Pouch-type battery cells

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery cell and a battery module structure including the battery cell, which prevent heat transfer to adjacent battery cells in the event of a fire and guide vents downward. The battery cell includes an electrode assembly, a pouch that houses the electrode assembly, is folded in half, and is sealed on three sides except for the folded side, and electrode leads extending from the electrode assembly and protruding outside the pouch. The battery cell also includes a box-shaped insulating, heat-resistant, and fire-resistant shielding member that is open on one side and has a slit-shaped lead hole, and the electrode leads protrude outside the shielding member through the lead hole, so that five sides except for the folded side are covered by the shielding member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0123603 filed on September 28, 2022, and all the contents disclosed in the document of the Korean Patent Application are included as part of this specification.

[0002] The present invention relates to a pouch-type battery cell. More specifically, the present invention relates to a pouch-type battery cell that can block the propagation of heat and flame and guide the direction of a vent.

Background Art

[0003] Secondary batteries, which are highly applicable to a wide range of products and have electrical characteristics such as high energy density, are generally applied not only to portable devices but also to electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles driven by an electric drive source, power storage devices, etc. These secondary batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source that is environmentally friendly and improves energy efficiency not only because of the primary advantage of significantly reducing the use of fossil fuels but also because they do not generate any by-products from the use of energy.

[0004] For small mobile devices, one or two or three battery cells are used per device, while for medium to large-sized devices such as automobiles, a large capacity with high output is required. Therefore, medium to large-sized battery modules in which a large number of battery cells are electrically connected are used.

[0005] Medium to large-sized battery modules are preferably manufactured with a small size and weight if possible, so square batteries, pouch-type batteries, etc. that can be stacked with a high degree of integration and have a small weight-to-capacity ratio are mainly used as battery cells for medium to large-sized battery modules.

[0006] Figures 1 and 2 are perspective and exploded perspective views showing a battery module including pouch-type battery cells. Referring to these drawings, the battery module 1 may include a battery cell stack 11 formed by stacking multiple battery cells and a housing 12 that accommodates it.

[0007] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a pouch-type battery cell. Referring to this, the battery cell 2 may include an electrode assembly, a pouch 22 housing the electrode assembly, and electrode leads 21 extending from the electrode assembly and protruding to the outside of the pouch 22. The pouch 22 can be formed by folding a pouch sheet made of metal foil material around the electrode assembly, and sealing three sides excluding the folded side. Thus, the pouch 22 may include a first seal portion 221a on the side opposite the folded side, and second seal portions 221b on the other two sides. After the first seal portion 221a is sealed, its end may be folded and sealed again by taping or the like. In the second seal portion 221b, the pouch sheet may be sealed via the electrode leads 21.

[0008] On the other hand, the battery cell 2 is at risk of overheating and igniting due to a short circuit or other reasons. If the battery cell 2 ignites, heat, flames, and vent gas generated by the vaporization of the electrolyte charged inside the pouch 22 may be discharged from the battery cell 2. Furthermore, the heat and flames from the ignition of the battery cell 2 may propagate to other adjacent battery cells 2, causing a chain reaction of ignition.

[0009] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing how venting occurs in a pouch-type battery cell. Referring to this, the heat, flame, and vent gas can be discharged in the battery cell 2 mainly through the seal portion 221 of the pouch 22. On the other hand, referring further to Figures 1 and 2, the battery cell 2 can be housed in the housing 12 with its folded surface facing downwards, thereby allowing the heat, flame, and vent gas to be discharged mainly upwards towards the battery module 1.

[0010] However, in electric vehicles in particular, the aforementioned battery modules are typically installed on the underside of the vehicle in the form of a battery pack, with multiple modules integrated together. Therefore, if heat, flames, and vent gases are emitted upward from the battery modules, it can pose a significant risk to passengers.

[0011] Therefore, there is a pressing need for a solution at the battery cell or battery module level that can prevent heat transfer between battery cells and guide the exhaust of flames and vent gases downward. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0012] The present invention was conceived against the background of the prior art described above, and aims to provide a structure for a battery cell and a battery module that can guide the vent downwards in the event of thermal runaway.

[0013] The present invention also aims to provide battery cell and battery module structures that can prevent heat transfer between adjacent battery cells and thus prevent chain reactions of fires.

[0014] Another technical problem of the present invention is to provide a structure for a battery cell and a battery module that maintains the energy density of an existing battery module without changing the design or production equipment of existing battery cells and battery modules, and that incorporates the above-mentioned safety measures for thermal runaway.

