Battery Module

Abstract

A battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of battery cells, a cell insertion space into which each battery cell is inserted, a cell frame that partitions the cell insertion space and has support ribs that support each battery cell, and a firewall portion that is provided in the cell insertion space and surrounds each battery cell, and the cell frame is provided such that its thickness increases at least in part toward the center of the cell frame in an insertion direction of the battery cells.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module, and more particularly to a battery module for preventing chain fires, and more particularly to a battery module for preventing chain fires, in which a firewall unit provided to integrally surround the outer periphery of a plurality of battery cells can prevent the spread of fire.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0122411, dated September 27, 2022, and all contents disclosed in the documents of said Korean patent application are incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0003] 1 and 2 are diagrams for explaining the structure of a conventional battery module.

[0004] Referring to FIG. 1, a conventional battery module 10 includes a lower frame 21, an upper frame 22, and a plurality of battery cells 15.

[0005] The lower frame 21 and the upper frame 22 are assembled vertically to form one cell frame 20 .

[0006] The lower frame 21 is provided with a lower partition wall 25 that defines an internal space 27 of the lower frame 21 so that one battery cell 15 can be inserted therein. The upper frame 22 has the same structure as the lower frame 21, and is provided with an upper partition wall 26 that faces the lower partition wall 25.

[0007] Each battery cell 15 is inserted into the internal space 27 of the lower frame 21. Next, the upper frame 22 is coupled to the upper part of the lower frame 21 so as to cover each battery cell 15.

[0008] In the conventional injection process, it is difficult to manufacture the cell frame 20 with a height corresponding to the height of the battery cells 15. Therefore, the cell frame 20 is manufactured separately into two parts, a lower frame 21 and an upper frame 22, which are then assembled one above the other.

[0009] Unless the cell frame 20 is manufactured as a single component, a gap 23 will be generated at the joint between the lower frame 21 and the upper frame 22. This gap 23 also exists between the lower partition wall 25 and the upper partition wall 26, which are arranged opposite each other.

[0010] The gap 23 has a very narrow gap G. Even if the gap 23 is a very narrow gap G, as long as the gap 23 exists, the internal spaces of the cell frames are connected via the gap 23 so that fluid can move.

[0011] If any one of the battery cells 15 in the battery module 10 catches fire, the flame may spread rapidly from the ignited battery cell 15 to the surrounding battery cells through the gap 23.

[0012] Generally, the battery cells 15 generate heat when they are charged. If the heat generated during charging or use of the battery cells 15 cannot be efficiently removed, the battery cells 15 may catch fire due to heat buildup in the battery cells 15. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0013] The present invention aims to provide a battery module having an integrated cell frame having a vertically symmetrical structure in the longitudinal direction of the battery cells, rather than the conventional cell frame being constructed by assembling an upper frame and a lower frame.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery module in which the cell frame is manufactured in one piece and a firewall part provided to surround the outer periphery of the battery cell fills the entire area inside the cell frame, thereby preventing the transfer of flames between adjacent battery cells. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] In order to solve the above-described problems, a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of battery cells, a cell frame that partitions the cell insertion space into which each battery cell is inserted and that is provided with support ribs that support each battery cell, and a firewall that is provided in the cell insertion space and surrounds each battery cell.

[0016] The cell frame may be at least partially thicker toward a center of the cell frame in an insertion direction of the battery cells.

[0017] In addition, the cell frame may be configured to have a thickness that increases from an upper end of the cell frame to a center portion of the cell frame along an insertion direction of the battery cell, and a thickness that decreases from the center portion to a lower end of the cell frame.

[0018] In addition, the cell frame has the cell insertion space divided into upper and lower sections by the support ribs, and the upper space of the cell insertion space, which is the upper part of the support ribs, and the lower space of the cell insertion space, which is the lower part of the support ribs, can be fluidly connected to each other.

[0019] In addition, the cell frame may have an upper space and a lower space that are symmetrical with respect to the support rib.

[0020] In addition, the firewall may include a potting resin that is injected into the cell insertion space and hardened to surround each battery cell.

[0021] Also, the potting resin may be injected into the entire area of ​​the cell insertion space.

[0022] The potting resin may include any one of a silicone-based resin, a urethane-based resin, and an epoxy-based resin.

[0023] The firewall may be disposed to contact an inner surface of the cell insertion space and an outer circumferential surface of each battery cell, and to separate adjacent battery cells.

[0024] In addition, the firewall may be configured such that a width between an inner surface of the cell frame and a battery cell closest to the cell frame narrows from an upper end of the firewall to a center thereof along an insertion direction of the battery cells, and widens from the center of the firewall to a lower end of the firewall.

