Battery module

Abstract

A battery module is disclosed. The battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a case providing a space therein and provided with a top plate; battery cells disposed inside the case; and a flexible cover covering the top plate, and provided with a plurality of holes.

Description

battery module

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module.

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0053426, filed April 22, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] As demand for portable electronic devices such as smartphones, tablet PCs, and smartwatches increases significantly and electric vehicles become increasingly widespread, research is actively being conducted on the batteries used in these devices, especially secondary batteries that can be repeatedly charged and discharged.

[0004] Currently commercialized secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and lithium secondary batteries. Among these, lithium secondary batteries are receiving attention for their advantages of being able to charge and discharge freely, having a very low self-discharge rate, and having a high energy density, as they have almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based secondary batteries.

[0005] These lithium secondary batteries primarily use lithium oxide and carbon materials as the positive and negative electrode active materials, respectively. Lithium secondary batteries comprise an electrode assembly comprising positive and negative plates coated with the positive and negative electrode active materials, respectively, with a separator interposed between them, and an outer case, i.e., a battery case, that seals and encloses the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte.

[0006] In general, lithium secondary batteries can be classified into can-type secondary batteries in which the electrode assembly is built into a metal can and pouch-type secondary batteries in which the electrode assembly is built into a pouch of an aluminum laminate sheet, depending on the shape of the outer packaging material.

[0007] Recently, secondary batteries are widely used for power and energy storage not only in small devices such as portable electronic devices but also in medium- to large-sized devices such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS). Multiple secondary batteries can be electrically connected and housed within a module case to form a single battery module. Each secondary battery within a battery module can be referred to as a battery cell. Furthermore, multiple such battery modules can be connected to form a single battery pack.

[0008] However, when a battery pack contains multiple battery modules, each of which contains multiple battery cells, it may be vulnerable to a thermal chain reaction between battery modules or between battery cells. For example, if an event such as thermal runaway occurs within a single battery module, the propagation of this thermal runaway to other battery modules or cells must be prevented. If the propagation of thermal runaway between battery modules or cells is not properly prevented, an event occurring in a specific battery module or battery cell may trigger a chain reaction of thermal reactions in other battery modules or cells, potentially causing an explosion or fire, or potentially increasing its scale.

[0009] In particular, if an event such as thermal runaway occurs in a single battery module, gas or flames may be randomly discharged to the outside. If the discharge of gas or flames is not properly controlled, there is a risk that the gas or flames may be discharged toward other battery modules, causing a thermal chain reaction in the other battery modules. In particular, the front side of the battery module may have module terminals, which may be configured to electrically connect to other battery modules or battery packs, such as module bus bars. Therefore, if flames are discharged toward the front side of such a battery module, the module terminals may be damaged within the battery pack, causing an electrical short. Furthermore, since other battery modules may be present at the front side of the battery module, if flames are discharged toward the front side of a specific battery module, the discharged flames may easily spread to other battery modules, potentially causing a fire to spread between battery modules.

[0010] Failure to properly control thermal transfer between battery modules or battery cells can lead to a sudden voltage drop in the battery module or battery pack. This can lead to a sudden shutdown of the device equipped with the battery module or battery pack, resulting in unexpected damage. For example, if a voltage drop in a battery pack occurs suddenly while an electric vehicle is in operation, there is no time to move the vehicle to a safe location.

[0011] Moreover, if thermal propagation between battery modules or cells fails to be properly controlled, resulting in a sudden fire or explosion, there is a high possibility of causing casualties. For example, if thermal runaway occurs in an electric vehicle, if a certain amount of time is not allowed for a full-blown fire to develop, occupants may not be able to escape safely.

[0012] Accordingly, the present invention has been created to solve the above problems, and its purpose is to provide a battery module having an improved structure so as to appropriately control the emission of flames and the like generated inside the battery module, and a battery pack and automobile including the same.

[0013] Additionally, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, a battery module or battery pack capable of suppressing the emission of ignitable particles can be provided.

[0014] 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.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention to achieve the above purpose, a battery module may include a case providing a space therein and having a top plate; a battery cell positioned inside the case; and a flexible cover covering the top plate and having a plurality of holes.

[0016] Additionally, the top plate may have a plurality of venting holes.

[0017] Additionally, the flexible cover may be configured to allow venting gas to pass through and capture particles when a thermal event occurs.

