Battery modules, battery packs containing them, and automobiles

Abstract

A battery module, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile are disclosed. A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells, each having electrode leads, are stacked; a module case in which the battery cell stack is housed; and a fire-resistant insulating member surrounding the battery cells.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle, and more particularly, to a battery module capable of preventing the propagation of flame, gas, or high-temperature particles, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle.

[0002] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0044066 filed on April 1, 2024, and all of the contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the said application are incorporated into this application.

Background Art

[0003] Generally, a secondary battery refers to a battery that can be repeatedly charged and discharged, such as a lithium-ion battery, a lithium polymer battery, a nickel cadmium battery, a nickel metal hydride battery, a nickel zinc battery, etc. A battery cell, which is the most basic secondary battery, can provide an output voltage of about 2.5V to 4.2V.

[0004] Recently, as such battery cells are applied to devices that require a high output voltage and a large charge capacity, such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS), a battery module configured by connecting a plurality of battery cells in series, in parallel, or in a combination of series and parallel, and a battery pack configured by further connecting such battery modules in series, in parallel, or in a combination of series and parallel are widely used.

[0005] Lithium secondary batteries have been in the spotlight due to advantages such as a high operating voltage and a much higher energy density. However, since an organic electrolyte is used, when a lithium secondary battery is overcharged, it induces overcurrent and overheating, and ultimately causes problems such as fires due to explosion and ignition.

[0006] When a thermal event occurs in any of the battery cells within a battery module, flames, gases, or high-temperature particles are propagated to other adjacent battery cells.

[0007] If flames, gases, or high-temperature particles are transmitted to other battery cells or other battery modules, a thermal runaway phenomenon can occur. If flames escape to the outside as a result of this thermal runaway phenomenon, there is a problem that the driver of the electric vehicle could be burned or put in a dangerous situation.

[0008] Alternatively, there is a problem in that the battery module or battery pack may be damaged or completely burned due to a chain reaction of flames caused by flame propagation, making it difficult to ensure the safety of the battery module or battery pack. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] The present invention aims to provide a battery module, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile capable of preventing flames, gases, or high-temperature particles generated in any one battery cell from propagating to other adjacent battery cells or other battery modules.

[0010] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a battery module capable of discharging flames, gases, or high-temperature particles in a predetermined direction, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile.

[0011] Another objective is to provide a battery module capable of preventing thermal runaway phenomena by preventing a chain reaction of flames caused by flame propagation, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile.

[0012] However, the technical problems that this invention aims to solve are not limited to those described above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention below. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] According to one aspect of the present invention, a battery module may be provided that includes a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells equipped with electrode leads are stacked, a module case in which the battery cell stack is housed, and a fire-resistant insulating member surrounding the battery cells.

[0014] In one embodiment, the fire-resistant insulating member may be composed of a fire-resistant film.

[0015] In one embodiment, the fire-resistant insulating member may surround the upper part of the battery cell.

[0016] In one embodiment, a fire-resistant coating layer may be formed on the fire-resistant insulating member.

[0017] In one embodiment, the fire-resistant insulating member may include silicone or aramid.

[0018] In one embodiment, the module case includes an upper module case, the upper module case may have a first vent hole formed therein, through which flames, gases, or high-temperature particles are discharged.

[0019] In one embodiment, the fire-resistant insulating member may include a portion to which a fire-resistant coating layer is formed and a portion to which the fire-resistant coating layer is not applied.

[0020] In one embodiment, the portion not coated with fire-resistant coating may be formed to correspond to the first vent hole.

[0021] In one embodiment, the uncoated portion of the refractory coating may be formed to communicate with the first vent hole.

[0022] In one embodiment, the upper module case may be coupled to a flexible mica cover in which a second vent hole is formed.

[0023] In one embodiment, a terrace portion, which is a portion where the electrode lead is located, is formed on the battery cell, and a gas inflow prevention member coupled to the terrace portion may be included to prevent gas outside the battery cell from flowing into the inside of the battery cell.

[0024] In one embodiment, a curved surface portion having a curved surface shape for guiding the gas to flow upward may be formed on the gas inflow prevention member.

