Battery module assembly and battery pack assembly including the same

Abstract

A battery module assembly and a battery pack assembly comprising the same are disclosed. The battery module assembly may have a plurality of battery cells, a holding plate, and a venting structure. At least one of the plurality of battery cells may have an emergency rupture portion formed to be ruptured by high-pressure gas. The holding plate may accommodate the plurality of battery cells. The venting structure may have a discharge portion formed to allow the high-pressure gas to pass through the holding plate upon rupture of the emergency rupture portion.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module assembly and a battery pack assembly equipped with the same. Background Technology

[0003] Generally, rechargeable batteries are widely used as energy sources for mobile devices. They are also attracting attention as power sources for electric vehicles (BEVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). Furthermore, rechargeable batteries are applied to devices that store and supply energy in conjunction with the power grid, such as Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).

[0004] The basic unit of a secondary battery is the battery cell. While small mobile devices use one or two battery cells, medium to large devices such as automobiles and energy storage systems utilize battery module assemblies. A battery module assembly achieves high output and large capacity by electrically connecting multiple battery cells. Battery module assemblies can then be grouped together and electrically connected to form a battery pack assembly. The problem to be solved

[0006] As determined by the inventors, when an abnormal event, such as thermal runaway, occurs in a battery cell, the event may spread to adjacent cells. The event may also spread from one battery module assembly to another. In such cases, a fire or explosion may occur.

[0007] One objective of the present invention, devised in consideration of these problems, is to provide a battery module assembly and a battery pack assembly equipped with the same, which can effectively discharge gases or flames generated in a battery cell to suppress the transfer of thermal runaway.

[0008] The problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned technical problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below. means of solving the problem

[0010] A battery module assembly according to one aspect of the present invention for realizing the above-mentioned problem may include: a plurality of battery cells each having an emergency rupture portion formed to be ruptured by high-pressure gas; a holding plate accommodating the plurality of battery cells; and a venting structure having a discharge portion formed to allow the high-pressure gas to pass through the holding plate when the emergency rupture portion is ruptured.

[0011] Here, the discharge portion includes either a discharge hole or a discharge break portion, the discharge hole is a through hole formed in the holding plate, and the discharge break portion may be a portion of the holding plate having a thickness thinner than the surrounding area of ​​the discharge break portion.

[0012] Here, the venting structure further includes a channel hole formed in the holding plate to communicate with the discharge hole, and when the channel holes are provided in plurality, they can communicate with each other to form a flow path.

[0013] Here, the above-mentioned Euro can be connected to the outside through the side of the holding plate.

[0014] Here, the venting structure may further include a buffer hole formed in the holding plate so as to be located on the opposite side of the discharge hole, centered on the channel hole.

[0015] Here, the buffer hole may be located within the area where the battery cell is projected onto the holding plate.

[0016] Here, the holding plate includes a bottom that supports the battery cell, and the bottom may include a protrusion that protrudes to define the discharge portion.

[0017] Here, the protrusion may limit at least two sides of the discharge portion.

[0018] Here, a heat-blocking unit positioned to face the discharge section may be further included.

[0019] Here, the heat-blocking unit can be made of mica.

[0020] Here, an alignment structure formed to align the emergency rupture portion with respect to the discharge portion may be further included.

[0021] Here, the alignment structure may include a first element formed on the battery cell; and a second element formed on the holding plate and engaged with the first element.

[0022] A battery pack assembly according to another aspect of the present invention comprises a first battery module assembly; and a second battery module assembly electrically connected to the first battery module assembly and disposed on the first battery module assembly, wherein each of the first battery module assembly and the second battery module assembly may include a plurality of battery cells having an emergency rupture portion formed to be ruptured by high-pressure gas, a holding plate accommodating the plurality of battery cells; and a venting structure having a discharge portion formed to allow the high-pressure gas to pass through the holding plate when the emergency rupture portion ruptures.

[0023] Here, the discharge portion includes either a discharge hole or a discharge break portion, the discharge hole is a through hole formed in the holding plate, and the discharge break portion may have a portion of the holding plate having a thickness thinner than the surrounding area of ​​the discharge break portion.

