Battery module with improved discharge structure

Abstract

The present invention provides a structure of a battery module including a battery cell stack in which a plurality of pouch-type battery cells and a compressible pad are stacked in a width direction, in which the battery cells have a platform portion having a smaller thickness than the remainder thereof at respective end portions in a length direction, and a corresponding end portion of the compressible pad in the length direction has a packaging portion protruding toward one side or a corresponding side in the width direction and contacting the platform portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0060414, filed on May 10, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This invention relates to the structure of a battery module manufactured by stacking multiple pouch-type battery cells having an improved emission structure. Background Technology

[0003] The product group offers rechargeable batteries that are easy to use and possess electrical properties such as high energy density. These batteries are widely used not only in portable devices but also in electric or hybrid vehicles powered by electric drive sources, as well as in energy storage devices. These rechargeable batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source for improving eco-friendliness and energy efficiency, not only because of their key advantage of significantly reducing fossil fuel use, but also because they do not produce any byproducts from energy use.

[0004] While small mobile devices use one, 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 multiple battery cells electrically connected together are used.

[0005] Because of the desire to manufacture medium to large battery modules in a way that is as small and light as possible, rectangular and pouch batteries are mainly used as battery cells for medium to large battery modules. These rectangular and pouch batteries can be stacked with high integration and have small weight-capacity batteries.

[0006] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The structure of a pouch cell is shown. (Refer to...) Figure 1 and Figure 2 The battery cell 10 may include an electrode assembly, a pouch 100 for housing the electrode assembly, and electrode leads 101 extending from the electrode assembly and protruding outward from the pouch 100. The electrode leads 101 may include lead films 102 covering both ends of their thickness direction.

[0007] The bag 100 can be manufactured by folding a sheet of metal foil material to surround the electrode assembly and fusing and sealing the three sides except for the folded portion 100c. Therefore, the bag 100 may include a sealing portion 100b provided on opposite sides of the folded portion 100c, and a plateau portion 100a, thinner than the other portions, provided at each of the two ends in the longitudinal direction. The sheet can be sealed at the plateau portion 100a by a lead film 102 inserted between the electrode leads 101.

[0008] Figure 3 and Figure 4 The structure of a battery cell laminate in which battery cells are stacked is shown. (Refer to...) Figure 3 and Figure 4 Multiple battery cells 10 can be connected in series and / or in parallel to form a battery module to increase capacity and / or voltage. The battery module may include a battery cell laminate 1 and a housing for accommodating the battery cell laminate 1, in which multiple battery cells 10 are stacked in the thickness direction (width direction).

[0009] Meanwhile, there is a risk that the battery cell 10 may overheat and ignite due to a short circuit. When the battery cell 10 ignites, the heat, flame, and gas generated by the evaporation of the electrolyte solution discharged within the bag 100 can be released from the battery cell 10. Furthermore, the flame and high-temperature gas generated by the ignition of the battery cell 10 can spread to other adjacent battery cells 10, thereby causing series ignition.

[0010] Furthermore, multiple battery modules can be integrated to form a battery pack. In such a battery pack, the battery modules can be arranged with their ends facing each other along their length. Here, the flame and high-temperature gases generated inside the battery modules are mainly discharged through the platform portion 100a in which the electrode leads 101 protrude. As described above, discharge through the platform portion 100a may lead to heat propagation between modules and ignition at the battery pack level.

[0011] Therefore, a battery module structure is needed that can prevent heat transfer between battery cells and prevent flames and high-temperature gases from being emitted through the front and rear ends. Summary of the Invention

[0012] Technical issues

[0013] To address the aforementioned problems of the prior art, the object of the present invention is to provide a battery module structure in which the arrangement of battery cells can be guided in a specific direction. More specifically, the object of the present invention is to provide a battery module structure in which the arrangement of battery cells can be directed toward a sealing portion disposed at one end in the height direction.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a structure for a battery module in which heat propagation between battery cells is delayed or prevented and assembly gaps in the battery cell stack are minimized.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a structure for a battery module in which the battery cells are not arranged in the direction of the electrode leads and / or other adjacent battery modules.

