Thermal barrier for secondary battery and battery pack including same

Abstract

Provided is a thermal barrier for a secondary battery, the thermal barrier including: a metal housing having an internal space; the cooling thermal insulation material is arranged in the metal shell; a metal support accommodating the metal housing; and an encapsulation pocket surrounding the metal support, where the metal support includes a first plate and a second plate, and the metal housing is accommodated between the first plate and the second plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a thermal barrier for a secondary battery and a battery pack including the thermal barrier, and more specifically to a thermal barrier for a secondary battery and a battery pack including the thermal barrier, which can reduce the transfer temperature between battery cells by cooling and blocking the heat transferred during battery cell fire, while delaying heat transfer.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0132494, filed on October 5, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged multiple times. They are widely used as a power source for various wireless devices, including mobile phones, laptops, and cordless vacuum cleaners. In recent years, due to increased energy density and economies of scale that have significantly reduced the manufacturing cost per unit capacity of secondary batteries, and the increased range of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) to levels comparable to fuel cell vehicles, the primary use of secondary batteries has shifted from mobile devices to mobility devices.

[0004] At the same time, the demand for high-capacity battery packs used in electric vehicles is increasing. High-capacity battery packs in automobiles need to increase safety while simultaneously increasing capacity. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Technical issues

[0006] The first technical challenge that this disclosure seeks to address is to provide a thermal barrier for secondary batteries that can reduce the transfer temperature between battery cells by cooling and blocking the heat transferred during a battery cell fire, while delaying heat transfer.

[0007] The second technical challenge that this disclosure seeks to address is to provide a battery pack that can reduce the temperature between battery cells by cooling and blocking the heat transferred during a battery cell fire, while delaying heat transfer.

[0008] Technical solution

[0009] To address the first technical challenge, this disclosure provides a thermal barrier for a secondary battery, the thermal barrier comprising: a metal shell having an internal space; a cooling and heat-insulating material disposed within the metal shell; a metal support member housing the metal shell; and an encapsulation bag surrounding the metal support member; wherein the metal support member comprises a first plate and a second plate, and the metal shell is housed between the first plate and the second plate.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first plate and the second plate may be interlocked on one side of the metal housing.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first plate and the second plate may be interlocked on the other side of the metal housing.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first plate includes: a first panel portion; and connecting grooves disposed at both ends of the first panel portion, and the second plate includes: a second panel portion; connecting extensions disposed at both ends of the second panel portion; and an intermediate extension connecting the second panel portion to the connecting extensions, wherein the connecting extensions can be fitted into the connecting grooves.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first plate includes an edge portion, wherein the edge portion is a portion of at least a portion of each end of the first plate that is bent, and the connecting groove may be formed in the edge portion and may be a groove that opens toward the inside of the first plate portion.

[0014] In some embodiments, the connecting grooves located at both ends of the first plate may be open in a direction facing each other.

[0015] In some embodiments, the intermediate extension may extend obliquely between the second panel portion and the connecting extension.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first plate includes: a first panel portion; and a connecting groove disposed on one side of the first panel portion, and the second plate includes: a second panel portion; a connecting extension portion disposed on one side of the second panel portion; and an intermediate extension portion connecting the second panel portion to the connecting extension portion, wherein the connecting extension portion can be fitted into the connecting groove.

[0017] In some embodiments, the first plate includes an edge portion, wherein the edge portion is a curved portion at the end of the first plate, and the connecting groove may be formed in the edge portion and is a groove that opens toward the inside of the first panel portion.

[0018] In some embodiments, the intermediate extension may extend obliquely between the second panel portion and the connecting extension.

[0019] In some embodiments, the metal casing may be copper foil.

[0020] In some embodiments, the metal support may be an SUS plate.

[0021] To address the second technical challenge, this disclosure provides a battery pack comprising: a plurality of battery cells stacked along a first direction; and at least one thermal barrier for a secondary battery disposed between the plurality of battery cells.

[0022] Beneficial effects

[0023] A thermal barrier for a secondary battery according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a cooling insulation material to cool and block heat transferred during battery cell fire, thereby reducing the transfer temperature between battery cells while delaying heat transfer.

[0024] Furthermore, in some embodiments of the thermal barrier used for secondary batteries, the metal casing can rapidly transfer heat to eliminate localized hot spots in the event of high temperatures occurring at any point on the battery module.

[0025] In addition, some implementations of thermal barriers for secondary batteries can protect the metal casing and cooling insulation materials from external impacts and forces.

[0026] Furthermore, in some embodiments of thermal barriers used in secondary batteries, externally generated pressure can be dispersed and structural strength can be improved. Therefore, structural collapse under external pressure can be prevented, thereby providing structural stability to withstand battery expansion or battery fire.

