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

Abstract

One embodiment of the present invention relates to a battery module comprising a plurality of battery cells, a barrier member configured to partition the plurality of battery cells, and a module case configured to house the plurality of battery cells and the barrier member, with a projection formed on one side thereof, at least a portion of which is configured to protrude toward the barrier member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module, a battery pack including the battery module, and a vehicle. Specifically, it relates to a battery module capable of suppressing heat propagation in the battery module, a battery pack including the battery module, and a vehicle.

[0002] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0035410 filed on March 13, 2024, and all the contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the application are incorporated into this application.

Background Art

[0003] Secondary batteries with high applicability for each product group and having electrical characteristics such as a high energy density are generally applied not only to portable devices but also to electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) driven by an electric drive source. Such secondary batteries have not only the primary advantage of dramatically reducing the use of fossil fuels but are also environmentally friendly in that they do not generate any by-products from the use of energy and are attracting attention as a new energy source for improving energy efficiency.

[0004] Currently, secondary batteries such as lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel cadmium batteries, nickel metal hydride batteries, and nickel zinc batteries are widely used. When a high output voltage is required, a plurality of battery cells are connected in series to form a battery module or a battery pack. Also, in order to increase the charge / discharge capacity, a plurality of battery cells may be connected in parallel to form a battery module or a battery pack. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in the battery module or pack can be variously set according to the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0005] On the other hand, battery cells undergo chemical reactions during charging and discharging, so if they are used in an environment with a temperature higher than the appropriate temperature, their performance may deteriorate, and if the heat cannot be controlled to the appropriate temperature, there is a possibility of unexpected ignition or explosion. Furthermore, battery modules have a structure in which such battery cells are densely housed inside a module housing. Therefore, if a thermal event occurs in one battery cell, the emitted high-temperature gas and flames may propagate to adjacent battery cells, potentially causing a chain reaction of battery cell explosions, which is extremely dangerous.

[0006] Therefore, in order to reliably partition and isolate battery cells and prevent thermal runaway caused by the spread of high-temperature gases or flames to other battery cells within the battery module even if a thermal event occurs in some battery cells, there is a need to develop structures that can suppress and delay heat propagation. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] Therefore, the problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a battery module that can reliably partition and isolate battery cells, thereby effectively preventing or delaying the propagation of thermal runaway between battery cells.

[0008] Another problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a battery pack and an automobile that include the aforementioned battery module.

[0009] However, the problems that this invention aims to solve are not limited to those described above, and other problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following explanation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] To solve the above-mentioned problems, a battery module according to one aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of battery cells, a barrier member configured to partition the plurality of battery cells, and a module case configured to house the plurality of battery cells and the barrier member, with a protrusion formed on one side thereof, at least a portion of which is configured to protrude toward the barrier member.

[0011] The module case may comprise a case body configured such that at least its top surface is open, and a top plate configured to cover the open top surface of the case body, with the protrusion formed on its bottom surface.

[0012] The protruding portion may be configured to extend along the longitudinal direction of the barrier member.

[0013] The barrier member may be configured to extend outward beyond the battery cell.

[0014] The protruding portion may be configured to contact the barrier member.

[0015] When the protruding portion comes into contact with the barrier member, an airtight space can be formed between the adjacent barrier members, the protruding portion, and the module case.

[0016] The protruding portion may be configured so that its lower surface contacts the barrier member.

[0017] The protruding portion may be configured so that the end portion of the barrier member is inserted into it.

[0018] The protruding portion may be configured so that its side surface contacts the barrier member.

[0019] The module case may have vent holes formed on the surface where the protrusion is located.

[0020] A plurality of the vent holes may be provided, and the protruding portions may be provided between adjacent vent holes.

[0021] It may further include a cover member configured to cover the vent hole and be at least partially opened and closed by the vent gas.

[0022] The cover member may include a notch portion provided at a position corresponding to the vent hole.

[0023] Another aspect of the present invention provides a battery pack including the battery module according to an aspect of the present invention.

[0024] Still another aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle including the battery pack according to an aspect of the present invention.

Advantages of the Invention

[0025] According to one aspect of the present invention, the battery cells in the battery module are reliably partitioned and separated by the protruding portions, and the movement of flames, foreign matters, high-temperature gases, etc. between the battery cells can be prevented.

[0026] That is, according to one aspect of the present invention, even if a thermal event occurs in some battery cells in the battery module, it is possible to effectively prevent or delay the diffusion of gas, flame, etc. to other battery cells in the battery module and cause thermal runaway. Thereby, the safety and reliability of the battery module can be ensured.

