Battery module, and battery pack and vehicle including same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery module accommodated in a pack case, the battery module comprising: a plurality of battery cells; a module housing configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells; and an expansion member provided outside the module housing and configured to at least partially expand toward an outside direction of the module housing due to heat.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] This application is based on and claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0101823, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on July 31, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Background Technology

[0003] Secondary batteries, offering high applicability across product categories and possessing electrical properties such as high energy density, are widely used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) powered by electric power sources. Such secondary batteries are gaining attention as a new energy source for enhancing environmental sustainability and energy efficiency, not only because of their major advantage of significantly reducing fossil fuel use but also because they do not produce byproducts from energy consumption.

[0004] Currently widely used rechargeable batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. When a high output voltage is required, multiple battery cells can be connected in series to form a battery module or battery pack. Furthermore, to increase charge / discharge capacity, multiple battery cells can be connected in parallel to configure a battery module or battery pack. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in a battery module or battery pack can be configured differently depending on the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0005] Furthermore, because battery cells involve chemical reactions during charging and discharging, their performance may degrade when used in environments exceeding suitable temperatures. Additionally, if thermal control is not properly maintained at the appropriate temperature, there remains a potential risk of accidental ignition or explosion. Moreover, the battery modules are configured such that battery cells are densely housed within a module frame. Therefore, if a thermal event occurs in any battery cell, the high-temperature gases and flames emitted from it could propagate to adjacent battery cells, potentially leading to a chain reaction that could cause a battery cell explosion, posing a significant safety risk.

[0006] Therefore, it is necessary to develop a structure that can suppress and delay heat propagation by more reliably dividing and separating battery cells, thereby preventing gas or flame from spreading to other battery cells and triggering thermal runaway within the battery module, even if a thermal event occurs in some battery cells within the battery module. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Technical issues

[0008] This disclosure is designed to address the problems of related technologies, and therefore relates to providing a battery module capable of effectively suppressing and delaying the propagation of thermal runaway between battery cells by reliably separating and disconnecting the battery cells.

[0009] One aspect of this disclosure relates to providing a battery pack and a vehicle that includes such a battery module.

[0010] Furthermore, another aspect of this disclosure relates to providing a battery pack and a vehicle that include such a battery module.

[0011] However, the technical problems that this disclosure seeks to solve are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the description of the invention below that there are other problems not mentioned above.

[0012] Technical solution

[0013] In one aspect of this disclosure, a battery module is provided housed in a battery pack housing, the battery module comprising: a plurality of battery cells; a module housing configured to house the plurality of battery cells; and an expansion member disposed outside the module housing and configured to expand at least partially outward of the module housing due to heat.

[0014] The expansion member can be formed of an intumescent fire-resistant material.

[0015] The expansion member can be configured to expand to separate the space between the module housing and the battery pack housing.

[0016] The expansion member can be configured to expand to make contact with the battery pack housing.

[0017] Multiple vents may be formed in at least one side surface of the module housing to discharge exhaust gases generated from the battery cell to the outside, and the expansion member may be disposed between adjacent vents.

[0018] The expansion member can be configured to prevent the exhaust gas emitted from the exhaust port from moving toward another exhaust port.

[0019] The expansion member can be configured to expand along the direction of movement of the exhaust gas discharged from the exhaust port.

[0020] The expansion member can be configured to have an expansion rate that varies at least in part depending on the position of the expansion member.

[0021] In another aspect of this disclosure, a battery pack including a battery module according to this disclosure is provided.

[0022] In another aspect of this disclosure, a vehicle including a battery pack according to this disclosure is provided.

[0023] In another aspect of this disclosure, a battery pack is provided, the battery pack comprising: a plurality of battery cells; a module housing configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells; and an expansion member disposed between the plurality of battery cells and the battery pack housing, and configured to expand at least partially outward due to heat.

[0024] Beneficial effects

[0025] According to one aspect of this disclosure, when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell, the expansion of the expansion member can reliably separate and isolate the venting path outside the module housing. Specifically, according to this aspect of the disclosure, the movement of high-temperature gas or flame released into the external space of the module housing along the stacking direction of the battery cells can be suppressed.

