Simplified battery module

Abstract

A simplified battery module includes: a cell stack including a target cell subjected to heating and an adjacent cell positioned adjacent to the target cell; an insulating sheet between the target cell and the adjacent cell; a plurality of plates configured to support an outermost side of the cell stack; and a barrier on top of the stack of cells, the barrier configured to block heat transfer through a top portion of the stack of cells to adjacent cells.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a simplified battery module. Background Art

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, which are not designed to be (re)charged, secondary (or rechargeable) batteries are designed to be discharged and recharged. Low-capacity secondary batteries are used in small portable electronic devices such as smartphones, feature phones, laptops, digital cameras, and video cameras, while large-capacity secondary batteries are widely used as power sources for driving motors in hybrid and electric vehicles and for storing electricity (e.g., household and / or utility-scale electricity storage). Secondary batteries typically include an electrode assembly consisting of a positive electrode and a negative electrode, a housing that houses the electrode assembly, and electrode terminals connected to the electrode assembly.

[0003] The above information disclosed in this Background section is for enhancement of understanding of the background of the present disclosure and therefore it may contain information that does not constitute related (or prior) art. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to an embodiment, a simplified battery module may include: a cell stack configured to include a target cell subjected to heating and an adjacent cell disposed adjacent to the target cell; an insulating sheet disposed between the target cell and the adjacent cell; a plurality of plates configured to support the outermost side of the cell stack; and a barrier disposed on top of the cell stack to block heat transfer through a top portion of the cell stack to the adjacent cell.

[0005] According to an embodiment, the barrier may include a plate-shaped barrier section positioned above between the target cell and the adjacent cell to block heat transfer from a top portion of the target cell to a top portion of the adjacent cell.

[0006] According to an embodiment, the barrier may include a first bonding portion for bonding to at least one of the panels.

[0007] According to an embodiment, each of the first coupling parts may include a through hole.

[0008] According to an embodiment, the first coupling portion may be fastened to at least one of the panels via a fastener.

[0009] According to an embodiment, the first coupling portion may be coupled to a side plate among plates supporting opposite sides of the unit stack.

[0010] According to an embodiment, the barrier may further include a first coupling section bent from the barrier section, the first coupling section including a first coupling portion for coupling to at least one of the panels.

[0011] According to an embodiment, the panel may include side panels, wherein each of the side panels includes a main body and a second bonding section, the main body being configured to support a corresponding side of opposite sides of the single body stack, the second bonding section being configured to extend from a portion of the main body and provided with a second bonding portion, wherein at least a portion of the first bonding section of the barrier contacts at least a portion of the second bonding section of the side panel, and the first bonding portion of the barrier and the second bonding portion of the side panel are fastened via a fastener.

[0012] According to an embodiment, the adjacent monomers may include a first adjacent monomer arranged adjacent to a first side of the target monomer and a second adjacent monomer arranged adjacent to a second side of the target monomer, and the barrier may include a plate-shaped first barrier segment positioned above between the target monomer and the first adjacent monomer and a plate-shaped second barrier segment positioned above between the target monomer and the second adjacent monomer.

[0013] According to an embodiment, the barrier may include a third bonding section connected to the first barrier section and the second barrier section.

[0014] According to an embodiment, the panel may include side panels supporting opposite sides of the cell stack, and the barrier may be integrated with the side panels.

[0015] According to an embodiment, the simplified battery module may further include a support member supporting a bottom portion of at least one of the plates, wherein the bottom surface of the cell stack is spaced apart from a reference surface on which the simplified battery module is placed due to the support member supporting the bottom portion of at least one of the plates.

[0016] According to an embodiment, the simplified battery module may further include a bottom barrier disposed under the cell stack to block heat transfer to adjacent cells through a bottom portion of the cell stack.

[0017] According to an embodiment, a simplified battery module may include: a cell stack configured to include a target cell to be heated and an adjacent cell disposed adjacent to the target cell; an insulating sheet disposed between the target cell and the adjacent cell; a plurality of plates configured to support the outermost sides of the cell stack; and a support member configured to support a bottom portion of at least one of the plates, wherein a bottom surface of the cell stack is spaced apart from a reference surface on which the simplified battery module is placed due to the support member supporting the bottom portion of at least one of the plates.

[0018] According to an embodiment, at least a portion of a bottom surface of the cell stack may be exposed to the outside, and an empty space may be provided under at least the exposed portion of the bottom surface of the cell stack.

[0019] According to an embodiment, the simplified battery module may further include a bottom barrier disposed under the cell stack to block heat transfer to adjacent cells through a bottom portion of the cell stack.

[0020] According to an embodiment, the support may comprise at least one post spacing at least one of the plates from the reference surface.

[0021] According to an embodiment, the support may include two or more posts configured to space at least one of the plates apart from the reference surface and a support rod connected to at least one of the two or more posts, wherein at least one of the plates is placed on the support rod.

[0022] According to an embodiment, the support bar may include a first coupling portion for coupling to at least one of the panels.

