Gasket, battery module including the same, and battery pack

Abstract

The utility model relates to a kind of gasket, battery module and battery pack comprising the gasket, according to the gasket of a specific implementation scheme can include: sheet surface pressure layer;First barrier layer and second barrier layer, the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer are respectively laminated in the two sides of the surface pressure layer along preset lamination direction;And reinforcing layer, the reinforcing layer is set along the lamination direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a gasket, a battery module including the gasket, and a battery pack. More specifically, this utility model relates to a gasket that can achieve high heat resistance even with a thin thickness while effectively mitigating the effects of bulging, a battery module including the gasket, and a battery pack. Background Technology

[0002] A battery module is one type of battery assembly. A battery module can house multiple battery cells within its internal space.

[0003] When a thermal runaway event occurs in any of the multiple cells housed in a battery module, the heat or flame generated in that cell can easily spread to adjacent cells, potentially causing fatal safety issues.

[0004] In addition, when batteries are used for a long time, at least a portion of the battery cell may expand during charging and discharging due to factors such as gas generation caused by side reactions. This phenomenon is called swelling. Swelling of the battery cell may cause physical damage to adjacent battery cells.

[0005] To address this issue, attempts have been made to insert fire-resistant or surface-pressure-resistant components between adjacent cells. However, the insertion of such components may further increase the size of the battery module. Utility Model Content

[0006] (a) Technical problems to be solved

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a gasket that can achieve high heat resistance even with a thin thickness while effectively mitigating the effects of bulging can be provided.

[0008] According to another aspect of the present invention, a battery module and battery pack with improved safety while minimizing the increase in volume can be provided.

[0009] Furthermore, this invention can be widely applied to green technologies such as electric vehicles, battery charging stations, energy storage systems (ESS), and other battery-powered solar and wind power generation. In addition, this invention can be used for eco-friendly mobility solutions, including electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles, to prevent climate change by suppressing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

[0010] (II) Technical Solution

[0011] The gasket according to this utility model may include: a sheet-like surface pressure layer; a first barrier layer and a second barrier layer, wherein the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer are respectively stacked on both sides of the surface pressure layer along a predetermined stacking direction; and a reinforcing layer, wherein the reinforcing layer is disposed along the stacking direction.

[0012] In one embodiment of the gasket, the thickness of the gasket can be from 0.55 mm to 5.5 mm.

[0013] In a gasket according to one embodiment, the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer may each independently comprise at least one selected from fibers and inorganic materials.

[0014] In a gasket according to one embodiment, the thickness of the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer can each be independently from 0.05 mm to 1.0 mm.

[0015] In a gasket according to one embodiment, the surface pressure layer may comprise at least one selected from silicone, polyurethane (PU), acrylic resin, ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM), ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), isoprene rubber, butadiene-based rubber, chloroprene rubber, and butyl rubber.

[0016] In a gasket according to one embodiment, the thickness of the surface pressure layer can be from 0.2 mm to 4.0 mm.

[0017] In a gasket according to one embodiment, the thickness of the surface pressure layer can be from 20% to 82% of the total thickness of the gasket.

[0018] In a gasket according to one embodiment, the reinforcing layer may include an expansion layer, which may be disposed at at least at either the surface pressure layer and the first barrier layer and the surface pressure layer and the second barrier layer along the stacking direction.

[0019] In a gasket according to one embodiment, the inflatable layer may comprise at least one selected from expanded graphite, silicates, and phosphorus-based flame retardants.

[0020] In a gasket according to one embodiment, the thickness of the expansion layer can be from 0.015 mm to 1.0 mm.

[0021] In a gasket according to one embodiment, the reinforcing layer may include an expansion layer, the surface pressure layer may include a first surface pressure layer and a second surface pressure layer stacked along the stacking direction, and the expansion layer may be disposed between the first surface pressure layer and the second surface pressure layer.

[0022] In a gasket according to one embodiment, the reinforcing layer may further include a support layer, the surface pressure layer may include a first surface pressure layer and a second surface pressure layer stacked along the stacking direction, and the support layer may be disposed between the first surface pressure layer and the second surface pressure layer.

[0023] In a gasket according to one embodiment, the support layer may comprise at least one selected from graphite, mica, aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, wollastonite, and aerogel.

[0024] In a gasket according to one embodiment, the thickness of the support layer can be from 0.01 mm to 2.5 mm.

[0025] In a gasket according to one embodiment, the reinforcing layer may further include a support layer, which may be stacked on at least one of the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer along the stacking direction.

[0026] In a gasket according to one embodiment, the reinforcing layer may further include a support layer disposed between the surface pressure layer and the expansion layer.

[0027] In a gasket according to one embodiment, the reinforcing layer may further include a support layer, which may be disposed at at least at either the expansion layer and the first barrier layer and the expansion layer and the second barrier layer along the stacking direction.

[0028] The battery module according to this utility model may include: a plurality of battery cells stacked along a predetermined stacking direction; a module housing accommodating the plurality of battery cells; and a spacer disposed between at least one pair of adjacent battery cells, wherein the spacer may include: a sheet-like surface pressure layer; a first barrier layer and a second barrier layer, the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer being stacked on opposite sides of the surface pressure layer along a predetermined stacking direction; and a reinforcing layer disposed along the stacking direction of the spacer.

[0029] In a battery module according to one embodiment, the plurality of cells can be stacked in such a manner that one or more cells have the gasket provided on one side and the gasket not provided on the other side opposite to the first side.

[0030] The battery pack according to this utility model may include: a cell stack; and a housing, the housing accommodating a plurality of the cell stacks, wherein the cell stack may include: a plurality of cells stacked along a predetermined stacking direction; and a spacer disposed between at least one pair of adjacent cells among the plurality of cells, wherein the spacer may include: a sheet-like surface pressure layer; a first barrier layer and a second barrier layer, the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer being stacked on opposite sides of the surface pressure layer along a predetermined stacking direction; and a reinforcing layer disposed along the stacking direction of the spacer.

[0031] (III) Beneficial Effects

[0032] According to one aspect of the present invention, a gasket that can achieve high heat resistance even with a thin thickness while effectively mitigating the effects of bulging can be provided.

[0033] According to another aspect of the present invention, a battery module and battery pack with improved safety while minimizing the increase in volume can be provided.

[0034] Furthermore, this invention can be widely applied in green technology fields such as electric vehicles, battery charging stations, energy storage devices (energy storage systems (ESS)), and other battery-powered solar and wind power generation. In addition, this invention can be used for environmentally friendly mobility applications, including electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles, to prevent climate change by suppressing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view showing a gasket according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 2This is a structural diagram showing a gasket according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view showing a gasket according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view showing a gasket according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 5 This is a structural diagram showing a gasket according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 6 This is an exploded perspective view showing a gasket according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view showing a gasket according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 8 This is a structural diagram showing a gasket according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 9 This is an exploded perspective view showing a gasket according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view showing a gasket according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 11 This is a structural diagram showing a gasket according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 12 This is an exploded perspective view showing a gasket according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view showing a gasket according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 14 This is a structural diagram showing a gasket according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 15 This is an exploded perspective view showing a gasket according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 16 This is a cross-sectional view showing a gasket according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 17This is a structural diagram showing a gasket according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 18 This is an exploded perspective view showing a gasket according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 19 This is an exploded perspective view showing a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 20 This is a diagram showing a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above.

[0055] Figure 21 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0057] 100: Gasket

[0058] 110: Support layer; 111: First support layer; 112: Second support layer

[0059] 120: Surface pressure layer; 121: First surface pressure layer; 122: Second surface pressure layer

[0060] 131: First barrier layer; 132: Second barrier layer

[0061] 140: Inflation layer; 141: First expansion layer; 142: Second expansion layer

[0062] 200: Battery cell; 290: Battery cell stack

[0063] 300: Battery Module

[0064] 310: Module housing

[0065] 315: Module cover; 319: Module body

[0066] 400: Battery pack

[0067] 410: Outer shell Detailed Implementation

[0068] The embodiments described in this specification can be varied in various other forms, and therefore the technology according to a particular embodiment is not limited to the embodiments described below. Furthermore, throughout the specification, unless otherwise stated specifically to the contrary, "comprising / including," "having," "containing," or "having" a constituent element means that other constituent elements may be further included rather than excluded, and does not exclude elements, materials, or processes not further listed.

[0069] In this specification, unless otherwise stated, "identical" or "uniform" can mean that they are identical or uniform to each other within an acceptable error range. As an example, "identical" in terms of certain constituent or physical property measurements can include the meaning that the two objects being compared are completely identical, as well as the meaning that they are identical within an error range. Furthermore, "identical" in certain physical property measurements can mean that the difference between the measurements of the objects is approximately less than 5%, specifically, less than 3%, and more specifically, less than 1%.

[0070] In this specification, the angle between two objects being perpendicular or parallel to each other can include geometric perpendicularity or parallelism as well as cases within a small margin of error.

[0071] The numerical ranges used in this specification include lower and upper limits, as well as all values ​​within that range, increments logically derived from the form and width of the defined range, all values ​​defined therein, and all possible combinations of upper and lower limits of numerical ranges defined in different forms from each other.

[0072] In this specification, unless otherwise specifically defined, “about” can be considered as a value within 30%, 25%, 20%, 15%, 10% or 5% of the explicitly stated value.

[0073] In this specification, "section" can refer to the surface observed when cutting the stacked object along a direction perpendicular to the stacked surface.

[0074] In this specification, "set up" can refer without limitation to a positional relationship in which one object is located adjacent to another object. As a non-limiting example, it can mean coating one object onto another object, or using an adhesive as a medium to bond one object to another object, or fusing by applying heat, pressure, etc., or simply setting up in any space such that at least a portion of one object can contact at least a portion of another object.

