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

Abstract

Disclosed are a battery module having improved fire or explosion safety, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle. To achieve the above object, a battery module according to the present invention includes a plurality of battery cells each having electrode terminals provided on upper and lower portions of the battery cell, a connection plate having electrical conductivity to electrically connect the plurality of battery cells, the connection plate including a main body unit extending in a horizontal direction and a connection unit extending from the main body unit to contact the electrode terminals, and a module case having the connection plate loaded on an outer side thereof, accommodating the plurality of battery cells therein, and including a plurality of exposure holes for exposing the electrode terminals of each of the plurality of battery cells to the outside and a cover portion protruding from an outer periphery of the exposure hole toward the connection plate.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The disclosure relates to a battery module and a battery pack and a vehicle including the same, and more particularly, to a battery module having improved fire or explosion safety and a battery pack and a vehicle including the same. This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0121769, filed on September 21, 2020, in the Republic of Korea, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. BACKGROUND

[0002] In recent years, the demand for portable electronic products such as notebook computers, camcorders, mobile phones, etc. is rapidly increasing, and electric vehicles, energy storage batteries, robots, satellites, etc. are being seriously developed. For this reason, high-performance secondary batteries capable of repeated charge and discharge are being actively researched.

[0003] Currently commercialized secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and lithium secondary batteries. Among them, lithium secondary batteries are attracting attention due to the advantages of almost no memory effect, low self-discharge rate, and high energy density compared to nickel-based secondary batteries.

[0004] Lithium secondary batteries mainly use lithium-based oxides and carbon materials as positive and negative active materials, respectively. Also, the lithium secondary battery includes an electrode assembly in which a positive plate and a negative plate, each of which is coated with a positive active material and a negative active material, respectively, are disposed with a separator interposed therebetween, and an external member (i.e., a battery case) for sealing and storing the electrode assembly and an electrolyte.

[0005] In addition, depending on the shape of the external member, lithium secondary batteries can be classified into a can-type secondary battery in which the electrode assembly is included in a metal can, and a pouch-type secondary battery in which the electrode assembly is included in a bag made of an aluminum laminate sheet.

[0006] In particular, recently, there is an increasing demand for large-capacity battery modules applied to electric vehicles and the like. Such a large-capacity battery module includes a plurality of battery cells. Therefore, when a fire or explosion occurs in a part of the plurality of battery cells, high-temperature debris, flames, and high-temperature gas of the electrode assembly are discharged to adjacent other battery cells, increasing the temperature thereof. Therefore, thermal runaway, fire, etc. can spread to adjacent other battery cells, causing a secondary explosion, thereby increasing damage. SUMMARY

[0007] TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0008] The disclosure is designed to solve the problems of the related art, and thus the disclosure aims to provide a battery module having improved fire or explosion safety and a battery pack and a vehicle including the same.

[0009] These and other objects and advantages of the present disclosure can be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following detailed description and upon referring to the associated drawings. Further, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the objects and advantages of the present disclosure can be implemented by means of the structures and combinations thereof as shown in the appended claims.

[0010] Technical Solution

[0011] In one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a battery module including:

[0012] a plurality of battery cells each having electrode terminals respectively provided at upper and lower portions thereof;

[0013] a connection plate having electrical conductivity to electrically connect the plurality of battery cells, the connection plate including a main body portion extending in a horizontal direction and a connection portion extending from the main body portion to contact the electrode terminals; and

[0014] a module case configured such that the connection plate is mounted to an outer side thereof, the module case configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells therein, the module case including a plurality of exposure holes configured to expose the electrode terminals of each of the plurality of battery cells to the outside and a cover portion configured to protrude from an outer periphery of the exposure holes toward the connection plate.

[0015] Further, the cover portion can have a hollow portion and be shaped to be open in at least a top end of the cover portion.

[0016] Further, the cover portion can include a curved portion,

[0017] the curved portion being curved at a protruding end of the cover portion to extend in a horizontal direction to hide a portion of the exposure holes of the module case.

[0018] Further, the connection plate can include a plurality of connection holes,

[0019] the plurality of connection holes being formed by opening a portion of the main body portion such that the connection portion is located in the opening of the main body portion, and

[0020] the cover portion can be configured such that an open end thereof is inserted into the connection hole.

[0021] Further, the connection plate can include an extension portion,

[0022] the extension portion being configured to extend from the connection hole toward the battery cell to shield internal materials ejected from the battery cell.

