Battery module for preventing thermal propagation

Abstract

A battery module for preventing thermal propagation, according to one embodiment of the present invention, comprises: a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; a module case for accommodating the battery cell stack; and a channel-forming plate disposed on an upper side of the module case and including a plurality of protrusions spaced apart from one another along a width direction, wherein the protrusions respectively form channels for discharging gas from the battery cells. A battery module, according to one embodiment of the present invention, can prevent gas and flame discharged from the module from flowing back into the module, and can prevent thermal propagation to adjacent cells.

Description

Battery module to prevent heat transfer

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module, and more particularly, to a battery module capable of preventing gases and flames discharged from the module from flowing back into the module and preventing heat transfer to adjacent cells.

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

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

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

[0005] A battery module is composed of multiple cells electrically connected using a busbar, and the electrode leads of the battery cells are connected to the busbar.

[0006] In these battery modules, multiple venting holes are installed in the top plate to ensure effective top venting during thermal runaway. However, high-temperature gases and flames vented to the outside of the module can flow back into the module through the venting holes in the top plate, easily causing heat transfer to adjacent cells.

[0007] The present invention is intended to solve the problems described above, and aims to prevent gas and flames discharged from a module from flowing back into the module and prevent heat transfer to adjacent cells.

[0008] A battery module for preventing heat transfer according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized by including: a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; a module case for accommodating the battery cell stack; and a channel forming plate disposed on an upper side of the module case and spaced apart from each other in the width direction and including a plurality of channels for discharging gas.

[0009] Additionally, the convex portion is formed to extend in the longitudinal direction of the battery module.

[0010] Additionally, each of the above channels is formed by a convex portion that is formed convexly upward.

[0011] In addition, the module case includes an upper plate disposed on the upper side, and the channel forming plate further includes a plurality of joints, the joints being respectively disposed between two adjacent channels and joined to the upper plate.

[0012] The joint of the above channel forming plate is joined to the upper plate by brazing.

[0013] In addition, the joint portion and the convex portion are formed integrally.

[0014] Additionally, the upper plate includes a plurality of venting holes along the width direction, and the channels are respectively arranged above the venting holes.

[0015] Additionally, the joint is positioned between two adjacent venting holes.

[0016] The convex portion includes an upward extension portion disposed at one end of the convex portion and extending upward from the joint portion; a downward extension portion extending downward from the other end of the convex portion; and a connecting portion connecting the upward extension portion and the downward extension portion.

[0017] In addition, the upward extension portion is bent upwardly from the joint portion and extends upwardly, and the downward extension portion is bent downwardly from one end of the connection portion and extends downwardly.

[0018] Additionally, the connecting portion is bent at the top of the upward extension portion and extends parallel to the upper plate.

[0019] In addition, two of the above battery cells form a group, and the venting holes are respectively arranged above the two battery cells forming each group.

[0020] Additionally, an insulating pad is placed between two adjacent groups.

[0021] Additionally, the insulating pad is placed directly below the joint.

[0022] A battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: one or more battery modules; and a pack case for accommodating the battery modules; wherein the battery module comprises: a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; a module case for accommodating the battery cell stack; and a channel forming plate disposed on an upper side of the module case and spaced apart from each other in a width direction, the channel forming plate including a plurality of channels for discharging gas.

[0023] A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention can block gases and flames discharged from the module from flowing back into the module and prevent heat transfer to adjacent cells.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a battery cell in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a terminal bus bar in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an insulating cover and an end plate in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 6 is a partially exploded perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing a longitudinal cross-section of a battery module in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 8 is a detailed view showing the upper part of a battery module in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a battery module and a pack lead in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a vehicle equipped with a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] The advantages and features of the present invention, and the methods for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the embodiments described in detail below together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided only to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. Accordingly, in some embodiments, well-known process steps, well-known device structures, and well-known techniques are not specifically described to avoid ambiguity in the interpretation of the present invention. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification.

