Battery module

Abstract

A battery module of the present invention may comprise: a first group having a plurality of battery cells arranged in a line; a second group which is spaced apart from the first group and which has a plurality of battery cells arranged in a line; a third group, which has a plurality of battery cells arranged in a line between the first group and the second group; a fourth group which is spaced apart from the third group and which has a plurality of battery cells arranged in a line between the first group and the second group; a fire extinguishing member provided in the space between the third group and the fourth group; and a case for accommodating the first to fourth groups and the fire extinguishing member.

Description

battery module

[0001] Cross-citation with related applications

[0002] This application is based on and claims the benefit of priority from Korean Patent Application Nos. 10-2023-0126661, 10-2023-0126662, and 10-2024-0100301, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on September 21, 2023, September 21, 2023, and July 29, 2024, respectively, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Technology field

[0004] The present invention relates to a battery module.

[0005] Secondary batteries (rechargeable batteries) are rechargeable and dischargeable, unlike primary batteries, which are non-rechargeable. Low-capacity secondary batteries are used in small, portable electronic devices such as cell phones, laptops, and camcorders, while large-capacity secondary batteries are widely used as power sources for motor drives in medium- to large-sized devices such as electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid cars, and energy storage systems (ESS).

[0006] Secondary batteries can be utilized in the form of battery cells. These cells can have multiple electrodes alternately stacked within an outer shell with a separator between them, and the internal space of the outer shell can be filled with an electrolyte. Multiple battery cells can be electrically connected to form a battery module.

[0007] Meanwhile, safety issues are arising due to problems such as ignition during the manufacturing and use of these battery cells and modules, and much research is being conducted to resolve these issues.

[0008] The present invention provides a battery module capable of preventing flames from spreading to the surroundings when a battery cell ignites.

[0009] A battery module according to the present invention may include: a first group in which a plurality of battery cells are arranged in a row; a second group spaced apart from the first group and in which a plurality of battery cells are arranged in a row; a third group in which a plurality of battery cells are arranged in a row between the first group and the second group; a fourth group spaced apart from the third group and in which a plurality of battery cells are arranged in a row between the first group and the second group; a fire extinguishing member provided in a space between the third group and the fourth group; and a case accommodating the first to fourth groups and the fire extinguishing member.

[0010] The above digestive member may be provided at the center of the case.

[0011] The above battery module may further include a bus bar electrically connecting the first to fourth groups.

[0012] The above-mentioned fire extinguishing member may include a fire extinguishing agent in a powder or liquid state; and an outer material for containing the fire extinguishing agent.

[0013] The above outer material may be a plastic case having a rectangular box shape.

[0014] The above outer material may be composed of a sheet including a metal substrate layer and a resin layer formed on the surface of the metal substrate layer.

[0015] The battery cells belonging to each of the first group and the second group may have the same size, and the battery cells belonging to each of the third group and the fourth group may have the same size.

[0016] Each of the first to fourth groups may be composed of a plurality of bidirectional battery cells.

[0017] The first group and the second group may be arranged adjacent to one side and the other side in the longitudinal direction of the case, respectively, and the third group and the fourth group may be arranged adjacent to one side and the other side in the height direction of the case, respectively.

[0018] The electrode leads of the battery cells belonging to each of the first group and the second group may protrude toward one side and the other side in the width direction of the case, and the electrode leads of the battery cells belonging to each of the third group and the fourth group may protrude toward one side and the other side in the width direction of the case.

[0019] The sum of the height direction lengths of the cases of the battery cells belonging to the third group and the battery cells belonging to the fourth group may be less than the height direction length of the cases of the battery cells belonging to the first group.

[0020] The sum of the height direction lengths of the battery cells belonging to the third group, the battery cells belonging to the fourth group, and the case of the extinguishing member may be equal to the height direction length of the case of the battery cells belonging to the first group.

[0021] Meanwhile, each of the first group and the second group may be composed of a plurality of bidirectional battery cells, and each of the third group and the fourth group may be composed of a plurality of unidirectional battery cells.

[0022] The first group and the second group may be arranged adjacent to one side and the other side in the longitudinal direction of the case, respectively, and the third group and the fourth group may be arranged adjacent to one side and the other side in the width direction of the case, respectively.

[0023] The electrode leads of the battery cells belonging to each of the first group and the second group may protrude toward one side and the other side in the width direction of the case, the electrode leads of the battery cells belonging to the third group may protrude toward one side in the width direction of the case, and the electrode leads of the battery cells belonging to the fourth group may protrude toward one side in the width direction of the case.

[0024] The sum of the width direction lengths of the cases of the battery cells belonging to the third group and the battery cells belonging to the fourth group may be less than the width direction length of the cases of the battery cells belonging to the first group.

[0025] The sum of the widthwise lengths of the battery cells belonging to the third group, the battery cells belonging to the fourth group, and the case of the extinguishing member may be equal to the widthwise length of the case of the battery cells belonging to the first group.

[0026] A battery module according to the present invention comprises a plurality of battery groups, each of which is composed of a plurality of battery cells, a fire extinguishing member, and a case for accommodating the battery groups, wherein the plurality of battery groups are arranged in a manner to surround the fire extinguishing member within the case, so that even if a fire occurs in some battery cells, the fire can be effectively prevented from spreading to surrounding battery cells.

[0027] Meanwhile, the effects according to the present invention are not limited to the contents exemplified above, and more diverse effects are included in the present specification.

[0028] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention described below, serve to further understand the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to matters described in such drawings.

[0029] Figure 1 is a drawing showing a battery cell igniting within a conventional battery module.

[0030] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a battery module according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a battery module according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the battery module of Fig. 3 taken in the AA' direction.

[0033] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the battery module of Fig. 3 taken in the BB' direction.

[0034] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing an appearance in which electrode terminals are connected to battery cells of a battery module according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a structure in which second and fourth bus bars are connected to a battery module according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a structure in which first, third, and fifth bus bars are connected to a battery module according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a fire extinguishing material contained in a plastic case in a fire extinguishing member according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a fire extinguishing agent is contained in a pouch in a fire extinguishing member according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing a battery module according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a battery module according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing an electrode terminal connected to battery cells of a battery module according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a structure in which second and third bus bars are connected to a battery module according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a structure in which first, fourth, and fifth bus bars are connected to a battery module according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a fire extinguishing material contained in a plastic case in a fire extinguishing member of a battery module according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing a fire extinguishing material contained in a pouch in a fire extinguishing member of a battery module according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 18 is a drawing showing a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention applied to a battery pack and a vehicle.

[0047] In some of the accompanying drawings, corresponding components are designated by the same reference numerals. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the drawings illustrate elements simply and clearly and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, to facilitate understanding of various embodiments, the dimensions of some elements depicted in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements. Furthermore, elements of known technology that are useful or essential in commercially feasible embodiments may often not be depicted so as not to obscure the spirit of various embodiments of the present invention.

