Battery module, battery pack including battery module, and vehicle including battery pack

Abstract

The battery module of the present invention comprises: a cell stack in which a plurality of cell modules including at least one battery cell are stacked in a first direction; the module shell is used for accommodating the cell stack; the plurality of battery cell covers respectively cover the plurality of battery cell modules, and the battery cell covers can cover at least three surfaces of the battery cell modules.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The disclosure relates to a battery module, a battery pack including the battery module, and a vehicle including the battery pack.

[0002] This application is based on and claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0062714, filed on May 13, 2024, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. BACKGROUND

[0003] Secondary batteries having high applicability according to product groups and electrical characteristics such as high energy density are not only widely used in portable devices, but also applied to electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) driven by power sources. Such secondary batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source for improving environmental friendliness and energy efficiency, since they not only have the primary advantage of significantly reducing the use of fossil fuels, but also do not generate byproducts when using energy.

[0004] Secondary batteries widely used at present include lithium ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and the like. When a higher output voltage is required, a plurality of battery cells can be connected in series to form a battery module or a battery pack. In addition, in order to increase the charge and discharge capacity, a plurality of battery cells can be connected in parallel to form a battery module or a battery pack. Accordingly, the number of battery cells included in the battery module or the battery pack can be differently set according to the required output voltage or the charge and discharge capacity.

[0005] Meanwhile, since the battery cells involve chemical reactions during charge and discharge, their performance can be degraded when used in a temperature environment higher than an appropriate temperature, and when heat is not controlled at an appropriate temperature, there is always a possibility of accidental fire or explosion. In addition, the battery module is configured to centrally accommodate these battery cells within a module case. Therefore, if a thermal event occurs in one battery cell, the discharged high-temperature gas and flame can be transferred to the adjacent battery cells, causing a chain reaction of battery cell explosions, which is very dangerous.

[0006] Therefore, when a thermal runaway occurs in the battery module, a structure needs to be developed that can prevent heat accumulation inside the battery module by discharging the high-temperature gas or flame generated inside the battery module to the outside, and prevent the discharged gas or flame from flowing back into the battery module. SUMMARY

[0007] TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0008] This disclosure is designed in the context of the aforementioned prior art, and is intended to provide a battery module that, by using a cell cover including a rigid member, can minimize structural and physical damage caused by cell explosion pressure in the event of thermal runaway of the battery module.

[0009] This disclosure also aims to provide a battery module that, by using a cell cover including a heat-insulating member, can prevent heat conduction between adjacent cells, thereby preventing the transmission of high-temperature gases and flames emitted during a thermal event in any one cell to adjacent cells, and thus avoiding a chain reaction that could trigger a cell explosion.

[0010] Furthermore, this disclosure aims to provide a battery module that improves safety and reliability by preventing gases or flames emitted to the outside of the battery module from flowing back into the battery module in the event of thermal runaway.

[0011] The technical problems to be solved by this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art can clearly understand from the following description of this disclosure other problems not mentioned herein.

[0012] Technical solution

[0013] To address the aforementioned issues, a battery module disclosed herein may include: a cell stack, wherein a plurality of cell modules, each comprising at least one battery cell, are stacked along a first direction in the cell stack; a module housing configured to accommodate the cell stack; and a plurality of cell covers, each cell cover covering the plurality of cell modules, wherein the cell covers may be configured to cover at least three surfaces of the cell modules.

[0014] The cell cover may include: a rigid member disposed on a side surface of the cell module; and a heat insulation member, at least a portion of which is disposed outside the rigid member and at least a portion of which covers the upper surface of the cell module.

[0015] The heat insulation component may include a heat insulation component and a fire-resistant component disposed on the outside of the heat insulation component.

[0016] The rigid member may include a first rigid member disposed along the first direction of the cell module; and a second rigid member disposed along a second direction of the cell module opposite to the first direction.

[0017] The heat insulation component may include a first heat insulation portion disposed along the first direction of the first rigid component, a second heat insulation portion disposed along the second direction of the second rigid component, and a third heat insulation portion connecting the first heat insulation portion and the second heat insulation portion and covering the upper side of the cell module.

[0018] The third insulation may include at least one first exhaust section, which is configured to rupture when exhaust gas is emitted from at least one battery cell.

[0019] The fire-resistant component may include a first fire-resistant portion disposed along the first direction of the first insulation portion, a second fire-resistant portion disposed along the second direction of the second insulation portion, and a third fire-resistant portion connecting the first fire-resistant portion and the second fire-resistant portion and covering the upper side direction of the battery cell module.

[0020] The third fire-resistant section may include at least one second vent section configured to rupture when exhaust gas is emitted from at least one battery cell, and formed at a position corresponding to at least one first cutting line.

[0021] The module housing may include a top plate that covers the upper side of the cell stack and includes at least one venting area.

[0022] The battery module may include a top cover that covers the upper side of the module housing, wherein the top cover may include at least one third vent that is configured to rupture when exhaust gases are emitted from the at least one battery cell.

[0023] A battery pack including a battery module according to the present disclosure may be provided.

[0024] Furthermore, this disclosure may provide a vehicle that includes a battery pack according to this disclosure.

[0025] Beneficial effects

[0026] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the cell cover included in the battery module of the present disclosure can be configured to cover the cell module to prevent physical and structural damage caused by external forces, thereby providing a battery module and a vehicle including the battery module that can prevent the movement of high-temperature emissions generated from the battery cell or the reverse inflow of external emissions.

[0027] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the cell cover included in the battery module of the present disclosure includes a rigid member and a heat-insulating member to minimize structural damage caused by cell explosion pressure, thereby providing a battery module that prevents heat conduction and is fire-resistant, and a vehicle including the battery module.

[0028] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, at least a portion of the heat-insulating member of the cell cover included in the battery module of the present disclosure is configured to cover the upper surface of the battery cell, thereby providing a battery module and a vehicle including the battery module, the battery module being configured to prevent emissions such as high-temperature gases, flames and sparks from moving into the space between the upper surface of the cell and the module housing.