[0016] Furthermore, the present invention achieves the above objectives without altering the structure of the battery cell as much as possible.

[0017] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is not limited to the above-described objectives, and other objectives and advantages of the present invention not described herein may be understood through the following description and will be more clearly understood through examples of the present invention. Furthermore, it will be apparent that the objectives and advantages of the present invention can be embodied by the means indicated in the claims and combinations thereof.

[0018] Technical solution

[0019] To address the aforementioned problems, the present invention provides a battery module structure comprising a battery cell laminate, the battery cell laminate including a plurality of pouch-type battery cells and a plurality of compressible pads stacked therein in the width direction, wherein each of the plurality of pouch-type battery cells has a platform portion at each of its two ends in the length direction, the platform portion being thinner than its other portions, and each of the plurality of compressible pads has an encapsulation portion at each of its two ends in the length direction, the encapsulation portion protruding on one or both sides in the width direction and contacting the platform portion in the width direction.

[0020] The battery cell can be a folded pouch to accommodate the electrode assembly, and the three sides other than the folded portion can be fused and sealed. Therefore, the platform portion can be located at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the battery cell, and the sealing portion can be located on the opposite sides of the folded portion of the battery cell.

[0021] Electrode leads that electrically connect the electrode assembly to the outside can protrude through the platform section. The electrode leads can be fused to the pouch, wherein the lead film covers the two end faces in the thickness direction inserted between the electrode leads and the pouch.

[0022] The package portion may extend in the height direction. Preferably, the package portion may extend in a manner corresponding to the entire segment in the height direction of the platform portion.

[0023] In embodiments of the invention, at least one compressible pad may be stacked on both sides of the width direction of each of the plurality of pouch cell cells. Here, the encapsulation portion provided at the compressible pad inserted between any two pouch cell cells may protrude in the width direction of the battery cell laminate, and the encapsulation portion provided at the outermost compressible pad located at each of the width directions of the battery cell laminate may protrude toward one side of the battery cell laminate that is inward in the width direction.

[0024] In another embodiment of the invention, a first compressible pad may be stacked on one side of the width direction of each of the plurality of pouch cells, wherein the first compressible pad has an encapsulation portion protruding toward the other side of its width direction, and a second compressible pad may be stacked on the other side of the width direction of each of the plurality of pouch cells, wherein the second compressible pad has an encapsulation portion protruding toward one side of its width direction.

[0025] The thickness of the encapsulated portion of the compressible pad, which is inserted between any two battery cells in the plurality of pouch cells, before compression can be greater than the distance in the width direction between the platform portions of the two battery cells. That is, the compressible pad can be compressed and inserted between the platform portions of two battery cells in the assembled battery module. Therefore, the compressible pad can apply pressure to the platform portions and make close contact with them.

[0026] As the compressible pad can be compressed in the width direction, the battery cell laminate can also be compressed as a whole in the width direction. Here, the width of the battery cell laminate before compression can be greater than the width of the battery cell laminate after assembling the battery module. That is, with the compressible pad compressed in the width direction and the entire battery cell laminate compressed in the width direction, the battery cell laminate can be accommodated in the housing of the assembled battery module.

[0027] The battery module may also include a pressing device that presses the two sides of the battery cell laminate in the width direction at both ends in the length direction inward.

[0028] In an embodiment of the present invention, the pressing device may include a clamp-type busbar frame connected to one end of the battery cell laminate in the longitudinal direction. The clamp-type busbar frame may include: a main body corresponding to the longitudinal end face of the battery cell laminate; and a pair of pressing portions disposed on both sides of the main body in the width direction. The pair of pressing portions may protrude from both ends of the main body in the width direction toward the inner side of the battery cell laminate in the longitudinal direction.

[0029] Here, the width of the battery cell laminate before compression can be greater than the distance in the width direction between a pair of pressing parts. Therefore, by installing the clamp-type busbar frame at the battery cell laminate, the encapsulation part can be compressed between a pair of pressing parts and in close contact with the platform part.

[0030] In another embodiment of the invention, the pressing device may include a clamp-type housing that houses a battery cell laminate. The clamp-type housing may have an open end in the height direction and include a pair of sidewalls disposed on both sides in the width direction. The clamp-type housing may have a U-shaped cross-section having an open end in the height direction and open front and rear ends.