[0023] According to an embodiment, the panel may include side panels, wherein each of the side panels includes a main body and a first coupling section, the main body being configured to support a corresponding side of opposite sides of the monomer stack, the first coupling section being configured to extend from a portion of the main body and provided with a second coupling portion, wherein at least a portion of the first coupling section of the side panel contacts at least a portion of the support rod, and the first coupling portion of the support rod and the second coupling portion of the side panel are fastened via fasteners.

[0024] According to an embodiment, the plate may include end plates, wherein each of the end plates includes a main body and a second coupling section, the main body being configured to support the outermost side of the monomer stack in the monomer arrangement direction, the second coupling section being bent from a portion of the main body and provided with a third coupling portion, wherein at least a portion of the second coupling section of the end plate contacts at least a portion of the support rod, and the first coupling portion of the support rod and the third coupling portion of the end plate are fastened via fasteners.

[0025] However, aspects and features of the present disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other aspects and features not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the detailed description described below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The accompanying drawings attached to this specification illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the detailed description of the present disclosure, further describe aspects and features of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure should not be interpreted as being limited to the accompanying drawings:

[0027] Figure 1 A perspective view showing an example of a battery cell 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0028] Figure 2 A perspective view showing an example of a simplified battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0029] Figure 3 A perspective view showing an example of a simplified battery module to which a barrier and a support are applied according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0030] Figure 4 and Figure 5 A perspective view and a development diagram showing an example of a barrier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are respectively shown.

[0031] Figure 6 An expanded view showing a side panel to which a barrier is bonded is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 7 An expanded view showing an example of a barrier integrated with a side panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0033] Figure 8 A perspective view showing an example of a barrier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0034] Figure 9 Shown in which Figure 8 Example of a barrier applied to a simplified battery module.

[0035] Figure 10 A perspective view showing an example of a support member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0036] Figure 11 Shown in which Figure 10 The support member in FIG. 1 is applied to an example of a simplified battery module.

[0037] Figure 12 Examples of supports according to various embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as limited to the ordinary meaning or dictionary meaning, but should be interpreted as meanings and concepts consistent with the technical idea of ​​the present disclosure based on the principle that the inventor can be his / her own lexicographer to appropriately define the concept of the term and thus best explain his / her invention.

[0039] The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are only some embodiments of the present disclosure and do not represent all technical ideas, aspects and features of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that at the time of filing this application, there may be various equivalents and modifications that can replace or modify the embodiments described herein.

[0040] It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it can be directly on, directly connected to, or directly coupled to the other element or layer, or one or more intervening elements or layers may be present. When an element or layer is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers. For example, when a first element is described as being “coupled to” or “connected to” a second element, the first element can be directly coupled or connected to the second element, or the first element can be indirectly coupled or connected to the second element via one or more intervening elements.

[0041] In the accompanying drawings, the dimensions of various elements, layers, etc. may be exaggerated for clarity. Identical reference numerals represent identical elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated enumerated items. In addition, when describing embodiments of the present disclosure, the use of "may" refers to "one or more embodiments of the present disclosure." Expressions such as "at least one of..." and "any of...", when following a list of elements, modify the entire list of elements, not the individual elements of that list. When phrases such as "at least one of A, B, and C," "at least one of A, B, or C," "at least one selected from the group of A, B, and C," or "at least one selected from the group of A, B, and C" are used to specify a list of elements A, B, and C, the phrase may refer to any and all suitable combinations or subsets of A, B, and C, such as A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A, B, and C. As used herein, the terms "use," "using...", and "used" may be considered synonymous with the terms "utilize," "utilize...", and "utilize," respectively. As used herein, the terms "substantially," "about," and similar terms are used as terms of approximation, rather than terms of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent variations in measurements or calculations that one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize.

[0042] It will be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another element, component, region, layer, or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

[0043] For ease of description, spatial relational terms such as "under," "below," "below," "above," "on," etc. may be used herein to describe the relationship of an element or feature to another element or feature as shown in the figures. It will be understood that, in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures, spatial relational terms are intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the figure is turned over, the element described as being "under" or "beneath" other elements or features will be oriented as being "above" or "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the term "under" can cover both above and below orientations. The device can be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relational descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0044] The terms used herein are intended to describe embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular form "a" and "an" are also intended to include the plural form, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprise," "comprising," "including," and / or "comprising," when used in this specification, indicate the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, parts, and / or groups thereof.

[0045] In addition, any numerical range disclosed and / or described herein is intended to include all subranges of the same numerical precision that fall within the described range. For example, a range of "1.0 to 10.0" is intended to include all subranges between (and including) the described minimum value of 1.0 and the described maximum value of 10.0, that is, all subranges with a minimum value equal to or greater than 1.0 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10.0, such as, for example, 2.4 to 7.6. Any maximum numerical limit described herein is intended to include all lower numerical limits that fall within it, and any minimum numerical limit described in this specification is intended to include all higher numerical limits that fall within it. Therefore, the applicant reserves the right to amend this specification (including the claims) to explicitly describe any subranges that fall within the ranges explicitly described herein. All such ranges are intended to be inherently described in this specification so that modifications that explicitly describe any such subranges will meet the requirements.

