Battery module and battery pack including same
By introducing flame-retardant and fire-extinguishing components into the battery module, the problems of slow heat transfer speed and insufficient safety between battery cells are solved, achieving effective heat transfer delay and flame suppression, and improving the overall safety of the battery module.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2021-10-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-13
AI Technical Summary
In existing battery modules, the heat transfer rate between battery cells is difficult to delay effectively, and the safety is insufficient, especially when flames spread, which can easily cause multiple battery cells to burn.
Flame-retardant and fire-extinguishing components are introduced into the battery cell stack. The flame-retardant components are located between adjacent battery cells, and the fire-extinguishing components are located at the top of the battery cell stack. The two work together to delay heat propagation and suppress flame spread.
It effectively delays the rate of heat propagation between battery cells, improves the safety of the battery module, prevents flames from spreading from one battery cell to other battery cells, and enhances overall safety.
Smart Images
Figure CN121663057A_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese patent application No. 2021112464543, filed on October 26, 2021, entitled "Battery Module and Battery Pack Including the Battery Module". Technical Field
[0002] This disclosure relates to a battery module and a battery pack including the battery module, and more specifically, to a battery module and a battery pack including the battery module that effectively delays the rate of heat transfer between battery cells. Background Technology
[0003] With technological advancements and increasing demand for mobile devices, the need for batteries as an energy source is rapidly growing. In particular, secondary batteries are attracting significant attention as a power source for drive systems such as electric bicycles, electric vehicles, and hybrid vehicles, as well as for mobile devices such as mobile phones, digital cameras, laptops, and wearable devices.
[0004] Each small mobile device uses one or more battery cells, while medium or large devices such as vehicles require high power and large capacity. Therefore, medium or large battery modules with multiple battery cells electrically connected to each other are used.
[0005] Preferably, medium or large battery modules are manufactured with the smallest possible size and weight. For this purpose, prismatic cells, pouch cells, and the like, which have a low weight-to-capacity ratio and can be stacked with high integration, are commonly used as battery cells in medium or large battery modules. Meanwhile, to protect the battery cell stack from external impacts, heat, or vibration, the battery module may include a module frame with openings on its front and rear surfaces to house the stacked battery cells within an internal space.
[0006] In conventional battery modules, the battery cells are attached to each other using adhesive materials such as double-sided tape in a stacked battery cell configuration. However, in this case, when a flame occurs within the battery module, it is difficult to delay the transfer of combustion from some cells to others. Furthermore, some battery modules use compression pads made of polyurethane material between the cells to prevent expansion, but these compression pads also suffer from insufficient effectiveness in delaying heat propagation. Therefore, unlike conventional methods, there is a need to develop a battery module that can effectively delay the rate of heat propagation between battery cells and improve safety. Summary of the Invention
[0007] Technical issues
[0008] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a battery module that effectively delays the rate of heat propagation between battery cells and a battery pack including the battery module.
[0009] The purpose of this disclosure is not limited to the purposes described above, and other purposes not described herein should be clearly understood by those skilled in the art through the following detailed description.
[0010] Technical solution
[0011] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a battery module is provided, the battery module comprising: a battery cell stack having a plurality of battery cells stacked thereon; a module frame for accommodating the battery cell stack; flame-retardant members located between at least one pair of adjacent battery cells in the battery cell stack; and a fire extinguishing member located between the module frame and the upper part of the battery cell stack.
[0012] The flame-retardant components can be arranged at equal intervals in the battery cell stack.
[0013] The flame-retardant component can extend along the length and width directions of the battery cell.
[0014] The fire extinguishing component can extend between the module frame and the upper part of the battery cell stack along the stacking direction of the battery cell stack.
[0015] The thickness of the fire extinguishing component can be equal to the separation distance between the module frame and the upper part of the battery cell stack.
[0016] The battery cell may include a central portion and electrode lead portions located on both sides of the central portion, and the electrode leads may protrude from the ends of the electrode lead portions.
[0017] The flame-retardant component may extend along the length and width directions of the central portion.
[0018] The flame-retardant component may extend to the boundary line between the central portion and the electrode lead portion.
[0019] The width of the fire extinguishing component may extend between the module frame and the upper part of the battery cell stack along the stacking direction of the battery cell stack.
[0020] The length of the fire extinguishing component may extend along the length direction of the central portion on the side surface of the central portion.
[0021] The length of the fire extinguishing component may extend on the side surface of the central portion to the boundary line between the central portion and the electrode lead portion.
