Battery module and battery pack including the battery module

Abstract

A battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of battery cells including a first terminal having a vent portion and a second terminal disposed apart from the first terminal, a cell case having an insertion port opened so that the plurality of battery cells are inserted therein, a bottom portion on which the plurality of battery cells are seated, and a plurality of first terminal holes provided in the bottom portion, and a first sealing member disposed between the second terminal of the battery cell and the first terminal hole in a state where the battery cell is seated on the bottom portion of the cell case so that the second terminal of the battery cell is exposed from the first terminal hole, and a potting portion provided in an internal space of the cell case so as to surround the plurality of battery cells.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module and a battery pack including the battery module, and more particularly to a battery module for preventing chain ignition and a battery pack for preventing chain ignition.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0052133 filed on April 20, 2023, and all the contents disclosed in the document of the Korean patent application are incorporated herein by reference.

Background Art

[0003] FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a conventional battery module 10, and FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing a conventional battery pack 50.

[0004] Referring to FIG. 1, a conventional battery module 10 includes a cell case 20, at least one battery cell 30, 30A, and a cell cover 40. At least one battery cell 30 is accommodated in the cell case 20. After a plurality of battery cells 30, 30A are accommodated in the cell case 20, the cell cover 40 is coupled to the cell case 20.

[0005] The battery cells 30, 30A include a positive and negative current collector, a separator, an active material, an electrolyte, etc., and can be repeatedly charged and discharged by an electrochemical reaction.

[0006] On the other hand, due to an external force or an internal short circuit, ignition may occur in the battery cell 30. The battery module 10 includes a plurality of battery cells 30. However, when any one of the battery cells 30A ignites, flame transition may occur in the periphery of the ignited battery cell 30A, and chain ignition may occur between adjacent battery cells 30.

[0007] When any one of the battery cells 30A catches fire inside the battery module 10, a structure is required to prevent the flame from transferring to the surrounding battery cells 30 of the fired battery cell 30A.

[0008] Referring to FIG. 1, in the battery module 10, there is a cover gap G1 between the cell cover 40 and the end of the battery cell 30. Also, in the internal space of the battery module 10, there is a cell gap G2 between adjacent battery cells 30.

[0009] At this time, the flame discharged from the fired battery cell 30A may be transmitted in the longitudinal direction L of the battery cell 30A through the cover gap G1, and may be transmitted in the lateral direction F (arrangement direction) of the battery cell 30A through the cell gap G2, whereby a chain fire may be caused. Thus, in order to prevent the chain fire of the battery cells 30, a technique for filling the cover gap G1 and the cell gap G2 is required.

[0010] However, in the conventional battery module 10, after the battery cells 30 are housed in the cell case 20, the bus bar is spot welded to the terminals of the battery cells 30, so there is a problem that it is difficult to inject a flame retardant (for example, potting resin) into the internal space of the cell case 20.

[0011] Referring to FIG. 2, the battery pack 50 is assembled such that a plurality of battery modules 10 are electrically connected, and the pack case 51 is for protecting the plurality of battery modules 10. As an example, in the battery pack 50, the plurality of battery modules 10 can have a structure in which they are stacked in the longitudinal direction L of the battery cells.

[0012] As a result, if a battery cell 30 of any one of the battery modules 10 explodes, there is a problem that adjacent battery modules 10 are sequentially ignited while the flame is transmitted along the longitudinal direction L of the battery cell.

[0013] Conventionally, since it is difficult to inject potting resin into the battery module 10, a method of injecting potting resin into the pack case 51 of the battery pack 50 to form a potting part 60 has been adopted.

[0014] However, when injecting potting resin into the pack case 51 of the battery pack 50, there is a problem that the injection amount of the potting resin increases and the weight of the battery pack 50 increases. Summary of the Invention Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0015] An object of the present invention is to provide a battery module capable of preventing sequential ignition of battery cells by blocking flame transmission during ignition of adjacent battery cells through a protective member provided to cover the negative electrode terminal of the battery cell, and a battery pack including such a battery module.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery module capable of preventing sequential ignition of battery cells by blocking flame transmission during ignition of adjacent battery cells by partitioning the battery cells by a potting part in the internal space of the battery module, and a battery pack including such a battery module.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery module capable of preventing leakage of potting resin when injecting potting resin into the battery module, and a battery pack including such a battery module.

[0018] Further, the present invention provides a battery module capable of blocking flame transmission between adjacent battery modules and reducing the interval between adjacent battery modules in a battery pack in which a plurality of battery modules are arranged along the longitudinal direction of a battery cell, and a battery pack including such a battery module.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0019] In order to solve the above-described problems, a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of battery cells including a first terminal having a vent portion and a second terminal disposed apart from the first terminal, an insertion port opened so that the plurality of battery cells are inserted therein, a bottom portion on which the plurality of battery cells are seated, and a cell case having a plurality of first terminal holes provided in the bottom portion. A first sealing member is disposed between the second terminal of the battery cell and the first terminal hole in a state where the battery cell is seated on the bottom portion of the cell case so that the second terminal of the battery cell is exposed from the first terminal hole. A potting portion is provided in the internal space of the cell case so as to surround the plurality of battery cells.