[0036] In order to clearly represent multiple layers and regions in the drawings, the thickness may be enlarged. Similar parts are designated by the same drawing reference numerals throughout the specification. When an element such as a layer, film, region, or plate is said to be "over" another element, this includes not only the case where it is "directly over" that element but also the case where there are other elements in between. Conversely, when an element is said to be "directly over" another element, this means that there are no other elements in between. Furthermore, when an element such as a layer, film, region, or plate is said to be "under" another element, this includes not only the case where it is "directly under" that element but also the case where there are other elements in between. Conversely, when an element is said to be "directly under" another element, this means that there are no other elements in between.

[0037] A battery module (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0038] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a terminal bus bar according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an insulating cover and an end plate according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 is a partially exploded perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a longitudinal section of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 8 is a detailed view showing the upper part of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 9 is a view showing a battery module and a pack lead according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 10 is a view showing a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a vehicle equipped with a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] A battery module (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a battery cell stack (100) in which a plurality of battery cells (110) are stacked, a module case (200) that accommodates the battery cell stack (100), a bus bar frame (300) positioned on one side and / or the other side of the battery cell stack (100), an insulating cover (500) positioned on the outside of the bus bar frame (300), and an end plate (400) positioned on the outside of the insulating cover (500).

[0040] The above battery cell stack (100) may be formed by stacking a plurality of battery cells (110) along one direction, and the plurality of battery cells (110) may be electrically connected. The direction in which the plurality of battery cells (110) are stacked may be the X-axis direction (or -X-axis direction) in FIG. 2.

[0041] The direction from the front to the rear of the battery cell stack (100), or the opposite direction, may be defined as the longitudinal direction of the battery cell stack (100), and may be the Y-axis direction in the drawing. In addition, the direction from the upper surface to the lower surface of the battery cell stack (100), or the opposite direction, may be defined as the width direction of the battery cell stack (100), and may be the Z-axis direction in the drawing.

[0042] The longitudinal direction of the battery cell stack (100) may be substantially the same as the longitudinal direction of the battery cell (110). The electrode leads (111, 112) of the battery cell (110) may be positioned on the front and rear sides of the battery cell stack (100), and the bus bars (310, 320) of the battery module (1000) may be positioned close to the front and rear sides of the battery cell stack (100) to easily form an electrical connection with the electrode leads (111, 112).

[0043] The battery cell (110) may be provided as a pouch-shaped battery cell, and the number of pouch-shaped battery cells stacked per unit area may be maximized. However, the battery cell (110) does not necessarily have to be provided as a pouch-shaped battery cell, and may be provided in a square, cylindrical, or other various shapes.

[0044] A battery cell (110) provided in a pouch type may include an electrode assembly and a cell case (115) that accommodates the electrode assembly (see FIG. 3).

[0045] The cell case (115) of the battery cell (110) may be a pouch-type cell case (115) for accommodating the electrode assembly. The cell case (115) includes a lower case and an upper case covering the lower case, and the upper and lower cases may be formed integrally. In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the connecting portions of the upper and lower cases may be formed in a structure in which they are bent and folded. In addition, as illustrated, the upper case may completely cover the lower case, and a sealing portion (114) may be formed at the periphery.

[0046] Both the upper and lower cases can be formed of a laminate structure including an inner covering layer, a metal layer, and an outer covering layer. The inner covering layer is located on the inside of the cell case (115) based on the metal layer and is in direct contact with the electrode assembly, so it must have insulation and electrolytic resistance. In addition, in order to seal it from the outside, the sealing portion where the inner layers are thermally bonded must have excellent thermal bonding strength. The metal layer is located between the inner covering layer and the outer covering layer and serves as a barrier layer that prevents moisture or various gases from penetrating into the battery from the outside. A preferable material for the metal layer in contact with the inner covering layer is an aluminum (Al) thin film that is lightweight and has excellent formability. The outer covering layer is located on the outside of the cell case (115) based on the metal layer, and this outer covering layer can use a heat-resistant polymer with excellent tensile strength, moisture permeability, and air permeability to protect the electrode assembly while ensuring heat resistance and chemical resistance. For example, nylon or polyethylene terephthalate can be used.

