Battery module, and battery pack and vehicle with it

Abstract

comprising battery module (10; 20): several battery cells (100); a module housing (200; 205) in which the several battery cells (100) are accommodated; a thermal resin (300) provided within the module housing (200; 205) and configured to cool the multiple battery cells (100); and Buffer spaces (500) facing each other, with the thermal resin (300) in between, and provided within the module housing (200; 205).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery module, a battery pack and a vehicle with it.

[0002] The present application claims priority from Korean patent application No. 10-2020-0129000, filed on October 6, 2020 in the Republic of Korea, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. STATE OF THE ART

[0003] Secondary batteries have a wide range of applications across various product groups and electrical characteristics, such as high energy density, and are therefore commonly used not only in mobile devices but also in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) powered by electrical energy sources. Since secondary batteries can radically reduce the use of fossil fuels and do not produce energy-related byproducts, they are gaining attention as a new alternative energy source for improving environmental friendliness and energy efficiency.

[0004] Commonly used secondary batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium-polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. The operating voltage of a standard secondary battery cell ranges from approximately 2.5 V to approximately 4.5 V. Therefore, if a higher output voltage is required, a battery pack can be configured by connecting multiple cells in series. Alternatively, a battery pack can be configured by connecting multiple cells in parallel to achieve the required charge / discharge capacity. Thus, the number of cells in a battery pack can be adjusted in various ways to meet specific output voltage or charge / discharge capacities.

[0005] When a battery pack is formed with a series / parallel connection of several battery cells, the battery pack is usually formed by a process in which first a battery module comprising at least one battery cell is formed, and other elements are added using the at least one battery module.

[0006] In general, a conventional battery module comprises multiple battery cells, a module housing in which the multiple battery cells are accommodated, and a thermal resin provided on a bottom surface of the module housing and configured to cool the multiple battery cells.

[0007] In conventional battery modules, a swelling phenomenon inevitably occurs during repeated charge / discharge cycles, in which battery cells swell due to a chemical reaction within the battery cells.

[0008] If swelling of the battery cells occurs due to an arrangement structure in which the battery cells are stacked inside the module housing, battery cells on the outermost sides inside the module housing may be pushed from initial positions to outer positions due to swelling of battery cells further inside the module housing.

[0009] In contrast, the thermal resin applied to the lower end sections of the battery cells is designed to hold all the lower end sections of the battery cells in place. Therefore, in a conventional battery module, if swelling of the battery cells occurs because cells are pushed outwards on both outermost sides in a left and right direction while the lower end sections are fixed by the thermal resin, a significant tensile force is exerted on the pouch housing of the battery cells on both outermost sides, increasing the risk of damage, such as tearing.

[0010] If the pouch casing of the battery cells is torn, an electrolyte solution can leak out inside the pouch casing, degrading the insulation performance and severely impairing battery performance.

[0011] Therefore, there is a need for a battery module that is able to prevent damage to battery cells if swelling occurs in the battery cells inside a module housing, as well as for a suitable battery pack and vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION TECHNICAL TASK

[0012] Thus, one objective of the present disclosure is to provide a battery module capable of preventing damage to battery cells when swelling occurs in the battery cells inside a module housing, as well as a battery pack and a vehicle incorporating the battery module. TECHNICAL SOLUTION

[0013] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a battery module is provided comprising: several battery cells; a module housing in which the several battery cells are accommodated; a thermal resin provided inside the module housing and configured to cool the several battery cells; and buffer spaces facing each other, with the thermal resin between them, and provided inside the module housing.

[0014] The thermal resin can be located beneath the multiple battery cells, and the buffer spaces can be located beneath the outermost battery cells, beneath the multiple battery cells inside the module housing.

[0015] The battery module may also include buffer pads provided on both inner walls of the module housing, contacting the outermost battery cells among the multiple battery cells.

[0016] The buffer spaces can be provided between the lower end sections of the buffer pads and an inner bottom surface of the module housing.

[0017] The thermal resin can be applied to an inner bottom surface of the module housing during the manufacturing of the battery module.

[0018] During the manufacturing of the battery module, the thermal resin can be injected into the module housing from outside the module housing using an injection unit.

[0019] The buffer spaces may include resin stoppers to prevent the introduction of thermal resin when the thermal resin is injected through the injection unit.

[0020] The buffer spaces can be filled with air.

[0021] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a battery pack is also provided, comprising: at least one battery module according to the above embodiments; and a pack housing for packaging the at least one battery module.

