Battery module, battery pack and vehicle including same

Abstract

The present invention may provide a battery module comprising: a plurality of battery cells; a top cover configured to cover one surface of the plurality of battery cells; and at least one thermal deformation member which is disposed between the top cover and the battery cells and is configured to expand in volume, so that a portion of the top cover deforms, when the temperature rises to or above a preset temperature due to heat.

Description

Battery modules, battery packs containing the same, and vehicles

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle.

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0095252, filed on July 18, 2024, and all contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the said application are incorporated by reference into this application.

[0003]

[0004] Secondary batteries, which have high applicability according to product group and electrical characteristics such as high energy density, are widely used in portable devices as well as electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) driven by electrical power sources.

[0005] These secondary batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source for environmental friendliness and energy efficiency, not only because they have the primary advantage of drastically reducing the use of fossil fuels, but also because they produce no byproducts from energy use.

[0006] Commonly used secondary batteries today include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. When high output voltage is required, multiple battery cells are connected in series to form a battery module or battery pack. Furthermore, to increase charge / discharge capacity, multiple battery cells are connected in parallel to form a battery module or pack. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in a battery module or pack can vary depending on the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0007] Meanwhile, since battery cells undergo chemical reactions during charging and discharging, their performance can deteriorate if used in environments above optimal temperatures. Furthermore, if thermal control fails to maintain optimal temperatures, there is a constant risk of unexpected fire or explosion. Furthermore, battery modules are structured to house these cells tightly within the module frame. Therefore, if a thermal event occurs in a single battery cell, the resulting high-temperature gases and flames can spread to adjacent cells, potentially triggering a chain reaction of battery cell explosions, making them extremely dangerous.

[0008] In particular, the module frame of the battery module is made of a metal material, so when a thermal event occurs inside the battery module or in an adjacent battery module, it can act as a heat source and promote heat transfer between battery modules.

[0009] Accordingly, the battery module is provided with a frame cover configured to form a hole in the upper portion of the module and cover the outer portion, particularly the upper portion, of the module frame, thereby preventing foreign substances or gas from entering and exiting between the inside and outside of the battery module in a normal state, and when thermal runaway of the battery module occurs, the module cover is broken by pressure so that gas or flames can be discharged.

[0010] However, when a thermal event occurs in an adjacent battery module, the pressure outside the battery module increases, and the module cover of the battery module where thermal runaway does not occur is also damaged by the pressure, and there is a problem that high-temperature gas and / or flames flow into the area, accelerating thermal runaway.

[0011] Therefore, there is a need to develop a structure that can prevent thermal runaway propagation by preventing the module cover of a battery module in which thermal runaway does not occur from being damaged due to the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the module.

[0012]

[0013] Accordingly, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a battery module in which high-temperature gases or flames generated in a battery cell in an abnormal situation of the battery module can be easily discharged to the outside of the battery module, while minimizing the spread of the gas or flames toward adjacent battery modules, thereby effectively preventing or delaying the propagation of thermal runaway between modules.

[0014] Another technical problem of the present invention is to provide a battery module having an improved structure, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle including the battery pack.

[0015] The technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the problems described above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

[0016]

[0017] In order to solve the above problem, the present invention can provide a battery module including a plurality of battery cells, a top cover configured to cover one side of the plurality of battery cells, and at least one heat deformation member arranged between the top cover and the battery cells, the heat deformation member being configured to expand in volume and deform a portion of the top cover when the temperature due to heat exceeds a preset temperature.

[0018] The module frame may further include a module frame configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells, wherein the module frame is formed at a position corresponding to the thermal deformation member and includes at least one first venting hole configured to discharge gas generated from the battery cells to the outside.

[0019] It may be characterized in that when heat is applied to the heat deformation member and the temperature of the heat deformation member becomes higher than a preset temperature, at least a portion of the heat deformation member is configured to penetrate the first venting hole.

[0020] In a normal state, the first venting hole is configured to be sealed by the top cover, and when the temperature of the heat deformation member becomes higher than a preset temperature, at least one of the first venting holes is configured to be opened.

[0021] The top cover may be characterized by including a first cover fixed on the module frame and at least one second cover surrounded by the first cover and configured to cover the first venting hole.

