Battery module, battery pack including the same, and vehicle

Abstract

According to the present application, a battery module having improved fire or explosion safety is disclosed. To achieve the above object, a battery module according to the present application includes: a cell assembly having a plurality of battery cells; a lower case having an open top and an accommodation space for accommodating the cell assembly; an upper case coupled to the lower case to cover the open top of the lower case, and the upper case having a perforated connection port to communicate with the accommodation space; an upper cover coupled to the upper case to cover the top of the upper case, wherein a portion of the upper cover is spaced apart from the upper case to form a buffer space, and the upper cover has a perforated outlet port such that the buffer space communicates with the outside; and a partition provided within the buffer space, at least a portion of the partition extending to form a movement passage extending from the connection port to the outlet port, and adjustable in the extension direction of the extension portion.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0003199, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on January 11, 2021, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Technology

[0003] Recently, the demand for portable electronic products such as laptops, cameras, and mobile phones has increased rapidly. With the widespread development of electric vehicles, energy storage batteries, robots, and satellites, high-performance rechargeable battery cells are being researched.

[0004] Currently available battery cells include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and lithium battery cells. Among them, lithium battery cells have almost no or no memory effect, and therefore are receiving increasing attention compared to nickel-based battery cells. The advantages of lithium battery cells are that they can be charged at any time, have a very low self-discharge rate, and have high energy density.

[0005] Lithium-ion battery cells mainly consist of lithium oxides and carbon materials used as positive and negative electrode active materials, respectively. Additionally, a lithium-ion battery cell includes an electrode assembly and a packaging material or battery casing. The electrode assembly includes a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate coated with positive and negative electrode active materials, respectively, with a separator inserted between the positive and negative electrode plates. The electrode assembly and the electrolyte solution are sealed together within the packaging material or battery casing.

[0006] In addition, based on the shape of the packaging material, lithium battery cells can be divided into can-type battery cells, which include electrode assemblies embedded in a metal can, and pouch-type battery cells, which include electrode assemblies embedded in a pouch of aluminum laminate.

[0007] In particular, there has been a growing demand for high-capacity battery modules for electric vehicles. High-capacity battery modules consist of multiple battery cells, and when these cells catch fire or explode, the release of flames and high-temperature gases can cause the fire to spread to other battery modules in the vehicle, potentially damaging other nearby equipment or injuring passengers. Therefore, a method is needed to increase the safety of battery modules against fire or gas explosions. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Technical issues

[0009] This disclosure is designed to solve the above-mentioned problems, and therefore aims to provide a battery module with improved fire or explosion safety.

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

[0011] Technical solution

[0012] To achieve the above objectives, the battery module according to this disclosure includes:

[0013] A battery cell assembly, which includes multiple battery cells;

[0014] The lower housing has an open top and a housing space for accommodating the battery cell assembly;

[0015] The upper housing is connected to the lower housing to cover the top of the opening of the lower housing, and the upper housing has a connection hole communicating with the receiving space;

[0016] A top cover, connected to the upper housing to cover the top of the upper housing, wherein a portion of the top cover is spaced apart from the upper housing to form a buffer space, and the top cover has an outlet communicating with the buffer space; and

[0017] A separator is disposed within a buffer space, at least a portion of which extends to form a moving channel from the connection hole to the outlet, and is configured to adjust the direction of extension of the portion.

[0018] In addition, the separator may include:

[0019] A blocking member that extends in at least one direction; and

[0020] A hinge, which is hinged to the end of the stop, to allow the stop to move rotatably.

[0021] In addition, the separator may also include:

[0022] An extension, configured to protrude from the blocking member in at least one direction, and

[0023] The blocking member may include a receiving groove having space for insertion of the extension and configured to allow movement in a protruding direction when the extension is inserted into the receiving groove.

[0024] In addition, the battery module may include: at least two separators, and

[0025] The separator may include:

[0026] At least one connecting slot in at least a portion thereof; and

[0027] At least one connecting protrusion is inserted into a hinge formed at one end of another separator in the protruding direction of the extension.

[0028] Additionally, at least one of the top cover or the upper housing may have an insertion slot.

[0029] The end of the blocking member extending in the direction of extension is inserted into the insertion slot.

