Battery module

Abstract

A battery module is provided. The battery module comprises: a housing; at least one battery cell in the housing; an insulating member covering a surface of one of the at least one battery cell on which the exhaust portion is positioned; a rigid member on an outer surface of the insulating member and in which a through hole corresponding to the exhaust portion is formed; and a rupture portion disposed in the insulating member to correspond to the exhaust portion, and configured to rupture if gas is exhausted due to an increase in internal pressure of the battery cell. According to an embodiment of the present invention, when a flame containing a gas is discharged due to an increase in pressure of a battery cell, the insulating member may be easily broken, and thus damage to the insulating member due to an effect of the flame containing the gas may be prevented or substantially prevented, and an adjacent battery cell may be protected.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] An aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure relates to a battery module. Background Technology

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, which cannot be recharged, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged. Low-capacity secondary batteries are used in small portable electronic devices such as smartphones, feature phones, laptops, digital cameras, and camcorders, while high-capacity secondary batteries are widely used as power sources for motors in hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, etc., and as batteries for energy storage. Such secondary batteries include electrode assemblies containing positive and negative electrodes, a housing of the electrode assemblies, and electrode terminals connected to the electrode assemblies.

[0003] Secondary batteries can be used as battery modules or battery packs comprising multiple individual battery cells connected in series and / or parallel to provide high energy density. Battery modules or battery packs can be formed by connecting the electrode terminals of multiple individual battery cells to meet desired power requirements, for example, to achieve high-power secondary batteries for electric vehicles.

[0004] The information disclosed in this Background section is provided to enhance the understanding of the background of this disclosure, and therefore may contain information that does not constitute related (or prior art). Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a battery module is provided in which damage to insulating components can be prevented or substantially prevented, and adjacent battery cells can be protected from the effects of flames containing gas because the insulating components are prone to rupture when gas is released due to increased pressure in the battery cells.

[0006] The above and other aspects and features of this disclosure will be described in or will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0007] According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, a battery module includes: a housing; at least one battery cell in the housing; an insulating member covering the surface of the battery cell in the at least one battery cell on which an vent portion is positioned; a rigid member on the outer surface of the insulating member, and having a through hole corresponding to the vent portion formed in the rigid member; and a rupture portion arranged in the insulating member to correspond to the vent portion and configured to rupture if gas is released due to an increase in the internal pressure of the battery cell.

[0008] In one or more embodiments, the insulating member may include at least one of carbon fiber, glass fiber, and ceramic fiber.

[0009] In one or more embodiments, the insulating component may include aerogel or silica.

[0010] In one or more embodiments, the thickness of the insulating member may be in the range of 0.7 cm to 1.3 cm.

[0011] In one or more embodiments, the rigid member may include at least one of steel, stainless steel, and aluminum.

[0012] In one or more embodiments, the venting portion may include a notch configured to rupture if gas is vented due to an increase in the internal pressure of the battery cell, and the rupture portion may include a first slit arranged to correspond to the notch.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, the notch may include a first notch and a second notch, the first notch being located in the central portion of the exhaust portion and having a linear shape extending in one direction, the second notch having an intersection point at the opposite ends of the first notch and each having a linear shape extending toward the periphery of the exhaust portion, wherein the first slit may include a central slit corresponding to the first notch and two end slits corresponding to the second notch, and the central slit and the two end slits may be spaced apart from each other.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, the first slit may be longer than the notch.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, the rupture portion may further include a second slit arranged to correspond to the periphery of the exhaust portion.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, the first slit and the second slit may be spaced apart from each other.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, the ruptured portion may further include a third slit, which is arranged to correspond to the gap between the battery cells in at least one battery cell.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, the first slit, the second slit, and the third slit may be configured to rupture sequentially according to the internal pressure of the battery cell.

