Battery module provided with firewall

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a battery module. The battery module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise: a plurality of battery cell units, each of the plurality of battery cell units comprising a plurality of battery cells connected in parallel with each other; and the firewall is arranged between two adjacent battery cell units in the plurality of battery cell units.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery module. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a battery module provided with a firewall to minimize fire spread when a fire occurs in the battery. Background Art

[0002] When a fire occurs in a battery module including multiple battery cells, multiple battery cells may undergo a series of explosions. To prevent fire spread between the battery cells, a method of installing a firewall between the battery cells can be considered.

[0003] If multiple firewalls are installed, the volume of the battery module may increase and the cost may increase. Therefore, a battery module structure is needed that can effectively prevent fire spread between the battery cells and minimize the volume of the battery module. Summary of the Invention

[0004] (I) Technical Problems to be Solved

[0005] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a battery module can be provided that can minimize fire spread caused by the parallel connection of battery cells.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a firewall can be provided that can protect the battery cells adjacent to a specific battery cell from debris generated in the specific battery cell when a fire occurs in the battery module.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a firewall can be provided that serves as a fixed housing for the battery cells.

[0008] (II) Technical Solutions

[0009] The battery module according to the present disclosure may include: a plurality of battery cell assemblies, each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies including a plurality of battery cell units connected in series with each other; and a firewall provided between two adjacent battery cell assemblies among the plurality of battery cell assemblies, and each of the plurality of battery cell units may include a plurality of battery cells connected in parallel with each other.

[0010] (III) Advantageous Effects

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a battery module can be provided that can minimize fire spread caused by the parallel connection of battery cells.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a firewall can be provided that can protect the battery cells adjacent to a specific battery cell from debris generated in the specific battery cell when a fire occurs in the battery module.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a firewall can be provided, which functions as a fixing housing for the battery cells. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 FIG. 6 is a plan view (excluding the cover plate 400) of the battery module 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a side view (excluding the side plate 300) of the battery module 10.

[0016] Figure 3 is Figure 1 an exploded perspective view of the battery cell 100 and the firewall 200.

[0017] Figure 4 is Figure 3 an enlarged view of part A.

[0018] Figure 5 is Figure 4 an enlarged view of part B.

[0019] Figure 6 is Figure 5 a cross-sectional view of the firewall 200 taken along D-D'.

[0020] Figure 7 is a view showing Figure 1 the second side plate 320.

[0021] Figure 8 is Figure 7 an enlarged view of part C.

[0022] Figure 9 is Figure 1 an enlarged view of the other side (right side). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to Figures 1 to 9 However, this is merely an example, and the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated.

[0024] Figure 1 FIG. 65 is a plan view showing the battery module 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure without including the cover plate 400.

[0025] The battery module 10 may include battery cells 100. The battery module 10 may include a plurality of battery cells 100. The plurality of battery cells 100 may be stacked in one direction. For example, the plurality of battery cells 100 may be stacked facing each other in the front-rear direction. In the present specification, the front-rear direction may refer to the stacking direction or the setting direction of the plurality of battery cells 100.

[0026] The battery module 10 may include a firewall 200. The battery module 10 may include a plurality of firewalls 200. The firewall 200 may be disposed between two adjacent ones of the plurality of battery cells 100. A plurality of battery cells 100 may be disposed between two adjacent ones of the plurality of firewalls 200. The number of battery cells 100 disposed between two adjacent firewalls 200 may be an even number.

[0027] The firewall 200 may comprise a plastic material. The firewall 200 may comprise a flame retardant material. For example, the firewall 200 may comprise a material with a flame retardant rating of V-0. For example, the firewall 200 may comprise polypropylene glass fiber.

[0028] The battery module 10 may include side plates 300. The side plates 300 may include a first side plate 310 and a second side plate 320. The first side plate 310 may be disposed facing the second side plate 320.

[0029] The plurality of battery cells 100 and the plurality of firewalls 200 may be disposed between the first side plate 310 and the second side plate 320. For example, the first side plate 310 may be disposed on the left side of the plurality of battery cells 100 and the plurality of firewalls 200, and the second side plate 320 may be disposed on the right side of the plurality of battery cells 100 and the plurality of firewalls 200.

