Battery module, and battery pack and vehicle including same

Abstract

A battery module according to the present invention comprises: a battery cell; and a module case which has an accommodation space for accommodating the battery cell therein and has, in an upper portion, at least one venting channel for guiding the external discharge of venting gas. According to the battery module of the present invention configured as described above, a back flame phenomenon in which high-temperature venting gas and particles enter adjacent venting holes can be effectively prevented by forming the venting channel in the upper portion of the module case to guide the external discharge of the venting gas and particles.

Description

Battery module, and battery pack including the same and vehicle

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle, and more specifically, to a battery module that facilitates the external discharge of venting gas and particles, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle.

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, which cannot be recharged, secondary batteries refer to batteries that can be charged and discharged, and they are used in various applications, including portable devices as well as electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs).

[0003] Currently widely used rechargeable batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium-polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. The operating voltage of a unit rechargeable battery cell (i.e., a unit battery cell) is approximately 2.5V to 4.6V. If a higher output voltage is required, a battery pack can be formed by connecting multiple battery cells in series. Additionally, a battery pack can be formed by connecting multiple battery cells in parallel, depending on the required charge / discharge capacity. The number of battery cells constituting the battery pack can be varied 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 practice to first construct a battery module consisting of battery cells and then form the battery pack including the battery module. Here, a battery module refers to a component in which multiple battery cells are connected in series or parallel, and a battery pack refers to a component in which multiple battery modules are connected in series or parallel to increase capacity and output.

[0005] Battery modules or battery packs are inevitably vulnerable to thermal events because multiple battery cells or modules are densely packed in a space-intensive manner. In particular, if thermal runaway (TR) occurs within a battery module, high-temperature gases, flames, and heat are generated; if these are not promptly controlled, thermal propagation (TP) can lead to a chain reaction of fires or explosions affecting not only the affected module but also adjacent modules.

[0006] In conventional battery modules, venting holes are applied to the upper plate to induce upper venting, thereby facilitating the discharge of venting gases and particles; however, a backflare phenomenon occurs where high-temperature venting gases and particles enter adjacent venting holes. When backflare occurs, simultaneous ignition takes place rather than sequentially, resulting in a reduced heat transfer delay effect. Furthermore, there is a risk that the shape of the venting holes may collapse due to the high-temperature venting gases and particles.

[0007] In addition, in conventional battery modules, the top of a U-shaped lower plate and the edges of both sides of an upper plate with multiple venting holes are joined by welding; however, welding is not easy due to the numerous venting holes, which leads to problems such as reduced productivity and structural stability.

[0008] The present invention is designed to solve the problems of the conventional technology described above, and aims to provide a battery module capable of preventing backfire phenomena in which venting gas and particles discharged upwards are re-entered, enhancing the heat transfer delay effect, and improving structural stability and productivity, as well as a battery pack including the same and a vehicle.

[0009] A battery module according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned purpose comprises a battery cell and a module case having at least one venting channel that forms a receiving space for accommodating the battery cell inside and guides the external discharge of venting gas at the top.

[0010] Venting channels are formed long in the front-rear direction of the module case, and multiple channels are formed separately side by side.

[0011] An opening is formed at the bottom of the venting channel, which is wholly or partially open to allow venting gas discharged from the receiving space to flow in.

[0012] The opening may include at least one venting hole.

[0013] The venting channel has both sides and the top surface closed, the front and rear surfaces open, and an opening formed on the bottom surface.

[0014] The module case includes a lower plate and a venting guide that forms an internal receiving space together with the lower plate and guides the external discharge of venting gas generated in the receiving space and discharged to the outside.

[0015] The venting guide includes a venting channel portion covering the upper part of a receiving space and having at least one venting channel, and side plates extending downward from each side of the venting channel portion to cover both sides of the receiving space.

[0016] The venting channel section and the side plate are integrally formed by extrusion using metal material.

[0017] The bottom of the side plate is joined to both ends of the bottom plate.

[0018] The accommodation space is separated into multiple cell placement spaces, and at least one battery cell is placed in each cell placement space.

[0019] Venting channels and cell placement spaces are provided in equal numbers, and the venting channels and cell placement spaces are arranged vertically with venting holes in between.

[0020] Multiple venting gas discharge paths formed by the module case are formed separately from one another, and each venting gas discharge path leads to a cell placement space, a venting hole, and a venting channel.

