Battery module, and battery pack and vehicle including same

Abstract

A battery module, and a battery pack and a vehicle including same are disclosed. The battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; a case in which the battery cell stack is accommodated; and a heat-shrinkable member which is coupled to the battery cells and which is shrinkable by heat.

Description

Battery modules, battery packs containing the same, and vehicles

[0001] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0021946, filed on February 15, 2024, and all contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the said application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery module, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle, and more particularly, to a battery module capable of protecting battery cells from flame or high-temperature gas, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle.

[0003] Generally, secondary batteries refer to batteries that can be repeatedly charged and discharged, such as lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. A battery cell, the most basic type of secondary battery, can provide an output voltage of approximately 2.5 V to 4.2 V.

[0004] Recently, as these battery cells are applied to devices that require high output voltage and large charging capacity, such as electric vehicles and Energy Storage Systems (ESS), battery modules composed of multiple battery cells connected in series, parallel, or a combination of series and parallel, and battery packs composed of these battery modules connected again in series, parallel, or a combination of series and parallel, are widely used.

[0005] Lithium secondary batteries are currently in the spotlight due to their advantages such as high operating voltage and significantly higher energy density. However, because they use organic electrolytes, there is a problem that lithium secondary batteries can cause overcurrent and overheating when overcharged, which in severe cases can cause fire due to explosion or ignition.

[0006] Various types of secondary batteries include battery modules in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked and inserted into a case that is provided to protect the battery cells, and battery packs including a plurality of battery modules.

[0007] Here, if a flame breaks out in at least one of the battery cells within the battery module case, the flame can spread to other battery cells, potentially resulting in thermal runaway. Furthermore, if this thermal runaway phenomenon occurs and the flames leak outward, the driver of the electric vehicle could suffer burns or be in a dangerous situation.

[0008] Alternatively, there is a problem in that the battery module or battery pack may be damaged, burned, or explode due to a chain reaction of flames caused by flame propagation, thereby compromising the stability of the battery module or battery pack.

[0009] Accordingly, the technical problem to be achieved by the present invention is to provide a battery module capable of protecting other battery cells in which no flame has occurred when a flame has occurred in one battery cell, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle.

[0010] In addition, the present invention provides a battery module capable of preventing a thermal runaway phenomenon by preventing a chain reaction of flames due to flame propagation, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle.

[0011] In addition, it is to provide a battery module, a battery pack and a vehicle including the same, which do not affect the gas pockets of normal battery cells.

[0012] However, the technical 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.

[0013] According to one aspect of the present invention, a battery module may be provided, including a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; a case in which the battery cell stack is accommodated; and a heat-shrinkable member coupled to the battery cells and shrinkable by heat.

[0014] In one embodiment, the battery cell is a pouch-type battery cell having a terrace portion formed at a portion where an electrode lead is positioned, and the heat-shrinkable member can be coupled to the battery cell at a position close to the terrace portion.

[0015] In one embodiment, the heat shrinkable member may be configured to surround the terrace portion and the electrode lead.

[0016] In one embodiment, the heat shrinkable member is formed in a band shape to wrap around the perimeter of the terrace portion, and an open hole may be formed to expose the electrode lead to the outside.

[0017] In one embodiment, when a flame occurs in an adjacent battery cell, the heat shrinkable member may contract due to the heat of the flame to close the terrace portion and the electrode lead.

[0018] In one embodiment, the heat shrinkable members are provided in a pair, and one pair of the heat shrinkable members can be coupled to both ends of the battery cell.

[0019] In one embodiment, the heat shrinkable member can be fitted and joined to the battery cell.

[0020] In one embodiment, the heat shrinkable member can be bonded to the battery cell.

[0021] In one embodiment, the heat shrinkable member may include an outer portion made of a fire-resistant material; and a heat shrinkable frame that is joined to the outer portion on the inner side of the outer portion and shrinks by heat.

[0022] In one embodiment, the heat shrinkable frame may include an inner portion made of an insulating material and coupled to the heat shrinkable frame on the inside of the heat shrinkable frame.

[0023] In one embodiment, a gas pocket portion is formed in the battery cell, and the heat shrinkable member can be coupled to the battery cell to avoid interference with the gas pocket portion.

[0024] In one embodiment, the heat shrinkable member may be made of a polyolefin material.

[0025] In one embodiment, an upper heat shrinkable member may be bonded to the upper portion of the battery cell stack to cover the upper portion of the battery cell stack.

[0026] Meanwhile, according to another aspect of the present invention, a battery pack including at least one of the aforementioned battery modules may be provided, and further, a vehicle including at least one of the aforementioned battery modules may be provided.

[0027] Embodiments of the present invention have the effect of protecting other battery cells in which no flame has occurred when a flame has occurred in one battery cell.