[0025] Also, the support rib may have a plurality of rib holes into which the respective battery cells are inserted.

[0026] Also, the support rib may be integrally formed with the cell frame.

[0027] The support rib may include a plurality of support protrusions spaced apart from one another along the periphery of the rib hole to support a side surface of the battery cell inserted into the rib hole.

[0028] The support protrusion may be formed to protrude from at least one of the upper and lower portions of the support rib.

[0029] The battery module may further include a support pillar that passes through the support rib in a vertical direction, is arranged next to the battery cell, and is coupled to the support rib.

[0030] The battery module may further include an upper cover attached to an upper portion of the support pillar and coupled to the cell frame to cover an open upper portion of the cell frame, and a lower cover attached to a lower portion of the support pillar and coupled to the cell frame to cover an open lower portion of the cell frame. [Effects of the Invention]

[0031] As described above, the battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention has the following advantages.

[0032] Unlike conventional cell frames that are composed of an assembly of an upper frame and a lower frame, in the present invention, the cell frame is manufactured as a single unit in the insertion direction of the battery cells (or in the "height direction of the cell frame").

[0033] In addition, the battery is manufactured as a one-piece unit with a vertically symmetrical structure based on the center of the cell frame, and a firewall filled in the inner space of the cell frame to surround each battery cell prevents the spread of fire between battery cells.

[0034] In addition, as a structural feature of the integrally formed cell frame, the thickness of the cell frame is gradually reduced from the center toward the upper and lower ends of the cell frame, which allows the firewall to be made thicker, thereby effectively preventing the spread of fire between battery cells.

[0035] Conventional battery modules have a structure in which an upper frame and a lower frame that make up a cell frame are joined together vertically, leaving a gap between the upper frame and the lower frame after assembly. In contrast, the present invention can form an integrated fire wall by inserting multiple battery cells into an integrated cell frame and then injecting and curing a flame-retardant material into the cell insertion space of the cell frame. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0036] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating the structure of a conventional battery module. [Figure 2] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating the structure of a conventional battery module.

[0037] [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a perspective view of a cell frame according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a cross-sectional view of a cell frame according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] [Figure 6] 5A to 5C are views illustrating a process in which a battery cell is inserted into a cell insertion space of a cell frame according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] [Figure 7] 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating a state in which a battery cell is inserted into a cell frame in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the structure of a firewall section provided in a cell insertion space of a cell frame in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] [Figure 9] 10A to 10C are views illustrating a process in which an upper cover and a lower cover are coupled to a cell frame in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0044] Hereinafter, a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] Furthermore, regardless of the drawing symbols, identical or corresponding components will be given the same or similar reference numbers, and duplicate explanations thereof will be omitted. For convenience of explanation, the size and shape of each component shown may be exaggerated or reduced.

[0046] FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing a cross-sectional view of a battery module 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing a perspective view of a cell frame according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing a cross-sectional view of a cell frame according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 3, a battery module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a cell frame 110, a plurality of battery cells 120, and a firewall 130.

[0048] Also, each battery cell 120 may be a cylindrical battery.

[0049] Specifically, a battery module 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of battery cells 120, a cell frame 110 having a cell insertion space 111 into which each battery cell 120 is inserted and a support rib 114 that partitions the cell insertion space 111 and supports each battery cell 120, and a firewall portion 130 that is provided in the cell insertion space 111 and surrounds each battery cell 120.

[0050] 4 and 5, the cell frame 110 is a case for accommodating a plurality of battery cells 120. The cell frame 110 is provided with a cell insertion space 111 and a support rib 114. The cell insertion space 111 is a space into which the plurality of battery cells 120 are inserted.

[0051] The cell frame 110 can have an open top and bottom.

[0052] In the cell frame 110, the cell insertion space 111 is divided into upper and lower spaces by the support rib 114. In this case, an upper space 111a of the cell insertion space 111, which is an upper part of the support rib 114, and a lower space 111b of the cell insertion space 111, which is a lower part of the support rib 114, can be fluidly connected to each other. In addition, the upper space 111a and the lower space 111b can be provided symmetrically in the upper and lower directions with respect to the support rib 114.

[0053] For example, the cell frame 110 may have an upper space 111a and a lower space 111b that are symmetrical with respect to the support rib 114. The support rib 114 may be formed integrally with the cell frame 110.

[0054] 3, the x-axis direction indicates the arrangement direction of the multiple battery cells 120 arranged in the cell frame 110 or the radial direction of the battery cells 120. The y-axis direction indicates the insertion direction of the battery cells 120 or the height direction of the cell frame 110.

