Battery module, battery pack including said battery module, and vehicle

Abstract

A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a module case having a plurality of chargeable and dischargeable battery cells, an internal space surrounded by a plurality of sides, and an opening communicating with the internal space, and accommodating the plurality of battery cells in the internal space, and an end cover covering the opening of the module case, wherein the module case has an opening provided on a first side of the plurality of sides, the opening being configured to be opened by gas generated in a battery accommodated in the internal space and to exhaust the gas in a direction away from the end cover.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0185087 filed on December 26, 2022, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0043173 filed on March 31, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety in the specification and drawings.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery module, a battery pack including the battery module, and a vehicle, and more particularly to a battery module including a plurality of chargeable and dischargeable battery cells, and a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery module. [Background technology]

[0003] Generally, a secondary battery refers to a battery that can be repeatedly charged and discharged, such as a lithium-ion battery, a lithium polymer battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel-zinc battery, etc. The most basic battery cell provides an output voltage of about 2.5V to 4.2V.

[0004] In recent years, as such secondary batteries are applied to devices requiring a high output voltage and a large charging capacity, such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS), battery modules formed by connecting a plurality of battery cells in series, parallel, or a combination of series and parallel, and battery packs formed by further connecting such battery modules in series, parallel, or a combination of series and parallel, have become widely used.

[0005] However, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, conventional battery modules are manufactured by housing a plurality of densely stacked battery cells inside a metal case having a sealed structure. Therefore, when vent gas is generated in any of the battery cells inside the battery module, it is difficult to discharge the vent gas to the outside of the battery module, and thermal energy accumulates inside the battery module, causing a chain reaction of thermal runaway and ignition of other battery cells in a short period of time.

[0006] In addition, such a conventional battery module cannot exhaust high-temperature and high-pressure vent gas in the intended direction, which may cause damage to other battery modules adjacent to the battery module in which thermal runaway occurs or lead to a chain reaction of thermal runaway. Furthermore, if the layout of the battery modules included in the battery pack is such that the high-voltage terminals of the other battery modules face each other, the risk and damage of a chain reaction of thermal runaway is further increased. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2022-0052183 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a battery module capable of quickly discharging vent gas of battery cells accommodated inside the battery module to the outside of the battery module, and a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery module.

[0009] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a battery module capable of controlling the discharge direction of the vent gas to an intended direction, and a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery module. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a module case having a plurality of chargeable and dischargeable battery cells, an internal space surrounded by a plurality of sides, and an opening communicating with the internal space, the module case accommodating the plurality of battery cells in the internal space, and an end cover covering the opening of the module case, the module case having an opening provided on a first side of the plurality of sides, the opening configured to be opened by gas generated in a battery accommodated in the internal space and to exhaust the gas in a direction away from the end cover.

[0011] In one embodiment, the module case may include a case frame having the internal space and the opening, and a case cover covering an outer surface of the case frame.

[0012] In one embodiment, the case frame may have a through hole provided on the first surface and communicating with the internal space, and the case cover may have the opening in a portion of the case cover facing the through hole.

[0013] In one embodiment, the case cover may be configured in a sheet form and may be configured to be attached to the case frame in a form that covers at least two of the plurality of surfaces.

[0014] In one embodiment, the case cover may include a cover portion having the opening and covering a first surface of the case frame, a first attachment portion extending from one end of the cover portion and attached to a second surface of the case frame adjacent to the first surface, and a second attachment portion extending from the other end of the cover portion and attached to a third surface of the case frame adjacent to the first surface.

[0015] In one embodiment, the case cover may be constructed from a flexible material.

[0016] In one embodiment, the case cover may have an attachment surface provided with an adhesive layer and be configured to be attached to the outer surface of the case frame by the attachment surface.

[0017] In one embodiment, the opening portion may include a lead portion configured to be separated from the case cover by the gas pressure to open the through hole, and a support portion having one end connected to the lead portion and the other end connected to a portion of the case cover to support the lead portion so that the lead portion separated from the case cover does not move out of a position within a predetermined range.

[0018] In one embodiment, the lead may be configured to be split into two or more portions by the pressure of the gas.

[0019] In one embodiment, the case frame may further include a blocking beam provided inside the through hole and configured to block the opening from being pushed into the through hole.

[0020] In an embodiment, the module case may further include a vent hole formed in a linear or dotted line shape extending along an outer periphery of the opening and communicating with the internal space.

