Battery module, battery pack including said battery module, and automobile

Abstract

A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a cell assembly including a plurality of stacked battery cells, a module case that houses the cell assembly, and a bus bar assembly that is coupled to the module case and electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells, and the cell assembly includes a blocking member configured to cover a portion of the plurality of battery cells to prevent thermal propagation to adjacent battery cells in the stacking direction of the plurality of battery cells when a thermal event occurs in at least one battery cell.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module, a battery pack including the battery module, and an automobile, and more particularly to a battery module with improved safety, a battery pack including the battery module, and an automobile.

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0183382 filed on December 23, 2022, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0043171 filed on March 31, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety in the specification and drawings. [Background technology]

[0003] Secondary batteries, which are easily applicable to various products and have electrical properties such as high energy density, are widely used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) that are driven by electric sources. These secondary batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source that is environmentally friendly and improves energy efficiency because they do not generate any by-products due to energy use, as well as having the major advantage of dramatically reducing the use of fossil fuels.

[0004] Currently, the types of secondary batteries that are widely used include lithium ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel cadmium batteries, nickel metal hydride batteries, and nickel zinc batteries. The operating voltage of such a unit secondary battery cell, i.e., a unit battery cell, is about 2.5V to 4.5V. Therefore, when a higher output voltage is required, a battery pack may be configured by connecting a plurality of battery cells in series. Also, a battery pack may be configured by connecting a plurality of battery cells in parallel depending on the charge / discharge capacity required for the battery pack. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in the battery pack may be variously set depending on the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0005] Meanwhile, when configuring a battery pack by connecting a plurality of battery cells in series / parallel, a common method is to first configure a battery module including at least one battery cell, and then use this at least one battery module to add other components to configure a battery pack or a battery rack.

[0006] However, when multiple secondary batteries (battery cells) or multiple battery modules are densely packed in a small space, they may be vulnerable to thermal events. In particular, if an event such as thermal runaway occurs in any battery cell, high-temperature gas, flames, heat, etc. may be generated. If such gas, flames, heat, etc. are transmitted to other battery cells included in the same battery module, an explosive chain reaction situation such as thermal propagation may occur. Furthermore, such a chain reaction may not only cause accidents such as fire or explosion in the battery module, but may also cause fire or explosion in other battery modules.

[0007] Furthermore, in the case of medium to large battery packs such as electric vehicles, the risk of thermal chain reactions may be further increased since a large number of battery cells and battery modules are included to increase the output and / or capacity. In addition, in the case of battery packs mounted on electric vehicles, users such as drivers may be present in the vicinity. Therefore, if a thermal event occurring in a particular battery module cannot be appropriately controlled and a chain reaction occurs, it may cause not only serious property damage but also loss of human life.

[0008] This has led to a demand for methods that can improve safety against such thermal events when they occur. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a battery module that can improve safety against thermal events, and a battery pack and an automobile including the battery module.

[0010] However, the technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to the problems mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a battery module including a cell assembly including a plurality of stacked battery cells, a module case that houses the cell assembly, and a bus bar assembly that is coupled to the module case and electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells, wherein the cell assembly includes a blocking member configured to cover a portion of the plurality of battery cells to prevent thermal propagation to adjacent battery cells in a stacking direction of the plurality of battery cells when a thermal event occurs in at least one battery cell.

[0012] Also, preferably, the blocking member may guide the ejection material ejected from the at least one battery cell in a specific direction upon a thermal event of the at least one battery cell.

[0013] Also, preferably, the bottom of the module case is provided with at least one vent for discharging the ejected material, and the blocking member may have an open lower portion so that the ejected material can be guided toward the vent of the module case and ejected.

[0014] Also, preferably, the cell assembly may include a heat shield disposed between the plurality of battery cells in a stacking direction of the plurality of battery cells.

[0015] Also, preferably, the heat shield may be in contact with the blocking member in the stacking direction of the plurality of battery cells.

[0016] Preferably, both ends of the blocking member are disposed adjacent to the bus bar assembly.

[0017] Also, preferably, the bus bar assembly covers both sides of the plurality of battery cells, and both ends of the blocking member may be disposed adjacent to the bus bar assembly.

[0018] Also preferably, the blocking member is made of a flexible material.

[0019] Also, preferably, the blocking member may cover upper ends and both side edges of the plurality of battery cells.

[0020] Also, preferably, the blocking member may cover front and rear portions of both side edges of the plurality of battery cells in a stacking direction of the plurality of battery cells.

[0021] Also, preferably, each of the plurality of battery cells includes an electrode assembly, a battery case including a case body that accommodates the electrode assembly and a case terrace extending with a step from both sides of the case body, and a pair of electrode leads connected to the electrode assembly, protruding from the case terrace of the battery case, and connected to the bus bar assembly, and the blocking member may cover an upper end of the case body and front and rear portions of the case terrace.

