Battery module and battery pack with this

Abstract

Battery module, including: a first submodule and a second submodule, each containing a cell unit that includes a plurality of battery cells; and a connecting element that is arranged between the first submodule and the second submodule to connect the first submodule and the second submodule, wherein at least one of the first submodule or the second submodule includes a blocking element arranged between the connecting element and the cell unit, and The blocking element extends beyond the connecting element on at least one side.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The disclosure and implementations disclosed in this patent document generally relate to a battery module and a battery pack including this module. BACKGROUND

[0002] Unlike a primary battery, a secondary battery has the advantage of being both rechargeable and rechargeable, and has therefore received considerable attention as a power source for various mobile devices, electric vehicles, and the like. Unlike a primary battery, a secondary battery can be charged and discharged and can therefore be used in devices across various sectors, such as digital cameras, mobile phones, laptop computers, hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, and energy storage systems (ESSs).

[0003] Such a secondary battery can comprise a battery cell in which an electrode array is housed within a casing. The electrode array is formed by stacking or winding a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator in a coiled form. A plurality of battery cells can be stacked in a predetermined direction and housed in a battery module or battery pack.

[0004] Meanwhile, the multitude of battery cells can be stacked in the battery module or battery pack, and accordingly, heat and flames can spread to neighboring battery cells and cause a large fire or explosion if a thermal runaway occurs in any battery cell.

[0005] Accordingly, research focused primarily on a technology to prevent heat or flames from spreading to neighboring battery cells. SUMMARY

[0006] The present disclosure can be implemented in several embodiments to provide a battery module and a battery pack that are able to prevent heat, flames or gas occurring in any sub-module from spreading to adjacent sub-modules.

[0007] The present disclosure can be implemented in several embodiments to provide a battery module and a battery pack that are able to be easily attached to a housing by means of a flexible locking element.

[0008] Meanwhile, the battery module and battery pack according to the present disclosure can be widely applied to devices within green technology fields, such as electric vehicles and battery charging stations, as well as solar or wind power generation using batteries. Additionally, the battery module and battery pack according to the present disclosure can be used for environmentally friendly electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid vehicles, and the like to prevent climate change by suppressing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

[0009] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a battery module comprises: a first submodule and a second submodule, each comprising a cell unit comprising a plurality of battery cells; and a connecting element arranged between the first submodule and the second submodule to connect the first submodule and the second submodule, wherein at least one of the first submodule or the second submodule comprises a blocking element arranged between the connecting element and the cell unit, and the blocking element projects beyond the connecting element on at least one side.

[0010] Each of the first submodule and the second submodule may further include a side cover arranged on at least one side of the plurality of battery cells in a stacking direction of the plurality of battery cells, and the blocking element may extend beyond the connecting element in the direction of the side cover in order to be inserted into the side cover.

[0011] The side cover may include a side insertion groove formed by at least partially recessing a surface of the side cover facing the cell unit, and at least one section of the blocking element may be inserted into the side insertion groove.

[0012] The blocking element can extend beyond the connecting element towards the side cover by at least one first insertion length, and the first insertion length can be 0.3 mm to 0.7 mm.

[0013] The battery module may further include: a lower cover that houses the first sub-module and the second sub-module; and an upper cover that is arranged facing the lower cover, with the first sub-module and the second sub-module positioned between them, the locking element projecting beyond the connecting element in the direction of at least one of the lower cover or the upper cover in order to be inserted into at least one of the upper cover or the lower cover.

[0014] At least one of the upper cover or the lower cover may include an upper insertion groove or a lower insertion groove formed by at least partially recessing a surface of the cover facing at least one of the first sub-module or the second sub-module, and at least one section of the locking element may be inserted into the upper insertion groove or the lower insertion groove.

[0015] The blocking element can extend beyond the connecting element by a second insertion length towards the upper cover in order to be inserted into the upper insertion groove, and the second insertion length can be 0.3 mm to 0.7 mm.

[0016] The blocking element can extend beyond the connecting element by a third insertion length towards the lower cover in order to be inserted into the lower insertion groove, and the third insertion length can be 0.3 mm to 0.7 mm.

[0017] The blocking element may contain a material that has at least one property of electrical insulation or heat resistance.

[0018] The blocking element can contain at least one of mica, aerogel, fiberglass, silicate, graphite, aluminum or ceramic wool.

[0019] The thermal conductivity of the blocking element can range from 0.08 W / mK to 0.30 W / mK.

[0020] The insulation resistance of the blocking element can be 2.0×10 3 MΩ to 3.5×10 7 The amount is MΩ.

[0021] The blocking element can include a first blocking element located in the first submodule and a second blocking element located in the second submodule, and the first blocking element and the second blocking element can be arranged facing each other, with the connecting element located between them.

[0022] The blocking element must meet at least one of the requirements of an elastic recovery rate of 95% or more, or a compression set of 2% to 4%.

[0023] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a battery pack is provided which includes a pack housing in which at least one battery module is arranged, wherein each of the at least one battery module includes a first sub-module and a second sub-module, each comprising a plurality of battery cells, and a connecting element arranged between the first sub-module and the second sub-module to connect the first sub-module and the second sub-module, and at least one of the first sub-module or the second sub-module includes a blocking element arranged between the connecting element and the plurality of battery cells, and the blocking element projects beyond the connecting element on at least one side.