[0030] Additionally, at least one of the top cover or the upper housing may have a mounting groove.

[0031] The top or bottom of the separator is inserted into the mounting slot.

[0032] Additionally, the battery module may include at least two separators.

[0033] Either of at least two partitions may extend in one direction to form a movement channel, and

[0034] Another separator can be attached to the end of either separator and can extend in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of either separator.

[0035] Additionally, the battery module may include at least two separators.

[0036] At least two separators can be spaced a predetermined distance apart in the buffer space, and

[0037] At least two separators may be spaced apart from the surface of the buffer space by a predetermined distance, and the other separator may be spaced apart from another surface of the buffer space by a predetermined distance.

[0038] In addition, to achieve the above objectives, the battery pack according to this disclosure may include at least one battery module.

[0039] In addition, to achieve the above objectives, the vehicle according to this disclosure may include at least one battery pack.

[0040] Beneficial effects

[0041] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a buffer space is formed internally by a top cover and a top housing. Furthermore, a movement channel for gas and flame movement is formed within the buffer space, and a separator with portions configured to adjust the direction of extension is included. Thus, in the event of an explosion or fire among multiple battery cells in the battery module's cell assembly, as the generated flame and gas move along the movement channel of the buffer space, the flame is extinguished by interference or contact with the connector, and the pressure of the generated gas can be effectively reduced. Ultimately, the battery module of this disclosure can effectively reduce external damage to multiple battery cells caused by explosion or fire, and significantly improve the safety of the battery module.

[0042] Furthermore, according to one aspect of this disclosure, since the separator of this disclosure includes an extension configured to protrude from the stop member to further extend the movement channel, and a receiving groove for accommodating the extension, a smaller number of separators can be used to form a movement channel of the same length in the buffer space. That is, when the battery capacity of the battery module is low, the explosive force may be relatively low in the event of a fire or explosion, thus reducing the number of separators forming the movement channel for flame and gas movement. In other words, the battery module of this disclosure can use a relatively small number of separators to form a movement channel of the same length, thereby effectively reducing the number of components and manufacturing costs of the battery module. Attached Figure Description

[0043] The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the following detailed description, are intended to provide a further understanding of several technical aspects of the present disclosure; therefore, the present disclosure should not be construed as limited to the drawings.

[0044] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 2 This is a schematic exploded perspective view showing some components of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 3 This is a schematic exploded perspective view showing some components of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figure 4 This is a schematic exploded perspective view showing some components of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 5 This is a schematic exploded perspective view showing some components of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] Figure 6 This is a schematic perspective view showing some components of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] Figure 7 This is a schematic bottom perspective view showing the top cover of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] Figure 8 This is a schematic perspective view showing the separator of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] Figure 9 This is a schematic exploded perspective view showing the separator of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] Figure 10 This is a schematic perspective view showing a modified separator of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] Figure 11 This is a schematic assembly perspective view showing the separator of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] Figure 12 This is a schematic perspective view showing a modified separator of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] Figure 13 This is a schematic perspective view showing some components of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] Figure 14 This is a schematic perspective view showing some components of a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0058] 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 terms or words used in the specification and appended claims should not be construed as limited to their general and dictionary meanings, but rather are interpreted based on the meanings and concepts corresponding to various technical aspects of the present disclosure, on the basis of allowing the inventors to appropriately define the terms to obtain the best interpretation.

[0059] Therefore, the embodiments described herein and the descriptions shown in the accompanying drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of this disclosure and are not intended to fully describe all the technical aspects of this disclosure. It should be understood that various other equivalents and modifications may have been made at the time of filing.

[0060] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is a schematic exploded perspective view showing some components of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 This is a schematic exploded perspective view showing some components of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 This is a schematic exploded perspective view showing some components of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Furthermore, Figure 5 This is a schematic exploded perspective view showing some components of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For reference, in Figure 1 In the diagram, the forward and backward directions represent the positive and negative directions of the Y-axis, the left and right directions represent the positive and negative directions of the X-axis, and the up and down directions represent the positive and negative directions of the Z-axis.

[0061] Reference Figures 1 to 5According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery module 100 includes a cell assembly 110, which includes a plurality of battery cells 111, a lower housing 122, an upper housing 124, an upper cover 126, and at least one separator 130.