[0031] Here, the width of the battery cell laminate before compression can be greater than the distance between the pair of sidewalls in the width direction. Therefore, when the battery cell laminate is housed in a clamp-type housing, the encapsulation portion can be compressed between the pair of sidewalls and in close contact with the platform portion.

[0032] Compressible pads may include heat-resistant or fire-resistant materials.

[0033] The present invention also provides a structure for a battery pack including a battery module, and a structure for a vehicle including a battery pack.

[0034] The battery module may have predetermined vent holes on the top surface of its housing. High-temperature gases and flames emitted from the battery cells can be discharged upwards from the battery module through the vent holes.

[0035] To increase charging and discharging capacity and / or power, multiple battery modules can be connected in series and / or in parallel to form a battery pack. Furthermore, the battery pack can be integrated into the vehicle as a power source.

[0036] The battery pack may include a discharge channel and a discharge device to discharge high-temperature gases and flames from the battery modules in an upward direction. When the internal pressure of the discharge device exceeds a predetermined level, the discharge device can cause the battery pack to rupture, thereby releasing heat and gases.

[0037] Beneficial effects

[0038] The present invention can provide a battery module structure in which the discharge of battery cells is guided in a specific direction by the above-described technical solution. More specifically, the present invention can provide a battery module structure in which the discharge of battery cells can be directed towards a sealing portion disposed at one end in the height direction.

[0039] The present invention can also provide a battery module structure in which heat propagation between battery cells is delayed or prevented, and the assembly gap in the battery cell stack is minimized.

[0040] The present invention can advantageously provide a battery module structure in which the battery cell outlets do not point toward electrode leads and / or other adjacent battery modules.

[0041] Furthermore, the present invention achieves the above-mentioned effects without changing the structure of the battery cell.

[0042] Furthermore, the present invention may have various other effects, and their descriptions will be given in each embodiment, or descriptions of effects that can be readily deduced by those skilled in the art will be omitted. Attached Figure Description

[0043] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The structure of a pouch cell is shown.

[0044] Figure 3 and Figure 4 The structure of a battery cell laminate in which battery cells are stacked is shown.

[0045] Figure 5 and Figure 6 The structure of a battery cell laminate according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0046] Figures 7 to 10 A cross-section of a battery cell laminate according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0047] Figures 11 to 13 An installation according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 5 The clamp-type busbar frame on the battery cell laminate.

[0048] Figure 14 and Figure 15 A cross-section of an assembly of a battery cell laminate and a clamp-type busbar frame according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0049] Figure 16 The emission path in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0050] Figures 17 to 20 The structure of a battery cell laminate according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0051] Figures 21 to 24 A clamp-type housing according to another embodiment of the invention is shown. Figure 17 Battery cell laminates.

[0052] Figure 25 and Figure 26 The structure of a battery pack including a battery module and a vehicle including the battery pack are shown according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] [Description of reference numerals in the attached figures]

[0054] 1: Battery cell laminate

[0055] 10: Battery cells

[0056] 100: bag

[0057] 100a: Platform Department

[0058] 100b: Sealing part

[0059] 100c: Folding section

[0060] 101: Electrode lead

[0061] 102: Lead film

[0062] 11: Compressible Pad

[0063] 11A: First compressible pad

[0064] 11B: Second compressible pad

[0065] 110: Packaging Department

[0066] 110a: First package section

[0067] 110b: Second Packaging Section

[0068] 2: Clip-on busbar frame

[0069] 20: Busbar

[0070] 21: Main Body

[0071] 210: Slit

[0072] 22: Pressing part

[0073] 3: Clamp-type housing

[0074] 30: Base plate

[0075] 31: Side wall

[0076] M: Battery module

[0077] P: Battery pack

[0078] V: Vehicle

[0079] X: Length direction / Forward direction / Backward direction

[0080] Y: Width direction / Left and right direction

[0081] Z: Height / Vertical direction Detailed Implementation

[0082] The above-described objects, features, and advantages will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, enabling those skilled in the art to implement the technical concept of the present invention. In describing the invention, detailed descriptions of prior art related to the invention will be omitted where it is determined that such detailed descriptions unnecessarily obscure the essential points of the invention. Preferred embodiments according to the invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar components.

