Battery module, battery pack including same, and vehicle

Abstract

The present invention may provide a battery module comprising: a plurality of battery cells; a top cover configured to cover one surface of the plurality of battery cells; and at least one thermal deformation member disposed between the top cover and the battery cell and configured to deform a portion of the top cover when the temperature rises to a preset temperature or above due to heat and the thermal deformation member expands in volume.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to battery modules, battery packs including the battery modules, and vehicles.

[0002] This application is based on and claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0095252, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on July 18, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Technology

[0003] Secondary batteries, which offer high applicability across product categories and have electrical characteristics such as high energy density, are widely used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) powered by electric power sources.

[0004] Such secondary batteries are gaining attention as a new energy source for enhancing environmental sustainability and energy efficiency, not only because of their major advantage of significantly reducing the use of fossil fuels, but also because they do not produce byproducts from energy use.

[0005] Currently widely used rechargeable batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. When a high output voltage is required, multiple battery cells can be connected in series to form a battery module or battery pack. Alternatively, to increase charging / discharging capacity, multiple battery cells can be connected in parallel to configure a battery module or battery pack. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in a battery module or battery pack can be configured differently depending on the required output voltage or charging / discharging capacity.

[0006] Meanwhile, because battery cells involve chemical reactions during charging and discharging, their performance may degrade when used in environments exceeding suitable temperatures. Furthermore, if thermal control is not properly maintained at appropriate temperatures, there remains a potential risk of accidental fire or explosion. Additionally, battery modules are configured with such a dense arrangement of battery cells within a module frame. Therefore, if a thermal event occurs in any battery cell, the high-temperature gases and flames released could propagate to adjacent cells, potentially leading to a chain reaction and causing a battery cell explosion, posing a significant safety risk.

[0007] In particular, since the module frame of the battery module is made of metal, it may act as a heat source when a thermal event occurs in the battery module or an adjacent module, thereby promoting heat transfer between battery modules.

[0008] Therefore, the battery module is configured to have a hole in the upper part of the module and include a frame cover configured to cover the outer surface (particularly the upper surface) of the module frame, thereby preventing foreign objects or gases from entering the battery module under normal conditions, and allowing the module cover to rupture due to pressure in the event of thermal runaway of the battery module, so as to allow the gas or flame to escape.

[0009] However, when a thermal event occurs in an adjacent battery module, the external pressure on the battery module increases, and the module cover of the battery module that has not experienced thermal runaway is also damaged by the pressure, causing high-temperature gas and / or flames to flow into the affected area, thereby accelerating thermal runaway.

[0010] Therefore, there is a need to develop a structure that can prevent the propagation of thermal runaway by preventing the module cover of a battery module that has not experienced thermal runaway from being damaged due to the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the module. Summary of the Invention

[0011] Technical issues

[0012] This disclosure was designed to address the problems in the related technologies, and therefore relates to providing a battery module that facilitates the discharge of high-temperature gases or flames generated from the battery cells in the event of an abnormal situation within the battery module, while minimizing their spread to adjacent battery modules, thereby effectively preventing or delaying the propagation of thermal runaway between modules.

[0013] This disclosure also relates to providing a battery module with an improved structure, a battery pack including the battery module, and a vehicle including the battery pack.

[0014] However, the technical problems that this disclosure seeks to solve are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the description of the invention below that there are other problems not mentioned above.

[0015] Technical solution

[0016] In one aspect of this disclosure, a battery module is provided, the battery module comprising: a plurality of battery cells; a top cover configured to cover a surface of the plurality of battery cells; and at least one heat-deformation member disposed between the top cover and the battery cells, and the heat-deformation member being configured to expand in volume and deform a portion of the top cover when the temperature reaches a preset temperature or higher due to heat.

[0017] The battery module may also include a module frame configured to accommodate a plurality of battery cells, and the module frame may include at least one first vent, the first vent being formed at a position corresponding to the heat-deformation member and configured to discharge gases generated from the battery cells to the outside.

[0018] When heat is applied to the heat-deformable member and the temperature of the heat-deformable member reaches a preset temperature or higher, at least a portion of the heat-deformable member can be configured to pass through the first vent.

[0019] The first vent can be configured to be sealed by the top cover under normal conditions, and at least one of the first vents can be configured to open when the temperature of the heat-deformed member reaches a preset temperature or higher.

[0020] The top cover may include a first cover fixed to the module frame, and at least one second cover surrounded by the first cover and configured to cover the first vent.

