the second insulating member 400 disposed to face the second surface 202 of the corresponding battery cell 200 may separate the corresponding battery cell 200 from the other battery cells 200 independently of the other second insulating members 400 to prevent the insulation performance of the other battery cells 200 from degrading. The second insulating member 400 may include a first extension portion 410, a second extension portion 420, and a third extension portion 430.

[0087] The first extension portion 410 may face the second surface 202 of any one of the adjacent battery cells 200. In an embodiment, throughout the entire region of the second insulating member 400, the first extension portion 410 may be a region extending from the first insulating member 300 toward the second surface 202 of any one of the adjacent battery cells 200. The first extension portion 410 may extend from the upper end of the first insulating member 300 in a direction parallel to the first direction. The area of the first extension portion 410 may be smaller than the area of the second surface 202 of the battery cell 200. Accordingly, interference between the first extension portion 410 and an adjacent second insulating member 400 or with the positive electrode terminal 21 and the negative electrode terminal 22 can be prevented.

[0088] The second extension portion 420 may face the second surface 202 of another battery cell 200 among adjacent battery cells 200. In an embodiment, within the entire region of the second insulating member 400, the second extension portion 420 may be a region extending based on the first insulating member 300 toward the second surface 202 of another battery cell 200 adjacent to each other. The second extension portion 420 may extend from the upper end of the first insulating member 300 in a direction parallel to the first direction and opposite to the direction in which the first extension portion 410 extends. The area of the second extension portion 420 may be smaller than the area of the second surface 202 of the battery cell 200. Accordingly, the second extension portion 420 may not interfere with an adjacent second insulating member 400 or with the positive electrode terminal 21 and the negative electrode terminal 22.

[0089] The third extension portion 430 may extend from the first extension portion 410 and may face the exhaust port 34 of any one of the adjacent battery cells 200. In an embodiment, within the entire region of the second insulating member 400, the third extension portion 430 may be a region extending from the first extension portion 410 and sealing the exhaust port 34. The area of the third extension portion 430 may be larger than the area of the exhaust port 34. The battery module may further include a third insulating member 500.

[0090] The third insulating member 500 may extend from the first insulating member 300 and may face the third surface 203 of the battery cell 200. In an embodiment, the third insulating member 500 may serve as a component for ensuring the insulation and heat resistance of the third surface 203 of the battery cell 200. The material of the third insulating member 500 may be the same as the material of the second insulating member 400.

[0091] The third insulating member 500 may be integrally connected to the lower end of the first insulating member 300. Both sides of the third insulating member 500 may extend in opposite directions based on the lower end of the first insulating member 300 and may each face the third surface 203 of one of the adjacent battery cells 200. The third insulating member 500 may be disposed on the third surface 203 of the battery cell 200 and then pressed by the upper surface of the housing body 110 and fixed to the third surface 203. Accordingly, by fixing the second insulating member 400 and the third insulating member 500 to the second surface 202 and the third surface 203 of the battery cell 200, respectively, displacement of the first insulating member 300 in the vertical direction can be more effectively prevented.

[0092] The third insulating member 500 may be made in a slurry form and then integrally combined with the lower end of the first insulating member 300 fixed to a jig or the like through a dispensing and curling process.

[0093] The thickness of the third insulating member 500 in the direction parallel to the Z-axis may be greater than or equal to 1 mm and less than or equal to 4 mm. When the thickness of the third insulating member 500 is less than 1 mm, the heat transfer blocking performance between adjacent battery cells 200 may be excessively degraded. When the thickness of the third insulating member 500 is greater than 4 mm, the energy density of the battery module may be excessively reduced. Hereinafter, a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0094] Except for the detailed configuration of the second insulating member 400, the battery module may be the same as the battery module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure described above with reference to Figures 1 to 7 the battery module described above.

[0095] Therefore, when describing the battery module according to the present embodiment, only the detailed configuration of the second insulating member 400 that has not been described above when describing the battery module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The description of the battery module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be applied without changing the remaining configuration of the battery module according to the present embodiment.

[0096] Figure 8 is a side view showing the configuration of the second insulating member, Figure 9 is an enlarged view showing the configuration of the second insulating member. Referring to Figure 8 and Figure 9 , the second insulating member 400 according to the present embodiment may further include a rupture groove 440.

[0097] The rupture groove 440 may have a groove shape recessed in the outer surface of the third extension portion 430. In an embodiment, the rupture groove 440 may serve as a component that causes the third extension portion 430 to rupture by the pressure of the flame or gas discharged from the exhaust port 34 when the exhaust port 34 is opened. Therefore, the rupture groove 440 may facilitate the discharge of the flame or gas from the battery cell 200 in which thermal runaway has occurred.

[0098] The rupture groove 440 may be formed such that its width narrows toward the end. Therefore, when the exhaust port 34 is opened, the pressure applied to the third extension portion 430 may be concentrated in the end region of the rupture groove 440, and thus the third extension portion 430 may be more easily ruptured. The position of the rupture groove 440 may be changed to various other positions within the entire region of the third extension portion 430 as long as the rupture groove 440 is provided to face the exhaust port 34.