[0024] Here, the venting structure further includes a channel hole formed in the holding plate to communicate with the discharge hole, and when the channel holes are provided in plurality, they can communicate with each other to form a flow path.

[0025] Here, a heat-blocking unit may be further included that is positioned between the first battery module assembly and the second battery module assembly and faces the discharge portion of the second battery module assembly.

[0026] Here, the discharge portion of the second battery module assembly and the heat blocking unit can form a flow path between them that allows the high-pressure gas generated in the battery cell of the second battery module assembly to flow to the outside through the side of the holding plate of the second battery module assembly. Effects of the invention

[0028] According to the battery module assembly and the battery pack assembly equipped with the same configured as described above, the holding plate that accommodates the battery cell corresponding to the emergency rupture portion of the battery cell has a discharge portion that allows the high-pressure gas within the battery cell to pass through the holding plate when the emergency rupture portion is broken, so that gas or flames generated in the battery cell can be effectively discharged to the outside through the emergency rupture portion and the discharge portion. As a result, the transmission of thermal runaway in the battery module assembly and the battery pack assembly can be effectively suppressed. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0030] FIG. 1 is a partially exploded perspective view of a battery pack assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the main parts of the second battery module assembly of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a combined perspective view showing the lower holding plate and battery cell of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a combined perspective view showing a lower holding plate and a battery cell according to one variant of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a combined perspective view showing a lower holding plate and a battery cell according to another variant of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a combined perspective view showing a lower holding plate and a battery cell according to another variant of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0031] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but can be modified and implemented in various different forms. The embodiments provided are merely intended to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the present invention should be understood not to be limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the technical spirit and scope of the present invention, as well as substituting or adding the configuration of any one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment.

[0033] The attached drawings are intended only to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical concept disclosed in this specification is not limited by the attached drawings; rather, it should be understood that they include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and technical scope of the invention. In the drawings, components may be depicted as being exaggeratedly large or small in size or thickness for the sake of convenience of understanding, but the scope of protection of the invention should not be interpreted restrictively as a result thereof.

[0034] The terms used in this specification are used merely to describe specific embodiments or examples and are not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Terms such as "includes" or "consists of" in this specification are intended to indicate the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in this specification. That is, terms such as "includes" or "consists of" in this specification should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0035] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components are not limited by said terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0036] When it is stated that one component is "connected / communicated" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected / communicated or connected to that other component, there may also be other components in between. On the other hand, when it is stated that one component is "directly connected / communicated" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0037] When it is stated that one component is "above" or "below" another component, it should be understood that it is not only placed directly above the other component, but that another component may also exist in between.

[0038] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this application.

[0039] FIG. 1 is a partially exploded perspective view of a battery pack assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Referring to the drawings, the battery pack assembly (100) may have a first battery module assembly (110) and a second battery module assembly (150). When a plurality of battery pack assemblies (100) are stacked and installed on a rack, and a control unit and a cooling unit are additionally installed on the rack, an energy storage system (BESS) can be completed. The battery pack assembly (100) may additionally have a heat blocking unit (190) as needed. Alternatively, the battery pack assembly (100) may be used for purposes such as driving an electric motor of a vehicle.

[0041] A second battery module assembly (150) may be positioned on top of a first battery module assembly (110). The battery module assemblies (110 and 150) may have a stacked configuration along a vertical direction (V). The vertical direction (V) may be a direction that perpendicularly penetrates the main surfaces of the battery module assemblies (110 and 150). The battery module assemblies (110 and 150) may be electrically connected to each other by a busbar or a cable.

[0042] The battery module assemblies (110 and 150) may have a battery cell (111, 151), a holding plate (113, 153 / 115, 155), and a busbar pattern (117, 157). The holding plate (113, 153 / 115, 155) may be divided, for example, into a lower holding plate (113, 153) and an upper holding plate (115, 155). Since the detailed configuration of the battery module assemblies (110 and 150) is generally the same, the following description will be based on the second battery module assembly (150).

