Cell module assembly and battery pack comprising same

Abstract

A cell module assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; and a blocking member disposed between at least one battery cell of the plurality of battery cells and at least another battery cell of the plurality of battery cells, in which the blocking member includes a support plate including a main body and a spacer coupled to the main body, and the spacer has a higher melting point than the main body, so that the shape and the structure are maintained during a thermal event of the battery cell.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0184465 filed on December 26, 2022, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0184466 filed on December 26, 2022, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a cell module assembly and a battery pack including the same, and more particularly to a cell module assembly including a blocking member for preventing heat transfer between battery cells during a battery cell thermal event and a battery pack including the same. Background Art

[0004] Currently commercialized secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, lithium secondary batteries, etc. Among them, lithium secondary batteries have received attention because they have advantages such as exhibiting almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based secondary batteries and thus being freely charged and discharged, and having a very low self-discharge rate and high energy density.

[0005] Lithium secondary batteries generally use lithium-based oxides and carbon materials as positive and negative active materials, respectively. The lithium secondary battery includes an electrode assembly in which a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate coated with positive and negative active materials, respectively, are arranged with a separator interposed therebetween; and an outer material or battery case that hermetically houses the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte.

[0006] Depending on the shape of an external material, generally, a lithium secondary battery may be classified into a can type secondary battery in which an electrode assembly is incorporated into a metal can and a pouch type battery in which an electrode assembly is incorporated into a pouch of an aluminum laminate sheet.

[0007] Such secondary batteries are widely used not only in small devices such as portable electronic devices but also in medium and large devices such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS), and their frequency of use is rapidly increasing. Also, recently, the trend of using home battery packs to store electricity is increasing.

[0008] There remains a need for a cell module assembly and a battery pack including the cell module assembly that ensures stability even when a thermal event occurs inside a battery cell. Summary of the invention

[0009] Technical issues

[0010] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a cell module assembly and a battery pack including the cell module assembly, the cell module assembly including a barrier member for preventing heat transfer between battery cells during a battery cell thermal event. In addition, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a method capable of maximizing the effect while reducing the production cost of the cell module assembly including the barrier member and the battery pack including the cell module assembly.

[0011] However, the technical problems to be solved by the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and those skilled in the art can clearly understand other problems not mentioned here according to the following description.

[0012] Technical Solution

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a cell module assembly is provided, comprising: a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; and a blocking member disposed between at least one of the plurality of battery cells and at least another of the plurality of battery cells, wherein the blocking member comprises a support plate, and the support plate comprises a main body and a spacer coupled to the main body, and wherein the spacer has a higher melting point than the main body so as to maintain shape and structure during a thermal event of the battery cells.

[0014] The body may be made of a plastic material and the spacer may be made of a metal material.

[0015] The spacer has a frame structure, and the frame may include a plurality of sub-frames.

[0016] Each of the plurality of sub-frames has the same shape and structure, and may be placed along a large surface area of ​​the blocking member.

[0017] Each of the plurality of sub-frames may have a rectangular or square boundary shape so that the spacer has a grid structure.

[0018] Each of the plurality of sub-frames may have a regular hexagonal boundary shape of the same size so that the spacer has a honeycomb structure.

[0019] The spacer may include a plurality of first rod members disposed in one direction, and a plurality of second rod members disposed to cross the first rod members.

[0020] The first rod member and the second rod member may be orthogonal to each other.

[0021] Each of the plurality of first rod members may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other at first predetermined equal intervals, and each of the plurality of second rod members may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other at second predetermined equal intervals.

[0022] The spacer may be manufactured by welding and coupling the first rod member and the second rod member.

[0023] A plurality of spacers are provided, and the plurality of spacers may be spaced apart at a predetermined distance along at least one direction of the support plate to form a lattice.

[0024] The spacer may have a circular or square plate shape.

[0025] The spacer may be integrally manufactured using a casting manufacturing method.

[0026] The spacer may be exposed to the outside on one or both sides of an outer surface of the support plate facing the battery cells, and one or both surfaces where the body and the spacer are coupled may be flat without a step.

[0027] The spacer may include a separation preventing portion disposed inside the support plate, and the separation preventing portion may have a convex shape protruding outward from the side surface or a concave shape recessed inward from the side surface.

[0028] The spacer is inserted inside the body and may not be exposed on the surface of the support plate.

[0029] The main body and the spacer may be manufactured integrally, and may be manufactured by placing the spacer and then injection molding the main body.

[0030] The body and the spacer are separately manufactured and assembled, and the body includes a pair of plate members, wherein the spacer is placed on one of the pair of plate members, and then the other of the pair of plate members may be coupled.

[0031] When viewed from the side end of the support plate, each of the pair of plate members constitutes half of the main body, and each of the pair of plate members is formed with a spacer mounting portion, wherein the spacer mounting portions can be separated from each other by a predetermined distance along at least one direction of the support plate to form spacer mounting portions arranged in a point-like manner.

[0032] The spacer mounting portion has an open shape and the spacer is exposed to the outside of the support plate, the spacer mounting portion has a mounting step surrounding the opening, the separation prevention portion of the spacer is mounted on the mounting step, and the mounting step can be formed on the surface of each of a pair of plate members facing each other here.

[0033] The spacer mounting portion has a concave shape and is formed on a surface of each of the pair of plate members where they face each other, and the spacer may be inserted into the interior of the support plate.

[0034] Each of the pair of plate members has a coupling member on a side surface, a female coupling member may be disposed on one of the pair of plate members, and a male coupling member may be disposed on the other of the pair of plate members.

[0035] The coupling member may be hook-coupled.

[0036] Each of the pair of plate members has a guide member at a corner, a female guide member may be disposed on one of the pair of plate members, and a male guide member may be disposed on the other of the pair of plate members.

