Battery module, battery pack including same, and vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery module comprising: a plurality of battery cells; and a deformation member provided on at least one side of the battery cells and configured to expand in volume in the direction of the one side by changing the shape thereof at a specific temperature or higher.

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. Specifically, the present invention relates to a battery module capable of suppressing heat transmission within the battery module, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle.

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0037366, filed on March 18, 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 batteries 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 pack. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in a battery module or pack can vary depending on the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0005] Meanwhile, since battery cells undergo chemical reactions during charging and discharging, their performance can deteriorate if used in environments above their optimal temperature. Furthermore, if thermal control fails to maintain optimal temperatures, there's a constant risk of unexpected fire or explosion. Furthermore, battery modules are structured to house these cells tightly within the module housing. Therefore, if a thermal event occurs in a single battery cell, the resulting high-temperature gases or flames can spread to adjacent cells, potentially triggering a chain reaction of battery cell explosions, posing a significant risk.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need to develop a structure that can suppress and delay heat propagation so that even if a thermal event occurs in some battery cells within a battery module by clearly separating the battery cells, high-temperature gases or flames are prevented from being transferred to other battery cells within the battery module and causing thermal runaway.

[0007] Accordingly, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a battery module in which the battery cells are clearly separated into compartments so that the propagation of thermal runaway between battery cells can be effectively prevented or delayed.

[0008] Another problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a battery pack and a vehicle including such a battery module.

[0009] 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.

[0010] To solve the above problem, a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a plurality of battery cells; and a deformation member provided on at least one side of the battery cells, the deformation member being configured to change shape when a specific temperature is exceeded and increase in volume in the direction of the one side.

[0011] The above-mentioned deformation member can be made of a shape memory alloy.

[0012] The volume change of the above-mentioned deformation member can be configured to be reversible.

[0013] The plurality of battery cells are stacked in one direction, and the deformation member is provided between adjacent battery cells, so that the gap between a battery cell that has reached a specific temperature or higher and an adjacent battery cell can be configured to increase by deformation of the deformation member.

[0014] The above deformation members may be arranged in multiple numbers along the one direction, and the deformation members that come into contact with the battery cell that has reached the specific temperature or higher may be configured to increase in volume in the one direction, while the remaining deformation members may be configured to decrease in volume in the one direction.

[0015] The above-mentioned deformation member may be configured to contact one side of the battery cell and include a first contact portion having one end and another end, a second contact portion spaced apart from the first contact portion by a predetermined distance and having one end facing the one end of the first contact portion and the other end facing the other end of the first contact portion, and a connecting portion that connects the first contact portion and the second contact portion to each other and is configured to increase the gap between the first contact portion and the second contact portion at a temperature above the specific temperature.

[0016] The above connecting portion may be configured to connect one end of the first contact portion and the other end of the second contact portion to each other.

[0017] The above-mentioned deformable member may have a bending portion configured to be bent at least in part.

[0018] The above-mentioned deformation member may be configured such that the bending portion unfolds above the above-mentioned specific temperature.

[0019] The above-mentioned bending portion may be configured to have elasticity.

[0020] The above deformation member may be provided at the lower portion of the battery cell and configured to separate the battery cell that has reached a specific temperature or higher from the surrounding battery cells.

[0021] That is, a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a plurality of battery cells stacked in one direction; and a deformation member formed of a shape memory alloy plate and provided between the battery cells or at the bottom of each battery cell, wherein the deformation member has at least two bending portions configured to bend in opposite directions, and when the temperature of any one of the battery cells rises above a specific temperature, the bending portions may be unfolded so that the battery cell is spaced apart or separated from the remaining battery cells.

[0022] In addition, the present invention provides a battery pack characterized by including a battery module according to the present invention.

[0023] A battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a module deformation member provided between adjacent battery modules, wherein the battery modules are provided in a plurality and the module deformation member is configured to increase the gap between adjacent battery modules when the gap is greater than a specific temperature.

[0024] A battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a module deformation member provided at a lower portion of the battery module and configured to separate the battery module from surrounding battery modules at a specific temperature or higher, wherein the battery module is provided in a plurality of pieces.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a battery pack comprises a plurality of battery modules stacked in one direction; and a module deformation member formed of a shape memory alloy plate and provided between the battery modules or at the bottom of each battery module, wherein the module deformation member has at least two bending portions configured to bend in opposite directions, and when the temperature of any one of the battery modules rises above a specific temperature, the bending portions may be unfolded so that the battery module is spaced apart or separated from the remaining battery modules.