[0046] When two compared elements, features, etc. are referred to as "the same," it can mean that they are "substantially the same." Thus, the phrase "substantially the same" can include situations where there is a low degree of variation (e.g., 5% or less) that is considered in the art. Furthermore, when a parameter is referred to as being uniform in a given area, it can mean that it is uniform with respect to an average value.

[0047] Throughout the specification, unless stated otherwise, each element may be in the singular or in the plural.

[0048] When any element is referred to as being disposed (or located or positioned) “on (or under)” or “on (or under)” a component, it may mean that the element is placed in contact with the upper (or lower) surface of the component, and may also mean that another component may be interposed between the component and any element disposed (or located or positioned) on (or under) the component.

[0049] Furthermore, it will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “coupled,” “linked,” or “connected” to another element, the elements may be directly “coupled,” “linked,” or “connected” to each other, or an intervening element may be present therebetween through which the element may be “coupled,” “linked,” or “connected” to the other element. Furthermore, when a part is referred to as being “electrically coupled” to another part, the part may be directly connected to the other part, or an intervening part may be present therebetween such that the part and the other part are indirectly connected to each other.

[0050] Throughout this specification, when "A and / or B" is stated, it means A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise stated. That is, "and / or" includes any and all combinations of the listed items. When "C to D" is stated, it means C or more and D or less, unless otherwise specifically stated.

[0051] Figure 1 A perspective view showing an example of a battery cell 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0052] refer to Figure 1 The battery cell 100 may include an electrode assembly including electrodes (e.g., at least one wound or laminated electrode assembly including a separator, i.e., an insulator, provided between a positive electrode and a negative electrode), a case 110 including the electrode assembly, and a cover plate 120 coupled to an opening of the case 110. Figure 1 The battery cell 100 shown in FIG. 1 may be a secondary battery cell.

[0053] Each of the positive and negative electrodes in the electrode assembly may include a current collector made of a thin metal foil having a coated portion on which an active material is coated and a non-coated portion on which the active material is not coated. The positive and negative electrodes are wound with a separator (which is an insulator) interposed between the positive and negative electrodes. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the electrode assembly may have a structure in which positive and negative electrodes, each made of a plurality of sheets, are alternately stacked with a separator interposed between the positive and negative electrodes. In addition, the electrode assembly may have any structure including electrodes.

[0054] The housing 110 may form the overall outline of the battery cell 100 and may be formed of a conductive metal such as aluminum (Al), Al alloy, or nickel (Ni) plated steel. In addition, the housing 110 may provide a space for accommodating the electrode assembly. Figure 1 , the housing 110 is shown as a prismatic housing and the battery cell 100 is shown as a prismatic battery cell, but the battery cell 100 may have any suitable shape, such as a prismatic shape, a cylindrical shape, or a pouch shape.

[0055] The cover plate 120 may be coupled to the opening of the housing 110 to seal the housing 110. The housing 110 and the cover plate 120 may be formed of a conductive material. In an embodiment, the top end of the housing 110 may be open, and the cover plate 120 may seal the open top end of the housing 110.

[0056] A positive terminal 130_1 electrically connected to the positive electrode and a negative terminal 130_2 electrically connected to the negative electrode may be coupled to the cap plate 120. For example, the positive terminal 130_1 and the negative terminal 130_2 may be disposed to protrude outward through the cap plate 120. The positions of the positive terminal 130_1 and the negative terminal 130_2 may vary.

[0057] According to an embodiment, the vent 140 may be formed on at least one side of the battery cell 100 (e.g., in the illustrated example, the top side of the battery cell 100, i.e., the cap plate 120). The vent 140 may be configured to open when an internal pressure equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold pressure is detected in the battery cell 100.

[0058] In this case, the threshold pressure can be set differently depending on the application, material, purpose, etc. of the battery. In an example, a relatively high threshold pressure can be set for a battery with a short charge-discharge cycle during use (wherein the internal pressure of the housing 110 is maintained at a higher pressure on average compared to other applications). In another example, a relatively high threshold pressure can be set for a battery formed of a material having relatively high heat resistance and / or pressure resistance and / or manufactured with a design having relatively high heat resistance and / or pressure resistance. In a different example, a relatively low threshold pressure can be set for a battery formed of a material having relatively low heat resistance and / or pressure resistance and / or manufactured with a design having relatively low heat resistance and / or pressure resistance. In addition or in another example, the vent 140 can be configured to open when the internal temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold temperature. With this configuration, the vent 140 can prevent the explosion of the battery cell 100 or prevent a chain exothermic reaction of other battery cells arranged around the battery cell 100.

[0059] In an embodiment, the cap plate 120 may include an electrolyte inlet 150. For example, the electrolyte inlet 150 may be a through-hole provided in the cap plate 120 and may be formed so that after the cap plate 120 is combined and sealed to the opening in the housing 110, the electrolyte is injected into the housing 110 through the electrolyte inlet 150. The electrolyte inlet 150 may be sealed with a sealing member after the electrolyte is injected.