[0019] In one or more embodiments, the insulating member may include an adhesive portion and be attached to the upper surface of the battery cell.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, the adhesive portion may be arranged to correspond to the outer periphery of the vent portion.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, the adhesive portion may include double-sided adhesive tape attached to the lower surface of the insulating member. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The accompanying drawings illustrate some embodiments of the present disclosure, and aspects and features of the present disclosure are further described together with the detailed description thereof. However, the present disclosure should not be construed as limited to the embodiments shown in the figures: Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view illustrating the structure of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic perspective view illustrating the structure of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 It is shown Figure 2 A schematic plan view of the structure of a single battery cell; Figure 4 It is a diagram. Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of the structure of a single battery cell; Figure 5 This is an enlarged schematic diagram showing the structure of the exhaust section according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a perspective view used to describe a broken portion of an insulating member according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic plan view showing a broken portion of an insulating member according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a schematic cross-sectional view used to describe the layout of the broken portion of an insulating member according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a plan view showing the layout of the broken portion of the insulating member according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 It is shown Figure 9 An enlarged diagram of region "A"; Figures 11A to 11C This is a view used to describe the operation of a broken portion of an insulating member according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 12 This is a plan view showing another example of a broken portion of an insulating member according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 13 This is a plan view showing another example of a broken portion of an insulating member according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 14 This is a plan view showing the layout of the adhesive portion of the insulating member according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 15 This is a view used to describe the assembly of insulating components according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Some embodiments of this disclosure will be described in more detail herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms or words used in this specification and claims are not to be construed as limited to their conventional or dictionary meanings, but are to be interpreted as having meanings and concepts consistent with the technical concept of this disclosure, based on the principle that the inventor can, as his / her own lexicographer, appropriately define the concepts of the terms.

[0024] The embodiments described in this specification and the constructions shown in the accompanying drawings are provided as some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure and do not necessarily represent all technical concepts, aspects, and features of this disclosure. Therefore, it will be understood that various equivalents and modifications may exist to replace or modify the embodiments described herein at the time of filing this application.

[0025] It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected to," or "bonded to" another element or layer, it can be directly on, directly connected to, or directly bonded to the other element or layer, or one or more intermediary elements or layers may be present. When an element or layer is referred to as being "directly on," "directly connected to," or "directly bonded to" another element or layer, no intermediary element or layer is present. For example, when a first element is described as being "bonded" or "connected" to a second element, the first element can be directly bonded to or directly connected to the second element, or the first element can be indirectly bonded to or indirectly connected to the second element via one or more intermediary elements.

[0026] In the figures, the dimensions of various elements, layers, etc., may be exaggerated for clarity. The same reference numerals denote the same or identical elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Furthermore, when describing embodiments of this disclosure, the use of "may" refers to "one or more embodiments of this disclosure." Expressions such as "at least one of..." and "any one of..." modify the entire column of elements, rather than individual elements within that column. When phrases such as "at least one of A, B, and C," "at least one of A, B, or C," "at least one selected from the group of A, B, and C," or "at least one selected from A, B, and C" are used to represent a column of elements A, B, and C, the phrase may refer to any suitable combination (or subset) of A, B, and C, and all suitable combinations (or subsets), such as A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. As used herein, the term "use" and its variations may be considered synonymous with the term "utilize" and its variations, respectively. As used herein, the terms "basically," "approximately," and similar terms are used as approximate terms rather than as terms of degree, and are intended to explain the inherent variations in measured or calculated values ​​that will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0027] It will be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions will not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or portion from another element, component, region, layer, or portion. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments, the first element, first component, first region, first layer, or first portion discussed below may be designated as a second element, second component, second region, second layer, or second portion.

[0028] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as “below,” “under,” “down,” “above,” and “above” may be used herein to describe the relationship between one element or feature and another element(s) shown in the figures. It will be understood that, in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures, the spatial relative terms are also intended to cover different orientations of the device during use or operation. For example, if the device in the figures is flipped, an element described as “below” or “under” other elements or features will subsequently be oriented “above” or “above” said other elements or features. Thus, the term “below” can encompass both above and below orientations. The device may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0029] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments of this disclosure and is not intended to limit the disclosure. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a” and “an” are also intended to include the plural forms. It will also be understood that when the terms “comprising,” “including,” and / or variations thereof are used in this specification, it indicates the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0030] Furthermore, any numerical range disclosed and / or described herein is intended to include all subranges containing the same numerical precision within the described range. For example, the range "1.0 to 10.0" is intended to include all subranges between the described minimum value of 1.0 and the described maximum value of 10.0 (and includes both the described minimum value of 1.0 and the described maximum value of 10.0), i.e., a minimum value equal to or greater than 1.0 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10.0, such as 2.4 to 7.6. Any maximum numerical limit described herein is intended to include all lower numerical limits contained therein, and any minimum numerical limit described in this specification is intended to include all higher numerical limits contained therein. Therefore, the applicant reserves the right to amend this specification (including the claims) to expressly describe any subranges contained within the range expressly described herein.

[0031] Referring to two compared elements, features, etc., as “identical” can mean that they are identical or substantially identical. Therefore, the phrase “identical” or “substantially identical” can include cases with a deviation considered low in the art (e.g., 5% or less). Additionally, when a parameter is said to be uniform in a given region, it can mean that it is uniform in terms of its mean.