[0047] A receiving groove (116) can be formed in each of the upper and lower cases, and an electrode assembly can be accommodated in the receiving groove (116) of the upper and lower cases.

[0048] The electrode assembly housed in the cell case (115) may be one of a group consisting of a jelly-roll type electrode assembly having a structure in which a separator is interposed between long sheet-shaped positive and negative electrodes and then rolled up, a stack type electrode assembly having unit cells having a structure in which rectangular positive and negative electrodes are stacked with a separator interposed between them, a stack-folding type electrode assembly in which the unit cells are rolled up by a long separator film, and a lamination-stack type electrode assembly in which the unit cells are stacked with a separator interposed between them and attached to each other.

[0049] Additionally, the electrode assembly may include two electrode tabs and two electrode leads (111, 112) each connected to the electrode tabs by a weld.

[0050] Among the two electrode leads (111, 112), one electrode lead (111, 112) may be a positive lead connected to the positive tab, and the other electrode lead (111, 112) may be a negative lead connected to the negative tab. For example, the positive electrode lead (111) may be made of aluminum (Al), and the negative electrode lead (112) may be made of copper (Cu).

[0051] A lead film (113) may be attached to each of the electrode leads (111, 112). The lead film (113) coupled to the electrode leads (111, 112) is positioned between the electrode leads (111, 112) and the cell case (115), thereby preventing a short circuit from occurring between the electrode leads (111, 112) and the cell case (115) and improving the sealing force, thereby preventing leakage of the electrolyte, etc.

[0052] The two electrode leads (111, 112) are shown as being arranged on each side of the electrode assembly, but may be arranged on only one side of the electrode assembly depending on the arrangement of the electrode tabs.

[0053] The above module case (200) may be for protecting the battery cell stack (100) and electrical components connected thereto from external physical impact, and the module case (200) may accommodate the battery cell stack (100) and electrical components connected thereto in the internal space of the module case (200).

[0054] The structure of the module case (200) may vary, and for example, the structure of the module case (200) may be a mono-frame structure. Here, the mono-frame may be in the form of a metal plate in which the upper surface (upper plate (201)), the lower surface, and both side surfaces are integrated. The mono-frame may be manufactured by extrusion molding. As another example, the structure of the module case (200) may be a structure in which a U-shaped frame and an upper plate (201) are combined. In the case of a structure in which a U-shaped frame and an upper plate (201) are combined, the structure of the module case (200) may be formed by combining the upper plate (201) on the upper side of a U-shaped frame, which is a metal plate in which the lower surface and both side surfaces are combined or integrated, and each frame or plate may be manufactured by press molding. In addition, the structure of the module case (200) may be provided as an L-shaped frame structure in addition to a mono-frame or a U-shaped frame, and may be provided in various structures not described in the above-described examples.

[0055] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, a channel forming plate (211) described later may be placed on the upper plate (201). The upper plate (201) and the channel forming plate (211) may be referred to as a top plate assembly (210) (see FIG. 8), which will be described later.

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

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

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

[0059] Also, although not shown, a thermally conductive resin may be injected between the inner surface of the battery cell stack (100) and the module case (200), and a thermally conductive resin layer (not shown) may be formed between one of the inner surfaces of the battery cell stack (100) and the module case (200) by the injected thermally conductive resin. At this time, the thermally conductive resin layer may be positioned on the Z-axis of the battery cell stack (100), and the thermally conductive resin layer may be formed between the battery cell stack (100) and the bottom surface positioned on the -Z-axis of the module case (200).