[0025] In one embodiment, the gas inflow prevention member may be made of silicone (Si) or polyurethane (PU, polyurethane).

[0026] In addition, according to another aspect of the present invention, a battery pack including at least one of the aforementioned battery modules is provided, and an automobile including at least one of the aforementioned battery modules may be provided.

Advantages of the Invention

[0027] Embodiments of the present invention can prevent flames, gases, or high-temperature particles generated in any one battery cell from being propagated to other adjacent battery cells or other battery modules.

[0028] In addition, flames, gases, or high-temperature particles can be discharged in a preset direction.

[0029] In addition, a chain reaction of flames due to flame propagation can be prevented, and a thermal runaway phenomenon can be prevented.

[0030] However, the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and other effects of the present invention not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the claims.

[0031] The following drawings accompanying this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention, serve to further illustrate the technical idea of ​​the invention. Therefore, the invention should not be construed as being limited solely to what is shown in the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0032] [Figure 1] This is a schematic perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module. [Figure 3] A perspective view of a battery cell included in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the fire-resistant insulating member is separated from the battery cell. [Figure 4] This is a partially omitted front view of a battery cell included in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a view along line A in Figure 4. [Figure 6] This is a view along line B in Figure 4. [Figure 7] This figure shows a modified embodiment of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This figure shows a modified embodiment of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This figure shows yet another modified embodiment of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This figure schematically shows the configuration of a battery pack including a battery module according to each embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating an automobile that includes a battery pack. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0033] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and in the claims should not be interpreted in a manner limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but rather in a manner consistent with the technical idea of ​​the present invention, in accordance with the principle that the inventor himself may appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best describe the invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that the embodiments described herein and the configurations shown in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent the entirety of the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and that there may be a variety of equivalents and modifications that can be substituted therein at the time of this application.

[0034] The size of each component or specific part of a component in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or shown schematically for the sake of clarity and ease of explanation. Therefore, the size of each component may not fully reflect its actual size. Specific descriptions of known functions or configurations related to the present invention will be omitted if they are deemed to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the invention.

[0035] As used herein, the terms “joining” or “connecting” include not only cases where one member is directly joined or directly connected to another member, but also cases where one member is indirectly joined or indirectly connected to another member via a connecting member.

[0036] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a perspective view of a battery cell included in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, where the fire-resistant insulating member is separated from the battery cell. Figure 4 is a partially omitted front view of a battery cell included in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 5 is a view along A in Figure 4. Figure 6 is a view along B in Figure 4.

[0037] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, a battery module 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery cell stack 100, a module case 200, and a fire-resistant insulating member 300.

[0038] The battery cell stack 100 may be configured such that a plurality of battery cells 110 are stacked on top of each other. The battery cells 110 may have diverse structures, and the plurality of battery cells 110 may be stacked in diverse ways.

[0039] The battery cell 110 may have a structure in which multiple unit cells arranged in the order of positive electrode plate / separator / negative electrode plate, or bi-cells arranged in the order of positive electrode plate / separator / negative electrode plate / separator / positive electrode plate / separator / negative electrode plate are stacked according to the battery capacity.

[0040] The battery cell 110 may be provided with electrode leads 111 (see Figure 3). The electrode leads 111 are a type of terminal that is exposed to the outside and connects to external devices, and a conductive material may be used. The electrode leads 111 may include a positive electrode lead and a negative electrode lead.

[0041] Multiple battery cells 110 can be electrically connected by busbars coupled to electrode leads 111.

[0042] The battery cell stack 100 may comprise a plurality of cartridges (not shown) that house the battery cells 110. Each cartridge (not shown) may be manufactured by plastic injection molding, and a plurality of cartridges (not shown) having a housing for housing the battery cells 110 can be stacked. The cartridge assembly formed by stacking the plurality of cartridges (not shown) may be provided with connector elements or terminal elements.

[0043] The connector element may include various forms of electrical connection components or connection members for connecting to, for example, a Battery Management System (BMS) (not shown) that can provide data relating to the voltage or temperature of the battery cell 110.

[0044] The terminal element is a main terminal connected to the battery cell 110, and includes a positive terminal and a negative terminal. The terminal element can be electrically connected to the outside by being provided with terminal bolts. On the other hand, the battery cell 110 can have a variety of shapes.

