Battery module and battery pack comprising same

Abstract

A battery module, according to some embodiments, may comprise: pouch cells arranged in a first direction, wherein each of the pouch cells comprises electrode leads protruding in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a module frame that accommodates the pouch cells and is open in the second direction, wherein the module frame comprises a top plate disposed above the pouch cells; a venting suppression structure disposed between the top plate and the pouch cells; and a first end plate that is coupled to the module frame in the second direction and comprises first vent holes. Accordingly, the battery module according to some embodiments may guide the venting direction toward the front and / or the rear.

Description

Battery module and battery pack including the same

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

[0002] The present disclosure claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0178283 filed December 4, 2024, and all contents of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0178283 are incorporated by reference into the present disclosure.

[0003] Rechargeable batteries can be used repeatedly for extended periods through recharging. They are used in various fields, including mobility, portable electronic devices, and Energy Storage Systems (ESS). In particular, the demand for rechargeable batteries for mobility is increasing further in order to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and decrease carbon emissions. However, concerns regarding the safety of rechargeable batteries remain a significant challenge that needs to be addressed.

[0004] In the case of mobility, multiple battery cells are used to ensure performance capabilities such as power output and driving range. Generally, multiple battery cells form a battery module, and a battery pack composed of multiple modules is installed in a vehicle. In this configuration, the battery cells constituting a module are located adjacent to each other, and the battery modules constituting the battery pack are also positioned close to one another. Consequently, if a thermal runaway event occurs in some battery cells, thermal propagation to adjacent cells can easily take place. If such thermal transfer occurs in a chain reaction, it can lead to a major explosion or fire.

[0005] In the event of a thermal runaway event, high-temperature gases inside the battery cell may vent in random directions. To prevent major explosions or fires, technology capable of controlling the direction of venting is required.

[0006] The problem that the present disclosure aims to solve is to provide a battery module capable of controlling the venting direction.

[0007] Some embodiments of the present disclosure capable of solving the above problems are as follows.

[0008] A battery module according to some embodiments is,

[0009] Pouch cells arranged in a first direction, wherein each of the pouch cells includes an electrode lead protruding in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction;

[0010] A module frame that accommodates the above pouch cells and is open in the second direction, wherein the module frame includes a top plate on the above pouch cells;

[0011] Venting inhibition structure between the above pouch cells and the above top plate; and

[0012] A first end plate coupled to the module frame in the second direction and including first vent holes;

[0013] It may include.

[0014]

[0015] In some embodiments, the venting inhibition structure includes a first surface facing the pouch cells, and the first surface may be flat.

[0016] In some embodiments, the venting inhibition structure includes a first surface facing the pouch cells, and the first surface may include protrusions.

[0017] In some embodiments, the venting suppression structure includes a second surface facing the top plate, and the second surface may be flat.

[0018] In some embodiments, the second surface may be in contact with the top plate.

[0019] In some embodiments, the venting suppression structure may not include a vent hole.

[0020] In some embodiments, the top plate may not include a vent hole.

[0021] A battery module according to some embodiments may include a second end plate that is coupled to the module frame in the second direction and spaced apart from the first end plate in the second direction with the pouch cells in between.

[0022] In some embodiments, the second end plate may include second vent holes.

[0023] In some embodiments, the second end plate may not include a vent hole.

[0024] A battery module according to some embodiments of the present disclosure may include a venting suppression structure between a top plate and pouch cells to guide the venting direction to the front and / or rear.

[0025] The effects of some embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects can be clearly derived and understood by a person skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains from the following description. That is, unintended effects resulting from the implementation of some embodiments of the present disclosure can also be clearly derived and understood by a person skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery module according to first embodiments.

[0027] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a battery module according to the first embodiments.

[0028] Figure 3 is a diagram showing a pouch cell.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing part of the internal view of a battery module according to the first embodiments.

[0030] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing part of the internal view of a battery module according to the second embodiments.

[0031] Terms or words used in this disclosure should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in a meaning consistent with the technical concept of this disclosure, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the meaning of terms or words to best describe his own invention.

[0032] In this disclosure, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in this disclosure, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof. Furthermore, when a part such as a layer, film, region, or plate is described as being "on" another part, this includes not only cases where it is "immediately above" the other part, but also cases where there is another part in between. Conversely, when a part such as a layer, film, region, or plate is described as being "under" another part, this includes not only cases where it is "immediately below" the other part, but also cases where there is another part in between.

[0033] It should be understood that the embodiments and drawings are merely examples of the present disclosure and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present disclosure, and that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist.

[0034] In describing the present disclosure, if it is determined that a detailed description of a known configuration or function could obscure the essence of the present disclosure, such detailed description is omitted.

