Battery module, battery pack and vehicle comprising the same

Abstract

Disclosed is a battery module that improves fire or gas explosion safety. To achieve this object, a battery module according to the present invention includes: a plurality of battery cells having electrode leads on at least one side of the plurality of battery cells; a module case having an accommodation space in which the plurality of battery cells are accommodated, the module case including an outlet port on the at least one side having the electrode leads of the plurality of battery cells through which gas discharged from the plurality of battery cells is discharged; and a gas discharge member configured to cover the at least one side of the module case, the gas discharge member having a passage along which the gas discharged from the outlet port moves.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module, a battery pack including the battery module, and a vehicle, and more particularly, to a battery module having improved fire or gas explosion safety, and a battery pack including the battery module and a vehicle.

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0078997, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on June 17, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] In recent years, 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, satellites and other technologies, a great deal of research has been conducted on high-performance rechargeable secondary batteries.

[0004] Currently, the rechargeable batteries on the market include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and lithium rechargeable batteries. Among them, lithium rechargeable batteries have very little or no memory effect, so they are more popular than nickel-based rechargeable batteries due to their advantages of being able to be charged at any time, having extremely low self-discharge rate, and high energy density.

[0005] Lithium-ion secondary batteries typically use lithium-based oxide and carbon materials as the positive and negative electrode active materials, respectively. Furthermore, the lithium-ion secondary battery includes an electrode assembly comprising a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate respectively coated with the positive and negative electrode active materials, with a separator inserted between the positive and negative electrode plates, and a package or battery case that seals and receives the electrode assembly together with the electrolyte solution.

[0006] Based on the shape of the battery casing, lithium secondary batteries can be divided into can-type and pouch-type. Can-type secondary batteries include electrode assemblies embedded in a metal can, while pouch-type secondary batteries include electrode assemblies embedded in a pouch made of aluminum laminated sheets.

[0007] Recently, there has been a growing demand for high-capacity battery packs for electric vehicles. High-capacity battery packs consist of multiple battery modules, each containing secondary battery cells. In high-capacity battery packs installed in electric vehicles, any one of the multiple battery modules can potentially experience a gas explosion during the charging and discharging process. In this situation, the high-temperature gases, flames, or sparks emitted by one battery module can travel to adjacent battery modules, causing thermal runaway or a secondary gas explosion in another module. Therefore, gas explosions lead to explosion propagation, increasing the scale and severity of the accident.

[0008] Therefore, when a gas explosion occurs in any of the multiple battery modules, a method is needed to minimize the movement of gas to other adjacent battery modules.

[0009] Furthermore, since a high-capacity battery module contains multiple battery cells, when a gas explosion or thermal runaway occurs in any of the battery cells, the high-temperature gas, sparks (particles), and flames can spread to other battery cells within the battery module, leading to thermal runaway or fire spread.

[0010] In this situation, a method is needed to minimize the spread of thermal runaway or fire between battery cells housed within a battery module. Summary of the Invention

[0011] Technical issues

[0012] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems, and therefore aims to provide a battery module with improved fire or gas explosion safety, as well as a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery module.

[0013] These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be understood from the following description and will become apparent from the embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, it is readily understood that the objects and advantages of the present invention can be achieved by the measures described in the appended claims and combinations thereof.

[0014] Technical solution

[0015] To achieve the above objectives, the battery module according to the invention includes a plurality of battery cells having electrode leads on at least one side of the plurality of battery cells; a module housing having a receiving space for accommodating the plurality of battery cells, the module housing including an outlet port on the at least one side having the electrode leads of the plurality of battery cells through which gas is discharged from the plurality of battery cells; and an exhaust member configured to cover at least one side of the module housing having a passage along which gas discharged from the outlet port moves.