[0083] Although terms such as "first" and "second" are used to describe various elements, these elements are certainly not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another, and unless otherwise explicitly stated, the first element may also be the second element.

[0084] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0085] In the following text, "arranging a component above (or below) a component" or "arranging a component at the top (or bottom) of a component" means not only "arranging a component to contact the upper (or lower) surface," but also "arranging a component above the upper (or lower) surface, with another component inserted between them."

[0086] Furthermore, when an element is described as being “connected to” another element, “connected to” another element, or “in contact with” another element, it should be understood that the element may be “directly connected to” another element, “directly connected to” another element, or “directly in contact with” another element, or the element may be “connected to” another element, “connected to” another element, or in contact with another element, provided that another element is inserted therein or via another element.

[0087] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms used herein include the plural forms. Terms such as “consisting of” or “comprising” as used herein should not be construed as including all elements or steps described in the specification, and should be construed as excluding some elements or steps, or including additional elements or steps.

[0088] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise expressly stated, “A and / or B” means A, B, or A and B, and unless otherwise expressly stated, “C to D” means from equal to or higher than C to equal to or lower than D.

[0089] Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0090] [Structure of pouch-type battery cells and battery cell laminates]

[0091] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The structure of a pouch cell is shown. (Refer to...) Figure 1 and Figure 2 The pouch-type battery cell 10 typically includes an electrode assembly and a pouch 100, which is manufactured by folding three sides (excluding the fold portion 100c) around and sealing the electrode assembly, thereby accommodating the electrode assembly. The sealing can be achieved by fusion sealing.

[0092] The battery cell 10 has a cuboid shape that extends in the following directions: in the length direction (X, front-back direction) parallel to its longest side; in the thickness direction (Y, width direction, left-right direction) parallel to its shortest side; and in the height direction (Z, up-down direction) intersecting the length direction and thickness direction.

[0093] A sealing portion 100b is located at one end of the battery cell 10 in the height direction, which is the opposite side where the folded portion 100c is located. The sealing portion 100b can be further sealed by folding or attaching.

[0094] A platform portion 100a, which is thinner than other portions, can be provided at each of the two ends of the battery cell 10 along its length, excluding the folded portion 100c and the sealing portion 100b.

[0095] Electrode leads 101, which electrically connect the electrode assembly to the outside, can protrude from and extend from the bag 100. Electrode leads 101 can protrude through the platform portion 100a.

[0096] The electrode lead 101 may include a fusible lead film 102 covering both ends of its thickness direction. The lead film 102 is inserted between the bag 100 and the electrode lead 101 and is fused to seal the portion of the platform portion 100a through which the electrode lead 101 passes.

[0097] Figure 3 and Figure 4 The structure of a battery cell laminate in which battery cells are stacked is shown. (Refer to...) Figure 3 and Figure 4 Multiple battery cells 10 can be connected in series and / or in parallel to form a battery module in order to increase capacity and / or voltage.

[0098] A battery module may include a battery cell laminate 1 in which multiple battery cells 10 are stacked in the thickness direction.

[0099] At the same time, since the battery cell laminate 1 is manufactured by stacking multiple battery cells 10, there is a possibility of accumulated tolerance and large tolerance in the width direction.

[0100] Furthermore, the battery cell 10 is at risk of ignition due to short circuits, impacts, heating, etc. When the battery cell 10 ignites, it is heated to a high temperature, and high-temperature gas and flames can be generated from inside the bag 100. In the battery cell laminate 1, since the battery cells 10 are stacked facing each other over a large area, there is a high risk of heat propagation between the cells, which can lead to series ignition between the cells, resulting in module-level ignition.

[0101] Therefore, when constructing the battery cell laminate 1, the aforementioned tolerance and heat transfer issues are resolved by inserting compressible pads containing heat-resistant and / or fire-resistant materials between the battery cells 10. This problem has been attempted in the past.

