Battery module, battery pack, and vehicle

Abstract

A battery module according to the present application includes: a cell assembly including a plurality of battery cells; a lower case which is opened at a top thereof and has an accommodation space for accommodating the cell assembly; an upper case which is coupled to the lower case to cover a top of the opening of the lower case and has a connection hole which is perforated to communicate with the accommodation space; an upper cover which is coupled to the upper case to cover a top of the upper case, is spaced apart from the upper case to form a buffer space between the upper cover and the upper case, and has a discharge hole which is perforated to allow the buffer space to communicate with the outside; a partition member which has a horizontally elongated shape and is disposed in the buffer space to form a movement path extending from the connection hole to the discharge hole; and a coupling member which is disposed in the movement path, is configured to be coupled to the partition member, and has a movement space which is perforated from one side to the other side of a main body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to battery modules, battery packs including the battery modules, and vehicles, and more specifically, to battery modules having high fire or explosion safety.

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application 10-2020-0169920, filed in Korea on December 7, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] Recently, with the rapid increase in demand for portable electronic products such as laptops, cameras and mobile phones, and the full-scale development of electric vehicles, energy storage batteries, robots, satellites, etc., research on high-performance battery cells that can be repeatedly charged and discharged is actively underway.

[0004] Currently commercially available batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and lithium-ion battery cells. Among them, compared with nickel-based battery cells, lithium-ion battery cells have almost no memory effect, thus allowing for free charging and discharging, very low self-discharge rate, and high energy density.

[0005] These lithium-ion battery cells primarily use lithium-based oxides and carbon materials as the positive and negative electrode active materials, respectively. Furthermore, such a lithium-ion battery cell includes: an electrode assembly, wherein positive and negative electrode plates, respectively coated with positive and negative electrode active materials, are provided with a separator inserted therebetween; and a casing, i.e., a battery case, which is used to sealably house the electrode assembly together with the electrolyte.

[0006] In addition, based on the shape of the casing, lithium battery cells can be divided into can-type battery cells and pouch-type battery cells. In can-type battery cells, the electrode assembly is embedded in a metal can, while in pouch-type battery cells, the electrode assembly is embedded in a pouch of aluminum laminate.

[0007] In particular, there has been a recent increase in demand for high-capacity battery modules used in electric vehicles and other applications. Because these high-capacity battery modules comprise multiple battery cells, a fire or explosion within these cells can release flames and high-temperature gases. Consequently, the fire can spread to other battery modules in the vehicle due to the explosion, damaging adjacent components or injuring passengers. Therefore, a method is needed to improve the fire and gas explosion safety of battery modules. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Technical issues

[0009] This disclosure is designed to address the problems of the prior art, and therefore aims to provide a battery module with high fire or explosion safety.

[0010] These and other objects and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description and from the exemplary embodiments thereof. Moreover, it will be readily understood that the objects and advantages of this disclosure can be achieved by the means shown in the appended claims and combinations thereof.

[0011] Technical solution

[0012] In one aspect of this disclosure, a battery module is provided, the battery module comprising:

[0013] The battery cell assembly includes a plurality of battery cells;

[0014] The lower housing has an open upper portion and includes a receiving space for accommodating the battery cell assembly;

[0015] An upper housing, connected to the lower housing to cover the upper portion of the opening of the lower housing, and including a connecting hole perforated to communicate with the receiving space;

[0016] A top cover, connected to the upper housing to cover the upper portion of the upper housing, forming a buffer space between the top cover and the upper housing by being spaced apart from the upper housing, and including a drain hole that is perforated to allow the buffer space to communicate with the outside;

[0017] A separating member, located within the buffer space, forms a movement path extending from the connecting hole to the discharge hole, and has a shape extending in the horizontal direction; and

[0018] A connecting member, located on the movement path, configured to connect to the separating member, and including a movement space formed by perforating the body from one side to the other of the body of the connecting member.

[0019] The connecting component may include:

[0020] An outer component having a plurality of first slits extending from one side of the body of the outer component to the other side of the body and including an insertion space formed by recessing a portion of the outer component; and

[0021] An internal component having a plurality of second slits communicating with the plurality of first slits, each of the plurality of second slits extending from one side of the body of the internal component to the other side of the body, and the internal component being configured such that at least a portion of the internal component is inserted into the insertion space, and other portions protrude from the insertion space.

