Battery module insulation structure

Abstract

The present invention provides a battery module structure comprising: an electrode assembly; a frame having an open top and accommodating the electrode assembly; a top plate covering the top of the frame; a first insulating film attached to an inner surface of the frame including an inner sidewall surface; and a second insulating film (31) attached to the inner surface of the top plate. When a region where an inner surface of the frame and an inner surface of the top plate are in contact with each other is referred to as a boundary portion, the battery module may include a first overhang portion formed by bending the first insulating film inward from a first bent portion spaced apart from the boundary portion by a predetermined distance in a height direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0175923, filed on December 15, 2022, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery module including a battery cell laminate and a case accommodating the battery cell laminate, and having an insulating structure for insulating the battery cell laminate from the case. Background Art

[0003] Secondary batteries provide application convenience according to product groups and have electrical characteristics such as high energy density. They are widely used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles driven by an electric drive source and power storage devices. These secondary batteries are attracting attention as new energy sources for improving eco-friendliness and energy efficiency, not only because they have the main advantage of being able to significantly reduce the use of fossil fuels, but also because they do not produce any by-products due to energy use.

[0004] While small mobile devices use one or two or three battery cells per device, medium to large devices such as vehicles require high output and large capacity. Therefore, medium to large battery modules using a plurality of battery cells electrically connected are used.

[0005] Since it is desired to manufacture medium to large battery modules with the smallest possible size and weight, rectangular batteries and pouch-type batteries that can be stacked with high integration have a small weight-to-capacity ratio and are mainly used as battery cells of medium to large battery modules.

[0006] Figure 1 And Figure 2 are an exploded perspective view and a perspective view, respectively, illustrating the structure of a battery module. Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , a typical battery module may include a battery cell laminate 1 formed by laminating a plurality of pouch-type battery cells, a frame 2 having an open upper portion and accommodating the battery cell laminate 1, and a top plate 3 covering the upper end of the frame 2. The frame 2 and the top plate 3 may be made of a conductive material such as metal and may be assembled by joining using a method such as welding.

[0007] In addition, when the frame 2 and the top plate 3 are made of a conductive material such as metal, there is a risk of short circuit between the frame 2 or the top plate 3 and the battery cell laminate 1. Such a short circuit has a risk of causing thermal runaway of the battery cell laminate 1 and causing a fire, and even when thermal runaway does not occur, the battery module may not be able to operate at all or may not operate sufficiently. Therefore, it is preferable that the frame 2 and the top plate 3 are insulated from the battery cell laminate 1.

[0008] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module. Referring to Figure 3 , a first insulating film 21 and a second insulating film 31 can be respectively attached to the inner surfaces of the frame 2 and the top plate 3 for insulating from the battery cell laminate 1. The first insulating film 21 and the second insulating film 31 can be attached so as to be spaced apart from a boundary 4 at a joint of the frame 2 and the top plate 3 by a predetermined distance. The first insulating film 21 and the second insulating film 31 are separated from the boundary 4 to prevent poor joint due to interference between the first insulating film 21 and the second insulating film 31, or to prevent damage to the first insulating film 21 and the second insulating film 31 due to heat generated during a welding process in a process of joining the frame 2 and the top plate 3 to each other at the boundary 4.

[0009] Figure 4 is Figure 3 a partially enlarged view of a boundary of the battery module of Figure 4 , since the frame 2 and the top plate 3 are exposed to the battery cell laminate 1 at the boundary 4, a short circuit may occur between the battery cell laminate 1 and the boundary 4. Such a short circuit may occur when the battery cell laminate 1 comes into contact with the boundary 4 due to movement, or when the insulation distance between the battery cell laminate 1 and the boundary 4 is too short. Here, the insulation distance can be defined as the length of the shortest path through which current flows between two objects. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0011] In order to solve the above problems of the prior art, an object of the present invention is to provide a structure of a battery module that ensures insulation performance between a frame, a top plate, and a battery cell laminate.

[0012] Specifically, an object of the present invention is to provide a structure of a battery module that can eliminate or reduce the risk of contact between a frame, a top plate, and a battery cell laminate, and can increase the insulation distance between the frame, the top plate, and the battery cell laminate.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a structure of a battery module that includes insulating films that do not interfere with the joint between the frame and the top plate and are not damaged by the joint.

[0014] The technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the above objects, and other objects and advantages not described in the present invention can be understood through the following description and will be more clearly understood through examples of the present invention. Additionally, it is obvious that the objects and advantages of the present invention can be achieved by the means shown in the claims and combinations thereof.