[0035] The drawings are provided to more fully explain the present disclosure to a person skilled in the art; therefore, the shapes, sizes, and number of components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically depicted for clearer explanation. The shape, size, proportion, and number of each component in the drawings do not entirely reflect the actual shape, size, proportion, and number of each component.

[0036] In this disclosure, for convenience of explanation, a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system is used to describe the positions of the components, the shapes of the components, and the relationships between the components. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are shown in FIGS. 1 through 5. In this specification, "X direction" means a direction parallel to the X-axis. In this specification, "+X direction" means the same direction as the arrow direction of the X-axis shown in FIGS. 1 through 5. In this specification, "-X direction" means the opposite direction to the arrow direction of the X-axis shown in FIGS. 1 through 5. In this specification, "Y direction" means a direction parallel to the Y-axis. In this specification, "+Y direction" means the same direction as the arrow direction of the Y-axis shown in FIGS. 1 through 5. In this specification, "-Y direction" means the opposite direction to the arrow direction of the Y-axis shown in FIGS. 1 through 5. In this specification, "Z direction" means a direction parallel to the Z-axis. In this specification, "+Z direction" means the same direction as the arrow direction of the Z-axis shown in FIGS. 1 through 5. In this specification, "-Z direction" means the direction opposite to the direction of the arrow of the Z axis shown in FIGS. 1 to 5.

[0037]

[0038] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0039]

[0040] (1st embodiment)

[0041] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery module according to first embodiments.

[0042] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a battery module according to the first embodiments.

[0043] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the battery module (1000) may include pouch cells (1100), a module frame (1200), a venting suppression structure (1300), a first end plate (1400), and a second end plate (1500).

[0044] The pouch cell (1100) may include an electrode assembly, electrode tabs, electrode leads (1110N, 1110P), an electrolyte, and a pouch film.

[0045] The electrode assembly may include an anode, a cathode, and a separator. The anode may include an anode active material layer and an anode current collector. The cathode may include a cathode active material layer and a cathode current collector. The electrode assembly may be of a jelly roll type or a stack type. The jelly roll type may have a structure in which the anode, cathode, and separator are wound. The stack type may have a structure in which a first electrode unit comprising a first anode, a first cathode, and a first separator, and a second electrode unit comprising a second anode, a second cathode, and a second separator are stacked with a third separator in between. The electrolyte may be of a liquid type or a gel type.

[0046] The electrode tabs may include positive tabs and negative tabs. The positive tabs may be coupled to the positive current collector. The positive tabs may be welded to the positive current collector. The negative tabs may be coupled to the negative current collector. The negative tabs may be welded to the negative current collector.

[0047] The electrode lead (1110N) may be coupled to the negative tabs. The electrode lead (1110N) may be welded to the negative tabs. The electrode lead (1110P) may be coupled to the positive tabs. The electrode lead (1110P) may be welded to the positive tabs. The electrode lead (1110N) and the electrode lead (1110P) may protrude in opposite directions from each other or in the same direction. The present disclosure describes only embodiments in which the electrode lead (1110N) and the electrode lead (1110P) protrude in opposite directions from each other. A person skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains will be able to easily arrive at embodiments in which the electrode lead (1110N) and the electrode lead (1110P) protrude in the same direction based on the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 3 is a diagram showing a pouch cell.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 3, the pouch cell (1100) may have a roughly rectangular shape. The pouch cell (1100) may include a center portion (C), a terrace portion (T), a folding portion (F), and electrode leads (1110N, 1110P). In FIG. 3, the electrode lead (1110N) protrudes in the -Y direction and the electrode lead (1110P) protrudes in the +Y direction, but conversely, the electrode lead (1110N) may protrude in the +Y direction and the electrode lead (1110P) may protrude in the -Y direction. The orientation of the electrode leads (1110N, 1110P) of each pouch cell (1100) may be determined according to the connection method of the pouch cells (1100) described later.

[0050] An electrode assembly may be located in the center portion (C). The center portion (C) may be a portion of the pouch cell (1100) that protrudes in the X direction. The thickness of the center portion (C) in the X direction may be greater than the thickness of the terrace portion (T) in the X direction. The thickness of the center portion (C) in the X direction may be greater than the thickness of the folding portion (F) in the X direction.

[0051] The terrace section (T) may be located at the edge of the center section (C). Some parts of the terrace section (T) may be sealed, while others may not be sealed. The unsealed part of the terrace section (T) may be located at the edge of the center section (C), and the sealed part of the terrace section (T) may be located at the edge of the unsealed part of the terrace section (T).