[0020] Further, the first sealing member is adhered along the circumferential direction of the first terminal hole and is provided so as to expose at least a part of the region of the second terminal to the outside of the first terminal hole. The first sealing member can seal between the internal space of the cell case and the first terminal hole.

[0021] Further, the first sealing member can have a ring shape having an inner diameter larger than the diameter of the first terminal hole.

[0022] Further, the first sealing member can include a double-sided tape.

[0023] In addition, the battery module may include a cell cover mounted on the insertion opening of the cell case, having a plurality of first terminal holes, a plurality of second terminal holes arranged to face the plurality of first terminal holes respectively, and at least one resin injection hole provided to be fluidly movable with the internal space of the cell case.

[0024] In addition, the potting part may be formed by curing the potting resin injected into the internal space of the cell case through the resin injection hole.

[0025] In addition, the cell cover may have an air hole fluidly connected to the internal space of the cell case. The air hole can be arranged away from the resin injection hole, and the size of the air hole can be formed differently from the size of the resin injection hole. For example, the size of the air hole can be formed smaller than the size of the resin injection hole.

[0026] In addition, the cell case may have a plurality of fitting protrusions protruding toward the internal space on the insertion port side, and the cell cover may have a plurality of fitting holes into which the respective fitting protrusions are fitted.

[0027] In addition, the cell case may include at least one case pillar protruding from the bottom of the cell case toward the insertion port, and the cell cover may include at least one cover pillar extending toward the bottom of the cell case and connected to the case pillar.

[0028] In addition, the cover pillar and the case pillar may be provided to be fitted.

[0029] In addition, the battery module may include a second sealing member disposed between the cover pillar and the case pillar.

[0030] Further, the plurality of battery cells can include one or more first battery cells arranged in the cell case such that the second terminal is exposed from the first terminal hole and the first terminal is exposed from the second terminal hole, and one or more second battery cells arranged in the cell case such that the first terminal is exposed from the first terminal hole and the second terminal is exposed from the second terminal hole.

[0031] Also, the first and second battery cells can be provided such that the first terminal and the second terminal are located in opposite directions along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell, respectively.

[0032] Further, the battery module can include a first bus bar located outside the cell case and electrically connected to the first terminal of the first battery cell through the second terminal hole, a second bus bar located outside the cell case and electrically connected to the second terminal of the second battery cell through the second terminal hole, a third bus bar located outside the cell case and electrically connected to the second terminal of the first battery cell through the first terminal hole, and a fourth bus bar located outside the cell case and electrically connected to the first terminal of the second battery cell through the first terminal hole.

[0033] Also, a plurality of first sealing members can be provided. At this time, the first battery cell can be arranged in the cell case such that the second terminal of the first battery cell is exposed from the first terminal hole, and the second battery cell can be arranged in the cell case such that the first terminal of the second battery cell is exposed from the first terminal hole. In such a structure, among the plurality of first sealing members, the first sealing member arranged between the second terminal of the first battery cell and the first terminal hole can be adhered along the circumferential direction of the first terminal hole and provided to expose at least a partial region of the second terminal outside the first terminal hole. Also, among the plurality of first sealing members, the first sealing member arranged between the first terminal of the second battery cell and the first terminal hole can be adhered along the circumferential direction of the first terminal hole and provided to expose at least a partial region of the first terminal outside the first terminal hole.

[0034] Also, each first sealing member can seal the space inside the cell case and the first terminal hole.

Advantages of the Invention

[0035] As described above, the battery module according to at least one embodiment of the present invention and the battery pack including the same have the following effects.

[0036] By blocking the flame transmission during ignition of an adjacent battery cell through a protection member provided to cover the negative electrode terminal of the battery cell disposed in the battery module, the chain ignition of the battery cells can be prevented.

[0037] Also, by partitioning the battery cells by the potting portion in the internal space of the battery module and blocking the flame transmission during ignition of an adjacent battery cell, the chain ignition of the battery cells can be prevented.

[0038] Also, when injecting the potting resin into the battery module, leakage of the potting resin can be prevented, and in particular, leakage of the potting resin can be prevented on the insertion port side and the bottom side of the cell case.

[0039] Also, in a battery pack in which a plurality of battery modules are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the battery cells, flame transmission between adjacent battery modules can be blocked, and the interval between adjacent battery modules can be reduced.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0040]

Figure 1

[0041]

Figure 2

[0042]

Figure 3

[0043]

Figure 4

[0044]

Figure 5

[0045]

Figure 6

[0046]

Figure 7

[0047]

Figure 8

[0048]

Figure 9

[0049]

Figure 10

[0050]

Figure 11

[0051]

Figure 12

[0052]

Figure 13

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0053] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, a battery module for preventing sequential ignition and a battery pack for preventing sequential ignition according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0054] Also, for the same or corresponding components regardless of the reference numerals, the same or similar reference numerals are assigned, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted. The sizes and shapes of the respective components shown for convenience of explanation may be exaggerated or reduced.