[0026] And, the present invention provides an automobile characterized by including a battery pack according to the present invention.

[0027] According to one aspect of the present invention, when a thermal event occurs in any battery cell within a battery module, the shape of a deformable member made of a shape memory alloy changes so that the battery cell in which the event occurred can be separated or spaced from other adjacent battery cells.

[0028] That is, according to the above aspect of the present invention, even if a thermal event occurs in some battery cells within a battery module, the heat can be effectively prevented or delayed from transferring to other battery cells within the battery module, thereby causing thermal runaway. This ensures the safety and reliability of the battery module.

[0029] In addition, according to another aspect of the present invention, even if the shape of the deformable member is deformed and the gap between the heating battery cell and other battery cells increases, the volume of the entire battery cell stack can be maintained, thereby ensuring the energy efficiency of the battery module.

[0030] In another aspect of the present invention, a deformable member in contact with a battery cell can be used to detect heat generation above a certain level. Therefore, additional temperature sensing and control components are unnecessary, thereby improving productivity.

[0031] In addition, according to another aspect of the present invention, an event due to thermal runaway phenomenon, such as a fire or explosion, of a battery pack including a plurality of battery modules or a device equipped with the same can be prevented or delayed.

[0032] In addition, the present invention may have various other effects, which will be described in each embodiment configuration, or the description of effects that can be easily inferred by those skilled in the art will be omitted.

[0033] 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.

[0034] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] 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 showing the cross-sectional view taken along line I-I' of Fig. 1.

[0037] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining that a deformation member is deformed when a battery cell included in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention reaches a specific temperature or higher.

[0038] FIGS. 5 and 6 are drawings showing the structure of a deformation member included in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 7 is an internal perspective view of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 8 is a side view of a battery cell and a deformation member included in a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 9 is an internal perspective view illustrating deformation of a deformation member when a battery cell included in a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention reaches a specific temperature or higher.

[0042] FIG. 10 is a side view illustrating deformation of a deformation member when a battery cell included in a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention reaches a specific temperature or higher.

[0043] FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack including a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack to which a module deformation member according to one embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0045] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack to which a module deformation member according to another embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0046] FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] For example, in an embodiment of the present invention, the X-axis direction shown in the drawing may mean the left-right direction, the Y-axis direction may mean the front-back direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction on a horizontal plane (XY plane), that is, the length direction of the battery cell, 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, that is, the height direction of the battery cell.

[0052]

[0053] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. In addition, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, FIG. 3 may be a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I' of FIG. 1. In addition, FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining that a deformation member is deformed when a battery cell included in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention reaches a specific temperature or higher.

[0054] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery cell (100) and a deformation member (200).

[0055] The above battery cell (100) may be provided in multiple units. The multiple battery cells (100) may be provided by being stacked in one direction. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the multiple battery cells (100) may be stacked along the left-right direction (X-axis direction).

[0056] The battery cell (100) may be a pouch-type secondary battery. The battery cell (100) may include an electrode assembly and a cell case (110) that accommodates the electrode assembly. The cell case (110) may accommodate the electrode assembly in a receiving portion, and a periphery of the receiving portion may be heat-sealed to form a sealing portion. The sealing portion may be provided on three of the four sides of the battery cell (100).

[0057] Additionally, a plurality of battery cells (100) may each be provided with an electrode lead (120). The electrode lead (120) is connected to the electrode assembly and may be extended to the outside of the cell case (110) to function as an electrode terminal.

[0058] The electrode leads (120) may be provided as a pair, and the pair of electrode leads (120) may be extended from both ends of the battery cell (100), i.e., in the longitudinal direction (±Y direction). At this time, the pair of electrode leads (120) may be a positive lead and a negative lead. If necessary, the battery cell (100) may have a form in which the two electrode leads (120) are positioned only at one end in the Y-axis direction, for example, only at the end in the +Y-axis direction.

[0059] The battery cell (100) may be provided in a standing state with the surface that does not include the sealing portion facing downward. As illustrated in FIG. 2, a plurality of battery cells (100) may be arranged in a vertical direction (Z-axis direction) and in a parallel manner in the left-right direction (X-axis direction). At this time, the sealing portion of each battery cell (100) may face the front-back direction (Y-axis direction) and the upper direction (+Z-axis direction), and the storage portion may face the left-right direction (X-axis direction). If the battery cells (100) are arranged in this manner, it is easy to control the venting direction to one side, and cooling performance can be secured by performing edge cooling through the surface that does not include the sealing portion.