[0021] The central portion of the second cover may correspond to the first vent, and the edge portion of the second cover may be configured to contact the module frame.

[0022] The second cover can be configured such that its position changes due to the thermal deformation member.

[0023] When heat is applied to the heat-deformation member and the temperature of the heat-deformation member reaches a preset temperature or higher, the heat-deformation member can be configured to expand upward toward the second cover, and the second cover can be configured to move upward.

[0024] Multiple thermal deformation components can be provided in at least one direction.

[0025] The horizontal width of the heat-deformable component can be smaller than the horizontal width of the first vent hole.

[0026] The heat-deformable component may include at least one of a foaming agent and a shape memory alloy.

[0027] Multiple battery cells can be arranged in a horizontal direction, and the first vent can be configured to cover a surface facing the upper surface of the multiple battery cells.

[0028] In another aspect of this disclosure, a battery pack including a battery according to this disclosure is provided.

[0029] In another aspect of this disclosure, a vehicle including a battery pack according to this disclosure is provided.

[0030] Beneficial effects

[0031] According to one aspect of this disclosure, when the temperature of a thermally deformable component whose volume changes with temperature reaches a preset temperature or higher due to a thermal event occurring within the battery module, at least a portion of the top cover can be opened to allow internal gases or flames to escape to the outside.

[0032] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, the top cover of the vent holes of the covering module frame can minimize the inflow of high-temperature gas or flame generated from adjacent battery modules into the battery modules in the event of abnormal conditions in adjacent battery modules, thereby effectively preventing or delaying the propagation of thermal runaway between modules. Therefore, the safety and reliability of the battery modules can be guaranteed.

[0033] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, since the top cover is mounted and supported on the module frame, it will not be damaged by external temperature and / or pressure when a thermal event occurs outside the battery module, thereby preventing external gases or flames from entering the battery module. Therefore, the safety and reliability of the battery module can be guaranteed.

[0034] In addition, according to another aspect of this disclosure, events such as fires or explosions caused by thermal runaway in battery packs comprising multiple battery modules or devices equipped with multiple battery modules can be prevented or delayed.

[0035] In addition, this disclosure may have various other effects, and these effects will be described in the corresponding embodiments, or descriptions of effects that can be easily deduced by those skilled in the art will be omitted. Attached Figure Description

[0036] The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the foregoing disclosure, serve to provide a further understanding of the technical features of the present disclosure; therefore, the present disclosure is not to be construed as limited to the drawings.

[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 2 This is a schematic perspective view of the module frame of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 The enlarged cross-sectional view of part A in the figure illustrates a battery module in a normal state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 The enlarged cross-sectional view of part A in the figure illustrates the battery module during thermal runaway according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of a battery module during thermal runaway according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of a battery module during thermal runaway according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 9 This is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack including a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 10 This is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0047] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before the description, it should be understood that the terminology used in the specification and appended claims should not be construed as limited to its general or dictionary meaning, but rather should be interpreted based on the meaning and concepts corresponding to the technical aspects of the present disclosure, on the basis of allowing the inventors to appropriately define the terminology for the best interpretation.

[0048] Therefore, the description presented herein is merely a preferred example for illustrative purposes only and does not represent the full scope of this disclosure. It should be understood that other equivalent substitutions and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0049] Furthermore, this disclosure may include various embodiments. Redundant descriptions of substantially the same or similar configurations will be omitted from the various embodiments, and descriptions will be based on the differences between them.

[0050] Furthermore, for better understanding of the purposes of this disclosure, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and for clarity, the dimensions of some elements may be exaggerated. Additionally, the same reference numerals may indicate the same elements in different embodiments.

[0051] Ordinal terms such as "first," "second," etc., can be used to describe various components, but components are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another. Therefore, unless otherwise explicitly stated, the first component can be the same as the second component.

[0052] Throughout this instruction manual, unless otherwise expressly stated, each component may be singular or plural.

[0053] In the following text, the configuration of an element being positioned "in the upper (or lower) part" or "at the top (or bottom)" of a target element indicates that the element can be configured to contact the upper (or lower) surface of the target element, and that another element can be inserted between the target element and the element positioned at the top (or bottom) of the target element.

[0054] Furthermore, the statement “one element is ‘connected,’ ‘joined,’ or ‘joined’ to another element” should be understood as meaning that two elements can be directly connected or joined to each other, and that another element can be “inserted” between the two elements, or that the two elements can be “connected,” “joined,” or “joined” via another element.