[0015] TECHNICAL SOLUTION

[0016] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides a structure of a battery module, which includes: an electrode assembly; a frame having an open upper portion and accommodating the electrode assembly; a top plate covering the upper portion of the frame; a first insulating film attached to the inner surface of the frame including the inner surface of the side wall; and a second insulating film attached to the inner surface of the top plate.

[0017] The battery module according to the present invention includes a structure for ensuring the insulating performance of the first insulating film and the second insulating film. Here, the insulating performance may refer to the function of preventing a short circuit caused by current flowing between the frame, the top plate, and the battery cell laminate, and the insulating performance can be evaluated based on the ability to block electrical contact, the ability to ensure an insulating distance, and the ability to prevent damage to the insulator. The insulating distance can be defined as the length of the shortest path through which current flows between two objects.

[0018] The battery module may include a first overhang portion formed by bending the first insulating film inward at a first bending portion, the first bending portion being spaced apart from a boundary by a predetermined distance in the height direction, at which boundary the inner surface of the frame and the inner surface of the top plate may contact each other. By spacing the first insulating film apart from the boundary by a predetermined distance, the possibility of the first insulating film interfering with the joining between the frame and the top plate can be reduced or eliminated, and the first insulating film can be prevented from being damaged by the welding heat generated during the welding of the frame and the top plate. The predetermined distance can be determined by considering the joining method between the frame and the top plate and by considering the welding heat, etc. when the joining method between the frame and the top plate is welding.

[0019] The first insulating film may include a third bending portion provided at the front end of the first overhang portion. The first insulating film may be bent inward at both the first bending portion and the third bending portion. Alternatively, the first insulating film may be bent inward at the first bending portion and bent outward at the third bending portion. The bending direction of the first insulating film at the third bending portion can be selected to make the current path between the frame, the top plate, and the battery cell laminate more complex and increase the insulating distance.

[0020] The battery module may include a second overhang portion formed by bending the second insulating film inward at a second bending portion, the second bending portion being spaced apart from a boundary by a predetermined distance in the width direction. By spacing the second insulating film apart from the boundary by a predetermined distance, the possibility of the second insulating film interfering with the joining between the frame and the top plate can be reduced or eliminated, and the second insulating film can be prevented from being damaged by the welding heat generated during the welding of the frame and the top plate. The predetermined distance can be determined by considering the joining method between the frame and the top plate and by considering the welding heat, etc. when the joining method between the frame and the top plate is welding.

[0021] The second insulating film may include a fourth bent portion provided at the front end of the second overhang portion. The second insulating film may be bent inwardly at both the second bent portion and the fourth bent portion. Alternatively, the second insulating film may be bent inwardly at the second bent portion and outwardly at the fourth bent portion. The bending direction of the second insulating film at the fourth bent portion may be selected to be suitable for making the current path between the frame and the top plate and the battery cell laminate more complex and increasing the insulation distance.

[0022] The first insulating film and the second insulating film may partially overlap each other in a predetermined direction. Here, "the first insulating film and the second insulating film may partially overlap each other in a predetermined direction" means a structure in which an imaginary straight line drawn from a point on either the first insulating film or the second insulating film in the predetermined direction passes through both the first insulating film and the second insulating film.

[0023] Here, the first insulating film and the second insulating film may partially overlap in the height direction. Alternatively, the first insulating film and the second insulating film may partially overlap each other in the width direction. Alternatively, the first insulating film and the second insulating film may partially overlap each other in the thickness direction. When the first insulating film and the second insulating film overlap each other, contact between the battery cell laminate and the frame and the top plate can be prevented.

[0024] The top plate may include a guiding unit that extends along the boundary and protrudes downward. The guiding unit may be formed integrally with the top plate.

[0025] The guiding unit may include a tapered portion configured to guide the front end of the first overhang portion inward in the width direction when the top plate and the frame approach each other upward and downward, respectively. Accordingly, the risk of the first insulating film interfering with the engagement between the frame and the top plate is further reduced.

[0026] The second insulating film may cover at least a part of the inner surface of the guiding unit. In particular, the second insulating film may cover at least a part of the tapered portion. The second insulating film may be attached to cover the tapered portion. That is, the second insulating film may include a portion attached to at least a part of the tapered portion. Here, preferably, the second insulating film does not include the second overhang portion and may be provided to be completely attached to the tapered portion. As a result, the inclined contact between the tapered portion and the first overhang portion becomes easier.

[0027] When the second insulating film covers a part of the guiding unit and the first insulating film is bent inward along the guiding unit, the first insulating film and the second insulating film overlap each other, and thus contact between the frame, the top plate, and the battery cell laminate can be prevented.

[0028] The first insulating film and the second insulating film may be bent or overlap each other as described above to increase the insulation distance between the frame, the top plate, and the battery cell laminate.