[0075] In this specification, "X direction", "Y direction" and "Z direction" can refer to any direction that constitutes a rectangular coordinate system that is perpendicular to each other in three-dimensional space.

[0076] As used in this specification, the term "lithium secondary battery" can refer to a battery in which lithium ions generate electrical energy through oxidation and reduction reactions as they are inserted and extracted into the positive and negative electrodes.

[0077] As used in this specification, the term "battery cell" may refer to the basic unit of a lithium secondary battery that can recharge and discharge electrical energy.

[0078] The present invention will now be described in detail. However, this is merely exemplary, and the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein.

[0079] gasket

[0080] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, the gasket 100 may include: a sheet-like surface pressure layer 120; a first barrier layer 131 and a second barrier layer 132, wherein the first barrier layer 131 and the second barrier layer 132 are stacked on both sides of the surface pressure layer 120 along a predetermined stacking direction; and reinforcing layers (110, 140), wherein the reinforcing layers (110, 140) are disposed along the stacking direction.

[0081] The surface pressure layer 120, the first barrier layer 131, the second barrier layer 132, and the reinforcing layers (110, 140) can each be implemented as sheets, and each can have the same area. However, they are not limited to this and can be implemented in various forms. For example, if necessary, at least a portion may include curved surfaces, and at least one of them can have a different area. In addition, the cross-section of the surface pressure layer 120, the first barrier layer 131, the second barrier layer 132, and the reinforcing layers (110, 140) based on the surface perpendicular to the stacking direction can be rectangular or square, but is not necessarily limited to this. The cross-section can be formed as a circle, ellipse, triangle, trapezoid, parallelogram, etc., or the cross-section can be formed as at least a portion of a circle, ellipse, triangle, trapezoid, or parallelogram.

[0082] In one embodiment, the thickness of the gasket can be from 0.55 mm to 5.5 mm, specifically from 0.6 mm to 5.0 mm, and more specifically from 0.75 mm to 4.5 mm. When the thickness of the gasket 100 is less than the above-mentioned range, its effect on blocking the propagation of heat or flame to adjacent cells in the event of a thermal runaway event within the battery may be negligible, and its effect on relieving pressure on adjacent cells when bulging occurs in one cell may be negligible. Furthermore, when the thickness of the gasket 100 exceeds the above-mentioned range, a significant improvement in the propagation blocking effect is unlikely compared to an increase in the thickness or weight of the gasket 100; therefore, the energy efficiency per unit volume and per unit weight of the battery module and battery pack comprising it may deteriorate.

[0083] In one embodiment, the first barrier layer 131 and the second barrier layer 132 may have thermal insulation, heat resistance, and fire resistance to suppress the spread of heat or flame. Furthermore, the first barrier layer 131 and the second barrier layer 132 may be configured to maintain the shape and rigidity of the gasket 100.

[0084] In one embodiment, the first barrier layer 131 and the second barrier layer 132 may each independently comprise at least one selected from fibers and inorganic materials.

[0085] In one embodiment, the fiber may include at least one selected from inorganic and organic materials. In a specific embodiment, the inorganic material fiber may include at least one selected from silica fiber, alumina fiber, silica-alumina fiber, glass fiber, ceramic fiber, and basalt fiber, and the organic material fiber may include polyaramid fiber.

[0086] According to an exemplary embodiment, the fibers may be in the form of long fibers or short fibers. When the fibers are in the form of long fibers, the first barrier layer 131 and / or the second barrier layer 132 may include a form woven from the fibers. Through the weaving form, the first barrier layer 131 and / or the second barrier layer 132 may be configured to include woven fabric or non-crimped fabric (NCF fabric), but are not necessarily limited to these. Additionally, the short fibers may correspond to the absence of long fibers. The diameter, length, etc., of the long fibers and / or short fibers are not particularly limited.

[0087] In one embodiment, the inorganic material may include at least one selected from mica, silica, alumina, aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, wollastonite, and aerogel.

[0088] In one embodiment, the thickness of the first barrier layer 131 and the second barrier layer 132 can each independently be from 0.05 mm to 1.0 mm, specifically from 0.07 mm to 0.9 mm, and more specifically from 0.1 mm to 0.85 mm. When the thickness of the first barrier layer 131 and the second barrier layer 132 is less than the above-mentioned numerical range, the effect of blocking the propagation of heat or flame to adjacent cells in the event of a thermal runaway event within the battery may be negligible. Furthermore, when the thickness of the first barrier layer 131 and the second barrier layer 132 exceeds the above-mentioned numerical range, it is difficult to expect a significant improvement in the propagation blocking effect compared to the increase in the thickness or weight of the first barrier layer 131 and / or the second barrier layer 132. Therefore, the energy efficiency per unit volume and per unit weight of the battery module and battery pack comprising it may deteriorate, and the thickness of the first barrier layer 131 and / or the second barrier layer 132 relative to the total thickness of the gasket 100 becomes excessive, thus the effect of blocking the pressure applied to adjacent cells in the event of bulging may deteriorate.

[0089] In one embodiment, the surface pressure layer 120 can function as a surface pressure layer to alleviate / counteract the pressure exerted on adjacent cells by the physical deformation caused by the bulging of a cell due to continuous battery use. For this purpose, the surface pressure layer 120 may include an elastic material such that when an external force is applied, the surface pressure layer is compressed, and when the applied external force is terminated, the surface pressure layer returns to its original shape.

[0090] In one embodiment, the surface pressure layer 120 may comprise at least one selected from silicone, polyurethane (PU), acrylic resin, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), isoprene rubber, butadiene-based rubber, chloroprene rubber, and butyl rubber. In one embodiment, the butadiene-based rubber may refer to butadiene rubber (BR), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), nitrile rubber (NBR), etc.

[0091] In one embodiment, the thickness of the surface pressure layer can be from 0.2 mm to 4.0 mm, specifically from 0.5 mm to 3.0 mm, and more specifically from 0.7 mm to 2.5 mm. When the thickness of the surface pressure layer 120 is less than the above-mentioned range, the surface pressure performance of the gasket 100 may deteriorate. Furthermore, when the thickness of the surface pressure layer 120 exceeds the above-mentioned range, the gasket 100 becomes excessively thick, and therefore the energy efficiency per unit volume and per unit weight of the battery module and battery pack comprising it may deteriorate.

[0092] In one embodiment, the thickness of the surface pressure layer 120 can be from 20% to 82% of the total thickness of the gasket 100, specifically from 27% to 81%, and more specifically from 32% to 80%. When the thickness of the surface pressure layer 120 relative to the total thickness of the gasket 100 is less than the above-mentioned range, the surface pressure performance of the gasket 100 may deteriorate. Furthermore, when the thickness of the surface pressure layer 120 relative to the total thickness of the gasket 100 exceeds the above-mentioned range, the gasket 100's effect in blocking the propagation of heat or flame may be negligible.

[0093] In one embodiment, the reinforcing layers (110, 140) are layers disposed along the lamination direction between any two of the first barrier layer 131, the surface pressure layer 120, and the second barrier layer 132, or laminated on the first barrier layer 131 or the second barrier layer 132. The reinforcing layers (110, 140) may possess thermal insulation, heat resistance, and fire resistance, thereby further enhancing the effect of the gasket 100 in blocking the propagation of heat or flame. Detailed configuration of the reinforcing layers (110, 140) will be described later.

[0094] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view showing a gasket according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0095] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram showing a gasket according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0096] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view showing a gasket according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0097] Reference Figures 1 to 3 In one embodiment, the reinforcing layers (110, 140) may include an expansion layer 140, which may be disposed at at least at either the surface pressure layer 120 and the first barrier layer 131 and the surface pressure layer 120 and the second barrier layer 132 along the stacking direction.

[0098] In one embodiment, the expansion layer 140 may be disposed between the surface pressure layer 120 and the first barrier layer 131. In another embodiment, the expansion layer 140 may be disposed between the surface pressure layer 120 and the second barrier layer 132.

[0099] In one embodiment, the expansion layer 140 may include a first expansion layer 141 and a second expansion layer 142.

[0100] In one embodiment, the expansion layer 140 may be disposed between the surface pressure layer 120 and the first barrier layer 131 and between the surface pressure layer 120 and the second barrier layer 132, respectively, along the stacking direction. In this case, the first expansion layer 141 may be disposed between the surface pressure layer 120 and the first barrier layer 131, and the second expansion layer 142 may be disposed between the surface pressure layer 120 and the second barrier layer 132.

[0101] In one embodiment, the expansion layer 140 may have thermal insulation, heat resistance, and fire resistance properties. When exposed to heat or flame, the expansion layer 140 expands, thereby blocking the movement path of heat or flame. For this purpose, the expansion layer 140 may include a thermally expandable material.

[0102] In one embodiment, the expansion layer 140 may be configured to be adjacent to the surface pressure layer 120. In a specific embodiment, the expansion layer 140 may be stacked on the surface pressure layer 120 or may be disposed between the surface pressure layers 120.

[0103] In one embodiment, the expansion layer 140 may be disposed between the first barrier layer 131 and the second barrier layer 132.

[0104] In one embodiment, the expansion layer 140 can expand to 300% to 30000% of its volume relative to its volume at room temperature at a temperature of 150°C to 300°C.

[0105] Due to material properties, structural deformation of the surface pressure layer 120 can be observed at temperatures above 400°C. Typically, during a thermal runaway event within the battery, a flame at 1000°C to 1100°C may propagate between the cells 200 under intense pressure. In this case, the surface pressure layer 120 of the gasket 100 positioned between the cells 200 may be burned by the flame. Due to the burning of the surface pressure layer 120, the fire-resistant layers (barrier layers (131, 132), etc.) within the gasket 100 may come into contact with each other, potentially reducing the heat resistance of the gasket 100.