[0026] In other words, according to this aspect of the disclosure, even if a thermal event occurs in some battery cells within the battery module, it can effectively prevent or delay the spread of gas or flame to other battery cells within the battery module and prevent thermal runaway. Therefore, the safety and reliability of the battery module can be guaranteed.

[0027] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, events such as fires or explosions caused by thermal runaway in battery packs comprising multiple battery modules or devices equipped with multiple battery modules can be prevented or delayed.

[0028] Furthermore, this disclosure may have various other effects, and these effects will be described in the corresponding embodiments, or descriptions of effects that can be readily deduced by those skilled in the art will be omitted. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the foregoing disclosure, serve to provide a further understanding of the technical features of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is not to be construed as limited to the drawings.

[0030] Figure 1 This is an overall perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an expansion member that expands in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which may be along... Figure 1 The cross-sectional view taken from line I-I' in the diagram.

[0034] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of an expansion member that expands in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of an expansion member, at least partially expanded, included in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 8 This is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating a battery pack including a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing an expansion member that expands at least partially in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 11 This is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0041] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before the description, it should be understood that the terminology used in the specification and appended claims should not be construed as limited to its general and dictionary meaning, but rather as being interpreted based on the meanings and concepts corresponding to the technical aspects of the present disclosure, on the basis of the principle that allows the inventors to appropriately define the terminology for the best interpretation.

[0042] Therefore, the description presented herein is merely a preferred example for illustrative purposes and does not represent the full scope of this disclosure. It should be understood that other equivalents and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0043] Furthermore, this disclosure may include various embodiments. Redundant descriptions of substantially the same or similar configurations will be omitted from the various embodiments, and descriptions will be based on the differences between them.

[0044] Furthermore, although directional terms such as up, down, left, right, forward, and backward are used in this specification, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains that these terms are merely for the convenience of interpretation with reference to the accompanying drawings and may vary depending on the position of the target object or the observer's position.

[0045] For example, in embodiments of this disclosure, the X-axis direction shown in the figure can indicate the left-right direction, the Y-axis direction can indicate the front-back direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction on the horizontal plane (XY plane), and the Z-axis direction can indicate the up-down direction (vertical direction) perpendicular to both the X-axis and Y-axis directions.

[0046] Figure 1 This is an overall perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Furthermore, Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an expansion member that expands in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] Reference Figures 1 to 3 According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the battery module 10 may include a battery cell 100, a module housing 200, and an expansion member 300.

[0048] Reference Figure 2 The device may include multiple battery cells 100. Furthermore, although not shown in the figures, the multiple battery cells 100 may include electrode assemblies, a cell housing housing the electrode assemblies, and electrode leads connected to the electrode assemblies and extending outside the cell housing to serve as electrode terminals. In this configuration, the multiple battery cells 100 may be electrically connected to each other.

[0049] The battery cell 100 can be a pouch-type secondary battery. The cell casing of such a pouch-type secondary battery can be configured as a pouch with a metal layer made of aluminum inserted between polymer layers.

[0050] like Figure 2 As shown, multiple battery cells 100 can be arranged side by side in the front-to-back direction (Y-axis direction) and upright in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction).

[0051] This disclosure is not limited to a specific type or shape of the battery cell 100, and various battery cells 100 known at the time of filing of this disclosure can be used to construct the battery pack 1 of this disclosure. In this embodiment, although a pouch-type secondary battery with high energy density and easy stacking will be described as shown, it will be apparent that cylindrical or prismatic secondary batteries can also be used in the battery cell 100.

[0052] Reference Figure 2The battery module 10 of this disclosure may further include a busbar frame assembly 400. The busbar frame assembly 400 may be configured to cover at least one side of the plurality of battery cells 100. In this embodiment, as... Figure 2 As shown, the busbar frame assembly 400 can be connected to the front and rear sides of multiple battery cells 100.

[0053] The busbar frame assembly 400 may include a busbar frame 410 and a plurality of busbars 420. The busbar frame 410 may be configured to connect to the front and rear sides of a plurality of battery cells 100. The busbar frame 410 may have a slit through which electrode leads 110 of the battery cells 100 may extend in the +Y-axis or -Y-axis direction. Furthermore, the busbar frame 410 may be formed of an electrically insulating material (such as a plastic material) and may be configured to allow the busbars 420 to be attached to its outer surface.

