Battery module

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a battery module capable of preventing or reducing chain ignition of battery cells. Therefore, the present disclosure provides a battery module comprising: a housing; a plurality of battery cells disposed inside the housing and each including a vent hole and a vent plate; a blocking member disposed to face the battery cells and configured to cover the exhaust plate; and a fixing member configured to fix the blocking member to the battery cell. According to the present disclosure, when a fire occurs in any one of the battery cells, the blocking member covering the exhaust plate can prevent linked ignition of the plurality of battery cells due to the inflow of flame, gas, smoke, etc. into the exhaust holes of the adjacent battery cells.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a battery module. Background Art

[0002] Unlike primary batteries that cannot be recharged, secondary batteries are batteries that can be charged and discharged (e.g., repeatedly). Low-capacity secondary batteries are used in small portable electronic devices such as smartphones, feature phones, laptop computers, digital cameras, and video cameras, and high-capacity secondary batteries are widely used as power storage batteries and power sources for driving motors in hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, and the like. Such a secondary battery includes an electrode assembly having a positive electrode and a negative electrode, a housing for accommodating the electrode assembly, and electrode terminals connected to the electrode assembly.

[0003] Secondary batteries can be used in battery modules or battery packs formed by connecting multiple unit battery cells in series and / or in parallel to provide high energy density. A battery module or battery pack can be formed by connecting the electrode terminals of multiple unit cells to each other to meet the desired or required amount of power and, for example, to achieve a high-power secondary battery for electric vehicles.

[0004] The above information is provided to enhance understanding of the background of the present disclosure and therefore may contain information that does not constitute related (or prior) art. Utility Model Content

[0005] An aspect according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a battery module capable of preventing chain ignition of battery cells.

[0006] These and other aspects and features of the present disclosure will be described in, or will be apparent from, the following description of certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0007] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a battery module includes: a housing; a plurality of battery cells inside the housing and each including an exhaust hole and an exhaust plate; a blocking member disposed to face the plurality of battery cells and configured to cover each of the exhaust plates (the plurality of exhaust plates); and a fixing member configured to fix the blocking member to the plurality of battery cells.

[0008] The blocking member may include: a first body disposed on the plurality of battery cells; a plurality of bladders protruding from the first body and each arranged to face one of the plurality of vent plates; a blocking material inside each of the plurality of bladders; and a second body facing the first body and configured to seal the plurality of bladders.

[0009] The first body and the second body may be joined to each other along a joining line arranged to surround an opening of each of the plurality of capsules.

[0010] The barrier material may be injected into each of the plurality of capsules in a liquid state and then solidified.

[0011] The barrier material may include at least one selected from silicone resin, epoxy resin, and polyurethane.

[0012] Each of the plurality of balloons may be inserted into a corresponding vent hole among the plurality of vent holes.

[0013] An edge of a lower end portion of each of the plurality of balloons may be bent to have a curvature.

[0014] The plurality of bladders may be in contact with the plurality of exhaust plates, respectively.

[0015] Each of the plurality of vent plates may include a rupture portion that protrudes toward a corresponding vent hole among the plurality of vent holes and is configured to rupture as the internal pressure of a corresponding battery cell among the plurality of battery cells rises to a set pressure or greater, and each of the plurality of capsules may include a groove into which the rupture portion is inserted.

[0016] The fixing member may include a cell sheet between the first body and the plurality of battery cells and having two opposite surfaces fixed to the first body and the plurality of battery cells, respectively.

[0017] A longitudinal direction of the single sheet may be parallel to an arrangement direction of the plurality of capsules.

[0018] The single piece may be provided as (eg, may include) a pair of single pieces, and the pair of single pieces may be each arranged at one of two opposite sides of the plurality of capsules.

[0019] The blocking member may further include a hinge connected to the first body and the second body and configured to support the second body to be rotatable relative to the first body.

[0020] The battery module may further include a bus bar holder inside the housing and configured to support a bus bar electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells, wherein a central axis of the hinge may be between the second body and the bus bar holder.

[0021] The battery module may further include a support member between the plurality of battery cells and the bus bar holder and configured to support the bus bar holder relative to the plurality of battery cells.

