Battery module

Abstract

A battery module is disclosed. The battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may comprise: a frame that provides a space therein; battery cells located inside the frame, each battery cell comprising an accommodation part accommodating an electrode assembly and electrode leads protruding from the accommodation part; a busbar frame assembly located inside the frame and electrically connected to the battery cells; and a fire-extinguishing pad located between the busbar frame assembly and the accommodation parts.

Description

battery module

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module.

[0002] This application is a priority application for Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0129060 filed on September 24, 2024, and all contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of said application are incorporated into this application by reference.

[0003] As the demand for portable electronic products such as smartphones, tablet PCs, and smartwatches increases significantly and electric vehicles become increasingly widespread, research on batteries installed in them, particularly secondary batteries capable of repeated charging and discharging, is actively underway.

[0004] Currently commercialized secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium, nickel-hydrogen, nickel-zinc, and lithium secondary batteries. Among these, lithium secondary batteries are gaining attention for their advantages, such as the ability to freely charge and discharge with almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based secondary batteries, a very low self-discharge rate, and high energy density.

[0005] These lithium secondary batteries primarily use lithium-based oxides and carbon materials as the positive and negative active materials, respectively. The lithium secondary battery comprises an electrode assembly in which a positive plate and a negative plate, each coated with the positive and negative active materials, are arranged with a separator in between, and an outer casing, namely a battery case, that seals and houses the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte.

[0006] Generally, lithium secondary batteries can be classified according to the shape of the casing into can-type secondary batteries, in which the electrode assembly is embedded in a metal can, and pouch-type secondary batteries, in which the electrode assembly is embedded in a pouch of aluminum laminate sheet.

[0007] Recently, secondary batteries are widely used for driving or energy storage not only in small devices such as portable electronic devices but also in medium-to-large devices such as electric vehicles and Energy Storage Systems (ESS). A single battery module can be formed by housing multiple such secondary batteries together inside a module case while electrically connected. In this case, each secondary battery included in a single battery module can be referred to as a battery cell. Furthermore, multiple such battery modules can be connected to form a single battery pack.

[0008] However, when a battery pack contains multiple battery modules, and each module contains multiple battery cells, it may be vulnerable to thermal chain reactions between modules or cells. For example, if an event such as thermal runaway occurs within a single battery module, it is necessary to suppress the propagation of this runaway to other battery modules or cells. If the propagation of thermal runaway between modules or cells is not properly suppressed, an event originating in a specific module or cell may trigger a chain reaction of thermal reactions in other modules or cells, potentially causing explosions or fires, or significantly amplifying their scale.

[0009] In particular, if an event such as thermal runaway occurs in a single battery module, gases or flames may be randomly released to the outside. If the release of such gases or flames is not properly controlled, they may be released toward other battery modules, potentially causing a thermal chain reaction in those modules. Specifically, module terminals may be located on the front side of a battery module to provide electrical connections to other battery modules or battery packs, such as module busbars. Therefore, if flames are released toward the front of such a battery module, they can damage the module terminals within the battery pack and cause an electrical short circuit. Furthermore, since other battery modules may be located in front of a specific battery module, if flames are released toward the front of that module, the emitted flames may spread toward other modules, making it easy for fire to spread between battery modules.

[0010] If thermal propagation between battery modules or between battery cells is not properly controlled, a rapid voltage drop in the battery module or battery pack may occur. This can lead to a sudden shutdown of the device equipped with the battery module or battery pack, causing unexpected damage. For example, if a sudden voltage drop in the battery pack occurs while an electric vehicle is in operation, there may not be enough time to move the electric vehicle to a safe location.

[0011] Furthermore, if thermal propagation between battery modules or battery cells is not properly controlled and a fire or explosion occurs suddenly, there is a high possibility of causing casualties to users. For example, if thermal runaway occurs in an electric vehicle and a certain amount of time is not secured before it progresses into a full-scale fire, the occupants may not be able to escape safely.

[0012] Accordingly, the present invention is devised to solve the above-mentioned problems and aims to provide a battery module with an improved structure capable of appropriately controlling the emission of flames, etc. generated inside the battery module, as well as a battery pack including the same and an automobile.

[0013] Another objective of the present invention may be to provide a battery module capable of rapidly introducing a fire extinguishing member into a battery cell when a thermal event occurs.

