Battery module, battery pack, and vehicle

Abstract

A battery module, a battery pack, and a vehicle are disclosed. A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a plurality of battery cells; a module case in which the plurality of battery cells are accommodated; and a flame propagation prevention member disposed between the plurality of battery cells inside the module case, wherein the flame propagation prevention member changes shape when a thermal event occurs, thereby blocking a gap formed between the module case and the battery cells.

Description

Battery modules and battery packs and automobiles

[0001] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0078185, filed on June 17, 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, and a vehicle, and more particularly, to a battery module, a battery pack, and a vehicle capable of preventing heat concentration and also preventing the propagation of flames, gases, or high-temperature particles.

[0003] Generally, secondary batteries refer to batteries that can be repeatedly charged and discharged, such as lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. A battery cell, the most basic type of secondary battery, can provide an output voltage of approximately 2.5 V to 4.2 V.

[0004] Recently, as these battery cells are applied to devices that require high output voltage and large charging capacity, such as electric vehicles and Energy Storage Systems (ESS), battery modules composed of multiple battery cells connected in series, parallel, or a combination of series and parallel, and battery packs composed of these battery modules connected again in series, parallel, or a combination of series and parallel, are widely used.

[0005] Lithium secondary batteries are currently in the spotlight due to their advantages such as high operating voltage and significantly higher energy density. However, because they use organic electrolytes, there is a problem that lithium secondary batteries can cause overcurrent and overheating when overcharged, which in severe cases can cause fire due to explosion or ignition.

[0006] In the case of a conventional battery module, a refractory pad may be placed between battery cells housed inside the battery module and neighboring battery cells.

[0007] Here, the refractory pad is tightly bonded to the module case, so that any battery cell and its neighboring battery cell (or between multiple battery cells and multiple neighboring battery cells) are isolated by the refractory pad and air flow is blocked.

[0008] However, even in a normal state where no thermal event occurs, the flow of air from one battery cell to another is blocked by the refractory pad, so there is a problem that thermal equilibrium of the entire battery module cannot be achieved.

[0009] And, if the air cannot flow in this normal state, the temperature will rise at any point, and as the heat becomes concentrated at that point, the possibility of explosion of the battery module or battery pack will increase.

[0010] At this time, if an explosion occurs in one battery module and a flame is generated, the flame may spread to other battery modules, causing a thermal runaway phenomenon. If the flame leaks out due to this thermal runaway phenomenon, there is a problem that the driver of the electric vehicle may be burned or put in a dangerous situation.

[0011] 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.

[0012] Accordingly, the technical problem to be achieved by the present invention is to provide a battery module, a battery pack, and a vehicle that can prevent flames, gases, or high-temperature particles from spreading to neighboring battery cells or other battery modules when a thermal event occurs, while ensuring smooth air flow and preventing heat concentration in the battery module to achieve uniform thermal distribution in the normal state.

[0013] Additionally, it provides a battery module and a battery pack and a vehicle capable of emitting flames, gases or high-temperature particles in a preset direction.

[0014] In addition, the present invention provides a battery module, a battery pack, and a vehicle that can prevent thermal runaway by preventing a chain reaction of flames caused by flame propagation.

[0015] 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.

[0016] According to one aspect of the present invention, a battery module may be provided, comprising: a plurality of battery cells; a module case in which the plurality of battery cells are accommodated; and a flame propagation prevention member disposed between the plurality of battery cells inside the module case, wherein the flame propagation prevention member changes shape when a thermal event occurs to block a gap formed between the module case and the battery cells.

[0017] In one embodiment, the module case includes an upper module case, and the flame propagation prevention member can change shape when cell swelling occurs and come into contact with the upper module case.

[0018] In one embodiment, the flame propagation prevention member may include a main body portion that is pressurized by the battery cell when the cell swelling occurs; and a head portion that is coupled to an upper side of the main body portion and comes into contact with the upper module case.

[0019] In one embodiment, the main body may be formed of a plastic injection molded product or stainless steel.

[0020] In one embodiment, the head portion may be formed of heat-resistant plastic.

[0021] In one embodiment, a convection heat blocking portion may be provided inside the main body to block heat transfer by convection inside the main body.

[0022] In one embodiment, a joining hole is formed in the main body, and the head part can be joined to the joining hole.