[0029] Traditional thermal insulation components are arranged side-by-side between multiple battery cells, making it difficult to assemble them with the module housing covering the upper side, even with increased height. Furthermore, in the event of a battery cell explosion, gaps may appear between the thermal insulation components and the module housing, or the components may be disassembled. In contrast, the improved battery cell covers according to this disclosure are configured to cover at least three surfaces of the battery cell module and respectively cover the battery cell module, resulting in a lower likelihood of disassembly and damage, and preventing emissions from moving to the upper part of the battery cell module.

[0030] Furthermore, this disclosure may have various other effects, which will be described in each embodiment, or descriptions of effects that can be readily deduced by those skilled in the art will be omitted. Attached Figure Description

[0031] The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the foregoing disclosure, serve to provide a further understanding of the technical features of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is not to be construed as limited to the drawings.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing a battery module with the top plate removed according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 4a This is a front view showing a battery module with the top plate removed according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 4b This is a front view showing a battery module with the top plate removed according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing a battery module with at least a portion of the module housing removed, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 6 It is based on the embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 5A cross-sectional view of the battery module taken along line A-A'.

[0039] Figure 7 This is a view showing a battery module including multiple cell covers according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from above.

[0040] Figure 8 This is a schematic view showing an insulation member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure and at least one first exhaust portion formed in the insulation member.

[0041] Figure 9 This is a schematic view showing a refractory member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure and at least one second vent formed in the refractory member.

[0042] Figure 10 This schematically illustrates the overlapping and arrangement of embodiments according to the present disclosure. Figure 8 Insulation components and Figure 9 A view of the battery module with refractory components.

[0043] Figure 11 This is a schematic view showing an insulation member according to another embodiment of the present disclosure and at least one first exhaust portion formed in the insulation member.

[0044] Figure 12 This is a schematic view showing a refractory member according to another embodiment of the present disclosure and at least one second vent formed in the refractory member.

[0045] Figure 13 This schematically illustrates an overlapping arrangement according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, and includes... Figure 11 Insulation components and Figure 12 A view of the battery module with refractory components.

[0046] Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figure 15 This is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack including a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 16 This is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0049] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before the description, it should be understood that the terminology used in the specification and appended claims should not be construed as limited to its general or dictionary meaning, but rather interpreted based on the meaning and concepts corresponding to the technical aspects of the present disclosure, on the basis of allowing the inventors to appropriately define the terminology for the best interpretation.

[0050] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the accompanying drawings are only some of the most preferred embodiments of this disclosure and are not intended to fully represent the technical aspects of this disclosure. It should be understood that various equivalents and modifications can be made thereto when this application is filed.

[0051] Furthermore, this disclosure may include various embodiments. For each embodiment, repeated descriptions of substantially the same or similar configurations will be omitted, and the differences will be described primarily.

[0052] Furthermore, to aid in understanding this disclosure, the drawings are not shown to scale, and the dimensions of some components may be exaggerated. Additionally, the same reference numerals may be assigned to the same components in different embodiments.

[0053] Although terms like "first," "second," etc., are used to describe various components, it is obvious that these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another, and unless there is an explicit statement to the contrary, it is obvious that the first component can be the second component.

[0054] Throughout the instruction manual, unless explicitly stated otherwise, each component may be singular or plural.

[0055] In the following text, when any construction is disposed on the “upper (or lower)” or “top (or bottom)” of a component, this means not only that any construction is disposed to contact the upper (or lower) surface of the component, but also that other constructions may be inserted between the component and any construction disposed above (or below) the component.

[0056] Furthermore, when describing a component as being "connected," "joined," or "in contact" with another component, these components may be directly connected or in contact with each other. However, it should be understood that other components may be "inserted" between the components, or that the components may be "connected," "joined," or "in contact" through another component.

[0057] As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular expression includes the plural expression. In this application, the terms “comprising” or “including” should not be construed as necessarily including all the various components or steps described in the specification, but should be construed as excluding certain components or steps, or as including additional components or steps.

[0058] Throughout the instruction manual, when “A and / or B” is mentioned, it means A, B or A and B unless there is an explicit statement to the contrary, and when “C to D” is mentioned, it means C and below unless there is an explicit statement to the contrary.

[0059] At the same time, directional terms (e.g., up, down, left, right, front, and back) may be used in this disclosure, but these terms are merely for ease of description and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these terms may vary depending on the position of the reference object or the observer.

[0060] For example, in embodiments of this disclosure, the X-axis direction shown in the figures may represent the width direction or the left-right direction, the Y-axis direction may represent the length direction or the front-back direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction on the horizontal plane (XY plane), and the Z-axis direction may represent the up-down direction (vertical direction) perpendicular to both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

[0061] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a battery module 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of a battery module 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0062] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a battery module 10 may include a cell stack 100, a module housing 200 that houses the cell stack 100, and a plurality of cell covers 300 configured to cover the cell stack 100.

[0063] The cell stack 100 may include at least one battery cell 111, 112. Multiple battery cells 111, 112 may be configured.

[0064] The multiple battery cells 111 and 112 may be, for example, pouch-type secondary batteries. Each of the multiple battery cells 111 and 112 may be provided with an electrode lead 102. Specifically, the multiple battery cells 111 and 112 may include an electrode assembly, a cell housing 101 housing the electrode assembly, and electrode leads 102 connected to the electrode assembly and extended outward from the cell housing 101 to serve as electrode terminals. The cell housing 101 may house the electrode assembly in a receiving portion, and the edges around the receiving portion may be thermally melted to form a sealing portion.