[0022] The partition member may include:

[0023] The connecting portion is formed by recessing a portion of the separating member, such that at least a portion of the connecting member is inserted into the connecting portion.

[0024] The partition members can be configured as at least two or more.

[0025] The connecting component may be...

[0026] It is positioned between the at least two separating members.

[0027] The external component can be inserted into the connecting portion formed in one of the at least two separating members.

[0028] The internal component can be inserted into the connecting portion formed in the remaining partition members.

[0029] When the at least two separating members are arranged in close contact with each other...

[0030] A portion of the connecting member can be inserted into the connecting part of a separating member, and the remainder of the connecting member can be inserted into the connecting part of another separating member.

[0031] The partition member may include:

[0032] An extension is constructed that protrudes from the end in the extension direction.

[0033] The partition member may further include:

[0034] A fixing groove is configured such that one end of the extension is inserted into the end portion in the extension direction.

[0035] The extension can be configured such that,

[0036] This allows a portion of the extension to slide when inserted into the fixing groove.

[0037] At least one of the upper cover and the upper housing may include:

[0038] An insertion slot is configured such that the end of the extension in the extension direction is inserted therein.

[0039] In one aspect of this disclosure, a battery pack comprising at least one of the aforementioned battery modules is provided.

[0040] In one aspect of this disclosure, a vehicle is provided that includes at least one of the aforementioned battery packs.

[0041] Beneficial effects

[0042] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a buffer space is formed within an upper cover and an upper housing, and includes a separating member and a connecting member that form a movement path through which gas and flame move. Thus, when multiple battery cells of the battery module's cell assembly explode or ignite, the resulting flame and gas may interfere with or contact the connecting member while moving along the movement path of the buffer space, thereby extinguishing the flame and effectively reducing the pressure of the resulting gas.

[0043] Furthermore, according to this disclosure, the generated gas can provide significantly reduced gas pressure and significantly reduced gas temperature as it passes through the moving space of the connecting member in the moving path including the buffer space. In other words, according to this disclosure, damage to external devices or human life that may occur when high-temperature gas or flame is directly discharged from the battery module without conventional separating members can be reduced. In other words, the battery module according to this disclosure can effectively reduce the extent to which the generated gas or flame is ejected to the outside. Ultimately, the battery module can effectively reduce external damage caused by the explosion or fire of multiple battery cells. Attached Figure Description

[0044] The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the foregoing disclosure, serve to provide a further understanding of the technical features of the present disclosure; therefore, the present disclosure is not to be construed as limited to the drawings.

[0045] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 2 This is a schematic exploded perspective view of some components of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figure 3 This is a schematic exploded perspective view of some components of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 4 This is a schematic perspective view of some components of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] Figure 5 This is a schematic bottom perspective view of the top cover of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] Figure 6 This is a schematic perspective view of some components of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] Figure 7This is a schematic perspective view of the partition member and the connecting member of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] Figure 8 and Figure 9 This is a schematic partial perspective view of the separator and connecting member of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] Figure 10 This is a schematic front view of the partition member and the connecting member of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] Figure 11 This is a schematic partial perspective view of a portion of the partition member of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] Figure 12 This is a schematic partial perspective view of the separator and connecting member of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] Figure 13 This is a schematic partial perspective view of the partition member and the connecting member of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] Figure 14 This is a schematic perspective view of the partition member and the connecting member of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] Figure 15 This is a schematic perspective view of some components of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0059] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before the description, it should be understood that the terminology used in the specification and appended claims should not be construed as limited to its general and dictionary meaning, but rather is interpreted based on the principle that inventors are allowed to appropriately define terms for the best interpretation, and on the meanings and concepts corresponding to the technical aspects of the present disclosure.

[0060] Therefore, the description presented herein is merely a preferred example for illustrative purposes and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. It should be understood that other equivalents and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0061] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is a schematic exploded perspective view of some components of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 This is a schematic exploded perspective view of some components of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4This is a schematic perspective view of some components of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 In the diagram, the forward and backward directions are represented by the negative and positive directions of the Y-axis, the left and right directions by the negative and positive directions of the X-axis, and the up and down directions by the positive and negative directions of the Z-axis.