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

[0061] The busbar frame (300) may be made of an electrically insulating material or may include an insulating material. The busbar frame (300) may limit contact between the busbars (310, 320) and other parts of the battery cells (110) other than the parts where the busbars are connected to the electrode leads (111, 112), thereby preventing electrical short circuits from occurring. The busbar frame (300) may be positioned on one side and the other side of the battery cell stack (100), respectively.

[0062] A busbar (310, 320) may be mounted on one side of the busbar frame (300), and the busbar (310, 320) may be for electrically connecting the battery cell stack (100) or the battery cells (110) and an external device circuit. A plurality of busbars (310, 320) may be arranged, and are positioned between the battery cell stack (100) or the busbar frame (300) and the end plate (400), so that the busbar can be protected from external impacts, etc., and the deterioration of durability due to external moisture, etc. can be minimized.

[0063] The busbar (310, 320) can be electrically connected to the battery cell stack (100) through the electrode leads (111, 112) of the battery cell (110).

[0064] Specifically, the electrode leads (111, 112) of the battery cell (110) can be bent and connected to the bus bars (310, 320) after passing through the lead slit formed in the bus bar frame (300).

[0065] The bus bar (310) may be for electrically connecting battery cells, and electrode leads (111, 112) of the battery cells (110) may be connected to both sides of the bus bar (310), and the electrode lead (111) connected to one side of the bus bar (310, 320) may be a positive lead, and the electrode lead (112) connected to the other side of the bus bar (310, 320) may be a negative lead.

[0066] Battery cells (110) constituting the battery cell stack (100) can be connected in series or parallel by bus bars (310, 320).

[0067] The busbars (310, 320) may include terminal busbars (320) for electrically connecting one battery module (1000) to another battery module (1000).

[0068] At least a portion of the terminal bus bar (320) may be exposed to the outside of the end plate (400) to be connected to another battery module (1000), and the end plate (400) may be provided with a terminal opening (410) for this purpose.

[0069] The terminal bus bar (320) can have one end (second part (322)) exposed through the opening (510) of the insulating cover (500) and the terminal opening (410) of the end plate (400).

[0070] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the terminal bus bar (320) may include a first portion (321) connected to the electrode leads (111, 112) of the battery cell (110) and a second portion (322) exposed to the outside through a terminal opening (410). In addition, the terminal bus bar (320) may further include a bending portion (323) formed between the first portion (321) and the second portion (322).

[0071] In the terminal bus bar (320), the first part (321) can be connected to the second part (322) through the bending part (323), and one side of the first part (321) and one side of the second part (322) can be perpendicular to each other. That is, by forming a bent bending part (323) in the terminal bus bar (320), the second part (322) can protrude and be seated in the seating part (530) of the insulating cover (500), and the second part (322) can be electrically connected to the pack bus bar (not shown). A joining hole (322a) is formed in the second part (322) constituting one end of the terminal bus bar (320), and the second part (322) of the terminal bus bar (320) is fixed by a fixing pin (not shown) inserted into the joining hole (322a).

[0072] In this embodiment, two terminal bus bars (320) can be arranged on both sides of the bus bar frame (300).

[0073] Among the two terminal bus bars (320), one terminal bus bar (320) may be a positive (+) terminal bus bar (320), and the other may be a negative (-) terminal bus bar (320).

[0074] The end plate (400) may be used to protect the battery cell stack (100) and electrical components connected thereto from external physical impact by covering the open surface of the module case (200). To this end, the end plate (400) may be manufactured from a material having a predetermined strength, and for example, the end plate (400) may include a metal such as aluminum or a plastic material.

[0075] A terminal opening (410) may be formed in the end plate (400). The terminal openings (410) may be positioned on each side of the end plate (400), and a portion of the insulating cover (500) and one end (second portion (322)) of the terminal bus bar (320) may be exposed through the terminal openings (410).

[0076] In addition, a connector opening may be located between terminal openings (410) located on both sides of the end plate (400), and a module connector may be exposed to the outside through the connector opening.