[0022] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle with at least one battery pack according to the above embodiment is also provided. BENEFICIAL EFFECTS

[0023] According to the above various embodiments, a battery module capable of preventing damage to battery cells during swelling of the battery cells inside a module housing, as well as a battery pack and a vehicle with the battery module, can be provided. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The accompanying drawings illustrate a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure and, together with the preceding disclosure, serve to provide a further understanding of the technical features of the present disclosure, and thus the present disclosure shall not be construed as being limited to the drawing. Fig. Figure 1 is a view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 2 is an enlarged view showing a key area of ​​the battery module. Fig. 1 illustrates. Fig. Figure 3 shows a view of the application of a thermal resin to the battery module. Fig. 1. Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 are views describing a tear prevention mechanism of battery cells by means of buffer spaces during the swelling of the battery cells of the battery module. Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 6 is a view of a battery module according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 7 is an enlarged view showing a core area of ​​the battery module. Fig. 6 illustrates. Fig. Figure 8 shows a view of injecting a thermal resin into the battery module. Fig. 6. Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 are views describing a tear prevention mechanism of battery cells by means of buffer spaces during the swelling of the battery cells of the battery module. Fig. 6. Fig. Figure 11 is a view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 12 is a view of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. EXECUTION FORMS

[0025] The present disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. These embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure is thorough and complete and fully conveys the concept of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. The present disclosure can be implemented in many different forms and should not be interpreted as being limited to the embodiments shown herein. In addition, to facilitate understanding of the present disclosure, the accompanying drawings are not drawn to scale, but the dimensions of some components may be exaggerated.

[0026] Fig. Figure 1 is a view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 2 is an enlarged view showing a key area of ​​the battery module. Fig. 1 illustrates.

[0027] With reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 can include a battery module 10, a battery cell 100, a module housing 200, a thermal resin 300 and buffer spaces 500.

[0028] The battery cell 100, which is a secondary battery, can be a pouch-shaped secondary battery, a prismatic secondary battery, or a cylindrical secondary battery. The present embodiment is described assuming that the battery cell 100 is a pouch-shaped secondary battery.

[0029] If the battery cell 100 is a pouch-shaped secondary battery, it may comprise an electrode assembly, a pair of electrode leads electrically connected to the electrode assembly, and a pouch housing in which the electrode assembly is contained. An electrolyte solution may be filled into the pouch housing.

[0030] At least one or more battery cells 100 can be provided. The present embodiment is described assuming that several battery cells 100 are provided and stacked to be electrically connected to one another.

[0031] The module housing 200 can accommodate the multiple battery cells 100. For this purpose, a receiving space in which the multiple battery cells 100 can be accommodated can be provided in the module housing 200.

[0032] The thermal resin 300 for cooling the multiple battery cells 100 can be provided inside the module housing 200. Specifically, the thermal resin 300 can be located beneath the multiple battery cells 100 and can be provided on an inner base surface of the module housing 200.

[0033] Fig. Figure 3 shows a view of the application of a thermal resin to the battery module. Fig. 1.

[0034] With reference to Fig. 3. The thermal resin 300 can be applied to an inner bottom surface of the module housing 200 during the manufacture of the battery module 10. In this case, the thermal resin 300 cannot be applied near both edges of the inner bottom surface of the module housing 200 to form the buffer spaces 500 described below.

[0035] With renewed reference to Fig. 1. The battery module can include 10 buffer pads 400.

[0036] The buffer pads 400 can be provided on both inner walls of the module housing 200 and can contact side surfaces of outermost battery cells 100 under the multiple battery cells 100.

[0037] The pair of buffer pads 400 can absorb or buffer a shock transmitted to the multiple battery cells 100 from an external shock or the like.

[0038] The buffer spaces 500 can face each other, with the thermal resin 300 in between, and can be provided inside the module housing 200. Specifically, the buffer spaces 500 can be located under the outermost battery cells 100, or under the multiple battery cells 100 inside the module housing 200.

[0039] The buffer spaces 500 can be provided between the lower end sections of the buffer pads 400 and the inner bottom surface of the module housing 200. The buffer spaces 500 can be filled with air.

[0040] A tear prevention mechanism of the battery cell 100 by the buffer spaces 500 during the swelling of the battery cells 100 of the battery module 10 according to the present embodiment is described in more detail.

[0041] Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 are views describing a tear prevention mechanism of battery cells by means of buffer spaces during the swelling of the battery cells of the battery module. Fig. 1.

[0042] With reference to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. In the case of the battery module 10, if, due to an arrangement structure in which the battery cells 100 are stacked inside the module housing 200, swelling of the battery cells 100 occurs, the battery cells 100 on both outermost sides inside the module housing 200 may be pushed from initial positions to outer positions due to swelling of the battery cells 100 further inside the module housing 200.