[0106] In one embodiment, the expansion layer 140 can suppress the propagation of heat or flame through an endothermic reaction in the event of a thermal runaway event within the battery, as described above. Simultaneously, it can expand upon contact with heat or flame, thereby rapidly replenishing the area of ​​the burned surface pressure layer 120. Therefore, even if the surface pressure layer 120 is burned during a thermal runaway event, the expansion layer 140 can prevent contact with the refractory layer within the gasket 100 by replenishing the burned area, thus maintaining the distance of the refractory layer even in the event of a thermal runaway. As described above, by including the expansion layer 140, specifically by arranging the expansion layer 140 adjacent to the surface pressure layer 120, the heat resistance of the gasket 100 can be further improved.

[0107] In one embodiment, the expanded layer 140 may comprise at least one selected from expanded graphite, silicates, and phosphorus-based flame retardants.

[0108] In one embodiment, the silicate may comprise at least one selected from sodium silicate, potassium silicate, and lithium silicate.

[0109] In one embodiment, the thickness of the expansion layer 140 can be from 0.015 mm to 1.0 mm, specifically from 0.02 mm to 0.8 mm, and more specifically from 0.03 mm to 0.8 mm. When the thickness of the expansion layer 140 is less than the above-mentioned range, the effect of enhancing the blocking of heat or flame propagation may be negligible, and therefore the effect of the gasket 100 in blocking the propagation of heat or flame may be negligible. Furthermore, when the thickness of the expansion layer 140 exceeds the above-mentioned range, compared to the increase in the thickness or weight of the expansion layer 140, it is difficult to expect a significant improvement in the propagation blocking effect, and therefore the energy efficiency per unit volume and per unit weight of the battery module and battery pack comprising it may deteriorate.

[0110] In one embodiment, when the expansion layer 140 includes the first expansion layer 141 and the second expansion layer 142, the thickness of the expansion layer 140 may refer to the sum of the thicknesses of the first expansion layer 141 and the second expansion layer 142.

[0111] In one embodiment, the thicknesses of the first expansion layer 141 and the second expansion layer 142 may be the same. However, this is not a limitation, and the thicknesses of the first expansion layer 141 and the second expansion layer 142 may also differ from each other within the aforementioned numerical range.

[0112] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view showing a gasket according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0113] Figure 5 This is a structural diagram showing a gasket according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0114] Figure 6 This is an exploded perspective view showing a gasket according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0115] Reference Figures 4 to 6 In one embodiment, the reinforcing layers (110, 140) may include an expansion layer 140, and the surface pressure layer 120 may include a first surface pressure layer 121 and a second surface pressure layer 122 stacked along the stacking direction. The expansion layer 140 may be disposed between the first surface pressure layer 121 and the second surface pressure layer 122.

[0116] In one embodiment, the surface pressure layer 120 may include a first surface pressure layer 121 and a second surface pressure layer 122 stacked along the stacking direction. In this case, the first surface pressure layer 121 may be positioned closer to the first barrier layer 131 in the gasket 100 than the second barrier layer 132, and the second surface pressure layer 122 may be positioned closer to the second barrier layer 132 in the gasket 100 than the first barrier layer 131.

[0117] In one embodiment, when the surface pressure layer 120 includes the first surface pressure layer 121 and the second surface pressure layer 122, the thickness of the surface pressure layer 120 may refer to the sum of the thicknesses of the first surface pressure layer 121 and the second surface pressure layer 122.

[0118] In one embodiment, the thicknesses of the first surface pressure layer 121 and the second surface pressure layer 122 may be the same. However, this is not a limitation, and the thicknesses of the first surface pressure layer 121 and the second surface pressure layer 122 may also differ from each other within the aforementioned numerical range.

[0119] In addition, using Figures 1 to 3 The description of the surface pressure layer 120, the reinforcing layers (110, 140) and the expansion layer 140 can be applied without limitation.

[0120] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view showing a gasket according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0121] Figure 8 This is a structural diagram showing a gasket according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0122] Figure 9 This is an exploded perspective view showing a gasket according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0123] Reference Figures 7 to 9 In one embodiment, the reinforcing layers (110, 140) may further include a support layer 110, the surface pressure layer 120 may include a first surface pressure layer 121 and a second surface pressure layer 122 stacked along the stacking direction, and the support layer 110 may be disposed between the first surface pressure layer 121 and the second surface pressure layer 122.

[0124] In one embodiment, the support layer 110 may be configured to be heat-insulating, heat-resistant and fire-resistant, and will not expand or expand very slightly even when in contact with heat or flame, thereby supporting the shape and rigidity of the gasket 100.

[0125] In one embodiment, the support layer 110 may comprise at least one selected from graphite, mica, aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, wollastonite, and aerogel. In a specific embodiment, the support layer 110 may comprise at least one selected from graphite and mica.

[0126] In one embodiment, the thickness of the support layer 110 can be from 0.01 mm to 2.5 mm, specifically from 0.03 mm to 2.0 mm, and more specifically from 0.10 mm to 1.5 mm. When the thickness of the support layer 110 is less than the above-mentioned range, the effect of enhancing the blocking of heat or flame propagation may be negligible, and therefore the effect of the gasket 100 in blocking the propagation of heat or flame may be negligible. Furthermore, when the thickness of the support layer 110 exceeds the above-mentioned range, compared to the increase in the thickness or weight of the support layer 110, it is difficult to expect a significant improvement in the propagation blocking effect, and therefore the energy efficiency per unit volume and per unit weight of the battery module and battery pack comprising it may deteriorate.

[0127] In one embodiment, the support layer 110 may comprise a substrate and inorganic particles. In a specific embodiment, the inorganic particles may be configured to be coated on the substrate.

[0128] In one embodiment, the substrate may refer to polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), acrylic resin, or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), etc., but is not necessarily limited to these. It can be used without restriction as long as it corresponds to a material that can be used as a substrate for coating.

[0129] In one embodiment, the substrate may be sheet-like, and its thickness may be from 0.01 mm to 1.0 mm, specifically from 0.015 mm to 0.8 mm, and more specifically from 0.02 mm to 0.7 mm. When the thickness of the substrate is less than the above-mentioned range, the formation of the support layer 110 deteriorates, and therefore the gasket 100 according to a specific embodiment of the present invention may become structurally unstable. Furthermore, when the thickness of the substrate exceeds the above-mentioned range, the thickness of the gasket 100 becomes unnecessarily thicker, and therefore the energy efficiency per unit volume and per unit weight of the battery module may deteriorate.

[0130] In one embodiment, the inorganic particles may comprise at least one selected from graphite, mica, aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, wollastonite, and aerogel. In a specific embodiment, the inorganic particles may comprise at least one selected from graphite and mica. In a more specific embodiment, the inorganic particles may comprise at least one selected from granular graphite and mica, and the inorganic particles may be configured as an aggregated block.

[0131] According to an exemplary implementation, the inorganic particles may be crystalline particles or amorphous particles.

[0132] In one embodiment, the support layer 110 may comprise a support adhesive and inorganic particles. In a specific embodiment, the inorganic particles may be provided by being bonded together with the support adhesive.

[0133] In one embodiment, the supporting adhesive may refer to epoxy-based adhesives, acrylic-based adhesives, polyurethane-based adhesives, polyester-based adhesives, silicone-based adhesives, vinyl acetate-based adhesives, polyamide fiber-based adhesives, etc., but is not necessarily limited to these. It can be used without restriction as long as it corresponds to a material that is generally used as an adhesive.

[0134] In one embodiment, the inorganic particles may comprise at least one selected from graphite, mica, aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, wollastonite, and aerogel. In a specific embodiment, the inorganic particles may comprise at least one selected from graphite and mica. In a more specific embodiment, the inorganic particles may comprise at least one selected from particulate graphite and mica.

[0135] According to an exemplary implementation, the inorganic particles may be crystalline particles or amorphous particles.

[0136] In one embodiment, the support layer 110 may comprise an inorganic material sheet. In a specific embodiment, the inorganic material sheet may refer to a mica sheet.

[0137] In one embodiment, the support layer 110 may comprise an inorganic material tape. In a specific embodiment, the inorganic material tape may refer to a mica tape.

[0138] In one embodiment, the support layer 110 may comprise an aerogel blanket.

[0139] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view showing a gasket according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0140] Figure 11 This is a structural diagram showing a gasket according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0141] Figure 12 This is an exploded perspective view showing a gasket according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0142] Reference Figures 10 to 12 In one embodiment, the reinforcing layers (110, 140) may further include a support layer 110, which may be stacked on at least one of the first barrier layer 131 and the second barrier layer 132 along the stacking direction.

[0143] In one embodiment, the support layer 110 may include a first support layer 111 and a second support layer 112.

[0144] In one embodiment, the support layer 110 may be stacked on the first barrier layer 131 and the second barrier layer 132 along the stacking direction, respectively. In this case, the first support layer 111 may be stacked on the first barrier layer 131, and the second support layer 112 may be stacked on the second barrier layer 132. In this case, the first support layer 111 and the second support layer 112 may be disposed at the outermost opposite ends of the gasket 100.

[0145] In one embodiment, when the support layer 110 includes the first support layer 111 and the second support layer 112, the thickness of the support layer 110 may refer to the sum of the thicknesses of the first support layer 111 and the second support layer 112.

[0146] In one embodiment, the thicknesses of the first support layer 111 and the second support layer 112 may be the same. However, this is not a limitation, and the thicknesses of the first support layer 111 and the second support layer 112 may also differ from each other within the aforementioned numerical range.

[0147] In one embodiment, when the support layer 110 includes the first support layer 111 and the second support layer 112, the first support layer 111 and the second support layer 112 may each independently contain a substrate and inorganic particles, or contain a supporting adhesive and inorganic particles, or contain inorganic material sheets, or contain inorganic material strips, or contain aerogel felt.

[0148] In addition, using Figures 1 to 9 The descriptions of the first barrier layer 131, the reinforcing layers (110, 140), and the second barrier layer 132 can be applied without limitation.