[0029] The first insulation distance, which is the length of the shortest path for current to flow between the surface of the battery cell laminate and the inner surface of the frame, can be greater than the shortest distance between the surface of the battery cell laminate and the inner surface of the frame. That is to say, by providing the first insulation film and the second insulation film, the insulation distance between the frame and the battery cell laminate can be increased.

[0030] Here, the first insulation distance can be at least 1.5 times the shortest distance between the surface of the battery cell laminate and the inner surface of the frame. For example, when the component of the length of the first overhang portion in the width direction is at least 1.5 times the shortest distance between the surface of the battery cell laminate and the inner surface of the frame, the first insulation distance is at least 1.5 times the shortest distance between the surface of the battery cell laminate and the inner surface of the frame.

[0031] Alternatively, the first insulation distance can be at least 2 times the shortest distance between the surface of the battery cell laminate and the inner surface of the frame. For example, when the component of the length of the first overhang portion in the width direction is at least 2 times the shortest distance between the surface of the battery cell laminate and the inner surface of the frame, the first insulation distance is at least 2 times the shortest distance between the surface of the battery cell laminate and the inner surface of the frame.

[0032] The second insulation distance, which is the length of the shortest path for current to flow between the surface of the battery cell laminate and the inner surface of the top plate, can be greater than the shortest distance between the surface of the battery cell laminate and the inner surface of the top plate. That is to say, by providing the first insulation film and the second insulation film, the insulation distance between the top plate and the battery cell laminate can be increased.

[0033] Here, the second insulation distance can be at least 1.5 times the shortest distance between the surface of the battery cell laminate and the inner surface of the top plate. For example, when the component of the length of the second overhang portion in the height direction is at least 1.5 times the shortest distance between the surface of the battery cell laminate and the inner surface of the top plate, the second insulation distance is at least 1.5 times the shortest distance between the surface of the battery cell laminate and the inner surface of the top plate.

[0034] Alternatively, the second insulation distance can be at least 2 times the shortest distance between the surface of the battery cell laminate and the inner surface of the top plate. For example, when the component of the length of the second overhang portion in the height direction is at least 2 times the shortest distance between the surface of the battery cell laminate and the inner surface of the top plate, the second insulation distance is at least 2 times the shortest distance between the surface of the battery cell laminate and the inner surface of the top plate.

[0035] The present invention provides a battery pack including the battery module and a vehicle including the battery pack.

[0036] Multiple battery modules can be built into a single battery pack frame to form a battery pack for high voltage and / or high capacity. The multiple battery modules are connected in parallel or in series with each other through bus bars included in the battery pack to achieve high voltage and high capacity overall. The battery pack can be built into an electric vehicle using a secondary battery as a power source. The battery pack can supply power to the vehicle through a motor built into the vehicle. Since the detailed structures of such a battery pack and the vehicle are known to those skilled in the art, their detailed descriptions are not given here.

[0037] Advantageous Effects

[0038] The present invention can provide a structure of a battery module in which the insulation distance between the frame and the top plate and the battery cell laminate is increased.

[0039] The present invention can provide a structure of a battery module in which direct contact between the frame and the top plate and the battery cell laminate is prevented.

[0040] The present invention can provide a structure of a battery module that has improved insulation performance without interfering with or damaging the joint between the frame and the top plate by providing a hanging portion where the insulating film bends inward.

[0041] The present invention can provide a structure of a battery module in which, during the process of assembling the frame and the top plate, the first insulating film and the second insulating film are guided to effectively overlap each other without interfering with the joint area.

[0042] In addition, the present invention can have various other effects, which will be described in each embodiment, or the description of effects that can be easily inferred by those skilled in the art will be omitted. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] Figure 1 and Figure 2 are an exploded perspective view and a perspective view respectively illustrating the structure of a battery module.

[0044] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the battery module.

[0045] Figure 4 is Figure 3 a partially enlarged view of the boundary of the battery module of

[0046] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 6 is Figure 5 a partially enlarged view of the boundary of the battery module of

[0048] Figure 7It is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 8 is Figure 7 a partially enlarged view of the boundary of the battery module.

[0050] Figure 9 and Figure 10 are respectively cross-sectional views of the top plate and the frame of the battery module before and after assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 11 and Figure 12 are respectively Figure 9 and Figure 10 partially enlarged views of the boundary of the battery module.

[0052] Figure 13 Illustrates a battery pack in which the battery module according to the present invention is built in, and Figure 14 illustrates a Figure 13 vehicle in which the battery pack is built in.