[0021] In one embodiment, the battery module may further include a terminal disposed on the end cover and electrically connected to a plurality of the battery cells.

[0022] A battery pack according to another aspect of the present invention includes a battery module according to any one of the above-described embodiments.

[0023] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle includes a battery module according to any one of the above-described embodiments. Effect of the Invention

[0024] According to one aspect of the present invention, a module case accommodating battery cells includes an opening portion provided on one side of the module case and configured to be opened by vent gas of the battery cells, thereby preventing foreign matter from penetrating into the battery module and quickly discharging the vent gas of the battery cells to the outside of the battery module. As a result, it is possible to minimize thermal energy accumulated inside the battery module and delay heat propagation time, and to prevent chain reaction thermal runaway or fire between battery cells, explosion of the battery module, etc., thereby improving the safety of the battery module.

[0025] In addition, the openings are provided only on specific surfaces among the multiple surfaces of the module case, allowing high-temperature and high-pressure vent gas generated in the battery cells to be discharged in an intended direction, thereby preventing damage to other battery modules adjacent to the battery module and chain reaction thermal runaway.

[0026] In particular, by configuring the opening to exhaust the vent gas of the battery cell in a direction away from the end cover on which the terminals of the battery module are disposed, it is possible to prevent the electrical connection structure of the battery module from being damaged by the vent gas.

[0027] In addition, a through hole is provided in a case frame constituting a main body of the module case, and a case cover having the opening is attached to an outer surface of the case frame to cover or open the through hole through the opening, thereby reducing the overall weight of the battery module and simplifying the manufacturing process.

[0028] In addition, by attaching the case cover to the case frame in a manner that covers at least two of the multiple outer surfaces of the case frame, it is possible to prevent the entire case cover from being separated from the case frame due to the pressure of the vent gas.

[0029] In addition, by providing an insulating beam inside the through hole of the case frame, it is possible to prevent the opening part of the case cover, which opens and closes the opening of the corresponding through hole, from bursting due to external pressure and being pushed into the corresponding through hole.

[0030] Furthermore, a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains will understand from the following description that the various embodiments of the present invention are capable of solving various technical problems not described above. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the battery module shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing a portion A1 of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view showing a portion A2 in FIG. [Diagram 5] 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line S1-S1' in FIG. 3. [Figure 6] 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an open state of the opening portion shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an open portion of a module case according to a first modified embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an open portion of a module case according to a second modified embodiment. [Figure 9] 9 is a diagram showing an open state of the opening portion shown in FIG. 8. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an open portion of a module case according to a third modified embodiment. [Figure 11]11 is a diagram showing an open state of the opening portion shown in FIG. 10. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a case frame according to a modified embodiment. [Figure 13] 1 is a diagram illustrating a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] 1 is a diagram showing a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0032] In order to clarify the solution to the technical problem of the present invention, the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, in the description of the present invention, if the description of related known technologies may make the gist of the present invention unclear, the description will be omitted. Furthermore, the terms used in this specification are defined in consideration of the functions in the present invention, and may vary depending on the intentions or practices of the designer, manufacturer, etc. Therefore, the definitions of the terms described below should be based on the entire contents of this specification.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a battery module 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] 1, a battery module 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is configured to accommodate a plurality of battery cells therein. To this end, the battery module 10 includes a module case 200 and end covers 230 and 240.

[0035] Each battery cell accommodated in the battery module 10 is a basic secondary battery serving as a unit for charging and discharging, and may be configured in various forms. For example, each battery cell may be configured as a pouch-type secondary battery, a cylindrical secondary battery, or a prismatic secondary battery.

[0036] The module case 200 has an internal space surrounded by multiple sides and an opening communicating with the internal space, and is configured to accommodate a plurality of the battery cells in the internal space.

[0037] The end covers 230, 240 are coupled to a module case 200 that accommodates battery cells, and are configured to airtightly cover an opening of the module case 200. Terminals T1, T2 electrically connected to the battery cells accommodated in the internal space may be disposed on outer surfaces of the end covers 230, 240.

[0038] In particular, at least one opening 222 may be provided on a first surface (e.g., an upper surface) of the module case 200. The opening 222 is configured to be opened by gas generated in a battery accommodated in the internal space.

[0039] FIG. 2 shows an exploded perspective view of the battery module 10 shown in FIG.

[0040] 2, the battery module 10 may include a battery cell 100, a module case 200, a first end cover 230, and a second end cover 240. In this case, the "end cover" may also be referred to as an "end frame."