[0024] The battery pack may include: a lower cover that houses the first sub-module and the second sub-module; an upper cover that is arranged facing the lower cover, with the first sub-module and the second sub-module arranged between them; and a side cover that is arranged on at least one side of at least one of the first sub-module or the second sub-module, wherein the locking element is inserted into at least one of the lower cover, the upper cover or the side cover.

[0025] Although the solutions are described above in accordance with the present disclosure, these solutions are merely examples and it is understood that even if other undescribed configurations are added, such configurations fall within the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Certain aspects, features and advantages of the present disclosure are illustrated by the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] The present disclosure can be implemented in several embodiments to provide a battery module and a battery pack comprising the same. Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 2 is an exploded view of the battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 3 is an exploded view of a submodule according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 4 is a view that illustrates a connection between a first submodule and a second submodule. Fig. Figure 5 is a view illustrating a blocking element inserted into a side cover according to one embodiment. Fig. Figure 6 is a view illustrating the blocking element inserted into an upper cover and a lower cover according to one embodiment. Fig. Figure 7 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Features of the present disclosure disclosed in this patent document are described by means of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] The present disclosure can be implemented in several embodiments to provide a battery module and a battery pack comprising the same.

[0030] Prior to providing a detailed description of the embodiments, it should not be interpreted that terms or words used in the following description and claims are limited to ordinary or literal meanings, and they should be interpreted as meanings and concepts that correspond to the technical spirit of the present disclosure, based on the principle that an inventor can correctly define the concepts of terms in order to describe the inventor's invention using the best method.

[0031] The same reference numerals or symbols used in each drawing describe or illustrate parts or components that perform essentially the same functions. To facilitate description and understanding, the same reference numerals or symbols may also be used in different embodiments for descriptive purposes.

[0032] In the following description, a singular number includes its plural number unless explicitly stated otherwise in the context. Terms such as "include" or "comprise" are intended to specify the presence of features, numbers, steps, processes, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the description and are not intended to exclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, processes, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0033] Furthermore, in the following description, terms such as top, upper section, bottom, lower section, side, front and back are expressed based on the directions illustrated in the drawings, and it is stated beforehand that such a term may be expressed differently if a direction of the corresponding object is changed.

[0034] Furthermore, in the following description and claims, terms containing ordinals such as "first" and "second" may be used to distinguish between components. Such ordinals are used to differentiate identical or similar components and should not be interpreted as restricting the meanings of terms due to their use. For example, components linked with such ordinals should not be interpreted as being restricted in their order of use or arrangement by the numbers. If necessary, the respective ordinals may be interchanged and used.

[0035] The present disclosure is described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0036] Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure and Fig. Figure 2 is an exploded view of the battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. A battery module 10 according to the present disclosure is described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 described.

[0037] The battery module 10 according to the present disclosure can comprise a plurality of submodules 100, each comprising a plurality of battery cells 111, a connecting element 200 arranged between any two of the plurality of submodules 100, and upper and lower covers 400 and 300, respectively, which support upper and lower sections of the plurality of submodules 100. The battery module 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can comprise a first submodule 100a and a second submodule 100b, each comprising a cell unit 110 containing the plurality of battery cells 111, and the connecting element 200 arranged between the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b to connect the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b.Here, at least one of the first submodule 100a or the second submodule 100b can include a blocking element 160 that is arranged between the connecting element 200 and the cell unit 110, and the blocking element 160 can project beyond the connecting element 200 on at least one side.

[0038] The plurality of submodules 100 can include the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b, which are arranged adjacent to each other. For example, the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b can face each other in a longitudinal direction (i.e., an X-axis direction) and can be fastened to each other via the connecting element 200 arranged between them. A configuration of the submodule 100 is described below with reference to Fig. 3 described.

[0039] The connecting element 200 can be arranged between two adjacent submodules 100 among a plurality of submodules 100 and can connect the two adjacent submodules 100 to each other. That is, the two adjacent submodules 100 can be fastened to each other via the connecting element 200. In this way, the connecting element 200 can serve as a mounting reference point among the submodules 100. That is, the connecting element 200 can divide spaces in which the respective submodules 100 are housed within the battery module 10 and guide the positions at which the submodules 100 are arranged.

[0040] The connecting element 200 can be made of a material with a predetermined stiffness to stably support the multitude of submodules 100. For example, the connecting element 200 can be made of a metallic material, such as aluminum or stainless steel.

[0041] The lower cover 300 can be arranged to support lower sections of the plurality of submodules 100. For example, the lower cover 300 can be formed in one piece to support both the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b. Furthermore, according to one embodiment, the lower cover 300 can include a flow channel (not shown) through which a cooling fluid flows. For example, the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b can be cooled by the flow channel. In addition, according to one embodiment, the lower cover 300 can include an inlet 313 through which the cooling fluid flows into the flow channel and an outlet 314 through which the cooling fluid is discharged into the flow channel. The lower cover 300 can be made of a metallic material, such as stainless steel, to securely support and protect the plurality of submodules 100.