[0037] The female guide member may be an L-shaped concave portion formed along a corner of the plate member, and the male guide member may be an L-shaped convex portion formed along a corner of the plate member.

[0038] The blocking member may further include a pair of expansion pads each provided on both surfaces of the body.

[0039] The blocking member is provided with a plurality of bodies, and may further include an expansion pad interposed between the bodies.

[0040] The cell module assembly further includes: a pair of bus bar housings including openings through which electrode leads of the battery cells pass and are placed on both side surfaces of the battery cell stack; and a pair of end plates respectively connecting both ends of the pair of bus bar housings.

[0041] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a battery pack including: one or more of the above-mentioned cell module assemblies according to the present disclosure; and a battery pack casing accommodating the cell module assembly therein.

[0042] According to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, an energy storage system is provided, which includes the above-mentioned battery pack according to the present disclosure.

[0043] Beneficial effects

[0044] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, even if a thermal event occurs inside a battery pack, that is, if a problem such as thermal runaway or ignition occurs in certain battery cells, it is possible to effectively prevent the problem from being transmitted to other battery cells.

[0045] In addition, it is also possible to reduce the production cost of the cell module assembly including the blocking member and the battery pack including the cell module assembly while maximizing the effect.

[0046] Furthermore, according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a battery pack having a simple structure and also having enhanced stability during a battery cell thermal event.

[0047] In addition, some other additional effects can be achieved through various embodiments of the present disclosure. Various effects obtainable from the present disclosure will be described in detail in respective embodiments, or descriptions of effects that can be easily understood by those skilled in the art will be omitted. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the following description, are used to provide a further understanding of the technical spirit of the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure is not to be construed as being limited to the accompanying drawings.

[0049] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cell module assembly (CMA) and a blocking member included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] Figure 2 Shown separately Figure 1 A single module assembly and a barrier member.

[0051] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 FIG. 1 is an enlarged perspective view of one embodiment of a blocking member.

[0052] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Top view of the barrier member.

[0053] Figure 5 Shown included in Figure 3 An embodiment of a support plate and a spacer in a blocking member.

[0054] Figure 6 Only show Figure 5 spacer.

[0055] Figure 7 Show Figure 6 A modified embodiment of a spacer.

[0056] Figure 8 Show Figure 7 Another modified embodiment of the spacer.

[0057] Fig. 9 Show Figure 5 A modified embodiment of the support plate.

[0058] Fig.10 Show Figures 5 to 9 Another modified embodiment of the spacer.

[0059] Fig.11 It is along Figure 1 FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of another embodiment of a blocking member 200 that illustrates a large surface area of ​​the body 210 of the blocking member 200 (or parallel thereto).

[0060] Fig.12 Shown included in Fig.11 An embodiment of a support plate and a spacer in a blocking member.

[0061] Fig.13 Show Fig.12 A modified embodiment of the support plate and the spacer.

[0062] Fig.14 Show Fig.12 A modified embodiment of the support plate.

[0063] Fig.15 Show Fig.13 A modified embodiment of the support plate.

[0064] Fig.16 Shown along Fig.12 and Fig.14 A cross section of the spacer along line AA.

[0065] Fig.17 Show Fig.12 and Fig.14 Another modified embodiment of the spacer.

[0066] Fig.18 Show Figure 12 to Figure 15 Another modified embodiment of the spacer.

[0067] Fig.19 is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0068] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before the description, it should be understood that the terms and words used in the specification and the appended claims should not be understood as being limited to the general and dictionary meanings, but are interpreted as having meanings and concepts corresponding to the technical aspects of the present disclosure based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of the terms and words so as to best describe his / her own invention as possible.

[0069] Therefore, the descriptions presented here are only for illustrating preferred examples, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, so that those skilled in the art will appreciate that other equivalents and modifications can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0070] For clarity, descriptions of parts not related to the specification will be omitted, and the same reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements throughout the specification.

[0071] In addition, in the drawings, the size and thickness of each element are arbitrarily illustrated for the convenience of description, and the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to those illustrated in the drawings. In the drawings, the thickness of layers, regions, etc. are exaggerated for clarity. In the drawings, the thickness of parts and regions is exaggerated for the convenience of description.

[0072] Furthermore, it will be understood that when an element such as a layer, film, region, or plate is referred to as being "on" or "over" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may also be intervening elements. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element, this means that there are no other intervening elements. Furthermore, a particular portion being "on" or "over" a reference portion means that the particular portion is above or below the reference portion and does not specifically mean that the particular portion is "on" or "over" in a direction opposite to gravity.

[0073] Meanwhile, terms representing directions such as upper side, lower side, left side, right side, front side and rear side have been used in the present embodiment, but it is obvious to those skilled in the art that the terms used are provided only for the convenience of description and may become different depending on the position of the object, the position of the observer, etc.

[0074] Furthermore, throughout this specification, when a part is referred to as “including” or “comprising” specific components, it means that the part can further include other components, without excluding the other components, unless otherwise stated.

[0075] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cell module assembly (CMA) 100 and a blocking member 200 included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 Shown separately Figure 1 The single module assembly 100 and the blocking member 200 are shown.

[0076] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the exemplary embodiment of , a case where a plurality of battery cells 110 are connected in series in a battery cell stack is illustrated, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and various combinations are possible, such as being able to be connected in parallel. A plurality of battery cell stacks may also be provided in a predetermined number.

[0077] Moreover, reference Figure 1, a plurality of battery cells 110 are arranged to form a battery cell stack. The blocking member 200 is disposed between at least one battery cell 110 and at least another one of them. That is, in some cases, the blocking member 200 may be disposed between the plurality of battery cells 110. The blocking member 200 is disposed on the side of the battery cell 110. Figure 1 In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 , a case where the blocking member 200 is disposed for every six battery cells 110 is illustrated as an example, but the present disclosure is not limited to those illustrated, and various modifications and changes are possible.