[0048] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. However, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited or restricted by the following embodiments.

[0049] In order to clearly explain the present invention, a detailed description of a part that is irrelevant to the description or a related known technology that may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention has been omitted, and when adding reference signs to components of each drawing in this specification, the same or similar reference signs are attached to the same or similar components throughout the specification.

[0050] In addition, terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as limited to their usual or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted as meanings and concepts that conform to the technical idea of ​​the present invention based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the term to explain his or her own invention in the best way.

[0051] Throughout this specification, whenever a part is said to “include” or “have” a component, this does not mean that other components are excluded, but rather that other components may be included, unless otherwise specifically stated.

[0052] Battery cells within a battery module can ignite for a variety of reasons. For example, overcharging a battery cell can generate flammable gases, potentially leading to a ignition. Overdischarging a battery cell can also cause internal short circuits due to damage to the electrode plates within the cell, potentially leading to a ignition. Furthermore, external shocks to the battery cell can damage the cell separator, causing the positive and negative electrodes to come into contact, potentially leading to a ignition.

[0053] Fig. 1 is a drawing showing a battery cell igniting within a battery module. Referring to Fig. 1, the battery module includes a plurality of battery cells (100) and interconnected positive and negative leads (101) and negative leads (102). Here, the plurality of battery cells (100) are arranged adjacent to each other within the battery module to increase the overall capacity of the battery module. Therefore, when some battery cells (100) ignite, there is a problem in that a thermal runaway phenomenon occurs in which flames spread to surrounding battery cells (100).

[0054] Considering such a situation, the present invention provides a battery module that can effectively prevent fire from spreading to surrounding battery cells even when a fire occurs in some battery cells within the module.

[0055] Hereinafter, a battery module according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0056]

[0057] Example 1

[0058] Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a battery module (10) according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 3 is a top cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the battery module (10) according to the present invention from above. Fig. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the battery module (10) of Fig. 3 taken along the line AA', and Fig. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the battery module (10) of Fig. 3 taken along the line BB'.

[0059] Fig. 6 is a top view showing the electrode terminals connected to the battery cells of the battery module (10) according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 7 is a side cross-sectional view showing the structure in which the second and fourth bus bars are connected to the battery module (10) according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 8 is a side cross-sectional view showing the structure in which the first, third, and fifth bus bars are connected to the battery module (10) according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 2, a battery module (10) according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes a case (300) and includes a plurality of regions (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5) inside the case (300). For example, it includes a first region (S1) formed on one longitudinal side of the case (300), a second region (S2) formed on the other longitudinal side of the case (300), a third region (S3) formed on one height-wise side of the case (300) among the regions between the first region (S1) and the second region (S2) within the case (300), a fourth region (S4) formed on the other height-wise side of the case (300) among the regions between the first region (S1) and the second region (S2) within the case (300), and a fifth region (S5) formed between the third region (S3) and the fourth region (S4) in the height-wise direction of the case (300).

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 8, a battery module (10) according to a first embodiment of the present invention comprises: a first group (G1) in which a plurality of first bidirectional battery cells (110a) are arranged in a row; a second group (G2) spaced apart from the first group (G1) and in which a plurality of second bidirectional battery cells (110b) are arranged in a row; a third group (G3) in which a plurality of third bidirectional battery cells (110c) are arranged in a row between the first group (G1) and the second group (G2); a fourth group (G4) spaced apart from the third group (G3) and in which a plurality of fourth bidirectional battery cells (110d) are arranged in a row between the first group (G1) and the second group (G2); and a fire extinguishing member (200) provided in a space between the third group (G3) and the fourth group (G4). And it includes a case (300) that accommodates the first group (G1) to the fourth group (G4) and the fire extinguishing member (200). In this case, the first group (G1) to the fourth group (G4) are arranged in a form that surrounds the fire extinguishing member (200) inside the case (300) (for example, see FIG. 7), so that even if a fire occurs in some of the battery cells (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d) of each group, there is an advantageous effect that the fire can be efficiently prevented from spreading to the surrounding battery cells (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d).

[0062] The first group (G1) is composed of a plurality of first bidirectional battery cells (110a) arranged in a row, and the first group (G1) can be formed in various areas inside the battery module (10). For example, the first group (G1) composed of four battery cells (110a) can be located in a first area (S1) formed on one side of the longitudinal direction of the case (300) inside the battery module (10). Here, each of the four first bidirectional battery cells (110a) constituting the first group (G1) can be a secondary battery capable of being charged and discharged.

[0063] The first bidirectional battery cells (110a) may be arranged in various directions within the first region (S1). For example, the first bidirectional battery cells (110a) may be arranged in a row along the longitudinal direction of the case (300) within the first region (S1).

[0064] Meanwhile, the first bidirectional battery cell (110a) may have various structures. For example, the first bidirectional battery cell (110a) may be a square battery cell in which the electrodes and the separator are housed in a rectangular parallelepiped metal case. When the first bidirectional battery cell (110a) is a square battery cell, the first bidirectional battery cells (110a) may be installed in installation grooves (not shown) formed on the lower surface of the first region (S1) of the case (300). In addition, the first bidirectional battery cell (110a) may be a pouch cell in which the electrodes and the separator are housed in a film-shaped pouch in which a resin layer is formed on a metal substrate layer. When the first bidirectional battery cell (110a) is a pouch cell, the first bidirectional battery cells (110a) may be sequentially arranged in one direction in the longitudinal direction of the module (10) in the first region (S1).

[0065] The second group (G2) is composed of a plurality of second bidirectional battery cells (110b) arranged in a row, and the second group (G2) can be arranged spaced apart from the first group (G1) within the case (300). In addition, the second group (G2) can be formed in various areas within the battery module (10). For example, the second group (G2) composed of four battery cells (110b) can be located in a second area (S2) formed on the other side of the longitudinal direction of the case (300) within the battery module (10). That is, the second group (G2) can be located in a second area (S2) formed on the opposite side of the first area (S1) described above within the battery module (10). Each of the second bidirectional battery cells (110b) constituting the second group (G2) can be a rechargeable secondary battery.

[0066] The second bidirectional battery cells (110b) may be arranged in various directions within the second region (S2). For example, the second bidirectional battery cells (110b) may be arranged in a row along the length direction of the case (300) within the second region (S2). Here, the second bidirectional battery cells (110b) may be square battery cells or pouch cells, similar to the first bidirectional battery cells (110a), and the second bidirectional battery cells (110b) may have the same size and / or capacity as the first bidirectional battery cells (110a).

[0067] When the second bidirectional battery cells (110b) are square battery cells, the second bidirectional battery cells (110b) can be installed in installation grooves (not shown) formed on the lower surface of the second region (S2) in the case (300). Meanwhile, when the second bidirectional battery cells (110b) are pouch cells, the second bidirectional battery cells (110b) can be sequentially arranged in one direction in the second region (S2).