[0032] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0033] When any element is referred to as being positioned (or located or positioned) "above (or below)" or "on (or under)" a component, it can mean that the element is placed in contact with the upper (or lower) surface of the component, and it can also mean that another component can be positioned between the component and any element positioned (or located or positioned) on (or below) the component.

[0034] Additionally, it will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "joined," "linked," or "connected" to another element, these elements may be directly "joined," "linked," or "connected" to each other, or there may be one or more intermediary elements between them, through which the element may be "joined," "linked," or "connected" to the other element. Furthermore, when a component is referred to as being "electrically joined" to another component, the component may be directly electrically connected to the other component, or there may be one or more intermediary elements between them, such that the component and the other component are indirectly electrically connected to each other.

[0035] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise stated, when “A and / or B” is stated, it means A, B, or A and B. That is, “and / or” includes any or all combinations of the listed items. Unless otherwise stated, when “C to D” is stated, it means C or greater and D or less.

[0036] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view illustrating the structure of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Reference Figure 1 According to this embodiment, the battery module 1 may include a housing 10, a battery cell 20, an insulating member 400, a rigid member 500, and a broken portion 600.

[0038] The housing 10 can be used as a structure to support the battery cell 20 and protect the battery cell 20 from external impacts and foreign objects.

[0039] Here, the length direction of the outer casing 10 can be parallel to... Figure 1 The direction of the X-axis in the image, and the width direction of the outer casing 10 can be parallel to... Figure 1 The direction of the Y-axis in the diagram.

[0040] The housing 10 may include a housing body 11 and a housing cover 12.

[0041] The housing body 11 can provide space for accommodating the battery cell 20 therein. According to this embodiment, the housing body 11 can be formed as a hollow box shape with one side open.

[0042] As an example, the open side of the outer casing 11 can be Figure 1 The center is positioned upwards. However, the cross-sectional shape of the outer casing 11 is not limited to... Figure 1 The quadrilateral shape shown can be modified to any of the various shapes, such as polygonal shapes, circular shapes, and elliptical shapes.

[0043] The outer cover 12 can be attached to the outer cover body 11 and can enclose the internal space of the outer cover body 11. According to this embodiment, the outer cover 12 can be formed to have a generally plate shape. The outer cover 12 can be positioned facing the open side of the outer cover body 11, for example, facing the upper surface of the outer cover body 11. The outer cover 12 can be fixed to the outer cover body 11 by any of a variety of joining methods such as bolting, welding, and press-fitting.

[0044] The battery cell 20 can be used as a unit structure for storing and providing power in the battery module 1. The battery cell 20 can be disposed in the housing 10.

[0045] The battery cell 20 can be provided as one or more battery cells 20. Figure 1 In the example shown, the battery cell 20 is configured as a plurality of battery cells 20, but the battery cell 20 is not limited thereto, and the battery cell 20 may also be configured as a single battery cell 20.

[0046] If multiple battery cells 20 are provided, the multiple battery cells 20 can be arranged in multiple columns within the housing 10. As an example, the multiple battery cells 20 can be arranged in the length direction of the housing 10 (…). Figure 1 The battery cells 20 are arranged in multiple columns along the X-axis direction of the housing 10. However, the layout shape of the multiple battery cells 20 is not limited to this, and the multiple battery cells 20 can also be arranged in the width direction of the housing 10. Figure 1 It can be set to multiple columns in the Y-axis direction (or multiple columns in the length and width directions of the housing 10).

[0047] Here, an example of a battery cell 20 as a angular or prismatic lithium-ion secondary battery will be described. However, the invention is not limited thereto, and the battery cell 20 may be, for example, a lithium polymer battery or a cylindrical battery.

[0048] Figure 2 This is a schematic perspective view illustrating the structure of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 It is shown Figure 2 A schematic plan view of the structure of a single battery cell; Figure 4 It is shown Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of the structure of a single battery cell.

[0049] Reference Figures 2 to 4 According to this embodiment, the battery cell 20 may include an electrode assembly 100, a cell housing 200, and an exhaust portion 300.

[0050] The electrode assembly 100 may include a positive electrode 110, a negative electrode 120, and a diaphragm 130 disposed between the positive electrode 110 and the negative electrode 120.

[0051] The positive electrode 110 and the negative electrode 120 may include coated portions and uncoated regions 110a and 120a. The coated portions are areas on a current collector formed of a thin metal foil on which an active material is coated, and the uncoated regions 110a and 120a are areas on which no active material is coated.

