Battery module which exhaust

Abstract

Provided are a structure of a battery cell and a structure of a battery module including at least one battery cell, the battery cell including: a pouch accommodating an electrode assembly; an electrode lead extending from the electrode assembly and protruding to one side of the pouch in a length direction; and a shielding member provided on one side of the bag in a length direction, the shielding member including a through hole through which the electrode lead passes, and including a flame retardant material, in which an inner circumferential surface of the through hole corresponds to an outer circumferential surface of the electrode lead.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0137105, filed on October 13, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference as a part of the specification.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery module having a cell laminate in which multiple pouch-type battery cells capable of guiding the emission of gas and flame in the upward direction are laminated, thereby avoiding emission in the forward direction at the cell stack level. Background Technology

[0003] Secondary batteries, offering ease of use and electrical properties such as high energy density, are widely used not only in portable devices but also in electric or hybrid vehicles powered by electric sources and 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 in which multiple battery cells are electrically connected are used.

[0005] Since medium to large battery modules need to be manufactured in a way that is as small and lightweight as possible, rectangular and pouch cells that can be stacked in a highly integrated manner and have a small weight-to-capacity ratio are mainly used as battery cells for medium to large battery modules.

[0006] Figure 1 The structure of a pouch cell is shown. (Reference) Figure 1 A typical pouch-type battery cell 100 has a structure in which an electrode assembly 100 is housed within a pouch 102. The pouch 102 houses the electrode assembly 100 by folding and sealing a single sheet of material in half, and the pouch 102 is fused and sealed at a sealing portion 103 at one height end and at stepped portions 104 at both length ends. Electrode leads 105 extending from the electrode assembly 100 protrude from the pouch 102 through the stepped portions 104. Multiple battery cells 100 can be laminated to form a cell laminate for higher voltage and / or higher capacity.

[0007] Figure 2 The structure of the battery cell laminate is shown. See also Figure 2Multiple battery cells 100 can be laminated in the width direction to form a cell laminate 1. The cell laminate 1 may also include barrier members 110 inserted between the battery cells 100 to prevent heat transfer between the battery cells 100. The battery cells 100 can be integrated to form one or more cell groups 10 isolated by the barrier members 110. The cell laminate 1 can be electrically connected to form a single module.

[0008] Figure 3 and Figure 4 The structure of a typical battery module is shown. See also Figure 3 and Figure 4 The battery module M may include a busbar frame assembly 2 connected to the front of the cell laminate 1 to electrically connect the battery cells 100 to each other, and a housing 4 that houses the cell laminate 1.

[0009] Meanwhile, thermal runaway may occur in the battery cell 100 due to short circuits or impacts. When the fusion portion of the sealing part 103 and the stepped part 104 melts, the high-temperature gases and flames generated during thermal runaway can be discharged through the upper, front, and rear parts of the battery cell 100. Here, an exhaust port 420 can be provided in the top plate 42 of the housing 4 to discharge the gases and flames from the housing 4.

[0010] However, when gas and flame are exhausted through the front of battery module M, heat can be transferred to other battery modules or external devices electrically connected to battery module M. Specifically, when multiple battery modules are integrated to form a battery pack, such heat transfer can lead to thermal runaway at the battery pack level. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent gas and flame from being exhausted to the front of battery module M while allowing gas and flame to be smoothly exhausted in an upward direction.

[0011] Furthermore, even when the blocking member 110 is inserted between the battery cells 100, the gas and flame discharged through the front of the battery cells 100 may still cause heat propagation between the cells through the stepped portions of adjacent battery cells. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent thermal runaway at the module level by blocking the heat propagation between the cells before the cell laminate 1. Summary of the Invention

[0012] Technical issues

[0013] To address the aforementioned problems of the prior art, one object of the present invention is to provide a battery module structure capable of preventing heat transfer between battery cells and the battery module, and thus preventing thermal runaway. To achieve this object, the present invention provides a battery module structure in which the emission of high-temperature gases and flames generated during a fire is guided upwards.

[0014] Furthermore, the purpose of this invention is to provide a battery module structure in which heat propagation occurring between cells or between cell groups via the front space of the cell laminate is blocked, thereby preventing thermal runaway at the module level.

[0015] The object of this invention is to provide a battery module structure that prevents the emission of gas and flame in the forward direction. Specifically, one object of this invention is to provide a battery module structure that guides gas and flame through a stepped section toward the electrode leads for upward discharge.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery module structure that can control the direction of gas and flame emission while maintaining the structure against high temperature and high pressure during thermal runaway.

