Battery module

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a battery module, and an object to be solved is to provide a battery module capable of preventing heat propagation of a battery using an insulating cover. To this end, the present disclosure provides a battery module comprising: one or more cell stacks formed by arranging a plurality of battery cells and having a first stacking surface facing a first direction and a second stacking surface facing a second direction; and a module case in which the cell stack is accommodated, in which the battery cell includes an electrode assembly, a unit case having a first surface facing a first direction and a second surface facing a second direction, and an insulating cover bonded to the first surface and the second surface, and the second stacking surface is insulated by a plurality of insulating covers provided on the plurality of battery cells.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, which cannot be recharged, secondary batteries can typically be discharged and recharged. 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 and as energy storage in hybrid or electric vehicles. A secondary battery consists of an electrode assembly with positive and negative electrodes, a housing that houses the electrode assembly, and electrode terminals that connect to the electrode assembly.

[0003] Secondary batteries can be used as battery packs formed by multiple cell units connected in series and / or parallel to provide high energy density. Battery packs can be formed by interconnecting the electrode terminals of multiple cell units to meet the required power, for example, to realize high-power secondary batteries for electric vehicles.

[0004] The information disclosed above in the art that forms the background of this disclosure is intended only to improve the understanding of the background of this disclosure, and therefore may include information that does not constitute related art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure relates to providing a battery module capable of preventing heat transfer from the battery using an insulating cover.

[0006] These 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] A battery module according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure includes: one or more cell stacks formed by arranging a plurality of battery cells in a first direction and having a first stack surface facing the first direction and a second stack surface facing a second direction; and a module housing in which the cell stacks are housed, wherein each of the battery cells includes: an electrode assembly; a cell housing in which the electrode assembly is housed and the cell housing has a first surface facing the first direction and a second surface facing the second direction; and an insulating cover bonded to the first surface and the second surface, wherein the second stack surface is insulated by providing a plurality of insulating covers on the plurality of battery cells.

[0008] The insulating cover may include a first cover portion bonded to the first surface; and a second cover portion formed by causing a portion of the thickness direction of the first cover portion to extend along a first direction and bonded to the second surface.

[0009] The insulating cover may include a first layer comprising a first material and formed on a first cover portion; and a second layer comprising a second material and formed extending from the first cover portion to the second cover portion.

[0010] The first material may include aerogel, and the second material may include mica.

[0011] The first cover portion may include an insulating layer containing insulating material and a first insulating layer containing insulating material and stacked on the insulating layer, and the second cover portion may be formed by extending the first insulating layer in a first direction.

[0012] The insulating layer may include a buffer member having a thickness reduced due to the load acting in the first direction.

[0013] The first cover portion may also include a second insulating layer, which is stacked on the insulating layer on the side opposite to the side of the first insulating layer.

[0014] The cell stack may include a first cell stack formed by arranging a plurality of cell units, including a first cell and a second cell, in a first direction. The insulating cover includes: a first cover portion bonded to a first surface; and a second cover portion connected to the first cover portion and bonded to the second surface. The second stack surface of the first cell stack may be insulated by providing a plurality of second cover portions on the plurality of cell units.

[0015] Multiple battery cells provided in a first cell stack can be insulated from each other through a first cover portion.

[0016] The cell stack may further include a second cell stack disposed along a second direction of the first cell stack, and the first cell stack and the second cell stack may be insulated from each other by a plurality of second cover portions combined with a plurality of cell units.

[0017] The second cover portion may include: a second cover body in contact with the second surface; and an overlapping portion connected to the second cover body and extending beyond the second surface, and the overlapping portion provided on the first battery cell may contact the second cover portion provided on the second battery cell.

[0018] The overlapping portion may include: a first fastener disposed between the second cover body and the first cover portion; and a second fastener positioned on the opposite side of the first fastener, with the second cover body inserted between the second fastener and the first fastener, providing that the first fastener on the first battery cell can be fastened to the second fastener provided on the second battery cell.

[0019] One of the first fastener and the second fastener may have a recessed groove in the second direction, and the other of the first fastener and the second fastener may have a convex shape in the second direction.

[0020] The cell stack may also include a third stack surface facing a third direction substantially opposite to the second direction, the cell housing may also include a third surface located on a side opposite to the second surface, the insulating cover may also include a third cover portion connected to the first cover portion and in contact with the third surface, and the third stack surface may be insulated by providing a plurality of third cover portions on a plurality of cell units.

[0021] The module housing may include: a first inner surface positioned in a second direction of the first monolith stack and insulated from the second stack surface by a second cover portion; and a second inner surface positioned in a third direction of the first monolith stack and insulated from the third stack surface by a third cover portion.

[0022] The cell stack may also include a second cell stack disposed along a second direction of the first cell stack, and the first cell stack and the second cell stack may be insulated from each other by a plurality of second cover portions and a third cover portion bonded to a plurality of cell units.

[0023] The plurality of second cover portions provided in the first monomer stack can be configured to face and overlap with the plurality of third cover portions provided in the second monomer stack in a second direction.

[0024] The first cover portion may have a first thickness, the second cover portion may have a second thickness less than the first thickness, and the third cover portion may have a third thickness less than the first thickness.

[0025] The module housing may also include a first inner surface positioned in a second direction of the second monolith stack and insulated from the surface of the second stack by a plurality of second cover portions.

[0026] The module housing may also include a second inner surface positioned on the third-order side of the first monomer stack and insulated from the first monomer stack by a third cover portion. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The accompanying drawings illustrate some embodiments of the present disclosure and further describe aspects and features of the disclosure together with the detailed description thereof. However, the present disclosure should not be construed as limited to the drawings:

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view illustrating a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 2This is a schematic exploded perspective view showing the main parts of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 3 This is a schematic perspective view showing a stack of monomers according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a schematic perspective view showing a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a schematic plan view showing a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 6 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the main parts of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 7 This is a schematic exploded perspective view showing a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 8 This is a schematic exploded perspective view showing the main parts of the insulating cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 An enlarged view of part A in the image;

[0037] Figure 10 It is along Figure 8 A sectional view of line B-B' in the middle;

[0038] Figure 11 It is along Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of line C-C' in the middle;

[0039] Figure 12 It is along Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of line D-D' in the middle;

[0040] Figure 13 It is along Figure 8 A sectional view of line E-E' in the middle;

[0041] Figure 14 This is a schematic plan view showing the main portions of a stack of monomers according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0042] Figure 15 yes Figure 14 A magnified view of part F in the image;

[0043] Figure 16 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the assembly tolerances of the insulating cover;

[0044] Figure 17This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the operation of reducing the thickness of the insulating cover and achieving a cushioning function;

[0045] Figure 18 This is a schematic plan view showing the main portions of a stack of monomers according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0046] Figure 19 yes Figure 18 A magnified view of part G in the image;

[0047] Figure 20 yes Figure 19 A magnified view of part H in the image;

[0048] Figure 21 This is a schematic perspective view illustrating a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0049] Figure 22 This is a schematic perspective view illustrating a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0050] In this document, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Given that the inventor can properly define the concepts of terms as his / her own lexicographer, the terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted as having meanings and concepts consistent with the technical spirit of the present disclosure.

[0051] The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the accompanying drawings are provided as some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure and do not represent all technical ideas, aspects, and features of this disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications may exist to replace or modify the embodiments described at the time of filing this application.