[0055] Unless otherwise stated, a single element used herein should be construed as encompassing multiple elements. In this specification, the statement "a component is 'configured' or 'includes' elements or steps" should not be construed as meaning that the component must be all elements or steps, and it should be understood that the component may exclude some elements or steps and the component may also include additional elements or steps.

[0056] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise stated, the expression “A and / or B” may refer to A, B, or both A and B, and the expression “C to D” may refer to a range of values ​​that are equal to or greater than C and equal to or less than D.

[0057] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of a battery module 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is a schematic perspective view of the module frame 300 of the battery module 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of a battery module 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] Reference Figures 1 to 3 According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the battery module 10 may include a battery cell 100, a heat-deformable member 200, and a top cover 400. In another aspect, in addition to the aforementioned components, the battery module 10 may also include a module frame 300.

[0059] Reference Figure 3 It may include multiple battery cells 100. In this case, the multiple battery cells 100 can be electrically connected to each other.

[0060] Multiple battery cells 100 can be stacked along one direction. For example, as shown... Figure 3 As shown, multiple battery cells 100 can be arranged vertically (Z-axis direction) and side by side in the left-right direction (X-axis direction).

[0061] Alternatively, the multiple battery cells 100 may be pouch-type secondary batteries. The multiple battery cells 100 may include electrode assemblies, cell housings for storing the electrode assemblies, and electrode leads that serve as electrode terminals and are connected to the electrode assemblies and extend to the outside of the cell housing.

[0062] This disclosure is not limited to a particular type or shape of battery cell 100, and various battery cells 100 known at the time of filing of this disclosure can be applied to multiple battery cells 100 disclosed herein. In this embodiment, although a pouch-type secondary battery with high energy density and easy stacking will be described as shown, it is apparent that cylindrical or prismatic secondary batteries can also be applied to the battery cell 100.

[0063] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The module frame 300 can be configured to accommodate the battery cell 100. Specifically, an internal space can be formed within the module frame 300, and the battery cell 100 can be stored within the internal space.

[0064] The module frame 300 can be configured to include a rigid and heat-resistant metallic material to physically and chemically protect the housed battery cell 100.

[0065] A first vent H1 may be formed in the module frame 300. The first vent H1 may be configured to discharge exhaust gases generated from the battery cell 100 to the outside of the module frame 300. The first vent H1 enables directional exhaust in one direction. The module frame 300 may include a first plate 300a disposed on a first surface of a cell stack including a plurality of battery cells 100.

[0066] The first vent H1 can be formed in the first plate 300a of the module frame 300. For example, as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the first plate 300a can be defined as the upper surface of the module frame 300, and the upward directional exhaust of the battery module 10 can be achieved by the first exhaust hole H1 formed in the upper surface of the module frame 300.

[0067] Multiple first vent holes H1 can be provided at predetermined intervals in the horizontal direction (X-axis and Y-axis directions). According to the above-described implementation configuration of this disclosure, in the event that one of the multiple battery cells 100 experiences thermal runaway and generates gas, the gas can be rapidly vented in a specific direction through the first vent hole H1 corresponding to the respective battery cell 100.

[0068] Additionally, the module frame 300 may have module terminals. The module terminals may be configured to be electrically connected to a plurality of battery cells 100. Furthermore, the module terminals may be configured to be electrically or communicatively connected to a control device such as a BMS. The module terminals may be configured to extend at least partially outward from the module frame 300. The module terminals may be disposed on the side from which the electrode leads of the battery cells 100 extend. The module frame 300 may include a second plate 300b configured to cover a second surface of the cell stack. Specifically, the module terminals may be disposed on the second plate 300b of the module frame 300. For example, as... Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the second plate 300b can be defined as the front surface of the module frame 300, and the module terminals can be disposed on the front side of the module frame 300.

[0069] Reference Figure 2 The module frame 300 according to embodiments of this disclosure may further include a third plate 300c, a fourth plate 300d, and a fifth plate 300e. The first plate 300a to the fifth plate 300e may form the appearance of the module frame 300. The module frame 300 may be formed into a cuboid shape by means of the first plate 300a to the fifth plate 300e.

