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 module case configured to house the plurality of battery cells, wherein at least a portion of one surface of the module case is penetrated to form a vent hole, and a retaining portion is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the vent hole; and a block member that at least partially covers the vent hole, wherein at least a portion of the block member is inserted into the vent hole, and the retaining portion prevents the block member from being separated to the inside of the module case.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module, a battery pack including the battery module, and an automobile.

[0002] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0057161 filed on April 29, 2024, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0165205 filed on November 19, 2024, and all the contents disclosed in the specifications and drawings of the applications are incorporated into this application.

Background Art

[0003] Secondary batteries with high applicability for each product group and having electrical characteristics such as 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 not only have the primary advantage of significantly 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 a battery module or pack is variously set according to the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0005] As the use of secondary batteries in the form of battery modules and battery packs, which connect multiple battery cells in this way, increases, battery safety issues such as fires and explosions are emerging as important issues. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a battery module that can effectively prevent or delay the propagation of thermal runaway between cells by smoothly discharging gases and flames generated inside the battery module to the outside of the battery module when thermal runaway occurs in the battery module.

[0007] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a battery module with improved safety and reliability by preventing gases and flames discharged to the outside of the battery module from flowing back into the battery module when thermal runaway occurs in the battery module. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the above-mentioned problems, a battery module according to one aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of battery cells, a module case configured to house the plurality of battery cells, wherein at least a portion of one surface of the module case is penetrated to form a vent hole, and a retaining portion is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the vent hole, and a block member that at least partially covers the vent hole, wherein at least a portion of the block member is inserted into the vent hole, and the retaining portion prevents the block member from being separated to the inside of the module case.

[0009] The vent holes and the holding portion may be formed on the upper surface of the module case, and the block member may be configured to be inserted into the vent holes and placed on the holding portion.

[0010] The retaining portion may be formed such that at least a portion of the inner circumferential surface of the vent hole protrudes inward from the vent hole.

[0011] The outer periphery of the block member may be configured to have a shape that corresponds at least partially to the retaining portion formed in the vent hole.

[0012] The retaining portion may be configured to be at least partially inclined toward the inside of the vent hole.

[0013] Multiple vent holes are provided, and at least some of the multiple vent holes may be configured with unequal angles of the holding portion.

[0014] The retaining portion may be configured with a step inside the vent hole.

[0015] The end of the block member may be configured to fit into the holding portion.

[0016] The block member may be configured to be separated to the outside by the pressure of the fluid inside the module case.

[0017] The system may further include a connecting member that connects the block member and one side of the module case, and is configured to allow the block member to rotate.

[0018] The present invention may further include an adhesive member interposed between the holding portion and the block member, configured to melt upon heat.

[0019] Another aspect of the present invention provides a battery pack including a battery module according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0020] Furthermore, yet another aspect of the present invention provides an automobile including a battery pack according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0021] Further, a battery module case according to another aspect of the present invention includes a case body configured to accommodate a plurality of battery cells, and a top plate coupled to the case body to form an upper surface. At least a part of the top plate is penetrated to form a vent hole, and a holding portion is provided on an inner peripheral surface of the vent hole. The battery module case further includes a block member that at least partially covers the vent hole, and at least a part of the block member is inserted into the vent hole, and the block member is configured to be blocked by the holding portion from being separated inside the case body.

[0022] The block member of the battery module case may be configured to be inserted into the vent hole and placed on the holding portion.

[0023] The holding portion of the battery module case may be configured to at least partially incline toward the inside of the vent hole.

[0024] The battery module case may further include an end plate provided on at least a minimum surface of the case body and configured to face electrode leads of the plurality of battery cells.

[0025] Another aspect of the present invention provides a battery module including a battery module case according to an aspect of the present invention.

Effects of the Invention

[0026] According to an aspect of the present invention, a block member configured such that separation inside the module case is blocked by a holding portion formed on the inner peripheral surface of the vent hole closes the vent hole before thermal runaway occurs, thereby preventing contaminants from flowing into the inside of the battery module from the outside.