[0028] Additionally, it has the effect of preventing thermal runaway by preventing a chain reaction of flames due to flame propagation.

[0029] Additionally, it has the effect of not affecting the gas pockets of normal battery cells.

[0030] However, the effects that can be obtained through the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and other technical effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

[0031] 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.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a schematic overall perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing a heat shrinkable member coupled to a battery cell.

[0034] FIG. 3 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing a heat shrinkable member separated from a battery cell.

[0035] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a battery cell in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, with a heat shrinkable member separated from the battery cell.

[0036] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a battery cell in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, and is a front view showing a heat shrinkable member coupled to a battery cell.

[0037] Figure 6 is a perspective view of Figure 5.

[0038] Figure 7 is an enlarged view of part A of Figure 6.

[0039] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a battery cell in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, and is a drawing showing a heat-shrinkable member shrinking due to heat.

[0040] FIG. 9 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a battery module according to a modified embodiment of FIG. 2.

[0041] FIG. 10 is a drawing schematically showing the configuration of a battery pack according to each embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 11 is a drawing for explaining a vehicle including the battery pack of FIG. 10.

[0043] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as limited to their conventional or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted with 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 best explain his or her own invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are only the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and various equivalents and modifications may exist as of the time of this application.

[0044] In the drawings, the sizes of each component or specific parts of that component are exaggerated, omitted, or schematically illustrated for convenience and clarity of explanation. Therefore, the size of each component does not entirely reflect its actual size. If a detailed description of a related known function or configuration is deemed to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, such description will be omitted.

[0045] The term 'joint' or 'connection' as used herein includes not only cases where one member is directly joined or directly connected to another member, but also cases where one member is indirectly joined or indirectly connected to another member through a connecting member.

[0046] FIG. 1 is a schematic overall perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a state in which a heat shrinkable member is coupled to a battery cell, FIG. 3 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a state in which a heat shrinkable member is separated from a battery cell, FIG. 4 is a view illustrating a battery cell in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a heat shrinkable member is separated from a battery cell, FIG. 5 is a view illustrating a battery cell in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a front view illustrating a state in which a heat shrinkable member is coupled to a battery cell, FIG. 6 is a perspective view of FIG. 5, FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a portion A of FIG. 6, and FIG. 8 is a view illustrating a battery cell in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a view illustrating a state in which a heat shrinkable member is contracted due to heat.

[0047] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery cell stack (100), a case (200), and a heat shrinkable member (300).

[0048] A battery cell stack (100) may be configured such that a plurality of battery cells (110) are stacked. The battery cells (110) may have various structures, and further, the plurality of battery cells (110) may be stacked in various ways.

[0049] The battery cell (110) may have a structure in which a plurality of unit cells arranged in the order of positive plate-separator-negative plate or bi-cells arranged in the order of positive plate-separator-negative plate-separator-positive plate-separator-negative plate are stacked according to the battery capacity.

[0050] The battery cell (110) may be equipped with an electrode lead (111). The electrode lead (111) is a type of terminal that is exposed to the outside and connected to an external device, and may be made of a conductive material. The electrode lead (111) may include a positive electrode lead and a negative electrode lead.

[0051] The battery cell (110) may be a pouch-type battery cell (110) in which a terrace portion (112, see FIG. 4) is formed at a portion where the electrode lead (111) is positioned. In addition, when the battery cell (110) is a pouch-type battery cell (110), the heat shrinkable member (300) described below may be coupled to the battery cell (110) at a position close to the terrace portion (112), as shown in FIG. 6.

[0052] A plurality of battery cells (110) can be electrically connected through a bus bar (115). The bus bar (115) can be formed in various shapes.

[0053] The battery cell stack (100) may be provided with a plurality of cartridges (not shown) that accommodate battery cells (110). Each cartridge (not shown) may be manufactured by injection molding of plastic, and a plurality of cartridges (not shown) each having a storage portion capable of accommodating the battery cells (110) may be stacked. A cartridge assembly in which a plurality of cartridges (not shown) are stacked may be provided with a connector element or a terminal element.

[0054] The connector element may include various types of electrical connection components or connecting members for connection to, for example, a BMS (Battery Management System, not shown) that can provide data on the voltage or temperature of the battery cell (110).

[0055] In addition, the terminal element is a main terminal connected to the battery cell (110) and includes a positive terminal and a negative terminal. The terminal element is provided with a terminal bolt so that it can be electrically connected to the outside. Meanwhile, the battery cell (110) may have various shapes.

[0056] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 together, a battery cell stack (100) is housed in a case (200). The case (200) may include an upper case (210) and a lower case (220). In addition, the case (200) surrounds the battery cells (110) and thereby protects the battery cells (110) from external vibrations or shocks.