[0022] The central portion of the second cover may correspond to the first venting hole, and the edge portion of the second cover may be positioned to face the module frame.

[0023] The second cover may be characterized in that its position is changed by the heat deformation member.

[0024] When heat is applied to the heat deformation member and the temperature of the heat deformation member becomes higher than a preset temperature, the heat deformation member is configured to expand upward toward the second cover, and the second cover is configured to move upward.

[0025] The above heat deformation member may be characterized in that a plurality of the members are arranged in at least one direction.

[0026] The horizontal width of the above heat deformation member may be characterized as being smaller than the horizontal width of the first venting hole.

[0027] The above heat-deformable member may be characterized by including at least one of a foaming agent and a shape memory alloy.

[0028] The plurality of battery cells may be arranged in a horizontal direction, and the first venting hole may be configured to cover one surface facing upward of the plurality of battery cells.

[0029] In addition, the present invention provides a battery pack characterized by including a battery according to the present invention.

[0030] And, the present invention provides an automobile characterized by including a battery pack according to the present invention.

[0031]

[0032] According to one aspect of the present invention, when a thermal event occurs within a battery module, including a thermal deformation member whose volume changes depending on temperature, and the temperature of the thermal deformation member exceeds a preset temperature, at least a portion of the top cover is opened so that gas or flames inside can be discharged to the outside.

[0033] Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present invention, a top cover covering a venting hole in a module frame can be included to effectively prevent or delay the propagation of thermal runaway between modules by minimizing the inflow of high-temperature gases or flames generated in adjacent battery modules into the interior of the battery module in the event of an abnormal condition in the adjacent battery module. This ensures the safety and reliability of the battery module.

[0034] In addition, according to another aspect of the present invention, the top cover is positioned on the module frame and supported by the module frame, so that when a thermal event occurs outside the battery module, the top cover is not damaged by external temperature and / or pressure, thereby preventing external gas or flames from entering the battery module. This ensures the safety and reliability of the battery module.

[0035] In addition, according to another aspect of the present invention, an event due to thermal runaway phenomenon, such as a fire or explosion, of a battery pack including a plurality of battery modules or a device equipped with the same can be prevented or delayed.

[0036] In addition, the present invention may have various other effects, which will be described in each embodiment configuration, or an explanation of effects that can be easily inferred by a person skilled in the art will be omitted.

[0037]

[0038] 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.

[0039] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a module frame of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery module in a normal state by enlarging part A of FIG. 4 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery module during thermal runaway by enlarging part A of FIG. 4 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing a battery module during thermal runaway according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing a battery module during thermal runaway according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack including a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0049]

[0050] 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.

[0051] Accordingly, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modified examples that can replace them at the time of filing this application.

[0052] Furthermore, the present invention includes various embodiments. For each embodiment, redundant descriptions of substantially identical or similar components will be omitted, and the differences will be described.

[0053] Additionally, to facilitate understanding of the invention, the attached drawings are not drawn to scale and the dimensions of some components may be exaggerated. Furthermore, identical components may be assigned the same reference numbers in different embodiments.

[0054] Although terms like "first" and "second" are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another, and unless otherwise specified, a "first" component may also be a "second" component.

[0055] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specifically stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0056] Hereinafter, the phrase "any configuration is placed on (or below)" a component or "on (or below)" a component may mean that any configuration is placed in contact with the upper surface (or lower surface) of said component, and that other configurations may be interposed between said component and any configuration placed on (or below) said component.

[0057] Additionally, when it is described that a component is "connected," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the components may be directly connected or connected to one another, but that other components may also be "interposed" between the components, or that each component may be "connected," "coupled," or "connected" through another component.

[0058] As used herein, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "consisting of" or "comprising" should not necessarily be construed to include all of the components or steps described in the specification, and should be construed to mean that some of the components or steps may not be included, or that additional components or steps may be included.

[0059] Throughout the specification, when we refer to "A and / or B", this means A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise stated, and when we refer to "C to D", this means C or more and D or less, unless otherwise stated.

[0060] Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a module frame (300) of a battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a battery cell (100), a heat deformation member (200), and a top cover (400). In another aspect, the battery module (10) may further include a module frame (300) in addition to the above-described components.