[0068] The third group (G3) may be composed of a plurality of third bidirectional battery cells (110c) arranged in a row in an area between the first group (G1) and the second group (G2). Therefore, the third group (G3) may be located between the first group (G1) and the second group (G2) within the battery module (10). In particular, the third group (G3) may be located in a third area (S3) formed on one side of the case (300) in the height direction among the areas between the first area (S1) and the second area (S2) within the battery module (10). Here, each of the third bidirectional battery cells (110c) constituting the third group (G3) may be a rechargeable secondary battery.

[0069] The third bidirectional battery cells (110c) may be arranged in various directions within the third region (S3). For example, the third bidirectional battery cells (110c) may be arranged in a row along the longitudinal direction of the case (300) within the third region (S3).

[0070] Meanwhile, the third bidirectional battery cell (110c) may have various structures. For example, the third bidirectional battery cell (110c) may be a square battery cell in which the electrodes and separator are housed in a rectangular metal case. Additionally, the third bidirectional battery cell (110c) may be a pouch cell in which the electrodes and separator are housed in a film-shaped pouch in which a resin layer is formed on a metal substrate layer.

[0071] Here, the third bidirectional battery cells (110c) may be arranged in one direction in the third region (S3). For example, the third region (S3) is formed above the fifth region (S5) in which the fire extinguishing member (200) is provided, and the third bidirectional battery cells (110c) may be sequentially arranged in one direction above the fire extinguishing member (200) provided in the fifth region (S5).

[0072] The fourth group (G4) may be spaced apart from the third group (G3) and may be composed of a plurality of fourth bidirectional battery cells (110d) arranged in a row in an area between the first group (G1) and the second group (G2). For example, the fourth group (G4) may be located in a fourth area (S4) formed on the other side of the case (300) in the height direction among the areas between the first area (S1) and the second area (S2) within the battery module (10). That is, the fourth group (G4) may be provided at a position spaced apart from the third group (G3) in the height direction of the case (300). Here, each of the fourth bidirectional battery cells (110d) constituting the fourth group (G4) may be a rechargeable secondary battery.

[0073] The fourth bidirectional battery cells (110d) may be arranged in various directions within the fourth region (S4). For example, the fourth bidirectional battery cells (110d) may be arranged in a row along the longitudinal direction of the case (300) within the fourth region (S4). Here, the fourth bidirectional battery cells (110d) may be square battery cells or pouch cells, similar to the third bidirectional battery cells (110c), and the fourth bidirectional battery cells (110d) may have the same size and / or capacity as the third bidirectional battery cells (110c). The fourth bidirectional battery cells (110d) may be arranged sequentially within the fourth region (S4) so ​​as to be arranged in one direction.

[0074] The fire extinguishing member (200) includes a fire extinguishing material for extinguishing a fire, and may be provided in a space between the third group (G3) and the fourth group (G4). According to one embodiment, the fire extinguishing member (200) may be provided in a fifth region (S5) formed between the third region (S3) and the fourth region (S4). For example, the fifth region (S5) is formed above the fourth region (S4), and the fire extinguishing member (200) may be positioned in the fifth region (S5) above the fourth bidirectional battery cells (110d) interposed in the fourth region (S4) and below the third bidirectional battery cells (110c) interposed in the second region (S3).

[0075] Here, the third group (G3) and the fourth group (G4) are positioned between the first group (G1) and the second group (G2), and the fire extinguishing member (200) can be surrounded by a plurality of bidirectional battery cells (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d) of each group inside the battery module (10). In this way, since the fire extinguishing member (200) is formed by being surrounded by a plurality of bidirectional battery cells (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d) of each group inside the battery module (10), even if a fire occurs in some of the plurality of bidirectional battery cells (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d), the fire extinguishing member (200) can effectively block the fire and suppress or prevent the fire from spreading to the surroundings.

[0076] The case (300) is a housing that accommodates a plurality of bidirectional battery cells (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d) included in the first group (G1) to the fourth group (G4) and a fire extinguishing member (200), and may have a hollow rectangular parallelepiped structure. In addition, the case (300) may be composed of various materials. According to one embodiment, the case (300) may be composed of a metal material such as an aluminum alloy, or may be composed of a polymer-based material.

[0077] Meanwhile, the extinguishing member (200) may be provided at the center of the case (300). For example, the fifth region (S5) where the extinguishing member (200) is located may be located at the center of the case (300).

[0078] In this case, the fire extinguishing member (200) is provided in the center of the case (300) without being biased to one side inside the case (300), so that the fire extinguishing member (200) can be positioned relatively close to all edges of the case (300). Therefore, even if a fire occurs at an edge inside the case (300), the fire extinguishing member (200) is positioned relatively close, so that there is an advantageous effect of being able to quickly block the fire no matter where the fire occurs inside the battery module (10).

[0079] Meanwhile, as described above, the first group (G1) and the second group (G2) may be arranged adjacent to one side and the other side in the length direction of the case (300), respectively, and the third group (G3) and the fourth group (G4) may be arranged adjacent to one side and the other side in the height direction of the case (300), respectively. Here, the fifth region (S5) between the third group (G3) and the fourth group (G4), into which the fire extinguishing member (200) is inserted, may have a shape that extends horizontally from one side in the width direction of the case (300) to the other side. In this case, the fire extinguishing member (200) may be installed horizontally long near the center inside the case (300).

[0080] In addition, the first bidirectional battery cell (110a) and the second bidirectional battery cell (110b) may have the same shape and size. For example, the bidirectional battery cells (110a, 110b) may have a rectangular box shape in which the length, width, and height of each of the cells are different. Here, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the length and width of the bidirectional battery cells (110a, 110b) may correspond to the size of the internal space of the battery module (10) having a rectangular shape.

[0081] Meanwhile, the sum of the height direction lengths of the cases (300) of the third bidirectional battery cell (110c) and the fourth bidirectional battery cell (110d) may be smaller than the height direction length of the case (300) of the first bidirectional battery cell (110a). In this case, the fifth region (S5) into which the extinguishing member (200) is inserted may have a predetermined thickness in the height direction of the case (300).

[0082] For example, the sum of the height direction lengths of the third bidirectional battery cell (110c), the fourth bidirectional battery cell (110d), and the case (300) of the extinguishing member (200) may be equal to the height direction length of the case (300) of the first bidirectional battery cell (110a). According to one embodiment, one end surface of the case (300) of the first bidirectional battery cell (110a) in the height direction may be located on the same plane as one end surface of the case (300) of the third bidirectional battery cell (110c), and the other end surface of the case (300) of the first bidirectional battery cell (110a) in the height direction may be located on the same plane as one end surface of the case (300) of the fourth bidirectional battery cell (110d).