[0077] The end plate (400) can be combined with the module case (200) while covering the busbar frame (300) or busbar (310, 320) located on one side of the battery cell stack (100). Each corner of the end plate (400) can be combined with a corresponding corner of the module case (200) by welding, bolting, hooking, or the like.

[0078] The end plate (400) can be positioned on one side and the other side of the module case (200) to cover both sides of the battery cell stack (100). In this embodiment, an example in which the end plate (400) is positioned on the front and rear sides of the module case (200) is shown.

[0079] The insulating cover (500) may be positioned inside the end plate (400) and outside the busbar frame (300). In addition, an insulating cover (500) for electrical insulation may be positioned between the end plate (400) and the busbar frame (300). That is, the busbar frame (300), the insulating cover (500), and the end plate (400) may be sequentially positioned outside the battery cell stack (100). Like the end plate (400), the busbar frame (300) and the insulating cover (500) may each be configured in multiples.

[0080] The insulating cover (500) may be made of or include an electrically insulating material and may block the busbar (310, 320) from contacting the end plate (400).

[0081] The insulating cover (500) may include an opening (510) and a mounting portion (530). The openings (510) may be positioned on each of the upper sides of the insulating cover (500), and one end (second portion (322)) of the terminal bus bar (320) may be exposed through the openings (510).

[0082] In addition, a connector opening may be located between the openings (510) located on both sides of the insulating cover (500), and the module connector may be exposed to the outside through the connector opening.

[0083] The insulating cover (500) may be positioned on the inner surface of the end plate (400) and may be in close contact with the inner surface of the end plate (400), but this is not necessarily the case.

[0084] As described above, one end (the second part (322)) of the terminal bus bar (320) can be exposed through the opening (510), and the exposed one end (the second part (322)) of the terminal bus bar (320) can be seated on the mounting portion (530). Accordingly, the mounting portion (530) can be positioned adjacent to the opening (510) and can be positioned on the upper outer surface.

[0085] The mounting portion (530) may have a second portion (322) of the terminal bus bar (320) mounted on its upper surface, and thus the upper surface of the mounting portion (530) may form a mounting surface. In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the mounting portion (530) may include a fixing member (531) for fixing the terminal bus bar (320).

[0086] The fixing member (531) can fix the second part (322) of the terminal bus bar (320) and may include a fixing hole (531a).

[0087] A fixing pin (not shown) can be inserted into the fixing hole (531a) above. A fixing pin (not shown) inserted into a joining hole (322a) formed in a second part (322) of the terminal bus bar (320) is fixed by being coupled to the fixing hole (531a), thereby fixing the second part (322) of the terminal bus bar (320) to the insulating cover (500).

[0088] Accordingly, the second part (322) of the terminal bus bar (320) is seated on the mounting portion (530) of the insulating cover (500), and the second part (322) is seated on the fixing member (531) arranged on the mounting portion (530) and comes into contact with it.

[0089] In addition, a terminal cover portion (not shown) covering one end (second portion (322)) of the exposed terminal bus bar (320) can be placed on the insulating cover (500).

[0090] Meanwhile, electrical connection between battery modules (1000) can be made through a pack bus bar (not shown). The pack bus bar is a member for connecting one battery module (1000) to another adjacent battery module (1000) or a BDU (Battery Disconnection Unit), and can be connected to an exposed end (second part (322)) of a terminal bus bar (320). For example, the pack bus bar can be connected to overlap the upper end (second part (322)) of one end of the terminal bus bar (320).

[0091] After one end of the pack bus bar is placed overlapping the second part (322) of the terminal bus bar (320), a fixing pin is sequentially inserted into the coupling hole of the pack bus bar and the coupling hole (322a) of the second part (322) of the terminal bus bar (320), and then the fixing pin is fixed to the fixing groove (531a) of the mounting portion (530), so that the pack bus bar can be connected to the terminal bus bar (320).

[0092] And, the second part (322) of the terminal bus bar (320) can be fixed to the insulating cover (500) together with the pack bus bar by a fixed pin.