[0045] Referring to Figure 2, the module case 200 houses the battery cell stack 100. The module case 200 may include an upper module case 210, a lower module case 220, and a side module case 230. Here, the upper module case 210 may have a first vent hole 211 from which flames, gases, or hot particles are discharged.

[0046] The module case 200 may include a mica cover 400 made from a mica material that is both heat-insulating and heat-resistant to prevent flame leakage. Here, the mica cover 400 may be coupled, for example, to the upper module case 210.

[0047] A second vent hole 410 may be formed in the mica cover 400. Here, the second vent hole 410 of the mica cover 400 may communicate with the first vent hole 211 of the upper module case 210. That is, flames, gases, or hot particles generated from the battery cell 110 can be discharged to the outside of the module case 200 through the first vent hole 211 of the upper module case 210 and the second vent hole 410 of the mica cover 400.

[0048] In the battery module 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, as described later, the fire-resistant insulating member 300 is bonded to the battery cell 110, so no other flame-retardant material is required outside of the mica cover 400.

[0049] Therefore, the process of combining the flame-retardant material with the mica cover 400 is unnecessary, and the work can be completed simply by directly joining the mica cover 400 to the upper module case 210, resulting in an improvement in overall work efficiency.

[0050] On the other hand, the mica cover 400 can be configured in various ways. For example, it can be configured flexibly. That is, a flexibly formed mica cover 400 can be coupled to the upper module case 210. This provides an effect that is advantageous for bending.

[0051] The module case 200 can be formed in a shape that corresponds to the shape of the battery cell stack 100. For example, if the battery cell stack 100 is provided in a hexahedral shape with a square cross-section, the module case 200 can also be provided in a corresponding hexahedral shape.

[0052] The module case 200 can be manufactured, for example, by bending a plate of metal material, thereby allowing the module case 200 to be formed as a single unit. When the module case 200 is manufactured as a single unit, it has the effect of simplifying the joining process. Alternatively, the module case 200 can be provided as a separate unit and joined by welding or other means. However, the material of the module case 200 is not limited to metal material.

[0053] If the module case 200 is formed as a single unit or joined by welding, no adhesive is required, and even if the internal temperature of the battery module 10 rises, the upper module case 210 will not separate from the side module case 230, thereby preventing flames, gases, or high-temperature particles from being discharged all at once in an undesirable direction.

[0054] The module case 200 encloses the battery cell 110, thereby protecting the battery cell 110 from external vibrations and shocks.

[0055] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the fire-resistant insulating member 300 is configured to surround the battery cell 110. The fire-resistant insulating member 300 can surround the battery cell 110 at various locations. For example, the fire-resistant insulating member 300 may be configured to surround the top of the battery cell 110.

[0056] The fire-resistant insulating member 300 may consist of a fire-resistant film 310. The fire-resistant film 310 is bonded to the top of the battery cell 110, thereby protecting the battery cell 110 from flames. The battery cell laminate 100 is a configuration in which multiple battery cells 110 are stacked, and a fire-resistant film 310 may be bonded to each individual battery cell 110.

[0057] The fire-resistant insulating member 300 may be formed from a material containing silicone or aramid, which have excellent fire resistance. However, the material of the fire-resistant insulating member 300 is not limited to these, and a variety of materials can be used as long as they have the necessary fire resistance.

[0058] The fire-resistant insulating member 300 can be bonded to the battery cell 110 in a variety of ways. For example, it may be bonded by bonding, or by taping using the taping portion 340 (see Figure 3), or various other methods may be applied.

[0059] Referring to Figures 3 and 5, a fire-resistant coating layer may be formed on the fire-resistant insulating member 300. Referring to Figure 6, the fire-resistant insulating member 300 may include a portion 320 to which the fire-resistant coating is applied and a portion 330 to which the fire-resistant coating is not applied.

[0060] The fire-resistant coating application section 320 is the portion on which the fire-resistant coating layer is formed. The fire-resistant coating layer consists of layers coated with various materials that can withstand flames.