[0042] The upper cover 400 can be positioned facing the lower cover 300 to cover the multiple submodules 100. For example, the upper cover 400 can be formed in one piece to accommodate both the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b. The upper cover 400 can be made of a metallic material, such as stainless steel, to securely cover and protect the multiple submodules 100.

[0043] In this way, the battery module 10 according to the present disclosure can stably protect the plurality of sub-modules 100, since an upper cover 400 and a lower cover 300, each of which is formed in one piece, are arranged, while the plurality of sub-modules 100 are arranged in between.

[0044] The upper cover 400 and the lower cover 300 can be connected to the connecting element 200 by means of fastening elements 401 and 301 respectively.

[0045] At least one of the lower cover 300 or the upper cover 400 can be connected to the connecting element 200. For example, the upper cover 400 can be connected to the connecting element 200 by the upper fastening element 401, and the lower cover 300 can be connected to the connecting element 200 by the lower fastening element 301. In this way, the battery module 10, according to the present disclosure, can improve ease of assembly and increase durability, since the upper cover 400 and the lower cover 300 are connected to each other via the connecting element 200. However, a method for connecting the connecting element 200 to the upper cover 400 or the lower cover 300 is not limited to this.

[0046] Each submodule 100 can contain a plurality of battery cells to store or release electrical energy. In a battery module 10, the plurality of submodules 100 can be electrically interconnected to provide a design power output required for the battery module. For example, two submodules 100 facing each other, with the connecting element 200 between them, can be connected by terminals in series or parallel. Conversely, in a battery module 10, the plurality of submodules 100 can be electrically isolated from each other. For example, two submodules 100 facing each other, with the connecting element 200 between them, can be electrically isolated from each other, and the terminal of each submodule 100 can be electrically connected to another adjacent battery module 10.However, this configuration is merely an example, and the present disclosure is not limited to it. As long as the plurality of submodules 100 are contained in the battery module 10 independently of an electrical connection structure, the entire plurality of submodules 100 can belong to the battery module 10 according to the present disclosure.

[0047] The following describes submodule 100 according to the present disclosure with reference to Fig. 3 described in detail.

[0048] Fig. Figure 3 is an exploded view of the submodule according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The submodule 100, which is described with reference to Fig. 3, as described, can correspond to any of the first submodule 100a or the second submodule 100b, which is described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 is described, and a redundant description of it is therefore omitted.

[0049] The submodule 100 can include the cell unit 110, which contains the plurality of battery cells 111, a busbar assembly 120, which is electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells 111, a side cover 150, which covers at least one side of the plurality of battery cells 111, an end cover 140, which faces the connecting element 200, while the plurality of battery cells 111 is arranged between it, an insulation cover 130, which is arranged between the end cover 140 and the cell unit 110, and a blocking element 160, which is arranged between the cell unit 110 and the connecting element 200.

[0050] The cell unit 110 can contain a multitude of battery cells 111 stacked in a predetermined direction. The battery cell 111 can include a housing that accommodates an electrode array. Within the electrode array, a separator can be positioned between a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate, which are stacked so that their broad surfaces face each other. The separator can prevent an electrical short circuit between the positive and negative electrode plates and allow a flow of ions. For example, the separator can comprise a porous polymer film or a porous nonwoven fabric. Additionally, the electrode array can be housed in the casing in various configurations, such as a jelly roll type, in which the electrode array is wound in a predetermined direction, a stack type, a Z-fold type, or a stack-fold type.Additionally, the battery cell 111 can be, and is not limited to, a lithium-ion secondary battery. For example, the battery cell can be a nickel-cadmium battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, or a nickel-hydrogen battery, all of which are rechargeable and dischargeable. Furthermore, according to the present disclosure, the battery cell 111 can be of a pouch type, a prismatic type, or a cylindrical type, depending on the structure of the housing that accommodates the electrode arrangement. In the drawings, the battery cell 111 is illustrated as a pouch cell in which the housing is formed in a pouch shape. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and prismatic or cylindrical types can also be used.

[0051] Additionally, the cell unit 110 can further include a cell pad (not shown) arranged between the plurality of battery cells 111. The cell pad can include an elastic material to absorb swelling when the battery cell 111 swells, or it can include a heat-shielding material to prevent heat transfer between adjacent battery cells 111.

[0052] The busbar assembly 120 can include a plurality of busbars 121 that electrically connect the plurality of battery cells 111 of the cell unit 110, a support frame 123 that holds the busbars, and electrode terminals 122 that are exposed to the outside and can be electrically connected to an external power source. Additionally, the busbar assembly 120 can further include a sensor unit 124 that detects a state of the battery cell 111, such as its voltage or temperature.

[0053] The busbar 121 can be arranged on at least one side of the cell unit 110. The busbar 121 can be made of a conductive material and serves to electrically connect the plurality of battery cells 111 to one another. The busbar 121 can be electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of battery cells 111 while it is attached to the support frame 123. At least some of the busbars 121 can include the electrode terminals 122, which are electrically connectable to an external circuit of the submodule 100.

[0054] The support frame 123 can structurally support the plurality of busbars 121 and hold the busbars 121 in a stable connection with the battery cells 111. The support frame 123 can comprise a non-conductive material (e.g., plastic) that has a predetermined stiffness. The support frame 123 can be arranged on at least one side of the cell unit 110. For example, the support frame 123 can be arranged on each of two sides of the cell unit 110 along the longitudinal direction (i.e., the X-axis direction). However, the present disclosure is not limited to this.

