Battery module, battery pack comprising same, and vehicle

Abstract

A battery module, and a battery pack and a vehicle comprising same are disclosed. A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells having electrode leads are stacked; a module case in which the battery cell stack is accommodated; and a refractory insulating member surrounding the battery cells.

Description

Battery modules, battery packs containing the same, and vehicles

[0001] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0044066, filed on April 1, 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] If a thermal event occurs in any battery cell within a battery module, flames, gases, or high-temperature particles may spread to other battery cells located nearby.

[0007] Thermal runaway can occur when flames, gases, or high-temperature particles spread to other battery cells or other battery modules, and if the flames leak out due to thermal runaway, 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 in one battery cell from spreading to other neighboring battery cells or other battery modules, and a battery pack and a vehicle including the same.

[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, including a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells having electrode leads are stacked; a module case in which the battery cell stack is accommodated; and a refractory insulating member surrounding the battery cells.

[0014] In one embodiment, the refractory insulating member may be composed of a refractory film.

[0015] In one embodiment, the refractory insulating material may surround the upper side of the battery cell.

[0016] In one embodiment, a refractory coating layer may be formed on the refractory insulating member.

[0017] In one embodiment, the refractory insulating material may include silicone or aramid.

[0018] In one embodiment, the module case includes an upper module case, and a first venting hole may be formed in the upper module case through which flames, gases, or high-temperature particles may be discharged.

[0019] In one embodiment, the refractory insulating member may include a refractory coating application portion where a refractory coating layer is formed; and a refractory coating non-application portion where the refractory coating layer is not applied.

[0020] In one embodiment, the non-refractory coating portion may be formed to correspond to the first venting hole.

[0021] In one embodiment, the non-refractory coating portion may be formed to communicate with the first venting hole.

[0022] In one embodiment, the upper module case can be coupled to a flexible mica cover having a second venting hole formed therein.

[0023] In one embodiment, the battery cell may include a terrace portion where the electrode lead is positioned, and a gas inflow prevention member coupled to the terrace portion to prevent gas from outside the battery cell from flowing into the inside of the battery cell.

[0024] In one embodiment, the gas inflow prevention member may have a curved portion formed in a curved shape so as to guide gas and allow it to flow upward.

[0025] In one embodiment, the gas inflow prevention member may be made of silicone (Si) or polyurethane (PU).

[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 preventing flames, gases or high-temperature particles generated in one battery cell from spreading to other neighboring battery cells or other battery modules.

[0028] Additionally, it has the effect of being able to emit flames, gases or high temperature particles in a preset direction.

[0029] Additionally, it has the effect of preventing thermal runaway by preventing a chain reaction of flames due to flame propagation.

[0030] 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.

[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] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module of Figure 1.

[0034] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a battery cell included in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein a refractory insulating member is separated from the battery cell.

[0035] FIG. 4 is a partially omitted drawing of the front of a battery cell included in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 5 is a drawing viewed along A of Figure 4.

[0037] Figure 6 is a drawing viewed along B of Figure 4.

[0038] FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating a modified embodiment of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating a modified embodiment of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating another modified embodiment of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a battery pack including a battery module 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 one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module of FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a battery cell included in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, in which a fire-resistant insulating member is separated from the battery cell, FIG. 4 is a partially omitted front view of a battery cell included in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is a view taken along line A of FIG. 4, and FIG. 6 is a view taken along line B of FIG. 4.

[0047] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery cell stack (100), a module case (200), and a refractory insulating 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, see FIG. 3). 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] A plurality of battery cells (110) can be electrically connected via a bus bar coupled to an electrode lead (111).

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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).

[0054] 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.

[0055] Referring to Fig. 2, a battery cell stack (100) is housed 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). Here, a first venting hole (211) through which flames, gas, or high-temperature particles can be discharged may be formed in the upper module case (210).

[0056] The module case (200) may include a mica cover (400) made of mica material that has both thermal insulation and heat resistance to prevent flame leakage. Here, the mica cover (400) may be coupled to, for example, the upper module case (210).

[0057] A second venting hole (410) may be formed in the mica cover (400). Here, the second venting hole (410) of the mica cover (400) may be in communication with the first venting hole (211) of the upper module case (210). That is, flames, gases, or high-temperature particles generated from the battery cell (110) may be discharged to the outside of the module case (200) through the first venting hole (211) of the upper module case (210) and the second venting hole (410) of the mica cover (400).

[0058] In a battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention, as described below, since a fire-resistant insulating member (300) is bonded to the battery cell (110) itself, a configuration of a flame-retardant material other than the mica cover (400) is unnecessary.