[0015] The technical problems of the present invention are not limited to the purposes mentioned above. Other purposes and advantages of the present invention not mentioned can be understood from the following description and will be more clearly understood from the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, it will be readily understood that the purposes and advantages of the present invention can be achieved by the means and combinations thereof described in the claims. [Means for solving the problem]

[0016] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides a battery cell structure comprising an electrode assembly, a pouch that houses the electrode assembly and is folded in half and sealed on three sides excluding the folded side, and electrode leads extending from the electrode assembly and protruding to the outside of the pouch, wherein the battery cell structure includes a heat-insulating, heat-resistant and fire-resistant shielding member that is box-shaped with one end open and has slit-shaped lead holes, the electrode leads protruding to the outside of the shielding member through the lead holes, and the five sides excluding the folded side are covered by the shielding member.

[0017] In the following, the length, width, and height of the blocking member will be X, Y, and Z, respectively.

[0018] The aforementioned shielding member can be manufactured by folding a single unfolded shielding sheet into the box shape.

[0019] The aforementioned shielding sheet may include a folder portion and a wing portion.

[0020] The folder section may be a rectangle with horizontal and vertical dimensions of X and Y+2Z, respectively.

[0021] The aforementioned folder portion can correspond to one side in the height direction and both sides in the thickness direction of the battery cell.

[0022] The wing portion may be a rectangle with horizontal and vertical dimensions of Y and Z, respectively. Alternatively, the wing portion may be a rectangle with horizontal and vertical dimensions of Z and Y, respectively.

[0023] The wing portion may be formed to protrude from both sides of the folder portion in the horizontal direction.

[0024] The wing portion can correspond to both sides in the longitudinal direction of the battery cell.

[0025] The blocking member may be formed by folding the blocking material sheet so as to surround the battery cell, and then connecting adjacent edges to each other without being connected to each other by attaching them with an adhesive tape.

[0026] The adhesive tape may be formed of a heat-resistant and fire-resistant material.

[0027] The blocking material sheet may include adhesive wings.

[0028] The adhesive wings may be formed so that when the blocking material sheet is folded so as to surround the battery cell, they are not connected to each other, but are folded and protrude from one of the adjacent edges, covering and adhering to the other edge.

[0029] The blocking member may be an integral box shape in which all edges are connected to each other.

[0030] The blocking member can be manufactured by folding one unfolded blocking material sheet and fusing adjacent edges that are not connected to each other. [[ID=—21]]

[0031] The electrode leads may protrude from both sides in the length direction of the battery cell. At this time, the lead holes may be formed to extend in the height direction to the lower ends on both side surfaces in the length direction of the blocking member.

[0032] When the battery cell is inserted into the open surface of the blocking member, the blocking member can be put on the battery cell. At this time, the electrode leads can be inserted along the lead holes from the lower ends of both side surfaces in the length direction of the blocking member.

[0033] After the battery cell is inserted into the blocking member, adhesive tape may be attached to the lower ends of both side surfaces in the length direction of the blocking member.

[0034] The adhesive tape may be formed of a heat-resistant and fire-resistant material.

[0035] A sealing material may be provided in the gap between the lead hole and the electrode lead to seal the gap.

[0036] The sealing material may be a heat-resistant and fire-resistant resin.

[0037] The present invention also provides a battery module structure that includes a battery cell stack formed by stacking a plurality of the battery cells, each containing the blocking member, and a housing that accommodates the stack.

[0038] The blocking member may be formed from a compressible material. In this case, the blocking member can be interposed between the battery cells to absorb swelling and tolerances.

[0039] The battery cell stack may be housed in the housing such that the direction in which the shielding member is open faces downwards.

[0040] The bottom surface of the housing may be provided with a vent hole that opens downwards.

[0041] The vent hole may be opened by an increase in the internal pressure of the housing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0042] The present invention provides a battery cell structure that prevents heat transfer between adjacent battery cells, thereby preventing chain reactions and guiding vents downward, by surrounding the five sides of the battery cell with a shielding member that is open at the bottom.

[0043] The present invention also provides a battery cell structure in which a shut-off member is integrally formed, thereby maintaining its box shape despite a rapid increase in internal pressure during ignition of the battery cell, and thus exhibiting vent induction performance.

[0044] Another advantage of the present invention is that, without the need to add a separate casing member, a shielding member consisting only of a thin shielding sheet can withstand the rapid increase in internal pressure as described above. This eliminates the need to change the design and production equipment of existing battery cells and battery modules, and provides a structure for battery cells and battery modules that maintains the energy density of existing battery modules.

[0045] Another advantage of the present invention is that tolerances and swelling can be absorbed by using a compression material for the blocking member.