[0062] Referring primarily to FIG. 3, a plurality of battery cells (100) may be included. In this case, the plurality of battery cells (100) may be electrically connected to each other.

[0063] A plurality of battery cells (100) may be stacked along one direction. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, a plurality of battery cells (100) may be arranged in a horizontal direction, for example, in a left-right direction (X-axis direction), while being erected in a vertical direction (Z-axis direction).

[0064] And, the plurality of battery cells (100) may be, for example, pouch-type secondary batteries. The plurality of battery cells (100) may include an electrode assembly, a cell case that accommodates the electrode assembly, and an electrode lead that is connected to the electrode assembly and extends outward from the cell case to function as an electrode terminal.

[0065] The present invention is not limited by the specific type or shape of the battery cell (100), and various battery cells (100) known at the time of filing of the present invention may be employed to configure a plurality of battery cells (100) of the present invention. In the present embodiment, a pouch-type secondary battery having a high energy density and easy stacking is targeted as shown in the drawing, but it goes without saying that a cylindrical or square secondary battery may be applied as the battery cell (100).

[0066] Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the module frame (300) may be configured to accommodate a battery cell (100). Specifically, an internal space may be formed in the module frame (300), and the internal space may be configured to accommodate a battery cell (100).

[0067] Such a module frame (300) may be configured to include a metal material having rigidity and heat resistance to physically or chemically protect the received battery cell (100).

[0068] Meanwhile, a first venting hole (H1) may be formed in the module frame (300). The first venting hole (H1) may be configured to discharge venting gas generated from the battery cell (100) to the outside of the module frame (300). Directional venting in one direction may be possible by the first venting hole (H1). The module frame (300) may include a first plate (300a) disposed on a first surface of a cell stack including a plurality of battery cells (100).

[0069] The first venting hole (H1) may be formed in the first plate (300a) of the module frame (300). For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first plate (300a) may be defined as the upper surface of the module frame (300), and directional venting of the battery module (10) upward may be possible through the first venting hole (H1) formed in the upper surface of the module frame (300).

[0070] The first venting holes (H1) may be provided in multiple numbers, and may be provided at regular intervals in the horizontal direction (X-axis, Y-axis direction). According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, in a situation where one of the plurality of battery cells (100) undergoes thermal runaway and generates gas, etc., the gas, etc. can be quickly directional vented in a specific direction by the first venting hole (H1) corresponding to the corresponding battery cell (100).

[0071] In addition, the module frame (300) may be provided with a module terminal. The module terminal may be configured to be electrically connected to a plurality of battery cells (100). In addition, the module terminal may be configured to be electrically or communicatively connected to a control device such as a BMS. The module terminal may be configured to extend at least partially to the outside of the module frame (300). The module terminal may be provided on a side from which the electrode leads of the battery cells (100) extend. The module frame (300) may include a second plate (300b) configured to cover a second surface of the cell stack. In particular, the module terminal may be provided on the second plate (300b) of the module frame (300). For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, the second plate (300b) may be defined as a front surface of the module frame (300), and the module terminal may be provided on the front of the module frame (300).

[0072] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 2, the module frame (300) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a third plate (300c), a fourth plate (300d), and a fifth plate (300e). The first plate (300a) to the fifth plate (300e) may form the exterior of the module frame (300). The module frame (300) may be formed into a rectangular parallelepiped shape by the first plate (300a) to the fifth plate (300e).

[0073] More specifically, the third plate (300c) may be provided on both left and right ends of the first plate (300a). That is, the third plates (300c) may be provided so as to face each other as a pair. For example, as in the embodiment illustrated in the drawing, the first plate (300a) may form the upper surface of the module frame (300), and the third plates (300c) may be configured to form the left and right sides of the module frame (300) on both sides of the first plate (300a).

[0074] Additionally, the fifth plate (300e) may be configured to face the first plate (300a). For example, as in the embodiment illustrated in the drawing, the first plate (300a) may form the upper surface of the module frame (300), and the fifth plate (300e) may be configured to form the lower surface of the module frame (300).