[0149] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view showing a gasket according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0150] Figure 14 This is a structural diagram showing a gasket according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0151] Figure 15 This is an exploded perspective view showing a gasket according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0152] Reference Figures 13 to 15 In one embodiment, the reinforcing layers (110, 140) may further include a support layer 110, which may be disposed between the surface pressure layer 120 and the expansion layer 140.

[0153] In one embodiment, when the expansion layer 140 is disposed between the surface pressure layer 120 and the first barrier layer 131, the support layer 110 may be disposed between the surface pressure layer 120 and the expansion layer 140; when the expansion layer 140 is disposed between the surface pressure layer 120 and the second barrier layer 132, the support layer 110 may be disposed between the surface pressure layer 120 and the expansion layer 140.

[0154] In one embodiment, the support layer 110 may include a first support layer 111 and a second support layer 112.

[0155] In one embodiment, as described above, the expansion layer 140 may include a first expansion layer 141 and a second expansion layer 142. In this case, the support layer 110 may be disposed along the lamination direction between the surface pressure layer 120 and the first expansion layer 141, and between the surface pressure layer 120 and the second expansion layer 142, respectively. In this case, the first support layer 111 may be disposed between the surface pressure layer 120 and the first expansion layer 141, and the second support layer 112 may be disposed between the surface pressure layer 120 and the second expansion layer 142.

[0156] In addition, using Figures 1 to 12 The descriptions of the expansion layer 140, the reinforcing layers (110, 140), the surface pressure layer 120, the first support layer 111, and the second support layer 112 can be applied without limitation.

[0157] Figure 16 This is a cross-sectional view showing a gasket according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0158] Figure 17 This is a structural diagram showing a gasket according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0159] Figure 18This is an exploded perspective view showing a gasket according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0160] Reference Figures 16 to 18 In one embodiment, the reinforcing layers (110, 140) may further include a support layer 110, which may be disposed at at least at either the expansion layer 140 and the first barrier layer 131 and the expansion layer 140 and the second barrier layer 132 along the stacking direction.

[0161] In one embodiment, when the expansion layer 140 is disposed between the surface pressure layer 120 and the first barrier layer 131, the support layer 110 may be disposed between the expansion layer 140 and the first barrier layer 131; when the expansion layer 140 is disposed between the surface pressure layer 120 and the second barrier layer 132, the support layer 110 may be disposed between the expansion layer 140 and the second barrier layer 132.

[0162] In one embodiment, the support layer 110 may include a first support layer 111 and a second support layer 112.

[0163] In one embodiment, as described above, the expansion layer 140 may include a first expansion layer 141 and a second expansion layer 142. In this case, the support layer 110 may be disposed along the stacking direction between the first expansion layer 141 and the first barrier layer 131, and between the second expansion layer 142 and the second barrier layer 132. In this case, the first support layer 111 may be disposed between the first expansion layer 141 and the first barrier layer 131, and the second support layer 112 may be disposed between the second expansion layer 142 and the second barrier layer 132.

[0164] In addition, using Figures 1 to 12 The descriptions of the expansion layer 140, the reinforcing layers (110, 140), the surface pressure layer 120, the first support layer 111, and the second support layer 112 can be applied without limitation.

[0165] As described in the above embodiments, the anti-thermal runaway gasket 100 according to a specific embodiment of the present invention can effectively suppress the spread of heat or flame when a thermal runaway event occurs in the battery, even if it is formed with a relatively thin thickness. At the same time, it can also effectively alleviate the surface pressure caused by the swelling phenomenon that may occur due to the continuous use of the battery.

[0166] in addition, Figures 1 to 18The gasket 100 is shown for the purpose of illustrating a specific embodiment of the present invention, and the shape, thickness, size, color, shadow, etc. of the gasket 100 and each layer shown are arbitrary, and can therefore be set in various ways as needed without departing from the scope defined in the present invention.

[0167] Battery modules and battery packs

[0168] Figure 19 This is an exploded perspective view showing a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0169] A battery module 300 according to a specific embodiment of the present invention may include: a plurality of battery cells 200, the plurality of battery cells 200 being stacked along a predetermined stacking direction; a module housing 310, the module housing 310 accommodating the plurality of battery cells 200; and a gasket 100, the gasket 100 being disposed between at least one pair of adjacent battery cells 200, wherein the gasket 100 may include: a sheet-like surface pressure layer 120; a first barrier layer 131 and a second barrier layer 132, the first barrier layer 131 and the second barrier layer 132 being stacked on both sides of the surface pressure layer 120 along a predetermined stacking direction; and reinforcing layers (110, 140), the reinforcing layers (110, 140) being disposed along the stacking direction of the gasket 100.

[0170] In one embodiment, the stacking direction of the plurality of battery cells 200 and the stacking direction of each layer within the gasket 100 may be the same. However, this is not a limitation, and the stacking directions may differ as needed.

[0171] In one embodiment, the battery cell 200 may include a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a separator, and an electrolyte as its main components. In another embodiment, the battery cell 200 may include an electrode assembly comprising a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator.

[0172] According to an exemplary embodiment, the positive electrode may include a positive electrode current collector and a positive electrode active material coated on at least one side of the positive electrode current collector. The positive electrode current collector may include a known conductive material within the range that will not cause a chemical reaction within the lithium secondary battery. The positive electrode current collector may include, for example, any of stainless steel, nickel (Ni), aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), and alloys thereof, and may be provided in various forms such as film, sheet, and foil. The positive electrode active material may contain a substance that allows lithium ions to intercalate and deintercalate. The positive electrode active material may be, for example, a lithium metal oxide.

[0173] According to an exemplary embodiment, the negative electrode may include a negative electrode current collector and a negative electrode active material coated on at least one side of the negative electrode current collector. The negative electrode current collector may include a known conductive material within the range that will not cause a chemical reaction within the lithium secondary battery. The negative electrode current collector may include, for example, any one of stainless steel, nickel (Ni), aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), and alloys thereof, and may be provided in various forms such as films, sheets, foils, etc. The negative electrode active material may contain a substance that allows lithium ions to be inserted and extracted. The negative electrode active material may include, for example, carbon-based materials such as crystalline carbon, amorphous carbon, carbon composites, carbon fibers, lithium alloys, silicon (Si), and tin (Sn), or combinations thereof.

[0174] According to an exemplary embodiment, the positive and negative electrodes may each further include an adhesive and a conductive material to improve mechanical stability and conductivity.

[0175] According to an exemplary embodiment, each of the battery cells 200 may further include a separator to prevent short circuits between the positive and negative electrodes and to prevent ion flow. The separator may include, for example, a porous polymer membrane or a porous nonwoven fabric.

[0176] Therefore, according to the embodiment described above, the electrode assembly can have a structure in which a positive electrode, a separator, and a negative electrode are stacked along a predetermined stacking direction. The positive electrode, separator, and negative electrode can be stacked in a stacking, stack-folding, or Z-stacking manner.

[0177] According to an exemplary embodiment, each of the battery cells 200 may include an electrolyte to impregnate the electrode assembly. The electrolyte may be a non-aqueous electrolyte. The electrolyte may contain lithium salts and organic solvents, and may further contain additives as needed.

[0178] Additionally, according to another exemplary embodiment, each of the battery cells 200 may further include a solid electrolyte layer comprising an electrolyte in solid form. Therefore, according to the embodiment described above, the electrode assembly may have a structure in which a positive electrode, a solid electrolyte layer, and a negative electrode are stacked along a predetermined stacking direction.

[0179] The battery cell 200 may include the aforementioned main components and a cell housing that accommodates these main components. The battery cell 200 may further include electrode leads 210. The electrode leads 210 may be connected to the positive and negative terminals, respectively. The electrode leads 210 may protrude outside the cell housing and electrically connect the battery cell to the outside.

[0180] Reference Figure 19 The module housing 310 may include: a module body 319, which forms part of a receiving space 380 for accommodating the plurality of battery cells 200; and a module cover 315, which is combined with the module body 319 to form the receiving space 380 together.

[0181] In one embodiment, the plurality of battery cells 200 can be arranged along a predetermined stacking direction (e.g., Figure 19 The X-direction is set and located inside the module body 319.

[0182] In one embodiment, the module housing 310 may further include: a module body 319, the module body 319 including an upper surface 3195 with an opening, and accommodating the plurality of battery cells 200 through the upper surface 3195 with the opening; and a module cover 315, the module cover 315 being combined with the module body 319 to close the upper surface 3195 with the opening.

[0183] Therefore, the module cover 315 can be combined with the module body 319 to form the upper surface of the receiving space 380 or the upper surface of the module housing 310. That is, the module cover 315 can be combined with the module body 319 to close the upper surface 3195 of the opening, and can form the receiving space 380 together with the module body 319.

[0184] In one embodiment, the accommodating space 380 may include a space formed inside the module body 319 to accommodate a stack of the plurality of battery cells 200.

[0185] In one embodiment, the module body 319 may have a channel shape or a U-shape with an upper opening. (See reference...) Figure 19 The two sides (3197, 3198) of the main body 319 of the module facing each other along the X direction can also be in the form of openings.

[0186] In one embodiment, the module body 319 may include: a bottom surface 3194 forming the bottom surface of the receiving space 380; and side surfaces (3191, 3192) extending from a corner (not shown) of the bottom surface 3194 parallel to the stacking direction toward the module cover 315. The free ends of the side surfaces (3191, 3192) may be bent to form flanges (not shown). This allows for easy engagement with the module cover 315.

[0187] In one embodiment, the height of the module body 319 may be less than the height of the plurality of battery cells 200. However, it is not necessarily limited to this; as needed, the height of the module body 319 may be greater than or equal to the height of the plurality of battery cells 200.

[0188] Figure 20 This is a diagram showing a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above.

