Battery module, and battery pack and vehicle including same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery module comprising: a cell assembly including a plurality of battery cells; a module case configured to accommodate the cell assembly; a thermally conductive adhesive disposed between the cell assembly and the module case to secure the cell assembly; and an overflow prevention member provided between the cell assembly and the module case to form a space in which the thermally conductive adhesive can be accommodated.

Description

Battery modules, battery packs containing the same, and vehicles

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle.

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0019193, filed on February 7, 2024, and all contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the said application are incorporated by reference into this application.

[0003] Secondary batteries, which boast high electrical properties such as high energy density and easy applicability across a wide range of product categories, are widely used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) powered by electrical power sources. These batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source for environmental friendliness and energy efficiency, not only because they can dramatically reduce fossil fuel use, but also because they produce no byproducts from energy use.

[0004] Commonly used secondary battery types today include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. When high output voltage is required, multiple battery cells are connected in series to form a battery module or battery pack. Furthermore, to increase charge / discharge capacity, multiple battery cells are connected in parallel to form a battery module or battery pack.

[0005] When connecting multiple battery cells in series or parallel to form a battery pack, it's common to first construct a battery module containing at least one battery cell, and then use this at least one battery module to add other components to form a battery pack or battery rack. Recently, battery packs in the cell-to-pack form, where multiple battery cells are housed directly in a pack housing or other device, without modularization, have also been manufactured.

[0006] Meanwhile, in the case of conventional battery modules, a thermally conductive adhesive (e.g., a thermally conductive adhesive) may be applied to one side of the cell assembly in which the battery cells are stacked to cool the battery cells or secure the cell assembly. In the case of such conventional battery modules, various problems may arise when the battery cells swell during the charge / discharge cycle.

[0007] For example, when swelling occurs in a battery cell, the entire battery cell of the cell assembly moves toward the outermost edge, while one side of the cell assembly that is in direct contact with the thermally conductive adhesive remains fixed by the cured thermally conductive adhesive. This can lead to damage in the portion of the cell case with relatively low elongation.

[0008] In particular, if the thermally conductive adhesive overflows onto the sides of the cell assembly, the cured thermally conductive adhesive may damage the battery cell when swelling occurs. Furthermore, during this process, the battery cell may detach from the thermally conductive adhesive, which may degrade the heat dissipation performance of the battery cell.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need to develop a structure that can prevent damage to battery cells by suppressing overflow of thermally conductive adhesive.

[0010] Accordingly, the present invention has been created to solve the above problems, and its purpose is to provide a battery module having an improved structure so that damage to battery cells can be minimized even when a swelling phenomenon occurs, and a battery pack and automobile including the same.

[0011] However, the problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the problems described above, and other problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

[0012] In order to solve the above problem, a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a cell assembly including a plurality of battery cells; a module case configured to accommodate the cell assembly; a thermally conductive adhesive interposed between the cell assembly and the module case and configured to fix the cell assembly; and an overflow prevention member provided between the cell assembly and the module case and configured to form a space in which the thermally conductive adhesive can be accommodated.

[0013] The above overflow prevention member may be configured to accommodate the thermally conductive adhesive in the accommodation space and suppress the flow of the thermally conductive adhesive.

[0014] The above battery cell is provided as a pouch-type battery cell, and is configured to be laminated face to face so that the side surface from which the electrode lead is not drawn faces downward, and the overflow prevention member can be configured to prevent the thermally conductive adhesive from overflowing from the side surface of the battery cell to a part other than the side surface of the battery cell along the interface extending from the side surface of the battery cell.

[0015] The above thermally conductive adhesive may be configured to be interposed only at the bottom of the cell assembly to secure the lower portion of the cell assembly.

[0016] The above-mentioned accommodation space is provided in multiple numbers, and the multiple accommodation spaces can be arranged on the module case along a horizontal direction.

[0017] The above overflow prevention member may include a mesh pad configured in a mesh shape.

[0018] It may further include stoppers provided on both sides of the above overflow prevention member.