[0052] It should be understood that when an element or layer is described as being "on," "connected to," or "bonded to" another element or layer, it can be directly on, directly connected to, or bonded to the other element or layer, or one or more intermediate elements or layers may be present. When an element or layer is described as being "directly on," "directly connected to," or "directly bonded to" another element or layer, no intermediate elements or layers are 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 connected to the second element, or the first element can be indirectly bonded to or connected to the second element via one or more intermediate elements.

[0053] In the accompanying drawings, the dimensions of various elements, layers, etc., may be exaggerated for clarity. The same reference numerals denote the same or similar 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 list of elements when preceding it, and do not modify individual elements in the list. When a list of elements A, B, and C is specified using 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 consisting of A, B, and C," or "at least one selected from A, B, and C," the phrase may refer to any and all suitable combinations or subsets of A, B, and C, such as A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. As used herein, the terms “use,” “using,” and “used” can be considered synonymous with the terms “utilize,” “utilizing,” and “utilized,” respectively. As used herein, the terms “substantially,” “about,” and similar terms are used as approximations rather than 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.

[0054] It should 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 should 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, component, region, layer, or portion discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or portion.

[0055] For ease of description, this document uses spatial relative terms such as “below,” “under,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” etc., to describe the relationship between one element or feature and another element or feature as shown in the figures. It should be understood that, in addition to the orientations shown in the figures, spatial relative terms are intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the figure is flipped, an element described as “below” or “under” other elements or features will be oriented as “above” or “above” other elements or features. Therefore, the term “below” can encompass both above and below orientations. The device may be oriented in other ways (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0056] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments of this disclosure and is not intended to limit this disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should be further understood that, when used in this specification, the terms “includes,” “including,” “comprises,” and / or “comprising” specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0057] Furthermore, any numerical ranges disclosed and / or enumerated herein are intended to include all subranges containing the same numerical precision within the enumerated range. For example, the range “1.0 to 10.0” is intended to include all subranges between (and including) the minimum value of 1.0 and the 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, for example, 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.

[0058] Referring to two compared elements, features, etc., as “identical” can mean that they are “substantially identical.” Therefore, the phrase “substantially identical” can include cases with a deviation considered low in the art, such as 5% or less. Furthermore, when a parameter is said to be uniform in a given region, it can mean that it is uniform in terms of the mean.

[0059] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0060] When any element is referred to as being arranged (or located or positioned) "above (or below)" or "on (or below)" an assembly, it can mean that the element is placed in contact with the upper (or lower) surface of the assembly, and it can also mean that another assembly can be inserted between the assembly and any arbitrary element arranged (or located or positioned) on (or below) the assembly.

[0061] Furthermore, it should be understood that when a component is referred to as being "joined," "linked," or "connected" to another component, the components may be directly "joined," "linked," or "connected" to each other, or there may be one or more intermediate components between them through which the components can be "joined," "linked," or "connected" to the other component. Additionally, when a part is referred to as being "electrically joined" to another part, that part may be directly electrically connected to the other part, or there may be one or more intermediate parts between them, allowing the part and the other part to be indirectly electrically connected to each other.

[0062] Throughout this specification, when “A and / or B” is stated, it means A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise stated. That is, “and / or” includes any or all combinations of the listed items. When “C to D” is stated, it means C above and D below, unless otherwise stated.

[0063] The terminology used in this specification is used to describe embodiments of this disclosure and is not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0064] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view illustrating a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is a schematic exploded perspective view showing the main parts of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 3 This is a schematic perspective view illustrating a stack of monomers according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0065] In the following text, we will discuss... Figure 1 The x and z directions shown describe the shape and arrangement of the components. The first direction can correspond to the x-direction, and the second direction can correspond to the y-direction. Figure 1 In this context, the x-direction can refer to the forward / backward direction or forward, and the y-direction can refer to the left / right direction or rightward direction. In the description of the first direction, the first direction is not limited to the description of a single first direction, and can be described by a suitable expression among the first direction, x-direction, forward / backward direction, or forward. Therefore, in the description of this disclosure, the first direction will be described interchangeably with the x-direction, forward / backward direction, and forward. Furthermore, for the same reason as the first direction, the second direction will be described interchangeably with the y-direction, left / right, lateral direction, and rightward direction. Additionally, for the same reason, the z-direction will be described interchangeably with the vertical direction and upward.

[0066] refer to Figures 1 to 3 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery module 1 includes a stack of individual cells 2 and a module housing 7.

[0067] The cell stack 2 is formed by arranging multiple cell units 21 in the front-to-back direction (x direction). The cell stack 2 has a first stacking surface 3 facing the front direction (x direction) and a second stacking surface 4 facing the right direction (y direction). The cell stack 2 can be formed by arranging multiple cell units 21 with a cuboid shape in the front-to-back direction (x direction).

[0068] The single-unit stack 2 may further include a third stacking surface 5 facing left and a fourth stacking surface 6 facing rear. The third stacking surface 5 may be located on the side opposite to the second stacking surface 4, and the fourth stacking surface 6 may be located on the side opposite to the first stacking surface 3. The first stacking surface 3, the second stacking surface 4, the third stacking surface 5, and the fourth stacking surface 6 of the single-unit stack 2 may be the front surface, the right surface, the left surface, and the rear surface of the single-unit stack 2, respectively.

[0069] The first stacking surface 3 can correspond to the front surface of the battery cell 21 located at the foremost position among the plurality of battery cells 21 arranged in the front-rear direction (x direction). The second stacking surface 4 can be formed by arranging the right side surfaces of the plurality of battery cells 21 in the front-rear direction (x direction). The third stacking surface 5 can be formed by arranging the left side surfaces of the plurality of battery cells 21 in the front-rear direction (x direction). The fourth stacking surface 6 can correspond to the rear surface of the battery cell 21 located at the last position among the plurality of battery cells 21 arranged in the front-rear direction (x direction).

[0070] Insulating cover 29 can be disposed on the front surface and right side surface of battery cell 21 (see Figure 4 and Figure 7 The first stacked surface 3 can be insulated by an insulating cover 29 disposed on the front surface of the battery cell 21 located at the foremost position among the plurality of battery cells 21. The gaps between the plurality of battery cells 21 can be insulated by an insulating cover 29 disposed on each of the plurality of battery cells 21 and located at its rear.

[0071] The second stacked surface 4 can be insulated by a plurality of insulating covers 29 disposed on the right side surface of the plurality of battery cells 21. The insulating covers 29 can also be disposed on the left side surface of the battery cells 21. The third stacked surface 5 can be insulated by a plurality of insulating covers 29 disposed on the left side surface of the plurality of battery cells 21.

[0072] Multiple battery cell stacks 2, including a first battery cell stack 2A and a second battery cell stack 2B, can be configured. The first battery cell stack 2A can be formed by arranging multiple battery cells 21, including a first battery cell 21A and a second battery cell 21B, in the front-back direction (x-direction). The second battery cell stack 2B can be located to the right of the first battery cell stack 2A (in the y-direction). In this case, the multiple battery cells 21 can be arranged in the front-back direction (x-direction) of the module housing 7, and can also be arranged in the left-right direction (y-direction).

[0073] Multiple unit stacks 2, including a third unit stack (not shown), can be provided in addition to the first unit stack 2A and the second unit stack 2B. The third unit stack can be located in the third column to the right of the second unit stack 2B. In this way, the multiple unit stacks 2 can be arranged into multiple columns in the left-right direction. Furthermore, the multiple unit stacks 2 can be arranged into multiple rows in the front-back direction.