[0018] Additionally, the case includes a side plate extending downward from the top plate, and the flexible cover can be extended to cover the side plate.

[0019] Additionally, the side plate and the flexible cover may extend along the edge of the top plate.

[0020] Additionally, the battery module may further include an adhesive member that combines the flexible cover and the side plate.

[0021] In addition, the adhesive member is provided in plurality, and the plurality of adhesive members can be spaced apart along the edge of the top plate.

[0022] Additionally, the case may include an end cover positioned below the top plate, the flexible cover extending to cover the side plate, and the battery module may further include a fastening member that couples the flexible cover to the end cover.

[0023] In addition, a battery pack according to another aspect of the present invention for achieving the above-described purpose includes a battery module according to the present invention.

[0024] In addition, according to another aspect of the present invention for achieving the above purpose, a vehicle includes a battery module according to the present invention.

[0025] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, when gas or flame is generated inside a battery module, the discharge of such gas or flame can be appropriately controlled.

[0026] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, the electrical safety of a battery module can be improved.

[0027] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, emission of ignitable particles can be suppressed.

[0028] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, heat propagation can be suppressed.

[0029] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, the transmission of a thermal event due to a flame or gas external to the battery module can be suppressed.

[0030] 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.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 2 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of the battery module of Figure 1.

[0033] Figure 3 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of the battery module of Figure 2.

[0034] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 5 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of the battery pack of Figure 4.

[0036] Figure 6 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of the battery pack of Figure 5.

[0037] Fig. 7 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line B-B' of Fig. 5.

[0038] Figure 8 is a drawing showing a modified embodiment of Figure 7.

[0039] Figure 9 is a drawing showing another modified embodiment of Figure 7.

[0040] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Fig. 11 is a drawing showing the battery module of Fig. 1 when a thermal event occurs.

[0042] Fig. 12 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line A-A' of Fig. 4.

[0043] Fig. 13 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line A-A' of Fig. 4 when a thermal event occurs.

[0044] 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.

[0045] Accordingly, 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 ideas of the present invention, and it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modified examples that can replace them at the time of filing this application.

[0046] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a battery module (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a partial separation of the battery module (200) of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a partial separation of the battery module (200) of FIG. 2.

[0047] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a battery module (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a case (210), a battery cell (220), and a flexible cover (400).

[0048] The case (210) may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The case (210) may also be referred to as a frame (110). The case (210) may provide a space therein. The case (210) may include a top plate (201), a bottom plate, and a pair of side plates. In addition, the case (210) may have an open front and back.

[0049] The battery cell (220) may be positioned inside the case (210). The battery cell (220) may be provided in multiple numbers. The multiple battery cells (220) may be stacked in the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. In this case, the battery cell (220) may refer to a secondary battery. The battery cell (220) may include a receiving portion (221) having an electrode assembly, a first sealing portion (222) protruding toward the front and rear sides of the receiving portion (221), and a second sealing portion (223) protruding toward the upper side of the receiving portion (221). In addition, the battery cell (220) may include an electrode lead (224) protruding toward the front and rear sides of the first sealing portion (222), respectively. In particular, the battery cell (220) may be a pouch-type secondary battery. However, the shape of the battery cell (220) is not limited to a pouch shape, and may have various shapes such as a cylindrical shape or a rectangular parallelepiped shape. Each battery cell (220) may extend in the front-back direction or along the X-axis direction. The electrode lead (121) may protrude to the front and rear of each battery cell (220).

[0050] The flexible cover (400) can cover the case (210). The flexible cover (400) can cover the top plate (201). In addition, the flexible cover (400) can have a plurality of holes. The flexible cover (400) can include a fire-resistant material. In addition, the flexible cover (400) can include a heat-resistant material. For example, the flexible cover (400) can include at least one material among silica, glass, mica, and ceramic.

[0051] Additionally, the flexible cover (400) may be a thin-thick cloth or fabric. The flexible cover (400) may have a porous structure. Alternatively, the flexible cover (400) may have a mesh structure. Alternatively, the flexible cover (400) may have a plurality of holes. The flexible cover (400) may allow gases such as venting gas (g) to pass through. On the other hand, the flexible cover (400) may not allow ignitable particles (s) such as sparks to pass through.