[0043] The battery cell (151) may be a cylindrical secondary battery in which a positive electrode, a negative electrode, an electrolyte, a separator, etc. are housed within an external metal case. The battery cell (151) may be arranged to be erected along a vertical direction (V). The battery cell (151) may be provided in multiple numbers, and the multiple battery cells (151) may be arranged in succession along a horizontal direction (H) relative to one another. The horizontal direction (H) may be a direction generally perpendicular to the vertical direction (V). The battery cell (151) is exemplified as cylindrical, but prismatic, pouch-type, etc. battery cells are not excluded.

[0044] The lower holding plate (153) may be configured to accommodate the lower portions of a plurality of battery cells (151). Grooves may be formed in the lower holding plate (153) to accommodate and support each of the plurality of battery cells (151).

[0045] The upper holding plate (155) may be configured to accommodate the upper portions of a plurality of battery cells (151). Grooves for accommodating the battery cells (151) may be formed in the upper holding plate (155). The upper holding plate (155) and the lower holding plate (153) may be made of an electrically insulating material, for example, plastic.

[0046] The busbar pattern (157) is configured to connect the terminals of a plurality of battery cells (151) to each other. The busbar pattern (157) may be made of a conductive material, for example, metal. The busbar pattern (157) may be positioned on the upper holding plate (155) and connected to the positive and negative terminals of individual battery cells (151). The busbar pattern (157) and the busbar pattern (117) of the first battery module assembly (110) may be electrically connected to each other by a separate busbar. In an alternative embodiment, if the busbar pattern (157) connects the upper portions of the plurality of battery cells (151) and the lower portions of the plurality of battery cells (151) are firmly supported by the lower holding plate (153), the upper holding plate (155) may not be adopted. In that case, the lower holding plate (153) may simply be referred to as a holding plate.

[0047] The heat blocking unit (190) is configured to block heat generated in the second battery module assembly (150) from being transferred toward the first battery module assembly (110). The heat blocking unit (190) may have a film form facing the bottom surface of the second battery module assembly (150). The film may be made of a fire-resistant material, such as mica, silicone, aerogel, etc. The mica film not only blocks the heat but may also electrically insulate the battery module assemblies (110 and 150) during normal operation of the battery pack assembly (100). The mica film may be positioned between the lower holding plate (153) of the second battery module assembly (150) and the upper holding plate (115) {or busbar pattern (117)} of the first battery module assembly (110). When a metal base plate is placed on the lower side of the first battery module assembly (110), the heat blocking unit (190) may not be placed on the lower side of the first battery module assembly (110).

[0048] A flow path may be formed between the battery cell (151) and the heat blocking unit (190) to allow high-pressure gas and heat generated from the battery cell (151) to flow to the outside through the side of the lower holding plate (153). This will be explained with reference to FIG. 2, etc.

[0049] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the main parts of the second battery module assembly of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is an assembled perspective view showing the lower holding plate and battery cell of FIG. 2.

[0050] Referring to the drawings, an emergency rupture section (151a) may be formed on the bottom surface of the battery cell (151). The emergency rupture section (151a) may be torn by the pressure of the high-pressure gas when high-pressure gas is generated inside the battery cell (151). In that case, the high-pressure gas may pass through the emergency rupture section (151a) and be exhausted to the outside of the battery cell (151). The emergency rupture section (151a) may be formed on all or part of a plurality of battery cells (151).

[0051] A bottom (153a) supporting a battery cell (151) may be formed on the lower holding plate (153). A venting structure (160) may also be formed on the lower holding plate (153). The venting structure (160) may be configured to allow the high-pressure gas exiting the battery cell (151) to pass through the lower holding plate (153). To this end, the venting structure (160) may have an exhaust section (161) corresponding to an emergency break section (151a). The exhaust section (161) may be, for example, a through hole formed in the lower holding plate (153), specifically the bottom (153a). The high-pressure gas passing through the exhaust hole (161) may be discharged to the outside through a gap between the lower holding plate (153) and the heat-blocking unit (190).