[0017] 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 will be understood through the following description, and will become more clearly understood through embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, it is apparent that the objectives and advantages of the invention can be embodied by the apparatus and combinations thereof specified in the claims.

[0018] Technical solution

[0019] To address the aforementioned technical problems, the present invention provides a battery cell structure comprising: a pouch for accommodating an electrode assembly; an electrode lead extending from the electrode assembly and protruding from a first length-direction end of the pouch; a housing accommodating a cell laminate and having an vent at its upper portion; and a shielding member comprising a flame-retardant material, the shielding member being disposed at the first length-direction end of the pouch and including a through-hole through which the electrode lead passes, wherein the inner circumferential surface of the through-hole corresponds to the outer circumferential surface of the electrode lead.

[0020] The battery cell according to the present invention includes a shielding member to prevent high-temperature gases and flames caused by a fire in the battery cell from being emitted towards the front of the battery cell through the electrode leads. Therefore, heat can be prevented from being transferred to other battery modules or external devices connected to the front of the battery cell.

[0021] Here, the through hole may have an inner circumferential surface that completely surrounds the outer circumferential surface of the electrode lead, so that the emission of gas and flame through the gap between the through hole and the electrode lead can be minimized.

[0022] The electrode leads and the through-hole can have the same height. Therefore, the emission of gas and flame through the gap between the upper and lower ends of the electrode leads and the through-hole can be minimized.

[0023] The electrode leads and the through-hole can have the same width. Therefore, the emission of gas and flame through the gap between the left and right ends of the electrode leads and the through-hole can be minimized.

[0024] The gap between the outer circumferential surface of the electrode lead and the inner circumferential surface of the through hole can be 1 mm or less in all directions. Because the gap between the electrode lead and the through hole has a width of 1 mm or less, the emission of high-temperature, high-pressure gas and flame in the forward direction can be delayed or prevented.

[0025] Preferably, the outer peripheral surface of the electrode lead and the inner peripheral surface of the through hole are in contact with each other. In this case, leakage of gas and flame between the electrode lead and the through hole can be completely blocked.

[0026] The gap between the outer peripheral surface of the electrode lead and the inner peripheral surface of the through hole can be sealed. Preferably, the seal is achieved by a sealant comprising a heat-resistant material. The sealant may also comprise a compressible material so as to seal the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the electrode lead and the inner peripheral surface of the through hole by compression. Alternatively, the sealant may comprise an adhesive, such as a heat-resistant synthetic resin.

[0027] The first lengthwise end of the bag can be spaced a predetermined distance from the shielding member. Therefore, gas generated inside the bag can be discharged from the second lengthwise end (inner side) of the shielding member, opposite to the first lengthwise end, instead of from the first lengthwise end (outer side). Furthermore, as a result, a free space with an opening at the top is formed between the shielding member and the battery cell, and gas and flame from the cell laminate can be discharged forward through the opening at the top of the free space.

[0028] The shielding member may include a pair of sidewall portions extending from two width-direction ends of the shielding member toward a second length-direction end of the bag. The sidewall portions may form a free space with an open upper portion between the shielding member and the battery cell, while preventing gas and flame from escaping from the free space along the width direction.

[0029] The width of the shielding member can be equal to or greater than the width of the battery cell.

[0030] The lower end of the shielding member may be located at the same height as the lower end of the first length direction end face of the battery cell, or at a lower height than the lower end of the first length direction end face of the battery cell.

[0031] The upper portion of the shielding member may be located at the same height as the upper portion of the first length direction end face of the cell laminate, or at a height higher than the upper portion of the first length direction end face of the battery cell.

[0032] Preferably, when viewed from the first length direction end of the battery cell, the shielding member covers the entire first length direction end face of the battery cell except for the electrode leads.

[0033] When the shielding member covers the first length direction end face of the battery cell to the maximum extent, it can prevent gas and flame emitted from the battery cell in the forward direction from being emitted toward the front of the battery cell to the maximum extent.

[0034] This invention provides a structure for a battery module including battery cells.

[0035] Multiple battery cells can be stacked in the width direction to form a cell laminate, and the cell laminate can be housed in a housing to form a battery module.

[0036] A busbar frame assembly for electrically connecting a battery cell can be coupled to a first lengthwise end of the cell laminate. The busbar frame assembly may include: a busbar frame having a slit through which the electrode lead passes; and a busbar connected to the electrode lead passing through the slit.