[0022] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, a battery pack is provided, the battery pack including the battery module described above.
[0023] Beneficial effects
[0024] According to embodiments of this disclosure, flame-retardant components are located between at least one pair of adjacent battery cells in a battery cell stack, and fire-extinguishing components are located on top of the battery cell stack, thereby effectively delaying the rate of heat propagation between battery cells.
[0025] The effects of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the description in the appended claims other additional effects not described above. Attached Figure Description
[0026] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A 3D view of the battery cells stacked with the module frame removed from the battery module. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An exploded 3D view of the battery cell stack; Figure 4 This shows the attachment of flame-retardant components to... Figure 3 A top view of the battery cells in their stacked state; Figure 5 It is viewed from above. Figure 2 A top view of area A; Figure 6 It is along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view of the battery module taken by the tangent a-a'. Detailed Implementation
[0027] In the following, various embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, enabling those skilled in the art to readily implement this disclosure. This disclosure can be modified in various different ways and is not limited to the embodiments set forth herein.
[0028] Parts irrelevant to the description will be omitted in order to clearly describe the contents of this disclosure, and the same reference numerals denote the same elements throughout the specification.
[0029] Furthermore, the dimensions and thicknesses of each element are arbitrarily shown in the accompanying drawings for ease of description, and this disclosure is not limited to those shown in the drawings. The thicknesses of layers, regions, etc., are exaggerated in the drawings for clarity. The thicknesses of some layers and regions are exaggerated in the drawings for ease of description.
[0030] Furthermore, throughout the specification, when a section is referred to as "including" a component, unless otherwise stated, it means that the section may include other components, but does not exclude other components. Additionally, throughout the specification, "plane" means the target portion viewed from above, and "section" means the target portion viewed from the side of a vertically cut section.
[0031] A battery module according to one embodiment of this disclosure will now be described. However, the description herein is based on the front surface of the battery module, and is not limited thereto; the same or similar content may be described even in the case of the rear surface.
[0032] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A 3D view of the battery cells stacked with the module frame removed from the battery module.
[0033] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a battery module 100 includes a battery cell stack 120 on which a plurality of battery cells 110 are stacked, a module frame 300 for housing the battery cell stack 120, and end plates 400 located on the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack 120. Additionally, a bus frame (not shown) may be located between the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack 120 and the end plate 400, and a bus may be located on the bus frame (not shown).
[0034] The module frame 300 may include: a U-shaped frame having a bottom and sides, the upper, front, and rear surfaces of which are open; and an upper plate covering the upper part of the battery cell stack 120. However, the module frame 300 is not limited to this, and the module frame 300 may be replaced by a frame of other shapes besides the L-shaped frame, such as a single frame surrounding the battery cell stack 120.
[0035] The battery cell 110 is preferably a pouch-type battery cell. The battery cell can be manufactured by housing electrode assemblies in a pouch-like casing comprising a resin layer and a metal layer, and then heat-sealing the sealed portion of the pouch-like casing. Such a battery cell 110 can be composed of multiple cells, and multiple battery cells 110 are stacked and electrically connected to each other to form a battery cell stack 120. Specifically, as... Figure 2 As shown, multiple battery cells 110 can be stacked along a direction parallel to the x-axis.
[0036] In addition, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery module 100 includes a fire extinguishing member 130 located between the module frame 300 and the upper part of the battery cell stack 120.
[0037] refer to Figure 2 The fire extinguishing component 130 extends between the module frame 300 and the upper part of the battery cell stack 120 along the stacking direction (x-axis) of the battery cell stack 120. Here, the width of the fire extinguishing component 130 extends between the module frame and the upper part of the battery cell stack along the stacking direction (x-axis) of the battery cell stack. More preferably, the width of the fire extinguishing component 130 may be equal to or less than the width of the upper part of the battery cell stack.
[0038] Therefore, in the battery module 100 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the fire extinguishing member 130 is provided at a position corresponding to the upper part of the battery cell stack 120, and when a flame appears in some of the battery cells 110 of the battery cell stack 120, the intensity of the flame appearing in the battery cells 110 can be effectively suppressed. In addition, the safety of the battery module 100 can be improved.