[0021] According to the battery module of the present invention, and a battery pack and vehicle including the same, by forming a venting channel on the upper part of the module case to guide the external discharge of venting gas and particles, the back flame phenomenon in which high-temperature venting gas and particles enter adjacent venting holes can be effectively prevented.

[0022] In addition, by assembling the module case by joining the lower ends of the side plates of the venting guide to both ends of the lower plate, the structural stability of the module case can be improved compared to the conventional method of joining the upper end of the U-shaped lower plate and the edges of both sides of the upper plate, which has multiple venting holes formed therein, by welding.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a vehicle equipped with a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention housed in a pack case of a battery pack.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Fig. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the venting guide shown in Fig. 4.

[0028] Fig. 6 is a front view of the venting guide.

[0029] Fig. 7 is a bottom view of the venting guide.

[0030] Figure 8 is a plan view of Figure 3.

[0031] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of AA of Fig. 8.

[0032] Figure 10 is an enlarged view of section A of Figure 9.

[0033] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Hereinafter, a battery module according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and a battery pack and a vehicle using the same, will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0035]

[0036] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a vehicle equipped with a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] A vehicle (1), such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle, may be equipped with one or more battery packs (2) according to one embodiment of the present invention. The battery packs (2) can supply electrical energy required for various operations of the vehicle (1). In addition, the vehicle (1) may include various other components in addition to the battery packs (2). For example, the vehicle (1) may further include a vehicle body, a motor, a control device such as an ECU (electronic control unit), etc.

[0038]

[0039] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention housed in a pack case of a battery pack.

[0040] A plurality of battery modules (20) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be provided and arranged in series or in parallel within a pack case (21). FIG. 2 shows an example in which battery modules (10) are arranged in two rows in parallel. As shown in FIG. 2, battery modules (10) may be arranged in the left row and the right row with the same number and spacing, respectively, and those arranged in the left row and those arranged in the right row may be arranged to face each other.

[0041]

[0042] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] A battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a battery cell stack (100), a module case (200), a busbar assembly (300), an insulating cover (400), and an end plate (500).

[0044] The battery cell stack (100) includes a plurality of battery cells stacked with their wide sides facing each other and is housed in a module case (200). Each battery cell may be pouch-type.

[0045] The module case (200) is composed of a lower plate (210) and a venting guide (220) and accommodates a battery cell stack (100) inside. The lower plate (210) can be formed in a flat plate shape, and the venting guide (220) can be formed in a ∩ shape, which is an inverted form of a conventional ∪-shaped lower plate. The venting guide (220) forms an internal receiving space together with the lower plate (210) and guides external discharge so that venting gas and particles discharged from the internal receiving space of the module case (200) do not flow back into the internal receiving space of the module case (200).

[0046] The busbar assembly (300) is positioned on both sides of the battery cell stack (100) to cover both sides of the battery cell stack (100), electrically connect the electrode leads of the battery cells, and guide the connection between the battery cell stack (100) and an external device. Meanwhile, the busbar assembly (300) may be positioned on only one side of the battery cell stack (100) depending on the direction of the electrode leads of the battery cells constituting the battery cell stack (100).

[0047] The insulating cover (400) may include an electrical insulating material and may block the electrode leads of the battery cells, the terminal busbar, and the connector attached to the busbar assembly (300) from coming into contact with the end plate (500).

[0048] The end plate (500) can protect the battery cell stack (100) and the electrical components connected thereto from external physical impact by shielding the open front and rear of the module case (200).

[0049]

[0050] FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the venting guide shown in FIG. 4, FIG. 6 is a front view of the venting guide, and FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the venting guide.

[0051] As described above, the venting guide (220) forms a module case (200) together with the lower plate (210) to form a receiving space inside, and guides the discharge of venting gas and particles from outside the receiving space so that venting gas and particles generated in the internal receiving space and discharged to the outside do not flow back into the receiving space. This venting guide (220) includes a venting channel section (221) and a side plate (222) and is formed in an overall ∩ shape.

[0052] The venting channel section (221) constitutes the upper plate of the module case (200) and covers the upper part of the receiving space. The venting channel section (221) guides the external discharge of venting gas and particles discharged from the receiving space and includes a plurality of venting channels (223). The venting channels (223) are formed long in the front-rear direction of the module case (200) and are formed separately in the left-right direction. The top surface and both sides of each venting channel (223) are closed, while the front and rear surfaces are open. An opening is formed on the bottom surface of each venting channel (223) in a form that is wholly or partially open to connect with the receiving space.

