Battery module comprising a gel

Abstract

The present invention provides a structure of a battery module, the battery module comprising: a battery cell containing an electrolyte; a frame accommodating the battery cell; and a gelling agent that is provided on the bottom surface of the frame and that reduces the fluidity of the electrolyte by gelling the electrolyte.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0037431, filed on March 18, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery module comprising a gelling agent for gelling an electrolyte. Background Technology

[0003] Secondary batteries, with their high applicability across product lines and electrical characteristics such as high energy density, are widely used not only in portable devices but also in electric or hybrid vehicles powered by electric drive sources, as well as in energy storage devices. These secondary batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source for improving eco-friendliness and energy efficiency, not only because of their key advantage of significantly reducing fossil fuel use, but also because they do not produce any byproducts from energy consumption.

[0004] While small mobile devices use one, two, or three battery cells per device, medium to large devices such as vehicles require high output and large capacity. Therefore, medium to large battery modules using multiple battery cells electrically connected together are used.

[0005] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The structure of the battery module is shown. (Reference) Figure 1 and Figure 2 The battery module M is manufactured by placing multiple stacked battery cells 2 within a metal frame 1. For example... Figure 2 As shown, frame 1 can form a box-shaped housing together with other plates covering the upper end, front end, and rear end of battery cell 2. Busbar frame assembly 3, which electrically connects battery cell 2, is connected to one side of battery cell 2.

[0006] Meanwhile, pouch-type battery cells with the following structure are widely used as battery cells 2.

[0007] Figure 3 The structure of a pouch cell is shown. (Reference) Figure 3 The pouch-type battery cell 2 is manufactured by forming a pouch 20 from a sheet of metal material that houses the electrode assembly by folding and sealing it. Therefore, the pouch 20 has sealing portions 202 on three sides other than the folded side 201.

[0008] Meanwhile, the sealing part 202 is manufactured by means of fusion or the like, and the seal may weaken due to factors such as the passage of time or exposure to high heat. This weakening of the seal leads to leakage of the electrolyte filling the bag 20.

[0009] Figure 4 The battery cells and busbar frame assembly housed within the frame are shown. (Reference) Figure 4 The battery cell 2 includes electrode leads 21 that protrude from the pouch 20 to supply power to the outside, and the electrode leads 21 can be connected to a busbar 31 disposed in the busbar frame assembly 3. The electrode leads 21 can have positive or negative polarity.

[0010] In the event of an electrolyte leak as described above, a short circuit may occur at the electrode leads 21 or busbars 31 of different polarities due to the leaked electrolyte. Since a short circuit could lead to an explosion due to high temperature and gas, it is necessary to prevent this situation. Summary of the Invention

[0011] Technical issues

[0012] In order to solve the problems of the prior art, the present invention aims to provide a structure of a battery module that can prevent short circuits.

[0013] The purpose of this invention is to provide a battery module structure that can prevent short circuits caused by electrolyte leakage from the battery cell.

[0014] Specifically, the purpose of this invention is to provide a structure for a battery module that can prevent the accumulation or flow of leaked electrolyte.

[0015] Furthermore, the object of the present invention is to provide a structure for a battery module that can reduce the ionic conductivity of leaked electrolyte.

[0016] The technical problem to be solved by this invention is not limited to the above-described objectives, and other objectives and advantages of the invention not described herein can be understood through the following description, and will be more clearly understood through examples of the invention. Furthermore, it will be apparent that the objectives and advantages of the invention can be embodied by the means and combinations thereof indicated in the claims.

[0017] Technical solution

[0018] To address the aforementioned problems, the present invention provides a battery module structure, the battery module comprising: a battery cell containing an electrolyte; a frame containing the battery cell; and a gelling agent disposed on the bottom surface of the frame and gelling the electrolyte to reduce the fluidity of the electrolyte.

[0019] Regardless of the name of the battery module according to the present invention, the battery module can be of any structure, as long as it includes battery cells and a frame housing the battery cells. For example, in the case where the battery cells are housed in a battery pack frame rather than forming a battery module to directly constitute a battery pack, the battery pack frame can correspond to the frame of the present invention, and the battery pack can correspond to the battery module of the present invention. Alternatively, for example, in the case where the battery cells are directly constructed into the chassis rather than forming a battery module or battery pack, the chassis can correspond to the frame of the present invention, and the assembly including the battery cells and the chassis can correspond to the battery module of the present invention.