[0060] The present invention is not limited by the specific type or shape of the battery cell (100), and various battery cells (100) known at the time of filing of the present invention may be employed. In this embodiment, a pouch-type secondary battery with high energy density and easy stacking is used as the target, as shown in the drawing, but it is of course possible for a cylindrical or square secondary battery to be applied as the battery cell (100).

[0061] The above deformation member (200) may be provided on one side of the battery cell (100). For example, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the deformation member (200) may be provided on both left and right sides of the battery cell (100). The deformation member (200) may be configured to be in contact with the receiving portion of the battery cell (100). The deformation member (200) may be provided in a compressed state by the battery cell (100).

[0062] The deformation member (200) may be configured to extend in a long form along the longitudinal direction (front-back direction) of the battery cell (100). The deformation member (200) may be provided to correspond to the length of the deformation member (200). Alternatively, the deformation member (200) may be provided in multiple pieces in one battery cell (100) and may be provided to be spaced apart from each other.

[0063] In addition, the deformation member (200) may be configured to change shape above a specific temperature. In particular, the deformation member (200) may be configured to increase in volume in one direction as the shape of the deformation member (200) changes. As an example, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the deformation member (200) may be provided on both left and right sides of the battery cell (100) and may be configured to change shape above a specific temperature and increase in volume in the left and right directions. The deformation member (200) may be configured to increase in width or length above a specific temperature.

[0064] Here, the specific temperature may mean a temperature higher than the temperature at which the battery cell (100) is repeatedly charged and discharged. For example, the normal operating temperature is approximately 60 degrees, and the specific temperature may be defined as approximately 60 degrees or higher.

[0065] Accordingly, the battery cell (100) that has reached a certain temperature can be separated or spaced apart from another adjacent battery cell (100) as the volume of the deformation member (200) increases.

[0066] In addition, the deformation member (200) may be provided as a metal pad having a thickness thinner than the battery cell (100). The deformation member (200) may be provided as a shape-memory alloy. A shape-memory alloy refers to an alloy that has the property of returning to its original shape before deformation by heating even if it is deformed into another shape. Since the shape-memory alloy remembers its original shape, even if it is deformed by applying force, it can be quickly restored to its original shape with just a little heating.

[0067] Due to the properties of this shape memory alloy, the deformable member (200) is compressed by the battery cell (100) on one side of the battery cell (100) and then receives heat from the battery cell (100) that has reached a certain temperature or higher, and can be restored (deformed) to its original shape by the heat.

[0068] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, when a thermal event occurs in any battery cell (100) within the battery module (10), the shape of the deformable member (200) made of a shape memory alloy changes, so that the battery cell (100) in which the event occurred can be separated or spaced from other adjacent battery cells (100). Accordingly, when a thermal event occurs in any battery cell (100), heat is prevented from being transferred to the adjacent battery cell (100), so that thermal runaway propagation between battery cells (100) can be effectively prevented or delayed. Accordingly, the safety and reliability of the battery module (10) can be guaranteed.

[0069] In addition, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, excessive heat generation of the battery cell (100) can be detected using the deformable member (200) in contact with the battery cell (100). Therefore, additional temperature sensing and control components are unnecessary, and thus productivity can be improved during the manufacturing of the battery module (10).

[0070] Meanwhile, the volume change of the deformable member (200) may be configured to be reversible. That is, the deformable member (200) may be configured to be deformed above a certain temperature and then restored to its original state when the temperature returns to a normal operating temperature. Accordingly, when the problem of excessive heat generation of the battery cell (100) is resolved and the temperature returns to normal, the volume of the deformable member (200) may also return to the state originally compressed by the battery cell (100).

[0071] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the arrangement of the battery cells (100) can be maintained as the deformation member (200) is restored to its original state at a normal operating temperature. This allows for high durability and reliability of the battery module (10).

[0072]

[0073] Meanwhile, a battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a module case (300). The module case (300) may be configured to accommodate a plurality of battery cells (100) and a deformation member (200). Specifically, an internal space may be formed in the module case (300), and a plurality of battery cells (100) and a deformation member (200) may be configured to be accommodated in the internal space.