[0078] A pair of end plates 120 are respectively disposed at the two outermost ends of the plurality of battery cell stacks. The end plates 120 are placed in a row and parallel to the battery cells 110. In addition, a pair of bus bar housings 130 are placed on the surfaces of the battery cells 110 facing the electrode leads 111 and 112. Figure 1 In the exemplary embodiment of , a pair of bus bar housings 130 are placed. The pair of bus bar housings 130 are placed on both side surfaces of the stack of the plurality of battery cells 110. Each of the bus bar housings 130 is placed in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the battery cell 110 (for example, in the X-axis direction in the figure). In addition, a pair of end plates 120 are connected between both ends of the pair of bus bar housings 130, respectively. Figure 1 In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the end plates 120 are disposed at the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell 110 stack.

[0079] Each of the upper side and the lower side between the pair of end plates 120 includes at least one belt 140 connected between the pair of end plates 120. For convenience of explanation, Figure 1 1. The illustration of the band 140 connected to the upper side of the cell module assembly 100 is omitted. The band 140 strengthens the bonding of the cell module assembly 100. More specifically, it strengthens the bonding between the pair of end plates 120 and the stack of the plurality of battery cells 110 disposed therebetween. Accordingly, the stack of the plurality of battery cells 110 can be prevented from being misaligned.

[0080] The end plate 120 may be made of a metal material as an example, and may be made of aluminum, iron, or stainless steel as an example. The bus bar housing 130 may be made of a plastic material as an example, and may be manufactured by plastic injection molding.

[0081] The bus bar housing 130 includes a plurality of openings in a portion facing the electrode leads 111 and 112. The electrode leads 111 and 112 of the battery cell 110 pass through the openings of the bus bar housing 130 and are connected to the bus bar 150. When a plurality of battery cells 110 are connected in series, one of the electrode leads 111 and 112 passing through an opening (not shown) of the bus bar housing 130 on one side and being connected to the bus bar 150 is a positive electrode lead, and the other is a negative electrode lead. Alternatively, when a plurality of battery cells 110 are connected in parallel, the electrode leads 111 and 112 passing through an opening of the bus bar housing 130 on one side and being connected to the bus bar 150 are configured so that both are positive electrode leads, or both are negative electrode leads.

[0082] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 An enlarged perspective view of one embodiment of a blocking member 200, and Figure 4 yes Figure 3 200 is a top view of the blocking member 200.

[0083] The blocking member 200 may be configured to be interposed between adjacent battery cells 110 to block heat. For example, when a thermal event occurs in certain battery cells 110 and heat or high-temperature ventilation gas is generated, the blocking member 200 may inhibit or block the generated heat or gas from being transferred to adjacent battery cells 110. In addition, the blocking member 200 may function to block flames, sparks, etc. emitted from a specific battery cell 110.

[0084] The blocking member 200 has a substantially plate-like shape. The blocking member 200 may be configured as a plate-like shape standing upright in a vertical direction. Moreover, the blocking member 200 may also have a height equal to or similar to the height of the battery cell 110 standing upright in a vertical direction. The height of the blocking member 200 may be less than or greater than the height of the battery cell 110.

[0085] The blocking member 200 may be included in plurality according to the number of battery cells. And as described above, the blocking member 200 may constitute the cell module assembly 100 in a stacked form together with the battery cells 110 .

[0086] According to the configuration of an embodiment of the present disclosure, in a battery pack including a plurality of battery cells 110 , the blocking member 200 can effectively prevent thermal runaway from propagating between cells, and the like.

[0087] The blocking member 200 includes a plate-shaped support plate 210. The support plate 210 has a structure in which a main body 210a and a spacer 240 are coupled. In more detail, the main body 210a and the spacer 240 are coupled to form a single plate-shaped support plate 210. The main body 210a can be made of a plastic material as an example. The plastic material can be made of, for example, PC (polycarbonate) or a mixture of PC and GF (glass fiber). For example, it can also be made of high-strength plastic such as reinforced plastic.

[0088] In addition, the spacer 240 is coupled to the main body 210a. When viewed as a whole, the spacer 240 has a frame structure. The spacer 240 has a structure in which a plurality of polygons are repeatedly arranged on the main body 210a along a large surface area of ​​the support plate 210 of the blocking member 200 (or parallel to the large surface area). The frame structure is composed of a plurality of sub-frames 240a (see Figure 5 ) The frame structure is a structure in which a plurality of first rod members 240-1 are arranged parallel to each other in one direction (see Figure 6 ) and a plurality of second rod members 240-2 arranged in parallel with each other in different directions crossing each other (see Figure 6 ) structure. For the shape and structure of the spacer 240, refer to Figures 5 to 10 A more detailed description of this will be described later.

[0089] The spacer 240 may be made of a metal material as an example. The metal material may be, for example, aluminum, iron, stainless steel, or a combination thereof. The spacer 240 is made of a metal material and is capable of absorbing heat generated in the battery cell 110 during a thermal event of the battery cell 110, thereby reducing the temperature of the battery cell 110. In addition, because the spacer 240 maintains its shape and structure even at high temperatures, the spacer 240 is capable of maintaining a separation distance between the battery cells 110 even if the main body 210a is partially melted at high temperatures. The melting point of the spacer 240 is higher than the melting point of the main body 210a.

[0090] The outermost surface of the blocking member 200 includes a pair of expansion pads 220. The support plate 210 is placed between the pair of expansion pads 220. The expansion pads 220 can be made of silicone, plastic, or a combination thereof. In the case of plastic material, it can be made of soft plastic, for example. When the battery cell 110 expands, the expansion pads 220 can function as a buffer.