[0055] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the cell case shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the cell case, battery cells, and cell covers shown in FIG. 3, and FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the battery module in which the components shown in FIG. 5 are combined.

[0056] A battery module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of battery cells 120:121, 122 including first terminals 121a, 122a having vent portions and second terminals 121b, 122b disposed apart from the first terminals 121a, 122a.

[0057] Each of the battery cells 120:121, 122 has first terminals 121a, 122a and second terminals 121b, 122b. As an example, the first terminals 121a, 122a may be positive terminals, and the second terminals 121b, 122b may be negative terminals which are electrodes having polarities opposite to those of the first terminals 121a, 122a. Also, each of the battery cells 120 may be provided such that the first terminals 121a, 122a and the second terminals 121b, 122b are positioned in opposite directions along the longitudinal direction L of the battery cell 120. That is, the first terminals 121a, 122a may be provided at one end along the longitudinal direction L of the battery cell 120, and the second terminals 121b, 122b may be provided at the other end along the longitudinal direction L.

[0058] Further, vent portions are provided on the first terminals 121a and 122a of the battery cell 120. The vent portions may be formed along the frame at one end of the battery cell 120 on the first terminals 121a and 122a. For example, the vent portions may be formed at the central positions of one end of the battery cell 120 where the first terminals 121a and 122a are located.

[0059] The vent portions are for relieving the internal pressure of the battery cell 120, and the vent portions are formed with relatively weak strength at one end of the battery cell 120 so as to break preferentially when an internal ignition occurs in the battery cell 120.

[0060] In this way, the vent portions are for relieving the internal pressure of the battery cell 120 when the internal pressure of the battery cell 120 rises above a preset critical pressure (for example, the breaking pressure of the vent portions). When a fire occurs in the battery cell 120, the internal pressure of the battery cell 120 rises, and while the vent portions provided on the first terminals 121a and 122a, which are the positive electrode terminals, break, a flame is released to the outside of the battery cell 120.

[0061] Further, the battery cell 120 may be a cylindrical battery cell or a rectangular battery cell.

[0062] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, the battery module 100 includes a cell case 110 having insertion openings 111 opened so that a plurality of battery cells 120: 121 and 122 can be inserted, a bottom portion 115 on which the plurality of battery cells 120 are seated, and a plurality of first terminal holes 116 provided in the bottom portion 115.

[0063] Further, the cell case 110 has an internal space 110a in which a plurality of battery cells 120: 121, 122 are accommodated. The cell case 110 can have a cylindrical shape that is open in one direction and has the internal space 110a. A plurality of battery cells 120 are seated on the bottom 115, and a plurality of first terminal holes 116 are provided. Also, the insertion port 111 can be provided to face the bottom 115. The insertion port 111 and the bottom 115 can be provided to face each other along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell 120.

[0064] The first terminal holes 116 can be formed in the same number as the number of battery cells 120 accommodated in the internal space 110a. The first terminal holes 116 function to expose a partial region of the first terminals 121a, 122a or the second terminals 121b, 122b to the outside according to the insertion direction of the battery cell 120 in a state where one end of the battery cell 120 is seated on the bottom 115. Thereby, the first terminal holes 116 can have a diameter smaller than the diameter of the battery cell 120 so that the battery cell 120 does not detach from the outside of the cell case 110.

[0065] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the battery module in a state where the first to fourth bus bars are separated, FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the battery module in a state where the second protection member is coupled, FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X-X of FIG. 8, and FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of part A of FIG. 9.

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 9, the battery module 100 can include a first protection member 150 provided to surround the exposed first terminal hole 116 of the second terminal 121b in a state where the battery cell 121 is seated on the bottom 115 of the cell case 110 such that the second terminal 121b of the battery cell (for example, 121) is exposed from the first terminal hole 116.

[0067] The first protective member 150 functions to prevent impact or flame applied from the outside of the cell case 110 from being transmitted to the second terminal 121b of the battery cell 121 through the first terminal hole 116. The first protective member 150 can have a plate shape with a predetermined thickness and can have a diameter larger than that of the first terminal hole 116 so as to surround the entire area of the first terminal hole 116. For example, the first protective member 150 is located outside the cell case 110 and can be fixed to the cell case 110 from the outside of the cell case 110 by means such as adhesion.