[0030] Each of the plurality of firewalls 200 may be coupled to the first side plate 310 and the second side plate 320. Each of the plurality of battery cells 100 may be inserted into the first side plate 310 and the second side plate 320. The plurality of battery cells 100 may be fixed and supported by the plurality of firewalls 200, the first side plate 310, and the second side plate 320.

[0031] The battery module 10 may further include bus bars (not shown). The bus bars may be respectively mounted on the inner sides of the first side plate 310 and the second side plate 320 and connected to the plurality of battery cells 100.

[0032] Figure 2 is a side view of Figure 1 the battery module 10 without the side plates 300.

[0033] The battery module 10 may include a cover plate 400. The cover plate 400 may include a first cover plate 410 and a second cover plate 420. The first cover plate 410 may be disposed facing the second cover plate 420.

[0034] The plurality of battery cells 100 and the plurality of firewalls 200 may be disposed between the first cover plate 410 and the second cover plate 420. For example, the first cover plate 410 may be disposed on the upper side of the plurality of battery cells 100 and the plurality of firewalls 200, and the second cover plate 420 may be disposed on the lower side of the plurality of battery cells 100 and the plurality of firewalls 200.

[0035] Each of the plurality of firewalls 200 can be connected to the first cover plate 410 and the second cover plate 420. For example, the upper part of the firewall 200 can be closely attached to the first cover plate 410. Therefore, when a fire occurs in the battery module 10, flames or debris cannot pass over the upper part of the firewall 200, thereby preventing the spread of the fire.

[0036] Figure 3 Yes Figure 1 Exploded perspective view of the battery cell 100 and the firewall 200.

[0037] The battery module 10 can include a battery cell assembly 20. The battery module 10 can include a plurality of battery cell assemblies 20. One battery cell assembly 20 among the plurality of battery cell assemblies 20 can be disposed between two adjacent firewalls 200 among the plurality of firewalls 200. The battery cell assembly 20 and the firewall 200 can be alternately disposed. The firewall 200 disposed between two adjacent battery cell assemblies 20 among the plurality of battery cell assemblies 20 can be referred to as the first firewall. The firewall 200 disposed on the outermost side of the plurality of battery cell assemblies 20 can be referred to as the second firewall.

[0038] The battery cell assembly 20 can include a plurality of battery cells 100. The plurality of battery cells 100 included in the battery cell assembly 20 can form one or more battery cell units 30A, 30B. The battery cell units 30A, 30B can include a plurality of battery cells 100 connected in parallel with each other. The plurality of battery cell units 30A, 30B can be connected in series with each other.

[0039] For example, the battery cell assembly 20 can include a plurality of battery cell units 30A, 30B connected in series with each other, and each of the plurality of battery cell units 30A, 30B can include a plurality of battery cells 100 connected in parallel with each other.

[0040] In this embodiment, the battery cell assembly 20 can include first and second battery cell units 30A, 30B. The battery cell units 30A, 30B can refer to at least one of the first battery cell unit 30A and the second battery cell unit 30B. The first and second battery cell units 30A, 30B can be stacked in one direction. The stacking direction of the first and second battery cell units 30A, 30B can be parallel to the stacking direction of the plurality of battery cells 100. For example, the first and second battery cell units 30A, 30B can be stacked facing each other in the front-rear direction.

[0041] Each of the first and second battery cell units 30A, 30B can include a plurality of battery cells 100. For example, each of the first and second battery cell units 30A, 30B can include two battery cells 100 connected in parallel with each other.

[0042] The battery cell 100 can be formed to extend from one end 101 to the other end 102. For example, one end 101 of the battery cell 100 can be the left end of the battery cell 100, and the other end 102 of the battery cell 100 can be the right end of the battery cell 100. The length direction of the battery cell 100 can be the left - right direction.

[0043] The battery cell 100 can include a lower end 103 and an upper end 104. One end 101, the upper end 104, the other end 102, and the lower end 103 of the battery cell 100 can be connected in sequence to form the perimeter of the battery cell 100. The battery cell 100 can have a width formed to extend from the lower end 103 to the upper end 104. The width direction of the battery cell 100 can be the up - down direction.