[0052] The unsealed portion of the terrace portion (T) can be referred to as the gas pocket portion. When the pouch cell (1100) is charged and discharged multiple times or the temperature of the pouch cell (1100) rises above a certain level, gas may be generated inside the pouch cell (1100) even if a thermal runaway event does not occur in the pouch cell (1100). The gas pocket portion can accommodate the gas generated inside the pouch cell (1100). The gas pocket portion that accommodates the gas generated inside the pouch cell (1100) may swell.

[0053] The sealed portion of the terrace portion (T) can be referred to as the sealing portion. The sealing portion may be a portion where the pouch film is bonded by heat fusion or the like. As described above, even if gas is generated inside the pouch cell (1100) and the internal pressure of the pouch cell (1100) increases, the sealing state of the pouch cell (1100) can be maintained by the sealing portion (SP). However, if an accident such as a thermal runaway event occurs in the pouch cell (1100) and an excessive amount of high-temperature gas is generated inside the pouch cell (1100), causing the internal pressure of the pouch cell (1100) to rise excessively, the high-temperature gas may release the sealing of the sealing portion (SP) and be vented to the outside of the pouch cell (1100). At this time, if there is no venting suppression structure (1300), the high-temperature gas may be vented in a random direction.

[0054] The terrace section (T) may include a long side section (T_LS) and short side sections (T_SS_N, T_SS_P). The long side section (T_LS) may be connected to the center section (C) in the +Z direction. The short side sections (T_SS_N, T_SS_P) may be spaced apart from each other in the Y direction with the center section (C) in between. The short side section (T_SS_N) may be connected to the center section (C) in the -Y direction. The short side section (T_SS_N) may be located between the -Y direction end of the electrode lead (1110N) and the center section (C). The short side section (T_SS_P) may be connected to the center section (C) in the +Y direction. The short side section (T_SS_P) may be located between the +Y direction end of the electrode lead (1110P) and the center section (C). The long side (T_LS) may be located between the short side (T_SS_N) and the short side (T_SS_P). The -Y direction end of the long side (T_LS) may be connected to the short side (T_SS_N), and the +Y direction end of the long side (T_LS) may be connected to the short side (T_SS_P).

[0055] The folding portion (F) may be located at the edge of the center portion (C). The folding portion (F) may not be sealed. The folding portion (F) may be connected to the center portion (C) in the -Z direction. The folding portion (F) may be formed during the process of placing an electrode assembly and an electrode tab on a single pouch film and folding the pouch film so that the pouch film wraps around the electrode assembly and the electrode tab. When two pouch films are used (e.g., placing an electrode assembly and an electrode tab on one pouch film, covering the electrode assembly and electrode tab with another pouch film, and then bonding the two pouch films by heat fusion, etc.), a terrace portion (T) may be located at the location of the folding portion (F).

[0056] The pouch cells (1100) may be arranged in the X direction. The pouch cells (1100) may be composed of banks. The banks may consist of a first bank, intermediate banks, and a final bank. Each of the banks may consist of pouch cells (1100) connected in parallel with each other. The orientation of the electrode leads (1110N, 1110P) of each pouch cell (1100) constituting one bank may be the same. The banks may be connected in series with each other. In two adjacent banks, the orientation of the electrode leads (1110N, 1110P) of each pouch cell (1100) constituting one bank and the orientation of the electrode leads (1110N, 1110P) of each pouch cell (1100) constituting another bank may be opposite to each other. When pouch cells (1100) are composed of n banks and each of the n banks is composed of m pouch cells, the connection method of the pouch cells (1100) can be described as m parallel-n series. The connection method of the pouch cells (1100) included in the battery module (1000) can be determined according to the magnitude of the current and voltage required of the battery module (1000).

[0057] The module frame (1200) can accommodate pouch cells (1100). The material of the module frame (1200) may be one or more of aluminum, aluminum alloy, steel, or stainless steel. The module frame (1200) may be open in the Y direction. The module frame (1200) may include a top plate (1210) on the pouch cells (1100). The top plate (1210) may be spaced apart from the pouch cells (1100) in the Z direction. The module frame (1200) may be a U frame and a top plate (1210) joined by a method such as welding. The module frame (1200) may be an integral monoframe, and the top plate (1210) may be part of the monoframe. In some embodiments, the top plate (1210) may not include a vent hole. The top plate (1210) may be substantially perpendicular to the Z direction.