[0022] The support member may be elastically deformable. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The accompanying drawings attached to this specification illustrate some embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the detailed description of the present disclosure, further describe aspects and features of the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure should not be construed as being limited to the accompanying drawings:

[0024] Figure 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a configuration of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of an exhaust plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 6 is a schematic plan view illustrating the configuration of an exhaust plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a configuration of a blocking member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 8 It is from Figure 7 Perspective views illustrating the configuration of a blocking member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure from different perspectives;

[0032] Figure 9 is a schematic side view illustrating a configuration of a blocking member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 10 is a schematic plan view illustrating a configuration of a blocking member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 11 is a schematic exploded perspective view illustrating a configuration of a blocking member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 12 It is from Figure 11Exploded perspective views illustrating the configuration of a blocking member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure from different perspectives;

[0036] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a contact state between a bladder and an exhaust plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 14 is a schematic enlarged view illustrating the configuration of a hinge according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0038] Figure 15 is a schematic enlarged view illustrating the configuration of a supporting member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Herein, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to common or dictionary meanings, and should be interpreted as having meanings and concepts consistent with the technical ideas of the present disclosure based on the principle that the inventor can be his / her own lexicographer to appropriately define the concepts of the terms.

[0040] The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the accompanying drawings are provided as example embodiments of the present disclosure and do not represent all technical ideas, aspects, and features of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it will be understood that at the time of filing this application, various equivalents and modifications that may replace or modify the embodiments described herein may exist.

[0041] It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “connected to,” “linked to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it can be directly on, connected to, linked to, or coupled to the other element or layer, or one or more intervening elements or layers may be present. When an element or layer is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,” “directly linked to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers. For example, when a first element is described as being “coupled to” or “connected to” a second element, the first element can be directly coupled or connected to the second element, or the first element can be indirectly coupled or connected to the second element via one or more intervening elements.

[0042] In the figures, for clarity of illustration, the sizes of various elements, layers, etc. may be exaggerated. The same reference numerals indicate the same or similar elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more related listed items. Further, when describing an embodiment of the present disclosure, the use of "may" relates to "one or more embodiments of the present disclosure." Expressions such as "at least one of" and "any one of," when following a column of elements, modify the entire column of elements and do not modify the individual elements of the column. When phrases such as "at least one of A, B, and C," "at least one of A, B, or C," "at least one selected from the group of A, B, and C," or "at least one selected from A, B, and C," are used to specify a column of elements A, B, and C, the phrase may refer to any and all suitable combinations or subsets of A, B, and C, such as A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. As used herein, the term "use" may be considered synonymous with the term "utilize." As used herein, the terms "substantially," "about," and similar terms are used as terms of approximation rather than terms of degree, and are intended to take into account the inherent variations in measurements or calculations that those of ordinary skill in the art would recognize.

[0043] It will be understood that although the terms "first," "second," "third," etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another element, component, region, layer, or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

[0044] For ease of description, spatially relative terms such as "below," "beneath," "below," "above," "on," etc. may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is flipped, an element described as being "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented as being "above" or "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the term "below" may encompass both above and below. The device may be oriented in other ways (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0045] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing the embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form "a" and "an" are also intended to include the plural form. It will be further understood that the terms "comprise" and / or "comprising" when used in this specification specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or groups thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or groups thereof.

[0046] In addition, any numerical range disclosed and / or listed herein is intended to include all subranges of the same numerical precision contained within the listed range. For example, the range of "1.0 to 10.0" is intended to include all subranges between the listed minimum value 1.0 and the listed maximum value 10.0 (and including the listed minimum value 1.0 and the listed maximum value 10.0), that is, a minimum value equal to or greater than 1.0 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10.0, such as, for example, 2.4 to 7.6. Any maximum numerical limit listed herein is intended to include all lower numerical limits contained therein, and any minimum numerical limit listed in this specification is intended to include all higher numerical limits contained therein. Accordingly, the applicant reserves the right to amend this specification including the claims to explicitly list any subranges contained within the range explicitly listed herein.

[0047] Referring to two compared elements, features, etc. as "the same" may mean that they are "substantially the same." Thus, the phrase "substantially the same" may include variations that are considered low in the art, for example, 5% or less. Furthermore, when a parameter is referred to as being consistent in a given region, this may mean that it is consistent in terms of average value.

[0048] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0049] When any element is referred to as being arranged (or positioned or placed or provided) "on (or under)" or "on (or under)" a component, this may mean that the element is placed in contact with the upper surface (or lower surface) of the component, or that another component may be interposed between the component and any element arranged (or positioned or placed or provided) on (or under) the component.