[0057] The case (200) may include a mica plate formed of mica that has both thermal insulation and heat resistance to prevent flame leakage. Here, the mica plate may include not only a flat mica plate but also a shape that combines flat and curved surfaces. However, the material of the case (200) is not limited thereto.

[0058] The case (200) may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the battery cell stack (100). For example, if the battery cell stack (100) is formed in a hexahedral shape with a rectangular cross-section, the case (200) may also be formed in a hexahedral shape corresponding thereto.

[0059] The case (200) can be manufactured, for example, by bending a metal plate, thereby enabling the case (200) to be manufactured as an integral part. When the case (200) is manufactured as an integral part, the joining process is simplified and simplified. Alternatively, the case (200) may be provided in a detachable form and joined by welding or the like. However, the material of the case (200) is not limited to a metal material.

[0060] Referring to FIGS. 2, 5, and 6, a heat shrinkable member (300) is coupled to a battery cell (110) and is configured to shrink by heat (see FIG. 8). The heat shrinkable member (300) may be configured to wrap around an electrode lead (111) and a terrace portion (112).

[0061] Referring to Fig. 4, the heat shrinkable member (300) can be formed in various shapes, for example, can be formed in a band shape. Referring to Figs. 5 and 6, when the heat shrinkable member (300) is formed in a band shape, the band-shaped heat shrinkable member (300) can be configured to wrap around the electrode lead (111) and the periphery of the terrace portion (112). Here, an open hole (310) can be formed in the band-shaped heat shrinkable member (300) so that the electrode lead (111) is exposed to the outside.

[0062] Referring again to FIG. 4, a gas pocket portion (113, 114) may be formed in the battery cell (110). The gas pocket portion (113, 114) is a portion formed to capture gas generated inside the battery cell (110).

[0063] For example, a gas pocket portion (113) may be formed on the inside of a terrace portion (112) located adjacent to an electrode lead (111), or a gas pocket portion (114) may be formed separately on the upper side of a battery cell (110) as in FIG. 4.

[0064] Here, the heat shrinkable member (300) is configured to be coupled to the battery cell (110) while avoiding interference with the gas pocket portions (113, 114). If the heat shrinkable member (300) interferes with the gas pocket portions (113, 114), there is a problem that the function of the gas pocket portions (113, 114) is deteriorated. Therefore, to prevent this, the heat shrinkable member (300) may be fitted and coupled to the battery cell (110) so as not to interfere with the gas pocket portions (113, 114). Alternatively, the heat shrinkable member (300) may be coupled to the battery cell (110) by bonding so as not to interfere with the gas pocket portions (113, 114).

[0065] Accordingly, even if the heat shrinkable member (300) is coupled to the battery cell (110), a space is secured between the heat shrinkable member (300) and the battery cell (110), so that no flame occurs and gas is smoothly captured by the gas pockets (113, 114) in normal operation of the battery cell (110).

[0066] And, when a flame occurs in any battery cell (110), as shown in Fig. 8, the heat shrinkable member (300) shrinks due to the heat of the flame and wraps around the electrode lead (111) and the terrace portion (112). That is, when a flame occurs in another adjacent battery cell (110), the heat shrinkable member (300) shrinks due to the heat of the flame and closes the electrode lead (111) and the terrace portion (112).

[0067] And, when the heat shrinkable member (300) shrinks and wraps the electrode lead (111) and terrace portion (112) of the battery cell (110), flame or high-temperature gas cannot flow into the inside of the battery cell (110) (the battery cell (110) that operates normally without generating flame), thereby preventing flame propagation and ultimately preventing thermal runaway or explosion.

[0068] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the heat shrinkable member (300) may be provided as a pair, and a pair of heat shrinkable members (300) may be coupled to both ends of the battery cell (110). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the heat shrinkable member (300) may be configured to cover the entire battery cell (110), or may be configured to cover a portion of the battery cell (110).

[0069] Referring to FIG. 7, the heat shrinkable member (300) may include an outer portion (320) and a heat shrinkable frame (330), and may further include an inner portion (340).

[0070] The outer portion (320) is located on the outside and can be made of various types of fire-resistant materials. If the outer portion (320) is made of a fire-resistant material, it can protect a normally functioning battery cell (110) from flames generated from other battery cells (110).

[0071] In addition, the heat shrinkage frame (330) is coupled to the outer part (320) from the inside of the outer part (320) and is configured to shrink by heat. The heat shrinkage frame (330) may include various materials, and for example, may be manufactured including a polyolefin material, but the material of the heat shrinkage frame (330) is not limited thereto.

[0072] And, the inner part (340) is joined to the heat shrink frame (330) on the inside of the heat shrink frame (330) and can be manufactured from various types of insulating materials. The inner part (340) prevents heat from the inside of the battery cell (110) from being transferred to the outside (heat conduction).