[0062] See Figures 1 to 5 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery module 100 includes a cell assembly 110, a lower housing 122, an upper housing 124, an upper cover 126, at least one partition member 130, and at least one connecting member 160. The cell assembly 110 includes a plurality of battery cells 111.

[0063] Specifically, the battery cell 111 can be, for example, a pouch cell 111. For example, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the cell assembly 110 may include 21 pouch-type battery cells 111 stacked side-by-side with each other in one direction (X-axis direction). For example, each pouch-type battery cell 111 may include electrode leads (not shown) on each of its front and rear ends. For example, each pouch-type battery cell 111 may include a positive electrode lead on its front end and a negative electrode lead on its rear end.

[0064] However, the construction of the battery cell 111 of the battery module 100 according to this disclosure is not limited to the above-described pouch-type battery cell 111, and various types of battery cells 111 known at the time of filing of this disclosure may be used.

[0065] Busbar assembly 140 may be disposed at the front and rear of cell assembly 110. Busbar assembly 140 may be configured to electrically connect multiple battery cells 111. For example, busbar assembly 140 may include a busbar (not shown) and a busbar frame 141, the busbar being configured to contact the electrode leads of the multiple battery cells 111, and the busbar frame 141 being configured to mount the busbar. The busbar may include metals such as aluminum, copper, and nickel. The busbar frame 141 may include, for example, an electrically insulating material. The electrically insulating material may be, for example, polyvinyl chloride.

[0066] The lower housing 122 may include a receiving space S1 for accommodating the battery cell assembly 110. In other words, the lower housing 122 may have a rectangular box shape with an open upper portion. For example, as Figure 2As shown, the lower housing 122 may include a sidewall portion 122a1 in the horizontal direction and a lower wall 122a2 connected to the bottom of the sidewall portion 122a1 to form a receiving space S1 having dimensions corresponding to the battery cell assembly 110. The lower housing 122 may include a flange portion 122b extending horizontally from the upper end of the sidewall portion 122a1. In the flange portion 122b, a plurality of second bolt holes H4 may be formed along its outer periphery at predetermined intervals. The flange portion 122b can be bolted to the upper housing 124 through the second bolt holes H4.

[0067] The upper housing 124 may have a plate shape extending horizontally to cover the upper portion of the opening of the lower housing 122. The upper housing 124 may be configured to connect to a flange 122b of the lower housing 122. For this purpose, the upper housing 124 may have a plurality of first bolt holes H3 formed horizontally on its outer periphery. The upper housing 124 may also be configured to connect to a cover 126. The upper housing 124 may include a gasket 150 formed thereon. The gasket 150 may be configured to prevent gas from escaping to the outside through the connection surface between the upper housing 124 and the cover 126. In other words, the gasket 150 may be inserted between the upper housing 124 and the cover 126.

[0068] like Figure 1 As shown, the upper cover 126 may have a plate shape extending in the horizontal direction to cover the upper part of the upper housing 124. In the horizontal direction, a plurality of third bolt holes H5 spaced apart from each other at predetermined intervals may be formed on the outer periphery of the upper cover 126.

[0069] For example, such as Figure 1 As shown, the upper cover 126 can be connected to the upper part of the upper housing 124, and the lower part of the upper housing 124 is connected to the flange 122b of the lower housing 122. At this time, multiple bolts B can pass through the third bolt hole H5 of the upper cover 126, the first bolt hole H3 of the upper housing 124, and the second bolt hole H4 of the lower housing 122. The bolts B can be threaded into the bolt holes H3, H4, and H5. Alternatively, after inserting the bolts B into the bolt holes H3, H4, and H5, a nut can be inserted into the lower part of the body to be tightened and fixed.