[0065] The electrode leads 102 can be configured as a pair, and the pair of electrode leads 102 can extend from both ends of the battery cells 111, 112 (i.e., along the length direction, for example, Figure 2The two ends of the electrode leads (in the Y-axis direction) are pulled out. At this time, the pair of electrode leads 102 can be a positive lead and a negative lead. If necessary, the battery cells 111, 112 can have the following form: the two electrode leads 102 are only located along the length direction (e.g., Figure 2 At one end of the Y-axis direction (e.g., only at one end along the +Y-axis direction).

[0066] like Figure 2 As shown, multiple battery cells 111, 112 can be arranged in the horizontal direction (e.g., or in the left-right direction (e.g., ...)). Figure 2 The X-axis direction is set parallel to the x-axis direction, while also along the vertical direction (e.g., Figure 2 The cells are upright (in the Z-axis direction). At this time, each battery cell 111, 112 can have its sealing portion facing the front-back direction (e.g., ...). Figure 2 The Y-axis direction and the up and down directions (e.g., Figure 2 (in the Z-axis direction), and its storage part faces the left and right directions (e.g., Figure 2 (X-axis direction in the text).

[0067] like Figure 2 As shown, the cell stack 100 may include a plurality of cell modules 110 composed of at least a portion of a plurality of battery cells 111, 112 constituting the cell stack 100. In the cell stack 100, the plurality of cell modules 110, including at least one battery cell 111, 112, may be arranged in a horizontal direction (e.g., left-right direction, e.g., right-left-right direction). Figure 2 The cells are stacked and arranged side-by-side along the X-axis direction. According to an embodiment, the cell module 110 may include at least one battery cell 111, 112. For example, the cell module 110 may refer to a plurality of adjacent battery cells 111, 112. For example, the cell module 110 may refer to two adjacent battery cells 111, 112. For example, the cell module 110 may refer to three adjacent battery cells 111, 112. For example, the cell module 110 may refer to each of the battery cells 111, 112. That is, the number and / or type of battery cells 111, 112 constituting the cell module 110 are not limited to the above embodiments and can be designed in various ways. Multiple cell modules 110 can be defined as an assembly unit processed when assembling multiple battery cells 111, 112 into the module housing 200. In other words, multiple cell modules 110 can be assembled and housed in the module housing 200.

[0068] This disclosure is not limited to the specific type or shape of the battery cells 111 and 112, and various battery cells 111 and 112 known at the time of filing of this disclosure can be used to form the cell stack 100 of this disclosure. In this embodiment, as shown in the figures, a pouch-type secondary battery with high energy density and easy stacking is taken as the object, but it is obvious that cylindrical or square secondary batteries can also be used as battery cells 111 and 112.

[0069] At the same time, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The module housing 200 can be configured to house the battery cell stack 100. Specifically, the module housing 200 can be configured to have an internal space formed therein, and the battery cell stack 100 is housed in the internal space.

[0070] At the same time, refer to Figure 2 The module housing 200 may include a housing body 210. The housing body 210 may be constructed comprising a rigid and heat-resistant metallic material to physically or chemically protect the housed battery cells 111, 112. According to an embodiment, the housing body 210 may be configured as a U-shaped frame. When the housing body 210 is configured as a U-shaped frame, it may be configured to cover two side surfaces and a lower surface of the cell stack 100. For example, the housing body 210 may include a left plate, a right plate, and a lower plate, wherein the left plate covers the leftward-facing direction of the cell stack 100 (e.g., ...). Figure 2 A surface of the cell stack 100 (in the -X axis direction) is covered by the right plate, which faces to the right (e.g., in the X-axis direction). Figure 2 A surface of the cell stack 100 in the +X axis direction, and the lower plate covers the cell stack 100 in the downward direction (e.g., Figure 2 A surface in the Z-axis direction. Furthermore, the left, right, and lower plates can be constructed as a single unit. In this case, the upper side of the housing body 210 (e.g., Figure 2 (in the +Z axis direction) and forward / backward directions (e.g., Figure 2 The Y-axis direction (in the image) can be open. However, the shape and / or structure of the housing body 210 is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be designed in various ways.

[0071] According to an embodiment, the housing body 210 can be configured to allow multiple battery cells 111, 112 to be inserted therein along one direction. For example, the multiple battery cells 111, 112 can be inserted along a horizontal direction (e.g., a left-right direction, e.g., ...). Figure 2 The X-axis direction of the housing is inserted therein. That is to say, the housing body 210 can be configured such that multiple battery cells 111, 112 can be slidably inserted therein.

[0072] According to an embodiment, the module housing 200 may further include a top plate 220. The top plate 220 may be configured to form an upper side facing the module housing 200 (e.g., Figure 2 A surface in the +Z axis direction. When the housing body 210 is configured as a U-shaped frame, the top plate 220 can be along the open upper side direction of the housing body 210 (e.g., Figure 2 The connection is made along the +Z axis direction. The top plate 220 can be connected to the housing body 210 by welding. In this case, the connection shape between the top plate 220 and the housing body 210 can be along the front-rear direction (e.g., ...). Figure 2 A rectangular tubular shape open along the Y-axis direction. However, the top plate 220 can be omitted if needed. For example, the module housing 200 can be positioned along the upper side direction (e.g., Figure 2 The +Z axis direction is set to the open state. When the module housing 200 is in the upper direction (e.g., ...), Figure 2 When the +Z axis direction is in the open state, if thermal runaway occurs in the battery module 10, the gas and / or dust or flame emitted from the battery cells 111 and 112 can be discharged in the upward direction through the upper opening.

[0073] Meanwhile, the module housing 200 may include a front-to-back direction along the opening of the housing body 210 (e.g., Figure 2 The end plate 230 is positioned along the Y-axis direction. The end plate 230 can be welded to the housing body 210. While not shown for convenience, the end plate 230 can be configured to include, for example, an insulating material internally and a metallic material externally. Furthermore, the end plate 230 may be partially provided with holes or slits to expose components that need to be exposed to the outside (e.g., the positive and negative terminals or connectors of the battery module 10).