[0020] Furthermore, the structure and shape of the battery cell are not limited to this. Specifically, the battery cell according to the present invention can have various structures and shapes, such as pouch type, cylindrical type, prismatic type and can type.

[0021] Therefore, it can prevent leaked electrolyte from flowing within the frame or accumulating in specific locations, thus preventing short circuits.

[0022] The structure or shape of the gelling agent is not limited to this, as long as the electrolyte gels through mixing or contact.

[0023] For example, a gelling agent may comprise a powder contained in a capsule. Alternatively, a gelling agent may comprise a gel-forming powder and a capsule containing the gel-forming powder. Here, the capsule may comprise a water-soluble material and may be dissolved or melted by an electrolyte to expose the gelling agent to the electrolyte.

[0024] The ionic conductivity of an electrolyte can be reduced through gelation. Therefore, even when the electrolyte gels at locations where a short circuit could occur, short circuits can be largely prevented.

[0025] The battery cell can be a pouch-type battery cell comprising a pouch formed by folding and sealing a pouch sheet. Here, the battery cell can be housed in a frame with the folded side of the pouch sheet facing down.

[0026] In this case, since the two ends of the folded side are the most likely locations for battery cell leakage, a gel can be applied at the locations corresponding to the two longitudinal ends of the folded side.

[0027] Electrode leads can be positioned at one longitudinal end of the battery cell. Here, a gelling agent can be positioned at least below the electrode leads to prevent the electrode leads from contacting the liquid electrolyte.

[0028] The battery module may also include a busbar connected to the electrode leads. Here, a gelling agent may be placed at least below the busbar to prevent the busbar from contacting the liquid electrolyte.

[0029] At least one pair of busbars can be provided. Here, a gel can be placed between the pair of busbars to prevent them from short-circuiting each other.

[0030] The frame may include a sloping surface that guides the flow of electrolyte leaking from the battery cell toward the gelling agent. By providing the sloping surface, the leaked electrolyte can be guided to solidify at a predetermined location, and the solidified electrolyte can be collected at a location where a short circuit is unlikely.

[0031] An electrode lead may be provided at one longitudinal end of the battery cell. Here, the inclined surface may be provided at least below the electrode lead to prevent the electrode lead from contacting the liquid electrolyte.

[0032] The battery module may also include a busbar connected to the electrode leads. Here, the inclined surface may be positioned at least below the busbar to prevent the busbar from contacting the liquid electrolyte.

[0033] At least one pair of busbars can be provided. Here, the inclined surface can be set between the pair of busbars to prevent the pair of busbars from short-circuiting with each other.

[0034] The present invention also provides a structure for a battery pack including a battery module and a vehicle including the battery pack.

[0035] Multiple battery modules can be integrated into a battery pack to increase its capacity and / or voltage. The battery pack may include an exhaust system capable of venting gases and flames in the event of a battery module fire. The battery pack may be built into a vehicle as a power source. The vehicle may include electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, etc.

[0036] Conversely, the battery module itself can form a battery pack or be built into a vehicle. For example, regardless of the name of the battery module, it can be a battery pack with a cell-to-pack structure (where the battery cells directly form the battery pack), or a chassis component or vehicle with a cell-to-chassis structure (where the cells are directly built into the chassis to form the vehicle).

[0037] Beneficial effects

[0038] The present invention can provide a battery module structure that can prevent short circuits by gelling the electrolyte leaking from the battery cell.

[0039] The present invention can provide a battery module structure that can prevent short circuits by gelling leaked electrolyte and collecting the gelled electrolyte at a predetermined location.

[0040] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a battery module structure is provided that can prevent the risk of short circuit by causing the leaked electrolyte to gel, while avoiding locations that could lead to electrical short circuits between adjacent busbars or electrode leads of different polarities.

[0041] Furthermore, the present invention can provide a battery module structure that reduces the risk of short circuits by reducing the ionic conductivity of leaked electrolyte through electrolyte gelation.

[0042] Furthermore, the present invention may have various other effects, and descriptions of these effects will be given in each embodiment, or descriptions of effects that can be easily deduced by those skilled in the art will be omitted. Attached Figure Description

[0043] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The structure of the battery module is shown.

[0044] Figure 3 The structure of a pouch cell is shown.