[0019] The above overflow prevention member may include a plurality of overflow prevention pads configured to be spaced apart from each other so that the receiving space is formed in a spaced apart space.

[0020] The above overflow prevention pad may be composed of a thermally conductive thermal pad.

[0021] The above overflow prevention pad may be made of an adhesive material.

[0022] The above overflow prevention pad may include a first pad configured to be spaced apart from each other along a first direction.

[0023] The above first pad may be configured to face both longitudinal ends of the cell assembly.

[0024] The above overflow prevention pad may include a second pad provided between the first pads and configured to be spaced apart from each other along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

[0025] The above overflow prevention pad may be configured to be at least partially perforated, and the receiving space may be defined by the perforated portion of the overflow prevention pad.

[0026] The above overflow prevention pad may have a guide portion configured to be inclined toward the receiving space.

[0027] In addition, the present invention provides a battery pack characterized by including a battery module according to the present invention.

[0028] And, the present invention provides an automobile characterized by including a battery module according to the present invention.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the present invention, stability against swelling of a battery device including a battery cell, i.e., a battery module or a battery pack, can be secured.

[0030] In particular, according to one embodiment of the present invention, in a battery module or battery pack comprising a plurality of battery cells in a stacked form, the cell stacking state can be stably maintained under normal conditions. In addition, damage to battery module components, such as battery cells, can be prevented when swelling occurs.

[0031] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, in a swelling occurrence situation, collapse of the structure of the battery device due to breakage of the curable adhesive can be prevented or suppressed.

[0032] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the problem of battery cells detaching from the thermally conductive adhesive due to swelling, thereby reducing heat dissipation, can be prevented. Accordingly, the cooling performance of the battery device can be consistently maintained.

[0033] Accordingly, according to these aspects of the present invention, the cycle performance of a battery device can be improved. In other words, according to various aspects of the present invention, a battery device with an improved lifespan that can be stably used for a long period of time can be provided.

[0034] In addition, the present invention may have various other effects, which will be described in each embodiment configuration, or an explanation of effects that can be easily inferred by a person skilled in the art will be omitted.

[0035] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred 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.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. For example, Fig. 3 may be a drawing illustrating cross-section I-I' of Fig. 2.

[0039] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an overflow prevention member applied to a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module to which an overflow prevention member according to one embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0041] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a stopper applied to a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an overflow prevention member applied to a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module to which an overflow prevention member is applied according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an overflow prevention member applied to a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an overflow prevention member applied to a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module to which an overflow prevention member is applied according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an overflow prevention member applied to a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing a guide portion applied to an overflow prevention pad of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Fig. 14 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 15 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, it should be noted that the terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their conventional or dictionary meanings. Based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of terms to best explain his or her invention, they should be interpreted in a way that aligns with the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0052] Accordingly, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modified examples that can replace them at the time of filing this application.

[0053] Furthermore, the present invention includes various embodiments. For each embodiment, redundant descriptions of substantially identical or similar components will be omitted, and the differences will be described.

[0054] Meanwhile, in the present invention, terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back may be used, but it is obvious to those skilled in the art that these terms are only for convenience of explanation and may vary depending on the location of the target object or the location of the observer.

[0055] For example, in an embodiment of the present invention, the X-axis direction shown in the drawing may mean the left-right direction, i.e., the stacking direction of the battery cells, the Y-axis direction may mean the front-back direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction and the horizontal plane (XY plane), i.e., the length direction of the battery cells, and the Z-axis direction may mean the up-down direction (vertical direction) perpendicular to both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, i.e., the height direction of the battery cells.

[0056]

[0057] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. Additionally, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. For example, FIG. 3 may be a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I' of FIG. 2.

[0058] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a battery module (10) according to the present invention includes a cell assembly (100), a module case (200), a thermally conductive adhesive (300), and an overflow prevention member (400).

[0059] A cell assembly (100) may include one or more battery cells (110), particularly a plurality of battery cells (110). Here, each battery cell (110) may refer to a single secondary battery or may refer to a battery group comprising multiple secondary batteries. In this specification, the description will be based on the assumption that a battery cell (110) represents a single secondary battery.