[0046] In addition, the present invention can achieve various other effects, which will be explained in each embodiment, or, in cases where such effects can be easily inferred by an ordinary person, such explanations will be omitted. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0047] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing a battery module containing pouch-type battery cells. [Figure 2] This is an exploded perspective view showing a battery module including pouch-type battery cells. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing a pouch-type battery cell. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram illustrating how venting occurs in pouch-type battery cells. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view showing a battery cell equipped with a blocking member according to the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view showing a barrier sheet according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram showing how the shielding sheet according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is folded while surrounding the battery cell. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view showing a battery cell equipped with a blocking member according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view showing a barrier sheet according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 10]This is a schematic diagram showing how the shielding sheet according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention is folded while surrounding the battery cell. [Figure 11] This is a perspective view showing a battery cell equipped with a blocking member according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 12] This is a perspective view showing a barrier sheet according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. [Figure 13] This is a schematic diagram showing how the shielding sheet according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention is folded while surrounding the battery cell. [Figure 14] This is a perspective view showing a battery cell equipped with a blocking member according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. [Figure 15] This is a perspective view showing a blocking member according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. [Figure 16] This is a schematic diagram showing how a battery cell is inserted into the blocking member according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. [Figure 17] This is a perspective view showing a battery cell equipped with a blocking member according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. [Figure 18] This is a schematic diagram illustrating how venting occurs in a battery cell equipped with a shut-off member according to the present invention. [Figure 19] This is a cross-sectional view showing a battery module including a battery cell equipped with a blocking member according to the present invention. [Figure 20] This is a side cross-sectional view showing a battery module including a battery cell equipped with a blocking member according to the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0048] The aforementioned objectives, features, and advantages will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that a person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains can easily implement the technical concept of the present invention. In describing the present invention, if a specific description of known technology according to the present invention is deemed to obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings are used to indicate the same or similar components.

[0049] Although terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used to indicate various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are simply used to distinguish one component from another, and unless otherwise specified, the first component may also be the second component.

[0050] In the entire specification, unless otherwise stated, each component may be singular or plural.

[0051] In the following, the placement of any configuration "above (or below)" a component or "above (or below)" a component means not only that the configuration is placed in contact with the upper (or lower) surface of the component, but also that other configurations may be interposed between the component and any configuration placed on (or below) it.

[0052] Furthermore, where it is stated that one component is “linked,” “joined,” or “connected” to another component, it should be understood that the components may be directly linked or connected to one another, but may also be “interposed” between each component, or each component may be “linked,” “joined,” or “connected” through other components.

[0053] In this specification, singular expressions include plural expressions unless otherwise explicitly stated in the context. Terms such as “composed of” or “including” in this application should not be interpreted as necessarily including all of the multiple components or steps described in the specification, but rather as including some of the components or steps, or including further components or steps.

[0054] In the entire specification, "A and / or B" means A, B, or A and B unless otherwise specified, and "C to D" means C or greater and D or less unless otherwise specified.

[0055] Throughout this specification, for convenience, the direction along the longest edge of a battery cell or battery module is referred to as the length direction of the battery cell (X1), the direction along the normal to the widest face of the battery cell is referred to as the thickness direction of the battery cell (Y1), and the direction intersecting both X1 and Y1 is referred to as the height direction of the battery cell (Z1). The length direction, thickness direction, and height direction of the battery cell can correspond to the length direction, width direction, and height direction of the battery module, respectively.

[0056] Furthermore, the length (X), width (Y), and height (Z) of the shielding member refer to the dimensions along the X1, Y1, and Z2 directions, respectively. On the other hand, regarding the dimensions of the shielding sheet, the horizontal direction (X2) and the vertical direction (Y2) are directions that intersect each other.

[0057] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0058] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a pouch-type battery cell. Referring to this, the battery cell 2 may include an electrode assembly, a pouch 22 that houses the electrode assembly, and electrode leads 21 that extend from the electrode assembly and protrude outside the pouch 22.

[0059] The pouch 22 can be formed by surrounding the electrode assembly with a pouch sheet made of metal foil material, folding it in half, and sealing the three sides excluding the folded side. As a result, the pouch 22 may include a first sealing portion 221a on the side opposite the folded side, and second sealing portions 221b on the other two sides.

[0060] After the first sealing portion 221a is sealed, its end may be folded and the sealing tape 221T may be attached to it.

[0061] In the second sealing portion 221b, the pouch sheet may be sealed with the electrode lead 21 interposed between them.

[0062] On the other hand, the battery cell 2 is at risk of overheating and igniting due to a short circuit or other reasons. If the battery cell 2 ignites, heat, flames, and vent gas generated by the vaporization of the electrolyte filled inside the pouch 22 can be emitted from the battery cell 2. The heat and flames from the ignition of the battery cell 2 can propagate to other adjacent battery cells 2, causing a chain reaction of ignition. This chain reaction of ignition and the instantaneous increase in internal pressure of the battery due to the generation of vent gas can lead to an explosion.