[0070] Figure 5 This is a schematic bottom perspective view of the top cover of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 This is a schematic perspective view of some components of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0071] Combination Figures 1 to 4 Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6A portion of the upper housing 124 may be perforated to form a connecting hole H1, thereby communicating with the receiving space S1. The upper housing 124 may include a buffer space S2 formed by a portion of the lower housing 122 spaced apart from the upper housing 124. For example, the buffer space S2 may be formed by recessing one or more surfaces of the upper housing 124 and the upper cover 126, wherein the upper housing 124 and the upper cover 126 face each other. For example, to form the buffer space S2, a portion of the lower surface of the upper cover 126 may have an upwardly recessed portion W2, and a portion of the upper surface of the upper housing 124 may have a downwardly recessed portion W1.

[0072] A portion of the top cover 126 may be perforated to allow the buffer space S2 to communicate with the outside, thus forming a vent H2. In other words, in the battery module 100 according to this disclosure, when thermal runaway or fire occurs in the cell assembly 110 and gas is generated from the cell assembly 110, the generated gas can flow from the receiving space S1 into the buffer space S2 through the connection hole H1 of the upper housing 124. The gas introduced into the buffer space S2 can be discharged to the outside through the vent H2 of the top cover 126.

[0073] At least one partition member 130 may be included in the buffer space S2. The partition member 130 may be configured to form a movement path P extending from the connection hole H1 to the discharge hole H2 within the buffer space S2. In other words, the partition member 130 may be configured to partition the buffer space S2. The partition member 130 may have a shape extending horizontally within the buffer space S2. For example, as... Figure 4 As shown, each of the five partition members 130 may have a shape extending in the front-to-back direction. In other words, the partition members 130 may be configured to prevent gas from moving in the left-to-right direction (X-axis direction) and to cause gas to move in the front-to-back direction (Y-axis direction).

[0074] For example, such as Figure 6 As shown, this disclosure may include at least two separating members 130. For example, as Figure 6 As shown, the battery module 100 according to this disclosure may include five partition members 130. One of the at least two partition members 130 may be configured to be offset toward one side (front side) of the buffer space S2 relative to the center of the buffer space S2, and the other partition member 130 may be configured to be offset toward the other side (rear side) of the buffer space S2.

[0075] In other words, such as Figure 4As shown, in the battery module 100, when the movement path P of the buffer space S2 is set in a zigzag shape, a partition member 130 can be arranged to be biased toward one end of the buffer space S2 to form a gas or flame passage at the other end of the buffer space S2. Another adjacent partition member 130 can be configured to be biased toward the other end of the buffer space S2 to form a gas or flame passage at that end of the buffer space S2.

[0076] The partition member 130 can be located in the buffer space S2. The partition member 130 can be configured to form a movement path P extending from the connection hole H1 to the discharge hole H2. For example, as Figure 6 As shown, the battery module 100 according to this disclosure may include five partition members 130. Each partition member 130 may have a shape extending in the horizontal direction. For example, as... Figure 6 As shown, the partition members 130 may each have a shape that extends in the front-rear direction.

[0077] The connecting member 160 may be located on the movement path P. The connecting member 160 may be configured to connect to the separating member 130. For example, as... Figure 6 As shown, a portion of the connecting member 160 is inserted into a groove in the separating member 130, allowing the separating member 130 and the connecting member 160 to be connected to each other. The connecting member 160 may include a movement space formed by a perforation from one side of the body to the other. For example, when gas and flame are generated due to the ignition or explosion of the cell assembly 110, the gas and flame can move through the movement path P formed by the separating member 130. At this time, when the gas and flame moving along the movement path P encounter the connecting member 160, the gas and flame can pass through the movement space. Therefore, this disclosure can effectively reduce the pressure and temperature of the generated high-temperature gas and effectively shorten the movement distance of the flame.

[0078] Therefore, according to this structure of the present disclosure, since the buffer space S2 is formed within the upper cover 126 and the upper housing 124 and includes both the separating member 130 and the connecting member 160 that form the movement path P through which the gas and flame move in the buffer space S2, when the plurality of battery cells 111 of the battery cell assembly 110 of the battery module 100 explodes or ignites, the resulting flame and gas may interfere with or contact the connecting member 160 while moving along the movement path P of the buffer space S2, and thus can extinguish the flame and effectively reduce the pressure of the generated gas.