[0055] The insulation cover 130 can be arranged between the busbar assembly 120 and the end cover 140, which forms a surface of the battery module 10 or the sub-module 100. The insulation cover 130 can contain an electrically insulating material to prevent a short circuit between the busbar assembly 120 and the end cover 140.

[0056] The blocking element 160 can project beyond the connecting element 200 in at least one direction in order to be inserted into at least one of the side cover 150, the upper cover 400 or the lower cover 300, as described below.

[0057] The blocking element 160 can be arranged between the cell unit 110 and the connecting element 200. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the blocking element 160 can comprise a material that fulfills at least one requirement of electrical insulation or heat resistance. For example, the blocking element 160 can comprise at least one of mica, aerogel, silicate, glass fiber, or ceramic wool.

[0058] As described below, the blocking element 160 can project beyond the connecting element 200 in at least one direction according to the present disclosure.

[0059] Meanwhile, according to one embodiment, the blocking element 160 can include a material that meets at least one of the requirements of electrical insulation or heat resistance.

[0060] For example, the blocking element 160 can comprise a heat-resistant material that has high thermal conductivity. In one embodiment, the thermal conductivity of the blocking element 160 according to the present disclosure can be 0.08 W / mK or more. If the thermal conductivity of the blocking element 160 is lower than 0.08 W / mK, heat can be easily conducted to an adjacent element (e.g., the connecting element 200), thus allowing heat to propagate between the submodules 100a and 100b.

[0061] Additionally, in one embodiment, the thermal conductivity of the blocking element 160 may not be specifically limited to ensure heat resistance. However, considering practical manufacturing conditions, such as manufacturing costs and achievable thermal conductivity per 1 mm of thickness, the thermal conductivity of the blocking element 160 may be 0.30 W / mK or less. If the thermal conductivity is greater than this value, manufacturing costs may increase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the thermal conductivity of the blocking element 160 according to this disclosure may be from 0.08 W / mK to 0.30 W / mK. However, the blocking element 160 according to this disclosure is not limited to such values ​​of thermal conductivity, and a blocking element 160 incorporating any heat-resistant material may fall within the scope of this disclosure.

[0062] Additionally, according to one embodiment, an electrical insulation resistance of the blocking element 160 2.0×10 3 MΩ or more. If the insulation resistance of the blocking element 160 is lower than the corresponding value, an insulation breakdown may occur, causing a short circuit between the adjacent submodules 100a and 100b or between the submodule 100a or 100b and surrounding electrical components.

[0063] Additionally, according to one embodiment, the insulation resistance of the blocking element 160 may not be specifically limited to ensure an insulation function. However, taking manufacturing costs into account, the insulation resistance can be reduced to 3.5 × 10 7 MΩ or less. Accordingly, according to one embodiment, the insulation resistance of the blocking element 160 according to the present disclosure can be 2.0 × 10 3 MΩ to 3.5×10 7The blocking element 160 according to the present disclosure is not limited to a material having the insulation resistance value described above. A blocking element 160 with such properties can not only prevent a short circuit between the cell unit 110 or the busbar assembly 120 and the connecting element 200, but also prevent flames or gas from propagating to the adjacent submodules 100. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. That is, according to one embodiment, the blocking element 160 can comprise a material that satisfies both the electrical insulation and thermal resistance requirements. In this case, the thermal conductivity and insulation resistance of the blocking element 160 can meet the parameters described above.

[0064] Here, the blocking element 160 can be mica. Here, the blocking element 160 can be arranged between the cell unit 110 and the connecting element 200, according to the present disclosure, not only to prevent a short circuit between the battery cell 111 or the busbar assembly 120 and the connecting element 200, but also to prevent flames occurring in any submodule 100 from spreading to the adjacent submodules 100. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific values ​​described above.

[0065] Additionally, according to one embodiment, the locking element 160 can include a flexible material that is to be inserted while being bent into an insertion groove 156, 306, or 406 recessed in a housing HS described below (including the side cover 150, the lower cover 300, or the upper cover 400). The term "flexible" refers to the fact that, in an inserted state, it is held in the insertion groove 156, 306, or 406 and is at least partially bendable, and is not limited to specific numerical values.

[0066] For example, the elastic recovery rate of the locking element 160 according to the present disclosure can be 90% or more. In particular, the elastic recovery rate of the locking element 160 can be 95% or more. If the elastic recovery rate is lower than the values ​​described above, the locking element 160 cannot be returned to its original structure while being inserted into the side cover 150, or conversely, it may be difficult to insert the locking element 160 while it is being bent into the insertion grooves 156, 306, or 406. Additionally, the locking element 160 can be inserted with the elastic recovery rate described above while it is being bent into or separated from the insertion groove 156, 306, or 406. In other words, the locking element 160 can be inserted at least partially into at least one of the side insertion groove 156, the upper insertion groove 306, or the lower insertion groove 406.