[0189] Reference Figure 19 and Figure 20 In one embodiment, the gasket 100 may be disposed between at least one pair of adjacent cells 200 among the plurality of cells 200.

[0190] As described above, the plurality of battery cells 200 can be stacked and arranged along a predetermined stacking direction. In one embodiment, the spacer 100 can also be arranged along the stacking direction between at least one pair of adjacent battery cells 200. For example, refer to... Figure 19 and Figure 20 The illustration shows an example where the long edges of the plurality of battery cells 200 are arranged parallel to each other in the Y direction. In this case, the plurality of battery cells 200 and the spacer 100 can be stacked and arranged along the X direction.

[0191] In a specific implementation, the gasket 100 may be disposed in contact between at least one pair of adjacent cells 200 among the plurality of cells 200.

[0192] In one embodiment, each of the gaskets 100 may be configured to contact only the cell housing of the cell 200. That is, each of the gaskets 100 may not contact the electrode leads 210 of the cell 200. (Refer to...) Figure 19 and Figure 20 The diagram shows only the electrode leads 210 protruding to the outside. This could mean that each of the pads 100 is configured to contact only the cell housing of the cell 200. However, it is not necessarily limited to this, and various configurations can be shown as needed.

[0193] In one embodiment, the plurality of battery cells 200 can be stacked in such a manner that one or more battery cells 200 have the spacer 100 disposed on one side and the spacer 100 not disposed on the other side opposite to the one side. That is, they can be stacked in a configuration that includes one or more battery cells 200-battery cells 200-spacer 100 stacked in that order.

[0194] Reference Figure 20In one embodiment, the plurality of battery cells 200 may be stacked such that, except for any one of the outermost battery cells 200 located in the stacking direction, each battery cell 200 has a spacer 100 disposed on one side and no spacer 100 disposed on the opposite side. In this case, the plurality of battery cells 200 may be stacked such that a spacer 100 is disposed for every two battery cells 200 along the stacking direction.

[0195] However, it is not necessarily limited to this. As needed, the spacer 100 may be located between the individual cells 200, or between battery packs in which the plurality of cells 200 are grouped in any number.

[0196] In one embodiment, the gasket 100 may include: a sheet-like surface pressure layer 120; a first barrier layer 131 and a second barrier layer 132, the first barrier layer 131 and the second barrier layer 132 being stacked on both sides of the surface pressure layer 120 along the stacking direction; and reinforcing layers (110, 140), the reinforcing layers (110, 140) being disposed along the stacking direction.

[0197] In one embodiment, the stacking direction may refer to the same direction as the stacking direction of the plurality of battery cells 200.

[0198] In one embodiment, the thickness of the gasket 100 can be from 0.55 mm to 5.5 mm. Specifically, the thickness of the gasket 100 can be from 0.6 mm to 5.0 mm, and more specifically from 0.75 mm to 4.5 mm.

[0199] In one embodiment, the first barrier layer 131 and the second barrier layer 132 may each independently comprise at least one selected from fibers and inorganic materials.

[0200] In one embodiment, the thickness of the first barrier layer 131 and the second barrier layer 132 can each be independently from 0.05 mm to 1.0 mm. Specifically, the thickness of the first barrier layer 131 and the second barrier layer 132 can be from 0.07 mm to 0.9 mm, and more specifically from 0.1 mm to 0.85 mm.

[0201] In one embodiment, the surface pressure layer 120 may comprise at least one selected from silicone, polyurethane (PU), acrylic resin, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), isoprene rubber, butadiene rubber, chloroprene rubber, and butyl rubber.

[0202] In one embodiment, the thickness of the surface pressure layer 120 can be from 0.2 mm to 4.0 mm. Specifically, the thickness of the surface pressure layer 120 can be from 0.5 mm to 3.0 mm, and more specifically, from 0.7 mm to 2.5 mm.

[0203] In one embodiment, the thickness of the surface pressure layer 120 may be 20% to 82% of the total thickness of the gasket 100. Specifically, the thickness of the surface pressure layer 120 may be 27% to 81% of the total thickness of the gasket 100, and more specifically, 32% to 80%.

[0204] In one embodiment, the reinforcing layers (110, 140) may include an expansion layer 140, which may be disposed at at least at either the surface pressure layer 120 and the first barrier layer 131 and the surface pressure layer 120 and the second barrier layer 132 along the stacking direction.

[0205] In one embodiment, the expanded layer 140 may comprise at least one selected from expanded graphite, silicates, and phosphorus-based flame retardants.

[0206] In one embodiment, the thickness of the expansion layer 140 can be from 0.015 mm to 1.0 mm. Specifically, the thickness of the expansion layer 140 can be from 0.02 mm to 0.8 mm, and more specifically, from 0.03 mm to 0.8 mm.

[0207] In one embodiment, the reinforcing layers (110, 140) may include an expansion layer 140, and the surface pressure layer 120 may include a first surface pressure layer 121 and a second surface pressure layer 122 stacked along the stacking direction. The expansion layer 140 may be disposed between the first surface pressure layer 121 and the second surface pressure layer 122.

[0208] In one embodiment, the reinforcing layers (110, 140) may further include a support layer 110, the surface pressure layer 120 may include a first surface pressure layer 121 and a second surface pressure layer 122 stacked along the stacking direction, and the support layer 110 may be disposed between the first surface pressure layer 121 and the second surface pressure layer 122.

[0209] In one embodiment, the support layer 110 may comprise at least one selected from graphite, mica, aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, wollastonite, and aerogel.

[0210] In one embodiment, the thickness of the support layer 110 can be from 0.01 mm to 2.5 mm. Specifically, the thickness of the support layer 110 can be from 0.03 mm to 2.0 mm, and more specifically, from 0.10 mm to 1.5 mm.

[0211] In one embodiment, the reinforcing layers (110, 140) may further include a support layer 110, which may be stacked on at least one of the first barrier layer 131 and the second barrier layer 132 along the stacking direction.

[0212] In one embodiment, the reinforcing layers (110, 140) may further include a support layer 110, which may be disposed between the surface pressure layer 120 and the expansion layer 140.

[0213] In one embodiment, the reinforcing layers (110, 140) may further include a support layer 110, which may be disposed at at least at either the expansion layer 140 and the first barrier layer 131 and the expansion layer 140 and the second barrier layer 132 along the stacking direction.

[0214] Reference Figure 19 and Figure 20 In one embodiment, the thickness of the gasket 100 and each layer may refer to the average distance between the gasket 100 and each layer in the X direction.

[0215] In addition, using Figures 1 to 18 The description of the gasket 100 can be applied without limitation.

[0216] In one embodiment, the battery module 300 may include other components necessary to drive the battery module 300, in addition to the battery cell 200, module housing 310 and gasket 100.

[0217] Reference Figure 19 In one embodiment, the battery module 300 may further include end plates (312, 313) disposed at both ends of the stack of the plurality of battery cells 200 along the stacking direction. In a specific embodiment, the end plates (312, 313) may be disposed at both ends of the stack, or may be connected to the two sides (3197, 3198) of the module body 319. In one embodiment, the end plates (312, 313) may be configured to prevent the two sides of the stack of the plurality of battery cells 200 from being exposed to the outside.

[0218] In one embodiment, the battery module 300 may include a busbar 270 electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells 200.

[0219] In one embodiment, the battery module 300 may further include a busbar frame (251, 252, 255) supporting the busbar 270 and the plurality of battery cells 200.

[0220] In one embodiment, the configuration including the busbar 270 and the busbar frame (251, 252, 255) may be referred to as busbar assembly 250. In this case, the busbar assembly 250 may include the busbar 270 electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells 200.

[0221] In one embodiment, the busbar frame (251, 252, 255) may be configured to be electrically connected to an external source to store (or charge) electrical energy in the plurality of battery cells 200 or to supply (or discharge) the electrical energy stored in the plurality of battery cells 200 to an external source.

[0222] In one embodiment, the busbar assembly 250 may include a first busbar frame 251 and a second busbar frame 252, wherein the plurality of battery cells 200 are disposed between the first busbar frame 251 and the second busbar frame 252, and the first busbar frame 251 and the second busbar frame 252 extend along the stacking direction of the plurality of battery cells 200.

[0223] In one embodiment, the busbar assembly 250 may further include a support frame 255 located on one side of the busbar assembly 250 and connecting the first busbar frame 251 and the second busbar frame 252.

[0224] In one embodiment, the support frame 255 may be configured to prevent deformation of the first busbar frame 251 and the second busbar frame 252 and to provide support.

[0225] In one embodiment, a portion of the electrical device for sensing and controlling the plurality of battery cells 200 may be disposed on the support frame 255.

[0226] Figure 19 The diagram shows the electrode leads 210 of the battery cell 200 formed in opposite directions on the busbar assembly 250, but this is not a limitation. If necessary, the electrode leads 210 of the battery cell 200 may also be formed in the same direction. In this case, the busbar frames (251, 252, 255) may be located on one side of the battery cell 200 and electrically connected, for example, they may be located on the upper part of the battery cell 200 and electrically connected.

[0227] Reference Figure 19In one embodiment, the busbar assembly 250 may be in the shape of a tunnel.

[0228] In one embodiment, along the stacking direction, the lengths of the first busbar frame 251 and the second busbar frame 252 may be greater than the length of the support frame 255.

[0229] In one embodiment, the support frame 255 may be connected to the first busbar frame 251 and the second busbar frame 252 and cover the upper portion of at least a portion of the plurality of battery cells 200. Alternatively, the support frame 255 may be configured to cover the upper portions of all of the plurality of battery cells 200.

[0230] In one embodiment, the busbar 270 may include: a first busbar 271, which is supported by a first busbar frame 251 and electrically connected to any one of the electrode leads of the battery cell 200; and a second busbar 272, which is supported by a second busbar frame 252 and electrically connected to the other electrode lead of the battery cell 200.