[0074] Specifically, referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the module case (300) may include a case body (310) and a top plate (320). The case body (310) may be configured such that at least the upper surface is open. For example, the case body (310) may be configured such that the upper surface, front surface, and rear surface are open. That is, the case body (310) may be provided as a U-frame.

[0075] The case body (310) may be made of a metal material having rigidity and heat resistance to physically or chemically protect the received battery cell (100).

[0076] The above top plate (320) may be provided to form the upper surface of the module case (300). The top plate (320) may be coupled to the open upper surface of the case body (310). The top plate (320) may be welded to the case body (310) to be coupled to each other. At this time, the shape in which the top plate (320) and the case body (310) are coupled may be a square tubular shape with the front and back sides open.

[0077] Meanwhile, the module case (300) may include an end plate (330) provided on the open front and rear sides of the case body (310). The end plate (330) may be welded and joined to the case body (310). Meanwhile, although not shown for convenience, the end plate (330) may, for example, have an inner side made of an insulating material and an outer side made of a metal material. In addition, the end plate (330) may partially have holes or slits for exposing components that need to be exposed to the outside, such as a positive terminal and a negative terminal of the battery module (10) or a connector.

[0078] Alternatively, the module case (300) may be manufactured in a monoframe form in which the top plate (320) and the case body (310) 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 (300).

[0079] In addition, referring to FIG. 2, the battery module (10) of the present invention may further include a busbar frame assembly (400). The busbar frame assembly (400) may be provided inside the module case (300) and configured to cover at least one side of the plurality of battery cells (100). In the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the busbar frame assembly (400) may be coupled to the front and rear of the plurality of battery cells (100).

[0080] The busbar frame assembly (400) may include a busbar frame (410) and a plurality of busbars (420). The busbar frame (410) may be arranged to be connected to the front and rear of a plurality of battery cells (100). The busbar frame (410) may have slits through which electrode leads (120) of the battery cells (100) may be drawn out in the +Y-axis or -Y-axis direction. In addition, the busbar frame (410) may be formed of a material having electrical insulation, such as a plastic material, and may be configured to allow a busbar (420) to be attached to an outer surface thereof.

[0081] A plurality of bus bars (420) are provided in the form of bars and are made of a metal material such as copper, aluminum, nickel, etc. as a means for connecting battery cells (100) in series and / or in parallel. The electrode leads (120) of the battery cells (100) pass through slits in the bus bar frame (410) and are drawn outward from the bus bar frame (410), and the portions drawn out in this manner can be attached to the surface of the bus bar (420) by welding or the like.

[0082]

[0083] The change in volume of the deformable member (200) according to one embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0084] As an example, referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, a plurality of battery cells (100) may be stacked in one direction, and a deformation member (200) may be provided between adjacent battery cells (100).

[0085] At this time, at least one deformation member (200) may be included in one battery module (10). A plurality of deformation members (200) may be provided along one direction in which the battery cells (100) are arranged. The one direction may be defined as the direction in which the battery cells (100) are arranged, i.e., the left-right direction (the direction parallel to the X-axis). The deformation member (200) may be provided in a form in which it is arranged for at least one battery cell (100). That is, the deformation member (200) may be configured to group a plurality of battery cells (100). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, a deformation member (200) may be arranged for each battery cell (100), so that the battery cells (100) and the deformation member (200) may be arranged alternately within one battery module (10).

[0086] In addition, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, even when swelling of the battery cell (100) occurs, the deformation member (200) and the battery cell (100) can compress each other to contribute to the structural rigidity of the battery cells (100).

[0087] Specifically, referring to FIG. 3, when the battery cell (100) is in normal operation, the deformation member (200) may be configured to be somewhat compressed by the battery cells (100) provided on both sides of the deformation member (200). At this time, the width of the deformation member (200) may be defined as d0.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 4, the gap between a battery cell (100A) that has reached a specific temperature or higher and an adjacent battery cell (100B) may be configured to increase due to deformation of the deformation member (200). Specifically, the gap between a battery cell (100A) that has reached a specific temperature or higher and an adjacent battery cell (100B) may correspond to the width of the deformation member (200). That is, the deformation members (200A) provided on both sides of the battery cell (100A) that has reached a specific temperature or higher may be deformed to increase in volume (width), thereby increasing the gap between the battery cell (100A) that has reached a specific temperature or higher and the adjacent battery cell (100B). At this time, the width of the deformation members (200A) provided on both sides of the battery cell (100A) that has reached a specific temperature or higher may be defined as d1.