[0102] [First Implementation Method]

[0103] [Structure of battery cell laminate including compressible pads]

[0104] Figure 5 and Figure 6 The structure of a battery cell laminate according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, and Figures 7 to 10 A cross-section of a battery cell laminate according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. (Refer to...) Figures 5 to 10 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the battery cell laminate 1 can be manufactured by stacking a plurality of battery cells 10 and a compressible pad 11 between the plurality of battery cells 10.

[0105] The compressible pad 11 may include a compressible material. The compressible material may be one whose volume contracts in response to pressure. Furthermore, the compressible material may have the property of elastically recovering to its original volume from a compressed state. Because the compressible pad 11 includes a compressible material, the battery cell laminate 1 can be compressed in its width direction and can have an elastic recovery force in the compressed state. Therefore, the battery cell laminate 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention can be housed in a predetermined housing while in a compressed state, such that its width is equal to the internal width of the predetermined housing. Therefore, the assembly tolerance of the battery module can be reduced.

[0106] Reference Figure 6 The compressible pad 11 can be inserted between battery cells 10, or it can form the outermost layer of the battery cell laminate 1. Preferably, the compressible pad 11 can be stacked on at least one of the two sides in the width direction of each battery cell 10. That is, each battery cell 10 can be inserted between two compressible pads 11. Alternatively, at least one compressible pad 11 can be inserted between each pair of adjacent battery cells 10. That is, at least one compressible pad 11 can be inserted between two adjacent battery cells 10.

[0107] The compressible pad 11 preferably comprises a heat-resistant and / or fire-resistant material. Furthermore, the compressible pad 11 preferably comprises an insulating material. Therefore, the compressible pad 11 can delay or prevent heat propagation in the width direction between the battery cells 10. Moreover, this allows the compressible pad 11 to delay or prevent heat propagation between the battery cells 10 without melting or burning even if one of the battery cells 10 is ignited.

[0108] Encapsulation portions 110, which are thicker than other portions, can be provided at both ends of the compressible pad 11 along its length. The encapsulation portion 110 can be a portion that protrudes in the width direction from each of the two ends of the compressible pad 11 along its length.

[0109] Reference Figures 7 to 9The encapsulation portion 110 may be configured to contact the platform portion 100a in the battery cell laminate 1 in the width direction. Preferably, the encapsulation portion 110 may be configured to apply pressure to the platform portion 100a so as to make close contact with the platform portion 100a.

[0110] Reference Figure 10 The encapsulation portion 110 can extend in the height direction. Preferably, the encapsulation portion 110 can extend to the entire height corresponding to the platform portion 100a. Therefore, when the battery cell 10 is ignited, the encapsulation portion 110 can delay heat propagation in the front-to-back direction.

[0111] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the compressible pad 11 can be stacked on each of the two sides of the battery cell 10 in the width direction, and the compressible pad 11 can protrude in the width direction. The compressible pad 11 can be provided with an encapsulation portion 110 extending in the height direction to correspond to the entire height of the platform portion 100a. Here, the encapsulation portion 110 provided at the compressible pad 11 inserted between two adjacent battery cells 10 can protrude from both sides in the width direction, and the encapsulation portion 110 provided at the outermost compressible pad 11 of the battery cell laminate 1 can protrude inward in the width direction. The compressible pad 11 can include compressible, heat-resistant, and fire-resistant materials, and can also include insulating materials.

[0112] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the thickness of the encapsulation portion 110 of the compressible pad 11 inserted between two adjacent battery cells 10 before compression can be greater than the distance in the width direction between the platform portions 100a of any two adjacent battery cells. That is, in the assembled state, the encapsulation portion 110 can be inserted in a compressed state between the platform portions 100a of the two battery cells 10 to be pressed and in close contact with the platform portions 100a. When each of the plurality of compressible pads 11 is compressed in its width direction, the battery cell laminate 1 can be compressed as a whole in its width direction, and the width of the battery cell laminate 1 before compression can be greater than the width of the battery cell laminate after assembly. That is, the battery cell laminate 1 can be accommodated in a compressed state in the width direction within the housing of the assembled battery module.

