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

Abstract

One embodiment of the present invention relates to a battery module including a plurality of battery cells, a module case configured to house the plurality of battery cells and having a plurality of vent holes formed on one surface, and a barrier member provided inside the module case, the barrier member configured to divide the plurality of battery cells into a plurality of cell groups and to connect the plurality of cell groups to the corresponding vent holes for each of the cell groups.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module, a battery pack including the battery module, and a vehicle. Specifically, the present invention 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. 10-2024-0060562 filed on May 8, 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 electrical characteristics such as high energy density are generally applied not only to portable devices but also to electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), etc. 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 due to energy use, 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] 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, conventional battery modules have attempted to compartmentalize or separate battery cells by interposing a thermal barrier, such as aerogel or silicone, between them. However, such thermal barriers are vulnerable to flames and have low rigidity, making them highly susceptible to damage if a battery cell explodes. Furthermore, the thermal barrier can deform due to swelling of the battery cells or strong pressure from vent gases or flames, making it difficult to suppress physical damage between battery cells.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need to develop structures that can suppress and delay heat propagation in order to reliably partition and isolate battery cells from one another, and to prevent thermal runaway caused by the spread of gases or flames to other battery cells in the battery module even if a thermal event occurs in some battery cells within the battery module. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] 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.

[0009] Another problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a battery pack and an automobile that include the aforementioned battery module.

[0010] 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]

[0011] 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 and having a plurality of vent holes formed on one surface, and a barrier member provided inside the module case, the barrier member configured to divide the plurality of battery cells into a plurality of cell groups and to connect the plurality of cell groups to the corresponding vent holes for each of the cell groups.

[0012] The barrier member may be constructed by bending a single plate multiple times.

[0013] The barrier member may be constructed by folding it multiple times so as to form a plurality of first spaces configured to accommodate the cell group, and a plurality of second spaces configured to separate the plurality of first spaces from each other.

[0014] The first space may be configured to open toward the vent hole.

[0015] The second space may be configured to open toward the opposite side of the vent hole.

[0016] Multiple vent holes are provided, and the second space may be located between adjacent vent holes.

[0017] A cooling medium may be interposed in the second space.

[0018] The module case may include a partition wall configured to be insertable into the second space.

[0019] The barrier member may be in a bent form, and may include a horizontal portion extending flat along the stacking direction of the battery cells so that the cell groups are placed thereon, and a vertical portion extending flat along the height direction of the battery cells.

[0020] The vertical portion may be provided between adjacent cell groups.

[0021] The vertical portion may be configured to be doubly overlapped.

[0022] The end portion of the vertical portion may be configured to contact one surface of the module case.

[0023] The end portion of the vertical portion may be configured in a form in which a part thereof is bent inward.

[0024] Another aspect of the present invention provides a battery pack including the battery module according to an aspect of the present invention.

[0025] Still another aspect of the present invention provides a motor vehicle including the battery pack according to an aspect of the present invention.

Advantages of the Invention

[0026] According to an aspect of the present invention, the cell groups in the battery module are reliably partitioned and separated by the barrier member, so that even if a thermal event occurs in some battery cells in the battery module, gas, flame, etc. are effectively prevented from diffusing to other battery cells in the battery module and causing thermal runaway or the diffusion can be delayed. Thereby, the safety and reliability of the battery module can be ensured.

[0027] Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, a barrier member configured in a form bent multiple times allows various substances such as an air layer, a cooling medium, and a heat insulating material to be interposed between cell groups, so that heat propagation between adjacent battery cells can be more effectively prevented.

[0028] Also, according to one aspect of the present invention, since the barrier member is bent multiple times and configured in a zigzag shape, a plurality of cell groups can be partitioned, so that the productivity in manufacturing the battery module can be improved.

[0029] Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, high-temperature gas, flames, etc. generated in the battery cells in the battery module can be smoothly discharged to the outside of the battery module, so that an increase in the internal pressure of the battery module and the propagation of thermal runaway can be prevented or delayed.