[0050] Also, when a component is referred to as being “electrically coupled” to another component, the component may be directly electrically connected to the other component, or one or more intervening components may be present therebetween so that the component and the other component are indirectly electrically connected to each other.

[0051] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise specified, when "A and / or B" is stated, it means A, B, or A and B. That is, "and / or" includes any or all combinations of the listed items. Unless otherwise specified, when "C to D" is stated, it means C or more and D or less.

[0052] The terms used in this specification are used to describe the embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0053] Figure 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the battery module according to this embodiment includes a case 10 , a battery cell 20 , a blocking member 500 , and a fixing member 600 .

[0055] The outer case 10 may serve as a member that supports the battery cells 20 and protects the battery cells 20 from external impacts and foreign substances. The outer case 10 may provide a space for accommodating the battery cells 20 therein.

[0056] The housing 10 may include a housing body 11 and a housing cover 12 .

[0057] The housing body 11 may be formed to have a hollow box shape with one open side (eg, an opening on one side). Figure 1 The open side of the housing body 11 may be arranged to face upward. The cross-sectional shape of the housing body 11 is not limited to Figure 1 , and may be designed to be changed into various suitable shapes such as another polygonal shape, a circular shape, and an elliptical shape.

[0058] The housing cover 12 may be coupled to the housing body 11 and may enclose the interior space of the housing body 11. For example, the housing cover 12 may be formed to have a substantially plate-like shape. The housing cover 12 may be positioned to face the open side of the housing body 11, for example, the upper surface of the housing body 11. The housing cover 12 may be secured to the housing body 11 using various coupling methods, including bolting, welding, and fitting.

[0059] The battery cell 20 may be provided inside the outer case 10 and may be used as a unit structure for storing power in the battery module and supplying power from the battery module.

[0060] One or more battery cells 20 may be provided. Figure 1An example in which a plurality of battery cells 20 are provided is shown in FIG, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and one (eg, single) battery cell 20 may also be provided.

[0061] When a plurality of battery cells 20 are provided, the plurality of battery cells 20 may be arranged in a plurality of columns inside the housing 10. As an example, the plurality of battery cells 20 may be arranged in a longitudinal direction ( Figure 1 However, the arrangement of the plurality of battery cells 20 is not limited thereto. The plurality of battery cells 20 may be arranged in a plurality of rows in the width direction ( Figure 1 The housing 10 may be arranged in a plurality of columns in the X-axis direction (in the X-axis direction), or may be arranged in a plurality of columns in the longitudinal direction and the width direction of the housing 10.

[0062] Hereinafter, an example in which the battery cell 20 is a prismatic lithium-ion secondary battery will be described. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the battery cell 20 may be a lithium polymer battery or a cylindrical battery.

[0063] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the configuration of a battery cell 20 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a battery cell 20 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0064] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The battery cell 20 includes an electrode assembly 100 , a cell housing 200 , a cap plate 310 , and a vent plate 400 .

[0065] The electrode assembly 100 may include a separator 130 disposed between the positive electrode 110 and the negative electrode 120 .

[0066] The positive electrode 110 and the negative electrode 120 may include a coating portion, which is a region where an active material is coated on a current collector made of a thin metal foil, and uncoating portions 110 a and 120 a, which are regions where the active material is not coated.

[0067] The electrode assembly 100 may be formed in the form of an electrode core in which the separator 130, which is an insulator, is interposed between the positive electrode 110 and the negative electrode 120, and then the separator 130, the positive electrode 110, and the negative electrode 120 are wound. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this form, and the electrode assembly 100 may have a stacked structure in which the positive electrodes 110 and the negative electrodes 120, each including a plurality of sheets, are alternately stacked with the separator 130 interposed therebetween.

[0068] The electrode assembly 100 may be formed singly or may be provided as a plurality of electrode assemblies 100 .

[0069] The cell housing 200 may form the entire exterior of the battery cell 20. The cell housing 200 may house the electrode assembly 100 therein. As an example, the cell housing 200 may be formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape with an open surface (e.g., an opening on one surface). The open surface of the cell housing 200 may be arranged to face the housing cover 12 vertically inside the housing 10.

[0070] The cell housing 200 may include a conductive metal material such as aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or nickel-plated steel.

[0071] The cover plate 310 may be coupled to the cell housing 200 and may seal the cell housing 200. For example, the cover plate 310 may be formed in a plate shape. The cover plate 310 may be disposed on the cell housing 200 to cover the open side of the cell housing 200. The cover plate 310 may be coupled to the cell housing 200 using various coupling methods, including welding, bolting, and fitting. The cover plate 310 may be made of a conductive material including at least one selected from aluminum and an aluminum alloy.