[0052] In the process of seating the battery cell (151) on the lower holding plate (153), the emergency break portion (151a) can be aligned with the discharge hole (161). To achieve this, an alignment structure (170) may be provided. The alignment structure (170) may have a first element (171) formed on the battery cell (151) and a second element (175) formed on the lower holding plate (153). For example, if the first element (171) is an alignment groove formed concavely on the bottom surface of the battery cell (151), the second element (175) may be an alignment projection formed protruding from the bottom (153a). As the alignment projection is received (engaged) in the alignment groove, the emergency break portion (151a) can be accurately aligned with the discharge hole (161).

[0053] The aforementioned heat-blocking unit (190, see FIG. 1) can be positioned to face the exhaust hole (161).

[0054] FIG. 4 is a combined perspective view showing a lower holding plate and a battery cell according to one variant of the present invention.

[0055] Referring to the drawing, the venting structure (160A) of the second battery module assembly (150A) is generally the same as the venting structure (160, see FIG. 3) of the preceding embodiment, but differs in that the discharge portion (163) is a discharge break portion.

[0056] The above discharge break portion may have a shape similar to the emergency break portion (151a, see FIG. 2) described above. The discharge break portion (163) may be a part of the lower holding plate (153) that has a thinner thickness than the surrounding area of ​​the discharge break portion (163).

[0057] The high-pressure gas that breaks through the emergency break section (151a) can also break the discharge break section (163). The high-pressure gas can be discharged by penetrating the lower holding plate (153) through the broken gap of the discharge break section (163).

[0058] FIG. 5 is a combined perspective view showing a lower holding plate and a battery cell according to another variant of the present invention.

[0059] Referring to the drawing, the venting structure (160B) of the second battery module assembly (150B) is generally the same as the venting structure (160, see FIG. 3) of the preceding embodiment, but differs in that it has additional channel holes (165).

[0060] The channel hole (165) may be connected to the discharge hole (161). The channel hole (165) may be an area that passes through the diameter of the projected area (circular area) of the battery cell (151) along the vertical direction (V). The channel hole (165) may define, for example, a rectangular area extending along the horizontal direction (H).

[0061] Channel holes (165) may also be provided in multiple numbers corresponding to multiple discharge holes (161). Multiple channel holes (165) may be connected to one another to form the flow path. In this embodiment, the flow path extends along the horizontal direction (H) and may be connected to the outside through the side of the lower holding plate (153). The flow path may guide the high-pressure gas discharged through the discharge holes (161) to the outside of the side along the horizontal direction (H). Since the channel holes (165) are formed concavely in the lower holding plate (153), the flow path may not be blocked by the heat-blocking unit (190, FIG. 1).

[0062] The bottom (153a') of the lower holding plate (153) supporting the battery cell (151) may have a protrusion (153b) that defines the discharge hole (161). The protrusion (153b) may protrude toward the discharge hole (161) to define the side of the discharge hole (161). In this embodiment, the protrusion (153b) is formed one on each side of the discharge hole (161) along the horizontal direction (H) to define two sides of the discharge hole (161), but the number of discharge holes (161) is not limited thereto. If the upper part of the bottom of the discharge hole (161) is also considered as a protrusion (153b), then three sides of the discharge hole (161) can be defined by the protrusion (153b).

[0063] By arranging the protrusion (153b) to define the side of the discharge hole (161), the bottom (153a') can maintain a stable shape even under the pressure of the high-pressure gas discharged through the discharge hole (161).

[0064] In an alternative embodiment, the Euro may be formed in a heat-blocking unit (190, see FIG. 1) rather than a lower holding plate (153).

[0065] FIG. 6 is a combined perspective view showing a lower holding plate and a battery cell according to another variant of the present invention.

[0066] Referring to the drawing, the venting structure (160C) of the second battery module assembly (150C) is generally the same as the venting structure (160B, see FIG. 5) of the preceding embodiment, but differs in that it has additional buffer holes (167).

[0067] The buffer hole (167) may be located on the opposite side of the discharge hole (161) with respect to the channel hole (165). The buffer hole (167) may be formed in the lower holding plate (153) so as to be located within the projection area.