[0055] FIG. 6 is a view illustrating a process of inserting a battery cell into a cell insertion space of a cell frame according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a view illustrating a state in which a battery cell is inserted into a cell frame according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] The cell frame 110 may be integrally formed along the height direction. Since the cell frame 110 is manufactured as one piece, the thickness t1 of the cell frame 110 may increase from the upper end 110b of the cell frame 110 toward the central portion 110a of the cell frame 110 along the insertion direction F1 of the battery cells 120 (see FIG. 6 ), and the thickness t2 of the cell frame 110 may decrease from the central portion 110a toward the lower end 110c of the cell frame.

[0057] 5 and 6, the cell frame 110 is configured such that the width W1 of the cell insertion space 111 of the cell frame 110 narrows from the upper end 110b of the cell frame 110 to the center 110a of the cell frame 110 along the battery cell insertion direction F1.

[0058] That is, the cell frame 110 is configured such that the width W1 of the upper space 111a of the cell insertion space 111 becomes narrower from the upper end 110b of the cell frame 110 to the center 110a of the cell frame 110.

[0059] The upper end 110d of the cell frame 110 is provided such that the thickness t1 increases from the upper end 110b of the cell frame 110 to the central portion 110a of the cell frame 110 along the battery cell insertion direction F1. The thickness t1 is the distance between the outer surface 112 and the inner surface 113 of the cell frame 110 at the upper end 110d of the cell frame 110.

[0060] In addition, the upper end 110d of the cell frame 110 may be configured to have a thickness t1 that increases at least in part from the upper end 110b of the cell frame 110 to the center 110a of the cell frame 110 along the battery cell insertion direction F1.

[0061] In addition, the upper end 110d of the cell frame 110 may be configured such that the thickness t1 continuously increases from the upper end 110b of the cell frame 110 to the center 110a of the cell frame 110 along the battery cell insertion direction F1.

[0062] In addition, the upper end 110d of the cell frame 110 may be configured such that the thickness t1 increases linearly from the upper end 110b of the cell frame 110 to the center 110a of the cell frame 110 along the battery cell insertion direction F1.

[0063] Here, the upper end 110d of the cell frame refers to the portion where the upper space 111a is provided. The upper space 111a may have a cross section that is substantially inverted trapezoidal.

[0064] In addition, the cell frame 110 may have an upper space 111a and a lower space 111b that are symmetrical with respect to the support rib 114.

[0065] The cell frame 110 is configured such that the width W2 of the cell insertion space 111 increases from the center 110a of the cell frame 110 to the lower end 110c of the cell frame 110 along the battery cell insertion direction F1.

[0066] That is, the cell frame 110 is configured such that the width W2 of the lower space 111b of the cell insertion space 111 increases from the center 110a of the cell frame 110 to the lower end 110c of the cell frame 110 along the battery cell insertion direction F1.

[0067] The lower end 110e of the cell frame is provided such that the thickness t2 decreases from the central portion 110a to the lower end 110c of the cell frame along the battery cell insertion direction F1. The thickness t2 is the distance between the outer surface 112 and the inner surface 113 of the cell frame 110 at the lower end 110e of the cell frame 110.

[0068] The lower end 110e of the cell frame is provided such that the thickness t2 at least partially decreases from the central portion 110a to the lower end 110c of the cell frame along the battery cell insertion direction F1.

[0069] In addition, the lower end 110e of the cell frame may be configured such that the thickness t2 continuously decreases from the central portion 110a to the lower end 110c of the cell frame along the battery cell insertion direction F1.

[0070] In addition, the lower end 110e of the cell frame may be configured such that the thickness t2 decreases linearly from the central portion 110a to the lower end 110c of the cell frame along the battery cell insertion direction F1.

[0071] Here, the lower end 110e of the cell frame 110 refers to the portion where the lower space 111b is provided. The lower space 111b may have a trapezoidal cross section.

[0072] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the structure of a firewall provided in a cell insertion space of a cell frame in one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the process of combining an upper cover and a lower cover with a cell frame in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] The firewall 130 may include a potting resin that is injected into the cell insertion space 111 and hardened to surround each battery cell.

[0074] In addition, the fire wall 130 may be made of a flame-retardant material. The fire wall 130 is provided to surround the inner surface of the cell insertion space 111 and the outer circumferential surface of each battery cell 120.

[0075] The firewall 130 is disposed in contact with the inner surface of the cell insertion space 111 and the outer circumferential surface of each battery cell 120, and separates adjacent battery cells 120. That is, the firewall 130 fills the space between adjacent battery cells 120. The firewall 130 is also formed and fills the space between the inner surface of the cell frame 110 and the battery cell 120 closest to the cell frame 110.