[0030] Also, according to one aspect of the present invention, by fixing the cell groups with the barrier member, it is possible to prevent the battery cells from being deformed or damaged when thermal runaway occurs in the battery module or when swelling of the battery cells occurs. Therefore, the structural stability of the battery module can be ensured.

[0031] 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 battery packs including a plurality of battery modules or devices on which these are mounted.

[0032] In addition, the present invention can exhibit various other effects. These 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.

[0033] The following drawings accompanying this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and are intended to facilitate a better understanding of the technical concept of the invention, along with the detailed description of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is not to be construed as being limited solely to what is shown in the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0034] [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 a magnified view of section A in Figure 3. [Figure 5] This diagram illustrates the structure of a barrier member included in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view of a battery module to which a barrier member according to yet another embodiment of the present invention is applied. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view of a battery module to which a barrier member according to yet another embodiment of the present invention is applied. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view of a battery module to which a barrier member according to yet another embodiment of the present invention is applied. [Figure 10] This is a cross-sectional view of a battery module to which a barrier member according to yet another embodiment of the present invention is applied. [Figure 11] This is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This is a cross-sectional view showing a disassembled portion of a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This is a cross-sectional view of 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]

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] For example, in embodiments of the present invention, the illustrated X-axis direction may mean the left-right direction, i.e., the stacking direction of the battery cells; the Y-axis direction may mean the front-to-back direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction on the horizontal plane (XY plane), i.e., the longitudinal direction of the battery cells; and the Z-axis direction may mean the up-and-down direction (vertical direction) perpendicular to both the X-axis and Y-axis directions, i.e., the height direction of the battery cells.

[0040] 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, Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view along line I-I' in Figure 1.

[0041] 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 barrier member 300.

[0042] 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).

[0043] 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 may have a housing portion configured to house the electrode assembly and a sealing portion formed by heat-sealing the periphery of the housing portion. The sealing portion may be provided on three of the four sides of the battery cell 100.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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-to-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-to-back direction (Y-axis direction) and upward (+Z-axis direction), and its housing portion facing in the left-to-right direction (X-axis direction).

[0047] By arranging the battery cells 100 in this manner, the venting direction can be easily controlled to either side, and cooling performance can be ensured by performing edge cooling through the surface where the sealing portion is not provided.

[0048] 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.

[0049] Furthermore, the battery cell 100 of the present invention may mean one battery or a group of more batteries.

[0050] 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 200 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

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

[0054] Vent holes H may be formed in the module case 200. Multiple vent holes H may be provided, spaced at regular intervals from each other in the horizontal direction (X-axis and Y-axis direction). The vent holes H may be configured to discharge vent gas generated in the battery cell 100 to the outside of the module case 200.

[0055] As an example, as shown in Figure 1, the vent hole H may be formed on the upper surface of the module case 200. This allows for directional venting upwards of the battery module 10 through the vent hole H.

[0056] The barrier member 300 may be provided inside the module case 200. The barrier member 300 may be configured to group a plurality of battery cells 100. The barrier member 300 may be configured to partition a plurality of battery cells 100 into a plurality of cell groups G. For example, as shown in Figure 3, the barrier member 300 may be configured to group the battery cells 100 into groups of four. That is, one cell group G may contain four battery cells 100.

[0057] Such a barrier member 300 may be made of a material with excellent heat resistance and / or fire resistance. For example, the barrier member 300 may be made of mica material. This allows the airtight structure to be maintained without deformation even under high heat and pressure.

[0058] Furthermore, the barrier member 300 may be made of a compressible material. For example, the barrier member 300 may be made of one of the following materials: silicone, aerogel, polyurethane, etc. This allows the barrier member 300 to be configured to be in complete contact with the adjacent battery cell 100.

[0059] Furthermore, the barrier member 300 may be made of an electrically insulating material. This makes it possible to ensure electrical insulation between the battery cells 100.

[0060] On the other hand, vent holes H may be provided for each cell group G. Furthermore, each of the multiple vent holes H may be separated or partitioned by a barrier member 300. The barrier member 300 may be configured to connect the multiple cell groups G to the vent holes H corresponding to each cell group G.