[0014] Another objective of the present invention may be to provide a battery module capable of rapidly introducing a extinguishing member into a battery cell by placing a extinguishing pad in the flow path of the venting gas when a thermal event occurs.

[0015] However, the technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those described above, and other unmentioned problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention below.

[0016] A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned purpose may include: a frame providing an internal space; a battery cell located inside the frame and comprising a storage portion having an electrode assembly and an electrode lead protruding from the storage portion; a busbar frame assembly located inside the frame and electrically connected to the battery cell; and a fire extinguishing pad located between the busbar frame assembly and the storage portion.

[0017] Additionally, the fire extinguishing pad may include: a case providing a space inside; and a fire extinguishing member located inside the case.

[0018] In addition, the above digestive member may be composed of a capsule.

[0019] In addition, the above case may include a flexible material.

[0020] In addition, the above-mentioned extinguishing pad has a hole, and the electrode lead can pass through the hole.

[0021] In addition, the battery cells are provided in plurality, and the electrode leads of the plurality of battery cells can pass through the fire extinguishing pad.

[0022] Additionally, the frame includes a top plate positioned above the battery cell, and the fire extinguishing pad may extend between the top plate and the battery cell.

[0023] In addition, the top plate may be provided with a top venting hole that exposes the fire extinguishing pad.

[0024] Additionally, the battery module may further include an end cover that is coupled to the frame, covers the busbar frame assembly, and has an end venting hole.

[0025] In addition, a battery pack according to another aspect of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned purpose includes a battery module according to the present invention.

[0026] In addition, an automobile according to another aspect of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned purpose includes a battery module according to the present invention.

[0027] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, when gas or flame is generated inside a battery module, the discharge of such gas or flame can be appropriately controlled.

[0028] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, the electrical safety of the battery module can be improved.

[0029] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, heat propagation can be suppressed.

[0030] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, the transmission of thermal events due to external flames or gases of the battery module can be suppressed.

[0031] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and serve to further enhance understanding of the technical concept of the present invention together with the detailed description of the invention provided below; therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited only to the matters described in such drawings.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 2 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of the battery module of Figure 1 separated.

[0034] Figure 3 is a drawing showing the fire extinguishing pad of Figure 2.

[0035] Figure 4 is a drawing showing the fire extinguishing pad of Figure 3 folded.

[0036] Figure 5 is a drawing showing the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line C-C' of Figure 4.

[0037] Figures 6 and 7 are drawings showing the combination of a busbar frame assembly and a battery cell.

[0038] Figure 8 is a drawing showing the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line A-A' of Figure 1.

[0039] Figure 9 is a diagram showing the change in Figure 8 when a thermal event occurs.

[0040] Figure 10 is a drawing showing the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line B-B' of Figure 1.

[0041] Figure 11 is a diagram showing the change in Figure 10 when a thermal event occurs.

[0042] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a modified embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0043] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing another modified embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0044] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 15 is a drawing showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 16 is a drawing showing a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, and should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the terms to best describe his invention.

[0048] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely examples of the present invention and do not represent all aspects of the technical concept of the present invention; thus, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0049] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a battery module (200) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a partial configuration of the battery module (200) of FIG. 1 separated.

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the battery module (200) may include a frame (210). The frame (210) may form the exterior of the battery module (200). The battery module (200) may have a rectangular shape. The frame (210) may include a top plate (210a) and a lower frame (210b). The frame (210) may provide space inside. The lower frame (210b) may have a bottom plate and a pair of side plates. The top plate (210a) may be installed, fastened, joined, fixed, or attached to the pair of side plates. For example, the top plate (210a) may be joined to the lower frame (210b) by welding. The frame (210) may have a shape with the front and rear open.

[0051] The battery module (200) may include a battery cell (220). The battery cell (220) may be accommodated inside the frame (210). The battery cell (220) may refer to a secondary battery. In particular, the battery cell (220) may be a pouch-type secondary battery. However, the shape of the battery cell (220) is not limited to a pouch shape and may have various shapes, such as a cylindrical shape or a rectangular shape. The battery cell (220) may be provided in multiple numbers.