[0027] Also, according to one aspect of the present invention, since the high-temperature gas, flame, etc. generated in the battery cells in the battery module are smoothly discharged to the outside of the battery module, it is possible to prevent or delay the increase in the internal pressure of the battery module and the occurrence of the propagation of thermal runaway.

[0028] Particularly, according to one aspect of the present invention, an airtight space is formed by the protrusion, so that the internal pressure on the side of the battery cell where a thermal event has occurred can rise and be preferentially discharged from the vent hole on the side of the battery cell where the thermal event has occurred. As a result, the time during which high-temperature vent gas, flames, etc. stay inside the battery module in the battery cell area where a fire has occurred can be shortened.

[0029] Also, according to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent or delay events such as fires and explosions due to thermal runaway phenomena in a battery pack including a plurality of battery modules or in an apparatus on which these are mounted.

[0030] In addition, the present invention can exhibit various other effects. This will be described in each embodiment, but effects that can be easily inferred by those skilled in the art will be omitted from the description.

[0031] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and are for the purpose of more easily understanding the technical idea of the present invention together with the detailed description of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is not to be construed as being limited only to the matters described in the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0032] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing the entire battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is an exploded perspective view of the battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a cross-sectional view taken along the line I-I' of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] It is a bottom perspective view of the top plate included in the battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a cross-sectional view of the battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention as viewed from above. [Figure 6]This is an enlarged view of portion A in Figure 3, illustrating the structure of a protruding part included in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This figure illustrates the structure of a protrusion included in a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This figure illustrates the structure of a protrusion included in a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This figure illustrates the structure of a protrusion included in a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This figure illustrates the structure of a protrusion included in a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This figure illustrates the structure of a protrusion included in a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This figure illustrates the structure of a protrusion included in a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This figure illustrates the structure of a protrusion included in a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] This figure illustrates a cover member included in a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] This is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] This figure shows how the cover member opens when a thermal event occurs in a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] This is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack containing a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] This is a schematic perspective view of an automobile containing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0033] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and in the claims shall not be interpreted in a manner limited to their general and dictionary meanings, but in accordance with the principle that inventors themselves may appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best describe their invention, and shall be interpreted in a manner and concept corresponding to the technical idea of ​​the present invention.

[0034] Therefore, the embodiments and illustrated configurations described herein represent only one of the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical concept of the invention. It should be understood that there are various equivalents and modifications that can substitute for them at the time of filing this application.

[0035] Furthermore, the present invention includes a variety of embodiments. In each embodiment, redundant explanations of substantially identical or similar configurations will be omitted, and the explanation will focus on the differences.

[0036] On the other hand, while terms such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are used in this specification to indicate direction, these terms are used for convenience of explanation, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that they can change depending on the position of the object being examined, the position of the observer, etc.

[0037] For example, in the embodiment of the present invention, the illustrated X-axis direction may mean the left-right direction, the Y-axis direction may mean the front-back direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction on the horizontal plane (XY plane), i.e., the longitudinal direction of the battery cell, and the Z-axis direction may mean the up-down direction (vertical direction) perpendicular to both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, i.e., the height direction of the battery cell.

[0038] Figure 1 is an overall perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view along line I-I' in Figure 1.

[0039] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, a battery module 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a battery cell 100, a barrier member 200, and a module case 300.

[0040] Multiple battery cells 100 may be provided. Multiple battery cells 100 may be arranged in a stacked configuration in one direction. For example, as shown in Figure 2, multiple battery cells 100 may be stacked along the left-right direction (X-axis direction).

[0041] The battery cell 100 may be a pouch-type secondary battery. The battery cell 100 may include an electrode assembly and a cell case 110 that houses the electrode assembly. The cell case 110 houses the electrode assembly in a storage section, and the periphery of the storage section may be heat-sealed to form a sealing section. The sealing section may be provided on three of the four sides of the battery cell 100.

[0042] Furthermore, each of the multiple battery cells 100 may be provided with an electrode lead 120. The electrode lead 120 can be connected to an electrode assembly and extended to the outside of the cell case 110 to function as an electrode terminal.

[0043] The electrode leads 120 are provided in pairs, and the pair of electrode leads 120 can be drawn out from both ends of the battery cell 100, i.e., in the longitudinal direction (±Y direction). In this case, the pair of electrode leads 120 may be a positive electrode lead and a negative electrode lead. If necessary, the battery cell 100 may be configured such that the two electrode leads 120 are located only at one end in the Y-axis direction, for example, at the end in the +Y-axis direction.

