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 an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; a module case housing the battery cell stack; and flame retardant pads disposed between the plurality of battery cells inside the module case, wherein a cut part is provided at one end of each flame retardant pad.

Description

Battery modules, battery packs containing the same, and vehicles

[0001] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0037140, filed on March 18, 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 preventing the propagation of flames, gases, or high-temperature particles, 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] In conventional battery modules, refractory pads are placed between battery cells housed within the module and adjacent battery cells. However, due to manufacturing errors, the module case and the refractory pads do not adhere closely to each other. This results in a gap forming between the module case and the refractory pads. In the event of a thermal event, flames or gases can spread through the gap to other battery cells placed nearby.

[0007] If the flame or gas spreads to other battery cells or other battery modules, a thermal runaway phenomenon may occur, and if the flame leaks out due to the thermal runaway phenomenon, there is a problem that the driver of the electric vehicle may be burned or put in a dangerous situation.

[0008] Alternatively, there is a problem in that the battery module or battery pack is damaged or burned down by a chain reaction of flames caused by flame propagation, making it impossible to secure 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 preventing flames, gases or high-temperature particles generated from one battery cell from spreading to other neighboring battery cells or other battery modules, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile.

[0010] In addition, a battery module capable of emitting flames, gases or high-temperature particles in a preset direction, a battery pack including the same and a vehicle are provided.

[0011] 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.

[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, comprising: a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; a module case in which the battery cell stack is accommodated; and a flame suppression pad disposed between the plurality of battery cells inside the module case, wherein a cutout is formed at one end of the flame suppression pad.

[0014] In one embodiment, the cutout may be formed on the upper side of the flame suppression pad.

[0015] In one embodiment, the module case includes an upper module case, and when the upper module case comes into contact with the flame suppression pad, the cut portion opens and can be brought into close contact with the upper module case.

[0016] In one embodiment, the flame suppression pad can be opened outward by the cut portion.

[0017] In one embodiment, the flame suppression pad is divided into a first pad portion and a second pad portion based on the cut portion, and the first pad portion and the second pad portion can be separated such that the ends of the first pad portion and the ends of the second pad portion face away from each other.

[0018] In one embodiment, the first direction-adjusting coupling member may be coupled to the inner side of the first pad portion and the second pad portion so as to adjust the direction in which the first pad portion and the second pad portion are opened.

[0019] In one embodiment, the first directional control coupling member may be a sheet.

[0020] In one embodiment, the flame suppression pad can be opened inward by the cut portion.

[0021] In one embodiment, the flame suppression pad is divided into a first pad portion and a second pad portion based on the cut portion, and the end portion of the first pad portion and the end portion of the second pad portion can be opened while in contact with each other.

[0022] In one embodiment, the first pad portion and the second pad portion may include a second direction-adjusting coupling member coupled to the outer side of the first pad portion and the second pad portion so as to adjust the direction in which the first pad portion and the second pad portion are opened.

[0023] In one embodiment, the second directional control coupling member may be a sheet.

[0024] In one embodiment, the flame suppression pad may be made of a heat-resistant material.

[0025] In one embodiment, the flame suppression pad may be formed of a silicone-based material.

[0026] In one embodiment, the module case may be formed integrally.

[0027] Meanwhile, according to another aspect of the present invention, a battery pack including the above-described battery module can be provided, and further, a vehicle including the above-described battery module can be provided.

[0028] Embodiments of the present invention have the effect of preventing flames, gases or high-temperature particles generated in one battery cell from spreading to other neighboring battery cells or other battery modules.

[0029] Additionally, it has the effect of being able to emit flames, gases or high temperature particles in a preset direction.

[0030] Additionally, it has the effect of preventing thermal runaway by preventing a chain reaction of flames due to flame propagation.

[0031] However, the effects that can be obtained through the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and other technical effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

[0032] 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.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a schematic overall perspective view of a battery module according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to a first embodiment of the present invention, in which the upper module case is separated from the side module case.

[0035] Figure 3 is an enlarged view of part A of Figure 2.

[0036] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to a first embodiment of the present invention, in which an upper module case is coupled to a side module case.

[0037] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of part B of Figure 4.

[0038] Figures 6 and 7 illustrate a process in which a flame suppression pad is opened as a modified embodiment of Figure 5.

[0039] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to a second embodiment of the present invention, in which an upper module case is coupled to a side module case.

[0040] Figure 9 is an enlarged view of part C of Figure 8.