[0053] The arrangement of the venting channels (223) as described above is determined by considering that the battery cells accommodated in the receiving space are arranged in a long forward-backward direction and multiple cells are arranged side by side in the left-right direction, and it may be an optimal arrangement that allows for smooth discharge of venting gas and particles.

[0054] The venting channel section (221) includes a cover surface (224) covering the upper part of the receiving space, a pair of parallel sides (225) formed vertically upward from both edges of the cover surface (224), an upper surface (226) connecting the tops of the two sides (225), and a plurality of partitions (227) formed vertically between the cover surface (224) and the upper surface (226).

[0055] The bottom of the partitions (227) is connected to the cover surface (224), and the top is connected to the top surface (226). Each partition (227) may include two parallel partitions (227a) (227b) to support the gap between the cover surface (224) and the top surface (226) so that the gap can be stably maintained. The gap between the two partitions (227a) (227b) is formed to be narrower than the gap between the partitions (227).

[0056] The internal space of the venting channel section (221), which is surrounded by the cover surface (224), side surface (225), and top surface (226), can be separated into multiple spaces, i.e., multiple venting channels (223), by partitions (227). Adjacent venting channels (223) are blocked by the partitions (227).

[0057] Venting channels (223) are formed long in the front-rear direction of the module case (200) and are formed separately in a row, and an opening may be formed at the bottom of the venting channels (223) in a form that is wholly or partially open so that venting gas discharged from the receiving space as described above can flow in.

[0058] In this embodiment, the opening of the venting channel (223) may include at least one venting hole (228). In the drawing, a plurality of venting holes (228) are formed in a row on the bottom of each venting channel (223), and the venting holes (228) may be formed in an elongated shape. The venting holes (228) formed in a row on the bottom of each venting channel (223) may be of a mixed form having the same width but different lengths.

[0059] Venting holes (228) may be formed in multiple rows corresponding to the venting channel (223) on the cover surface (224) constituting the bottom of the venting channel (223).

[0060] The side plate (222) is formed downward from both ends of the cover surface (224) constituting the venting channel portion (221), covers both sides of the receiving space, and its lower end is joined to both ends of the lower plate (210) by welding.

[0061] As described above, the venting guide (220), which includes a venting channel portion (221) and a side plate (222), can be integrally formed by extrusion using a metal material. The venting holes (228) formed in the venting channel portion (221) can be formed separately by post-processing such as punching or drilling.

[0062]

[0063] FIG. 8 is a plan view of FIG. 3, FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of AA of FIG. 8, and FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of part A of FIG. 9.

[0064] The receiving space formed inside the module case (200) can be divided into a plurality of cell placement spaces (240) by a plurality of barrier members (230). At least one battery cell is placed in each cell placement space (240). The cell placement spaces (240) can be formed separated by the barrier members (230) so as not to communicate with each other.

[0065] In the drawing, the cell placement space (240) is configured to accommodate two battery cells, but it is not limited thereto and may accommodate only one battery cell or three or more battery cells. The upper part of each cell placement space (240) is covered by a venting channel section (221) and is connected to a venting channel (223) constituting the venting channel section (221) through a venting hole (228).

[0066] The cell placement space (240) and the venting channel (223) may be provided in equal numbers, and the venting channel (223) may be placed on each cell placement space (240) with the venting hole (228) in between.

[0067] Accordingly, the venting gas and particles generated in each cell placement space (240) are discharged outside the receiving space through the venting hole (228) formed on the upper side and are guided by the venting channel (223) located on the upper side and then discharged outside. Since the cell placement spaces (240) are separated from each other and the venting channels (223) are also separated from each other, the back flame phenomenon in which the venting gas and particles discharged from a specific cell placement space (240) are discharged outside through the upper venting channel (223) can be effectively prevented from entering another cell placement space (240).

[0068] In short, the exhaust path for venting gas and particles generated in a specific cell placement space (240) may comprise a cell placement space (240), a venting hole (228), and a venting channel (223). In the battery module (10) according to the present invention, a plurality of exhaust paths are formed separately from each other, so that venting gas and particles discharged through a specific exhaust path do not affect other exhaust paths.

[0069]

[0070] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] According to a battery module (10A) according to another embodiment of the present invention, the module case (200A) may include a lower plate (210A), an upper plate (220A), and a venting guide (230A).

[0072] The lower plate (210A) is formed in a U-shape, and a plurality of first venting holes (221A) may be formed in the upper plate (220A). The top of the lower plate (210A) and the two edges of the upper plate (220A) may be joined by welding.