[0044] The battery cell 100 can be erected with the side without the sealing portion facing downwards. As shown in Figure 2 and other figures, multiple battery cells 100 can be arranged side by side in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) while erected vertically (Z-axis direction). In this case, each battery cell 100 may have its sealing portion facing the front-back direction (Y-axis direction) and the upper direction (+Z-axis direction), and its housing portion facing the left-right direction (X-axis direction). By arranging the battery cells 100 in this way, the venting direction can be easily controlled to one side, and cooling performance can be ensured by edge cooling through the side without the sealing portion.

[0045] The present invention is not limited by the specific type or form of such battery cell 100, and a variety of battery cells 100 known at the time of filing the application of the present invention may be used. In this embodiment, as shown in the figure, a pouch-type secondary battery with high energy density and easy stacking is targeted, but of course, cylindrical secondary batteries or prismatic secondary batteries can also be applied as battery cells 100.

[0046] On the other hand, referring to Figure 2, the battery module 10 of the present invention may further include a busbar frame assembly 500. The busbar frame assembly 500 is provided inside the module case 300 and may be configured to cover at least one side of the plurality of battery cells 100. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the busbar frame assembly 500 may be coupled to the front and rear of the plurality of battery cells 100.

[0047] The busbar frame assembly 500 may include a busbar frame 510 and a plurality of busbars 520. The busbar frame 510 may be configured to be coupled to the front and rear of a plurality of battery cells 100. The busbar frame 510 may have slits that allow the electrode leads 120 of the battery cells 100 to be drawn out in the +Y axis direction or the -Y axis direction. The busbar frame 510 may also be formed from, for example, an electrically insulating plastic material and configured to allow the busbars 520 to be attached to its outer surface.

[0048] Multiple busbars 520 are means for connecting multiple battery cells 100 in series and / or parallel, and are made of a metallic material such as copper, aluminum, or nickel, and may be rod-shaped. The electrode leads 120 of the multiple battery cells 100 are drawn out to the outside of the busbar frame 510 by passing through slits in the busbar frame 510, and the drawn-out portions may be attached to the surface of the busbars 520 by welding or other means.

[0049] On the other hand, the barrier member 200 may be provided between the battery cells 100. At least one barrier member 200 may be included in a single battery module 10. Multiple barrier members 200 may be provided along one direction in which the battery cells 100 are arranged. The barrier members 200 may be provided in a configuration where one barrier member is placed for at least one battery cell 100.

[0050] In particular, the barrier member 200 may be configured to partition off the spaces between multiple battery cells 100. The barrier member 200 may also be configured to group multiple battery cells 100. For example, as shown in Figure 3, a barrier member 200 may be placed for every four battery cells 100, thus grouping the battery cells 100 into groups of four.

[0051] The barrier member 200 may consist of an insulating pad thinner than the battery cell 100. The barrier member 200 may be made of a material with excellent heat resistance and / or fire resistance. Alternatively, the barrier member 200 may be made of a compressible pad form, such as a material like silicone or aerogel.

[0052] According to this embodiment, by partitioning or separating the multiple battery cells 100, it is possible to prevent gases, flames, etc. from moving and propagating from one barrier member 200 to another adjacent barrier member 200. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when swelling occurs in the battery cells 100, the barrier member 200 can contribute to the structural rigidity of the battery cells 100 by compressing the battery cells 100.

[0053] The module case 300 may be configured to house a plurality of battery cells 100 and barrier members 200. Specifically, the module case 300 may have an internal space, and the plurality of battery cells 100 and barrier members 200 may be housed in the internal space.

[0054] On the other hand, considering ease of assembly and assembly tolerances, the module case 300 and the barrier member 200 may be configured with a predetermined distance between them. In such a case, if a thermal event occurs in one battery cell 100, vent gas, flames, etc., may spread to other adjacent battery cells 100 through a certain distance formed between the barrier member 200 and the module case 300.

[0055] Therefore, the battery module 10 according to this embodiment may be provided with a protrusion P. The protrusion P may be provided on one side of the module case 300. For example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the protrusion P is provided on the upper surface of the module case 300, but the position of the protrusion P is not limited to this.

[0056] The protruding portion P may be configured to protrude at least a portion from one side of the module case 300 toward the barrier member 200. The protruding portion P may be configured to minimize the distance between the module case 300 and the barrier member 200. As a result, the multiple battery cells 100 can be partitioned and separated not only by the barrier member 200 but also by the protruding portion P.

[0057] Furthermore, even if a thermal event occurs in any of the battery cells 100 grouped by the barrier member 200, the protrusion P can prevent vent gas, flames, and / or particles from moving to other groups of battery cells 100. Therefore, the protrusion P is made of a material with excellent heat resistance and / or fire resistance, and can maintain an airtight structure without deformation even under high heat and pressure.