[0053] [Explanation of Reference Numerals]

[0054] 1: Battery cell laminate

[0055] 2: Frame

[0056] 21: First insulating film

[0057] 211: First bending portion

[0058] 212: First hanging portion

[0059] 213: Third bending portion

[0060] 3: Top plate

[0061] 31: Second insulating film

[0062] 311: Second bending portion

[0063] 312: Second hanging portion

[0064] 313: Fourth bending portion

[0065] 32: Guide unit

[0066] 321: Tapered portion

[0067] 4: Boundary

[0068] M: Battery module

[0069] P: Battery pack

[0070] V: Vehicle

[0071] X: Length direction

[0072] Y: Width direction

[0073] Z: Height direction Detailed implementation manners

[0074] The above objects, features, and advantages will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, enabling those skilled in the art to implement the technical idea of the present invention. When determining that the detailed description of the prior art related to the present invention unnecessarily obscures the gist of the present invention, its detailed description will be omitted. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar components.

[0075] Although "first", "second", etc. are used to describe various elements, these elements are of course not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another, and unless otherwise specifically stated, the first element may also be the second element.

[0076] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0077] Hereinafter, "arranging an element above (or below) an element" or "arranging an element on top of (or at the bottom of) an element" not only means "arranging the element in contact with the upper surface (or lower surface)", but also means "arranging the element above the upper surface (or lower surface) with another element interposed therebetween".

[0078] In addition, when an element is described as "connected", "coupled", or "contacted" with another element, it should be understood that the element may be "directly connected", "directly coupled", or "directly contacted" with the other element, or the element may be "connected", "coupled", or "contacted" with the other element and yet another element is interposed therebetween or the element is "connected", "coupled", or "contacted" with the other element via yet another element.

[0079] Unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the singular forms of expressions used herein include the plural forms. Terms such as "consisting of" or "comprising" used herein should not be construed as necessarily including all the elements or steps described in this specification, but should be construed as not including some of the elements or steps, or including additional elements or steps.

[0080] In addition, unless otherwise clearly specified in the context, the singular forms of expressions used herein include the plural forms. Terms such as "consisting of" or "comprising" used herein should not be construed as necessarily including all the elements or steps described in this specification, but should be construed as not including some of the elements or steps, or including additional elements or steps.

[0081] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specifically stated, "A and / or B" means A, B, or both A and B, and unless otherwise specifically stated, "C to D" means equal to or higher than C to equal to or lower than D.

[0082] The present invention provides a structure of a battery module, which includes: an electrode assembly formed by laminating a plurality of pouch-type battery cells; a frame having an open upper portion and accommodating the electrode assembly; a top plate covering the open end of the frame; a first insulating film attached to the inner surface of the frame, which includes the inner surface of the side wall of the frame; and a second insulating film attached to the inner surface of the top plate.

[0083] The battery module according to the present invention includes a structure for ensuring the insulation performance of the first insulating film and the second insulating film. Herein, the insulation performance may refer to the function of preventing a short circuit caused by current flowing between the frame, the top plate, and the battery cell laminate, and the insulation performance can be evaluated based on the ability to block electrical contact, the ability to ensure an insulation distance, and the ability to prevent damage to the insulator. The insulation distance can be defined as the length of the shortest path through which current flows between two objects.

[0084] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0085] [First Embodiment]

[0086] Figure 1 and Figure 2 are respectively an exploded perspective view and a perspective view illustrating the structure of the battery module. Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the battery module may include a battery cell laminate 1, a frame 2, and a top plate 3.

[0087] The battery cell laminate 1 may be formed by laminating pouch-type battery cells. However, the battery cell laminate 1 is not limited thereto, and regardless of how the term is used, the battery cell laminate 1 may be a component of various electrodes or battery cells.

[0088] The battery cell laminate 1 may be accommodated in the frame 2. The frame 2 may have an open upper portion. The frame 2 may include a conductive material. The frame may be made of a metal material.

[0089] The upper part of the frame 2 can be covered by the top plate 3. The top plate may include a conductive material. The top plate 3 may be made of a metallic material.

[0090] The frame 2 and the top plate 3 can be joined to each other. Hereinafter, the region where the frame 2 and the top plate 3 are joined is referred to as a boundary. Here, the boundary is the inner boundary between the frame 2 and the top plate 3 when the frame 2 and the top plate 3 are joined to each other. The boundary may refer to the corresponding part of the frame 2 or the corresponding part of the top plate 3.

[0091] According to the first embodiment, the frame 2 and the top plate 3 may include a metallic material, and the joining may be achieved by welding. A stepped portion may be provided inside the two upper ends of the side wall of the frame 2 to engage with the top plate 3. In this case, the boundary may refer to the innermost end of the stepped portion and the corresponding part of the top plate 3.