[0060] A plurality of battery cells (100) may include an electrode assembly, a cell case that accommodates the electrode assembly, and an electrode lead (111) that is connected to the electrode assembly and extends outward from the cell case to function as an electrode terminal.

[0061] At this time, the shape of the battery case can be configured in various ways, and depending on the shape of the battery case, the battery cell (110) can be classified into a pouch-shaped cell, a cylindrical cell, a square cell, etc. Since the types of these battery cells (110) were widely known at the time of filing of the present invention, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. The present invention can be applied to all types of secondary batteries known at the time of filing of the present invention, and is not limited to a specific type of secondary battery.

[0062] In the cell assembly (100), a plurality of battery cells (110) may be configured in a form in which they are stacked in at least one direction. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, a plurality of battery cells (110) may be stacked in a form in which they are arranged in a horizontal direction, particularly in the left-right direction (X-axis direction). In addition, a plurality of battery cells (110) provided in the cell assembly (100) may be electrically connected to each other in series and / or in parallel through a bus bar (not illustrated) or the like.

[0063] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 2, the module case (200) may be configured to accommodate a cell assembly (100). Specifically, a receiving space may be formed in the module case (200), and the cell assembly (100) may be configured to be accommodated in the receiving space.

[0064] For example, the module case (200) may have a case body (210), a top plate (220), and an end plate (230) to define a receiving space. Then, the cell assembly (100) may be positioned in this limited receiving space. The module case (200) may be at least partially composed of metal and / or plastic materials.

[0065] At least some of the various plate-shaped members constituting the module case (200) may be configured in an integrated form. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the module case (200) may include a case body (210) in a U-frame shape in which a lower plate (210a), a left plate, and a right plate (210b) are integrated with each other, and a top plate (220) and an end plate (230) may be configured to cover or seal the upper, front, and rear of the case body (210).

[0066] At this time, various fastening methods such as welding, bonding, bolting, and hooking can be used to secure the connection between the top plate (220) and the end plate (230) and the case body (210).

[0067] Alternatively, the module case (200) may be manufactured in a monoframe form in which the top plate (220) and the case body (210) are integrated with each other. Alternatively, the module case (200) may be configured in a form in which each plate is manufactured separately and then joined and fixed through welding or the like. However, the present invention is not limited to a specific material or form of the module case (200).

[0068] The thermally conductive adhesive (300) may be interposed between the cell assembly (100) and the module case (200). For example, referring to FIG. 3, the thermally conductive adhesive (300) may be provided between one side of the cell assembly (100), for example, the lower portion of the cell assembly (100) and the lower surface (210a) of the module case (200).

[0069] In addition, the thermally conductive adhesive (300) may be configured to fix the cell assembly (100) to the module case (200). To this end, the thermally conductive adhesive (300) may include an adhesive component. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, when the thermally conductive adhesive (300) is positioned at the bottom of the cell assembly (100), the thermally conductive adhesive (300) may adhesively fix the lower side of the cell assembly (100) to the lower surface (210a) of the module case (200).

[0070] In addition, the thermally conductive adhesive (300) may be configured to transfer heat between the cell assembly (100) and the module case (200). The battery cell (110) may generate heat during use, and if this heat is not properly discharged, the performance of the battery cell (110) cannot be stably guaranteed, and in severe cases, it may lead to thermal runaway, ignition, explosion, etc. of the battery cell. In this regard, the heat generated in the battery cell (110) needs to be properly discharged to the outside through the module case (200). At this time, the thermally conductive adhesive (300) may ensure good heat transfer between the battery cell (110) and the module case (200), thereby stably securing cooling performance for the battery module (10).