[0052] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery module (200) can be improved. When a thermal event occurs from the battery cell (220), venting gas (g) and ignitable particles (s) can be discharged. The flexible cover (400) discharges the venting gas (g) to the outside of the battery module (200) and captures particles such as ignitable particles (s), sparks, dust, or internal components of the battery cell, thereby blocking the propagation of the thermal event.

[0053] In addition, according to this configuration of the present invention, even if the battery module (200) is exposed to externally generated venting gas (g), flame or ignitable particles (s), the propagation of a thermal event can be blocked.

[0054] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the top plate (201) of the battery module (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be provided with a venting hole (211). The venting holes (211) may be provided in multiple numbers. The venting holes (211) may connect the inside and the outside of the case (210). In addition, the plurality of venting holes (211) may face the flexible cover (400).

[0055] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery module (200) can be improved. When a thermal event occurs from the battery cell (220), venting gas (g) and ignitable particles (s) can be discharged to the outside of the case (210) through the venting hole (211). In addition, the flexible cover (400) can capture ignitable particles (s) such as sparks and discharge the venting gas (g).

[0056] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a side plate (203) of a battery module (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention may extend downward or along the -Z-axis direction of the top plate (201). The side plates (203) may be provided in pairs.

[0057] Additionally, the flexible cover (400) can be extended to cover the side plate (203).

[0058] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery module (200) can be improved. The flexible cover (400) covers the top plate (201) and the side plate (203) of the case (210), thereby more reliably blocking flammable particles (s) from being discharged to the outside of the battery module (200).

[0059] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the side plate (203) and the flexible cover (400) of the battery module (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention may extend along one edge of the top plate (201). Alternatively, the side plate (203) and the flexible cover (400) may extend along the perimeter of the top plate (201). Alternatively, the side plate (203) and the flexible cover (400) may extend along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction.

[0060] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery module (200) can be improved. The flexible cover (400) can be extended along the top plate (201) or the side plate (203), thereby more reliably blocking flammable particles (s) from being discharged to the outside of the battery module (200).

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a pad (250), a busbar frame assembly (230), and an end cover (240).

[0062] The pad (250) may be placed between a plurality of battery cells (220). The pad (250) may be placed between at least some of the battery cells (220) and / or on the periphery of the stack. For example, the pad (250) may be configured to be placed between every four battery cells (220) stacked in the left-right direction.

[0063] These pads (250) may be provided with an elastic material to enable swelling absorption of the battery cells (220). For example, the pads (250) may be composed of a foam material such as polyurethane. Alternatively, the pads (250) may be provided with a material capable of blocking heat or flames. For example, the pads (250) may be provided with an insulating or fire-retardant material such as silicone or mica.

[0064] A busbar frame assembly (230) may be provided at the front and rear of each of the plurality of battery cells (220). The busbar frame assembly (230) may be electrically connected to the electrode leads (224) of the plurality of battery cells (220).

[0065] A pair of end covers (240) can be respectively coupled to the front and rear of the case (210). The pair of end covers (240) can cover the front and rear of the case (210). The end covers (240) can have a square shape.

[0066] In addition, the flexible cover (400) may include a top part (410), a side part (420), and an end part (430). The top part (410) may cover the top plate (201). The side part (420) may extend downward from the top part (410). The side parts (420) may be provided as a pair. The pair of side parts (420) may cover the pair of side plates (203). The end part (430) may extend downward from the top part (410). The end parts (430) may be provided as a pair. The pair of end parts (430) may cover the pair of end covers. The end part (430) and the side part (420) may be connected.

[0067] The flexible cover (400) may have a larger size than the case (210). Therefore, when a thermal event occurs, the flexible cover (400) may have fluidity. The flexible cover (400) may flutter or expand due to the venting gas (g).

[0068] FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a portion of the battery pack of FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a portion of the battery pack of FIG. 5.

[0069] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6, a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a base plate (110), a side wall (120), a pack cover (150), a partition wall (300), and a venting device (600).

[0070] The pack case (100) may include a base plate (110), a side wall (120), and a pack cover (150).

[0071] The base plate (110) may have a square shape. The base plate (110) may have a flat shape. The base plate (110) may form the exterior of the battery pack. The base plate (110) may provide an internal space of the battery pack.