[0070] More specifically, the third plate 300c can be disposed on both the left and right ends of the first plate 300a. That is, a pair of third plates 300c can be disposed facing each other. For example, as disclosed in the embodiment shown in the figures, the first plate 300a can form the upper surface of the module frame 300, and the third plate 300c can form the left and right sides of the module frame 300 on both sides of the first plate 300a.

[0071] Additionally, the fifth plate 300e can be configured to face the first plate 300a. For example, as disclosed in the embodiment shown in the figures, the first plate 300a can form the upper surface of the module frame 300, and the fifth plate 300e can form the lower surface of the module frame 300.

[0072] In this case, refer to Figure 3 The third plate 300c and the fifth plate 300e can be configured as a single unit. In this case, the combined shape of the third plate 300c and the fifth plate 300e can be a "U"-shaped tube with an upper opening and front and rear openings. Alternatively, in another embodiment, although not shown in the figures, the first plate 300a, the third plate 300c, and the fifth plate 300e can be configured as a single unit. In this case, the combined shape of the first plate 300a, the third plate 300c, and the fifth plate 300e can be a rectangular tube with front and rear openings.

[0073] The fourth plate 300d can be positioned opposite the second plate 300b. That is, the second plate 300b and the fourth plate 300d can be configured to face each other. The second plate 300b and the fourth plate 300d of the module frame 300 can be positioned on the side from which the electrode leads of the battery cell 100 extend outward. That is, the second plate 300b and the fourth plate 300d can be positioned on the side where the busbar frame assembly is provided.

[0074] For example, as disclosed in the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, the second plate 300b may be configured to form the front surface of the module frame 300, and the fourth plate 300d may be configured to form the rear surface of the module frame 300. The second plate 300b and the fourth plate 300d may be connected to the front and rear openings of the integrated third plate 300c and fifth plate 300e.

[0075] According to an embodiment, the top cover 400 can be configured to cover one surface of a plurality of battery cells 100. The top cover 400 can be disposed outside the module frame 300. The top cover 400 can form the outer surface of the battery module 10. The top cover 400 can perform waterproof, dustproof and / or heat insulation functions to protect the battery module 10. The top cover 400 can be configured to prevent exhaust gases or flames emitted in the event of a thermal event within the battery module 10 from spreading to other battery modules 10. In addition, the top cover 400 can be configured to prevent external exhaust gases or flames from entering the battery module 10.

[0076] The top cover 400 can be configured to cover at least a portion of the module frame 300. For example, the top cover 400 can be configured to at least cover a first plate 300a of the module frame 300. For example, the top cover 400 can be configured to further cover at least one of a third plate 300c of the module frame 300 located at both the left and right ends of the first plate 300a. That is, the top cover 400 can be configured to further cover at least one third plate 300c together with the first plate 300a. For example, as Figure 3 In the embodiments shown, the top cover 400 can be configured to cover a first plate 300a disposed at the top and a third plate 300c disposed on the left and right sides.

[0077] The top cover 400 can be configured to be bent at the boundary between the first plate 300a and the third plate 300c, thereby covering both the first plate 300a and the third plate 300c. That is, the top cover 400 can be configured by bending a single sheet.

[0078] According to the above-described implementation configuration of this disclosure, the top cover 400 can cover not only the first plate 300a having the first vent H1, but also both sides of the first plate 300a, thereby preventing exhaust gases or flames released due to thermal events occurring within the module frame 300 from being exhausted toward the third plate 300c. Additionally, the top cover 400 can prevent exhaust gases or flames from advancing toward the third plate 300c from the outside.

[0079] The top cover 400 can be formed from a material with excellent heat resistance and / or fire resistance, such as a sheet comprising mica or a silicone composite material. For example, the top cover 400 can be formed from a non-flexible material by thermoforming a sheet comprising mica. Therefore, even when exposed to high temperatures, the top cover 400 can maintain morphological stability without deformation, thereby stably blocking high-temperature gases or flames generated from the battery cell 100. According to the above-described implementation configuration of this disclosure, since the top cover 400 is made of a rigid and heat-resistant material, deformation caused by high-temperature gases or flames can be minimized.

[0080] The top cover 400 can be configured to protect the first vent H1. For example, the top cover 400 can be configured to prevent exhaust gases or flames released from another battery module 10 from entering the module frame 300 through the first vent H1.