[0039] The fire extinguishing component 130 may be a component containing a fire extinguishing agent. Here, the fire extinguishing component 130 may be a foam-type component. Furthermore, the fire extinguishing agent may be a commonly used powder-type fire extinguishing agent. For example, the fire extinguishing agent may be sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), potassium bicarbonate (KHCO3), ammonium phosphate (NH4H2PO3), or a mixture of potassium bicarbonate (KHCO3) and urea ((NH2)2CO). Specifically, the fire extinguishing agent contained in the fire extinguishing component 130 may include potassium bicarbonate (KHCO3). However, the fire extinguishing agent is not limited to this and can be used without restriction, as long as it is a material with fire extinguishing function.
[0040] Therefore, when combustion occurs in the battery module 100 according to an embodiment of this disclosure, the fire extinguishing member 130 is located near the upper part of the battery cell stack 120, thereby effectively suppressing the intensity of the flame. Furthermore, carbon dioxide and water vapor may be generated during the process of extinguishing the flame generated in the battery cell 110 by the fire extinguishing member 130. This reaction is endothermic, absorbing heat from the battery cell 110 and cutting off the oxygen supply, thereby effectively delaying the rate of flame and heat propagation between the battery cells 110. In addition, the safety of the battery module 100 can be improved.
[0041] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An exploded 3D view of the battery cell stack. Figure 4 This shows the attachment of flame-retardant components to... Figure 3 A top view of the battery cells in their stacked state.
[0042] refer to Figure 3 Flame-retardant members 150 are located between at least one pair of adjacent battery cells 110 in the battery cell stack 120. Furthermore, flame-retardant members 150 may be located between adjacent battery cells 110 in the battery cell stack 120. However, although not limited to this, the number of flame-retardant members 150 disposed in the battery cell stack 120 may be set to a level sufficient to maintain the strength of the battery cells 110 in the battery module 100 within a suitable range while delaying combustion.
[0043] Flame-retardant members 150 may be arranged at equal intervals in the battery cell stack 120. However, although not limited thereto, flame-retardant members 150 may be arranged around locations in the battery cell stack 120 that are highly likely to ignite.
[0044] The flame-retardant component 150 can be a flame-retardant material component. Here, the flame-retardant component 150 can be a component in the form of foam. More preferably, the flame-retardant component 150 can be a flame-retardant material component with high compressibility. For example, the flame-retardant component 150 can be selected from silicone foam, mica sheets, etc. However, although not limited to this, flame-retardant components can be used without restriction, as long as they are components made of flame-retardant materials.
[0045] Therefore, in the battery module 100 according to the embodiments of this disclosure, when a flame appears in some of the battery cells 110 adjacent to the flame-retardant member 150 in the battery cell stack 120, the heat transfer to other battery cells can be effectively prevented or delayed. Furthermore, the safety of the battery module 100 can be improved.
[0046] The flame-retardant member 150 may extend along the length and width directions of the battery cell 110. Furthermore, the area of the flame-retardant member 150 may be smaller than or the same as the area of the battery cell 110.
[0047] In the battery module 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when a flame appears in some battery cells 110 of the battery cell stack 120 adjacent to the flame-retardant member 150, heat can be effectively prevented or delayed from spreading to other battery cells. Furthermore, the safety of the battery module 100 can be improved.
[0048] In addition, refer to Figure 4 The battery cell 110 includes a central portion 113 and electrode lead portions 115 located on both sides of the central portion 113. Here, the electrode leads 117 can protrude from the ends of the electrode lead portions 115. An electrode stack consisting of a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator inserted between the positive and negative electrodes is located in the central portion 113 of the battery cell 110.
[0049] refer to Figure 4 The flame-retardant member 150 may extend along the length and width directions of the central portion 113 of the battery cell 110. Furthermore, the flame-retardant member 150 may extend to the boundary line between the central portion 113 and the electrode lead portion 115.
[0050] Therefore, in the battery module 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the flame-retardant member 150 is arranged to cover the central portion 113 of the battery cell 110, and can effectively prevent or delay the spread of flame and / or heat to other battery cells 110 when a flame occurs due to a chemical reaction in the electrode stack of the central portion 113. Furthermore, the central portion 113 of the battery cell 110 can be effectively covered while minimizing the area of the flame-retardant member 150. In addition, the safety of the battery module 100 can be improved.
[0051] Figure 5 It is viewed from above. Figure 2 Top view of area A. Figure 6 It is along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view of the battery module taken by the tangent a-a'.
[0052] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 5 The length of the fire extinguishing component 130 can extend along the longitudinal direction (y-axis) of the battery cell stack between the module frame and the upper part of the battery cell stack.