[0052] In the electrode assembly 100, a diaphragm 130, serving as an insulator, is positioned between the positive electrode 110 and the negative electrode 120, and the diaphragm 130, the positive electrode 110, and the negative electrode 120 can be wound in a jelly roll configuration. However, the electrode assembly 100 is not limited to this configuration and can be formed as a stacked structure in which the positive electrode 110 and the negative electrode 120, formed of multiple sheets, are stacked alternately, and the diaphragm 130 is positioned between the positive electrode 110 and the negative electrode 120.

[0053] The electrode assembly 100 can be configured as a single electrode assembly 100 or multiple electrode assemblies 100.

[0054] The cell housing 200 can form the overall appearance of the battery cell 20. The cell housing 200 can house the electrode assembly 100 therein. The cell housing 200 can include a conductive metal material such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, or nickel-plated steel.

[0055] The single-unit housing 200 according to this embodiment may include a housing body 210 and a cover plate 220.

[0056] In one embodiment, the housing body 210 may be formed as a rectangular hexahedron with an open surface. The open surface of the housing body 210 may be disposed upward in the outer casing 10 and disposed vertically facing the outer casing cover 12.

[0057] The cover plate 220 can be attached to the housing body 210 and seal the single housing 200. As an example, the cover plate 220 can be formed in a flat plate shape. The cover plate 220 can be disposed on the housing body 210 to cover the open side of the housing body 210. The cover plate 220 can be attached to the housing body 210 by any of a variety of attachment methods such as welding, bolting, and press-fitting.

[0058] The single housing 200 may also include a single terminal 230.

[0059] In one embodiment, the individual terminal 230 can be mounted to pass through and protrude outward from the cover plate 220. In another embodiment, the outer peripheral surface of the upper post of the individual terminal 230 can be machined into a screw, and the individual terminal 230 can be secured to the cover plate 220 by a nut. However, the invention is not limited thereto, and for example, the individual terminal 230 can be formed as a riveted structure and riveted to the cover plate 220, or welded to the cover plate 220.

[0060] In an embodiment, the individual terminal 230 protruding outward from the cover plate 220 can be formed as a pair of individual terminals 230. The pair of individual terminals 230 can each be connected to the positive electrode 110 and the negative electrode 120 of the electrode assembly 100. Therefore, the pair of individual terminals 230 can be used as the positive and negative terminals of the battery cell 20.

[0061] As an example, the single-cell terminal 230 can be electrically connected to the first current collector 240 and the second current collector 250 respectively via a welding process. The first current collector 240 and the second current collector 250 are respectively bonded to the uncoated positive electrode region 110a and the uncoated negative electrode region 120a. The first current collector 240 and the second current collector 250 can be used as the positive electrode current collector and the negative electrode current collector of the battery cell 20, respectively. More specifically, a pair of single-cell terminals 230 can be bonded to the first current collector 240 and the second current collector 250 via a welding process. However, the invention is not limited thereto, and for example, the single-cell terminal 230, the first current collector 240, and the second current collector 250 can be formed by integral bonding.

[0062] The battery cell 20 may also include an exhaust section 300.

[0063] The exhaust portion 300 can be formed as a hole vertically passing through two or opposite surfaces of the cover plate 220. The exhaust portion 300 can serve as a component providing a channel through which flames, gases, smoke, etc., generated in the cell housing 200 are discharged from the cell 20 in the event of thermal runaway. The lower side of the exhaust portion 300 can connect to the internal space of the housing body 210. The upper side of the exhaust portion 300 can connect to the external space of the cover plate 220. The cross-sectional shape of the exhaust portion 300 can be varied into any of a variety of shapes, such as elliptical, circular, and polygonal.

[0064] The single-unit housing 200 may also include an electrolyte injection port 222 formed through the cover plate 220 and on which a sealing cap is mounted.

[0065] An insulating member may be installed between the electrode assembly 100 and the cover plate 220. The insulating member may include a first lower insulating member 260 and a second lower insulating member 270, and the first lower insulating member 260 and the second lower insulating member 270 may be installed between the electrode assembly 100 and the cover plate 220.

[0066] The end of the separating member mounted to face the side surface of the electrode assembly 100 can be installed between the insulating member and the individual terminal 230.

[0067] The separating component may include a first separating component 280 and a second separating component 290.

[0068] The ends of the first separator 280 and the second separator 290, which are mounted to face the side surface of the electrode assembly 100, can be installed between the first lower insulating member 260 and the second lower insulating member 270 and a pair of individual terminals 230.