[0092] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to the first embodiment of the present invention, Figure 6 is Figure 5 a partial enlarged view of the boundary of the battery module of. Refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the battery module may include one or more insulating films that insulate the frame 2, the top plate 3, and the battery cell laminate 1 from each other. The insulating film may be made of a material having insulating properties or may be coated with a material having insulating properties. The insulating film may have a predetermined degree of elasticity.

[0093] The first insulating film 21 may be attached to the inner surface of the frame 2. Specifically, the first insulating film 21 may be attached to the inner surface of the frame 2, including the inner surfaces of the two side walls of the frame 2. The attachment boundary of the first insulating film 21 may be a first bent portion 211 that is spaced apart from the boundary 4 by a predetermined distance in the height direction. The first insulating film 21 may be bent inward from the first bent portion 211 to form a first overhanging portion 212. The first overhanging portion 212 may extend from the first bent portion 211 without being attached to the inner surface of the frame 2. The predetermined distance may be determined by considering the joining method between the frame and the top plate and, when the joining method between the frame and the top plate is welding, by considering welding heat, etc.

[0094] The second insulating film 31 may be attached to the inner surface of the top plate 3. Specifically, the second insulating film 31 may be attached to the inner surface of the top plate 3, including the inner surfaces of the two side walls of the top plate 3. The attachment boundary of the second insulating film 31 may be a second bending portion 311 that is spaced apart from the boundary 4 by a predetermined distance in the width direction. The second insulating film 31 may be bent inward from the second bending portion 311 to form a second hanging portion 312. The second hanging portion 312 may extend from the second bending portion 311 without being attached to the inner surface of the top plate 3. The predetermined distance may be determined by considering the joining method between the frame and the top plate and, when the joining method between the frame and the top plate is welding, considering welding heat, etc.

[0095] The battery module according to the first embodiment may include a first insulating film 21 and a second insulating film 31. The first insulating film 21 may be attached to the inner surfaces of the two side walls of the frame 2 and bent inward from a first bending portion 211 that is spaced apart from the boundary 4 by a predetermined distance in the height direction to form a first hanging portion 212. The second insulating film 31 may be attached to the inner surface of the top plate 3 and bent inward from a second bending portion 311 that is spaced apart from the boundary 4 by a predetermined distance in the width direction to form a second hanging portion 312.

[0096] According to the first embodiment, the first insulating film 21 and the second insulating film 31 are attached so as to be spaced apart from the boundary 4 by a predetermined distance, thereby preventing interference with the joining of the frame 2 and the top plate 3. Therefore, the frame 2 and the top plate 3 can have sufficient joining strength as designed. In addition, as described above, since the first insulating film 21 and the second insulating film 31 are attached so as to be spaced apart from the boundary 4, damage to the first insulating film 21 and the second insulating film 31 caused by welding heat generated during the welding of the frame 2 and the top plate 3 can also be prevented.

[0097] In addition, according to the first embodiment, the first hanging portion 212 and the second hanging portion 312 extend inward so as to be disposed along the shortest path from the battery cell laminate 1 to the frame 2 and the top plate 3. As a result, the path for current to flow from the battery cell laminate 1 to the frame 2 and the top plate 3 becomes complex, and thus the insulation distance can be increased.

[0098] The first insulating film 21 and the second insulating film 31 may partially overlap each other in a predetermined direction. Here, "the first insulating film 21 and the second insulating film 31 may partially overlap each other in a predetermined direction" means a structure in which an imaginary straight line drawn from a point on the first insulating film 21 or the second insulating film 31 in the predetermined direction passes through both the first insulating film 21 and the second insulating film 31.

[0099] Here, the first insulating film 21 and the second insulating film 31 may partially overlap each other in the height direction. Alternatively, the first insulating film 21 and the second insulating film 31 may partially overlap each other in the width direction. Alternatively, the first insulating film 21 and the second insulating film 31 may partially overlap each other in the thickness direction.

[0100] According to the first embodiment, the first insulating film 21 and the second insulating film 31 may overlap each other in the height direction, width direction, or thickness direction. Here, the overlapping portion may be a portion of the first overhang 212 and the second overhang 312. That is, when imaginary straight lines are drawn in the height direction, width direction, and thickness direction from a point on the first overhang 212, at least one of the imaginary straight lines may pass through the second overhang 312.

[0101] According to the first embodiment, the first insulating film 21 and the second insulating film 31 overlap each other so that contact between the battery cell laminate 1 and the frame 2 and the top plate 3 can be prevented, and the path for current to flow from the battery cell laminate 1 to the frame 2 and the top plate 3 becomes complex, thereby increasing the insulation distance.

[0102] As described above, the first insulating film 21 and the second insulating film 31 are bent or overlap each other to increase the insulation distance between the frame 2 and the top plate 3 and the battery cell laminate 1.