[0062] Specifically, battery cell 111 can be, for example, a pouch cell. For example, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the battery cell assembly 110 may include a plurality of battery cells 111 stacked side by side in one direction (X-axis direction). For example, the battery cell 111 may include electrode leads (not shown) at each of its front and rear ends. For example, the battery cell 111 may include a positive electrode lead at the front end and a negative electrode lead at the rear end.

[0063] However, in the battery module 100 according to this disclosure, the battery cell 111 is not limited to the pouch-type battery cell 111 described above, and may include various types of battery cells 111 known at the time of filing of this application. For example, the battery cell 111 may be a prismatic battery cell with a six-sided encapsulation housing.

[0064] Additionally, the busbar assembly 140 may be disposed on each of the front and rear sides of the cell assembly 110. The busbar assembly 140 may be configured to electrically connect a plurality of battery cells 111. For example, the busbar assembly 140 may include a busbar (not shown) configured to contact the electrode leads of the plurality of battery cells 111, and a busbar frame 141 configured to mount the busbar thereon. 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 (PVC).

[0065] Furthermore, the lower housing 122 may have a receiving space S1 for accommodating the battery cell assembly 110. That is, the lower housing 122 may be a rectangular box shape with a top opening. For example, as... Figure 3 As shown, the lower housing 122 may include a sidewall 122a1 in a horizontal direction and a lower wall 122a2 connected to the bottom of the sidewall 122a1 to form a receiving space S1 corresponding to the size of the cell assembly 110. The lower housing 122 may include a flange 122b extending horizontally from the top of the sidewall 122a1. The flange 122b may have a plurality of second bolt holes H4 at predetermined intervals along its outer periphery. The flange 122b can be bolted to the upper housing 124 through the second bolt holes H4. For reference, "horizontal direction" as used herein means any direction parallel to the ground.

[0066] Additionally, the upper housing 124 may have a plate-like structure extending horizontally to cover the top 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 on its horizontally oriented outer periphery. The upper housing 124 may also be configured to connect to a cover 126.

[0067] In addition, such as Figure 5 As shown, the upper housing 124 may include a gasket 150 on its top. The gasket 150 may be configured to prevent gas from escaping through the connection surface between the upper housing 124 and the upper cover 126. That is, the gasket 150 may be inserted between the upper housing 124 and the upper cover 126.

[0068] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, the upper cover 126 may have a plate-like shape extending horizontally to cover the top of the upper housing 124. The upper cover 126 may have a plurality of third bolt holes H5 spaced at predetermined intervals on its horizontally outer periphery.

[0069] For example, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the upper housing 124 can be connected to the bottom of the upper cover 126, and the outer periphery of the upper housing 124 can be connected to the flange 122b of the lower housing 122. In this case, multiple bolts B can pass through each of 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, the bolts B can be inserted into the bolt holes H3, H4, and H5, and the nut N can be inserted into the body protruding downward from the lower surface of the flange 122b of the lower housing 122 for fastening and fixation.

[0070] Figure 6 This is a schematic perspective view showing some components of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Furthermore, Figure 7 This is a schematic bottom perspective view showing the top cover of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For reference only. Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional view of the bottom of the top cover 126 as viewed from the left.

[0071] Let's refer to each other. Figure 1 , Figure 6 and Figure 7A portion of the upper housing 124 may be open to form a connection hole H1 communicating with the receiving space S1. A portion of the upper cover 126 may be spaced apart from the upper housing 124 to form a buffer space S2. For example, the buffer space S2 may be a space recessed from at least one of the upper housing 124 or the upper cover 126 on the contact surface between the upper housing 124 and the upper cover 126. For example, a portion or lower surface of the upper cover 126 may have an upward recess W to form the buffer space. Figure 1 (S2 in the middle), and a portion of the upper surface of the upper housing 124 may have a downward recess W.

[0072] Furthermore, a portion of the top cover 126 may be open to form an outlet H2 for communication between the buffer space S2 and the outdoor environment. That is, in the event that gas and flame are generated from the cell assembly 110 due to thermal runaway or fire within the cell assembly 110, the battery module 100 of this disclosure can move the generated gas and flame from the receiving space S1 through the connection hole H1 of the upper housing 124 to the buffer space S2. The flame returning to the buffer space S2 can be extinguished, and the cooled gas can be released through the outlet H2 of the top cover 126.