[0016] In addition, multiple battery cells can be stacked in a certain direction to form a battery cell group. The exhaust component may include a gas inlet through which gas discharged from the outlet port enters; a gas channel with multiple passages through which gas entering the gas inlet moves; and a gas outlet connected to the gas channel and formed at the end of the gas channel in the direction of gas movement. The gas outlet is opened to allow gas to be discharged, and the outlet port may be located on at least one side of the electrode leads of the battery cell group.

[0017] In addition, the exhaust component may include at least two gas passages, which may be designed to allow gas entering the gas passages to move in different directions.

[0018] Furthermore, at least one of the at least two gas channels may extend from the space between the at least two battery cell groups in a direction away from the space between the at least two battery cell groups, and at least the other gas channel may extend from the side away from the space between the at least two battery cell groups in a direction from the space between the at least two battery cell groups.

[0019] In addition, the exhaust component may include at least two gas outlets, one of which may be located at an end of the exhaust component away from the space between the at least two battery cell groups, while the other gas outlet may be located facing the space between the at least two battery cell groups.

[0020] Furthermore, the battery module may further include a reinforcing beam installed in the internal space of the module housing and disposed between at least two battery cell groups, the reinforcing beam including a partition configured to guide gas discharged from the plurality of battery cells to an outlet port, the partition separating the at least two battery cell groups.

[0021] In addition, the reinforcing beam may have through holes to allow air to move into the at least two battery cell groups, and the reinforcing beam may further include an opening / closing member configured to close the through holes when gas is discharged from the plurality of battery cells.

[0022] In addition, the gas passage may have multiple protrusions arranged at predetermined intervals to interfere with the gas moving in the gas passage.

[0023] Furthermore, in order to achieve the above objectives, the battery pack of the present invention includes at least one battery module.

[0024] Furthermore, in order to achieve the above objectives, the vehicle of the present invention includes at least one battery module.

[0025] Beneficial effects

[0026] According to one aspect of the invention, since the battery module of the invention includes a module housing and an exhaust member, the module housing having at least one outlet port on at least one side of a plurality of battery cells through which gas is discharged from the plurality of battery cells, and the exhaust member is configured to move the gas discharged from the outlet port, the movement of the gas or high-temperature sparks can be directed to a location away from another nearby battery module (i.e., a desired location), thereby effectively reducing the movement of high-temperature gas to another nearby battery module when the plurality of battery modules are installed in a battery pack.

[0027] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the invention, in the event of abnormal behavior in any of the plurality of battery cells, when gas is discharged through at least one side of the electrode leads having the plurality of battery cells, the battery module of the invention allows the gas to exit the module housing through an outlet on at least one side of the electrode leads having the plurality of battery cells with the shortest possible distance, thereby minimizing the propagation of thermal runaway or gas explosion from another battery cell caused by the movement of high-temperature gas to another normally operating battery cell. Therefore, the invention increases safety in preventing the propagation of thermal runaway or gas explosion from battery cells.

[0028] Furthermore, since the present invention includes a venting member configured to cover at least one side of the module housing to increase the mechanical strength of the module housing, the multiple battery cells housed in the module housing can be safely protected from external impacts when an external impact is applied to the battery module. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The accompanying drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention, which, together with the following detailed description, contribute to a further understanding of the technical aspects of the invention. However, the invention should not be construed as being limited to the drawings.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a perspective view schematically illustrating a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 2 and Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating the components of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 4 This is a schematic bottom perspective view of the venting member of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 5 It is shown schematically. Figure 2 Partial sectional perspective view of the exhaust component in section A.

[0034] Figure 6 This is a schematic partial vertical cross-sectional view of the internal components of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 7 This is a perspective view schematically showing the internal components of the module housing of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 A schematic enlarged view of part B in the diagram.