[0079] Furthermore, according to this disclosure, the generated gas can provide significantly reduced gas pressure and significantly reduced gas temperature when passing through the moving space of the connecting member 160 included in the moving path P of the buffer space S2. In other words, according to this disclosure, damage to external devices or human life that may occur when high-temperature gas or flame is directly discharged from the battery module 100 without the separating member 130 can be reduced. In other words, the battery module 100 according to this disclosure can effectively reduce the extent to which the generated gas or flame is ejected to the outside. Ultimately, the battery module 100 can effectively reduce external damage caused by the explosion or fire of the multiple battery cells 111. Therefore, according to this disclosure, the safety of the battery module 100 can be greatly improved.

[0080] Figure 7 This is a schematic perspective view of the partition member and the connecting member of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 and Figure 9 This is a schematic partial perspective view of the separator and connecting member of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 10 This is a schematic partial perspective view of a portion of the partition member of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0081] See Figures 7 to 10 The connecting member 160 may include an outer component 161 and an inner component 162. The outer component 161 may include a plurality of first slits L1 formed therein. Each of the plurality of first slits L1 may have a shape extending from one side of the body of the outer component 161 to the other side of the body. For example, the outer component 161 may have an approximately hexahedral body. Each of the plurality of first slits L1 may have a shape extending from the front side of the hexahedral body to the rear side of the hexahedral body. The outer component 161 may be provided with an insertion space S3 formed by recessing a portion of the outer component 161. The insertion space S3 may be configured to allow insertion and discharge of the inner component 162. The insertion space S3 may have dimensions corresponding to at least a portion of the inner component 162.

[0082] The inner component 162 may include a plurality of second slits L2 formed therein. Each of the plurality of second slits L2 may have a shape extending from one side of the body of the inner component 162 to the other side of the body. For example, the outer component 161 may have an approximately hexahedral body. Each of the plurality of second slits L2 may have a shape extending from the front side of the hexahedral body to the rear side of the hexahedral body. The inner component 162 may be configured to be slidable when inserted into the insertion space S3 of the outer component 161. For example, refer to... Figure 8 The inner component 162 can be completely accommodated in the insertion space S3 of the outer component 161. (Refer to...) Figure 9The inner component 162 can be arranged such that at least a portion of it protrudes from the insertion space S3 of the outer component 161 in a rightward direction (positive direction of the X-axis).

[0083] The inner component 162 may include a first protrusion 162a projecting upward from the upper surface of the body and a second protrusion 162b projecting downward from the lower surface of the body. The first protrusion 162a and the second protrusion 162b may be configured to be inserted into the insertion space S3 of the outer component 161. The first protrusion 162a and the second protrusion 162b may also be configured to be inserted into the connecting portion 132, which will be described later.

[0084] Therefore, according to this configuration, since the connecting member 160 of this disclosure includes an outer component 161 and an inner component 162, the gas or flame generated by the ignition or explosion of the battery cell assembly 110 can pass through the plurality of first slits L1 and the plurality of second slits L2 respectively included in the outer component 161 and the inner component 162. Thus, this disclosure can effectively reduce the pressure and temperature of the generated high-temperature gas and effectively shorten the flame travel distance.

[0085] Furthermore, in this disclosure, because the inner component 162 slides in the left-right direction within the insertion space S3 of the outer component 161, the total length of the connecting member 160 in the left-right direction can be adjusted. Therefore, the vertical cross-sectional area of ​​the movement path P can be easily increased or decreased, and thus, during a fire or explosion of the cell assembly 110, the vertical cross-sectional area of ​​the movement path P through which the gas and flame move in the buffer space S2 can be easily set, taking into account the flame jet length and gas pressure. Therefore, the separating member 130 and the connecting member 160 of this disclosure can be standardized, allowing both to be applied to battery modules 100 of various capacities. In other words, this disclosure can reduce manufacturing costs because no additional components of the battery module 100 need to be manufactured each time the capacity of the cell assembly 110 needs to be changed.