[0071] The thermally conductive adhesive (300) may include a material capable of transmitting heat. In particular, the thermally conductive adhesive (300) may be made of a resin material, and in this case, the thermally conductive adhesive (300) may be referred to as a thermal resin. The thermally conductive adhesive (300) may include various materials, such as urethane, silicone, and epoxy. The thermally conductive adhesive (300) may be expressed by other terms such as TIM (Thermal Interface Material), potting resin, etc., and as the material of the thermally conductive adhesive (300) of the battery module (10) according to the present invention, various thermally conductive adhesives or TIMs known at the time of filing of the present invention may be used.

[0072] The thermally conductive adhesive (300) may be interposed between all battery cells (110) provided in the cell assembly (100) and the module case (200). That is, the thermally conductive adhesive (300) may be configured to be in direct contact with all battery cells (110) included in the cell assembly (100). According to this embodiment of the present invention, heat dissipation through the thermally conductive adhesive (300) can be achieved for all battery cells (110) included in the battery module (10). Therefore, the overall cooling performance of the battery module (10) can be further improved.

[0073] The thermally conductive adhesive (300) may be applied to the lower surface (210a) of the module case (200) and cured before the cell assembly (100) is accommodated in the module case (200). If the cell assembly (100) is placed on the thermally conductive adhesive (300) that is not completely cured, the thermally conductive adhesive (300) may overflow to the side of the cell assembly (100), for example, the part where the electrode lead (111) is provided. If the thermally conductive adhesive (300) is cured in such a state that it overflows to the side of the cell assembly (100), one side of the cell assembly (100) that comes into contact with the overflowed thermally conductive adhesive (300) may be fixed. Accordingly, if a swelling phenomenon occurs in the battery cell (110), damage or breakage of the battery cell (110) may occur.

[0074] To prevent such a problem, the battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an overflow prevention member (400). The overflow prevention member (400) may be provided between the cell assembly (100) and the module case (200). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the overflow prevention member (400) may be provided between the cell assembly (100) and the lower surface (210a) of the module case (200). The overflow prevention member (400) may be configured to form a receiving space (S) in which a thermally conductive adhesive (300) can be received.

[0075] That is, since the overflow prevention member (400) is configured to have a predetermined thickness, an accommodation space (S) is formed inside, thereby preventing the injection amount of the thermally conductive adhesive (300) from overflowing.

[0076] More specifically, the overflow prevention member (400) may be configured to accommodate a thermally conductive adhesive (300) in the accommodation space (S) and to suppress the flow of the thermally conductive adhesive (300). By providing a space where the thermally conductive adhesive (300) can be accommodated on the side where the thermally conductive adhesive (300) is interposed, the thermally conductive adhesive (300) may be configured to suppress the flow of the thermally conductive adhesive (300) to the outside of the cell assembly (100) along the interface of the battery cell (110).

[0077] In particular, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the battery cell (110) is provided as a pouch-type battery cell, and is configured to be stacked face to face so that the side surface from which the electrode lead (111) is not drawn faces downward, and the overflow prevention member (400) can be configured to prevent the thermally conductive thermally conductive adhesive (300) from overflowing to a part other than the side surface of the battery cell (110) along the interface extending from the side surface of the battery cell (110). That is, the thermally conductive thermally conductive adhesive (300) can be configured to be interposed only in the lower portion of the cell assembly (100) to fix the lower portion of the cell assembly (100).

[0078] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, since an overflow prevention member (400) is provided between the cell assembly (100) and the module case (200), the thermally conductive adhesive (300) is accommodated in the accommodation space (S) and can be prevented from overflowing to the side of the cell assembly (100), particularly the side from which the electrode lead (111) is withdrawn. Therefore, damage to the battery cell (110) can be prevented when swelling occurs. Accordingly, the battery module (10) according to the present invention can ensure stability and safety against swelling.

[0079] In addition, the overflow prevention member (400) may be configured to transfer heat between the cell assembly (100) and the module case (200). The overflow prevention member (400) may include a material capable of transferring heat. According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the overflow prevention member (400) not only prevents the thermally conductive adhesive (300) from overflowing, but also ensures good heat transfer between the battery cell (110) and the module case (200) together with the thermally conductive adhesive (300) accommodated in the accommodation space (S), thereby stably securing cooling performance for the battery module (10).