[0058] The venting suppression structure (1300) may be located between the pouch cells (1100) and the top plate (1210). The venting suppression structure (1300) can suppress the venting of high-temperature gas, etc. to the long side (T_LS) of the pouch cell (1100) and induce the venting of high-temperature gas, etc. to the short side (T_SS_N and / or T_SS_P) of the pouch cell (1100) when an accident such as a thermal runaway event occurs in the pouch cell (1100) and an excessive amount of high-temperature gas, etc. is generated inside the pouch cell (1100), causing the internal pressure of the pouch cell (1100) to become excessively high. The venting suppression structure (1300) can suppress the venting direction of the battery module (1100) from becoming upward. Here, upward means the +Z direction. The venting direction of the battery module (1000) can be induced forward and / or backward. Here, forward means the +Y direction and backward means the -Y direction.

[0059] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing part of the internal view of a battery module according to the first embodiments.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 4, the long side (T_LS) of the pouch cell (1100) housed in the module frame (1200) may be folded toward the center (C). Accordingly, the internal space of the module frame (1200) can be utilized efficiently. As a non-limiting example, the long side (T_LS) may be secured to the center (C) with tape or the like.

[0061] The material of the venting suppression structure (1300) may be a flame-retardant material. The material of the venting suppression structure (1300) may be one or more of ceramic, silicone, and mica. The venting suppression structure (1300) may be a foam, a pad, or a plate.

[0062] The venting suppression structure (1300) may include a first surface (BS) facing the pouch cells (1100) and a second surface (TS) facing the top plate (1210). The first surface (BS) may be referred to as the bottom surface of the venting suppression structure (1300), and the second surface (TS) may be referred to as the top surface of the venting suppression structure (1300). The first surface (BS) and the second surface (TS) may be flat. The second surface (TS) of the venting suppression structure (1300) may be in contact with the top plate (1210). The second surface (TS) of the venting suppression structure (1300) may be in contact with the bottom surface of the top plate (1210). As a non-limiting example, the venting suppression structure (1300) and the top plate (1210) may be bonded to each other by an adhesive, double-sided tape, etc. In some embodiments, the venting suppression structure (1300) may not include a vent hole.

[0063] The first surface (BS) may be spaced apart from the long side (T_LS) in the Z direction or may be in contact with the long side (T_LS). However, if an accident such as a thermal runaway event occurs in the pouch cell (1100) and high-temperature gas or the like begins to be generated inside the pouch cell (1100), causing the long side (T_LS) and the short side (T_SS_N, T_SS_P) to swell, the first surface (BS) comes into contact with the long side (T_LS). As the first surface (BS) of the venting suppression structure (1300) comes into contact with the swollen long side (T_LS), the flow of high-temperature gas or the like that continues to be generated inside the pouch cell (1100) may be guided toward the short side (T_SS_N and / or T_SS_P) rather than the long side (T_LS). Ultimately, high-temperature gases, etc., can be vented to the outside of the pouch cell (1100) after releasing the sealing of the short side (T_SS_N and / or T_SS_P) rather than the long side (T_LS).

[0064] The first end plate (1400) can be connected to the module frame (1200) in the +Y direction. The second end plate (1500) can be connected to the module frame (1200) in the -Y direction. The first end plate (1400) and the second end plate (1500) can be spaced apart from each other in the Y direction with pouch cells (1100) in between. The material of the first end plate (1400) and the second end plate (1500) may be a material with high rigidity and heat resistance.

[0065] One of the first end plate (1400) and the second end plate (1500) may include an outer positive bus bar hole that can expose a portion of the positive bus bar to the outside of the battery module (1000) and an outer negative bus bar hole that can expose a portion of the negative bus bar to the outside of the battery module (1000).

[0066] The first end plate (1400) includes first vent holes (1400VH), and the second end plate (1500) may or may not include second vent holes. Whether the second end plate (1500) includes second vent holes may be determined by the layout of the battery modules (1000) included in the battery pack. High-temperature gases, etc., that release the sealing of the sealing portion of the short side (T_SS_N and / or T_SS_P) through the first vent holes (1400VH) may be vented to the outside of the battery module (1000). If the second end plate (1500) includes second vent holes, the second vent holes may perform substantially the same function as the first vent holes (1400VH).

[0067] A first bus bar frame and a first insulating cover may be interposed between the first end plate (1400) and the pouch cells (1100). The first bus bar frame may cover the pouch cells (1100) in the +Y direction, the first insulating cover may cover the first bus bar frame in the +Y direction, and the first end plate (1400) may cover the first insulating cover in the +Y direction. A second bus bar frame and a second insulating cover may be interposed between the second end plate (1400) and the pouch cells (1100). The second bus bar frame may cover the pouch cells (1100) in the -Y direction, the second insulating cover may cover the second bus bar frame in the -Y direction, and the second end plate (1500) may cover the second insulating cover in the -Y direction. The materials of the first bus bar frame and the second bus bar frame may be materials with high electrical insulation and fire resistance. The materials of the first insulating cover and the second insulating cover may be materials with high electrical insulation and fire resistance.