[0059] Therefore, the process of combining the composition of the flame retardant material and the mica cover (400) is unnecessary, and the work is completed by simply directly combining the mica cover (400) to the upper module case (210), thereby improving the overall workability.

[0060] Meanwhile, the mica cover (400) can be configured in various ways, and for example, can be configured flexibly. That is, the mica cover (400) formed flexibly can be coupled to the upper module case (210). This can have a beneficial effect on bending.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] The module case (200) surrounds the battery cells (110) and thereby protects the battery cells (110) from external vibrations or shocks.

[0065] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4 together, the refractory insulating member (300) is configured to surround the battery cell (110). The refractory insulating member (300) can surround the battery cell (110) at various locations of the battery cell (110), for example, the refractory insulating member (300) can be configured to surround the upper side of the battery cell (110).

[0066] The refractory insulating member (300) may be composed of a refractory film (310). The refractory film (310) is bonded to the upper side of the battery cell (110), thereby protecting the battery cell (110) from flame. The battery cell stack (100) is formed by stacking a plurality of battery cells (110), and a refractory film (310) may be bonded to each individual battery cell (110).

[0067] The refractory insulating member (300) may be formed of a material including silicone or aramid with excellent refractory properties. However, the material of the refractory insulating member (300) is not limited thereto, and various materials with the necessary refractory properties may be used.

[0068] The refractory insulating member (300) can be joined to the battery cell (110) in various ways. For example, it can be joined by bonding, or it can be joined by taping using a taping member (340, see FIG. 3), and various other methods can be applied.

[0069] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 5, a refractory coating layer may be formed on the refractory insulating member (300). And, referring to FIG. 6, the refractory insulating member (300) may include a refractory coating application portion (320) and a refractory coating non-application portion (330).

[0070] The refractory coating application portion (320) is a portion where a refractory coating layer is formed. The refractory coating layer is composed of layers coated with various materials capable of withstanding flame.

[0071] In addition, the non-refractory coating portion (330) is a portion where the refractory coating layer is not applied. When the non-refractory coating portion (330) is formed in this way, if the refractory insulating member (300) melts due to a flame generated from any battery cell (110), flames, gas, or high-temperature particles may be discharged to the outside through the non-refractory coating portion (330).

[0072] To this end, the non-refractory coating portion (330) may be formed to correspond to the first venting hole (211). The non-refractory coating portion (330) may be connected to the first venting hole (211), and for this purpose, the non-refractory coating portion (330) may be formed to have various shapes or sizes.

[0073] To explain this again, when a flame occurs in a battery cell (110), the battery cell (110) is protected by the refractory insulating member (300). However, if the temperature of the flame rises above a preset temperature, the refractory insulating member (300) will eventually burn or melt.

[0074] At this time, the refractory coating layer combined with the refractory insulating member (300) secondarily protects the battery cell (110) from the flame. However, the refractory coating-free portion (330) where the refractory coating layer is not formed is burned or melted by the flame, a hole is formed in that portion, and flames, gas, or high-temperature particles move through the hole created by the refractory coating-free portion (330) melting or burning.

[0075] Here, if the non-refractory coating portion (330) is connected to the first venting hole (211), and the first venting hole (211) is connected to the second venting hole (410), flames, gases, or high-temperature particles generated from any battery cell (110) can be discharged to the outside through the hole formed in the non-refractory coating portion (330), the first venting hole (211), and the second venting hole (410). Accordingly, the flames, gases, or high-temperature particles can be discharged in a preset direction rather than being transmitted to other battery cells (110) arranged nearby.

[0076] Here, the battery pack (20, see FIG. 9) described below 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] And, as described above, flames, gases or high-temperature particles generated from any battery cell (110) can be discharged to the outside through the hole formed in the non-refractory coating-applied portion (330), the first venting hole (211) and the second venting hole (410), and then 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 not only prevents flames, gases, or high-temperature particles generated from one battery cell (110) from spreading to other neighboring battery cells (110) or other battery modules (10), but also has the effect of enabling directional venting that can discharge flames, gases, or high-temperature particles in a preset direction (a direction intended by the designer).

[0079] In addition, it has the effect of preventing thermal runaway phenomenon by preventing chain reaction of flames due to flame propagation.

[0080] FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating a modified embodiment of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating a modified embodiment of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating another modified embodiment of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0081] Among the contents described in the above-described embodiment, the contents applicable to the modified embodiment also apply to the modified embodiment, and therefore, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, among the contents described in this modified embodiment, the contents applicable to the above-described embodiment may also be applied to the above-described embodiment.

[0082] Referring to Fig. 7, a terrace portion (112), which is a portion where an electrode lead (111) is positioned, may be formed in a battery cell (110). In addition, a gas inflow prevention member (500) may be coupled to the terrace portion (112).