[0054] Multiple busbars 420 are used to connect battery cells 100 in series and / or in parallel, and can be made of metal materials such as copper, aluminum, or nickel in a rod shape. The electrode leads 110 of the battery cells 100 can pass through slits in the busbar frame 410 and extend outward from the busbar frame 410, such that the extensions can be attached to the surface of the busbars 420 by welding or other methods.

[0055] The module housing 200 can be configured to accommodate a plurality of battery cells 100. Specifically, the module housing 200 can be configured to have an internal space in which the plurality of battery cells 100 and the busbar frame assembly 400 can be accommodated.

[0056] The expansion member 300 may be disposed on the exterior of the module housing 200. The expansion member 300 may be configured to cover the outer surface of the module housing 200. The expansion member 300 may be configured to cover at least one surface of the module housing 200. For example, as... Figure 1 As disclosed in the illustrated embodiment, the expansion member 300 may be disposed on the upper outer surface of the module housing 200.

[0057] The expansion member 300 can be applied to the outer surface of the module housing 200 and has a very small thickness. The expansion member 300 can be configured to be flat on the outer surface of the module housing 200.

[0058] Reference Figure 3 The expansion member 300 can be configured to expand at least partially due to heat. The expansion member 300 can be configured to expand at a specific temperature. For example, the expansion member 300 can be configured to expand at 200°C to 300°C.

[0059] Furthermore, the expansion member 300 can expand outward from the module housing 200. That is, the expansion member 300 can expand outward from the module housing 200 due to heat generated during a thermal event (such as exhaust gas or flame) in the battery cell 100.

[0060] According to the above-described embodiments of this disclosure, when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell 100, the expansion member 300 can expand outwards from the module housing 200 due to heat, thereby ensuring that the exhaust path is reliably separated and isolated outside the module housing 200. In particular, according to the above-described embodiments of this disclosure, the movement of high-temperature gas or flames emitted into the external space of the module housing 200 along the stacking direction of the battery cells 100 can be suppressed.

[0061] In other words, according to the above-described embodiments of this disclosure, even if a thermal event occurs in some of the battery cells 100 within the battery module 10, the spread of gas or flame to other battery cells 100 and the resulting thermal runaway can be effectively prevented or delayed. Therefore, the safety and reliability of the battery module 10 can be guaranteed.

[0062] The expansion member 300 can be made of a material with flame-retardant and / or fire-resistant properties. The expansion member 300 can be formed by direct foaming on the outer surface of the module housing 200. This material can be easily formed into a coating on the outer surface of the assembled module housing 200 using a foam coating method.

[0063] For example, the intumescent member 300 can be formed of an intumescent fire-retardant material. An intumescent fire-retardant material is a coating material that foams when exposed to heat to form a char layer. The coating of the intumescent fire-retardant material expands rapidly and thickens to 50 to 100 times its original thickness. The char layer prevents heat and air from penetrating the coating, thus providing insulation and a combustion delay effect. This prevents a reduction in the strength of the metal module housing 200.

[0064] According to the above-described embodiments of this disclosure, compared to attaching separately prepared sheet-like refractory components to the module housing 200, the process of separately manufacturing refractory components based on the dimensions of the outer surface of the module housing 200 can be omitted, thereby reducing the cost and time of manufacturing the battery module.

[0065] The expansion member 300 may be a conformal coating formed along the outer surface of the module housing 200. Specifically, the expansion member 300 may be a conformally coated foam coating. Here, conformal coating refers to applying a thin coating for purposes such as corrosion protection. As mentioned above, intumescent fire-retardant materials can be used as the conformal coating material.

[0066] Using a conformal coating method, the expansion member 300 can be coated with a uniform thickness along the curvature of the outer surface of the module housing 200.

[0067] Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiments of this disclosure, drying time can be shortened to reduce manufacturing time, and the coating can be easily inspected, thereby improving productivity. Moreover, since the coating can be applied with uniform thickness along the curvature of the outer surface of the module housing 200, the metallic material of the module housing 200 can be prevented from being directly exposed to the outside in any part, and the thermal conductivity and heat radiation prevention effect of the entire area of ​​the module housing 200 can be reliably maintained.