[0037] Figure 9 and10 This is a schematic partial vertical cross-sectional view of the internal components of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 11 This is a schematic partial vertical cross-sectional view of the internal components of the gas passage of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 12 This is a perspective view schematically illustrating components of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 13 This is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a portion of the battery module and a portion of the side frame of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 14 This is a schematic partial cross-sectional view illustrating the internal components of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 15 This is a perspective view schematically illustrating a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0043] In the following description, exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before the description, it should be understood that the terms or vocabulary used in this specification and the appended claims should not be construed as limited to their general and dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted according to their meanings and concepts corresponding to the technical aspects of the invention, based on the principle of allowing the inventors to appropriately define the terms for the best interpretation.

[0044] Therefore, the embodiments described herein and the illustrations shown in the figures are merely exemplary embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to fully describe the technical aspects of the present invention. It should be understood that various other equivalent substitutions and modifications may be made thereto at the time of filing the application.

[0045] Figure 1 This is a perspective view schematically illustrating a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 and 3 This is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating components of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. Furthermore, Figure 4 This is a schematic bottom perspective view of the venting member of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. As a reference, in Figure 1 In the diagram, the X-axis points to the right, the Y-axis points to the rear, and the Z-axis points to the top.

[0046] See Figures 1 to 4According to one embodiment of the present invention, a battery module 1 includes a plurality of battery cells 110, a module housing 120, and a venting member 130. Here, the battery cells 110 may include, for example, pouch cells 110 with high energy density and easy stacking. Figure 2 As shown, pouch-type battery cells 110 can be stacked vertically in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) and horizontally in the front-back direction (Y-axis direction) to form a battery cell group G1. Each battery cell 110 may have electrode leads 111 at both ends in the left-right direction. However, contrary to this embodiment, the battery cell 110 of the present invention is not limited to pouch-type battery cells, and may also include prism-shaped rectangular prism battery cells 110 or cylindrical battery cells 110.

[0047] Furthermore, although not shown in the figures, the battery cell group G1 can be electrically connected via a bus comprising a conductive metal. The bus can be in the shape of a metal rod or a metal plate. The bus can include well-known common connecting components configured to electrically connect multiple battery cells 110. Detailed description thereof is omitted in this invention.

[0048] Furthermore, the module housing 120 is a component for housing multiple battery cells 110, and can be formed using a material with high mechanical strength to create a sealed structure that protects the multiple battery cells 110 from external mechanical and chemical factors. For example, as... Figure 2 As shown, the module housing 120 may include an upper housing 122 and a lower housing 121. The lower housing 121 may be configured to cover the lower portion of the battery cell 110. The upper housing 122 may be configured to cover the upper portion of the battery cell 110. The upper housing 122 and the lower housing 121 may be approximately U-shaped. The lower edge region of the upper housing 122 and the upper edge region of the lower housing 121 may be coupled to each other by bolts and / or welding.

[0049] Furthermore, the module housing 120 is a component for accommodating multiple battery cells 110 and can be formed with a sealed structure using a material with high mechanical strength to protect the multiple battery cells 110 from external mechanical and chemical factors. The module housing 120 is configured to accommodate the multiple battery cells 110. The module housing 120 may have a hollow accommodating space. The module housing 120 may include at least one outlet port 123 through which gas is discharged from the multiple battery cells 110. The outlet port 123 may be located on at least one side relative to the multiple battery cells 110. That is, the outlet port 123 may be disposed on at least one side of the electrode leads 111 having the multiple battery cells 110. In other words, the outlet port 123 may communicate with a space on one side of the multiple battery cells 110.