[0022] Also, preferably, a seal portion is formed at an upper end of the case body, the seal portion being connected to the case terrace and for sealing the inside of the case body, and the blocking member can cover the seal portion.

[0023] Preferably, the blocking member may have a guide slit through which the pair of electrode leads pass to prevent interference with the pair of electrode leads.

[0024] The present invention also provides a battery pack including at least one battery module according to the above-described embodiment and a pack case accommodating the at least one battery module.

[0025] The present invention also provides a motor vehicle, comprising at least one battery pack according to the above-described embodiments. Effect of the Invention

[0026] According to the various embodiments described above, it is possible to provide a battery module capable of improving safety against thermal events, and a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery module.

[0027] In addition, the present invention can have various other effects, and these effects will be described in each embodiment, or effects that can be easily inferred by a person skilled in the art will not be described.

[0028] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention, serve to further understand the technical ideas of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited only to the matters described in the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 3 is a partial cross-sectional view for explaining a connection portion between a cell assembly and a bus bar assembly of the battery module of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 2 is a diagram for explaining a cell assembly of the battery module of FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] 5 is a diagram showing a state of a cutoff member attached to a battery cell of the cell assembly of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] 6 is a diagram for explaining a state in which a cutoff member is attached to the battery cell in FIG. 5. FIG. [Figure 7] 7 is a diagram for explaining the blocking member in FIG. 6. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a side view of the blocking member of FIG. [Figure 9]13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating a blocking member according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 10 is a side view of the blocking member of FIG. 9. [Figure 11] 13A and 13B are views illustrating a blocking member according to still another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a side view of the blocking member of FIG. [Figure 13] 2 is a diagram for explaining a directional vent path of a flame, gas, or other ejection when a thermal event occurs due to an abnormal condition of at least one battery cell of the battery module of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 14] 13 is a diagram for explaining the directional vent path of flames and ejections such as gas from a battery cell when the thermal event of FIG. 12 occurs. FIG. [Figure 15] 14 is a diagram for explaining the state of the blocking of heat propagation by the blocking member and the state of the directional vent guide when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell in which the abnormal situation in FIG. 13 has occurred. FIG. [Figure 16] 1 is a diagram illustrating a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 17] 1 is a diagram for explaining an automobile according to an embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0030] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, the terms and words used in the present specification and claims are not to be construed as being limited to their ordinary and dictionary meanings, but are to be construed as having meanings and concepts according to the technical ideas of the present invention, in accordance with the principle that the inventors themselves can appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best describe the invention.

[0031] Therefore, it should be understood that the configurations shown in the embodiments described in this specification are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical idea of ​​the present invention, and therefore there may be various equivalents and modifications that can be substituted therefor at the time of this application.

[0032] Meanwhile, although terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are used in this specification, these terms are used for convenience of explanation, and it will be obvious to those skilled in the art of the present invention that they may change depending on the position of the target object, the position of the observer, etc.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a battery module 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module 10 of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view for explaining a connection portion between a cell assembly 100 and a busbar assembly 300 of the battery module 10 of FIG. 2.

[0034] 1 to 3 , a battery module 10 may include a cell assembly 100, a module case 200, and a busbar assembly 300.

[0035] The cell assembly 100 may include a plurality of stacked battery cells 110. The plurality of battery cells 110 may be electrically connected to each other and to a bus bar assembly 300, which will be described later. The plurality of battery cells 110 are secondary batteries, and may be provided as a pouch-type secondary battery.

[0036] The module case 200 forms the exterior of the battery module 10 and may house the cell assemblies 100. To this end, the module case 200 may be provided with a housing space capable of housing the cell assemblies 100.

[0037] The bus bar assembly 300 may be combined with the module case 200 to form the exterior of the battery module 10 together with the module case 200. The bus bar assembly 300 may be electrically connected to the battery cells 110 of the cell assembly 100 to sense the voltages of the battery cells 110.

[0038] The cell assembly 100 may include a blocking member 130 .

[0039] The blocking member 130 may be configured to cover a portion of the plurality of battery cells 110 to prevent heat transmission to adjacent battery cells 110 in the stacking direction (Y-axis direction) of the plurality of battery cells 110 when a thermal event occurs due to an abnormal condition such as overheating of at least one of the plurality of battery cells 110.

[0040] The battery cell 110 in which an abnormal situation occurs during the thermal event may have a high temperature due to overheating and may emit flames, gas, etc. If the heat, flames, gas, or other emitted matter from a particular battery cell 110 is propagated to an adjacent battery cell 110, this may lead to thermal runaway of the adjacent battery cell 110, resulting in even greater danger such as a chain reaction of fires or explosions of the battery cells 110.