[0083] In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the height direction length of the case (300) of the extinguishing member (200) is substantially the same as the distance between the third bidirectional battery cell (110c) and the fourth bidirectional battery cell (110d), so in this case, there is an advantageous effect of being able to insert the extinguishing member (200) with as much capacity as possible between the third bidirectional battery cell (110c) and the fourth bidirectional battery cell (110d).

[0084] Meanwhile, the third bidirectional battery cell (110c) and the fourth bidirectional battery cell (110d) may have the same size. In this case, the third bidirectional battery cell (110c) and the fourth bidirectional battery cell (110d) may have a rod shape that extends long in the longitudinal direction of the case (300). Here, the rod may be a prism or a cylinder that extends long in the longitudinal direction of the case (300).

[0085] In addition, a plurality of bidirectional battery cells (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d) included in the first group (G1) to the fourth group (G4) may be arranged in the longitudinal direction of the case (300) inside the case (300). At this time, the electrode leads (111a, 112a) of the plurality of first bidirectional battery cells (110a) may protrude toward one side and the other side in the width direction of the case (300) in the first region (S1), and the electrode leads (111b, 112b) of the plurality of second bidirectional battery cells (110b) may protrude toward one side and the other side in the width direction of the case (300) in the second region (S2).

[0086] Here, the electrode leads (111c, 112c) of the plurality of third bidirectional battery cells (110c) may protrude toward one side and the other side in the width direction of the case (300), and the electrode leads (111d, 112d) of the plurality of fourth bidirectional battery cells (110d) may protrude toward one side and the other side in the width direction of the case (300). In this case, all electrode leads (111a, 111b, 111c, 111d, 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d) inside the battery module (10) protrude to one side and the other side in the width direction of the case (300), and the bus bars (400a, 400b, 400c, 400c, 400e) only need to be installed on one side and the other side in the width direction of the case (300), so there is an advantageous effect of simplifying the installation structure of the bus bars (400a, 400b, 400c, 400c, 400e).

[0087] Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, the battery module (10) according to the first embodiment of the present invention may further include bus bars (400a, 400b, 400c, 400d) that electrically connect the first group (G1) to the fourth group (G4). The busbar (400a, 400b, 400c, 400d, 400e) is a member made of a metal with high electrical conductivity, such as copper or aluminum, and transmits current between a plurality of bidirectional battery cells (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d). Electrode leads (111a, 111b, 111c, 111d, 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d) of the first group (G1) to the fourth group (G4) can be welded to the busbar (400a, 400b, 400c, 400d, 400e).

[0088] According to one embodiment, a plurality of first bidirectional battery cells (110a) constituting a first group (G1) may be connected in parallel, and a plurality of second bidirectional battery cells (110b) constituting a second group (G2) may be connected in parallel. In addition, a plurality of third bidirectional battery cells (110c) constituting a third group (G3) may be connected in parallel, and a plurality of fourth bidirectional battery cells (110d) constituting a fourth group (G4) may be connected in parallel.

[0089] In this case, the busbars (400a, 400b, 400c, 400d, 400e) may include a first busbar (400a) to which the positive leads (111a) of the first group (G1) are connected, a second busbar (400b) to which the negative leads (112a) of the first group (G1) and the positive leads (111c) of the third group (G3) are connected, a third busbar (400c) to which the negative leads (112c) of the third group (G3) and the positive leads (111d) of the fourth group (G4) are connected in the vertical direction (in the Z-axis direction), a fourth busbar (400d) to which the negative leads (112d) of the fourth group (G4) and the positive leads (111b) of the second group (G2) are connected, and a fifth busbar (400e) to which the negative leads (112b) of the second group (G2) are connected. There is. According to the connection structure of these bus bars (400a, 400b, 400c, 400d, 400e), a circuit is formed inside the battery module (10) that passes through the first group (G1), the third group (G3), and the fourth group (G4) to connect the second group (G2), and charges moving in the direction of passing through the first group (G1), the third group (G3), and the fourth group (G4) to the second group (G2) can be formed through the formed circuit.

[0090] Meanwhile, the connection structure of the bus bars (400a, 400b, 400c, 400d, 400e) is not limited as described above, and the bus bars (400a, 400b, 400c, 400d, 400e) may have various structures depending on the series / parallel connection structure of the plurality of bidirectional battery cells (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d) included in the battery module (10). For example, when the plurality of bidirectional battery cells (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d) are all connected in parallel, only one bus bar (400a, 400b, 400c, 400d, 400e) may be provided on each of one side and the other side of the case (300). On the other hand, if a plurality of bidirectional battery cells (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d) are connected in a mixed series / parallel manner, a plurality of bus bars (400a, 400b, 400c, 400d, 400e) may be provided on at least one of one side and the other side of the case (300), as shown in FIGS. 6 to 8.

[0091] Meanwhile, among the bus bars (400a, 400b, 400c, 400d, 400e), a pair of bus bars (e.g., 400a and 400e) that form the maximum potential difference may each be installed with electrode terminals (500A, 500B) that are electrically connected to an external power source or another adjacent battery module. In this case, the electrode terminals (500A, 500B) may include a positive terminal (500A) connected to positive leads welded to the bus bar (400a) and a negative terminal (500B) connected to negative leads welded to the bus bar (400e).

[0092] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a state in which a fire extinguishing agent is contained in a plastic case that serves as an outer material (220) in a fire extinguishing member according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a fire extinguishing agent is contained in a pouch that serves as an outer material (220) in a fire extinguishing member according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0093] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the fire extinguishing member (200) of the battery module (10) according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a fire extinguishing agent (210) in a powder or liquid state; and an outer material (220) that accommodates the fire extinguishing agent. When the fire extinguishing member (200) is exposed to flame, the outer material (200) melts or tears, and the fire extinguishing agent (210) inside the outer material (200) is dispersed into the battery module (10). Therefore, when a fire occurs in a plurality of bidirectional battery cells (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d) included in the first group (G1) to the fourth group (G4), the fire extinguishing agent (210) can spread within the battery module (10). That is, in this case, there is an advantageous effect of effectively blocking the spread of fire within the battery module (10) by the fire extinguishing agent (210) inside the outer material (200).

[0094] Here, the extinguishing agent (210) is a substance that contacts a high-temperature substance to lower the temperature or block the supply of oxygen to eliminate the flame, and various substances can be used as the extinguishing agent (210). For example, the extinguishing agent (210) may be a powdered extinguishing agent composed of one or more of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), potassium bicarbonate (KHCO3), and ammonium phosphate (NH4H2PO4). In addition, Novec™ (a solution from 3M) may be used as the extinguishing agent (210).