[0068] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which may be along... Figure 1 The cross-sectional view taken from line I-I' in the diagram. Furthermore, Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of an expansion member that expands in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0069] Specifically, refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The expansion member 300 can be configured to expand to separate the space between the module housing 200 and the battery pack housing 2.

[0070] If a thermal event occurs in the battery cell 100, exhaust gases or flames may flow into the space between the module housing 200 and the battery pack housing 2. These exhaust gases or flames may move along the stacking direction (left-right direction) of the battery cells 100 in the space between the module housing 200 and the battery pack housing 2, and spread to adjacent battery cells 100. However, according to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell 100, the spread of high-temperature exhaust gases or flames along the stacking direction (left-right direction) of the battery cells 100 to adjacent battery cells 100 in the space between the module housing 200 and the battery pack housing 2 can be suppressed.

[0071] Furthermore, the expansion member 300 can be configured to expand and contact the battery pack housing 2. That is, the expansion member 300 can be configured to fill the space between the module housing 200 and the battery pack housing 2.

[0072] According to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, the gap between the expansion member 300 and the battery pack housing 2 can be minimized, thereby more reliably separating and dividing the space between the module housing 200 and the battery pack housing 2. Therefore, thermal runaway propagation to adjacent battery cells 100 can be effectively prevented.

[0073] Reference Figure 2As shown in the other accompanying drawings, the module housing 200 may include a housing body 210 and a top plate 220. The housing body 210 may be configured to house a battery cell 100 disposed thereon. The housing body 210 may be made of a metallic material with rigid and heat-resistant properties to physically or chemically protect the housed battery cell 100.

[0074] In this configuration, the housing body 210 may have an upper opening, a front opening, and a rear opening. For example, the housing body 210 may be configured as a U-shaped frame. When the housing body 210 is configured as a U-shaped frame, it may be configured to cover the two side surfaces and the lower surface of the plurality of battery cells 100. The housing body 210 may include a left plate and a right plate covering the two side surfaces of the plurality of battery cells 100, and a lower plate covering the lower surface of the plurality of battery cells 100. Furthermore, the left plate, right plate, and lower plate may be configured as an integral unit.

[0075] The top plate 220 can be configured to form the upper surface of the module housing 200. When the housing body 210 is configured as a U-shaped frame, the top plate 220 can be attached to cover the upper opening of the housing body 210. The top plate 220 can be welded to the housing body 210. In this case, the top plate 220 and the housing body 210 can be combined to form a rectangular tube with a front opening and a rear opening.

[0076] Furthermore, the module housing 200 may include end plates 230 disposed on the front and rear openings of the housing body 210. The end plates 230 may be welded to the housing body 210. While not shown for convenience, the end plates 230 may have an inner side formed of, for example, an insulating material and an outer side formed of a metallic material. Additionally, the end plates 230 may be partially provided with holes or slits to expose components that need to be exposed to the outside, such as the positive and negative terminals or connectors of the battery module 10.

[0077] Furthermore, the module housing 200 can be formed in various other shapes. For example, the module housing 200 may include a box-shaped lower housing with an upper opening and a top cover configured to cover the upper opening of the lower housing. Alternatively, the module housing 200 may be configured as a single frame. For example, the housing body 210 may be configured as a rectangular tube having an upper surface, a lower surface, a left surface, and a right surface, and having a front opening and a rear opening.

[0078] In addition, such as Figures 1 to 5 As shown, an exhaust port H can be formed in the module housing 200. The exhaust port H can be configured to discharge exhaust gases generated from the battery cell 100 to the outside of the module housing 200. The exhaust port H can be formed on one surface of the module housing 200 and can achieve directional exhaust in one direction. For example, the exhaust port H can be formed in the upper surface of the module housing 200.

[0079] For example, an exhaust port H can be formed in the top plate 220, allowing directional exhaust in the upward direction of the battery module 10. Multiple exhaust ports H can be provided at predetermined intervals in the horizontal direction (X-axis and Y-axis directions). The exhaust ports H can be configured to extend along the length of the battery cell 100.

[0080] As described above, the vent H provided in the upper surface of the module housing 200 can be configured to discharge gas or flame generated inside the battery module 10 to the outside of the battery module 10 in the event of thermal runaway. The remaining portion of the module housing 200, except for the vent H, can be sealed so that gas or flame can be discharged in a straight line toward the vent H.