[0074] Furthermore, the module housing 200 can be formed in various other shapes. For example, at least one component of the module housing 200 (e.g., top plate 220) can be omitted, or one or more other components can be added. For example, the module housing 200 can be configured to include a box-shaped lower housing with an upper open end, and an upper cover that closes the upper open end of the lower housing. In this case, the lower housing can be configured such that, for example, the left and right plates covering the two side surfaces of the cell stack 100, as well as the front and rear plates covering the front and rear surfaces of the cell stack 100, are integral.

[0075] Alternatively, the module housing 200 can be configured as a single frame. For example, the housing body 210 can be constructed as a rectangular tube having an upper surface, a lower surface, a left surface, and a right surface, and having an open front surface and a rear surface. According to the module housing 200 including such a single frame, the cell stack 100 and the busbar frame assembly 400 can be assembled and placed along their length (e.g., ...). Figure 2 The battery module 10 is assembled by inserting the battery cell stack 100 into the single frame (in the Y-axis direction) and then connecting the end plate 230 to the two open ends of the single frame. At this time, in order to prevent the battery cell stack 100 from moving within the module housing 200, there is almost no gap between the lower and upper surfaces of the housing body 210 and the multiple battery cells 111, 112, and there is also almost no gap between the two side surfaces of the housing body 210 and the two sides of the multiple battery cells 111, 112.

[0076] At the same time, refer to Figure 2 The battery module 10 of this disclosure may further include a busbar frame assembly 400. The busbar frame assembly 400 may be disposed inside the module housing 200 and configured to cover at least one side of the cell stack 100. In this embodiment, as... Figure 2 As shown, the busbar frame assembly 400 can be connected to the cell stack 100 in the forward and / or backward directions (e.g., Figure 3 (The -Y axis direction and / or +Y axis direction in the text).

[0077] Busbar frame assembly 400 may include busbar frame 410 and multiple busbars 420. Busbar frame 410 may be configured to be generally coupled to the cell stack 100 in a forward and / or rearward direction (e.g., Figure 4a (in the -Y-axis direction and / or +Y-axis direction). The busbar frame 410 may have slits through which the electrode leads 102 of the battery cells 111, 112 can pass along the forward and / or backward directions (e.g., in the -Y-axis direction and / or +Y-axis direction). Figure 4b The busbar 420 can be withdrawn in the -Y-axis direction and / or +Y-axis direction. Furthermore, the busbar frame 410 can be configured to include an electrically insulating material (e.g., a plastic material) and can be configured to attach the busbar 420 to its outer surface.

[0078] Furthermore, when the electrode lead 102 is connected to the busbar 420, the busbar frame 410 can be connected to the cell stack 100, as described below.

[0079] Meanwhile, multiple busbars 420 are devices for connecting multiple battery cells 111, 112 in series and / or parallel, and may include metal materials such as copper, aluminum, or nickel, and may be arranged in the form of rods. The electrode leads 102 of the multiple battery cells 111, 112 can pass through the slits of the busbar frame 410 to be pulled outward from the busbar frame 410, and the portions pulled out in this way can be attached to the surface of the busbar 420 by welding or the like. When the electrode leads 102 of the battery cells 111, 112 and the busbars 420 are welded to the front and back sides of the cell stack 100 in a predetermined pattern, the multiple battery cells 111, 112 can be connected in series and / or parallel.

[0080] In this embodiment, refer to Figure 5 The module housing 200 may have an internal space to accommodate the cell stack 100 and the busbar frame assembly 400, and to protect the cell stack 100 from external influences.

[0081] The battery module 10 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may further include a top cover 240. The top cover 240 may be configured to guide gases and / or emissions generated from the battery cells 111, 112 to the outside of the battery module 10 and protect the cell stack 100 from external gases and / or emissions.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the top cover 240 may be disposed on the top of the module housing 200. According to another embodiment, the top cover 240 may be attached to the upper part of the module housing 200. For example, the top cover 240 may be welded and attached to the upper part of the module housing 200. For example, the top cover 240 may be configured to be joined to the upper part of the module housing 200 by an adhesive member. For example, the adhesive member may include adhesive, tape, etc. For example, the top cover 240 may be attached to the top plate 220. For example, the top cover 240 may be welded and attached to the top plate 220. For example, when one surface of the module housing 200 is open in the upper direction, the top cover 240 may be directly attached to the housing body 210 of the module housing 200.

[0083] The battery module 10 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may further include a plurality of cell covers 300. The cell covers 300 cover the cell module 110 including at least one battery cell 111, 112, thereby preventing high-temperature gases and flames emitted during thermal events occurring in the battery cells 111, 112 from being transmitted to adjacent battery cells 111, 112, potentially causing a chain reaction leading to an explosion of the battery cells 111, 112. Furthermore, it can prevent gases and / or emissions generated from adjacent battery cells 111, 112 from entering the cell covers 300.

[0084] Multiple cell covers 300 can each cover one of the multiple cell modules 110. Since each cell cover 300 protects one cell module 110, the cell module 110 can be structurally and strongly protected when a thermal event occurs in the battery cells 111 and 112. In addition, when a thermal event occurs in adjacent battery cells 111 and 112, the risk of transmission of high-temperature gases and flames can be reduced.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the cell cover 300 can be configured to cover at least three surfaces of the cell module 110. (Main reference) Figures 3 to 5 The cell cover 300 can be configured to cover the left, right, and top surfaces of the cell module 110. For example, when the electrode leads 102 of the battery cells 111 and 112 are located on the front and / or back of the cell stack 100, the cell cover 300 can cover the two side surfaces and the top surface of the cell module 110 in addition to the front and back surfaces. Structural rigidity can be maintained by configuring it to cover at least three surfaces of the cell module 110, and structural and / or physical damage caused by explosion pressure can be reduced even if a thermal event occurs in the battery cells 111 and 112. The construction and structure of various cell covers 300 will be described in detail below.