[0050] For example, such as Figure 2As shown, multiple battery cells 110 can be stacked in a front-to-back direction to form battery cell groups G1 and G2. The outlet port 123 of the module housing 120 can communicate with the spaces on the left and right sides of each of the battery cell groups G1 and G2. For example, as... Figure 2 As shown, the outlet port 123 of the module housing 120 may include a first outlet port 123a, a second outlet port 123b, a third outlet port 123c, and a fourth outlet port 123d. When the battery module 100 includes two battery cell groups G1 and G2 arranged at a distance from each other in the left-right direction, the module housing 120 may include an outlet port 123 on at least one side or the other side of the battery cell group G1. For example, as Figure 2 As shown, four outlet ports 123a, 123b, 123c, and 123d can be located on one side and the other side of each battery cell group G1 and G2. Specifically, the first outlet port 123a and the second outlet port 123b can be located at the center of the upper surface of the module housing 120 in the left-right direction. The third outlet port 123c can be located at the left end of the upper surface of the module housing 120, and the fourth outlet port 123d can be located at the right end of the upper surface of the module housing 120. In other words, the first outlet port 123a can be located on the right side of the electrode leads of the battery cell group G1, the second outlet port 123b can be located on the left side of the electrode leads of the battery cell group G2, the third outlet port 123c can be located on the right side of the electrode leads of the battery cell group G1, and the fourth outlet port 123d can be located on the left side of the electrode leads of the battery cell group G2.

[0051] Furthermore, the exhaust member 130 may be configured to cover at least one side of the module housing 120. For example, the exhaust member 130 may comprise a metal with high mechanical strength. For example, such as Figure 1 As shown, the exhaust member 130 may be disposed on the module housing 120. The exhaust member 130 may have dimensions corresponding to the upper surface of the module housing 120. That is, the exhaust member 130 may have sufficient planar surface dimensions to cover one surface of the module housing 120.

[0052] Furthermore, the exhaust member 130 can guide the gas discharged from the outlet port 123 of the module housing 120 in a desired direction. Additionally, the exhaust member 130 may have a passage (not shown) along which the gas discharged from the outlet port 123 moves. That is, the exhaust member 130 can move the generated gas to a location to minimize damage caused by gas passing through the internal passage.

[0053] Therefore, according to this configuration of the invention, in the event of abnormal behavior in any of the plurality of battery cells 110, when gas is discharged through at least one side of the electrode leads 111 having the plurality of battery cells 110, the battery module 100 of the invention can allow the gas to leave the module 120 through the outlet port 123 on said at least one side of the electrode leads 111 having the plurality of battery cells 110 with the shortest possible distance, thereby minimizing the propagation of thermal runaway or gas explosion in another battery cell 110 caused by the movement of high-temperature gas to another normally operating battery cell 110. Therefore, the invention increases the safety against the propagation of thermal runaway or gas explosion in the battery cell 110.

[0054] Furthermore, since the present invention includes an exhaust member 130 configured to cover at least one side of the module housing 120 to increase the mechanical strength of the module housing 120, the plurality of battery cells 110 housed in the module housing 120 can be safely protected from external impact when an external impact is applied to the battery module 100.

[0055] Figure 5 It is shown schematically. Figure 2 Partial sectional perspective view of the exhaust component in section A.

[0056] See Figures 1 to 5 The exhaust component 130 may include a gas inlet 132, a gas passage 131, and a gas outlet 133. Specifically, the gas inlet 132 may be an opening portion of the exhaust component 130, through which gas discharged from the outlet port 123 enters. The gas inlet 132 may communicate with the outlet port 123 of the module housing 120. That is, the gas inlet 132 may be located facing the outlet port 123. For example, as... Figure 4 As shown, when the outlet port 123 is located on the upper surface of the module housing 120, the gas inlet 132 can be located on the lower surface of the exhaust member 130 facing the outlet port 123. The exhaust member 130 may include a first gas inlet 132a, a second gas inlet 132b, a third gas inlet 132c, and a fourth gas inlet 132d. The first gas inlet 132a and the second gas inlet 132b may be located at the center in the left-right direction of the lower surface of the exhaust member 130. The third gas inlet 132c may be located at the left end of the lower surface of the exhaust member 130. The fourth gas inlet 132d may be located at the right end of the lower surface of the exhaust member 130.