[0075] At this time, referring mainly to FIG. 3, the third plate (300c) and the fifth plate (300e) may be configured in an integrated form with each other. At this time, the combined form of the third plate (300c) and the fifth plate (300e) may be a 'U'-shaped tubular shape with the top and front and back sides open. Alternatively, according to another embodiment, although not shown in the drawing, the first plate (300a), the third plate (300c), and the fifth plate (300e) may be configured in an integrated form with each other. At this time, the combined form of the first plate (300a), the third plate (300c), and the fifth plate (300e) may be a square tubular shape with the front and back sides open.

[0076] Meanwhile, the fourth plate (300d) may be provided on the opposite side of the second plate (300b). That is, the second plate (300b) and the fourth plate (300d) may be configured to face each other. The second plate (300b) and the fourth plate (300d) of the module frame (300) may be positioned on the side from which the electrode leads of the battery cell (100) are drawn out. That is, the second plate (300b) and the fourth plate (300d) may be positioned on the side on which the busbar frame assembly is provided.

[0077] For example, as in the embodiment illustrated in the drawing, the second plate (300b) may be configured to form the front surface of the module frame (300), and the fourth plate (300d) may be configured to form the rear surface of the module frame (300). The second plate (300b) and the fourth plate (300d) may be coupled to the open front and rear surfaces of the integrated third plate (300c) and fifth plate (300e).

[0078] According to one embodiment, the top cover (400) may be configured to cover one side of a plurality of battery cells (100). The top cover (400) may be provided on the outside of the module frame (300). The top cover (400) may constitute the outer surface of the battery module (10). The top cover (400) may perform waterproofing, dustproofing, and / or heat insulation functions to protect the battery module (10). The top cover (400) may be configured to suppress venting gas or flames, etc. discharged when a thermal event occurs within the battery module (10), from being transferred to another battery module (10). In addition, the top cover (400) may be configured to suppress external venting gas or flames, etc. from being introduced into the inside of the battery module (10).

[0079] The top cover (400) may be configured to cover at least a portion of the module frame (300). For example, the top cover (400) may be configured to cover at least the first plate (300a) of the module frame (300). For example, the top cover (400) may be configured to further cover at least one of the third plates (300c) of the module frame (300) provided on both left and right ends of the first plate (300a). That is, the top cover (400) may be configured to further cover at least one third plate (300c) together with the first plate (300a). For example, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the top cover (400) may be configured to cover the first plate (300a) provided on the upper portion and the third plates (300c) provided on the left and right sides.

[0080] The top cover (400) may be configured to be folded at the boundary between the first plate (300a) and the third plate (300c) so as to cover the first plate (300a) and the third plate (300c) at once. That is, the top cover (400) may be provided in the form of a single sheet folded.

[0081] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the top cover (400) covers not only the first plate (300a) provided with the first venting hole (H1) but also both sides of the first plate (300a), thereby preventing a thermal event occurring inside the module frame (300) and venting gas or flame from being discharged toward the third plate (300c). At the same time, the top cover (400) can block venting gas or flame from being directed from the outside toward the third plate (300c).

[0082] The top cover (400) may be formed of a material having excellent heat resistance and / or fire resistance, for example, a sheet containing mica or a silicone composite material. For example, the top cover (400) may be formed of an inflexible material by thermoforming a sheet containing mica. Accordingly, the top cover (400) may maintain dimensional stability without deformation even when high-temperature heat is generated, thereby stably blocking high-temperature gases or flames generated from the battery cell (100). According to the above-described exemplary configuration of the present invention, since the top cover (400) is formed of a hard and heat-resistant material, deformation due to high-temperature gases or flames may be minimized.

[0083] The top cover (400) may be configured to protect the first venting hole (H1). For example, the top cover (400) may be configured to prevent venting gas or flames discharged from another battery module (10) from flowing into the interior of the module frame (300) through the first venting hole (H1).

[0084] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, since the top cover (400) is configured to protect the first venting hole (H1), it is possible to minimize high-temperature venting gas or flames from being directed toward the first venting hole (H1) of the battery module (10) in the event of an abnormality in the adjacent battery module (10). In particular, since the top cover (400) covers the module frame (300) from multiple directions, it is possible to effectively suppress heat from being transferred to the outside of the module frame (300) or to the module frame (300). Accordingly, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, since thermal runaway propagation between battery modules (10) can be effectively prevented or delayed, the safety and reliability of the battery module (10) can be guaranteed.