[0053] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The length of the fire extinguishing component 130 may extend along the length direction (y-axis) of the central portion 113 on the side surface of the central portion 113 of the battery cell 110. Furthermore, the length of the fire extinguishing component 130 may extend on the side surface of the central portion 113 of the battery cell 110 to the boundary line between the central portion 113 and the electrode lead portion 115.
[0054] Therefore, in the battery module 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the fire extinguishing member 130 is configured to cover the side surface of the central portion 113 of the battery cell 110, and can more effectively prevent or delay the spread of flame and / or heat to other battery cells 110 when a flame occurs due to a chemical reaction in the electrode stack of the central portion 113. Furthermore, by minimizing the area of the fire extinguishing member 130, flames around the central portion 113 of the battery cell 110 can be effectively suppressed, and the safety of the battery module 100 can also be improved.
[0055] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 6The thickness of the fire extinguishing component 130 may correspond to the separation distance between the module frame 300 and the upper part of the battery cell stack 120. More preferably, the thickness of the fire extinguishing component 130 may be the same as the separation distance between the module frame 300 and the upper part of the battery cell stack 120.
[0056] Therefore, in the battery module 100 according to the embodiments of this disclosure, the fire extinguishing component 130 fills the separation space between the upper part of the battery cell stack 120 and the module frame 300, and prevents volume expansion due to the expansion of the battery cell stack 120. Simultaneously, the fire extinguishing component 130 is located near the upper part of the battery cell stack 120, thereby effectively suppressing the intensity of flames appearing in the battery cells 110. Furthermore, the safety of the battery module 100 is improved.
[0057] A battery pack according to another embodiment of this disclosure includes the aforementioned battery modules. Furthermore, one or more battery modules according to embodiments of this disclosure may be encapsulated in a battery pack housing to form a battery pack.
[0058] The aforementioned battery module and battery pack including the battery module can be applied to various devices. These devices can be applied to vehicles such as electric bicycles, electric vehicles, and hybrid vehicles, but this disclosure is not limited thereto, and can also be applied to various devices that can use the battery module and battery pack including the battery module, which are also within the scope of this disclosure.
[0059] While preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Various modifications and improvements made by those skilled in the art using the basic concept of the present disclosure as defined in the appended claims are also within the scope of the claims.
[0060] [Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures]
[0061] 110: Battery cell 120: Battery cell stack
[0062] 130: Fire extinguishing component; 150: Flame retardant component
[0063] 300: Module frame; 400: End plate
Claims
1. A battery module, comprising: A stack of battery cells containing multiple battery units; Module frame for accommodating the battery cell stack; Flame-retardant components are located between at least one pair of adjacent battery cells in the battery cell stack. and The fire extinguishing component is located between the module frame and the upper part of the battery cell stack. The battery cell includes a central portion and an electrode lead portion, with the electrode leads protruding from the ends of the electrode lead portion. The fire extinguishing component is configured to cover the side surface of the central portion of the plurality of battery cells, located at a position corresponding to the upper part of the battery cell stack, with the electrode lead portions located on both sides of the central portion, such that the electrode lead portions are not covered by the fire extinguishing component. The length of the fire extinguishing component extends along the length direction of the central portion on the side surface of the central portion to the boundary line between the central portion and the electrode lead portion.
2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the width of the fire extinguishing component is equal to the width of the upper part of the battery cell stack.
3. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the fire extinguishing component is equal to the separation distance between the module frame and the upper part of the battery cell stack.
4. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The flame-retardant components are arranged at equal intervals in the battery cell stack.
5. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The flame-retardant component extends along the length and width directions of the battery cell.
6. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The fire extinguishing component extends between the module frame and the upper part of the battery cell stack along the stacking direction of the battery cell stack.
7. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The flame-retardant component extends along the length and width of the central portion.
8. The battery module according to claim 7, wherein: The flame-retardant component extends to the boundary line between the central portion and the electrode lead portion.
9. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The width of the fire extinguishing component extends between the module frame and the upper part of the battery cell stack along the stacking direction of the battery cell stack.
10. A battery module, comprising: A stack of battery cells containing multiple battery units; Module frame for accommodating the battery cell stack; Flame-retardant components are located between at least one pair of adjacent battery cells in the battery cell stack. and The fire extinguishing component is located between the module frame and the upper part of the battery cell stack. The fire extinguishing component is a foam-type component that fills the space between the upper part of the battery cell stack and the module frame. The fire extinguishing component generates carbon dioxide and water vapor during the process of extinguishing the flame generated in the battery unit, and absorbs the heat from the battery unit.
11. A battery pack comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1-10.