[0058] According to this embodiment, multiple battery cells 100 can be reliably partitioned and separated. This prevents vent gases, flames, etc., from spreading to adjacent battery cells 100 when a thermal event occurs in a battery cell 100, thereby effectively preventing or delaying the propagation of thermal runaway between battery cells 100. Therefore, the safety and reliability of the battery module 10 can be ensured.

[0059] Figure 4 is a bottom perspective view of the top plate included in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention viewed from above.

[0060] On the other hand, referring further to Figure 4 along with Figure 2, the module case 300 may comprise a case body 310 and a top plate 320. The case body 310 may be configured so that at least the top surface is open. For example, the case body 310 may be configured so that the top, front, and rear surfaces are open. That is, the case body 310 may consist of a U-frame.

[0061] Such a case body 310 may be made of a rigid and heat-resistant metal material in order to physically or chemically protect the housed battery cells 100.

[0062] The top plate 320 may be provided to form the upper surface of the module case 300. The top plate 320 may be coupled to the open upper surface of the case body 310. The top plate 320 may be coupled to the case body 310 by welding. In this case, the configuration in which the top plate 320 and the case body 310 are coupled may be a rectangular tube shape with open front and rear surfaces.

[0063] On the other hand, the module case 300 may include end plates 330 provided on the open front and rear surfaces of the case body 310. The end plates 330 may be joined to the case body 310 by welding. On the other hand, although not shown for convenience, the end plates 330 may include, for example, an insulating material on the inside and a metallic material on the outside. The end plates 330 may also have holes or slits in part to expose components that are exposed to the outside, such as the positive terminal, negative terminal, or connector of the battery module 10.

[0064] In addition, the module case 300 can be formed in a variety of other forms. For example, the module case 300 may comprise a box-shaped lower case with an open upper end, and an upper cover that closes the open upper end of the lower case.

[0065] In this case, as shown in the embodiment in Figure 4, the protrusion P can be formed on the top plate 320. The protrusion P can be provided on the bottom surface of the top plate 320. High-temperature gases such as vent gas and flames generated in the battery cell 100 have a strong tendency to rise, and will therefore be directed towards the open space provided above the battery cell 100. In this embodiment, by providing the protrusion P above the battery cell 100, the direction of heat such as vent gas and flames to other battery cells 100 can be minimized.

[0066] Furthermore, such protrusions P are located inside the battery module 10 and do not increase the height of the battery module 10, thus not altering the appearance of the battery module 10. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the energy density of the battery module 10 is not affected.

[0067] Multiple protrusions P may be provided along one direction. Here, "one direction" can be defined as the direction in which the barrier member 200 and the battery cell 100 are positioned, i.e., the left-right direction (the direction parallel to the X-axis).

[0068] Furthermore, referring to Figures 4 and 5, the protrusion P may be configured to extend along the longitudinal direction (front-to-back direction) of the barrier member 200. That is, the protrusion P may be configured to extend long along the longitudinal direction of the top plate 320. The protrusion P may be provided so as to correspond to the length of the barrier member 200.

[0069] According to this embodiment, the protruding portion P and the barrier member 200 close both sides of the battery cell 100, thereby blocking the movement of gas and other substances.

[0070] On the other hand, the protrusion P can be formed integrally with the top plate 320. That is, the protrusion P can be integrally provided on the bottom surface of the top plate 320. Specifically, the top plate 320 can be manufactured by extrusion such that the protrusion P is integrally provided with the top plate 320. By manufacturing the top plate 320 by extrusion, the protrusion P can be formed extending linearly along the extrusion direction (the Y-axis direction in Figure 4).

[0071] According to this embodiment, since the protrusion P is integrally provided with the top plate 320, the step of joining the protrusion P to the top plate 320 is eliminated, and defects at the joint between the protrusion P and the top plate 320 can be minimized.

[0072] Figure 6 is an enlarged view of portion A in Figure 3, and is a diagram illustrating the structure of the protruding part included in the battery module according to this embodiment.

[0073] On the other hand, one side of the module case 300, namely the top plate 320 and the barrier member 200, may be provided separated by a predetermined distance. Specifically, the barrier member 200 may be provided to extend further outward, for example, upward, than the battery cell 100. The barrier member 200 may be provided to extend further upward than the housing portion of the battery cell 100. That is, the vertical height of the barrier member 200 may be longer than the vertical height of the battery cell 100.

[0074] According to this embodiment, the barrier member 200 can more reliably partition and separate the battery cells 100 from each other, thereby reliably blocking the movement of vent gas, flames, and the like.