[0027] The effects that can be obtained from the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure pertain can clearly derive and understand other effects not mentioned from the following description. That is, those skilled in the art can also derive unexpected effects from practicing the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a perspective view illustrating a battery assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A partial 3D view of an enlarged view of a portion of the battery assembly.

[0030] Figure 3 It is schematically shown along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of line III-III' passing through the cross section of the battery assembly.

[0031] Figure 4 It shows a perspective view of a battery cell with its casing removed.

[0032] Figure 5An external view of a thermal barrier for a secondary battery according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0033] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 The secondary battery thermal barrier is cut in a plane perpendicular to the second direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction). Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a cross-sectional view of the thermal barrier of a secondary battery.

[0034] Figure 7 It is used for Figure 5 An exploded view of the thermal barrier of a secondary battery.

[0035] Figure 8 It is shown that it is used for Figure 5 A diagram showing the appearance of the metal support for the thermal barrier of a secondary battery.

[0036] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A view of the metal support in a third-party direction (e.g., in the Z-axis direction).

[0037] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A magnified view of part A.

[0038] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing the appearance of a metal support for a thermal barrier for a secondary battery according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 A magnified view of part B.

[0040] Figure 13 The diagram shows the compressive force (F) generated on the metal support when pressure is applied along a first direction (e.g., along the X-axis).

[0041] Figure 14 It is a 3D diagram of a conventional battery module.

[0042] Figure 15 This is a 3D view of the pads included in a conventional battery module.

[0043] Figure 16 This is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 17 It is shown schematically. Figure 16 An exploded 3D view of the battery pack structure.

[0045] Figure 18 This shows the battery pack housing. Figure 17 A 3D diagram of the battery cell. Detailed Implementation

[0046] In the following, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, embodiments of the present disclosure may be modified in many other ways and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure to the embodiments described below. Preferably, embodiments of the present disclosure are intended to provide a more complete explanation of the inventive concept to those skilled in the art. Similar reference numerals generally refer to similar elements. Furthermore, various elements and regions in the drawings are depicted schematically. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the relative dimensions or spacing depicted in the drawings.

[0047] Terms such as “first” and “second” may be used to describe various components, but these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, a first component may be named a second component, and vice versa, without departing from the scope of the concept of this disclosure.

[0048] The terminology used in this application is for describing certain embodiments only and is not intended to limit the concept of this disclosure. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, expressions such as “comprising” or “having” are intended to indicate the presence of the described features, quantities, steps, operations, components, portions, or combinations thereof, and should not be construed as excluding the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, quantities, operations, components, portions, or combinations thereof.

[0049] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the concepts of this disclosure pertain. It should also be understood that commonly used terms and such terms as defined in dictionaries shall be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the field to which they pertain, and shall not be interpreted in an overly formal sense unless expressly defined herein.

[0050] When implementation methods can be instantiated differently, certain processes can be executed in a different order than that described. For example, two consecutively described processes can be executed substantially simultaneously, or in the reverse order of their description.

[0051] In the accompanying drawings, variations in the depicted geometry may be expected, for example, due to manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances. Therefore, embodiments of this disclosure should not be construed as limited to specific geometries within the areas shown herein, and should include variations in geometry, for example, resulting from manufacturing processes. All terms “and / or” as used herein include each combination of one or more components mentioned.

[0052] (First Implementation)

[0053] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a battery assembly 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A partial perspective view of an enlarged view of a portion of the battery assembly 10. Figure 3 It is schematically shown along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of line III-III' passing through the section of battery assembly 10. Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing the removal of the cell casing 130 from the battery cell 100.

[0054] exist Figures 1 to 4 In the diagram, the battery assembly 10 is shown as being defined in a vertical coordinate system defined by a first direction perpendicular to each other along the x-axis, a second direction perpendicular to each other along the y-axis, and a third direction perpendicular to each other along the z-axis, but the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction only need to be perpendicular to each other and are not particularly restricted.

[0055] refer to Figures 1 to 4 The battery assembly 10 may include a plurality of battery cells 100 and a thermal barrier 200 for a secondary battery disposed between the plurality of battery cells 100.

[0056] Multiple battery cells 100 may be arranged along a first direction (e.g., the X direction). In the figures, the battery assembly 10 is shown as including six battery cells 100, but is not limited thereto, and the battery assembly 10 may include two or more battery cells 100.

[0057] Each battery cell 100 may include an electrode assembly 110, a multi-function terminal block (MTB) 120, and a cell housing 130.

[0058] Electrode assembly 110 may include a plurality of cell units 111. Each of the plurality of cell units 111 may be an electrode material applied to a metal foil used as a current collector. In an exemplary embodiment, electrode assembly 110 is a stacked electrode assembly, and the plurality of cell units 111 may be stacked on top of each other in a first direction (e.g., the X direction). Electrode assembly 110 including the plurality of cell units 111 may have a generally cubic shape. Electrode assembly 110 may have front and rear surfaces opposite each other in a second direction (e.g., the Y direction), first and second side surfaces opposite each other in the first direction (e.g., the X direction), and third and fourth side surfaces opposite each other in a third direction (e.g., the Z direction).