[0061] More specifically, the barrier member 300 may be configured to cover a portion of the six surfaces of the cell group G. For example, the barrier member 300 may be configured to cover the left side, right side, and bottom surface of the cell group G. In this case, the surface of the cell group G that is not covered by the barrier member 300, such as the top surface of the cell group G, may be located on the side of the vent hole H.

[0062] As a result, each cell group G communicates with a vent hole H, and as shown by the thick arrow in Figure 3, vent gases and flames generated by a thermal event in a particular cell group G can be discharged outside the module case 200 through the vent hole H corresponding to that cell group G.

[0063] According to this embodiment, by partitioning or separating the multiple cell groups G, it is possible to prevent heat from propagating by gases, flames, etc., generated in one cell group G moving to other adjacent cell groups G. This prevents or delays the propagation of thermal runaway between battery cells 100. Therefore, the safety and reliability of the battery module 10 can be ensured.

[0064] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, high-temperature gases and flames generated in the battery cells 100 within the battery module 10 are smoothly discharged to the outside of the battery module 10 through the vent holes H. Therefore, it is possible to prevent or delay the rise in internal pressure of the battery module 10 and the propagation of thermal runaway.

[0065] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since each cell group G communicates only with the vent hole H corresponding to that cell group G, gases and flames generated in one cell group G are discharged to the outside of the module case 200 only through that vent hole H. This makes it possible to more effectively prevent the propagation of thermal runaway between battery cells 100.

[0066] On the other hand, referring to Figure 2, the module case 200 may comprise a case body 210 and a top plate 220. The case body 210 may be configured so that at least the top surface is open. For example, the case body 210 may be configured so that the top, front, and rear surfaces are open. That is, the case body 210 may consist of a U-frame.

[0067] Such a case body 210 may be made of a rigid and heat-resistant metal material to physically or chemically protect the housed battery cells 100.

[0068] The top plate 220 may be provided to form the upper surface of the module case 200. The top plate 220 may be coupled to the open upper surface of the case body 210. 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.

[0069] On the other hand, 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, for example, an insulating material on the inside and a 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.

[0070] Furthermore, the module case 200 can take on a variety of 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.

[0071] In this case, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, the vent hole H may be formed in the top plate 220. That is, the vent hole H may be provided on the upper part of the cell group G. In this case, the barrier member 300 may be configured not to cover the upper surface of the cell group G. That is, the barrier member 300 may be configured so that the upper surface of the cell group G is open. This makes it possible for vent gas and flames generated in the cell group G to be discharged upward through the vent hole H provided on the upper part of the cell group G.

[0072] High-temperature gases such as vent gas and flames generated in the battery cell 100 have a strong tendency to rise, and therefore will be directed towards the open space provided at the top of the battery cell 100. In this embodiment, by providing the vent hole H at the top of the battery cell 100, the heat from vent gas and flames directed towards other battery cells 100 can be minimized.

[0073] Figure 4 is an enlarged view of portion A in Figure 3, and Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the structure of a barrier member included in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. The structure of the barrier member 300 will be described in more detail with further reference to Figures 4 and 5, along with Figures 1 to 3.

[0074] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the barrier member 300 may be constructed by folding a single plate multiple times. The barrier member 300 may be constructed by folding a single plate back and forth multiple times in the opposite direction. The barrier member 300 may be constructed by folding a single plate 180°. As a result, the barrier member 300 may be constructed in a zigzag shape. The barrier member 300 may also be constructed in a Z shape.

[0075] Multiple such barrier members 300 can be provided inside the module case 200. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 3, one barrier member 300 may be provided inside the module case 200 and configured to cover all the battery cells 100.

[0076] According to this embodiment, the barrier member 300 is folded multiple times to form a zigzag shape, which allows for easy partitioning of multiple cell groups G. This improves the productivity during the manufacturing of the battery module 10.

[0077] Furthermore, multiple spaces can be formed by bending the barrier member 300 multiple times. More specifically, the barrier member 300 can be configured by bending it multiple times so that a first space S1 and a second space S2 are formed. In other words, the first space S1 and the second space S2 can be formed by bending the barrier member 300 multiple times.