[0089] Meanwhile, the deformation member (200A) in contact with the battery cell (100A) that has reached a certain temperature or higher may be configured such that its volume increases in one direction, while the other remaining deformation member (200B) may have its volume decrease in one direction. At this time, the width of the other remaining deformation member (200B) may be defined as d2.

[0090] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, even if the shape of the deformable member (200) is deformed and the gap (d1) between the heating battery cell (100A) and another battery cell (100B) increases, the volume of the entire stack of battery cells (100) can be maintained, and the appearance of the battery module (10) does not change. Accordingly, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the energy density of the battery module (10) is not affected, so the energy efficiency of the battery module (10) can be secured.

[0091]

[0092] FIGS. 5 and 6 are drawings showing the structure of a deformation member included in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0093] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the structure of the deformation member (200) will be specifically described. The deformation member (200) may include a first contact portion (210), a second contact portion (220), and a connection portion (230). The first contact portion (210) may be configured to be in contact with one side of the battery cell (100). The first contact portion (210) may be configured in a plate shape. Accordingly, the first contact portion (210) may be in surface contact with one side of the battery cell (100). According to the above-described exemplary configuration of the present invention, since the first contact portion (210) is stably supported by one side of the battery cell (100), even if the deformation member (200) is deformed at a specific temperature, a stable support structure with the battery cell (100) can be maintained.

[0094] In addition, the first contact portion (210) may have one end and the other end. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, one end of the first contact portion (210) may refer to an edge of the first contact portion (210) located at the top (+Z-axis direction), and the other end of the first contact portion (210) may refer to an edge of the first contact portion (210) located at the bottom (-Z-axis direction).

[0095] The second contact portion (220) may be configured to be spaced apart from the first contact portion (210) by a predetermined distance. That is, at a specific temperature, the first contact portion (210) and the second contact portion (220) may be configured to be spaced apart from each other by approximately the size d1. The second contact portion (220) may be configured to face the first contact portion (210) in parallel. In addition, the second contact portion (220) may be configured to contact one side of the battery cell (100) and / or the inner side of the module case (300). The second contact portion (220) may be configured in a plate shape. According to the above-described exemplary configuration of the present invention, since the second contact portion (220) is stably supported by one side of the battery cell (100) and / or the module case (300), a stable support structure can be maintained even if the deformation member (200) is deformed at a specific temperature.

[0096] In addition, the second contact portion (220) may have one end facing one end of the first contact portion (210) and the other end facing the other end of the first contact portion (210). For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, one end of the second contact portion (220) may refer to an edge of the second contact portion (220) located at the top (+Z-axis direction) and the other end of the second contact portion (220) may refer to an edge of the second contact portion (220) located at the bottom (-Z-axis direction).

[0097] The connecting portion (230) may be configured to connect the first contact portion (210) and the second contact portion (220) to each other. The connecting portion (230) may be configured to increase the gap between the first contact portion (210) and the second contact portion (220) above a specific temperature. That is, when the temperature is above a specific temperature, both ends of the connecting portion (230) may move in the direction in which the first contact portion (210) and the second contact portion (220) are arranged, so that the gap between the first contact portion (210) and the second contact portion (220) may change from d0 to d1.

[0098] In particular, as in the embodiment illustrated in the drawing, the connecting portion (230) may be configured to connect one end of the first contact portion (210) and the other end of the second contact portion (220) to each other. At this time, the connecting portion (230) may be configured in a plate shape that connects one end of the first contact portion (210) and the other end of the second contact portion (220) to each other. That is, the deformation member (200) may be configured in a Z shape when viewed from the front or rear. The deformation member (200) may be configured in a plate spring shape, for example.

[0099] More specifically, the deformation member (200) may be configured to be bent at least twice. At this time, the deformation member (200) may be provided with a bent portion (B). The bent portion (B) may be formed by bending at least a portion of the deformation member (200). At least two bent portions (B) may be provided. The bent portions (B) may be provided in opposite directions. That is, the deformation member (200) may be configured to be bent at least twice in opposite directions.

[0100] The bending portion (B) may refer to both ends of the connecting portion (230). The bending portion (B) may be provided at a portion where the connecting portion (230) and the first contact portion (210) and / or the second contact portion (220) are connected. That is, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, the bending portion (B) may be provided at the other end of the first contact portion (210) and one end of the second contact portion (220).