[0091] As in Figure 3 and 4As shown in, as an example, the support plate 210 can be composed of two plates. The expansion pad 230 can be further arranged between the two support plates 210. That is, for example, it can have a five-layer structure of expansion pad 220-support plate 210-expansion pad 230-support plate 210-expansion pad 220. However, the present disclosure is not limited to those shown, and various modifications and changes are possible, for example, it can also be manufactured with a triple structure of expansion pad 220-support plate 210-expansion pad 220.

[0092] The expansion pad 230 can be made of silicone, plastic or a combination thereof. In the case of plastic material, for example, it can be made of soft plastic such as polyurethane foam (PU foam). In some cases, the expansion pad 230 can be made of the same material as the expansion pad 220.

[0093] In addition, the length of the support plate 210 is equal to or greater than the length of the expansion pad 220 and / or the expansion pad 230. Both side ends of the support plate 210 having higher rigidity than the expansion pad 220 and / or the expansion pad 230 may contact the bus bar housing 130. Accordingly, as described above, even during welding pressure or during a physical impact from the outside during normal time, the overall structure of the cell module assembly 100 can be maintained.

[0094] Figure 5 Shown included in Figure 3 An embodiment of the main body 210 a of the support plate 210 and the spacer 240 in the blocking member 200 . Figure 5 The spacer 240 has a structure in which a plurality of sub-frames 240a having a rectangular or square edge shape are coupled and the main body 210a is arranged in a row along a surface facing the battery cells 110. The plurality of sub-frames 240a having a rectangular or square edge shape are coupled along a height direction ( Figure 5 z-axis direction) and longitudinal direction ( Figure 5 The y-axis direction) are arranged in rows.

[0095] The spacer 240 may be exposed on one or both surfaces of the support plate 210. It can be configured by a so-called "exposed type." That is, the thickness of the spacer 240 is equal to or less than the thickness of the body 210a. Figure 5 A case is illustrated in which the spacer 240 and the body 210 a have the same thickness and the spacer 240 is exposed on both surfaces of the body 210 a .

[0096] In addition, the main body 210a and the spacer 240 may be integrally manufactured. For example, the spacer 240 may be placed first, and then the main body 210a may be manufactured by plastic injection molding.

[0097] at the same time, Figure 5 A case where the plurality of sub-frames 240 a have the same shape and size is illustrated, but the present disclosure is not limited to those illustrated and can also have different sizes or shapes.

[0098] Figure 6 Only show Figure 5 The spacer 240 includes a plurality of first rod members 240-1 arranged along one direction of the spacer 240, and a plurality of second rod members 240-2 arranged to cross the first rod members 240-1. Figure 6 In an exemplary embodiment, the first rod member 240-1 and the second rod member 240-2 are orthogonal to each other. For example, the first rod member 240-1 is disposed in the longitudinal direction of the body 210a, and the second rod member 240-2 is disposed in the height direction of the body 210a.

[0099] The first rod members 240-1 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other with equal intervals therebetween. In addition, the second rod members 240-2 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other with equal intervals therebetween.

[0100] When manufacturing the spacer 240, the first rod member 240-1 and the second rod member 240-2 can be integrally manufactured using a casting manufacturing method. Alternatively, various modifications and changes are possible, such as a concave portion is placed at each intersection of the first rod member 240-1 and the second rod member 240-2, they are assembled by an assembly connection method between the concave portion of the first rod member 240-1 and the concave portion of the second rod member 240-2, and then the intersection of the first rod member 240-1 and the second rod member 240-2 can be realized by welding and a coupling method.

[0101] Figure 6 The enlarged view on the right side shows the Figure 6 The enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. As an example, the side surface of the spacer 240 is uniformly formed and does not include the separation preventing portion 242 (see FIG. Figure 7 ) situation.

[0102] Meanwhile, the two surfaces 241 of the spacer 240 facing each other have flat surfaces as a whole, and the surfaces on which the two surfaces 241 of the spacer 240 extend coincide with the two surfaces of the support plate 210 (see Figure 5). That is, when the support plate 210 is viewed from the outside, the surface where the main body 210a and the spacer 240 are coupled has a flat surface as a whole without a step. Accordingly, even when the support plate 210 is coupled with the expansion pad 220 and / or the expansion pad 230, the coupling property is increased. In addition, continuous protrusion of the soft expansion pad 220 due to unnecessary protrusion of the spacer 240 is prevented, so that when the blocking member 200 is placed on the battery cell 110, non-uniform compression of the outer surface of the battery cell 110 can be prevented.

[0103] Figure 7 Show Figure 6 For convenience of explanation, the modified embodiment of the spacer 240 is shown in a modified form. Figure 6 Enlarged cross-section view on the right. Figure 7 The spacer 240 in the embodiment may further include a separation preventing portion 242 in at least a portion to prevent the spacer 240 from being separated from the main body 210a. For example, each sub-frame 240a (see Figure 5 ) may include at least one separation preventing portion 242. The first rod members 241 (see FIG. 240 ) facing each other in each sub-frame 240 a Figure 6 ) may each include a separation preventing portion 242. Alternatively, the second rod members 242 facing each other (see Figure 6 ) may each include a separation preventing portion 242.

[0104] As in Figure 7 As shown in FIG, the separation preventing portion 242 may have a convex shape protruding from the side surface of the spacer 240. Such a separation preventing portion 242 is located inside the body 210a, so that the spacer 240 and the body 210a can remain fixedly coupled to each other even in the case of a physical impact from the outside or in other cases.

[0105] Figure 8 Show Figure 7 Another modified embodiment of the spacer 240. Figure 8 In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the separation preventing portion 242 has a concave shape that is recessed inward from the side surface of the spacer 240. Also in this case, since the injection molded body 210a is located in the space of the concave portion of the separation preventing portion 242, the coupling property between the spacer 240 and the body 210a is increased.

[0106] Fig. 9 Show Figure 5 A modified embodiment of the main body 210a. Fig. 9 , the spacer 240 is not exposed on both surfaces of the support plate 210, and the spacer 240 itself is inserted into the body 210a. It can be configured as a so-called "insertion type". Fig. 9 The picture on the left is a perspective view seen from the outside, and the picture on the right is a perspective view.