[0078] The first space S1 may be configured to accommodate a cell group G. The first space S1 may be configured on which a cell group G is placed. Multiple such first spaces S1 may be formed. Thus, each cell group G may be provided in each first space S1.

[0079] The second space S2 may be configured to separate multiple first spaces S1. The second space S2 may be provided between adjacent first spaces S1. Multiple second spaces S2 may be formed. The first spaces S1 and the second spaces S2 may be arranged alternately along the stacking direction of the battery cells 100. An air layer may be formed in the second space S2. In this embodiment, the provision of such a second space S2 can suppress or delay heat propagation between adjacent cell groups G.

[0080] On the other hand, multiple vent holes H may be located individually in each first space S1. In this case, the first space S1 may be configured to open toward the vent holes H. For example, as shown in Figure 4, the vent holes H may be located at the top of the cell group G, and the first space S1 may open toward the upper side of the cell group G. This allows vent gases and flames generated in the cell group G within the first space S1 to be discharged upward through the vent holes H.

[0081] According to this embodiment, by configuring the first space S1 to communicate with the vent hole H, vent gas and other substances generated in the cell group G within the first space S1 can be guided and discharged only towards the vent hole H without moving to other cell group G.

[0082] The second space S2 may be configured to open toward the opposite side of the vent hole H. For example, as shown in Figure 4, the second space S2 may open toward the lower side of the cell group G.

[0083] According to this embodiment, the first space S1 in which the battery cells 100 are housed can be reliably partitioned or separated by the second space S2. This effectively prevents or delays thermal runaway, even if a thermal event occurs in some of the battery cells 100 within the battery module 10, by preventing gases, flames, etc., from spreading to other battery cells 100 within the battery module 10.

[0084] As described above, multiple vent holes H may be provided. In this case, the second space S2 may be located between adjacent vent holes H. According to this embodiment, the first space S1 and its corresponding vent holes H can be further reliably partitioned and separated by the second space S2.

[0085] More specifically, referring to Figures 3 to 5, the barrier member 300 is in a folded form and may include a horizontal portion 310 and a vertical portion 320. That is, the horizontal portion 310 and the vertical portion 320 can be defined by the barrier member 300 being folded multiple times.

[0086] The horizontal section 310 may be configured to support the cell group G. The horizontal section 310 may extend flat along the stacking direction of the battery cells 100. The horizontal section 310 may be flat.

[0087] The vertical section 320 may extend flat along the height direction of the battery cell 100. The vertical section 320 may extend upward from the horizontal section 310. The angle between the vertical section 320 and the horizontal section 310 may be approximately 90°.

[0088] The first space S1 may be formed by one horizontal section 310 and two vertical sections 320. The vertical sections 320 may be provided between adjacent cell groups G. The vertical sections 320 may be provided on both sides in the left-right direction of the cell groups G. That is, the vertical sections 320 may be configured to partition and separate multiple cell groups G.

[0089] According to this embodiment, heat propagation between battery cells 100 can be suppressed by configuring the cell group G in such a way that it is at least partially surrounded by a vertical portion 320 and a horizontal portion 310.

[0090] Furthermore, the vertical portion 320 may be configured to fix the cell group G from both sides. According to this embodiment, when swelling occurs in the battery cell 100, the barrier member 300 can suppress the swelling of the battery cell 100 by compressing the cell group G from both sides. In this way, the barrier member 300 can contribute to the structural rigidity of the battery cell 100.

[0091] Referring to part B of Figure 5, the vertical section 320 may be configured to overlap in a double layer. The vertical section 320 may comprise a first vertical section 321 and a second vertical section 322. The first vertical section 321 and the second vertical section 322 may be formed by bending a single plate by approximately 180°. According to the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the ends of the vertical section 320 may be bent twice at approximately 90° to form the first vertical section 321 and the second vertical section 322. One end of the vertical section 320 may be configured in a closed form.

[0092] In this case, the first vertical section 321 and the second vertical section 322 may be configured to be separated from each other. The space formed between the first vertical section 321 and the second vertical section 322 may be defined as the second space S2.