[0068] Also, the battery module 100 can include a cell cover 130 that is mounted on the insertion port 111 of the cell case 110 and has a plurality of second terminal holes 132 arranged so as to face the plurality of first terminal holes 116 respectively. When the battery cell 120 is disposed in the internal space 110a of the cell case, one end of the battery cell can be supported by the bottom 115, and the other end of the battery cell can be supported by the cell cover 130. The number of the first terminal holes 116 and the number of the second terminal holes 132 can be provided to be the same. When the cell cover 130 is mounted on the cell case 110, the second terminal hole 132 functions to expose a partial area of the first terminals 121a, 122a or the second terminals 121b, 122b located at the other end in a state where one end of the battery cell 120 is seated on the bottom 115 to the outside. Thereby, the second terminal hole 132 can have a diameter smaller than the diameter of the battery cell 120 so that the battery cell 120 does not detach from the outside of the cell case 110 or the cell cover 130.

[0069] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 5, the plurality of battery cells 120 can be inserted such that the first terminal or the second terminal faces the bottom 115 of the cell case 110.

[0070] For example, the plurality of battery cells 120 can include one or more first battery cells 121 disposed in the cell case 110 such that the second terminal 121b is exposed from the first terminal hole 116 and the first terminal 121a is exposed from the second terminal hole 132.

[0071] Also, the plurality of battery cells 120 can include one or more second battery cells 122 disposed within the cell case 110 such that the first terminal 122a is exposed from the first terminal hole 116 and the second terminal 122b is exposed from the second terminal hole 132. The first battery cell 121 and the second battery cell 122 have the same configuration and differ only in the direction in which they are inserted into the cell case 110. Specifically, the first battery cell 121 is inserted such that the second terminal 121b faces the bottom 115 of the cell case 110, and the second battery cell 122 is inserted such that the first terminal 122a faces the bottom 115 of the cell case 110.

[0072] In such a structure, the plurality of first terminal holes 116 each expose the second terminal 121b of the first battery cell 121 to the outside of the cell case 110 or expose the first terminal 122a of the second battery cell 122 to the outside of the cell case 110.

[0073] Also, the plurality of second terminal holes 132 each expose the first terminal 121a of the first battery cell 121 to the outside of the cell case 110 or expose the second terminal 122b of the second battery cell 122 to the outside of the cell case 110.

[0074] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 8, the battery module 100 can include a second protection member 155 provided to surround the exposed second terminal hole 132 of the second terminal 122b in a state where the second battery cell 122 is disposed within the cell case 110 such that the second terminal 122b of the second battery cell 122 is exposed from the second terminal hole 132 of the cell cover 130.

[0075] The second protective member 155 functions to prevent an impact or flame applied from outside the cell cover 130 from being transmitted to the second terminal 122b of the second battery cell 122 through the second terminal hole 132. The second protective member 155 can have a plate shape with a predetermined thickness and can have a diameter larger than that of the second terminal hole 132 so as to surround the entire area of the second terminal hole 132. For example, the second protective member 150 is located outside the cell cover 130 and can be fixed to the cell cover 130 from the outside of the cell cover 130 by means such as adhesion.

[0076] In summary, the first protective member 150 functions to prevent an impact or flame applied from outside the cell case 110 from being transmitted to the second terminal 121b of the first battery cell 121 through the first terminal hole 116, and the second protective member 155 functions to prevent an impact or flame applied from outside the cell cover 130 from being transmitted to the second terminal 122b of the second battery cell 122 through the second terminal hole 132.

[0077] The first and second protective members 150 and 155 can be formed of materials having heat resistance and insulation properties, respectively, and can include, for example, glass fiber or mica.

[0078] Further, the battery module 100 can include a plurality of bus bars 141 to 144 that are electrically connected to the first and second battery cells 121 and 122, respectively.

[0079] Specifically, the battery module 100 can include a first bus bar 141 located outside the cell case 110 that is electrically connected to the first terminal 121a of the first battery cell 121 through the second terminal hole 132, and a third bus bar 143 located outside the cell case 110 that is electrically connected to the second terminal 121b of the first battery cell 121 through the first terminal hole 116.

[0080] Further, the first bus bar 141 can be welded and coupled to the first terminal 121a of the first battery cell 121 through the second terminal hole 132. At least a partial region (welding region) is located inside the cell cover 130, and the remaining region is located outside the cell cover 130. Also, the third bus bar 143 can be welded and coupled to the second terminal 121b of the first battery cell 121 through the first terminal hole 116. At least a partial region (welding region) is located inside the cell case 110, and the remaining region is located outside the cell case 110.

[0081] Also, the battery module 100 can include a second bus bar 142 that is electrically connected to the second terminal 122b of the second battery cell 122 through the second terminal hole 132 and is located outside the cell case 110, and a fourth bus bar 144 that is electrically connected to the first terminal 122a of the second battery cell 122 through the first terminal hole 116 and is located outside the cell case 110.