[0041] Figures 10 and 11 illustrate a process in which a flame suppression pad is opened as a modified embodiment of Figure 9.

[0042] Fig. 12 is an enlarged view of the upper side of the flame suppression pad in a battery module according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a battery pack including a battery module according to each embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 14 is a drawing for explaining a vehicle including the battery pack of FIG. 13.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] FIG. 1 is a schematic overall perspective view of a battery module according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which an upper module case is separated from a side module case, FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of part A of FIG. 2, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which an upper module case is coupled to a side module case, and FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of part B of FIG. 4.

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, a battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery cell stack (100), a module case (200), and a flame suppression pad (300).

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] The battery cell (110) may be equipped with an electrode lead. The electrode lead 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 may include a positive electrode lead and a negative electrode lead.

[0053] A plurality of battery cells (110) can be electrically connected via a bus bar (not shown). However, the bus bar is not shown in the drawing.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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).

[0056] 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.

[0057] A battery cell stack (100) is stored in a module case (200). In addition, the module case (200) may include an upper module case (210), a lower module case (220), and a side module case (230).

[0058] The module case (200) surrounds the battery cells (110) and thereby protects the battery cells (110) from external vibrations or shocks.

[0059] The module 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 having a mixture of flat and curved surfaces.

[0060] The module 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 module case (200) may also be formed in a hexahedral shape corresponding thereto.

[0061] The module case (200) can be manufactured, for example, by bending a metal plate, thereby forming the module case (200) as an integral part. When the module case (200) is manufactured as an integral part, the joining process is simplified and simplified. Alternatively, the module case (200) may be provided in a detachable form and joined by welding or the like. However, the material of the module case (200) is not limited to a metal material.

[0062] When the module case (200) is formed as an integral body or joined by welding, an adhesive is unnecessary, so that even if the temperature inside the battery module (10) rises, the upper module case (210) does not separate from the side module case (230), thereby preventing flames, gases, or high-temperature particles from being emitted all at once in an undesirable direction.

[0063] The flame suppression pad (300) blocks flames, gases, or high-temperature particles generated from any battery cell (110) from spreading to other battery cells (110). To this end, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 , the flame suppression pad (300) may be placed between a plurality of battery cells (110) within the module case (200). For example, the flame suppression pad (300) may be placed between four battery cells (110), but is not limited thereto.

[0064] Here, the flame suppression pads (300) may be arranged at equal intervals or may be arranged at different intervals.

[0065] The flame suppression pad (300) can be formed of various materials, and for example, can be made of a heat-resistant material to prevent the transfer of flame and heat generated from the battery cell (110). For example, the flame suppression pad (300) can be formed of a silicone-based material.

[0066] Here, the flame suppression pad (300) may be formed from a silicone foam pad. The silicone foam pad is a foam pad with internal pores, has high thermal and chemical stability, and possesses excellent flame retardancy and thermal insulation properties. Therefore, when the flame suppression pad (300) is formed from a silicone foam pad, the propagation of flames, gases, or high-temperature particles can be reliably prevented.

[0067] In addition, the flame suppression pad (300) may also play a role in absorbing swelling when swelling (a phenomenon in which the battery cell (110) swells) occurs in the battery cell (110).

[0068] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, a cut portion (400) may be formed at one end of the flame suppression pad (300). Here, the flame suppression pad (300) is divided into a first pad portion (310) and a second pad portion (320) based on the cut portion (400), and may be configured such that the first pad portion (310) and the second pad portion (320), that is, two pad portions, are combined. In FIG. 2, the first pad portion (310) is positioned on the left side of the cut portion (400), and the second pad portion (320) is positioned on the right side of the cut portion (400).

[0069] In addition, the cut portion (400) may be formed at one end of the flame suppression pad (300), for example, at the upper end. Here, the first pad portion (310) and the second pad portion (320) may be joined in various ways, for example, by bonding, but are not limited thereto.

[0070] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, before the upper module case (210) is coupled to the side module case (230), the cut portion (400) of the flame suppression pad (300) does not open, and the first pad portion (310) and the second pad portion (320) are in contact with each other. However, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, when the upper module case (210) is coupled to the side module case (230), the cut portion (400) of the flame suppression pad (300) opens.

[0071] That is, when the upper module case (210) comes into contact with the flame suppression pad (300) and pressurizes the flame suppression pad (300), the cut portion (400) opens and the upper end of the flame suppression pad (300) comes into close contact with the upper module case (210).