[0059] Each cell 111 may have a thin plate-like body extending in a second direction (e.g., the Y direction). Each cell 111 may be a positive cell 111 or a negative cell 111. In some embodiments, multiple cells 111 may be an alternating stack of a positive cell 111 and a negative cell 111. The positive cell 111 and the negative cell 111 may be separated from each other by a separator. In some embodiments, multiple cells 111 may be multiple alternating stacks of positive cell 111 and multiple negative cell 111. The multiple positive cell 111 and the multiple negative cell 111 may be separated from each other by a separator.

[0060] Electrode assembly 110 may have electrode leads 116 at both ends in a second direction (e.g., the Y direction). Electrode leads 116 may be electrically connected to electrode tabs of a plurality of cell cells 111. An electrode lead 116 may have one or more electrode tabs connected thereto. In some embodiments, two or more electrode tabs may be connected to an electrode lead 116.

[0061] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly 110 may have two electrode leads 116 on one side and two electrode leads 116 on the other side. In this case, half of the plurality of cell cells 111 included in the electrode assembly 110 may be connected to a first electrode lead 116a on one side and to a second electrode lead 116b on the other side. The other half of the plurality of cell cells 111 included in the electrode assembly 110 may be connected to a third electrode lead 116c on one side and to a fourth electrode lead 116d on the other side. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0062] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly 110 may have one or three or more electrode leads 116 on one side. In some embodiments, the electrode assembly 110 may have one or three or more electrode leads 116 on the other side.

[0063] MTB 120 can be provided at each of the two ends of the electrode assembly 110 in a second direction (e.g., the Y direction). For example, one MTB 120 can be disposed at one end of the electrode assembly 110 in the second direction (e.g., the Y direction), and the other MTB 120 can be disposed at the other end of the electrode assembly 110 in the second direction (e.g., the Y direction). In this case, one of the MTB 120 disposed at the first end and the MTB 120 disposed at the other end can be electrically connected to the positive electrode side of the electrode assembly 110, and the other can be electrically connected to the negative electrode side of the electrode assembly 110. The two MTBs 120 can have substantially the same or similar configurations, differing only in polarity.

[0064] MTB 120 may include an MTB housing 122, an electrode terminal portion 124 housed within the MTB housing 122, and a busbar electrically connecting the electrode terminal portion 124 and the electrode lead 116.

[0065] The cell housing 130 may surround the electrode assembly 110. More specifically, the cell housing 130 may cover the side surfaces of the electrode assembly 110 (i.e., the first side surface, second side surface, third side surface, and fourth side surface of the electrode assembly 110). For example, to manufacture the cell housing 130, the electrode assembly 110 may be surrounded by a laminate, and then one end of the laminate and the other end of the laminate may be fused together to form a sealed joint.

[0066] Furthermore, the cell housing 130 can be connected and fixed to the MTB housing 122. The edge of the cell housing 130 can surround the side surface of the MTB housing 122 and can be fused to the side surface of the MTB housing 122. The cell housing 130 and the MTB housing 122 together can form a receiving space in which the electrode assembly 110 of the battery cell 100 is received.

[0067] In an exemplary embodiment, the cell housing 130 may be a laminate comprising one or more resin layers and one or more metal layers. The one or more resin layers and the one or more metal layers may be stacked on top of each other.

[0068] A thermal barrier 200 for a secondary battery can be disposed between two adjacent battery cells 100 in a first direction (e.g., the X direction). The two battery cells 100 can be spaced apart in the first direction (e.g., the X direction) by the secondary battery thermal barrier 200. In some embodiments, the thermal barrier 200 for a secondary battery can be attached to the cell housing 130 and / or MTB housing 122 of the adjacent battery cells 100.

[0069] The thermal barrier 200 for the secondary battery can be configured to cool adjacent battery cells 100. In some embodiments, the thermal barrier 200 for the secondary battery can be configured to cool the battery cells 100 by absorbing heat from adjacent battery cells 100. The thermal barrier 200 for the secondary battery can be disposed between adjacent battery cells 100 in a first direction (e.g., the X direction) and can serve as a thermal barrier to thermally separate the battery cells 100. Since the secondary battery thermal barrier 200 is disposed between multiple battery cells 100, even if any of the multiple battery cells 100 catches fire, the thermal barrier 200 can block or suppress heat transfer between the burning battery cell 100 and other battery cells 100, thereby preventing thermal runaway events.

