Battery module and battery pack

Abstract

Battery module, including: a plurality of battery units, each containing a plurality of battery cells; a module housing that accommodates the plurality of battery units; a top cover covering an upper portion of the module housing and including at least one vent hole; and a barrier disposed between the plurality of battery units to prevent heat spread, where the barrier contains: a first barrier disposed between the plurality of battery units; and a second barrier connected to the first barrier and extending in a first direction, the first direction being a stacking direction of the plurality of battery cells.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery module and a battery pack. BACKGROUND

[0002] Secondary batteries are a type of energy storage device that can be charged and discharged with electricity. Secondary batteries are widely used in various devices that use electricity as a power source. For example, secondary batteries are used as energy storage devices in a variety of media, ranging from small devices such as mobile phones, laptop computers, and tablets to large devices such as vehicles and aircraft. In particular, secondary batteries have recently been in strong demand for use as a vehicle power source.

[0003] Secondary batteries can be classified into lead-acid batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, and lithium-ion batteries depending on the electrode material. Each type of secondary battery can be appropriately selected according to its rated capacity, usage environment, and the like. Alternatively, secondary batteries can be all-solid-state batteries that use solid electrolytes instead of liquid electrolytes. Lithium-ion batteries can achieve relatively high voltage and capacity compared to other types of secondary batteries. Accordingly, lithium-ion batteries are widely used in fields requiring high-density energy storage devices, such as vehicle battery packs.

[0004] Secondary batteries, such as lithium-ion batteries, may contain a cathode, an anode, a separator, and an electrolyte. The cathode and anode are arranged with an insulating separator sandwiched between them, and charging or discharging can be accomplished by the movement of ions through the electrolyte.

[0005] Secondary batteries are manufactured as flexible pouch-type battery cells or rigid square or cylindrical can-type battery cells.

[0006] Cell assemblies may be arranged within a module housing to form a battery module, and multiple battery modules may be arranged within a pack housing to form a battery pack.

[0007] In addition, a cell-to-pack process (CTP process) has recently been used, in which the formation of a battery module is omitted and battery cells are directly integrated into a battery pack and the battery pack is connected to a main body frame. SUMMARY

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, high temperature gas or flames within a battery module may be directed to a vent hole and then expelled.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, high temperature gas or flames may be prevented from spreading to an adjacent battery unit.

[0010] A battery module and battery pack of the present disclosure can be widely applied to electric vehicles, battery charging stations, and devices in green technology fields such as solar power generation and wind power generation using other batteries. Additionally, the battery module and battery pack of the present disclosure can be used in environmentally friendly electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and the like to mitigate the effects of climate change by suppressing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

[0011] A battery module according to the present disclosure may include: a plurality of battery units, each including a plurality of battery cells; a module case that houses the plurality of battery units; a top cover that covers an upper portion of the module case and includes at least one vent hole; and a barrier disposed between the plurality of battery units to prevent heat spread, and the barrier may include: a first barrier disposed between the plurality of battery units; and a second barrier connected to the first barrier and extending in a first direction, wherein the first direction is a stacking direction of the plurality of battery cells.

[0012] In one embodiment, the at least one vent hole may be located in an upper portion of each battery unit.

[0013] In one embodiment, the first barrier may be disposed in a lower portion of a first region, and the first region may be a region disposed between the at least one vent hole and another adjacent vent hole.

[0014] In one embodiment, the second barrier may extend from an upper portion of the first barrier in the first direction.

[0015] In one embodiment, the second barrier may be arranged not to overlap the at least one vent hole in a second direction, which is a vertical direction of the top cover.

[0016] In one embodiment, the second barrier may extend from one end of the first barrier in the first direction to both sides.

[0017] In one embodiment, an upper surface of the second barrier may include a planar surface.

[0018] In another embodiment, an upper surface of the second barrier may include a curved surface.

[0019] In another embodiment, both ends of the second barrier may each extend in a direction oriented toward the at least one vent hole.