[0037] The shielding member can be fixed so as not to detach from the electrode lead due to interference with the busbar at the end in the first length direction.

[0038] Because the shielding member prevents the gas and flame emitted from the battery cell from being emitted in the forward direction, it can prevent heat propagation toward other battery modules or external devices connected to the front of the battery module.

[0039] Furthermore, since the shielding member has sidewall portions, heat propagation between the battery cells constituting the cell laminate can also be prevented. Specifically, the shielding member prevents gases and flames vented through the stepped portion of one battery cell from being transmitted to that other battery cell through the stepped portion of another battery cell. As a result, module-level thermal runaway caused by a fire in the entire battery cell due to a fire in a specific ignited battery cell can be prevented.

[0040] In addition to the battery module described above, the present invention provides a battery module structure comprising: a cell laminate comprising a plurality of cell groups stacked along the width direction, each cell group comprising a plurality of pouch-type battery cells, each of the plurality of pouch-type battery cells comprising a pouch for accommodating an electrode assembly and an electrode lead extending from the electrode assembly and protruding from a first length direction end of the pouch; and a shielding member comprising a flame-retardant material and a through-hole, the shielding member being disposed at the first length direction end of each of the plurality of cell groups, the electrode lead passing through the through-hole, wherein the inner peripheral surface of the through-hole corresponds to the outer peripheral surface of the electrode lead.

[0041] The battery module according to the invention includes a shielding member to prevent high-temperature gases and flames caused by a fire in the battery module from escaping towards the front of the battery module through the electrode leads. Therefore, heat transfer to other battery modules or external devices connected to the battery module can be prevented. When multiple battery modules are integrated to form a battery pack, it can prevent a fire from developing into thermal runaway at the battery pack level.

[0042] Here, the through hole has an inner circumferential surface that completely surrounds the outer circumferential surface of the electrode lead, so that the emission of gas and flame entering the gap between the through hole and the electrode lead can be minimized.

[0043] The gap between two adjacent shielding members in the width direction can be 1 mm or less. Because the adjacent shielding members in the width direction have a gap of 1 mm or less, high-temperature and high-pressure gases and flames can be delayed or prevented from escaping through the gap between the shielding members in the forward direction. Preferably, at least one pair of shielding members adjacent to each other in the width direction are in contact with each other. In this case, leakage of gas and flame between the shielding members can be completely blocked.

[0044] When a shielding member includes a pair of sidewall portions extending from its two width-direction ends toward the second length-direction end of the bag, the sidewall portions of each of at least one pair of shielding members adjacent to each other in the width direction can contact each other. When the sidewall portions are provided, the seal between the shielding members becomes stronger, preventing the emission of gas and flame in the forward direction, and also preventing heat propagation between the cells at the front of the cell laminate.

[0045] Furthermore, the sidewall portion forms a free space with an open upper section between the shielding member and the cell laminate, while preventing gas and flame from escaping from the free space along the width direction. Therefore, heat propagation between cell assemblies can be prevented, and thermal runaway at the module level can also be prevented.

[0046] Alternatively, the gap between the widthwise ends of at least one pair of shielding members facing each other can be sealed. Preferably, the seal is achieved by a sealant comprising a heat-resistant material. The sealant may also comprise a compressible material to seal the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the electrode lead and the inner peripheral surface of the through-hole by compression. Alternatively, the sealant may comprise an adhesive, such as a heat-resistant synthetic resin.

[0047] When the shielding member includes a pair of sidewall portions extending from its two width-direction ends toward a second length-direction end of the bag, a blocking member that contacts at least one of the sidewall portions can be inserted between at least two adjacent cell groups in the width direction. Therefore, the front and sides of the cell groups can be isolated from the shielding member by the blocking member, and gases and flames emitted from each cell group can be guided upwards without being transmitted to each other via the front of the cell laminate.

[0048] The battery module may further include a battery pack frame that houses the cell laminate, the battery pack frame including a pair of sidewalls extending in the longitudinal direction from two width-direction ends of the cell laminate. Here, at least one of the sidewall portions may contact the battery pack frame. Because the sidewalls of the battery pack frame are in contact with each other, the exhaust of gas and flame through the front of the cell laminate can be prevented from escaping into the outside of the battery module in the width direction.