[0086] Combination Figure 8 and Figure 9 Reference Figure 11According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the separator 130 of the battery module 100 may include a connecting portion 132, which is formed by recessing a portion of the separator 130. The connecting portion 132 may be configured such that at least a portion of the connecting member 160 is inserted. For example, the connecting portion 132 may include a recessed outer portion 132a, such that a portion of the outer part 161 of the connecting member 160 is inserted. In other words, the outer recessed portion 132a may have a recessed space with dimensions corresponding to a portion of the outer part 161. The connecting portion 132 may also include a recessed inner portion 132b, such that a portion of the inner part 162 of the connecting member 160 is inserted. The inner recessed portion 132b may be formed by further recessing from the outer recessed portion 132a. In other words, the inner recessed portion 132b may have a recessed space with dimensions corresponding to a portion of the inner part 162.

[0087] Furthermore, the connecting member 160 can be configured to slide in one direction when inserted into the recessed space of the connecting portion 132 of the separating member 130. For example, as Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the connecting member 160 can be moved to various positions by sliding in the rightward direction (positive direction of the X-axis) while being inserted into the recessed space of the connecting portion 132 of the separating member 130.

[0088] Therefore, according to this disclosure, since the connecting portion 132 is configured such that the connecting member 160 can be inserted into the separating member 130, the distance by which the connecting member 160 protrudes from the separating member 130 can be easily set. Furthermore, according to this disclosure, various types of connection structures can be easily implemented between the separating member 130 and the connecting member 160. In other words, according to this disclosure, there is a high degree of design freedom in constructing the separating member 130 and the connecting member 160. Therefore, according to this disclosure, it is not necessary to manufacture new components of the battery module 100 according to changes in the capacity of the cell assembly 110, and considering the explosive force based on the capacity, it is easy to manufacture an optimized battery module 100 that can effectively reduce risk.

[0089] Figure 12 This is a schematic partial perspective view of the separator and connecting member of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0090] Combination Figure 6 refer to Figure 12The system may include at least two partition members 130 as disclosed herein. Each of the at least two partition members 130 may include at least one connecting portion 132. A connecting member 160 may be disposed between two adjacent partition members 130. In other words, the connecting member 160 may be disposed on a movement path P formed between the two adjacent partition members 130. In this case, more specifically, the outer part 161 of the connecting member 160 may be inserted into the connecting portion 132 formed in one of the two adjacent partition members 130. The inner part 162 may be configured to be inserted into the connecting portion 132 formed in the other partition member 130 of the two adjacent partition members 130. For example, the left part of the connecting member 160 may be inserted into and fixed to the connecting portion 132 of the left partition member 130 of the two adjacent partition members 130. The right part of the connecting member 160 can be inserted into the connecting part 132 of the rightmost of the two adjacent separating members 130, and can be fixed to the connecting part 132.

[0091] Therefore, according to this configuration, when the connecting member 160 is disposed between two adjacent separating members 130 of the at least two separating members 130, both ends of the connecting member 160 can be inserted into and fixed to the corresponding connecting portions 132 of the two adjacent separating members 130. Thus, even when the cell assembly 110 explodes, the connection between the separating members 130 and the connecting member 160 can be stably maintained.

[0092] Figure 13 This is a schematic partial perspective view of the partition member and the connecting member of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0093] Combination Figures 5 to 7 Reference Figure 13According to the present disclosure, the separator 130 of the battery module 100 can be configured such that its extension length is adjustable. For example, the separator 130 can adjust its extension length in the front-rear direction (Y-axis direction) according to a set length of the gas movement path P in the front-rear direction. For example, the separator 130 may include an extension 131 configured to protrude from an end in the extension direction of the separator 130. The separator 130 may also include a retaining groove G2 configured such that one end of the extension 131 is inserted therein. The retaining groove G2 may be provided on the end in the extension direction of the separator 130. The recessed space of the retaining groove G2 may correspond to the size of the one end of the extension 131. In other words, the extension 131 may be configured such that a portion thereof can slide while being inserted into the retaining groove G2. The extension 131 may have a cylindrical shape extending in the extension direction of the separator 130. The cylindrical shape may have, for example, a cross-shaped cylindrical shape with a cross-shaped cross-section.