[0020] In another embodiment, the second barrier may extend from one end of the first barrier in the first direction to one side.

[0021] In another embodiment, an upper surface of the second barrier may include a curved surface.

[0022] In another embodiment, an end of the second barrier may extend in a direction oriented toward the at least one vent hole.

[0023] In another embodiment, the first barrier may be arranged to face a side surface of the battery cell.

[0024] A battery pack according to the present disclosure may include: a plurality of battery modules; and a pack frame that accommodates the plurality of battery modules, and at least one of the plurality of battery modules may include: a plurality of battery units, each containing a plurality of battery cells; a module case that accommodates the plurality of battery units; a top cover that covers an upper portion of the module case and includes at least one vent hole; and a barrier disposed between the plurality of battery units to prevent heat spread, and the barrier may include: a first barrier disposed between the plurality of battery units; and a second barrier connected to the first barrier and extending in a first direction, wherein the first direction is a stacking direction of the plurality of battery cells.

[0025] In one embodiment, the at least one vent hole may be located in an upper portion of each battery unit.

[0026] In one embodiment, the second barrier may extend from an upper portion of the first barrier in the first direction to both sides or in the first direction to one side.

[0027] In one embodiment, the second barrier may be arranged not to overlap the at least one vent hole in the second direction, which is a vertical direction of the top cover.

[0028] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, high temperature gas or flames within a battery module may be directed to a vent hole and then expelled.

[0029] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, high temperature gas or flames may be prevented from passing to an adjacent battery unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Certain aspects, features and advantages of the present disclosure are illustrated by the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a battery module based on the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of A in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II' in Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating another embodiment. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating another embodiment. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating another embodiment. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a battery pack based on the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] A secondary battery or battery cell described in this specification may comprise a rechargeable battery. For example, the secondary battery may include a lead-acid battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, a nickel-hydrogen battery, and a lithium-ion battery. This specification primarily assumes that the secondary battery is a lithium-ion battery. However, it is understood that the technical concepts described in this specification may be applied to other suitable types of batteries in addition to lithium-ion batteries.

[0033] Please note that in the accompanying drawings, identical components are indicated by identical symbols wherever possible. Some components are exaggerated, omitted, or schematically illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and the size of each component does not fully reflect its actual size.

[0034] If a thermal runaway or thermal propagation situation occurs in a battery module, high-temperature gas or fire may occur within the module. The gas or fire would need to be properly vented to the exterior of the module. In this case, the gas or fire may occur in a localized area of ​​the module, and it may be necessary to prevent the gas or fire from spreading to other battery cells in the module or to neighboring modules by properly venting it.

[0035] Hereinafter, a battery module and a battery pack according to the present disclosure will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0036] Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a battery module 200 according to the present disclosure, Fig. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of A in Fig. 1, and Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II' in Fig. 1.

[0037] Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 represent only a section of the battery module 200.

[0038] With reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 3, the battery module 200 according to the present disclosure may include a plurality of battery units 210, a module housing 220, a top cover 230, and a barrier 240.

[0039] Each of the plurality of battery units 210 may include a plurality of battery cells 211. In other words, the battery unit 210 may be an assembly including the plurality of battery cells 211. In this case, the battery cells 211 may be arranged in a specific direction (X direction) and may be in a stacked state. Hereinafter, a stacking direction of the battery cells 211 is defined as the first direction (X direction). Each battery cell 211 can output or store electrical energy.

[0040] The battery cell 211 may be formed of a lithium secondary battery, but is not limited thereto. For example, the battery cell 211 may be formed of various types of secondary batteries, such as a nickel-cadmium battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, and a nickel-hydrogen battery. The battery cell 211 may be formed of a pouch-type secondary battery. Below, a case where a pouch-type secondary battery is used as the battery cell 211 will be described as an example. However, the present disclosure does not preclude the use of a can-type secondary battery, such as a square secondary battery or a cylindrical secondary battery, as the battery cell 211.