[0101] The deformation member (200) may be configured such that the bending portion (B) unfolds when a specific temperature is exceeded. That is, the volume of the deformation member (200) may increase as the bending portion (B) of the deformation member (200) unfolds when the specific temperature is exceeded. Specifically, the bending portion (B) may be configured to have elasticity. For example, the bending portion (B) may be configured to have elasticity according to the compressive force from the battery cell (100). Accordingly, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the deformation member (200) is compressed from the battery cell (100) during normal operation of the battery cell (100), and when the battery cell (100) is abnormally heated and reaches a specific temperature, the bending portion (B) unfolds, so that the width of the deformation member (200) may change from d0 to d1.

[0102] As a more specific embodiment, referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the first contact portion (210) may be configured to contact one side of the battery cell (100) (the right side of the battery cell (100) in FIG. 3), and the second contact portion (220) may be configured to contact the other side of the battery cell (100) (the left side of the battery cell (100) in FIG. 3). In addition, the connecting portion (230) may be configured to connect the lower end of the first contact portion (210) and the upper end of the second contact portion (220). At this time, when the abnormally heated battery cell (100A) reaches a specific temperature or higher, the deformation member (200) may change the gap between the first contact portion (210) and the second contact portion (220) from approximately d0 to d1 or d2. Accordingly, the gap between the abnormally heated battery cell (100A) and the adjacent battery cell (100B) may widen and they may be separated from each other.

[0103]

[0104] Fig. 7 is an internal perspective view of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 8 is a side view of a battery cell and a deformation member included in a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. In addition, Fig. 9 is an internal perspective view for explaining that a deformation member is deformed when a battery cell included in a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention reaches a specific temperature or higher. And, Fig. 10 is a side view for explaining that a deformation member is deformed when a battery cell included in a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention reaches a specific temperature or higher.

[0105] As another embodiment, referring to FIGS. 7 to 10, a deformation member (200) may be provided at the bottom of a battery cell (100). This deformation member (200) may be provided in a compressed state due to the weight of the battery cell (100). The deformation member (200) may be provided for each battery cell (100). At this time, the first contact portion (210) may be configured to contact the bottom surface of the battery cell (100), and the second contact portion (220) may be configured to contact the bottom surface of the module case (300) of the battery cell (100). In addition, the connection portion (230) may be configured to connect the front end of the first contact portion (210) and the rear end of the second contact portion (220).

[0106] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, when the battery cell (100) is in normal operation, the deformation member (200) may be configured to be somewhat compressed by the battery cell (100) provided on the upper portion of the deformation member (200). At this time, the height of the deformation member (200) may be defined as d0.

[0107] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the deformation of the deformation member (200) may be configured to separate a battery cell (100C) that has reached a specific temperature or higher from the surrounding battery cells (100D). Specifically, when the abnormally heated battery cell (100C) reaches a specific temperature or higher, the deformation member (200) may change the gap between the first contact portion (210) and the second contact portion (220) from approximately d0 to d. Accordingly, the abnormally heated battery cell (100C) may be completely separated upward from the other battery cells (100D).

[0108] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, a battery cell (100C) that has abnormally generated heat can be physically separated from the surrounding battery cells (100D) through deformation of a deformable member (200) made of a shape memory alloy. Accordingly, when a thermal event occurs in a battery cell (100C), heat is prevented from being transferred to an adjacent battery cell (100D), so that thermal runaway propagation between battery cells (100) can be effectively prevented or delayed. Accordingly, the safety and reliability of the battery module (10) can be guaranteed.

[0109] In addition, in this case, since only the abnormally heated battery cell (100C) needs to be moved, the structure of the entire battery cell (100) stack may not be significantly changed. Accordingly, the heated battery cell (100C) and other battery cells (100D) can be separated more efficiently.

[0110] That is, a battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of battery cells (100) stacked in one direction; and a deformation member (200) formed of a shape memory alloy plate and provided between the battery cells (100) or at the bottom of each battery cell (100). At this time, the deformation member (200) may have at least two bending portions (B) configured to bend in opposite directions, and when the temperature of any one of the battery cells (100A, 100C) among the battery cells (100) rises above a certain temperature, the bending portions (B) may be unfolded so that the battery cell (100A, 100C) is spaced apart or separated from the remaining battery cells (100B, 100D0).