[0094] For example, such as Figure 7 As shown, the extension 131 can be respectively provided at the front end and the rear end of the separator 130. The extension 131 provided at the front end can be configured to extend the length of the separator 130 forward. The extension 131 provided at the rear end can be configured to extend the length of the separator 130 backward.

[0095] Therefore, according to this configuration, the separator 130 of the battery module 100 of this disclosure is provided with an extension 131, making the length of the extension adjustable, thereby diversifying the length of the movement path P in the front-rear direction. In other words, according to this disclosure, the design of the movement path P formed by the separator 130 has a high degree of freedom. Therefore, according to this disclosure, it is not necessary to manufacture new components of the battery module 100 according to changes in the capacity of the cell assembly 110, and considering the explosive force according to the capacity, it is easy to manufacture an optimized battery module 100 that can effectively reduce risks.

[0096] Return to reference Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 13 The insertion slot G1 may be included in at least one of the upper cover 126 and the upper housing 124 of the battery module 100. The insertion slot G1 may be configured such that the end of the extension 131 in the extending direction is inserted. In other words, the insertion slot G1 may be configured such that the end of the extension 131 in the protruding direction is inserted. For example, as... Figure 6 As shown, the corresponding extensions of three of the five partition members 130 can be inserted into the insertion slots G1 provided on the front side of the upper housing 124, respectively. The corresponding extensions of the remaining two partition members 130 can be inserted into the insertion slots G1 provided on the rear side of the upper housing 124, respectively.

[0097] Therefore, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, the movement of the partition member 130 in the left-right direction can be restricted by the insertion groove G1 formed in at least one of the upper cover 126 and the upper housing 124. In other words, according to the present disclosure, the partition member 130 housed in the buffer space S2 can be stably fixed, so that even if the cell assembly 110 explodes, the arrangement of the partition member 130 can be stably maintained.

[0098] Figure 14 This is a schematic perspective view of the partition member and the connecting member of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0099] Reference Figure 14 According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery module 100 may include at least two partition members 130 arranged in close contact with each other. In other words, one or both sides of the plurality of partition members 130 may contact another partition member 130. In this case, a connecting member 160 disposed between two partition members 130 may be configured such that a portion of the connecting member 160 is inserted into the space of the connecting portion 132 of one partition member 130, while the remaining portion is inserted into the connecting portion 132 of the other partition member 130. For example, as Figure 14 As shown, the five partition members 130 can be arranged to be in close contact with each other. In this case, the left portion of each of the 12 connecting members 160 can be inserted into the connecting portion 132 of the partition member 130 located on the left side of the connecting member 160, and the right portion of the connecting member 160 can be inserted into the connecting portion 132 of the partition member 130 located on the right side of the connecting member 160.

[0100] Therefore, in the battery module 100 of this disclosure, when component storage is required before manufacturing the battery module 100, the separating member 130 and the connecting member 160 can be connected to each other in a state of close contact. The effective reduction of the space occupied by the separating member 130 and the connecting member 160 can facilitate component storage.

[0101] Figure 15 This is a schematic perspective view of some components of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0102] Reference Figure 15 According to another embodiment of this disclosure, the battery module 100 may have a greater [specific characteristic] in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) than [other specific characteristic]. Figure 1 The battery module is 100mm narrower. With Figure 1 Compared to the battery module 100, Figure 15 The spacing between the multiple partition members of the battery module 100 in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) can be relatively narrow.

[0103] For example, five partition members 130 can be mounted on the recessed portion W1 of the upper housing 124 to form a zigzag movement path in the front-rear direction. In this case, the five partition members 130 can be arranged such that their ends alternately insert into the insertion slot G1 formed in the front side of the upper housing 124 or in the insertion slot G1 formed in the rear side of the upper housing 124.

[0104] Furthermore, according to this disclosure, when the battery module is larger or smaller than the size of the battery module 100, or when the capacity of the cell assembly is relatively large or relatively small, the vertical cross-sectional area of ​​the movement path can be adjusted by changing the number of the separating members 130 and the connecting members or by adjusting the interval between the multiple separating members.

[0105] Meanwhile, the battery pack (not shown) according to the embodiments of this disclosure includes at least one battery module 100.