[0043] In other words, if swelling occurs in the battery module 10, the greatest deformation will occur in the battery cells 100 on both outermost sides. The lower end sections of the battery cells 100 on both outermost sides exhibit the greatest elongation.

[0044] Since, in the present embodiment, the buffer spaces 500 are formed under the battery cells 100 on both outermost sides, a tensile force exerted on the lower end sections of the battery cells 100 on both outermost sides, which have the greatest elongation, can be reduced by the buffer spaces 500.

[0045] Therefore, in the battery module 10 according to the present embodiment, the buffer spaces 500 can reduce the tensile force exerted on the lower end sections of the battery cells 100 on both outermost sides, which have the greatest elongation, during swelling, and thus damage, such as a tearing of a pouch housing of the battery cells 100 on both outermost sides, can be effectively prevented.

[0046] In the present embodiment, the buffer spaces 500 allow the external volume of the module housing 200, i.e., the dimensions of the module housing 200, to be maintained, and the tensile force of the battery cells 100 can be significantly reduced without using an additional component to prevent damage.

[0047] Since, in the present embodiment, a risk such as a crack or damage to the battery cells 100 due to swelling of the battery cells 100 can be effectively prevented with a simpler and more efficient structure, price competitiveness with regard to the manufacturing costs of the battery module 10 can therefore be ensured.

[0048] Fig. Figure 6 is a view of a battery module according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 7 is an enlarged view showing a core area of ​​the battery module. Fig. 6 illustrates.

[0049] A battery module 20 according to the present embodiment is similar to the battery module 10 of the above embodiment; therefore, a repeated description of parts that are essentially the same or similar to those in the above embodiment is omitted, and a difference from the above embodiment is mainly described.

[0050] With reference to Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 The battery module 20 can include the battery cell 100, a module housing 205, the thermal resin 300, the buffer pads 400, the buffer spaces 500 and resin stopper 600.

[0051] Several battery cells 100 can be provided. The multiple battery cells 100 are essentially the same or similar to those in the embodiment above, and therefore a repeated description is omitted.

[0052] The module housing 205 can include a resin injection hole 255.

[0053] The resin injection hole 255, through which the thermal resin 300 is injected, can be formed in a base surface of the module housing 205. The thermal resin 300 can be injected into the base surface of the module housing 205 through the resin injection hole 255.

[0054] A process for injecting the thermal resin 300 into the battery module 20 is described in more detail.

[0055] Fig. Figure 8 shows a view of injecting a thermal resin into the battery module. Fig. 6.

[0056] With reference to Fig. 8 The thermal resin 300 can be injected into the module housing 200 from outside the module housing 205 during the manufacture of the battery module 20 by an injection unit I.

[0057] In detail, the injection unit I can be inserted into the resin injection hole 255 of the module housing 205 to inject the thermal resin 300 into the bottom surface of the module housing 200. In this case, the introduction of the thermal resin 300 can be blocked by the resin stoppers 600 described below in the buffer spaces 500.

[0058] The injection of thermal resin 300 through injection unit I can be carried out until the interior of the resin injection hole 255 is filled. A separate cabin cover or the like can be fitted into the injection hole 255 to tightly seal the interior, instead of filling the resin injection hole 255 with thermal resin 300.

[0059] With renewed reference to Fig. 6 and Fig. 7. The buffer pads 400 are essentially the same or similar to those in the embodiment above, and therefore a repeated description of them is omitted.

[0060] The resin stoppers 600 can be provided in the buffer rooms 500.

[0061] The resin stoppers 600 can be provided in the buffer spaces 500 to prevent the introduction of the thermal resin 300 into the buffer spaces 500 when the thermal resin 300 is injected through the injection unit I.

[0062] The resin stoppers 600 can be made of an elastic material. For example, the resin stoppers 600 can be made of a rubber material. The resin stoppers 600 can be made of a plastic material that exhibits elasticity.

[0063] A tear prevention mechanism of the battery cells 100 by the buffer spaces 500 and the resin stoppers 600 during the swelling of the battery cells 100 of the battery module 20 according to the present embodiment is described in more detail.

[0064] Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 are views describing a tear prevention mechanism of battery cells by means of buffer spaces during the swelling of the battery cells of the battery module. Fig. 6.

[0065] With reference to Fig. 9 and Fig. In the battery module 10, if swelling of the battery cells 100 occurs, as in the embodiment above, the buffer spaces 500 can effectively reduce the tensile force exerted on the battery cells 100 on both outermost sides.

[0066] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the resin stopper 600 can additionally absorb a tensile force exerted on the battery cells 100, thus more effectively preventing damage such as tearing or rupture of a pouch housing of the battery cells 100.