[0041] In the battery module 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the blocking member 130 covering a portion of the plurality of battery cells 110 can effectively prevent the heat, flame, gas, and other ejections generated in a battery cell 110 in which an abnormal condition occurs during a thermal event from spreading to adjacent battery cells 110.

[0042] Therefore, the battery module 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention can minimize the risk of secondary damage, such as a chain fire or explosion, caused by the thermal event, by the blocking member 130.

[0043] The blocking member 130 may guide the ejection from at least one battery cell 110 in a specific direction when a thermal event occurs in the at least one battery cell 110. The ejection, such as the flame or gas, may occur in the battery cell 110 or the module case 200 in which an abnormal situation occurs during a thermal event. The ejection may increase the internal pressure of the module case 200 of the battery module 10 or ignite surrounding components. Therefore, when a thermal event occurs, it is necessary to quickly discharge the ejection outside the module case 200. In addition, in order to quickly discharge the ejection outside the module case 200 and minimize damage to components inside the module case 200, it is important to control the ejection direction of the ejection.

[0044] In an embodiment of the present invention, the blocking member 130 can prevent heat transfer to the adjacent battery cell 110 and can also guide the ejection direction of the ejection material to eject in a specific direction. That is, the blocking member 130 can control the ejection path of the ejection material by guiding a directional vent in a specific direction so that the ejection material, such as gas or flame, can be more quickly exhausted to the outside of the module case 200.

[0045] Hereinafter, the directional vent guide using the blocking member 130 will be discussed in more detail.

[0046] At least one vent 215 for discharging the ejected material may be provided at the bottom (-Z-axis direction) of the module case 200. Specifically, a plurality of vents 215 may be provided at both sides of the bottom of the module case 200. The vent 215 may discharge ejected material such as flames or gases inside the module case 200 to the outside of the module case 200 when a situation such as the thermal event occurs. The vent 215 may be provided as a vent hole having a predetermined opening, or may be attached to the module case 200 as a separate vent unit. Meanwhile, the vent 215 may be provided in a structure that is opened to communicate between the inside and outside of the module case 200 by melting or breaking at a predetermined temperature or pressure or more when a situation such as the thermal event occurs.

[0047] The blocking member 130 may have an open lower portion to guide and eject the ejected material toward the vent portion 215 of the module case 200. When the thermal event occurs, the ejected material is guided toward the vent portion 215 provided at the bottom of the module case 200 through the open lower portion of the blocking member 130 and can be quickly discharged outside the vent portion 215.

[0048] In this manner, the blocking member 130 of this embodiment can guide ejections such as gas and flames generated during the thermal event in a specific direction, specifically toward the downward direction of the battery module 10 (-Z axis direction), and discharge them outside the battery module 10.

[0049] The cell assembly 100 including the blocking member 130 will be discussed in more detail below.

[0050] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the cell assembly 100 of the battery module 10 of FIG.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 4, the cell assembly 100 may include a heat shield 150 .

[0052] The heat shielding member 150 may be disposed between the battery cells 110 in a stacking direction (Y-axis direction) of the battery cells 110. The heat shielding member 150, together with the blocking member 130, may prevent heat transmission to the adjacent battery cells 110 caused by heat, gas, or flame of a battery cell 110 in which an abnormal situation occurs during a thermal event.

[0053] The heat shield 150 may be provided in plurality and may be provided to have a size sufficient to cover the battery cells 110 in the stacking direction of the battery cells 110 (YX axial direction).

[0054] The heat shield 150 may contact the blocking member 130 in a stacking direction (Y-axis direction) of the plurality of battery cells 110. Thus, the plurality of battery cells 110 may be surrounded by the blocking member 130 and the heat shield 150 except for an open lower portion of the blocking member 130 and a guide slit 135 region described below.

[0055] Therefore, in the battery module 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the blocking member 130 and the heat-shielding member 150 can more reliably prevent heat transmission to an adjacent battery cell 110 in which an abnormal condition occurs during a thermal event.

[0056] 1 to 4 , a portion of the blocking member 130 may be disposed adjacent to the bus bar assembly 300. Specifically, both ends of the blocking member 130 may be disposed adjacent to the bus bar assembly 300. More specifically, the bus bar assembly 300 may cover both sides (X-axis direction) of the plurality of battery cells 110. Both ends of the blocking member 130 may be disposed adjacent to the bus bar assembly 300.

[0057] In the case of the portion of the cell assembly 100 adjacent to the busbar assembly 300, the risk of a chain fire or explosion is higher than in other portions if heat transfer occurs to the adjacent battery cells 110 when the thermal event occurs due to electrical connection between the busbar assembly 300 and the plurality of battery cells 110. In one embodiment of the present invention, both ends of the blocking member 130 are disposed adjacent to the busbar assembly 300, so that the transfer of heat to the adjacent battery cells 110, which may occur near the busbar assembly 300 when the thermal event occurs, can be blocked more effectively.