[0070] Furthermore, as described later, the thermal barrier 200 for the secondary battery can be configured to have a predetermined stiffness due to its internal support structure and / or the material filling it, to prevent or suppress deformation of the battery cell 100 due to expansion. Additionally, the thermal barrier 200 for the secondary battery can be configured to have a predetermined elasticity due to its internal support structure and / or the material filling it, and can be configured to elastically deform in a first direction (e.g., the X direction), which is the arrangement direction of the battery cell 100. By elastically deforming in the first direction (e.g., the X direction), the thermal barrier 200 for the secondary battery can act as a buffer to prevent deformation of the battery cell 100 (e.g., deformation of the battery cell 100 due to expansion).

[0071] Figure 5 This is an external view of the thermal barrier 200 used for secondary batteries, and Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing a cross-sectional view of the thermal barrier 200 for the secondary battery cut in a plane perpendicular to the second direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction). Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A view of the AA cross section. Figure 7 This is an exploded view of the thermal barrier 200 used in secondary batteries.

[0072] The metal casing 210 can be a casing for holding and storing the cooling insulation material 220. The metal casing 210 can be, for example, a bag-shaped casing with internal space. The cooling insulation material 220 can be disposed within this space.

[0073] In some embodiments, the metal casing 210 may have a construction including copper foil. Therefore, when a high temperature occurs at a point on the battery module, the high temperature can be rapidly conducted across the area of ​​the metal casing 210. Thus, the metal casing 210 can rapidly transfer heat over its entire area to eliminate localized hot spots.

[0074] In some embodiments, the periphery of the metal casing 210 can be sealed. Therefore, within a certain pressure range, the cooling and heat insulation material 220 disposed inside the metal casing 210 will not escape to the outside.

[0075] The cooling and heat insulation material 220 is disposed within the metal casing 210 and can have a cooling and insulating effect. Therefore, the cooling and heat insulation material 220 can cool and block the heat transferred during battery cell fire, thereby reducing the transfer temperature between battery cells and delaying heat transfer. Thus, the cooling and heat insulation material 220 can have a significant thermal barrier effect.

[0076] The material of the cooling insulation material 220 is not limited. Since the cooling insulation material 220 is disposed within the metal casing 210, it can include liquid materials in addition to solid materials.

[0077] In some embodiments, the cooling insulation material 220 may include an absorbing member and a heat-absorbing material. In some embodiments, the heat-absorbing material may be absorbed by the absorbing member and may be a material that undergoes a phase change with temperature.

[0078] In some embodiments, the absorbent member may include an absorbent member such as a superabsorbent polymer (SAP). The superabsorbent resin may be any material known in the art, and is not particularly limited thereto. In some embodiments, the superabsorbent resin may include polyacrylamide, polyacrylic acid, polymethacrylic acid, polyethylene oxide, polyvinyl alcohol, gelatin, polysaccharides, chitosan, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, or combinations thereof, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the absorbent member 222 may be in the form of, but is not limited to, powder, granules, pellets, slats, etc.

[0079] The absorbing member may have a liquid-phase heat-absorbing material absorbed therein. In some embodiments, the heat-absorbing material may include a material capable of repeated vaporization and condensation within the operating temperature range of the battery assembly 10 and within a pressure range of approximately atmospheric pressure. For example, the heat-absorbing material may include a material capable of vaporization or condensation within a pressure range of approximately 1 atmosphere to approximately 10 atmospheres and a temperature range of approximately 70°C to approximately 130°C.

[0080] In some embodiments, the heat-absorbing material may include water, ethanol, isopropanol, etc. In a liquid state, the heat-absorbing material can be absorbed within the absorption member. The heat-absorbing material can be vaporized by heat transferred from the battery cell 100 via the metal casing 210. The vaporized heat-absorbing material may exist in a gaseous state within the metal casing 210, then condense and liquefy upon cooling, and can be reabsorbed within the absorption member. Since the heat transferred from the battery cell 100 serves as the temperature rise and vaporization enthalpy of the heat-absorbing material, heat transfer to other adjacent battery cells 100 can be reduced or blocked.

[0081] In some embodiments, the cooling insulation material 220 may include an insulation precursor. The insulation precursor may be a precursor that expands into carbon foam upon thermal decomposition to form an insulation layer. The insulation precursor may also release extinguishing gases upon heating and form a carbon-structured insulation layer to produce a thermal barrier effect.

[0082] The metal casing 210 can be housed within the metal support 230. Figure 8 This is a diagram showing an external view of the metal support 230 for the thermal barrier 200 of the secondary battery, and Figure 9This is a diagram showing the metal support 230 as viewed along a second direction (e.g., along the Y-axis). Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A magnified view of part A.

[0083] The metal support 230 is a component capable of accommodating the metal housing 210. The metal support 230 can define the position of the metal housing 210 and protect the metal housing 210 and the cooling and heat insulation material 220 contained within the metal housing 210 from impacts and movement caused by external forces.

[0084] The metal support 230 includes a first plate 231 and a second plate 232, and a predetermined receiving space 233 is formed between the first plate 231 and the second plate 232. The metal shell 210 can be accommodated in the receiving space 233.