[0086] Figures 3 to 5 This is a perspective view showing a battery module 10 with the top plate 220 removed according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 This is a front view showing a battery module 10 with the top plate 220 removed according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is a front view showing a battery module 10 with the top plate 220 removed according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 3 to 5 This is a perspective view showing a battery module 10 with at least a portion of the module housing removed according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0087] Reference Figure 1 According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a battery module 10 may include a cell stack 100, a module housing 200 that houses the cell stack 100, and a plurality of cell covers 300 configured to cover the cell stack 100. Figure 2 The structure of the cell stack 100, module housing 200, and multiple cell covers 300 can be consistent with... Figure 3 and Figure 3 The cell stack 100, module housing 200 and multiple cell covers 300 have all or part of the same structure. Figure 3 The implementation method can be partially related to Figure 2 and Figure 4b The implementation methods are combined.

[0088] Multiple cell covers 300 can be positioned horizontally (e.g., left-right, right-right)Figure 6 The cells are stacked and arranged in the X-axis direction. For example, multiple cell covers 300 can correspond to multiple cell modules 110 arranged side by side. The multiple cell covers 300 can be formed along the front-back direction (e.g., Figure 5 (extending in the Y-axis direction). For example, multiple cell covers 300 may have shapes corresponding to multiple cell modules 110 along the front-rear direction (e.g., Figure 6 The shape extends along the Y-axis. Therefore, most of the area of ​​the multiple battery cells 111, 112, except for the ends, can be covered by multiple cell covers 300 and will not be exposed to the outside.

[0089] The cell cover 300 can be configured to cover at least three surfaces of the cell module 110. For example, the cell cover 300 can have a 'ㄷ' shape that opens downwards. (Main reference) Figure 6 The cell cover 300 can be configured to cover the left, right, and top surfaces of the cell module 110. For example, when the electrode leads 102 of the battery cells 111 and 112 are disposed on the front and / or back of the cell stack 100, the cell cover 300 can cover the two side surfaces and the top surface of the cell module 110 in addition to the front and back surfaces. For example, multiple cell covers 300 can be configured to cover each of the multiple cell modules 110 and then housed in the module housing 200. For example, in a state where multiple cell modules 110 are stacked, each cell cover 300 can be disposed on top of each cell module 110.

[0090] Reference Figures 3 to 5 The battery module 10 may further include a barrier member 301. The barrier member 301 may be disposed between a plurality of battery cells 111, 112. Specifically, the plurality of barrier members 301 may be included in a cell stack 100. The barrier member 301 may be configured to be disposed for at least one battery cell 111, 112. In this embodiment, the barrier member 301 may be disposed for every two cell modules 110. The barrier member 301 may be formed to extend in a vertically upright state along the front-back direction (Y-axis direction) and may be arranged side-by-side in the left-right direction (X-axis direction). According to the above embodiments of this disclosure, the plurality of battery cells 111, 112 may be separated or isolated by the barrier member 301 to prevent gas or flame from being transmitted to other barrier members 301 adjacent to the barrier member 301.

[0091] The barrier member 301 can be made of a material with excellent heat resistance and / or fire resistance (e.g., a material such as silicone or aerogel). According to the above embodiments of this disclosure, in the event of expansion of the battery cells 111 and 112, the barrier member 301 can contribute to the structural rigidity of the battery cells 111 and 112 by compressing them. However, the barrier member can be omitted if necessary.

[0092] Figure 6 It is based on the embodiments of this disclosure. Figures 3 to 5 A cross-sectional view of the battery module taken along line A-A'.

[0093] Reference Figure 6 According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a battery module 10 may include a cell stack 100, a module housing 200 that houses the cell stack 100, and a plurality of cell covers 300 configured to cover the cell stack 100. Figure 6 The structure of the cell stack 100, module housing 200, and multiple cell covers 300 can be consistent with... Figure 6 The cell stack 100, module housing 200 and multiple cell covers 300 have all or part of the same structure. Figure 6 The implementation method can be partially related to Figure 7 The implementation methods are combined.

[0094] According to an embodiment, the cell cover 300 may include a rigid member 310 and a heat insulation member 320.

[0095] The rigid member 310 may be disposed on a side surface of the cell module 110. For example, the rigid member 310 may include a component along a first direction of the cell module 110 (e.g., the leftward direction). Figure 8 The first rigid member 311 is set in the X-axis direction and along the second direction of the cell module 110 (e.g., the right-side direction). Figure 9 The second rigid member 312 is set in the +X axis direction.

[0096] Rigid members 310 may be disposed on both side surfaces of the cell module 110 to prevent structural and / or physical damage caused by the explosion pressure of the battery cells 111 and 112 in the event of thermal runaway of the battery module 10. When the cell cover 300 suffers structural and / or physical damage, it cannot prevent the transmission of high-temperature gases and flames to adjacent battery cells 111 and 112 or adjacent battery modules, leading to a chain reaction of explosions of battery cells 111, 112, or battery module 10. However, in the present disclosure, by using the cell cover 300 including the rigid member 310, physical damage will not occur even if high-temperature gases or explosion pressures are present.

[0097] The rigid member 310 may include a material with high thermal conductivity. For example, the rigid member 310 may be configured to transfer and / or dissipate heat along a planar direction (e.g., the X-axis direction) using a material with high thermal conductivity. By dissipating heat via the rigid member 310, the temperature difference between the battery cells 111, 112 where a thermal event occurs and adjacent battery cells 111, 112 can be reduced. That is, by dissipating heat via the rigid member 310, localized heat accumulation can be prevented. Furthermore, the rigid member 310 may include an insulating material.

[0098] The rigid member 310 can be formed to stand upright in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) and extend in the front-to-back direction (Y-axis direction). For example, the rigid member 310 can be made of a single rectangular sheet of material. For example, the rigid member 310 can include stainless steel (e.g., SUS). However, the material of the rigid member 310 is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be designed in various ways.