[0067] Additionally, the compression set of the blocking element 160 according to the present disclosure can be 5% or less. In particular, the compression set of the blocking element 160 can be 2% to 4%. If the blocking element 160 has a compression set greater than the values ​​described above, it may be difficult to insert or remove the blocking element 160 from the insertion groove 156, 306, or 406, and permanent deformation may occur during an insertion or removal process, causing a gap or the like. On the other hand, with the compression set described above, the blocking element 160 may not be significantly deformed even when inserted while being bent into the insertion groove 156, 306, or 406, and may effectively block a gap between the housing HS and the connecting element 200.The blocking element 160 according to the example described above may fall within the scope of this disclosure if the blocking element 160 fulfills at least one of the elastic recovery rate or the compression set described above.

[0068] Meanwhile, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific values ​​of the elastic recovery rate, compression set, modulus of elasticity or the like described above, and all values ​​may fall within the scope of the present disclosure as long as the locking element 160 is inserted into the insertion groove 156, 306 or 406 without being damaged.

[0069] The end cover 140 can be arranged on an outermost section of the sub-module 100 to form a surface of the sub-module 100 or the battery module 10. The end cover 140 can be arranged to face the connecting element 200 or the locking element 160, with the cell unit 110 positioned between them. For example, with reference to Fig. 2 The end cover 140 of the first submodule 100a and the end cover 140 of the second submodule 100b are arranged such that they face each other, with the connecting element 200 positioned between them, and each can form a surface of the battery module 10. The end cover 140 can comprise a rigid material (e.g., a metallic material such as aluminum) to protect the plurality of battery cells 111 from external impacts.

[0070] The side cover 150 can be arranged on at least one side of the cell unit 110 to form at least one side surface of the submodule 100 or the battery module 10. The side cover 150 can form the side surface of at least one of the plurality of submodules 100. In detail, the side cover 150 can be arranged on at least one side or the other side of the first submodule 100a. Additionally, the side cover 150 can be arranged on one side or the other side of the second submodule 100b. In this way, according to the present disclosure, the side cover 150 can be arranged on a lateral side in a stacking direction (i.e., a Y-axis direction) of the plurality of battery cells 111 to form the side surface of the submodule 100.According to one embodiment, the side cover 150 can not only form the side surface of the sub-module 100, but also form at least a section of a side surface of the battery module 10. That is, according to one embodiment, the first and second sub-modules 100a and 100b can form a battery module 10, while the side cover 150 forms the side surface and the first and second sub-modules 100a and 100b are connected to each other.

[0071] In this way, each submodule 100 can be provided in a state in which the side cover 150 forms the side surface. In this state, the plurality of submodules 100 can be arranged facing each other, and the upper cover 300 and the lower cover 400 can be arranged above and below the plurality of submodules 100 to form a battery module 10.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the pair of side covers 150 can be provided and arranged on both sides of the cell unit 110 where the end cover 140 is not located. The side covers 150 can be arranged to face each other along the stacking direction (i.e., the Y-axis direction) of the plurality of battery cells 111. According to one embodiment, the side cover 150 can be connected to the end cover 140 or the connecting element 200 to form the side surface of the submodule 100 or the battery module 10, thereby protecting the battery cell 111 from an external environment.

[0073] Meanwhile, according to one embodiment, the upper and lower sections of the submodule 100 may be exposed and may be covered by the lower cover 300 and the upper cover 400, which cover two or more submodules 100 in a subsequent assembly step of the battery module 10.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the side cover 150 of the cell unit 110 can face the end cover 140 in a different direction to form a different surface. For example, the pair of side covers 150 can be arranged so that they face each other in the stacking direction (i.e., the Y-axis direction) of the cell unit 110, and the end cover 140 and the locking element 160 can face each other, with the cell unit 110 positioned between them. In this way, the end cover 140 and the pair of side covers 150 can form three surfaces of a sub-module 100, and the remaining surface, excluding the upper and lower sections, can be sealed by the locking element 160 and then covered by the connecting element 200. This allows the lower section of the sub-module 100 to be exposed to face a heat dissipation portion 350 of the lower cover 300.This means that the multitude of battery cells 111 can be exposed downwards to face the lower cover 300, allowing them to be cooled quickly.

[0075] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b can be arranged such that they face each other in the longitudinal direction (i.e., the X-axis direction), with the connecting element 200 positioned between them. That is, the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b can share the connecting element 200. Here, a surface of the respective submodules 100 facing each other can be sealed by the blocking element 160 and then covered by the connecting element 200. In this way, one of the end covers 140 of the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b can form a front surface of the battery module 10, and the other can form a rear surface of the battery module 10.Additionally, the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b can be connected to each other via the connecting element 200, while sharing the upper cover 400 and the lower cover 300.

[0076] Meanwhile, the battery module 10 according to the present disclosure can include a cell assembly CA. The cell assembly CA can be defined as a configuration of the submodule 100, excluding the end cover 140, the side cover 150, or the like, which form an outer surface of the battery module 10. The cell assembly CA according to one embodiment can include the cell unit 110, the busbar assembly 120, the insulation cover 130, and the blocking element 160. Additionally, the battery module 10 according to the present disclosure can include the housing HS. In the present disclosure, the housing HS can be defined as a configuration of a cover that forms an outer appearance of the battery module 10, which is connected to the connecting element 200. The housing HS according to one embodiment can include the side cover 150, the bottom cover 300, and the top cover 400.