[0082] Also, the second bus bar 142 can be welded and coupled to the second terminal 122b of the second battery cell 122 through the second terminal hole 132. At least a partial region (welding region) is located inside the cell cover 130, and the remaining region is located outside the cell cover 130. Also, the fourth bus bar 144 can be welded and coupled to the second terminal 122a of the second battery cell 122 through the first terminal hole 116. At least a partial region (welding region) is located inside the cell case 110, and the remaining region is located outside the cell case 110.

[0083] At this time, the first protection member 150 can be arranged to surround the third bus bar 143 and the first terminal hole 116, and can be fixed to the cell case 110 so as to cover the region where the second terminal 121b of the first battery cell 121 exposed through the first terminal hole 116 is exposed outside the bottom 115 of the cell case 110.

[0084] Further, the second protective member 155 can be arranged to surround the second bus bar 142 and the second terminal hole 132, and can be fixed to the cell cover 130 so as to cover the region where the second terminal 122b of the second battery cell 122 exposed through the second terminal hole 132 is exposed from the outside of the cell cover 130.

[0085] Further, the battery module 100 can include a potting portion 170 provided in the internal space 110a of the cell case 110 so as to surround the plurality of battery cells 120: 121, 122.

[0086] The potting portion 170 can be formed by curing a potting resin R injected into the internal space 110a of the cell case 110. The potting portion 170 is provided in the internal space 110a of the cell case 110 so as to surround the outer surfaces of the respective battery cells 121, 122. The potting portion 170 functions to block the transfer of flames in the lateral direction F (arrangement direction) of the battery cell 120 when an internal ignition occurs in the battery cells 121, 122 within the cell case 110, and can improve the strength of the cell case 110. The potting resin R has flame retardancy. As an example, the potting resin R can be a flame retardant composite material based on silicon.

[0087] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the cell cover 130 can have at least one resin injection hole 135 provided so as to be fluidly movable with the internal space 110a of the cell case 110. At this time, the potting portion 170 can be formed by curing a potting resin R injected into the internal space of the cell case 110 through the resin injection hole 135.

[0088] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, a plurality of battery cells 121 and 122 are accommodated inside the cell case 110. After the cell cover 130 is mounted on the insertion port 111 side of the cell case 110, the welding process of the first to fourth bus bars 141 to 144 can be performed. Thereafter, potting resin R can be injected into the internal space of the cell case 110 through the resin injection hole 135.

[0089] At this time, when injecting the potting resin R, it is important to prevent the potting resin R from leaking outside the cell case 110.

[0090] The cell case 110 may have a plurality of fitting protrusions 112 protruding toward the internal space 110a on the insertion port 111 side, and the cell cover 130 may have a plurality of fitting holes 134 into which the respective fitting protrusions 112 are fitted. The cell cover 130 may be in contact with at least a part of the inner surface 110b of the cell case along the circumferential direction, and may be fitted to the cell case 110 by the fitting protrusions 112 formed on the inner surface 110b of the cell case.

[0091] The cell cover 130 may have a cover portion 131 provided with a plurality of second terminal holes 132 and one or more resin injection holes 135, and one or more cover coupling portions 133 provided with one or more fitting holes 134 and arranged along the circumferential direction of the cover portion 131. The fitting hole 134 may be an opening penetrating the cover coupling portion 133 in the lateral direction F.

[0092] Further, the cover portion 131 is provided so as to cover the internal space 110a of the cell case 110. The plurality of second terminal holes 132 and one or more resin injection holes 135 may be openings penetrating the cover portion 131 vertically.

[0093] Further, the cover coupling portion 133 may extend along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell 120 from the edge of the cover portion 131. As an example, the cover coupling portion 133 may extend perpendicularly to the cover portion 131, and is formed in a shape corresponding to the inner surface of the cell case 110, and is provided so as to contact the inner surface 110b of the cell case 110 in at least a partial region along the circumferential direction.

[0094] Further, the resin injection hole 135 may be provided at the boundary portion between the cover coupling portion 133 and the cover portion 131. The resin injection hole 135 can be arranged on the same plane as the second terminal hole 132 and is arranged at a distance from the second terminal hole 132.

[0095] Further, the fitting hole 134 of the cell cover 130 is fitted to the fitting protrusion 112 of the cell case 110 in a hook manner, so that the coupling force of the cell cover 130 to the cell case 110 can be improved. Also, by not forming a hole structure in the cell case 110, it is possible to prevent the potting resin R from leaking to the outside of the cell case 110 when injecting the potting resin R into the internal space of the cell case 110.

[0096] Further, the battery module 100 may include a first sealing member 161 disposed between the second terminal 121b of the battery cell 121 and the first terminal hole 116 in a state where the battery cell 121 is seated on the bottom 115 of the cell case 110 so that the second terminal 121b of the battery cell (for example, the first battery cell 121) is exposed from the first terminal hole 116. The first sealing member 161 may be adhered to the cell case 110.

[0097] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 9, the first sealing member 161 may be adhered along the circumferential direction of the first terminal hole 116 and may be provided so as to expose at least a partial region of the second terminal 122b to the outside of the first terminal hole 116.