[0103] The first insulation distance, which is the length of the shortest path for current to flow between the surface of the battery cell laminate 1 and the inner surface of the frame 2, may be greater than the shortest distance between the surface of the battery cell laminate 1 and the inner surface of the frame 2. That is, by providing the first insulating film 21 and the second insulating film 31, the insulation distance between the frame 2 and the battery cell laminate 1 can be increased.

[0104] Here, the first insulation distance may be at least 1.5 times the shortest distance between the surface of the battery cell laminate 1 and the inner surface of the frame 2. For example, when the component of the length of the first overhang 212 in the width direction is at least 1.5 times the shortest distance between the surface of the battery cell laminate 1 and the inner surface of the frame 2, the first insulation distance is at least 1.5 times the shortest distance between the surface of the battery cell laminate 1 and the inner surface of the frame 2.

[0105] Alternatively, the first insulation distance may be at least 2 times the shortest distance between the surface of the battery cell laminate 1 and the inner surface of the frame 2. For example, when the component of the length of the first overhang 212 in the width direction is at least 2 times the shortest distance between the surface of the battery cell laminate 1 and the inner surface of the frame 2, the first insulation distance is at least 2 times the shortest distance between the surface of the battery cell laminate 1 and the inner surface of the frame 2.

[0106] The second insulation distance, which is the length of the shortest path for current to flow between the surface of the battery cell laminate 1 and the inner surface of the top plate 3, can be greater than the shortest distance between the surface of the battery cell laminate 1 and the inner surface of the top plate 3. That is, by providing the first insulation film 21 and the second insulation film 31, the insulation distance between the top plate 3 and the battery cell laminate 1 can be increased.

[0107] Here, the second insulation distance can be at least 1.5 times the shortest distance between the surface of the battery cell laminate 1 and the inner surface of the top plate 3. For example, when the component in the height direction of the length of the second overhang portion 312 is at least 1.5 times the shortest distance between the surface of the battery cell laminate 1 and the inner surface of the top plate 3, the second insulation distance is at least 1.5 times the shortest distance between the surface of the battery cell laminate 1 and the inner surface of the top plate 3.

[0108] Alternatively, the second insulation distance can be at least 2 times the shortest distance between the surface of the battery cell laminate 1 and the inner surface of the top plate 3. For example, when the component in the height direction of the length of the second overhang portion 312 is at least 2 times the shortest distance between the surface of the battery cell laminate 1 and the inner surface of the top plate 3, the second insulation distance is at least 2 times the shortest distance between the surface of the battery cell laminate 1 and the inner surface of the top plate 3.

[0109] According to the first embodiment, the first overhang portion 212 and the second overhang portion 312 can respectively form an angle of 45 degrees with the frame 2 and the top plate 3. Here, the lengths of the first overhang portion 212 and the second overhang portion 312 can be at least 1.5 times or at least 2 times the shortest distance between the battery cell laminate 1 and the frame 2 and the shortest distance between the battery cell laminate 1 and the top plate 3, respectively.

[0110] According to the first embodiment, the component in the width direction of the first overhang portion 212 and the component in the height direction of the second overhang portion 312 can be at least 1.5 times the shortest distance between the battery cell laminate 1 and the frame 2 and the shortest distance between the battery cell laminate 1 and the top plate 3, respectively. In this case, the first insulation distance and the second insulation distance can be at least 1.5 times the shortest distance between the battery cell laminate 1 and the frame 2 and the shortest distance between the battery cell laminate 1 and the top plate 3, respectively.

[0111] [Second Embodiment]

[0112] Hereinafter, the description of the parts not separately and specifically described in the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0113] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to a second embodiment of the present invention, Figure 8 is Figure 7Partial enlarged view of the boundary of the battery module. Refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 the first insulating film 21 and / or the second insulating film 31 may respectively include a third bending portion 213 and / or a fourth bending portion 313 formed by bending the front ends of the first overhanging portion 212 and / or the second overhanging portion 312.

[0114] The first insulating film 21 may include a third bending portion 213 provided at the front end of the first overhanging portion 212.

[0115] The first insulating film 21 may be bent in the same direction at the first bending portion 211 and the third bending portion 213, or may be bent in different directions at the first bending portion 211 and the third bending portion 213. That is, the first insulating film 21 may be bent inwardly at both the first bending portion 211 and the third bending portion 213, or may be bent inwardly at the first bending portion 211 and outwardly at the third bending portion 213. The bending direction of the first insulating film 21 at the third bending portion 213 may be selected to be suitable for making the current path between the frame 2 and the top plate 3 and the battery cell laminate 1 more complex and increasing the insulation distance.

