Battery module for delaying thermal propagation

Abstract

A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a battery cell stack formed from plurality of stacked battery cells; a module case which includes an upper plate disposed above the battery cell stack, and which is for accommodating the battery cell stack; and an aerogel layer disposed between the upper plate and the battery cell stack. The battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention can delay thermal propagation, and can prevent a back flame going from the inside of the battery module to a cell.

Description

Battery module for thermal transfer delay

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module, and more particularly, to a battery module for delaying heat transfer.

[0002] Secondary batteries, unlike primary batteries that cannot be recharged, are batteries that can be charged and discharged. They are used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) that are driven by electrical power sources.

[0003] Currently, widely used types of secondary batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. The operating voltage of these unit secondary battery cells, i.e., unit battery cells, is approximately 2.5 V to 4.6 V. Therefore, when a higher output voltage is required, multiple battery cells are connected in series to form a battery pack. Furthermore, depending on the charge / discharge capacity required for the battery pack, multiple battery cells are connected in parallel to form a battery pack. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in the battery pack can be set in various ways depending on the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0004] When configuring a battery pack by connecting multiple battery cells in series or parallel, it is common to first configure a battery module comprising at least one battery cell, preferably multiple battery cells, and then use at least one such battery module and add other components to configure the battery pack. Here, a battery module refers to a component in which multiple battery cells are connected in series or parallel, and a battery pack refers to a component in which multiple battery modules are connected in series or parallel to increase capacity and output, etc.

[0005] The battery modules that make up these secondary batteries generate heat when charging or discharging, and if there is overcharging, etc., swelling of the battery module can cause an explosion or fire, and such explosion or fire can cause greater danger, even leading to casualties.

[0006] Therefore, it is necessary to find a way to delay ignition and prevent chain ignition in the event of a battery module ignition.

[0007] The present invention aims to provide a battery module for delaying thermal propagation.

[0008] A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized by including: a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; a module case including an upper plate disposed on an upper side of the battery cell stack and for accommodating the battery cell stack; and an aerogel layer disposed between the upper plate and the battery cell stack.

[0009] Additionally, the aerogel layer is made of aerogel.

[0010] Additionally, the aerogel layer is made of an aerogel pad.

[0011] In addition, the lower surface of the aerogel layer is in contact with the battery cell stack, and the upper surface of the aerogel layer is in contact with the upper plate.

[0012] Additionally, the top plate includes one or more venting holes.

[0013] Additionally, the width of the venting hole along the width direction of the battery module is formed to be longer than the length of the venting hole along the length direction of the battery module.

[0014] Additionally, a plurality of the above venting holes are arranged along the width direction of the battery module.

[0015] Additionally, it further includes an upper aerogel layer disposed on the upper side of the upper plate.

[0016] Additionally, a battery module further comprising a refractory sheet disposed on the upper side of the upper plate.

[0017] Additionally, the refractory sheet includes mica.

[0018] Additionally, the refractory sheet includes one or more venting holes.

[0019] In addition, the upper plate includes one or more venting holes, and the venting holes of the upper plate and the venting holes of the refractory sheet overlap on a plane.

[0020] Additionally, the width of the venting hole of the refractory sheet along the width direction of the battery module is formed to be longer than the length of the venting hole of the refractory sheet along the length direction of the battery module.

[0021] Additionally, the venting holes of the plurality of refractory sheets are arranged along the width direction of the battery module.

[0022] Additionally, it further includes an upper aerogel layer disposed between the upper plate and the refractory sheet.

[0023] Additionally, the upper aerogel layer is made of an aerogel pad.

[0024] A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized by including a plurality of battery cells; a module case including an upper plate disposed on an upper side of the plurality of battery cells and accommodating the plurality of battery cells; and an aerogel layer disposed between the upper plate and the battery cells.

[0025] A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention has the effect of delaying heat transfer. In addition, it has the effect of preventing back flame from reaching the cells within the battery module.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a battery cell in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a terminal bus bar in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an insulating cover and an end plate in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the upper portion of a battery module in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' in Fig. 1.

[0033] Figure 8 is a detailed drawing of part B in Figure 7,

[0034] FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a vehicle equipped with a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] The advantages and features of the present invention, and the methods for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the embodiments described in detail below together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided only to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. Accordingly, in some embodiments, well-known process steps, well-known device structures, and well-known techniques are not specifically described to avoid ambiguity in the interpretation of the present invention. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification.