[0072] The cap plate 310 may include a terminal 320 .

[0073] The terminal 320 may be installed to pass through the cover plate 310 and protrude to the outside of the cover plate 310. The outer peripheral surface of the upper column (e.g., the upper cylindrical portion) of the terminal 320 may be provided with a thread to be fixed to the cover plate 310 by a nut. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the terminal 320 may have a rivet structure to be riveted, or may be welded and coupled to the cover plate 310.

[0074] The terminals 320 protruding outside the cap plate 310 may be provided as a pair of terminals 320. The pair of terminals 320 may be respectively connected to the positive electrode 110 and the negative electrode 120 of the electrode assembly 100. Accordingly, the pair of terminals 320 may each serve as one of the positive terminal and the negative terminal of the battery cell 20.

[0075] As an example, the terminal 320 may be electrically connected to a current collector including a first current collector 40 and a second current collector 50 (hereinafter referred to as a positive electrode current collector and a negative electrode current collector) joined to the positive electrode uncoated portion 110a and the negative electrode uncoated portion 120a, respectively, by welding. For example, a pair of terminals 320 may each be connected to one of the positive electrode current collector 40 and the negative electrode current collector 50 by welding. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the terminal 320 and the positive electrode current collector 40 and the negative electrode current collector 50 may be formed by being integrally coupled.

[0076] The cap plate 310 may further include an electrolyte injection port 330 to which a sealing plug may be installed.

[0077] The cover plate 310 may further include an exhaust hole 340 .

[0078] The vent hole 340 may be formed in the shape of a hole (e.g., an opening or a through-hole) that passes through both surfaces (e.g., both the upper and lower surfaces) of the cover plate 310. The vent hole 340 may be used as a component that provides a path for flames, gases, smoke, etc. generated inside the cell housing 200 during thermal runaway of the battery cell 20 to be discharged from the battery cell 20. The lower side of the vent hole 340 may be connected to the internal space (e.g., inside) of the cell housing 200. The upper side of the vent hole 340 may be connected to the external space (e.g., outside) of the cover plate 310. The cross-sectional shape of the vent hole 340 may be designed to (e.g., changed to) various suitable shapes such as an elliptical shape, a circular shape, and a polygonal shape.

[0079] The exhaust plate 400 may be opened or closed in response to changes in the internal pressure of the cell housing 200. That is, during normal operation of the battery cell 20, the exhaust plate 400 may remain closed to seal the cell housing 200. The exhaust plate 400 may be opened as the internal pressure of the cell housing 200 increases to a set level or more due to overcharging of the battery cell 20 or the outbreak of a fire, and may discharge flames, gas, smoke, etc. generated from the inside of the cell housing 200 to the outside of the cell housing 200.

[0080] Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of an exhaust plate 400 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 2 is a schematic plan view illustrating the configuration of an exhaust plate 400 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0081] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The exhaust plate 400 according to this embodiment can be formed into a plate shape. The exhaust plate 400 can be positioned to face the lower end of the exhaust hole 340. The area of ​​the exhaust plate 400 can be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the exhaust hole 340. The upper surface of the exhaust plate 400 can be coupled to the lower surface of the cover plate 310 by various suitable coupling methods, including welding, bolting, fitting, etc.

[0082] The exhaust plate 400 may include a fractured portion 410 .

[0083] The rupture portion 410 may form a portion of the exterior (eg, a portion of the exterior) of the exhaust plate 400. The rupture portion 410 may rupture as the internal pressure of the cell case 200 rises to a set pressure or more, thereby opening the exhaust plate 400.

[0084] As an example, the rupture portion 410 may protrude from the upper surface of the exhaust plate 400 toward the exhaust hole 340. The rupture portion 410 may be formed so that the width narrows toward the upper end portion (e.g., having a narrower top portion and a wider bottom portion). The rupture portion 410 may be cut to both sides relative to the upper end portion by pressure applied from the internal space of the single body shell 200. For example, the upper end portion of the rupture portion 410 may be cut open by pressure applied from the internal space of the single body shell 200. A notch 411 may be formed in the inner surface of the upper end portion of the rupture portion 410 to cause a rupture action of the rupture portion 410. The cross-sectional shape of the rupture portion 410 is not limited to Figure 5 The shape shown in FIG. 4 and can be formed into various suitable patterns on the exhaust plate 400.