[0060] The battery cell 100 may be a lithium (Li) battery cell, a sodium (Na) battery cell, or the like. However, the battery cell 100 may include any battery capable of repeatedly providing power through charge and discharge. In embodiments where the battery cell 100 is a Li battery cell, the battery cell 100 can be used in electric vehicles (EVs) due to its excellent lifespan and high-rate characteristics. For example, the battery cell 100 can be used in hybrid vehicles such as plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Furthermore, Li battery cells can be used in fields requiring large amounts of power storage. For example, Li battery cells can be used in electric bicycles, power tools, and the like.

[0061] Figure 2 A perspective view is shown showing an example of a simplified battery module 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. According to an embodiment, the simplified battery module 10 refers to a battery module configured the same as or similar to an actual battery module in order to evaluate the heat transmission barrier performance of an insulating sheet provided between adjacent battery cells (for example, the simplified battery module 10 may be a test battery module having the same structure as a battery module used for testing).

[0062] According to an embodiment, a simplified battery module 10 may include a cell stack including a plurality of battery cells 100 and a module housing. In the cell stack, the battery cells 100 may be stacked in one direction. For example, in the cell stack, the battery cells 100 may be arranged in a first direction so that their wide sides face each other. In an embodiment, each of the battery cells 100 may include an exhaust port on its top side. For example, each of the battery cells 100 may be Figure 1 The number and arrangement of the battery cells 100 are not limited to Figure 2 The structure shown in FIG, for example, the configuration, number, and arrangement of the battery cells 100 may be appropriately changed for the purpose of evaluating the performance of the insulation sheet. Depending on the shape of the battery, the battery cells 100 may be circular, prismatic, or pouch-shaped.

[0063] According to an embodiment, the insulating sheet 160 may be provided between adjacent battery cells 100. For example, the insulating sheet 160 may be provided between wide sides of two adjacent battery cells (eg, between the first cell 100_1 and the second cell 100_2).

[0064] Insulating sheet 160 may be made of at least one of an insulating material to prevent heat transfer, a flame-retardant material to prevent fire spread, or a non-combustible material. For example, insulating sheet 160 may be made of mica to block heat transfer between two adjacent battery cells (e.g., between first cell 100_1 and second cell 100_2). Furthermore, insulating sheet 160 prevents direct contact between adjacent battery cells, thereby maintaining the electrical independence of the battery cells 100.

[0065] The cell stack may be contained within the receiving space of the module housing. Depending on the embodiment, the module housing may include a plurality of plates 200 and 300 that support the outermost sides of the cell stack. For example, the plates 200 and 300 may include an end plate 200 that supports the outermost sides of the cell stack in the cell arrangement direction of the cell stack, and side plates 300 that support both sides of the cell stack. Depending on the embodiment, the module housing may not be applied to at least a portion of the bottom surface of the cell stack. In other words, at least a portion of the bottom surface of the cell stack may be exposed to the outside.

[0066] The module housing (e.g., the outermost end plates 200 and side plates 300 supporting the cell stack) can be formed from a rigid material to maintain the strength of the simplified battery module 10. For example, the module housing can be formed from an aluminum (Al) extrusion. In another example, the module housing can be formed from any material suitable for maintaining the strength of the simplified battery module 10.

[0067] Figure 3A perspective view showing an example of a simplified battery module 10 to which a barrier 400 and a support 600 are applied according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0068] Battery cells 100 may generate significant amounts of heat during charging and discharging, and may experience abnormal operating conditions (also known as thermal runaway or thermal events). According to embodiments, the heat transmission barrier performance of an insulating sheet positioned between a first cell 100_1 (e.g., a target cell) and a second cell 100_2 (e.g., a cell adjacent to the target cell) in a simplified battery module 10 can be evaluated by heating the first cell 100_1 and observing the effect on the second cell 100_2 positioned adjacent to the first cell 100_1 (e.g., if the first cell (i.e., the target cell) is heated to a predetermined temperature, the maximum temperature of the second cell (i.e., the adjacent cell) and the time it takes for the second cell's temperature to reach a threshold temperature are observed. Furthermore, each time the heat transmission barrier performance of the insulating sheet is evaluated, different amounts of heat may be transferred through the bottom and top portions of the cell. For example, the degree of heat transferred through the bottom portion of the cell may vary depending on the degree of adhesion between the reference surface on which the simplified battery module 10 is placed and the bottom surface of the simplified battery module 10 during evaluation. Furthermore, the amount of heat transferred through the top portion of the cell may vary depending on, for example, the angle or level of discharge of ejected matter, such as sparks, flames, and exhaust gases.

[0069] Therefore, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, by maximizing the blocking of heat transfer through the bottom and / or top portions of the battery cells 100 (e.g., so that heat transfer can be concentrated between adjacent battery cells through the wide sides of the adjacent battery cells facing the insulation sheet), the reliability of the evaluation of the heat transfer blocking performance of the insulation sheet can be improved by measuring the amount of heat transferred between adjacent surfaces of the battery cells 100. In this regard, the simplified battery module 10 may include a support member 600 provided at the bottom portion of at least one of the barrier 400 and / or the support plate (which supports the outermost side of the cell stack) disposed on the top of the cell stack.