[0072] Here, referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the flame suppression pad (300) is opened outward by the cut portion (400). That is, the first pad portion (310) and the second pad portion (320) are opened so that the end portions of the first pad portion (310) and the end portions of the second pad portion (320) face away from each other. That is, with reference to FIG. 5, the end portion of the first pad portion (310) is opened so as to face the left, and the end portion of the second pad portion (320) is opened so as to face the right.

[0073] In this way, when the flame suppression pad (300) is pressurized by the upper module case (210), and the first pad part (310) and the second pad part (320) are spread outward so that the end of the first pad part (310) and the end of the second pad part (320) face away from each other by the cut part (400), one end of the flame suppression pad (300), for example, the upper end, can be brought into close contact with the upper module case (210).

[0074] In this way, when the upper end of the flame suppression pad (300) is in close contact with the upper module case (210), flames, gases, or high-temperature particles generated from any battery cell (110) are blocked by the flame suppression pad (300) and the upper module case (210).

[0075] That is, the above configuration can prevent flames, gases or high-temperature particles from being transmitted to other battery cells (110).

[0076] Meanwhile, the battery pack (20, see FIG. 13) described later may include a pack case (21), and the pack case (21) may include an upper pack case (22), and a space may be formed between the upper pack case (22) and the upper module case (210).

[0077] In addition, flames, gases or high-temperature particles generated from any battery cell (110) can be discharged in a preset direction through the space between the upper pack case (22) and the upper module case (210).

[0078] Accordingly, the battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention has the effect of enabling directional venting that can discharge flames, gas, or high-temperature particles in the direction intended by the designer.

[0079] Figures 6 and 7 illustrate a process in which a flame suppression pad is opened as a modified embodiment of Figure 5.

[0080] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the first direction-adjusting coupling member (500) can be coupled to the inner side of the first pad portion (310) and the second pad portion (320) so as to adjust the direction in which the first pad portion (310) and the second pad portion (320) open.

[0081] Here, the first direction control coupling member (500) can be configured in various ways, and may be, for example, various types of sheet metal, but is not limited thereto.

[0082] That is, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, when the first direction-adjusting coupling member (500) is coupled to the inner side of the first pad portion (310) and the inner side of the second pad portion (320), respectively, when the flame suppression pad (300) is pressurized by the upper module case (210), the first direction-adjusting coupling member (500) provides a force that suppresses deformation of the first pad portion (310) and the second pad portion (320), so that the first pad portion (310) and the second pad portion (320) receive more force toward the outside.

[0083] Accordingly, as shown in Fig. 7, the first pad portion (310) and the second pad portion (320) are opened outwardly away from each other.

[0084] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to a second embodiment of the present invention, in which an upper module case is coupled to a side module case, and FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of portion C of FIG. 8.

[0085] The second embodiment of the present invention differs in structure from the first embodiment in that the direction in which the first pad portion (310) and the second pad portion (320) are opened differs from the first embodiment. However, the common content of the second embodiment and the portion described in the first embodiment are replaced with the description of the first embodiment described above. In addition, the content applicable to the first embodiment among the portions described in the second embodiment can be applied to the first embodiment.

[0086] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the flame suppression pad (300) is opened by the cut portion (400). That is, it can be configured to be opened while the end portion of the first pad portion (310) and the end portion of the second pad portion (320) are in contact with each other (see part a of FIG. 9).

[0087] In this way, when the flame suppression pad (300) is pressurized by the upper module case (210) and the end of the first pad part (310) and the end of the second pad part (320) are opened while in contact with each other by the cut part (400), one end of the flame suppression pad (300), for example, the upper end, can be brought into close contact with the upper module case (210).

[0088] In this way, when one end of the flame suppression pad (300) is in close contact with the upper module case (210), flames, gases, or high-temperature particles generated from any battery cell (110) are blocked by the flame suppression pad (300) and the upper module case (210).

[0089] Figures 10 and 11 illustrate a process in which a flame suppression pad is opened as a modified embodiment of Figure 9.

[0090] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the second direction-adjusting coupling member (600) can be coupled to the outer side of the first pad portion (310) and the second pad portion (320) so as to adjust the opening direction of the first pad portion (310) and the second pad portion (320).

[0091] Here, the second direction control coupling member (600) can be configured in various ways, and may be, for example, various types of sheet metal, but is not limited thereto.