[0068] One of the first insulating cover and the second insulating cover may include an inner positive bus bar hole that can expose a portion of the positive bus bar to the outside of the battery module (1000) and an inner negative bus bar hole that can expose a portion of the negative bus bar to the outside of the battery module (1000).

[0069] One of the first bus bar frame and the second bus bar frame can support the positive bus bar, intermediate bus bars, and negative bus bar, and the other of the first bus bar frame and the second bus bar frame can support the intermediate bus bars. The electrode leads (1110P) of the first bank can be welded to the positive bus bar. The electrode leads (1110N) of the last bank can be welded to the negative bus bar. The electrode leads (1110P and / or 1110N) of the corresponding intermediate banks can be welded to each of the intermediate bus bars. The intermediate bus bars can have an approximately O shape.

[0070]

[0071] (2nd Example)

[0072] Since the second embodiment is substantially identical to the first embodiment except for the shape of the venting inhibition structure (1300'), the description of the parts that are substantially identical to the first embodiment is omitted.

[0073] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing part of the internal view of a battery module according to the second embodiments.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 5, the first surface (BS) of the venting suppression structure (1300') may include protrusions (PRO). Each of the protrusions (PRO) may protrude toward the long side (T_LS) of the corresponding pouch cell (1100). Each of the protrusions (PRO) may be spaced apart in the Z direction from the long side (T_LS) of the corresponding pouch cell (1100) or may come into contact with the long side (T_LS) of the corresponding pouch cell (1100). However, if an accident such as a thermal runaway event occurs in the pouch cell (1100) and high-temperature gas begins to be generated inside the pouch cell (1100) and the long side (T_LS) and short side (T_SS_N, T_SS_P) begin to swell, each of the protrusions (PRO) comes into contact with the long side (T_LS) of the corresponding pouch cell (1100). As each of the protrusions (PRO) comes into contact with the swollen long side (T_LS) of the corresponding pouch cell (1100), the flow of high-temperature gas, etc., continuously generated inside the pouch cell (1100) can be directed toward the short side (T_SS_N and / or T_SS_P) rather than the long side (T_LS). Consequently, the high-temperature gas, etc., can be vented to the outside of the pouch cell (1100) after releasing the sealing of the short side (T_SS_N and / or T_SS_P) rather than the long side (T_LS).

[0075]

[0076] The foregoing description is merely for illustrative purposes only. The scope of the rights of the present disclosure shall be interpreted by the claims, and all technical ideas within the scope equivalent or equivalent thereto shall be interpreted as being included within the scope of the rights of the present disclosure.

[0077]

[0078] [Explanation of the symbol]

[0079] 1000: Battery module

[0080] 1100: Pouch Cell

[0081] 1110N, 1110P: Electrode leads

[0082] C: Center Department

[0083] T: Terrace section

[0084] T_LS: Long side

[0085] T_SS_N, T_SS_P: Short side

[0086] F: Folding part

[0087] 1200: Module Frame

[0088] 1210: Top Plate

[0089] 1300, 1300': Venting inhibition structure

[0090] 1400: First end plate

[0091] 1400VH: 1st vent hole

[0092] 1500: Second end plate

Claims

1. Pouch cells arranged in a first direction, wherein each of the pouch cells includes an electrode lead protruding in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; A module frame that accommodates the above pouch cells and is open in the second direction, wherein the module frame includes a top plate on the above pouch cells; Venting inhibition structure between the above pouch cells and the above top plate; and A first end plate coupled to the module frame in the second direction and including first vent holes; A battery module including 2. In Paragraph 1, The above venting inhibition structure includes a first surface facing the pouch cells, and The first surface above is a flat battery module.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above venting inhibition structure includes a first surface facing the pouch cells, and The above-mentioned first surface is a battery module including protrusions.

4. In Paragraph 1, The above venting suppression structure includes a second surface facing the top plate, and The second surface above is a flat battery module.

5. In Paragraph 4, The second surface above is a battery module in contact with the top plate.

6. In Paragraph 1, The above venting suppression structure is a battery module that does not include a vent hole.

7. In Paragraph 1, The above top plate is a battery module that does not include vent holes.

8. In Paragraph 1, A second end plate coupled to the module frame in the second direction and spaced apart from the first end plate in the second direction with the pouch cells in between; A battery module including 9. In Paragraph 8, The above second end plate is a battery module including second vent holes.

10. In Paragraph 9, The above second end plate is a battery module that does not include a vent hole.

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