[0093] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0094] On the other hand, the vertical section 320, which is configured with one end closed, allows various materials to be interposed in the second space S2. For example, as shown in Figure 6, a cooling medium 500 can be interposed in the second space S2. That is, a cooling channel can be formed within the second space S2.

[0095] In this case, although not shown in the diagram, the cooling medium 500 can also be interposed between the bottom surface of the module case 200 and the horizontal portion 310 of the barrier member 300. That is, a cooling channel is formed at the bottom of the battery cell 100, and such a cooling channel communicates with the second space S2, allowing not only the bottom surface of the cell group G but also the left and right sides to be cooled.

[0096] According to this embodiment, by interposing a cooling medium 500 between cell groups G, both sides of the cell groups G can be cooled when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell 100. This makes it possible to further efficiently delay heat propagation between battery cells 100 within the battery module 10.

[0097] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, as described above, the first space S1 on which the battery cell 100 is placed is open toward the vent hole H, and the second space S2 in which the cooling medium 500 is interposed is open toward the opposite side of the vent hole H, thereby ensuring that the cooling channel and the venting channel are reliably separated.

[0098] Unlike the embodiments described above, the second space S2 may contain an insulating material, or a fire-resistant pad. Alternatively, the second space S2 may contain a thermal resin. In addition, the materials interposed in the second space S2 can be configured in a variety of ways.

[0099] According to this embodiment, the barrier member 300, which is composed of multiple folds, allows various materials such as cooling media and heat insulating materials to be interposed between adjacent cell groups G. This makes it possible to more effectively prevent heat transfer between adjacent battery cells 100.

[0100] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module to which a barrier member according to yet another embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0101] The barrier member 300 may be configured to extend further outward, for example, upward, than the battery cell 100. Specifically, the vertical portion 320 of the barrier member 300 may be configured to extend further upward than the battery cell 100. The barrier member 300 may be configured to extend further upward than the housing portion of the battery cell 100. That is, the vertical height of the barrier member 300 may be configured to be greater than the vertical height of the battery cell 100.

[0102] Considering ease of assembly and assembly tolerances, the module case 200 and the battery cells 100 may be spaced apart by a predetermined distance. In such a case, if a thermal event occurs in one battery cell 100, vent gases, flames, etc., may spread to other adjacent battery cells 100 through the certain distance formed between the battery cell 100 and the module case 200. However, according to this embodiment, the barrier member 300 further reliably partitions and separates the battery cells 100, thereby preventing vent gases, flames, etc., from moving beyond the barrier member 300.

[0103] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, the barrier member 300 may be configured to contact at least partially one surface of the module case 200. In particular, the end portion of the vertical portion 320 may be configured to contact one surface of the module case 200. For example, the end portion of the vertical portion 320 may be configured to contact the top plate 220. Here, the end portion of the vertical portion 320 may mean the portion of the barrier member 300 that is bent at 180°.

[0104] The barrier member 300 may be in surface contact with one surface of the module case 200. The barrier member 300 and the surface of the module case 200 may be configured to be in surface contact along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell 100.

[0105] According to this embodiment, the gap between the barrier member 300 and the module case 200 is minimized, which reduces the space through which vent gas can flow, thereby more reliably preventing the propagation of thermal runaway to other adjacent battery cells 100.

[0106] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module to which a barrier member according to yet another embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0107] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the end portion of the vertical portion 320 may be configured in a partially folded form. For example, as shown in portion C in Figure 8, the end portion of the vertical portion 320 may be configured in a form in which a portion is folded inward. Such an end portion of the vertical portion 320 may be configured to narrow in width when the battery cell 100 swells. That is, the vertical portion 320 may be configured to be compressed from both sides by the swelling of the battery cell 100, causing the folded portion of the vertical portion 320 to fold. Such a vertical portion 320 may be configured so that the width of the vertical portion 320 returns to its original size when the battery cell 100 is in a normal state.