[0044] The thickness direction of the battery cell 100 can be parallel to the stacking direction of multiple battery cells 100. For example, the thickness direction of the battery cell 100 can be parallel to the front - back direction.

[0045] The battery cell 100 can include an electrode assembly 110 and an outer packaging material 120 that wraps the electrode assembly 110. The outer packaging material 120 can include a sealing portion 121 formed by the inner sides of the outer packaging material 120 coming into contact with each other. The sealing portion 121 can be formed along the perimeter of the electrode assembly 110. For example, the sealing portion 121 can be formed on one side, the other side, and the upper side of the electrode assembly 110. For example, one side and the other side of the electrode assembly 110 can be the left side and the right side of the electrode assembly 110 respectively.

[0046] The upper side of the sealing portion 121 can be folded in a direction away from the firewall 200 adjacent to the sealing portion 121. For example, with the firewall 200 as a reference, the sealing portion 121 of the battery cell 100 adjacent to the front part of the firewall 200 can be folded forward, and the sealing portion 121 of the battery cell 100 adjacent to the rear part of the firewall 200 can be folded backward. Thus, the firewall 200 can be closely attached to the battery cell 100, so that when a fire occurs in the battery cell 100, the flames and debris generated by the battery cell 100 can be effectively blocked.

[0047] The battery cell 100 can include electrode tabs 130 respectively bonded to one side and the other side of the electrode assembly 110. The electrode tabs 130 can respectively protrude from one side and the other side of the electrode assembly 110. The electrode tabs 130 can include a positive electrode tab 131 and a negative electrode tab 132. The positive electrode tab 131 can be bonded to any one of one side and the other side of the electrode assembly 110, and the negative electrode tab 132 can be bonded to the remaining one of one side and the other side of the electrode assembly 110.

[0048] The multiple battery cells 100 included in each of the multiple battery cell units 30A and 30B can be connected in parallel with each other. For example, in the multiple battery cells 100 included in each of the multiple battery cell units 30A and 30B, the positive pole tabs 131 can be connected facing each other, and the negative pole tabs 132 can be connected facing each other. In addition, the multiple battery cell units 30A and 30B can be connected in series with each other. For example, the positive pole tab 131 of the first battery cell unit 30A can be connected facing the negative pole tab 132 of the second battery cell unit 30B, and the negative pole tab 132 of the first battery cell unit 30A can be connected facing the positive pole tab 131 of the second battery cell unit 30B.

[0049] For example, the plurality of cells 100 included in the first cell unit 30A may include: a positive electrode tab 131 located on the left side of the first cell unit 30A; and a negative electrode tab 132 located on the right side of the first cell unit 30B. For example, the plurality of cells 100 included in the second cell unit 30B may include: a positive electrode tab 131 located on the right side of the second cell unit 30B; and a negative electrode tab 132 located on the left side of the second cell unit 30B.

[0050] The plurality of battery cells 100 included in the first battery cell unit 30A may be connected in parallel. The plurality of battery cells 100 included in the second battery cell unit 30B may be connected in parallel. The first battery cell unit 30A and the second battery cell unit 30B may be connected in series.

[0051] The firewall 200 may be disposed outside the battery cell assembly 20. The firewall 200 may be disposed between two adjacent battery cell assemblies 20 among the plurality of battery cell assemblies 20. The firewall 200 may be disposed between two adjacent battery cell units 30A, 30B among the plurality of battery cell units 30A, 30B. Two adjacent battery cell units 30A, 30B may be connected in series with each other via one firewall 200.

[0052] When a plurality of battery cells 100 are connected in parallel, if a fire occurs and causes a short circuit in one battery cell 100, a chain explosion may occur in the remaining battery cells 100 connected in parallel with the short-circuited battery cell 100. Since two adjacent battery cell units 30A, 30B are connected in series with each other, even if a fire occurs in one of the two adjacent battery cell units 30A, 30B and an electrical short circuit occurs, a chain explosion caused by the short circuit can be prevented.