[0041] As described above, the module case 200 has an internal space surrounded by multiple sides and an opening communicating with the internal space, and can accommodate multiple battery cells in the internal space.

[0042] Furthermore, the module case 200 may include at least one opening 222 provided on a first surface (e.g., an upper surface) of a plurality of surfaces that define the internal space of the module case 200. Such an opening 222 is configured to be opened by gas generated in a battery accommodated in the internal space and to exhaust the gas in a direction away from the end covers 230, 240 (e.g., in the Z-axis direction).

[0043] In one embodiment, each of the multiple sides of the module case 200 may be constructed from a single metal layer.

[0044] In another embodiment, at least the first surface of the multiple surfaces of the module case 200 may be configured as multiple layers. For example, the module case 200 may include a case frame 210 and a case cover 220. In this case, the "case cover" may also be referred to as a "covering member."

[0045] The case frame 210 corresponds to a main body of the module case 200, and may include an internal space for accommodating battery cells and an opening communicating with the internal space. For example, the case frame 210 may be configured in a tube shape having an upper surface, a bottom surface, a left side surface, and a right side surface, and openings formed at the front end and the rear end, respectively. The case frame 210 may be configured from a metal material having rigidity and heat resistance.

[0046] Among the multiple surfaces constituting such case frame 210, at least one through hole 212 communicating with the internal space can be provided on the upper surface.

[0047] The case cover 220 may be configured to cover an outer surface of the case frame 210. In particular, the case cover 220 may include the opening 222 at a portion of the case cover 220 facing the through hole 212.

[0048] In this case, the openings 222 of the case cover 220 may be provided in a number corresponding to the through holes 212 of the case cover 220. Also, the openings 222 of the case cover 220 may be configured to be opened by vent gas of the battery cells accommodated in the internal space.

[0049] In one embodiment, the case cover 220 may be configured in a sheet form and attached to the case frame 210 in a form that covers at least two of a plurality of surfaces of the case frame 210 .

[0050] For example, the case cover 220 may include a cover portion 220a having the opening 222 and covering the top surface of the case frame 210, a first attachment portion 220b extending from one end of the cover portion 220a and attached to one side of the case frame 210 adjacent to the top surface, and a second attachment portion 220c extending from the other end of the cover portion 220a and attached to the other side of the case frame 210 adjacent to the top surface.

[0051] In addition, the case cover 220 may be made of a material having flexibility and high heat resistance, for example, the case cover 220 may be made of a material including one or more of stainless steel, mica, polyimide, aromatic polyamide, and fluororesin.

[0052] In addition, the case cover 220 may have an attachment surface to be attached to an outer surface of the case frame 210. An adhesive layer may be provided on the attachment surface of the case cover 220. The case cover 220 may be attached to a plurality of surfaces including the upper surface of the case frame 210 by the attachment surface having the adhesive layer.

[0053] Meanwhile, the battery cell 100 accommodated in the above-mentioned module case 200 corresponds to a basic secondary battery that serves as a unit of charge and discharge. Such a battery cell 100 may be configured as a pouch-shaped battery cell having electrode leads at both ends in its length direction (X-axis direction). In this case, the battery cells accommodated in the module case 200 may be accommodated in the module case 200 in a stacked state in one direction (Y-axis direction).

[0054] Of course, depending on the embodiment, the battery cells 100 housed in the module case 200 may be rectangular or cylindrical battery cells.

[0055] The first end cover 230 may be coupled to a front end of the case frame 210 and configured to airtightly cover a front end opening of the case frame 210. In addition, terminals T1 and T2 electrically connected to battery cells accommodated in the internal space of the module case 200 may be arranged on an outer surface of the first end cover 230. The first end cover 230 may be made of a material having rigidity and heat resistance, such as a metal, a synthetic resin, or a combination of a metal and a synthetic resin.

[0056] The second end cover 240 may be coupled to a rear end of the case frame 210 and configured to airtightly cover the rear end opening of the case frame 210. The second end cover 240 may be made of a material having rigidity and heat resistance, such as a metal, a synthetic resin, or a combination of a metal and a synthetic resin.

[0057] FIG. 3 shows an enlarged view of part A1 in FIG.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 3, the open portion 222 of the module case 200 may include a lead portion 222a and at least one support portion 222b.