[0073] Furthermore, at least one partition 130 may be provided in the buffer space S2. The partition 130 may be configured to form a movement channel P extending from the connection hole H1 to the outlet H2 in the buffer space S2. That is, the partition 130 may be configured to divide the buffer space S2. The partition 130 may extend horizontally in the buffer space S2.

[0074] For example, such as Figure 6 As shown, 35 partitions 130 can be mounted on the upper housing 124. The 35 partitions 130 can form five groups, each group comprising seven partitions 130 connected to each other. These five groups can be spaced apart by a predetermined distance in the left-right direction (X-axis direction). The seven partitions 130 in one group can be arranged in the front-back direction (Y-axis direction). In this case, the front and rear ends of each of the seven partitions 130 can be connected to the other partitions 130. That is, the partitions 130 can prevent the generated gas or flame from moving directly from the buffer space S2 in the left-right direction (X-axis direction), and can guide the gas and flame to the outlet H2 through multiple alternating front-back movements (Y-axis direction). Thus, this disclosure can minimize the temperature of the high-temperature gas and maximize the movement path of the gas and flame in the buffer space S2, thereby causing the flame to self-extinguish.

[0075] For example, such as Figure 6As shown, this disclosure may include at least two separators 130. For example, the battery module 100 of this disclosure may include 35 separators 130. At least two separators 130 may be spaced apart by a predetermined distance in the buffer space S2. For example, as Figure 6 As shown, the seven separators 130 can be connected to each other to form a group, and the five groups can be spaced apart in the left-right direction (X-axis direction).

[0076] Furthermore, at least two of the partitions 130 may be located on one side (front side) of the buffer space S2 relative to the center, while the remaining partition 130 may be located on the other side (rear side) of the buffer space S2. In other words, at least two of the partitions 130 may be spaced apart from one surface of the buffer space S2 by a predetermined distance, while the remaining partitions 130 may be spaced apart from the other surface of the buffer space S2 by a predetermined distance. For example, as Figure 6 As shown, one of the five sets of separators 130 can be located on the front side of the buffer space S2, spaced apart from the rear surface of the buffer space S2 by a predetermined distance, while the remaining sets can be located on the rear side of the buffer space S2, spaced apart from the front surface of the buffer space S2 by a predetermined distance.

[0077] That is, such as Figure 6 As shown, when the movement channel P of the buffer space S2 is set to a zigzag pattern, the battery module 100 may include any partition 130 at one end (front end) of the buffer space S2 to form a channel through which gas or flame passes at the other end (rear end) of the buffer space S2, and include another adjacent partition 130 at the other end (rear end) of the buffer space S2 to form a channel through which gas or flame passes at one end (front end) of the buffer space S2.

[0078] Additionally, the separator 130 can be disposed within the buffer space S2. At least a portion of the separator 130 can extend to form a movement channel Pd extending from the connection hole H1 to the outlet H2. For example, as... Figure 6 As shown, in the battery module 100 of this disclosure, seven partitions 130 can form a group. The seven partitions 130 can be connected to each other and extend in the horizontal direction. For example, as Figure 6 As shown, the partition 130 can extend in the front-back direction. However, the extension direction of the partition 130 is not limited to the front-back direction, and some of the partitions 130 can extend in the left-right direction, while the remaining partitions can extend in the front-back direction.

[0079] Furthermore, the partition 130 can be configured to adjust the direction of extension of the aforementioned portion. For example, the partition 130 can be positioned such that the aforementioned portion extends in the left-right direction. Alternatively, the partition 130 can be positioned such that the aforementioned portion extends in the front-back direction. For example, as... Figure 6As shown, the separator 130 can be positioned such that the aforementioned portion extends in the front-rear direction.