[0041] The module housing 220 can accommodate the battery unit 210. For example, the module housing 220 can include a receiving space 221 for receiving the battery unit 210. To form the receiving space 221, the module housing 220 can include a bottom plate and a side plate. The bottom plate and the side plate can be combined with each other to form a receiving space 221 within. A shape of the module housing 220 or the receiving space 221 can be different. For example, each shape can include a rectangular parallelepiped. A plurality of battery units 210 can be arranged in the receiving space 221 in a first direction (X direction), which is the same direction as a direction in which the battery cells 211 are arranged.

[0042] The top cover 230 may cover an upper portion of the module housing 220. The top cover 230 may have a plate shape and may include an area large enough to cover at least the receiving space 221. After a plurality of battery units 210 are received in the receiving space 221, the top cover 230 may cover an upper portion thereof.

[0043] The top cover 230 may include at least one vent hole 231. The vent hole 231 may be a hole for expelling high-temperature gas or flames generated within the module case 220, or foreign matter generated therefrom. The vent hole 231 may be a hole formed by piercing at least a portion of the top cover 230. The shape of the vent hole 231 may be variable. For example, the vent hole 231 may include an oval shape. In addition, the vent holes 231 may be arranged in multiple rows in the first direction (X direction) of the battery cells 211. A size of the vent hole 231 may vary.The vent hole 231 may be arranged in an upper portion of the battery unit 210 or the receiving space 221 so that high-temperature gas or flames can rise and be expelled through the vent hole 231 to the exterior of the battery module 200.

[0044] At least one vent hole 231 may be arranged in the upper portion of each battery unit 210. For example, if four battery units 210 are housed in the module housing 220, the top cover 230 may include at least four vent holes 231 so that at least one vent hole 231 is suitable for each battery unit 210. This means that if a fire occurs in any battery unit 210, high-temperature gas or flames can be expelled to the exterior of the battery module 200 through the vent hole 231 suitable for each battery unit 210.

[0045] The barrier 240 may be configured to be disposed between a plurality of battery units 210 to prevent the spread of flames. For example, the barrier 240 may be formed from a material that has fire resistance or heat resistance. The barrier 240 may include a metallic material, such as steel, aluminum, or nickel. Accordingly, even if high-temperature gas or flames are generated, the high-temperature gas or flames cannot pass through the barrier 240.

[0046] The barrier 240 may include a first barrier 241 and a second barrier 242.

[0047] The first barrier 241 may be arranged between a plurality of battery units 210. That is, the first barrier 241 may be arranged between one battery unit 210 and another adjacent battery unit 210. The receiving space 221 may be separated by the first barrier 241. The first barrier 241 may, for example, include a plate shape. The first barrier 241 may be arranged parallel to the plurality of battery cells 211. For example, the first barrier 241 may be arranged facing a side surface of the battery cell 211. Accordingly, the first barrier 241 may prevent high-temperature gas or flames generated by one battery unit 210 from spreading to another adjacent battery unit 210.

[0048] More specifically, the first barrier 241 may be disposed in a lower portion of a first region 232. In this case, the first region 232 may be a region located between at least one vent hole 231 and another adjacent vent hole 231. In this case, another adjacent vent hole 231 may be a vent hole 231 adjacent in the first direction (X direction). The first barrier 241 may not overlap the vent hole 231 in a second direction (Z direction), which is a vertical direction of the top cover 230. In other words, the first barrier 241 may be disposed so as not to cover the vent hole 231. Accordingly, it may be possible to prevent high-temperature gas or flames from spreading through the same vent hole 231 to the adjacent battery unit 210.

[0049] The second barrier 242 may be configured to extend from the first barrier 241 in the first direction (X direction). In this case, the meaning of extending in the first direction (X direction) may include a case of extending at a predetermined angle with the first direction (X direction). In other words, the meaning thereof also includes a case of extending in the second direction (Z direction), which is a vertical direction of the top cover 230, while extending in the first direction (X direction).