[0049] The bag may include: a stepped portion located at a first longitudinal end of the bag, the stepped portion being thinner than other portions, and the electrode leads protruding from the stepped portion; and a groove, which may be disposed on the surface of the shielding member at a second longitudinal end to accommodate the stepped portion. Here, a through-hole may be disposed relative to the longitudinal direction at the innermost portion of the groove. The groove can increase the structural stability of the bond between the shielding member and the cell laminate, and can ensure greater free space between the first longitudinal end of the stepped portion and the shielding member to guide gas and flame upwards.

[0050] The groove may have a guiding surface with a width that gradually narrows toward the through-hole. Therefore, electrode leads can be easily inserted into the through-hole, thereby improving assembly convenience.

[0051] The shielding member may include mica material. However, the material of the shielding member is not limited to this, as long as the shielding member has sufficient rigidity and heat resistance to maintain its structure under high temperature and high pressure. When the shielding member includes mica material, the advantage of the shielding member is that it maintains the thermal insulation of the front of the cell laminate even when the busbar frame melts.

[0052] The present invention also provides a battery pack including a battery module and a structure of a vehicle including the battery pack.

[0053] Multiple battery modules can be integrated into a battery pack to increase its capacity and / or voltage. The battery pack may include a venting device capable of expelling upward-firing gases and flames to the outside in the event of a fire involving any of the battery modules. The battery pack may be integrated into a vehicle as a power source. Vehicles may include electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, etc.

[0054] Beneficial effects

[0055] The present invention provides a battery module structure in which the discharge of high-temperature gas and flame generated during a fire is guided in an upward direction by a shielding member, thereby preventing heat propagation between the battery cell and the battery module and thermal runaway caused by heat propagation.

[0056] The present invention also provides a battery module structure in which a shielding member is provided to prevent the high-temperature gas and flame emitted from the battery cell to the stepped section from being emitted in the forward direction, thereby guiding the emission of gas and flame upward.

[0057] Another advantage of the present invention is that the structure of the battery module utilizes the sidewall portion of the shielding member and the blocking member to block the thermal propagation between the cells through the front space of the cell laminate, thereby delaying or preventing thermal runaway at the module level.

[0058] Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a battery module structure in which a shielding member that prevents gas and flame from being emitted in the forward direction is maintained and fixed to the structure, regardless of the high temperature of the gas and flame.

[0059] Furthermore, the present invention may have various other effects, which will be described in each embodiment, or descriptions of effects that can be readily deduced by those skilled in the art will be omitted. Attached Figure Description

[0060] Figure 1 The structure of a pouch cell is shown.

[0061] Figure 2 The structure of the battery cell laminate is shown.

[0062] Figure 3 and Figure 4 The structure of a typical battery module is shown.

[0063] Figure 5 The structure of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0064] Figure 6 The structure of a shielding member according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0065] Figure 7 and Figure 8 The invention illustrates the insertion of electrode leads into a shielding member with grooves.

[0066] Figure 9 A shielding member mounted on a cell laminate according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0067] Figure 10 It shows Figure 9 The cross-section.

[0068] Figure 11 A battery module with its top plate removed is shown according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] Figure 12 and Figure 13 A cross-section of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0070] Figure 14 yes Figure 13 Enlarged view of the main parts.

[0071] Figure 15 and Figure 16 The structures of a battery pack housing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention and a vehicle in which the battery pack is built are shown respectively.

[0072] [Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures]

[0073] 1: Cell laminate

[0074] 10: Battery Cell Pack

[0075] 100: Battery cell

[0076] 101: Electrode Assembly

[0077] 102: Bag

[0078] 103: Sealing part

[0079] 104: Staircase section

[0080] 105: Electrode leads

[0081] 110: Blocking component

[0082] 2: Busbar frame components

[0083] 20: Busbar Frame

[0084] 200: Slit

[0085] 21: Busbar

[0086] 3: Shielding components

[0087] 30: Main Body

[0088] 300: Through hole

[0089] 301: Groove

[0090] 302: Guiding Surface

[0091] 31: Side wall portion

[0092] 4: Casing

[0093] 40: Battery pack frame

[0094] 41: End plate

[0095] 42: Top plate

[0096] 420: Exhaust port

[0097] M: Battery module

[0098] P: Battery pack

[0099] V: Vehicle Detailed Implementation

[0100] 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 implement the technical concept of the present invention. In describing the present invention, detailed descriptions of prior art related to the present invention will be omitted where it is determined that such detailed descriptions unnecessarily obscure the essence of the invention. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In these drawings, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same or similar parts.

[0101] Although terms such as "first," "second," etc., 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 specified, the first element may also be the second element.