[0074] The first unit stack 2A and the second unit stack 2B can each form a column extending in the front-to-back direction (x-direction). The first unit stack 2A can form a first column, and the second unit stack 2B can form a second column to the right of the first unit stack 2A. The first unit stack 2A and the second unit stack 2B can be arranged together to form two columns in the left-to-right direction (y-direction).

[0075] The module housing 7 houses the individual unit stacks 2. The module housing 7 supports the individual unit stacks 2 and protects them from external impacts and foreign substances. One or more individual unit stacks 2 can be arranged, and the module housing 7 can house one or more individual unit stacks 2. The individual unit stacks 2 may include a first individual unit stack 2A and a second individual unit stack 2B, and the module housing 7 can house both the first individual unit stack 2A and the second individual unit stack 2B together.

[0076] The module housing 7 may include a housing body 71 and a housing cover 72.

[0077] The housing body 71 can provide space therein for accommodating the battery cell 21. According to an embodiment, the housing body 71 can be formed in a box shape having a hollow center and an open side. For example, based on... Figure 2 The open side of the housing body 71 can be configured to face upwards. The cross-sectional shape of the housing body 71 is not limited to a quadrilateral, and can be designed to have various shapes, such as polygons, circles, or ellipses.

[0078] The housing cover 72 can be attached to the housing body 71 and can enclose the internal space of the housing body 71. According to an embodiment, the housing cover 72 can be formed to have a generally plate-like shape. The housing cover 72 can be positioned facing the open side of the housing body 71, such as the top surface of the housing body 71. The housing cover 72 can be secured to the housing body 71 by various types of joining methods such as bolting, welding, and assembly.

[0079] The battery module 1 may also include a busbar retainer 8 and a retainer vent 9.

[0080] The busbar retainer 8 can be positioned within the housing 10 and can be used as a component to support the busbar 81.

[0081] According to the embodiment, the busbar holder 8 can be formed to have a flat shape. The top surface and bottom surface of the busbar holder 8 can be configured to face the bottom surface of the housing cover 72 and the upper surface of the battery cell 21, respectively. The bottom surface of the busbar holder 8 can be configured to face the cover plate 236 described later (see Figure 4 The busbar retainer 8 may include an electrically insulating polymer compound material.

[0082] Busbar 81 can be electrically connected to battery cell 21. Busbar 81 can be secured to busbar holder 8 by various types of joining methods such as welding, bolting, and assembly. Busbar 81 can contact the cell terminal 237 of battery cell 21. Busbar 81 can include conductive materials such as aluminum, nickel, or copper for electrical connection to cell terminal 237.

[0083] Multiple busbars 81 can be configured. Multiple busbars 81 can connect multiple battery cells 21 in series or in parallel. The number and arrangement of multiple busbars 81 can be changed in various ways according to the series and parallel connection structure of the battery cells 21.

[0084] The retainer vent 9 can be used as a component in the busbar retainer 8 to provide a discharge path for gases, flames, smoke, etc., emitted from the battery cell 21. According to an embodiment, the retainer vent 9 can be formed with a hole shape that passes through the busbar retainer 8 in the vertical direction (z-direction). The retainer vent 9 can be configured to face the vent 238 of the battery cell 21 (see...). Figure 6 ), and the exhaust port 238 is described below.

[0085] Multiple retainer vent holes 9 can be provided. These multiple retainer vent holes 9 can be arranged in the longitudinal direction of the module housing 7. The number of retainer vent holes 9 can be configured to correspond to the number of battery cells 21. Each retainer vent hole 9 can be individually configured as a vent hole 238 facing the battery cell 21. The cross-sectional area of ​​the retainer vent hole 9 can be smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the vent hole 238 of the battery cell 21.

[0086] Figure 4 This is a schematic perspective view showing a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 This is a schematic plan view showing a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the main parts of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 7 This is a schematic exploded perspective view showing a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0087] The battery cell 21 can be used as a unit structure for storing and supplying power in the battery module 1. Hereinafter, examples of the battery cell 21, such as a lithium-ion battery and a prismatic battery with a cuboid shape, will be described. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the battery cell 21 can be a lithium polymer battery or a cylindrical battery.

[0088] refer to Figures 4 to 7 According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the battery cell 21 includes an electrode assembly 22, a cell housing 23, and an insulating cover 29.

[0089] Electrode assembly 22 may include a positive electrode 221, a negative electrode 222, and a diaphragm 223 disposed between the positive electrode 221 and the negative electrode 222. The positive electrode 221 and the negative electrode 222 may include coated portions (not reference numerals) in which active material is applied to a current collector (not reference numerals) formed of a thin metal foil, and uncoated portions 221a and 222a in which no active material is coated.

[0090] After the diaphragm 223, acting as an insulator, is inserted between the positive electrode 221 and the negative electrode 222, the electrode assembly 22 can be wound in the form of a jelly roll. However, the electrode assembly 22 is not limited to this form and can be formed as a stacked structure in which positive electrodes 221 and negative electrodes 222, formed of multiple sheets, are alternately stacked and the diaphragm 223 is inserted therebetween. One electrode assembly 22 can be formed or multiple electrode assemblies 22 can be provided.

[0091] The cell housing 23 can form the overall appearance of the battery cell 21. The cell housing 23 houses the electrode assembly 22 therein. The cell housing 23 has a first surface 232 facing forward (x direction) and a second surface 233 facing right (y direction). The cell housing 23 can include a conductive metallic material, such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, or nickel-plated steel.

[0092] The monocoque housing 23 may also have a third surface 234 facing to the left and a fourth surface 235 facing to the rear. The third surface 234 may be located on the side opposite to the second surface 233, and the fourth surface 235 may be located on the side opposite to the first surface 232. The first surface 232, the second surface 233, the third surface 234, and the fourth surface 235 of the monocoque housing 23 may be the front surface, the right surface, the left surface, and the rear surface of the monocoque housing 23, respectively.

[0093] The single housing 23 may include a housing body 231, a cover plate 236, a single terminal 237, a vent 238, and an electrolyte injection port 239.

[0094] The housing body 231 can be formed into a cuboid shape with an open side. The open side of the housing body 231 can be positioned facing upward inside the module housing 7 and vertically facing the housing cover 72 (see...). Figure 2 ).

[0095] The housing body 231 is shown in the accompanying drawings as having a prism shape, but this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the housing can be formed into various shapes such as circular or bag-shaped. Furthermore, the housing body 231 can be formed from metals such as aluminum, aluminum alloys, or nickel-plated steel, a laminated film forming a bag, or plastic.

[0096] The cover plate 236 can be attached to the housing body 231 to seal the single housing 23. For example, the cover plate 236 can be formed to have a flat shape. The cover plate 236 can be disposed at the top of the housing body 231 to cover the open side of the housing body 231. The cover plate 236 can be attached to the housing body 231 by various types of attachment methods such as welding, bolting, and assembly.

[0097] The monolithic shell 23 can be formed by the shell body 231 and the cover plate 236. The monolithic shell 23 can have a cuboid shape in which the width in the front-to-back direction (x-direction) is smaller than the width in the left-to-right direction (y-direction). The monolithic shell 23 can also have a flattened cuboid shape in the front-to-back direction (x-direction). The first surface 232, the second surface 233, the third surface 234, and the fourth surface 235 of the monolithic shell 23 can be the front surface, the right side surface, the left side surface, and the rear surface of the monolithic shell 23, respectively.

[0098] The individual terminal 237 can be mounted through and protrude outward from the cover plate 236. The outer peripheral surface of the upper post of the individual terminal 237 can be threaded to the cover plate 236 and secured to the cover plate 236 with a nut (not shown in the figures). However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the individual terminal 237 can have a riveted structure, so it can be connected by riveting and joined by welding to the cover plate 236.