[0037] In order to clearly represent multiple layers and regions in the drawings, the thickness may be enlarged. Similar parts are designated by the same drawing reference numerals throughout the specification. When an element such as a layer, film, region, or plate is said to be "over" another element, this includes not only the case where it is "directly over" that element but also the case where there are other elements in between. Conversely, when an element is said to be "directly over" another element, this means that there are no other elements in between. Furthermore, when an element such as a layer, film, region, or plate is said to be "under" another element, this includes not only the case where it is "directly under" that element but also the case where there are other elements in between. Conversely, when an element is said to be "directly under" another element, this means that there are no other elements in between.

[0038] A battery module (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0039] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a battery cell in an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a terminal bus bar in an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an insulating cover and an end plate in an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the upper part of a battery module in an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' in FIG. 1, and FIG. 8 is a detailed view of part B in FIG. 7.

[0040] A battery module (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a battery cell stack (100) in which a plurality of battery cells (110) are stacked, a module case (200) that accommodates the battery cell stack (100), a bus bar frame (300) positioned on one side and / or the other side of the battery cell stack (100), an insulating cover (500) positioned on the outside of the bus bar frame (300), and an end plate (400) positioned on the outside of the insulating cover (500).

[0041] The above battery cell stack (100) may be formed by stacking a plurality of battery cells (110) along one direction, and the plurality of battery cells (110) may be electrically connected. The direction in which the plurality of battery cells (110) are stacked may be the X-axis direction (or -X-axis direction) in FIG. 2.

[0042] The direction from the front to the rear of the battery cell stack (100), or the opposite direction, may be defined as the longitudinal direction of the battery cell stack (100), and may be the Y-axis direction in the drawing. In addition, the direction from the upper surface to the lower surface of the battery cell stack (100), or the opposite direction, may be defined as the width direction of the battery cell stack (100), and may be the Z-axis direction in the drawing.

[0043] The longitudinal direction of the battery cell stack (100) may be substantially the same as the longitudinal direction of the battery cell (110). The electrode leads (111, 112) of the battery cell (110) may be positioned on the front and rear sides of the battery cell stack (100), and the bus bars (310, 320) of the battery module (1000) may be positioned close to the front and rear sides of the battery cell stack (100) to easily form an electrical connection with the electrode leads (111, 112).

[0044] The battery cell (110) may be provided as a pouch-shaped battery cell, and the number of pouch-shaped battery cells stacked per unit area may be maximized. However, the battery cell (110) does not necessarily have to be provided as a pouch-shaped battery cell, and may be provided in a square, cylindrical, or other various shapes.

[0045] A battery cell (110) provided in a pouch type may include an electrode assembly and a cell case (115) that accommodates the electrode assembly (see FIG. 3).

[0046] The cell case (115) of the battery cell (110) may be a pouch-type cell case (115) for accommodating the electrode assembly. The cell case (115) includes a lower case and an upper case covering the lower case, and the upper and lower cases may be formed integrally. In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the connecting portions of the upper and lower cases may be formed in a structure in which they are bent and folded. In addition, as illustrated, the upper case may completely cover the lower case, and a sealing portion (114) may be formed at the periphery.

[0047] Both the upper and lower cases can be formed of a laminate structure including an inner covering layer, a metal layer, and an outer covering layer. The inner covering layer is located on the inside of the cell case (115) based on the metal layer and is in direct contact with the electrode assembly, so it must have insulation and electrolytic resistance. In addition, in order to seal it from the outside, the sealing portion where the inner layers are thermally bonded must have excellent thermal bonding strength. The metal layer is located between the inner covering layer and the outer covering layer and serves as a barrier layer that prevents moisture or various gases from penetrating into the battery from the outside. A preferable material for the metal layer in contact with the inner covering layer is an aluminum (Al) thin film that is lightweight and has excellent formability. The outer covering layer is located on the outside of the cell case (115) based on the metal layer, and this outer covering layer can use a heat-resistant polymer with excellent tensile strength, moisture permeability, and air permeability to protect the electrode assembly while ensuring heat resistance and chemical resistance. For example, nylon or polyethylene terephthalate can be used.

[0048] A receiving groove (116) may be formed in each of the upper and lower cases, and an electrode assembly may be accommodated in the receiving groove (116) of the upper and lower cases.