[0095] The outer material (220) is a housing that accommodates the extinguishing agent (210) and may be composed of various materials. For example, the outer material (220) may be composed of a thermoplastic resin that is a low-density plastic and melts upon contact with flame. Various materials may be used as the thermoplastic resin. One or more materials selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polyamide, modified polyphenylene oxide (MPPO), and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (ABS) may be used as the thermoplastic resin.

[0096] When the outer material (220) is composed of low-density plastic, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the outer material (220) may have a rectangular box shape. Here, the outer material (220) may have a shape substantially identical to the shape of the fifth region (S5) formed by being surrounded by the first group (G1) to the fourth group (G4) inside the battery module (10). At this time, the outer material (220) may be sandwiched between the first group (G1) to the fourth group (G4), thereby preventing the position of the outer material (220) from moving even when an external impact is applied to the battery module (10). In this case, collision between the outer material (220) and the surrounding battery cells (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d) is prevented as the position of the outer material (220) moves, which has the advantageous effect of preventing the outer material (220) from being damaged by the collision.

[0097] Meanwhile, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the outer packaging material (220) may be a pouch composed of a sheet including a metal substrate layer and a resin layer formed on the surface of the metal substrate layer. Here, aluminum or stainless steel having a thin thickness may be used for the metal substrate layer, and various types of resins having insulating and corrosion-resistant properties may be used for the resin layer. For example, polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) may be used for the resin layer.

[0098] In this case, the outer material (220) is composed of a thin sheet-shaped pouch, which can easily burst or tear when in contact with flame. Therefore, when a fire occurs in a plurality of bidirectional battery cells (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d) included in the first group (G1) to the fourth group (G4), the outer material (220) quickly bursts or tears, and the fire extinguishing agent (210) inside the outer material (220) is discharged to the outside, so that the fire extinguishing agent (210) inside the outer material (220) has the advantageous effect of efficiently preventing the fire from spreading inside the battery module (10).

[0099]

[0100] Second Example

[0101] The battery module of the second embodiment of the present invention differs from the first embodiment in that the third and fourth groups are comprised of unidirectional battery cells. Commonalities with the first embodiment will be omitted as much as possible, and the second embodiment will be described with a focus on differences. It should be understood that any details not described in the second embodiment, if necessary, may be considered as those of the first embodiment.

[0102] Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing a battery module (10') according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a battery module (10') according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 13 is a drawing showing an appearance of electrode terminals being connected to battery cells of a battery module (10') according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0103] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a structure in which the second and third bus bars are connected to a battery module (10') according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a structure in which the first, fourth, and fifth bus bars are connected to a battery module (10') according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0104] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, a battery module (10') according to a second embodiment of the present invention comprises: a first group (G1) in which a plurality of first bidirectional battery cells (110a) are arranged in a row; a second group (G2) spaced apart from the first group (G1) and in which a plurality of second bidirectional battery cells (110b) are arranged in a row; a third group (G3) in which a plurality of first unidirectional battery cells (120a) are arranged in a row between the first group (G1) and the second group (G2); a fourth group (G4) spaced apart from the third group (G3) and in which a plurality of second unidirectional battery cells (120b) are arranged in a row between the first group (G1) and the second group (G2); and a fire extinguishing member (200) provided in a space between the third group (G3) and the fourth group (G4). And it includes a case (300) that accommodates the first group (G1) to the fourth group (G4) and the fire extinguishing member (200). In this case, the first group (G1) to the fourth group (G4) are arranged in a form that surrounds the fire extinguishing member (200) inside the case (300), so that even if a fire occurs in some of the battery cells (110a, 110b, 120a, 120b), the fire extinguishing member (200) can effectively block the fire, thereby having an advantageous effect of effectively blocking or suppressing the fire from spreading to the surrounding battery cells (110a, 110b, 120a, 120b).

[0105] The first group (G1) is composed of a plurality of first bidirectional battery cells (110a) arranged in a row, and the first group (G1) can be formed in various areas inside the battery module (10'). For example, the first group (G1) can be located in a first area (S1) formed on one longitudinal side of the case (300) inside the battery module (10'). Here, each of the first bidirectional battery cells (110a) constituting the first group (G1) can be a rechargeable secondary battery.

[0106] The first bidirectional battery cells (110a) may be arranged in various directions within the first region (S1). For example, the first bidirectional battery cells (110a) may be arranged in a row along the longitudinal direction of the case (300) within the first region (S1).

[0107] Meanwhile, the first bidirectional battery cell (110a) may have various structures. For example, the first bidirectional battery cell (110a) may be a square battery cell in which the electrodes and the separator are housed in a rectangular parallelepiped metal case. When the first bidirectional battery cell (110a) is a square battery cell, the first bidirectional battery cells (110a) may be installed in installation grooves (not shown) formed on the lower surface of the first region (S1), respectively. In addition, the first bidirectional battery cell (110a) may be a pouch cell in which the electrodes and the separator are housed in a film-shaped pouch in which a resin layer is formed on a metal substrate layer. When the first bidirectional battery cell (110a) is a pouch cell, the first bidirectional battery cells (110a) may be sequentially arranged in one direction in the first region (S1).

[0108] The second group (G2) is composed of a plurality of second bidirectional battery cells (110b) arranged in a row, and the second group (G2) can be arranged spaced apart from the first group (G1) within the case (300). In addition, the second group (G2) can be formed in various areas within the battery module (10). For example, the second group (G2) can be located in a second area (S2) formed on the other side in the longitudinal direction of the case (300) within the battery module (10). That is, the second group (G2) can be located in a second area (S2) formed on the opposite side of the first area (S1) described above within the case (300) of the battery module (10'). Each of the second bidirectional battery cells (110b) constituting the second group (G2) can be a rechargeable secondary battery.

[0109] The second bidirectional battery cells (110b) may be arranged in various directions within the second region (S2). For example, the second bidirectional battery cells (110b) may be arranged in a row along the length direction of the case (300) within the second region (S2). Here, the second bidirectional battery cells (110b) may be square battery cells or pouch cells, similar to the first bidirectional battery cells (110a), and the second bidirectional battery cells (110b) may have the same size and / or capacity as the first bidirectional battery cells (110a).

[0110] If the second bidirectional battery cells (110b) are square battery cells, the second bidirectional battery cells (110b) may be installed in installation grooves (not shown) formed on the lower surface of the second region (S2). Meanwhile, if the second bidirectional battery cells (110b) are pouch cells, the second bidirectional battery cells (110b) may be sequentially arranged in one direction in the second region (S2).

[0111] The third group (G3) may be composed of a plurality of first unidirectional battery cells (120a) arranged in a row in an area between the first group (G1) and the second group (G2). Therefore, the third group (G3) may be located between the first group (G1) and the second group (G2) within the battery module (10'). In particular, the third group (G3) may be located in a third area (S3) formed on one side of the width direction of the case (300) among the areas between the first area (S1) and the second area (S2) within the battery module (10'). Here, each of the first unidirectional battery cells (120a) constituting the third group (G3) may be a rechargeable secondary battery.