[0099] A pair of individual terminals 237 protruding outward from the cover plate 236 may be provided. The pair of individual terminals 237 may be individually connected to the positive electrode 221 and the negative electrode 222 of the electrode assembly 22. Therefore, the pair of individual terminals 237 may each serve as one of the positive and negative terminals of the battery cell 21.

[0100] Individual terminal 237 may be electrically connected to the first current collector 241 and the second current collector 242. A pair of individual terminals 237 may each be soldered to one of the first current collector 241 and the second current collector 242. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the individual terminal 237 may be integrally formed with the first current collector 241 or integrally formed with the second current collector 242.

[0101] The vent 238 can be formed as a hole shape having two vertically extending through the two surfaces of the cover plate 236. The vent 238 can serve as a component providing a path for flames, gases, smoke, etc., generated inside the cell housing 23 during thermal runaway of the cell 21 to be discharged from the cell 21. The bottom of the vent 238 can connect to the internal space of the housing body 231. The top of the vent 238 can connect to the external space of the cover plate 236. The cross-sectional shape of the vent 238 can be varied in design to have various shapes, such as elliptical, circular, and polygonal shapes.

[0102] Electrolyte inlet 239 may be formed to pass through cover plate 236. A sealing plug (not shown) may be installed in electrolyte inlet 239. Insulating member 25 may be installed between electrode assembly 22 and cover plate 236. One end of partition member 26, which may be installed facing one side surface of electrode assembly 22, may be installed between insulating member 25 and electrode assembly 22.

[0103] The battery cell 21 may also include a current collector 24, an insulating member 25, a separator 26, and an exhaust member 27.

[0104] The current collector 24 may include a first current collector 241 and a second current collector 242. The first current collector 241 and the second current collector 242 may be welded to the uncoated portion 110a of the positive electrode and the uncoated portion 120a of the negative electrode, respectively. The first current collector 241 and the second current collector 242 may be used as the positive electrode current collector and the negative electrode current collector of the battery cell 21, respectively.

[0105] The insulating member 25 may include a first lower insulating member 251 and a second lower insulating member 252. Each of the first lower insulating member 251 and the second lower insulating member 252 may be installed between the electrode assembly 22 and the cover plate 236.

[0106] The separator 26 may include a first separator 261 and a second separator 262. The first separator 261 may be installed between the first lower insulating member 251 and the electrode assembly 22. The second separator 262 may be installed between the second lower insulating member 252 and the electrode assembly 22.

[0107] The individual terminal 237, which is welded to the first current collector 241, can be attached to the first lower insulating member 251 and the first separating member 261. The individual terminal 237, which is welded to the second current collector 242, can be attached to the second lower insulating member 252 and the second separating member 262.

[0108] The venting member 27 can be installed in the vent port 238 and opens and closes in response to changes in the internal pressure of the cell housing 23. That is, the venting member 27 can remain closed during normal operation of the battery cell 21 to seal the vent port 238. The venting member 27 can open when the internal pressure of the cell housing 23 rises to a set level or higher due to overcharging or fire of the battery cell 21, and can discharge flames, gases, smoke, etc. generated inside the cell housing 23 to the outside of the cell housing 23.

[0109] The insulating cover 29 is attached to the first surface 232 and the second surface 233 of the single housing 23. The first surface 232 may be the front surface of the single housing 23, and the second surface 233 may be the right side surface of the single housing 23.

[0110] The first stacking surface 3 of the cell stack 2 can be insulated by an insulating cover 29, which covers the first surface 232 of the cell 21 positioned at the foremost position among the multiple cell 21 arranged in the front-to-back direction (x direction) (see...). Figure 3 The gaps between the multiple battery cells 21 can be insulated by multiple insulating covers 29 covering the first surface 323 of the multiple battery cells 21.

[0111] The second stacking surface 4 of the cell stack 2 is insulated by a plurality of insulating covers 29 covering the second surface 233 of the plurality of cell 21. The insulating covers 29 may also be combined with the third surface 234 of the cell housing 23. The third stacking surface 5 may be insulated by a plurality of insulating covers 29 covering the third surface 324 of the plurality of cell 21.

[0112] The insulating cover 29 may include a first cover portion 291, a second cover portion 292, and a third cover portion 293.

[0113] The first cover portion 291 can be attached to the first surface 232. The second cover portion 292 can be attached to the second surface 233. The third cover portion 293 can be attached to the third surface 234. The first surface 232, the second surface 233, and the third surface 234 can be the front surface, the right surface, and the left surface of the monolithic shell 23, respectively. The first cover portion 291, the second cover portion 292, and the third cover portion 293 can be attached to the front, the right side, and the left side of the monolithic shell 23, respectively.

[0114] The first cover portion 291 may have a flat shape extending in the left-right direction, and the second cover portion 292 and the third cover portion 293 may have flat shapes extending in the front-back direction. The second cover portion 292 and the third cover portion 293 may be arranged to face each other in the left-right direction and to be parallel in the front-back direction.

[0115] The second cover portion 292 can be formed to extend rearward from the right end of the first cover portion 291. The third cover portion 293 can be formed to extend rearward from the left end of the first cover portion 291. The first cover portion 291, the second cover portion 292 and the third cover portion 293 can have a "U" shape that is fully open at the rear.

[0116] The insulating cover 29 can be formed as a single sheet member (not shown in the figures). The first cover portion 291, the second cover portion 292, and the third cover portion 293 can be manufactured integrally connected. The insulating cover 29 can be formed of a flexible material, which allows the boundary between the first cover portion 291, the second cover portion 292, and the third cover portion 293 to be bent or folded. The insulating cover 29 can be formed on both sides of the first cover portion 291 by folding back the two sides of the sheet member having a flat plate shape.

[0117] Figure 8 This is a schematic exploded perspective view showing the main parts of the insulating cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 9 yes Figure 8 An enlarged view of part A in the image. Figure 10 It is along Figure 8 The sectional view of line B-B' in the middle, Figure 11 It is along Figure 8 A sectional view of line C-C' in the middle. Figure 12 It is along Figure 8 The cross-sectional view of the D-D' line in the middle, and Figure 13 It is along Figure 8 A sectional view of line E-E' in the diagram.

[0118] refer to Figures 7 to 13The insulating cover 29 may include a first layer 294 and a second layer 295. The first layer 294 may include a first material and may be formed on the first cover portion 291. The second layer 295 may include a second material and may be formed on the first cover portion 291. The first material may include an insulating material such as aerogel. The second material may include an insulating material such as mica.

[0119] A portion of the first cover portion 291 in the thickness direction may extend in the front-back direction to form the second cover portion 292 and the third cover portion 293. The first cover portion 291 may be formed by stacking multiple layers including a first layer 294 and a second layer 295. The second cover portion 292 and the third cover portion 293 may include a second layer 295. The second layer 295 may be formed to extend from the first cover portion 291 to the second cover portion 292.

[0120] The first cover portion 291 may have a first thickness. The second cover portion 292 may have a second thickness less than the first thickness. The third cover portion 293 may have a third thickness less than the first thickness. The second thickness and the third thickness may be the same.

[0121] The first cover portion 291 can have a greater thickness than the second cover portion 292 and the third cover portion 293. Therefore, steps can be formed at the boundaries between the first cover portion 291 and the second cover portion 292, and at the boundaries between the first cover portion 291 and the third cover portion 293. Using such steps, the boundaries between the first cover portion 291 and the second cover portion 292, and the boundaries between the first cover portion 291 and the third cover portion 293, can easily match the corners of the monolithic shell 23 having a cuboid shape.