[0102] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0103] In the following text, “arranging the element above (or below) the element” or “arranging the element on top (or bottom) of the element” means not only “arranging the element to contact the upper (or lower) surface”, but also “arranging the upper (or lower) surface of the element such that another element is inserted therebetween”.

[0104] In addition, when an element is described as being “connected,” “linked,” or “in contact” with another element, it should be understood that the element may be “directly connected,” “directly linked,” or “directly in contact” with another element, or that the element may be “connected,” “linked,” or “in contact” with another element, and another element is inserted between them or via another element.

[0105] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular expressions used herein include the plural expressions. Terms such as “consisting of” or “comprising” as used herein should not be construed as including all elements or steps described in the specification, but rather as excluding some elements or steps, or including additional elements or steps.

[0106] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise specified, “A and / or B” means A, B, or A and B, and unless otherwise specified, “C to D” means from equal to or higher than C to equal to or lower than D.

[0107] For ease of description, the direction facing the first length direction end of the cell laminate in which the busbar frame assembly is provided is referred to as the forward direction.

[0108] Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0109] [Structure of pouch cell and battery laminate]

[0110] In the following text, see references Figure 1 and Figure 2 The structure of a pouch-type battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention and the structure of a battery laminate in which the battery cell is laminated will be described in detail.

[0111] Figure 1 The structure of a pouch cell is shown. (Reference) Figure 1 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the battery cell 100 may include an electrode assembly 100 and a bag 102 sealed to accommodate the electrode assembly 100.

[0112] The bag 102 surrounds the electrode assembly 100 by folding and sealing a single sheet of material in half, and is sealed at a sealing portion 103 at one end in the height direction and at a stepped portion 104 at both ends in the length direction. The seal can be achieved by fusion melting at high temperatures. Therefore, when the battery cell 100 catches fire due to a short circuit or the like, high-temperature gases and flames are likely to escape from the bag 102 through the sealing portion 103 and / or the stepped portion 104.

[0113] Electrode leads 105, extending from electrode assembly 100, protrude from bag 102 and pass through ladder portion 104. Electrode leads 105 can electrically connect electrode assembly 100 to the outside.

[0114] Figure 2 The structure of the battery cell laminate is shown. See also Figure 2 Multiple battery cells 100 can be laminated in the width direction to form a cell laminate 1.

[0115] The cell laminate 1 may include barrier members 110 inserted between the battery cells 100 to block heat propagation. The barrier members 110 preferably include a heat-resistant material to withstand high temperatures, and preferably include a compressible material to absorb the expansion of the battery cells 100 and assembly tolerances.

[0116] One or more battery cells 100 can be integrated to form multiple cell groups 10 isolated by barrier members 110.

[0117] [Overall structure of the battery module]

[0118] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 5 The overall structure of the battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention is described in detail.

[0119] Figure 5 The structure of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. See also Figure 5 The cell laminate 1 can be housed in the housing 4 to form the battery module M.

[0120] The shielding member 3 and the busbar frame assembly 2 can be connected to the first length-direction end of the cell laminate 1. Multiple shielding members 3 can be provided for one or more battery cells 100 and / or cell groups.

[0121] The shielding member 3 and the busbar frame assembly 2 can be arranged at the end of the first length direction, or at the end of the first length direction. However, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the shielding member 3 and the busbar frame assembly 2 can be arranged at the end of the first length direction.

[0122] The busbar frame assembly 2 may include a pair of terminals protruding from the housing 4 for electrically connecting the electrode leads 105 to each other and electrically connecting the entire cell laminate 1 to the outside.

[0123] The busbar frame assembly 2 may include a busbar frame 20 as the main body, a slit 200 through which the electrode leads 105 pass, and a busbar 21 to which the electrode leads 105 passing through the slit 200 are connected.

[0124] For reasons such as consistency with housing 4 and thermal insulation properties, busbar frame 20 may include synthetic resin material.

[0125] The connection between the electrode lead 105 and the busbar 21 can be achieved by welding to securely fix the first length-direction end of the electrode lead 105 to the busbar 21. Therefore, the busbar frame 20 and the shielding member 3 can also be fixed to the front of the busbar frame 20 and the shielding member 3 via the busbar 21, wherein the electrode lead 105 is inserted into the busbar frame 20 and the shielding member 3. Specifically, even when the busbar frame 20 melts, the shielding member 3 can still be fixed so as not to detach from the busbar 21.

[0126] The housing 4 may include: a battery pack frame 40 having a bottom surface and a pair of side walls and accommodating the cell laminate 1; a pair of end plates 41 covering the front and rear portions of the cell laminate 1; and a top plate 42 covering the upper portion of the cell laminate 1.