[0077] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the blocking element 160 can project beyond the connecting element 200 in order to be at least partially inserted into the housing HS. In other words, the blocking element 160 can be at least partially inserted into at least one of the side cover 150, the lower cover 300, or the upper cover 400. This structure allows the battery module 10, according to the present disclosure, to prevent flames or gas from propagating through the gap between the connecting element 200 and the housing HS to the adjacent submodules 100.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the locking element 160 can project beyond the connecting element 200 in at least one direction to be inserted into the side cover 150. In detail, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the side insertion groove 156 can be formed on an inner surface of the side cover 150 facing the cell unit 110. The insertion groove 156 can be formed by at least partially recessing the surface of the side cover 150 facing the battery cell 111 or the cell unit 110. The locking element 160 can project beyond the cell unit 110 or the connecting element 200 in the stacking direction (i.e., the Y-axis direction) of the battery cell to be inserted into the side insertion groove 156 of the side cover 150.In this way, flames or gas occurring in any submodule 100 can be prevented from spreading through the side cover 150 to the adjacent submodules 100. Additionally, with reference to... Fig. 2. At least one of the upper cover 400 or the lower cover 300 includes the upper insertion groove 406 or the lower insertion groove 306, which is formed by at least partially recessing the battery cell 111, i.e., a surface of the battery cell 111 facing the cell unit 110. The blocking element 160 can project upwards or downwards (i.e., in a Z-axis direction) beyond the connecting element 200 to be inserted into at least one of the upper insertion groove 406 or the lower insertion groove 306. In this way, it can be prevented that flames or gas occurring in any submodule 100 propagate through at least one of the upper cover 400 or the lower cover 300 to the adjacent submodules 100.According to one embodiment, after the pair of side covers 150 has been assembled, the locking element 160 can be bent and inserted into at least one of the side insertion groove 156, the upper insertion groove 406 or the lower insertion groove 306.

[0079] The following is a structure for connecting the numerous submodules (100) with each other, with reference to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 described.

[0080] Fig. 4 is a view that illustrates a connection between the first submodule and the second submodule, and Fig. Figure 5 is a view illustrating the blocking element inserted into the side cover according to one embodiment.

[0081] With reference to Fig. 4. The connecting element 200 can be connected to the side cover 150 by a side fastening element 154. For example, the side cover 150 of the first submodule 100a (hereinafter referred to as a first side cover 150a) and the side cover 150 of the second submodule 100b (hereinafter referred to as a second side cover 150b) can project longitudinally (i.e., along the X-axis) beyond the locking element 160 of the first submodule 100a (hereinafter referred to as a first locking element 160a) and the locking element 160 of the second submodule 100b (hereinafter referred to as a second locking element 160b), respectively, in order to at least partially overlap the connecting element 200 in the stacking direction (i.e., along the Y-axis) of the battery cells. For example, the two adjacent side covers 150, i.e.,the side cover 150a of the first sub-module 100a and the side cover 150b of the second sub-module 100b are attached to each other via the connecting element 200 when the side fastening elements 154 are inserted into a connecting fastening hole 204 or a side fastening hole 153.

[0082] With reference to Fig. 5. The blocking element 160 can project beyond the connecting element 200 to allow its side end to be inserted into the side insertion groove 156. For example, the blocking element 160a of the first submodule 100a can be inserted into the first side cover 150a, and the blocking element 160b of the second submodule 100b can be inserted into the second side cover 150b, and the first side cover 150a and the side cover 150b can be connected to each other via the connecting element 200.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the locking element 160 can be inserted into the side cover 150 by a first insertion length d1. For example, the locking element 160 can project beyond the connecting element 200 by at least the first insertion length d1 in order to be inserted into the side insertion groove 156. If, for example, an assembly tolerance is taken into account, the first insertion length d1 can be from 0.3 mm to 0.7 mm. However, the present disclosure is not limited to such specific values, and the above value can vary depending on the thickness of the side cover 150.

[0084] Meanwhile, the drawings only illustrate the side cover 150 of one side. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. That is to say, if the side cover 150 is arranged on at least one side and the blocking element 160 is inserted into at least one side cover 150, all such configurations can fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0085] The following is a cross-sectional structure of the battery module 10 in a state in which the blocking element 160 is inserted into the upper cover 400 and the lower cover 300, with reference to Fig. 6 described.

[0086] Fig. Figure 6 is a view illustrating the locking element inserted into the upper cover or the lower cover according to one embodiment. With reference to Fig. 6. The locking element 160 can project beyond the connecting element 200 in the vertical direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction) to be inserted into at least one of the upper cover 400 or the lower cover 300. In detail, the upper cover 400 or the lower cover 300 can include the upper insertion groove 406 or the lower insertion groove 306, which is formed by recessing a surface of the cover facing the first sub-module 100a or the second sub-module 100b, and the locking element 160 can be inserted at least partially into the upper insertion groove 406 or the lower insertion groove 306.

[0087] The blocking element 160 can be inserted into the upper cover 400 by a second insertion length d2. Here, the blocking element 160 can project upwards (i.e., in a +Z-axis direction) beyond the connecting element 200 by at least the second insertion length d2. Additionally, the blocking element 160 can be inserted into the lower cover 300 by a third insertion length d3. Here, the blocking element 160 can project downwards (i.e., in a -Z-axis direction) beyond the connecting element 200 by at least the third insertion length d3.