[0122] While the insulating cover 29 is attached to the single-unit housing 23 having a cuboid shape, the first cover portion 291 may have a first thickness in the front-back direction and extend in the left-right direction. In this case, the second cover portion 292 may have a second thickness in the left-right direction and extend in the front-back direction. The third cover portion 293 may have a third thickness in the left-right direction and extend in the front-back direction.

[0123] In this configuration, the boundaries between the first cover portion 291, the second cover portion 292, and the third cover portion 293 can be positioned corresponding to the left and right ends of the first cover portion 291, and can have the form of vertically extending straight lines. Since the second cover portion 292 and the third cover portion 293 have a smaller thickness than the first cover portion 291, it is easier to fold or bend the second cover portion 292 and the third cover portion 293 backwards compared to bending the first cover portion 291 backwards.

[0124] Therefore, the front end of the second cover portion 292 corresponding to the connecting portion connected to the first cover portion 291 can be folded or bent backward, and the front end of the third cover portion 293 corresponding to the connecting portion connected to the first cover portion 291 can be folded or bent backward, so that the first cover portion 291, the second cover portion 292 and the third cover portion 293 can face the first surface 232, the second surface 233 and the third surface 234 respectively.

[0125] In this case, the process of folding the connecting portion of the second cover portion 292, which is connected to the first cover portion 291, backward at the right end of the first cover portion 291 using the step formed at the right end of the first cover portion 291 can be reliably performed in the desired position and with the desired shape. Furthermore, the process of folding the connecting portion of the third cover portion 293, which is connected to the first cover portion 291, backward at the left end of the first cover portion 291 can be reliably performed in the desired position and with the desired shape.

[0126] In addition, by bending the second cover portion 292 and the third cover portion 293, which have a smaller thickness than the first cover portion 291, instead of bending the first cover portion 291, it is possible to more stably prevent the first cover portion 291, the second cover portion 292 and the third cover portion 293 from lifting off the single housing 23 when they are attached to the first surface 232, the second surface 233 and the third surface 234, respectively.

[0127] The first cover portion 291 may include an insulating layer 2941, a first insulating layer 2951, and a second insulating layer 2943.

[0128] Insulating layer 2941 can be formed of an insulating material such as aerogel. First insulating layer 2951 and second insulating layer 2943 can be formed of an insulating material such as mica. First insulating layer 2951 and second insulating layer 2943 can be stacked on both surfaces of insulating layer 2941. First insulating layer 2951 can be stacked on the rear surface of insulating layer 2941. Second insulating layer 2943 can be stacked on the front surface of insulating layer 2941. Insulating layer 2941, first insulating layer 2951, and second insulating layer 2943 can be integrally bonded using an adhesive member (not shown) with adhesive properties.

[0129] The second cover portion 292 and the third cover portion 293 may include a first insulating layer 2951. The first insulating layer 2951 may extend continuously from the first cover portion 291 to the second cover portion 292 and the third cover portion 293. In this case, insulating layer 2941 and the second insulating layer 2943 may correspond to the first layer 294. The first insulating layer 2951 may correspond to the second layer 295.

[0130] The first insulating layer 2951 may have a U-shaped sheet structure formed by the entirety of the first cover portion 291, the second cover portion 292, and the third cover portion 293. The first insulating layer 2951 may have a width equal to the sum of the widths of the first cover portion 291, the second cover portion 292, and the third cover portion 293. The insulating layer 2941 and the second insulating layer 2943 may have a sheet structure in the form of an upright flat plate corresponding to the first cover portion 291. The insulating layer 2941 and the second insulating layer 2943 may have a width corresponding to the first cover portion 291.

[0131] The first cover portion 291 may have a structure in which a first insulating layer 2951 and a second insulating layer 2943 of insulating material are stacked on the rear and front surfaces of the insulating layer 2941, respectively. The first cover portion 291 is positioned between a plurality of battery cells 21, including a first battery cell 21A and a second battery cell 21B.

[0132] Therefore, the gaps between the multiple battery cells 21 can be insulated by the insulating layer 2941. Furthermore, the gaps between the multiple battery cells 21 can also be insulated in multiple levels by multiple insulating layers 2951 and 2943, including a first insulating layer 2951 and a second insulating layer 2943.

[0133] A portion of the first cover portion may extend continuously laterally or rearward in the thickness direction to form the second cover portion 292 and the third cover portion 293. The first cover portion 291 may have a structure in which a first insulating layer 2951 and a second insulating layer 2943 are stacked on both surfaces of the insulating layer 2941. The second cover portion 292 and the third cover portion 293 may be formed by including at least one of the insulating layer 2941, the first insulating layer 2951, and the second insulating layer 2943.

[0134] The second cover portion 292 may include only one of the insulating layer 2941, the first insulating layer 2951, and the second insulating layer 2943. Alternatively, the second cover portion 292 may include two of the insulating layers 2941, 2951, and 2943. The second cover portion 292 may include both insulating layer 2941 and the first insulating layer 2951, or it may include both insulating layer 2941 and the second insulating layer 2943.

[0135] Similarly, the third cover portion 293 may include only one of the insulating layer 2941, the first insulating layer 2951, and the second insulating layer 2943. The third cover portion 293 may include two of the insulating layers 2941, 2951, and 2943. The third cover portion 293 may include both insulating layer 2941 and the first insulating layer 2951, or it may include both insulating layer 2941 and the second insulating layer 2943.

[0136] The description of this disclosure discloses an embodiment in which a portion of the first cover portion 291 in the thickness direction extends in the front-rear direction to form the second cover portion 292 and the third cover portion 293. However, this description is intended to disclose exemplary embodiments and is not intended to be limited thereto. The second cover portion 292 and the third cover portion 293 are not limited to a particular structure and shape, as long as they can insulate the second stacked surface 4 by means of embodiments including an insulating layer 2941, a first insulating layer 2951 and a second insulating layer 2943, and embodiments in which the second cover portion 292 and the third cover portion 293 have the same thickness as the first cover portion 291.

[0137] Figure 14 This is a schematic plan view illustrating the main portions of a stack of monomers according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 15 yes Figure 14 A magnified view of part F in the image.

[0138] refer to Figures 8 to 15 The second cover portion 292 may have a structure including a first insulating layer 2951. Since the first cell stack 2A is formed by arranging a plurality of cell units 21 in the front-back direction, the second stack surface 4 corresponding to the right side surface of the first cell stack 2A may have a structure formed by continuously arranging the right side surfaces of a plurality of cell units 21 in the front-back direction (see...). Figure 2 and Figure 3 Since the plurality of second cover portions 292 having the first insulating layer 2951 are arranged continuously in the front-back direction, the entire second stack surface 4 of the first unit stack 2A can be insulated.

[0139] Since the first cell stack 2A is formed by arranging a plurality of cell units 21 in the front-back direction, the third stack surface 5 corresponding to the left side surface of the first cell stack 2A can have a structure formed by arranging a plurality of cell units 21 continuously in the front-back direction on the left side surface. Since a plurality of third cover portions 293 having a first insulating layer 2951 are arranged continuously in the front-back direction, the entire third stack surface 5 of the first cell stack 2A can be insulated.

[0140] Although the second unit stack 2B is located to the right of the first unit stack 2A, the second cover portion 292 of the first unit stack 2A can face the third cover portion 293 of the second unit stack 2B in the left-right direction. The second cover portion 292 of the first unit stack 2A and the third cover portion 293 of the second unit stack 2B can contact each other and can be configured to overlap each other in the left-right direction (y direction).