[0112] The first unidirectional battery cells (120a) may be arranged in various directions within the third region (S3). For example, the first unidirectional battery cells (120a) may be arranged in a row along the longitudinal direction of the case (300) within the third region (S3).

[0113] Meanwhile, the first unidirectional battery cell (120a) may have various structures. For example, the first unidirectional battery cell (120a) may be a square battery cell in which the electrodes and separator are housed in a rectangular metal case. In addition, the first unidirectional battery cell (120a) may be a pouch cell in which the electrodes and separator are housed in a film-shaped pouch in which a resin layer is formed on a metal substrate layer.

[0114] If the first unidirectional battery cell (120a) is a square battery cell, the first unidirectional battery cells (120a) may be installed in installation grooves (not shown) formed on the lower surface of the third region (S3). Meanwhile, if the first unidirectional battery cell (120a) is a pouch cell, the first unidirectional battery cells (120a) may be sequentially arranged in one direction in the third region (S3).

[0115] The fourth group (G4) may be spaced apart from the third group (G3) and may be composed of a plurality of second unidirectional battery cells (120b) arranged in a row in an area between the first group (G1) and the second group (G2). In particular, the fourth group (G4) may be located in a fourth area (S4) formed on the other side of the width direction of the case (300) among the areas between the first area (S1) and the second area (S2) within the battery module (10'). That is, the fourth group (G4) may be provided at a position spaced apart from the third group (G3) in the width direction of the case (300). Here, each of the second unidirectional battery cells (120b) constituting the fourth group (G4) may be a rechargeable secondary battery.

[0116] The second unidirectional battery cells (120b) may be arranged in various directions within the fourth region (S4). For example, the second unidirectional battery cells (120b) may be arranged in a row along the longitudinal direction of the case (300) within the fourth region (S4). Here, the second unidirectional battery cells (120b) may be square battery cells or pouch cells, similar to the first unidirectional battery cells (120a), and the second unidirectional battery cells (120b) may have the same size and / or capacity as the first unidirectional battery cells (120a).

[0117] If the second unidirectional battery cells (120b) are square battery cells, the second unidirectional battery cells (120b) can be installed in installation grooves formed on the lower surface of the fourth region (S4), respectively. Meanwhile, if the second unidirectional battery cells (120b) are pouch cells, the second unidirectional battery cells (120b) can be sequentially arranged in one direction in the fourth region (S4).

[0118] Meanwhile, the fire extinguishing member (200) includes a fire extinguishing agent that extinguishes fire and may be provided in the space between the third group (G3) and the fourth group (G4). For example, the fire extinguishing member (200) may be provided in the fifth area (S5) formed between the third area (S3) and the fourth area (S4).

[0119] Here, the third group (G3) and the fourth group (G4) are positioned between the first group (G1) and the second group (G2), and the fire extinguishing member (200) can be surrounded by a plurality of battery cells (110a, 110b, 120a, 120b) inside the battery module (10'). In this case, even if a fire occurs in some of the plurality of battery cells (110a, 110b, 120a, 120b), the fire extinguishing member (200) can effectively block the fire and prevent the fire from spreading to the surroundings.

[0120] The case (300) is a housing that accommodates a plurality of battery cells (110a, 110b, 120a, 120b) included in the first group (G1) to the fourth group (G4) and a fire extinguishing member (200), and may have a hollow rectangular parallelepiped structure. In addition, the case (300) may be composed of various materials. For example, the case (300) may be composed of a metal material such as an aluminum alloy, or may be composed of a polymer-based material.

[0121] Meanwhile, the extinguishing member (200) may be provided at the center of the case (300). For example, the fifth region (S5) where the extinguishing member (200) is located may be located at the center of the case (300).

[0122] In this case, the fire extinguishing member (200) is provided in the center of the case (300) without being biased to one side inside the case (300), so that the fire extinguishing member (200) can be positioned relatively close to all edges of the case (300). Therefore, even if a fire occurs at an edge inside the case (300), the fire extinguishing member (200) is positioned relatively close, so that there is an advantageous effect of being able to quickly block the fire no matter where the fire occurs inside the battery module (10).

[0123] Meanwhile, as described above, the first group (G1) and the second group (G2) may be arranged adjacent to one side and the other side in the longitudinal direction of the case (300), respectively, and the third group (G3) and the fourth group (G4) may be arranged adjacent to one side and the other side in the width direction of the case (300), respectively. Here, the fifth region (S5) between the third group (G3) and the fourth group (G4), into which the extinguishing member (200) is inserted, may have a shape that extends vertically from the upper surface to the lower surface of the case (300). In this case, the extinguishing member (200) may be installed vertically near the center inside the case (300).

[0124] In addition, the first bidirectional battery cell (110a) and the second bidirectional battery cell (110b) may have the same shape and size. For example, the first bidirectional battery cell (110a) and the second bidirectional battery cell (110b) may have a rectangular box shape in which the length, width, and height are different, respectively. Here, the length and width of the bidirectional battery cells (110a, 110b) may be substantially the same as the width and height of the internal space of the battery module (10') having the rectangular shape.

[0125] Meanwhile, the sum of the width direction lengths of the cases (300) of the first unidirectional battery cell (120a) and the second unidirectional battery cell (120b) may be smaller than the width direction length of the case (300) of the first bidirectional battery cell (110a). In this case, the fifth region (S5) into which the extinguishing member (200) is inserted may have a thickness greater than a certain size in the width direction of the case (300).

[0126] For example, the sum of the widthwise lengths of the first unidirectional battery cell (120a), the second unidirectional battery cell (120b), and the case (300) of the extinguishing member (200) may be equal to the widthwise length of the case (300) of the first bidirectional battery cell (110a). According to one embodiment, one widthwise end surface of the case (300) of the first bidirectional battery cell (110a) may be located on the same plane as one widthwise end surface of the case (300) of the first unidirectional battery cell (120a), and the other widthwise end surface of the case (300) of the first bidirectional battery cell (110a) may be located on the same plane as the other widthwise end surface of the case (300) of the second unidirectional battery cell (120b).

[0127] In addition, the width direction length of the case (300) of the extinguishing member (200) is substantially the same as the distance between the first unidirectional battery cell (120a) and the second unidirectional battery cell (120b), so in this case, there is an advantageous effect of being able to insert the extinguishing member (200) with as much capacity as possible between the first unidirectional battery cell (120a) and the second unidirectional battery cell (120b).