[0075] Referring to Figure 6, the protrusion P may be configured to contact the barrier member 200. The protrusion P may at least partially contact the upper or side surface of the barrier member 200.

[0076] According to this embodiment, the gap between the barrier member 200 and the top plate 320 is minimized, which reduces the space through which the vent gas can flow, thereby preventing the propagation of thermal runaway to other adjacent battery cells 100.

[0077] Referring to Figures 4 and 6, when the protrusion P comes into contact with the barrier member 200, an airtight space S can be formed between adjacent barrier members 200, the protrusion P, and the module case 300. Here, airtightness is a concept that means restricting the movement of vent gas between battery cells 100 that are in contact in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) with one barrier member 200 in between. Such an airtight space S can be configured so that gases generated in one battery cell 100 do not move to the other battery cell 100.

[0078] In particular, as shown in the embodiment in Figure 6, the protrusion P may be configured so that its lower surface contacts the barrier member 200. That is, the protrusion P can be in surface contact with the barrier member 200. If the protrusion P extends along the longitudinal direction of the barrier member 200, the protrusion P and the barrier member 200 may be configured to be in linear surface contact. In this case, the length of the protrusion P that protrudes from the top plate 320 may be set to be the same as the distance between the barrier member 200 and the top plate 320.

[0079] According to this embodiment, when the top plate 320 is joined to the case body 310, the lower surface of the protrusion P and the upper surface of the barrier member 200 can naturally come into close contact with each other. Furthermore, since the barrier member 200 is compressible, it can come into even closer contact with the protrusion P. As a result, the airtight space S is further sealed, further suppressing the movement of vent gas, flames, etc., beyond the protrusion P.

[0080] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the structure of a protrusion included in a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0081] In another embodiment, in order to improve the fixing force between the protrusion P and the barrier member 200, the protrusion P may be configured so that the end portion of the barrier member 200 is inserted into it.

[0082] More specifically, referring to Figure 7, the protrusion P may be provided with a fixing groove G formed by at least a portion of it being recessed inward. The barrier member 200 can be inserted into the fixing groove G. This allows the upper end of the barrier member 200 to be in close contact with the fixing groove G and fixed without any gaps.

[0083] According to this embodiment, since the barrier member 200 is inserted into the protrusion P and supported from both sides, the fixing force between the barrier member 200 and the protrusion P can be further improved. This makes it possible to stably maintain the arrangement of the battery cell 100 and the barrier member 200.

[0084] Furthermore, a stable sealing force can be ensured between the end portion of the barrier member 200 and the protruding portion P of the top plate 320. Therefore, according to this embodiment, multiple battery cells 100 can be more reliably partitioned and separated, further improving the heat transfer prevention performance between the battery cells 100.

[0085] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the possibility of heat spreading to other battery cells 100 can be reduced by preventing high-temperature, high-pressure vent gas or flames from pushing out the barrier member 200 or by causing the barrier member 200 to bend and deform due to the pressure of the vent gas. Therefore, when thermal runaway occurs in the battery module 10, the propagation of thermal runaway between battery cells 100 can be effectively prevented or delayed.

[0086] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the structure of a protrusion included in a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0087] In yet another embodiment, an elastic member E may be provided between the module case 300 and the protrusion P. The elastic member E may be composed of an elastic body having elastic force, such as a spring or a block. The elastic member E may be provided at the inner end of the protrusion P facing the module case 300. For example, the elastic member E may be provided at the portion where the top plate 320 and the protrusion P are in contact.

[0088] The elastic member E can be compressed by the force directed toward the case body 310 when the top plate 320 is coupled to the case body 310. According to this embodiment, the contact between the protrusion P and the barrier member 200 can be improved. Furthermore, regardless of the length of the protrusion P protruding from one side of the module case 300, the protrusion P can be in close contact with the barrier member 200. That is, even if a gap exists between the protrusion P and the barrier member 200 due to tolerances during the manufacturing of the battery module 10, the protrusion P can contact the barrier member 200 and form an airtight space S.

[0089] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the structure of a protrusion included in a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] The protruding portion P may be configured so that its side surface contacts the barrier member 200. That is, as in the embodiment shown in Figure 9, the protruding portion P may be configured to partially overlap the barrier member 200 in the direction of arrangement of the protruding portion P and / or the barrier member 200 (left-right direction). The outer end portion of the protruding portion P may be configured to be in surface contact with the upper end portion of the barrier member 200. In this case, the length h of the protruding portion P that extends from the top plate 320 may be set to be greater than the distance between the barrier member 200 and the top plate 320.