[0106] The battery pack may further include various devices (not shown) for controlling the charging / discharging of the battery module 100, such as a battery management system (BMS), a current sensor, a fuse, etc.

[0107] Meanwhile, the energy storage device (not shown) according to embodiments of the present disclosure includes at least one battery module 100. The energy storage device may include a rack housing (not shown) configured to house a battery pack.

[0108] The battery pack according to embodiments of the present disclosure can be included in a vehicle such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. In other words, a vehicle according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a battery pack according to embodiments of the present disclosure installed therein.

[0109] At the same time, although terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are used in this specification, these terms are only for the convenience of description, and it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that these terms may vary depending on the position of the target object or the position of the observer.

[0110] This disclosure has been described in detail. However, it should be understood that although preferred embodiments of this disclosure have been pointed out, the detailed description and specific examples are given by way of illustration only, as various changes and modifications within the scope of this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art based on the detailed description.

[0111] [Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures]

[0112] 100: Battery module; 110: Cell assembly

[0113] 111: Battery Cell

[0114] 122: Lower shell 124: Upper shell

[0115] 126: Top Cover

[0116] S1, S2, S3: Accommodation space, buffer space, insertion space

[0117] H1, H2, H3, H4, H5: Connecting hole, drain hole, first bolt hole, second bolt hole, third bolt hole

[0118] B: Bolt

[0119] 130: Separator component P: Movement path

[0120] 131: Extension section; 132: Connecting section

[0121] 160: Connecting component; 161, 162: External and internal components

[0122] L1, L2: First slit, second slit

[0123] G1, G2: Insertion slot, fixing slot

[0124] 140, 142: Busbar assembly, busbar frame

Claims

1. A battery module, the battery module comprising: The battery cell assembly includes a plurality of battery cells; The lower housing has an open upper portion and includes a receiving space for accommodating the battery cell assembly; An upper housing, connected to the lower housing to cover the upper portion of the opening of the lower housing, and including a connecting hole perforated to communicate with the receiving space; A top cover, connected to the upper housing to cover the upper portion of the upper housing, forming a buffer space between the top cover and the upper housing by being spaced apart from the upper housing, and including a drain hole that is perforated to allow the buffer space to communicate with the outside; A partition member located in the buffer space to form a movement path extending from the connection hole to the discharge hole, and having a shape that extends in the horizontal direction; as well as A connecting member, located on the movement path, configured to connect to the separating member, and including a movement space formed by perforating the body from one side to the other. The separating member includes a connecting portion formed by recessing a portion of the separating member, such that at least a portion of the connecting member is inserted into the connecting portion.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The connecting component includes: An outer component having a plurality of first slits extending from one side of the body of the outer component to the other side of the body of the outer component and including an insertion space formed by recessing a portion of the outer component; and An internal component having a plurality of second slits communicating with the plurality of first slits, each of the plurality of second slits extending from one side of the body of the internal component to the other side of the body of the internal component, and the internal component being configured such that at least a portion of the internal component is inserted into the insertion space, and other portions protrude from the insertion space.

3. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein, The partition members are configured as at least two partition members, and The connecting member is disposed between two adjacent separating members among the at least two separating members.

4. The battery module according to claim 3, wherein, The outer component is inserted into the connecting portion formed in one of the two adjacent separating members, and The internal component is inserted into a connecting portion formed in another separating member among the two adjacent separating members.

5. The battery module according to claim 3, wherein, When the at least two separating members are arranged to be in close contact with each other, a portion of the connecting member is inserted into the connecting portion of one of the two adjacent separating members, and the remainder of the connecting member is inserted into the connecting portion of the other of the two adjacent separating members.

6. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The separating member includes an extension configured to project from an end of the separating member in the extending direction.

7. The battery module according to claim 6, wherein, The separating member includes a fixing groove configured such that one end of the extension is inserted into the end portion in the extending direction, and The extension is configured such that a portion of the extension is slidable when inserted into the retaining groove.

8. The battery module according to claim 6, wherein, At least one of the top cover and the upper housing includes an insertion slot configured such that the end of the extension in the extension direction is inserted therein.

9. A battery pack comprising at least one battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A vehicle comprising at least one battery pack according to claim 9.

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