[0099] Compared to other components, the rigid member 310 can have a relatively high melting point. For example, the rigid member 310 can have a melting point of 1000 degrees or higher. For example, the rigid member 310 can have a melting point of 1400 degrees or higher. The rigid member 310 with a relatively high melting point can be used to prevent melting due to cell fire even in the event of a thermal event in the battery cell 111. When a thermal event occurs in the battery cells 111 and 112, the rigid member 310 can be configured to dissipate heat without melting, thereby preventing the heat insulation member 320 in contact with the rigid member 310 from being exposed to flame and maintaining its heat insulation performance.

[0100] According to the embodiment, when battery cells 111 and 112 disposed within the cell cover 300 experience thermal runaway, the heat insulation member 320 can prevent high-temperature gases and flames from being transmitted to adjacent battery cells 111 and 112 disposed outside the cell cover 300. Furthermore, when adjacent battery cells 111 and 112 experience thermal runaway, the heat insulation member 320 can prevent high-temperature gases and flames generated outside the cell cover 300 from being transmitted into the cell cover 300. In addition, the heat insulation member 320 can prevent gases or flames discharged outside the cell cover 300 from flowing back into the cell cover 300, thereby improving safety and reliability.

[0101] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the heat insulation member 320 is disposed outside the rigid member 310, and at least a portion thereof can cover the upper surface of the cell module 110. In other words, the heat insulation member 320 can be configured to cover both the side surface and the upper surface of the cell module 110. According to one embodiment, the heat insulation member 320 may include a heat insulation member 330 and a fire-resistant member 340 disposed outside the heat insulation member 330. In other words, the cell cover 300 can be sequentially disposed from the cell module 110 in an outward direction (e.g., the X-axis direction or the +X-axis direction) in the order of the rigid member 310, the heat insulation member 330, and the fire-resistant member 340.

[0102] According to an embodiment, the thermal insulation member 330 may include a first direction along the first rigid member 311 (e.g., the leftward direction). Figure 10 The first heat insulation portion 331, arranged in the X-axis direction, and the second direction (e.g., the right-side direction) along the second rigid member 312. Figure 8 The first heat insulation part 332 is provided in the +X axis direction, and the second heat insulation part 333 connects the first heat insulation part 331 and the second heat insulation part 332 and covers the upper side of the cell module 110.

[0103] According to the embodiment, the first heat insulation part 331 and the second heat insulation part 332 can be disposed between the rigid member 310 and the fire-resistant member 340. The first heat insulation part 331 and the second heat insulation part 332 can be erected vertically (Z-axis direction). The first heat insulation part 331 and the second heat insulation part 332 are disposed close to the rigid member 310. Therefore, when a thermal event occurs in the battery cells 111 and 112, heat is mainly dissipated through the rigid member 310, and the dissipated heat is isolated by the first heat insulation part 331 and the second heat insulation part 332, thereby improving the heat insulation performance.

[0104] According to an embodiment, the third heat insulation portion 333 may be disposed between the double-sided folded portion (DSF) 113 disposed along the upper side direction of the battery cells 111, 112 and the top plate 220. Here, the double-sided folded portion (DSF) 113 of the battery cells 111, 112 can be defined as a portion configured to be sealed by folding the upper edge twice in a pouch battery. For example, the distance between the double-sided folded portion (DSF) 113 and the top plate 220 may be approximately 2.7 mm. High-temperature gas or flame generated inside the battery module 10 can be transmitted to adjacent cells through the space between the double-sided folded portion (DSF) 113 and the top plate 220, but according to this disclosure, the third heat insulation portion 333 may be configured to cover the space between the double-sided folded portion (DSF) 113 and the top plate 220, thereby preventing high-temperature gas or flame generated inside the battery module 10 from being transmitted to adjacent cells through the space between the double-sided folded portion (DSF) 113 and the top plate 220.

[0105] Insulation component 330 may include, for example, materials such as polyurethane board, polyisocyanurate board, polystyrene board, high-temperature refractory fiber, silicone foam, high-density polyurethane (e.g., high-performance insulation material; HPI) or silicon (Si).

[0106] In this embodiment, the fire-resistant component 340 is heat-resistant, non-combustible, and capable of isolating heat and flames in the event of a fire. The fire-resistant component 340 may have a shape substantially similar to that of the heat-insulating component 330. The fire-resistant component 340 may include a first fire-resistant portion 341 disposed along a first direction of the first heat-insulating portion 331, a second fire-resistant portion 342 disposed along a second direction of the second heat-insulating portion 330, and a third fire-resistant portion 343 connecting the first fire-resistant portion 341 and the second fire-resistant portion 342 and covering the upper side of the battery cell module 110.

[0107] For example, the fire-resistant component 340 may include limestone, silicates and silicon, and the fire-resistant component 340 may include materials such as fire-resistant fiberboard, fire-resistant clay board (e.g., flame-retardant board; FRB), mica and the like.

[0108] According to an embodiment, the third heat insulation portion 333 may include at least one first vent portion 334, which is configured to rupture when exhaust gas is emitted from at least one battery cell 111, 112. According to an embodiment, the third fire-resistant portion 343 may include at least one second vent portion 344, which is configured to rupture when exhaust gas is emitted from at least one battery cell 111, 112. The shape and / or structure of at least one first vent portion 334 and at least one second vent portion 344 will be described in detail below.

[0109] Figure 9 This is a view showing a battery module 10 including multiple cell covers 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from above. Figure 11 This is a schematic view showing an insulation member 330 and at least one first exhaust portion 334 formed in the insulation member 330 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 12 This is a schematic view showing a fire-resistant member 340 and at least one second vent 344 formed in the fire-resistant member 340 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 13 This schematically illustrates the overlapping and arrangement of embodiments according to the present disclosure. Figure 11 Insulation component 330 and Figure 12 A view of the battery module 10 of the fire-resistant component 340. Figures 7 to 13 This is a schematic view showing an insulation member 330 and at least one first exhaust portion 334 formed in the insulation member 330 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 7 to 13This is a schematic view showing a fire-resistant member 340 and at least one second vent 344 formed in the fire-resistant member 340 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 This schematically illustrates an overlapping arrangement according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, and includes... Figures 7 to 13 Insulation component 330 and Figure 6 A view of the battery module 10 of the fire-resistant component 340.