[0027] Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, by preventing high-temperature gas, flames, oxygen, etc. generated in the battery cell from flowing back into the interior of the battery module during thermal runaway of the battery cell, the propagation of thermal runaway between battery cells can be suppressed. Therefore, the safety and reliability of the battery module can be improved.

[0028] Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, when thermal runaway occurs, the block member opens the vent hole to smoothly discharge high-temperature gas, flames, etc. to the outside of the battery module, thereby effectively preventing or delaying the propagation of thermal runaway between battery cells.

[0029] Further, 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 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 analogized 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 limited only to the matters described in the drawings.

[0032] In some of the attached drawings, the same reference numerals are assigned to corresponding components. It should be understood that the attached drawings are for simply and clearly showing the elements and are not necessarily shown to scale. For example, in order to assist in understanding various embodiments, the dimensions of some elements shown in the drawings may be exaggerated compared to other elements. Also, in commercially implementable embodiments, descriptions of useful or essential known technical elements may be omitted so as not to interfere with the gist of various embodiments of the present invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0033] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing an overall battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of a disassembled battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. For example, Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I' in Figure 1. [Figure 4] This is an enlarged view of part A in Figure 3, illustrating a holding portion included in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This figure illustrates a retaining portion included in a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This figure illustrates a retaining portion included in a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This figure illustrates a retaining portion included in a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This diagram illustrates how a block member separates during thermal runaway in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This figure illustrates a retaining portion included in a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This figure illustrates a coupling member included in a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This figure illustrates a coupling member included in a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This figure illustrates an adhesive member included in a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This figure illustrates an adhesive member included in a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] This is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack containing a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] 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]

[0034] 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.

[0035] Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments and illustrated configurations described herein are merely embodiments of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical concept of the present invention, and that there are various equivalents and modifications that can substitute for them at the time of filing this application.

[0036] 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 focus will be on the differences.

[0037] 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.

[0038] For example, in embodiments 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), 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.

[0039] Because battery cells undergo chemical reactions during charging and discharging, their performance may degrade if used in environments with temperatures higher or lower than the appropriate temperature. If the temperature cannot be controlled to the appropriate level, there is a risk of unexpected ignition or explosion. Furthermore, battery modules, which consist of multiple battery cells, have a structure in which the battery cells are densely housed inside the module housing. Therefore, if a thermal event occurs in one battery cell within a battery module, 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.

[0040] The present invention provides a structure that, when thermal runaway occurs in a battery module, can discharge high-temperature gases and flames generated inside the battery module to the outside, preventing heat buildup inside the battery module and preventing the discharged gases and flames from flowing back into the battery module.

[0041] Figure 1 is an overall 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 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, for example, a cross-sectional view along line I-I' in Figure 1.

[0042] 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 module case 200, and a block member 300.

[0043] Multiple battery cells 100 may be provided. In one embodiment, multiple battery cells 100 may be configured in a stacked manner 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).

[0044] The battery cell 100 may be a pouch-type secondary battery. The battery cell 100 may include an electrode assembly and a cell case that houses the electrode assembly. The cell case 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.

[0045] Furthermore, each of the multiple battery cells 100 may be provided with an electrode lead 110. The electrode lead 110 can be connected to an electrode assembly and extended to the outside of the cell case to function as an electrode terminal.

[0046] The electrode leads 110 are provided in pairs, and the pair of electrode leads 110 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 110 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 110 are located only at one end in the Y-axis direction, for example, at the end in the +Y-axis direction.

[0047] 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 in the front-back direction (Y-axis direction) and the up-down direction (Z-axis direction), and its housing portion facing in the left-right direction (X-axis direction).

[0048] On the other hand, the present invention is not limited by the specific type or form of such battery cell 100, and a variety of battery cells 100 can be used to constitute the cell stack 100 of the present invention. 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.

[0049] On the other hand, referring to Figure 2, the battery module 10 of the present invention may further include a busbar frame assembly 400. The busbar frame assembly 400 is provided inside the module case 100 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 400 may be coupled to the front and rear of the plurality of battery cells 100.