[0049] The electrode assembly housed in the cell case (115) may be one of a group consisting of a jelly-roll type electrode assembly having a structure in which a separator is interposed between long sheet-shaped positive and negative electrodes and then rolled up, a stack type electrode assembly having unit cells having a structure in which rectangular positive and negative electrodes are stacked with a separator interposed between them, a stack-folding type electrode assembly in which the unit cells are rolled up by a long separator film, and a lamination-stack type electrode assembly in which the unit cells are stacked with a separator interposed between them and attached to each other.

[0050] Additionally, the electrode assembly may include two electrode tabs and two electrode leads (111, 112) each connected to the electrode tabs. The two electrode leads (111, 112) may be connected to the electrode tabs respectively by a weld.

[0051] One of the two electrode leads (111, 112) may be a positive lead connected to the positive tab, and the other electrode lead (111, 112) may be a negative lead connected to the negative tab.

[0052] A lead film (113) may be attached to each of the electrode leads (111, 112). The lead film (113) coupled to the electrode leads (111, 112) is positioned between the electrode leads (111, 112) and the cell case (115), thereby preventing a short circuit from occurring between the electrode leads (111, 112) and the cell case (115) and improving the sealing force, thereby preventing leakage of the electrolyte, etc.

[0053] The two electrode leads (111, 112) are shown as being arranged on each side of the electrode assembly, but may be arranged on only one side of the electrode assembly depending on the arrangement of the electrode tabs.

[0054] The above module case (200) may be for protecting the battery cell stack (100) and electrical components connected thereto from external physical impact, and the module case (200) may accommodate the battery cell stack (100) and electrical components connected thereto in the internal space of the module case (200).

[0055] The structure of the module case (200) may vary, and for example, the structure of the module case (200) may be a mono-frame structure. Here, the mono-frame may be in the form of a metal plate in which the upper surface, lower surface, and both side surfaces are integrated. The mono-frame may be manufactured by extrusion molding. As another example, the structure of the module case (200) may be a structure in which a U-shaped frame and a top plate (201) are combined. In the case of a structure in which a U-shaped frame and a top plate (201) are combined, the structure of the module case (200) may be formed by combining the top plate (201) on the upper side of a U-shaped frame, which is a metal plate in which a lower plate and both side surfaces are combined or integrated, and each frame or plate may be manufactured by press molding. In addition, the structure of the module case (200) may be provided as an L-shaped frame structure in addition to a mono-frame or a U-shaped frame (210), and may be provided as various structures not described in the above-described examples.

[0056] The structure of the module case (200) may be provided in an open form along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell stack (100). The front and rear sides of the battery cell stack (100) may not be covered by the module case (200). The electrode leads (111, 112) of the battery cells (110) may not be covered by the module case (200). The front and rear sides of the battery cell stack (100) may be covered by a bus bar frame (300), an end plate (400), or bus bars (310, 320) to be described later, and through this, the front and rear sides of the battery cell stack (100) may be protected from external physical impacts, etc.

[0057] A compression pad (150) may be positioned between one side of the inner surface of the battery cell stack (100) and the module case (200).

[0058] The compression pad (150) can be arranged to face the battery cell (110) at the outermost end of the battery cell stack (100) in the X-axis direction in the drawing.

[0059] In addition, a thermally conductive resin may be injected between the inner surface of the battery cell stack (100) and the module case (200), and a thermally conductive resin layer (610) may be formed between one of the inner surfaces of the battery cell stack (100) and the module case (200) by the injected thermally conductive resin. At this time, the thermally conductive resin layer (610) may be positioned on the Z-axis of the battery cell stack (100), and may be formed between the battery cell stack (100) and the lower plate positioned on the -Z-axis of the module case (200).

[0060] The above busbar frame (300) is positioned on one side of the battery cell stack (100), and can cover one side of the battery cell stack (100) and simultaneously guide the connection between the battery cell stack (100) and an external device. Specifically, the busbar frame (300) can be positioned on the front or rear side of the battery cell stack (100) as illustrated, and can also be positioned on the upper side, lower side, or side. At least one of a busbar (310, 320) and a module connector can be mounted on the busbar frame (300). As illustrated in FIG. 2, one side of the busbar frame (300) can be connected to one side or the other side of the battery cell stack (100), and the other side of the busbar frame (300) can be connected to the busbar (310, 320).