[0081] According to the above-described implementation configuration of this disclosure, since the top cover 400 is configured to protect the first vent H1, in the event of an anomaly in an adjacent battery module 10, the movement of high-temperature exhaust gas or flame toward the first vent H1 of the battery module 10 can be minimized. In particular, since the top cover 400 covers the module frame 300 from multiple directions, heat propagation to or from the outside of the module frame 300 can be effectively suppressed. Therefore, according to the above-described implementation configuration of this disclosure, thermal runaway propagation between battery modules 10 can be effectively prevented or delayed, thereby ensuring the safety and reliability of the battery modules 10.

[0082] More specifically, the top cover 400 may include a first cover 410 fixed to the module frame 300 and at least one second cover 420 surrounded by the first cover 410 and configured to cover the first vent H1.

[0083] A second vent H2 may be formed in the first cover 410. The second vent H2 may be configured to discharge exhaust gases generated in the battery cell 100 to the outside of the battery module 10. For example, the second vent H2 may be formed in the upper surface of the first cover 410. The second vent H2 formed in the upper surface of the first cover 410 may guide directional exhaust in the upward direction of the battery module 10.

[0084] Multiple second vent holes H2 can be provided at predetermined intervals in the horizontal direction (X-axis and Y-axis directions). Specifically, the second vent holes H2 can be formed at positions corresponding to the first vent holes H1. The second vent holes H2 can be configured to discharge exhaust gases released through the first vent holes H1 to the outside of the battery module 10. Therefore, according to the above-described implementation configuration of this disclosure, exhaust gases or flames can be rapidly and directionally exhausted through the first vent holes H1 and the second vent holes H2 in a specific direction. For example, exhaust gases or flames can be rapidly exhausted upwards (in the +Z-axis direction) through the first vent holes H1 and the second vent holes H2.

[0085] The size of the second exhaust port H2 can be larger than the size of the first exhaust port H1. For example, the width of the second exhaust port H2 in the horizontal direction (e.g., the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction) can be greater than the width of the first exhaust port H1 in the horizontal direction (e.g., the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction).

[0086] The second cover 420 may cover the first vent H1 and be surrounded by the first cover 410. Multiple second covers 420 may be arranged at predetermined intervals in the horizontal direction (X-axis and Y-axis directions). The number, shape, and / or position of the second covers 420 may correspond to the number, shape, and / or position of the second vent H2. The number, shape, and / or position of the second covers 420 may be substantially the same as the number, shape, and / or position of the second vent H2. The number and / or position of the second covers 420 may correspond to the number and / or position of the first vent H1.

[0087] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the heat-deformable member 200 may be further included between the top cover 400 and the battery cell 100. The heat-deformable member 200 may include a heat-deformable material whose volume changes due to heat. A heat-deformable material can be defined as a material whose volume expands when heat is applied to the heat-deformable member 200 and the temperature of the heat-deformable member 200 reaches a preset temperature or higher. The heat-deformable member 200 may include, for example, a foaming agent configured to generate bubbles and thereby expand in volume. The heat-deformable member 200 may include, for example, a shape memory alloy configured to recover its original shape upon heating.

[0088] According to the embodiment, a plurality of heat-deformation members 200 may be provided at predetermined intervals in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction and Y-axis direction). In particular, the heat-deformation members 200 may be formed at positions corresponding to the first vent H1.

[0089] According to the above embodiments of this disclosure, this disclosure can be configured to cause structural deformation in the battery module 10 when a thermal event occurs, which is more dependent on temperature than pressure. Typically, in cases where structural deformation occurs due to tear line rupture caused by pressure, structural changes occur not only when the internal pressure increases due to a thermal event occurring inside the battery module 10, but also when the external pressure increases due to a thermal event occurring in an adjacent battery module 10, thereby causing external exhaust gases or flames to flow into the battery module 10. On the other hand, according to this disclosure, since the thermal deformation member 200 is configured to undergo structural deformation primarily dependent on the temperature of the thermal deformation member 200 located within the battery module 10, structural deformation caused by external exhaust gases or flames can be prevented. Therefore, heat propagation to adjacent battery cells 100 or battery modules 10 can be minimized, thereby effectively preventing or delaying the propagation of thermal runaway.

[0090] According to an embodiment, the battery module 10 may further include a cell cover 101 disposed between the heat-deformation member 200 and the battery cell 100. The cell cover 101 may be configured to cover the upper surface of the battery cell 100. The heat-deformation member 200 may be disposed on and / or fixed to the cell cover 101. The function, structure, etc. of the heat-deformation member 200 will be described in detail below.