[0085] At the same time, refer to again Figure 6 The metal support 230 can be configured to contact the surface of the metal housing 210. The metal support 230 can have sufficient contact area with the metal housing 210.

[0086] The first plate 231 and the second plate 232 constituting the metal support 230 may have a thin plate-like body extending perpendicular to a first direction (e.g., the X-axis direction) and in a second direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction).

[0087] refer to Figures 8 to 10 The first plate 231 may include a first panel portion 231a, which includes a thin plate-shaped body that extends perpendicular to a first direction (e.g., the X-axis direction) and in a second direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction).

[0088] The first plate 231 may have connecting grooves 231b at both ends along a third direction (e.g., along the Z-axis). The connecting grooves 231b may be grooves in which at least a portion of the second plate 232 can be fitted.

[0089] In some embodiments, the first plate 231 may have edge portions 231c at both ends in a third direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction). The edge portions 231c may be curved portions of at least a portion of the third direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction) ends of the first plate 231. The edge portions 231c may be configured to form a substantially U-shaped cross-sectional shape. In some embodiments, the edge portions 231c may have a plane extending perpendicular to a first direction (e.g., the X-axis direction).

[0090] The connecting groove 231b can be formed by the edge portion 231c, and can be a groove that opens to the inside of the first panel portion 231a.

[0091] The second plate 232 may include a second panel portion 232a, which includes a thin plate-shaped body extending perpendicular to a first direction (e.g., the X-axis direction) and in a second direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction).

[0092] In some embodiments, the second panel portion 232a and the first panel portion 231a may be parallel to each other, i.e., with reference to Figure 10 The imaginary line L1 formed by the first panel portion 231a and the imaginary line L2-1 formed by the second panel portion 232a can be substantially parallel to each other.

[0093] The second plate 232 may have connecting extensions 232b at both ends in a third direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction). The connecting extensions 232b may be the ends of the second plate 232 and are configured to be embedded in connecting grooves 231b.

[0094] In some embodiments, the second panel portion 232a and the connecting extension portion 232b may extend substantially parallel to each other, i.e., referring to Figure 10 The imaginary line L2-1 formed by the second panel portion 232a and the imaginary line L2-2 formed by the connecting extension portion 232b can be substantially parallel to each other.

[0095] The second plate 232 may include an intermediate extension 232c connecting the second panel portion 232a and the connecting extension 232b. The intermediate extension 232c is located at both ends of the second panel portion 232a along a third direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction).

[0096] In some embodiments, the intermediate extension 232c may extend obliquely between the second panel portion 232a and the connecting extension 232b. That is, referring to... Figure 10 The imaginary line L2-3 formed by the intermediate extension 232c can form a predetermined angle between the imaginary line L2-1 formed by the second panel 232a and the imaginary line L2-2 formed by the connecting extension 232b.

[0097] The first plate 231 and the second plate 232 may have an arrangement in which the first panel portion 231a and the second panel portion 232a are stacked on top of each other in a first direction (e.g., in the X-axis direction), wherein the first panel portion 231a and the second panel portion 232a face each other.

[0098] By providing a second plate 232 with an intermediate extension 232c, the first panel portion 231a of the first plate 231 and the second panel portion 232a of the second plate 232 can be spaced apart from each other in a first direction (e.g., in the X-axis direction). Therefore, a space can be formed between the first panel portion 231a and the second panel portion 232a, in which the metal housing 210 can be accommodated.

[0099] In some embodiments, the connecting grooves 231b provided at both ends of the first plate 231 in a third direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction) can be open in a direction facing each other. In addition, the connecting extensions 232b provided at both ends of the second plate 232 in a third direction (e.g., along the Z-axis direction) can be respectively embedded in the connecting grooves 231b.

[0100] As described above, the first plate 231 and the second plate 232 can be connected to each other in a configuration in which the first plate 231 is provided with connecting grooves 231b at both ends and the second plate 232 is provided with connecting extensions 232b at both ends, with the connecting extensions 232b embedded in the connecting grooves 231b.

[0101] (Second Implementation)

[0102] At the same time, in reference Figure 8 and Figure 9 The described embodiment shows an embodiment in which the connecting groove 231b and the edge portion 231c are formed at both ends of the first plate 231 along a third direction (e.g., along the Z-axis direction) and the connecting extension portion 232b is formed at both ends of the second plate 232 along a third direction (e.g., along the Z-axis direction), but is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0103] For example, Figure 11 This is a diagram showing the appearance of a metal support 230 for a thermal barrier 200 for a secondary battery according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the metal support 230 as viewed along a second direction (e.g., along the Y-axis direction), and Figure 12 yes Figure 11 An enlarged view of part B. Figure 11 Part A and Figure 10 The same as shown.