[0072] A plurality of battery modules (200) may be provided. The battery modules (200) may be installed, fastened, combined, fixed, or attached to the upper surface of the base plate (110). In addition, the battery modules (200) may be installed, fastened, combined, fixed, or attached to a mount (111) provided on the upper surface of the base plate (110).

[0073] The side wall (120) can be installed, fastened, joined, fixed, or attached to the upper surface of the base plate (110). The side wall (120) can be composed of four. The side wall (120) can be arranged along the perimeter of the base plate (110). The side wall (120) can form the exterior of the battery pack. The side wall (120) can provide an internal space. The battery module (200) can be surrounded by the side wall (120).

[0074] The pack cover (150) may have a square plate shape. The pack cover (150) may have a flat plate shape. The pack cover (150) may form the exterior of the battery pack. The pack cover (150) may cover the internal space of the battery pack. The pack cover (150) may be installed, fastened, combined, fixed, or attached to the side wall (120). In addition, the pack cover (150) may be installed, fastened, combined, fixed, or attached to the partition wall (300). In addition, the pack cover (150) may cover the upper surface of the battery module (200).

[0075] The partition wall (300) may include a first partition wall (301) and a second partition wall (302). A plurality of partition walls (300) may be provided. The partition walls (300) may be installed, fastened, fixed, combined, or attached to the upper surface of the base plate (110). The partition walls (300) may partition the internal space of the battery pack. Battery modules (200) may be positioned in each space partitioned by the partition walls (300). In addition, the partition walls (300) may face at least one surface of the battery modules (200).

[0076] The venting device (600) may be installed on the side wall (120). For example, the venting device (600) may be installed on the front side wall (120). For example, the venting device (600) may be a gas valve. The venting device (600) may open to discharge gas when the pressure inside the pack case (100) increases. In addition, the venting device (600) may block external air from flowing into the pack case (100). The venting device (600) may be provided in multiple numbers.

[0077] Fig. 7 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration taken along the cutting line B-B' of Fig. 5. Referring to Figs. 3 and 7, a battery module (200) according to an embodiment of the present invention may be installed on a mount (111). The end cover may have a first coupling portion (241). The first coupling portions (241) may be provided in pairs. The first coupling portion (241) may include a first installation hole (241a). The first fastening member (161) may pass through the first installation hole (241a) and be fastened to the mount (111).

[0078] Additionally, the flexible cover (400) can cover the entire case (210). At this time, the flexible cover (400) and the case (210) may not be fixed, fastened, or bonded.

[0079] According to this configuration of the present invention, the flexible cover (400) and the case (210) can be in contact while being separated. Accordingly, when a thermal event occurs, the flexible cover (400) can flow in response to the pressure of the venting gas (g).

[0080] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a modified embodiment of FIG. 7. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 8, a battery module (200) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a second fastening member (162) that fastens a flexible cover (400) to an end cover. The end cover may include a control terminal (243) on the upper side. And may include a pair of second coupling portions (242). The control terminal (243) may be located between the second coupling portions (242) on one side. The second coupling portions (242) may each have a second installation hole (242a). The second fastening member (162) may install, fasten, couple, or fix the flexible cover (400) to the second installation hole (242a). The second fastening member (162) may penetrate the flexible cover (400).

[0081] According to this configuration of the present invention, the second fastening member (162) can allow the flexible cover (400) to move while simultaneously fixing it. As a result, the flexible cover (400) can stably capture ignitable particles (s) and discharge venting gas (g).

[0082] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing another modified embodiment of FIG. 7. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 9, a battery module (200) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a third fastening member (163) that fastens a flexible cover (400) to an end cover. The third fastening member (163) may install, fasten, couple, or fix the flexible cover (400) to a first installation hole (241a). The third fastening member (163) may penetrate the flexible cover (400). In addition, the third fastening member (163) may pass through the first installation hole (241a) and be fastened to a mount (111).

[0083] According to this configuration of the present invention, the third fastening member (163) can allow the flexible cover (400) to move while simultaneously fixing it. As a result, the flexible cover (400) can stably capture ignitable particles (s) and discharge venting gas (g).

[0084] Fig. 10 is a drawing showing a battery module (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 11 is a drawing showing the battery module (200) of Fig. 1 when a thermal event occurs.

[0085] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, a battery module (200) according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include an adhesive member (500) that combines, fixes, or adheres a flexible cover (400) and a side plate (203). The adhesive member (500) may extend in the vertical direction or along the Z-axis direction.