[0099] The rupture groove 440 may be provided as a pair of rupture grooves 440. The pair of rupture grooves 440 may be provided at two surfaces (that is, the upper surface and the lower surface) of the third extension portion 430. Figure 10 is a plan view showing the configuration of the battery module. Referring to Figure 10, the battery module according to the present embodiment may further include a fire extinguishing member 600.

[0100] The battery module according to the present embodiment may be the same as the battery module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure described above with reference to Figures 1 to 7 or the battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure described above with reference to Figure 8 and Figure 9 , except that it further includes a fire extinguishing member 600.

[0101] Therefore, when describing the battery module according to the present embodiment, only the detailed configuration of the fire extinguishing member 600 that has not been described above will be described. The description of the battery module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure or the battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure can be applied without changing the remaining configuration of the battery module according to the present embodiment.

[0102] The fire extinguishing member 600 may be disposed in the second insulating member 400 and may supply a fire extinguishing agent to the battery cell 200 in response to the battery cell 200 being heated to a predetermined temperature or higher. In an embodiment, the fire extinguishing member 600 may be used as a component that supplies a fire extinguishing agent to the exhaust port 34 of the corresponding battery cell 200 when a fire occurs in the battery cell 200 to quickly extinguish the fire in the early stage. The fire extinguishing member 600 may include a plurality of fire extinguishing capsules 610 filled with a fire extinguishing agent.

[0103] One or more fire extinguishing capsules 610 may be disposed in the third extension portion 430 of different second insulating members 400. The shape of the fire extinguishing capsule 610 may be spherical as shown in Figure 10 , but may be changed into various other shapes as long as the fire extinguishing capsule 610 can accommodate the fire extinguishing agent therein.

[0104] The fire extinguishing capsule 610 may be integrated with the second insulating member 400 by being mixed with the second insulating member 400 in a slurry form during the manufacture of the second insulating member 400.

[0105] The fire extinguishing capsule 610 may include a material that is easily broken due to an external impact, or a fusible material that is easily melted due to heat.

[0106] The mixture can be used as a fire extinguishing agent filled in the fire extinguishing capsule 610, including fluorocarbons, chlorofluorocarbons, bromofluorocarbon-based halocarbons, iodofluorocarbon-based halocarbons, 2-iodo-1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane (HFC-227ea) and iodofluorocarbon (FIC-217I1 or FIC-13I1), 1,1,1,2,2-pentafluoroethane (CF3CF2H, HFC-125), 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane (CF3CHFCF3: HFC227ea), chlorotetrafluoroethane (CHClFCF3), fluorine compound-based ketone compounds, dodecafluoro-2-methylpentan-3-one (FK-5-1-12, CF3CF2C(O)CF(CF3)2)), 1-chloro-1,2,2,2-tetrafluoroethane (C2HClF4), 2-chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (CHClFCF3, HCFC-124), decafluorocyclohexanone (perfluorocyclohexanone), CF3CF2C(O)CF(CF3)2 (-1,1,1,2,4,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-2-trifluoromethyl-pent-3-one), (CF3)2CFC(O)CF(CF3)2 (-1,1,1,2,4,5,5,5,6,6,6,-octafluoro-2,4,-bis(trifluoromethyl)pent-3-one), CF3CF2C(O)CF2CF2CF3, CF3C(O)CF(CF3)2, 1,1,1,3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,8-hexadecafluorononan-2-one (CF3CF2CF2CF2CF2CF2CF2C(O)CF3), 1,1,1,3,4,4,4,-heptafluoro-3-trifluoromethylbutan-2-one (CF3C(O)CF(CF3)2), 1,1,1,2,4,4,5,5-octafluoro-2-trifluoromethylpentan-3-one (HCF2CF2C(O)CF(CF3)2), 1,1,1,2,4,4,5,5,6,6,6-undecafluoro-2-trifluoromethylhexan-3-one (CF3CF2CF2C(O)CF(CF3)2), 1-chloro-1,1,3,4,4,4-hexafluoro-3-trifluoromethyl-but-2-one ((CF3)2CFC(O)CF2CL), 1,1,1,2,2,4,4,5,5,6,6,6-dodecafluorohexan-3-one (CF3CF2C(O)CF2CF2CF3), 1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoropentane-2,4-dione (CF3C(O)CH2C(O)CF3), 1,1,1,2,5,6,6,6-octafluoro-2,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)hexane-3,4-trione ((CF3)2CFC(O)C(O)C(O)CF(CF3)2), 1,1,1,2,2,3,3,5,5,6,6,7,7,7-tetrafluorooctan-4-one (CF3CF2CF2C(O)CF2CF2CF3), 1,1,1,3,3,4,4,4 - Octafluorobutan - 2 - one (CF3C(O)CF2CF3), 1,1,2,2,4,5,5,5 - Octafluoro - 1 - trifluoromethoxy - 4 - trifluoromethylpent - 3 - one (CF3OCF2CF2C(O)CF(CF3)2), 1,1,1,2,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,7 - Tridecafluoro - 2 - trifluoromethylhept - 3 - one (CF3CF2CF2CF2C(O)CF(CF3)2).