[0050] The busbar frame assembly 400 may include a busbar frame 410 and a plurality of busbars 420. The busbar frame 410 may be configured to be coupled to the front and rear of a plurality of battery cells 100. The busbar frame 410 may have slits that allow the electrode leads 110 of the battery cells 100 to be drawn out in the +Y axis direction or the -Y axis direction. The busbar frame 410 may also be formed from, for example, an electrically insulating plastic material and configured to allow the busbars 420 to be attached to its outer surface.

[0051] Multiple busbars 420 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 110 of the multiple battery cells 100 are drawn out to the outside of the busbar frame 410 by passing through slits in the busbar frame 410, and the drawn-out portions may be attached to the surface of the busbars 420 by welding or other means.

[0052] On the other hand, referring to Figures 1 and 2, the module case 200 may be configured to house the battery cells 100. For example, the module case 200 may have an internal space, and the cell stack 100 may be housed in this internal space. Such a module case 200 may be made of a rigid and heat-resistant metallic material to physically or chemically protect the housed battery cells 100.

[0053] A vent hole H may be formed in the module case 200. The vent hole H may be formed on one surface of the module case 200. The vent hole H may be formed by penetrating at least a portion of one surface of the module case 200. Such a vent hole H may be configured to discharge vent gas generated in the battery cell 100 to the outside of the module case 200.

[0054] As an example, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the vent holes H are formed on the upper surface of the module case 200, allowing for directional venting upwards of the battery module 10 through the vent holes H.

[0055] Multiple vent holes H may be provided, spaced at regular intervals from each other in the horizontal direction (X-axis and Y-axis direction). In one embodiment, multiple vent holes H may be provided for every four battery cells 100 stacked in one direction.

[0056] Furthermore, the module case 200 may include a retaining portion S. In one embodiment, the retaining portion S may be formed on the inner circumferential surface of the vent hole H. The vent hole H may be configured such that its cross-sectional area is at least partially reduced by the retaining portion S. For example, as shown in Figure 3, the vent hole H may be configured such that its cross-sectional area decreases as it moves towards the inside of the module case 200.

[0057] On the other hand, the block member 300 may be configured to at least partially cover the vent hole H. The block member 300 may be configured so that at least a portion of it is inserted into the vent hole H. For example, the block member 300 may be configured to fill the vent hole H. The block member 300 may be fitted into the vent hole H. For example, the block member 300 may be configured in the form of a plug that fills the internal space of the vent hole H. Also, a block member 300 may be provided for each of the multiple vent holes H.

[0058] The block member 300 may be configured to suppress the diffusion of vent gases, flames, and other substances emitted when a thermal event occurs within the battery module 10 to other battery modules 10.

[0059] Therefore, the block member 300 may be made of a material with excellent heat resistance and / or fire resistance, such as mica or a silicone composite material. As a result, the block member 300 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.

[0060] Such a block member 300 may be separated from the module case 200 by gravity, impact, or heat, potentially opening the vent hole H. Therefore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the block member 300 may be configured such that separation inward is prevented by a retaining portion S. The block member 300 may be inserted into the portion of the vent hole H where the cross-sectional area is reduced by the retaining portion S.

[0061] Without the retaining part S, the block member 300 could separate from the module case 200 due to gravity, impact, or heat, potentially opening the vent hole H even under normal conditions. However, according to this embodiment, under normal conditions before thermal runaway occurs in the battery module 10, the block member 300 maintains a closed state of the vent hole H, thereby preventing contaminants from entering the battery module from the outside.

[0062] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent high-temperature gases or flames generated externally from flowing into the battery module 10, thereby suppressing the propagation of thermal runaway between battery cells 100. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the safety and reliability of the battery module 10 can be ensured.

[0063] Referring to Figures 2 to 5, the module case 200 may include a case body 210 and a top plate 220. The case body 210 may be configured to accommodate the battery cells 100. Such a case body 210 may be made of a rigid and heat-resistant metallic material to physically or chemically protect the housed battery cells 100.