[0069] A pair of individual terminals 230 welded to the first current collector 240 and the second current collector 250 can be coupled to the ends of the first lower insulating member 260, the second lower insulating member 270, the first separating member 280 and the second separating member 290.

[0070] According to this embodiment, the battery module 1 may also include a busbar retainer 30 and an exhaust retainer hole 40.

[0071] The busbar retainer 30 can be disposed in the housing 10 and can be used as a component for supporting the busbar 31.

[0072] According to this embodiment, the busbar retainer 30 can be formed in a flat plate shape. The upper and lower surfaces of the busbar retainer 30 can be configured to face the housing cover 12 and the upper surface of the battery cell 20 (i.e., cover plate 220), respectively. The busbar retainer 30 can be configured to include an electrically insulating polymer composite material.

[0073] Busbar 31 can be electrically connected to battery cell 20. Busbar 31 can be secured to busbar holder 30 by any of a variety of methods such as welding, bolting, and press-fitting. Busbar 31 can contact the cell terminal 230 of battery cell 20. Busbar 31 may include conductors such as aluminum, nickel, or copper for electrical connection to cell terminal 230.

[0074] Multiple busbars 31 can be configured. Multiple busbars 31 can connect multiple battery cells 20 in series or in parallel. The number and arrangement of multiple busbars 31 can vary depending on the series or parallel connection structure of the battery cells 20.

[0075] The exhaust retainer hole 40 can be used as a component to provide an exhaust passage for gases, flames, and smoke discharged from the battery cell 20 in the busbar retainer 30. According to this embodiment, the exhaust retainer hole 40 can be formed as a hole shape that vertically passes through the busbar retainer 30. The exhaust retainer hole 40 can be positioned facing the exhaust portion 300 of the battery cell 20.

[0076] The vent retainer hole 40 can be configured as a plurality of vent retainer holes 40. The plurality of vent retainer holes 40 can be arranged in the length direction of the housing 10. In an embodiment, the number of vent retainer holes 40 can correspond to the number of battery cells 20, and each of the vent retainer holes 40 can respectively face the vent portion 300 of a different battery cell 20 in the battery cell 20.

[0077] The cross-sectional area of ​​the vent retainer hole 40 can be smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the vent portion 300 of the battery cell 20. Therefore, the busbar retainer 30 can press against the edge region of the blocking member 320 to prevent or substantially prevent the blocking member 320 from separating from the vent hole 310 during normal operation of the battery cell 20.

[0078] Figure 5 This is an enlarged schematic diagram showing the structure of the exhaust section according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] Reference Figure 5 The exhaust section 300 may include an exhaust port 310 and a blocking member 320.

[0080] The blocking member 320 can be installed in the vent 310 and closes or opens in coordination with changes in the internal pressure of the cell housing 200. That is, the blocking member 320 can remain closed to seal the vent 310 during normal operation of the battery cell 20. The blocking member 320 can open when the internal pressure of the cell housing 200 rises above a certain pressure (e.g., a set pressure) due to, for example, overcharging of the battery cell 20 or a fire, and can discharge flames, gases, smoke, etc. generated in the cell housing 200 to the outside of the cell housing 200.

[0081] The venting section 300 may include a notch 322, which ruptures when gas is released due to increased internal pressure in the battery cell 20.

[0082] A notch 322 is formed in the blocking member 320, and the thickness of the notch 322 may be less than the thickness of other areas of the blocking member 320. In an embodiment, the notch 322 may include a first notch 324 and a second notch 326. The first notch 324 is located in the central portion of the exhaust portion 300 and has a linear shape extending in one direction. The second notch 326 has intersection points at both ends or opposite ends of the first notch 324 and each has a linear shape extending toward the periphery of the exhaust portion 300.

[0083] The insulating member 400 can be used as a component to prevent or substantially prevent the spread of an event from a battery cell 20 to an adjacent battery cell 20.

[0084] The insulating member 400 may comprise at least any one of carbon fiber, glass fiber, and ceramic fiber. Aerogel or silica may be incorporated into the insulating fibers in the insulating member 400. Aerogel or silica may be permeated within the insulating member 400 to maximize or increase insulation performance.

[0085] In one embodiment, the insulating member 400 may be formed to have a thickness of 0.7 cm to 1.3 cm. In another embodiment, the insulating member 400 may be formed to have a thickness of 1 cm.

[0086] In the embodiment, the thickness of the insulating member 400 is small as described above, so that the insulating member 400 itself can break when an event occurs in the battery cell 20, and the increase in bending stress of the battery cell 20 can be minimized or reduced by the broken portion 600.