[0104] Reference Figures 10 to 12 The connecting groove 231b and the edge portion 231c can be formed at one end of the first plate 231 along a third direction (e.g., along the Z-axis direction). Figure 11 At part A), and the connecting extension 231d and the intermediate extension 231e can be provided at the other end of the first plate 231 along a third direction (e.g., along the Z-axis direction). Figure 11 At part B). Furthermore, corresponding to the construction of the first plate 231, the second plate 232 may be located at one end in a third direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction). Figure 11 A connecting extension 232b and an intermediate extension 232c are provided at part A), and at the other end of the second plate 232 in a third direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction) Figure 11 Part B) may be provided with a connecting groove 232d and an edge portion 232e.

[0105] The first plate 231 and the second plate 232 may have a rigid structure capable of withstanding expansion and external pressure from adjacent battery cells. In some embodiments, the metal support 230 may be made of aluminum (Al), nickel (Ni), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), or an alloy containing one or more of the aforementioned metals.

[0106] In some embodiments, the first plate 231 and the second plate 232 constituting the metal support 230 may each be an SUS plate made of SUS. In some embodiments, the first plate 231 and the second plate 232 may each independently have a thickness of about 0.1 mm. In some embodiments, the first plate 231 and the second plate 232 may each independently have a thickness of about 0.03 mm to about 0.8 mm.

[0107] By having an inclined intermediate extension 232c on the second plate 232 and an inclined intermediate extension 231e on the first plate 231, the first panel portion 231a of the first plate 231 and the second panel portion 232a of the second plate 232 can be spaced apart from each other over their entire area in a first direction (e.g., in the X-axis direction). In other words, the metal support member 230 has a receiving space 233 formed between the first plate 231 and the second plate 232, and the metal housing 210 can be received within the receiving space 233. Therefore, as Figure 13 As shown, when pressure is applied in the first direction (e.g., in the X-axis direction), the metal support 230 can be elastically compressed in the first direction (e.g., in the X-axis direction). Therefore, it can have the effect of distributing external pressure while improving structural strength.

[0108] Figure 13 The diagram illustrates the compressive force F generated on the metal support 230 when pressure is applied along a first direction (e.g., along the X-axis). The metal support 230 includes a first plate 231 and a second plate 232, wherein the first plate 231 and the second plate 232 are constructed of SUS plates, which may have a structure that can be compressed in the first direction (e.g., the X-axis). Therefore, the metal support 230 can have the effect of distributing external pressure while increasing structural strength.

[0109] Furthermore, the presence of the metal support 230 can prevent the structure of the thermal barrier 200 for the secondary battery from collapsing in the event that the packaging bag 240 is burned by a flame.

[0110] Refer again Figures 5 to 7According to the above embodiment, the encapsulation bag 240 may include the exterior of the thermal barrier 200 for the secondary battery. The encapsulation bag 240 may surround the metal support 230. The material of the encapsulation bag 240 is not limited, and may include, for example, synthetic resin.

[0111] The packaging bag 240 may be a single layer or a laminate comprising two or more layers laminated together. In some embodiments, the packaging bag 240 may include a multilayer structure having an outermost outer resin layer made of an insulating material such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or nylon, a metal layer made of aluminum to maintain mechanical strength and prevent moisture and oxygen penetration, and an inner resin layer made of a polyolefin-based material that is thermally bonded and serves as a sealant.

[0112] The packaging bag 240 may include a first bag portion 241 and a second bag portion 242, each bag portion including one side and the other side in a first direction (e.g., along the X-axis).

[0113] The outer peripheries of the first bag portion 241 and the second bag portion 242 can be sealed by at least partially fusing them together. Therefore, within a certain pressure range, the internal material filled inside the sealed bag 240 will not leak.

[0114] In the following sections, comparative examples and examples of this disclosure will be compared, and the effects of the examples of this disclosure will be described.

[0115] Figure 14 It is a 3D diagram of a conventional battery module, and Figure 15 This is a 3D view of the pads included in a conventional battery module.

[0116] refer to Figure 14 and Figure 15 A conventional battery module includes battery cells 21 and pads 22 applied between the battery cells 21. The battery cells 21 are stacked along a first direction (e.g., along the X-axis), and the pads 22 may be disposed between and on both sides of the plurality of battery cells 21 stacked along the first direction. The pads 22 may comprise polyurethane-based or silicone-based materials with compressive strength suitable for accommodating cell expansion.

[0117] These pads 22 are primarily designed to withstand compressive strain and are relatively ineffective at blocking heat transfer. That is, when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell 21, they cannot effectively prevent or delay the spread of flame for a short period of time.

[0118] The thermal barrier 200 for secondary batteries may include the cooling insulation material 220 as described above to cool and block heat transferred during battery cell fire, thereby reducing the transfer temperature between battery cells and delaying heat transfer.