[0085] More specifically, the top cover (400) may include a first cover (410) fixed on the module frame (300) and at least one second cover (420) surrounded by the first cover (410) and configured to cover the first venting hole (H1).

[0086] A second venting hole (H2) may be formed in the first cover (410). The second venting hole (H2) may be configured to discharge venting gas generated in the battery cell (100) to the outside of the battery module (10). For example, the second venting hole (H2) may be formed in the upper surface of the first cover (410). Directional venting of the battery module (10) toward the top may be induced through the second venting hole (H2) formed in the upper surface of the first cover (410).

[0087] The second venting holes (H2) may be provided in multiple numbers, and may be provided at regular intervals in the horizontal direction (X-axis, Y-axis direction). In particular, the second venting holes (H2) may be formed at a position corresponding to the first venting holes (H1). The second venting holes (H2) may be configured to discharge the venting gas discharged through the first venting holes (H1) to the outside of the battery module (10). Thus, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the venting gas or the flame, etc., may be quickly directional vented in a specific direction through the first venting holes (H1) and the second venting holes (H2). For example, the venting gas or the flame, etc., may be quickly directional vented in the upward direction (+Z-axis direction) through the first venting holes (H1) and the second venting holes (H2).

[0088] The size of the second venting hole (H2) may be relatively larger than the size of the first venting hole (H1). For example, the width of the second venting hole (H2) in the horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction, Y-axis direction) may be relatively larger than the width of the first venting hole (H1) in the horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction, Y-axis direction).

[0089] The second cover (420) covers the first venting hole (H1) and may be surrounded by the first cover (410). A plurality of second covers (420) may be provided, and may be provided at regular intervals in the horizontal direction (X-axis, Y-axis direction). The number, shape, and / or position of the second covers (420) may correspond to the number, shape, and / or position of the second venting holes (H2). The number, shape, and / or position of the second covers (420) may be substantially the same as the number, shape, and / or position of the second venting holes (H2). The number and / or position of the second covers (420) may correspond to the number and / or position of the first venting holes (H1).

[0090] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a heat deformation member (200) disposed between the top cover (400) and the battery cell (100) may be further included. The heat deformation member (200) may include a heat deformation material whose volume changes due to heat, and the heat deformation material may be defined as a material whose volume expands when heat is applied to the heat deformation member (200) and the temperature of the heat deformation member (200) becomes higher than a preset temperature. The heat deformation member (200) may include, for example, a foaming agent configured to generate bubbles to expand the volume. The heat deformation member (200) may include, for example, a shape memory alloy configured to return to its original shape when heat is applied.

[0091] According to one embodiment, a plurality of heat deformation members (200) may be provided, and may be provided at regular intervals from each other in the horizontal direction (X-axis, Y-axis direction). In particular, the heat deformation members (200) may be formed at a position corresponding to the first venting hole (H1).

[0092] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the present invention can be configured to structurally deform more dependent on temperature than pressure when a thermal event occurs in the battery module (10), including the thermal deformation member (200). In general, when structural deformation occurs due to pressure, such as when a cut line is broken, a thermal event occurs inside the battery module (10), and not only when the internal pressure is high, but also when a thermal event occurs in an adjacent battery module (10) and the external pressure is high, the same structural change occurs, making it impossible to prevent external venting gas or flame from flowing into the battery module (10). In contrast, according to the present invention, the thermal deformation member (200) is configured to structurally deform mainly dependent on the temperature of the thermal deformation member (200) located inside the battery module (10), and thus structural deformation can be prevented from occurring due to external venting gas or flame. Therefore, thermal runaway propagation can be effectively prevented or delayed by minimizing heat propagation through neighboring battery cells (100) or battery modules (10).

[0093] According to one embodiment, the battery module (10) may further include a cell cover (101) positioned between the thermal deformation member (200) and the battery cell (100). The cell cover (101) may be configured to cover the upper surface of the battery cell (100). The thermal deformation member (200) may be positioned and / or fixed on the cell cover (101). The function, structure, etc. of the thermal deformation member (200) will be described in detail below.

[0094] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery module (10) in a normal state by enlarging part A of Fig. 4 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Here, the battery module (10) in a normal state can be defined as a state in which no thermal event occurs within the battery module (10).