[0110] Reference Figure 7 According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a battery module 10 may include a cell stack 100, a module housing 200 that houses the cell stack 100, and a plurality of cell covers 300 configured to cover the cell stack 100. Figure 8 The structure of the cell stack 100, module housing 200, and multiple cell covers 300 can be consistent with... Figure 7 The cell stack 100, module housing 200 and multiple cell covers 300 have all or part of the same structure. Figure 9 The implementation method can be partially related to Figure 10 The implementation methods are combined.

[0111] According to one embodiment, at least one first venting portion 334 may be formed in a third heat insulation portion 333 disposed in the upward direction from the heat insulation member 330. According to one embodiment, at least one second venting portion 344 may be formed in a third fire-resistant portion 343 disposed in the upward direction from the fire-resistant member 340.

[0112] At least one first vent 334 and / or at least one second vent 344 are located on the upper side of the battery cells 111 and 112, and can therefore be configured to easily rupture due to the pressure of the exhaust gas when it is discharged from the battery cells 111 and 112. In other words, at least one first vent 334 and / or at least one second vent 344 will not deform due to high heat such as dust or flame, but can be configured to rupture due to the high pressure of the exhaust gas.

[0113] At least one first vent 334 and / or at least one second vent 344 may include a cutting line through which gases generated in the cell module 110 surrounded by the cell cover 300 can be vented. At least one first vent 334 and / or at least one second vent 344 may be configured to be thinner or less dense than the surrounding area, thus making it more prone to breakage compared to the surrounding area. At least one first vent 334 and / or at least one second vent 344 may have a groove formed according to the shape of the cutting line, and may be configured as a dashed or solid line.

[0114] The shape of at least one first exhaust portion 334 and / or at least one second exhaust portion 344 can be formed in a variety of ways. For example, refer toFigure 8 At least one first vent 334 formed in the third insulation member 330 may include a plurality of cut lines extending along the length direction (Y-axis direction) and spaced apart from each other. The plurality of cut lines extending along the length direction (Y-axis direction) and spaced apart from each other may be formed as a plurality in the left-right direction (X-axis direction). For example, referring to… Figure 9 ,and Figure 11 At least one first vent 334, substantially similarly formed in the third insulation member 330, may include a plurality of cut lines extending along the length direction (Y-axis direction) and spaced apart from each other. The size and length of the plurality of cut lines can be designed in various ways, and can be short cut lines densely arranged in a straight line. The denser the arrangement, the easier it is to rupture under exhaust pressure. For example, see reference... Figure 9 At least one second vent 344 formed in the third fire-resistant member 340 may include a plurality of cutting lines extending in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) and arranged in a straight line in the left-right direction (X-axis direction). The plurality of cutting lines may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the length direction (Y-axis direction). For example, the positions where the plurality of cutting lines are formed may be based on the length direction (Y-axis direction) at positions corresponding to the plurality of vent areas 221 of the top plate 220. For example, refer to... Figure 11 When according to Figure 12 The third insulation component 330 and according to Figure 13 When the third fire-resistant component 340 is assembled and arranged, at least one first vent 334 and at least one second vent 344 may be arranged to intersect perpendicularly.

[0115] For example, refer to Figure 11 At least one first exhaust portion 334 formed in the third insulation member 330 may include multiple cutting lines extending in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) and arranged in a straight line in the left-right direction (X-axis direction). The multiple cutting lines may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the length direction (Y-axis direction). For example, the multiple cutting lines may be formed at positions corresponding to multiple exhaust regions 221 of the top plate 220 based on the length direction (Y-axis direction). For example, with... Figure 12 Compared to multiple cutting lines, Figures 7 to 13 Multiple cutting lines can be formed to have relatively large dimensions. For example, refer to Figure 14 At least one second vent 344 formed in the third fire-resistant member 340 may include a cutting line extending along the length direction (Y-axis direction) and having a plurality of diagonal portions extending diagonally at both ends. Multiple cutting lines may be provided and may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the length direction (Y-axis direction) and / or the left-right direction (X-axis direction). For example, refer to... Figure 14 When according to Figure 14 The third insulation component 330 and according toFigures 7 to 13 When the third fire-resistant member 340 is assembled and arranged, at least one first exhaust portion 334 and at least one second exhaust portion 344 can be arranged to at least partially overlap. Thus, the shapes of at least one first exhaust portion 334 and at least one second exhaust portion 344 can be different from each other. When at least one first exhaust portion 334 and at least one second exhaust portion 344 with different shapes are provided, the exhaust gas emitted from the battery cells 111 and 112 can move and be emitted in various directions, thereby setting various exhaust paths and simultaneously dissipating heat. However, the shapes of at least one first exhaust portion 334 and at least one second exhaust portion 344 are not limited to the above embodiment and can be designed in various ways as needed. Furthermore, in Figure 14 The at least one first vent 334 formed in the third insulation member 330 described herein can be applied to at least one second vent 344 formed in the third refractory member 340, and the at least one second vent 344 formed in the third refractory member 340 can be applied to at least one first vent 334 formed in the third insulation member 330.

[0116] Figures 7 to 13 This is a cross-sectional view of the battery module 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0117] Reference Figure 2 According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a battery module 10 may include a cell stack 100, a module housing 200 that houses the cell stack 100, and a plurality of cell covers 300 configured to cover the cell stack 100. Figure 14 The structure of the cell stack 100, module housing 200, and multiple cell covers 300 can be consistent with... Figure 4a The cell stack 100, module housing 200 and multiple cell covers 300 have all or part of the same structure. Figure 2 The implementation method can be partially related to Figure 14 The implementation methods are combined.