[0058] The blocking member 130 may be made of a flexible material. As a result, the blocking member 130 can be easily attached to the battery cell 110 and can absorb or offset assembly tolerances with surrounding components during attachment. In addition, the blocking member 130 may have a certain degree of elasticity and can cushion external shocks applied to the battery cell 110.

[0059] The isolating member 130 may include a fire-resistant material. For example, the isolating member 130 may be made of fiberglass, rubber, silicone, etc. This is merely exemplary, and it should be understood that the isolating member 130 may be made of other materials, including fire-resistant materials, as a flexible material.

[0060] The blocking member 130 may include an insulating material. Therefore, the blocking member 130 may effectively prevent an electrical problem, such as current flow from an abnormal battery cell 110 to an adjacent battery cell 110. In addition, the blocking member 130 may include a fireproof material. Thus, the blocking member 130 may be provided including a fireproof, insulating, and fireproof material, which may enhance the effect of blocking or delaying heat propagation when the thermal event occurs.

[0061] The blocking member 130 may be provided in a plurality of numbers corresponding to the number of the battery cells 110. The plurality of blocking members 130 may each cover a portion of the plurality of battery cells 110. Therefore, in an embodiment of the present invention, since the blocking member 130 is provided in a plurality of numbers corresponding to the number of the battery cells 110, blocking or delaying heat transfer to each battery cell 110 and guiding a lower directional vent may be uniformly achieved in each of the plurality of battery cells 110.

[0062] Hereinafter, the blocking member 130 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be considered in more detail.

[0063] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the state of the cutoff member 130 attached to the battery cell 110 of the cell assembly 100 of FIG. 4, and FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the state in which the cutoff member 130 is attached to the battery cell 110 of FIG. 5.

[0064] 5, 6 and 1 to 4, the blocking member 130 may cover the upper end and both side edges of the plurality of battery cells 110. Therefore, the blocking member 130 may effectively block heat propagation to the adjacent battery cells 110 caused at the upper and both side edges of the plurality of battery cells 110 when the thermal event occurs. In addition, the blocking member 130 may guide the movement of ejected matter such as flames and gases generated during the thermal event toward the downward direction (-Z axis direction) of the battery cell 110 due to the above-mentioned cover structure.

[0065] The covering structure of the blocking member 130 on both side edges of the battery cell 110 will be considered in detail below.

[0066] The blocking member 130 may cover front (+Y-axis direction) and rear (-Y-axis direction) portions of both side edges of the plurality of battery cells 110 in a stacking direction (Y-axis direction) of the plurality of battery cells 110.

[0067] In the case of both side edges of the plurality of battery cells 110, a predetermined step space is formed in either one of the front-rear direction (Y-axis direction) or the front-rear direction (Y-axis direction) (+Y-axis direction or -Y-axis direction) according to the characteristic shape of the pouch-type secondary battery. In such a step space, ejections generated during the above-mentioned thermal event may flow in and accumulate due to convection. For example, if the ejections such as flames or gas accumulate or accumulate in the step space, not only does it increase the risk of propagation to the adjacent battery cells 110, but it also rapidly increases the internal pressure of the module case 200, increasing the possibility of even greater secondary damage, such as an explosion of the battery module 10.

[0068] In the present embodiment, the blocking member 130 covers both side edges of the battery cell 110 in the front-rear direction (Y-axis direction), thereby significantly reducing the overall size of the step space in the stacking direction (Y-axis direction) of the battery cells 110. Therefore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the blocking member 130 reduces the volume of the step space, thereby significantly reducing or preventing the inflow of the ejected material such as flame or gas into the step space, and also significantly reducing the possibility of the ejected material such as flame or gas remaining in the step space.

[0069] In addition, the vent portion 215 of the module case 200 may be provided at the bottom of the module case 200 close to the step space. This is because the ejection of the flame, gas, etc. in the step space can be more quickly exhausted to the outside of the module case 200.

[0070] Hereinafter, the plurality of battery cells 110 provided as the pouch-type secondary battery will be considered in more detail.

[0071] Each of the multiple battery cells 110 may include an electrode assembly 111, a battery case 112, and a pair of electrode leads 117.

[0072] The electrode assembly 111 may be composed of a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, a separator, etc. The electrode assembly 111 is well known, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted below.

[0073] The battery case 112 may accommodate the electrode assembly 111. To this end, the battery case 112 may be provided with an accommodating space capable of accommodating the electrode assembly 111.

[0074] The battery case 112 may include a case body 113 and a case terrace 115 .

[0075] The case body 113 may accommodate the electrode assembly 111 and a portion of a pair of electrode leads 117, which will be described later. To this end, the case body 113 may be provided with an accommodating space capable of accommodating the electrode assembly 111 and a portion of the pair of electrode leads 117.