[0095] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, a battery module (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a battery cell (100), a heat deformation member (200), a module frame (300), and a top cover (400). The configuration of the battery cell (100), the heat deformation member (200), the module frame (300), and the top cover (400) of FIGS. 4 and 5 may be all or part of the same as the configuration of the battery cell (100), the heat deformation member (200), the module frame (300), and the top cover (400) of FIGS. 1 to 3. The embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5 may be partially combined with the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the top cover (400) may include a first cover (410) fixed on the module frame (300) and at least one second cover (420) surrounded by the first cover (410) and configured to cover the first venting hole (H1).

[0097] The first cover (410) may be configured to be mounted on the module frame (300). That is, the first cover (410) may be configured to be placed on the upper portion of the module frame (300) and cover at least a portion of the module frame (300). When the first cover (410) is mounted on the module frame (300), the first cover (410) may be configured to be in close contact with the module frame (300). More specifically, the first cover (410) may be fixed to the module frame (300). For example, an adhesive may be applied to the bottom surface of the first cover (410). For example, the adhesive applied to the bottom surface of the first cover (410) may include a thermally conductive adhesive such as TIM or thermal resin.

[0098] Each of the plurality of second covers (420) may be configured to cover each of the plurality of first venting holes (H1) from the upper direction. That is, each of the plurality of second covers (420) may be configured to individually cover each of the plurality of first venting holes (H1). That is, the first venting hole (H1) provided on the side of the battery cell (100) where a thermal event does not occur due to the second cover (420) may be maintained in a closed state without being opened. To this end, the second cover (420) may be provided with a material having excellent flame retardant performance. For example, the second cover (420) may include a material such as silicone or FRB. The second cover (420) may block not only heat but also high-temperature gases, flames, discharged substances, etc. generated from the battery cell (100). Accordingly, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, heat is prevented from being transferred to the battery cell (100) side where a thermal event has not occurred, so that the temperature of the thermal deformation member (200) does not rise to a temperature that causes the volume of the thermal deformation member (200) to expand.

[0099] The size of the second cover (420) may be formed to be larger than the size of the first venting hole (H1). In addition, a part of the second cover (420) may be configured to be seated on the module frame (300). That is, the central portion of the second cover (420) may correspond to the first venting hole and be arranged so that the bottom surface is open, and the edge portion of the second cover (420) may correspond to the module frame (300) and be arranged to face the module frame (300). Accordingly, the second cover (420) may move upward when pressure is applied from the bottom in an upward direction (+Z-axis direction), but may not move downward when pressure is applied from the top in a downward direction (-Z-axis direction) because it is restricted by the module frame (300).

[0100] Accordingly, when venting gas or flames, etc. are generated inside the battery module (10), the second cover (420) can be pushed upward, but when venting gas or flames, etc., enter from the outside through the adjacent battery module (10), the second cover (420) cannot be pushed downward. That is, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, when thermal runaway occurs in the battery module (10), not only can the venting gas or flames generated inside the battery module (10) be smoothly discharged to the outside of the battery module (10), but also the discharged venting gas or flames can be prevented from flowing back into the battery module (10) and / or the venting gas or flames formed outside can be prevented from flowing into the inside of the battery module (10). Therefore, the propagation of thermal runaway can be effectively prevented or delayed by minimizing heat propagation to neighboring battery cells (100) or battery modules (10).

[0101] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an adhesive member (305) disposed between the second cover (420) and the module frame (300) may be further included. The second cover (420) may be fixed to the module frame (300) by the adhesive member (305). For example, the adhesive member (305) may include an adhesive component whose adhesive strength is weakened by heat. According to one embodiment, the adhesive member (305) disposed between the second cover (420) and the module frame (300) may include a material whose adhesive strength is weakened compared to the adhesive disposed between the first cover (410) and the module frame (300). Therefore, when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell (100), the adhesive strength of the adhesive member (305) disposed between the second cover (420) and the module frame (300) is weakened, so that the second cover (420) and the module frame (300) may be easily separated.

[0102] According to one embodiment, the first cover (410) and the second cover (420) may be composed of different materials. For example, the first cover (410) and the second cover (420) may be composed of different materials. For example, the thickness of the second cover (420) may be thinner than the thickness of the first cover (410). For example, the weights of the first cover (410) and the second cover (420) may be different. For example, the weight of the second cover (420) may be lighter than the weight of the first cover (410). By configuring the weight of the second cover (420) to be relatively light, the second cover (420) can be easily lifted by the upward force of the thermal deformation member (200).