[0053] The firewall 200 may include a main body 210. The main body 210 may be formed to extend in a direction parallel to the length direction of the battery cell 100. The width direction of the main body 210 may be parallel to the width direction of the battery cell 100. The main body 210 may be disposed facing the battery cell 100 along the stacking direction of the battery cell 100. The thickness direction of the main body 210 may be parallel to the stacking direction of the battery cell 100. The thickness direction of the firewall 200 may be parallel to the thickness direction of the main body 210.

[0054] The main body 210 may include extension portions 220. The extension portions 220 may be respectively formed on one side and the other side of the main body 210. For example, one side and the other side of the main body 210 may be the left side and the right side of the main body 210 respectively. The extension portions 220 may be formed to extend along the thickness direction of the main body 210. The extension portions 220 may be formed thicker than the main body 210 to improve the rigidity of the firewall 200. In addition, the portion of the firewall 200 coupled to the side plate 300 may be more firmly protected by the extension portions 220.

[0055] The extension portions 220 may be in contact with the exterior material 120 of the battery cell 100. The extension portions 220 may be in contact with the electrode tabs 130 of the battery cell 100.

[0056] Figure 4 Yes Figure 3 An enlarged view of part A. Figure 4 It is an enlarged view of the other side of one side and the other side of the firewall 200. For example, one side and the other side of the firewall 200 may be the left side and the right side of the firewall 200 respectively. The firewall 200 may have a shape symmetric along the length direction of the firewall 200. Therefore, the extension portions 220 formed on the other side of the firewall 200 may have a shape symmetric to the extension portions 220 formed on one side of the firewall 200 along the length direction of the firewall 200.

[0057] Hereinafter, description will be made based on the other side of the firewall 200.

[0058] An opening 211 may be formed in the lower portion of the main body 210. The opening 211 may be formed to open along the thickness direction of the firewall 200. A cooling component may be installed through the opening 211 to cool the lower portions of the plurality of battery cells 100. The cooling component may be in contact with the lower portions of the plurality of battery cells 100 and the upper surface of the second cover plate 420. Due to the cooling component, the opening 211 may be closed. Thus, when a fire occurs in the battery cell 100, the phenomenon that flames and debris spread through the lower portion of the firewall 200 can be prevented.

[0059] The extension portion 220 may be formed to extend along the thickness direction of the firewall 200. The thickness direction of the extension portion 220 may be parallel to the thickness direction of the firewall 200. For example, the extension portion 220 may be formed to extend forward and backward of the firewall 200. The extension portion 220 may be formed to extend so as to contact the exterior material 120 of the battery cell 100.

[0060] The extension portion 220 may include a first side surface 220a and a second side surface 220b respectively formed on both sides along the thickness direction of the firewall 200. For example, the first side surface 220a may be the front surface of the extension portion 220, and the second side surface 220b may be the rear surface of the extension portion 220. The extension portion 220 may include a third side surface 220c formed on the other side of the firewall 200. For example, the third side surface 220c may be the right side surface of the extension portion 220.

[0061] The main body 210 may contact the exterior material 120 of the electrode assembly 110 that wraps the battery cell 100, and the first side surface 220a and the second side surface 220b of the extension portion 220 may respectively contact the other side of the sealing portion 121 of the exterior material 120. Thus, the firewall 200 may be closely attached to the battery cell 100 and fix the battery cell 100.

[0062] The extension portion 220 may include a support portion 221 formed to extend from the main body 210 to the other side of the firewall 200. The extension portion 220 may include a coupling portion 222 formed to extend from the support portion 221 to the other side of the firewall 200. The length direction of the coupling portion 222 may be the direction in which the coupling portion 222 extends from the support portion 221. The coupling portion 222 may be coupled to the side plate 300 (refer to Figure 1 )

[0063] The first side surface 220a, the second side surface 220b, and the third side surface 220c may include a series of holes. The series of holes may be spaced apart from each other along the width direction of the extension portion 220. Through the series of holes, the extension portion 220 may be lightened, and the torsional rigidity of the extension portion 220 may be improved with respect to the same mass. Due to the series of holes formed on the first side surface 220a and the second side surface 220b, the contact area between the extension portion 220 and the battery cell 100 may be reduced. Due to the series of holes formed on the third side surface 220c, the contact area between the extension portion 220 and the side plate 300 may be reduced, so that the frictional force generated between the extension portion 220 and the side plate 300 during assembly may be reduced.