[0080] Additionally, the overflow prevention member (400) may be configured to be electrically insulated. In addition, the overflow prevention member (400) may be made of a material that ensures flame retardant performance. For example, the overflow prevention member (400) may be made of a material that satisfies flame retardancy rating UL-94 V0.

[0081] Meanwhile, a plurality of receiving spaces (S) may be provided. The plurality of receiving spaces (S) may be arranged on the module case (200) along the horizontal direction. For example, the plurality of receiving spaces (S) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other on the lower surface (210a) of the module case (200). According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the thermally conductive adhesive (300) can be accommodated even if the thermally conductive adhesive (300) overflows from any part.

[0082] In addition, a plurality of receiving spaces (S) may be arranged on the same plane. All of these receiving spaces (S) may be configured to have the same height. According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, when the cell assembly (100) is secured to the overflow prevention member (400), the contact area between the cell assembly (100) and the thermally conductive adhesive (300) is expanded by gravity, so that the cell assembly (100) can be uniformly brought into contact with the thermally conductive adhesive (300) accommodated in the receiving space (S). Accordingly, the fixing force between the cell assembly (100) and the lower surface (210a) of the module case (200) and the cooling performance of the cell assembly (100) can be secured.

[0083]

[0084] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an overflow prevention member applied to a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module to which an overflow prevention member according to one embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0085] As an example, referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the overflow prevention member (400) may include a mesh pad (410) configured in a mesh shape. The mesh pad (410) may be configured to have holes that are densely perforated like a net. Accordingly, a plurality of receiving spaces (S) may be provided in the mesh pad (410). Specifically, the thermally conductive adhesive (300) is applied onto the mesh pad (410) through the dispenser (600), and the thermally conductive adhesive (300) may be accommodated in the receiving spaces (S) by its own weight.

[0086] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, since the receiving space (S) in which the thermally conductive adhesive (300) can be received is formed densely in the mesh pad (410), the thermally conductive adhesive (300) can be minimized from overflowing to a part other than the side surface of the battery cell (110) facing the module case (200) along the interface of the battery cell (110).

[0087] In addition, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the mesh pad (410) has a plurality of small and densely arranged receiving spaces (S), so that the flow of the thermally conductive adhesive (300) can be suppressed, while inducing the thermally conductive adhesive (300) to be applied approximately flatly.

[0088]

[0089] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a stopper applied to a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] Referring to FIG. 6, the battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a stopper (500). The stopper (500) may be configured to prevent the thermally conductive adhesive (300) from overflowing to the outside. That is, the stopper (500) may be configured to prevent the thermally conductive adhesive (300) overflowing from the receiving space (S) from overflowing to the outside beyond the overflow prevention member (400). The stopper (500) may be provided on both sides of the overflow prevention member (400). In particular, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the stopper (500) may be provided on both sides of the mesh pad (410).

[0091] The stopper (500) may be made of any material that can block the thermally conductive adhesive (300) from the outside without limitation. As an example, the stopper (500) may include a resin material, but is not limited thereto.

[0092] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the stopper (500) can guide an area where the thermally conductive adhesive (300) can be interposed together with the overflow prevention member (400), thereby doubly preventing the thermally conductive adhesive (300) from being injected into an unnecessary area.

[0093]

[0094] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of an overflow prevention member applied to a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module to which an overflow prevention member according to another embodiment of the present invention is applied. In addition, Fig. 9 is a perspective view of an overflow prevention member applied to a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0095] As an example, the overflow prevention member (400) may include a plurality of overflow prevention pads (420). The plurality of overflow prevention pads (420) may be provided spaced apart from each other. The receiving space (S) may be defined as a space formed by the plurality of overflow prevention pads (420) being spaced apart from each other. Accordingly, the thermally conductive adhesive (300) may be applied to the receiving space (S) between the overflow prevention pads (420) through the dispenser (600).