[0061] The busbar frame (300) may include an electrically insulating material. The busbar frame (300) may limit contact between the busbars (310, 320) and other parts of the battery cells (110) other than the parts where the busbars are connected to the electrode leads (111, 112), thereby preventing electrical short circuits from occurring.

[0062] The busbar frame (300) may be positioned on one side and the other side of the battery cell stack (100).

[0063] The busbar (310, 320) may be mounted on one side of the busbar frame (300) and may be used to electrically connect the battery cell stack (100) or battery cells (110) and an external device circuit. A plurality of busbars (310, 320) may be arranged, and may be positioned between the battery cell stack (100) or busbar frame (300) and the end plate (400), thereby protecting the battery from external impacts, etc., and minimizing the deterioration of durability due to external moisture, etc.

[0064] The busbar (310, 320) can be electrically connected to the battery cell stack (100) through the electrode leads (111, 112) of the battery cell (110).

[0065] Specifically, the electrode leads (111, 112) of the battery cells (110) can be bent and connected to the bus bars (310, 320) after passing through the lead slits formed in the bus bar frame (300). The battery cells (110) constituting the battery cell stack (100) can be connected in series or in parallel by the bus bars (310, 320).

[0066] The busbars (310, 320) may include terminal busbars (320) for electrically connecting one battery module (100) to another battery module (100). At least a portion of the terminal busbars (320) may be exposed to the outside of the end plate (400) to be connected to another battery module (100), and the end plate (400) may be provided with terminal openings (410) for this purpose.

[0067] The terminal bus bar (320) can have one end (second part (322)) exposed through the opening (510) of the insulating cover (500) and the terminal opening (410) of the end plate (400).

[0068] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the terminal bus bar (320) may include a first portion (321) connected to the electrode leads (111, 112) of the battery cell (110) and a second portion (322) exposed to the outside through a terminal opening (410). In addition, the terminal bus bar (320) may further include a bending portion (323) formed between the first portion (321) and the second portion (322).

[0069] In the terminal bus bar (320), the first part (321) can be connected to the second part (322) through the bending part (323), and one side of the first part (321) and one side of the second part (322) can be perpendicular to each other. That is, by forming a bent bending part (323) in the terminal bus bar (320), the second part (322) can protrude and be seated in the seating part (530) of the insulating cover (500), and the second part (322) can be electrically connected to the inter bus bar (not shown). A joining hole (322a) is formed in the second part (322) constituting one end of the terminal bus bar (320), and the second part (322) of the terminal bus bar (320) is fixed by a fixing pin (not shown) inserted into the joining hole (322a).

[0070] The end plate (400) may be used to protect the battery cell stack (100) and electrical components connected thereto from external physical impact by covering the open surface of the module case (200). To this end, the end plate (400) may be manufactured from a material having a predetermined strength, and for example, the end plate (400) may include a metal such as aluminum or a plastic material.

[0071] A terminal opening (410) may be formed in the end plate (400). The terminal openings (410) may be positioned on each side of the end plate (400), and a portion of the insulating cover (500) and one end (second portion (322)) of the terminal bus bar (320) may be exposed through the terminal openings (410).

[0072] In addition, a connector opening may be located between terminal openings (410) located on both sides of the end plate (400), and a module connector may be exposed to the outside through the connector opening.

[0073] The end plate (400) can be combined with the module case (200) while covering the busbar frame (300) or busbar (310, 320) located on one side of the battery cell stack (100). Each corner of the end plate (400) can be combined with a corresponding corner of the module case (200) by welding, bolting, hooking, or the like.

[0074] The end plate (400) can be positioned on one side and the other side of the module case (200) to cover both sides of the battery cell stack (100). In this embodiment, an example in which the end plate (400) is positioned on the front and rear sides of the module case (200) is shown.

[0075] Additionally, an insulating cover (500) for electrical insulation may be positioned between the end plate (400) and the busbar frame (300). That is, the busbar frame (300), the insulating cover (500), and the end plate (400) may be sequentially positioned outward from the battery cell stack (100). Like the end plate (400), the busbar frame (300) and the insulating cover (500) may each be configured in multiples.

[0076] The insulating cover (500) may include an electrically insulating material and may block the busbar (310, 320) from contacting the end plate (400).