[0107] exist Fig. 9 In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , because the spacer 240 is inserted inside, it cannot be similar to Figure 5 The case has a separation prevention portion 242. That is, the spacer 240 can be made completely uniform without a step. Thus, the manufacturing cost of the spacer 240 itself can be reduced. However, the present disclosure is not limited to those set forth above, and various modifications and changes are possible, for example, Figure 5 The illustrated spacer 240 can be molded so as to be inserted into the body 210a.

[0108] Fig.10 Show Figures 5 to 9 Another modified embodiment of the spacer 240. Fig.10 The spacer 240 has a structure in which a plurality of sub-frames 240a having a regular hexagonal boundary shape are coupled and arranged in a row along a large surface area of ​​the support plate 210. In addition, Fig.10 The spacer 240 may be manufactured to be exposed on one or both surfaces of the support plate 210, or may be manufactured to be inserted into the support plate 210. In addition, it may also include Figure 7 or Figure 8 The separation prevention part 242. Fig.10 Other issues related to the spacer 240 in are repeated, so refer to the above Figures 5 to 9 The content described in .

[0109] Fig.11 yes Figure 1 FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of another embodiment of a blocking member 200 .

[0110] The blocking member 200 includes a plate-shaped support plate 210. The support plate 210 has a structure in which a main body 210a and a spacer 240 are coupled. In more detail, the main body 210a and the spacer 240 are coupled to form a single plate-shaped support plate 210. The main body 210a can be made of a plastic material as an example. The plastic material can be made of, for example, PC (polycarbonate) or a mixture of PC and GF (glass fiber). For example, it can also be made of high-strength plastic such as reinforced plastic.

[0111] In addition, a plurality of spacers 240 are coupled to the main body 210a. When viewed as a whole, the plurality of spacers 240 may be arranged in a dotted manner along (or parallel to) a large surface area of ​​the support plate 210 of the blocking member 200, and may be placed to be spaced apart from each other. The plurality of spacers 240 may be placed along at least one direction of the main body 210a. For example, Fig.11 In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of spacers 240 may be placed along the longitudinal direction and the height direction of the main body 210a, respectively. In addition, the plurality of spacers 240 may be placed in a row, or may be placed in a zigzag manner. When viewed in at least one direction, the plurality of spacers 240 may be placed at equal intervals. However, the present disclosure is not limited to those set forth above, and various modifications and changes are possible.

[0112] At the same time, as in Fig.11 As shown in , the spacer 240 may have, for example, a circular plate, i.e., a coin shape. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and various modifications and changes are possible, for example, it may be a square plate (see Fig.18 ). The spacer 240 may be made of a metal material as an example. The metal material may be, for example, aluminum, iron, stainless steel or a combination thereof.

[0113] The spacer 240 is made of a metal material, and can absorb heat generated from the battery cell 110 during a thermal event of the battery cell 110 to reduce the temperature of the battery cell 110. In addition, the spacer 240 maintains its shape and structure even at a high temperature, and thus, even if the body 210a is partially melted at a high temperature, the spacer 240 can maintain a separation distance between the battery cells 110.

[0114] Fig.12 Shown included in Fig.11 An embodiment of the main body 210 a and the spacer 240 in the blocking member 200 . Fig.13 Show Fig.12 A modified embodiment of the body 210a and the spacer 240. Fig.12 and Fig.13 The left side of shows a view from the outside, and the right side shows a perspective view.

[0115] first, Fig.12 and Fig.13 The embodiment shows a case where the main body 210a and the spacer 240 can be manufactured as a so-called "integrated type". For example, a plurality of spacers 240 can be placed to be spaced apart from each other in a dot-like manner, and then the main body 210a can be manufactured by a plastic injection molding method. The thickness of the spacer 240 is equal to or less than the thickness of the main body 210a.

[0116] In addition, reference Fig.12 , the spacer 240 is exposed on one or both surfaces of the support plate 210. It can be configured as a so-called "exposed type".

[0117] At the same time, the spacer 240 may further include a separation prevention portion 242 to prevent the spacer 240 from being separated from the main body 210a. The separation prevention portion 242 protrudes from the side surface of the spacer 240 and may have a step lower than the two surfaces 241 of the spacer 240. For example, when the spacer 240 is circular, the diameter D2 of the separation prevention portion 242 may be greater than the diameter D1 of the spacer 240. Such a separation prevention portion 242 is located inside the main body 210a, so that even in the event of a physical impact from the outside or in other situations, the spacer 240 can be fixedly connected to the main body 210a as it is. For reference, although there is no description about the exposed surface 241 of the spacer 240, Fig.12 shown in the figure, but the rear surface has the same Fig.12 The perspective view shows the same shape of the front surface.

[0118] In addition, the two surfaces 241 of the spacer 240 have flat surfaces as a whole, and the surfaces on which the two surfaces 241 of the spacer 240 extend coincide with the two surfaces of the main body 210a. That is, when the support plate 210 is observed from the outside, the surface where the main body 210a and the spacer 240 are connected has a flat surface as a whole without a step. Thus, even when the support plate 210 is connected with the expansion pad 220 and / or the expansion pad 230, the connection properties are increased. In addition, the continuous protrusion of the soft expansion pad 220 caused by the unnecessary protrusion of the spacer 240 is prevented, so that when the blocking member 200 is placed on the battery cell 110, the non-uniform extrusion of the outer surface of the battery cell 110 can be prevented.

[0119] The shape and structure of the separation preventing portion 242 do not necessarily have to be circular, as illustrated in the present disclosure, and it is sufficient if the separation preventing portion 242 can be located inside the main body 210a by protruding from the side surface of the spacer 240 and having a step lower than the two surfaces 241 of the spacer 240.