[0111]

[0112] FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack including a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack to which a module deformation member according to one embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0113] Referring to FIG. 11, 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.

[0114] Meanwhile, the battery pack (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a module deformation member (3). The module deformation member (3) may be provided at least in the module case (300). The module deformation member (3) may be configured to change shape above a specific temperature. In particular, the module deformation member (3) may be configured to increase in volume in one direction as the shape of the module deformation member (3) changes. Accordingly, a battery module (10) that has reached a specific temperature may be spaced apart or separated from another adjacent battery module (10) as the volume of the module deformation member (3) increases.

[0115] Meanwhile, the module deformation member (3) is identical in shape, structure, etc. to the deformation member (200) except that it is provided on at least one side of the module case (300) rather than the battery cell (100), and therefore, the description thereof is replaced with the description of the deformation member (200).

[0116] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, when a thermal event occurs in any battery module (10) within a battery pack (1), the shape of the module deformation member (3) made of a shape memory alloy changes, so that the battery module (10) in which the event occurred can be separated or spaced from another adjacent battery module (10). Accordingly, when a thermal event occurs in any battery module (10), heat is prevented from being transferred to an adjacent battery module (10), so that thermal runaway propagation between battery modules (10) can be effectively prevented or delayed. Accordingly, the safety and reliability of the battery pack (1) can be guaranteed.

[0117] In addition, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, excessive heat generation of the battery module (10) can be detected using the deformable member (200) in contact with the battery module (10). Therefore, additional temperature sensing and control components are unnecessary, and thus productivity can be improved during the manufacture of the battery pack (1).

[0118]

[0119] As a more specific example, referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, a plurality of battery modules (10) may be provided in one direction, and a module deformation member (3) may be provided between adjacent battery modules (10). The module deformation member (3) may be configured to increase the gap between adjacent battery modules (10) above a specific temperature.

[0120] Specifically, referring to FIG. 11, when the battery module (10) is in normal operation, the module deformation member (3) may be configured to be somewhat compressed by the battery modules (10) provided on both sides of the module deformation member (3). In addition, referring to FIG. 12, the gap between the battery module (10) that has reached a specific temperature or higher and the adjacent battery module (10) may be configured to increase due to the deformation of the module deformation member (3). Specifically, the gap between the battery module (10) that has reached a specific temperature or higher and the adjacent battery module (10) may correspond to the width of the module deformation member (3). That is, the module deformation members (3) provided on both sides of the battery module (10) that has reached a specific temperature or higher may be deformed to increase in volume (width), so that the gap between the battery module (10) that has reached a specific temperature or higher and the adjacent battery module (10) may increase.

[0121] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 12, the module deformation member (3) in contact with the battery module (10) that has reached a certain temperature or higher may be configured to increase in volume in one direction, and the other remaining module deformation members (3) may be configured to decrease in volume in one direction.

[0122] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, even if the shape of the module deformation member (3) is deformed and the gap between the heating battery module (10) and another battery module (10) increases, the volume of the entire stack of battery modules (10) can be maintained, and the appearance of the battery pack (1) does not change. Accordingly, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the energy density of the battery pack (1) is not affected, so the energy efficiency of the battery pack (1) can be secured.

[0123]

[0124] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack to which a module deformation member according to another embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0125] As another embodiment, referring to FIG. 13, a module deformation member (3) may be provided at the lower portion of a battery module (10). This module deformation member (3) may be provided in a compressed state due to the weight of the battery module (10). The module deformation member (3) may be provided for each battery module (10).

[0126] Referring to FIG. 13, a battery module (10) that has reached a temperature higher than a certain temperature may be configured to be separated from surrounding battery modules (10) by deformation of a module deformation member (3). Specifically, when an abnormally heated battery module (10) reaches a temperature higher than a certain temperature, as the height of the module deformation member (3) increases, the abnormally heated battery module (10) may be completely separated upward from other battery modules (10).

[0127] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, a battery module (10) that has abnormally generated heat can be physically separated from surrounding battery modules (10) through deformation of a module deformation member (3) made of a shape memory alloy. Accordingly, when a thermal event occurs in a battery module (10), heat is prevented from being transferred to an adjacent battery module (10), so that thermal runaway propagation between battery modules (10) can be effectively prevented or delayed. Accordingly, the safety and reliability of the battery pack (1) can be guaranteed.