[0023] Further, the battery module can further include a thermally conductive pad having a thermal conductivity and mounted to an outer side of the connection plate, the thermally conductive pad having a plurality of communication holes configured to communicate with the connection holes.

[0024] Further, the communication holes can be formed to be smaller than an opening size of the connection holes.

[0025] Also, the thermally conductive pad can include two or more shield portions respectively configured to extend from an outer periphery of the communication holes toward a center of the communication holes to shield internal materials ejected from the battery cells, the two or more shield portions being positioned to be spaced apart from each other.

[0026] Further, in another aspect of the present disclosure, there is also provided a battery pack including at least one of the battery modules described above.

[0027] Further, in another aspect of the present disclosure, there is also provided a vehicle including at least one of the battery modules described above.

[0028] Advantageous Effects

[0029] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the module case included in the battery module according to the present disclosure includes a cover portion protruding from an outer periphery of the exposure hole toward the connection plate. This structure can physically block movement of high-temperature active materials discharged from an exploded battery cell to adjacent battery cells, while maintaining an ejection function, i.e., a function of discharging gas and flames generated when a battery cell is ignited. By doing so, when a battery cell behaves abnormally and explodes such that internal materials are ejected, gas and flames are ejected through the exposure hole, but movement of high-temperature active materials is inhibited by the cover portion. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent internal materials from moving to other adjacent battery cells through other exposure holes. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent chain combustion, such as thermal runaway, fire, or explosion from spreading to other battery cells. Accordingly, the present disclosure can greatly improve safety. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0030] The accompanying drawings are intended to depict preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and therefore should not be considered to narrow its scope. The present disclosure will be better understood from the following detailed description with appropriate references.

[0031] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 2 FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating the battery module according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 3FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 4 FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing a portion of the battery module of FIG. 1 taken in a front-rear direction. Figure 1

[0035] Figure 5 FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 6 FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing a portion of a battery module according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 7 FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing a portion of a battery module according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 8 FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing a portion of a battery module according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 9 FIG. 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view schematically showing a portion of a battery module according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before the description, it should be understood that the term used in the specification and the appended claims should not be interpreted as limited to general and dictionary meanings, but interpreted based on the meanings and concepts corresponding to technical aspects of the present disclosure on the basis of the principle that the inventor is allowed to define appropriate terms in order to best describe the present disclosure.

[0041] Accordingly, the description set forth herein is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure and therefore should be interpreted as among the many alternatives set forth thereof while remaining within the scope of the claims along with their full scope of equivalents. Accordingly, other changes from this description and in the disclosed and / or illustrated embodiments come within the scope of the present disclosure as recited by the claims.

[0042] Figure 1 FIG. 8 is a perspective view schematically showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Also, Figure 3 FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a battery cell of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Referring to Figures 1 to 3 , a battery module 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of battery cells 110, a connection plate 120, and a module case 130.​

[0044] Specifically, the battery cell 110 can include an electrode assembly 116, a battery can 112, and a cap assembly 113. For example, the battery cell 110 can be a cylindrical battery cell. Also, the battery cell 110 can include electrode terminals 111 at upper and lower portions thereof, respectively. A plurality of battery cells 110 can be electrically connected by a connection plate 120 having a metallic material. The plurality of battery cells 110 can be electrically connected in series, in parallel, or in series and in parallel by the connection plate 120.

[0045] The electrode assembly 116 can have a jelly-roll structure in which a separator is interposed between a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate. A positive electrode tab 114 can be attached to the positive electrode plate and connected to the cap assembly 113, and a negative electrode tab 115 can be attached to the negative electrode plate and connected to a lower end of the battery can 112.

[0046] The battery can 112 can have an empty space so that the electrode assembly 116 can be accommodated therein. In particular, the battery can 112 can be configured to have a cylindrical shape with an open top end. Also, the battery can 112 can be made of a metallic material such as steel or aluminum to ensure rigidity. Also, the negative electrode tab can be attached to the bottom of the battery can 112 so that not only the lower portion of the battery can 112 but also the battery can 112 itself can serve as a negative electrode terminal.

[0047] The cap assembly 113 can be coupled to the open top end of the battery can 112 to seal the open top end of the battery can 112. According to the shape of the battery can 112, the cap assembly 113 can have a circular or rectangular shape, and can include sub-components such as a top cap C1, a vent unit C2, and a gasket C3.