[0108] According to this embodiment, the barrier member 300, formed by bending the end portion of the vertical portion 320 inward, absorbs the swelling pressure when swelling occurs in the battery cell 100. This prevents deformation or damage to the battery cell 100 when swelling occurs. Therefore, the structural stability of the battery module can be ensured.

[0109] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module to which a barrier member according to yet another embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0110] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the end portion of the vertical portion 320 may be configured to protrude at least partially toward the vent hole H. For example, as shown in portion D in Figure 9, the end portion of the vertical portion 320 may be configured in a form in which a portion is bent outward. The end portion of the vertical portion 320 may be configured in a form inclined toward the vent hole H. This allows the end portion of the vertical portion 320 to be configured to guide vent gas, flames, etc. toward the vent hole H.

[0111] According to this embodiment, the portion of the vertical section 320 that is bent outward at its end allows vent gas, flames, etc., to be discharged to the outside of the battery module 10 through the vent hole H without moving to other cell groups G.

[0112] Furthermore, the end portions of the vertical sections 320 may be configured to contact the inner surface of the module case 200. In this case, an airtight space may be formed by adjacent vertical sections 320 among the multiple vertical sections 320. Here, airtightness refers to the concept of restricting the movement of vent gas between cell groups G adjacent to each other in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) with a single vertical section 320 in between.

[0113] According to this embodiment, upward directional venting is more effectively guided. When gas generated inside the battery module 10 is discharged in various directions, the time required to discharge the vent gas becomes longer, which may significantly reduce the safety of the battery module 10. However, according to this embodiment, the vent gas is quickly guided to the vent hole H, minimizing its spread in all directions inside the module case 100.

[0114] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module to which a barrier member according to yet another embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0115] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the vertical section 320 may be configured to be at least partially openable by a vent gas or flame. For example, as shown in Figure 13, at least a portion of the vertical section 320 may be configured to melt with the heat of a vent gas. More specifically, a portion of the vertical section 320 may be opened to form an opening O. The opening O may be configured to melt with heat and discharge the cooling medium 500 interposed inside the second space S2 to the outside of the vertical section 320. In particular, such an opening O may be provided at the end of the vertical section 320.

[0116] According to this embodiment, when a thermal event occurs in a specific battery cell 100, an opening O provided on one side of the vertical section 320 is opened, and the cooling medium 500 can be discharged to the outside of the vertical section 320 through the opened opening O (see the dotted arrow in Figure 10). Furthermore, when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell 100 in the first space S1, the discharged cooling medium 500 moves towards the first space S1 where the battery cell 100 is located, thereby controlling the thermal event in the battery cell 100. As a result, the battery cell 100 is cooled rapidly, and thermal runaway of the battery module 10 can be suppressed.

[0117] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a partially disassembled portion of the battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0118] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the module case 200 and the barrier member 300 may be configured to be coupled to each other. For example, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, the case body 210 may be configured to be inserted at least partially into the second space S2. The case body 210 may include a partition wall 211 configured to be insertable into the second space S2. The partition wall 211 may be inserted into the second space S2 formed in the vertical portion 320.

[0119] According to this embodiment, the assembly position of the barrier member 300 can be guided during the process of joining the barrier member 300 to the case body 210, thereby improving ease of assembly.

[0120] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the insertion of the partition wall 211 into the second space S2 formed by the barrier member 300 improves the fixing force between the module case 200 and the barrier member 300. As a result, deformation or damage to the barrier member 300 is prevented even when thermal runaway occurs inside the battery module 10, thereby ensuring the structural stability of the battery module 10.

[0121] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the possibility of heat being transmitted to other cell groups G can be reduced by preventing high-temperature, high-pressure vent gas or flames from pressing against the vertical portion 320 of the barrier member 300 or by causing the vertical portion 320 to bend and deform due to the pressure of the vent gas.

[0122] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0123] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the top plate 220 and the barrier member 300 may be configured to be coupled to each other. For example, as shown in Figure 13, the top plate 220 may be provided with a projection 221. The projection 221 may be configured to project inward from at least a portion of the inner surface of the top plate 220.