[0023] In one embodiment, the module case is coupled to a fire extinguishing member containing a fire extinguishing agent, and the head portion can break the fire extinguishing member so that the fire extinguishing agent can be provided as a flame.

[0024] In one embodiment, the head portion may be formed such that the cross-sectional width decreases from the bottom to the top.

[0025] In one embodiment, the upper side of the head portion may be formed to be pointed.

[0026] In one embodiment, a venting hole is formed in the module case, and when the shape of the flame propagation prevention member is changed and the movement path is blocked, flame or gas can be guided to the venting hole.

[0027] In one embodiment, the battery cell includes a cooling member that cools the battery cell, and the flame propagation prevention member is formed of a thermally conductive material and can be in contact with the cooling member.

[0028] In one embodiment, the flame propagation prevention member is in a non-contact state with the cooling member, and may come into contact with the cooling member when a thermal event occurs and the shape of the flame propagation prevention member changes.

[0029] Meanwhile, according to another aspect of the present invention, a battery pack including the above-described battery module can be provided, and further, a vehicle including the above-described battery module can be provided.

[0030] Meanwhile, according to another aspect of the present invention, a battery pack may be provided, including the plurality of battery cells described above; a pack case in which the plurality of battery cells are accommodated; and a flame propagation prevention member disposed between the plurality of battery cells inside the pack case, wherein the flame propagation prevention member changes shape when a thermal event occurs to block a gap formed between the pack case and the battery cells, and further, an automobile including the battery pack described above may be provided.

[0031] Embodiments of the present invention have the effect of preventing flames, gases or high-temperature particles from spreading to neighboring battery cells or other battery modules when a thermal event occurs, while ensuring smooth air flow and preventing heat concentration in the battery module to achieve uniform thermal distribution in the normal state.

[0032] Additionally, it has the effect of being able to emit flames, gases or high temperature particles in a preset direction.

[0033] Additionally, it has the effect of preventing thermal runaway by preventing a chain reaction of flames due to flame propagation.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a schematic overall perspective view of a battery module according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of Figure 1.

[0038] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a change in the shape of the flame propagation prevention member in Fig. 2 during a thermal event.

[0039] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a change in the shape of the flame propagation prevention member in Fig. 4 during a thermal event.

[0041] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a flame propagation prevention member in a battery module according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a flame propagation prevention member in a battery module according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a battery pack including a battery module according to each embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] FIG. 12 is a drawing for explaining a vehicle including the battery pack of FIG. 11.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] FIG. 1 is a schematic overall perspective view of a battery module according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 2 in which the shape of a flame propagation prevention member is changed during a thermal event.

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of battery cells (100), a module case (200), and a flame propagation prevention member (300).

[0053] The types of battery cells (100) may vary. For example, the battery cells (100) may include at least one of a pouch-type battery cell (100), a cylindrical battery cell (100), and a square battery cell (100). However, for convenience of explanation, the following description will focus on the case where the battery cell (100) is a pouch-type battery cell (100).

[0054] A plurality of battery cells (100) can be stacked on top of each other. The battery cells (100) can have various structures, and furthermore, the plurality of battery cells (100) can be stacked in various ways.

[0055] The battery cell (100) 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.

[0056] The battery cell (100) may be equipped with an electrode lead. The electrode lead is a type of terminal that is exposed to the outside and connected to an external device, and may be made of a conductive material. The electrode lead may include a positive electrode lead and a negative electrode lead.

[0057] The positive electrode lead and the negative electrode lead may be positioned in opposite directions with respect to the longitudinal direction of the battery cell (100), or the positive electrode lead and the negative electrode lead may be positioned in the same direction with respect to the longitudinal direction of the battery cell (100).

[0058] For example, a battery cell (100) may be accommodated in a module case (200), and the module case (200) in which the battery cell (100) is accommodated may be accommodated in a pack case (21) to form a battery pack (20).

[0059] However, it is not limited thereto, and the module case (200) can be removed to reduce the weight and volume of the module case (200), in which case the battery cell (100) can be directly stored in the pack case (21) of the battery pack (20). According to this method, the battery cell (100) can be stored more in the space occupied by the module case (200) of the battery module (10) within the battery pack (20), thereby increasing space efficiency and improving battery capacity.

[0060] However, for the convenience of explanation, the following description will focus on a case in which a module case (200) is provided and a battery cell (100) is housed in the module case (200). That is, the description will focus on an embodiment in which a battery module (10) is housed in a battery pack (20).