[0092] That is, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, when the second direction-adjusting coupling member (600) is coupled to the outer side of the first pad portion (310) and the outer side of the second pad portion (320), respectively, when the flame suppression pad (300) is pressurized by the upper module case (210), the second direction-adjusting coupling member (600) provides a force that suppresses deformation of the first pad portion (310) and the second pad portion (320), so that the first pad portion (310) and the second pad portion (320) receive more force inward.

[0093] By this, the first pad portion (310) and the second pad portion (320) can be configured to be opened so that the end of the first pad portion (310) and the end of the second pad portion (320) are in contact with each other.

[0094] FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of the upper side of the flame suppression pad (300) in the battery module (10) according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0095] The third embodiment of the present invention differs from the first and second embodiments in that the flame suppression pad (300) is formed by a single pad portion instead of two pad portions. However, in the third embodiment, any content common to that described in the first or second embodiment is replaced by the description of the first or second embodiment described above. In addition, any content applicable to the first or second embodiment among the portions described in the third embodiment may be applied to the first or second embodiment.

[0096] As described above, referring to FIG. 12, the flame suppression pad (300) is composed of one pad portion, not two pad portions. However, a cut portion (400) is formed at one end of the one pad portion, for example, the upper end, so that the flame suppression pad (300) can be opened.

[0097] And, when the upper module case (210) comes into contact with the flame suppression pad (300) and pressurizes the flame suppression pad (300), the cut portion (400) opens and the upper end of the flame suppression pad (300) comes into close contact with the upper module case (210), which is common to the first or second embodiment described above, and is therefore replaced with the description described above.

[0098] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a battery pack including a battery module according to each embodiment of the present invention.

[0099] Referring to FIG. 13, a battery pack (20) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery modules (10) according to each embodiment of the present invention described above.

[0100] 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 cylindrical battery cells (110) included in the battery module (10), such as a BMS, a current sensor, a fuse, etc.

[0101] FIG. 14 is a drawing for explaining a vehicle including the battery pack of FIG. 13.

[0102] Referring to FIG. 14, a vehicle (30) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery modules (10) according to each embodiment of the present invention described above or one or more battery packs (20) according to each embodiment of the present invention described above. Here, the battery pack (20) may include one or more battery modules (10) according to each embodiment of the present invention described above.

[0103] Here, the above-mentioned automobile (30) includes various automobiles that are designed to use electricity, such as electric automobiles or hybrid automobiles.

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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 module case in which the battery cell stack is stored; and It includes a flame suppression pad arranged between a plurality of battery cells inside the above module case, A battery module characterized in that a cut portion is formed at one end of the flame suppression pad.

2. In paragraph 1, A battery module characterized in that the above-mentioned cut portion is formed on the upper side of the flame suppression pad.

3. In paragraph 2, The above module case includes an upper module case, A battery module characterized in that when the upper module case comes into contact with the flame suppression pad, the cut portion opens and comes into close contact with the upper module case.

4. In paragraph 3, A battery module characterized in that the flame suppression pad is opened outward by the cut portion.

5. In paragraph 4, A battery module characterized in that the flame suppression pad is divided into a first pad portion and a second pad portion based on the cut portion, and the first pad portion and the second pad portion are separated so that the ends of the first pad portion and the ends of the second pad portion face away from each other.

6. In paragraph 5, A battery module characterized by including a first direction-adjusting coupling member coupled to the inner side of the first pad portion and the second pad portion so as to adjust the direction in which the first pad portion and the second pad portion are opened.

7. In paragraph 6, A battery module characterized in that the first direction-adjusting coupling member is a sheet.

8. In paragraph 3, A battery module characterized in that the flame suppression pad is opened inward by the cut portion.

9. In paragraph 8, A battery module characterized in that the flame suppression pad is divided into a first pad portion and a second pad portion based on the cut portion, and the end of the first pad portion and the end of the second pad portion are opened while in contact with each other.

10. In paragraph 9, A battery module characterized by including a second direction-adjusting coupling member coupled to the outer side of the first pad portion and the second pad portion so as to adjust the direction in which the first pad portion and the second pad portion are opened.

11. In paragraph 10, A battery module characterized in that the second direction-adjusting coupling member is a sheet.

12. In paragraph 1, A battery module characterized in that the above flame suppression pad is made of a heat-resistant material.

13. In paragraph 12, A battery module characterized in that the above flame suppression pad is formed of a silicone-based material.

14. In paragraph 1, A battery module characterized in that the above module case is formed integrally.

15. A battery pack comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. A vehicle comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

Images