[0085] An insulating member (e.g., an insulator) may be installed between the electrode assembly 100 and the cap plate 310. The insulating member may include a first lower insulating member 60 and a second lower insulating member 70, and each of the first lower insulating member 60 and the second lower insulating member 70 may be installed between the electrode assembly 100 and the cap plate 310.

[0086] A separation member (eg, a separator) may be installed to face the side surface of the electrode assembly 100 , and an end portion of the separation member may be installed between the insulation member and the terminal 320 .

[0087] The separation member may include a first separation member 80 and a second separation member 90 .

[0088] One end portion of each of the first and second separating members 80 and 90 , which may be installed to face one side surface of the electrode assembly 100 , may be installed between the first and second lower insulating members 60 and 70 and the pair of terminals 320 .

[0089] The terminal 320 welded and coupled to the positive and negative electrode current collectors 40 and 50 may be coupled to one end portions of the first and second lower insulating members 60 and 70 and the first and second separating members 80 and 90 .

[0090] The battery module according to this embodiment may further include a bus bar support 30 .

[0091] The bus bar support 30 may be disposed inside the housing 10 and may serve as a member supporting the bus bar 31 .

[0092] The bus bar support 30 according to the present embodiment may be formed in a plate shape. The bus bar support 30 may be disposed so that its upper surface faces the housing cover 12 and its lower surface faces the upper surface of the battery cell 20, for example, the cover plate 310. The bus bar support 30 may be formed to include an electrically insulating polymer (e.g., a polymer compound) material.

[0093] The busbars 31 may be electrically connected to the battery cells 20. The busbars 31 may be fixed to the busbar holders 30 by various suitable coupling methods including welding, bolting, fitting, etc. The busbars 31 may contact the terminals 320 of the battery cells 20. The busbars 31 may include a conductive material such as aluminum, nickel, or copper to enable electrical connection to the terminals 320.

[0094] A plurality of bus bars 31 may be provided. The plurality of bus bars 31 may connect the plurality of battery cells 20 in series or in parallel. The number and arrangement of the plurality of bus bars 31 may be designed to vary in various suitable ways according to the connection structure of the battery cells 20 (eg, series and parallel connection structure).

[0095] A blocking member (eg, a vent plate cover) 500 may be disposed to face the battery cells 20 and may cover the vent plate 400 .

[0096] The blocking member 500 can function as a component that blocks flames, gas, smoke, etc. generated outside the battery cells 20 from flowing into the vent holes 340 or directly contacting the vent plate 400. Accordingly, when a fire occurs in any one of the battery cells 20, the blocking member 500 can prevent a chain reaction of ignition of multiple battery cells 20 caused by the flames, gas, smoke, etc. flowing into the vent holes 340 of adjacent battery cells 20.

[0097] The blocking member 500 can be separated from the cap plate 310 by flame, heat, and gas pressure generated inside the battery cell 20. Accordingly, in the event of thermal runaway of any battery cell 20, the blocking member 500 can guide the flame, gas, etc. generated from the battery cell 20 to be smoothly discharged to the outside.

[0098] Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a configuration of a blocking member 500 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 It is from Figure 7 Different perspective views illustrate the configuration of the blocking member 500 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 9 is a schematic side view illustrating the configuration of a blocking member 500 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0099] Figure 10 is a schematic plan view illustrating a configuration of a blocking member 500 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 11 is a schematic exploded perspective view illustrating a configuration of a blocking member 500 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 12 It is from Figure 11 Different perspective views illustrate exploded perspective views of the configuration of the blocking member 500 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0100] refer to Figures 1 to 12 , the blocking member 500 may include a first body 510 , a capsule 520 , a blocking material 530 and a second body 540 .

[0101] The first body 510 may form one outer side of the blocking member 500 and may completely support the capsule 520 , the blocking material 530 , and the second body 540 .

[0102] As an example, the first body 510 may be formed to have a plate shape having a rectangular cross-sectional shape. The longitudinal direction of the first body 510 may be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the housing 10 ( Figure 1 The length of the first body 510 may be greater than or equal to the sum of the lengths of the battery cells 20 parallel to the longitudinal direction of the housing 10 .