[0073] The first venting holes (221A) of the upper plate (220A) may be formed in the shape of elongated holes. The first venting holes (221A) may be formed in the same shape and size as the second venting holes (not shown) formed in the venting guide (230A).

[0074] The venting guide (230A) can be manufactured with the same shape and configuration as the venting guide (220) according to one embodiment of the present invention. That is, the venting guide (230A) includes a venting channel portion (231A) and a side plate (232A) and can be formed in an overall ∩ shape.

[0075] However, the venting guide (230A) according to the present embodiment wraps around both sides of the lower plate (210A) and the upper plate (220A) and is seated on the upper plate (220A) to guide the external discharge of venting gas and particles discharged from the first venting hole (221A) of the upper plate (220A). In the present embodiment, the second venting hole constituting the venting guide (230A) is identical to the venting hole (228) in one embodiment of the present invention. The lower end of the side plate (232A) constituting the venting guide (230A) may be joined to the lower side of the lower plate (210A) by welding.

[0076] In this embodiment as well, the internal receiving space formed by the lower plate (210A) and the upper plate (220A) can be separated into a plurality of cell placement spaces (not shown) by a barrier member (not shown).

[0077] According to a battery module (10A) according to another embodiment of the present invention, the exhaust path for venting gas and particles generated in a specific cell placement space may comprise a cell placement space, a first venting hole (221A), a second venting hole, and a venting channel.

[0078]

[0079]

[0080] Meanwhile, although not shown in the drawing, the module case may also be configured by separately molding only the venting channel section, in which multiple venting channels are formed separately, and then joining it to the top of a U-shaped lower plate in place of the upper plate.

[0081]

[0082] As described above, a battery module according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle have been described in detail with reference to the attached drawings; however, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and can be implemented in various modified ways within the scope of the claims.

[0083] [Explanation of the symbol]

[0084] 1 : Vehicle 2 : Battery Pack

[0085] 10 : Battery module 100 : Battery cell stack

[0086] 200 : Module case 210 : Bottom plate

[0087] 220: Venting Guide 221: Venting Channel Section

[0088] 222: Side plate 223: Venting channel

[0089] 224 : Cover surface 225 : Side

[0090] 226 : Top surface 267 : Partition

[0091] 228 : Venting hole 230 : Barrier absence

[0092] 240 : Cell placement space 300 : Busbar assembly

[0093] 400: Insulation cover 500: End plate

Claims

1. Battery cell; and A module case comprising: a receiving space for accommodating the battery cell inside, and having at least one venting channel on the top for guiding the external discharge of venting gas. Battery module.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above venting channel is formed long in the front-rear direction of the module case, Battery module.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above venting channels are formed separately in multiple parallel, and Battery module.

4. In Paragraph 3, An opening is formed in the lower part of the venting channel, which is wholly or partially open to allow venting gas discharged from the receiving space to flow in. Battery module.

5. In Paragraph 4, The above opening includes at least one venting hole, Battery module.

6. In Paragraph 4, The above venting channel has both sides and the top surface closed, the front and rear surfaces open, and the opening is formed on the bottom surface. Battery module.

7. In Paragraph 5, The above module case is, lower plate; and A venting guide comprising: forming the receiving space inside together with the lower plate above, and guiding the external discharge of venting gas generated in the receiving space and discharged to the outside; Battery module.

8. In Paragraph 7, The above venting guide is, A venting channel portion having at least one venting channel and covering the upper part of the receiving space; and Side plates extending downward from each side of the venting channel portion and covering both sides of the receiving space; Battery module.

9. In Paragraph 8, The above venting channel section and side plate are integrally formed by extrusion using a metal material, Battery module.

10. In Paragraph 9, The lower end of the above side plate is joined to both ends of the above lower plate, Battery module.

11. In Paragraph 5, The above-mentioned receiving space is divided into a plurality of cell placement spaces, and at least one battery cell is placed in each cell placement space, Battery module.

12. In Paragraph 11, The above-mentioned venting channels and the above-mentioned cell placement spaces are provided in equal numbers, and the venting channels and the cell placement spaces are arranged vertically with the above-mentioned venting holes in between. Battery module.

13. In Paragraph 12, The venting gas discharge paths formed by the above module case are formed separately from each other, and each venting gas discharge path leads to the cell placement space, venting hole, and venting channel. Battery module.

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

15. A vehicle comprising the battery pack of claim 14.

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