[0045] Figure 4 The battery cells and busbar frame assembly housed in the frame are shown.

[0046] Figure 5 and Figure 6 The structure of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0047] Figure 7 The structure of another battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0048] Figure 8 The framework according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0049] Figure 9 A battery cell housed in a frame according to an embodiment of the invention is shown, and Figure 10 A cross-section of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0050] Figure 11 A battery cell and busbar frame assembly are shown housed in a frame according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0051] Figure 12 and Figure 13 A battery pack and a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown respectively.

[0052] Figure label description

[0053] 1: Framework

[0054] 11: First inclined surface

[0055] 12: Second inclined surface

[0056] 2: Battery cells

[0057] 20: bag

[0058] 201: Folding side

[0059] 202: Sealing part

[0060] 21: Electrode leads

[0061] 3: Busbar frame components

[0062] 30: Busbar Frame

[0063] 31: Busbar

[0064] 4: Gel

[0065] M: Battery module

[0066] P: Battery pack

[0067] V: Vehicle Detailed Implementation

[0068] The above-described objects, features, and advantages will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, enabling those skilled in the art to realize the technical concept of the present invention. In describing the present invention, detailed descriptions of related technologies that are determined to unnecessarily obscure the essential points of the invention will be omitted. Preferred embodiments according to the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar parts.

[0069] Although terms such as "first" and "second" are used to describe various elements, these elements are of course not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another, and unless otherwise expressly stated, the first element may also be the second element.

[0070] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise stated, each element may be a single element or multiple elements.

[0071] In the following text, “arranging the component above (or below) the component” or “arranging the component on top (or bottom) of the component” means not only “arranging the component in contact with the upper (or lower) surface”, but also “arranging the component above the upper (or lower) surface, with another component inserted therebetween”.

[0072] Additionally, when a component is described as being “connected to” another component, “connected to” another component, or “in contact with” another component, it should be understood that the component may be “directly connected to” another component, “directly connected to” another component, or “directly in contact with” another component, or the component may be “connected to” another component, “connected to” another component, or “in contact with” another component, either with another component inserted therein or via another component.

[0073] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms used herein include the plural forms. Terms such as “consisting of” or “comprising” as used herein should not be construed as including all elements or steps described in the specification, and should be construed as excluding some of those elements or steps, or including additional elements or steps.

[0074] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise expressly stated, “A and / or B” means A, B, or A and B, and unless otherwise expressly stated, “C to D” means equal to or higher than C to equal to or lower than D.

[0075] Although the following embodiments illustrate battery cells constituting a battery module, battery modules constituting a battery pack, and battery packs constituting a vehicle, the battery module according to the present invention can encompass all structures including battery cells and frames housing the battery cells. For example, in a cell-battery pack structure where the battery cells are directly housed in the battery pack frame to form the battery pack, the battery pack can correspond to the battery module of the present invention, and in a battery-chassis structure where the battery cells are directly housed in the chassis, the chassis and battery cell components or the vehicle itself can correspond to the battery module of the present invention.

[0076] Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0077] Figure 5 and Figure 6 The structure of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. (Refer to...) Figure 5 and Figure 6 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the battery module M may include a battery cell 2, a frame 1 for housing the battery cell 2, and a busbar frame assembly 3 connected to one side of the battery cell 2.

[0078] Battery cell 2 can be a pouch-type battery cell with multiple cells stacked together, but is not limited to this.

[0079] The frame 1 may have an open upper end, an open front end, and / or an open rear end, and form a housing for accommodating the battery cell 2 with other plate components. However, the shape of the frame 1 is not specifically limited.

[0080] Frame 1 may include metallic material.

[0081] The busbar frame assembly 3 can be connected to one side of the battery cell 2.

[0082] Figure 7 The structure of another battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. (Reference) Figure 7 The battery cell 2, which is a pouch-type battery cell, may include a pouch 20 for housing electrode components.

[0083] The bag 20 can be formed by folding a bag sheet containing an electrode assembly in half and then sealing it at the sealing portions 202 on the three sides other than the folded side 201.

[0084] The battery cell 2 may include electrode leads 21 extending from the electrode assembly and protruding from the pouch 20. The electrode leads 21 can connect the electrode assembly to the outside and may have negative and positive polarities respectively.

[0085] The inside of bag 20 can be filled with electrolyte.