[0128] Meanwhile, the first unidirectional battery cell (120a) and the second unidirectional battery cell (120b) may have the same shape and size. For example, the first unidirectional battery cell (120a) and the second unidirectional battery cell (120b) may have a rectangular box shape in which the length, width, and height are different, respectively. According to one embodiment, the length of the unidirectional battery cells (120a, 120b) may be less than half the width of the internal space of the battery module (10') having a rectangular shape. In addition, the length of the unidirectional battery cells (120a, 120b) may be substantially the same as the height of the internal space of the battery module (10').

[0129] A plurality of battery cells (110a, 110b, 120a, 120b) included in the first group (G1) to the fourth group (G4) may be arranged in the longitudinal direction of the case (300) inside the case (300). At this time, the electrode leads (111a, 112a) of each of the plurality of first bidirectional battery cells (110a) may protrude toward one side and the other side in the width direction of the case (300) in the first region (S1), and the electrode leads (111b, 112b) of each of the plurality of second bidirectional battery cells (110b) may protrude toward one side and the other side in the width direction of the case (300) in the second region (S1).

[0130] Here, the electrode leads (121a, 122a) of each of the plurality of first unidirectional battery cells (120a) may protrude toward one side in the width direction of the case (300), and the electrode leads (121b, 122b) of each of the plurality of second unidirectional battery cells (120b) may protrude toward the other side in the width direction of the case (300). In this case, all electrode leads (111a, 111b, 112a, 112b, 121a, 121b, 122a, 122b) inside the battery module (10) protrude to one side and the other side in the width direction of the case (300), and the bus bars (400a, 400b, 400c, 400d, 400e) only need to be installed to one side and the other side in the width direction of the case (300), so there is an advantageous effect of simplifying the installation structure of the bus bars (400a, 400b, 400c, 400d, 400e).

[0131] Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 13 to 15, the battery module (10') according to the second embodiment of the present invention may further include bus bars (400a, 400b, 400c, 400d, 400e) that electrically connect the first group (G1) to the fourth group (G4). The busbar (400a, 400b, 400c, 400d, 400e) is a member that transmits current between a plurality of battery cells (110a, 110b, 120a, 120b) and is made of a metal with high electrical conductivity, such as copper or aluminum. Electrode leads (111a, 111b, 112a, 112b, 121a, 121b, 122a, 122b) of the first group (G1) to the fourth group (G4) can be welded to the busbar (400a, 400b, 400c, 400d, 400e).

[0132] As illustrated in FIGS. 13 to 15, a plurality of first bidirectional battery cells (110a) constituting a first group (G1) may be connected in parallel in a first region (S1), and a plurality of second bidirectional battery cells (110b) constituting a second group (G2) may be connected in parallel in a second region (S2). In addition, a plurality of first unidirectional battery cells (120a) and a plurality of second unidirectional battery cells (120b) constituting a third group (G3) and a fourth group (G4) may be connected in parallel in a third region (S3) and a fourth region (S4), respectively.

[0133] In this case, the busbars (400a, 400b, 400c, 400d, 400e) may include a first busbar (400a) to which the positive leads (111a) of the first group (G1) are connected, a second busbar (400b) to which the negative leads (112a) of the first group (G1) and the positive leads (121b) of the fourth group (G4) are connected, a third busbar (400c) to which the negative leads (122b) of the fourth group (G4) and the positive leads (111b) of the second group (G2) are connected, a fourth busbar (400d) to which the negative leads (112b) of the second group (G2) and the positive leads (121a) of the third group (G3) are connected, and a fifth busbar (400e) to which the negative leads (122a) of the third group (G3) are connected. According to the structure of these bus bars (400a, 400b, 400c, 400d, 400e), a circuit is formed inside the battery module (10') that connects the first group (G1), the fourth group (G4), the second group (G2) and the third group (G3), and charges moving in the direction of passing through the first group (G1), the fourth group (G4), the second group (G2) and the third group (G3) can be formed through the formed circuit.

[0134] Meanwhile, the connection structure of the bus bars (400a, 400b, 400c, 400d, 400e) is not limited as described above, and the bus bars (400a, 400b, 400c, 400d, 400e) may have various structures depending on the series / parallel connection structure of the plurality of battery cells (110a, 110b, 120a, 120b) included in the battery module (10'). For example, when the plurality of battery cells (110a, 110b, 120a, 120b) are all connected in parallel, only one bus bar (400a, 400b, 400c, 400d, 400e) may be provided on each of one side and the other side of the case (300). On the other hand, if a plurality of battery cells (110a, 110b, 120a, 120b) are connected in a mixed series / parallel configuration, a plurality of bus bars (400a, 400b, 400c, 400d, 400e) may be provided on at least one of one side and the other side of the case (300), as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6.

[0135] Meanwhile, among the bus bars (400a, 400b, 400c, 400d, 400e), a pair of bus bars (e.g., 400a, 400b, 400c, 400d, and 400e) that form the maximum potential difference may be provided with electrode terminals (500A, 500B) that are electrically connected to an external power source or another adjacent battery module. In this case, the electrode terminals (500A, 500B) may include a positive terminal (500A) that is connected to positive leads welded to the bus bar (400a) and a negative terminal (500B) that is connected to negative leads welded to the bus bar (400e).

[0136] FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a state in which a fire extinguishing agent is contained in a metal case that serves as an outer material (220) in a fire extinguishing member (200) according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a fire extinguishing agent is contained in a pouch that serves as an outer material (220) in a fire extinguishing member according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0137] Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, the fire extinguishing member (200) of the battery module (10') according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a fire extinguishing agent (210) in a powder or liquid state; and an outer material (220) that accommodates the fire extinguishing agent. When the fire extinguishing member (200) is exposed to flame, the outer material (200) melts or tears, and the fire extinguishing agent (210) inside the outer material (200) is dispersed into the battery module (10). Therefore, when a fire occurs in a plurality of battery cells (110a, 110b, 120a, 120b) included in the first group (G1) to the fourth group (G4), the fire extinguishing agent (210) can spread within the battery module (10). That is, in this case, there is an advantageous effect of effectively blocking the spread of fire within the battery module (10) by the fire extinguishing agent (210) inside the outer material (200).

[0138] Here, the extinguishing agent (210) is a substance that contacts a high-temperature substance to lower the temperature or block the supply of oxygen to eliminate the flame, and various substances can be used as the extinguishing agent (210). For example, the extinguishing agent (210) may be a powdered extinguishing agent composed of one or more of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), potassium bicarbonate (KHCO3), and ammonium phosphate (NH4H2PO4). In addition, Novec™ may be used as the extinguishing agent (210).

[0139] The outer material (220) is a housing that accommodates the extinguishing agent (210) and may be composed of various materials. For example, the outer material (220) may be composed of a thermoplastic resin that melts when in contact with a flame, such as a low-density plastic.