[0088] For example, the second insertion length d2 and the third insertion length d3 can be approximately equal to the first insertion length d1. For example, each of the second insertion length d2 and the third insertion length d3 can be between 0.3 mm and 0.7 mm. However, the insertion lengths d1, d2, and d3 according to the present disclosure are not limited to such specific values.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the blocking elements 160a and 160b can be arranged facing each other, with the connecting element 200 positioned between them, thereby preventing heat from spreading between the submodules 100. That is to say, in the battery module 10 according to the present disclosure, the blocking elements 160 of two submodules 100, facing each other with the connecting element 200 positioned between them, can be inserted into the housing HS, thereby preventing or at least delaying the spread of fire occurring in one of the submodules to the other submodule.

[0090] A battery pack 50 according to the present disclosure can contain at least one battery module 10, which, with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 6 is described. The battery pack 50 is described below according to the present disclosure.

[0091] Fig. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. A battery module 10, which, with reference to Fig. The battery module 10, as described in section 7, corresponds to the battery module 10, which is located in Fig. 1 to Fig. Figure 6 illustrates this, and a redundant description of it is therefore omitted.

[0092] With reference to Fig. 7. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery pack 50 may include a pack housing 510, a partition 530 dividing the interior of the pack housing 510 into a plurality of charging compartments V, and at least one battery module 100 charged in the charging compartment V.

[0093] Meanwhile, the battery pack 50 according to the present disclosure is not limited to the number of battery modules 100 housed therein or the presence or absence of the partition 530. That is to say, all battery packs 50, including the pack housing 510 which accommodates at least one battery module 10, can fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0094] As explained above, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery module and battery pack can prevent heat, flames or gas occurring in any sub-module from spreading to the adjacent sub-modules.

[0095] The battery module and battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be easily attached to the housing by means of the flexible locking element.

[0096] Only specific examples of implementations of certain embodiments are described. Variations, improvements, and enhancements of the disclosed embodiments and other embodiments may be made based on the present disclosure of this patent document.

[0097] The present revelation also relates to the following aspects.

[0098] Aspect 1) Battery module comprising: a first submodule and a second submodule, each comprising a cell unit comprising a plurality of battery cells; and a connecting element arranged between the first submodule and the second submodule to connect the first submodule and the second submodule, wherein at least one of the first submodule or the second submodule comprises a blocking element arranged between the connecting element and the cell unit, and the blocking element projects beyond the connecting element on at least one side.

[0099] Aspect 2) In Aspect 1, wherein each of the first submodule and the second submodule further comprises a side cover arranged on at least one side of the plurality of battery cells in a stacking direction of the plurality of battery cells, and the blocking element extends beyond the connecting element in the direction of the side cover in order to be inserted into the side cover.

[0100] Aspect 3) In Aspect 2, wherein the side cover includes a side insertion groove formed by at least partially recessing a surface of the side cover facing the cell unit, and at least one section of the blocking element is inserted into the side insertion groove.

[0101] Aspect 4) In aspect 2 or 3, wherein the blocking element projects beyond the connecting element in the direction of the side cover by at least a first insertion length, and the first insertion length is 0.3 mm to 0.7 mm.

[0102] Aspect 5) In any of aspects 1 to 4, further comprising: a lower cover supporting the first sub-module and the second sub-module; and an upper cover arranged facing the lower cover, with the first sub-module and the second sub-module positioned between them, the locking element projecting beyond the connecting element in the direction of at least one of the lower cover or the upper cover in order to be inserted into at least one of the upper cover or the lower cover.

[0103] Aspect 6) In aspect 5, wherein at least one of the upper cover or the lower cover includes an upper insertion groove or a lower insertion groove formed by at least partially deepening a surface of the cover facing at least one of the first submodule or the second submodule, and at least one section of the locking element is inserted into the upper insertion groove or the lower insertion groove.

[0104] Aspect 7) In aspect 6, wherein the blocking element extends beyond the connecting element towards the upper cover by a second insertion length in order to be inserted into the upper insertion groove, and the second insertion length is 0.3 mm to 0.7 mm.

[0105] Aspect 8) In aspect 6 or 7, wherein the blocking element extends beyond the connecting element by a third insertion length in the direction of the lower cover in order to be inserted into the lower insertion groove, and the third insertion length is 0.3 mm to 0.7 mm.

[0106] Aspect 9) In one of aspects 1 to 8, wherein the blocking element includes a material that has at least one property of electrical insulation or heat resistance.

[0107] Aspect 10) In one of aspects 1 to 9, wherein the blocking element includes at least one of mica, aerogel, glass fiber, silicate, graphite, aluminum or ceramic wool.

[0108] Aspect 11) In one of aspects 1 to 9, having one or more of the following properties (i) and (ii), either alone or in combination: (i) a thermal conductivity of the blocking element is 0.08 W / mK to 0.30 W / mK, and / or (ii) an insulation resistance of the blocking element is 2.0 × 10 3 MΩ to 3.5×10 7 MΩ.

[0109] Aspect 12) In one of aspects 1 to 11, wherein the blocking element includes a first blocking element arranged in the first submodule and a second blocking element arranged in the second submodule, and the first blocking element and the second blocking element are arranged so that they face each other, while the connecting element is arranged between them.