[0091] According to this embodiment, when the top plate 320 is coupled to the case body 310, the side surface of the protrusion P and the side surface of the upper end of the barrier member 200 can naturally come into close contact with each other. This further increases the distance that vent gas, flames, etc., have to travel to cross the protrusion P. Therefore, when thermal runaway occurs in the battery module 10, the propagation of thermal runaway between the battery cells 100 can be effectively prevented or delayed.

[0092] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the protruding portion P is supported by the barrier member 200, the possibility of high-temperature, high-pressure vent gas or flames pushing out the barrier member 200 or the barrier member 200 being bent and deformed by the pressure of the vent gas is reduced. This ensures the mechanical stability or bonding force of the battery module 10.

[0093] On the other hand, Figure 9 shows an embodiment in which the protrusion P is provided on the left side of the barrier member 200, but the protrusion P may also be provided on the right side of the barrier member 200.

[0094] Figures 10 and 11 illustrate the structure of a protrusion included in a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0095] In yet another embodiment, as shown in the embodiment in Figure 10, the protrusion P may be provided so as to be angled toward the barrier member 200. Specifically, the protrusion P may be configured to form a predetermined angle θ1 with the top plate 320. The angle θ1 may be obtuse. As a result, the side surface of the protrusion P may be in contact with the barrier member 200, but may be configured to be in line contact with the upper end of the barrier member 200.

[0096] According to this embodiment, the protrusion P is supported by the barrier member 200, which reduces the possibility of high-temperature, high-pressure vent gas or flames pushing out and moving the barrier member 200. This makes it possible to more effectively prevent the movement of flames, foreign matter, high-temperature gases, etc., between the battery cells 100.

[0097] On the other hand, when thermal runaway occurs in the battery cell 100, the shape of the top plate 320 may be deformed by the pressure of the gas discharged from the battery cell 100 and / or by the high heat of dust or flames. For example, the edges of the top plate 320 are fixed to the case body 310, and the central part of the top plate 320 may bulge upward due to the pressure of gas or flames.

[0098] To prevent this, this embodiment provides a configuration that maintains contact between the protruding portion P and the barrier member 200 even when the top plate 320 expands.

[0099] For example, as shown in the embodiment in Figure 11, the projection P may be rotatably mounted. Specifically, a hinge portion F may be provided at one end of the projection P. When such a hinge portion F rotates, the projection P rotates, and the angle θ2 between the projection P and the top plate 320 may decrease. For example, the angle θ2 between the projection P and the top plate 320 may be between a right angle and an obtuse angle.

[0100] As a more specific example, as shown in the embodiment in Figure 11, if the top plate 320 expands, the protruding portion P located in the center of the top plate 320 may be configured so that its lower surface contacts the upper surface of the barrier member 200.

[0101] In this case, to prevent the protruding portion P from moving beyond the barrier member 200 to the other battery cell 100 side, the protruding portion P and the barrier member 200 may be configured to interlock. For example, the barrier member 200 may be provided with a stopper, and the protruding portion P may be configured in a form corresponding to the shape of the stopper.

[0102] According to this embodiment, a configuration is achieved that can maintain contact between the protrusion P and the barrier member 200 even when the top plate 320 expands due to pressure such as vent gas or flame. This effectively prevents the propagation of thermal runaway to other adjacent battery cells 100.

[0103] Furthermore, the presence of a stopper means that the protruding portion P is supported by the barrier member 200, reducing the possibility of the barrier member 200 moving into the space between adjacent battery cells 100 due to the pressure of vent gas or flame. This makes it possible to more effectively prevent the movement of flame, foreign matter, high-temperature gases, etc., between battery cells 100.

[0104] Figures 12 and 13 illustrate the structure of a protrusion included in a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0105] On the other hand, unlike the embodiments described above, if thermal runaway does not occur in the battery module 10, the protruding portion P may be configured not to come into contact with the barrier member 200. For example, as shown in the embodiment in Figure 12, the protruding portion P may be configured to be normally inserted into the module case 300 and not to protrude outside the module case 300. More specifically, the top plate 320 may be provided with an insertion groove I in which the protruding portion P can be accommodated in its internal space. In this case, an adhesive member T may be provided at the end of the protruding portion P. The adhesive member T may be provided between the protruding portion P and the insertion groove I. This allows the protruding portion P to be fixed in the insertion groove I.

[0106] If thermal runaway occurs in the battery module 10, the protrusion P may be exposed from the insertion groove I and protrude into the inner space of the module case 300. More specifically, as in the embodiment shown in Figure 13, a rotatable hinge may be provided at one end of the protrusion P. This allows the adhesive member T to melt due to the heat if thermal runaway occurs in the battery module 10, separating the end of the protrusion P from the insertion groove I and allowing it to rotate downward toward the top plate 320.