[0050] In particular, the second barrier 242 may extend in the first direction (X direction) from the upper portion of the first barrier 241. For example, when the first barrier 241 is erected in the second direction (Z direction), the second barrier 242 may be configured to extend from an upper portion of the first barrier 241 in the first direction (X direction). That is, the first barrier 241 and the second barrier 242 may be perpendicular to each other. However, the first barrier 241 and the second barrier 242 are only one example of an extending shape of the second barrier 242 and are not necessarily perpendicular to each other.

[0051] In this case, the second barrier 242 may be arranged so as not to overlap at least one vent hole 231 in the second direction (Z direction). That is, the second barrier 242 may extend so as not to cover the vent hole 231. The range in which the second barrier 242 extends may be appropriately adjusted within a range that does not block the vent hole 231. That is, high-temperature gas or flames can move along the second barrier 242 and be naturally guided to the vent hole 231.

[0052] The second barrier 242 may extend from one end of the first barrier 241 in the first direction (X direction) to both sides. Referring to Fig. 3, the second barrier 242 may extend from the end of the first barrier 241. When viewed from a side surface, the second barrier 242 may extend to both sides of the first barrier 241. In this case, an upper surface of the second barrier 242 may include a flat surface. In other words, when viewed from the side surface, the first barrier 241 and the second barrier 242 may include a "T" shape. However, this is only one example of the various possible shapes of the second barrier 242 and is not necessarily limited thereto. The second barrier 242 may extend toward the vent holes 231 arranged on both sides of the first barrier 241. In this case, the second barrier 242 can guide the high-temperature gas or flames generated by the battery units 210 arranged on both sides to the vent holes 231 arranged above each battery unit 210.

[0053] The high-temperature gas or flames generated by the battery unit 210 rise due to the high temperature. In this case, the high-temperature gas or flames cannot pass to another adjacent battery unit 210 due to the first barrier 241. During the process of rising, the high-temperature gas or flames can move in the first direction (X direction) along the second barrier 242 and can be expelled through the vent holes 231.

[0054] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating another embodiment.

[0055] With reference to Fig. 4, an upper surface of the second barrier 242 may include a curved surface. A certain space may be formed between the second barrier 242 and the upper cover 230. That is, the second barrier 242 and the upper cover 230 may be spaced apart from each other. In this case, the second barrier 242 may be bent to include a curved surface, so that one end of the second barrier 242 may be shaped to approach the vent hole 231.

[0056] For example, both ends of the second barrier 242 may extend in a direction oriented toward at least one vent hole 231. In other words, the second barrier 242 may extend upwardly at both ends. High-temperature gas or flames may be directed along the second barrier 242 to the vent hole 231.

[0057] Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 are cross-sectional views each showing different embodiments.

[0058] With reference to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, the second barrier 242 may extend in the first direction (X-direction) from the end of the first barrier 241 to one side. Compared to the second barrier 242 of Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the second barrier 242 may not extend on both sides of the first barrier 241, but may extend only on one side thereof. An extension direction may be appropriately changed. For example, the extension direction of the second barrier 242 may be selected by selecting which vent hole 231 should be directed among the vent holes 231 arranged on both sides.

[0059] In this case, the second barrier 242 may be shaped to include a flat surface or a curved surface.

[0060] For example, with reference to Fig. 5, an upper surface of the second barrier 242 may include a flat surface. Accordingly, when viewed from the side surface, the first barrier 241 and the second barrier 242 may include an "L" shape.

[0061] In contrast, with reference to Fig. 6, an upper surface of the second barrier 242 may include a curved surface. In this case, one end of the second barrier 242 may extend in a direction oriented toward at least one vent hole 231. That is, the second barrier 242 may extend to include a curved surface while rising on one side toward the vent hole 231.