[0064] The case body 210 may have open top and front / rear surfaces. For example, as shown in Figure 2, the case body 210 may consist of a U-frame. When the case body 210 consists of a U-frame, it may be provided to cover both sides and the bottom of the multiple battery cells 100. The case body 210 may include a left side plate and a right side plate that cover both sides of the multiple battery cells 100, and a bottom plate that covers the bottom of the multiple battery cells 100. The left side plate, the right side plate and the bottom plate may be configured as an integrated unit.

[0065] The top plate 220 may be provided to form the upper surface of the module case 200. If the case body 210 consists of a U-frame, the top plate 220 may be coupled to the open upper surface of the case body 210. In one embodiment, the top plate 220 may be coupled to the case body 210 by welding. In this case, the configuration in which the top plate 220 and the case body 210 are coupled may be a rectangular tube with open front and rear surfaces.

[0066] Referring to Figure 2, the module case 200 may include end plates 230 provided on the open front and rear surfaces of the case body 210. The end plates 230 may be joined to the case body 210 by welding. On the other hand, although not shown for convenience, the end plates 230 may include insulating material on the inside facing the battery cell 100 and metallic material on the outside. The end plates 230 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.

[0067] The module case 200 can take on various other forms. For example, the module case 200 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. Alternatively, the module case 200 may consist of a single frame. For example, the case body 210 may be a rectangular tube with a top, bottom, left, and right side, and an open front and rear.

[0068] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the vent holes H and retaining portion S can be formed on the upper surface of the module case 200, for example, on the top plate 220. This allows for directional ventilation of the battery module 10 upward through the vent holes H.

[0069] The block member 300 may be configured to be placed on the holding part S. When the block member 300 is inserted into the vent hole H formed on the upper surface of the module case 200, the block member 300 will be subjected to a greater force inward from the module case 200 due to gravity. In this case, as in this embodiment, the block member 300 is prevented from falling into the module case 200 by being placed on the holding part S.

[0070] Figure 4 is an enlarged view of part A in Figure 3, and is a diagram illustrating the holding part S included in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] Referring to Figure 4, the retaining portion S may be formed such that at least a portion of the inner circumferential surface of the vent hole H protrudes inward from the vent hole H. The retaining portion S may be provided on the lower side of the inner circumferential surface of the vent hole H. The retaining portion S may be configured in an overall diagonal shape as shown in Figure 4, or it may be configured in a form in which a portion protrudes inward.

[0072] According to this embodiment, when the block member 300 is inserted into the vent hole H, the position of the block member 300 can be restricted.

[0073] On the other hand, the outer periphery of the block member 300 (part B in Figure 3) may be configured to have a shape that corresponds at least partially to the retaining portion S. Here, the outer periphery of the block member 300 may refer not only to the outer surface of the block member 300 but also to a part of the lower surface. This allows the block member 300 to be inserted into the vent hole H and to be in complete contact with the retaining portion S formed on the inner circumferential surface of the vent hole H.

[0074] According to this embodiment, since the block member 300 and the holding part S are in close contact without any gaps, it is possible to block the possibility of external high-temperature gases or heat entering through the gap between the block member 300 and the holding part S.

[0075] As one embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the retaining portion S may be configured to be at least partially inclined toward the inside of the vent hole H. The retaining portion S may be configured in a diagonal shape inclined toward the inside of the module case 200. That is, the inner surface of the vent hole H may have an inclined surface. The angle of the retaining portion S may be acute. In this case, the outer surface of the block member 300 may also be configured in a diagonal shape to correspond to the shape of the retaining portion S.

[0076] According to this embodiment, the retaining portion S can be formed by simple processing of the inner circumferential surface of the vent hole H. Furthermore, the block member 300 can be brought into even closer contact with the diagonally shaped retaining portion S, thereby ensuring the fixing force of the block member 300. This further prevents the penetration of high-temperature gases or heat from the outside.

[0077] On the other hand, referring to Figure 4, the battery module 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include an adhesive member 500. The adhesive member 500 may be interposed between the holding portion S and the block member 300. The adhesive member 500 may include an adhesive, adhesive tape, etc.