[0093] In this embodiment, a channel forming plate (211) may be placed on the upper plate (201) of the module case (200) as shown in FIGS. 6 to 9.

[0094] In this embodiment, a channel forming plate (211) can be combined with an upper plate (201), and the upper plate (201) and the channel forming plate (211) can form a top plate assembly (210) (see FIG. 8).

[0095] The upper plate (201) can be placed on the upper portion of the module case (200) and can cover the battery cell stack (100) accommodated in the module case (200). A plurality of venting holes (201a) can be formed in the upper plate (201) to vent gas generated from the battery cells (110).

[0096] The upper plate (201) can be combined with the upper part of the U-frame to form a module case (200), and in the module case of the monoframe, the upper plate can be formed integrally with both sides and the bottom of the module case (200) as a component placed on the upper part.

[0097] The channel forming plate (211) can be coupled to the upper plate (201) to form a plurality of channels (211a) that are passages for venting gas on the upper side of the battery cell stack (100).

[0098] The channel forming plate (211) may be formed in a form in which a plurality of convex portions (213) are spaced apart and repeatedly arranged along the width direction (X-axis direction) of the battery module (1000) as illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 8, and each channel (211a) may be formed by each convex portion (213). The convex portions (213) may be formed to be convex upward from the joint portion (212) and may be formed integrally with the joint portion (212). The channel forming plate (211) may be formed of, for example, a metal material.

[0099] Specifically, the channel forming plate (211) can be formed by alternately and repeatedly arranging joints (212) and convex portions (213) along the width direction (X-axis direction) of the battery module (1000).

[0100] In the channel forming plate (211), the joint (212) is a portion that is joined to the upper plate (201) and is joined to a portion between the vent hole (201a) in the upper plate (201). The joint (212) is formed to extend in the longitudinal direction of the battery module (1000) (the longitudinal direction of the battery cell (110)) (Y-axis direction) and can be formed over the entire length (Y-axis direction) of the channel forming plate (211). The joint (212) to the upper plate (201) can be formed by brazing.

[0101] The joint (212) is joined to the upper plate (201) made of metal by brazing, so that airtightness can be maintained and flame and gas between the channels (211a) can be physically blocked.

[0102] The convex portion (213) may be formed to be convex upward between two joints (212) to form each channel (211a). In this way, each convex portion (213) may be positioned between the joints (212) to form a channel (211a) that is a passage for venting gas.

[0103] As shown in Fig. 9, the convex portion (213) may include an upward extension portion (213a) at one end of the convex portion (213), a downward extension portion (213c) at the other end of the convex portion (213), and a connecting portion (213b).

[0104] The upward extension portion (213a) may be formed vertically by bending upward from the joint portion (212) and extending upward. The upper end of the upward extension portion (213a) may be connected to the connecting portion (213b).

[0105] The connecting portion (213b) can connect the upward extension portion (213a) and the downward extension portion (213c) to each other. The connecting portion (213b) can be bent from the upper end of the upward extension portion (213a) toward the downward extension portion (213c) and can extend parallel to the upper plate (201). The connecting portion (213b) can be formed in the shape of a flat plate and can extend in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the channel forming plate (211).

[0106] The downward extension portion (213c) may be formed vertically by bending downward from one end of the connecting portion (213b) and extending downward. The lower end of the downward extension portion (213c) may be connected to the joint portion (212).

[0107] Accordingly, the channel forming plate (211) can be formed by sequentially repeating a joint portion (212), an upward extension portion (213a), a connection portion (213b), and a downward extension portion (213c) along the width direction (X-axis direction) of the battery module (1000). The height of the channel forming plate (211) (from the lower surface of the joint portion (212) to the upper surface of the connection portion (213b)) can be, for example, 10-20 mm.