[0113] [Including the pressing structure of the encapsulation part of the clip-on busbar frame]

[0114] The battery module may include pressing devices that press inward in the width direction on both sides of the battery cell laminate 1. The pressing devices apply pressure from both sides in the width direction to predetermined portions at both ends in the length direction of the battery cell laminate 1 to compress the encapsulation portion 110, so that the encapsulation portion 110 is in close contact with the platform portion 100a.

[0115] Figures 11 to 13 An installation according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 5 The clamp-on busbar frame on the battery cell laminate, and Figure 14 and Figure 15 A cross-section of an assembly of a battery cell laminate and a clamp-type busbar frame according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. (Refer to...) Figures 11 to 15 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the pressing device may include a clamp-type busbar frame 2 connected to one end of the battery cell laminate 1 in the longitudinal direction. The clamp-type busbar frames 2 may be configured as a pair, and may also include another clamp-type busbar frame 2 connected to the other end of the battery cell laminate 1 in the longitudinal direction.

[0116] Reference Figure 11 The clamp-type busbar frame 2 may include a main body 21 and pressing parts 22. The pressing parts 22 may be a pair, such that both sides of the battery cell laminate 1 in the width direction are pressed inwards in the width direction. Here, the main body 21 may be connected to a pair of pressing parts 22. That is, a pair of pressing parts 22 may be provided on both sides of the main body 21 in the width direction.

[0117] The main body 21 may correspond to the longitudinal end face of the battery cell laminate 1. Here, the pressing part 22 may protrude inward from both sides of the main body 21 in the longitudinal direction of the battery cell laminate 1. That is, the clamp-type busbar frame 2 may have a box shape, which has an open end in the height direction and an open side surface.

[0118] Reference Figure 11 and Figure 12 The main body 21 may be provided with a slit 210 through which the electrode leads 101 pass. Furthermore, a busbar 20 to which the electrode leads 101 are connected may be provided on the outer surface of the main body 21 in the longitudinal direction. Through the busbar 20, electrode leads 101 of the same and / or different polarities can be electrically connected to each other.

[0119] Reference Figure 14 and Figure 15 The distance between a pair of pressing portions 22 in the width direction (i.e., the internal width of the pressing portion 22) can be smaller than the width of the battery cell laminate 1 before compression. Therefore, when the clamp-type busbar frame 2 is connected to the longitudinal end of the battery cell laminate 1, the encapsulation portion 110 can be compressed in the width direction to make close contact with the platform portion 100a.

[0120] According to the modified example, the compressible pad may not be provided on either side of the outermost width direction of the battery cell laminate. Here, the pressing portion may be provided with a protrusion that corresponds to and is in close contact with the platform portion of the outermost battery cell. For example, the protrusion may protrude inward from the inner surface of the pressing portion in the width direction and may extend in the height direction to correspond to the entire height of the platform portion.

[0121] [Guide emissions and prevent thermal runaway]

[0122] Figure 16 An emission path in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. (Refer to...) Figure 16 When the battery cell 10 is ignited, the high-temperature gas and flame generated inside the bag 100 are mainly discharged through the platform portion 100a and / or the sealing portion 100b. This is because, unlike the folded portion 100c, the seals of the platform portion 100a and the sealing portion 100b can be melted and released by heat. However, according to an embodiment of the invention, the encapsulation portion 110 is pressed and in close contact along the entire height of the platform portion 100a, so that the sealing of the platform portion 110 is maintained even when the fusion seal of the platform portion 100a is melted. Therefore, in the battery module according to an embodiment of the invention, the emission due to the ignition of the battery cell 10 can occur only toward the sealing portion 100b.

[0123] Furthermore, the compressible pad 11 according to an embodiment of the present invention can effectively prevent heat transfer between battery cells by including insulating material.

[0124] Therefore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, even when a battery cell 10 is ignited, heat can be prevented from spreading to other adjacent battery cells 10 due to the insulating properties of the compressible pad 11, and when the discharge is guided upward, heat can also be prevented from spreading to other battery modules placed at the front, rear or side of the battery module, so that thermal runaway caused by series ignition at the module level and battery pack level can be delayed or prevented.