[0128] In addition, in this case, since only the abnormally heated battery module (10) needs to be moved, the structure of the entire battery module (10) stack may not be significantly changed. Accordingly, the heated battery module (10) and other battery modules (10) can be separated more efficiently.

[0129]

[0130] That is, a battery pack (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of battery modules (10) stacked in one direction; and a module deformation member (3) formed of a shape memory alloy plate and provided between the battery modules (10) or at the bottom of each battery module (10). At this time, the module deformation member (3) may be provided with at least two bending portions (B) (see FIGS. 5 and 6) configured to bend in opposite directions, and when the temperature of any one of the battery modules (10) rises above a specific temperature, the bending portions (B) may be unfolded so that the battery module (10) is spaced apart or separated from the remaining battery modules (10).

[0131]

[0132] FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0133] Referring to FIG. 14, a vehicle (V) 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 (V) according to the present invention may be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The vehicle (V) includes a four-wheel vehicle and a two-wheel vehicle. The vehicle (V) operates 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 can be made 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 skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains.

Claims

1. Multiple battery cells; and A battery module characterized by including a deformation member provided on at least one side of the battery cell and configured to change shape above a specific temperature and increase volume in the direction of the one side.

2. In paragraph 1, A battery module characterized in that the above-mentioned deformation member is made of a shape memory alloy.

3. In paragraph 1, A battery module configured such that the volume change of the above-mentioned deformation member is reversible.

4. In paragraph 1, The above plurality of battery cells are stacked in one direction, The above deformation member is provided between adjacent battery cells, A battery module characterized in that the gap between a battery cell that has reached a specific temperature or higher and an adjacent battery cell is configured to increase due to deformation of the above-described deformation member.

5. In paragraph 4, The above deformation member is arranged in multiple numbers along the above direction, The deformable member in contact with the battery cell that has reached a temperature higher than the above-mentioned specific temperature increases in volume in the above-mentioned one direction, A battery module characterized in that the remaining deformation members are configured to have a smaller volume in the above-described direction.

6. In paragraph 1, The above deformation member A first contact portion configured to be in contact with one side of the battery cell and having one end and the other end; A second contact portion having one end facing one end of the first contact portion and the other end facing the other end of the first contact portion, and spaced apart from the first contact portion by a predetermined distance; A battery module characterized by having a connecting portion that connects the first contact portion and the second contact portion to each other and is configured to increase the gap between the first contact portion and the second contact portion above the specific temperature.

7. In paragraph 6, A battery module characterized in that the connecting portion is configured to connect one end of the first contact portion and the other end of the second contact portion to each other.

8. In paragraph 1, A battery module characterized in that the above-mentioned deformation member has a bending portion configured to be bent at least in part.

9. In paragraph 8, A battery module characterized in that the above-mentioned deformation member is configured such that the bending portion unfolds above the above-mentioned specific temperature.

10. In paragraph 8, A battery module characterized in that the above-mentioned bending portion is configured to have elasticity.

11. In paragraph 1, A battery module characterized in that the deformation member is provided at the lower portion of the battery cell and is configured to separate the battery cell that has reached a specific temperature or higher from the surrounding battery cells.

12. Multiple battery cells stacked in one direction; and It comprises a shape memory alloy plate and a deformation member provided between the battery cells or at the bottom of each battery cell, The above-mentioned deformation member has at least two bending portions configured to bend in opposite directions, A battery module characterized in that when the temperature of any one of the battery cells rises above a certain temperature, the bending portion unfolds so that the battery cell is separated or separated from the remaining battery cells.

13. A battery pack comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. In paragraph 13, The above battery modules are provided in multiple units, A battery pack further comprising a module deformation member provided between adjacent battery modules and configured to increase the gap between adjacent battery modules above a specific temperature.

15. In paragraph 13, The above battery modules are provided in multiple units, A battery pack further comprising a module deformation member provided at the lower portion of the battery module and configured to separate the battery module from surrounding battery modules at a temperature above a specific temperature.

16. Multiple battery modules stacked in one direction; and It comprises a module deformation member composed of a shape memory alloy plate and provided between the battery modules or at the bottom of each battery module, The above module deformation member has at least two bending portions configured to bend in opposite directions, A battery pack characterized in that when the temperature of any one of the battery modules rises above a certain temperature, the bending portion unfolds so that the battery module is separated or separated from the remaining battery modules.

17. A vehicle characterized by including a battery pack according to any one of claims 13 to 16.

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