[0087] The insulating member 400 may be configured to cover the surface of the battery cell 20 where the vent portion 300 is formed. In an embodiment, the insulating member 400 may be disposed on the upper surface of the battery cell 20, which is arranged in multiple rows in the housing 10.

[0088] The rigid member 500 may be disposed on the outer surface of the insulating member 400. The rigid member 500 may be used as a component to prevent or substantially prevent the insulating member 400 from peeling off in the event of an event involving the battery cell 20.

[0089] The rigid member 500 may be configured to face the insulating member 400. The rigid member 500 may be disposed on the outer surface of the insulating member 400, and a through hole 510 corresponding to the vent portion 300 may be formed in the rigid member 500.

[0090] The through-hole 510 can correspond to the position and size of the venting portion 300, and if an event occurs at a specific battery cell 20 and the corresponding venting portion 300 opens, high-temperature effluent can be discharged through the through-hole 510. In this case, the rigid member 500 can prevent or substantially prevent the peeling of the insulating member 400, and the rigid member 500 can prevent or substantially prevent the peeling from spreading through the gap between the battery cell 20 and the insulating member 400 to adjacent battery cells 20.

[0091] In an embodiment, the rigid member 500 may include at least one of steel, stainless steel, and aluminum.

[0092] Figure 6 This is a perspective view used to describe a broken portion of an insulating member according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic plan view showing a broken portion of an insulating member according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a schematic cross-sectional view used to describe the layout of the broken portion of an insulating member according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a plan view showing the layout of the broken portion of the insulating member according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 It is shown Figure 9 An enlarged diagram of region "A"; Figures 11A to 11C This is a view used to describe the operation of a broken portion of an insulating member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0093] Reference Figures 6 to 11C According to this embodiment, the ruptured portion 600 can be formed in the insulating member 400 to correspond to the venting portion 300, and may easily rupture due to gas due to the increase in internal pressure of the battery cell 20.

[0094] Therefore, since the insulating member 400 can be easily broken by the force of the gas vertically discharged through the exhaust section 300, damage to the insulating member 400 due to the influence of the flame containing horizontally deployed gas can be prevented or substantially prevented, and adjacent battery cells 20 can be protected.

[0095] The rupture portion 600 may include a first slit 610 formed corresponding to the notch 322 of the exhaust portion 300. As described above, the notch 322 may include a first notch 324 and a second notch 326. The first notch 324 is located in the central portion of the exhaust portion 300 and has a linear shape extending in one direction. The second notch 326 has intersection points at the two ends or opposite ends of the first notch 324 and each has a linear shape extending toward the periphery of the exhaust portion 300. The first slit 610 may have a central slit 612 corresponding to the first notch 324 and two end slits 614 corresponding to the second notch 326.

[0096] In an embodiment, the second notch 326 and the two end slits 614 can be formed as linear shapes that extend symmetrically from the intersection along a diagonal direction.

[0097] In an embodiment, the first slit 610 may be formed to have a length greater than that of the notch 322. Because the first slit 610 is relatively long, the increased bending stress on the battery cell 20 due to the application of the insulating member 400 can be minimized or reduced.

[0098] like Figure 11A As shown, the first slit 610 may rupture due to vertically ejected gas to expel the gas-containing flame to the outside, which can prevent the horizontal ejection of the gas-containing flame.

[0099] In an embodiment, the central slit 612 and the two end slits 614 may be spaced apart from each other. Figure 7 As shown, since the facing portions C of the central slit 612 and the two end slits 614 are connected along a certain length (e.g., a predetermined length), undesirable opening of the central slit 612 and the two end slits 614 can be prevented or substantially prevented, and insulation performance can be maintained when the insulating member 400 is handled.

[0100] The rupture portion 600 may include a second slit 620, which is formed to correspond to the periphery of the exhaust portion 300. The second slit 620 may be located on the outer side of the exhaust portion 300 and is prone to rupture due to the vertically injected gas.

[0101] Since the second slit 620, together with the first slit 610, prevents or substantially prevents the insulation member 400 from peeling off, it can prevent or substantially prevent the spread of a gas-containing flame to the adjacent battery cell 20.

[0102] like Figure 11BAs shown, even if the periphery of the first slit 610 peels off due to the gas being vertically injected through the first slit 610, the second slit 620, which is formed to correspond to the periphery of the exhaust portion 300, can be opened, and peeling off the outer side of the second slit 620 can be prevented or substantially prevented.

[0103] Therefore, it is possible to prevent or substantially prevent the horizontal spread of a gas-containing flame through the gap between the battery cell 20 and the insulating member 400.