[0103] The first body 510 may be disposed above the battery cells 20. The lower surface of the first body 510 may be disposed to face the upper surface of the cover plate 310 of the plurality of battery cells 20 arranged in the longitudinal direction of the housing 10. The first body 510 may have a width direction ( Figure 1 The width of the first body 510 (in the X-axis direction) can be greater than the width of the exhaust hole 340 in the direction parallel to the width of the housing 10, and can be less than the distance between the pair of terminals 320. Accordingly, the center portion of the first body 510 can be arranged to face the upper end of the exhaust hole 340, and the edge of the first body 510 can be arranged to face the upper surface of the cover plate 310. The first body 510 can be made of a polymer (e.g., a polymer compound) material.

[0104] The bladder 520 may protrude from the first body 510 toward the exhaust hole 340 and may be disposed to face the exhaust plate 400 .

[0105] As an example, the capsule 520 may protrude downward from the lower surface of the central portion of the first body 510. The interior space of the capsule 520 may be formed to be empty (e.g., a gap). An opening 520a may be formed on the upper side of the capsule 520 to pass through the upper surface of the first body 510 and open (e.g., expose) the interior space of the capsule 520. The capsule 520 may be made of a polymer (e.g., a polymer compound) material.

[0106] A plurality of the bladder bodies 520 may be provided. The plurality of bladder bodies 520 may be arranged in a row in the longitudinal direction of the first body 510. Each of the bladder bodies 520 may be arranged to face the exhaust plates 400 of different battery cells 20, respectively.

[0107] Because the first body 510 is placed on the upper surface of the cover plate 310, the capsule 520 can be inserted into the vent 340. The cross-sectional area of ​​the capsule 520 can be less than or equal to the cross-sectional area of ​​the vent 340. The cross-sectional shape of the capsule 520 can be formed to be the same as or substantially the same as the cross-sectional shape of the vent 340. The edge of the lower end portion of the capsule 520 can be formed to be curved to have a certain curvature. In other words, the edge of the lower end portion of the capsule 520 can have a curved shape. Accordingly, the capsule 520 can be inserted into the vent 340 more smoothly.

[0108] A lower surface of the bladder 520 may be in contact with the exhaust plate 400 .

[0109] Figure 13 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a contact state between the bladder 520 and the exhaust plate 400 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0110] refer to Figures 1 to 13 , a groove (eg, an opening or a cutout) 521 may be formed in a region of the lower surface of the bladder 520 facing the rupture portion 410 of the exhaust plate 400 .

[0111] The groove 521 may be formed to have a groove shape that is recessed upward from the lower surface of the capsule 520. The cross-sectional shape of the groove 521 may be formed to correspond to the cross-sectional shape of the rupture portion 410. Since the lower surface of the capsule 520 contacts the exhaust plate 400, the rupture portion 410 may be inserted into the groove 521. The outer surface of the rupture portion 410 may contact (e.g., closely contact) the inner surface of the groove 521. Accordingly, the groove 521 expands the contact area between the capsule 520 and the exhaust plate 400 (e.g., provides an expanded contact area), thereby preventing or substantially preventing the capsule 520 from separating from the exhaust hole 340 due to external vibration, etc.

[0112] The barrier material 530 may be provided inside the bag body 520. The barrier material 530 may serve as a component that physically blocks foreign substances from entering (eg, flowing in) from the outside of the battery cell 20 and enhances heat resistance of the barrier member 500.

[0113] A plurality of barrier materials 530 may be provided. The plurality of barrier materials 530 may be disposed inside different capsules 520, respectively.

[0114] The barrier material 530 can be injected into the capsule 520 through the opening 520a in a liquid state and then solidified into a solid state. Accordingly, regardless of the curvature, cross-sectional shape, etc. of the capsule 520, the interior space of the capsule 520 can be filled (e.g., densely filled) with the barrier material 530. The barrier material 530 can include a highly heat-resistant material, for example, at least one selected from silicone resin, epoxy resin, and polyurethane.

[0115] The second body 540 may be disposed to face the first body 510 and may form the other outer side of the blocking member 500. The second body 540 may serve as a member that covers the opening 520a of the capsule 520 and seals the capsule 520.

[0116] As an example, the second body 540 may be formed to have a plate shape. The lower surface of the second body 540 may be seated on the upper surface of the first body 510. The second body 540 may be made of a polymer (eg, polymer compound) material.