[0052] A plurality of battery cells (220) may be stacked along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. A battery cell (220) may include a storage portion (221) having an electrode assembly, a first sealing portion (222) protruding toward the front and rear sides of the storage portion (221), and a second sealing portion (223) protruding toward the upper side of the storage portion (221). Additionally, a battery cell (220) may include electrode leads (224) protruding toward the front and rear sides of the first sealing portion (222), respectively. Each battery cell (220) may be extended along the front-rear direction or the X-axis direction. The electrode leads (224) may protrude toward the front and rear sides of each battery cell (220).

[0053] A busbar frame assembly (230) may be provided on the front and rear sides of a plurality of battery cells (220), respectively. The busbar frame assembly (230) may be electrically connected to the electrode leads (224) of the plurality of battery cells (220).

[0054] The busbar frame assembly (230) may include a busbar frame (231). The busbar frame assembly (230) may include a busbar (232). The busbar (232) may be installed on the busbar frame (231). The busbar (232) of the front busbar frame assembly (230) may be installed on the front of the busbar frame (231). The busbar (232) of the rear busbar frame assembly (230) may be installed on the rear of the busbar frame (231).

[0055] The front busbar frame assembly (230) may include a power terminal (231a). The power terminal (231a) may be electrically connected to a plurality of battery cells (220). The power terminal (231a) may be provided as a pair. The power terminal (231a) may be exposed to the outside of the battery module (200). The power terminal (231a) may be electrically connected to another battery module or a Battery Management System (BMS).

[0056] The fire extinguishing pad (270) may be positioned between the busbar frame assembly (230) and the storage portion (221). The fire extinguishing pad (270) may face the inner surface of the busbar frame assembly (230). The fire extinguishing pad (270) may face the rear surface of the busbar frame (231) of the front busbar frame assembly (230). The fire extinguishing pad (270) may face the front surface of the busbar frame (231) of the rear busbar frame assembly (230). The fire extinguishing pad (270) may include a fire extinguishing member (272) inside.

[0057] The fire extinguishing pad (270) can supply a fire extinguishing material (272) when a thermal event occurs. When a thermal event occurs, the battery cell (220) can vent a venting gas (G). The venting gas (G) can damage or melt a part of the fire extinguishing pad (270). As the fire extinguishing pad (270) is damaged or melted, the fire extinguishing pad (270) can supply a fire extinguishing material (272).

[0058] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the battery module (200) may include a pad (250). The pad (250) may be placed between a plurality of battery cells (220). The pad (250) may be placed between at least some of the battery cells (220) and / or on the outer edge of the stack. For example, the pad (250) may be configured to be placed between every four battery cells (220) stacked in the left-right direction.

[0059] These pads (250) may be provided with an elastic material to absorb swelling of the battery cell (220). For example, the pads (250) may be made of a foam material such as polyurethane. Alternatively, the pads (250) may be provided with a material capable of blocking heat or flames. For example, the pads (250) may be provided with an insulating or fireproof material such as silicone or mica.

[0060] The end cover (240) can be attached to the front and rear sides of the frame (210), respectively. The end cover (240) can form the exterior of the battery module (200). The front end cover (240) can cover the front of the frame (210). The front end cover (240) can have a rectangular shape.

[0061] The rear end cover (240) can be attached to the rear of the frame (210). The rear end cover (240) can cover the rear of the frame (210). The rear end cover (240) can have a rectangular shape.

[0062] The insulating cover (260) may be provided as a pair. The front insulating cover (260) may be positioned between the front end cover (240) and the front busbar frame assembly (230). The front insulating cover (260) may electrically insulate the front busbar frame assembly (230) and the front end cover (240).

[0063] The rear insulation cover (260) may be positioned between the rear end cover (240) and the rear busbar frame assembly (230). The rear insulation cover (260) may electrically insulate the rear busbar frame assembly (230) and the rear end cover (240).

[0064] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing the fire extinguishing pad (270) of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a drawing showing the fire extinguishing pad (270) of FIG. 3 folded. FIG. 5 is a drawing showing the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line C-C' of FIG. 4. FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 are drawings showing the combination of the busbar frame assembly (230) and the battery cell (220).

[0065] Referring to FIGS. 3 through 7, the fire extinguishing pad (270) may include a case (271). The case (271) may provide a space inside. The fire extinguishing pad (270) may include a fire extinguishing member (272). The fire extinguishing member (272) may be located inside the case (271).