[0108] And, as shown in FIGS. 6, 8, and 9, a plurality of venting holes (201a) may be arranged in the upper plate (201) along the width direction (X-axis direction) of the battery module (1000). One convex portion (213) may be arranged to correspond to one venting hole (201a) along the width direction of the battery module (1000). The venting holes (201a) may extend in the length direction (Y-axis direction) of the battery module (1000), and a plurality of them may be arranged in the length direction (Y-axis direction) of the battery module (1000).

[0109] As illustrated, in the present embodiment, two battery cells (110) can form a group, and the venting holes (201a) for each group can correspond 1:1, and the venting holes (201a) and the convex portions (213) can correspond 1:1. Accordingly, the venting holes (201a) can be arranged on the upper portions of the two battery cells (110) forming a group, and the convex portions (213) can be arranged on the upper side of the venting holes (201a). Therefore, one convex portion (213) can be arranged to correspond to the two battery cells (110) forming a group, and the two battery cells (110) share one channel (211a) formed by one convex portion (213). In this embodiment, one group is composed of two battery cells (110), but as another example, three or more battery cells (110) may form one group.

[0110] In this embodiment, an insulating pad (155) (or insulating sheet) may be placed between the battery cells (110) of each group.

[0111] The insulation pad (155) can serve to prevent heat, flames or high-temperature particles from being transferred from each battery cell (110) to the battery cell (110) of an adjacent group.

[0112] The insulating pad (155) may be made of a material with excellent heat-insulating or insulating properties and excellent electrical insulation properties to prevent the movement of heat, flames, or high-temperature particles, and may be arranged in the form of a pad or sheet. The insulating pad (155) may be made of a silicone pad, for example.

[0113] Additionally, the insulation pad (155) may be formed to have a certain elasticity. The battery cell (110) may expand or contract due to charging and discharging or heat, and the insulation pad (155) may have elasticity to supplement or compensate for the expansion or contraction of the battery cell (155).

[0114] The insulation pad (155) may be longer than the battery cell in the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the battery module.

[0115] In addition, the battery module (1000) according to the present embodiment may include a heat sink (220). As shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, the heat sink (220) may be disposed at the lower portion of the battery module (1000) to cool the battery module (1000). Specifically, the heat sink (220) may include a cooling path through which a coolant moves, and the coolant introduced through an inlet of the cooling path may move along the cooling path to cool the battery module (1000), and the coolant may be discharged through an outlet formed at one end of the cooling path. The coolant may be coolant water, cooling air, or other fluids.

[0116] Referring to FIGS. 7 to 9, gas discharge during thermal runaway in a battery module (1000) according to the present embodiment will be described. Gas (and particles) generated from two battery cells (110) constituting each group rises through a venting hole (201a) of the upper plate (201), and the rising gas moves along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the battery module (1000) through a channel (211a) in the convex portion (213) to the front or rear of the battery module (1000) and is then discharged to the outside of the module (1000).

[0117] At this time, each channel (211a) is physically isolated from each other by the joint (212) and the upward extension (213a) or the joint (212) and the downward extension (213c) between each convex portion (213), thereby preventing heat transfer to the adjacent battery cell (110), and gas generated in each battery cell (110) can be discharged to the outside without affecting the adjacent battery cell (110).

[0118] In addition, the flame through the venting hole (201a) of the upper plate (201) can be reversed by the upper housing (2120) to cause heat transfer to the adjacent battery cell (110). In this embodiment, the reverse flow of gas and flame can be prevented by the channel forming plate (211), thereby increasing the stability of the battery module (1000). In addition, the channel forming plate (211) can prevent deformation of the upper housing (2120) due to high-temperature gas and flame, and maintain the space of the venting channel.

[0119] As described above, one or more battery modules (1000) according to the present invention can form a battery pack (2000). As illustrated in FIG. 10, a battery pack (2000) according to an embodiment of the present invention can accommodate at least one battery module (1000) inside a pack case (2100), and can include various control and protection systems such as a BMS (Battery Management System) and a cooling system.