[0080] Therefore, according to this configuration, a buffer space S2 is formed internally by the upper cover 126 and the upper housing 124. Furthermore, a movement channel P for gas and flame movement is formed in the buffer space S2, and a separator 130 with a portion configured to adjust the extension direction is included. Thus, in the event of an explosion or fire in any of the battery cells 111 of the battery module 100's cell assembly 110, the flame will be extinguished by interference or contact with the separator 130 as the generated flame and gas move along the movement channel P of the buffer space S2, effectively reducing the pressure of the generated gas. Ultimately, the battery module 100 of this disclosure can effectively reduce external damage caused by explosions or fires in the multiple battery cells 111 and greatly improve the safety of the battery module 100.

[0081] Figure 8 This is a schematic perspective view showing the separator of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Furthermore, Figure 9 This is a schematic exploded perspective view showing the separator of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0082] Let's refer to each other. Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 6 The separator 130 may include a blocking member 131 and a hinge 132. Specifically, the blocking member 131 may extend in at least one direction. For example, as Figure 6 As shown, the blocking member 131 can extend in the front-to-back direction. The blocking member 131 can be a block shape extending in both the vertical and front-to-back directions.

[0083] Additionally, hinge 132 can be hinged to stop 131 to allow stop 131 to move rotatably. Hinge 132 can be hinged to an end of stop 131. Hinge 132 may include an upper cover 132a, a support 132b, and a lower cover 132c. In this case, stop 131 can be hinged to support 132b. Stop 131 may have a hollow space T into which support 132b is vertically inserted. That is, when support 132b is inserted into hollow space T, stop 131 can be configured to move rotatably along the outer surface of support 132b.

[0084] Furthermore, the upper cover 132a can be configured to attach to the top of the support column 132b. For example, an upward-facing groove can be formed on the bottom of the upper cover 132a for insertion into the top of the support column 132b. The lower cover 132c can be configured to attach to the bottom of the support column 132b. For example, a downward-facing groove can be formed on the top of the lower cover 132c for insertion into the bottom of the support column 132b.

[0085] Therefore, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, since the separator 130 of the present disclosure includes a blocking member 131 and a hinge 132 hinged to the blocking member 131, a moving channel P extending in various directions can be formed in the buffer space S2 by connecting multiple separators 130 to each other. That is, by using multiple separators 130, a moving channel P can be formed such that a portion of the moving channel P extends in the front-rear direction, while another portion extends in the left-right direction in the buffer space S2. As described above, the shape of the moving channel P for the movement of gas or flame can be set according to the battery capacity and the shape of the housing of the battery module 100, so that the separator does not need to be redesigned each time a new battery module 100 is manufactured, thereby effectively reducing manufacturing costs and time. In other words, the separator 130 of the present disclosure can be applied to all battery modules 100 with different capacities, so component standardization is easy and straightforward.

[0086] Figure 10 This is a schematic perspective view showing a modified separator of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0087] Let's refer to each other. Figure 10 and Figure 8 and Figure 9 The separator 130 may further include an extension 133 configured to project from the stop 131 in at least one direction. The extension 133 may have a convex shape extending in the same manner as the stop 131 in one of the vertical and horizontal directions (the projection direction). That is, the extension 133 may be configured to project in the same direction as the extension direction of the stop 131. For example, as Figure 10 As shown, the separator 130 may include a blocking member 131 positioned in the front-back direction (Y-axis direction) and an extension 133 positioned to protrude from the blocking member 131 in the forward direction (negative Y-axis direction).

[0088] Furthermore, the blocking member 131 may have a receiving groove 131h1 configured to receive the extension 133. The receiving groove 131h1 may have a space for the extension 133 to be inserted. That is, the receiving groove 131h1 may be open to the horizontal side, the top, and the bottom. The extension 133 may be inserted into the internal space from one side of the receiving groove 131h1 in the horizontal direction. The receiving groove 131h1 may be configured to move along the protruding direction of the extension 133 when the extension 133 is inserted into the receiving groove 131h1. For example, as Figure 10 As shown, the receiving groove 131h1 can be configured to move in the front-back direction when the extension 133 is inserted into the receiving groove 131h1.

[0089] In this case, the receiving groove 131h1 and the extension 133 may respectively include a sliding groove 131h2 and a sliding protrusion 133p2. Through the male-female connection of the sliding groove 131h2 and the sliding protrusion 133p2, the sliding protrusion 133p2 can slide slidably in the sliding groove 131h2 in one direction (e.g., the front-to-back direction).