[0059] The lead portion 222a may function as a kind of lid for opening and closing a gas exhaust port of the module case 200. For example, when no gas is generated in the battery cell housed in the module case 200 or the gas pressure is less than a predetermined critical value, the lead portion 222a may cover and close the through-hole 212 provided in the case frame 210 of the module case 200.

[0060] Meanwhile, when gas is generated in a battery cell accommodated in the module case 200, the lead portion 222a may be separated from the module case 200 by the pressure of the gas, thereby opening the through-hole 212 of the case frame 210.

[0061] The support portion 222b has one end connected to the lead portion 222a and the other end connected to other parts of the module case 200 except for the lead portion 222a, thereby supporting the lead portion 222a so that the lead portion 222a separated from the module case 200 does not move out of a predetermined range of position.

[0062] The opening 222 of the module case 200 may be provided by forming a notch or cut line corresponding to the shape of the opening 222 on the upper surface of the module case 200 .

[0063] In one embodiment, the module case 200 may include a vent hole 224 formed in a linear or dotted line shape extending along the outer periphery of the open portion 222 and communicating with the internal space of the module case 200 .

[0064] FIG. 4 shows an enlarged view of part A2 in FIG.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 4, a vent hole 224 extending in a linear or dotted line shape may be provided along the outer periphery of an opening 222 closing the through hole 212 of the module case 200 .

[0066] When the module case 200 has a multi-layer structure including a case frame 210 and a case cover 220 , the vent hole 224 may have a structure penetrating the case frame 210 and the case cover 220 .

[0067] Such a vent hole 224 can quickly discharge the gas to the outside of the module case 200 even when the gas pressure inside the module case 200 is not enough to open the opening 222 .

[0068] FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line S1-S1' in FIG.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 5, when no gas is generated in the battery cells inside the module case 200, the opening 222 of the case cover 220 covers and closes the through-hole 212 of the case frame 210.

[0070] In this case, the lead portion 222 a of the opening 222 may have the same area as the through hole 212 or may have an area larger than the area of ​​the through hole 212 .

[0071] If gas is generated in a battery cell inside the module case 200, but the pressure of the gas is not enough to open the opening 222, the gas can be quickly discharged to the outside of the module case 200 through the vent hole 224.

[0072] FIG. 6 shows the open portion 222 shown in FIG. 5 in an open state.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 6, when gas exceeding a predetermined pressure is generated in a battery cell inside the module case 200, the lead portion 222a of the opening portion 222 may be separated from the module case 200 by the gas pressure, thereby opening the through-hole 212 of the case frame 210.

[0074] For reference, if the lead portion 222a is completely separated from the module case 200 due to gas pressure, fragments of the separated lead portion may cause various problems inside the battery pack. To prevent this, the support portion 222b of the opening portion 222 supports the lead portion 222a so that the lead portion 222a does not come off from a position within a predetermined range.

[0075] In this manner, a through hole is provided in the case frame 210 constituting the main body of the module case 200, and the case cover 220 having an opening 222 is attached to the outer surface of the case frame 210 to cover or open the through hole 212 through the opening 222, thereby reducing the overall weight of the battery module and simplifying the manufacturing process.

[0076] In addition, since the case cover 220 is attached to the case frame 210 in a manner that covers at least two of the multiple outer surfaces of the case frame 210, it is possible to prevent the entire case cover from being separated from the case frame due to the pressure of the vent gas.

[0077] FIG. 7 shows an open portion of a module case according to a first modified embodiment.

[0078] FIG. 8 shows an open portion of a module case according to a second modified embodiment.

[0079] 7 and 8, the opening 222 of the module case 200 according to the first and second modified embodiments may include a lead portion 222a and a support portion 222b. In particular, the lead portion 222a of the opening 222 may be configured to be divided into two or more portions by gas pressure.

[0080] That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the lead portion 222a of the opening 222 may be configured to be separated from the module case 200 while being divided into four parts by a gas pressure equal to or greater than a predetermined pressure.

[0081] A separate vent hole 224 in the form of a line or a dotted line may be provided along the outer periphery of the opening 222. The vent hole 224 may discharge gas below the predetermined pressure.

[0082] Also, as shown in FIG. 8, the lead portion 222a of the opening 222 may be configured to be separated from the module case 200 by being divided into two parts by a gas pressure equal to or greater than a predetermined pressure.

[0083] A separate vent hole 224 in the form of a line or a dotted line may be provided along the outer periphery of the opening 222. The vent hole 224 may discharge gas below the predetermined pressure.

[0084] FIG. 9 shows the opening portion shown in FIG. 8 in an open state.