[0120] The pack case (2100) may include a lower housing (2110) and an upper housing (2120) coupled to the upper side of the lower housing (2110), and a plurality of battery modules (1000) may be stored in the internal space of the lower housing (2110) and the upper housing (2120).

[0121] Meanwhile, in the embodiment of the present invention, an example is shown in which a plurality of battery modules (1000) are accommodated inside a battery pack (2000), but a plurality of battery cells (110) may be directly arranged inside the battery pack (2000).

[0122] The battery module (1000) and battery pack (2000) according to the present invention, configured as described above, can be applied to various devices. Specifically, they can be applied to means of transportation such as electric bicycles, electric vehicles (V), hybrid vehicles, and ESS (Energy Storage Systems), but are not limited thereto and can be applied to various devices capable of using secondary batteries.

[0123] Fig. 11 is a drawing illustrating an electric vehicle (V) equipped with a battery pack (2000). In the electric vehicle (V), the wheels are driven by a motor that receives power from the battery pack (2000) so that the electric vehicle can be driven.

[0124] Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments as described above, it is not limited to the above embodiments, and various changes and modifications may be made by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains within a scope that does not depart from the spirit of the present invention.

[0125] The present invention can provide a battery module capable of preventing gases and flames discharged from a battery module from flowing back into the module and preventing heat transfer to adjacent cells.

Claims

1. A battery cell stack in which multiple battery cells are stacked; A module case for accommodating the above battery cell stack; and A channel forming plate disposed on the upper side of the module case and spaced apart from each other along the width direction and including a plurality of channels for discharging gas; A battery module including:

2. In paragraph 1, A battery module in which the above channel is formed to extend in the longitudinal direction of the battery module.

3. In paragraph 1, The above module case includes an upper plate disposed on the upper side, The above channel forming plate further includes a plurality of joints, A battery module in which the above joints are respectively positioned between two adjacent channels and joined to the upper plate.

4. In paragraph 3, A battery module in which the joint of the above channel forming plate is joined to the upper plate by brazing.

5. In paragraph 3, Each of the above channels is formed by a battery module formed by a convex portion that is formed to be convex upward.

6. In paragraph 5, A battery module in which the above joint portion and the above convex portion are formed integrally.

7. In paragraph 3, The upper plate includes a plurality of venting holes along the width direction, A battery module in which the channels are each arranged above the venting holes.

8. In paragraph 7, A battery module wherein the above joint is placed between two adjacent venting holes.

9. In paragraph 5, The above convex part An upward extension portion disposed at one end of the convex portion and extending upward from the joint portion; A downward extension extending downward from the other end of the convex portion; and A connecting portion connecting the upward extension portion and the downward extension portion; A battery module including:

10. In paragraph 9, The above upward extension portion is bent upward from the above joint portion and extends upward, The above downward extension portion is a battery module that extends downward by bending downward from one end of the above connecting portion.

11. In paragraph 10, A battery module in which the above connecting portion is bent at the upper end of the above upward extension portion and extends parallel to the upper plate.

12. In paragraph 7, The two above-mentioned battery cells form a group, A battery module in which the venting holes are respectively arranged on the upper side of the two battery cells constituting each group.

13. In paragraph 12, A battery module in which an insulating pad is placed between two adjacent cells.

14. In paragraph 13, The above insulation pad is a battery module placed directly below the above joint.

15. One or more battery modules; and A pack case for accommodating the above battery module; The above battery module A battery cell stack in which multiple battery cells are stacked; A module case for accommodating the above battery cell stack; and A channel forming plate disposed on the upper side of the module case and spaced apart from each other along the width direction and including a plurality of channels for discharging gas; Battery pack containing.

16. In paragraph 15, The above module case includes an upper plate disposed on the upper side, The above channel forming plate further includes a plurality of joints, A battery pack wherein the above joints are respectively positioned between two adjacent channels and are joined to the upper plate.

17. In paragraph 16, The upper plate includes a plurality of venting holes along the width direction, A battery pack in which the channels are each arranged above the venting holes.

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