[0098] The first sealing member 161 can function to seal the interior space 110a of the cell case 110 and the first terminal hole 116. That is, when injecting the potting resin R, it is possible to prevent the potting resin R from leaking outside the cell case 110 through the first terminal hole 116.

[0099] The first sealing member 161 can have a ring shape with an inner diameter larger than the diameter of the first terminal hole 116. Further, the first sealing member 161 can include a double-sided tape having a ring shape. That is, one of the two sides of the tape of the first sealing member 161 can be adhered along the circumferential direction of the first terminal hole 116, and the other side can be adhered to the end portion of the battery cell 120 disposed on the first terminal hole 116 side.

[0100] A plurality of the first sealing members 161 can be provided. That is, the first sealing member 161 can be attached for each first terminal hole 116.

[0101] Referring to FIG. 9, the first battery cell 121 can be disposed in the cell case 110 such that the second terminal 121b of the first battery cell 121 is exposed from the first terminal hole 116, and the second battery cell 122 can be disposed in the cell case 110 such that the first terminal 122a of the second battery cell 122 is exposed from the first terminal hole 116.

[0102] Here, the first sealing member 161 disposed between the second terminal 121b of the first battery cell 121 and the first terminal hole 116 can be adhered along the circumferential direction of the first terminal hole 116, and can be provided so as to expose at least a partial region of the second terminal 121b to the outside of the first terminal hole 116.

[0103] Further, referring to FIG. 10, the first sealing member 161 disposed between the first terminal 122a of the second battery cell 122 and the first terminal hole 116 can be adhered along the circumferential direction of the first terminal hole 116, and can be provided so as to expose at least a partial region of the first terminal 122a to the outside of the first terminal hole 116.

[0104] Each of the first sealing members 116 functions to seal between the internal space 110a of the cell case 110 and the first terminal hole 116.

[0105] Further, the cell case 110 may include at least one case pillar 117 protruding from the bottom 115 of the cell case 110 toward the insertion port 111, and the cell cover 130 may include at least one cover pillar 137 extending toward the bottom 115 of the cell case 110 and connected to the case pillar 117.

[0106] The case pillar 117 may be disposed between adjacent first terminal holes 116, and the case pillar 117 may be provided to protrude from the bottom 115 of the cell case 110 in the length direction L of the battery cell 120. When assembling the cell cover 130 to the cell case 110, each case pillar 117 may be inserted into the cover pillar 137 of the cell cover 130.

[0107] The cover pillar 137 may be formed to extend along the longitudinal direction L of the battery cell between adjacent second terminal holes 132. The cover pillar 137 may be attached to the case pillar 117 of the cell case 110. As an example, the case pillar 117 may be inserted into an end portion of the cover pillar 137 and fitted to the cover pillar 137.

[0108] The case pillar 117 may have a first hollow 117a, and the cover pillar 137 may have a second hollow 137a. At this time, the case pillar 117 may be fitted to the cover pillar 137, and the first hollow 117a and the second hollow 137a may be connected. In such a structure, a mounting bolt 700 (see FIG. 11) can pass through the first hollow 117a and the second hollow 137a from the outside of the battery module 100 and penetrate the battery module 100.

[0109] When the cover post 137 and the case post 117 are fitted together, the potting resin R may leak through the joint. To prevent this, the battery module 100 may include a second sealing member 162 disposed between the cover post 137 and the case post 117.

[0110] The second sealing member 162 may be a double-sided tape having a ring shape. At this time, the second sealing member 162 may be provided so as to be adhered to the end of the cover post 137 and the end of the case post 117, respectively. Also, the second sealing member 162 may include an O-ring.

[0111] Further, the cell cover 130 may have an air hole 136 fluidly connected to the internal space 110a of the cell case 110. In one example, the cell cover 130 may be bent such that a portion of the cell cover 130 that contacts the inner surface of the cell case 110, i.e., the cover coupling portion 133, is spaced apart from the inner surface of the cell case 110, and the air hole 136 may be formed through the spaced-apart space.

[0112] Referring to FIG. 6, when the potting resin R is injected into the internal space of the cell case 110, the air in the internal space 110a of the cell case 110 may be discharged to the outside of the cell case 110 through the air hole 136. Therefore, when the potting resin R is injected into the internal space of the cell case 110, the air in the internal space 110a is discharged to the outside of the cell case 110 through the air hole 136, preventing defects in the potting portion 170 due to air bubbles.

[0113] A manufacturing method of the battery module 100 having the above structure will be described below. A plurality of first sealing members 161 can be adhered to the ends of the first and second battery cells 121 and 122 or the edges of the first terminal holes 116. Thereafter, the first and second battery cells 121 and 122 are inserted into the internal space 110a of the cell case 110 such that the portions to which the first sealing members 161 are adhered rest on the bottom 115 of the cell case 110.