[0077] The insulating cover (500) may include an opening (510) and a mounting portion (530). The openings (510) may be positioned on each of the upper sides of the insulating cover (500), and one end (second portion (322)) of the terminal bus bar (320) may be exposed through the openings (510).

[0078] In addition, a connector opening may be located between the openings (510) located on both sides of the insulating cover (500), and the module connector may be exposed to the outside through the connector opening.

[0079] The insulating cover (500) may be positioned on the inner surface of the end plate (400) and may be in close contact with the inner surface of the end plate (400), but this is not necessarily the case.

[0080] As described above, one end (the second part (322)) of the terminal bus bar (320) can be exposed through the opening (510), and the exposed one end (the second part (322)) of the terminal bus bar (320) can be seated on the mounting portion (530). Accordingly, the mounting portion (530) can be positioned adjacent to the opening (510) and can be positioned on the upper outer surface.

[0081] The mounting portion (530) may have a second portion (322) of the terminal bus bar (320) mounted on its upper surface, and thus the upper surface of the mounting portion (530) may form a mounting surface. In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the mounting portion (530) may include a fixing member (531) for fixing the terminal bus bar (320).

[0082] The fixing member (531) can fix the second part (322) of the terminal bus bar (320) and may include a fixing hole (531a).

[0083] A fixing pin (not shown) can be inserted into the fixing hole (531a) above. A fixing pin (not shown) inserted into a joining hole (322a) formed in a second part (322) of the terminal bus bar (320) is fixed by being coupled to the fixing hole (531a), thereby fixing the second part (322) of the terminal bus bar (320) to the insulating cover (500).

[0084] Accordingly, the second part (322) of the terminal bus bar (320) is seated on the mounting portion (530) of the insulating cover (500), and the second part (322) is seated on the fixing member (531) arranged on the mounting portion (530) and comes into contact with it.

[0085] And, a terminal cover portion (not shown) covering one end (second portion (322)) of the exposed terminal bus bar (320) can be placed on the insulating cover (500).

[0086] Meanwhile, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 8, an aerogel layer (220) may be placed between a plurality of battery cells (110) or a battery cell stack (100) and a top plate (201) in a battery module (1000) according to the present embodiment.

[0087] The aerogel layer (220) may be made of aerogel. Aerogel can be made by forming various raw materials into a gel form and then specially drying them.

[0088] Aerogels can have high porosity and low thermal conductivity, providing excellent insulation performance.

[0089] Accordingly, by placing an aerogel layer (220) between the battery cell stack (100) and the upper plate (201), when some battery cells (110) are ignited, the flame can be prevented from spreading to the adjacent battery cells (110), and heat transfer can be delayed.

[0090] The aerogel layer (220) may be formed in the form of an aerogel pad, or may be formed in another form.

[0091] In this embodiment, the lower surface of the aerogel layer (220) may contact the upper surface of the battery cell (110) or the battery cell stack (100). In addition, the upper surface of the aerogel layer (220) may contact the lower surface of the upper plate (201). Gas generated by ignition of the battery cell (110), etc., may be discharged through the venting hole (201a) of the aerogel layer (220) and the upper plate (201).

[0092] In this embodiment, a top plate assembly (230) may be placed on the upper part of the module case (200), and the top plate assembly (230) may include a top plate (201) and a refractory sheet (240) placed on the upper side of the top plate (201).

[0093] As illustrated in FIG. 6, a venting hole (201a) may be formed in the top plate (201). When some battery cells (110) ignite, gas and flames may be released through the venting hole (201a), thereby compensating for swelling of the module. In the present embodiment, the venting hole (201a) may be positioned in a portion of the top plate (201), rather than the entire area.

[0094] As illustrated, a plurality of venting holes (201a) may be arranged in the upper plate (201). Each venting hole (201a) may have a width (W) of the venting hole (201a) along the width direction (X-axis direction) of the battery module (1000) longer than a length (L) of the venting hole (201a) along the length direction (Y-axis direction) of the battery module (1000), and the width (W) of the venting hole (201a) may be at least twice the length (L). The length (L) of the venting hole (201a) may be, for example, about 1 mm to 30 mm. The area ratio of the venting holes (201a) (the ratio of the area occupied by all the venting holes (201a) to the total area of ​​the upper plate (201)) may be less than 5%, or 1% to 5%, or about 3% or so.