[0076] The case terrace 115 may extend from both sides of the case body 113. The case terrace 115 may be sealed by, for example, heat sealing to seal the inside of the case body 113. The case terrace 115 may extend from both sides of the case body 113 with a step and be formed to have a predetermined step from the case body 113 depending on the volume of the electrode assembly 111 inside the case body 113 and the seal. In this embodiment, a predetermined step space may be formed both in front (+Y axis direction) and behind (-Y axis direction) of the case terrace 115.

[0077] The pair of electrode leads 117 may be connected to the electrode assembly 111, protrude from a case terrace 115 of the battery case 112, and connect to the bus bar assembly 300. In this embodiment, the pair of electrode leads 117 may protrude from both sides (X-axis direction) of the case terrace 115 of the battery case 112, respectively.

[0078] The blocking member 130 may cover an upper end (+Z-axis direction) of the case body 113, and a front portion (+Y-axis direction) and a rear portion (-Y-axis direction) of the case terrace 115. Therefore, the blocking member 130 may cover the battery cell 110 in a U-shape with an open bottom.

[0079] A seal portion 114 may be formed at an upper end (+Z-axis direction) of the case body 113 to connect to the case terrace 115 and seal the inside of the case body 113. The seal portion 114 may be folded at least once to slim down the battery cell 110.

[0080] The blocking member 130 may cover the sealing portion 114. When an abnormal situation occurs in the battery cell 110, the sealing portion 114 may be unintentionally opened, and at this time, the ejection of flame, gas, etc. may flow out of the sealing portion 114. In the present embodiment, since the blocking member 130 covers the sealing portion 114, the ejection of flame, gas, etc. that may be generated by the opening of the sealing portion 114 may be effectively blocked.

[0081] Each of the plurality of battery cells 110 may include a cell vent portion 118 .

[0082] The cell vent 118 is for discharging gas or flames that may be generated when an abnormality such as internal overheating of the battery cell 110 occurs, and may be provided on one side of the battery case 112. Specifically, the cell vent 118 may be provided on both sides of the bottom (-Z axis direction) of the case body 113. The cell vent 118 melts or breaks at a predetermined temperature or pressure or higher, thereby opening the inside of the battery case 112 to communicate with the outside.

[0083] The cell vent portion 118 may be integrally formed with the battery case 112 and may be provided with a thickness relatively smaller than other portions of the battery case 112 for quicker melting or rupture. However, this is merely an example, and it goes without saying that the cell vent portion 118 may be provided in the battery case 112 as a separate member and may be provided with a structure that allows the interior of the battery case 112 to be opened when the thermal event occurs.

[0084] The blocking member 130 may be formed with guide slits 135 through which the pair of electrode leads 117 pass to prevent interference with the pair of electrode leads 117. The guide slits 135 may be provided to form a predetermined gap at both ends of the blocking member 130. The guide slits 135 may guide easier electrical connection between the pair of electrode leads 117 and the bus bar assembly 300.

[0085] Hereinafter, the structure of the blocking member 130 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be considered in more detail.

[0086] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining blocking member 130 of FIG. 6, and FIG. 8 is a side view of blocking member 130 of FIG.

[0087] 7 and 8, the blocking member 130 may include a blocking cover 131 and a blocking leg 136.

[0088] The blocking cover 131 may be formed to a predetermined length so as to cover the upper end (+Z-axis direction) of the battery cell 110 (see FIG. 6). Also, the blocking cover 131 may have a width at least equal to the width of the upper end of the case body 113 of the battery case 112 of the battery cell 110 (see FIG. 6).

[0089] The blocking legs 136 may be bent downward (in the -Z-axis direction) and extended from both ends of the blocking cover 131. The blocking legs 136 may be integrally formed with the blocking cover 131 and may cover both side edges of the battery cell 110 (see FIG. 6) in the front-rear direction (in the Y-axis direction).

[0090] The blocking leg 136 may include a first leg 137 and a second leg 138 .

[0091] The first leg 137 may be formed to a predetermined length in front of both ends of the blocking cover 131 (+Y-axis direction). The second leg 138 may be spaced a predetermined distance from the first leg 137 in the front-rear direction (Y-axis direction) and may be formed to a predetermined length in the rear of both ends of the blocking cover 131 (-Y-axis direction). The guide slit 135 may be formed by the distance between the first leg 137 and the second leg 138 in the front-rear direction (Y-axis direction).

[0092] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a blocking member 170 according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a side view of the blocking member 170 of FIG.

[0093] Since the blocking member 170 in this embodiment is similar to the blocking member 130 in the above embodiment, duplicate descriptions of configurations that are substantially identical or similar to those in the above embodiment will be omitted, and the following discussion will focus on the differences from the above embodiment.