[0086] Meanwhile, electrolyte may leak from bag 20 for various reasons. Here, due to weakened sealing of seal 202, electrolyte leakage mainly occurs along the area where seal 202 is provided.

[0087] Figure 8 A framework according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. (Reference) Figure 8 And return to refer to Figure 6 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the battery module M may include a gelling agent 4 disposed on the bottom surface of the frame 1 to gel the electrolyte leaking from the battery cell 2.

[0088] When the gelling agent 4 gels the leaked electrolyte, it can prevent the electrolyte from flowing freely within the frame 1 or pooling at specific locations, thus preventing a short circuit.

[0089] The structure or shape of gelling agent 4 is not limited, as long as the electrolyte is gelled by mixing or contact.

[0090] For example, gelling agent 4 may comprise a powder contained in a capsule. Alternatively, gelling agent 4 may comprise a gel-forming powder and a capsule containing the gel-forming powder. Here, the capsule may comprise a water-soluble material and may be dissolved or melted by an electrolyte to expose gelling agent 4 to the electrolyte.

[0091] The gelling agent 4 is preferably installed at locations where electrolyte leakage is possible in order to gel the electrolyte as quickly as possible. For example, since the two ends of the folded side 201 are the most likely locations for leakage of the battery cell 2, the gelling agent 4 can be placed at positions corresponding to the two longitudinal ends of the folded side 201.

[0092] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of gelling agents 4 spaced apart from each other are provided, so that the leaked electrolyte can be divided into several clumps and gelled. Therefore, the risk of short circuits occurring through the gelled electrolyte can be further reduced.

[0093] The ionic conductivity of an electrolyte can be reduced through gelation. Therefore, even when the electrolyte gels at locations where a short circuit could occur, short circuits can be largely prevented.

[0094] The frame 1 may include inclined surfaces 11 and 12, which guide electrolyte leaking from the battery cell 2 toward the gelling agent 4. The inclined surfaces 11 and 12 may be configured to guide the electrolyte away from the electrode lead 21 or the busbar 31.

[0095] According to an embodiment of the present invention, by providing inclined surfaces 11 and 12, the leaked electrolyte can be guided to solidify at a predetermined location, and the solidified electrolyte can be collected at a location where a short circuit is unlikely to occur.

[0096] Multiple inclined surfaces 11 and 12 can be provided. Here, the multiple inclined surfaces 11 and 12 can be configured to allow the electrolyte to flow to multiple different locations and then solidify into multiple clumps that are separated from each other.

[0097] Figure 9 A battery cell housed in a frame according to an embodiment of the invention is shown, and Figure 10 A cross-section of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. (Refer to...) Figure 9 and Figure 10 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the gelling agent 4 can be disposed at a position away from the electrode lead 21, and the inclined surface can include at least a first inclined surface 11 disposed below the electrode lead 21 to guide the electrolyte to flow toward the gelling agent 4.

[0098] Specifically, the gelling agent 4 can be configured to be spaced forward relative to the electrode lead 21, and the first inclined surface 11 can be configured in a forward inclined shape directly below the electrode lead 21 to guide the electrolyte to flow toward the gelling agent 4.

[0099] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the electrolyte can be collected by allowing it to flow away from the electrode lead 21 and then solidify, thereby reducing the possibility of contact between the electrode lead 21 and the electrolyte to prevent short circuits.

[0100] According to the modified example, the gelling agent 4 can be disposed at least below the electrode lead 21 so as to gel the electrolyte near the electrode lead 21.

[0101] Figure 11A battery cell and busbar frame assembly are shown housed within a frame according to an embodiment of the invention. (Reference) Figure 11 The busbar frame assembly 3 may include a busbar 31 connected to the electrode leads 21 and a busbar frame 30 on which the busbar 31 is mounted. The busbar 31 may be connected in parallel and / or in series to the electrode leads 21 having the same or different polarities.

[0102] The inclined surface may include a second inclined surface 12 inclined at one or both lateral ends.

[0103] The gelling agent 4 can be positioned away from directly below the busbar 31, and the second inclined surface 12 can be positioned at least below the busbar 31 to guide the electrolyte to flow toward the gelling agent 4.