[0048] Here, the top cap C1 can be located at the uppermost portion of the cap assembly 113 and configured to protrude upward. In particular, the top cap C1 can serve as a positive electrode terminal in the battery cell 110. Accordingly, the top cap C1 can be electrically connected to an external device, such as another battery cell 110 or a charging device, by the connection plate 120 or the like. The top cap C1 can be made of a metallic material such as stainless steel or aluminum. If a serious explosion or fire occurs at the battery cell 110, at least a portion of the top cap C1 can be torn or detached from the battery can 112, thereby opening the battery can 112.

[0049] Also, when the internal pressure of the battery cell 110, i.e., the internal pressure of the battery can 112, increases beyond a predetermined level, the vent unit C2 can be configured to be deformed (ruptured) so that the gas inside the battery can 112 can be discharged to the outside through the opening D of the top cap C1. Here, the predetermined level of the internal pressure can be 5 to 10 atmospheres.

[0050] Further, the gasket C3 can be made of a material having electrical insulation, such that the edge portion of the top cap C1 and the vent unit C2 can be insulated from the battery can 112.

[0051] Meanwhile, the cap assembly 113 can further include a current interrupt device C4. The current interrupt device C4 is also referred to as a CID. When the internal pressure of the battery increases due to gas generation, such that the shape of the vent unit C2 is reversed, the contact between the vent unit C2 and the current interrupt device C4 can be broken, or the current interrupt device C4 can be damaged, thereby blocking the electrical connection between the vent unit C2 and the electrode assembly 116.

[0052] The above-described configuration of the battery cell 110 is well known to those skilled in the art at the time of filing the present application, and thus will not be described in more detail. In addition, although Figure 3 An example of a cylindrical battery cell 110 is illustrated in FIG. 1, but the battery module 100 according to the present disclosure is not limited to the configuration of the battery cell 110 having a specific shape. That is, various types of battery cells known at the time of filing the present application can be employed in the battery module 100 according to the present disclosure.

[0053] Further, the connection plate 120 can have electrical conductivity to electrically connect the plurality of battery cells 110. The connection plate 120 can include, for example, aluminum, nickel, or copper. The connection plate 120 can include a main body portion 121 and a connection portion 122. The main body portion 121 can have a plate shape extending in a horizontal direction. The main body portion 121 can be mounted to the upper or lower portion of the module case 130. The connection portion 122 can have a shape extending from the main body portion 121 to contact the electrode terminal 111. For example, as Figure 2 illustrated in FIG. 2, the connection portion 122 can have a bifurcated structure protrudingly extending from the main body portion 121. The connection portion 122 can be welded to the electrode terminal 111. At this time, as a welding method, for example, resistance welding can be used.

[0054] Further, the connection plate 120 can be mounted to the outer side of the module case 130. For example, as Figure 2 illustrated in FIG. 3, two connection plates 120 can be respectively mounted to the upper and lower portions of the module case 130.

[0055] The module case 130 can be configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells 110 therein. The module case 130 can include an upper frame 133 and a lower frame 134. Each of the upper and lower frames 133 and 134 can include a plurality of hollow portions 135 configured such that the plurality of battery cells 110 are partially inserted therein. The module case 130 can have a plurality of exposure holes 131. Each of the plurality of exposure holes 131 can be formed by perforating a portion of the module case 130, such that the electrode terminal 111 of each of the plurality of battery cells 110 can be exposed to the outside. For example, asFigure 2 As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of exposure holes 131 can be provided in each of the upper surface of the upper frame 133 and the lower surface of the lower frame 134. The space between the upper surface of the upper frame 133 and the connection plate 120 can serve as an exhaust space in front of the battery cell 110.

[0056] The module case 130 includes a cover portion 132 having a shape protruding toward the connection plate 120. When the battery cell 110 explodes due to abnormal behavior of the battery cell 110 such that internal materials are ejected to the outside, the cover portion 132 can be configured to prevent the internal materials from moving to other adjacent battery cells 110 through other adjacent exposure holes 131. The cover portion 132 can be formed to surround the exposure hole 131. The cover portion 132 can have a rib shape protruding upward from the outer surface of the module case 130.

[0057] Accordingly, according to such a configuration of the present disclosure, the module case 130 included in the battery module 100 according to the present disclosure includes the cover portion 132 protruding from the outer periphery of the exposure hole 131 toward the connection plate 120. This structure can physically block the movement of high-temperature active materials discharged from the exploded battery cell to the adjacent battery cell, while maintaining the ejection function, i.e., the function of discharging the gas and flame generated when the battery cell is ignited. By doing so, when the battery cell 110 explodes due to abnormal behavior such that internal materials are ejected, the gas and flame are ejected through the exposure hole 131, but the movement of the high-temperature active materials is inhibited by the cover portion 132. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the internal materials from moving to other adjacent battery cells 110 through other exposure holes 131. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent chain combustion, such as thermal runaway, fire, or explosion, from spreading to other battery cells 110. Accordingly, the present disclosure can greatly improve safety.