[0119] Additionally, in some embodiments of the thermal barrier 200 for secondary batteries, the metal casing 210 surrounding the cooling insulation material 220 may include copper foil. Therefore, when high temperatures occur at certain points in the battery module, the metal casing 210 can rapidly transfer heat to eliminate localized hot spots.

[0120] Additionally, some embodiments of the thermal barrier 200 for secondary batteries may include a metal support 230 to house the metal casing 210, support its shape, and protect the metal casing 210 from external impacts and forces.

[0121] Furthermore, in some embodiments of the thermal barrier 200 for secondary batteries, the metal support 230 can have a structural strength enhancement effect while also dissipating external pressure. Therefore, by preventing structural collapse under external pressure, it can possess structural stability to cope with battery cell expansion or thermal events.

[0122] (Third implementation method)

[0123] Figure 16 This is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 17 It is shown schematically. Figure 16 An exploded perspective view of the configuration of battery pack 1, and Figure 18 This shows the battery pack housing. Figure 17 An exploded perspective view of battery cell 100.

[0124] refer to Figures 16 to 18 According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery pack 1 includes a plurality of battery cells 100, electronic components 500, a battery pack housing 300, and a battery pack cover 600.

[0125] Battery cells 100 are stacked along a first direction (e.g., along the X-axis), and cooling pads 200 may be inserted between the battery cells. In some embodiments, the stack of battery cells 100 and cooling pads 200 may be stored directly within the battery pack housing 300, without being stored in another frame. However, those skilled in the art will understand that there may be various variations regarding how the battery cells 100 are stored.

[0126] For example, the stack of battery cells 100 and cooling pads 200 can be stored within a module frame to form a battery module, and the battery module can be stored within a battery pack housing 300. The module frame can be configured as a cubic box surrounding the stack of battery cells 100 and cooling pads 200, allowing the stack of battery cells 100 and cooling pads 200 to be held within it. The module frame can be made of a metallic material with high mechanical rigidity to adequately protect the battery cells 100 from expansion and external impacts.

[0127] Electronic component 500 may include relay devices, current sensors, fuses, battery management systems (BMS), manual service disconnectors (MSDs), etc. Relay devices are switching components that selectively open and close charging and discharging paths through which current flows, and can stop the flow of charging and discharging current in the event of an anomaly in battery pack 20. BMS refers to a battery management device that provides overall control over the charging and discharging behavior of battery cells 100, and may be a component typically included in battery pack 20. MSD refers to a system for selectively disconnecting high-voltage batteries by physical means, such as by disconnecting the service plug when necessary.

[0128] These electronic components 500 and battery cells 100 can be encapsulated by the battery pack housing 300 and battery pack cover 600 to prevent external exposure.

[0129] The battery pack housing 300 may be a structure that provides internal storage for the battery cells 100 and electronic components 200, and is provided with a bracket 332 or mounting structure 343, 353 for connection to the vehicle body.

[0130] The battery pack housing 300 can be made of a high-rigidity metal material because it provides mechanical support for the battery module 100 and electronic components 500 and protects them from external impacts, etc.

[0131] The battery pack housing 300 according to the example may include a lower frame 310, a front frame 320, a rear frame 330, a right frame 340, and a left frame 350 provided in the form of a wide plate. Battery cells 100 may be mounted on the wide plate. The front frame 320, rear frame 330, right frame 340, and left frame 350 are vertically connected along the periphery of the edge of the lower frame 310 to form a wall. The battery pack housing 300 may also include a central beam 370 and a crossbeam 360 to define a space in which the battery cells 100 may be housed. The central beam 370 may be connected to the front frame 320 at one end and to the rear frame 330 at the other end. In some embodiments, the crossbeam 360 may be connected to the central beam 370 at one end and to either the right frame 340 or the left frame 350 at the other end. In some embodiments, the crossbeam 360 may extend across the central beam 370 and may be connected to the right frame 340 at one end and to the left frame 350 at the other end.

[0132] In some embodiments, the lower frame 310, front frame 320, rear frame 330, right side frame 340, left side frame 350 and crossbeam 360 may each be an aluminum extrusion structure, and the battery pack housing 300 may be formed by welding and / or bolting the frames together.

[0133] For example, by manufacturing a hybrid frame with internal hollow space and ribs using extruded aluminum and welding them together to form the battery pack housing 300, the weight of the battery pack housing 300 can be reduced and the mechanical stiffness can be more reliable than required.

[0134] In some embodiments, a heat sink may be further disposed within the battery pack housing 300. The heat sink may be arranged in the form of a plate with an internal flow path to absorb and dissipate heat from other objects through thermal contact. In some embodiments, the lower frame 310 may include an inlet 410a through which coolant can enter, an outlet 410b through which coolant can exit, and coolant channels through which coolant can flow.