[0104] In an embodiment, the first slit 610 and the second slit 620 may be spaced apart from each other. Figure 7 As shown, because the facing portions C of the first slit 610 and the second slit 620 are connected along a certain length (e.g., a predetermined length), undesirable opening of the first slit 610 and the second slit 620 can be prevented or substantially prevented, and insulation performance can be maintained when the insulating member 400 is handled.

[0105] In an embodiment, the ruptured portion 600 may further include a third slit 630 formed to correspond to the gap between the plurality of battery cells 20.

[0106] Since the third slit 630, together with the first slit 610 and the second slit 620, prevents or substantially prevents the insulation member 400 from peeling off, it can prevent or substantially prevent the spread of a gas-containing flame to the adjacent battery cell 20.

[0107] The third slit 630 can be formed in the Y-axis direction. That is, the third slit 630 can be formed in a linear shape between adjacent battery cells 20 along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell 20.

[0108] In an embodiment, the third slit 630 is disposed between the battery cell and the adjacent battery cell 20, and the height tolerance of each battery cell 20 can be ignored or reduced, and the spread of a gas-containing flame to the adjacent battery cell 20 can be prevented or substantially prevented.

[0109] If the internal pressure of the battery cell 20 where the event occurs is high, and the first slit 610 and the second slit 620 are insufficient to resist the burst of vertically ejected gas, then as Figure 11C As shown, the third slit 630 is opened to prevent or substantially prevent peeling of the outer side of the third slit 630, and to prevent or substantially prevent the horizontal spread of a gas-containing flame through the gap between the battery cell 20 and the insulating member 400, thus protecting the adjacent battery cell 20.

[0110] As described above, since the first slit 610, the second slit 620 and the third slit 630 can break sequentially according to the internal pressure of the battery cell 20, the horizontal spread of the gas-containing flame can be prevented or substantially prevented in multiple stages, thereby ensuring stability.

[0111] In an embodiment, the adhesive portion 700 may be disposed on the insulating member 400 and attached to the upper surface of the battery cell 20.

[0112] Figure 12 This is a plan view showing another example of a broken portion of an insulating member according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 13 This is a plan view showing another example of a broken portion of an insulating member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0113] Reference Figure 12 The first slit 610, the second slit 620, and the third slit 630 can be formed in a shape in which multiple lines are spaced apart from each other. Therefore, the consistency of the insulating member 400 can be maintained, and when the insulating member 400 is processed, undesirable opening of the first slit 610, the second slit 620, and the third slit 630 can be prevented or substantially prevented. Thus, processability can be improved, and insulation performance can be maintained.

[0114] In the embodiments, reference is made to Figure 13 The first slit 610 may include auxiliary slits 613. The auxiliary slits 613 may be configured as a plurality of auxiliary slits 613 extending in a direction perpendicular to the central slit 612 of the first slit 610. Therefore, the increase in bending stress on the battery cell 20 can be minimized or reduced.

[0115] Figure 14 This is a plan view showing the layout of the adhesive portion of the insulating member according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 15 This is a view used to describe the assembly of insulating components according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0116] Reference Figure 14 and Figure 15 According to this embodiment, the adhesive portion 700 can be formed to correspond to the outer periphery of the vent portion 300.

[0117] In this embodiment, the adhesive portion 700 may be formed as a double-sided adhesive tape attached to the lower surface of the insulating member 400. The adhesive portion 700 can prevent or reduce the increase in the number of components and simplify the assembly process. When manufacturing the battery module 1, the adhesive portion 700 may be pre-formed on and remain on the lower surface of the insulating member 400, and attached to the corresponding venting portion 300 of the battery cell 20 exposed upward from the semi-assembled battery module 1.

[0118] In one embodiment, the area of ​​the adhesive portion 700 is formed as a separate quadrilateral shape covering the vent portion of the battery cell 20. The area of ​​the adhesive portion 700 may be formed on the outside of the second slit 620.

[0119] Therefore, the venting portion of the battery cell 20, which is located around the venting portion 300 of the abnormal battery cell 20, can keep the insulating member 400 fixed and thus prevent the horizontal spread of the flame containing gas.

[0120] According to the embodiments of the present invention described above, when a gas-containing flame is emitted due to increased pressure in the battery cell, the insulating member can easily rupture, thereby preventing or substantially preventing damage to the insulating member due to the influence of the gas-containing flame, and protecting adjacent battery cells. In one or more embodiments, multiple rupture portions are formed at each portion, and the multiple rupture portions can rupture sequentially due to the vertically emitted gas-containing flame, thus ensuring stability.