[0117] The first body 510 and the second body 540 can be joined to each other along a joining line 501. The joining line 501 may be an area where the first body 510 and the second body 540 are physically joined to each other throughout the entire area of ​​the first body 510 and the second body 540. The joining line 501 may be provided to surround the opening 520a of each of the plurality of capsules 520. As an example, the joining line 501 may have a shape extending in the form of a trapezoidal grid in the longitudinal direction of the first body 510. Accordingly, the first body 510 and the second body 540 are integrally coupled along the outer peripheral surface of the opening 520a, thereby preventing or substantially preventing the barrier material 530 disposed inside the capsule 520 from flowing out through the opening 520a. The first body 510 and the second body 540 may be coupled to each other by various suitable coupling methods including friction welding, ultrasonic welding, bolting, fitting, etc.

[0118] The blocking member 500 may further include a hinge 550 .

[0119] The hinge 550 can support the second body 540 so that it can rotate relative to the first body 510. The second body 540 can rotate relative to the first body 510 around the hinge 550 and can open or close the opening 520a. Accordingly, the first body 510 and the second body 540 of the blocking member 500 can be connected as a single component by the hinge 550, which is convenient for transportation and handling, and can improve assembly (e.g., assembly process). In addition, when the first body 510 and the second body 540 are in contact with each other, the hinge 550 can fix or arrange the second body 540 in the correct position without any additional operation, thereby improving the efficiency of the joining work.

[0120] Figure 14 is a schematic enlarged view illustrating the configuration of a hinge according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0121] refer to Figure 14 According to the present embodiment, the hinge 550 may have a ring shape with both ends connected to one of the ends of the first body 510 and the second body 540. The hinge 550 may have a cross-sectional shape that is approximately circular. The central axis C of the hinge 550 may be disposed between the second body 540 and the bus bar holder 30. That is, the central axis C of the hinge 550 may be disposed at a level higher than that of the second body 540 and at a level lower than that of the bus bar holder 30. Accordingly, the hinge 550 prevents or substantially prevents a level difference from occurring between the two ends of the first body 510 due to its own curvature, and maintains the blocking member 500 in a parallel state relative to the cover plate 310, thereby preventing or substantially preventing the capsule 520 from separating from the vent 340.

[0122] The fixing member 600 may serve as a component for fixing the blocking member 500 to the battery cell 20. Accordingly, the fixing member 600 may prevent the blocking member 500 from being separated from the battery cell 20 due to external vibration, impact, etc.

[0123] The fixing member 600 may include a single piece 610 .

[0124] The cell sheet 610 may be disposed between the first body 510 and the battery cell 20. As an example, the cell sheet 610 may be disposed between the first body 510 and the cap plate 310. Both surfaces (e.g., the upper surface and the lower surface) of the cell sheet 610 may be fixed to one of the lower surface of the first body 510 and the upper surface of the cap plate 310.

[0125] The longitudinal direction of the single piece 610 may be arranged parallel to the arrangement direction of the plurality of capsules 520, ie, the longitudinal direction of the first body 510. The length of the single piece 610 may be the same as or substantially the same as that of the first body 510.

[0126] The single piece 610 may be provided as a pair. The pair of single pieces 610 may be provided on both sides of the capsule 520 with the capsule 520 interposed therebetween.

[0127] The single piece 610 may be a double-sided tape with adhesive material or adhesive made of adhesive material applied on both sides. In addition to the rectangular shape, the cross-sectional shape of the single piece 610 may also be changed to various suitable shapes such as a circular shape, an elliptical shape, and another polygonal shape.

[0128] A film may be attached to the lower surface of the monomer sheet 610 facing the cover plate 310. The film may serve as a member that prevents or substantially prevents foreign matter, etc., from adhering to the inner surface of the monomer sheet 610 when the monomer sheet 610 is not fixed to the cover plate 310. The film may be removed from the monomer sheet 610 before the monomer sheet 610 contacts the cover plate 310.

[0129] The battery module according to this embodiment may further include a support member 700 .

[0130] The support member 700 may be provided between the battery cell 20 and the bus bar support 30. The support member 700 may serve as a component that supports the bus bar support 30 relative to the battery cell 20 and separates the battery cell 20 from the bus bar support 30 by a certain (e.g., set) distance. Accordingly, the support member 700 may provide a space in which the hinge 550 may be installed between the battery cell 20 and the bus bar support 30 without interference.

[0131] Figure 15 is a schematic enlarged view illustrating the configuration of a supporting member 700 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0132] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 15 , the support member 700 may be formed to have an approximately plate shape. Both surfaces (eg, the upper surface and the lower surface) of the support member 700 may contact the lower surface of the bus bar holder 30 and the upper surface of the cover plate 310, respectively. The support member 700 may extend so that its longitudinal direction is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the housing 10 ( Figure 1 Y-axis direction in the image).