[0062] A form of the second barrier 242 may, in addition to the Fig. 1 to Fig. 6 may include different shapes. Accordingly, the above-described shape of the second barrier 242 is merely an example and may be suitably modified within the scope of achieving the purpose of the present disclosure.

[0063] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a battery pack 10 according to the present disclosure. Referring to Fig. 7, the battery pack 10 according to the present disclosure may include a plurality of battery modules 200 and a pack frame 100.

[0064] The plurality of battery modules 200 may be an assembly formed by bringing a plurality of battery modules 200 together.

[0065] At least one of the plurality of battery modules 200 contained in the battery pack 10 may be one of the Fig. 1 to Fig. 6 described battery modules 200.

[0066] The pack frame 100 can accommodate a plurality of battery modules 200. For example, the pack frame 100 can include a lower pack frame 110 and a pack cover 120.

[0067] The lower pack frame 110 may be arranged in a lower portion of the battery pack 10 and may include a plurality of module receiving spaces 111. The plurality of module receiving spaces 111 may be divided by a partition wall. The battery modules 200 may be accommodated in each module receiving space 111.

[0068] The pack cover 120 may cover the lower pack frame 110. In other words, the pack cover 120 may cover a plurality of battery modules 200 accommodated in the lower pack frame 110.

[0069] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations are possible within a scope that does not deviate from the technical concept of the present disclosure described in the claims.

[0070] In addition, the present disclosure may be implemented by deleting or changing some of the components in the above-described embodiments, and respective embodiments may be implemented in combination with each other.

[0071] Aspect 1) A battery module comprising: a plurality of battery units, each containing a plurality of battery cells; a module case accommodating the plurality of battery units; a top cover covering an upper portion of the module case and including at least one vent hole; and a barrier disposed between the plurality of battery units to prevent flames from spreading, the barrier including: a first barrier disposed between the plurality of battery units; and a second barrier extending from the first barrier in a first direction, a stacking direction of the plurality of battery cells.

[0072] Aspect 2) The battery module according to aspect 1, wherein the at least one vent hole is arranged in an upper portion of each battery unit.

[0073] Aspect 3) The battery module according to aspect 1 or 2, wherein the first barrier is disposed in a lower portion of a first region, and the first region is a region disposed between the at least one vent hole and another adjacent vent hole.

[0074] Aspect 4) The battery module of any one of aspects 1 to 3, wherein the second barrier extends from an upper portion of the first barrier in the first direction.

[0075] Aspect 5) The battery module according to any one of aspects 1 to 4, wherein the second barrier is arranged not to overlap the at least one vent hole in a second direction, which is a vertical direction of the top cover.

[0076] Aspect 6) The battery module according to any one of aspects 1 to 5, wherein the second barrier extends from one end of the first barrier in the first direction to both sides.

[0077] Aspect 7) Battery module according to any one of aspects 1 to 6 having one or more of the following properties (i) to (ii), each alone or in combination: (i) wherein an upper surface of the second barrier includes a flat surface, and / or (ii) wherein an upper surface of the second barrier includes a curved surface.

[0078] Aspect 8) Battery module according to one of aspects 1 to 7, wherein both ends of the second barrier each extend in a direction oriented toward the at least one vent hole.

[0079] Aspect 9) The battery module of any one of aspects 1 to 8, wherein the second barrier extends from one end of the first barrier in the first direction to one side.

[0080] Aspect 10) Battery module according to any one of aspects 1 to 9 having one or more of the following properties (i) to (ii), each alone or in combination: (i) wherein an upper surface of the second barrier includes a curved surface, and / or (ii) wherein an end of the second barrier extends in a direction oriented toward the at least one vent hole.

[0081] Aspect 11) Battery module according to one of aspects 1 to 10, wherein the first barrier is arranged to face a side surface of the battery cell.