[0231] In one embodiment, the first busbar 271 and the second busbar 272 may be located further away from the plurality of cells 200 than the first busbar frame 251 and the second busbar frame 252. That is, the first busbar 271 and the second busbar 272 may be closer to the body side (3191, 3192) than the first busbar frame 251 and the second busbar frame 252. In this case, each electrode lead of the cell 200 may be inserted into a slit hole (not shown) formed in the first busbar frame 251 and the second busbar frame 252 and electrically connected to the first busbar 271 and the second busbar 272. However, this is not a limitation; each electrode lead may also be electrically connected to the first busbar 271 and the second busbar 272 by a method different from the method described above, as needed.

[0232] In one embodiment, the battery module 300 may further include a heat dissipation section 395 located between the bottom surface 3194 of the main body and the plurality of battery cells 200, so as to transfer the heat generated in the plurality of battery cells 200 to the outside of the battery module 300.

[0233] In one embodiment, the heat dissipation portion 395 may include an adhesive material with thermal conductivity.

[0234] In one embodiment, the heat dissipation portion 395 can bond the plurality of battery cells 200 to the bottom surface 3194 of the main body. For this purpose, the heat dissipation portion 395 can be sprayed or coated onto the bottom surface 3194 of the main body.

[0235] in addition, Figures 19 to 20 This illustration is for ease of explanation and shows a battery module 300 where cell 200 is a pouch cell, but it is not limited to this. It can be applied without restriction to prismatic or cylindrical cells, etc., as needed. Figures 19 to 20 In addition to the structure shown, the battery module 300 can also be used without restriction within the scope defined in this utility model.

[0236] Figure 21 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0237] Reference Figure 21 According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, a battery pack 400 may include: a cell stack 290; and a housing 410, the housing 410 accommodating a plurality of cell stacks 290, wherein the cell stack 290 may include: a plurality of cells 200, the plurality of cells 200 being stacked along a predetermined stacking direction; and a spacer 100, the spacer 100 being disposed between at least one pair of adjacent cells 200 among the plurality of cells 200, wherein the spacer 100 may include: a sheet-like surface pressure layer 120; a first barrier layer 131 and a second barrier layer 132, the first barrier layer 131 and the second barrier layer 132 being stacked on both sides of the surface pressure layer 120 along a predetermined stacking direction; and reinforcing layers (110, 140), the reinforcing layers (110, 140) being disposed along the stacking direction of the spacer.

[0238] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, the battery pack 400 can be in the form of a cell-to-pack (CTP) structure, wherein the battery module 300 structure is omitted, and the cell stack 290, which consists of multiple cells 200 stacked on top of each other, is directly housed in the form of a battery pack.

[0239] In one embodiment, the cell stack 290 may include: a plurality of cells 200 stacked along a predetermined stacking direction; and a spacer 100 disposed between at least one pair of adjacent cells 200 among the plurality of cells 200.

[0240] In one embodiment, the housing 410 may include: a receiving body 411 that receives a plurality of the cell stacks 290; and a receiving cover (not shown) that is attached to the receiving body 411.

[0241] In one embodiment, the housing 410 may further include a partition 430 that partitions the space within the housing 410 for accommodating each of the cell stacks 290.

[0242] In one embodiment, the dividing section 430 may include: a first frame 433 that laterally divides the space within the housing 410 that accommodates each of the battery cell stacks 290; and a second frame 435 that longitudinally divides the space within the housing 410 that accommodates each of the battery cell stacks 290. With the dividing section 430 configured as described above, a plurality of battery cell stacks 290 disposed within the housing 410 can be accommodated within the housing 410 according to a preset accommodating method.

[0243] In contrast, the battery pack 400 according to one specific embodiment of the present invention may also be configured to include multiple battery modules 300. In this case, the battery modules 300 may be the same as those described above.

[0244] In one embodiment, the gasket 100 may include: a sheet-like surface pressure layer 120; a first barrier layer 131 and a second barrier layer 132, the first barrier layer 131 and the second barrier layer 132 being stacked on both sides of the surface pressure layer 120 along the stacking direction; and reinforcing layers (110, 140), the reinforcing layers (110, 140) being disposed along the stacking direction.

[0245] In one embodiment, the stacking direction may refer to the same direction as the stacking direction of the plurality of battery cells 200.

[0246] In one embodiment, the thickness of the gasket 100 can be from 0.55 mm to 5.5 mm. Specifically, the thickness of the gasket 100 can be from 0.6 mm to 5.0 mm, and more specifically from 0.75 mm to 4.5 mm.

[0247] In one embodiment, the first barrier layer 131 and the second barrier layer 132 may each independently comprise at least one selected from fibers and inorganic materials.

[0248] In one embodiment, the thickness of the first barrier layer 131 and the second barrier layer 132 can each be independently from 0.05 mm to 1.0 mm. Specifically, the thickness of the first barrier layer 131 and the second barrier layer 132 can be from 0.07 mm to 0.9 mm, and more specifically from 0.1 mm to 0.85 mm.

[0249] In one embodiment, the surface pressure layer 120 may comprise at least one selected from silicone, polyurethane (PU), acrylic resin, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), isoprene rubber, butadiene rubber, chloroprene rubber, and butyl rubber.

[0250] In one embodiment, the thickness of the surface pressure layer 120 can be from 0.2 mm to 4.0 mm. Specifically, the thickness of the surface pressure layer 120 can be from 0.5 mm to 3.0 mm, and more specifically, from 0.7 mm to 2.5 mm.

[0251] In one embodiment, the thickness of the surface pressure layer 120 may be 20% to 82% of the total thickness of the gasket 100. Specifically, the thickness of the surface pressure layer 120 may be 27% to 81% of the total thickness of the gasket 100, and more specifically, 32% to 80%.

[0252] In one embodiment, the reinforcing layers (110, 140) may include an expansion layer 140, which may be disposed at at least at either the surface pressure layer 120 and the first barrier layer 131 and the surface pressure layer 120 and the second barrier layer 132 along the stacking direction.

[0253] In one embodiment, the expanded layer 140 may comprise at least one selected from expanded graphite, silicates, and phosphorus-based flame retardants.

[0254] In one embodiment, the thickness of the expansion layer 140 can be from 0.015 mm to 1.0 mm. Specifically, the thickness of the expansion layer 140 can be from 0.02 mm to 0.8 mm, and more specifically, from 0.03 mm to 0.8 mm.

[0255] In one embodiment, the reinforcing layers (110, 140) may include an expansion layer 140, and the surface pressure layer 120 may include a first surface pressure layer 121 and a second surface pressure layer 122 stacked along the stacking direction. The expansion layer 140 may be disposed between the first surface pressure layer 121 and the second surface pressure layer 122.

[0256] In one embodiment, the reinforcing layers (110, 140) may further include a support layer 110, the surface pressure layer 120 may include a first surface pressure layer 121 and a second surface pressure layer 122 stacked along the stacking direction, and the support layer 110 may be disposed between the first surface pressure layer 121 and the second surface pressure layer 122.

[0257] In one embodiment, the support layer 110 may comprise at least one selected from graphite, mica, aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, wollastonite, and aerogel.

[0258] In one embodiment, the thickness of the support layer 110 can be from 0.01 mm to 2.5 mm. Specifically, the thickness of the support layer 110 can be from 0.03 mm to 2.0 mm, and more specifically, from 0.10 mm to 1.5 mm.

[0259] In one embodiment, the reinforcing layers (110, 140) may further include a support layer 110, which may be stacked on at least one of the first barrier layer 131 and the second barrier layer 132 along the stacking direction.

[0260] In one embodiment, the reinforcing layers (110, 140) may further include a support layer 110, which may be disposed between the surface pressure layer 120 and the expansion layer 140.

[0261] In one embodiment, the reinforcing layers (110, 140) may further include a support layer 110, which may be disposed at at least at either the expansion layer 140 and the first barrier layer 131 and the expansion layer 140 and the second barrier layer 132 along the stacking direction.

[0262] In addition, using Figures 1 to 18 The description of the gasket 100 can be applied without limitation.

[0263] According to a specific embodiment of this utility model, the gasket 100, battery module 300, and battery pack 400 can be preferably used as power supplies for small or medium-to-large-sized devices. Examples of small devices include mobile phones, laptops, and cameras, while examples of medium-to-large-sized devices include electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and energy storage systems, but are not limited thereto.

[0264] The embodiments of this utility model will be further described below with reference to specific experimental examples. The embodiments and comparative examples included in the experimental examples are only for illustrating this utility model and do not limit the scope of the claims. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made to the embodiments within the scope and technical concept of this utility model, and such variations and modifications also fall within the scope of the claims.

[0265] Example

[0266] (Example 1)

[0267] A gasket is prepared by sequentially stacking a first barrier layer, a first expansion layer, a surface pressure layer, a second expansion layer, and a second barrier layer. Ceramic fibers (woven fabric) with a thickness of 0.3 mm are prepared as the first and second barrier layers, respectively. Expanded graphite is stacked on the first and second barrier layers to form a layer with a thickness of 0.1 mm. The first and second barrier layers, with the expanded graphite layers stacked, are arranged such that the expanded graphite layers face each other. Silicone foam is then foamed to a thickness of 2.2 mm and bonded together to prepare the gasket.

[0268] (Example 2)

[0269] A gasket is prepared by sequentially stacking a first barrier layer, a first expansion layer, a first surface pressure layer, a support layer, a second surface pressure layer, a second expansion layer, and a second barrier layer. Ceramic fibers (woven fabric) with a thickness of 0.3 mm are prepared as the first and second barrier layers, respectively. A mixture of expanded graphite and a phosphorus-based flame retardant is layered onto the first and second barrier layers to form a layer (expansion layer) with a thickness of 0.1 mm. Silicone foam is then foamed to a thickness of 0.85 mm onto the first and second barrier layers, respectively, where the expansion layer is formed.