[0120] refer to Fig.13 , the spacer 240 is not exposed on both surfaces of the support plate 210, and the spacer 240 itself is inserted into the main body 210a. It can be configured as a so-called "insertion type". As mentioned above, the picture on the left shows the situation when viewed from the outside, and only the part indicated by the spacer 240 is illustrated as a reference, and when viewed from the actual outside, only the entire flat body 210a is visible, and the spacer 240 is located on the inside and is therefore not visible.

[0121] exist Fig.13 In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , the spacer 240 is inserted inside and therefore cannot be inserted as in FIG. Fig.12In the case of having a separation prevention portion 242. That is, the side surface of the spacer 240 can be made uniform as a whole without a step. Thus, the manufacturing cost of the spacer 240 itself can be reduced. However, the present disclosure is not limited to those set forth above, and various modifications and changes are possible, for example, Fig.12 The illustrated spacer 240 may also be molded to be inserted into the body 210a.

[0122] Fig.14 Show Fig.12 A modified embodiment of the main body 210a. Fig.15 Show Fig.13 A modified embodiment of the main body 210a. Fig.14 and Fig.15 The left side of exemplifies a view from the outside, and the right side thereof exemplifies an exploded perspective view.

[0123] first, Fig.14 and Fig.15 The embodiment illustrates a case where the main body 210a and the spacer 240 can be manufactured in a so-called "assembled" manner in which the main body 210a and the spacer 240 are assembled and connected. When the main body 210a is observed from the side surface (that is, based on a plane placed in the longitudinal direction of the support plate, when observed from the side end of the main body 210a), it is manufactured using a pair of plate members 210a-1 and 210a-2 forming each half. That is, the pair of plate members 210a-1 and 210a-2 are parallel to the two surfaces of the main body 210a facing the battery cell 110, and are reduced to half with reference to the plane sandwiching the two surfaces. It is manufactured by placing the spacer 240 on the spacer mounting portion 211 and 211-1 of one of the pair of plate members 210a-1 and 210a-2 and connecting the other of the pair of plate members 210a-1 and 210a-2.

[0124] The pair of plate members 210 a - 1 and 210 a - 2 are also arranged such that the plurality of spacer mounting portions 211 and 211 - 1 are separated from each other in a dotted manner, and the spacer 240 is mounted on each of the spacer mounting portions 211 .

[0125] refer to Fig.14 , similar to Fig.12 In the case of the support plate 210, the spacer 240 is exposed on one or both surfaces of the support plate 210. It can be configured as a so-called "exposed type".

[0126] The spacer mounting portion 211 has an open shape so that the spacer 240 is exposed. In addition, in order to ensure that the spacer 240 is not separated from the main body 210a, that is, not separated from the open-shaped spacer mounting portion 211, it can be similar to Fig.12The case further includes a separation preventing portion 242. In addition, the spacer mounting portion 211 of the main body 210a includes a mounting step 212 corresponding to (matching) the shape of the separation preventing portion 242 so that the separation preventing portion 242 can also be mounted. The mounting step 212 is formed on the surfaces facing each other (the surfaces disposed on the inner side of the main body 210a) of the pair of plate members 210a-1 and 210a-2. Because the description of the spacer 240 including other separation preventing portions 242 is repeated, refer to the above reference Fig.12 Those described.

[0127] On the other hand, the pair of plate members 210a-1 and 210a-2 may be further provided with a coupling member 213 provided on the side surfaces (side ends) of the pair of plate members 210a-1 and 210a-2. The first coupling member 213 may be composed of a plurality of members. The coupling member 213 is composed of a set of female coupling members and male coupling members. Fig.14 The exemplary embodiment illustrates a hook connection. In other words, it illustrates a situation with a hooking ring and a hooking metal structure. Alternatively, in another exemplary embodiment, one has a concave portion and the other has a convex portion matching or corresponding thereto, wherein the convex portion can be aligned with the concave portion and connected to the concave portion. However, the present disclosure is not limited to those illustrated or described above, and it is sufficient if it is a structure capable of connecting and fixing the pair of plate members 210a-1 and 210a-2 to each other. Alternatively, various modifications and changes are possible, for example, it can be connected between the pair of plate members 210a-1 and 210a-2 with an adhesive or the like.

[0128] In addition, the pair of plate members 210a-1 and 210a-2 may further include a guide member 214 disposed at the corner of the pair of plate members 210a-1 and 210a-2. The guide member 214 may be composed of a plurality of members. The guide member 214 is composed of a group of female coupling members and male coupling members. For example, one may have a concave portion, and the other may have a convex portion having a shape matching or corresponding to the concave portion. Fig.14 The exemplary embodiment of exemplifies an L-shaped concave portion and an L-shaped convex portion formed along a corner. However, the present disclosure is not limited to those illustrated, and it is sufficient to have a structure in which a pair of plate members 210a-1 and 210a-2 can be guided so that they can be aligned with each other at the corner.

[0129] Even in Fig.14 In the embodiment of the present invention, the two surfaces 241 of the spacer 240 have flat surfaces as a whole, and the plane on which the two surfaces 241 of the spacer 240 extend coincides with the two surfaces of the body 210a. Because other details are redundant, refer to the above reference Fig.12 Those described.

[0130] refer to Fig.15 , the spacer 240 is not exposed on both surfaces of the support plate 210, and the spacer 240 itself is inserted into the main body 210a. It can be configured as a so-called "insertion type". As mentioned above, the picture on the left side illustrates the situation when viewed from the outside, and only the part indicated by the spacer 240 is illustrated as a reference, and when the support plate 210 is actually viewed from the outside, only the completely flat main body 210a is visible, and the spacer 240 is located on the inside and is therefore not visible.