[0061] A plurality of battery cells (100) are housed in a module case (200). Here, the plurality of battery cells (100) may be housed in the module case (200) in a stacked form, i.e., in the form of a battery cell (100) stack, as described above. In addition, the module case (200) surrounds the plurality of battery cells (100), thereby protecting the battery cells (100) from external vibrations or shocks.

[0062] For example, the module case (200) may include an upper module case (210), a lower module case (220), and a side module case (230). In addition, the module case (200) surrounds the battery cells (100) and thereby protects the battery cells (100) from external vibrations or shocks.

[0063] The module case (200) may include a mica plate formed of mica that has both thermal insulation and heat resistance to prevent flame leakage. Here, the mica plate may include not only a flat mica plate but also a shape having a mixture of flat and curved surfaces.

[0064] The module case (200) may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the battery cell (100) stack. For example, if the battery cell (100) stack is formed in a hexahedral shape with a rectangular cross-section, the module case (200) may also be formed in a hexahedral shape corresponding to this.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] Referring to Fig. 2, a flame propagation prevention member (300) is placed between a plurality of battery cells (100) inside a module case (200). In addition, the flame propagation prevention member (300) is configured to change shape when a thermal event occurs.

[0068] For example, when swelling occurs in a battery cell (100), the battery cell (100) expands as shown in FIG. 3, and as a result, when the expanded battery cell (100) presses the flame propagation prevention member (300), the flame propagation prevention member (300) is compressed and changes its shape. Then, as shown in FIG. 3, the flame propagation prevention member (300) whose shape has been changed comes into contact with the upper module case (210) and blocks the gap formed between the upper module case (210) of the module case (200) and the battery cell (100).

[0069] That is, in the normal state of the battery module (10), since the flame propagation prevention member (300) is spaced apart from the upper module case (210) as shown in FIG. 2, air can flow smoothly through the space between the upper module case (210) and the battery cell (100), thereby preventing a heat concentration phenomenon in which heat is concentrated in an arbitrary part. In addition, by preventing the heat concentration phenomenon, the battery module (10) can have a uniform thermal distribution overall.

[0070] However, when a thermal event occurs, the flame propagation prevention member (300) comes into contact with the upper module case (210) and blocks the gap formed between the upper module case (210) and the battery cell (100), thereby also blocking the flow of air, thereby preventing flames, gases, or high-temperature particles from propagating to other neighboring battery cells (100) or other battery modules (10).

[0071] Additionally, it has the effect of preventing thermal runaway by preventing a chain reaction of flames due to flame propagation.

[0072] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 4 in which the shape of the flame propagation prevention member is changed during a thermal event.

[0073] The second embodiment of the present invention differs structurally from the first embodiment in that the flame propagation prevention member (300) includes a head portion (320). However, the common content described in the first embodiment among the second embodiment is replaced with the description of the first embodiment described above. In addition, the content applicable to the first embodiment among the portions described in the second embodiment can be applied to the first embodiment.

[0074] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the flame propagation prevention member (300) may include a main body (310) and a head portion (320).

[0075] The main body (310) is pressurized by the battery cell (100) when cell swelling occurs. In addition, the main body (310) is configured to change shape due to the pressurization of the battery cell (100).

[0076] In addition, the main body (310) can be composed of various materials, and for example, can be formed of a plastic injection molded product or stainless steel, but the material of the main body (310) is not limited thereto.

[0077] In addition, a joining hole (311) can be formed in the main body (310), and the head part (320) can be joined to the joining hole (311) of the main body (310).

[0078] The head portion (320) is coupled to the upper side of the main body portion (310) and is configured to come into contact with the upper module case (210). That is, the head portion (320) can come into contact with the upper module case (210) when the shape of the main body portion (310) changes, thereby blocking the movement path of flames, gases, or high-temperature particles, thereby preventing the propagation of flames, etc.

[0079] The head portion (320) may be composed of various materials, for example, it may be formed of heat-resistant plastic, but the material of the head portion (320) is not limited thereto.

[0080] The head portion (320) can be coupled to the coupling hole (311) formed in the main body portion (310). There are various ways in which the head portion (320) is coupled to the coupling hole (311) of the main body portion (310). For example, a coupling protrusion may be formed in the head portion (320), and the coupling protrusion formed in the head portion (320) may be coupled to the coupling hole (311) formed in the main body portion (310).