[0081] According to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, regardless of the location of the thermal event in the battery cell 100, the gas or flame generated in the battery cell 100 can be discharged to the outside of the battery module 10 through a specific vent H provided above the battery cell 100, thereby facilitating venting.

[0082] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 The expansion member 300 can be disposed between adjacent vent holes H. For example, multiple vent holes H can be arranged in a row along the length direction of the battery cell 100 to form a vent hole array, and multiple vent hole arrays can be arranged along the stacking direction of the battery cells 100. The expansion member 300 can be disposed between adjacent vent hole arrays. A vent hole array can be provided for each cell group G.

[0083] Specifically, when exhaust gas or flame generated from the battery cell 100 included in a particular cell group G is discharged through the exhaust port H, the expansion members 300 disposed on both sides of the exhaust port H can expand. Therefore, the expansion members 300 can be configured to prevent the exhaust gas discharged from the exhaust port H from advancing toward other exhaust ports H.

[0084] According to the above-described embodiments of this disclosure, even if a thermal event occurs in a battery cell 100 included in a specific cell pack G and exhaust gas or flame is emitted through an exhaust port H corresponding to that cell pack G, the exhaust gas or flame flowing between the module housing 200 and the battery pack housing 2 can be blocked by the expanding expansion member 300 and prevented from moving to other exhaust ports H. In other words, according to the above-described embodiments of this disclosure, since the exhaust paths between cell packs G can be divided, thermal runaway between battery cells 100 can be prevented or delayed.

[0085] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5The battery module 10 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may further include a barrier member 500. The barrier member 500 may be disposed within the internal space of the module housing 200. The barrier member 500 may be disposed between the battery cells 100. At least one barrier member 500 may be included in a single battery module 10. Multiple barrier members 500 may be disposed along one direction in which the battery cells 100 are arranged. The barrier member 500 may be configured to be disposed for each group of one or more battery cells 100.

[0086] Specifically, the barrier member 500 can be configured to separate multiple battery cells 100. The barrier member 500 can also be configured to group multiple battery cells 100. For example, as... Figure 4 As shown, the barrier member 500 can be configured for each group of four battery cells 100, thereby grouping the battery cells 100 into groups of four. Therefore, a cell group G comprising four battery cells 100 can be separated by the barrier member 500.

[0087] The barrier member 500 can be configured to block heat generated during a thermal event within the battery module 10. That is, the barrier member 500 can be configured to block heat or fluid flow between the battery cells 100. Here, the fluid may include exhaust gases, flames, particles, etc.

[0088] For this purpose, the barrier member 500 can be made of a material with excellent heat resistance and / or fire resistance properties. Therefore, the barrier member 500 can be configured to maintain a sealed structure without deformation even under high heat and high pressure. For example, the barrier member 500 can be formed as an insulating pad thinner than the battery cell 100. Furthermore, the barrier member 500 can be configured as a compression pad made of materials such as silicone or aerogel.

[0089] According to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, even if a thermal event occurs in any of the battery cells 100 grouped by the barrier member 500, the movement of emitted gases, flames, and / or particles to other groups of battery cells 100 can be suppressed. This can effectively prevent or delay the propagation of thermal runaway between battery cells 100. Therefore, the safety and reliability of the battery module 10 can be guaranteed.

[0090] Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, the barrier member 500 can compress the battery cell 100 when the battery cell 100 expands, thereby contributing to the structural rigidity of the battery cell 100.

[0091] The barrier member 500 can be disposed between the vent holes H. In addition, the expansion member 300 can be disposed at a position corresponding to the barrier member 500.

[0092] According to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, since the cell packs G are separated by the barrier members 500, the exhaust paths of each cell pack G disposed between adjacent barrier members 500 can be further separated. Therefore, thermal runaway between the battery cells 100 can be further suppressed.

[0093] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing the state in which the expansion member included in the battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is at least partially expanded.

[0094] The expansion member 300 can be configured to expand gradually along the direction of movement of the exhaust gas or flame. Specifically, the expansion member 300 can be configured to expand along the direction of movement of the exhaust gas discharged from the exhaust port H. Therefore, the expansion member 300 can expand completely or only partially.