[0133] A pair of support members 700 may be provided. The pair of support members 700 may be provided on one of both sides (eg, two opposite sides) of the bus bar holder 30. The pair of support members 700 may be provided on the width direction ( Figure 1 The spacing between the pair of support members 700 may be greater than the spacing between the pair of terminals 320.

[0134] The support member 700 may be elastically deformable. For example, the support member 700 may be made of a flexible material such as rubber or silicone. Accordingly, the support member 700 may prevent or reduce damage to the bus bar support 30 or the battery cell 20 due to vibration or impact applied to the bus bar support 30 or the battery cell 20.

[0135] According to the present disclosure, when a fire occurs in any one battery cell, the blocking member covering the vent plate can prevent chain ignition of multiple battery cells due to inflow of flame, gas, smoke, etc. into the vent holes of adjacent battery cells.

[0136] According to the present disclosure, during the process of placing the first body on the battery cell, a plurality of capsules may be simultaneously inserted into the vent holes, thereby further improving the efficiency of the assembly work (eg, the assembly process).

[0137] According to the present disclosure, compared with a method of directly applying a barrier material to the vent hole of a battery cell, assembly may be easier and the entire process time can be shortened.

[0138] According to the present disclosure, the barrier material is installed in the battery cell in a state of being pre-injected into the bladder, thereby reducing the complexity of handling chemicals.

[0139] However, the effects obtainable by the present disclosure are not limited to the above effects, and other technical effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the present disclosure.

[0140] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings, these embodiments are merely illustrative, and it is understood that various modifications and other equivalent embodiments may be derived by those skilled in the art based on these embodiments.

[0141] Therefore, the technical scope of the present disclosure should be defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A battery module, characterized in that: include: shell; a plurality of battery cells inside the housing and including a plurality of vent holes and a plurality of vent plates; a blocking member facing the plurality of battery cells and configured to cover the plurality of exhaust plates; as well as A fixing member is configured to fix the blocking member to the plurality of battery cells.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The blocking member comprises: a first body, disposed on the plurality of battery cells; a plurality of bladders protruding from the first body and each arranged to face one of the plurality of exhaust plates; a barrier material within each of the plurality of capsules; and The second body faces the first body and is configured to seal the plurality of capsules.

3. The battery module according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first body and the second body are joined to each other along a joining line arranged to surround an opening of each of the plurality of capsules.

4. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein: The barrier material is injected into each of the plurality of capsules in a liquid state and then solidified.

5. The battery module according to claim 2, characterized in that: The barrier material includes at least one selected from silicone resin, epoxy resin and polyurethane.

6. The battery module according to claim 2, characterized in that: Each of the plurality of balloons is inserted into a corresponding vent hole among the plurality of vent holes.

7. The battery module according to claim 6, characterized in that: An edge of a lower end portion of each of the plurality of capsules is bent to have a curvature.

8. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein: The plurality of bladders are in contact with the plurality of exhaust plates, respectively.

9. The battery module according to claim 8, characterized in that: Each of the plurality of vent plates includes a rupture portion that protrudes toward a corresponding vent hole among the plurality of vent holes and is configured to rupture as an internal pressure of a corresponding battery cell among the plurality of battery cells rises to a set pressure or more, and Each of the plurality of balloons includes a groove into which the ruptured portion is inserted.

10. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein: The fixing member includes a cell sheet between the first body and the plurality of battery cells and having two opposite surfaces fixed to the first body and the plurality of battery cells, respectively.

11. The battery module according to claim 10, characterized in that: The longitudinal direction of the single sheet is parallel to the arrangement direction of the plurality of capsules.

12. The battery module according to claim 10, characterized in that: The monolithic sheet includes a pair of monolithic sheets, and The pair of single sheets are each arranged at one of two opposite sides of the plurality of capsules.

13. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein: The blocking member further includes a hinge connected to the first body and the second body and configured to support the second body to be rotatable relative to the first body.

14. The battery module according to claim 13, wherein: The battery module further includes a bus bar support inside the housing and configured to support a bus bar electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells. The central axis of the hinge is between the second body and the busbar support.

15. The battery module according to claim 14, characterized in that: The battery module further includes a support member between the plurality of battery cells and the bus bar support and configured to support the bus bar support relative to the plurality of battery cells.

16. The battery module according to claim 15, characterized in that: The support member is elastically deformable.

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