[0090] Therefore, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, since the separator 130 of the present disclosure includes an extension 133 configured to protrude from the stop 131 to further extend the movement channel P and a receiving groove 131h1 for receiving the extension 133, a movement channel P of the same length can be formed in the buffer space S2 using a smaller number of separators 130. That is, when the battery capacity of the battery module 100 is relatively low, the explosive force is relatively low in the event of a fire or explosion, thus reducing the number of separators 130 forming the movement channel P for the movement of flames and gases. In other words, the battery module 100 of the present disclosure can form a movement channel P of the same length using a relatively small number of separators 130, thereby effectively reducing the number of components and manufacturing cost of the battery module 100.

[0091] Figure 11 This is a schematic assembly perspective view showing the separator of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 12 This is a schematic perspective view showing a modified separator of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0092] Let's refer to each other. Figure 11 and Figure 12 and Figure 8 When the battery module 100 includes at least two separators 130, the at least two separators 130 that are connected to each other can be located in the buffer space S2. For example, as Figure 11 As shown, at least two separators 130 can extend in the front-to-back direction (Y-axis direction) and be connected to each other. Furthermore, in another embodiment, for example, as... Figure 12 As shown, at least one of the two separators 130 can extend in the front-back direction (Y-axis direction), while the other separator 130 can extend in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) perpendicular to the separator 130.

[0093] In this configuration, the partition 130 may have at least one connecting groove 132h. The extension 133 may have a connecting protrusion 133p1 configured to insert into the connecting groove 132h. That is, the connecting protrusion 133p1 may be configured to insert into the connecting groove 132h formed in each of the upper cover 132a and the lower cover 132c, and into a portion of the stop 131 of another partition 130 at the protruding end of the extension 133. The connecting groove 132h may be a recessed portion of the main body. The recessed shape of the connecting groove 132h may be formed to correspond to the shape of the portion of the connecting protrusion 133p1.

[0094] Therefore, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, since the separator 130 of the present disclosure includes a connecting groove 132h and a connecting protrusion 133p1 configured to be inserted into the connecting groove 132h, a moving channel P can be easily formed by the male and female connections of multiple separators 130, thereby enabling assembly in a fast and direct manner. Thus, the manufacturing efficiency of the battery module 100 can be greatly improved.

[0095] Additionally, return to reference Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 At least one of the upper cover 126 or the upper housing 124 of the battery module 100 of this disclosure may have an insertion groove G1. The insertion groove G1 may be configured such that the end of the extension 133 in the extending direction is inserted into the insertion groove G1. That is, the insertion groove G1 may also be configured such that the end of the extension 133 in the protruding direction is inserted into the insertion groove G1.

[0096] For example, such as Figure 6 As shown, each extension 133 of three of the five partitions 130 can be inserted into an insertion slot G1 located on the front side of the upper housing 124. Each extension 133 of the remaining two partitions 130 can be inserted into an insertion slot G1 located on the rear side of the upper housing 124. Additionally, although not shown, each extension 133 of three of the five partitions 130 can be inserted into an insertion slot G1 located on the front side of the upper cover 126. Each extension 133 of the remaining two partitions 130 can be inserted into an insertion slot G1 located on the rear side of the upper cover 126.

[0097] Therefore, according to this configuration, the lateral movement of the separator 130 can be limited by the insertion groove G1 formed in at least one of the upper cover 126 or the upper housing 124. That is, the separator 130 can be stably held in the buffer space S2, thereby stably maintaining the position of the separator 130 in the event of an explosion of the cell assembly 110.

[0098] Return to reference Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 At least one of the upper cover 126 or the upper housing 124 may have a mounting groove G2 into which the top or bottom of the separator 130 is inserted. Specifically, at least one of the upper cover 126 or the upper housing 124 may have a mounting groove G2 into which the top or bottom of each of the stop 131 and the hinge 132 is inserted. For example, as Figure 4 As shown, the upper housing 124 may have a mounting groove G2 into which the bottom of the blocking member 131 and the hinge 132 of the partition member 130 are inserted. The mounting groove G2 of the upper housing 124 may be recessed upward. The mounting groove G2 may have a rectangle and a plurality of circles extending in the front-rear direction on a plane, with the bottoms of the plurality of blocking members 131 inserted into the rectangle and the bottoms of the plurality of hinges 132 inserted into the plurality of circles.