[0096] The overflow prevention pad (420) may be configured to transfer heat between the cell assembly (100) and the module case (200). The overflow prevention pad (420) may include a material capable of transferring heat. As a more specific embodiment, the overflow prevention pad (420) may be configured as a thermally conductive thermal pad. The thermal pad is a heat dissipation pad that controls heat generated from the battery cell (110) and can transfer the heat generated from the battery cell (110) to the outside. The overflow prevention pad (420) may be made of a material such as acrylic or silicone.

[0097] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the overflow prevention pad (420) can ensure good heat transfer between the battery cell (110) and the module case (200), thereby stably securing cooling performance for the battery module (10).

[0098] Additionally, the overflow prevention pad (420) may be made of a material having adhesive properties. Accordingly, the overflow prevention pad (420) may be configured to adhere closely to the battery cells (110) included in the cell assembly (100).

[0099] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, since the adhesive strength between the cell assembly (100) and the overflow prevention pad (420) can be secured, the overall structure of the cell assembly (100) can be prevented from being significantly disturbed even by shocks such as vibrations. Accordingly, the structural rigidity and structural stability of the entire cell assembly (100) can be secured.

[0100] In addition, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, when the cell assembly (100) is placed on the overflow prevention pad (420), it may be helpful for the cell assembly (100) to be fixed to the overflow prevention pad (420), which may lead to an improvement in heat transfer performance through the overflow prevention pad (420).

[0101] Meanwhile, the thickness of the thermally conductive adhesive (300) filled in the receiving space (S) can be configured to correspond to the thickness of the overflow prevention pad (420). Thus, the thermally conductive adhesive (300) and the overflow prevention pad (420) can be configured to form a substantially flat plane.

[0102] In this case, the cell assembly (100) may be configured to be in uniform contact not only with the overflow prevention pad (420) but also with the thermally conductive adhesive (300). In the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the contact area between all battery cells (110) included in the cell assembly (100) and the heat transfer material may be maximized. That is, the battery cells (110) included in the cell assembly (100) may be in contact with the heat transfer material as a whole, thereby further improving the cooling performance of the battery cells (110).

[0103]

[0104] As a more specific example, referring to FIGS. 7 to 9, the overflow prevention pad (420) may include a first pad (421). A plurality of first pads (421) may be provided. The plurality of first pads (421) may be configured to be spaced apart from each other along a first direction. Here, the first direction may be defined as the longitudinal direction of the battery cell (110) (Y-axis direction in the drawing).

[0105] The first pad (421) may be configured in a plate shape. At this time, a plurality of first pads (421) may be configured in a plate shape and may be arranged parallel to each other along the first direction. For example, referring to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 7, two first pads (421) may be arranged in a lying plate shape and parallel to each other in the first direction. At this time, a receiving space (S) is provided between the two first pads (421), and a thermally conductive adhesive (300) may be applied to the receiving space (S) by a dispenser (600).

[0106] Alternatively, the first pad (421) may be configured in the shape of a rod that extends long along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The second direction may be defined as the stacking direction of the battery cells (110) (X-axis direction in the drawing). For example, referring to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 9, five first pads (421) may be arranged in parallel in the first direction in a shape that extends long in the second direction. At this time, four receiving spaces (S) are provided between the five first pads (421), and the thermally conductive adhesive (300) may be applied to the receiving spaces (S) by a dispenser (600).

[0107] The width (length in the first direction) of the first pad (421) may be designed in consideration of the volume of the receiving space (S) that prevents the thermally conductive adhesive (300) from overflowing. In addition, the length (length in the second direction) of the first pad (421) may be configured to correspond to the length in the left and right directions of the lower surface (210a) of the module case (200).

[0108] Meanwhile, the first pad (421) may be configured to face both longitudinal end portions of the cell assembly (100). For example, a plurality of first pads (421) are interposed at the lower portion of the cell assembly (100), and a first pad (421) located at the outermost portion among the plurality of first pads (421) may face both longitudinal end portions of the cell assembly (100).

