Patent Application
20230291026
This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0031704 filed Mar. 14, 2022, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
The present disclosure relates to a battery module and a battery pack including the same.
A secondary battery may be charged and discharged differently from primary batteries, and has attracted attention as a power source of various mobile devices and electric vehicles. For example, a secondary battery using a non-aqueous electrolyte having high energy density may have good output, and may be used to drive a motor of an electric vehicle by connecting a plurality of the secondary batteries in series.
A battery module applied to an electric vehicle may be modularized by electrically connecting a plurality of battery cells for the need for high power and high capacity, and the electric vehicle may include a battery pack in which a plurality of battery modules are accommodated to obtain high power.
To configure a battery pack or a battery module having a large-capacity and large-area, the number of battery cells may be increased. Accordingly, it may be necessary to improve assembly efficiency and to reduce the weight of the battery module by simplifying the structure of the battery module.
Also, an electrode assembly of a battery cell may generate heat while charging and discharging, and internal temperature of a battery module may increase due to the heat generation, such that electrical performance may be deteriorated or ignition may occur. Moreover, when a large number of battery modules or battery cells are mounted in a battery pack, flames generated by ignition of a battery module may spread to other battery modules or other battery cells, such that a chain of ignition or explosion may occur.
A general battery pack may have a complicated heat transfer path from a battery cell to the outside of the battery pack, such that heat dissipation and cooling performance may be deteriorated.
An aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a battery pack having a simplified structure and improved assembly efficiency.
An aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a structure which may allow a battery module to be accurately and stably combined in a battery pack.
An aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a battery pack which may, by reducing a heat transfer path from a battery cell to the battery pack, increase heat dissipation efficiency.
According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a battery pack includes a pack housing including a lower frame and a side frame; and one or more battery modules accommodated in the pack housing, wherein the battery module includes a plurality of cell stacks in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked in a first direction; and a plurality of end plates fastened to the lower frame, and wherein the plurality of end plates and the plurality of cell stacks are alternately disposed in the first direction.
The battery pack may further include a fastening member fastening the end plate and the lower frame to each other, and the fastening member penetrates through the end plate and is fixed to the lower frame.
The battery module may further include a heat dissipation member disposed between the cell stack and the lower frame.
One surface of the heat dissipation member may be in contact with at least one of the plurality of battery cells, and the other surface opposite to the one surface of the heat dissipation member may be in contact with the pack housing.
The pack housing further may include a cooling member disposed on the lower frame, and the cooling member may be in contact with the other surface of the heat dissipation member.
The heat dissipation member may include a thermally conductive adhesive.
The side frame may include a guide block protruding in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and at least one of the plurality of end plates may include an insertion groove into which the guide block is inserted.
The battery pack may further include a venting passage having at least a portion extending in the first direction formed in the side frame, and the side frame may include a plurality of openings communicating with the venting passage and an internal space of the pack housing, and wherein the guide block may be disposed between the plurality of openings.
The battery module may further include a first heat insulating member disposed between at least one of the plurality of end plates and the cell stack and configured to prevent heat transfer.
The battery module may further include a busbar assembly electrically connected to the cell stack, the busbar assembly opposing the cell stack in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.
The battery cell assembly may include the plurality of battery cells opposing each other in the first direction; and a plurality of support members spaced apart from each other in the second direction and supporting the plurality of battery cells, and the busbar assembly may be coupled to at least one of the plurality of support members.
The battery cell assembly may include a second heat insulating member disposed between two of the plurality of battery cells and configured to prevent heat transfer between the plurality of battery cells.
The battery module may further include a cover plate coupled to the one or more cell stacks and the plurality of end plates.
According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a battery pack includes a pack housing having an internal space; and a battery module accommodated in the internal space, wherein the battery module includes a plurality of sub-modules disposed to space apart from each other in the first direction, and each of the plurality of sub-modules includes a plurality of battery cell assemblies stacked in a first direction, and wherein the battery cell assembly includes a plurality of battery cells opposing each other in the first direction; and a heat insulating member disposed between the plurality of battery cells and blocking heat transfer between the plurality of battery cells.
The battery module may further include one or more end plates opposing at least one of the plurality of sub-modules in the first direction.
The plurality of sub-modules and the one or more end plates may be alternately disposed in the first direction, and the battery module may include N number of the sub-modules and N+1 number of the end plates, where N may be a natural number of 2 or more.
According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a battery module includes a plurality of sub-modules; a plurality of end plates coupled to the plurality of sub-modules; and a cover plate coupled to one side of at least one of the plurality of sub-modules and the plurality of end plates.
The battery module may further include a heat dissipation member coupled to the other side of at least one of the plurality of sub-modules and the plurality of end plates.
The battery module may further include a reinforcing member coupled to the other side of at least one of the plurality of sub-modules and the plurality of end plates.
The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described as follows with reference to the attached drawings.
The present disclosure may, however, be exemplified in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the specific embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided such that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, shapes and sizes of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity of description. Also, elements having the same function within the scope of the same concept represented in the drawing of each example embodiment will be described using the same reference numeral.
Overlapping descriptions and detailed descriptions of known functions and elements which may unnecessarily make the gist of the present disclosure obscure will not be provided. In the accompanying drawings, a portion of elements may be exaggerated, omitted or briefly illustrated, and the sizes of the elements may not necessarily reflect the actual sizes of these elements.
An expression used in the singular encompasses the expression of the plural, unless it has a clearly different meaning in the context. In the drawings, same elements will be indicated by same reference numerals.
In example embodiments, terms such as an upper side, an upper portion, a lower side, a lower portion, a side surface, a front surface, a rear surface, or the like, are represented based on the directions in the drawings, and may be used differently if the direction of an element is changed.
The terms “first,” “second,” and the like may be used to distinguish one element from the other, and may not limit a sequence and/or an importance, or others, in relation to the elements. In a portion of cases, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element without departing from the scope of right of the example embodiments.
The battery pack 10 may include one or more battery modules 100 for outputting or storing electrical energy and a pack housing 700 having an internal space in which the battery modules 100 are accommodated.
The battery module 100 may include one or more battery cells (e.g., 2100 in
As illustrated in
The battery module 100 accommodated in the battery pack 10 may include one or more sub-modules (e.g., 200 in
Referring to
The lower frame 710 may form the lower surface of the pack housing 700. A plurality of battery modules 100 may be seated on the lower frame 710. For example, the lower frame 710 may be provided as a rectangular plate-shaped member or a polygonal plate-shaped member. However, the specific shape of the lower frame 710 is not limited thereto.
The lower frame 710 may include a material having rigidity. For example, at least a portion of the lower frame 710 may include metal such as aluminum or stainless steel. When the lower frame 710 includes aluminum, heat energy generated in the battery module 100 may be swiftly dissipated to the outside of the battery pack 10 due to excellent thermal conductivity of aluminum.
To increase the heat dissipation effect, the lower frame 710 may include a cooling member 740. The cooling member 740 may be disposed outside the lower frame 710 or in the lower frame 710. A passage through which air or cooling fluid flows may be formed in the cooling member 740.
One or more support frames 720 structurally supporting the battery pack 10 may be coupled to the lower frame 710. The support frame 720 may include a plurality of side frames 720a coupled to the edge of the lower frame 710 and a partition frame 720b disposed between the side frames 720a and partitioning the internal space.
The pack housing 700 may further include an end frame 730 disposed on an end of the support frame 720. The end frame 730 may be coupled to the support frame 720 and may form a side wall of the pack housing 700.