[0063] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating how venting occurs in a pouch-type battery cell. Referring to this, the heat, flame, and vented gas may be mainly discharged in the battery cell 2 through the seal portion 221 of the pouch 22. On the other hand, the battery cell 2 is typically housed in a battery module with its seal portion 221 facing upward and forward / backward. In this case, there is a risk that the heat, flame, and vented gas generated from the battery cell 2 will propagate to other adjacent battery modules within a single battery pack, and in particular, in the case of electric vehicles, there is a risk of explosion towards the occupants.

[0064] Therefore, the present invention provides a battery cell structure that includes a blocking member capable of blocking heat propagation and guiding flames and vent gases in a specific direction.

[0065] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing a battery cell equipped with a shut-off member according to the present invention. Referring to this, the battery cell 2 according to the present invention can be equipped with a shut-off member 3.

[0066] The blocking member 3 may be formed from a material that is heat-insulating, heat-resistant, and fire-resistant. For example, the blocking member 3 may be formed from a synthetic resin material that is heat-insulating, heat-resistant, and fire-resistant.

[0067] The blocking member 3 may be a box-shaped member with one end open. Hereinafter, the length, width, and height of the blocking member 3 will be X, Y, and Z, respectively.

[0068] The blocking member 3 may be provided with a lead hole 32.

[0069] Multiple lead holes 32 may be provided.

[0070] The battery cell 2 can be covered by the shielding member on five sides, excluding the folded side. In this case, the electrode leads 21 may protrude to the outside of the shielding member 3 through the lead holes 32.

[0071] [Example 1] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a barrier sheet according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Referring to this, the barrier member 3 can be manufactured by folding a single unfolded barrier sheet 31 into a box shape.

[0072] The insulating sheet 31 may be formed from a material that provides heat insulation, heat resistance, and fire resistance. For example, the insulating sheet 31 may be formed from a synthetic resin material that provides heat insulation, heat resistance, and fire resistance.

[0073] The shielding sheet 31 may include a folder portion 311 and a wing portion 312.

[0074] The folder section 311 in this embodiment may be a rectangle with horizontal and vertical dimensions of X and Y+2Z, respectively.

[0075] The wing portion 312 in this embodiment may be a rectangle with horizontal and vertical dimensions of Y and Z, respectively.

[0076] The wing portion 312 may be formed to protrude from both sides of the folder portion 311 in the horizontal direction.

[0077] The wing portion 312 may include a lead hole 32.

[0078] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing how the shielding sheet according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is folded while surrounding a battery cell. Referring to this, the shielding sheet 31 according to this embodiment can be formed by sequentially folding the folder portion 311 and the wing portion 312 to form the shielding member 3 that surrounds the five sides of the battery cell 2.

[0079] The order in which the folder portion 311 and the wing portion 312 are folded is irrelevant. For example, it is also possible for the folder portion 311 and the wing portion 312 to be folded alternately, one side at a time.

[0080] The folder portion 311 can correspond to one side in the height direction and both sides in the thickness direction of the battery cell 2.

[0081] The wing portion 312 can correspond to both sides in the longitudinal direction of the battery cell 2.

[0082] During the process of folding the wing portion 312, the electrode lead 21 can pass through the lead hole 32. As a result, the electrode lead 21 may protrude outside the blocking member 3.

[0083] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing a battery cell equipped with a blocking member according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Referring to this, the blocking member 3 can be formed by folding the blocking material sheet 31 so as to surround the battery cell 2, and then connecting adjacent edges to each other by attaching adhesive tape 33, without the edges being connected to each other. That is, the blocking member 3 according to this embodiment may be formed by connecting four edges, where both sides in the longitudinal direction and both sides in the thickness direction intersect each other, with the adhesive tape 33.

[0084] The adhesive tape 33 may be made from a heat-resistant and fire-resistant material. For example, the adhesive tape 33 may be made from a heat-resistant and fire-resistant synthetic resin material.

[0085] A sealing material may be provided in the gap between the lead hole 32 and the electrode lead 21 to seal the gap.

[0086] The sealing material may be a heat-resistant and fire-resistant resin.

[0087] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram showing how venting occurs in a battery cell equipped with the shut-off member according to the present invention. Referring to this, the shut-off member 3 according to this embodiment covers all five sides of the battery cell 2, preventing heat propagation from the battery cell 2 and guiding the flame and vent gas towards its opening.

[0088] In this embodiment, the sealing member 3 is sealed by the fact that the four sides of the surface corresponding to the first sealing portion 221a are integrally connected to each other, and the two sides of each of the surfaces corresponding to the second sealing portion 221b are connected by the adhesive tape 33. As a result, the sealing material sheet 31 located on the front and side surfaces of the battery cell 2 will not detach from the battery cell 2 even if the internal pressure increases rapidly due to ignition.