[0082] Aspect 12) A battery pack comprising: a plurality of battery modules; and a pack frame accommodating the plurality of battery modules, wherein at least one of the plurality of battery modules includes: a plurality of battery units each including a plurality of battery cells; a module case accommodating the plurality of battery units; a top cover covering an upper portion of the module case and including at least one vent hole; and a barrier disposed between the plurality of battery units to prevent flames from spreading, the barrier including: a first barrier disposed between the plurality of battery units; and a second barrier extending from the first barrier in a first direction, a stacking direction of the plurality of battery cells.

[0083] Aspect 13) The battery pack of aspect 12, wherein the at least one vent hole is disposed in an upper portion of each battery unit.

[0084] Aspect 14) The battery pack of aspect 12 or 13, wherein the second barrier extends from an upper portion of the first barrier in the first direction to both sides or in the first direction to one side.

[0085] Aspect 15) The battery pack according to any one of aspects 12 to 14, wherein the second barrier is arranged not to overlap the at least one vent hole in the second direction, which is a vertical direction of the top cover.

[0086] According to the present disclosure, there is provided a battery module including: a plurality of battery units, each including a plurality of battery cells; a module case accommodating the plurality of battery units; a top cover covering an upper portion of the module case and including at least one vent hole; and a barrier disposed between the plurality of battery units to prevent heat spread, the barrier including: a first barrier disposed between the plurality of battery units; and a second barrier connected to the first barrier and extending in a first direction, the first direction being a stacking direction of the plurality of battery cells.

Claims

[1] Battery module, including: a plurality of battery units, each containing a plurality of battery cells; a module housing that accommodates the plurality of battery units; a top cover covering an upper portion of the module housing and including at least one vent hole; and a barrier disposed between the plurality of battery units to prevent heat spread, where the barrier contains: a first barrier disposed between the plurality of battery units; and a second barrier connected to the first barrier and extending in a first direction, the first direction being a stacking direction of the plurality of battery cells. [2] The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the at least one vent hole is arranged in an upper portion of each battery unit. [3] The battery module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first barrier is disposed in a lower portion of a first region, and the first region is a region disposed between the at least one vent hole and another adjacent vent hole. [4] The battery module of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second barrier extends from an upper portion of the first barrier in the first direction. [5] The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second barrier is arranged not to overlap the at least one vent hole in a second direction which is a vertical direction of the top cover. [6] A battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second barrier extends from one end of the first barrier in the first direction to both sides. [7] Battery module according to one of claims 1 to 6 having one or more of the following properties (i) to (ii), each alone or in combination: (i) wherein an upper surface of the second barrier includes a planar surface, and / or (ii) wherein an upper surface of the second barrier includes a curved surface. [8] Battery module according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein both ends of the second barrier each extend in a direction oriented towards the at least one vent hole. [9] The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the second barrier extends from one end of the first barrier in the first direction to one side. [10] Battery module according to one of claims 1 to 9 having one or more of the following properties (i) to (ii), each alone or in combination: (i) wherein an upper surface of the second barrier includes a curved surface, and / or (ii) wherein one end of the second barrier extends in a direction oriented toward the at least one vent hole. [11] Battery module according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first barrier is arranged to face a side surface of the battery cell. [12] Battery pack, including: a variety of battery modules; and a packing frame that accommodates the multitude of battery modules, wherein at least one of the plurality of battery modules includes: a plurality of battery units, each containing a plurality of battery cells; a module housing that accommodates the plurality of battery units; a top cover covering an upper portion of the module housing and including at least one vent hole; and a barrier disposed between the plurality of battery units to prevent heat spread, where the barrier contains: a first barrier disposed between the plurality of battery units; and a second barrier connected to the first barrier and extending in a first direction, the first direction being a stacking direction of the plurality of battery cells. [13] The battery pack of claim 12, wherein the at least one vent hole is disposed in an upper portion of each battery unit. [14] A battery pack according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the second barrier extends from an upper portion of the first barrier in the first direction to both sides or in the first direction to one side. [15] The battery pack according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the second barrier is arranged not to overlap the at least one vent hole in the second direction, which is a vertical direction of the top cover.

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