[0057] The gas inlet 132 may have an opening extending in the front-rear direction. Furthermore, the gas inlet 132 may extend from the front end of the lower surface of the exhaust member 130 to the center in the front-rear direction. Alternatively, the gas inlet 132 may extend from the rear end of the lower surface of the exhaust member 130 to the center in the front-rear direction. For example, as...Figure 4 As shown, the first gas inlet 132a and the second gas inlet 132b may have openings extending from the front end of the lower surface of the exhaust member 130 to the center in the front-rear direction. The third gas inlet 132c and the fourth gas inlet 132d may have openings extending from the rear end of the lower surface of the exhaust member 130 to the center in the front-rear direction.

[0058] Furthermore, the gas passage 131 can be a region with a passage along which gas entering through the gas inlet 132 moves. The gas passage 131 can have multiple hollow structures. The length and width of the gas passage 131 can correspond to the length and width of the upper surface of the upper housing 122. The gas passage 131 can be hollow and includes a passage 137 along which gas moves. Additionally, the gas passage 131 may include multiple baffles 134 spaced apart from each other in the width direction and extending longitudinally to divide the internal space. The gas passage 131 can reduce the temperature or size of the flame by dissipating energy during the movement of high-temperature gas, sparks, and flames entering through the gas inlet 132 along the narrow passage 137. Figure 2 and 3 As shown, the exhaust component 130 may include a first gas passage 131a and a second gas passage 131b.

[0059] like Figure 5 As shown, the gas passage 131 is separated by baffles 134, and narrow passages 137 are provided between the baffles 134. Multiple narrow passages 137 can effectively increase the gas velocity. Furthermore, the narrow passages 137 can effectively regulate the movement of the high-temperature spark or flame. Additionally, the narrow passages 137 or the gas inlet 132 may have a metal mesh (not shown) for further regulation of the movement of the high-temperature spark or flame.

[0060] Furthermore, the gas outlet 133 may communicate with the gas passage 131. The gas outlet 133 may be located at the end of the narrow passage of the gas passage 131. The gas outlet 133 may be an opening portion of the exhaust member 130. That is, the gas outlet 133 may be an opening at the end of the gas passage 131. For example, the gas outlet 133 may be located on one side of the battery cell group G1. For example, as... Figure 2As shown, the exhaust component 130 may include a first gas outlet 133a, a second gas outlet 133b, a third gas outlet 133c, and a fourth gas outlet 133d. The first gas outlet 133a may be located at the left end of the upper surface of the exhaust component 130. The second gas outlet 133b may be located at the right end of the upper surface of the exhaust component 130. The third gas outlet 133c and the fourth gas outlet 133d may be located at the center in the left-right direction of the upper surface of the exhaust component 130. The third gas outlet 133c and the fourth gas outlet 133d may be spaced apart from each other at a predetermined distance in the left-right direction.

[0061] Therefore, according to this configuration of the invention, since the invention includes a module housing 120 having at least one outlet port 123 on at least one side of a plurality of battery cells 110, an outlet port 123 for discharging gas discharged from the plurality of battery cells 110, and an exhaust member 130 configured to move gas discharged from the outlet port 123, when the plurality of battery modules 100 are installed in the battery pack 1000, the movement of gas or high-temperature sparks can be guided to a position away from another adjacent battery module 100 (i.e., the desired position), thereby effectively reducing the movement of high-temperature gas to another adjacent battery module 100.

[0062] Figure 6 This is a schematic partial vertical cross-sectional view of the internal components of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Combination Figure 2 and 3 Reference Figure 6 The battery module 100 of the present invention may include a plurality of battery cells 110 stacked in one direction (front-back direction) to form a battery cell group G1. For example, the plurality of battery cells 110 may form at least two battery cell groups G1 and G2. For example, as Figure 2 As shown, the battery module 100 of the present invention may include battery cell groups G1 and G2 arranged side by side in the left-right direction.