[0064] The firewall 200 may include a support member 228 connecting the lower portion of the extension portion 220 and the lower portion of the main body 210. The battery cell 100 may be disposed to contact the upper surface of the support member 228. Due to the support member 228, the battery cell 100 may be in contact with the second cover plate 420 (refer to Figure 2)Spaced apart settings. The cooling component can be installed between the battery cell 100 and the second cover plate 420.

[0065] Figure 5 is Figure 4 An enlarged view of part B of Figure 6 is Figure 5 A cross-sectional view taken along D-D' of the firewall 200 of

[0066] The joint portion 222 may include a joint groove 223 formed by being recessed from the third side surface 220c (refer to Figure 4 ) of the extension portion 220 toward the main body 210. The joint groove 223 may be formed to penetrate in the vertical direction.

[0067] The joint portion 222 may include a plurality of joint grooves 223. Hereinafter, the shape of the joint portion 222 will be described centering on the joint groove 223 formed at the rear of the joint portion 222 among the plurality of joint grooves 223. The joint portion 222 may be symmetrically formed in the thickness direction of the extension portion 220. Therefore, the structure around the joint groove 223 formed at the rear of the joint portion 222 may be a structure symmetric to the structure around the joint groove 223 formed at the front of the joint portion 222 in the thickness direction of the extension portion 220.

[0068] The joint portion 222 may include a first fixing portion 224. The first fixing portion 224 may be formed on the outside of the extension portion 220 in the thickness direction of the extension portion 220. The first fixing portion 224 may extend from the outside of the support portion 221 to the other side of the firewall 200. For example, the first fixing portion 224 may extend from the rear of the support portion 221 to the right. The length direction of the first fixing portion 224 may be the direction in which the first fixing portion 224 extends from the support portion 221. The first fixing portion 224 may be disposed outside the joint groove 223 in the thickness direction of the extension portion 220.

[0069] The first fixing portion 224 may extend from the support portion 221 corresponding to the length of the electrode tab 130 of the battery cell 100 extending. The first fixing portion 224 may protrude more than the electrode tab 130 in the length direction of the first fixing portion 224. Thus, the front or rear of the electrode tab 130 may be covered by the firewall 200. The firewall 200 may prevent the flame from spreading to the front or rear of the electrode tab 130.

[0070] The first fixing portion 224 may include a first fixing portion inclined surface 224a formed on the upper side of the first fixing portion 224. The first fixing portion inclined surface 224a may be formed such that the cross-sectional area of the joint groove 223 gradually increases from the lower part to the upper part. For example, the first fixing portion inclined surface 224a may be formed to be inclined backward with respect to the width direction of the firewall 200 from the lower part to the upper part.

[0071] The joint portion 222 may include a first protruding portion 225. The first protruding portion 225 may be formed on the outer side of the first fixing portion 224 in the longitudinal direction of the joint portion 222. The first protruding portion 225 may extend toward the inner side of the engaging groove 223 and may be formed to extend in the thickness direction of the extending portion 220. The first protruding portion 225 may include a first protruding portion inclined surface 225a formed on the upper side of the first protruding portion 225. The first protruding portion inclined surface 225a may be formed such that the cross-sectional area of the engaging groove 223 gradually increases from the lower part to the upper part. For example, the first protruding portion inclined surface 225a may be formed to incline toward the second side surface 220b from the lower part to the upper part.

[0072] The joint portion 222 may include a second fixing portion 226. The second fixing portion 226 may be provided between the two first fixing portions 224 formed on both sides in the thickness direction of the extending portion 220. The second fixing portion 226 may be formed to extend from any point of the support portion 221 to the other side of the firewall 200. For example, the second fixing portion 226 may be formed to extend from any point of the support portion 221 to the right side.