[0066] The case (271) may include a thermoplastic material. The case (271) may include an elastic material. For example, the case (271) may include a silicone material. For example, the case (271) may include a polyurethane material.

[0067] The extinguishing member (272) may include a material capable of extinguishing a fire. For example, the extinguishing member (272) may include a nano-fluorinated ketone. For example, the extinguishing member (272) may include FK-5-1-12.

[0068] The case (271) may be damaged or melted by the venting gas (G). As the case (271) is damaged or melted, the fire extinguishing member (272) may be introduced toward the battery cell (220).

[0069] The extinguishing member (272) may be composed of a capsule. The extinguishing member (272) may be provided in multiple numbers. The extinguishing member (272) may include a shell. And the extinguishing agent may be filled inside the shell. For example, the shell may include a polymer material. The shell may be broken or melted by the venting gas (G). As the shell is broken or melted, the extinguishing agent may be injected toward the battery cell (220).

[0070] The case (271) may include a flexible material. The fire extinguishing pad (270) may be folded along a folding line (FL). The fire extinguishing pad (270) may include a front part (270a). The front part (270a) may be located between the front busbar frame assembly (230) and the storage section (221). The fire extinguishing pad (270) may include a top part (270b). The top part (270b) may cover the upper surface of the battery cell (220). The top part (270b) may be located between the battery cell (220) and the top plate (210a). The fire extinguishing pad (270) may include a rear part (270c). The rear part (270c) may be located between the rear busbar frame assembly (230) and the storage section (221). The front part (270a), top part (270b), and rear part (270c) can be formed integrally. The front part (270a), top part (270b), and rear part (270c) can be formed by folding the fire extinguishing pad (270). The top part (270b) can connect the front part (270a) and the rear part (270c). The top part (270b) can extend between the battery cell (220) and the top plate (210a).

[0071] The front part (270a) may include a hole (270d). The front part (270a) may include a plurality of holes (270d). The electrode lead (224) may pass through the hole (270d) of the front part (270a). The plurality of holes (270d) of the front part (270a) may be provided to correspond one-to-one with the plurality of electrode leads (224).

[0072] The rear part (270c) may include a hole (270d). The rear part (270c) may include a plurality of holes (270d). The electrode lead (224) may pass through the hole (270d) of the rear part (270c). The plurality of holes (270d) of the rear part (270c) may be provided to correspond one-to-one with the plurality of electrode leads (224).

[0073] The fire extinguishing pad (270) can cover the entire storage portion (221) by having a hole (270d).

[0074] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the electrode leads (224) of a plurality of battery cells (220) can pass through the hole (270d) of the front part (270a) and the hole (270d) of the rear part (270c). After passing through the hole (270d), the plurality of electrode leads (224) can be folded and electrically connected to the busbar (232) of the busbar frame assembly (230).

[0075] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line A-A' of FIG. 1. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the change in FIG. 8 when a thermal event occurs.

[0076] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, when a thermal event occurs from the battery cell (220), the venting gas (G) can melt or damage the front part (270a) and the top part (270b). And the extinguishing member (272) inside the extinguishing pad (270) can be introduced toward the battery cell (220). The extinguishing member (272) can be quickly introduced toward the battery cell (220) where the thermal event occurred.

[0077] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line B-B' of FIG. 1. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the change in FIG. 10 when a thermal event occurs.

[0078] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, when a thermal event occurs from the battery cell (220), the venting gas (G) can melt or damage the top part (270b). Then, a fire extinguishing member (272) inside the fire extinguishing pad (270) can be introduced toward the battery cell (220). The fire extinguishing member (272) can be quickly introduced toward the battery cell (220) where the thermal event occurred.

[0079] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a modified embodiment of FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 12, the top plate (210a) of the battery module (200) may be provided with a top venting hole (211). The top venting hole (211) may be provided in multiple numbers. The top venting hole (211) may expose a fire extinguishing pad (270). The top venting hole (211) may expose a top part (270b).

[0080] When a thermal event occurs, the venting gas (G) can be discharged to the outside of the battery module (200) through the top venting hole (211). The fire extinguishing pad (270) is positioned in the flow path of the venting gas (G), thereby allowing the fire extinguishing member (272) to be quickly introduced.