The support frame 720 and the end frame 730 may be formed of a metal material having a predetermined degree of rigidity or higher. For example, for high heat dissipation, at least a portion of the support frame 720 may include aluminum having high thermal conductivity.
In example embodiments, at least two of the lower frame 710, the support frame 720, and the end frame 730 may be integrally formed or may be provided as separate members and may be coupled to each other.
As the battery module 100 is charged and discharged under harsh conditions, flame or high-temperature gas may be generated in the battery module 100. To safely discharge such flame or gas to the outside of the battery module 100, the battery pack 10 may have one or more outlets 760 communicating with the internal space. For example, the outlet 760 may be disposed on at least one surface of the pack housing 700 and may communicate with the internal space of the battery pack 10 through an opening 723 disposed in the support frame 720.
The pack housing 700 may further include a cover frame 750 covering and closing the internal space. For example, the cover frame 750 may be coupled to the support frame 720 on the side opposite to the lower frame 710 and may cover the internal space of the battery pack 10.
A heat spreading prevention member (not illustrated) may be disposed between the cover frame 750 and the battery module 100. For example, the heat spreading prevention member (not illustrated) may be provided as a plate-shaped member including at least one of mica, ceramic wool, and aerogel. The heat spreading prevention member (not illustrated) may prevent flame or high-temperature gas generated from the battery module 100 from being spread to other battery modules 100 along the lower surface of the cover frame 750. Also, the heat spreading prevention member (not illustrated) may prevent flame or high-temperature gas generated from the battery module 100 from being ejected to the upper portion of the battery pack 10.
One or more guide blocks 721 protruding toward the battery module 100 may be disposed on the support frame 720. For example, a plurality of guide blocks 721 spaced apart from each other in one direction (e.g., in the Z-axis direction) and protruding toward the battery module 100 may be disposed on the side frame 720a.
At least a portion of the guide block 721 may be inserted into the battery module 100. The guide block 721 may guide the battery module 100 to be accurately seated on the lower frame 710 during the process of manufacturing the battery pack 10. Also, the guide block 721 may block spreading of high-temperature and high-pressure gas or flame generated in one portion of the battery module 100 to other portions of the battery module 100 or other battery modules.
The battery pack 10 may further include a first fastening member 510 for firmly fixing the battery module 100 to the pack housing 700. For example, the first fastening member 510 may penetrate through the battery module 100 and may be fastened to the lower frame 710, and accordingly, the battery module 100 may be firmly fixed to the lower frame 710. However, the configuration of the first fastening member 510 is not limited to the above example, and any component which may fix the battery module 100 to the pack housing 700 may be used.
The battery module 100 may include one or more sub-modules 200 and a plurality of end plates 300 opposing at least one side of the sub-modules 200.
The sub-module 200 may include a cell stack 1000 in which battery cell assemblies 2000 are stacked, a busbar assembly (e.g., 4000 in
The battery cell assembly 2000 may include a plurality of battery cells (e.g., 2100 in
Referring to
The end plate 300 may be disposed to oppose at least one side of the sub-module 200. For example, the end plate 300 may be disposed between the sub-modules 200 or may be disposed on both ends of the battery module 100.
In example embodiments, the sub-module 200 and the end plate 300 of the battery module 100 may be alternately disposed in a first direction (e.g., a Z-axis direction). For example, as illustrated in
The end plate 300 of the battery module 100 may be fastened to the pack housing (e.g., 700 in
The end plate 300 may structurally support the battery module 100 by including a material having rigidity. At least a portion of the plurality of end plates 300 may be disposed between the sub-modules 200 and may block transfer of high-temperature heat or flames between the sub-modules 200. A first heat insulating member 320 may be disposed between the end plate 300 and the sub-module 200, and accordingly, the end plate 300 may block heat or flames more effectively. The first heat insulating member 320 may be attached to one surface of the end plate 300 through an adhesive material such as a binder.
The end plate 300 may be assembled with the guide block (721 in
When the battery module 100 has a plurality of sub-modules 200, one sub-module 200 and another sub-module 200 may be electrically connected to each other by a connecting member 600. For example, the connecting member 600 may include a conductive material and may be disposed to be in contact with both adjacent sub-modules 200.
A cover plate 400 may be coupled to an upper side (e.g., in a positive Y-axis direction) of the sub-module 200 and the end plate 300. A second fastening member 520 may be used for coupling the sub-module 200 to the cover plate 400 or coupling the end plate 300 to the cover plate 400 together. For example, the second fastening member 520 may be a bolt penetrating through the cover plate 400 and fastened to the cell stack 1000 of the sub-module 200.
The sub-module 200 and the end plate 300 may be combined with the cover plate 400. For example, the sub-module 200 and the end plate 300 may be disposed to oppose each other in a first direction (e.g., Z-axis direction), and may oppose and be fasten to the cover plate 400 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction (Z-axis direction) (e.g., Y-axis direction). The sub-module 200 and the end plate 300 may be coupled to the cover plate 400 such that positions thereof relative to each other may be fixed.
The battery module 100 may further include a reinforcing member 410 coupled to at least one of the sub-module 200 and the end plate 300, in addition to the cover plate 400. For example, as illustrated in
To increase heat dissipation efficiency, the battery module 100 may further include a heat dissipation member 800. The heat dissipation member 800 may be disposed on a surface of the battery module 100 facing the lower frame (710 in
In the description below, a direction in which a sub-module and an end plate oppose each other may be defined as a first direction, a direction in which a battery cell assembly of a sub-module and a cover assembly oppose each other may be defined as a second direction, and a direction in which the sub-module and the lower frame oppose each other may be defined as a third direction.
The battery module 100 may be seated on and fixed to the lower frame (710 in
Hereinafter, structures of the sub-module 200 and the end plate 300 included in the battery module 100 will be described in greater detail with reference to
The sub-module 200 included in the battery module 100 will be described with reference to
The sub-module 200 may include one or more battery cell assemblies 2000 for outputting or storing electrical energy, a busbar assembly 4000 electrically connected to the battery cell assembly 2000, and a cover assembly (5000) covering the busbar assembly 4000.
The sub-module 200 may include a plurality of battery cell assemblies 2000. For example, as illustrated in
A plurality of the battery cell assemblies 2000 may be stacked in one direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction in
One battery cell assembly 2000 may be considered as a manufacturing unit of the sub-module 200. For example, a manufacturer may determine the number of battery cell assemblies 2000 according to a power value required for the sub-module 200, and may manufacture the sub-module 200 by assembling the battery cell assemblies together. For example, the sub-module 200 illustrated in
In example embodiments, the busbar assembly 4000 may be disposed on at least one side of the cell stack 1000 and may electrically connect the battery cell assemblies 2000 to each other. A pair of busbar assemblies 4000 may be disposed on both ends of the cell stack 1000, respectively. Alternatively, the pair of busbar assemblies 4000 may be integrally formed by being connected to each other.
In example embodiments, the cover assembly 5000 may be coupled to the busbar assembly 4000 or the cell stack 1000 and may cover the busbar assembly 4000. The cover assembly 5000 may prevent the busbar assembly 4000 from being short-circuited with other members and may protect the busbar assembly from receiving external impacts. Also, the cover assembly 5000 may prevent high-temperature heat energy or flame generated from the battery cell assembly 2000 from spreading to other adjacent components (e.g., other adjacent battery modules).