[0099] Additionally, the top cover 126 may have a mounting groove G2 into which the tops of the hinge 132 of the separator 130 and the stop 131 are inserted. The mounting groove G2 of the top cover 126 may be recessed upwards. The mounting groove G2 may have a rectangle extending in the front-rear direction for the top of the stop 131 to be inserted and a plurality of circles for the top of the hinge 132 to be inserted.

[0100] Therefore, according to this configuration, the end of the separator 130 can be held in the left-right direction by the mounting groove G2. Thus, in the event of an internal explosion of the battery module 100, the separator 130 can be effectively prevented from moving from its correct position due to the pressure of the generated gas.

[0101] Figure 13 This is a schematic perspective view showing some components of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0102] Let's refer to each other. Figure 13 and Figure 1 According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery module 100 may have an outlet (not shown) at the center of a top cover 126. In this case, the present disclosure may have a movement channel P configured to allow gas and flame to move in a generally helical shape in a plane from the connection hole H1 of the upper housing 124 to the outlet H2. Therefore, the battery module 100 of the present disclosure may include at least two partitions 130A and 130B. Any of the at least two partitions 130A may extend in either direction to form the movement channel P. The other partition 130B may be coupled to an end of any partition 130A and may extend in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of any partition 130A.

[0103] For example, such as Figure 13 As shown, the battery module 100 may include 28 partitions 130A and 130B mounted on the upper housing 124. Each of the 28 partitions 130A and 130B may be connected to another partition 130A or 130B. In this case, 22 partitions 130A may extend in the front-rear direction (Y-axis direction) to form a movement channel P, and 6 partitions 130B may extend in the left-right direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the 22 partitions 130A.

[0104] Therefore, according to this configuration, in the battery module 100 of this disclosure, when the position of the outlet H2 changes, the multiple separators 130 can extend along one direction or a direction perpendicular to that direction, and thus the moving channel P can be formed to connect to the changed outlet H2. Therefore, the battery module 100 of this disclosure does not require changes to the design of the separators 130 forming the moving channel P from the connection hole H1 to the outlet H2, thereby effectively reducing manufacturing costs and time. In other words, the separators 130 of this disclosure can be applied to all battery modules 100 of different capacities, thus component standardization is easy and straightforward.

[0105] Figure 14 This is a schematic perspective view showing some components of a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0106] Let's refer to each other. Figure 14 and Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 6 According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery module 100 may include at least two spacers 130. The at least two spacers 130 may be spaced apart by a predetermined distance in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) within the buffer space S2 via recesses W. Either of the at least two spacers 130 may be spaced apart by a predetermined distance from one surface (rear surface) of the buffer space S2, and the other spacer 130 may be spaced apart by a predetermined distance from another surface (front surface) of the buffer space S2.

[0107] For example, such as Figure 14As shown, the 20 partitions 130 can be configured to form a zigzag pattern in the front-to-back direction to create a movement channel P. In this case, the 20 partitions 130 can form five groups connected to each other. Each of the five groups can be positioned such that its ends are alternately inserted into the insertion slot G1 formed on the front side or the insertion slot G1 formed on the rear side. That is, in the five groups, each group comprising four partitions 130, any one group can be spaced apart from the rear surface of the buffer space S2 by a predetermined distance. Another group can be spaced apart from the aforementioned group in the left direction and can be spaced apart from the front surface of the buffer space S2 by a predetermined distance. The five groups, each comprising four partitions 130, can be arranged in a zigzag pattern in the front-to-back direction.

[0108] Furthermore, each of the 20 dividers 130 can be positioned such that the extension 133 protrudes from the stop 131 in at least one direction. For example, the divider 130 can be positioned such that the extension 133 protrudes from the stop 131 in a forward or rearward direction.