[0058] Figure 4 To schematically show Figure 1 a partial longitudinal sectional view of the battery module taken in the front-rear direction. At this time, for ease of drawing description, the configuration of the connection portion 122 of the connection plate 120 is not shown in Figure 4 .

[0059] Referring to Figure 4 in conjunction with Figure 2 , the cover portion 132 of the battery module 100 of the present disclosure can be configured in the form of forming a hollow portion H and having at least a top end opening. The top end of the cover portion 132 can be configured to be in contact with the lower surface of the connection plate 120, or can be positioned to be spaced apart from the lower surface of the connection plate 120 to secure a tolerance gap.

[0060] According to such a configuration according to the present disclosure, since the top end of the cover portion 132 is in contact with the lower surface of the connection plate 120, even if some of the plurality of battery cells 110 explode, the high-temperature active material, gas, and flame can be prevented from moving to the adjacent battery cell 110 through the empty space between the connection plate 120 and the module case 130. The space between the upper surface of the upper frame 133 and the connection plate 120 functions as an exhaust space in front of the battery cell 110, and the cover portion 132 maintains the exhaust space in the upward direction of the battery cell 110 while making the exhaust space maintain the exhaust space independent for each battery cell 110 in the lateral direction of the battery cell 110. Accordingly, during combustion, the cover portion 132 can suppress the high-temperature active material from being discharged to move to the adjacent battery cell 110 while maintaining the function of ejecting the generated gas and flame. The cover portion 132 constitutes an isolation mechanism structure for each battery cell 110 to suppress scattering of the active material block. In this way, a chain combustion can be suppressed, thereby greatly improving the safety of the battery module 100 according to the present disclosure.

[0061] Figure 5 FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0062] Referring to Figure 5 In the battery module 100 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the cover portion 132 can further include a curved portion 132a. The curved portion 132a can be configured to hide a portion of the exposed hole 131 of the module case 130. The curved portion 132a can be a portion curved from the upwardly protruding end of the cover portion 132 to extend in the horizontal direction. The curved portion 132a can be configured to hide a portion of the open end of the cover portion 132. For example, the curved portion 132a can be configured to curve from the open end of the upper portion of the cover portion 132 toward the center such that the opening of the open end is narrower.

[0063] According to such a configuration according to the present disclosure, in the present disclosure, even if the internal material (e.g., active material) is ejected by explosion in some of the plurality of battery cells 110, the amount of material discharged to the outside of the module case 130 can be effectively reduced by the curved portion 132a. Accordingly, the movement of the internal material ejected from the exploded battery cell 110 to other adjacent battery cells 110 can be effectively reduced. Ultimately, in the present disclosure, a battery module 100 having greatly improved safety can be provided.

[0064] Figure 6 FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing a portion of a battery module according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0065] Referring to Figure 6 In conjunction with Figure 2According to another embodiment of the disclosure, the cover portion 132 of the battery module 100 can include a receiving groove 132b. The receiving groove 132b can be formed by recessing a portion of the cover portion 132 such that the connection portion 122 of the connection plate 120 can pass through or be received therein. For example, referring to FIG. 1, the receiving groove 132b can be formed by recessing a portion of the upper end of the cover portion 132 downward. Figure 6 According to another embodiment of the disclosure, the cover portion 132 of the battery module 100 can include a receiving groove 132b. The receiving groove 132b can be formed by recessing a portion of the cover portion 132 such that the connection portion 122 of the connection plate 120 can pass through or be received therein. For example, referring to FIG. 1, the receiving groove 132b can be formed by recessing a portion of the upper end of the cover portion 132 downward.

[0066] According to another embodiment of the disclosure, the cover portion 132 of the battery module 100 can include a receiving groove 132b. The receiving groove 132b can be formed by recessing a portion of the cover portion 132 such that the connection portion 122 of the connection plate 120 can pass through or be received therein. For example, referring to FIG. 1, the receiving groove 132b can be formed by recessing a portion of the upper end of the cover portion 132 downward.