In example embodiments, a plurality of battery cell assemblies 2000 may be stacked and may form the body of the sub-module 200. For example, as illustrated in
The battery cell assembly 2000 may be configured to be easily stacked and assembled. Hereinafter, a battery cell assembly 2000 according to example embodiments will be described in greater detail with reference to
The battery cell assembly 2000 may include one or more battery cells 2100, a protective member 2200, and a support member 2300. For example, the battery cell assembly 2000 may include a plurality of battery cells 2100 opposing each other, a protective member 2200 disposed between the plurality of battery cells 2100, and a support member 2300 coupled to the protective member 2200.
The battery cell assembly 2000 may include a pair of battery cells 2100 for outputting or storing electrical energy. For example, as illustrated in
In example embodiments, the battery cell 2100 may be a pouch-type battery cell. Referring to
The electrode assembly 2120 may include a plurality of internal electrode plates. Here, the internal electrode plate may include a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate, and the electrode assembly 2120 may be configured in a form in which the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate are stacked with a separator interposed therebetween. Each of the plurality of positive electrode plates and the plurality of negative electrode plates may include uncoated regions to which the active material is not applied, and the uncoated regions may be connected to each other such that the same polarities may be in contact with each other. The non-coated portions having the same polarity may be electrically connected to each other and may be electrically connected to other components outside the battery cell 2100 through the lead tab 2130. In the battery cell 2100 illustrated in
The pouch 2110 may surround the electrode assembly 2120, may form the exterior of the cell body portion 2111, and may provide an internal space in which the electrode assembly 2120 and an electrolyte solution (not illustrated) are accommodated. The pouch 2110 may be formed by folding a sheet of exterior material. For example, the pouch 2110 may be configured in a form in which a sheet of exterior material may be folded in half and the electrode assembly 2120 may be accommodated therebetween. The exterior material may be formed of a material for protecting the electrode assembly 2120 from the external environment, and may include, for example, an aluminum film.
An exterior material may be bonded to an edge of the pouch 2110 such that a sealing portion 2112 may be formed. A thermal fusion method may be used to bond the exterior material for forming the sealing portion 2112, but an example embodiment thereof is not limited thereto.
The sealing portion 2112 may include a first sealing portion 2112a formed in a position in which the lead tab 2130 is disposed and a second sealing portion 2112b formed in a position in which the lead tab 2130 is not disposed. To increase reliability of bonding of the sealing portion 2112 and to reduce an area of the sealing portion 2112, at least a portion of the sealing portion 2112 may be folded one or more times.
The sealing portion 2112 may not be formed on a surface on which the pouch 2110 is folded along one edge of the electrode assembly 2120. A folded portion of the pouch 2110 along one edge of the electrode assembly 2120 may be defined as a folded portion 2113 to distinguish the portion from the sealing portion 2112. That is, the pouch 2110-type battery cell 2100 may have a three-surface sealing pouch form in which a sealing portion 2112 may be formed on three of the four edge surfaces of the pouch 2110, and a folded portion 2113 may be formed on the other surface.
When one sheet of exterior material is folded to enclose the electrode assembly 2120 and to seal the three sides as described above, The sealing portion 2112 adjacent to the folded portion 2113 may have a portion protruding further toward a lower direction (e.g., a Y-axis negative direction in
The battery cell 2100 of the example embodiments is not limited to the three-sided sealing pouch-type described above. For example, a pouch may be formed using two different exterior materials overlapping each other, and a sealing portion may be formed on four sides around the pouch. For example, the sealing portion may include a sealing portion on two surfaces on which lead tabs are disposed, and a sealing portion on the other two surfaces on which lead tabs are not disposed.
Also, the battery cell 2100 included in the battery cell assembly 2000 of the example embodiments is not limited to the aforementioned pouch-type battery cell, and may be configured as a cylindrical battery cell or a prismatic battery cell.
Referring to
The second heat insulating member 2210 may prevent or block spreading of flame or high-temperature thermal energy between neighboring battery cells 2100, thereby preventing chain ignition of the sub-module 200. To this end, the second heat insulating member 2210 may include a material having at least one of flame retardancy, heat resistance, heat insulation, and insulation. For example, heat resistance refer to properties in which a material does not melt and a shape does not change even at a temperature of 600 degrees Celsius or more, and heat insulation may refer to properties in which thermal conductivity is 1.0 W/mK or less. For example, the second heat insulating member 2210 may include at least a portion of mica, silicate, graphite, alumina, ceramic wool, and aerogel for preventing spreading of heat and/or flame. However, the material of the second heat insulating member 2210 is not limited thereto, any material which may maintain a shape thereof in the event of thermal runaway of the battery cell 2100 and may prevent heat or flames from spreading to other adjacent battery cells 2100 may be used.
In example embodiments, the second heat insulating member 2210 may be provided as a plate-shaped sheet or plate-shaped pad having a shape corresponding to the cell body portion 2111. However, the shape of the second heat insulating member 2210 is not limited thereto, and may be formed to have any shape as long as heat transfer between adjacent battery cells 2100 may be blocked with the second heat insulating member 2210 interposed therebetween.
One surface of the compression member 2220 may oppose the second heat insulating member 2210, and the other surface opposite to the one surface may oppose the battery cell 2100. The compression member 2220 may protect the battery cell 2100 from external impact or may absorb expansion pressure due to expansion of the battery cell 2100. Accordingly, thickness expansion due to swelling of the battery cell 2100 may be prevented such that exterior changes of the battery cell assembly 2000 may be reduced and performance degradation of the battery cell 2100 due to swelling may be prevented. To this end, the compression member 2220 may include a material for absorbing the expansion pressure of the battery cell 2100, and may include, for example, a polyurethane-based material.
A plurality of compression members 2220 may be disposed. For example, as illustrated in
The battery cell 2100 may be in contact with the compression member 2220 and may be adhered to the compression member 2220 by a predetermined adhesive force of the compression member 2220. Alternatively, the battery cell 2100 may be adhered to the compression member 2220 by an adhesive member (not illustrated) disposed between the battery cell 2100 and the compression member 2220. For example, as illustrated in
In example embodiments, the protective member 2200 may be disposed to cover the cell body portion 2111 of the battery cell 2100. For example, the protective member 2200 may cover the entire surface of the cell body portion 2111a of the first battery cell 2100a opposing the second battery cell 2100b, such that the cell body portion 2111a of the first battery cell 2100a may be blocked from directly opposing the cell body portion 2111b of the second battery cell 2100b. Accordingly, transfer of high-temperature thermal energy or impact energy generated from the first battery cell 2100a to the second battery cell 2100b may be effectively blocked.
In example embodiments, the battery cell assembly 2000 may include a support member 2300. The support member 2300 may work as a structure supporting the battery cell assembly 2000 by being combined with the protective member 2200. That is, the support member 2300 may be combined with the protective member 2200 and may support the protective member 2200, and may simultaneously support the plurality of battery cells 2100 included in the battery cell assembly 2000. To this end, the support member 2300 may include a material (e.g., a resin material) having a predetermined degree of rigidity.
The support members 2300 may be provided as a pair and may be spaced apart from each other in a direction (X-axis direction) perpendicular to the direction (Z-axis direction) in which the battery cells 2100 oppose each other. The pair of support members 2300 spaced apart from each other may be fixed to both ends of the protective member 2200, respectively.
