Structure of an explosion-proof battery module

Abstract

The present invention provides a battery module 1 including an expansion member 31 and a spring member 32 to prevent or delay the release of thermal energy and flames and explosion, and to prevent a chain reaction of fire between other battery modules. The expansion member 31 may be an inversion disk 31R, and the inversion disk 31R inverts its shape when the internal pressure exceeds a predetermined yield pressure that is smaller than the explosion pressure defined as the minimum pressure at which the battery module 1 can explode, thereby expanding the internal space of the battery module 1 and preventing or delaying the increase in internal pressure and explosion.

Claims

1. In a battery module including a stack of battery cells, The open frame at the top, A top plate is joined to the frame and covers the open upper part of the frame, A spring member pressurizes and fixes the top plate downward so that the top plate contacts the upper end of the side wall of the frame, Includes an expansion member provided on a part of the top plate, The expansion member expands outward as the internal pressure of the battery module increases, thereby expanding the internal space of the battery module. The expansion member is an inverting disk that yields and protrudes outward when the internal pressure of the battery module exceeds the yield pressure. The explosion pressure is defined by the minimum internal pressure at which an explosion of the aforementioned battery module may occur, The joint between the top plate and the frame is maintained, and the pressure resistance limit is defined by the maximum internal pressure of the battery module. The aforementioned pressure limit is greater than the yield pressure and less than the explosion pressure. Battery module.

2. The expansion member is an elastic diaphragm that expands outward as the internal pressure of the battery module increases. The battery module according to claim 1.

3. The spring member is a prestressed spring that is installed by being stretched or compressed in advance to have a predetermined restoring force. Thus, the pressure resistance limit is defined by the minimum internal pressure at which further tension or compression occurs in the spring member. The battery module according to claim 1.

4. The top plate and the frame are joined together by further fixing members in addition to the spring member. The aforementioned fixing member is designed to break in response to a load exceeding a predetermined level. Thus, the pressure limit is defined by the minimum internal pressure of the battery module at which the fixing member fails. The battery module according to claim 1.

5. The spring member is embedded inward at the upper end of the side wall of the frame and fixes the top plate by applying tension and pressure toward the upper end of the side wall of the frame. A battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The frame includes a spring shaft that extends upward from the side wall through the top plate, The upper end of the spring shaft is provided with a spring fixing end to which the spring member is fixed. The spring member is installed between the spring fixing end and the top plate, and fixes the top plate by compressing and pressurizing it toward the upper end of the side wall of the frame. A battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. One side corner of the top plate and one side corner of the upper end of the side wall of the frame are hinged to each other. They are connected by, As a result, the battery module can be opened between the other corner of the top plate and the other corner of the upper end of the side wall of the frame. The battery module according to claim 5.

8. One side corner of the top plate and one side corner of the upper end of the side wall of the frame are connected to each other by a hinge. As a result, the battery module can be opened between the other corner of the top plate and the other corner of the upper end of the side wall of the frame. The battery module according to claim 6.

9. Includes a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, Battery pack.

10. Includes the battery pack described in claim 9, car.

Images