[0094] 9 and 10, the blocking member 170 may include a blocking cover 171 and a blocking leg 176.

[0095] The blocking cover 171 is similar to the blocking cover 131 of the above embodiment, and therefore, a duplicated description will be omitted below.

[0096] The blocking leg 176 may include a first leg 177 and a second leg 178 .

[0097] The thickness W1 of the first leg 177 may correspond to a step space formed in front (+Y-axis direction) of the case terrace 115 (see FIG. 6) of the battery case 112 (see FIG. 6) of the battery cell 110 (see FIG. 6). For example, the thickness W1 of the first leg 177 may be at least the same as the thickness of a step space formed in front (+Y-axis direction) of the case terrace 115 (see FIG. 6).

[0098] The thickness W2 of the second leg 178 may correspond to a step space formed behind (in the -Y-axis direction) the case terrace 115 (see FIG. 6) of the battery case 112 (see FIG. 6) of the battery cell 110 (see FIG. 6). For example, the thickness W2 of the second leg 178 may be at least the same as the thickness of a step space formed behind (in the -Y-axis direction) the case terrace 115 (see FIG. 6).

[0099] In addition, the guide slit 175 formed between the first leg 177 and the second leg 178 may have a thickness corresponding to the thickness of the case terrace 115 of the battery case 112 of the battery cell 110 (see FIG. 6).

[0100] In this way, the blocking member 170 of one embodiment of the present invention offsets all of the step spaces in the front-to-back direction (Y-axis direction) of the case terrace 115 (see FIG. 6) of the battery case 112 (see FIG. 6) of the battery cell 110 (see FIG. 6) by the first leg 177 and the second leg 178 provided at the specified thicknesses W1 and W2, thereby more reliably blocking the inflow and retention of ejections such as flames and gas that may occur within the step spaces.

[0101] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a blocking member 180 according to still another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is a side view of the blocking member 180 of FIG.

[0102] Since the blocking member 180 in this embodiment is similar to the blocking member 130 in the above embodiment, duplicate descriptions of configurations that are substantially identical or similar to those in the above embodiment will be omitted, and the following discussion will focus on the differences from the above embodiment.

[0103] 11 and 12, the insulating member 180 may include an insulating cover 181 , an insulating leg 186 , and a coating layer 189 .

[0104] The blocking cover 181 is similar to the blocking cover 131 of the above embodiment, and therefore, a duplicated description will be omitted below.

[0105] The blocking leg 186 may include a first leg 187 and a second leg 188. The first leg 187 and the second leg 188 are similar to each other, and therefore, a duplicated description will be omitted below.

[0106] The coating layer 189 may be provided on one surface of the blocking member 180 facing the battery cell 110 when the blocking member 180 is attached to the battery cell 110 (see FIG. 6). Specifically, the coating layer 189 may be provided on the inner surface of the blocking cover 181, the inner surface of the first leg 187, and the inner surface of the second leg 188. The coating layer 189 may be made of a material having a fire resistance and flame retardancy.

[0107] Therefore, in this embodiment, the coating layer 189 provided on the side of the blocking member 180 facing the battery cell 110 (see FIG. 6 ) can further enhance the blocking and propagation delay effect of heat, flame, gas, etc. when a thermal event occurs due to an abnormal condition of the battery cell 110.

[0108] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the directional vent path of an ejection such as a flame or gas when a thermal event occurs due to an abnormal situation in at least one battery cell 110 of the battery module 10 of FIG. 1. FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the directional vent path of an ejection such as a flame or gas in the battery cell 110 when the thermal event of FIG. 12 occurs. FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the blocking of heat propagation and directional vent guide by the blocking member 130 when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell 110 where the abnormal situation of FIG. 13 occurs.

[0109] 13 to 15, when a thermal event occurs due to an abnormal condition of at least one battery cell 110 of the battery module 10, an ejection G such as flame or gas may occur.

[0110] The blocking member 130 covers the upper and both side edges of the battery cell 110 in which an abnormality has occurred while leaving the lower part open, and thus can guide the movement of the ejection G, such as flame or gas, emitted from the battery cell 110 in the abnormal state in a downward (-Z axis direction) direction. Then, the ejection G, such as flame or gas, can be quickly discharged to the lower part of the battery module 10 through the vent part 215 provided at the bottom of the module case 200.

[0111] Considering in more detail the discharge path of the flames, gas, and other ejections G, as shown in FIG. 14, the flames, gas, and other ejections G generated inside the battery cell 110 in which an abnormal situation has occurred can be discharged to the outside of the battery cell 110 through the cell vents 118 provided on both sides of the bottom of the case body 113 of the battery case 112.