[0073] The second fixing portion 226 may be provided between two adjacent engaging grooves 223 among the plurality of engaging grooves 223. The second fixing portion 226 may be disposed facing the first fixing portion 224. The second fixing portion 226 may face the first fixing portion 224 with the engaging groove 223 therebetween. For example, the second fixing portion 226 may extend from the center of the support portion 221 to the right side.

[0074] The second fixing portion 226 may include a second fixing portion inclined surface 226a formed on the upper side of the second fixing portion 226. The second fixing portion inclined surfaces 226a may be respectively formed on both sides of the second fixing portion 226 in the thickness direction of the extending portion 220. The second fixing portion inclined surface 226a may be formed such that the cross-sectional area of the engaging groove 223 gradually increases from the lower part to the upper part. For example, the second fixing portion inclined surface 226a may be formed to gradually move away from the first fixing portion 224 facing the second fixing portion 226 from the lower part to the upper part.

[0075] Different from the above, the joint portion 222 may include a plurality of second fixing portions 226. One of the plurality of second fixing portions 226 may be disposed facing another adjacent second fixing portion 226. The one second fixing portion 226 may face the other second fixing portion 226 with the engaging groove 223 therebetween. For example, the second fixing portion inclined surface 226a may be formed to gradually move away from the other second fixing portion 226 facing the one second fixing portion 226 from the lower part to the upper part.

[0076] The joint portion 222 may include a second protrusion 227. The second protrusion 227 may be formed on the outer side of the second fixing portion 226 in the longitudinal direction of the joint portion 222. The second protrusion 227 may extend toward the inner side of the engaging groove 223 and may be formed to extend in the thickness direction of the extending portion 220. The second protrusion 227 may face the first protrusion 225. The second protrusion 227 may include a second protrusion inclined surface 227a formed on the upper side of the second protrusion 227. The second protrusion inclined surface 227a may be formed such that the cross-sectional area of the engaging groove 223 gradually increases from the lower part to the upper part. For example, the second protrusion inclined surface 227a may be formed to gradually move away from the first protrusion 225 from the lower part to the upper part.

[0077] Due to the first fixing portion inclined surface 224a, the first protrusion inclined surface 225a, the second fixing portion inclined surface 226a, and the second protrusion inclined surface 227a, the cross-sectional area of the upper side of the engaging groove 223 gradually increases from bottom to top, so it is easy to combine the side plate 300 with the engaging groove 223.

[0078] The engaging groove 223 may include a first engaging groove 223a formed between the first fixing portion 224 and the second fixing portion 226. The engaging groove 223 may include a second engaging groove 223b formed between the first protrusion 225 and the second protrusion 227. The first engaging groove 223a may communicate with the second engaging groove 223b. In the thickness direction of the extending portion 220, the width of the first engaging groove 223a may be greater than the width of the second engaging groove 223b.

[0079] Figure 7 is a view showing Figure 1 a part of the second side plate 320. Figure 7 is a plan view of the second side plate 320. The second side plate 320 may be combined with Figure 4 and Figure 5 the other side of the firewall 200 shown. The second side plate 320 may be symmetrically formed with the first side plate 310 in the longitudinal direction of the battery cell 100. Hereinafter, the description will be made based on the second side plate 320.

[0080] The second side plate 320 may include a plate body 321. The plate body 321 may be formed to extend in a direction parallel to the thickness direction of the battery cell 100. The width direction of the plate body 321 may be formed parallel to the width direction of the battery cell 100.

[0081] The second side plate 320 may include engaging protrusions 322. The engaging protrusions 322 may extend from the plate body 321 toward the firewall 200. A plurality of engaging protrusions 322 may be formed. The engaging protrusions 322 may be formed corresponding to the engaging grooves 223 of the firewall 200. The engaging protrusions 322 may be combined with the engaging grooves 223.

[0082] The second side plate 320 may include a partition 323. The partition 323 may be formed to extend from the plate body 321 toward the battery cell 100. A plurality of partitions 323 may be formed. The partitions 323 may be formed corresponding to the shape of the other side of the battery cell 100 and the shape of the other side of the firewall 200.