In example embodiments, the support member 2300 may include a guide groove 2312 for welding the lead tab 2130 of the battery cell 2100. The guide groove 2312 may be a groove extending in a height direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) from at least one surface of the support member 2300, and a plurality of guide grooves 2312 may be disposed side by side with each other. At least a portion of the plurality of guide grooves 2312 may be used to weld the lead tabs 2130 of the battery cells 2100 to each other.
The guide groove 2312 may have a shape of a recessed groove formed on at least one surface of the support member 2300, and may guide the positions in which the lead tabs 2131 and 2132 of the plurality of battery cells 2100a and 2100b are welded to each other. For example, the lead tab 2131 of the first battery cell 2100a and the lead tab 2132 of the second battery cell 2100b may be disposed to oppose the guide groove 2312 of the support member 2300 while overlapping each other. The lead tab 2131 of the first battery cell 2100a and the lead tab 2132 of the second battery cell 2100b may be welded together along the guide groove 2312. To this end, at least a portion of the lead tab 2131 of the first battery cell 2100a and the lead tab 2132 of the second battery cell 2100b may be bent to oppose the guide groove 2312. For example, as illustrated in
The length of the guide groove 2312 in the Y-axis direction may be wider than the width of the lead tab 2130 of the battery cell 2100 in the Y-axis direction.
The guide groove 2312 may be disposed on a surface of a support member 2300a oriented to the other support member 2300b. That is, as illustrated in
The support member 2300 will be described in greater detail with reference to
The support member 2300 may be fastened to the protective member 2200. A pair of support members 2300 may be provided and may be disposed to oppose each other in a second direction (X-axis direction) with the protective member 2200 interposed therebetween.
The support member 2300 may include a body portion 2310 coupled to the protective member 2200 and a flange portion 2320 disposed on at least one end of the body portion 2310.
Referring to
In example embodiments, the support member 2300 may include a flange portion 2320 disposed on upper and lower ends of the body portion 2310. Referring to
The flange portion 2320 may be disposed on both ends of the body portion 2310 in the third direction (e.g., an end in a negative Y-axis direction and an end in a positive Y-axis direction), and may include a support surface 2321 perpendicular to the third direction. The support surface 2321 may be a wide and flat surface formed on at least a portion of the flange portion 2320. When the flange portion 2320 is disposed on each of both ends of the body portion 2310, the support surface 2321 of the flange portion 2320 may form both end surfaces of the support member 2300. For example, as illustrated in
A coupling protrusion 2322 and a coupling groove 2323 may be disposed on the flange portion 2320. For example, the coupling protrusion 2322 may protrude in a first direction (Z-axis direction) and may be inserted into a coupling groove 2323 of another neighboring support member 2300. To this end, the flange portion 2320 may have a coupling protrusion 2322 and a coupling groove 2323 on opposite corners, respectively.
A fastening portion 2325 used to fasten the battery cell assembly 2000 to an external component (e.g., a cover of the sub-module 200) may be disposed on the flange portion 2320. The fastening portion 2325 may be fastened with a fastening member (e.g., a bolt). For example, the fastening portion 2325 may have a screw groove for screwing with a bolt. Alternatively, the fastening portion 2325 may be formed of a different material from other portions of the support member 2300.
The flange portion 2320 may include an engaging groove 2324 for coupling with a busbar assembly (e.g., 4000 in
When a stack is formed with only the battery cells 2100 without the support members 2300, it may be difficult to accurately align the individual battery cells 2100 with respect to the seating surface S. The seating surface S described herein may be a workbench for manufacturing the cell stack 1000 or a pack housing in which the battery cell assembly 2000 is accommodated.
Also, in the pouch 2110 type battery cell 2100, due to the shark fin 2114 protruding from the folded portion 2113 of the battery cell 2100 or the flatness of the folded portion 2113, it may be difficult to stand the battery cell 2100 such that the folded portion 2113 may oppose the seating surface S. However, the battery cell assembly 2000 may stably stand the battery cell 2100 on the seating surface S through the flat support surface 2321 of the support member 2300. For example, as illustrated in
In example embodiments, a predetermined spacing g may be formed between the support surface 2321 of the flange portion 2320 and the battery cell 2100. For example, the first battery cell 2100a and the second battery cell 2100b may be spaced apart from each other in a third direction (Y-axis direction) with respect to an imaginary line connecting the support surfaces 2321 of the pair of support members 2300 to each other. Accordingly, a spacing g may be formed between the battery cell 2100 and the external seating surface S in contact with the pair of support surfaces 2321. The gap g1 of the spacing g may be larger than the distance g2 from the folded portion 2113 of the battery cell 2100 to the end of the shark fin 2114.
The battery cell assembly 2000 according to example embodiments may be stably supported by the seating surface S (e.g., a workbench for manufacturing a cell stack (1000)) through the support surface 2321 of the support member 2300 to which the battery cell 2100 is fixed, and accordingly, a plurality of battery cells 2100 may be accurately stacked and disposed in a direction parallel to the seating surface S.
In example embodiments, the folded portion 2113 of the battery cell 2100 included in the battery cell assembly 2000 may be directly exposed to oppose the seating surface S. The sub-module 200 may not have a housing or a case surrounding the battery cell assembly 2000, and accordingly, a rigid member hindering heat transfer between the battery cell 2100 and the seating surface S may not be provided, such that the battery cell 2100 may be disposed to directly oppose the seating surface S outside the sub-module 200. Accordingly, heat dissipation efficiency may be increased in a direction from the battery cell 2100 toward the external seating surface S. Although not illustrated in
Electrical connections of the battery cells 2100 included in the battery cell assembly 2000 according to example embodiments will be described with reference to
In example embodiments, the battery cell assembly 2000 may include a first battery cell 2100a and a second battery cell 2100b opposing each other in a first direction (e.g., a Z-axis direction). The first battery cell 2100a and the second battery cell 2100b may be electrically connected to each other through lead tabs 2131 and 2132.
The lead tab of the first battery cell 2100a (hereinafter, first lead tab 2131) and the lead tab of the second battery cell 2100b (hereinafter, second lead tab 2132) may be drawn out from the cell body portions 2111a and 2111b of the battery cells 2100a and 2100b in a second direction (e.g., an X-axis direction) perpendicular to the first direction (Z-axis direction). At least a portion of at least one of the first lead tab 2131 and the second lead tab 2132 may be bent. For example, as illustrated in
The overlapping portions of the two lead tabs 2131 and 2132 may be coupled to each other by welding. In this case, the welding may be performed by a laser welding method in which a base material (work to be welded) may be welded to each other by irradiating a laser beam. However, the coupling method of the two lead tabs 2131 and 2132 is not limited to welding, and any coupling method for conducting the two lead tabs 2131 and 2132 may be used.
In example embodiments, the first lead tab 2131 and the second lead tab 2132 may be bent in a direction in which the first lead tab 2131 and the second lead tab 2132 oppose each other such that at least portions of the first lead tab 2131 and the second lead tab 2132 may oppose and may be in contact with each other. In the description below, the portion of the first lead tab 2131 opposing and in contact with the second lead tab 2132 may be referred to as a first connection portion 2131a, and the portion of the second lead tab 2132 opposing and in contact with the first lead tab 2131 may be referred to as a second connection portion 2132a. Referring to
The connection portions 2131a and 2132a of the two lead tabs 2131 and 2132 may be welded along welding regions W1 and W2. At least one welding region W1 and W2 may be formed. For example, the welding regions W1 and W2 may be formed as continuously extending welding lines. For example, the connection portions 2131a and 2132a may be welded along two welding lines extending parallel to each other.