[0112] In one embodiment of the present invention, the cell vent portion 118 is provided on both sides of the bottom of the battery cell 110, and the vent portion 215 is provided on both sides of the bottom of the module case 200 near the cell vent portion 118, thereby minimizing the downward vent path of the ejection G such as the flame or gas. Therefore, in one embodiment of the present invention, when the thermal event occurs, the directional vent speed toward the bottom of the battery module 10 (in the -Z-axis direction) can be increased.

[0113] In addition, the blocking member 130 according to one embodiment of the present invention covers the upper portion (+Z-axis direction) of the battery cell 110, the front portion (+Y-axis direction) and the rear portion (-Y-axis direction) of both end edges of the battery cell 110, thereby effectively preventing heat transmission to adjacent battery cells 110 in the stacking direction (Y-axis direction) of the battery cells 110.

[0114] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the blocking member 130 is arranged to be in contact with the heat-shielding member 150 arranged between the battery cells 110 in the stacking direction (Y-axis direction), thereby further improving the reliability of blocking heat transmission to adjacent battery cells 110.

[0115] Furthermore, the upper portion (+Z axis direction), the front portion (+Y axis direction) and the rear portion (-Y axis direction) of both end edges of the adjacent battery cells 110 are also covered by the blocking member 130, so that the propagation of heat, flames, gas and other ejections G generated in the battery cell 110 where a thermal event has occurred can be more reliably prevented.

[0116] 1 to 3, the module case 200 may include a case base 210 and a case cover 230.

[0117] The case base 210 is provided in a substantially U-shape and can support a bottom and both sides of the cell assembly 100. The above-mentioned vent portions 215 can be provided on both sides of the bottom of the case base 210. The case cover 230 can be combined with the case base 210 and can cover an upper side of the cell assembly 100.

[0118] The busbar assembly 300 may include a busbar frame 310 , a busbar member 320 , a terminal member 330 and a busbar cover 340 .

[0119] The bus bar frames 310 may be provided in pairs. The pair of bus bar frames 310 may be provided on both sides of the cell assembly 100 along the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction).

[0120] The bus bar frame 310 may be formed with lead slots 312 for passing the electrode leads 117 of the battery cells 110. The lead slots 312 may allow the electrode leads 117 of the battery cells 110 to pass through and guide the connection with a bus bar member 320, which will be described later.

[0121] In addition, the bus bar frame 310 may be formed with a barrier member receiving portion 315 for receiving an end portion of the heat shielding member 150. The barrier member receiving portion 315 may be formed on one surface of the bus bar frame 310 facing the cell assembly 100. The barrier member receiving portion 315 may be provided as a receiving groove into which the end portion of the heat shielding member 150 can be inserted.

[0122] The bus bar member 320 may be provided in plurality and connected to the electrode lead 117 of the battery cell 110. Such a plurality of bus bar members 320 may be attached to the bus bar frame 310.

[0123] The terminal member 330 is for connecting the battery cells 110 to an external power source, etc., and may be provided on the bus bar frame 310. At least a portion of the terminal member 330 may be exposed to the outside of the battery module 10 for connection to the external power source, etc.

[0124] The bus bar cover 340 may be provided in a pair. The pair of bus bar covers 340 may be provided to cover the respective bus bar frames 310. The bus bar cover 340 may prevent ejections such as flames and gas from flowing out of the bus bar frame 310.

[0125] The battery module 10 may also include an end plate 400 .

[0126] The end plate 400 may be provided in a pair. The pair of end plates 400 may cover the bus bar assembly 300 and may be provided at both ends of the battery module 10 in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction). The pair of end plates 400 may be combined with the module case 200 to form the outer appearance of the battery module 10.

[0127] In addition, the battery module 10 may include a heat transfer member 500.

[0128] The heat transfer members 500 may be provided in pairs. The pair of heat transfer members 500 may be disposed in contact with the upper and lower sides of the cell assembly 100 and may be in contact with the inner surface of the module case 200. The heat transfer member 500 disposed on the upper side of the cell assembly 100 may be in contact with the inner surface of the case cover 230, and the heat transfer member 500 disposed on the lower side of the cell assembly 100 may be in contact with the inner surface of the case base 210. The pair of heat transfer members 500 may transfer heat generated in the cell assembly 100 to the module case 200, thereby improving the cooling performance of the battery module 10.

[0129] FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining a battery pack 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining an automobile V according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0130] 16 and 17, a battery pack 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include at least one or more of the battery modules 10 according to the above embodiment, and a pack case 50 that accommodates the battery modules 10.

[0131] The battery pack 1 may further include electrical components such as a BMS for controlling the battery module 10 and a cooling unit such as a heat sink for cooling the battery module 10.

[0132] The battery pack 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include various components other than the battery pack 1 that are known at the time of filing of the present invention. For example, the battery pack 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include components such as a current sensor, a fuse, and a service plug.