[0125] [Second Implementation]

[0126] [Structure of battery cell laminate including compressible pads]

[0127] Figures 17 to 20 The structure of a battery cell laminate according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. (Refer to...) Figures 17 to 20According to another embodiment of the present invention, a first compressible pad 11A may be stacked on one side of the width direction of each of the plurality of battery cells 10, wherein the first compressible pad 11A has an encapsulation portion 110 protruding toward the other side of its width direction, and a second compressible pad 11B may be stacked on the other side of the width direction of each of the plurality of battery cells 10, wherein the second compressible pad 11B has an encapsulation portion 110 protruding toward one side of its width direction. That is, the battery cell laminate 1 can be manufactured by stacking a plurality of units, each unit including a battery cell 10 and a pair of compressible pads 11 stacked on both sides of its width direction. Each of the pair of compressible pads 11 may have an encapsulation portion 110 protruding inward in the width direction.

[0128] According to the second embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, it is not necessary to produce the outermost compressible pad and the middle compressible pad separately, and the battery module according to the invention can be simply constructed by stacking multiple units of the same structure, regardless of the number of battery cells constituting a battery cell laminate.

[0129] [Including the press-fit structure of the encapsulation portion of the clip-on housing]

[0130] Figures 21 to 24 A clamp-type housing according to another embodiment of the invention is shown. Figure 17 Battery cell laminate. (Refer to...) Figures 21 to 24 According to another embodiment of the present invention, the pressing device may include a clamp-type housing 3 that houses the battery cell laminate 1.

[0131] Reference Figure 21 The clamp-type housing 3 may include a base plate 30 and side walls 31. A pair of side walls 31 may be provided to press inwardly against the two sides of the battery cell laminate 1 in the width direction. Here, the base plate 30 may be connected to the pair of side walls 31. That is, the pair of side walls 31 may be provided on both sides of the base plate 30 in the width direction.

[0132] The base plate 30 may correspond to the bottom surface of the battery cell laminate 1. Here, the side walls 31 may protrude upward from both ends in the width direction of the base plate 30. That is, the clamp-type housing 3 may be substantially formed into a box shape with open longitudinal ends and an open upper end.

[0133] Reference Figure 23 and Figure 24 The distance between a pair of sidewalls 31 in the width direction (i.e., the internal width of the sidewalls 31) can be less than the width of the battery cell laminate 1 before compression. Therefore, when the clip-on housing 3 accommodates the battery cell laminate 1, the encapsulation portion 110 can be compressed in the width direction and pressed against the platform portion 100a and in close contact with the platform portion 100a.

[0134] According to the second embodiment, the pressing device according to the invention can be advantageously implemented using a housing with a U-shaped frame structure, which has been widely used as a housing for housing battery cell laminates in battery modules, without requiring a separate pressing device.

[0135] According to the modified example, the compressible pad may not be provided on the outermost two sides of the battery cell laminate in the width direction. Here, a protrusion may be provided at the end of the sidewall in the length direction, which corresponds to and is in close contact with the platform portion of the outermost battery cell. For example, the protrusion may protrude inward from the inner surface of the sidewall in the width direction and may extend in the height direction to correspond to the entire height of the platform portion.

[0136] [Third Implementation Method]

[0137] [Structure of a battery module, a battery pack including the battery module, and a vehicle including the battery pack]

[0138] The present invention also provides a structure for a battery pack including a battery module, and a structure for a vehicle including a battery pack.

[0139] Figure 25 and Figure 26 The structure of a battery pack including a battery module and a vehicle including the battery pack are shown according to an embodiment of the present invention. (Refer to...) Figure 25 and Figure 26 The battery module M may have a predetermined vent hole on the top surface of its housing. High-temperature gases and flames emitted from the battery cells can be discharged upwards from the battery module M through the vent hole.

[0140] To increase charging and discharging capacity and / or power, multiple battery modules M can be connected in series and / or in parallel to form a battery pack P. Furthermore, the battery pack P can be integrated into the vehicle V as a power source for the vehicle V.