[0135] Battery cells 100 can be electrically connected via intermediary busbars 510, 520, and 530. Each intermediary busbar may include a first intermediary busbar 510, which electrically connects to battery modules arranged in a 2x2 configuration along a first direction (e.g., along the X-axis) and a second direction (e.g., along the Y-axis). In some embodiments, the first intermediary busbar 510 may be located at the intersection of the central beam 370 and the crossbeam 360.

[0136] The intermediary busbar may also include a second intermediary busbar 520 that electrically connects the electrically connected battery cell 100 to an external load or charging system. The second intermediary busbar 520 does not need to be directly connected to the external load or charging system, but can be connected to the external load or charging system via electronic components 500.

[0137] The battery cell 100 may include a first group of battery cells 100A positioned on one side relative to the central beam 370 and a second group of battery cells 100B positioned on the other side. An intermediary busbar may include a third intermediary busbar 530 electrically connecting the first group of battery cells 100A and the second group of battery cells 100B.

[0138] Although examples of this disclosure have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains will be able to make many modifications to this disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure as defined in the appended claims. Therefore, future modifications to the examples of this disclosure will not depart from the technology of this disclosure.

[0139] <Explanation of Figure Markers>

[0140] 1: Battery Pack

[0141] 10: Battery Components

[0142] 100: Battery cell

[0143] 110: Electrode assembly

[0144] 111: Cell Unit

[0145] 120: Multifunctional Terminal Block

[0146] 122: MTB housing

[0147] 124: Electrode terminal section

[0148] 130: Cell casing

[0149] 200: Thermal barrier for secondary batteries

[0150] 210: Metal casing

[0151] 220: Cooling and heat insulation materials

[0152] 230: Metal support component

[0153] 231: First board

[0154] 231a: First panel section

[0155] 231b: Connecting groove

[0156] 231c: Edge

[0157] 231d: Connecting extension

[0158] 231e: Intermediate extension

[0159] 232: Second board

[0160] 232a: Second panel section

[0161] 232b: Connecting extension

[0162] 232c: Intermediate extension

[0163] 232d: Connecting groove

[0164] 232e: Edge

[0165] 233: Accommodation space

[0166] 240: Packaging bag

[0167] 241: First Bag Section

[0168] 242: Second Bag Section

Claims

1. A thermal barrier for a secondary battery, the thermal barrier comprising: A metal casing with internal space; Cooling and heat insulation material disposed within the metal casing; A metal support member that houses the metal casing; as well as A packaging bag surrounding the metal support member; wherein... The metal support includes a first plate and a second plate. The metal casing is housed between the first plate and the second plate.

2. The thermal barrier for a secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein, The first plate and the second plate are interlocked on one side of the metal casing.

3. The thermal barrier for a secondary battery according to claim 2, wherein, The first plate and the second plate are interlocked and connected on the other side of the metal casing.

4. The thermal barrier for a secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein, The first board includes: A first panel portion; and connecting grooves provided at both ends of the first panel portion, and The second plate includes: Second panel section; Connecting extension portions, wherein the connecting extension portions are disposed at both ends of the second panel portion; and The intermediate extension connects the second panel portion to the connecting extension, wherein... The connecting extension is fitted into the connecting groove.

5. The thermal barrier for a secondary battery according to claim 4, wherein, The first board includes: The edge, in which, The edge portion is at least a portion of each end of the first plate that is bent. The connecting groove is formed on the edge portion and is a groove that opens toward the inside of the first panel portion.

6. The thermal barrier for a secondary battery according to claim 5, wherein, The connecting grooves located at both ends of the first plate open in a direction facing each other.

7. The thermal barrier for a secondary battery according to claim 4, wherein, The intermediate extension extends obliquely between the second panel portion and the connecting extension portion.

8. The thermal barrier for a secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein, The first board includes: A first panel portion; and a connecting groove provided on one side of the first panel portion, and The second plate includes: Second panel section; A connecting extension portion, wherein the connecting extension portion is disposed on one side of the second panel portion; and The intermediate extension connects the second panel portion to the connecting extension, wherein... The connecting extension is fitted into the connecting groove.

9. The thermal barrier for a secondary battery according to claim 8, wherein, The first board includes: The edge, in which, The edge portion is the curved portion at the end of the first plate, and The connecting groove is formed on the edge and is a groove that opens toward the inside of the first panel.

10. The thermal barrier for a secondary battery according to claim 8, wherein, The intermediate extension extends obliquely between the second panel portion and the connecting extension portion.

11. The thermal barrier for a secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein, The metal casing is copper foil.

12. The thermal barrier for a secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein, The metal support is an SUS plate.

13. A battery pack, the battery pack comprising: Multiple battery cells stacked along the first direction; as well as At least one thermal barrier for a secondary battery according to claim 1, the thermal barrier being disposed between the plurality of battery cells.

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