[0107] The first insulating member between adjacent battery cells can reduce the heat transfer ability between adjacent battery cells and prevent and delay thermal runaway in the case of heating.

[0108] When thermal runaway occurs in any one of the battery cells, the second insulating member facing the exhaust port of the battery cell prevents flames or gases from entering the exhaust port of the adjacent battery cell. In this way, continuous thermal runaway in the battery cells can be prevented.

[0109] The second insulating member is integrally connected to the first insulating member, thereby preventing the first insulating member from displacing in the vertical direction due to external impacts, vibrations, etc., and preventing the first insulating member from separating from the battery cell. In this way, the reliability of the battery module can be improved.

[0110] When a fire occurs in any one of the battery cells, the fire extinguishing member can quickly extinguish the fire in the early stage. In this way, continuous ignition of the battery cells can be prevented.

[0111] However, the effects obtainable through the present disclosure are not limited to the above effects, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand other technical effects not mentioned from the description of the present disclosure.

[0112] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings, these embodiments are merely illustrative, and it should be understood that those skilled in the art can derive various modifications and equivalent other embodiments based on the embodiments.

[0113] Therefore, the technical scope of the present disclosure should be defined by the claims.

[0114] Example embodiments are disclosed herein. Although specific terms are employed, they are used and interpreted in a general and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. In some cases, as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art at the time of filing of this application, features, characteristics, and / or elements described in connection with a particular embodiment may be used alone or in combination with features, characteristics, and / or elements described in connection with other embodiments, unless otherwise specifically stated. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.

Claims

1. A battery module, comprising: shell; a plurality of battery cells, each of the battery cells being disposed in the housing and including a first surface and a second surface intersecting each other; at least one first insulating member facing the first surface of the battery cell; as well as At least one second insulating member extends from the at least one first insulating member and faces the second surface of the battery cell.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of battery cells are arranged in a first direction, and The first surface intersects the first direction.

3. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: An area of ​​the at least one first insulating member is larger than an area of ​​the first surface.

4. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one first insulating member includes aerogel, glass fiber, carbon fiber or ceramic fiber.

5. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one first insulating member has a thickness greater than or equal to 1 mm and less than or equal to 4 mm.

6. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one first insulating member includes a plurality of first insulating members, the at least one second insulating member includes a plurality of second insulating members, and each of the plurality of second insulating members extends from one first insulating member of the plurality of first insulating members.

7. The battery module according to claim 6, wherein: The plurality of second insulating members are spaced apart from each other.

8. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: the battery cell further comprising a vent provided on the second surface and configured to be opened and closed in association with a change in an internal pressure of the battery cell; and At least a portion of the at least one second insulating member faces the exhaust port.

9. The battery module according to claim 8, wherein: The at least one second insulating member comprises: a first extending portion extending from the at least one first insulating member and facing the second surface of any one of the battery cells adjacent to each other; a second extending portion extending in an opposite direction from the first extending portion and facing the second surface of another battery cell of the battery cells adjacent to each other; and A third extending portion extends from the first extending portion and faces the exhaust port of any one of the battery cells adjacent to each other.

10. The battery module according to claim 9, wherein: The first extension portion and the second extension portion extend from ends of the at least one first insulating member.

11. The battery module according to claim 9, wherein: An area of ​​each of the first extension portion and the second extension portion is smaller than an area of ​​the second surface.

12. The battery module according to claim 9, wherein: An area of ​​the third extension portion is larger than an area of ​​the exhaust port.

13. The battery module according to claim 9, wherein: The at least one second insulating member further includes a rupture groove concavely formed in an outer side surface of the third extending portion.

14. The battery module according to claim 13, wherein: The rupture groove is provided at both surfaces of the third extension portion.

15. The battery module according to claim 13, wherein: The rupture groove has a width that narrows toward an end portion. 16 . The battery module according to claim 1 , further comprising a fire extinguishing member provided in the at least one second insulating member and configured to supply a fire extinguishing agent to the battery cell in response to the battery cell being heated to a predetermined temperature or higher.

17. The battery module according to claim 16, wherein: The fire extinguishing member includes a plurality of fire extinguishing capsules filled with the fire extinguishing agent.

18. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The battery cell further includes a third surface opposite to the second surface; and The battery module further includes a third insulating member extending from the at least one first insulating member and disposed to face the third surface.

19. The battery module according to claim 18, wherein: The third insulating member has both sides, each of the both sides facing the third surface of one of the battery cells adjacent to each other.

20. The battery module according to claim 18, wherein: The third insulating member extends from an end portion of the at least one first insulating member.

Images