[0089] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the wing portion 312 is folded in the direction in which the electrode lead 21 extends, making it easy to insert the electrode lead 21 into the lead hole 32 during the folding process.

[0090] [Example 2] Figure 9 is a perspective view showing a shielding sheet according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Referring to this, the shielding sheet 31 according to this embodiment may include a folder portion 311 and a wing portion 312.

[0091] The folder section 311 in this embodiment may be a rectangle with horizontal and vertical dimensions of X and Y+2Z, respectively.

[0092] The wing portion 312 in this embodiment may be a rectangle with horizontal and vertical dimensions of Z and Y, respectively.

[0093] The wing portions 312 may be formed protruding from both sides of the folder portion 311 in the lateral direction, facing each other. Alternatively, the wing portions 312 may be formed protruding from both sides of the folder portion 311 in the lateral direction, passing each other.

[0094] The wing portion 312 may include a lead hole 32.

[0095] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing how the shielding sheet according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention is folded while surrounding a battery cell. Referring to this, the shielding sheet 31 according to this embodiment can be formed by sequentially folding the folder portion 311 and the wing portion 312 to form the shielding member 3 that surrounds the five sides of the battery cell 2.

[0096] The order in which the folder portion 311 and the wing portion 312 are folded is irrelevant. For example, it is also possible for the folder portion 311 and the wing portion 312 to be folded alternately, one side at a time.

[0097] The folder portion 311 can correspond to one side in the height direction and both sides in the thickness direction of the battery cell 2.

[0098] The wing portion 312 can correspond to both sides in the longitudinal direction of the battery cell 2.

[0099] During the process of folding the wing portion 312, the electrode lead 21 can pass through the lead hole 32. As a result, the electrode lead 21 may protrude outside the blocking member 3.

[0100] Figure 11 is a perspective view showing a battery cell equipped with a blocking member according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Referring to this, the blocking member 3 can be formed by folding the blocking material sheet 31 so as to surround the battery cell 2, and then connecting adjacent edges to each other by attaching adhesive tape 33, without connecting them to each other. That is, the blocking member 3 according to this embodiment can be formed by connecting four edges, where both sides in the longitudinal direction intersect with one side in the thickness direction and one side in the height direction, to each other by adhesive tape 33.

[0101] The adhesive tape 33 may be made from a heat-resistant and fire-resistant material. For example, the adhesive tape 33 may be made from a heat-resistant and fire-resistant synthetic resin material.

[0102] A sealing material may be provided in the gap between the lead hole 32 and the electrode lead 21 to seal the gap.

[0103] The sealing material may be a heat-resistant and fire-resistant resin.

[0104] Referring further to Figure 18, the shielding member 3 according to this embodiment covers all five sides of the battery cell 2, preventing heat propagation from the battery cell 2 and guiding the flame and vent gas towards its opening.

[0105] In this embodiment, the shielding member 3 may have two sides of each surface corresponding to the first sealing portion 221a and the second sealing portion 221b connected as a single unit, and the other two sides connected to each other by the adhesive tape 33 to seal it. This prevents the shielding sheet 31 located on the front and side surfaces of the battery cell 2 from falling off the battery cell 2 even in the event of a rapid increase in internal pressure due to ignition.

[0106] Furthermore, the blocking member 3 according to this embodiment has the advantage of requiring an even smaller amount of adhesive tape 33 compared to Embodiment 1.

[0107] [Example 3] Figure 12 is a perspective view showing a barrier sheet according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Referring to this, the barrier sheet 31 according to this embodiment may further include adhesive fins 313 in addition to the barrier sheet 31 of Embodiment 1.

[0108] The adhesive wing 313 may be formed to protrude outward from at least one side of the barrier sheet 31.

[0109] The adhesive wing 313 can be provided on the wing portion 312 or on the folder portion 311. Furthermore, the adhesive wing 313 can be provided on both the wing portion 312 and the folder portion 311.

[0110] The adhesive wing 313 may be a rectangle such as a trapezoid, and preferably it may be provided protruding over the entire length of one side of the wing portion 312 and / or the folder portion 311, but any shape is acceptable as long as it is a protruding shape.

[0111] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram showing how the shielding sheet according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention is folded while surrounding the battery cell. Referring to this, the shielding sheet 31 according to this embodiment may be folded around the battery cell 2, as in Embodiment 1 above.

[0112] In this case, when the shielding sheet 31 is folded to surround the battery cell 2, the adhesive wings 313 may be folded and protrude from one of the adjacent edges without being connected to each other, thereby covering and adhering to the other edges.

[0113] The adhesive wing 313 may be directly bonded to the barrier sheet 31 by its own adhesive properties or by an adhesive applied to it, or it may be bonded by adhesive tape, as will be described later.