[0095] The venting holes (201a) may be formed in multiple rows in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the battery module (1000), and may be formed in two rows as shown in the present embodiment, and four venting holes (201a) may be arranged in one row.

[0096] In this way, by restricting the venting holes (201a) in the upper plate (201), it is possible to prevent the back flame from affecting the battery cell (110) next to it.

[0097] The refractory sheet (240) can be placed on the upper side of the top plate (201), and the area of ​​the refractory sheet (240) can be the same as or similar to that of the top plate (201).

[0098] The refractory sheet (240) may be made of mica or other refractory material, or may include mica or other refractory material.

[0099] In this way, by placing the refractory sheet (240) on the upper side of the upper plate (201), the fire resistance of the upper plate assembly (230) is improved, and the upper plate (201) can be protected from back flame coming from the outside to the inside of the battery module (1000) and the upper structure can be prevented from collapsing.

[0100] Additionally, a venting hole (240a) may be formed in the refractory sheet (240).

[0101] The venting holes (240a) of the refractory sheet (240) may be arranged in the same manner as the venting holes (201a) of the upper plate (201). That is, the venting holes (240a) may be arranged in a portion of the refractory sheet (240) rather than the entire area, and a plurality of venting holes (240a) may be arranged.

[0102] Each venting hole (240a) may have a width (W) of the venting hole (240a) along the width direction (X-axis direction) of the battery module (1000) longer than the length (L) of the venting hole (240a) along the length direction (Y-axis direction) of the battery module (1000), and the width (W) of the venting hole (240a) may be at least twice the length (L). The length (L) of the venting hole (240a) may be about 1 mm to 30 mm. The ratio of the area occupied by all the venting holes (240a) to the area of ​​the refractory sheet (240) may be less than 5%, or 1% to 5%, or about 3% or so. Alternatively, the ratio of the area occupied by all venting holes (240a) of the refractory sheet (240) to the total area of ​​the top plate (201) may be less than 5% or 1% to 5%, or may be approximately 3%.

[0103] The venting holes (240a) may be formed in multiple rows in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the battery module (1000), and may be formed in two rows as shown in the present embodiment, and four venting holes (240a) may be arranged in one row.

[0104] The venting hole (240a) of the refractory sheet (240) can be arranged to be identical (coincidental) with or overlap the venting hole (201a) of the top plate (201) on a plane.

[0105] When some battery cells (110) are ignited, gas and flames can be released to the outside of the module through the venting holes (240a) of the refractory sheet (240), thereby compensating for swelling of the module.

[0106] The top plate assembly (230) may further include an upper aerogel layer (250) between the top plate (201) and the refractory sheet (240).

[0107] The upper aerogel layer (250) may be made of aerogel, and its composition may be the same as that of the aerogel layer (220).

[0108] The aerogel constituting the upper aerogel layer (250) is described in the aerogel layer (220), and a detailed description thereof is omitted here. In this embodiment, the upper aerogel layer (250) is arranged between the upper plate (201) and the refractory sheet (240), thereby delaying heat transfer, improving the refractory property of the upper plate assembly (230), and preventing flames from outside the module.

[0109] The upper aerogel layer (220) may be formed in the form of an aerogel pad similar to the aerogel layer (220), or may be formed in another form.

[0110] In this embodiment, the lower surface of the upper aerogel layer (250) can contact the upper plate (201). In addition, the upper surface of the upper aerogel layer (250) can contact the lower surface of the refractory sheet (240). Gas generated by ignition of the battery cell (110), etc., can be discharged through the venting holes (240a) of the upper aerogel layer (250) and the refractory sheet (240). The thickness of the upper aerogel layer (250) can be, for example, 1 to 2 times that of the refractory sheet (240), but is not limited thereto.

[0111] In this embodiment, a thermally conductive resin layer (610) can be placed on the lower side of the battery cell stack (100) within the module case (200).

[0112] The thermally conductive resin layer (610) may be formed by applying or injecting a thermally conductive resin onto the upper surface of the bottom plate of the module case (200) (the upper surface of the bottom plate facing the inside of the module (1000). The thermally conductive resin layer (610) disposed between the battery cell stack (100) and the bottom plate of the module case (200) may transfer the heat of the battery cell stack (100) to the bottom plate of the module case (200) to cool the battery cell stack (100). In addition, although not illustrated, a heat sink may be disposed at the lower portion of the module case (200), and the heat sink may cool the battery cell stack (100) via the thermally conductive resin layer (610).