[0270] Prepare a PET film with a thickness of 0.1 mm, and then coat one side of the prepared film with a mixture of graphite and mica powder with a thickness of 0.4 mm to prepare a support layer.

[0271] A first barrier layer and a second barrier layer, which are sequentially stacked with the expansion layer and the silicone foam layer, are arranged such that the silicone foam layers of each other face each other, and then a support layer is inserted between them and bonded together to prepare the gasket.

[0272] (Example 3)

[0273] The gasket was prepared using the same method as in Example 2, except that expanded graphite was stacked on the first and second barrier layers to form a layer with a thickness of 0.1 mm, and a mica sheet with a thickness of 0.5 mm was used as a support layer.

[0274] (Example 4)

[0275] A gasket is prepared by sequentially stacking a first support layer, a first barrier layer, a first expansion layer, a surface pressure layer, a second expansion layer, a second barrier layer, and a second support layer. Mica sheets with a thickness of 0.5 mm are prepared as the first and second support layers, respectively. Ceramic fibers (NCF) with a thickness of 0.3 mm are attached to the first and second support layers, respectively. A mixture of potassium silicate and phosphorus-based flame retardant is laminated onto each attached ceramic fiber to form a layer (expansion layer) with a thickness of 0.1 mm. The first and second support layers, which are sequentially stacked with ceramic fibers and the expansion layer, are arranged such that their expansion surfaces face each other. Silicone foam is then foamed to a thickness of 1.2 mm and bonded together to prepare the gasket.

[0276] (Example 5)

[0277] A gasket is prepared by sequentially stacking a first barrier layer, a first expansion layer, a first support layer, a surface pressure layer, a second support layer, a second expansion layer, and a second barrier layer. Basalt fiber (woven fabric) with a thickness of 0.3 mm is prepared as the first and second barrier layers, respectively. A mixture of expanded graphite and a phosphorus-based flame retardant is layered onto the first and second barrier layers to form a layer (expansion layer) with a thickness of 0.1 mm. Aerogel sheets with a thickness of 0.5 mm are attached to the first and second barrier layers, respectively, on which the expansion layer is formed. The first and second barrier layers, with the expansion layer and aerogel sheet sequentially stacked, are arranged such that the aerogel sheets face each other, and silicone foam is foamed to a thickness of 1.2 mm and then bonded together to prepare the gasket.

[0278] (Example 6)

[0279] The gasket was prepared using the same method as in Example 1, except that the ceramic fiber thickness was 0.2 mm, the expanded graphite layer thickness was 0.015 mm, and styrene-butadiene foam was foamed to a thickness of 0.32 mm instead of silicone foam.

[0280] (Example 7)

[0281] The gasket was prepared using the same method as in Example 2, except that glass fiber (woven fabric) with a thickness of 0.4 mm was used instead of ceramic fiber, sodium silicate was laminated on the first and second barrier layers to form a layer (expansion layer) with a thickness of 0.2 mm, EPDM foam was foamed to a thickness of 0.9 mm instead of silicone foam, and mica sheet with a thickness of 1.5 mm was used as the support layer.

[0282] (Example 8)

[0283] The gasket was prepared using the same method as in Example 2, except that polyaramid fibers (woven fabric) of the same thickness were used instead of ceramic fibers, a mixture of potassium silicate and phosphorus-based flame retardant was laminated on the first and second barrier layers to form a layer (expansion layer) with a thickness of 0.1 mm, silicone foam was foamed to a thickness of 1.0 mm, and a mica tape with a thickness of 0.2 mm was used as a support layer.

[0284] (Example 9)

[0285] A gasket is prepared by sequentially stacking a first barrier layer, a first surface pressure layer, an expansion layer, a second surface pressure layer, and a second barrier layer. Glass fiber (woven fabric) with a thickness of 0.07 mm is prepared as the first and second barrier layers, respectively. Acrylic resin foam is foamed to a thickness of 0.93 mm on both the first and second barrier layers. Sodium silicate is then stacked on the first barrier layer with the acrylic resin foam layer to form a 1 mm thick layer. The sodium silicate layer and the acrylic resin foam layer of the second barrier layer are then positioned and bonded together with the latter facing each other to prepare the gasket.

[0286] (Example 10)

[0287] The gasket was prepared using the same method as in Example 2, except that short-fiber ceramic fibers of the same thickness were used instead of woven ceramic fibers, sodium silicate was laminated on the first and second barrier layers to form a 0.3 mm thick layer (expansion layer) instead of the mixture, silicone foam was foamed to a thickness of 0.65 mm, and a 0.5 mm thick mica sheet was used as a support layer.

[0288] (Example 11)

[0289] The gasket is prepared using the same method as in Example 2, except that glass fibers of the same thickness in the form of short fibers are used instead of ceramic fibers in the form of woven fabric, polyurethane foam is foamed to a thickness of 0.85 mm on the first and second barrier layers on which the expansion layer is formed instead of silicone foam, and a mica sheet with a thickness of 0.5 mm is used as the support layer.

[0290] (Example 12)

[0291] The gasket was prepared using the same method as in Example 9, except that the glass fiber thickness was 0.3 mm, silicone foam was foamed to a thickness of 1.2 mm on the first and second barrier layers instead of acrylic foam, and expanded graphite was laminated on the first barrier layer on which the silicone foam layer was laminated to form a layer with a thickness of 0.015 mm.

[0292] (Example 13)

[0293] The gasket was prepared using the same method as in Example 1, except that glass fiber (woven fabric) with a thickness of 1 mm was used instead of ceramic fiber, the expanded graphite layer had a thickness of 0.02 mm, and the silicone foam was foamed to a thickness of 0.96 mm.

[0294] (Example 14)

[0295] A gasket is prepared by sequentially stacking a first barrier layer, a first expansion layer, a first surface pressure layer, a support layer, a second surface pressure layer, a second expansion layer, and a second barrier layer. Basalt fiber (woven fabric) with a thickness of 0.3 mm is prepared as the first and second barrier layers, respectively. Expanded graphite is layered on the first barrier layer to form a layer with a thickness of 0.02 mm, and sodium silicate is layered on the second barrier layer to form a layer with a thickness of 0.3 mm. Silicone foam is foamed to a thickness of 0.88 mm on the first barrier layer where the expanded graphite layer is formed, and polyurethane foam is foamed to a thickness of 0.5 mm on the second barrier layer where the sodium silicate layer is formed.

[0296] A first barrier layer consisting of an expanded graphite layer and a silicone foam layer, and a second barrier layer consisting of a sodium silicate layer and a polyurethane foam layer, are stacked sequentially, with the silicone foam layers of the first barrier layer and the polyurethane foam layers of the second barrier layer facing each other. A mica sheet with a thickness of 0.7 mm is then inserted between them and bonded together to prepare the gasket.

[0297] (Example 15)

[0298] A gasket is prepared by sequentially stacking a first barrier layer, a first expansion layer, a first support layer, a surface pressure layer, a second support layer, a second expansion layer, and a second barrier layer. A 0.3 mm thick glass fiber (woven fabric) is prepared as the first barrier layer, and a 0.1 mm thick ceramic fiber (woven fabric) is prepared as the second barrier layer. Expanded graphite is then stacked on top of the first and second barrier layers to form a 0.05 mm thick layer (expansion layer).

[0299] Magnesium hydroxide powder was mixed with epoxy adhesive to prepare a first support layer with a thickness of 0.2 mm. A mica sheet with a thickness of 0.5 mm was prepared as a second support layer.

[0300] The first support layer is attached to a first barrier layer on which the expanded graphite layer is formed, and the second support layer is attached to a second barrier layer on which the expanded graphite layer is formed. The first barrier layer and the second barrier layer are arranged such that the first support layer and the second support layer face each other, and silicone foam is foamed to a thickness of 1.8 mm and then bonded together to prepare the gasket.

[0301] (Comparative Example 1)

[0302] The gasket was prepared using the same method as in Example 1, except that glass fiber (woven fabric) with a thickness of 0.07 mm was used instead of ceramic fiber, the expanded graphite layer had a thickness of 0.02 mm, and the silicone foam was foamed to a thickness of 0.32 mm.

[0303] (Comparative Example 2)

[0304] The gasket was prepared using the same method as in Comparative Example 1, except that the thickness of the glass fiber was 0.3 mm, the thickness of the expanded graphite layer was 0.002 mm, and the silicone foam was foamed to 2.396 mm.

[0305] (Comparative Example 3)

[0306] A gasket is prepared by sequentially stacking a first expansion layer, a surface pressure layer, and a second expansion layer. This is done by foaming silicone foam to a thickness of 2.5 mm, then stacking sodium silicate on one side to form a 0.3 mm thick layer, and stacking expanded graphite on the other side to form a 0.2 mm thick layer.

[0307] (Comparative Example 4)

[0308] Prepare silicone foam with a thickness of 3mm as the gasket.

[0309] (Comparative Example 5)

[0310] The gasket was prepared using the same method as in Example 3, except that the ceramic fibers were 0.9 mm thick and the silicone foam was foamed to a thickness of 0.25 mm.

[0311] The thickness of the gaskets and each layer of Examples 1 to 15 described above is shown in Table 1 below, and the thickness of the gaskets and each layer of Comparative Examples 1 to 5 described above is shown in Table 2 below.

[0312] (Unit: mm (The proportion of the surface pressure layer thickness in the total thickness of the gasket is expressed as a percentage). When the corresponding layer does not exist, it is marked as -.)

[0313] [Table 1]

[0314]

[0315] [Table 2]

[0316]

[0317] Evaluation Example 1: Evaluation of the performance in blocking heat and flame

[0318] 1. Blowtorch Test - Evaluation of Backside Temperature

[0319] Gas torch tests were conducted on the gaskets of Examples 1 to 15 and the gaskets of Comparative Examples 1 to 5.