[0068] The buffer hole (167) can temporarily accommodate the portion of the high-pressure gas discharged from the discharge hole (161) that cannot be discharged through the flow path. Explanation of the symbols

[0070] 100: Battery pack 110: First battery module assembly 111,151: Battery cell 113,153: Lower holding plate 115,155: Upper holding plate 150, 150A, 150B, 150C: Second battery module assembly 160, 160A, 160B, 160C: Vent structure 161: Discharge section (discharge hole) 163: Discharge section (discharge break section) ) 165: Channel Hall 167: Buffer hole 190: Heat blocking unit

Claims

Claim 1 A battery module assembly comprising: a plurality of battery cells each having an emergency rupture portion formed to be ruptured by high-pressure gas; a holding plate accommodating the plurality of battery cells; and a venting structure having a discharge portion formed to allow the high-pressure gas to pass through the holding plate when the emergency rupture portion is ruptured. Claim 2 A battery module assembly according to claim 1, wherein the discharge portion comprises either a discharge hole and a discharge break portion, the discharge hole is a through hole formed in the holding plate, and the discharge break portion is a portion of the holding plate having a thickness thinner than the surrounding area of ​​the discharge break portion. Claim 3 A battery module assembly according to paragraph 2, wherein the venting structure further comprises a channel hole formed in the holding plate to communicate with the discharge hole, and when provided in a plurality, the channel holes communicate with each other to form a flow path. Claim 4 In paragraph 3, the above-mentioned Euro is a battery module assembly that communicates with the outside through the side of the above-mentioned holding plate. Claim 5 In paragraph 3, the battery module assembly further comprises a buffer hole formed in the holding plate such that the venting structure is located on the opposite side of the discharge hole centered on the channel hole. Claim 6 In paragraph 5, the buffer hole is a battery module assembly in which the battery cell is located within an area projected onto the holding plate. Claim 7 A battery module assembly according to claim 1, wherein the holding plate includes a bottom that supports the battery cell, and the bottom includes a protrusion that protrudes to define the discharge portion. Claim 8 In claim 6, the above-mentioned protrusion defines at least two sides of the above-mentioned discharge portion, a battery module assembly. Claim 9 A battery module assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a heat-blocking unit positioned to face the discharge portion. Claim 10 In claim 9, the above-mentioned heat-blocking unit is a battery module assembly, which is a film made of at least one of mica, silicon, and aerogel. Claim 11 A battery module assembly according to claim 1, further comprising an alignment structure formed to align the emergency rupture portion with respect to the discharge portion. Claim 12 In claim 11, the above alignment structure comprises a first element formed in the battery cell; and a second element formed in the holding plate and engaged with the first element, forming a battery module assembly. Claim 13 A battery pack assembly comprising: a first battery module assembly; and a second battery module assembly electrically connected to the first battery module assembly and disposed on the first battery module assembly, wherein each of the first battery module assembly and the second battery module assembly comprises: a plurality of battery cells, each having at least one emergency rupture portion formed to be ruptured by high-pressure gas; a holding plate for accommodating the plurality of battery cells; and a venting structure having a discharge portion formed to allow the high-pressure gas to pass through the holding plate when the emergency rupture portion ruptures. Claim 14 A battery pack assembly according to claim 13, wherein the discharge portion comprises either a discharge hole and a discharge break portion, the discharge hole is a through hole formed in the holding plate, and the discharge break portion is a portion of the holding plate having a thickness thinner than the surrounding area of ​​the discharge break portion. Claim 15 A battery pack assembly according to claim 14, wherein the venting structure further comprises a channel hole formed in the holding plate to communicate with the discharge hole, and when provided in a plurality, the channel holes communicate with each other to form a flow path. Claim 16 A battery pack assembly according to claim 13, further comprising a heat-blocking unit disposed between the first battery module assembly and the second battery module assembly and facing the discharge portion of the second battery module assembly. Claim 17 In claim 16, the discharge portion of the second battery module assembly and the heat-blocking unit form a flow path between them that allows the high-pressure gas generated in the battery cell of the second battery module assembly to flow to the outside through the side of the holding plate of the second battery module assembly.

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