[0095] For example, such as Figure 6 In the embodiment shown, when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell 100 of the cell pack G, the exhaust gas or flame is discharged to the outside of the module housing 200 through the corresponding exhaust port H. Only the expansion member 300 disposed around the exhaust port H can expand outward in the direction of the module housing 200 (see [link]). Figure 6 Part A in the middle.

[0096] According to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, the expansion member 300 can form a path to guide the exhaust direction around the exhaust port H (see [link]). Figure 6 (The thick arrow in the image). Therefore, the exhaust gas or flame can be quickly guided in a specific direction to prevent other battery cells 100 from being affected. Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, the exhaust gas or flame can be blocked by the expansion member 300 and prevented from moving toward other exhaust ports H.

[0097] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0098] The expansion member 300 can be configured to have a different rate of expansion, at least in part, depending on its location. Here, the rate of expansion can be a percentage (%) obtained by dividing the volume of the expansion member 300 after expansion at a specific temperature by the volume of the expansion member 300 before expansion. The rate of expansion of the expansion member 300 can be configured to vary according to its location by differentiating the composition ratio or material of the expansion member 300.

[0099] For example, the expansion member 300 may have an expansion rate that varies from the center to the periphery of the module housing 200. Therefore, when a thermal event occurs within the battery module 10, the expansion volume or height of the expansion member 300 can vary depending on its position.

[0100] According to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, since the expansion rate of the expansion member 300 is configured to vary according to its location (such as a location where the module housing 200 is easily heated), the expansion member 300 can expand according to the height of the space between the module housing 200 and the battery pack housing 2. The expansion rate of the expansion member 300 can be determined experimentally.

[0101] In the implementation method, such as Figure 7 As shown, the expansion member 300 can be configured such that its expansion rate increases at least partially from the center of the module housing 200 toward the periphery. In particular, the expansion member 300 disposed on the outer surface of the top plate 220 can be configured to have an expansion rate that varies at least partially along the stacking direction of the battery cells 100.

[0102] When thermal runaway of the battery cell 100 occurs within the module housing 200, the central portion of the top plate 220 can bulge upwards. In this case, the edge portions of the top plate 220 can be lifted to separate the top plate 220 from the housing body 210. However, according to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, since the expansion member 300 has an expansion rate that increases from the central portion of the top plate 220 toward its periphery, the expansion member 300 can expand to completely fill the space between the module housing 200 and the battery pack housing 2.

[0103] Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, the expansion member 300 disposed around the periphery of the top plate 220 can press against the edge portion of the top plate 220. Therefore, when the expansion member 300 expands, it can prevent the top plate 220 from separating from the housing body 210, thereby maintaining the bonding strength between the top plate 220 and the housing body 210. Therefore, according to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, the structural stability of the battery module 10 can be ensured.

[0104] Figure 8 This is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating a battery pack including a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Furthermore, Figure 10 This is a diagram showing an expansion member that expands at least partially in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0105] Reference Figure 8 The battery pack 1 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include one or more battery cells 100 or battery modules 10 as described above. The battery pack 1 according to the present disclosure may also include a battery pack housing 2 that houses a BMS (Battery Management System) for integrated control of charging and discharging of one or more battery modules 10, a current sensor, a fuse, and other components described above.

[0106] The battery pack housing 2 may include multiple plates. For example, the battery pack housing 2 may be configured as a box to cover the upper, lower, and side surfaces of multiple battery cells 100 or multiple battery modules 10. In addition, the battery pack housing 2 may also include crossbeams configured to separate the multiple battery cells 100 or multiple battery modules 10.

[0107] Furthermore, the battery pack 1 according to embodiments of this disclosure may include an exhaust device 3. The exhaust device 3 may be disposed within the battery pack housing 2. The exhaust device 3 may be configured to discharge gases generated from the housed battery cells 100 to the outside of the battery pack housing 2. The exhaust device 3 may be configured to open due to the pressure of the exhaust gas when exhaust gas is generated within the battery pack housing 2 to increase the internal pressure, thereby discharging the exhaust gas to the outside of the battery pack housing 2.