[0067] Figure 7 FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a portion of a battery module according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 1, the battery module 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure can include a plurality of battery cells 110, a connection plate 120, and a module case 130. Figure 7 In conjunction with the above-described configuration, Figure 2 and Figure 6 According to another embodiment of the disclosure, the connection plate 120 of the battery module 100 can include a plurality of connection holes 123. The connection holes 123 can be formed by opening a portion of the body portion 121. The connection holes 123 can be configured such that the connection portion 122 is positioned inside the opening. That is, the connection portion 122 can have a shape extending from the outer periphery of the connection hole 123 formed in the body portion 121.

[0069] In addition, the cover portion 132 can be configured such that a portion thereof protruding upward is inserted into the connection hole 123. In other words, the cover portion 132 can be configured such that an open end thereof is inserted into the connection hole 123. The top end of the cover portion 132 can be positioned parallel to the upper surface of the body portion 121 of the connection plate 120.

[0070] According to another embodiment of the disclosure, the connection plate 120 of the battery module 100 can include a plurality of connection holes 123. The connection holes 123 can be formed by opening a portion of the body portion 121. The connection holes 123 can be configured such that the connection portion 122 is positioned inside the opening. That is, the connection portion 122 can have a shape extending from the outer periphery of the connection hole 123 formed in the body portion 121.

[0071] Figure 8 FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a portion of a battery module according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 1, the battery module 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure can include a plurality of battery cells 110, a connection plate 120, and a module case 130. Figure 8 In conjunction with the above-described configuration, Figure 4In comparison with the connection plate 120 of the battery module 100 according to the embodiment of the disclosure, the connection plate 120 of the battery module 100 according to still another embodiment of the disclosure can further include an extension portion 124. The extension portion 124 can be configured to shield internal materials ejected from the battery cell 110. The extension portion 124 can be bent to extend from the connection hole 123 toward the battery cell 110.

[0073] For example, as shown in FIG. 1B, the downwardly extending extension portion 124 can be provided to each of the plurality of connection holes 123. The extension portion 124 can be configured to be inserted into the cover portion 132. The extension portion 124 can extend to face an inner surface of an inside of the cover portion 132. For example, the extension portion 124 can have a rib shape extending downwardly and have a 'C' shape in a plan view to correspond to an internal structure of the cover portion 132. Figure 8

[0074] Accordingly, according to such a configuration according to the disclosure, in the disclosure, since the extension portion 124 of the connection plate 120 is provided, even in the event of an explosion in some of the plurality of battery cells 110, it is possible to effectively prevent internal materials or high-temperature active materials, gas, flames, etc. of the battery cell 110 from moving through the empty space between the connection plate 120 and the module case 130. Accordingly, it is possible to greatly improve the safety of the disclosure.

[0075] Referring again to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 , the battery module 100 according to the embodiment of the disclosure can further include a thermally conductive pad 140. The thermally conductive pad 140 can be a material having high thermal conductivity while being electrically insulating. For example, the thermally conductive pad 140 can include a silicone resin.

[0076] Further, the thermally conductive pad 140 can be mounted to an outer side of the connection plate 120. The thermally conductive pad 140 can include a plurality of communication holes 141. The communication holes 141 can be formed to communicate with the connection holes 123 formed in the connection plate 120. The thermally conductive pad 140 can be configured to transfer heat transferred to the connection plate 120 to the outside with high thermal conductivity.

[0077] Further, the communication holes 141 can be formed to be relatively smaller than an opening size of the connection holes 123. For example, as shown in FIG. 1B, the thermally conductive pad 140 can include a plurality of communication holes 141 configured to respectively communicate with the plurality of connection holes 123 formed in the connection plate 120. A size of each of the plurality of communication holes 141 can be smaller than an opening size of each of the plurality of connection holes 123. Figure 2

[0078] ​​According to such a configuration of the present disclosure, in the present disclosure, by forming the communication hole 141 having a relatively smaller opening size than the connection hole 123, the communication hole 141 can effectively shield the high-temperature active material from being discharged to the outside through the connection hole 123 of the connection plate 120, thereby greatly reducing the amount of the high-temperature active material discharged to the outside. Accordingly, the present disclosure can provide the battery module 100 having greatly improved safety.

[0079] Figure 9 FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically illustrating a portion of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0080] Referring to Figure 9 In conjunction with Figure 2 According to still another embodiment of the present disclosure, the thermally conductive pad 140 of the battery module 100 can include two or more shielding portions 142 disposed inside or outside the communication hole 141. Each of the two or more shielding portions 142 can be configured to shield the internal material ejected from the battery cell 110. The two or more shielding portions 142 can have a shape extending from an outer periphery of the communication hole 141 toward a center of the communication hole 141. The two or more shielding portions 142 can be positioned to be spaced apart from each other in a vertical direction.