[0104] At least one pair of busbars 31 may be provided. Here, the gelling agent 4 may be provided at a position avoiding the pair of busbars 31, and the second inclined surface 12 may be provided at least between the pair of busbars 31 to guide the electrolyte to flow toward the gelling agent 4.

[0105] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of busbars 31 arranged along the width direction can be provided, and the gelling agent 4 can be provided at a position avoiding the direct below the busbars 31 and at a position avoiding any pair of adjacent busbars 31. Here, the second inclined surface 12 can be provided in a shape that is inclined outward at the two lateral ends of the busbars 31, directly below the busbars 31 and between a pair of busbars 31, to guide the electrolyte to flow toward the gelling agent 4.

[0106] According to the modified example, the gelling agent 4 may be disposed at least below the busbar 31 to gel the electrolyte near the busbar 31. Alternatively, the busbar 31 may include at least one pair of busbars, and the gelling agent 4 may be disposed between at least one pair of busbars 31 to gel the electrolyte flowing between the pair of busbars 31.

[0107] In short, a battery module according to one aspect of the invention may include a sloped surface that guides leaked electrolyte toward a gelling agent positioned away from locations where a short circuit could occur. In this case, the electrolyte can pool at locations where it is impossible for it to come into contact with the electrode leads 21 or the busbar 31 without causing a short circuit.

[0108] Furthermore, according to another aspect of the battery module of the invention, leaked electrolyte can be collected at locations where a short circuit is likely to occur by gelation. In this case, the electrolyte can prevent short circuits by preventing contact between the electrolyte and the electrode leads 21 and / or busbars 31, by preventing the electrolyte from contacting two or more of the electrode leads 21 and / or busbars 31 simultaneously, or by converting it into a gel state with low ionic conductivity even when in contact with the electrode leads 21 and / or busbars 31.

[0109] Figure 12 and Figure 13 A battery pack and a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown respectively. (Reference) Figure 12 and Figure 13 Multiple battery modules M can be integrated into a battery pack P to increase its capacity and / or voltage. The battery pack P may include an exhaust system capable of venting gases and flames when battery modules M ignite. The battery pack P may be built into a vehicle V as a power source. The vehicle V may include electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, etc.

[0110] It should be understood that the described embodiments are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive, and the scope of the invention will be indicated by the appended claims rather than the detailed description described herein. Furthermore, the meaning and scope of the claims described below, as well as all changes and modifications derived from equivalent concepts, should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the invention.

[0111] Although the invention has been described with reference to exemplary drawings, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments and drawings disclosed in this specification, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Furthermore, although the operational effects of the configuration according to the invention are not explicitly described in the description of embodiments of the invention, it should be understood that predictable effects can also be recognized through this configuration.

Claims

1. A battery module, the battery module comprising: Battery cells that contain electrolyte; A frame that houses the battery cells; as well as A gelling agent is disposed on the bottom surface of the frame and gels the electrolyte to reduce its fluidity.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The gelling agent comprises powder contained in a capsule.

3. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein, The capsule contains water-soluble materials.

4. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The ionic conductivity of the electrolyte is reduced through gelation.

5. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The battery cell includes a bag formed by folding and sealing a sheet of material. The battery cells are housed within the frame with the folded side of the bag sheet facing downwards, and The gel is applied at the positions corresponding to the two longitudinal ends of the folded side.

6. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, An electrode lead is provided at one longitudinal end of the battery cell, and The gelling agent is disposed at least below the electrode leads.

7. The battery module of claim 6, further comprising a busbar connected to the electrode leads, and The gel is disposed at least below the manifold.

8. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, An electrode lead and a busbar connected to the electrode lead are provided at one longitudinal end of the battery cell. The busbar includes at least one pair of busbars, and The gel is disposed between the pair of manifolds.

9. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The frame includes an inclined surface that guides the electrolyte leaking from the battery cell toward the gelling agent.

10. The battery module according to claim 9, wherein, An electrode lead is provided at one longitudinal end of the battery cell, and The inclined surface is located at least below the electrode lead.

11. The battery module of claim 10, further comprising a busbar connected to the electrode leads. in, The inclined surface is located at least below the busbar.

12. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, At one longitudinal end of the battery cell, an electrode lead and a busbar connected to the electrode lead are provided. The busbar includes at least one pair of busbars, and the inclined surface is disposed between the pair of busbars.

13. A battery pack comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A vehicle comprising the battery pack according to claim 13.

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