[0131] exist Fig.15 In the embodiment of Fig.14 In the illustrated embodiment, the spacer mounting portion 211-1 of the main body 210a has a concave step. The spacer 240 is placed in each of the spacer mounting portions 211-1 of the pair of plate members 210a-1 and 210a-2. For other repeated questions about the spacer 240 and the main body 210a, refer to the above reference. Figure 12 to Figure 14 Describe the details. Fig.16 Shown along Fig.12 and Fig.14 As described above, the separation preventing portion 242 protruding from the side surface of the spacer 240 is provided.

[0132] Fig.17 Show Fig.12 and 14 Another modified embodiment of the spacer. For the convenience of explanation, Fig.17 In the diagram, it is shown as a cross-sectional view so that it can be seen through the Fig.16 In Fig.12 and Fig.14 The spacer is understood by comparing the cross-sectional views of FIG. Fig.17 The spacer in has a concave shape in which the separation preventing portion 242 is recessed inward from the side surface of the spacer 240. When manufacturing the support plate 210 of the blocking member 200 using the spacer 240 in this case, it is advantageous to manufacture the spacer 240 and the body 210a integrally.

[0133] Fig.18 Show Figure 12 to Figure 15 Another modified embodiment of the spacer 240.

[0134] The spacer 240 may have a square cross section. The case on the left side (a) illustrates a case where the separation preventing member 241 is not applied, and the case on the right side (b) illustrates a case where the separation preventing member 241 is applied.

[0135] At the same time, about Figures 11 to 18 For other descriptions of the blocking member 200, refer to the above Figures 3 to 10 The details of the blocking member 200 are described.

[0136] According to the above Figures 3 to 18 In the blocking member 800 described in the embodiment of the present invention, since the spacer 240 of the metal material is placed through the plastic body 210a or inside the body 210a, the manufacturing cost can be significantly reduced as compared with the case where the support plate 210 is manufactured only from the metal material. On the other hand, since the spacer 240 is made of the metal material, it can absorb the heat generated from the battery cell 110 during the thermal event of the battery cell 110 to reduce the temperature of the battery cell 110. In addition, since the spacer 240 maintains its shape and structure even at high temperatures, even if the body 210a is partially melted at high temperatures, the spacer 240 can maintain the separation distance between the battery cells 110.

[0137] Furthermore, according to the present disclosure, even if the spacer 240 is placed, both surfaces of the main body 210a including the spacer 240 (both surfaces facing the battery cell 110) are flat as a whole, and therefore, even when the main body 210a is coupled with the expansion pad 220 and / or the expansion pad 230, the coupling property is increased. In addition, it prevents continuous protrusion of the soft expansion pad 220 due to unnecessary protrusion of the spacer 240, thereby preventing non-uniform compression of the outer surface of the battery cell 110 when the blocking member 200 is placed on the battery cell 110.

[0138] Fig.19 is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.19 The battery pack of the embodiment mainly includes Figure 1 The battery pack includes a cell module assembly 100 , a blocking member 200 , a battery pack case 300 , and a battery management system (BMS) 400 .

[0139] Various types of cables such as a power cable 160 are connected to the cell module assembly 100. Since other cell module assemblies 100 and blocking members 200 are repeated with those set forth above, reference is made to those set forth above.

[0140] The battery pack case accommodates the cell module assembly 100 , the blocking member 200 , and the battery management system 400 therein. Fig.19The embodiment includes a lower shell member 310 and an upper shell member 320. The lower shell member 310 and the upper shell member 320 are combined to surround the outer side of the cell module assembly 100. For example, the lower shell member 310 may have a substantially flat plate shape. For example, the upper shell member 320 may have a U-shaped frame shape. The cell module assembly 100 may be placed on the flat plate-shaped lower shell member 310, and the upper shell member 320 may cover the cell module assembly 100.

[0141] However, the present disclosure is not limited to those described above, and can be changed and modified in various ways, for example, the lower casing member 310 and the upper casing member 320 may each be an L-shaped frame, and may also be a roll-pressed single frame.

[0142] An insulating sheet 330 having an electrical insulating property is provided between the cell module assembly 100 and the lower case member 310. In addition, an insulating sheet 340 having an electrical insulating property is provided between the cell module assembly 100 and the upper case member 320. The insulating sheet 330 and the insulating sheet 340 may be, for example, a film made of PC (polycarbonate), PET, PP, or a combination thereof.

[0143] When the battery management system 400 is mounted on the front surface of the cell module assembly 100 , a BMS cover 350 may be further provided on the front surface between the upper case member 320 and the lower case member 310 to cover the battery management system 400 .

[0144] Meanwhile, in the above-mentioned embodiments, the case where the electrode leads 111 and 112 are arranged on both sides of the battery cell 110 and a pair of bus bar housings 130 are arranged on both ends of the battery cell stack is explained as an example, but the present disclosure is not limited to those described above. All electrode leads 111 and 112 can be arranged on one side of the battery cell 110, and the bus bar housing 130 can be placed at one end of the battery cell stack, that is, at one end facing the electrode leads 111 and 112. That is, the description of the bus bar housing 130, the blocking member 200, the battery pack housing 300, etc. can also be applied to the latter case.

[0145] In addition to the above-mentioned components, the battery pack according to the present disclosure may further include various other components included in the battery pack. For example, the battery pack according to the present disclosure may include various electrical components for controlling or managing the charging and discharging of the battery pack, such as a battery management system (BMS), relays, fuses, and current sensors.

[0146] The energy storage system (ESS) according to the present disclosure includes one or more battery packs according to the present disclosure as described above. In addition, the energy storage device according to the present disclosure may further include common components included in the energy storage device in addition to the battery pack.