[0091] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the battery module 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 5 yes Figure 4 The enlarged cross-sectional view of part A in the figure illustrates a battery module 10 in a normal state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Here, the battery module 10 in a normal state can be defined as a state in which no thermal event occurs within the battery module 10.

[0092] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the battery module 10 may include a battery cell 100, a heat-deformable member 200, a module frame 300, and a top cover 400. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The configuration of the battery cell 100, heat-deformation component 200, module frame 300, and top cover 400 can be combined with... Figures 1 to 3 The battery cell 100, heat-deformation component 200, module frame 300 and top cover 400 are configured completely or partially the same. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The implementation shown can be compared with Figures 1 to 3 The embodiments shown are partially combined.

[0093] According to an embodiment, the top cover 400 may include a first cover 410 fixed to the module frame 300, and at least one second cover 420 surrounded by the first cover 410 and configured to cover the first vent H1.

[0094] The first cover 410 can be configured to be disposed on the module frame 300. That is, the first cover 410 can be configured to be placed on the upper part of the module frame 300 and cover at least a portion of the module frame 300. When the first cover 410 is disposed on the module frame 300, the first cover 410 can be configured to be in close contact with the module frame 300. More specifically, the first cover 410 can be secured to the module frame 300. For example, an adhesive can be applied to the lower surface of the first cover 410. For example, the adhesive applied to the lower surface of the first cover 410 can include a thermally conductive adhesive such as TIM or a thermally conductive resin.

[0095] Multiple second covers 420 can be configured to cover multiple first vent holes H1 from above. That is, multiple second covers 420 can be configured to individually cover multiple first vent holes H1. In other words, the first vent holes H1 located on the side of the battery cell 100 where no thermal event has occurred can be kept closed by the second covers 420. For this purpose, the second covers 420 can be made of a material with excellent flame retardancy. For example, the second covers 420 can include materials such as silicone or FRB. The second covers 420 not only block heat but also block high-temperature gases, flames, and emissions generated from the battery cell 100. Therefore, according to the above-described implementation configuration of this disclosure, heat propagation to the side of the battery cell 100 where no thermal event has occurred can be prevented, thereby preventing the temperature of the heat-deformation member 200 from rising to a level that would cause the volumetric expansion of the heat-deformation member 200.

[0096] The second cover 420 can be sized to be larger than the first vent H1. Furthermore, a portion of the second cover 420 can be configured to rest on the module frame 300. Specifically, the central portion of the second cover 420 corresponding to the first vent can be configured such that its lower surface does not contact the module frame 300, and the edge portion of the second cover 420 corresponding to the module frame 300 can be configured to contact the module frame 300. Therefore, when pressure is applied upwards from the bottom (in the +Z axis direction), the second cover 420 can move upwards. However, when pressure is applied downwards from the top (in the -Z axis direction), the second cover 420 can be confined by the module frame 300 and cannot move downwards.

[0097] Therefore, when exhaust gas or flame is generated within the battery module 10, the second cover 420 can be pushed upwards. However, when exhaust gas or flame flows in from the outside through an adjacent battery module 10, the second cover 420 is not pushed downwards. That is, according to the above-described implementation configuration of this disclosure, when thermal runaway occurs in the battery module 10, not only can the exhaust gas or flame generated within the battery module 10 be smoothly discharged to the outside of the battery module 10, but also the discharged exhaust gas or flame can be prevented from flowing back into the battery module 10 and / or the externally formed exhaust gas or flame can be prevented from flowing into the battery module 10. Therefore, by minimizing the heat propagation to adjacent battery cells 100 or battery modules 10, the propagation of thermal runaway can be effectively prevented or delayed.

[0098] According to embodiments of this disclosure, an adhesive member 305 may also be included between the second cover 420 and the module frame 300. The second cover 420 can be fixed to the module frame 300 by the adhesive member 305. For example, the adhesive member 305 may include an adhesive component whose adhesive strength is weakened by heat. According to embodiments, the adhesive member 305 disposed between the second cover 420 and the module frame 300 may include a material with a weaker adhesive strength than the adhesive disposed between the first cover 410 and the module frame 300. Therefore, when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell 100, the adhesive strength of the adhesive member 305 disposed between the second cover 420 and the module frame 300 may be weakened, thereby making it easier for the second cover 420 and the module frame 300 to separate from each other.