[0076] The fire wall 130 may be formed by injecting and curing a flame-retardant material into the space between the battery cells 120 in the cell insertion space 111. The potting resin may be injected into the entire area of ​​the cell insertion space 111.

[0077] In this specification, the flame retardant material may be a potting resin made of a mixture of silicone and a flame retardant. In this embodiment, the potting resin may include any one of a silicone-based resin, a urethane-based resin, and an epoxy-based resin.

[0078] The firewall 130 contacts the inner surface of the cell insertion space 111 and the outer circumferential surface of each battery cell 120 to separate adjacent battery cells 120 .

[0079] Referring to FIG. 8, in the upper space 111a, the firewall 130 is provided so that the width W3 between the inner surface of the cell frame 110 and the battery cell 120 adjacent to the cell frame 110 becomes narrower from the upper end 110b of the cell frame 110 to the central portion 110a.

[0080] That is, the firewall 130 may be configured so that the width W3 between the inner surface of the cell frame 110 (the surface forming the cell insertion space) and the battery cell 120 closest to the cell frame 110 becomes narrower from the upper end 110b of the cell frame 110 to the central portion 110a.

[0081] In addition, the firewall 130 may be configured such that the width W4 between the inner surface 113 (the surface forming the cell insertion space) of the cell frame 110 and the battery cell 120 closest to the cell frame 110 increases from the center 110a of the cell frame 110 to the lower end 110c of the cell frame 110 along the battery cell insertion direction.

[0082] In addition, the firewall 130 is also disposed in the space between two adjacent battery cells, and in this case, the firewall 130 separating the two adjacent battery cells 120 may have a substantially constant thickness W5 along the insertion direction of the battery cells.

[0083] 4 and 5, the support rib 114 may have a plurality of rib holes 116 into which the respective battery cells 120 are inserted. Also, each of the rib holes 116 has a respective battery cell 120 inserted therein.

[0084] The support ribs 114 are integrally formed with the cell frame 110 to divide the cell insertion space 111 into upper and lower sections, and the support ribs 114 integrally support each battery cell 120 inserted into the cell insertion space 111.

[0085] In addition, the support rib 114 may include a plurality of support protrusions 115 spaced apart along the periphery of the rib hole 116 and configured to support the side surfaces of the battery cells 120 inserted into the rib hole 116. For example, the support protrusions 115 may be formed to protrude from at least one of the upper and lower parts of the support rib 114. In addition, the support protrusions 115 may be formed integrally with the support rib 114.

[0086] In addition, the support ribs 114 may be provided to surround the outer periphery of the battery cells 120 at a predetermined width interval W5, and two adjacent battery cells 120 may be spaced apart by the width interval W5. For example, adjacent rib holes 116 may be spaced apart by the predetermined width interval W5. In addition, a firewall 130 may be filled in the space between two adjacent battery cells.

[0087] 4 and 5, the support ribs 114 are provided on the cell frame 110 to divide the cell insertion space 111 into upper and lower sections. The support ribs 114 support the sides of each battery cell 120 and are provided so that the battery cells 120 are spaced apart at regular intervals.

[0088] Each battery cell 120 is inserted into the cell insertion space 111 through each rib hole 116. The support protrusions 115 may contact the outer circumferential surface of the battery cell 120 to support the side of the battery cell 120.

[0089] The battery module 100 may include support posts 117 that extend vertically through the support ribs 114 , are arranged alongside the battery cells 120 , and are coupled to the support ribs 114 .

[0090] The support columns 117 penetrate the support ribs 114 from top to bottom and are coupled to the support ribs 114 , and are arranged alongside the battery cells 120 to support the support ribs 114 .

[0091] The battery module 100 may include an upper cover 140 attached to the upper part of the support pillar 117 and coupled to the cell frame 110 to cover the open upper part of the cell frame 110, and a lower cover 150 attached to the lower part of the support pillar 117 and coupled to the cell frame 110 to cover the open lower part of the cell frame 110.

[0092] As an example, an upper cover 140 and a lower cover 150 may be fitted to the support column 117 .

[0093] 9, the upper cover 140 may be fitted to the upper part of the support columns 117 and coupled to the cell frame 110 so as to cover the open upper part of the cell frame 110. Also, the lower cover 150 may be fitted to the lower part of the support columns 117 and coupled to the cell frame 110 so as to cover the open lower part of the cell frame 110.

[0094] A method for manufacturing the battery module configured as above will now be described.

[0095] 4 and 5, a cell frame 110 having a cell insertion space 111 and a support rib 114 is prepared.