[0110] Aspect 13) In one of aspects 1 to 12, wherein the blocking element meets at least one of an elastic recovery rate of 95% or more or a compression set of 2% to 4%.

[0111] Aspect 14) Battery pack comprising a pack housing in which at least one battery module is arranged, each of the at least one battery module comprising a first sub-module and a second sub-module, each comprising a plurality of battery cells, and a connecting element arranged between the first sub-module and the second sub-module to connect the first sub-module and the second sub-module, at least one of the first sub-module or the second sub-module comprising a blocking element arranged between the connecting element and the plurality of battery cells, and the blocking element projecting beyond the connecting element on at least one side.

[0112] Aspect 15) In Aspect 14, comprising: a lower cover supporting the first sub-module and the second sub-module; an upper cover arranged facing the lower cover, with the first sub-module and the second sub-module positioned between them; and a side cover arranged on at least one side of at least one of the first sub-module or the second sub-module, the locking element being inserted into at least one of the lower cover, the upper cover or the side cover.

[0113] A battery module is disclosed. In some implementations, the battery module includes: a first submodule and a second submodule, each containing a plurality of battery cells; and a connecting element arranged between the first submodule and the second submodule to connect the first submodule and the second submodule, wherein at least one of the first submodule or the second submodule includes a blocking element arranged between the connecting element and the plurality of battery cells, and the blocking element projects beyond the connecting element on at least one side.

Claims

[1] Battery module comprising: a first submodule and a second submodule, each containing a cell unit that includes a plurality of battery cells; and a connecting element that is arranged between the first submodule and the second submodule to connect the first submodule and the second submodule, wherein at least one of the first submodule or the second submodule includes a blocking element arranged between the connecting element and the cell unit, and The blocking element extends beyond the connecting element on at least one side. [2] Battery module according to claim 1, wherein each of the first sub-module and the second sub-module further comprises a side cover arranged on at least one side of the plurality of battery cells in a stacking direction of the plurality of battery cells, and the blocking element extends beyond the connecting element in the direction of the side cover in order to be inserted into the side cover. [3] Battery module according to claim 2, wherein the side cover includes a side insertion groove formed by at least partially recessing a surface of the side cover facing the cell unit, and at least one section of the locking element is inserted into the side insertion groove. [4] Battery module according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the blocking element extends beyond the connecting element in the direction of the side cover by at least a first insertion length, and the first insertion length is 0.3 mm to 0.7 mm. [5] Battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: a lower cover that houses the first sub-module and the second sub-module; and an upper cover arranged so that it faces the lower cover, with the first sub-module and the second sub-module arranged in between, wherein the blocking element extends beyond the connecting element in the direction of at least one of the lower cover or the upper cover in order to be inserted into at least one of the upper cover or the lower cover. [6] Battery module according to claim 5, wherein at least one of the upper cover or the lower cover includes an upper insertion groove or a lower insertion groove formed by at least partially recessing a surface of the cover facing at least one of the first sub-module or the second sub-module, and at least one section of the locking element is inserted into the upper insertion groove or the lower insertion groove. [7] Battery module according to claim 6, wherein the blocking element extends beyond the connecting element towards the upper cover by a second insertion length in order to be inserted into the upper insertion groove, and the second insertion length is 0.3 mm to 0.7 mm. [8] Battery module according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the locking element extends beyond the connecting element by a third insertion length in the direction of the lower cover in order to be inserted into the lower insertion groove, and the third insertion length is 0.3 mm to 0.7 mm. [9] Battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the blocking element comprises a material having at least one property of electrical insulation or heat resistance. [10] Battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the blocking element comprises at least one of mica, aerogel, glass fiber, silicate, graphite, aluminum or ceramic wool. [11] Battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising one or more of the following features (i) and (ii), each alone or in combination: (i) the thermal conductivity of the blocking element is 0.08 W / mK to 0.30 W / mK, and / or (ii) the insulation resistance of the blocking element is 2.0×10 3 MΩ to 3.5×10 7 MΩ. [12] Battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the blocking element comprises a first blocking element arranged in the first submodule and a second blocking element arranged in the second submodule, and the first blocking element and the second blocking element are arranged such that they face each other, while the connecting element is arranged between them. [13] Battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the blocking element meets at least one of an elastic recovery rate of 95% or more or a compression set of 2% to 4%. [14] Battery pack comprising a pack housing in which at least one battery module is arranged, wherein Each of the at least one battery module comprises a first sub-module and a second sub-module, each containing a plurality of battery cells, and a connecting element that is arranged between the first submodule and the second submodule to connect the first submodule and the second submodule, at least one of the first submodule or the second submodule includes a blocking element arranged between the connecting element and the plurality of battery cells, and The blocking element extends beyond the connecting element on at least one side. [15] Battery pack according to claim 14, comprising: a lower cover that houses the first sub-module and the second sub-module; an upper cover arranged so that it faces the lower cover, with the first sub-module and the second sub-module arranged between them; and a side cover that is arranged on at least one side of at least one of the first submodule or the second submodule, wherein the blocking element is inserted into at least one of the lower cover, the upper cover or the side cover.

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