[0099] According to the embodiment, the first cover 410 and the second cover 420 can be made of different materials. For example, the material of the first cover 410 can be different from that of the second cover 420. For example, the thickness of the second cover 420 can be less than the thickness of the first cover 410. For example, the weights of the first cover 410 and the second cover 420 can be different from each other. For example, the weight of the second cover 420 can be less than the weight of the first cover 410. By configuring the weight of the second cover 420 to be relatively small, the second cover 420 can be easily lifted by the upward force of the heat-deformation member 200.

[0100] According to an embodiment, the heat-deformation member 200 can be disposed on an upward-facing (+Z-axis direction) surface of the battery cell 100. The heat-deformation member 200 can be disposed at a position corresponding to the first vent H1. At least a portion of the heat-deformation member 200 can be disposed within the first vent H1. The heat-deformation member 200 can be disposed below the second cover 420. The heat-deformation member 200 can be configured to face the bottom surface of the second cover 420. For example, the heat-deformation member 200 can be configured to be spaced apart from the second cover 420 by a predetermined distance without contacting the second cover 420.

[0101] According to the above-described implementation configuration of this disclosure, when a thermal event occurs within the battery module 10, the volume of the thermally deformable member 200 can be configured to expand when the temperature of the thermally deformable member 200 reaches a preset temperature or higher. For example, the thermally deformable member 200 can be configured to expand in volume when a thermal event occurs within the battery module 10, and not expand in volume when a thermal event occurs outside the battery module 10 due to heat insulation by the top cover 400 or the like.

[0102] The preset temperature can be in the range of, for example, 70°C to 90°C. However, the preset temperature is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be designed in various ways within a range that includes the temperature at which a thermal event occurs inside the battery module 10 and excludes the temperature at which heat is transferred when a thermal event occurs outside the battery module 10.

[0103] The horizontal width of the heat-deformable member 200 can be smaller than the horizontal width of the first vent H1. Not only under normal conditions, but also when a thermal event occurs, the horizontal dimension of the heat-deformable member 200 can be smaller than the horizontal dimension of the first vent H1. Therefore, when a thermal event occurs within the battery module 10, the heat-deformable member 200 can be configured to pass through the first vent H1. That is, when heat is applied to the heat-deformable member 200 and its temperature reaches a preset temperature or higher, the heat-deformable member 200 can be configured to pass through the first vent H1.

[0104] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 The enlarged cross-sectional view of part A in the figure illustrates the battery module 10 during thermal runaway according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the battery module 10 during thermal runaway according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the battery module 10 during thermal runaway according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0105] Reference Figures 6 to 8 According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the battery module 10 may include a battery cell 100, a heat-deformable member 200, a module frame 300, and a top cover 400. Figures 6 to 8 The configuration of the battery cell 100, heat-deformation component 200, module frame 300, and top cover 400 can be combined with... Figure 4 and Figure 5 The battery cell 100, heat-deformation component 200, module frame 300 and top cover 400 are configured completely or partially the same. Figures 6 to 8 The implementation methods in can be compared with Figure 4 and Figure 5 The implementation methods described are partially combined.

[0106] According to the embodiment, when heat is applied to the heat-deformation member 200 and the temperature of the heat-deformation member 200 reaches a preset temperature or a higher temperature, the height of the heat-deformation member 200 (i.e., its length in the Z-axis direction) can be increased. (Refer to...) Figure 5 and Figure 6 Under normal conditions, the vertical height of the thermally deformable member 200 is a first length L1, and when a thermal event occurs in the battery module 10, the height of the thermally deformable member 200 can be changed to a second length L2 that is greater than the first length.

[0107] Reference Figure 5 When the battery module 10 is in a normal state, the vertical (Z-axis direction) height of the thermal deformation member 200 can be a first length L1. Here, the first length L1 can be configured to be less than the gap between the cell cover 101 and the second cover 420. However, the first length L1 can be designed in various ways within a range that is shorter than the gap between the cell cover 101 and the second cover 420.

[0108] Reference Figure 6 When a thermal event occurs in the battery module 10, the vertical (Z-axis direction) height of the thermal deformation member 200 can be a second length L2. The second length L2 can be configured to be greater than the gap between the cell cover 101 and the second cover 420. However, the second length L2 can be designed in various ways within the range of being greater than the gap between the cell cover 101 and the second cover 420.