[0085] 9, when gas exceeding a predetermined pressure is generated in a battery cell inside the module case 200, the lead portion 222a of the opening portion 222 is divided into two parts by the gas pressure and separated from the module case 200, thereby opening the through-hole 212 of the case frame 210. In this case, the lead portion 222a may be opened from the center portion of the through-hole 212.

[0086] FIG. 10 shows an opening according to a third variant.

[0087] 10, the opening 222 of the module case 200 according to the third modified embodiment may include a lead portion 222a and a support portion 222b. In particular, the lead portion 222a of the opening 222 may be configured to be divided into two portions by a gas pressure equal to or greater than a predetermined pressure.

[0088] A separate vent hole 224 in the form of a line or a dotted line may be provided along the outer periphery of the opening 222. The vent hole 224 may discharge gas below the predetermined pressure.

[0089] FIG. 11 shows the opening portion shown in FIG. 10 in an open state.

[0090] 11, when gas exceeding a predetermined pressure is generated in a battery cell inside the module case 200, the lead portion 222a of the opening portion 222 is divided into two parts by the gas pressure and separated from the module case 200, thereby opening the through-hole 212 of the case frame 210. In particular, the lead portion 222a may open from the periphery of the through-hole 212. In this case, the gas or flame discharged through the through-hole 212 may be guided in both directions (±Y-axis directions).

[0091] FIG. 12 shows a modified case frame 210A.

[0092] 12, the case frame 210A according to the modified embodiment may have an internal space surrounded by a plurality of outer surfaces and may be configured to accommodate at least one battery cell in the internal space. For example, the case frame 210A may be tubular having a top surface, a bottom surface, a left side surface, and a right side surface, and openings formed at the front end and the rear end. The case frame 210A may be made of a metal material having rigidity and heat resistance.

[0093] Furthermore, at least one through hole 212 communicating with the internal space of the case frame 210A may be provided on an upper surface of the multiple outer surfaces constituting the case frame 210A.

[0094] In particular, the case frame 210A may include a blocking beam 214 provided inside the through-hole 212. Such blocking beam 214 may be configured to prevent the opening 222 of the case cover 220 from bursting due to external pressure and being pushed into the through-hole 212.

[0095] FIG. 13 shows a battery pack 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0096] 13, a battery pack 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the battery modules 10 according to the various embodiments described above. The battery pack 20 may further include pack cases 22, 24 that accommodate one or more battery modules 10.

[0097] The pack cases 22 and 24 may include a pack tray 22 having an accommodation space for accommodating a plurality of battery modules, and a pack lid 24 covering an upper end opening of the pack tray 22 .

[0098] The pack tray 22 may include a cross beam 22a dividing the accommodating space. In addition, a gas channel 22b for discharging vent gas generated in each battery module 10 may be provided on a wall of the pack tray 22 forming the accommodating space. For example, the gas channel 22b may be provided such that the vent gas of the battery module located on the left side of the cross beam 22a is discharged to the left side, and the vent gas of the battery module located on the right side is discharged to the right side.

[0099] In addition, the battery pack 20 may further include various electrical components (not shown) that control the charging / discharging operation of the battery module 10 housed in the pack cases 22, 24 or the battery cells included in the battery module 10, or monitor the SOC (State of Charge), SOH (State of Health), etc. Such electrical components may be housed in the pack cases 22, 24 together with the battery module 10.

[0100] FIG. 14 shows a vehicle 2 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0101] 14, a vehicle 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a battery module 10 according to the various embodiments described above. For example, the vehicle 2 may include a battery pack 20 incorporating one or more battery modules 10. In this case, the battery module 10 or the battery pack 20 including the battery module 10 may provide electrical energy required for various operations of the vehicle 2.

[0102] For reference, the battery module 10 according to the present invention may be applied to various electric devices and systems other than vehicles, and may also be applied to an energy storage system (ESS).

[0103] As described above, according to the present invention, a module case accommodating battery cells includes an opening portion provided on one side of the module case and configured to be opened by vent gas of the battery cells, thereby preventing foreign matter from penetrating into the battery module and quickly discharging the vent gas of the battery cells to the outside of the battery module. As a result, it is possible to minimize thermal energy accumulated inside the battery module and delay the heat propagation time, thereby preventing a chain reaction of thermal runaway or fire between battery cells, explosion of the battery module, etc., and improving the safety of the battery module.