[0133] Furthermore, the automobile V according to one embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery packs 1 according to the present invention. Furthermore, the automobile V according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include various other components included in an automobile, in addition to the battery pack 1. For example, the automobile V according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a vehicle body, a motor, a control device such as an ECU (electronic control unit), and the like, in addition to the battery pack 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0134] Furthermore, it goes without saying that the battery pack 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention can be installed in other devices, mechanisms, and equipment, such as an energy storage system that uses a secondary battery, in addition to the automobile V.

[0135] As described above, since the battery pack 1 and the automobile V according to one embodiment of the present invention include the battery module 10 of the above embodiment, safety against the above-mentioned thermal events can be ensured even for the battery pack 1 and the automobile V alone.

[0136] According to the various embodiments described above, it is possible to provide a battery module 10 capable of improving safety against thermal events, and a battery pack 1 and an automobile V including the battery module 10.

[0137] While the above illustrates and describes preferred embodiments of the present invention, the present invention is not limited to the above-described specific embodiments, and various modifications may be made by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains without departing from the spirit of the present invention as claimed in the claims. However, such modifications should not be understood separately from the technical ideas and perspectives of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0138] 1 Battery Pack 10 Battery Module 50 pack case 100 Cell Assembly 110 Battery Cell 111 Electrode assembly 112 Battery case 113 Case Body 114 Seal part 115 Case Terrace 117 Electrode Lead 118 Cell vent section 130 Blocking member 131 Blocking cover 135 Guide slit 136 Cutoff Leg 137 First Leg 138 2nd Leg 150 Heat shielding material 170 Blocking member 171 Blocking cover 175 Guide slit 176 Cutoff Leg 177 1st Leg 178 2nd Leg 180 Blocking member 181 Blocking cover 186 Cutoff Leg 187 1st Leg 188 2nd Leg 189 Coating Layer 200 module case 210 Case Base 215 Vent 230 Case Cover 300 Busbar Assembly 310 Busbar Frame 312 Lead Slots 315 Barrier material storage section 320 Busbar components 330 Terminal parts 340 Busbar cover 400 End Plate 500 Heat transfer materials

Claims

1. In the battery module, The battery module includes: A cell assembly including a plurality of stacked battery cells; a module case that houses the cell assembly; a bus bar assembly coupled to the module case and electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells; The cell assembly comprises: A battery module including an insulating member configured to cover a portion of a plurality of battery cells to prevent heat propagation to adjacent battery cells in a stacking direction of the plurality of battery cells when a thermal event occurs in at least one of the battery cells.

2. The blocking member is The battery module according to claim 1 , further comprising: a guide for guiding an ejection from at least one of the battery cells to eject in a specific direction when a thermal event occurs in the at least one of the battery cells.

3. The bottom of the module case is provided with at least one vent for discharging the ejected material; The blocking member is The battery module according to claim 2 , further comprising an open lower portion for guiding the ejected material toward the vent portion of the module case for ejection.

4. The cell assembly comprises: The battery module according to claim 1 , further comprising a heat shielding member disposed between the plurality of battery cells in the stacking direction of the plurality of battery cells.

5. The heat shielding member is The battery module according to claim 4 , wherein the blocking member is in contact with the battery cells in a stacking direction of the plurality of battery cells.

6. Both ends of the blocking member are The battery module according to claim 1 , disposed adjacent to the bus bar assembly.

7. The bus bar assembly includes: covering both sides of the plurality of battery cells; Both ends of the blocking member are The battery module according to claim 6 , disposed adjacent to the bus bar assembly.

8. The blocking member is 10. The battery module of claim 1, which is made of a flexible material.

9. The blocking member is The battery module according to claim 1 , further comprising: a first insulating layer for insulating the battery cell from the first insulating layer;

10. The blocking member is The battery module according to claim 9 , covering front and rear surfaces of both side edges of the plurality of battery cells in a stacking direction of the plurality of battery cells.

11. Each of the plurality of battery cells includes An electrode assembly; a battery case including a case body that accommodates the electrode assembly and case terraces that extend from both sides of the case body with steps; a pair of electrode leads connected to the electrode assembly, protruding from a case terrace of the battery case and connected to the bus bar assembly; The blocking member is The battery module according to claim 1 , further comprising: a case body that covers an upper end portion of the case body; and a front portion and a rear portion of the case terrace.

12. The upper end of the case body is provided with a seal portion is formed which is connected to the case terrace and serves to seal the inside of the case body; The blocking member is The battery module according to claim 11 , covering the sealing portion.

13. The blocking member includes: The battery module according to claim 11 , further comprising guide slits for passing the pair of electrode leads so as to prevent interference with the pair of electrode leads.

14. At least one battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 13; a pack case that houses at least one of the battery modules.

15. 15. A motor vehicle comprising at least one battery pack according to claim 14.

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