[0114] Next, the cell cover 130 is mounted on the insertion port 111 side of the cell case 110 so as to surround the plurality of first and second battery cells 121 and 122. At this time, the fitting holes 134 of the cell cover 130 can be fitted with the fitting protrusions 112 of the cell case 110.

[0115] Next, the first bus bar to the fourth bus bars 141 to 144 are respectively welded and joined.

[0116] Also, the potting resin R is injected into the internal space 110a of the cell case 110 through the resin injection hole 135 of the cell cover 130. While the potting resin R is being injected into the internal space, the air in the internal space can be discharged to the outside through the air holes 136. The potting resin R forms a potting portion 170 surrounding the outer surfaces of the battery cells 121 and 122 while curing in the internal space of the cell case 110.

[0117] Also, the first protective member 150 is coupled to the cell case 110 outside the bottom 115 of the cell case 110 so as to surround the region where the second terminal 121b of the first battery cell 121 is exposed from the first terminal hole 116 of the cell case 110.

[0118] Also, the second protective member 155 is coupled to the cell cover 130 outside the cell cover 130 so as to surround the region where the second terminal 122b of the second battery cell 122 is exposed from the second terminal hole 132 of the cell cover 130.

[0119] At this time, outside the bottom 115 of the cell case 110, the first protection member 150 can be fixed to the cell case 110 so as to cover the third bus bar 143, and outside the cell cover 130, the second protection member 150 can be fixed to the cell cover 130 so as to cover the second bus bar 142.

[0120] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a battery pack 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13 is an enlarged schematic view of part B of FIG. 12.

[0121] The battery pack 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention can include a plurality of battery modules 100, 200, a pack case 1010 that houses the plurality of battery modules 100, 200, mounting bolts 700 for connecting adjacent battery modules 100, 200, and fastening members 800 fastened to the mounting bolts 700.

[0122] For example, in the battery module 100, after the cell cover 130 is mounted on the cell case 110, the mounting bolt 700 can penetrate through the case post 117 and the cover post 137, with one end hanging on the bottom 115 of the cell case 110 and the other end protruding outside the cell cover 130, so that the cell cover 130 and the cell case 110 can be connected. At this time, the fastening member 800 can be coupled to the other end of the mounting bolt 700 and fixed to the cell cover 130. Also, as the fastening member 800, a nut coupled to the mounting bolt 700 can be used. Further, the mounting bolt 700 can sequentially penetrate through two or more battery modules 100, 200 and connect them.

[0123] Further, the first and second battery modules 100 and 200 can be arranged in a row along the longitudinal direction L of the battery cells 121 and 221, respectively. Also, in the state of being arranged in a row, the adjacent first and second battery modules 100 and 200 can be assembled via the mounting bolts 700 and the fastening members 800 fastened to the mounting bolts 700.

[0124] The plurality of battery modules 100 and 200 are the same as the battery module 100 described through FIGS. 1 to 10, and in this specification, they are referred to separately as the first and second battery modules 100 and 200 according to the order in which they are arranged in the battery pack 1000.

[0125] As described above, the first and second battery modules 100 and 200 include the cell cases 110 and 210, the first battery cells 121 and 221 disposed in the cell cases 110 and 210 and having the first terminals 121a and 221a and the second terminals 121b and 221b with vent portions, and the second battery cells 122 and 222 disposed in the cell cases 110 and 210 and having the first terminals 122a and 222a and the second terminals 122b and 222b with vent portions. Also, potting portions 170 and 270 can be provided in each of the battery modules 100 and 200.

[0126] Also, the first and second battery modules 100 and 200 can be respectively provided with the first to fourth bus bars 141 to 144 and 241 to 244.

[0127] In the battery pack 1000, the first battery cell 221 of the second battery module 200 can be arranged such that the first terminal 221a faces the second terminal 121b of the first battery cell 121 of the first battery module 100, and the second battery cell 122 of the first battery module 100 can be arranged such that the first terminal 122a faces the second terminal 222b of the second battery cell 222 of the second battery module 200.

[0128] At this time, the first and second battery modules 100 and 200 are each provided with a first protection member 150, 250 and a second protection member 155, 255.

[0129] The first and second protection members 150, 250, 155, 255 are for blocking the flame transmission in the longitudinal direction L of the battery cell when an internal ignition of the battery cell occurs within either one of the battery modules 100, 200.

[0130] Specifically, in the first battery module 100, the first protection member 150 is provided so as to surround the second terminal 121b of the first battery cell 121, and in the second battery module 200, the first protection member 250 may be provided so as to surround the second terminal 221b of the first battery cell 221.

[0131] Also, in the first battery module 100, the second protection member 155 is provided so as to surround the second terminal 122b of the second battery cell 122, and in the second battery module 200, the second protection member 255 may be provided so as to surround the second terminal 222b of the second battery cell 222.