Each of the welding regions W1 and W2 may extend in a third direction (Y-axis direction) perpendicular to both the first direction (Z-axis direction) and the second direction (X-axis direction) on the surface of the connection portion 2131a and 2132a of the two lead tabs 2131 and 2132.
When a plurality of welding regions W1 and W2 are formed, one welding region (e.g., W1) may be formed to weld two lead tabs 2131 and 2132 to each other, and the other one welding region (e.g., W2) may be formed to weld the two lead tabs 2131 and 2132 and another member (e.g., the busbar of the sub-module 200) to each other.
One or more guide grooves 2312 may be formed in the body portion 2310 of the support member 2300 such that the two lead tabs 2131 and 2132 may be stably welded. For example, one or more guide grooves 2312 may be formed on a surface of the body portion 2310 of the support member 2300 opposing the connection portions 2131a and 2132a.
For example, in the guide groove 2312, a recess recessed in the second direction in the body portion 2310 may extend in a third direction (Y-axis direction) perpendicular to the second direction (X-axis direction). The welding regions W1 and W2 for welding the connection portions 2131a and 2132a of the two lead tabs 2131 and 2132 along the guide groove 2312 may be formed. When a plurality of guide grooves 2312 are formed, different welding regions W1 and W2 may be formed along the guide grooves 2312, respectively.
In example embodiments, the guide groove 2312 may include a first guide groove 2312a and a second guide groove 2312b formed parallel to each other. A welding process may be individually performed along each of the guide grooves 2312a and 2312b. In this case, the welding process may be performed in order. For example, in the first welding process, the first lead tab 2131 of the first battery cell 2100a and the second lead tab 2132 of the second battery cell 2100b may be welded in the first welding region W1 formed along the first guide groove 2312a. In the second welding process, the first lead tab 2131, the second lead tab 2132 and other members (e.g. busbar of sub-module 200) may be welded together in the second welding region W2 formed along the second guide groove 2312b. In the process of manufacturing the battery cell assembly 2000, only the first welding process may be performed. Thereafter a second welding process may be performed in a process of coupling the battery cell assembly 2000 and the busbar assembly (e.g., 4000 in
The guide groove 2312 may function as a safety space in a welding process. That is, the guide groove 2312 may prevent the battery cell assembly 2000 from being damaged by welding particles or irregular impacts generated from the rear surfaces of the connection portions 2131a and 2132a or shape deformation of the connection portions during welding.
In example embodiments, the first connection portion 2131a, the second connection portion 2132a, and the guide groove 2312 may overlap in a second direction (X-axis direction). For example, as illustrated in
A plurality of battery cell assemblies 2000 including a pair of electrically connected battery cells 2100 may be stacked in one direction and may form at least a portion of the sub-module 200. Hereinafter, coupling between the plurality of battery cell assemblies 2000 will be described with reference to
In example embodiments, a plurality of battery cell assemblies 2000 may be stacked in one direction (e.g., Z-axis direction) and may form the cell stack 1000. An adhesive member (e.g., 1100 in
The support member 2300 of the battery cell assembly 2000 may include a coupling guide member guiding coupling (stacking) of the battery cell assembly 2000. For example, the coupling guide member may include a coupling protrusion 2322 disposed on the support member 2300 of one of the two battery cell assemblies 2000 opposing each other and a coupling groove 2323 disposed on the support member 2300 of the other battery cell assembly 2000.
The coupling groove 2323 may have a shape of the recess corresponding to the thickness (e.g., length in the Y-axis direction) or a width (e.g., length in the X-axis direction) of the coupling protrusion 2322 such that the coupling protrusion 2322 may be inserted.
Referring to
In example embodiments, the coupling protrusion 2322 and the coupling groove 2323 may be disposed on the flange portion 2320 of the support member 2300. For example, the coupling protrusion 2322 may be configured to protrude from the flange portion 2320 in a first direction (Z-axis direction), and the coupling groove 2323 may be configured to be recessed on the side of the flange portion 2320 opposing the portion from which the coupling protrusion 2322 protrudes. Accordingly, the coupling protrusion 2322 of the flange portion 2320 of one of the battery cell assemblies 2000 may be inserted into the coupling groove 2323 of the flange portion 2320 of the neighboring battery cell assembly 2000.
As the battery cell assemblies 2000 are stacked in order in the first direction (Z-axis direction), the coupling protrusion 2322 of one of the battery cell assemblies 2000 may be inserted into the coupling groove 2323 of the battery cell assembly 2000. In this case, to straighten the side surface of the sub-module 200, the coupling protrusion 2322 of the battery cell assembly 2000 disposed in the outermost portion in the first direction may be cut out.
In example embodiments, each of a pair of support members 2300 included in the battery cell assembly 2000 may have a coupling guide member. For example, as illustrated in
In example embodiments, one of the support members 2300 may include a plurality of coupling guide members. For example, as illustrated in
In example embodiments, since the battery cell assembly 2000 has a coupling protrusion 2322 and a coupling groove 2323 having a shape corresponding thereto, the plurality of battery cell assemblies 2000 may be swiftly stacked and assembled in an accurate position, and erroneous assembly may be prevented in advance.
In example embodiments, individual battery cell assemblies 2000 included in the cell stack 1000 may be electrically connected to each other by a busbar assembly 4000. Hereinafter, the busbar assembly 4000 will be described in greater detail with reference to
In example embodiments, the busbar assembly 4000 may include a busbar 4100 electrically connecting a battery cell assembly 2000 to another battery cell assembly 2000 and a busbar frame 4200 supporting the busbar 4100.
The busbar 4100 may be formed of a conductive material and may electrically connect the plurality of battery cell assemblies 2000 to each other. As a method to connect the busbar 4100 to the battery cell assembly 2000, various welding methods including laser welding may be applied. However, the connection method is not limited to welding, and any connection method which may electrically conduct two metallic materials may be used.
The busbar frame 4200 may support the busbar 4100 to be stably connected to the battery cell assembly 2000. The busbar 4100 may be electrically connected to the battery cell assembly 2000 while being fixed to the busbar frame 4200. For example, as illustrated in
The busbar frame 4200 may structurally fix the busbar 4100 in an external shock or vibration situation. For example, the busbar frame 4200 may include a plastic material which may be lightweight and may have excellent mechanical strength, such as polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) and accordingly, the busbar frame 4200 may be structurally support the busbar 4100 while securing insulation.
In example embodiments, a plurality of busbars 4100 may be disposed on the busbar frame 4200 and may be arranged side by side in the stacking direction of the battery cell assembly 2000 (e.g., the Z-axis direction in
The busbar frame 4200 may include a separation wall 4220 disposed between one of the seating portions 4210 and another seating portion 4210 and protruding in a direction (e.g., in the X-axis direction) perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the busbar 4100. The separation wall 4220 may protrude further than the thickness (here, “thickness” may refer to a length in the X-axis direction in
The busbar 4100 may be fixed to the busbar frame 4200 in various manners. For example, the busbar 4100 may be fixed to the busbar frame 4200 by a thermal fusion process or an insert injection process.
The lead tab 2130 of the battery cell assembly 2000 may be electrically connected to the busbar 4100. For example, at least a portion of the lead tab 2130 of the battery cell assembly 2000 may be disposed to oppose the busbar 4100, may be bonded to each other by a process such as laser welding, and may be electrically connected to the busbar 4100.