[0141] The battery pack P may include a discharge channel and a discharge device to discharge high-temperature gas and flame from the battery module M in an upward direction. When the internal pressure of the discharge device exceeds a predetermined level, the discharge device can cause the battery pack P to rupture, thereby releasing heat and gas.

[0142] It should be understood that the described embodiments are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive, and the scope of the invention will be indicated by the appended claims rather than the detailed description described herein. Furthermore, the meaning and scope of the claims described below, as well as all changes and modifications derived from equivalent concepts, should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the invention.

[0143] Although the invention has been described with reference to exemplary accompanying drawings, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments and drawings disclosed in this specification, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications are possible without departing from the scope and concept of the invention. Furthermore, although the operational effects of the configuration according to the invention are not explicitly described in the description of embodiments of the invention, it should be understood that the configuration will also identify predictable effects.

Claims

1. A battery module comprising a battery cell laminate, the battery cell laminate including a plurality of pouch-type battery cells and a plurality of compressible pads stacked in the width direction of the battery cell laminate. in, Each of the plurality of pouch-type battery cells has a platform portion at each of its two ends along its length, the platform portion being thinner than the other portions, and Each of the plurality of compressible pads is provided with an encapsulation portion at each of the two ends of the compressible pad in the length direction, the encapsulation portion protruding on one or both sides in the width direction and contacting the platform portion in the width direction.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The encapsulation portion extends in the height direction.

3. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein, The encapsulation portion extends in a manner corresponding to the entire segment in the height direction of the platform portion.

4. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, At least one compressible pad is stacked on both sides of the width direction of each of the plurality of pouch cell cells.

5. The battery module according to claim 4, wherein, The encapsulation portion disposed at the compressible pad between any two of the plurality of pouch-type battery cells protrudes to both sides in the width direction, and The encapsulation portion located at the outermost compressible pad at each of the two ends of the battery cell laminate in the width direction protrudes to one side inside the width direction of the battery cell laminate.

6. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, First compressible pads are stacked on one side of the width direction of each of the plurality of pouch cell cells, and the first compressible pad has an encapsulation portion protruding toward the other side of the width direction of the first compressible pad, and The second compressible pad is stacked on the other side of the width direction of each of the plurality of pouch cell cells, and the second compressible pad has an encapsulation portion protruding toward one side of the width direction of the second compressible pad.

7. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The encapsulation portion of the compressible pad inserted between any two pouch-type battery cells has a thickness greater than the distance in the width direction between the platform portions of the two battery cells before compression.

8. The battery module according to claim 7, wherein, As the compressible pad can be compressed in the width direction, the battery cell laminate can be compressed as a whole in the width direction, and The width of the battery cell laminate before compression is greater than the width of the battery cell laminate after the battery module is assembled.

9. The battery module according to claim 8, further comprising: The pressing device presses the two sides of the battery cell laminate in the width direction at both ends in the length direction inward.

10. The battery module according to claim 9, wherein, The pressing device includes a clamp-type busbar frame connected to one end of the battery cell laminate along its length.

11. The battery module according to claim 10, wherein, The clamp-type busbar frame includes: The main body, which corresponds to the longitudinal end face of the battery cell laminate; and A pair of pressing parts are disposed on both sides of the body in the width direction.

12. The battery module according to claim 11, wherein, The pair of pressing portions protrude from both ends of the main body in the width direction toward the inside of the battery cell laminate in the length direction.

13. The battery module according to claim 12, wherein, The width of the battery cell laminate before compression is greater than the distance in the width direction between the pair of pressing parts.

14. The battery module according to claim 9, wherein, The pressing device includes a clamp-type housing that accommodates the battery cell laminate.

15. The battery module according to claim 14, wherein, The clamp-type housing has an open end in the height direction and includes a pair of sidewalls disposed on both sides in the width direction of the clamp-type housing.

16. The battery module according to claim 15, wherein, The clamp-type housing has an open end in the height direction and open front and rear ends.

17. The battery module according to claim 15, wherein, The width of the battery cell laminate before compression is greater than the distance between the pair of sidewalls in the width direction.

18. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The compressible pad includes heat-resistant or fire-resistant materials.

19. A battery pack comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

20. A vehicle comprising a battery pack according to claim 18.

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