[0096] Referring to FIG. 6, each battery cell 120 is inserted into the cell insertion space 111 through each rib hole 116 .

[0097] 7, when a plurality of battery cells 120 are inserted into the cell insertion space 111, a flame-retardant material is injected into the cell insertion space 111. As described above, the flame-retardant material may be a potting resin made by mixing silicone and a flame retardant. The potting resin may be any one of a silicone-based resin, a urethane-based resin, and an epoxy-based resin.

[0098] Referring to FIG. 8, as the filled flame-retardant material hardens, a firewall 130 is formed that surrounds the inner surface of the cell insertion space 111 and the outer periphery of each battery cell 120.

[0099] The firewall portion 130 contacts the inner surface of the cell insertion space 111 and the outer peripheral surface of each battery cell 120, respectively, to surround each battery cell 120 in the cell insertion space 111, and the firewall portion 130 forms a firewall that separates adjacent battery cells 120 from each other.

[0100] Referring to FIG. 9, an upper cover 140 is fitted to the upper part of the support column 117 to cover the open upper part of the cell frame 110, and a lower cover 150 is fitted to the lower part of the support column 117 to cover the open lower part of the cell frame 110.

[0101] Furthermore, since the cell frame 110 is manufactured in one piece, there are no seams in the cell frame 110, and there is no gap G (see FIG. 1) due to the seams.

[0102] In addition, the firewall 130 is filled and hardened in the entire area of ​​the cell insertion space 111 and is provided to surround each battery cell 120, thereby blocking the transfer of flames from a ignited battery cell to surrounding battery cells, thereby preventing chain fires of the battery cells.

[0103] The above-described preferred embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, and those skilled in the art having ordinary skill in the art may make various modifications, changes, and additions within the spirit and scope of the present invention, and such modifications, changes, and additions should be considered to fall within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. a plurality of battery cells; a cell frame including a cell insertion space into which each battery cell is inserted and a support rib that partitions the cell insertion space and supports each battery cell; a firewall portion provided in the cell insertion space and surrounding each of the battery cells, The cell frame is provided so that a thickness of at least a portion thereof increases toward a center portion of the cell frame along an insertion direction of the battery cell. Battery module.

2. the cell frame is configured to have a thickness that increases from an upper end of the cell frame to a center portion of the cell frame along an insertion direction of the battery cell, and a thickness that decreases from the center portion to a lower end of the cell frame; The battery module according to claim 1 .

3. In the cell frame, the cell insertion space is divided into upper and lower spaces by the support ribs, and an upper space of the cell insertion space, which is an upper part of the support rib, and a lower space of the cell insertion space, which is a lower part of the support rib, are connected to each other so as to be able to move fluid therebetween. The battery module according to claim 1 .

4. The cell frame has an upper space and a lower space that are symmetrical with respect to the support rib. The battery module according to claim 1 .

5. The firewall includes a potting resin that is injected into the cell insertion space and hardened to surround each of the battery cells. The battery module according to claim 1 .

6. The potting resin is injected into the entire area of ​​the cell insertion space. The battery module according to claim 5 .

7. The potting resin is any one of a silicone resin, a urethane resin, and an epoxy resin. The battery module according to claim 6 .

8. the firewall portions are disposed in contact with the inner surface of the cell insertion space and the outer peripheral surfaces of the respective battery cells to separate adjacent battery cells; The battery module according to claim 1 .

9. the firewall portion is configured such that a width between an inner surface of the cell frame and a battery cell closest to the cell frame becomes narrower from an upper end of the firewall portion toward a center thereof along an insertion direction of the battery cells, and becomes wider from the center thereof toward a lower end of the firewall portion, The battery module according to claim 8 .

10. The support rib has a plurality of rib holes into which the respective battery cells are inserted. The battery module according to claim 1 .

11. The support rib is integrally formed with the cell frame. The battery module according to claim 10.

12. the support rib includes a plurality of support protrusions spaced apart from one another along the periphery of the rib hole and configured to support a side surface of the battery cell inserted into the rib hole; The battery module according to claim 10.

13. The support protrusion is formed to protrude from at least one of the upper and lower parts of the support rib. The battery module according to claim 12.

14. a support post that passes through the support rib in a vertical direction, is arranged next to the battery cell, and is coupled to the support rib; The battery module according to claim 1 .

15. an upper cover attached to the upper part of the support column and coupled to the cell frame to cover the open upper part of the cell frame; a lower cover attached to a lower portion of the support column and coupled to the cell frame to cover the open lower portion of the cell frame, The battery module according to claim 14.

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