[0081] Alternatively, the head portion (320) may be joined to the main body portion (310) by a fusion method such as hot melting, and in this case, the head portion (320) may be configured to be joined by fusion to the joining hole (311) of the main body portion (310) while melting.

[0082] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a flame propagation prevention member in a battery module according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] The third embodiment of the present invention differs from the first and second embodiments in that a convection heat blocking member (330) is provided inside the main body (310) of the flame propagation prevention member (300). However, in the third embodiment, any content common to that described in the first or second embodiment is replaced with the description of the first or second embodiment described above. In addition, any content applicable to the first or second embodiment among the portions described in the third embodiment may be applied to the first or second embodiment.

[0084] Referring to FIG. 6, a convection heat blocking member (330) may be placed inside the main body (310) of the flame propagation prevention member (300) to block heat transfer by convection inside the main body (310). That is, when a thermal event occurs and the temperature of the battery cell (100) rises due to a flame or the like, heat is transferred to the main body (310) of the flame propagation prevention member (300) in contact with the battery cell (100). If the inside of the main body (310) is hollow, heat may be transferred by convection of the air existing inside the main body (310).

[0085] In this way, a convection heat blocking part (330) may be provided inside the main body (310) to block heat transfer by convection of air existing inside the main body (310).

[0086] The convection heat blocking member (330) can be arranged in various ways, for example, it can be arranged vertically inside the main body (310) as shown in FIG. 6, but is not limited thereto.

[0087] In addition, the convection heat blocking part (330) can be made of various insulating materials, for example, it can be made of silicone, but the material of the convection heat blocking part (330) is not limited thereto.

[0088] In FIG. 6, the flame propagation prevention member (300) is illustrated to include a main body (310) and a head part (320), but is not limited thereto, and the flame propagation prevention member (300) may be composed of only the main body part (310) without the head part (320).

[0089] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a flame propagation prevention member in a battery module according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] The fourth embodiment of the present invention differs from the first to third embodiments in that the upper side of the head portion (320) of the flame propagation prevention member (300) is formed flat. However, the common content described in the first to third embodiments of the fourth embodiment is replaced with the description of the first to third embodiments described above. In addition, the content applicable to the first to third embodiments among the parts described in the fourth embodiment can be applied to the first to third embodiments.

[0091] Referring to Fig. 7, the head portion (320) of the flame propagation prevention member (300) can be formed flat. In this way, when the head portion (320) of the flame propagation prevention member (300) is formed flat, the contact area between the head portion (320) and the upper module case (210) becomes sufficient, thereby having the effect of reliably preventing the movement of flames, etc.

[0092] Although a convection heat blocking part (330) is illustrated in FIG. 7, an embodiment without a convection heat blocking part (330) is also possible.

[0093] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0094] The fifth embodiment of the present invention differs from the first to fourth embodiments in that a venting hole (211) is formed in the upper module case (210) so that flames or gases are guided to the venting hole. However, the common content described in the first to fourth embodiments of the fifth embodiment is replaced with the description of the first to fourth embodiments described above. In addition, the content applicable to the first to fourth embodiments among the parts described in the fifth embodiment can be applied to the first to fourth embodiments.

[0095] Referring to Fig. 8, a venting hole (211) may be formed in the upper module case (210) of the module case (200). In addition, when the shape of the flame propagation prevention member (300) is changed and the movement path is blocked, flame or gas may be guided to the venting hole (211).

[0096] In FIG. 8, the flame propagation prevention member (300) is illustrated to include a main body (310) and a head part (320), but is not limited thereto, and the flame propagation prevention member (300) may be composed of only the main body part (310) without the head part (320).

[0097] In addition, although a convection heat blocking part (330) is illustrated in FIG. 8, an embodiment without a convection heat blocking part (330) is also possible.

[0098] According to the embodiment of FIG. 8, when a flame or gas is generated, the flame or gas can be guided along a preset path and discharged from the module case (200) of the battery module (10), thereby preventing heat transfer to other battery cells (100) or battery modules (10).

[0099] That is, it has the effect of being able to discharge flames, gases or high-temperature particles in a preset direction, and also preventing thermal runaway by preventing a chain reaction of flames due to flame propagation.