[0118] like Figure 15 and Figure 15 As shown, the top plate 220 may include at least one venting region 221. The at least one venting region 221 may be configured to vent exhaust gases generated in the battery cells 111, 112 to the outside of the module housing 200. For example, when a flame is generated in the battery cells 111, 112, at least one first venting portion 334 and / or at least one second venting portion 344 of the cell cover 300 covering the battery cells 111, 112 ruptures, allowing the flame to be vented to the outside of the cell cover 300, and also through at least one venting region 221 in the top plate 220 to the outside of the module housing.

[0119] In the top plate 220, at least one venting region 221 may be formed at a position corresponding to at least one first venting portion 334 or at least one second venting portion 344 of the cell cover 300. That is, the top plate 220 can be vented towards the upper side of the battery module 10 by at least one venting region 221 (e.g., Figure 16 Directional venting (in the +Z axis direction). For example, at least one venting region can be an vent hole. For example, at least one venting region can be a fracture line or preliminary cutting line constructed to rupture under explosive pressure.

[0120] like Figure 16 and ​ As shown, the top cover 240 may include at least one third vent 241 configured to rupture when exhaust gases are emitted from at least one battery cell 111, 112. The at least one third vent 241 may be configured to vent exhaust gases generated from the battery cells 111, 112 to the outside of the battery module 10. For example, when a flame appears in the battery cells 111, 112, at least one first vent 334 and / or at least one second vent 344 of the cell cover 300 covering the battery cells 111, 112 ruptures, allowing the flame to be vented to the outside of the cell cover 300. The flame vented to the outside of the cell cover 300 can be vented to the outside of the module housing through at least one vent region 221 of the top plate 220, and the flame vented to the outside of the module housing can be vented to the outside of the battery module 10 through a broken cut line of the at least one third vent 241 of the top cover 240.

[0121] According to an embodiment, at least one third vent 241 may be formed at a position corresponding to at least one first vent 334 and / or at least one second vent 344 and / or at least one vent region 221. At least one third vent 241 may be configured to easily rupture due to the pressure of the exhaust gas when the exhaust gas is discharged from the battery cells 111, 112. In other words, at least one third vent 241 will not deform due to high heat such as dust or flame, but may be configured to rupture due to the high pressure of the exhaust gas. At least one third vent 241 may include a cutting line through which gases generated in the cell module 110 surrounded by the cell cover 300 can be discharged. At least one third vent 241 may be configured to be thinner or less dense than the surrounding area, thus making it more prone to rupture compared to the surrounding area. At least one third vent 241 may have a groove formed according to the shape of the cutting line, and may be configured as a dashed or solid line.

[0122] ​ This is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack including a battery module 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0123] Reference ​ The battery pack 1 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure may include one or more battery modules 10 as described above according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. The battery pack 1 according to the present disclosure may also include a battery management system (BMS) for integrated control of charging and discharging of one or more battery modules, current sensors, fuses, etc., and a battery pack housing 2 for accommodating the above components.

[0124] ​ This is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0125] Reference ​ The vehicle 3 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include one or more battery packs 1 according to embodiments of the present disclosure or one or more battery modules 10 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The vehicle 3 according to the present disclosure may be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The vehicle 3 includes four-wheeled vehicles and two-wheeled vehicles. The vehicle 3 operates by receiving electricity from the battery packs 1 or battery modules 10 according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0126] The present disclosure has been described above with reference to a limited number of embodiments and accompanying drawings, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the present disclosure within the scope of the technical aspects of the present disclosure and the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1.A battery module comprising: a cell stack in which a plurality of cell modules including at least one battery cell are stacked in a first direction; a module case configured to accommodate the cell stack; and a plurality of cell covers respectively covering the plurality of cell modules, wherein the cell cover is configured to cover at least three surfaces of the cell module. 2.The battery module according to claim 1, the cell cover comprising: wherein a rigid member provided on a side surface of the cell module; and a thermal insulation member of which at least a portion is provided outside the rigid member and at least a portion covers an upper surface of the cell module. 3.The battery module according to claim 2, the thermal insulation member comprising a thermal insulation member and a fire-resistant member provided outside the thermal insulation member. wherein 4.The battery module according to claim 3, the rigid member comprising a first rigid member provided in the first direction of the cell module; and a second rigid member provided in a second direction opposite to the first direction of the cell module. wherein 5.The battery module according to claim 4, the thermal insulation member comprising a first thermal insulation portion provided in the first direction of the first rigid member, a second thermal insulation portion provided in the second direction of the second rigid member, and a third thermal insulation portion connecting the first and second thermal insulation portions and covering an upper side direction of the cell module. wherein 6.The battery module according to claim 5, the third thermal insulation portion comprising at least one first exhaust portion configured to be rupturable when exhaust gas is discharged from the at least one battery cell. wherein 7.The battery module according to claim 5, the fire-resistant member comprising a first fire-resistant portion provided in the first direction of the first thermal insulation portion, a second fire-resistant portion provided in the second direction of the second thermal insulation portion, and a third fire-resistant portion connecting the first and second fire-resistant portions and covering the upper side direction of the cell module. wherein 8.The battery module according to claim 7, the third fire-resistant portion comprising at least one second exhaust portion configured to be rupturable when exhaust gas is discharged from the at least one battery cell. wherein, 9.The battery module according to claim 1, the module case comprising a top plate covering an upper side direction of the cell stack and including at least one exhaust area. wherein 10.The battery module according to claim 1, comprising: a top cover covering an upper side direction of the module case, wherein the top cover comprises at least one third exhaust portion configured to be rupturable when exhaust gas is discharged from the at least one battery cell. 11.A battery pack comprising the battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 10. 12.A vehicle comprising the battery pack according to claim 11. ​

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