[0109] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, since the first pads (421) are provided at both end portions of the cell assembly (100), the thermally conductive adhesive (300) can be more effectively suppressed from overflowing to the side portion of the cell assembly (100) where the electrode leads (111) are provided. As a result, the cell case of the battery cell (110) can be prevented from being damaged at the side portion of the cell assembly (100).

[0110]

[0111] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an overflow prevention member applied to a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module to which an overflow prevention member is applied according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0112] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the overflow prevention pad (420) may be configured in a grid shape. As a more specific example, the overflow prevention pad (420) may include a second pad (422). The second pad (422) may be provided between the first pads (421). That is, the second pad (422) may be provided between the first pads (421) that are spaced apart from each other. The width (length in the first direction) of the second pad (422) may be configured to correspond to the distance at which the first pads (421) are spaced apart. The second pad (422) may be configured such that both sides in the first direction are in contact with the first pad (421).

[0113] In addition, a plurality of second pads (422) may be provided. The plurality of second pads (422) may be configured to be spaced apart from each other along the second direction. An accommodation space (S) may be formed between adjacent second pads (422). Accordingly, the second pads (422) and the accommodation space (S) may be arranged to intersect each other between the first pads (421).

[0114] For example, referring to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 10, four second pads (422) arranged along the second direction may be provided between adjacent first pads (421). At this time, three receiving spaces (S) may be provided between the four second pads (422), and a thermally conductive adhesive (300) may be applied to the receiving spaces (S) by a dispenser (600).

[0115] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, since the receiving space (S) is divided into a plurality of parts by the grid-shaped overflow prevention pad (420), the flowability of the thermally conductive adhesive (300) can be more reliably suppressed. Accordingly, the thermally conductive adhesive (300) can be prevented from overflowing to a part other than the side surface of the battery cell (110) along the interface extending from the side surface of the battery cell (110).

[0116]

[0117] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an overflow prevention member applied to a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0118] Referring to Fig. 12, the first pad (421) and the second pad (422) may be configured in an integrated form. More specifically, the overflow prevention pad (420) may be configured to be at least partially perforated. In this case, the receiving space (S) may be defined by the perforated portion of the overflow prevention pad (420).

[0119] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the overflow prevention pad (420) is punched to form the receiving space (S) without separately manufacturing the first pad (421) and the second pad (422), thereby reducing costs and time. Accordingly, productivity in manufacturing the battery module (10) can be improved.

[0120]

[0121] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing a guide portion applied to an overflow prevention pad of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0122] Meanwhile, the overflow prevention pad (420) may be provided with a guide portion (420a). The guide portion (420a) may be configured to guide the thermally conductive adhesive (300) toward the receiving space (S). Specifically, the guide portion (420a) may be configured to be inclined toward the receiving space (S). The guide portion (420a) may be provided on at least one side of the overflow prevention pad (420). For example, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 13, a plurality of overflow prevention pads (420) may be arranged along the first direction (the Y-axis direction of FIG. 13), and the guide portion (420a) may be provided on the side where the plurality of overflow prevention pads (420) face each other.

[0123] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, when a thermally conductive adhesive (300) is applied, the thermally conductive adhesive (300) can be guided along the guide portion (420a) to the receiving space (S) and stored therein. As a result, the thermally conductive adhesive (300) can be more effectively prevented from leaking out of the receiving space (S) or the overflow prevention pad (420).

[0124]

[0125] Meanwhile, in the various drawings of this specification, the configuration in which the thermally conductive adhesive (300) and the overflow prevention member (400) are positioned on the lower side of the battery module (10) has been described, but the thermally conductive adhesive (300) and the overflow prevention member (400) may be positioned on other sides, such as the upper side of the battery module (10). In addition, the thermally conductive adhesive (300) and the overflow prevention member (400) may be positioned on two or more sides of the battery module (10). For example, the thermally conductive adhesive (300) and the overflow prevention member (400) may be applied to the upper side and the lower side of the cell assembly (100), respectively.