[0067] Fig. Figure 11 is a view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 12 is a view of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0068] With reference to Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 a battery pack 1 can comprise at least one battery module 10, 20 according to the above embodiment and a pack housing 50 for packaging the at least one battery module 10, 20.

[0069] Battery pack 1 can be provided in a vehicle V as an energy source for the vehicle. For example, battery pack 1 can be provided in vehicle V, such as an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or another type of vehicle that can use another battery pack 1 as an energy source.

[0070] Furthermore, the battery pack 1 can be provided in another device, mechanism or equipment, such as an energy storage system that uses a secondary battery, in addition to the vehicle V.

[0071] Since the battery pack 1 and the device, mechanism or equipment comprising the battery pack 1, such as the vehicle V, according to the present embodiment, comprise the battery module 10, 20, the battery pack 1 and the device, mechanism or equipment comprising the battery pack 1, such as the vehicle V, which have all the advantages of the battery module 10, 20, can be implemented as such.

[0072] According to the above various embodiments, the battery module 10, 20, which is able to prevent damage, such as the tearing of the battery cells 100, during swelling of the battery cells 100 inside the module housing 200, 205, as well as the battery pack 1 and the vehicle V, which comprise the battery module 10, 20, can be provided.

[0073] Although the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described above; various modifications may be made by a person skilled in the art in the field to which the present disclosure relates without departing from the core of the present disclosure as defined by the claims, and these modifications should not be understood individually from the technical feature or perspective of the present disclosure. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] KR 10-2020-0129000

[0002]

Claims

[1] comprising battery module (10; 20): several battery cells (100); a module housing (200; 205) in which the several battery cells (100) are accommodated; a thermal resin (300) provided within the module housing (200; 205) and configured to cool the multiple battery cells (100); and Buffer spaces (500) facing each other, with the thermal resin (300) in between, and provided within the module housing (200; 205). [2] Battery module according to claim 1, wherein the thermal resin (300) is located under the multiple battery cells (100) and the buffer spaces (5009) are located under the outermost battery cells (100) within the module housing (200; 205). [3] Battery module (10; 20) according to claim 1, wherein the thermal resin is located under the multiple battery cells (100) except for the outermost battery cells (100). [4] Battery module (10; 20) according to claim 1, further comprising buffer pads (400) provided on both inner walls of the module housing (200; 205) and contacting outermost battery cells (100) of the multiple battery cells (100). [5] Battery module (10; 20) according to claim 4, wherein the buffer spaces (500) are provided between lower end sections of the buffer pads (400) and an inner bottom surface of the module housing (200; 205). [6] Battery module (10; 20) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the buffer pads (400) are configured to absorb or buffer a shock transmitted to the multiple battery cells (100) from an external shock. [7] Battery module (10; 20) according to claim 1, wherein the thermal resin (300) is applied to an inner bottom surface of the module housing (200; 205) during the manufacture of the battery module. [8] Battery module (10; 20) according to claim 1, wherein the thermal resin (300) is injected into the module housing (200; 205) during the manufacture of the battery module by an injection unit from outside the module housing (200; 205). [9] Battery module (10; 20) according to claim 6, wherein the buffer spaces (500) have resin stoppers (600) to prevent the introduction of the thermal resin (300) when the thermal resin (300) is injected through the injection unit. [10] Battery module (10; 20) according to claim 1, wherein the buffer spaces (500) are filled with air. [11] Battery module (10; 20) according to claim 1, wherein resin stoppers (600) are provided in the buffer spaces (500). [12] Battery module according to claim 9, wherein the resin stoppers (600) comprise an elastic material. [13] Battery module according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the resin stoppers (600) comprise a plastic material which has elasticity. [14] Battery module according to claim 1, wherein the thermal resin (300) is not applied near both edges of the inner bottom surface of the module housing (200) to form the buffer spaces (500). [15] Battery module (10; 20) according to claim 1, wherein the battery cells (100) are pouch-shaped secondary batteries. [16] Battery module (10; 20) according to claim 15, wherein each pouch-shaped secondary battery comprises an electrode arrangement, a pair of electrode leads electrically connected to the electrode arrangement, and a pouch housing in which the electrode arrangement is received. [17] Battery module (10; 20) according to claim 1, wherein the battery cells (100) are stacked inside the module housing (200; 205). [18] Battery module (10; 20) according to claim 17, wherein the multiple battery cells (100) are provided and stacked to be electrically connected to each other. [19] comprising a battery pack (1): at least one battery module (10; 20) according to claim 1; and a packaging housing (50) for packaging the at least one battery module (10; 20). [20] Vehicle (V) comprising at least one battery pack (1) according to claim 19.

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