[0100] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0101] The sixth embodiment of the present invention differs from the first to fifth embodiments in that the battery module (10) includes a fire extinguishing member (400). However, the common content described in the first to fifth embodiments of the sixth embodiment is replaced with the description of the first to fifth embodiments described above. In addition, the content applicable to the first to fifth embodiments among the portions described in the sixth embodiment can be applied to the first to fifth embodiments.

[0102] Referring to FIG. 9, the extinguishing member (400) may be coupled to the module case (200). For example, the extinguishing member (400) may be coupled to the upper module case (210), but is not limited thereto. Furthermore, the extinguishing member (400) accommodates a extinguishing agent. Here, the extinguishing agent may be various, and may be, for example, various extinguishing liquids or extinguishing powders, but is not limited thereto.

[0103] In addition, when the shape of the main body (310) of the flame propagation prevention member (300) is changed, the head portion (320) may be configured to damage the fire extinguishing member (400). In this case, the fire extinguishing agent contained in the fire extinguishing member (400) damaged by the head portion (320) is provided as a flame, thereby preventing thermal runaway through initial fire suppression and also cooling the battery cell (100).

[0104] Referring to Fig. 9, the head portion (320) of the flame propagation prevention member (300) may be formed so that the width of the cross-section decreases from the bottom to the top, and may be formed, for example, in a shape similar to a bullet as in Fig. 9. In addition, the head portion (320) may be formed so that the upper portion is pointed so as to easily destroy the fire extinguishing member (400).

[0105] Although a head portion (320) of this shape can be configured to collide with a fire extinguishing member (400) and damage the fire extinguishing member (400), the shape of the head portion (320) is not limited to the above-described content.

[0106] Also, although a convection heat blocking part (330) is illustrated in FIG. 9, an embodiment without a convection heat blocking part (330) is also possible.

[0107] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0108] The seventh embodiment of the present invention differs from the first to sixth embodiments in that the battery module (10) includes a cooling member (500). However, the common content described in the first to sixth embodiments of the seventh embodiment is replaced with the description of the first to sixth embodiments described above. In addition, the content applicable to the first to sixth embodiments among the portions described in the seventh embodiment can be applied to the first to sixth embodiments.

[0109] Referring to FIG. 10, the battery module (10) may include a cooling member (500). The cooling member (500) may be positioned at various locations, and may be coupled to the lower module case (220), for example. In addition, the battery cell (100) and the flame propagation prevention member (300) may be configured to come into contact with the upper side of the cooling member (500).

[0110] Here, the flame propagation prevention member (300) may be formed of a heat-conductive material. For example, as described above, the main body (310) of the flame propagation prevention member (300) may be made of stainless steel, in which case heat may be transferred through the main body (310).

[0111] As shown in Fig. 10, when a thermal event occurs and the shape of the main body (310) changes, the upper side of the flame propagation prevention member (300) contacts the upper module case (210) to prevent the propagation of flame, gas, or high-temperature particles, and the lower side of the flame propagation prevention member (300) contacts the cooling member (500) to cool the battery cell (100).

[0112] Meanwhile, as a modified embodiment of the embodiment of FIG. 10, in the normal state of the battery module (10), the flame propagation prevention member (300) is not in contact with the cooling member (500), and when a thermal event occurs and the shape of the flame propagation prevention member (300) changes, the lower side of the flame propagation prevention member (300) may be formed to come into contact with the cooling member (500).

[0113] Also, although a convection heat blocking part (330) is illustrated in FIG. 10, an embodiment without a convection heat blocking part (330) is also possible.

[0114] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a battery pack including a battery module according to each embodiment of the present invention.

[0115] Referring to FIG. 11, 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.

[0116] 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 (100) included in the battery module (10), such as a BMS, a current sensor, a fuse, etc.

[0117] The pack case (21) houses a plurality of battery cells (100). The pack case (21) may be configured to include, for example, an upper frame, a side frame, a bulkhead frame, and a lower frame.

[0118] And, it may include a control module configured to control charging and discharging of the battery cell (100). Such a control module may include, for example, a battery management system (BMS) and a battery disconnect unit.

[0119] FIG. 12 is a drawing for explaining a vehicle including the battery pack of FIG. 11.

[0120] Referring to FIG. 12, 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.

[0121] Here, the vehicle (30) may include various types of vehicles that are designed to use electricity, such as electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles.

[0122] Meanwhile, in another embodiment, the battery pack (20) may include a plurality of battery cells (100) without a module case (200) of a battery module (10), a pack case (21) in which the plurality of battery cells (100) are stored, and a flame propagation prevention member (300) disposed between the plurality of battery cells (100) inside the pack case (21).