[0070] The barrier 400 can block heat transfer from the first cell 100_1 to the second cell 100_2 through the top portion of the cell. Figures 4 to 9 In addition, the support member 600 can block heat transfer from the first cell 100_1 through the bottom surface of the cell to the second cell 100_2 by spacing the bottom surface of the cell from the reference surface on which the simplified battery module 10 rests. This will be referred to later. Figures 10 to 12 Describe in more detail.

[0071] Figure 4 and Figure 5A perspective view and an expanded view showing an example of a barrier 400 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are respectively shown, and Figure 6 An expanded view showing the side panel 300 to which the barrier 400 is coupled according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0072] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the barrier 400 may include a plate-shaped barrier segment 410. For example, the barrier segment 410 may have a rectangular and flat sheet or plate shape. According to an embodiment, the barrier segment 410 may be positioned above and between the first monomer 100_1 and the second monomer 100_2. For example, the barrier segment 410 may be positioned above the first monomer 100_1 and the second monomer 100_2 at a position vertically overlapping the area between the first monomer 100_1 and the second monomer 100_2. For example, the barrier segment 410 may be arranged to extend longitudinally along the longitudinal direction of the first monomer 100_1 and the second monomer 100_2 and parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first monomer 100_1 and the second monomer 100_2 ( Figure 3 For example, barrier section 410 may be positioned on top of or above an insulating sheet disposed between the first and second cells. For example, barrier section 410 may overlap the top of the insulating sheet (in a vertical direction perpendicular to the bottoms of first and second cells 100_1 and 100_2). Barrier section 410 may block heat transfer from the top portion of the first cell (i.e., the cell being heated) to the top portion of the second cell (i.e., the adjacent cell). Barrier section 410 may have a height sufficient to block heat transfer through the top side. For example, barrier section 410 may have a height of 50 mm or greater.

[0073] According to an embodiment, the barrier 400 may further include a joining section 420. For example, the joining section 420 may be bent from the barrier section 410, for example, two joining sections 420 may be bent from respective opposite ends of the barrier section 410. For example, the joining section 420 may be bent from the barrier section 410 by approximately 90°.

[0074] According to embodiments, the bonding section 420 may include a bonding portion 422 for bonding with other components of the simplified battery module. For example, the bonding portion 422 for bonding with at least one of the outermost plates supporting the cell stack may be provided on a lower portion of the bonding section 420, for example, on a portion of the bonding section 420 adjacent to the battery cell 100. For example, the bonding portion 422 may be a through-hole and may be fastened to at least one plate (e.g., the side plate 300) using a fastening device (e.g., a fastener). In embodiments, the bonding section 420 may not only include the bonding portion 422 but may also be configured to cooperate with the barrier section 410 to block heat transfer from the top portion of a first cell (i.e., the target cell) to the top portion of a second cell (e.g., an adjacent cell).

[0075] According to an embodiment, the barrier 400 may be coupled to the side panels 300 ( Figure 3 ). refer to Figure 6 , the side plate 300 may include a body 310 supporting opposite sides of the unit stack and a first coupling section 320 extending from a portion of the body 310 and provided with a first coupling portion 322. For example, referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The first bonding section 320 may be bent from at least a portion of the main body 310 toward the cell stack (e.g., to at least partially overlap the tops of the first and second cells 100_1 and 100_2), so that the barrier 400 may be positioned on and bonded to the bent first bonding section 320 (e.g., the barrier section 410 of the barrier 400 may extend continuously between the two opposing side panels 300 while completely overlapping and covering the insulating sheet between the first and second cells 100_1 and 100_2). According to embodiments, the main body 310 of the side panel 300 may include one or more through holes 312 therethrough for heat dissipation, etc.

[0076] According to an embodiment, the first coupling portion 322 provided in the first coupling section 320 may be a through hole. In addition, at least a portion of the coupling section 420 of the barrier 400 may contact at least a portion of the first coupling section 320 of the side panel 300, and the coupling portion 422 of the barrier 400 and the first coupling portion 322 of the side panel 300 may be fastened to each other using a fastening device. For example, a fastening device (e.g., a bolt) may pass through and be fastened to the through hole of the barrier 400 and the through hole of the side panel 300. Figures 4 to 6 As well as the above description, it has been shown and described that the coupling portion 422 of the barrier 400 and the first coupling portion 322 of the side panel 300 are through holes and are fastened using fastening means (e.g., bolts), but the coupling portions 422 and 322 may be coupled by any suitable coupling method (e.g., welding, etc.).

[0077] According to an embodiment, the side panel 300 may further include a second coupling section 330, each of which includes a second coupling portion 332. The second coupling section 330 may be bent from at least a portion of the main body 310. For example, the second coupling section 330 may be bent in an inward direction (in a direction toward the unit stack) by approximately 90° from at least a portion of the main body 310. The second coupling section 330 and the second coupling portion 332 of the side panel 300 may be used to couple to a device to be referred to later. Figures 10 to 12 Description of the support.