[0124] Multiple protrusions 221 may be provided along one direction. Here, "one direction" can be defined as the direction in which the battery cell 100 is positioned, i.e., the left-right direction (parallel to the X-axis). The protrusions 221 may also be configured to extend along the longitudinal direction (front-back direction) of the battery cell 100.

[0125] Furthermore, the end portion of the vertical portion 320 of the barrier member 300 may be configured to be inserted into the space between adjacent protrusions 221. That is, the protrusions 221 may be configured to fix the end portion of the vertical portion 320 from both sides in the left-right direction. In this case, the protrusions 221 may be provided so as to correspond to the length of the vertical portion 320.

[0126] According to this embodiment, since the barrier member 300 is supported from both sides by the protrusions 221, the fixing force between the barrier member 300 and the top plate 220 is further improved. This makes it possible to stably maintain the arrangement of the battery cell 100 and the barrier member 300.

[0127] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the assembly position of the top plate 220 can be guided during the process of joining the top plate 220 to the case body 210, thereby improving ease of assembly.

[0128] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, high-temperature, high-pressure vent gas or flames can press against the vertical portion 320 of the barrier member 300, or the pressure of the vent gas can cause the barrier member 300 to bend and deform, thereby reducing the possibility of heat propagation to other battery cells 100. Therefore, in the event of thermal runaway in the battery module 10, the propagation of thermal runaway between battery cells 100 can be effectively prevented or delayed.

[0129] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, a stable sealing force can be ensured between the end portion of the barrier member 300 and the top plate 220. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the heat transfer prevention performance between the battery cells 100 can be further improved by more reliably partitioning and separating the multiple battery cells 100.

[0130] On the other hand, the protrusion 221 may be formed integrally with the top plate 220. That is, the protrusion 221 may be integrally provided on the bottom surface of the top plate 220. Specifically, the top plate 220 may be extruded so that the protrusion 221 is integrally provided with the top plate 220. By extruding the top plate 220, the protrusion 221 may be formed to extend in a straight line along the extrusion direction.

[0131] According to this embodiment, since the protrusion 221 is integrally provided with the top plate 220, the step of joining the protrusion 221 to the top plate 220 is omitted, and defects at the joint between the protrusion 221 and the top plate 220 can be minimized.

[0132] Figure 14 is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack containing a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0133] 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, a current sensor, a fuse, and the like.

[0134] Figure 15 is a schematic perspective view of an automobile containing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0135] 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.

[0136] 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 multiple battery cells, with multiple vent holes formed on one surface, A battery module comprising a barrier member provided inside the module case, the barrier member configured to divide the plurality of battery cells into a plurality of cell groups, and to connect each of the plurality of cell groups to a corresponding vent hole.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the barrier member is formed by bending a single plate multiple times.

3. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the barrier member is configured to be folded multiple times so as to form a plurality of first spaces configured to accommodate the cell group and a plurality of second spaces configured to separate the plurality of first spaces from each other.

4. The battery module according to claim 3, wherein the first space is configured to open toward the vent hole.

5. The battery module according to claim 3, wherein the second space is configured to open toward the opposite side of the vent hole.

6. The multiple vent holes are arranged along the stacking direction of the battery cells, The battery module according to claim 3, wherein the second space is located between adjacent vent holes.

7. The battery module according to claim 3, wherein a cooling medium is interposed in the second space.

8. The battery module according to claim 3, wherein the module case comprises a partition wall configured to be insertable into the second space.

9. The barrier member is in a folded form, and A horizontal portion is provided that extends flat along the stacking direction of the battery cells so as to be placed on the cell group, The battery module according to claim 1, comprising: a vertical portion that extends flat along the height direction of the battery cell.

10. The battery module according to claim 9, wherein the vertical portion is provided between adjacent cell groups.

11. The battery module according to claim 9, wherein the vertical portion is configured to overlap in a double layer.

12. The battery module according to claim 9, wherein the end portion of the vertical part is configured to contact one surface of the module case.

13. The battery module according to claim 9, wherein the end portion of the vertical section is configured in such a way that a portion of it is bent inward.

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.

Images