[0114] The adhesive wing 313 may be folded so as to protrude from one side to the other of the adjacent edges, or it may be double-bonded by being folded so as to protrude from both sides to the other sides.

[0115] Figure 14 is a perspective view showing a battery cell equipped with a blocking member according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Referring to this, the blocking member 3 according to this embodiment can be formed by folding the adhesive fins 313 so that the blocking material sheet 31 forms a box shape, and then adhering the adhesive fins 313 to the blocking material sheet 31 with adhesive tape 33.

[0116] The adhesive tape 33 may be made from a heat-resistant and fire-resistant material. For example, the adhesive tape 33 may be made from a heat-resistant and fire-resistant synthetic resin material.

[0117] A sealing material may be provided in the gap between the lead hole 32 and the electrode lead 21 to seal the gap.

[0118] The sealing material may be a heat-resistant and fire-resistant resin.

[0119] Referring further to Figure 18, the shielding member 3 according to this embodiment covers all five sides of the battery cell 2, preventing heat propagation from the battery cell 2 and guiding the flame and vent gas towards its opening.

[0120] Compared to the first embodiment, the blocking member 3 according to this embodiment has the advantage of minimizing the gaps that may exist in the blocking member 3 by including the adhesive wing 313, and thus having even higher structural strength.

[0121] [Example 4] Figure 15 is a perspective view showing a blocking member according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. Referring to this, the blocking member 3 may be a single box-shaped structure with all edges connected to one another.

[0122] The aforementioned shielding member 3 can be manufactured by folding a single unfolded shielding sheet 31 into a box shape and fusing adjacent edges together without connecting them to each other. However, in the method of connecting adjacent edges without connecting them to each other, various methods can be used, such as attaching insulating, heat-resistant, and fire-resistant adhesive tape.

[0123] The insulating sheet 31 may be formed from a material that provides heat insulation, heat resistance, and fire resistance. For example, the insulating sheet 31 may be formed from a synthetic resin material that provides heat insulation, heat resistance, and fire resistance.

[0124] The lead holes 32 may be provided on both sides of the blocking member 3 in the longitudinal direction.

[0125] The lead hole 32 may extend in the height direction to the lower ends of both sides of the blocking member 3 in the longitudinal direction.

[0126] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram showing how a battery cell is inserted into the blocking member according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. Referring to this, the blocking member 3 can be placed over the battery cell by inserting the battery cell 2 into its open surface.

[0127] At this time, the electrode lead 21 can be inserted along the lead hole 32 from the lower ends of both sides in the longitudinal direction of the blocking member 3.

[0128] Figure 17 is a perspective view showing a battery cell equipped with a blocking member according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. Referring to this, the blocking member 3 can be formed by attaching adhesive tape 33 to the lower ends of both sides in the longitudinal direction of the battery cell 2 after it has been inserted.

[0129] The adhesive tape 33 may be made from a heat-resistant and fire-resistant material. For example, the adhesive tape 33 may be made from a heat-resistant and fire-resistant synthetic resin material.

[0130] A sealing material may be provided in the gap between the lead hole 32 and the electrode lead 21 to seal the gap.

[0131] The sealing material may be a heat-resistant and fire-resistant resin.

[0132] Referring further to Figure 18, the shielding member 3 according to this embodiment covers all five sides of the battery cell 2, preventing heat propagation from the battery cell 2 and guiding the flame and vent gas towards its opening.

[0133] In this embodiment, the shielding member 3 surrounds the battery cell 2 in a sealed state, with all five sides except the lower open surface connected at all edges. Therefore, the heat, flame, and vent gas generated in the battery cell 2 are not leaked and are guided to be discharged only downwards.

[0134] Furthermore, the sealing member 3 according to this embodiment has the advantage that the amount of adhesive tape 33 required for complete sealing is very small.

[0135] The present invention also discloses the structure of a battery module including the battery cell, which includes the blocking member, as described above. Of course, the battery cells of Examples 1 to 4 can also constitute a battery module with the structure described later.

[0136] First, we will explain the structure of a typical battery module with reference to the diagram.

[0137] Figures 1 and 2 are a perspective view and an exploded perspective view, respectively, showing a battery module including pouch-type battery cells. Referring to these drawings, the battery module including pouch-type battery cells may include a battery cell stack formed by stacking multiple battery cells 2, and a housing 12 that accommodates the battery cell stack 11.

[0138] The battery cell stack 11 can be formed by stacking multiple battery cells 2 on each other in the thickness direction.

[0139] The battery cell laminate 11 can be formed by stacking multiple battery cells 2 in the thickness direction with a compressible pad interposed between them. The compressible pad is compression-molded to match the shape of the battery cell 2, thereby absorbing tolerances and swelling (a phenomenon in which gas fills the inside of the battery cell pouch, causing the pouch to bulge).