[0123] Here, the flame propagation prevention member (300) is configured to change shape when a thermal event occurs to block the gap formed between the pack case (21) and the battery cell (100).

[0124] However, when a plurality of battery cells (100) are housed in a pack case (21) without a module case (200) of a battery module (10), and a flame propagation prevention member (300) is arranged between the plurality of battery cells (100), the function of the pack case (21) is basically similar to that of the module case (200), and the function, action, and effect of the flame propagation prevention member (300) are also common, so the specific description of the battery cells (100), the pack case (21), and the flame propagation prevention member (300) are replaced with the description described above.

[0125] And, when the module case (200) of the battery module (10) is removed, the battery cell (100) can be directly stored in the pack case (21) of the battery pack (20).

[0126] Here, a cell cover may be provided to support the battery cell (100) so that the battery cell (100) can be directly stored in the pack case (21). The cell cover may have various shapes, and for example, may be configured in an 'n' shape, a 'u' shape, or a 'ㄷ' shape surrounding three sides of at least one battery cell (100). However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0127] According to this method, more battery cells (100) can be stored in the space previously occupied by the module case (200) of the battery module (10) within the battery pack (20), thereby increasing space efficiency and improving battery capacity.

[0128] Meanwhile, a vehicle (30) according to another embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery packs (20) in which battery cells (100) are directly stored in a pack case (21) without the module case (200) of the battery module (10) described above.

[0129] Here, the vehicle (30) may include various types of vehicles that are designed to use electricity, such as electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles.

[0130] 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.

[0131] 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.

[0132] The present invention relates to a battery module, a battery pack, and an automobile, and is particularly applicable to industries related to secondary batteries.

Claims

1. Multiple battery cells; A module case in which the plurality of battery cells are stored; and It includes a flame propagation prevention member arranged between a plurality of battery cells inside the above module case, A battery module characterized in that the flame propagation prevention member changes shape when a thermal event occurs to block a gap formed between the module case and the battery cell.

2. In paragraph 1, The above module case includes an upper module case, A battery module characterized in that the above flame propagation prevention member changes shape when cell swelling occurs and comes into contact with the upper module case.

3. In paragraph 2, The above flame propagation prevention member is, A main body portion pressurized by the battery cell when the cell swelling occurs; and A battery module characterized by including a head portion that is coupled to the upper side of the main body portion and comes into contact with the upper module case.

4. In paragraph 3, A battery module characterized in that the main body is formed of a plastic injection molded product or stainless steel.

5. In paragraph 3, A battery module characterized in that the head portion is formed of heat-resistant plastic.

6. In paragraph 3, A battery module characterized in that a convection heat blocking part is provided inside the main body to block heat transfer by convection inside the main body.

7. In paragraph 3, A joining hole is formed in the above main body, A battery module characterized in that the head portion is coupled to the coupling hole.

8. In paragraph 3, It is coupled to the above module case and includes a fire extinguishing member containing a fire extinguishing agent, A battery module characterized in that the head portion breaks the extinguishing member and the extinguishing agent is provided as a flame.

9. In paragraph 8, A battery module characterized in that the head portion is formed such that the cross-sectional width decreases from the bottom to the top.

10. In paragraph 9, A battery module characterized in that the upper part of the head is formed pointedly.

11. In paragraph 1, A venting hole is formed in the above module case, A battery module characterized in that when the shape of the flame propagation prevention member is changed and the movement path is blocked, flame or gas is guided to the venting hole.

12. In paragraph 1, It includes a cooling member that cools the above battery cell, A battery module characterized in that the flame propagation prevention member is formed of a heat conductive material and is in contact with the cooling member.

13. In paragraph 12, A battery module characterized in that the flame propagation prevention member is in a non-contact state with the cooling member, and when a thermal event occurs and the shape of the flame propagation prevention member changes, it comes into contact with the cooling member.

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.

16. Multiple battery cells; A pack case in which the plurality of battery cells are stored; and It includes a flame propagation prevention member arranged between a plurality of battery cells inside the pack case, A battery pack characterized in that the flame propagation prevention member changes shape when a thermal event occurs to block a gap formed between the pack case and the battery cell.

17. A vehicle comprising a battery pack according to Article 16.

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