[0127] Vent holes 420 can be provided in the top plate 42 to discharge the gas and flame generated by the battery cell laminate 1 in the upward direction. Preferably, multiple vent holes 420 are provided to ensure the structural rigidity of the top plate 42 and the smooth discharge of gas.

[0128] [Shape of the shielding component and insertion structure of the electrode leads]

[0129] In the following text, refer to Figures 6 to 8 The shape of the shielding member according to an embodiment of the present invention and the insertion structure of the electrode leads and the shielding member will be described in detail.

[0130] Figure 6 The structure of a shielding member according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. (Refer to...) Figure 6 The shielding component 3 may include a main body 30 having a through hole 300.

[0131] The through-hole 300 may have a predetermined inner circumferential cross-section, which is a closed curve in the length direction. Here, the inner circumferential surface of the through-hole 300 may have the same dimensions as the outer circumferential surface of the electrode lead 105.

[0132] The shielding member 3 may further include sidewall portions 31 extending from the two width-direction ends of the main body 30 to the second length-direction end. The sidewall portions 31 can form a free space with an open upper portion between the shielding member 3 and the battery cell 100, and can prevent gas and flame from escaping from the free space to the two width-direction ends. Furthermore, the provision of the sidewall portions 31 prevents heat transmission between the cell groups 10 via the front space of the cell laminate 1, thus preventing thermal runaway in the entire battery module M due to a fire in a specific cell group 10.

[0133] Figure 7 and Figure 8The illustration shows the insertion of electrode leads into a shielding member with grooves according to the present invention. (Refer to...) Figure 7 and Figure 8 A groove 301 for accommodating the ladder portion 104 can be provided on the second longitudinal end face of the shielding member 3. Here, a through hole 300 can be provided at the innermost end of the groove 301. The groove 301 forms a free space around the ladder portion 104, allowing gas and flame discharged through the ladder portion 104 to be guided in the rearward or upward direction.

[0134] The groove 301 may have a guiding surface 302, which has a width that gradually narrows towards the inside in the length direction. This facilitates the insertion of the electrode lead 105 into the through hole 300, thereby improving assembly convenience.

[0135] The shielding member 3 may include a heat-resistant material. Additionally, the shielding member 3 may include a heat-insulating material. For example, the shielding member 3 may include a mica material. When the shielding member 3 includes a heat-resistant material, it will not deform even in the event of thermal runaway, and it can prevent gas and flames from escaping from the cell laminate 1 in the forward direction. When the shielding member 3 has heat-insulating properties, even after the busbar frame 20 has melted, the front of the cell laminate 1 can still be insulated by the shielding member 3.

[0136] [Structure of a shielding member used to prevent exhaust in the forward direction]

[0137] In the following text, refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10 The structure of a shielding member for preventing venting in the forward direction in a cell laminate according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0138] Figure 9 A shielding member mounted on a cell laminate according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, and Figure 10 It shows Figure 9 The cross-section. (Refer to...) Figure 9 and Figure 10 Since the inner circumferential surface of the through hole 300 is the same as the outer circumferential surface of the electrode lead 105, when the electrode lead 105 is inserted into the shielding member 3, it can prevent the leakage of gas and flame emitted from the battery cell 100 in the forward direction.

[0139] Specifically, the through-hole 300 and the electrode lead 105 may have the same width and / or height. Preferably, the gap between the inner circumferential surface of the through-hole 300 and the electrode lead 105 is 1 mm or less in all directions. More preferably, the inner circumferential surface of the through-hole 300 and the outer circumferential surface of the electrode lead 105 are in contact with each other.

[0140] Alternatively, the gap between the inner circumferential surface of the through-hole 300 and the outer circumferential surface of the electrode lead 105 can be sealed with a sealant (not shown). Preferably, the sealant is heat-resistant. Various sealants, such as compressible sealants or adhesives, can be used.

[0141] Since the gap between the inner circumferential surface of the through hole 300 and the outer circumferential surface of the electrode lead 105 is less than a predetermined value or is completely sealed, leakage of gas and flame through the gap between the through hole 300 and the electrode lead 105 can be delayed or prevented.

[0142] The gap in the width direction between at least one pair of shielding members 3 that are adjacent to each other can be 1 mm or less. Preferably, the at least one pair of shielding members 3 that are adjacent to each other in the width direction are in contact with each other.