[0140] The housing 12 may include a U-shaped frame 123 that is open on the top and both sides in the longitudinal direction, end plates 122 that cover the front and rear of the U-frame 123, and a top plate 121 that covers the top of the U-frame.

[0141] The battery cell stack 11 can be housed in the housing such that the folded surface of the battery cell 2 faces downward, that is, the first sealing portion 221a faces upward.

[0142] An insulating film may be interposed between the housing 12 and the battery cell stack 11 to provide insulation between the battery cell stack 11 and the outside.

[0143] The bottom surface of the U-frame 123 may be provided with a thermally conductive resin that can conduct heat to the outside in order to cool the heat generated from the battery cell stack 11.

[0144] The structure of a battery module according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0145] [Example 5] Figures 19 and 20 are a front cross-sectional view and a side cross-sectional view, respectively, showing a battery module including a battery cell equipped with a shielding member according to the present invention. Referring to these drawings, the battery cells 2 can be stacked in the thickness direction, surrounded by the shielding member 3, to form the battery cell stack 11.

[0146] The battery cells 2 can be stacked such that the open directions of the blocking members 3 coincide with each other to form the battery cell stack 11.

[0147] The blocking member 3 may be formed from a compressible material. This allows the blocking member 3 to absorb tolerances and swelling, similar to the compressible pad. In this case, the blocking member 3 simply occupies the space previously occupied by the compressible pad, and the battery module 1 according to this embodiment can be manufactured by slightly modifying the manufacturing process of the battery cell stack 11 in existing battery modules using compressible pads, without changing the design or production equipment.

[0148] This is possible because the insulating member 3, due to its unique integrated structure, can maintain its box-like structure against strong internal pressure despite being made of a thin insulating sheet 31. This eliminates the need to add a separate rigid casing or the like, and the present invention can be implemented simply by replacing the existing compressible pad with the insulating member 3.

[0149] Another advantage of this embodiment is that, as described above, if the battery module 1 can be manufactured without adding any additional components, the number of battery cells 2 that can be housed in one battery module 1 and the energy capacity relative to the volume, i.e., the energy density, do not decrease compared to existing battery modules.

[0150] The battery cell stack 11 can be housed in the housing 12 such that the folded surface of the battery cell 2 and the open surface of the shielding member 3 face downward.

[0151] The insulating film 13 may be interposed between the battery cell stack 11 and the top plate 121 and both side walls of the housing 12.

[0152] The thermally conductive resin 14 may be interposed between the battery cell stack 11 and the bottom surface of the housing 12.

[0153] A vent hole 124 may be provided on the bottom surface of the battery module 1, which penetrates downwards and opens. When the battery cell 2 ignites, the flame and vent gas guided downward by the shut-off member 3 can be discharged to the outside of the battery module 1 through the vent hole 124. In this way, the flame and vent gas from the ignition of the battery cell 2 can be guided downwards from the battery cell 2 unit to the battery module 1 unit.

[0154] In this case, the blocking member 3 can withstand the instantaneous increase in internal pressure caused by the vent gas from the battery cell 2 units, and the blocking member 3 may be formed from a compressible material, thereby reducing the burden that the rapidly increasing internal pressure places on the housing. For example, if the vent is directed downward only in the battery module 1 unit, there is a high possibility that the flame generated from the battery cell 2 will damage the insulating film 13 and the thermally conductive resin 14.

[0155] In particular, the end plate 122 may be provided with terminals that allow the battery cell stack 11 to be electrically connected to the outside, mainly so that the battery module 1 can be connected to other adjacent battery modules to form a battery pack. However, inducing venting on a battery module basis heats the end plate 122 and exposes it to flames and vent gas, making it very difficult to prevent heat transfer to adjacent battery modules. Therefore, there is a risk of chain reactions of ignition between battery modules within the battery pack, and the ignition of the battery cell 2 can lead to an even larger explosion. According to the present invention, such chain reactions of ignition between battery modules can also be prevented.

[0156] Furthermore, since the blocking member 3 can also prevent heat propagation between the battery cells 2, it can prevent excessive thermal runaway caused by a chain reaction of ignition of the battery cells 2 in the first place.

[0157] The vent hole 124 may be opened by an increase in the internal pressure of the housing 12. Furthermore, the vent hole 124 may be further closed by a decrease in the internal pressure of the housing 12. In other words, the vent hole 124 may be able to open and close in accordance with the increase or decrease in the internal pressure of the housing 12.

[0158] The embodiments described above should be understood to be illustrative and not limiting in all respects, and the scope of the present invention is indicated more by the claims described below than by the detailed description above. The meaning and scope of the claims described below, as well as any modifications and deformable forms conceived from their equivalent concepts, should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the present invention.