[0141] Therefore, the first cell stack 2A and the second cell stack 2B can be insulated from each other in multiple levels through the second cover portion 292 and the third cover portion 293. The gap between the first cell stack 2A and the second cell stack 2B can be insulated from each other in multiple levels through the multiple first insulating layers 2951 disposed on the second cover portion 292 and the third cover portion 293. In this way, the first cell stack 2A and the second cell stack 2B can be insulated from each other through the multiple second cover portions 292 and the third cover portions 293 combined with the multiple battery cells 21.

[0142] Thus, the plurality of battery cells 21 disposed in the first cell stack 2A can be insulated from each other by the first cover portion 291. The first cell stack 2A and the second cell stack 2B can have a second stack surface 4 and a third stack surface 5 insulated by a plurality of second cover portions 292 and third cover portions 293 bonded to the plurality of battery cells 21. In addition, the first cell stack 2A and the second cell stack 2B can be insulated from each other by a plurality of second cover portions 292 and third cover portions 293 bonded to the plurality of battery cells 21.

[0143] The module housing 7 may include a first inner surface 711 located to the right (y-direction) of the first unit stack 2A and the second unit stack 2B, and a second inner surface 712 located to the left of the first unit stack 2A and the second unit stack 2B. Although the second unit stack 2B is located to the right of the first unit stack 2A, the first inner surface 711 may be insulated from the second unit stack 2B by a plurality of second cover portions 292 disposed on the second unit stack 2B. The second inner surface 712 may be insulated from the first unit stack 2A by a plurality of third cover portions 293.

[0144] The first adhesive layer 2944 may be further formed on the rear surface of the first cover portion 291 that contacts the first surface 232 of the monolithic housing 23. The first adhesive layer 2944 may be stacked on the rear surface of the first insulating layer 2951. The first adhesive layer 2944 may include an adhesive material that can attach the first insulating layer 2951 to the first surface 232.

[0145] The first cover portion 291 can be attached to the first surface 232 of the single housing 23 via a first adhesive layer 2944. The first adhesive layer 2944 can be formed on a part or the entirety of the first cover portion 291. The first adhesive layer 2944 can have a defined width in the left-right direction and can be disposed on the left and right portions of the first cover portion 291.

[0146] The first adhesive layer 2944 may also be formed on the left side surface of the second cover portion 292 that contacts the second surface 233 of the monolithic housing 23. The first adhesive layer 2944 may be stacked on the left side surface of the first insulating layer 2951. The first adhesive layer 2944 may include an adhesive material that can attach the first insulating layer 2951, which includes insulating material, to the second surface 233.

[0147] The second cover portion 292 can be attached to the second surface 233 of the single housing 23 via a first adhesive layer 2944. The first adhesive layer 2944 can be formed on a portion or entirely of the second cover portion 292. The first adhesive layer 2944 can have a defined width in the front-rear direction and can be disposed on the central portion of the second cover portion 292 in the front-rear direction.

[0148] The first adhesive layer 2944 may also be formed on the right side surface of the third cover portion 293 that contacts the third surface 234 of the monolithic housing 23. The first adhesive layer 2944 may be stacked on the right side surface of the first insulating layer 2951. The first adhesive layer 2944 may include an adhesive material that can attach the first insulating layer 2951, which includes insulating material, to the third surface 234.

[0149] The third cover portion 293 can be attached to the third surface 234 of the single housing 23 via a first adhesive layer 2944. The first adhesive layer 2944 can be formed on a portion or entirely of the third cover portion 293. The first adhesive layer 2944 can have a defined width in the front-rear direction and can be disposed on the central portion of the third cover portion 293 in the front-rear direction.

[0150] The first cover portion 291, the second cover portion 292, and the third cover portion 293 can be attached to the first surface 232, the second surface 233, and the third surface 234 of the single-unit housing 23, respectively, through the first adhesive layer 2944. In this way, the insulating cover 29 can be integrally bonded to the outer surface of the single-unit housing 23 through the first adhesive layer 2944.

[0151] The second adhesive layer 2945 may be further formed on the front surface of the first cover portion 291. The second adhesive layer 2945 may be stacked on the front surface of the second insulating layer 2943. The second adhesive layer 2945 may include an adhesive material that can attach the second insulating layer 2943 to the fourth surface 235 of the other battery cell 21.

[0152] For example, a second adhesive layer 2945 may be formed on the front surface of the first cover portion 291 provided on the first battery cell 21A and attached to the rear surface of the second battery cell 21B disposed in front of the first battery cell 21A (see [link]). Figure 2The first battery cell 21A and the second battery cell 21B can be bonded together through the second adhesive layer 2945.

[0153] Multiple battery cells 21, including the first battery cell 21A and the second battery cell 21B, can be joined in the front-to-back direction (x direction) using the second adhesive layer 2945, and can prevent the multiple battery cells 21, including the first battery cell 21A and the second battery cell 21B, from moving individually due to any external force.

[0154] In this way, multiple battery cells 21, including the first battery cell 21A and the second battery cell 21B, can be bonded together using the second adhesive layer 2945. Therefore, a single cell stack 2 formed by arranging multiple battery cells 21 in the front-to-back direction can have a single, blocky shape due to the second adhesive layer 2945. For example, the first cell stack 2A can have a structure in which multiple battery cells 21 are bonded together using the second adhesive layer 2945. Similarly, the second cell stack 2B can have a structure in which multiple battery cells 21 are bonded together using the second adhesive layer 2945.

[0155] Figure 16 This is a conceptual diagram showing the assembly tolerances of the insulating cover. Figure 17 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the operation of reducing the thickness of the insulating cover to achieve a buffering function.

[0156] refer to Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 15 and Figure 16 When the insulating cover 29 is attached to the housing 23, the position of the right end of the first cover portion 291 relative to the right end of the housing 23 may vary within permissible tolerances. The length of the second cover portion 292 or the extension length of the first insulating layer 2951 from the first cover portion 291 to the second cover portion 292 preferably has a set gap d1 relative to the rear end of the second surface 233, which is equal to or greater than the permissible tolerance range for the assembly (attachment) of the insulating cover 29.

[0157] Figure 15 The diagram shows a state where the insulating layer 2941 of the first cover portion 291 of the first battery cell 21A is not positioned on the extension line of the first insulating layer 2951 of the second cover portion 292 of the second battery cell 21B in the front-back direction. Figure 16 The diagram shows the state in which the insulating layer 2941 of the first cover portion 291 of the first battery cell 21A is positioned on the extension line of the first insulating layer 2951 of the second cover portion 292 of the second battery cell 21B in the front-back direction.

[0158] Assumption Figure 15The state shown is that the insulating cover 29 is attached to the single housing 23 without error. In this case, the length of the second cover portion 292 or the extension length of the first insulating layer 2951 from the first cover portion 291 to the second cover portion 292 preferably has a set gap d1 with the rear end of the second surface 233.

[0159] Even in such Figure 16 When the insulating cover 29 of the first battery cell 21A shown is attached to the cell housing 23, and the set gap d1 is also within the allowable tolerance range, by forming the set gap d1, it is possible to prevent interference between the first insulating layer 2951 provided on the second cover portion 292 of the second battery cell 21B and the second insulating layer 2943 provided on the first cover portion 291 of the first battery cell 21A.