At least a portion of the plurality of busbars 4100 may have connection terminals 4120 used for electrical connection with an external entity, and the connection terminals 4120 may penetrate through the cover assembly 5000 and may be exposed to the outside so as to be electrically connected to an external device.
Although not illustrated in the drawing, the sub-module 200 according to the example embodiments may further include a sensing module (not illustrated) connected to the busbar assembly 4000. The sensing module (not illustrated) may include a temperature sensor or a voltage sensor, and accordingly, the state of the battery cell assembly 2000 may be sensed.
In example embodiments, the busbar frame 4200 may be coupled to the support member 2300 of the battery cell assembly 2000 and may be fixed to the cell stack 1000. For example, a first engaging groove 2324 may be disposed in the support member 2300, and a first hook 4230 inserted into the first engaging groove 2324 may be disposed in the busbar frame 4200, such that the support member 2300 and the busbar frame 4200 may be hook-coupled to each other. Referring to
Referring to
The busbar frame 4200 may further include a second hook 4240 used to fasten with the cover assembly 5000, which will be described later with reference to
Referring to
In example embodiments, the busbar 4100 may be welded to lead tabs 2130 of two neighboring battery cell assemblies 2000, respectively. For example, as illustrated in
The first welding process and the second welding process described above with reference to
To stably weld the busbar 4100 and the battery cell assembly 2000 to each other, the busbar 4100 may include one or more guide grooves 4110. For example, as illustrated in
The busbar 4100 may include a plurality of guide grooves 4110. Each guide groove 4110 may be disposed to oppose the support member 2300 of the different battery cell assembly 2000. For example, as illustrated in
The guide groove 4110 of the busbar 4100 may be disposed to oppose the guide groove 2312 of the battery cell assembly 2000. For example, the third guide groove 4110a of the busbar 4100 may be disposed to oppose at least one of the guide grooves 2312 of the first battery cell assembly 2000a in the second direction (X-axis direction), and the fourth guide groove 4110b may be disposed to oppose at least one of the guide grooves 2312 of the second battery cell assembly 2000b in the second direction (X-axis direction). Referring to
As the guide groove 4110 of the busbar 4100 and the guide groove 2312 of the battery cell assembly 2000 are disposed side by side, welding between the busbar 4100 and the lead tab 2130 may be performed safely.
In example embodiments, the sub-module 200 may include a cover assembly 5000 covering the busbar frame 4200. Hereinafter, the cover assembly 5000 will be described in greater detail with reference to
In example embodiments, the cover assembly 5000 may include a cover frame 5100 and a heat insulating member 2210 fixed to the cover frame 5100.
The cover frame 5100 may be combined with the busbar assembly 4000 and may physically and electrically protect the busbar 4100 from the external environment of the sub-module 200. For example, the cover frame 5100 may cover the busbar 4100 and may prevent the busbar 4100 from being unintentionally conducted with an external object of the sub-module 200.
The cover frame 5100 may include a plastic material which may be lightweight and may have excellent mechanical strength, such as polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) or modified polyphenylene oxide (MPPO). Accordingly, the busbar assembly 4000 may be protected from external impact while securing insulation.
The cover assembly 5000 may include a side cover 5400 coupled to the external side of the cover frame 5100. The side cover 5400 may be disposed on the outermost sides of the sub-module 200 and may protect the sub-module 200 from external impact.
For example, the side cover 5400 may include a material having higher mechanical strength than that of the cover frame 5100.
For example, side cover 5400 may include a metal material (e.g., stainless steel).
The cover frame 5100 and the side cover 5400 may be hook-coupled to each other.
Each of the cover frame 5100 and the side cover 5400 may include one or more venting holes 5110 and 5410. For example, the cover frame 5100 may include a plurality of first venting holes 5110 penetrating in a direction opposing the busbar 4100 (X-axis direction). The side cover 5400 may include a second venting hole 5410 opposing the first venting hole 5110. Gas generated in the cell stack 1000 may be discharged to the outside of the sub-module 200 through the first venting hole 5110 of the cover frame 5100 and the second venting hole 5410 of the side cover 5400.
A heat insulating member 5200 may be disposed between the cover frame 5100 and the busbar assembly 4000. In the description below, to differentiate from the heat insulating member 2210 of the battery cell assembly 2000, the heat insulating member 5200 of the cover assembly 5000 may be referred to as a third heat insulating member 5200.
The third heat insulating member 5200 may prevent or block spreading of flame or high-temperature thermal energy to another adjacent sub-module 200 when an event occurs in the sub-module 200. Also, the third heat insulating member 5200 may reduce thermal energy of high-temperature gas or dust ejected from the sub-module 200. Also, as the third heat insulating member 5200 is disposed, gas, flame, and dust generated by thermal runaway of another adjacent sub-module 200 may be prevented from penetrating into the sub-module 200. To this end, the third heat insulating member 5200 may include a material having at least one of flame retardancy, heat resistance, heat insulation, and insulation. For example, the third heat insulating member 5200 may include ceramic wool for preventing spreading of heat and/or flame. However, the material of the third heat insulating member 5200 is not limited thereto, and may be formed of any material which may prevent heat or flames from spreading to other adjacent sub-modules 200 or battery cells 2100.
The third heat insulating member 5200 may be fixed to the cover frame 5100. For example, as illustrated in
In example embodiments, the third heat insulating member 5200 may be configured to cover the first venting hole 5110 and the second venting hole 5410. The third heat insulating member 5200 may prevent foreign substances outside the sub-module 200 or gas and particles emitted from other sub-modules 200 from entering the sub-module 200 through the venting holes 5110 and 5410.
In the event of a thermal runaway in the sub-module 200, at least a portion of the third heat insulating member 5200 may be torn to allow gas generated from the cell stack 1000 to pass therethrough. Alternatively, the third heat insulating member 5200 may include a material which may allow gas to pass therethrough, and may allow gas generated from the cell stack 1000 to pass through without damaging the member.
In example embodiments, the cover assembly 5000 may be coupled to the busbar assembly 4000 and may be fixed to the cell stack 1000. For example, a second engaging groove 5120 may be disposed on the cover frame 5100, and a second hook 4240 inserted into the second engaging groove 5120 may be disposed on the busbar frame 4200, such that the cover frame 5100 and the busbar frame 4200 may be hooked to each other. Referring to
Referring to the cross-sectional diagram in
In example embodiments, the cover assembly 5000 may further include a shielding member 5500 disposed between the cover frame 5100 and the side cover 5400 and blocking the venting hole. As illustrated in
In the event of thermal runaway in the sub-module 200, at least a portion of the shielding member 5500 may be torn such that gas ejected from the sub-module 200 toward the venting hole may properly penetrate therethrough.
However, the coupling structure in
Hereinafter, an assembly sequence of the sub-module 200 according to the example embodiments will be described with reference to
As illustrated in the upper left side in
As illustrated in the upper central side in
As illustrated in the upper right corner in
As illustrated in the lower right side in
As illustrated in the lower central side in
After completing the coupling of the cover assembly 5000, the sub-module 200 may be completed as illustrated in the lower left side in
The sub-module 200 according to the example embodiments may determine the number of battery cell assemblies 2000 according to design requirements, and may change only the sizes of the busbar assembly 4000 and the cover assembly 5000 in response thereto, such that the sub-modules 200 of various sizes and the battery modules (e.g., 100 in
In the sub-module 200 according to the example embodiments, a member such as a housing or a case covering an outer periphery of the cell stack 1000 may not be provided, and the battery cells 2100 of the cell stack 1000 may be directly exposed to the outside of the sub-module 200. Accordingly, the heat dissipation efficiency of the sub-module 200 may be greatly increased. Also, as a housing or case is not provided, the weight of the sub-module 200 may be reduced, and energy density may be further increased while maintaining the same volume.