[0078] Depending on the embodiment, barrier 400 may include at least one of an insulating material to prevent heat spread, a flame-retardant material to prevent fire spread, or a non-combustible material. Additionally or alternatively, barrier 400 may include a material with high heat resistance that does not deform or decompose at high temperatures. For example, barrier 400 may include a material (e.g., stainless steel) that does not melt even when exposed to temperatures of 700 degrees Celsius or higher for 30 seconds or longer.

[0079] Figure 7 An expanded view showing an example of a barrier integrated (ie, integral) with a side panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. According to an embodiment, the barrier may be provided integrally with the side panel. Figures 4 to 6 Most of the above descriptions of barriers and side panels can be applied equally / similarly to Figure 7 Therefore, in Figure 7 In the following description, references will be omitted or abbreviated. Figures 4 to 6 The above description of the barrier and side panels is provided, and the description will focus on the modified configuration.

[0080] refer to Figure 7 The barrier can be integrally formed with two side panels that respectively support opposing sides of the cell stack (e.g., as a single, seamless structure made of the same material). The barrier integrally formed with the side panels may include a plate-shaped barrier segment 410 and a bonding segment 420 that is bent approximately 90° from the barrier segment 410 (e.g., so that bonding segments 420 on opposing sides of the barrier segment 410 can be respectively connected to and integrally formed with the two side panels). The barrier segment 410 can be positioned above and between the target cell and adjacent cells to block heat transfer from the top portion of the target cell to the top portion of the adjacent cell. Furthermore, the bonding segment 420 can be bonded to the main body 310 of the side panel. For example, portions of the bonding segment 420 can extend, and portions of the main body 310 of the side panel can extend, to form a connector 430. The barrier and side panels can be integrally connected via the connector 430.

[0081] Figure 8A perspective view showing an example of a barrier 500 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, and Figure 9 Shown in which Figure 8 The barrier 500 in FIG. 1 is applied to an example of a simplified battery module. Figures 4 to 6 Most of the above descriptions of barriers can be applied equally / similarly to Figure 8 The barrier is 500. Therefore, Figure 8 In the following description, references will be omitted or abbreviated. Figures 4 to 6 's above description, and the description will focus on the modified configuration.

[0082] According to embodiments, the barrier 500 may be configured to block heat transfer from the second cell 100_2 through the top portion to the first cell 100_1 and the third cell 100_3 located adjacent to either side of the second cell 100_2. For example, the barrier 500 may include a plate-shaped first barrier segment 510 and a plate-shaped second barrier segment 520. The first barrier segment 510 may be positioned above and between the first cell 100_1 and the second cell 100_2 located adjacent to each other, and the second barrier segment 520 may be positioned above and between the second cell 100_2 and the third cell 100_3 located adjacent to each other (with the second cell 100_2 located between the first cell 100_1 and the third cell 100_3). The first barrier segment 510 and the second barrier segment 520 may block heat transfer from the second cell 100_2 through the top portion to the first cell 100_1 and the third cell 100_3 located adjacent to the opposite side of the second cell 100_2.

[0083] According to an embodiment, the barrier 500 may further include a joining section 530 connected to the first barrier section 510 and the second barrier section 520. For example, the joining section 530 may be bent from the first barrier section 510 and the second barrier section 520. For example, each of the joining sections 530 may be bent approximately 90° from the first barrier section 510 and the second barrier section 520.

[0084] According to embodiments, each of the bonding sections 530 may include a bonding portion 532 for bonding to other components of the simplified battery module. For example, a bonding portion 532 for bonding to at least one of the outermost plates supporting the cell stack may be provided on the lower portion of each bonding section 530. For example, the bonding portion 532 may be a through-hole and may be fastened to at least one plate (e.g., the side plate 300) using a fastening device. In embodiments, the bonding section 530 may not only include the bonding portion 532 but may also function in conjunction with the first and second barrier sections 510 and 520 to block heat transfer from the top portion of the second cell 100_2 to the top portions of the first and third cells 100_1 and 100_3.

[0085] Figure 10 A perspective view showing an example of a support member 600 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, and Figure 11 Shown in which Figure 10 The support member 600 in FIG. 1 is applied to an example of a simplified battery module. The support member 600 can support the bottom of at least one of the plates 200 and 300 (which support the outermost sides of the cell stack) so that the bottom surface of the cell is spaced apart from a reference plane on which the simplified battery module is placed (for example, the support member 600 can be positioned between the bottom of the cell stack and the reference plane supporting the simplified battery module), thereby blocking heat transfer from a target cell through the bottom surface of the cell to an adjacent cell.

[0086] refer to Figure 10 , the support member 600 may include one or more pillars 610_1 and 610_2. According to an embodiment, the support member 600 may include a first support portion 600_1 and a second support portion 600_2, and each of the first support portion 600_1 and the second support portion 600_2 may include two or more pillars 610_1 and 610_2 and a support rod 620 connected to at least one of the two or more pillars 610_1 and 610_2. The pillars 610_1 and 610_2 included in the support member 600 may separate at least one of the plates 200 and 300 from a reference plane on which the simplified battery module is placed, and at least one of the plates 200 and 300 may be placed on the support rod 620.