[0073] By having the aforementioned configuration, the heat shrinkable member (300) primarily protects the battery cell (110) that is operating normally from an external flame (by the outer part (320) made of a fire-resistant material), and when the heat shrinkable frame (330) contracts due to heat from the flame, it wraps the electrode lead (111) and the terrace part (112), thereby preventing flame or high-temperature gas from flowing into the battery, thereby secondarily protecting the battery cell (110).

[0074] FIG. 9 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a battery module according to a modified embodiment of FIG. 2.

[0075] The modified embodiment of FIG. 9 differs in structure from the first embodiment in that an upper heat-shrinkable member (400) is coupled to the upper portion of the battery cell stack (100). However, the common content described in the first embodiment among the second embodiment is replaced with the description of the first embodiment described above. In addition, the content applicable to the first embodiment among the parts described in the second embodiment can be applied to the first embodiment.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 9, the upper heat shrinkable member (400) is bonded to the upper portion of the battery cell stack (100) so as to cover the upper portion of the battery cell stack (100).

[0077] The upper heat shrinkable member (400) basically has the same basic configuration and features as the heat shrinkable member (300) described above, and protects the battery cell stack (100) within a normally operating battery module (10) from flames generated from another battery module (10). A detailed description of the upper heat shrinkable member (400) is replaced with the description of the heat shrinkable member (300) described above.

[0078] FIG. 10 is a drawing schematically showing the configuration of a battery pack according to each embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 10, a battery pack (20) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes one or more battery modules (10) according to each embodiment described above.

[0080] In addition, the battery pack (20) may further include a pack case (21) for storing the battery module (10), and various devices for controlling charging and discharging of the battery cells (110) stored in the battery module (10), such as a BMS, a current sensor, a fuse, etc.

[0081] FIG. 11 is a drawing for explaining a vehicle including the battery pack of FIG. 10.

[0082] Referring to FIG. 11, a vehicle (30) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery modules (10) or battery packs (20) according to each of the above-described embodiments. Here, the vehicle (30) includes various types of vehicles that are designed to use electricity, such as electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles.

[0083] In this specification, when terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, and right are used, these terms are only for convenience of explanation, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that these terms may vary depending on the location of the target object or the location of the observer.

[0084] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains may make various modifications and variations within the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims to be described below. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed above should be considered in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. In other words, the true scope of the technical spirit of the present invention is set forth in the claims, and all differences within the scope of equivalents thereof should be construed as being included in the present invention.

[0085] The present invention relates to a battery module, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile, and is particularly applicable to industries related to secondary batteries.

Claims

1. A battery cell stack in which multiple battery cells are stacked; A case in which the battery cell stack is stored; and A battery module coupled to the above battery cell and including a heat-shrinkable member that shrinks due to heat.

2. In paragraph 1, The above battery cell is a pouch-type battery cell with a terrace formed at the portion where the electrode lead is located. A battery module characterized in that the heat shrinkable member is coupled to the battery cell at a position close to the terrace portion.

3. In paragraph 2, A battery module characterized in that the heat shrinkable member wraps the terrace portion and the electrode lead.

4. In paragraph 2, A battery module characterized in that the heat shrinkable member is formed in a band shape to wrap around the perimeter of the terrace portion, and an open hole is formed so that the electrode lead is exposed to the outside.

5. In paragraph 2, A battery module characterized in that, when a flame occurs in an adjacent battery cell, the heat shrinkable member contracts due to the heat of the flame, thereby closing the terrace portion and the electrode lead.

6. In paragraph 2, The above heat shrinkable members are provided in pairs. A battery module characterized in that a pair of the heat shrinkable members are joined to both ends of the battery cell.

7. In paragraph 1, A battery module characterized in that the heat shrinkable member is fitted and joined to the battery cell.

8. In paragraph 1, A battery module characterized in that the heat shrinkable member is bonded to the battery cell.

9. In paragraph 1, The above heat shrinkable member is, An outer part made of fire-resistant material; and A battery module characterized in that it includes a heat-shrinkable frame that is joined to the outer part on the inner side of the outer part and shrinks by heat.

10. In paragraph 9, A battery module characterized in that it comprises an inner part made of insulating material and is joined to the heat shrinkable frame on the inner side of the heat shrinkable frame.

11. In paragraph 1, A gas pocket is formed in the above battery cell, A battery module characterized in that the heat shrinkable member is coupled to the battery cell to avoid interference with the gas pocket portion.

12. In paragraph 1, A battery module characterized in that the above heat shrinkable member is made of polyolefin material.

13. In paragraph 1, A battery module characterized in that an upper heat shrinkable member is bonded to the upper portion of the battery cell stack to cover the upper portion of the battery cell stack.

14. A battery pack comprising at least one battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A vehicle comprising at least one battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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