[0061] Furthermore, the uncoated portion 330 is the part to which the fire-resistant coating layer has not been applied. When the uncoated portion 330 is formed in this manner, if the fire-resistant insulating member 300 melts due to a flame generated from any battery cell 110, flames, gases, or high-temperature particles may be discharged to the outside from the uncoated portion 330.

[0062] For this reason, the portion 330 without fire-resistant coating may be formed to correspond to the first vent hole 211. The portion 330 without fire-resistant coating may communicate with the first vent hole 211, and the portion 330 without fire-resistant coating may be formed in a variety of shapes and sizes.

[0063] To explain this further, if a flame occurs in the battery cell 110, the fire-resistant insulating material 300 protects the battery cell 110. However, if the flame temperature rises above a preset temperature, the fire-resistant insulating material 300 will eventually burn or melt as well.

[0064] In this case, the fire-resistant coating layer bonded to the fire-resistant insulating member 300 secondarily protects the battery cell 110 from flames. However, the uncoated portion 330 where the fire-resistant coating layer is not formed will burn or melt due to the flames, forming holes in that portion, through which flames, gases, or high-temperature particles can move.

[0065] Here, the portion 330 without fire-resistant coating communicates with the first vent hole 211, and the first vent hole 211 communicates with the second vent hole 410. As a result, flames, gases, or high-temperature particles generated from any battery cell 110 are discharged to the outside through the holes formed in the portion 330 without fire-resistant coating, the first vent hole 211, and the second vent hole 410. This allows flames, gases, or high-temperature particles to be discharged in a predetermined direction without propagating to other adjacent battery cells 110.

[0066] Here, the battery pack 20 (see Figure 9), which will be described later, may include a pack case 21, and the pack case 21 may include an upper pack case 22, and a space may be formed between the upper pack case 22 and the upper module case 210.

[0067] As described above, flames, gases, or high-temperature particles generated from any battery cell 110 can be discharged to the outside through holes formed in the uncoated portion 330, the first vent hole 211 and the second vent hole 410, and then discharged in a predetermined direction through the space between the upper pack case 22 and the upper module case 210.

[0068] As a result, the battery module 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention not only prevents flames, gases, or high-temperature particles generated in any one battery cell 110 from propagating to other adjacent battery cells 110 or other battery modules 10, but also enables directional venting, which allows flames, gases, or high-temperature particles to be discharged in a predetermined direction (a direction intended by the designer).

[0069] Furthermore, it can prevent thermal runaway phenomena by preventing a chain reaction of flames caused by flame propagation.

[0070] Figure 7 shows a modified embodiment of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 8 shows a modified embodiment of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 shows yet another modified embodiment of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] The parts of the description in the aforementioned embodiment that are applicable to the modified embodiment are applied to the modified embodiment, so a detailed explanation will be omitted. Furthermore, the parts of the description in this modified embodiment that are applicable to the aforementioned embodiment can also be applied to the aforementioned embodiment.

[0072] Referring to Figure 7, a terrace portion 112 may be formed on the battery cell 110, where the electrode leads 111 are located. The gas inflow prevention member 500 may then be coupled to the terrace portion 112.

[0073] In this way, when the gas inflow prevention member 500 is connected to the terrace portion 112 of the battery cell 110, it is possible to prevent gas from outside the battery cell 110 from flowing into the inside of the battery cell 110.

[0074] For example, if a thermal event occurs in any battery cell 110, flames, gases, or high-temperature particles may flow into the interior of the battery cell 110 from the terrace portion 112 of the battery cell 110 where the thermal event has not occurred.

[0075] However, when the gas inflow prevention member 500 is coupled to the terrace portion 112 of the battery cell 110, it is possible to prevent flames, gases, or high-temperature particles from flowing into the inside of the battery cell 110.

[0076] The gas inflow prevention member 500 can be formed in a variety of shapes. For example, as shown in Figure 7, it can be formed in the shape of a rectangular plate, but is not limited to this.

[0077] Furthermore, the gas inflow prevention member 500 can be made from a variety of materials. For example, it can be made from silicone (Si) or polyurethane (PU, polyurethane), but is not limited to these.

[0078] When the gas inflow prevention member 500 is made of silicone or polyurethane, it has the effect of reducing heat conduction from external flames, gases, or high-temperature particles.