[0087] Depending on the embodiment, at least a portion of the bottom surface of the cell stack can be exposed to the outside. For example, the portion of the bottom surface of the cell stack between the support bars 620 of the support member 600 (which does not contact the support bars 620) can be exposed to the outside. In other words, the module housing may not be applied to at least a portion of the bottom surface of the cell stack. Because the columns 610_1 and 610_2 of the support member 600 separate at least one of the plates 200 and 300 from the reference plane on which the simplified battery module rests, the cell stack can be positioned at a predetermined height from the reference plane, and an empty space can be formed below at least the exposed portion of the bottom surface of the cell stack (e.g., at least a portion of the bottom surface of the target cell and / or an adjacent cell). Therefore, heat transfer from the target cell through the bottom portion of the cell to the adjacent cell can be blocked.

[0088] According to an embodiment, each support rod 620 may include a coupling portion 622 for coupling to at least one of panels 200 and 300. For example, support rod 620 may be coupled to side panel 300. For example, each side panel 300 may include a main body that supports opposite sides of the monolithic stack and a second coupling section that is bent inward (i.e., toward the monolithic stack) from a portion of the main body and provided with a second coupling portion. Here, at least a portion of the second coupling section of side panel 300 may contact at least a portion of support rod 620, and coupling portion 622 of support rod 620 and the second coupling portion of side panel 300 may be fastened to each other using a fastening device.

[0089] In another example, the support rod 620 can be coupled to the end plate 200. For example, each of the end plates 200 may include a main body supporting the outermost side of the cell stack in the cell arrangement direction of the cell stack and a second coupling section bent inwardly (i.e., toward the cell stack) from a portion of the main body and provided with a second coupling portion. Here, at least a portion of the second coupling section of the end plate 200 may be in contact with at least a portion of the support rod 620, and the coupling portion 622 of the support rod 620 and the second coupling portion of the end plate 200 may be fastened to each other using a fastening device. The support rod 620 and the end plate 200 / side plate 300 have been described above as being coupled using a fastening device, but the support rod 620 and the end plate 200 / side plate 300 may be coupled using any suitable coupling method (e.g., welding, etc.).

[0090] According to an embodiment, the simplified battery module may further include a bottom barrier disposed below the cell stack to block heat transfer from the bottom portion of the cell stack to adjacent cells. For example, the bottom barrier may be disposed in an empty space below the cell stack defined by the support member 600. The bottom barrier may include a plate-shaped bottom barrier segment positioned below and between the target cell and the adjacent cells. For example, the bottom barrier segment may be positioned below an insulating sheet disposed between the target cell and the adjacent cells. The bottom barrier segment may block heat transfer from the bottom portion of the cell stack to the bottom portion of the adjacent cells.

[0091] Figure 12 Examples of supports according to various embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. Figure 10 and Figure 11 In addition to the support members described, various other shapes of support members can be applied to the simplified battery module. The support member can have any shape that allows the cell stack to be spaced upward from the reference plane on which the simplified battery module is placed, so that an empty space is formed under the cell stack.

[0092] Figure 122 shows examples of support members according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, support member 1210 may have a hollow cubic frame shape. In another example, support member 1220 may include two prismatic columns spaced a predetermined distance apart from each other. In yet another example, support member 1230 may include four prismatic columns spaced a predetermined distance apart from each other. In yet another example, support member 1240 may include four columns spaced a predetermined distance apart from each other. Figure 12 Each of the various shapes of supports shown in can include one or more posts to space the cell stack upwardly from a reference plane on which the simplified battery module is placed. Figure 12 Each of the various support shapes shown in can lack features in at least a portion of the area underlying the cell stack, such that an empty space is formed in at least a portion of the area underlying the cell stack.

[0093] In summary and review, secondary batteries can generate significant amounts of heat during charge and discharge and may also be exposed to abnormal operating conditions (also known as thermal runaway or thermal events). In such cases, heat can spread to adjacent cells. To prevent this heat spread, an insulating sheet can be provided between cells. To measure the heat transfer prevention performance of the insulating sheet provided between cells, the performance of the insulating sheet can be evaluated in a simplified battery module under conditions similar to those in an actual module.

[0094] One aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a simplified battery module configured to improve the reliability of performance evaluations of an insulation sheet. Specifically, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, by maximizing the resistance to heat transfer through the bottom and / or top portions of battery cells in a simplified battery module, the reliability of the evaluation of the insulation sheet's heat transfer resistance can be improved.

[0095] However, the technical problems to be solved by the present disclosure are not limited to the above problems, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand other problems not mentioned herein and aspects and features of the present disclosure to solve these problems from the following description of the present disclosure.

[0096] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments showing various aspects of the present disclosure, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art may make various modifications and changes within the scope of the technical spirit of the present disclosure and the following claims and their equivalents.