[0143] When the shielding member 3 includes a pair of sidewall portions 31 extending from its two ends in the width direction toward its ends in the second length direction, the sidewall portions 31 of each of the at least one pair of shielding members 3 that are adjacent to each other in the width direction can contact each other.

[0144] The gap between the width-direction ends of the at least one pair of shielding members 3 that are adjacent to each other in the width direction can be sealed by a sealant (not shown). The sealant is preferably heat-resistant. Various sealants can be used, such as compressible sealants or adhesives.

[0145] Since the gap between the shielding members 3 is less than a predetermined value or is completely sealed, the leakage of gas and flame through the gap between the shielding members 3 can be delayed or prevented.

[0146] The first lengthwise end of the bag 102 can be spaced a predetermined distance from the shielding member 3 toward the second lengthwise end. That is, the ladder portion 104 can not pass through the shielding member 3. Therefore, the gas and flame discharged from the cell laminate 1 in the forward direction through the ladder portion 104 can be prevented from being discharged to the front of the shielding member 3.

[0147] The width, upper end, and / or lower end of the shielding member 3 may extend to the vicinity or further beyond the first length direction end face of the cell laminate 1 to cover the first length direction end face of the cell laminate 1. Preferably, when viewed from the first length direction end, the shielding member 3 covers the entire first length direction end face of the cell laminate 1 except for the electrode lead 105.

[0148] Since the shielding member 3 covers the first length direction end face of the cell laminate 1, excluding the electrode lead 105, to the greatest extent possible, the emission of gas and flame from the cell laminate 1 in the forward direction can be prevented to the greatest extent.

[0149] [Structure of the shielding component to prevent lateral exhaust]

[0150] In the following text, see references Figures 11 to 13 The structure of a shielding member for preventing heat propagation between battery cells according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0151] Figure 11 A battery module with its top plate removed, according to an embodiment of the present invention, is shown. Figure 12 and Figure 13 A cross-section of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. (Refer to...) Figures 11 to 13 Since the shielding member 3 has a sidewall portion 31, it can prevent module-level thermal runaway caused by the transfer of gas and flame from the cell group 10 to other cell groups via the front space of the cell laminate 1.

[0152] Here, a blocking member 110 can be inserted between a pair of adjacent cell groups 10 in the width direction. The blocking member 110 preferably contacts at least one of the sidewall portions 31. By providing the blocking member 110, the sides and front of the cell group 10 can be isolated from other cell groups, and gases and flames generated from the cell group 10 can be discharged upwards without being transmitted to other cell groups. As a result, thermal runaway caused by a fire in one cell group of the cell group 10 is prevented from spreading to the entire battery module M.

[0153] Furthermore, the gap between at least one of the sidewall portions 31 and the sidewall of the battery pack frame 40 can be sufficiently small. Preferably, the gap is 1 mm or less. More preferably, the sidewall portion 31 is in contact with the sidewall of the battery pack frame 40. Therefore, it is possible to prevent gas and flame discharged through the front of the cell laminate 1 from being discharged to the outside of the battery module M in the width direction.

[0154] [Structure of the shielding member used to guide exhaust upwards]

[0155] Next, refer to Figures 11 to 13 The structure of a shielding member for guiding exhaust gas in a cell laminate in an upward direction, according to an embodiment of the present invention, will be described in detail.

[0156] Back Figures 11 to 13As described above, the shielding member 3 can be located in front of the stepped portion 104, and the gap between the through hole 300 and the electrode lead 105 is small enough to prevent gas and flame from being discharged in the forward direction from the free space formed between the shielding member 3 and the cell assembly 10. Furthermore, the sidewall portion 31, the blocking member 110, and the sidewalls of the battery pack frame 40 prevent gas and flame from being discharged laterally from the free space. When the bottom of the battery pack frame 40 is below the sidewall portion 31, gas and flame discharged in the forward direction from the cell assembly 10 can be guided to be discharged in the upward direction.

[0157] Specifically, since the shielding member 3 is heat-resistant, even if the busbar frame 20 melts due to high temperature, the structure of the shielding member 3 can be maintained to prevent the emission of gas and flames, and the structure of the shielding member 3 can also insulate the front of the cell laminate 1. Here, the shielding member 3 can be fixed by the busbar 21 connected to the electrode lead 105 at the front of the shielding member 3 and the stepped portion 104 at the rear of the shielding member 3 to prevent separation in the front-to-back direction.