[0064] Furthermore, at least two battery cell groups G1 and G2 can be arranged spaced apart from each other. For example, as Figure 2 As shown, the two battery cell groups G1 and G2 can be arranged at a predetermined distance in the left-right direction. For example, battery cell group G1 may include electrode leads 111 for each of a plurality of battery cells 110 located on each of the left and right ends. Furthermore, when gas is discharged from the plurality of battery cells 110, the gas is more likely to be discharged from at least one of the left or right sides having electrode leads 111 than from the front or rear.

[0065] Alternatively, in battery cell groups G1 and G2, when gas is discharged from any battery cell 110, the gas is highly likely to move toward the electrode lead 111. That is, battery cell groups G1 and G2 can be composed of multiple battery cells 110 stacked facing the area without electrode lead 111, so that gas can easily move to one side or the other side of battery cell group G2, where the arrangement of multiple battery cells 110 is not too dense.

[0066] Furthermore, the outlet port 123 may be located on at least one side, where the electrode leads 111 of the battery cell group G1 are disposed. That is, the outlet port 123 may be configured to face the space S1 between at least two battery cell groups G1 and G2. In other words, the outlet port 123 may be adjacent to a location within the battery cell group G1 where gas leakage is more likely to occur. For example, the battery cell group G1 may be configured to vent gas through the space S1 between at least two battery cell groups G1 and G2 in the event of expansion or thermal runaway.

[0067] For example, when the battery cell group G1 includes a pouch battery cell 110, the battery cell group G1 can be configured to vent through the space between at least two battery cell groups G1, G2. For example, when the battery cell 110 is a pouch battery cell 110, the sealing portion of the battery cell 110 facing the space S1 between at least two battery cell groups G1, G2 has a weaker sealing strength than other sealing portions.

[0068] Furthermore, the gas inlet 132 may be connected to the outlet port 123. That is, the gas inlet 132 may be configured to face the space between at least two battery cell groups G1 and G2 to minimize the movement trajectory of gas discharged from one side of the battery cell group G1.

[0069] Therefore, according to this configuration of the invention, since the battery module 100 of the invention includes an outlet port 123 located on at least one side of the electrode leads 111 on which the battery cell group G1 is provided, when gas from any of the plurality of battery cells 110 moves to at least one side of the battery cell group G1, the gas can be allowed to leave the module housing 120 through the outlet port 123 on one side of the battery cell group G1 with the shortest distance, thereby minimizing the propagation of thermal runaway or explosion of the other battery cell 11 caused by the movement of high-temperature gas to the other battery cell 110 or battery cell group G2 in normal operation.

[0070] At the same time, return Figures 2 to 5 The exhaust component 130 of the battery module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include at least two gas passages 131. For example, such as Figure 2 and 4As shown, the first gas passage 131a can be configured to move gas entering through the first gas inlet 132a to the first gas outlet 133a located at the left end of the exhaust member 130. That is, the first gas passage 131a can have a leftward extending passage (not shown) to move the gas to the left from the center in the left-right direction of the gas exhaust member 130. The second gas passage 131b can be configured to move gas entering through the second gas inlet 132b to the second gas outlet 133b located at the right end of the exhaust member 130. That is, the second gas passage 131b can have a rightward extending passage to move the gas to the right from the center in the left-right direction of the gas exhaust member 130.

[0071] For example, such as Figure 3 As shown, the third gas passage 131c can be configured to move gas entering through the third gas inlet 132c to the third gas outlet 133c, which is located at the center in the left-right direction of the exhaust member 130. That is, the third gas passage 131c can have a passage extending to the right, so that gas moves from the left end of the gas exhaust member 130 to the center in the left-right direction. The fourth gas passage 131d can be configured to move gas entering through the fourth gas inlet 132d to the fourth gas outlet 133d, which is located at the center in the left-right direction of the exhaust member 130. That is, the fourth gas passage 131d can have a passage extending to the left, so that gas moves from the right end of the gas exhaust member 130 to the center in the left-right direction.