[0081] For example, as shown in Figure 9 The two shielding portions 142 can be respectively located at an inner upper end and an inner lower end of the communication hole 141 of the thermally conductive pad 140. The two shielding portions 142 have a shape protruding from an outside of the communication hole 141 toward a center of the communication hole 141.

[0082] Further, the thermally conductive pad 140 can be configured such that, when some of the plurality of battery cells 110 explode, the generated gas passes through the shielding portion 142. In this case, the two or more shielding portions 142 can be configured to shield the fragments of the high-temperature electrode assembly (particularly, the high-temperature active material) ejected from the exploded battery cell 110 from passing through the communication hole 141.

[0083] According to such a configuration of the present disclosure, in the present disclosure, since the two or more shielding portions 142 are provided to the thermally conductive pad 140, the high-temperature fragments of the electrode assembly ejected from the exploded battery cell 110 can be effectively prevented from moving to other adjacent battery cells 110. Accordingly, the present disclosure can provide the battery module 100 having high safety.

[0084] Meanwhile, the battery pack according to an embodiment of the disclosure can include at least one battery module 100 as described above and a battery management system (BMS) electrically connected to the battery module 100. The battery management system can include various circuits or elements to control charging and discharging of the plurality of battery cells.

[0085] Meanwhile, a vehicle (not shown) according to an embodiment of the disclosure can include at least one battery module 100 as described above and a vehicle body having an accommodation space to accommodate the battery module 100. For example, the vehicle can be an electric vehicle, an electric scooter, an electric wheelchair, or an electric bicycle.

[0086] Meanwhile, although directional terms (such as above, below, left, right, front, and back) are used in the specification, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these are merely used to facilitate explanation and can vary based on the position of the observer or the object.

[0087] The disclosure has been described in detail. However, it should be understood that as various changes and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art based on the detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the disclosure, the detailed description and specific examples indicative of the preferred embodiment of the disclosure are given by way of illustration only.

Claims

1. A battery module, the battery module comprising: Multiple battery cells, each battery cell having electrode terminals respectively disposed at the upper and lower parts of the battery cell; A connecting plate having conductivity to electrically connect the plurality of battery cells, the connecting plate including a body portion extending in a horizontal direction and a connecting portion extending from the body portion to contact the electrode terminals; as well as A module housing configured such that a connecting plate is mounted to the outside of the module housing, the module housing being configured to house the plurality of battery cells therein, the module housing including a plurality of exposure holes and a cover portion, the plurality of exposure holes being configured to expose the electrode terminals of each of the plurality of battery cells to the outside, and the cover portion being configured to project from the outer periphery of the exposure holes toward the connecting plate. The cover portion includes a receiving groove formed by recessing a portion of the cover portion, such that the connecting portion of the connecting plate passes through or is accommodated in the receiving groove.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, in, The cover portion has a hollow portion and is shaped to be open at least at the top.

3. The battery module according to claim 1, in, The cover portion includes a curved portion that bends at the protruding end of the cover portion to extend in the horizontal direction, thereby concealing a portion of the exposure hole of the module housing.

4. The battery module according to claim 1, in, The connecting plate includes a plurality of connecting holes, which are formed by opening a portion of the main body portion such that the connecting portion is located within the opening of the main body portion. The cover portion is configured such that the open end of the cover portion is inserted into the connection hole.

5. The battery module according to claim 4, in, The connecting plate includes an extension configured to bend and extend from the connecting hole toward the battery cell to shield internal material ejected from the battery cell.

6. The battery module according to claim 4, further comprising: A thermally conductive pad having thermal conductivity and mounted on the outside of the connecting plate, the thermally conductive pad having a plurality of connecting holes configured to communicate with the connecting holes.

7. The battery module according to claim 6, in, The connecting hole is formed to be smaller than the opening size of the connecting hole.

8. The battery module according to claim 6, in, The thermal pad includes two or more shielding portions, each configured to extend from the outer periphery of the connecting hole toward the center of the connecting hole to shield internal material ejected from the battery cell, and the two or more shielding portions are positioned spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction.

9. The battery module according to claim 8, wherein, The thermal pad is configured such that when an explosion occurs in some of the plurality of battery cells, the resulting gas passes through the shielding portion.

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

11. A vehicle comprising at least one battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

Images