[0086] According to this configuration of the present invention, the adhesive member (500) can allow the flexible cover (400) to move while simultaneously fixing it. The top part (410) on which the adhesive member (500) is not disposed can be allowed to move. As a result, the flexible cover (400) can stably capture ignitable particles (s) and discharge venting gas (g).

[0087] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, a plurality of adhesive members (500) of a battery module (200) according to an embodiment of the present invention may be provided. The plurality of adhesive members (500) may be arranged or spaced apart from each other along one edge of the top plate (201). In addition, the plurality of adhesive members (500) may be arranged or spaced apart from each other along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction.

[0088] According to this configuration of the present invention, the adhesive member (500) can allow the flexible cover (400) to move while simultaneously fixing it. The side part (420) can have a larger size than the side plate (203). Therefore, when a thermal event occurs, the side part (420) can form an exhaust port between adjacent adhesive members (500) and discharge the venting gas (g).

[0089] Fig. 12 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line A-A' of Fig. 4. Fig. 13 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line A-A' of Fig. 4 when a thermal event occurs.

[0090] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of battery modules (200a, 200b). When a thermal event occurs from the battery module (200a), the flexible cover (400) may expand or flow to discharge a venting gas (g). At this time, the flexible cover (400) may capture ignitable particles (s). As a result, the ignitable particles (s) may be located inside the battery module (200a). The venting gas (g) may pass through the flexible cover (400). In addition, the venting gas (g) may move downward or along the -Z-axis direction and be discharged between the side part (420) and the side plate (203).

[0091] A battery module (200b) adjacent to a battery module (200a) where a thermal event has occurred may not be exposed to ignitable particles (s) or flames. In addition, the flexible cover (400) of the battery module (200b) may block the propagation of the thermal event due to a venting gas (g). The venting gas (g) may be discharged to the outside of the battery pack through a venting device (600).

[0092] A battery pack according to the present invention may include one or more battery modules according to the present invention described above. Furthermore, in addition to the battery modules, the battery pack according to the present invention may further include various other components, such as various battery pack components known at the time of filing of the present invention, such as a BMS, a busbar, a relay, and a current sensor.

[0093] Meanwhile, components such as a BMS, a bus bar, a relay, and a current sensor may be included as components of a battery module according to the present invention. In this case, components such as a BMS, a bus bar, a relay, and a current sensor may be provided inside a pack case (100). In this case, the battery module may be referred to as a battery pack, and the pack case (100) may be referred to as a pack housing (100). Moreover, in this case, the battery module according to the present invention may be a cell-to-pack type battery pack in which battery cells (220) are directly mounted on the pack housing (100).

[0094] The battery module according to the present invention can be applied to automobiles such as electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles. That is, an automobile according to the present invention may include a battery module according to the present invention or a battery pack according to the present invention. Furthermore, an automobile according to the present invention may further include various other components included in the automobile in addition to the battery module or battery pack. For example, an automobile according to the present invention may further include a body, a motor, a control device such as an electronic control unit (ECU), and the like, in addition to the battery module according to the present invention.

[0095] As described above, although the present invention has been described by limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is obvious that various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention and the equivalent scope of the patent claims to be described below by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains.

Claims

1. A case that provides space inside and has a top plate; A battery cell located inside the case; and A battery module comprising a flexible cover covering the top plate and having a plurality of holes.

2. In paragraph 1, The above top plate, A battery module having multiple venting holes.

3. In paragraph 1, The above flexible cover, A battery module configured to allow venting gas to pass through and capture particles when a thermal event occurs.

4. In paragraph 1, The above case is, including a side plate extending downward from the top plate; The above flexible cover, A battery module extending to cover the above side plate.

5. In paragraph 4, The above side plate and the above flexible cover, A battery module extending along the edge of the top plate.

6. In paragraph 4, A battery module further comprising an adhesive member that joins the flexible cover and the side plate.

7. In paragraph 6, The above adhesive member is provided in multiples, The above plurality of adhesive members are, Battery modules spaced along the edge of the above top plate.

8. In paragraph 1, The above case is, Including an end cover positioned below the top plate, The above flexible cover, Extended to cover the above side plate, The above battery module, A battery module further comprising a fastening member for connecting the flexible cover to the end cover.

9. A battery pack comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A vehicle comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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