[0160] When the insulating cover 29 of the second battery cell 21B is also like Figure 16 When the insulating cover 29 of the first battery cell 21A is attached to the cell housing 23 as shown, the rear end of the first insulating layer 2951 provided on the second cover portion 292 of the second battery cell 21B can be positioned to... Figure 15 The state shown is further back. When the setting gap d1 is within the allowable tolerance even when the position of the rear end of the first insulating layer 2951 is changed in this way, by forming the setting gap d1, interference between the first insulating layer 2951 of the second cover portion 292 of the second battery cell 21B and the second insulating layer 2943 of the first cover portion 291 of the first battery cell 21A can be prevented.

[0161] Thus, the length of the second cover portion 292 or the extension length of the first insulating layer 2951 from the first cover portion 291 to the second cover portion 292 preferably has a set gap d1 at the rear end of the second surface 233, which is equal to or greater than the permissible tolerance range for the assembly (attachment) of the insulating cover 29.

[0162] By forming a predetermined gap d1, interference between the insulating cover 29 of the first battery cell 21A and the insulating cover 29 of the second battery cell 21B can be prevented. Therefore, the rear end portion of the first insulating layer 2951, which includes insulating material, or the right portion of the second insulating layer 2943, which includes insulating material, can be prevented from being deformed or damaged into any shape by applying pressure in the front-rear direction, and the deterioration of insulation performance due to deformation or damage to the first insulating layer 2951 and the second insulating layer 2943 can be prevented.

[0163] The insulating layer 2941 can be formed of an insulating material such as aerogel. When aerogel is used as the material for the insulating layer 2941, a cushioning function can be achieved through the pores in the aerogel. Figure 17As shown, when an impact force is applied to the battery module 1 or when it vibrates in the front-to-back direction, the thickness of the insulating layer 2941 in the front-to-back direction can be reduced to buffer the impact and reduce vibration. Figure 17 The arrows shown indicate loads in the forward and backward directions, including vibration, impact force, and pressure. Figure 17 The d2 shown represents the amount of thickness change d2 caused by the compression of the insulation layer 2941.

[0164] When the individual stack 2 is assembled by inserting it into the limited space of the module housing 7, the thickness of the insulating layer 2941 can be reduced by applying a load to the individual stack 2 in the front-back direction. Therefore, even if manufacturing errors occur in the dimensions of the individual stack 2 and the module housing 7, such errors can be compensated by the insulating layer 2941.

[0165] In implementing the above operations, in addition to the aerogel, the insulating layer 2941 may also include another cushioning member (not shown in the figures) having a sponge structure. Furthermore, this other cushioning member with a sponge structure may be separately provided from the insulating layer 2941. This other cushioning member can be bonded to the insulating layer 2941, the first insulating layer 2951, and the second insulating layer 2943 by an adhesive material (not shown) with adhesive properties.

[0166] Figure 18 This is a schematic plan view showing the main portions of a stack of monomers according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 19 yes Figure 18 Enlarged view of part G in the image, and Figure 20 yes Figure 19 An enlarged view of part H in the image.

[0167] refer to Figures 18 to 20 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second cover portion 292 of the insulating cover 29 may include a second cover body 2921 and an overlapping portion 2922.

[0168] The second cover body 2921 may have a flat sheet structure that contacts the second surface 233. The overlapping portion 2922 may be integrally formed with the second cover body 2921 at each of the front and rear portions. The second cover body 2921 and the overlapping portion 2922 may have the form in which individual first insulating layers 2951 are continuously connected.

[0169] While the second cover body 2921 contacts the second surface 233, the overlapping portion 2922 can be positioned spaced apart from the second surface 233. A portion of the overlapping portion 2922 provided on the first battery cell 21A can extend beyond the second surface 233 of the first battery cell 21A. In this way, the overlapping portion 2922 of the first battery cell 21A extending beyond the second surface 233 can contact the second cover portion 292 provided on the second battery cell 21B.

[0170] The overlapping portion 2922 may include a first fastener 2923 and a second fastener 2924.

[0171] A first fastener 2923 may be disposed between the second cover body 2921 and the first cover portion 291. The first fastener 2923 may have a recessed shape extending to its left. The first fastener 2923 may be positioned corresponding to the front corner of the monocoque housing 23. The corner of the monocoque housing 23 (not shown in the figures) may have a curved shape.

[0172] The second fastener 2924 can be positioned on the opposite side of the first fastener 2923, and the second cover body 2921 is inserted between the second fastener 2924 and the first fastener 2923. The first fastener 2923 can be positioned in front of the second cover body 2921, and the second fastener 2924 can be positioned behind the second cover body 2921. The second fastener 2924 can have a shape that convexly protrudes to its left.

[0173] The second fastener 2924 can be positioned behind the cell housing 23 and fastened to the first fastener 2923 provided on another battery cell 21 located behind it. The protruding second fastener 2924 provided on the second battery cell 21B can be fastened by inserting it into the recessed first fastener 2923 provided in the first battery cell 21A.

[0174] The first fastener 2923 of the first battery cell 21A and the second fastener 2924 of the second battery cell 21B can have corresponding shapes, can be stacked on top of each other in the left-right direction, and can be in surface contact with each other. In addition, the first fastener 2923 of the first battery cell 21A and the second fastener 2924 of the second battery cell 21B can be coupled in a male-female coupling manner, so as to stably constrain movement in the left-right and front-back directions.

[0175] Because the first fastener 2923 of the first battery cell 21A overlaps with the second fastener 2924 of the second battery cell 21B, the second stacking surface 4 of the cell stack 2 can be continuously and completely covered by a plurality of second cover portions 292 without any gaps. That is, because the plurality of second cover portions 292 provided on the plurality of battery cells 21 extend across the plurality of battery cells 21 and their front and rear portions overlap each other, no gaps not covered by the second cover portions 292 are formed between the plurality of battery cells 21.

[0176] When the first insulating layer 2951 is elastic, or at least one of the first fastener 2923 and the second fastener 2924 is elastic, the second fastener 2924 of the second battery cell 21B can be fastened to the first fastener 2923 of the first battery cell 21A by snap-fit. Therefore, the bonding state between the plurality of second cover portions 292 can be stably maintained.

[0177] Even when the first insulating layer 2951, the first fastener 2923, and the second fastener 2924 are not elastic, the first fastener 2923 and the second fastener 2924 are joined in a male-female engagement manner, stacked on top of each other in the left-right direction and in surface contact, thus stably restraining movement in the left-right and front-back directions when the cell stack 2 is inserted into the battery module 1. Furthermore, the first fastener 2923 and the second fastener 2924 can be attached to each other in a male-female engagement and surface contact state.

[0178] When the first fastener 2923 has a concave groove shape, it can be manufactured by machining a portion of the plate-like member into a concave bent shape. Conversely, when the second fastener 2924 has a convex protruding shape, it can be manufactured by machining a portion of the plate-like member into a convex bent shape or by incorporating an additional member that can be inserted into the first fastener 2923. The first fastener 2923 and the second fastener 2924 are not limited to specific structures and shapes, but include the embodiments described above, as long as they can be joined in a male-female coupling manner.

[0179] Since the third cover portion 293 has a structure and shape corresponding to the second cover portion 292, the description of the third cover portion 293 is redundant or corresponds to the description of the second cover portion 292. Therefore, the detailed description of the structure and shape of the third cover portion 293 will be replaced by the description of the second cover portion 292.

[0180] Figure 21 This is a schematic perspective view illustrating a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 22 This is a schematic perspective view illustrating a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0181] refer to Figure 21 and Figure 22 ,and Figure 1 and Figure 2 Compared to the battery module 1 shown in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery module 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may have a structure including a single cell stack 2 corresponding to a first cell stack 2A.