[0113] Additionally, the thermally conductive resin layer (610) is placed on the lower plate (202) of the module case (200), but may also be placed on the lower plate (202) and side (203) of the module case (200).

[0114] In this embodiment, the thermally conductive resin may have adhesive properties and thermoplasticity, and various thermally conductive adhesives may be used as the thermally conductive resin. For example, the battery module (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention may employ various organic and / or inorganic thermally conductive adhesives, such as a thermally conductive epoxy adhesive, a thermally conductive silicone adhesive, and a thermally conductive urethane adhesive.

[0115] As described above, one or more battery modules (1000) according to the present invention can form a battery pack (2000). As illustrated in FIG. 9, a battery pack (2000) according to an embodiment of the present invention can accommodate at least one battery module (1000) inside a pack case (2100), and can include various control and protection systems such as a BMS (Battery Management System) and a cooling system.

[0116] The pack case (2100) may include a lower housing (2110) and an upper housing (not shown) coupled to the upper side of the lower housing (2110), and a plurality of battery modules (1000) may be stored in the internal space of the lower housing (2110) and the upper housing.

[0117] Meanwhile, in the embodiment of the present invention, an example is shown in which a plurality of battery modules (1000) are accommodated inside a battery pack (2000), but a plurality of battery cells (110) may be directly arranged inside the battery pack (2000).

[0118] The battery module (1000) and battery pack (2000) according to the present invention, configured as described above, can be applied to various devices. Specifically, they can be applied to means of transportation such as electric bicycles, electric vehicles (V), hybrid vehicles, and ESS (Energy Storage Systems), but are not limited thereto and can be applied to various devices capable of using secondary batteries.

[0119] Fig. 10 is a drawing illustrating an electric vehicle (V) equipped with a battery pack (2000). In the electric vehicle (V), the wheels are driven by a motor that receives power from the battery pack (2000) so that the electric vehicle can be driven.

[0120] Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments as described above, it is not limited to the above embodiments, and various changes and modifications may be made by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains within a scope that does not depart from the spirit of the present invention.

[0121] The present invention can provide a battery module capable of delaying heat transfer.

Claims

1. Multiple battery cells; A module case including a top plate disposed on the upper side of a plurality of the battery cells and for accommodating a plurality of the battery cells; and An aerogel layer disposed between the upper plate and the plurality of battery cells; A battery module characterized by including:

2. In paragraph 1, The above aerogel layer is a battery module made of aerogel.

3. In paragraph 1, The above aerogel layer is a battery module made of an aerogel pad.

4. In paragraph 1, A battery module in which the lower surface of the aerogel layer is in contact with the battery cell stack, and the upper surface of the aerogel layer is in contact with the upper plate.

5. In paragraph 1, A battery module having the upper plate including one or more venting holes.

6. In paragraph 5, A battery module in which the width of the venting hole along the width direction of the battery module is formed longer than the length of the venting hole along the length direction of the battery module.

7. In paragraph 5, A battery module in which a plurality of the above venting holes are arranged along the width direction of the battery module.

8. In paragraph 1, A battery module further comprising an upper aerogel layer disposed on the upper side of the upper plate.

9. In paragraph 1, A battery module further comprising a refractory sheet disposed on the upper side of the upper plate.

10. In paragraph 9, The above refractory sheet is a battery module containing mica.

11. In paragraph 9, A battery module wherein the above refractory sheet includes one or more venting holes.

12. In paragraph 11, The above top plate includes one or more venting holes, A battery module in which the venting holes of the above upper plate and the venting holes of the above refractory sheet overlap on a plane.

13. In paragraph 11, A battery module in which the width of the venting hole of the refractory sheet along the width direction of the battery module is formed longer than the length of the venting hole of the refractory sheet along the length direction of the battery module.

14. In paragraph 11, A battery module in which the venting holes of the plurality of refractory sheets are arranged along the width direction of the battery module.

15. In paragraph 9, A battery module further comprising an upper aerogel layer disposed between the upper plate and the refractory sheet.

16. In paragraph 15, A battery module in which the upper aerogel layer is made of an aerogel pad.

17. In paragraph 1, A battery module in which a plurality of the above battery cells form a battery cell stack and are accommodated within the module case.

Images