[0072] Furthermore, the at least two gas channels 131 of the present invention can be designed to allow gas entering the gas channels 131 to move in different directions. The gas channel 131a on the front side and the gas channel 131c on the rear side can be set to opposite gas movement directions relative to the center of the exhaust member 130 in the front-rear direction. For example, the gas movement direction of the first gas channel 131a can be to the left, and the gas movement direction of the third gas channel 131c can be to the right. Additionally, for example, the second gas channel 131b and the fourth gas channel 131d on the battery cell group G2 can have opposite gas movement directions. For example, the gas movement direction of the second gas channel 131b can be to the right, and the gas movement direction of the fourth gas channel 131d can be to the left.

[0073] Therefore, according to this configuration of the present invention, since the present invention includes at least two gas channels 131, and the at least two gas channels 131 are designed to allow gas entering the gas channels 131 to move in different directions, when gas is generated from the battery cell group G1, the gas movement path of the gas channel 131 of the exhaust member 130 can be set as long as possible while minimizing the impact of high-temperature gas on the battery cell group G2. That is, when gas is generated from the battery cell group G1, the gas enters the adjacent gas inlet 132 and is allowed to move along the longest possible movement path through gas passages set in different gas movement directions, thereby dissipating the energy of high-temperature gas, sparks, and flames. The battery module 100 of the present invention can reduce or eliminate the scale of high-temperature gas, sparks, and flames discharged from the battery module 100, thereby minimizing secondary damage caused by the discharged gas, sparks, and flames.

[0074] Combination Figure 2 Reference Figure 6 At least one of the at least two outlet ports 123 may be located in a position facing the space S1 between the at least two battery cell groups G1, G2. At least one other outlet port 123 may be located in a space S2 on the side facing the battery cell group G1, which is opposite to the space S1 between the at least two battery cell groups G1, G2. For example, as Figure 2 As shown, the first outlet port 123a and the second outlet port 123b can be located facing the space S1 between at least two battery cell groups G1 and G2. The third outlet port 123c can be located in the space (not shown) on the left side of the battery cell group G1, away from the direction of the space S1 between at least two battery cell groups G1 and G2. Furthermore, the fourth outlet port 123d can be located in the space S2 on the right side facing the battery cell group G2, away from the space S1 between at least two battery cell groups G1 and G2. That is, the electrode lead 111 can be disposed on the left or right side of the battery cell group G1, and the predetermined space for gas movement can be located on the left or right side of the battery cell group G1 where the electrode lead 111 is disposed.

[0075] At the same time, return Figures 2 to 4 6. At least one of the at least two gas channels 131 may extend from a position corresponding to the space S1 between the at least two battery cell groups G1, G2 in a direction away from the space S1 between the at least two battery cell groups G1, G2 (outward). At least one other gas channel 131 may extend from one side (outer side) away from the space S1 between the at least two battery cell groups G1, G2 towards (inward) the space S1 between the at least two battery cell groups G1, G2. For example, as Figure 2 , 3As shown in Figure 6, a first gas channel 131a and a third gas channel 131c may be disposed on the battery cell group G1. The first gas channel 131a may extend from the space S1 between at least two battery cell groups G1 and G2 in a direction away from the space S1 between at least two battery cell groups G1 and G2 (to the left). The third gas channel 131c may extend from one side (left side) away from the space S1 between at least two battery cell groups G1 and G2 into the space S1 between at least two battery cell groups G1 and G2.

[0076] For example, such as Figure 2 , 3 As shown in Figure 6, the second gas channel 131b and the fourth gas channel 131d may be disposed on the battery cell group G2. The second gas channel 131b may extend from the space S1 between at least two battery cell groups G1 and G2 in a direction away from the space S1 between at least two battery cell groups G1 and G2 (to the right). The fourth gas channel 131d may extend from one side (right side) away from the space S1 between at least two battery cell groups G1 and G2 into the space S1 between at least two battery cell groups G1 and G2.