[0107] Furthermore, the protruding portion P that rotates and is exposed to the outside of the module case 300 may be configured to contact the barrier member 200. In this case, as shown in the embodiment in Figure 13, the side surface of the protruding portion P may be configured to contact the end surface of the barrier member 200. Alternatively, the lower surface of the protruding portion P may be configured to contact the upper end surface of the barrier member 200. This allows the protruding portion P to be provided only when thermal runaway occurs in the battery module 10, thereby partitioning and separating the battery cells 100 from each other.

[0108] According to this embodiment, if thermal runaway does not occur in the battery module 10, the heat generated by the charging and discharging of the battery cells 100 can move freely, thereby preventing an increase in internal pressure. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, if thermal runaway occurs in the battery module 10, the protrusions P can prevent vent gas, flames, etc., from moving into the space between adjacent battery cells 100. This makes it possible to suppress or block the propagation of thermal runaway between battery cells 100.

[0109] Figure 14 is a diagram illustrating a cover member included in a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 16 shows how the cover member opens when a thermal event occurs in a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0110] On the other hand, referring mainly to Figure 14, a vent hole H may be formed in the module case 300. The vent hole H may be provided to discharge vent gas generated in the battery cell 100 to the outside of the module case 300. The vent hole H may be formed on the surface where the protrusion P is located.

[0111] As an example, as shown in Figure 14, a protrusion P may be formed on the top plate 320, and a vent hole H may also be formed on the top plate 320. This allows for directional venting of the battery module 10 upwards through the vent hole H.

[0112] Specifically, multiple vent holes H may be provided, spaced at regular intervals from each other in the horizontal direction (X-axis and Y-axis directions).

[0113] The vent holes H may be located between the barrier members 200. In other words, the vent holes H may be located above at least one battery cell 100 located between adjacent barrier members 200. For example, as shown in Figure 3, a barrier member 200 may be arranged for every four battery cells 100, and multiple vent holes H may be formed in a row along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the battery cell 100 above the battery cells 100 located between the barrier members 200.

[0114] In this case, the protrusion P may be provided between adjacent vent holes H among a plurality of vent holes H. That is, a vent hole H may be provided for each airtight space S. As a result, gases, flames, etc., ejected from the battery cells 100 housed between adjacent barrier members 200 can be discharged to the outside of the module case 300 by the protrusion P, passing only through the vent holes H located between the adjacent barrier members 200.

[0115] According to this embodiment, the airtight space S is provided to communicate with the vent hole H, so that gases generated in the battery cell 100 are not moved to other battery cells 100 but are guided and discharged only to the vent hole H side (see the thick arrow in Figure 6). In other words, the area surrounding the vent hole H is completely sealed, allowing for more effective guidance of upward directional venting of gases. As a result, the internal pressure on the side of the battery cell 100 where a thermal event has occurred increases, and it can be preferentially discharged from the vent hole H on that side of the battery cell 100. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the time that high-temperature vent gases and flames remain inside the battery module 10 in the area of ​​the battery cell 100 where a fire has occurred can be shortened.

[0116] On the other hand, referring to Figures 14 to 16, the battery module 10 according to this embodiment may further include a cover member 400.

[0117] Referring to Figures 14 and 15, the cover member 400 may be configured to cover the module case 300 at least partially. For example, it may be configured to cover the top plate 320. The cover member 400 may be provided on the outside and / or inside of the module case 300.

[0118] In particular, the cover member 400 may be configured to cover the vent holes H. In this case, the cover member 400 may be in sheet form and placed on the module case 300. The cover member 400 may be configured to cover multiple vent holes H at once.

[0119] The cover member 400 may be configured to suppress the diffusion of vent gases, flames, etc., emitted when a thermal event occurs within the battery module 10 to other battery modules 10. For this reason, the cover member 400 may be made of a material with excellent heat resistance and / or fire resistance, such as a mica sheet or a silicone composite material.

[0120] As a result, the cover member 400 can maintain its morphological stability without deforming even when high temperatures are generated, and can reliably block high-temperature gases and flames generated in the battery cell 100.

[0121] According to this embodiment, since the cover member 400 is made of a rigid and heat-resistant material, deformation caused by high-temperature gases or flames can be minimized.

[0122] Such a cover member 400 may be configured to open and close at least partially by vent gas or flame, as in the embodiment shown in Figure 16. Specifically, at least a portion of the cover member 400 may be configured to rupture due to the pressure and heat of the vent gas directed toward the vent hole H. Alternatively, at least a portion of the cover member 400 may be configured to be completely detachable.