[0121] According to an embodiment of the invention, the rupture portions formed at each part are arranged to be spaced apart from each other, and the opening of the rupture portions can be prevented or substantially prevented when the insulating member is processed. In addition, the insulating member on which the adhesive portion is formed can be attached to the upper part of the battery cell in a semi-assembled state, thereby improving assemblability.

[0122] According to embodiments of the present invention, when a gas-containing flame is emitted due to increased pressure in the battery cell, the insulating member can easily rupture, thereby preventing or substantially preventing damage to the insulating member due to the influence of the gas-containing flame, and protecting adjacent battery cells. Furthermore, it can prevent or substantially prevent heat from spreading to a large area of ​​the battery cell, and also prevent or substantially prevent heat from spreading due to high-temperature and high-pressure convection occurring around the exhaust portion of the battery cell.

[0123] According to one or more embodiments of the invention, a plurality of rupture portions are formed at each portion, and the plurality of rupture portions can be sequentially ruptured by a vertically discharged flame containing gas, thereby preventing or substantially preventing the peeling of the insulating member.

[0124] According to one or more embodiments of the invention, the rupture portions formed at each part are arranged to be spaced apart from each other, and the opening of the rupture portions can be prevented or substantially prevented when the insulating member is handled.

[0125] According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, a third slit is formed between battery cells, which can negligible the height tolerance of each battery cell, and can ultimately protect adjacent battery cells even when the insulation component peels off due to the force generated when a flame containing gas is discharged through the exhaust portion of an abnormally operating battery cell.

[0126] According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, an insulating member having an adhesive portion pre-formed thereon can be attached to the upper part of a battery cell in a semi-assembled state, thereby improving assemblability.

[0127] According to one or more embodiments of the invention, the adhesive portion of the insulating member is configured to cover the venting portion of the battery cell and to keep the insulating members of adjacent battery cells fixed, and thus advantageously protected from the effects of flame.

[0128] However, the aspects, effects, and advantages available through this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the description of this disclosure other technical aspects, effects, and advantages not mentioned.

[0129] Although this disclosure has been described with reference to some exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, these embodiments are merely illustrative, and it is to be understood that those skilled in the art can derive various modifications and equivalent other embodiments based on the embodiments.

Claims

1. A battery module, the battery module comprising: shell; Multiple battery cells are housed within the casing; An insulating component covers the surface of one of the plurality of battery cells where a venting portion is located; A rigid member is formed on the outer surface of the insulating member, and a through hole corresponding to the exhaust portion is formed in the rigid member; as well as A rupture portion is arranged in the insulating member to correspond to the venting portion and is configured to rupture if gas is released due to an increase in the internal pressure of the battery cell.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The insulating component includes at least one of carbon fiber, glass fiber, and ceramic fiber.

3. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The insulating component includes aerogel or silicon dioxide.

4. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The thickness of the insulating component is 0.7 cm to 1.3 cm.

5. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The rigid component includes at least one of steel, stainless steel, and aluminum.

6. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The venting section includes a notch configured to rupture if gas is released due to an increase in the internal pressure of the battery cell. The fractured portion includes a first slit arranged to correspond to the notch.

7. The battery module according to claim 6, wherein, The notch includes: A first notch, located at the center of the exhaust portion, has a linear shape extending in one direction; and The second notch has an intersection point at the opposite end of the first notch, and each second notch has a linear shape extending toward the periphery of the exhaust portion. The first slit includes a central slit corresponding to the first notch and two end slits corresponding to the second notch. The central slit and the two end slits are spaced apart from each other.

8. The battery module according to claim 6, wherein, The first slit is longer than the notch.

9. The battery module according to claim 6, wherein, The ruptured portion also includes a second slit arranged to correspond to the periphery of the exhaust portion.

10. The battery module according to claim 9, wherein, The first slit and the second slit are spaced apart from each other.

11. The battery module according to claim 9, wherein, The ruptured portion also includes a third slit, which is arranged to correspond to the gap between the battery cells in the plurality of battery cells.

12. The battery module according to claim 11, wherein, The first slit, the second slit, and the third slit are configured to rupture sequentially according to the internal pressure of the battery cell.

13. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The insulating component includes an adhesive portion and is attached to the upper surface of the battery cell.

14. The battery module according to claim 13, wherein, The adhesive portion is arranged to correspond to the outer periphery of the exhaust portion.

15. The battery module according to claim 14, wherein, The adhesive portion includes double-sided adhesive tape attached to the lower surface of the insulating member.

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