[0320] Using a butane gas torch (0.11 MPa ± 0.01), a flame at a temperature of 1100°C to 1200°C was applied to one side (front) of each gasket at a distance of 140 mm from the front side for 300 seconds. Then the temperature of the other side (back) of each gasket was measured. The results are shown in Tables 3 and 4 below.

[0321] 2. Blowtorch test - to evaluate whether a hole is formed.

[0322] Using the same method as the blowtorch test in Evaluation Example 1, a flame was applied to one side (front) of the gaskets of Examples 1 to 15 and Comparative Examples 1 to 5, and then the formation of a hole was evaluated on the other side (back) of each gasket. The formation of a hole was visually confirmed; if no hole was formed, the evaluation was O; if a hole was formed, the evaluation was X. The evaluation results are shown in Tables 3 and 4 below.

[0323] 3. Fire delay test

[0324] Fire delay tests are conducted using test jigs that simulate the environment within battery modules and battery packs to evaluate the degree of delay in fire propagation.

[0325] Specifically, a battery module fixture simulating the environment of a battery module and a battery pack fixture simulating the environment of a battery pack are prepared. The materials and design of the battery module fixture and battery pack fixture are configured to simulate the internal environment of actual battery modules and battery packs. Heat insulation plates (mica) are attached to the upper and lower surfaces of the battery module fixture and the inner surface of the battery pack fixture to block heat flow between the fixture and its surroundings. In the battery module fixture, a spacer of this invention is provided for every three pouch-type secondary battery cells, and the spacers are stacked and arranged such that they are also provided on the outer surfaces of the outermost cells at both ends. A heating pad, measuring 100×90mm, is inserted between one of the outermost cells at both ends and the spacer on the outer surface.2 A heating pad is placed between the heating pad and the battery cell, and then a spacer is inserted between the heating pad and the battery cell to finally form the test stack. A cell voltage meter is connected to each cell, the battery module fixture is placed in the battery pack fixture, and then charged to 100% SOC and subjected to a stabilization process. The initial voltage is 24V.

[0326] The heating pad was made to release heat at a maximum temperature of 250°C within 2 minutes. The time from the point when the temperature of the battery cell heated by the heating pad reached 300°C to the point when the measured voltage became 0V was considered as the explosion time of the last battery cell (the battery cell furthest from the heating pad), and the time between the above time points was measured as the "fire delay time". Tables 3 and 4 below show the fire delay times when using the gaskets of Examples 1 to 15 and the gaskets of Comparative Examples 1 to 5, respectively.

[0327] Evaluation Example 2: Evaluation of Surface Pressure Properties

[0328] 1. Evaluation of Compression Force Deflection (CFD)

[0329] CFD evaluation was performed on the gaskets of Examples 1 to 15 and the gaskets of Comparative Examples 1 to 5.

[0330] The gaskets of Examples 1 to 15 and Comparative Examples 1 to 5 were each prepared to be 50×50mm. 2 The dimensions were determined. CFD evaluation of each gasket was performed using a universal testing machine (ElectroPulse E3000, Instron). Pre-compression (pre-bending) was performed twice at 250 mm / min until 75% of the sample thickness was reached, followed by resting for 6 ± 1 minutes. Then, main compression was performed at 0.5 mm / min until 80% of the sample thickness was reached. The point where a force of 500 gf was applied to the sample was considered the zero point, and the strain-stress value was calculated to measure the CFD. The results are shown in Tables 3 and 4 below.

[0331] 2. Structural analysis and evaluation of battery module bulging cycle test

[0332] The commercial structural analysis program ABAQUS (Dassault Systems) was used to test whether the battery module casing was damaged due to bulging that occurs during battery charge and discharge cycles.

[0333] 24 with an area of ​​550×110mm 2The pouch cell and the cell with any one of the five gaskets from Examples 1 to 15 and Comparative Examples 1 to 5 stacked on top of each other were applied to a casing with a sidewall of AL5052 material having a thickness of 3 mm and analyzed. The bulging level of the cell was set to 2.5 mm, and then the casing was checked for cracks based on 1000 charge-discharge cycles. When no cracks occurred, the evaluation was O; when cracks occurred, the evaluation was X. The results are shown in Tables 3 and 4 below.

[0334] The measurement / evaluation results of Evaluation Example 1 and Evaluation Example 2 for the gaskets of Examples 1 to 15 and Comparative Examples 1 to 5 are shown in Tables 3 and 4 below.

[0335] [Table 3]

[0336]

[0337] [Table 4]

[0338]

[0339] Referring to Examples 1 to 15, it can be confirmed that the gasket according to a specific embodiment of the present invention, even with a relatively thin thickness, possesses excellent heat and flame blocking performance, and also exhibits excellent surface pressure performance. It can be confirmed that the battery module according to a specific embodiment of the present invention, by including the gasket, possesses excellent stability and safety.

[0340] Comparative Example 1 has a similar structure to the gasket according to a specific embodiment of the present invention, but it can be confirmed that its performance in blocking heat and flame is poor. This is determined to be due to the excessively thin thickness of the entire gasket.

[0341] Comparative Example 2 has a similar structure to the gasket according to a specific embodiment of the present invention, but it can be confirmed that its performance in blocking heat and flame is poor. This is determined to be due to the formation of the reinforcing layer, especially the expansion layer, being too thin.

[0342] In Comparative Examples 3 and 4, unlike the gasket according to a specific embodiment of the present invention, all or part of the means for blocking heat and flame were omitted, thus confirming that the performance in blocking heat and flame was very poor.

[0343] Comparative Example 5 has a structure similar to the gasket according to a specific embodiment of the present invention, but it can be confirmed that the surface pressure performance is very poor. This is determined to be due to the excessively low thickness of the surface pressure layer, particularly its proportion to the total thickness.

[0344] The above description is merely an example of applying the principles of this utility model, and other configurations may be further included without departing from the scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A gasket, characterized in that, The gasket includes: Sheet-like surface pressure layer; A first barrier layer and a second barrier layer are respectively stacked on both sides of the surface pressure layer along a predetermined stacking direction; and A reinforcing layer is provided along the stacking direction.

2. The gasket according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness of the gasket is from 0.55 mm to 5.5 mm.

3. The gasket according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first barrier layer and the second barrier layer each independently comprise any one selected from fibers and inorganic materials.

4. The gasket according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness of the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer are each independently between 0.05 mm and 1.0 mm.

5. The gasket according to claim 1, characterized in that, The surface pressure layer comprises any one selected from silicone, polyurethane (PU), acrylic resin, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), isoprene rubber, butadiene rubber, chloroprene rubber, and butyl rubber.

6. The gasket according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness of the surface pressure layer is 0.2 mm to 4.0 mm.

7. The gasket according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness of the surface pressure layer is 20% to 82% of the total thickness of the gasket.

8. The gasket according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reinforcing layer includes an expansion layer disposed at at least at either the surface pressure layer and the first barrier layer and the surface pressure layer and the second barrier layer along the stacking direction.

9. The gasket according to claim 8, characterized in that, The inflatable layer comprises any one selected from expanded graphite, silicates, and phosphorus-based flame retardants.

10. The gasket according to claim 8, characterized in that, The thickness of the expansion layer is from 0.015 mm to 1.0 mm.

11. The gasket according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reinforcing layer includes an expansion layer, and the surface pressure layer includes a first surface pressure layer and a second surface pressure layer stacked along the stacking direction, with the expansion layer disposed between the first surface pressure layer and the second surface pressure layer.

12. The gasket according to claim 8, characterized in that, The reinforcing layer further includes a support layer, and the surface pressure layer includes a first surface pressure layer and a second surface pressure layer stacked along the stacking direction, with the support layer disposed between the first surface pressure layer and the second surface pressure layer.

13. The gasket according to claim 12, characterized in that, The support layer comprises any one selected from graphite, mica, aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, wollastonite, and aerogel.

14. The gasket according to claim 12, characterized in that, The thickness of the support layer is from 0.01 mm to 2.5 mm.

15. The gasket according to claim 8, characterized in that, The reinforcing layer further includes a support layer, which is stacked on at least one of the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer along the stacking direction.

16. The gasket according to claim 8, characterized in that, The reinforcing layer further includes a support layer disposed between the surface pressure layer and the expansion layer.

17. The gasket according to claim 8, characterized in that, The reinforcing layer further includes a support layer disposed at at least one location along the stacking direction between the expansion layer and the first barrier layer and between the expansion layer and the second barrier layer.

18. A battery module, characterized in that, The battery module includes: Multiple battery cells, which are stacked along a predetermined stacking direction; Module housing, the module housing accommodating the plurality of battery cells; and A spacer, the spacer being disposed between at least one pair of adjacent cells in the plurality of cells. The gasket includes: Sheet-like surface pressure layer; A first barrier layer and a second barrier layer are respectively stacked on both sides of the surface pressure layer along a predetermined stacking direction; and A reinforcing layer is provided along the stacking direction of the gasket.

19. The battery module according to claim 18, characterized in that, The plurality of battery cells are stacked in such a manner that one or more battery cells have the gasket provided on one side and no gasket provided on the other side opposite to the first side.

20. A battery pack, characterized in that, The battery pack includes: Cell stack; and A housing that accommodates a plurality of the cell stacks, The cell stack includes: Multiple battery cells, the multiple battery cells being stacked along a predetermined stacking direction; and A spacer, the spacer being disposed between at least one pair of adjacent cells in the plurality of cells. The gasket includes: Sheet-like surface pressure layer; A first barrier layer and a second barrier layer are respectively stacked on both sides of the surface pressure layer along a predetermined stacking direction; and A reinforcing layer is provided along the stacking direction of the gasket.

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