[0123] Therefore, the cover member 400 may be provided with a notch portion N. The notch portion N may be configured to be opened by vent gas to discharge the vent gas to the outside of the battery module 10.

[0124] Multiple notches N may be provided, spaced at regular intervals from each other in the horizontal direction (X-axis and Y-axis directions). In particular, the notches N may be formed at positions corresponding to the vent holes H. Furthermore, the notches N may be configured with a shape corresponding to the vent holes H.

[0125] According to this embodiment, if a thermal event occurs in a specific battery cell 100, a notch N provided on one side of the specific battery cell 100 may rupture, opening at least one of the multiple vent holes H. This allows vent gas and the like to be discharged to the outside of the module case 300 through the opened vent hole H (see the thick arrow in Figure 16).

[0126] In particular, the airtight space S is further sealed by the protruding portion P, the barrier member 200, and the cover member 400, and the internal pressure of the airtight space S may increase due to vent gas and flames generated in the battery cell 100 where thermal runaway has occurred. As a result, the cover member 400 (notch portion N) on the side of the battery cell 100 where the thermal event occurred is preferentially opened, and vent gas and flames can be quickly discharged to the outside of the battery module 10 through the vent hole H on the side of the battery cell 100 where the thermal event occurred.

[0127] Furthermore, the cover member 400 can prevent gases and flames discharged to the outside of the module case 300 from flowing back into the battery module 10. In other words, the vent holes H provided on the battery cell 100 side where no thermal events are occurring can remain closed without opening. This fundamentally prevents vent gases and flames discharged to the outside through the opened vent holes H from flowing back into the battery module 10. In addition, the remaining portion of the cover member 400 that has not ruptured can block not only heat, but also high-temperature gases, flames, and discharges generated in the battery cell 100.

[0128] In other words, according to this embodiment, when thermal runaway occurs in the battery module 10, not only are the vent gas and flames generated inside the battery module 10 smoothly discharged to the outside of the battery module 10, but it is also prevented from the discharged vent gas and flames flowing back into the battery module 10. Therefore, heat propagation to adjacent battery cells 100 and the battery module 10 can be minimized, effectively preventing or delaying the propagation of thermal runaway.

[0129] Figure 17 is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack that includes a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0130] Referring to Figure 17, a battery pack 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include at least one battery module 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention as described above. The battery pack 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a pack case 2 for housing the above-mentioned components, along with a battery management system (BMS) for integrated control of the charging and discharging of at least one battery module, a current sensor, a fuse, and the like.

[0131] Figure 18 is a schematic perspective view of an automobile containing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0132] Referring to Figure 18, an automobile 3 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include at least one battery pack 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention or a battery module 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The automobile 3 according to the present invention may be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The automobile 3 includes four-wheeled vehicles and two-wheeled vehicles. The automobile 3 operates by receiving power from the battery pack 1 or battery module 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0133] As described above, the present invention has been explained with limited embodiments and drawings, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited thereto, and that various modifications and variations are possible within the equivalent scope of the technical idea and claims of the present invention by persons with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs.

Claims

1. Multiple battery cells, A barrier member configured to partition multiple battery cells, A battery module comprising: a module case configured to house a plurality of the battery cells and the barrier member, with a projection formed on one side thereof, at least a portion of which is configured to protrude toward the barrier member.

2. The aforementioned module case is A case body configured so that at least the top is open, The battery module according to claim 1, comprising: a top plate configured to cover the upper surface of the open case body, with the protrusion formed on its bottom surface.

3. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the protruding portion is configured to extend along the longitudinal direction of the barrier member.

4. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the barrier member is configured to extend outward from the battery cell.

5. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the protruding portion is configured to contact the barrier member.

6. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the protruding portion contacts the barrier member, thereby forming an airtight space between adjacent barrier members, the protruding portion, and the module case.

7. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the protruding portion is configured such that its lower surface contacts the barrier member.

8. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the protruding portion is configured so that the end portion of the barrier member is inserted into it.

9. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the protruding portion is configured such that its side surface contacts the barrier member.

10. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein a vent hole is formed in the module case on the surface where the protrusion is located.

11. Multiple vent holes are provided, The battery module according to claim 10, wherein the protrusions are provided between adjacent vent holes.

12. The battery module according to claim 10, further comprising a cover member configured to cover the vent hole and to be at least partially opened and closed by vent gas.

13. The battery module according to claim 12, wherein the cover member is provided with a notch portion located at a position corresponding to the vent hole.

14. A battery pack comprising at least one battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. An automobile comprising at least one battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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