[0182] The first cell stack 2A of the battery module 1 according to the embodiments of this disclosure is the same as or corresponds to the first cell stack 2A of the battery module 1 according to the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the detailed description of the first cell stack 2A of the battery module 1 according to the embodiments of this disclosure will be replaced with the description of the first cell stack 2A of the battery module 1 according to the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0183] The insulating cover 29 is attached to the first surface 232 and the second surface 233 of the single housing 23. The first surface 232 may be the front surface of the single housing 23, and the second surface 233 may be the right side surface of the single housing 23.

[0184] The first stacking surface 3 of the first cell stack 2A can be insulated by the first cover portion 291 of the insulating cover 29, which covers the first surface 232 of the cell 21 positioned at the foremost position among the plurality of cell 21 arranged in the front-rear direction (x direction) (see Figure 3 and Figure 7 The gaps between the multiple battery cells 21 can be insulated by the first cover portion 291 of the multiple insulating covers 29 covering the first surface 323 of the multiple battery cells 21.

[0185] The second stacking surface 4 of the first cell stack 2A can be insulated by the second cover portion 292 of a plurality of insulating covers 29 covering the second surface 233 of the plurality of cell 21. The third stacking surface 5 of the first cell stack 2A can be insulated by the third cover portion 293 of a plurality of insulating covers 29 covering the third surface 324 of the plurality of cell 21.

[0186] The module housing 7 may include a first inner surface 711 located on the right side (y direction) of the first unit stack 2A and a second inner surface 712 located on the left side of the first unit stack 2A. The first inner surface 711 may be insulated from the first unit stack 2A by a plurality of second cover portions 292 provided on the first unit stack 2A. The second inner surface 712 may be insulated from the first unit stack 2A by a plurality of third cover portions 293.

[0187] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, in a structure in which multiple battery cells are arranged in a front-to-back direction to form a cell stack, since an insulating cover is provided on the front and side surfaces of each of the multiple battery cells, heat transfer to other battery cells can be blocked during thermal runaway of a battery cell due to the insulating cover portion provided on the front surface of the battery cell, thereby preventing battery explosion due to thermal diffusion, and at the same time, the side surfaces of all cell stacks are insulated by the insulating cover portion provided on the side surface portion of the battery cell.

[0188] Furthermore, when multiple cell stacks are arranged facing each other, since the side surfaces of all cell stacks can be insulated by providing insulating covers on the side surface portions of the cell, the installation of separate insulating components between the multiple cell stacks can be omitted. Additionally, since the cell stacks and the module housing can also be insulated, the installation of separate insulating components between the cell stacks and the module housing can also be omitted.

[0189] However, the effects that can be obtained through this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the following description of this disclosure other technical effects not mentioned.

[0190] Although this disclosure has been described with reference to embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, these embodiments are merely illustrative, and it should 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, comprising: One or more individual cells are stacked, formed by arranging multiple battery cells in a first direction, and have a first stacking surface facing the first direction and a second stacking surface facing a second direction; and Module housing, in which the stack of individual units is housed. Each of the battery cells mentioned herein includes: Electrode assembly; A single housing, in which the electrode assembly is housed, and the single housing having a first surface facing the first direction and a second surface facing the second direction; and An insulating cover, bonded to the first surface and the second surface, and The second stacked surface is insulated by providing multiple insulating caps on the plurality of battery cells.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The insulating cover includes: The first cover portion is attached to the first surface; and The second cover portion is formed by extending a portion of the thickness direction of the first cover portion along the first direction and is attached to the second surface.

3. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein, The insulating cover includes: The first layer comprises a first material and is formed on the first cover portion; and The second layer includes a second material and is formed to extend from the first cover portion to the second cover portion.

4. The battery module according to claim 3, wherein the first material comprises aerogel, and The second material includes mica.

5. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein, The first cover portion includes: Insulating layer, comprising insulating material; and A first insulating layer, comprising insulating material and stacked on the insulating layer, and The second cover portion is formed by extending the first insulating layer in the first direction.

6. The battery module according to claim 5, wherein, The insulating layer includes a buffer member having a thickness reduced due to the load acting in the first direction.

7. The battery module of claim 5, wherein the first cover portion further comprises a second insulating layer stacked on the insulating layer on a side opposite to the first insulating layer.

8. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The cell stack includes a first cell stack formed by arranging the plurality of cell units, including a first cell unit and a second cell unit, in the first direction. The insulating cover includes: The first cover portion is attached to the first surface; and The second cover portion is connected to the first cover portion and bonded to the second surface, and The second stacked surface of the first cell stack is insulated by providing a plurality of second cover portions on the plurality of cell units.

9. The battery module according to claim 8, wherein, The plurality of battery cells in the first cell stack are insulated from each other by the first cover portion.

10. The battery module according to claim 8, wherein, The single-unit stack further includes a second single-unit stack disposed in the second direction of the first single-unit stack, and The first cell stack and the second cell stack are insulated from each other by the plurality of second cover portions that are combined with the plurality of battery cells.

11. The battery module according to claim 8, wherein the second cover portion comprises: The second cover body is in contact with the second surface; and The overlapping portion connects to the second cover body and extends beyond the second surface, and The overlapping portion provided on the first battery cell contacts the second cover portion provided on the second battery cell.

12. The battery module according to claim 11, wherein the overlapping portion comprises: A first fastener is disposed between the second cover body and the first cover portion; and The second fastener is positioned on the opposite side of the first fastener, and the second cover body is inserted between the second fastener and the first fastener. The first fastener provided on the first battery cell is fastened to the second fastener provided on the second battery cell.

13. The battery module according to claim 12, wherein, One of the first fastener and the second fastener has the shape of a groove recessed in the second direction, and The first fastener and the other of the second fasteners have a shape that convexly protrudes in a second direction.

14. The battery module according to claim 8, wherein, The single-unit stack also includes a third stacking surface facing a third direction substantially opposite to the second direction. The single-unit shell also includes a third surface positioned on the side opposite to the second surface. The insulating cover further includes a third cover portion, which is connected to the first cover portion and contacts the third surface. The third stack surface is insulated by providing multiple third cover portions on the plurality of battery cells.

15. The battery module according to claim 14, wherein, The module housing includes: A first inner surface, positioned in the second direction of the first monomer stack and insulated from the second stack surface by the second cover portion; and The second inner surface is positioned on the third direction of the first monomer stack and is insulated from the third stack surface by the third cover portion.

16. The battery module according to claim 14, wherein, The single-unit stack further includes a second single-unit stack disposed in the second direction of the first single-unit stack, and The first cell stack and the second cell stack are insulated from each other by the plurality of second cover portions and the plurality of third cover portions attached to the plurality of cell units.

17. The battery module according to claim 16, wherein, The plurality of second cover portions provided in the first monomer stack are configured to face and overlap the plurality of third cover portions provided in the second monomer stack in the second direction.

18. The battery module of claim 16, wherein the first cover portion has a first thickness. The second cover portion has a second thickness that is less than the first thickness, and The third cover portion has a third thickness that is less than the first thickness.

19. The battery module of claim 16, wherein the module housing includes a first inner surface positioned in the second direction of the second cell stack and insulated from the second cell stack by the plurality of second cover portions.

20. The battery module according to claim 19, wherein, The module housing also includes a second inner surface, which is positioned on the third direction of the first monomer stack and is insulated from the first monomer stack by the third cover portion.

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