Since each of the battery cell assembly 2000, the busbar assembly 4000, and the cover assembly 5000 included in the sub-module 200 may have a simplified assembly structure, separate fastening components may be significantly reduced and assembly efficiency and production speed may be increased. Also, by adjusting the number of battery cell assemblies 2000, which are assembly units of the sub-module 200, the sub-module 200 which may meet various requirements may be swiftly provided.
Referring to
The end plate 300 may oppose a sub-module (e.g., 200 in
A contact protrusion (not illustrated) may be disposed in the insertion groove 310. The contact protrusion (not illustrated) may be in contact with the guide block 721 and may increase coupling strength between the guide block 721 and the insertion groove 310. For example, the contact protrusion (not illustrated) may be provided in the form of protrusions protruding from surfaces of the insertion groove 310 opposing each other. A plurality of contact protrusions (not illustrated) may be spaced apart from each other in a third direction (e.g., Y-axis direction). The contact protrusion (not illustrated) may be configured to press the guide block 721 inserted into the insertion groove 310, and accordingly, coupling strength between the end plate 300 and the guide block 721 may be further increased. However, the contact protrusion (not illustrated) may not be provided. For example, the insertion groove 310 may be configured to have a flat surface without the contact protrusion (not illustrated).
The end plate 300 may be disposed between two neighboring sub-modules (200 in
The heat insulating member 320 may be disposed between the end plate 300 and the sub-module (200 in
The heat insulating member 320 may be adhered to the end plate 300 by an adhesive material such as a binder. However, the coupling method between the heat insulating member 320 and the end plate 300 is not limited to the above example, and any method to fix both components to each other may be used.
The heat insulating member 320 may include a material having at least one of flame retardancy, heat resistance, heat insulation, and insulation. For example, heat resistance may refer to properties in which a material does not melt and does not change shape even at a temperature of 600 degrees Celsius or more, and heat insulation may refer to properties in which thermal conductivity is 1.0 W/mK or less. For example, the heat insulating member 320 may may include at least a portion of mica, silicate, graphite, alumina, ceramic wool, and aerogel for preventing heat and/or flame spreading. However, the material of the heat insulating member 320 is not limited thereto, and any material which may maintain the shape thereof in the event of thermal runaway in a cell stack (e.g., 1000 in
The end plate 300 may be used as a fastening region in which the battery module (100 in
Gas or particles emitted from the sub-module (200 in
The battery module 100 may be seated on an internal space R of the pack housing 700. For example, the pack housing 700 may have one or more internal spaces R partitioned by the support frame 720, and one or more battery modules 100 may be accommodated in each internal space R.
The battery module 100 may be coupled with the lower frame 710 of the pack housing 700. For example, the battery module 100 may include sub-modules 200 and end plates 300 alternately stacked in a first direction (e.g., Z-axis direction), and the first fastening member 510 may penetrate the end plate 300 in a third direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) perpendicular to the first direction (Z-axis direction) and may be fastened to the lower frame 710, such that the battery module 100 may be be fixed to the lower frame 710. The battery module 100 seated on the lower frame 710 may oppose the support frame 720 in a second direction (e.g., X-axis direction) perpendicular to the first direction (Z-axis direction).
A venting hole 230 may be disposed on a surface of the battery module 100 opposing the support frame 720.
A venting passage 722 may be formed in the support frame 720. The venting passage 722 may be a flow path through which gas or fine particles may flow. For example, the venting passage 722 may be a tubular flow path extending in a first direction (Z-axis direction) in the side frame 720a or the partition frame 720b. The venting passage 722 may have a single-layer or multilayer structure in the height direction of the support frame 720 (e.g., the Y-axis direction in
Referring to
A guide block 721 inserted into the battery module 100 may be disposed in the pack housing 700 such that the battery module 100 may be assembled in an accurate position. For example, a plurality of guide blocks 721 protruding toward the internal space R of the battery pack 10 may be disposed on the side frame 720a and the partition frame 720b of the pack housing 700, respectively, and in the battery module 100, an insertion groove 310 into which the guide block 721 is inserted may be disposed.
The insertion groove 310 may be formed on the end plate 300 of the battery module 100. For example, insertion grooves 310 recessed in the second direction (X-axis direction) may be disposed on both ends of the end plate 300 in the second direction (X-axis direction). To correspond to the number of guide blocks 721, a plurality of insertion grooves 310 may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction (Z-axis direction).
The insertion groove 310 and the venting hole 230 may be arranged in the first direction (Z-axis direction) on at least one side of the battery module 100. For example, as illustrated in
The guide block 721 may guide the battery module 100 to be assembled in an accurate position. For example, in the process of seating the battery module 100 in the pack housing 700, a manufacturer may insert the guide block 721 into the insertion groove 310 to seat the battery module 100 in an accurate position.
A gap may be present between the battery module 100 accommodated in the internal space R of the pack housing 700 and the support frame 720. For example, the length of the battery module 100 in the second direction (X-axis direction) may be configured to be smaller than the width of the internal space (R) of the pack housing 700 in the second direction (X-axis direction) such that the battery module 100 may be safely inserted. Alternatively, a gap may be present between the battery module 100 and the support frame 720 due to manufacturing tolerances. The guide block 721 may be inserted into the end plate 300 and may cover the gap. Accordingly, a partition structure extending from the end plate 300 to the support frame 720 may be formed. Hereinafter, the guide block 721 will be described in greater detail.
The guide block 721 may protrude from the support frame 720 toward the internal space R. Alternatively, the guide block 721 may protrude toward the battery module 100 from the support frame 720. For example, when the side frame 720a of the support frame 720 extends in the first direction (Z-axis direction) from the edge of the lower frame 710, the guide block 721 may protrude from the side frame 720a toward the internal space R in a second direction (X-axis direction) perpendicular to the first direction.
The plurality of guide blocks 721 may be spaced apart from the support frame 720 in the first direction (Z-axis direction). Here, the first direction (Z-axis direction) may be the same as the direction in which the battery cell assemblies 2000 included in the battery module 100 are stacked. An opening 723 of the support frame 720 may be disposed between the plurality of guide blocks 721. For example, as illustrated in
The number of openings 723 disposed between two guide blocks 721 may vary.
The guide blocks 721 may be respectively disposed on two support frames 720 opposing each other. For example, guide blocks 721 protruding in opposite directions may be disposed on the side frame 720a and the partition frame 720b. The plurality of guide blocks 721 spaced apart from each other in the first direction (Z-axis direction) in the side frame 720a and the plurality of guide blocks 721 spaced apart from each other in the first direction in the partition frame 720b in the first direction may oppose each other in the second direction (X-axis direction) perpendicular to the first direction (Z-axis direction). That is, a plurality of the pair of guide blocks 721 opposing each other in the second direction (X-axis direction) may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction (Z-axis direction) in the pack housing 700. The pair of guide blocks 721 opposing each other in the second direction (X-axis direction) may be inserted into opposite surfaces of the battery module 100.