[0116] The second insulating film 31 may include a fourth bending portion 313 provided at the front end of the second overhanging portion 312.

[0117] The second insulating film 31 may be bent in the same direction at the second bending portion 311 and the fourth bending portion 313, or may be bent in different directions at the second bending portion 311 and the fourth bending portion 313. That is, the second insulating film 31 may be bent inwardly at both the second bending portion 311 and the fourth bending portion 313, or may be bent inwardly at the second bending portion 311 and outwardly at the fourth bending portion 313. The bending direction of the second insulating film 31 at the fourth bending portion 313 may be selected to be suitable for making the current path between the frame 2 and the top plate 3 and the battery cell laminate 1 more complex and increasing the insulation distance.

[0118] The first insulating film 21 and the second insulating film 31 according to the second embodiment may respectively include a third bending portion 213 and a fourth bending portion 313. Here, the first insulating film 21 may be bent in different directions at the first bending portion 211 and the third bending portion 213, and the second insulating film 31 may be bent in the same direction at the second bending portion 311 and the fourth bending portion 313. Therefore, the front ends of the first overhanging portion 212 and the second overhanging portion 312 may be bent in directions facing each other, and the first overhanging portion 212 and the second overhanging portion 312 may be interlocked with each other.

[0119] According to the second embodiment, the first hanging portion 212 and the second hanging portion 312 are engaged with or further overlapped with each other, so as to more reliably prevent contact between the battery cell laminate 1 and the frame 2 and the top plate 3, and the insulation distance can be further increased.

[0120] [Third Embodiment]

[0121] Hereinafter, the description of the parts not separately described in detail in the third embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment and the second embodiment.

[0122] Figure 9 and Figure 10 are respectively cross-sectional views of the top plate and the frame of the battery module before and after assembly according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 11 and Figure 12 are respectively Figure 9 and Figure 10 partial enlarged views of the boundary of the battery module. Referring to Figures 9 to 12 the top plate 3 may include a guiding unit 32. The guiding unit 32 extends along the boundary 4 from the top plate 3 and protrudes downward. The guiding unit 32 may be integrally formed with the top plate 3.

[0123] The guiding unit 32 may include a tapered portion 321. The tapered portion 321 may be an inclined inner surface of the guiding unit 32 that narrows outward in the downward direction. As the frame 2 and the top plate 3 approach each other upward and downward respectively, the tapered portion 321 is in inclined contact with the first hanging portion 212, thereby guiding the front end of the first hanging portion 212 inward in the width direction.

[0124] The second insulating film 31 may cover at least a part of the inner surface of the guiding unit 32. In particular, the second insulating film 31 may cover at least a part of the tapered portion 321. The second insulating film 31 may be attached to cover the tapered portion 321. That is, the second insulating film 31 may include a part attached to at least a part of the tapered portion 321. Here, preferably, the second insulating film 31 does not include the second hanging portion 312 and may be arranged to be completely attached to the tapered portion 321. As a result, the inclined contact between the tapered portion 321 and the first hanging portion 212 becomes easier.

[0125] In the battery module according to the third embodiment, the top plate 3 may include a guiding unit 32 that extends along the boundary 4 and protrudes downward. The guiding unit 32 may be integrally formed with the top plate 3. The guiding unit 32 may include a tapered portion 321 on its inclined inner surface. The second insulating film 31 may be attached to extend to a part of the tapered portion 321.

[0126] According to the third embodiment, since the first hanging portion 212 is guided inward in the width direction by being in inclined contact with the tapered portion 321, and the second insulating film 31 is attached to the tapered portion 321, the first insulating film 21 and the second insulating film 31 overlap each other in the thickness direction, thereby completely blocking the contact between the battery cell laminate 1 and the frame 2 and the top plate 3, and significantly increasing the insulation distance.

[0127] In addition, according to the third embodiment, due to the function of the guiding unit 32 that guides the first hanging portion 212 inward in the width direction, the risk of the first insulating film 21 interfering with the joining of the frame 2 and the top plate 3 is smaller. Since the second insulating film 31 is attached to the tapered portion 321, the second insulating film 31 cannot reach the outside of the guiding unit 32 where the boundary 4 is located. Therefore, the second insulating film 31 does not interfere with the joining of the frame 2 and the top plate 3. Here, obviously, the risk of damage to the first insulating film 21 and the second insulating film 31 caused by the welding heat between the frame 2 and the top plate 3 is also greatly reduced.

[0128] The present invention also provides a battery pack incorporating a battery module and a vehicle incorporating a battery pack.