[0078] According to this embodiment, the adhesive member 500 improves the fixing force between the block member 300 and the holding part S. Furthermore, the adhesive member 500 allows the block member 300 to be stably fixed to the top plate 220 of the module case 200.

[0079] In the following, various embodiments of the shapes of the holding portion S and the block member 300 will be described with reference to Figures 5 to 7.

[0080] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating a retaining portion S included in a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0081] In another embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the retaining portion S may be configured with an uneven shape. The retaining portion S may have alternating recessed and convex portions. The block member 300 may be configured to interlock with such a shape of retaining portion S.

[0082] According to this embodiment, the contact area between the block member 300 and the holding part S is increased, which further prevents or suppresses the separation of the block member 300 from the vent hole H. In addition, in this embodiment, the adhesive member 500 can be interposed between the irregularities of the holding part S and the block member 300. This prevents the adhesive member 500 from flowing downward due to the irregular shape of the holding part S. As a result, the adhesive member 500 can be interposed in the holding part S more stably.

[0083] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating a retaining portion S included in a battery module 10 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0084] In yet another embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, the retaining portion S may be configured with a step on the inside of the vent hole H. The retaining portion S may be configured with a downward step towards the inside of the module case 200. That is, the retaining portion S may be formed so that the lower part of the inner circumferential surface of the vent hole H formed in the top plate 220 of the module case 200 protrudes into the inside of the vent hole H. The cross-section of the vent hole H may be configured with an inverted hat shape.

[0085] In this case, the block member 300 may be configured to completely fill the vent holes H. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 6, the block member 300 may be located only on the upper part of the retaining portion S. In this case, the block member 300 may be configured in a flat plate shape. The height of the block member 300 may correspond to the thickness of the top plate 220 minus the thickness of the retaining portion S.

[0086] According to this embodiment, the inner circumferential surface of the stepped vent hole H can be in contact not only with the outer surface of the block member 300 but also with a portion of its lower surface. This allows the block member 300 to be placed on the holding part S more stably. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the adhesive member 500 can be interposed not only on the outer surface of the block member 300 but also on a portion of its lower surface. This further improves the fixing force between the block member 300 and the holding part S, and further prevents the penetration of high-temperature gases or heat from the outside.

[0087] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating a retaining portion S included in a battery module 10 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0088] In yet another embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, the end of the block member 300 may be configured to fit into the retaining portion S. For example, the retaining portion S may have a groove formed in which at least a portion is recessed. Also, the end of the block member 300 may have a projection formed in which at least a portion protrudes downward and is inserted into the retaining portion S.

[0089] According to this embodiment, the block member 300 and the holding part S have a male-female coupling structure, which allows the block member 300 to be placed on the holding part S more stably.

[0090] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the adhesive member 500 can be interposed in a groove formed in the holding portion S. This prevents the adhesive member 500 from flowing downward. As a result, the fixing force between the block member 300 and the holding portion S is further improved, and the penetration of high-temperature gases or heat from the outside can be further prevented.

[0091] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating how a block member separates during thermal runaway in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0092] Referring to Figure 8, the block member 300 may be configured to separate to the outside due to the pressure of the fluid inside the module case 200. In this case, the retaining part S may be configured to prevent the block member 300 from separating to the inside of the module case 200, but not to prevent it from separating to the outside of the module case 200. Due to the shape of the retaining part S described above, the block member 300 can be smoothly separated to the outside of the module case 200 (for example, above the top plate 220).

[0093] The adhesive member 500 may be configured to melt with heat. In one embodiment, the adhesive member 500 may be made of a material having a melting point of 150°C or lower.

[0094] For example, when thermal runaway occurs in the battery module 10, the pressure of the gas discharged from the battery cell 100 and / or the high heat from dust or flames melts the adhesive member 500, reducing the adhesive force between the holding part S and the block member 300. As a result, the block member 300 is separated from the top plate 220 of the module case 200 by the exhaust pressure of vent gas or flames discharged in a straight line from the inside of the module case 200 toward the vent hole H, and the vent hole H is opened.