[0158] [Battery pack structure and vehicle]

[0159] Hereinafter, referring to Figures 17 and 18, the structure of a battery pack equipped with a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention and a vehicle equipped with the battery pack will be described.

[0160] Figures 17 and 18 illustrate the structure of a battery pack housing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, and a vehicle in which the battery pack is built. Referring to Figures 17 and 18, multiple battery modules M can be integrated to form a battery pack P for increasing capacity and / or voltage. The battery pack P may include an exhaust device capable of discharging gases and flames upward from a ignited battery module M. The battery pack P may also be built into a vehicle V as a power source. The vehicle V may include an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, etc.

[0161] 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 following claims, as well as all modifications and variations derived from equivalent concepts, should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the invention.

[0162] Although the invention has been described with reference to exemplary accompanying 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 while describing embodiments of the invention, it should be understood that predictable effects can be recognized through this configuration.

Claims

1. A battery cell, the battery cell comprising: A bag that houses the electrode assembly; Electrode leads extend from the electrode assembly and protrude from the end of the bag in a first length direction; A housing that houses the battery cell laminate and has vent holes at the top; as well as The shielding member includes a flame-retardant material, the shielding member being disposed at the first longitudinal end of the bag, and including a through hole through which the electrode leads pass. The inner circumferential surface of the through hole corresponds to the outer circumferential surface of the electrode lead.

2. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein, The electrode leads and the through-hole have the same height.

3. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein, The electrode leads and the through-hole have the same width.

4. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein, The outer peripheral surface of the electrode lead and the inner peripheral surface of the through hole are in contact with each other.

5. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein, The gap between the outer peripheral surface of the electrode lead and the inner peripheral surface of the through hole is sealed.

6. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein, The gap between the outer peripheral surface of the electrode lead and the inner peripheral surface of the through hole is 1 mm or less in all directions.

7. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein, The first lengthwise end of the bag is spaced apart from the shielding member by a predetermined distance.

8. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein, The shielding member includes a pair of sidewall portions that extend from two width-direction ends of the shielding member toward a second length direction of the bag.

9. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein, The width of the shielding member is equal to or greater than the width of the battery cell.

10. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein, The lower end of the shielding member is located at the same height as the lower end of the first length direction end face of the battery cell or at a lower height than the lower end of the first length direction end face of the battery cell.

11. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein, The upper part of the shielding member is located at the same height as the upper part of the first length direction end face of the battery cell or at a height higher than the upper part of the first length direction end face of the battery cell.

12. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein, When viewed from the first length direction end of the battery cell, the shielding member covers the entire first length direction end face of the battery cell except for the electrode leads.

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

14. A battery module, the battery module comprising: A cell laminate comprising a plurality of cell groups stacked in its width direction, each cell group comprising a plurality of pouch-type battery cells, each of the plurality of pouch-type battery cells comprising a pouch for accommodating an electrode assembly and an electrode lead extending from the electrode assembly and projecting from a first length direction end of the pouch; A housing that houses the battery cell laminate, and the upper part of the housing has a vent hole; as well as A shielding member, comprising a flame-retardant material, is disposed at a first length-direction end of each of the plurality of cell groups and includes a through-hole through which the electrode leads pass. The inner circumferential surface of the through hole corresponds to the outer circumferential surface of the electrode lead.

15. The battery module according to claim 14, wherein, The gap between two adjacent shielding members in the width direction is 1 mm or less.

16. The battery module according to claim 15, wherein, The gap between the width-direction ends of at least one pair of shielding members facing each other is sealed.

17. The battery module according to claim 14, wherein, The shielding member includes a pair of sidewall portions that extend from two width-direction ends of the shielding member toward a second length-direction end of the bag, and The two sidewall portions of two adjacent shielding members in the width direction are in contact with each other.

18. The battery module according to claim 14, wherein, The shielding member includes a pair of sidewall portions that extend from two width-direction ends of the shielding member toward a second length-direction end of the bag, and A blocking member is inserted between at least two adjacent cell groups in the width direction, which contacts at least one of the pair of sidewall portions.

19. The battery module of claim 14, further comprising a battery pack frame housing the cell laminate, the battery pack frame including a pair of sidewalls extending in a length direction from two width-direction ends of the cell laminate. in, The shielding member includes a pair of sidewall portions that extend from two width-direction ends of the shielding member toward a second length-direction end of the bag, and At least one of the pair of sidewall portions is in contact with the battery pack frame.

20. A battery pack comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 14 to 19.

21. A vehicle comprising a battery pack according to claim 20.

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