[0140] In addition, the outer casing (220) may have a rectangular box shape. Here, the outer casing (220) may have a shape substantially the same as the shape of the fifth region (S5) formed by surrounding the first group (G1) to the fourth group (G4) inside the battery module (10). At this time, the outer casing (220) may be sandwiched between the first group (G1) to the fourth group (G4), so that even when an external impact is applied to the battery module (10'), the position of the outer casing (220) may be prevented from moving. In this case, since the collision between the outer casing (220) and the surrounding battery cells (110a, 110b, 120a, 120b) is blocked due to the movement of the position of the outer casing (220), there is an advantageous effect of preventing the outer casing (220) from being damaged by the collision.

[0141] Meanwhile, the outer packaging material (220) may be a pouch composed of a sheet including a metal substrate layer and a resin layer formed on the surface of the metal substrate layer. Here, aluminum or stainless steel having a thin thickness may be used for the metal substrate layer, and various types of resins having insulating and corrosion-resistant properties may be used for the resin layer. For example, polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) may be used for the resin layer.

[0142] In this case, the outer material (220) is composed of a thin sheet-shaped pouch, which can easily burst or tear when in contact with flame. Therefore, when a fire occurs in a plurality of battery cells (110a, 110b, 120a, 120b) included in the first group (G1) to the fourth group (G4), the outer material (220) quickly bursts or tears, and the fire extinguishing agent (210) inside the outer material (220) is discharged to the outside, which has the advantageous effect of efficiently preventing the fire from spreading within the battery module (10').

[0143] As described above, the battery module (10, 10') according to the embodiment of the present invention arranges the fire extinguishing member (200) inside the case (300), and arranges the plurality of battery cells (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d) arranged inside the case (300) to surround the fire extinguishing member (200), so that even if a fire occurs in any battery cell inside the battery module (10, 10'), the fire extinguishing member (200) can efficiently block the fire and suppress or prevent the fire from spreading to the surroundings. In addition, by making the sizes of the battery cells (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d) arranged inside the battery module (10, 10') different from each other, the space for the fire extinguishing member (200) inside the battery module (10, 10') can be efficiently secured. As a result, the energy density can be improved in that, for example, a relatively large space can be allocated to the battery cells (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d) while arranging the extinguishing member (200) within the battery module (10, 10').

[0144] In addition, the battery module (10, 10') according to the present invention can be equipped in a battery pack (600) and an automobile (700), as illustrated in FIG. 18. For example, a plurality of battery modules (10, 10') according to the present invention are combined to manufacture a battery pack (600) unit, and the battery pack (600) manufactured in this manner can be mounted in an automobile (700), such as an electric vehicle (EV) or a hybrid vehicle (HV), and power can be supplied to drive the automobile (700).

[0145] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various embodiments are possible within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims to be described below by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains.

[0146]

[0147] [Explanation of symbols]

[0148] 10: Battery module 100: Battery cell

[0149] 110: Bidirectional battery cell 120: Unidirectional battery cell

[0150] 101, 111, 121: Positive lead 102, 112, 122: Negative lead

[0151] 200: Digestive member 210: Digestive material

[0152] 220: Outer material 300: Case

[0153] 400: Busbar 500: Electrode terminal

[0154] G1: Group 1 G2: Group 2

[0155] G3: Group 3 G4: Group 4

[0156] S1: Area 1 S2: Area 2

[0157] S3: Third Area S4: Fourth Area

[0158] S5: Area 5 600: Battery Pack

[0159] 700: Car

Claims

1. A first group in which a plurality of battery cells are arranged in a row; A second group spaced apart from the first group and having a plurality of battery cells arranged in a row; A third group in which a plurality of battery cells are arranged in a row between the first group and the second group; A fourth group having a plurality of battery cells arranged in a row between the first group and the second group, and spaced apart from the third group; A fire extinguishing member provided in the space between the third group and the fourth group; and A battery module comprising a case accommodating the first to fourth groups and a digestive member.

2. In claim 1, A battery module characterized in that the above digestive member is provided at the center of the case.

3. In claim 1, A battery module further comprising a bus bar electrically connecting the first to fourth groups.

4. In claim 1, The above digestive organs are, Fire extinguishing agents in powder or liquid form; and A battery module comprising an outer material that accommodates the above-mentioned digestive agent.

5. In claim 4, A battery module characterized in that the above outer material is a plastic case having a rectangular box shape.

6. In claim 4, A battery module characterized in that the outer material is a pouch composed of a sheet including a metal substrate layer and a resin layer formed on the surface of the metal substrate layer.

7. In claim 1, The battery cells belonging to each of the first group and the second group have the same size, A battery module, characterized in that the battery cells belonging to each of the third group and the fourth group have the same size.

8. In claim 7, A battery module, characterized in that each of the first to fourth groups is composed of a plurality of bidirectional battery cells.

9. In claim 8, The first group and the second group are arranged adjacent to one side and the other side of the longitudinal direction of the case, respectively, A battery module characterized in that the third and fourth groups are arranged adjacent to one side and the other side of the case in the height direction, respectively.

10. In claim 8, The electrode leads of the battery cells belonging to each of the first group and the second group protrude toward one side and the other side in the width direction of the case, A battery module characterized in that the electrode leads of the battery cells belonging to each of the third group and the fourth group protrude toward one side and the other side in the width direction of the case.

11. In claim 8, A battery module, characterized in that the sum of the height direction lengths of the cases of the battery cells belonging to the third group and the battery cells belonging to the fourth group is smaller than the height direction length of the cases of the battery cells belonging to the first group.

12. In claim 11, A battery module characterized in that the sum of the height direction lengths of the battery cells belonging to the third group, the battery cells belonging to the fourth group, and the case of the extinguishing member is equal to the height direction length of the case of the battery cells belonging to the first group.

13. In claim 7, Each of the first group and the second group is composed of a plurality of bidirectional battery cells, A battery module, characterized in that each of the third group and the fourth group is composed of a plurality of unidirectional battery cells.

14. In claim 13, The first group and the second group are arranged adjacent to one side and the other side of the longitudinal direction of the case, respectively, A battery module characterized in that the third and fourth groups are arranged adjacent to one side and the other side of the width direction of the case, respectively.

15. In claim 13, The electrode leads of the battery cells belonging to each of the first group and the second group protrude toward one side and the other side in the width direction of the case, The electrode leads of the battery cells belonging to the third group protrude toward one side in the width direction of the case, A battery module characterized in that the electrode leads of the battery cells belonging to the fourth group protrude toward the other side in the width direction of the case.

16. In claim 13, A battery module characterized in that the sum of the widthwise lengths of the cases of the battery cells belonging to the third group and the battery cells belonging to the fourth group is smaller than the widthwise length of the cases of the battery cells belonging to the first group.

17. In claim 16, A battery module characterized in that the sum of the widthwise lengths of the battery cells belonging to the third group, the battery cells belonging to the fourth group, and the case of the extinguishing member is equal to the widthwise length of the case of the battery cells belonging to the first group.

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