[0104] In addition, the openings are provided only on specific surfaces among the multiple surfaces of the module case, allowing high-temperature and high-pressure vent gas generated in the battery cells to be discharged in an intended direction, thereby preventing damage to other battery modules adjacent to the battery module and chain reaction thermal runaway.

[0105] In particular, by configuring the opening to exhaust the vent gas of the battery cell in a direction away from the end cover on which the terminals of the battery module are disposed, it is possible to prevent the electrical connection structure of the battery module from being damaged by the vent gas.

[0106] In addition, a through hole is provided in a case frame constituting a main body of the module case, and a case cover having the opening is attached to an outer surface of the case frame to cover or open the through hole through the opening, thereby reducing the overall weight of the battery module and simplifying the manufacturing process.

[0107] In addition, by attaching the case cover to the case frame in a manner that covers at least two of the multiple outer surfaces of the case frame, it is possible to prevent the entire case cover from being separated from the case frame due to the pressure of the vent gas.

[0108] In addition, by providing an insulating beam inside the through hole of the case frame, it is possible to prevent the opening part of the case cover, which opens and closes the opening of the corresponding through hole, from bursting due to external pressure and being pushed into the corresponding through hole.

[0109] Furthermore, it goes without saying that the embodiments of the present invention can solve various other technical problems in the art, as well as in related arts, other than those described in this specification.

[0110] Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will clearly understand that various modifications can be embodied within the technical scope of the present invention. Therefore, the above-described embodiments should be considered from an explanatory perspective, not a limiting perspective. In other words, the true scope of the technical ideas of the present invention is set forth in the claims, and all differences within the scope of equivalents thereto should be interpreted as being included in the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 2 Vehicles 10 Battery Module 20 Battery Pack 22 Pack Tray 22a Cross beam 22b Gas channel 24 pack lids 100 Battery Cells 200 module case 210 Case Frame 210A Case Frame 212 Through hole 214 Blocking Beam 220 Case Cover 220a Cover part 220b first attachment part 220c Second attachment part 222 Open area 222a Lead section 222b Support part 224 Vent hole 230 End cover, first end cover 240 End cover, second end cover T1, T2 Terminals

Claims

1. A plurality of chargeable and dischargeable battery cells; a module case including an internal space surrounded by a plurality of sides and an opening communicating with the internal space, the module case housing a plurality of the battery cells in the internal space; an end cover that covers the opening of the module case, the module case having an opening provided on a first surface of the plurality of surfaces, the opening configured to be opened by gas generated in a battery contained in the internal space and to exhaust the gas in a direction away from the end cover.

2. The module case includes: a case frame having the internal space and the opening; The battery module according to claim 1 , further comprising: a case cover covering an outer surface of the case frame.

3. the case frame includes a through hole provided in the first surface and communicating with the internal space, The battery module according to claim 2 , wherein the case cover has the opening in a portion of the case cover facing the through hole.

4. The battery module of claim 3 , wherein the case cover is configured in a sheet form and is configured to be attached to the case frame in a form that covers at least two of the plurality of faces.

5. The case cover is a cover portion having the opening and covering the first surface of the case frame; a first attachment portion extending from one end of the cover portion and attached to a second surface of the case frame adjacent to the first surface; The battery module of claim 3 , further comprising a second attachment portion extending from the other end of the cover portion and attached to a third surface of the case frame adjacent to the first surface.

6. The battery module according to claim 3 , wherein the case cover is made of a flexible material.

7. The battery module according to claim 3 , wherein the case cover has an attachment surface provided with an adhesive layer, and is configured to be attached to an outer surface of the case frame by the attachment surface.

8. The opening is a lead portion configured to be separated from the case cover by the gas pressure to open the through hole; 4. The battery module according to claim 3, further comprising: a support portion having one end connected to the lead portion and the other end connected to a portion of the case cover, the support portion supporting the lead portion so that the lead portion separated from the case cover does not come off from a position within a predetermined range.

9. The battery module according to claim 8 , wherein the lead portion is configured to be divided into two or more portions by the pressure of the gas.

10. The battery module according to claim 3 , wherein the case frame further comprises a blocking beam disposed inside the through-hole and configured to block the opening portion from being pushed into the through-hole.

11. The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the module case further comprises a vent hole formed in a linear or dotted line shape extending along an outer periphery of the opening and communicating with the internal space.

12. The battery module according to claim 1 , further comprising a terminal disposed on the end cover and electrically connected to a plurality of the battery cells.

13. A battery pack comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A vehicle comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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