[0159] As described above, the present invention has been explained with reference to the illustrative drawings. However, the present invention is not limited by the embodiments and drawings disclosed herein, and it is natural that various modifications can be made by an ordinary person within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. Furthermore, even if the effects of the configuration of the present invention are not explicitly described and explained while embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it is natural that predictable effects from such configurations should also be acknowledged. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0160] 1 Battery Module 11. Battery cell stack 12 Housing 121 Top Plate 122 End Plate 123 U-frame 124 vent holes 13. Insulating film 14 Thermally conductive resins 2 battery cells 21 Electrode Leads 22 pouches 221 Seal part 221a First seal section 221b Second seal section 221T sealing tape 222 Protrusion 3. Barrier 31 Barrier sheet 311 Folder section 312 Wings 313 Adhesive feather 32 lead holes 33 Adhesive tape

Claims

1. electrode assembly; A pouch for housing the electrode assembly, which is folded in half and sealed on three sides excluding the folded side, A battery cell comprising electrode leads extending from the electrode assembly and protruding from the pouch, A heat-insulating, heat-resistant, and fire-resistant shielding member having lengths, widths, and heights of X, Y, and Z, respectively, wherein the shielding member has a box-shaped structure with one end open and is provided with slit-shaped lead holes, including a heat-insulating, heat-resistant, and fire-resistant shielding member. The electrode leads protrude to the outside of the blocking member through the lead holes, and the blocking member covers five sides of the pouch, excluding the folded side. Battery cell.

2. The aforementioned blocking member is formed from a foldable blocking sheet. The battery cell according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned shielding sheet is A rectangular folder section with width and height of X and Y+2Z respectively, The folder portion includes rectangular wing portions that protrude from both sides in the horizontal direction, with the lead holes provided on each side, and whose horizontal and vertical dimensions are Y and Z, respectively. The aforementioned folder portion corresponds to one side in the height direction and both sides in the thickness direction of the battery cell, The wing portion corresponds to both sides in the longitudinal direction of the battery cell, The battery cell according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned shielding sheet is A rectangular folder section with width and height of X and Y+2Z respectively, The folder portion includes rectangular wing portions that protrude from both sides in the horizontal direction, with the lead holes provided on each side, and whose horizontal and vertical dimensions are Z and Y, respectively. The aforementioned folder portion corresponds to one side in the height direction and both sides in the thickness direction of the battery cell, The wing portion corresponds to both sides in the longitudinal direction of the battery cell, The battery cell according to claim 2.

5. The aforementioned shielding member is formed by folding the shielding sheet so as to surround the battery cell, and then connecting adjacent edges by attaching adhesive tape, without connecting them to each other. The battery cell according to claim 2.

6. The adhesive tape is made from a heat-resistant and fire-resistant material. The battery cell according to claim 5.

7. The shielding sheet, when folded to surround the battery cell, includes adhesive fins that are not connected to each other but fold out from one of the adjacent edges, thereby covering and bonding the other edges. The battery cell according to claim 2.

8. The sealant further includes a sealant that seals the gap between the lead hole and the electrode lead. The battery cell according to claim 2.

9. The sealing material is a heat-resistant and fire-resistant resin. The battery cell according to claim 8.

10. The aforementioned blocking member is a box-shaped unit in which all edges are connected to one another. The battery cell according to claim 2.

11. The adjacent edges of the shielding sheet, which is folded to form the shielding member, are fused to each other. The battery cell according to claim 10.

12. The electrode leads protrude from both sides in the longitudinal direction of the battery cell, The lead holes are formed on both sides of the blocking member in the longitudinal direction, extending in the height direction to their lower ends. The battery cell according to claim 10.

13. The aforementioned blocking member is placed over the battery cell by inserting the battery cell into its open surface. Adhesive tape is attached to the lower ends of both sides in the longitudinal direction of the blocking member. The battery cell according to claim 12.

14. The adhesive tape is made from a heat-resistant and fire-resistant material. The battery cell according to claim 13.

15. The sealant further includes a sealant that seals the gap between the lead hole and the electrode lead. The battery cell according to claim 10.

16. A battery cell laminate formed by stacking a plurality of battery cells according to any one of claims 1 to 15, and a housing for housing the same, Battery module.

17. The aforementioned blocking member is formed from a compressible material. The battery module according to claim 16.

18. The battery cell stack is housed in the housing such that the direction in which the shielding member is open faces downward. The battery module according to claim 16.

19. The bottom surface of the housing is provided with a vent hole that opens downwards. The battery module according to claim 18.

20. The vent hole is opened by an increase in the internal pressure of the housing. The battery module according to claim 19.

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