The guide block 721 may be integrally formed with the support frame 720. Alternatively, the guide block 721 may be formed as a separate member and may be coupled to the support frame 720. When the guide block 721 is provided as a separate member, the guide block 721 may be welded and coupled to the support frame 720. In this case, various welding methods including laser welding may be applied.
The guide block 721 may be inserted into the end plate 300 of the battery module 100.
Referring to
The guide block 721 may be inserted into the end plate 300 and may form a partition structure extending from the end plate 300 to the support frame 720. By the partition structure, gas or particles emitted from one sub-module 200 may be prevented from flowing to another sub-module 200 through the spacing P between the end plate 300 and the support frame 720.
Since at least a portion of the spacing P between the end plate 300 and the support frame 720 is filled by the guide block 721, gas or particles emitted from one sub-module 200 may mostly flow into the venting passage 722 of the frame 720.
To allow the guide block 721 to be easily inserted into the end plate 300, at least a portion of surfaces of the guide block 721 may be configured as inclined surfaces. For example, referring to
In the structure in which the battery module (100 in
However, the specific shape of the guide block 721 is not limited to the above. For example, the guide block 721 may have a rectangular cross-section without having an inclined surface. The guide block 721 may be configured in any shape as long as the guide block 721 may be inserted into the insertion groove 310.
As the guide block 721 is inserted into the end plate 300, a partition structure for blocking gas or particles from escaping through a gap between the end plate 300 and the support frame 720 may be formed. Accordingly, gas or particles generated in a portion of the battery module (100 in
Hereinafter, the flow of gas or particles in the battery pack 10 formed by the partition structure will be described with reference to
In the event of thermal runaway, gas or combustion particles generated in the sub-module 200 may be emitted toward the pack housing 700. Gas or combustion particles emitted from the sub-module 200 may flow into the venting passage 722 formed in the support frame 720, may flow along the venting passage 722 may be discharged externally of the battery pack 10 through the outlet 760.
The venting passage 722 may be formed along the length direction (e.g., Z-axis direction) of the support frame 720. For example, as illustrated in
The venting passage 722 may communicate with the internal space R of the battery pack 10 through the opening of the support frame 720 (e.g., 723 in
A predetermined spacing (e.g., P in
The guide block 721 may fill the gap between the end plate 300 and the support frame 720 such that gases or particles generated in one sub-module 200 may be prevented from flowing to another adjacent sub-module 200. Accordingly, as illustrated in
Due to the partition structure formed by the guide block 721 and the end plate 300, the effect of gas or particles generated in one sub-module 200, flowing into other adjacent sub-modules 200 and affecting the sub-modules may be reduced. Accordingly, chain thermal runaway or ignition from occurring in the battery module 100 may be prevented.
Also, since gas or particles generated in the battery module 100 may not stay in the pack housing 700 for a long time and may flow out swiftly through the venting passage 722, an excessive increase in internal temperature of the battery pack 10 may be prevented.
Also, since the battery module 100 may be swiftly disposed in an accurate position through the guide block 721, manufacturing efficiency of the battery pack 10 may be increased.
Thermal energy generated in the battery module 100 may be emitted toward the pack housing 700. Hereinafter, a heat dissipation configuration of the battery pack 10 will be described with reference to
In example embodiments, the battery module 100 may be fastened and fixed to the lower frame 710. For example, the battery module 100 may include a plurality of sub-modules 200 and a plurality of end plates 300 alternately disposed in a first direction (Z-axis direction), and at least one of the plurality of end plates 300 may be fastened to the lower frame 710. To increase fastening strength between the end plate 300 and the lower frame 710, the battery pack 10 further may include first fastening members 510 fastened to the end plate 300 and the lower frame 710. For example, as illustrated in
The cell stack 1000 of the sub-module 200 may oppose the lower frame 710 in the third direction. Thermal energy generated in the cell stack 1000 may flow out of the battery pack 10 through the lower frame 710.
A heat dissipation member 800 may be disposed between the cell stack 1000 and the lower frame 710 such that heat may be smoothly transferred in a direction toward the lower frame 710. For example, one surface of the heat dissipation member 800 may be in contact with the cell stack 1000 and the other surface opposite to the one surface may be in contact with the lower frame 710. The heat dissipation member 800 may be provided as a thermal adhesive. The heat dissipation member 800 may fill a space between the cell stack 1000 and the lower frame 710 such that heat transfer by conduction may be actively performed.
In example embodiments, the heat dissipation member 800 may not be provided. For example, at least a portion of the cell stack 1000 may be disposed to be in direct contact with the lower frame 710. In this case, in the battery cell (e.g., 2100 in
To further increase the temperature gradient between the cell stack 1000 and the lower frame 710, the lower frame 710 of the battery pack 10 may further include a cooling member 740. For example, as illustrated in
A flow path F through which cooling fluid may flow may be disposed in the cooling member 740. For example, the cooling fluid may include air, cooling water or a refrigerant. The cooling fluid may absorb thermal energy generated from the battery module 100 while flowing in the flow path F of the cooling member 740.
The cooling member 740 may be disposed in the lower frame 710 or may be disposed on an outer surface of the lower frame 710. For example, the cooling member 740 may be disposed on a surface of the lower frame 710 toward the battery module 100 such that at least a portion of the cooling member 740 may be in contact with the battery module 100.
The cooling member 740 may be in contact with the heat dissipation member 800 of the battery module 100. For example, as illustrated in
As the cooling member 740 is disposed, a temperature gradient may further increase from the battery module 100 toward the lower frame 710, and heat transfer may occur actively.
In the battery pack 10 according to the example embodiments, a rigid member surrounding the cell stack 1000 of the battery module 100 may not be provided, such that a heat transfer path from the cell stack 1000 to the lower frame 710 may be simplified and thermal resistance may be reduced. Accordingly, cooling efficiency of the battery pack 10 may be increased.
The battery module 100 may include a plurality of sub-modules 200 and a plurality of end plates 300 opposing each other in a first direction (Z-axis direction) and alternately disposed. The end plate 300 may be disposed between two neighboring sub-modules 200 and on both ends of the battery module 100 in the first direction (Z-axis direction). Accordingly, the battery module 100 may include one more end plate 300 than the number of sub-modules 200. That is, the battery module 100 may include N number of sub-modules 200 and N+1 number of end plates 300.
The end plate 300 may be disposed between the sub-modules 200 and may structurally support the battery module 100. Also, the end plate 300 may block high-temperature gas or flame from being transferred between the sub-modules 200.
The battery pack 10 according to the example embodiments may have a structure in which the end plate 300 disposed between the cell sub-modules 200 may be used in the fastening of the battery module 100 and the pack housing 700. For example, as the first fastening member 510 penetrate through the end plate 300 and is fastened to the pack housing 700, the battery module 100 may be fixed in the battery pack 10. Using a region in which the end plates 300 are disposed as a fastening region, a space in which the battery cell assembly 2000 is disposed between the end plates 300 may be sufficiently secured. For example, referring to
According to the aforementioned example embodiments, in the battery pack, a heat insulating member may be disposed between a pair of battery cells heat transfer may be blocked or prevented between the battery cells.
Also, the battery module may have a simplified structure having high assembly efficiency.
Also, the battery pack may reduce the heat transfer path of the battery cell, thereby increasing heat dissipation efficiency.
Further, the battery pack may have high energy density in a limited internal space of the pack housing.
While the example embodiments have been illustrated and described above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations could be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-2022-0031704 | Mar 2022 | KR | national |