[0083] In this way, when a gas inflow prevention member (500) is combined with the terrace portion (112) of the battery cell (110), gas from outside the battery cell (110) can be prevented from flowing into the inside of the battery cell (110).

[0084] For example, if a thermal event occurs in any battery cell (110), flames, gases, or high-temperature particles may flow into the battery cell (110) through the terrace portion (112) of the battery cell (110) where the thermal event did not occur.

[0085] However, when the gas inflow prevention member (500) is coupled to the terrace portion (112) of the battery cell (110), flame, gas, or high-temperature particles can be prevented from entering the inside of the battery cell (110).

[0086] The gas inflow prevention member (500) can be formed in various shapes, for example, it can be formed in a square plate shape as shown in FIG. 7, but the shape is not limited thereto.

[0087] In addition, the gas inflow prevention member (500) can be made of various materials, for example, it can be made of silicone (Si) or polyurethane (PU, polyurethane), but is not limited thereto.

[0088] When the gas inflow prevention member (500) is made of silicone or polyurethane, it has the effect of reducing heat conduction from external flames, gases, or high-temperature particles.

[0089] Referring to FIG. 8, a refractory insulating member (300) can be connected to a corner (see part a of FIG. 8) of a battery cell (110) and connected to a gas inflow prevention member (500), thereby more reliably preventing gas inflow.

[0090] Referring to FIG. 8, the refractory insulating member (300) is extended to cover the corner portion of the battery cell (110), but as a modified embodiment, the gas inflow prevention member (500) may be extended to cover the corner portion of the battery cell (110).

[0091] Referring to Fig. 9, the gas inflow prevention member (500) may be formed with a curved portion (510) in a curved shape so as to guide gas and allow it to flow upward. That is, external flames, gas, or high-temperature particles may collide with the curved portion (510) of the gas inflow prevention member (500) and move upward, and may be discharged to the outside of the module case (200) through the first venting hole (211) of the upper module case (210) and the second venting hole (410) of the mica cover (400).

[0092] Meanwhile, in the case of FIG. 9, a refractory insulating member (300) may be combined with a corner portion (corresponding to portion a of FIG. 8) of the battery cell (110) and connected to a gas inflow prevention member (500).

[0093] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a battery pack including a battery module according to each embodiment of the present invention.

[0094] Referring to FIG. 10, 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.

[0095] 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) included in the battery module (10), such as a BMS, a current sensor, a fuse, etc.

[0096] FIG. 11 is a drawing for explaining a vehicle including the battery pack of FIG. 10.

[0097] Referring to FIG. 11, 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.

[0098] Here, the above-mentioned automobile (30) includes various automobiles that are designed to use electricity, such as electric automobiles or hybrid automobiles.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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 a plurality of battery cells equipped with electrode leads are stacked; A module case in which the battery cell stack is stored; and A battery module including a refractory insulating material surrounding the battery cell.

2. In paragraph 1, A battery module characterized in that the above refractory insulating member is composed of a refractory film.

3. In paragraph 1, A battery module characterized in that the above-mentioned refractory insulating material surrounds the upper side of the battery cell.

4. In paragraph 1, A battery module characterized in that a refractory coating layer is formed on the refractory insulating member.

5. In paragraph 1, A battery module characterized in that the above-mentioned refractory insulating member is formed of a material including silicone or aramid.

6. In paragraph 1, The above module case includes an upper module case, A battery module characterized in that a first venting hole is formed in the upper module case through which flames, gas, or high-temperature particles can be discharged.

7. In paragraph 6, The above refractory insulating material is, A refractory coating application portion having a refractory coating layer formed thereon; and A battery module characterized by including a non-refractory coating portion to which the refractory coating layer is not applied.

8. In paragraph 7, A battery module characterized in that the above refractory coating non-applied portion is formed to correspond to the first venting hole.

9. In paragraph 8, A battery module characterized in that the above refractory coating non-applied portion is formed to be in communication with the first venting hole.

10. In paragraph 6, A battery module characterized in that the upper module case is coupled to a flexible mica cover in which a second venting hole is formed.

11. In paragraph 1, The above battery cell has a terrace portion formed where the electrode lead is located, A battery module characterized by including a gas inflow prevention member coupled to the terrace section to prevent gas outside the battery cell from flowing into the inside of the battery cell.

12. In paragraph 11, A battery module characterized in that the above gas inflow prevention member has a curved portion formed in a curved shape to guide gas and allow it to flow upward.

13. In paragraph 11, A battery module characterized in that the above gas inflow prevention member is made of silicon (Si) or polyurethane (PU, polyurethane).

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

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

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