[0103] According to one embodiment, the heat deformation member (200) may be disposed on one side of the battery cells (100) facing upward (+Z-axis direction). The heat deformation member (200) may be disposed at a position corresponding to the first venting hole (H1). At least a portion of the heat deformation member (200) may be disposed inside the first venting hole (H1). The heat deformation member (200) may be disposed on the lower side of the second cover (420). The heat deformation member (200) may be disposed to face the bottom surface of the second cover (420). For example, the heat deformation member (200) may be disposed so as to be spaced apart from the second cover (420) by a certain distance without coming into contact with the second cover (420).

[0104] According to the above-described embodiment of the invention, when a thermal event occurs within the battery module (10), the volume of the thermal deformation member (200) may be configured to expand when the temperature of the thermal deformation member (200) exceeds a preset temperature. For example, the thermal deformation member (200) may be configured to expand in volume when a thermal event occurs within the battery module (10), and to prevent the volume from expanding when a thermal event occurs outside the battery module (10) by being insulated by a top cover (400) or the like.

[0105] The preset temperature may be, for example, a temperature between 70 degrees Celsius and 90 degrees Celsius. However, the preset temperature is not limited by the above embodiment, and may be designed and changed in various ways within a range that includes the temperature when a thermal event occurs inside the battery module (10) and does not include the temperature of heat transmitted when a thermal event occurs outside the battery module (10).

[0106] The horizontal width of the thermal deformation member (200) may be smaller than the horizontal width of the first venting hole (H1). Not only in a normal state, but also when a thermal event occurs, the horizontal size of the thermal deformation member (200) may be smaller than the horizontal size of the first venting hole. Therefore, when a thermal event occurs in the battery module (10), the thermal deformation member (200) may be configured to penetrate the first venting hole (H1). In other words, when heat is applied to the thermal deformation member (200) and the temperature of the thermal deformation member (200) becomes higher than a preset temperature, the thermal deformation member (200) may be configured to penetrate the first venting hole (H1).

[0107] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery module (10) in a thermal runaway condition by enlarging part A of Fig. 4 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing a battery module (10) in a thermal runaway condition according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing a battery module (10) in a thermal runaway condition according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0108] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, a battery module (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a battery cell (100), a heat deformation member (200), a module frame (300), and a top cover (400). The configuration of the battery cell (100), the heat deformation member (200), the module frame (300), and the top cover (400) of FIGS. 6 to 8 may be all or part of the same as the configuration of the battery cell (100), the heat deformation member (200), the module frame (300), and the top cover (400) of FIGS. 4 and 5. The embodiment of FIGS. 6 to 8 may be partially combined with the embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0109] According to one embodiment, when heat is applied to the thermal deformation member (200) and the temperature of the thermal deformation member (200) becomes higher than a preset temperature, the height of the thermal deformation member (200), that is, the length in the Z-axis direction, may increase. Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, in a normal state, the vertical height of the thermal deformation member (200) is a first length (L1), and when a thermal event occurs within the battery module (10), the height of the thermal deformation member (200) may change to a second length (L2) that is longer than the first length.

[0110] Referring to FIG. 5, when the battery module (10) is in a normal state, the vertical (Z-axis direction) height of the heat deformation member (200) may be a first length (L1). Here, the first length (L1) may be set shorter than the gap between the cell cover (101) and the second cover (420). However, the first length (L1) may be designed in various ways within a range shorter than the gap between the cell cover (101) and the second cover (420).

[0111] Referring to FIG. 6, when a thermal event occurs in the battery module (10), the vertical (Z-axis direction) height of the thermal deformation member (200) may be a second length (L2). The second length (L2) may be set to be longer than the gap between the cell cover (101) and the second cover (420). However, the second length (L2) may be designed to be variously changed within a range longer than the gap between the cell cover (101) and the second cover (420).