[0081] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing another modified embodiment of FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 13, the end cover (240) may be provided with an end venting hole (241). The rear end cover (240) may be provided with an end venting hole (241). The end venting hole (241) may be provided in multiple numbers.

[0082] When a thermal event occurs, the venting gas (G) can be discharged to the outside of the battery module (200) through the top venting hole (211). The fire extinguishing pad (270) is positioned in the flow path of the venting gas (G), thereby allowing the fire extinguishing member (272) to be quickly introduced.

[0083] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of a battery pack (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a battery pack (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0084] Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, the pack case (100) may provide an internal space. The pack case (100) may include a base plate (110), a side wall (120), and a pack cover (150). The base plate (110) may have a rectangular shape. The base plate (110) may have a flat shape. The base plate (110) may form the exterior of the battery pack (1000). The base plate (110) may provide an internal space for the battery pack (1000).

[0085] The pack cover (150) may have a square plate shape. The pack cover (150) may have a flat plate shape. The pack cover (150) may form the exterior of the battery pack (1000). The pack cover (150) may cover the internal space of the battery pack (1000).

[0086] The battery module (200) may be located inside the pack case (100). The battery module (200) may be provided in multiple numbers.

[0087] The partition wall (300) may include a first partition wall (310) and a second partition wall (320). The partition wall (300) may be provided in multiple numbers. The partition wall (300) may be installed, fastened, fixed, coupled, or attached to the upper surface of the base plate (110). The partition wall (300) may partition the internal space of the battery pack (1000). A battery module (200) or a battery cell (220) may be located in the space partitioned by the partition wall (300).

[0088] A venting device (500) may be installed on a side wall (120). For example, the venting device (500) may be installed on a front side wall (120). For example, the venting device (500) may be a gas valve. The venting device (500) may open to release gas when the pressure inside the pack case (100) increases. Additionally, the venting device (500) may block external air from entering the pack case (100). Multiple venting devices (500) may be provided.

[0089] In addition, the battery pack (1000) according to the present invention may further include components of the battery pack (1000) known at the time of filing the present invention, such as a BMS, an interbusbar, a relay, a current sensor, etc., in addition to the battery module (200).

[0090] FIG. 16 is a drawing showing a vehicle (V) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0091] Referring to FIG. 16, a battery module (200) or a battery pack (1000) according to the present invention may be applied to a vehicle (V), such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. That is, the vehicle (V) according to the present invention may include a battery module (200) or a battery pack (1000) according to the present invention. In addition, the vehicle (V) according to the present invention may further include various other components included in the vehicle in addition to such a battery module (200) or a battery pack (1000). For example, the vehicle (V) according to the present invention may further include a vehicle body, a motor, a control device such as an ECU (electronic control unit), etc.

[0092] As described above, although the present invention has been explained by 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 spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims described below by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs.

Claims

1. A frame that provides space inside; A battery cell comprising a storage portion located inside the above frame and having an electrode assembly, and an electrode lead protruding from the storage portion; A busbar frame assembly located inside the above frame and electrically connected to the battery cell; and, A battery module including a fire extinguishing pad located between the busbar frame assembly and the storage unit.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above digestive pad is: A case that provides space inside; and, A battery module including a fire suppression member located inside the above case.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above-mentioned extinguishing member is, A battery module composed of capsules.

4. In Paragraph 2, The above case is, Battery module including a flexible material.

5. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned digestive pad is, Equipped with a hole, The above electrode lead is, A battery module passing through the above hole.

6. In Paragraph 5, The above battery cells are provided in multiple numbers, and The electrode leads of the plurality of battery cells above are, A battery module passing through the above-mentioned fire extinguishing pad.

7. In Paragraph 1, The above frame is, It includes a top plate located on top of the battery cell, and The above-mentioned digestive pad is, A battery module extending between the top plate and the battery cell.

8. In Paragraph 7, The above top plate is, A battery module having a top venting hole that exposes the above-mentioned fire extinguishing pad.

9. In Paragraph 1, A battery module further comprising an end cover that is coupled to the above frame, covers the busbar frame assembly, and has an end venting hole.

10. A battery pack comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. An automobile comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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