[0095] In this case, of the multiple block members 300, only some of the block members 300 located above the battery cell 100 where a thermal event generating vent gas or flames occurred can be separated from the top plate 220 of the module case 200. In addition, the other block members 300, excluding the separated block members 300, remain connected to the top plate 220 of the module case 200, thereby maintaining the closed state of the vent holes H.

[0096] In other words, under normal conditions, the block member 300 closes the vent holes H formed in the top plate 220 of the module case 200, protecting the battery cells 100 inside the module case 200. However, when a thermal event occurs in some of the battery cells 100 that generates vent gas or flames, the block member 300 separates from the top plate 220 of the module case 200, allowing the vent gas or flames to be smoothly discharged to the outside of the battery module 10.

[0097] According to this embodiment, since the block member 300 is completely separated from the top plate 220 of the module case 200, the vent holes H formed in the top plate 220 are exposed to the outside of the battery module 10, thereby allowing vent gases, flames, etc. to be quickly discharged to the outside of the battery module 10 (see the thick solid arrows in Figure 8). This suppresses or delays the occurrence of thermal runaway phenomena within the battery module 10.

[0098] According to this embodiment, the other block members 300 formed in relation to the battery cells 100 where no thermal events are occurring remain coupled to the top plate 220 of the module case 200, thereby preventing vent gas and flames discharged through the open vent holes H from flowing back into the module case 200 (see the thick dotted arrow in Figure 8). Furthermore, the block members 300 that remain unseparated from the module case 200 can block not only heat, but also high-temperature gases, flames, and discharges generated in the battery cells 100.

[0099] As a result, according to this embodiment, when thermal runaway occurs in the battery module 10, not only can the gas and flames generated inside the battery module 10 be smoothly discharged to the outside of the battery module 10, but it is also possible to prevent the discharged gas and flames from flowing back into the battery module 10. Therefore, by minimizing heat propagation to adjacent battery modules 10, the propagation of thermal runaway can be effectively prevented or delayed, thereby improving the safety and reliability of the battery module 10.

[0100] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the retaining parts S1 and S2 included in a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0101] Referring to Figure 9, the multiple block members 300A and 300B may be configured such that they separate from the top plate 220 of the module case 200 at different speeds or times for each of their positions. For example, if the retaining parts S1 and S2 are configured in an inclined form as shown in Figure 9, at least some of the multiple vent holes H formed in the top plate 220 may be configured with different angles for the retaining parts S1 and S2. For example, the larger the angle of the retaining parts S1 and S2, the easier it becomes for the retaining parts S1 and S2 to separate the block member 300 outward from the top plate 220 of the module case 200.

[0102] As an example, in a group of battery cells 100, the retaining parts S1 and S2, which are arranged in a line along the longitudinal direction of the battery cells 100, may be configured to have at least partially different angles. Referring to Figure 9, the angle of the retaining part S2 located on the inside may be smaller than the angle of the retaining part S1 located on the outside. This allows the outer block member 300A to separate from the module case 200 earlier than the inner block member 300B when a thermal event occurs in a group of battery cells 100.

[0103] Such configurations, including differences in the angles of the holding parts S1 and S2 depending on their positions, can be applied in accordance with the venting direction of the battery module 10. According to this embodiment, by adjusting the separation speed of the block member 300 by varying the angles depending on the positions of the holding parts S1 and S2, gases and flames generated inside the battery module 10 can be directionally vented in accordance with the venting direction of the battery module 10.

[0104] Figures 10 and 11 illustrate a coupling member 600 included in a battery module 10 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0105] Referring to Figures 10 and 11, a battery module 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a coupling member 600. The coupling member 600 may be configured to connect the block member 300 to one surface of the top plate 220 of the module case 200. The coupling member 600 may be provided on the inner circumferential surface of a vent hole H formed in the top plate 220. The coupling member 600 may be provided on the outer upper end of the block member 300. The coupling member 600 may be provided on one side of the block member 300. For example, as shown in Figures 10 and 11, the coupling member 600 may be provided on the upper end of the right side of the block member 300.