[0112] When a thermal event occurs within the battery module (10) and the height of the thermal deformation member (200) increases from the first length (L1) to the second length (L2), the second cover (420) positioned on the thermal deformation member (200) can be lifted by a force that expands the volume of the thermal deformation member (200), for example, by a force acting upward. In other words, the second cover (420) can be configured to change position by the thermal deformation member (200). That is, the second cover (420) can move upward. For example, referring to FIG. 7, the second cover (420) can move upward by a third length (L3).

[0113] Referring to FIG. 6, when the position of the second cover (420) rises, the second venting hole (H2) is opened so that venting gas or flame generated within the battery module (10) can be discharged to the outside of the battery module (10) through the first venting hole (H1) and the second venting hole (H2). In other words, in a normal state, the first venting hole (H1) is configured to be sealed by the top cover (400), and when the temperature of the heat deformation member (200) becomes higher than a preset temperature, at least one first venting hole (H1) can be configured to be opened.

[0114] When the temperature of the heat deformation member (200) exceeds a preset temperature, the height increases, and the shape of the volume expansion can be set in various ways. For example, referring to FIG. 7, the horizontal width and shape of the heat deformation member (200) can be configured to increase only in height while maintaining them. For example, referring to FIG. 8, the overall shape as well as the height can be configured to change irregularly. However, the volume change of the heat deformation member (200) may be an irreversible change. In other words, even if the temperature drops below the preset temperature again, the heat deformation member (200) may not return to its original shape.

[0115] FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack (1) including a battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0116] Referring to FIG. 9, a battery pack (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery modules (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention as described above. The battery pack (1) according to the present invention may further include a pack case (2) for accommodating a BMS (Battery Management System), a current sensor, a fuse, and the like for integrated control of charging and discharging of one or more battery modules (10), and the above-described components.

[0117] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle (3) including a battery pack (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0118] Referring to FIG. 10, a vehicle (3) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery packs (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention or battery modules (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle (3) according to the present invention may be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The vehicle (3) includes a four-wheel vehicle and a two-wheel vehicle. The vehicle (3) operates by receiving power from a battery pack (1) or a battery module (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0119] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is obvious that various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims to be described below by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains.

Claims

1. Multiple battery cells; A top cover configured to cover one side of the plurality of battery cells; and A battery module comprising at least one heat deformation member arranged between the top cover and the battery cell and configured to expand in volume and deform a portion of the top cover when the temperature due to heat exceeds a preset temperature.

2. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a module frame configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells; A battery module characterized in that the module frame is formed at a position corresponding to the heat deformation member and includes at least one first venting hole configured to allow gas generated in the battery cell to be discharged to the outside.

3. In paragraph 2, A battery module characterized in that when heat is applied to the heat deformation member and the temperature of the heat deformation member becomes higher than a preset temperature, at least a portion of the heat deformation member is configured to penetrate the first venting hole.

4. In paragraph 2, A battery module characterized in that, in a normal state, the first venting hole is configured to be sealed by the top cover, and when the temperature of the heat deformation member becomes higher than a preset temperature, at least one of the first venting holes is configured to be opened.

5. In paragraph 2, A battery module characterized in that the top cover comprises a first cover fixed on the module frame; and at least one second cover surrounded by the first cover and configured to cover the first venting hole.

6. In paragraph 5, A battery module characterized in that the central portion of the second cover corresponds to the first venting hole, and the edge portion of the second cover is arranged to face the module frame.

7. In paragraph 5, A battery module characterized in that the second cover is configured to change position by the heat deformation member.

8. In paragraph 5, A battery module characterized in that when heat is applied to the heat deformation member and the temperature of the heat deformation member becomes higher than a preset temperature, the heat deformation member is configured to expand upward toward the second cover, and the second cover is configured to move upward.

9. In paragraph 1, A battery module characterized in that the above heat deformation member is arranged in multiple numbers in at least one direction.

10. In paragraph 2, A battery module characterized in that the horizontal width of the above heat deformation member is smaller than the horizontal width of the first venting hole.

11. In paragraph 2, A battery module characterized in that the above heat deformation member includes at least one of a foaming agent and a shape memory alloy.

12. In paragraph 2, The above plurality of battery cells are arranged in a horizontal direction, A battery module characterized in that the first venting hole is configured to cover one surface facing upward of the plurality of battery cells.

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

14. A vehicle comprising a battery pack according to Article 13.

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