[0083] The battery module 10 according to the present embodiment may include a firewall 200 having two engaging grooves 223 formed on both sides thereof. Corresponding to the shape of the firewall 200, the plurality of engaging protrusions 322 may include two engaging protrusions 322 disposed adjacent to each other. In the battery module 10 according to the present embodiment, four battery cells 100 may be disposed between the firewall 200 and the firewall 200. Corresponding to the number of the battery cells 100, the plurality of partitions 323 may include three partitions 323 disposed adjacent to each other. That is, the two engaging protrusions 322 and the three partitions 323 may be alternately disposed on the second side plate 320.

[0084] The plurality of engaging protrusions 322 may be spaced apart from each other. A first insertion groove 324 may be formed between two adjacent engaging protrusions 322 among the plurality of engaging protrusions 322. The first insertion groove 324 may penetrate in the vertical direction and be formed to open toward the firewall 200. The second fixing portion 226 (refer to Figure 5 ) of the firewall 200 may be inserted into the first insertion groove 324 and coupled to the second side plate 320.

[0085] The engaging protrusion 322 and the partition 323 may be spaced apart from each other. A second insertion groove 325 may be formed between the adjacent engaging protrusion 322 and the partition 323. The second insertion groove 325 may penetrate in the vertical direction and be formed to open toward the firewall 200 or the battery cell 100.

[0086] The first fixing portion 224 (refer to Figure 5 ) of the firewall 200 may be inserted into the second insertion groove 325 to be coupled to the second side plate 320. The electrode tab 130 of the battery cell 100 may be inserted into the second insertion groove 325. The electrode tab 130 may be guided by the second insertion groove 325. When a fire occurs in the battery module 10, if flames or debris are ejected from the portion where the electrode assembly 110 and the electrode tab 130 are coupled, a part of them may flow into the second insertion groove 325, thereby preventing the spread of the flames.

[0087] A plurality of partition plates 323 can be arranged at intervals from each other. A third insertion groove 326 can be formed between two adjacent partition plates 323 among the plurality of partition plates 323. The third insertion groove 326 can penetrate in the up and down direction and is formed to open toward the battery cell 100. The electrode tab 130 of the battery cell 100 can be inserted into the third insertion groove 326. The electrode tab 130 can be guided by the third insertion groove 326. When a fire occurs in the battery module 10, if flames or debris spray out from the part where the electrode assembly 110 and the electrode tab 130 are joined, a part of them can flow into the third insertion groove 326, thereby preventing the spread of the flames.

[0088] The bus bar can be arranged to be exposed in the second insertion groove 325 and the third insertion groove 326 to be connected to the electrode tab 130. The bus bar can be respectively inserted and molded into the first and second side plates 310, 320.

[0089] Figure 8 is Figure 7 An enlarged view of part C. The shape of the engaging protrusion 322 will be described below. Figure 8 The shown engaging protrusion 322 can be engaged with Figure 5 the shown engaging groove 223. In other words, Figure 8 the shown engaging protrusion 322 can be engaged with the engaging groove 223 formed at the rear part of the firewall 200.

[0090] The engaging protrusion 322 can include a connecting part 322a which extends from the plate body 321 toward the firewall 200. The engaging protrusion 322 can include a first engaging portion 322b which extends from the end of the connecting part 322a toward the inside of the second insertion groove 325. The engaging protrusion 322 can include a second engaging portion 322c which extends from the end of the connecting part 322a toward the inside of the first insertion groove 324. The first engaging portion 322b and the second engaging portion 322c of the engaging protrusion 322 can be inserted into the first engaging groove 233a (refer to Figure 5 ) of the firewall 200.

[0091] Figure 9 is Figure 1 An enlarged view of the other side (right side) of.

[0092] When the engaging protrusion 322 is engaged with the engaging groove 223, due to the shapes of the engaging protrusion 322 and the engaging groove 223, the engaging protrusion 322 will not fall off along the length direction of the firewall 200. Therefore, even if the battery module 10 explodes due to a fire, the firewall 200 and the side plate 300 can protect the battery cell 100 to the part where the electrode tab 130 is formed. In addition, the spread of the fire can be prevented by the firewall 200.