[0109] When a thermal event occurs within the battery module 10 and the height of the thermally deformable member 200 increases from a first length L1 to a second length L2, the second cover 420 disposed above the thermally deformable member 200 can be lifted by a force generated by the volume expansion of the thermally deformable member 200 (e.g., by an upward force). That is, the second cover 420 can be configured such that its position changes due to the thermally deformable member 200. Specifically, the second cover 420 can move upward. For example, refer to... Figure 7 The second cover 420 can be moved upwards by a third length L3.

[0110] Reference Figure 6 When the second cover 420 is lifted, the second vent H2 can be opened, allowing exhaust gases or flames generated within the battery module 10 to be discharged to the outside of the battery module 10 through the first vent H1 and the second vent H2. That is, the first vent H1 can be configured to be sealed by the top cover 400 under normal conditions, and at least one first vent H1 can be configured to open when the temperature of the heat-deformation member 200 reaches a preset temperature or higher.

[0111] When the temperature of the heat-deformable member 200 reaches a preset temperature or higher, its height increases, and the volume expansion mode of the heat-deformable member 200 can be configured in various ways. For example, refer to Figure 7 While maintaining the horizontal width and shape of the heat-deformable component 200, only its height can be increased. For example, refer to... Figure 8 The overall shape and height of the heat-deformable component 200 can be configured to change irregularly. However, the volume change of the heat-deformable component 200 can be irreversible. That is, even if the temperature drops back below the preset temperature, the heat-deformable component 200 may not return to its original shape.

[0112] Figure 9 This is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack 1 including a battery module 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0113] Reference Figure 9 The battery pack 1 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure may include one or more battery modules 10 as described above. The battery pack 1 according to the present disclosure may also include a battery pack housing 2, which houses a BMS (Battery Management System) for integrated control of charging and discharging of one or more battery modules 10, current sensors, fuses, and the aforementioned components.

[0114] Figure 10 This is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle 3 including a battery pack 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0115] Reference Figure 10 The vehicle 3 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include one or more battery packs 1 according to embodiments of the present disclosure, or one or more battery modules 10 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The vehicle 3 according to the present disclosure may be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The vehicle 3 includes four-wheeled vehicles and two-wheeled vehicles. The vehicle 3 operates by receiving electricity from the battery packs 1 or battery modules 10 according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0116] As described above, although this disclosure has been described with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and various modifications and variations are possible by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains without departing from the technical concept of this disclosure and the equivalent scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A battery module, the battery module comprising: Multiple battery cells; A top cover, configured to cover one surface of the plurality of battery cells; as well as At least one heat-deformable member is disposed between the top cover and the battery cell, and the heat-deformable member is configured to expand in volume and deform a portion of the top cover when the temperature reaches a preset temperature or higher due to heat.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, The battery module also includes a module frame configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells. in, The module frame includes at least one first vent, which is formed at a position corresponding to the heat-deformation member and configured to discharge gas generated from the battery cell to the outside.

3. The battery module according to claim 2, in, When heat is applied to the heat-deformable member and the temperature of the heat-deformable member reaches a preset temperature or higher, at least a portion of the heat-deformable member is configured to pass through the first vent hole.

4. The battery module according to claim 2, in, The first vent is configured to be sealed by the top cover under normal conditions, and at least one of the first vents is configured to open when the temperature of the heat-deformation member reaches a preset temperature or higher.

5. The battery module according to claim 2, in, The top cover includes: A first cover, the first cover being fixed to the module frame; and At least one second cover, which is surrounded by the first cover and configured to cover the first vent hole.

6. The battery module according to claim 5, in, The central portion of the second cover corresponds to the first vent, and the edge portion of the second cover is positioned to face the module frame.

7. The battery module according to claim 5, in, The second cover is configured such that the position of the second cover changes due to the heat-deformation member.

8. The battery module according to claim 5, in, When heat is applied to the heat-deformable member and the temperature of the heat-deformable member reaches a preset temperature or higher, the heat-deformable member is configured to expand upward toward the second cover, and the second cover is configured to move upward.

9. The battery module according to claim 1, in, Multiple thermally deformable components are provided in at least one direction.

10. The battery module according to claim 2, in, The horizontal width of the heat-deformable component is smaller than the horizontal width of the first vent hole.

11. The battery module according to claim 2, in, The heat-deformable component includes at least one of a foaming agent and a shape memory alloy.

12. The battery module according to claim 2, in, The plurality of battery cells are arranged in a horizontal direction, and The first vent is configured to cover a surface facing the upper side of the plurality of battery cells.

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

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

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