[0097] Example embodiments have been disclosed herein, and although specific terms are employed, they are used and interpreted in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. In some cases, as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of filing this application, features, characteristics, and / or elements described in conjunction with a particular embodiment may be used alone or in combination with features, characteristics, and / or elements described in conjunction with other embodiments, unless expressly indicated otherwise. Therefore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A simplified battery module, comprising: a cell stack comprising a target cell subjected to heating and an adjacent cell positioned adjacent to the target cell; an insulating sheet, between the target cell and the adjacent cell; a plurality of plates configured to support outermost sides of the cell stack; as well as A barrier is provided on top of the cell stack, the barrier being configured to block heat transfer through a top portion of the cell stack to the adjacent cell.

2. The simplified battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the barrier comprises a plate-shaped barrier segment positioned above and between the target cell and the adjacent cell, the barrier segment being configured to block heat transfer from a top portion of the target cell to a top portion of the adjacent cell. 3 . The simplified battery module according to claim 2 , wherein the barrier further comprises a first bonding section bent from the barrier section, the first bonding section comprising a first bonding portion bonded to at least one of the plurality of plates.

4. The simplified battery module according to claim 3, wherein: The plurality of panels include side panels, each of the side panels comprising: a main body positioned at a corresponding side among opposite sides of the unit stack and supporting the corresponding side, and a second bonding section extending from a portion of the body and comprising a second bonding portion, At least a portion of the first bonding section of the barrier contacts at least a portion of the second bonding section of each of the side panels, and The first coupling portion of the barrier and the second coupling portion of each of the side panels are fastened to each other via a fastener. 5 . The simplified battery module of claim 1 , wherein the barrier comprises a first bonding portion bonded to at least one of the plurality of plates. 6 . The simplified battery module according to claim 5 , wherein each of the first coupling portions includes a through-hole, and the first coupling portion is fastened to at least one of the plurality of plates via the through-hole. 7 . The simplified battery module according to claim 5 , wherein the first coupling portion is coupled to side plates among the plurality of plates, the side plates being at opposite sides of the cell stack.

8. The simplified battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The adjacent monomers include a first adjacent monomer adjacent to a first side of the target monomer and a second adjacent monomer adjacent to a second side of the target monomer, and The barriers include: a plate-shaped first barrier section positioned above and between the target cell and the first adjacent cell, and A second plate-shaped barrier section is positioned above and between the target cell and the second adjacent cell. 9 . The simplified battery module of claim 8 , wherein the barrier includes a third bonding section connected to the first barrier section and the second barrier section.

10. The simplified battery module of claim 1, wherein the plurality of plates include side plates supporting opposite sides of the cell stack, the barrier being integral with the side plates.

11. The simplified battery module according to claim 1 further includes a support member supporting a bottom portion of at least one of the plurality of plates, the support member being configured to support the bottom portion of the at least one of the plurality of plates so that a bottom surface of the cell stack is spaced apart from a reference surface on which the simplified battery module is placed. 12 . The simplified battery module of claim 1 , further comprising a bottom barrier below the cell stack, the bottom barrier configured to block heat transfer through a bottom portion of the cell stack to the adjacent cells.

13. A simplified battery module comprising: a cell stack comprising a target cell subjected to heating and an adjacent cell positioned adjacent to the target cell; an insulating sheet, between the target cell and the adjacent cell; a plurality of plates configured to support outermost sides of the cell stack; as well as A support member is configured to support a bottom portion of at least one of the plurality of plates, a bottom surface of the cell stack being spaced apart from a reference surface on which the simplified battery module is placed. 14 . The simplified battery module according to claim 13 , wherein at least a portion of the bottom surface of the cell stack is exposed to the outside, and an empty space is below the portion of the bottom surface of the cell stack exposed to the outside. 15 . The simplified battery module of claim 13 , further comprising a bottom barrier below the cell stack, the bottom barrier configured to block heat transfer through a bottom portion of the cell stack to the adjacent cells.

16. The simplified battery module of claim 13, wherein the support member comprises at least one post, the at least one post spacing at least one of the plurality of plates from the reference surface.

17. The simplified battery module according to claim 16, wherein the support member comprises: two or more posts configured to space at least one of the plurality of plates apart from the reference surface; as well as A support rod is connected to the two or more columns, and at least one of the plurality of panels is on the support rod. 18 . The simplified battery module according to claim 17 , wherein the support bar includes a first coupling portion coupled to at least one of the plurality of plates.

19. The simplified battery module according to claim 18, wherein: The plurality of panels include side panels, each of the side panels comprising: a body configured to support corresponding ones of the opposite sides of the single body stack, and a first bonding section extending from a portion of the body and including a second bonding portion, At least a portion of the first coupling section of each of the side panels contacts at least a portion of the support rod, and The first coupling portion of the support rod and the second coupling portion of the side plate are fastened to each other via a fastener.

20. The simplified battery module of claim 18, wherein: The plurality of plates include end plates, each of the end plates comprising: a main body configured to support corresponding outermost sides of the cell stack in a cell arrangement direction, and a second coupling section bent from a portion of the main body and including a third coupling portion, At least a portion of the second coupling section of the end plate contacts at least a portion of the support rod, and The first coupling portion of the support rod and the third coupling portion of the end plate are fastened to each other via a fastener.

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