[0108] For example, the venting device 3 can be configured to open and close according to the internal pressure of the battery pack housing 2. Alternatively, the venting device 3 can be configured in the form of a hole. Furthermore, this disclosure is not limited to a particular type or form of the venting device 3, and various venting devices 3 known at the time of filing of this disclosure can be used to configure the battery pack 1 of this disclosure.

[0109] Reference Figure 8 The number and location of the exhaust devices 3 described in the embodiments are merely examples, and it should be understood that the number and location of the exhaust devices can vary.

[0110] In addition, refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 The battery pack 1 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include the expansion member 300 described above. The expansion member 300 may be provided for each group of multiple battery modules 10. The expansion member 300 may be configured to expand at least partially due to heat, thereby separating the space between the module housing 200 and the battery pack housing 2.

[0111] Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, when a thermal event occurs in the battery module 10, the expansion member 300 can expand outward from the module housing 200 due to heat, thereby reliably separating the exhaust path outside the module housing 200. In particular, according to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, the movement of high-temperature gas or flame emitted into the external space of the module housing 200 along the stacking direction of the battery cell 100 or the battery module 10 can be suppressed (see [link to original document]). Figure 9 (The thick arrow in the middle).

[0112] In other words, according to the above-described embodiments of this disclosure, even if a thermal event occurs within the battery module 10, the propagation of gas or flame to other battery modules 10 and the resulting thermal runaway can be effectively prevented or delayed. Therefore, the safety and reliability of the battery pack 1 can be guaranteed.

[0113] Specifically, in the battery pack 1 according to the embodiments of this disclosure, such as Figure 10 As shown, when a thermal event occurs in the battery module 10, the expansion member 300 can be configured to expand along the direction of movement of the exhaust gas or flame (see Figure 10). Figure 10 Part B in the text.

[0114] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the expansion member 300 can form a path to determine the exhaust direction. Therefore, the exhaust gas or flame can be rapidly guided in a specific direction, thereby preventing other battery cells 100 from being affected.

[0115] Specifically, according to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, the expansion member 300 can induce exhaust towards the exhaust device 3 (see [link to original document]). Figure 10 (The thick arrow in the image). This allows exhaust gases or flames to move to the exhaust device 3 and be quickly discharged to the outside of the battery pack housing 2, while minimizing the impact on other battery modules 10. Therefore, the internal pressure of the battery pack housing 2 can be reduced, thereby suppressing or delaying thermal runaway between battery modules 10.

[0116] Figure 11 This is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0117] Reference Figure 11 The vehicle V according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include one or more battery packs 1 according to embodiments of the present disclosure, or one or more battery modules 10 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The vehicle V according to the present disclosure may be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The vehicle V includes four-wheeled vehicles and two-wheeled vehicles. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the vehicle V operates by receiving power from the battery packs 1 or battery modules 10.

[0118] As described above, although this disclosure has been described with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the technical concept of this disclosure and the equivalent scope of the claims described below by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

Claims

1. A battery module housed in a battery pack casing, the battery module comprising: Multiple battery cells; A module housing configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells; as well as An expansion member is disposed outside the module housing and configured to expand at least partially outward from the module housing due to heat.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, in, The expansion member is formed of an intumescent fire-resistant material.

3. The battery module according to claim 1, in, The expansion member is configured to expand to separate the space between the module housing and the battery pack housing.

4. The battery module according to claim 1, in, The expansion member is configured to expand to make contact with the battery pack housing.

5. The battery module according to claim 1, in, Multiple vents are formed in at least one side surface of the module housing to discharge exhaust gases generated from the battery cells to the outside, and The expansion member is disposed between adjacent vent holes.

6. The battery module according to claim 5, in, The expansion member is configured to prevent the exhaust gas emitted from the exhaust port from moving toward another exhaust port.

7. The battery module according to claim 5, in, The expansion member is configured to expand along the direction of movement of the exhaust gas discharged from the exhaust port.

8. The battery pack according to claim 1, in, The expansion member is configured to have an expansion rate that varies at least in part depending on the position of the expansion member.

9. A battery pack comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A vehicle comprising the battery pack according to claim 9.

11. A battery pack, the battery pack comprising: Multiple battery cells; A battery pack housing configured to house the plurality of battery cells; as well as An expansion member is disposed between the plurality of battery cells and the battery pack housing and is configured to expand at least partially outward due to heat.

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