[0147] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail with reference to specific embodiments and schematic drawings, the present disclosure is not limited thereto and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0148] Description of Reference Numerals

[0149] 100: Monolithic module components

[0150] 110: Battery Cell

[0151] 111: Electrode lead

[0152] 112: Electrode lead

[0153] 120: End plate

[0154] 130: Busbar housing

[0155] 140: belt

[0156] 150: Busbar

[0157] 200: blocking member

[0158] 210: Support plate

[0159] 210a: Subject

[0160] 211, 211-1: Spacer installation part

[0161] 220: Expansion pad

[0162] 230: Expansion pad

[0163] 240: Spacer

[0164] 240a: Subframe

[0165] 240-1: First rod member

[0166] 240-2: Second rod member

[0167] 242: Separation prevention unit

[0168] 300: Battery pack housing

[0169] 310: Lower shell member

[0170] 320: Upper shell member

[0171] 330: Insulation sheet

[0172] 340: Insulation sheet

[0173] 350: BMS cover

[0174] 400: Battery Management System

Claims

1. A single module assembly, include: a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; and a blocking member disposed between at least one battery cell among the plurality of battery cells and at least another battery cell among the plurality of battery cells, wherein the blocking member comprises a support plate, and the support plate comprises a main body and a spacer coupled to the main body, and The spacer has a higher melting point than the body so as to maintain shape and structure during thermal events of the battery cell.

2. The single module assembly according to claim 1, in: The body is made of plastic material, and The spacer is made of metal material.

3. The single module assembly according to claim 1, in: The spacer has a frame structure, and The frame includes a plurality of sub-frames.

4. The single module assembly according to claim 3, in: Each of the plurality of sub-frames has the same shape and structure and is placed along a large surface area of ​​the blocking member.

5. The single module assembly according to claim 1, in: Each of the plurality of sub-frames has a rectangular or square boundary shape so that the spacer has a grid structure.

6. The single module assembly according to claim 1, in: Each of the plurality of sub-frames has a regular hexagonal boundary shape of the same size so that the spacer has a honeycomb structure.

7. The single module assembly according to claim 1, in: The spacer includes a plurality of first rod members disposed along one direction and a plurality of second rod members disposed to cross the first rod members.

8. The single module assembly according to claim 7, in: The first rod member and the second rod member are orthogonal to each other.

9. The single module assembly according to claim 7, in: Each of the plurality of first rod members is disposed to be spaced apart from each other at first predetermined equal intervals, and Each of the plurality of second rod members is disposed to be spaced apart from each other at second predetermined equal intervals.

10. The single module assembly according to claim 7, in: The spacer is manufactured by welding and coupling the first rod member and the second rod member.

11. The single module assembly according to claim 1, in: A plurality of spacers are provided, and the plurality of spacers are spaced apart at a predetermined distance along at least one direction of the support plate to form a lattice.

12. The single module assembly according to claim 11, in: The spacer has a circular or square plate shape.

13. The single module assembly according to claim 1, in: The spacer is integrally manufactured using a casting manufacturing method.

14. The single module assembly according to claim 1, in: The spacer is exposed to the outside on one or both sides of the outer surface of the support plate facing the battery cell, and One or both surfaces where the body and the spacer are coupled are flat without a step.

15. The single module assembly according to claim 1, in: The spacer includes a separation preventing portion disposed inside the support plate, and The separation preventing portion has a convex shape protruding outward from a side surface or has a concave shape recessed inward from the side surface.

16. The single module assembly according to claim 1, in: The spacer is inserted inside the body and is not exposed on the surface of the support plate.

17. The single module assembly according to claim 1, in: The body and the spacer are integrally manufactured, and It is manufactured by placing the spacer and then injection molding the body.

18. The single module assembly according to claim 1, in: The body and the spacer are manufactured separately and assembled, and The body includes a pair of plate members, wherein the spacer is placed on one of the pair of plate members, and then the other of the pair of plate members is coupled.

19. The single module assembly according to claim 18, in: When viewed from a side end portion of the support plate, the pair of plate members each constitutes a half of the main body, and Each of the pair of plate members is formed with a spacer mounting portion, wherein the spacer mounting portions are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance along at least one direction of the support plate to form the spacer mounting portions arranged in a dotted manner.

20. The single module assembly according to claim 19, in: The spacer mounting portion has an open shape, and the spacer is exposed to the outside of the support plate, The spacer mounting portion has a mounting step surrounding the opening, the separation preventing portion of the spacer is mounted on the mounting step, and the mounting step is formed on a surface of each of the pair of plate members facing each other thereat.

21. The single module assembly according to claim 19, in: The spacer mounting portion has a concave shape and is formed on a surface of each of the pair of plate members where the plate members face each other, and the spacer is inserted into an interior of the support plate.

22. The single module assembly according to claim 18, in: Each of the pair of plate members has a coupling member on a side surface, The female coupling member is disposed on one of the pair of plate members, and the male coupling member is disposed on the other of the pair of plate members.

23. The single module assembly according to claim 22, in: The coupling member is hook-coupled.

24. The single module assembly according to claim 18, in: Each of the pair of plate members has a guide member at a corner portion, The female guide member is disposed on one of the pair of plate members, and the male guide member is disposed on the other of the pair of plate members.

25. The single module assembly according to claim 24, in: The female guide member is an L-shaped concave portion formed along a corner of the plate member, and the male guide member is an L-shaped convex portion formed along a corner of the plate member.

26. The single module assembly according to claim 1, in: The blocking member further includes a pair of expansion pads each provided on both surfaces of the main body.

27. The single module assembly according to claim 1, in: The barrier member is provided with a plurality of bodies, and further includes an expansion pad disposed between the bodies.

28. The single module assembly according to claim 1, further comprising: include: a pair of bus bar cases including openings through which electrode leads of the battery cells pass and disposed on both side surfaces of the battery cell stack; and A pair of end plates are provided to connect both ends of the pair of bus bar cases, respectively.

29. A battery pack, include: The single module assembly according to claim 28; and A battery pack housing accommodates the cell module assembly therein.

30. An energy storage system comprising a battery pack according to claim 29.

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