[0109] Therefore, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, since the separator 130 of the present disclosure includes an extension 133 protruding from the stop 131 to further extend the movement channel P, a smaller number of separators 130 can be used to form a movement channel P of the same length in the buffer space S2. That is, when the battery capacity of the battery module 100 is relatively low, the explosive force will be relatively low in the event of a fire or explosion, thus potentially reducing the number of separators 130 forming the movement channel P for the movement of flames and gases. In other words, the battery module 100 of the present disclosure can use a relatively small number of separators 130 to form a movement channel P of the same length, thereby effectively reducing the number of components and manufacturing costs of the battery module 100.

[0110] In addition, the battery pack (not shown) according to the embodiments of this disclosure includes at least one battery module 100.

[0111] In addition, the battery pack may also include various types of 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.

[0112] Furthermore, the vehicle according to embodiments of this disclosure includes a battery pack. For example, the vehicle may be an electric vehicle or a hybrid electric vehicle. For example, the vehicle according to embodiments of this disclosure may include a battery pack according to embodiments of this disclosure within the vehicle body.

[0113] The terms up, down, left, right, front, back, etc., used herein to indicate direction are for descriptive convenience only, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these terms may change depending on the position of the element or the observer.

[0114] Although this disclosure has been described above with respect to a limited number of embodiments and accompanying drawings, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes can be made to it within the scope of its various technical aspects and the equivalents of the appended claims.

[0115] [Label Explanation]

[0116] 100: Battery module; 110: Cell assembly

[0117] 111: Battery Cell

[0118] 122: Lower shell 124: Upper shell

[0119] 126: Top Cover

[0120] S1, S2: Accommodation space, buffer space

[0121] H1, H2, H3, H4, H5: Connecting hole, outlet, first bolt hole, second bolt hole, third bolt hole; B, N: Bolt, nut

[0122] 130: Separator P: Moving channel

[0123] 131: Blocking component; 132: Hinge

[0124] 133: Extension section; 131h1: Receiving groove

[0125] 133p1: Connecting protrusion; 132h: Connecting groove

[0126] 133p2: Sliding protrusion; 131h2: Sliding groove

[0127] G1, G2: Insertion slot, mounting slot; W: Recess

[0128] 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 top and a receiving space for accommodating the battery cell assembly; An upper housing, connected to the lower housing to cover the top of the opening of the lower housing, the upper housing having a connection hole communicating with the receiving space; A top cover, connected to the upper housing to cover the top of the upper housing, wherein a portion of the top cover is spaced apart from the upper housing to form a buffer space, and the top cover has an outlet communicating with the buffer space; and A separator, disposed within the buffer space, at least a portion of the separator extending to form a movement channel for gas and flame movement extending from the connection hole to the outlet, and the separator being configured to adjust the extension direction of the portion. The separator includes: a blocking member extending in at least one direction; and a hinge hinged to an end of the blocking member to allow the blocking member to rotate. The separator further includes an extension configured to protrude from the block in at least one direction, and The blocking member includes a receiving groove having space for insertion of the extension, and the blocking member is configured to allow the extension to move in a protruding direction when the extension is inserted into the receiving groove.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, in, The hinge includes an upper cover, a support, and a lower cover. The blocking member is hinged to the support column, the upper cover of the hinge is connected to the top of the support column, and the lower cover of the hinge is connected to the bottom of the support column.

3. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The battery module includes at least two separators, and The separator includes: At least one connecting groove, said at least one connecting groove being located in at least a portion of the separator; and At least one connecting protrusion is inserted into a connecting groove formed in the hinge of another separator, and the at least one connecting protrusion is formed at the end of the extension in the protruding direction.

4. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the top cover or the upper housing has an insertion groove, and the extending end of the blocking member is inserted into the insertion groove.

5. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the top cover or the upper housing has a mounting groove, into which the top or bottom of the partition is inserted.

6. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The battery module includes at least two separators. Any one of the at least two separators extends in one direction to form the movement channel, and Another separator is attached to the end of either of the separators, and the other separator extends in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of either of the separators.

7. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The battery module includes at least two separators. The at least two separators are spaced apart by a predetermined distance in the buffer space, and Each of the at least two separators is spaced apart from one surface of the buffer space by a predetermined distance, while the other separator is spaced apart from another surface of the buffer space by a predetermined distance.

8. A battery pack comprising at least one battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A vehicle comprising at least one battery pack according to claim 8.

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