[0093] Since the support portion 221 and the first fixing portion 224 of the firewall 200 are in contact with the sealing portion 121 of the battery cell 100, the battery cell 100 can be fixed and supported by the firewall 200. Thus, without a separate fixing housing for the battery cell 100, the battery cell 100 can be fixed and supported by the firewall 200 and the side plate 300, and thus the volume of the battery module 10 can be minimized.

[0094] The above-described content is merely an example of applying the principles of the present disclosure, and other configurations may be included without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A battery module, comprising: a plurality of battery cell assemblies, each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies including a plurality of battery cells connected in series with each other; and a first firewall disposed between two adjacent battery cell assemblies among the plurality of battery cell assemblies, each of the plurality of battery cells including a plurality of battery cells connected in parallel with each other.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of battery cells includes: an electrode assembly extending from one end to the other end; an outer packaging material at least partially wrapping the electrode assembly; a positive electrode tab protruding from the one end of the electrode assembly; and a negative electrode tab protruding from the other end of the electrode assembly.

3. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of battery cell units includes the plurality of battery cells, and the plurality of battery cells are stacked in such a manner that the positive electrode tabs face each other and the negative electrode tabs face each other.

4. The battery module according to claim 3, wherein the positive electrode tabs and the negative electrode tabs of two adjacent battery cell units among the plurality of battery cell units are arranged to face each other.

5. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of battery cell units includes an even number of the battery cells.

6. The battery module according to claim 1, comprising: a second firewall disposed on the outermost side of the plurality of battery cell assemblies.

7. The battery module according to claim 2, further comprising: a first side plate disposed adjacent to the one end of the electrode assembly to be coupled to the first firewall; and a second side plate disposed adjacent to the other end of the electrode assembly to be coupled to the first firewall.

8. The battery module according to claim 7, wherein the first firewall includes: a main body extending from one end to the other end; and extension portions respectively extending from the one end and the other end of the main body in a direction parallel to the stacking direction of the plurality of battery cells, the extension portions being coupled to the first side plate and the second side plate.

9. The battery module according to claim 8, wherein the extension portions respectively extend from the one end and the other end of the main body and protrude more than the positive electrode tab and the negative electrode tab in the length direction of the main body.

10. The battery module according to claim 8, wherein the outer packaging material includes a sealing portion formed by the inner side surfaces of the outer packaging material being joined to each other along the periphery of the electrode assembly.

11. The battery module according to claim 10, wherein the upper side of the sealing portion is folded in a direction away from the first firewall adjacent to the sealing portion.

12. The battery module according to claim 10, wherein the extension portion is in contact with one side or the other side of the sealing portion and is disposed adjacent to the positive electrode tab or the negative electrode tab.

13. The battery module according to claim 8, wherein the extension portion includes a coupling groove formed to open toward the first side plate and the second side plate.

14. The battery module according to claim 13, wherein, the area of the cross-section of the upper side of the engaging groove gradually increases from bottom to top.

15. The battery module according to claim 13, wherein, each of the first side plate and the second side plate includes an engaging protrusion, and the engaging protrusions are respectively formed by extending from the first side plate and the second side plate and are engaged with the engaging groove.

16. The battery module according to claim 15, wherein, the engaging groove includes: a first engaging groove; and a second engaging groove, connected to the first engaging groove and disposed outside in the longitudinal direction of the first firewall, the width of the second engaging groove in the front-rear direction is smaller than the width of the first engaging groove in the front-rear direction.

17. The battery module according to claim 16, wherein, the engaging protrusion includes: a connecting member, respectively formed by extending from the first side plate and the second side plate; and a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion, formed by extending forward and backward from the end of the connecting member, the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are inserted into the first engaging groove.

18. The battery module according to claim 8, wherein, each of the first plate and the second plate includes an insertion groove, and the extension portion and at least one of the positive electrode tab and the negative electrode tab are inserted into the insertion groove.

19. The battery module according to claim 1, further comprising: a first cover plate, connected to the upper end of the first firewall; and a second cover plate, connected to the lower end of the first firewall.

20. The battery module according to claim 19, further comprising: a cooling member, disposed between the plurality of battery cell assemblies and the second cover plate.

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