[0106] Such a connecting member 600 may be configured to rotate. In one embodiment, the connecting member 600 may be a hinge, but is not limited thereto. According to this embodiment, the block member 300 may be configured to rotate outward by the connecting member 600 to open the vent hole H.

[0107] Furthermore, the connecting member 600 may be configured to include an elastic body to control the rotational movement of the block member 300. In one embodiment, the connecting member 600 may be composed of a spring hinge. The block member 300 may be configured to rotate inward or outward through the connecting member 600 to open and close the vent hole H.

[0108] The block member 300 may be configured to rotate to open the vent holes H formed in the top plate 220, thereby discharging vent gas and / or flames to the outside of the module case 200, when the internal pressure of the module case 200 rises above a reference pressure due to thermal runaway of the battery cell 100. Here, "the internal pressure of the module case 200 is above the reference pressure" may mean that the internal pressure of the module case 200 is higher than the external pressure due to the generation of vent gas, etc. In this case, the pressurizing force of the internal air of the module case 200 applied to the block member 300 by the vent gas may be higher than the elastic force of the coupling member 600 that attempts to maintain the closed state of the block member 300. Therefore, when the battery cell 100 experiences thermal runaway, the block member 300 can easily rotate to the outside of the module case 200 due to the difference between the external and internal pressures of the module case 200.

[0109] According to this embodiment, vent gas and / or flames can be quickly discharged to the outside through the open portion of the module case 200. The discharge of vent gas can then quickly reduce the internal pressure of the battery module 10.

[0110] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the vent gas and flames discharged from the vent holes H formed in the top plate 220 can be guided in one direction by the outwardly rotated block member 300. This allows for directional venting of the vent gas and flames in one direction.

[0111] The block member 300 may be configured to close the vent hole H when the vent gas is discharged to the outside and the internal pressure of the module case 200 drops below a reference pressure. Here, "the internal pressure of the module case 200 is below the reference pressure" may mean when the vent gas is discharged to the outside and the internal pressure of the module case 200 is lower than the external pressure of the module case 200. In this case, not only the pressure of the external air of the module case 200 applied to the block member 300, but also the elastic force of the connecting member 600 that attempts to maintain the closed state of the block member 300 may be applied. Therefore, when the vent gas is discharged to the outside and the internal pressure of the module case 200 decreases, the block member 300 can smoothly rotate inward into the module case 200 due to the difference between the external and internal pressures of the module case 200, thereby closing the vent hole H.

[0112] As a result, when the thermal runaway inside the battery module 10 has almost ended and the amount of vent gas discharged decreases, the block member 300 can easily close the vent hole H, thereby blocking the backflow of vent gas and / or flame into the module case 200. In addition, by blocking the inflow of oxygen into the module case 200, additional ignition inside the module case 200 can be suppressed.

[0113] Figures 12 and 13 illustrate an adhesive member 500 included in a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0114] As described above, when the block member 300 is separated, the adhesive member 500 may be configured to melt with heat. In this case, as shown in Figure 12, the adhesive member may be provided on both sides of the block member 300 and configured to have different adhesive strengths depending on the position.

[0115] For example, the adhesive member may comprise a first adhesive member 510 and a second adhesive member 520. The first adhesive member 510 may be provided on one side of the block member 300, and the second adhesive member 520 may be provided on the other side of the block member 300 opposite to the first adhesive member 510. In one embodiment, the first adhesive member 510 and the second adhesive member 520 may be composed of materials having different adhesive strengths. Also, the first adhesive member 510 and the second adhesive member 520 may be composed of materials with different melting points.

[0116] For example, as shown in Figures 12 and 13, the adhesive strength of the first adhesive member 510 may be configured to be weaker than that of the second adhesive member 520. This allows the first adhesive member 510 to melt first when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell 100, separating only one side of the block member 300 from the holding portion S. In this case, the second adhesive member 520, which does not melt, plays the role of the aforementioned bonding member 600.

[0117] According to this embodiment, the vent gas and flames discharged from the vent hole H are guided in one direction by the block member 300, which is rotated outward by the action of the second adhesive member 520, which acts as a connecting member 600. This makes it possible to directionally vent the vent gas and flames in one direction.