[0079] Referring to Figure 8, the fire-resistant insulating member 300 may be connected to the corner of the battery cell 110 (see part a in Figure 8) and connected to the gas inflow prevention member 500, thereby more reliably preventing gas inflow.

[0080] Referring to Figure 8, the fire-resistant insulating member 300 extends to cover the corners of the battery cell 110, but in a modified embodiment, the gas inflow prevention member 500 may be configured to extend to cover the corners of the battery cell 110.

[0081] Referring to Figure 9, the gas inflow prevention member 500 may have a curved portion 510 that guides the gas to flow upward. That is, external flames, gases, or high-temperature particles can strike the curved portion 510 of the gas inflow prevention member 500, move upward, and be discharged to the outside of the module case 200 through the first vent hole 211 of the upper module case 210 and the second vent hole 410 of the mica cover 400.

[0082] On the other hand, in the case of Figure 9, the fire-resistant insulating member 300 can be attached to the corner of the battery cell 110 (corresponding to part a in Figure 8) and connected to the gas inflow prevention member 500.

[0083] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a battery pack including a battery module according to each embodiment of the present invention.

[0084] Referring to Figure 10, a battery pack 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery modules 10 according to the embodiments of the present invention described above.

[0085] Furthermore, the battery pack 20 may further include a pack case 21 for housing the battery module 10, and various devices for controlling the charging and discharging of the battery cells 110 contained in the battery module 10, such as a BMS, current sensor, fuse, etc.

[0086] Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating an automobile including the battery pack shown in Figure 10.

[0087] Referring to Figure 11, an automobile 30 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery modules 10 or battery packs 20 according to the embodiments of the present invention described above. Here, the battery pack 20 may include one or more battery modules 10 according to the embodiments of the present invention described above.

[0088] Here, the automobile 30 includes various types of automobiles that use electricity, such as electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles.

[0089] In this specification, terms indicating direction such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are used. However, such terms indicate relative positions and are used only for the convenience of explanation. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that these positions can change depending on the position of the object in question, the observer's position, etc.

[0090] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and of course, various modifications and variations are possible within the equivalent scope of the technical concept of the present invention and the claims below by persons with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be considered from an explanatory rather than restrictive viewpoint. That is, the true technical concept of the present invention is shown in the claims, and all differences within the equivalent scope thereto should be interpreted as being included in the present invention. [Industrial applicability]

[0091] The present invention relates to battery modules, battery packs containing the same, and automobiles, and is particularly applicable to the secondary battery industry.

Claims

1. A battery cell stack in which multiple battery cells equipped with electrode leads are stacked, A module case in which the aforementioned battery cell stack is housed, A battery module including a fire-resistant insulating member surrounding the aforementioned battery cell.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that the fire-resistant insulating member is made of a fire-resistant film.

3. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that the fire-resistant insulating member surrounds the upper part of the battery cell.

4. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that a fire-resistant coating layer is formed on the fire-resistant insulating member.

5. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that the fire-resistant insulating member is formed from a material containing silicone or aramid.

6. The aforementioned module case includes the upper module case, The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that a first vent hole is formed in the upper module case for discharging flames, gases, or high-temperature particles.

7. The aforementioned fire-resistant insulating member is A fire-resistant coating applied section on which a fire-resistant coating layer has been formed, The battery module according to claim 6, characterized in that it includes a portion to which the fire-resistant coating layer is not applied.

8. The battery module according to claim 7, characterized in that the portion not coated with fire-resistant coating is formed to correspond to the first vent hole.

9. The battery module according to claim 8, characterized in that the portion not coated with fire-resistant coating is formed to communicate with the first vent hole.

10. The battery module according to claim 6, characterized in that the upper module case is coupled to a flexible mica cover in which a second vent hole is formed.

11. The battery cell has a terrace portion formed in which the electrode leads are located. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes a gas inflow prevention member coupled to the terrace portion in order to prevent gas from outside the battery cell from flowing into the inside of the battery cell.

12. The battery module according to claim 11, characterized in that the gas inflow prevention member has a curved portion formed thereon that guides the gas to flow upward.

13. The battery module according to claim 11, characterized in that the gas inflow prevention member is made of silicone or polyurethane.

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

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

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