[0132] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, when an internal ignition occurs in the first battery cell 221 within the second battery module 200 and the vent part breaks and the flame is released through the damaged first terminal 221a, the first protection member 150 of the first battery module 100 can block the flame transmission by reflecting the released flame.

[0133] At this time, the first protection member 150 provided in the first battery module 100 can be arranged at a predetermined interval G with respect to the first terminal 221a of the first battery cell 221 provided in the second battery module 200, and the interval can be set to 5 mm or less, preferably 3 mm or less. The interval G can be the interval between the first battery module 100 and the second battery module 200 within the battery pack 100.

[0134] The preferred embodiments of the present invention described above are disclosed for illustrative purposes, and those skilled in the art with ordinary knowledge of the present invention can make various modifications, changes, and additions within the spirit and scope of the present invention, and such modifications, changes, and additions should be regarded as belonging to the following claims.

Industrial Applicability

[0135] According to the battery module according to at least one embodiment of the present invention and the battery pack including the same, by blocking the flame transmission during ignition of an adjacent battery cell through a protective member provided to cover the negative electrode terminal of the battery cell disposed in the battery module, it is possible to prevent the chain ignition of the battery cells.

Claims

1. A plurality of battery cells including a first terminal having a vent portion and a second terminal disposed apart from the first terminal, a cell case having an insertion port opened to insert the plurality of battery cells, a bottom portion on which the plurality of battery cells are seated, and a plurality of first terminal holes provided on the bottom portion, a first sealing member disposed between the second terminal of the battery cell and the first terminal hole in a state where the battery cell is seated on the bottom portion of the cell case so that the second terminal of the battery cell is exposed from the first terminal hole, and a potting portion provided in the internal space of the cell case so as to surround the plurality of battery cells. A battery module.

2. The first sealing member is adhered along the circumferential direction of the first terminal hole and is provided to expose at least a partial region of the second terminal to the outside of the first terminal hole, The first sealing member seals between the internal space of the cell case and the first terminal hole. The battery module according to claim 1.

3. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein the first sealing member has a ring shape having an inner diameter larger than the diameter of the first terminal hole.

4. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein the first sealing member includes a double-sided tape.

5. The battery module according to claim 1, further including a cell cover mounted on the insertion port of the cell case, the cell cover having a plurality of second terminal holes arranged to face the plurality of first terminal holes respectively, and at least one resin injection hole provided to be fluidly movable with the internal space of the cell case.

6. The battery module according to claim 5, wherein the potting portion is formed by curing potting resin injected into the internal space of the cell case through the resin injection hole.

7. The battery module according to claim 5, wherein the cell cover has an air hole fluidly connected to the internal space of the cell case.

8. The cell case has a plurality of fitting protrusions protruding toward the internal space on the insertion port side, The cell cover has a plurality of fitting holes into which the respective fitting protrusions are fitted. The battery module according to claim 5.

9. The cell case includes at least one case pillar protruding from the bottom portion of the cell case toward the insertion port. The cell cover includes at least one cover post that extends toward the bottom of the cell case and is connected to the case post. The battery module according to claim 5.

10. The cover post and the case post are provided so as to be fitted together. The battery module further includes a second sealing member disposed between the cover post and the case post. The battery module according to claim 9.

11. One or more first battery cells disposed in the cell case such that a second terminal is exposed from a first terminal hole and a first terminal is exposed from a second terminal hole. One or more second battery cells disposed in the cell case such that a first terminal is exposed from a first terminal hole and a second terminal is exposed from a second terminal hole. The battery module according to claim 5.

12. The battery module according to claim 11, wherein in the first and second battery cells, the first terminal and the second terminal are located in opposite directions along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell, respectively.

13. A first bus bar that is electrically connected to the first terminal of the first battery cell through the second terminal hole and is located outside the cell case. A second bus bar that is electrically connected to the second terminal of the second battery cell through the second terminal hole and is located outside the cell case. A third bus bar that is electrically connected to the second terminal of the first battery cell through the first terminal hole and is located outside the cell case. A fourth bus bar that is electrically connected to the first terminal of the second battery cell through the first terminal hole and is located outside the cell case. The battery module according to claim 11.

14. A plurality of the first sealing members are provided. The first battery cell is disposed in the cell case such that the second terminal of the first battery cell is exposed from the first terminal hole. The second battery cell is disposed in the cell case such that the first terminal of the second battery cell is exposed from the first terminal hole. The first sealing member disposed between the second terminal of the first battery cell and the first terminal hole is adhered along the circumferential direction of the first terminal hole and is provided so as to expose at least a part of the second terminal outside the first terminal hole. The first sealing member disposed between the first terminal of the second battery cell and the first terminal hole is adhered along the circumferential direction of the first terminal hole, and is provided so as to expose at least a partial region of the first terminal to the outside of the first terminal hole. The battery module according to claim 11.

15. The battery module according to claim 14, wherein each first sealing member seals the interior space of the cell case and the first terminal hole.

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