[0129] Figure 13 An example of a battery pack incorporating a battery module according to the present invention is shown, and Figure 14 An example of a Figure 13 vehicle incorporating a battery pack is shown. Referring to Figure 13 and Figure 14 , a plurality of battery modules M can be incorporated into a single battery pack frame to form a battery pack P for high voltage and / or high capacity. The plurality of battery modules M are connected in parallel or in series with each other through battery pack busbars included in the battery pack P to achieve high voltage and high capacity as a whole. The battery pack P can be incorporated into an electric vehicle V using a secondary battery as a power source. The battery pack P can supply power to the vehicle V through a motor incorporated in the vehicle V. Since the detailed structures of such a battery pack and a vehicle are known to those skilled in the art, no detailed description thereof is given herein.

[0130] It should be understood that the described embodiments are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive, and the scope of the present invention will be indicated by the appended claims rather than the detailed description. And the meaning and scope of the described claims, as well as all variations and modifications derived from the equivalent concept, should be construed as being included within the scope of the present invention.

[0131] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the exemplary drawings, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and drawings disclosed in this specification, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. In addition, although the operation effects of the configuration according to the present invention are not explicitly described when describing the embodiments of the present invention, it should be understood that predictable effects will also be recognized through the configuration.

Claims

1. A battery module, the battery module comprising: A battery cell laminate; A frame having an open upper portion and accommodating the battery cell laminate; A top plate covering the upper portion of the frame; A first insulating film attached to an inner surface of the frame including an inner surface of a side wall; A second insulating film (31) attached to an inner surface of the top plate; And At least one of a first overhang portion and a second overhang portion, the first overhang portion being formed by bending the first insulating film inward at a first bending portion that is spaced apart from a boundary where the inner surface of the frame and the inner surface of the top plate come into contact with each other by a predetermined distance in a height direction, the second overhang portion being formed by bending the second insulating film (31) inward at a second bending portion that is spaced apart from the boundary by a predetermined distance in a width direction.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein The first insulating film includes a third bending portion provided at a front end of the first overhang portion.

3. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein, A bending direction of the first insulating film at the first bending portion is different from a bending direction of the first insulating film at the third bending portion.

4. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein, A bending direction of the first insulating film at the first bending portion is the same as a bending direction of the first insulating film at the third bending portion.

5. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The second insulating film includes a fourth bending portion provided at a front end of the second overhang portion.

6. The battery module according to claim 5, wherein, A bending direction of the second insulating film (31) at the second bending portion is different from a bending direction of the second insulating film (31) at the fourth bending portion.

7. The battery module according to claim 5, wherein, A bending direction of the second insulating film (31) at the second bending portion is the same as a bending direction of the second insulating film (31) at the fourth bending portion.

8. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The first insulating film and the second insulating film (31) partially overlap each other in the height direction.

9. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The first insulating film and the second insulating film (31) partially overlap each other in the width direction.

10. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The first insulating film and the second insulating film (31) partially overlap each other in a thickness direction.

11. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The top plate includes a guiding unit extending along the boundary and protruding downward, the guiding unit including a tapered portion configured to guide a front end of the first overhang portion inward in the width direction when the top plate and the frame approach each other upward and downward, respectively.

12. The battery module according to claim 11, wherein, The second insulating film (31) covers at least a part of an inner surface of the guiding unit.

13. The battery module according to claim 11, wherein, The second insulating film (31) covers at least a part of the tapered portion.

14. The battery module according to claim 13, wherein, The second insulating film (31) is attached to at least a part of the tapered portion.

15. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, A first insulation distance is greater than a shortest distance between a surface of the battery cell laminate and an inner surface of the frame, the first insulation distance being a length of a shortest path along which current flows between the surface of the battery cell laminate and the inner surface of the frame.

16. The battery module according to claim 15, wherein, The first insulation distance is at least 1.5 times the shortest distance between the surface of the battery cell laminate and the inner surface of the frame.

17. The battery module according to claim 16, wherein, The first insulation distance is at least twice the shortest distance between the surface of the battery cell laminate and the inner surface of the frame.

18. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The second insulation distance is greater than the shortest distance between the surface of the battery cell laminate and the inner surface of the top plate, and the second insulation distance is the length of the shortest path for current to flow between the surface of the battery cell laminate and the inner surface of the top plate.

19. The battery module according to claim 18, wherein, The second insulation distance is at least 1.5 times the shortest distance between the surface of the battery cell laminate and the inner surface of the top plate.

20. The battery module according to claim 19, wherein The second insulation distance is at least twice the shortest distance between the surface of the battery cell laminate and the inner surface of the top plate.

21. A battery pack, the battery pack comprising the battery module according to claims 1 to 20.

22. A vehicle, the vehicle comprising the battery pack according to claim 21.

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