[0126]

[0127] Fig. 14 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0128] Referring to FIG. 14, a battery pack (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery modules (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention as described above. The battery pack (1) according to the present invention may further include a pack case (2) for accommodating a BMS (Battery Management System), a current sensor, a fuse, and the like for integrated control of charging and discharging of one or more battery modules, and the above-described components.

[0129] Alternatively, the battery pack (1) according to the present invention may include the battery module (10) according to the present invention, but may not include a separate pack case (2), and may be configured such that the module case (200) of the battery module (10) functions as the pack case (2). In this case, components of the battery pack, such as a BMS, a bus bar, and a relay, may be included inside the module case (200). A battery pack of this type is also called a cell-to-pack (CTP) in that the battery cells (110) are directly stored in the pack case (2). Recently, development of such CTP-type battery packs has also been active, and the present invention can also be applied to such CTP-type battery packs.

[0130] In particular, an overflow prevention member (400) is provided on the inner surface, for example, the bottom surface, of the housing, which is a pack case (2) and a module case (200), so that the thermally conductive adhesive (300) can be prevented from overflowing.

[0131]

[0132] Figure 15 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0133] Referring to FIG. 15, a vehicle (3) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery packs (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention or battery modules (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle (3) according to the present invention may be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The vehicle (3) includes a four-wheel vehicle and a two-wheel vehicle. The vehicle (3) may operate by receiving power from a battery pack (1) or a battery module (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0134]

[0135] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is obvious that various modifications and variations 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.

Claims

1. A cell assembly comprising a plurality of battery cells; A module case configured to accommodate the above cell assembly; A thermally conductive adhesive interposed between the cell assembly and the module case to fix the cell assembly; and A battery module characterized by including an overflow prevention member provided between the cell assembly and the module case to form a space in which the thermally conductive adhesive can be accommodated.

2. In paragraph 1, A battery module characterized in that the overflow prevention member is configured to suppress the flow of the thermally conductive adhesive by accommodating the thermally conductive adhesive in the receiving space.

3. In paragraph 1, The above battery cell is provided as a pouch-type battery cell, and is configured by being stacked face to face so that the side from which the electrode lead is not drawn faces downward. A battery module characterized in that the overflow prevention member is configured to prevent the thermally conductive adhesive from overflowing to a portion other than the side portion of the battery cell along the interface extending from the side portion of the battery cell.

4. In paragraph 1, A battery module characterized in that the thermally conductive adhesive is disposed only in the lower portion of the cell assembly and is configured to fix the lower portion of the cell assembly.

5. In paragraph 1, A battery module characterized in that the above-mentioned accommodation spaces are provided in multiple numbers, and the multiple accommodation spaces are arranged on the module case along a horizontal direction.

6. In paragraph 1, The above overflow prevention member A battery module characterized by including a mesh pad configured in a mesh shape.

7. In paragraph 1, A battery module further characterized by including stoppers provided on both sides of the overflow prevention member.

8. In paragraph 1, The above overflow prevention member A battery module characterized by comprising a plurality of overflow prevention pads configured to form the receiving space in a spaced apart from each other.

9. In paragraph 8, A battery module characterized in that the above overflow prevention pad is composed of a thermally conductive thermal pad.

10. In paragraph 8, A battery module characterized in that the above overflow prevention pad is made of an adhesive material.

11. In paragraph 8, The above overflow prevention pad A battery module characterized by comprising first pads configured to be spaced apart from each other along a first direction.

12. In paragraph 11, A battery module characterized in that the first pad is configured to face both longitudinal ends of the cell assembly.

13. In paragraph 12, The above overflow prevention pad A battery module characterized by including a second pad provided between the first pads and configured to be spaced apart from each other along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

14. In paragraph 8, The above overflow prevention pad is configured to be at least partially perforated, A battery module characterized in that the above-mentioned accommodation space is defined by a perforated portion of the above-mentioned overflow prevention pad.

15. In paragraph 8, The above overflow prevention pad A battery module characterized by having a guide portion configured to be inclined toward the above-mentioned receiving space.

16. A battery pack comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. A vehicle comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

Images