[0118] Furthermore, at least some of the multiple block members 300 may be configured such that the position of the first adhesive member 510 and the position of the second adhesive member 520 are different. This allows at least some of the multiple block members 300 to separate in different directions when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell 100.

[0119] For example, as shown in Figure 12, a block member 300 provided on the left side of the battery module 10 may have a first adhesive member 510 on the left side and a second adhesive member 520 on the right side. Similarly, a block member 300 provided on the right side of the battery module 10 may have a first adhesive member 510 on the right side and a second adhesive member 520 on the left side. As a result, as shown in Figure 13, when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell 100, the block member 300 provided on the left side of the battery module 10 is separated toward the left side of the vent hole H by pressure from vent gas or flame, and the block member 300 provided on the right side of the battery module 10 is separated toward the right side of the vent hole H. In other words, when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell 100, the multiple block members 300 are separated in directions symmetrical to each other with respect to the center of the battery module 10.

[0120] According to this embodiment, vent gas and flames discharged from at least some of the multiple vent holes H can be directionally vented in different directions. This further prevents or suppresses the re-inflow of vent gas and flames between adjacent vent holes H. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the propagation of thermal runaway between battery cells 100 can be suppressed more effectively.

[0121] Figure 14 is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack 1 including a battery module 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0122] Referring to Figure 14, a battery pack 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery modules 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 one or more battery modules 10, a current sensor, a fuse, and the like.

[0123] Figure 15 is a schematic perspective view of an automobile 3 containing a battery pack 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0124] Referring to Figure 15, an automobile 3 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery packs 1 or battery modules 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. An automobile 3 according to one embodiment of 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.

[0125] 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 module case configured to house the plurality of battery cells, wherein at least a portion of one side of the module case is penetrated to form a vent hole, and a retaining portion is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the vent hole, A battery module comprising a block member that at least partially covers the vent hole, wherein at least a portion of the block member is inserted into the vent hole, and the block member is configured such that the retaining portion prevents the block member from being separated to the inside of the module case.

2. The vent hole and the retaining portion are formed on the upper surface of the module case. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the block member is configured to be inserted into the vent hole and placed on the holding portion.

3. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the retaining portion is formed such that at least a portion of the inner circumferential surface of the vent hole protrudes inward from the vent hole.

4. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the outer periphery of the block member is configured to have a shape that corresponds at least partially to the retaining portion formed in the vent hole.

5. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the retaining portion is configured to be at least partially inclined toward the inside of the vent hole.

6. Multiple vent holes are provided, The battery module according to claim 5, wherein at least some of the plurality of vent holes are configured with unequal angles of the retaining portion.

7. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the retaining portion is configured to have a step inside the vent hole.

8. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the end of the block member is configured to be fitted into the holding portion.

9. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the block member is configured to be separated to the outside by the pressure of the fluid inside the module case.

10. The battery module according to claim 1, further comprising a coupling member configured to connect the block member and one surface of the module case, thereby allowing the block member to rotate.

11. The battery module according to claim 1, further comprising an adhesive member interposed between the holding portion and the block member and configured to melt by heat.

12. A battery pack comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. An automobile comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

14. A case body configured to house multiple battery cells, A top plate that is coupled to the case body and forms the top surface, wherein at least a portion of the top plate penetrates to form a vent hole, and a retaining portion is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the vent hole, A battery module case comprising a block member that at least partially covers the vent hole, wherein at least a portion of the block member is inserted into the vent hole, and the block member is configured such that the retaining portion prevents the block member from being separated to the inside of the case body.

15. The battery module case according to claim 14, wherein the block member is configured to be inserted into the vent hole and placed on the holding portion.

16. The battery module case according to claim 14, wherein the retaining portion is configured to be at least partially inclined toward the inside of the vent hole.

17. The battery module case according to claim 14, further comprising an end plate provided on a minimum one side of the case body and configured to face the electrode leads of the plurality of battery cells.

18. A battery module comprising a battery module case according to any one of claims 14 to 16.

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