[0077] Therefore, according to this configuration of the invention, since the invention includes at least one of at least two gas channels 131 extending from the space S1 between at least two battery cell groups G1, G2 in a direction away from the space S1 between at least two battery cell groups G1, G2, and at least one additional gas channel 131 extending from the side away from the space S1 between at least two battery cell groups G1, G2 toward the space S1 between at least two battery cell groups G1, G2, when gas is generated from the battery cell group G1, the gas movement path of the gas channel of the exhaust member 130 can be set as long as possible while minimizing the impact of the high-temperature gas on the battery cell group G2. That is, when gas is generated from the battery cell group G1, the gas enters the adjacent gas inlet 132 and is allowed to move to the space S1 between at least two battery cell groups G1, G2, or conversely, move in a direction away from the space S1 between at least two battery cell groups G1, G2 (outward), thereby causing the high-temperature gas, spark, and flame to move along a movement path that passes through the gas channel as far as possible. Therefore, the present invention can dissipate the energy of the high-temperature gas, sparks, and flames generated as they move along the gas channel, thereby reducing or eliminating the scale of high-temperature gas, sparks, and flames discharged from the battery module 100. Ultimately, the battery module 100 of the present invention can minimize secondary damage caused by high-temperature gas, sparks, and flames generated due to abnormal behavior of the multiple battery cells 110.

[0078] Reference Figure 2The exhaust member 130 of the present invention may include at least two gas outlets 133. One of the at least two gas outlets 133 may be located at the end of the exhaust member 130 in a direction away from the space S1 between the at least two battery cell groups G1, G2. The other gas outlet 133 may be located at the center of the exhaust member 130 facing the space S1 between the at least two battery cell groups G1, G2.

[0079] For example, such as Figure 2 and 6 As shown, the exhaust component 130 may include a first gas outlet 133a, a second gas outlet 133b, a third gas outlet 133c, and a fourth gas outlet 133d. The first gas outlet 133a and the second gas outlet 133b may be located at opposite ends of the exhaust component 130 in a direction (left-right direction) away from the space S1 between at least two battery cell groups G1 and G2. The third gas outlet 133c and the fourth gas outlet 133d may be located facing the space S1 between at least two battery cell groups G1 and G2.

[0080] Therefore, according to this configuration of the present invention, since one of the at least two gas outlets 133 is located at the end of the exhaust member 130 in a direction away from the space S1 between the at least two battery cell groups G1 and G2, and the other gas outlet 133 is located facing the space S1 between the at least two battery cell groups G1 and G2, when gas is generated from the battery cell group G1, the gas movement path of the gas passage 131 of the gas exhaust member 130 can be set as long as possible, while minimizing the impact of high-temperature gas on the battery cell group G2.

[0081] That is, when gas is generated from the battery cell group G1, the gas can enter the gas inlet 132 located facing the space S1 between at least two battery cell groups G1 and G2, pass through the gas channel 131, and exit from the gas outlet 133 on the side opposite to the space S1 between at least two battery cell groups G1 and G2. Conversely, when gas enters the gas inlet 132 located opposite to the space S1 between at least two battery cell groups G1 and G2, the gas can move through the gas channel 131 to the space S1 between at least two battery cell groups G1 and G2, and exit from the gas outlet 133 located facing the space S1 between at least two battery cell groups G1 and G2.

[0082] Ultimately, the battery module 100 of the present invention allows the generated high-temperature gases, sparks, and flames to move along a path that passes through the gas passage 131 of the exhaust member 130 as far as possible. Therefore, the energy of the generated high-temperature gases, sparks, and flames can be dissipated through the exhaust member 130, thereby reducing or eliminating the scale of the high-temperature gases, sparks, and flames discharged from the battery module 100. Ultimately, the battery module 100 of the present invention can minimize secondary damage caused by high-temperature gases, sparks, and flames generated due to abnormal behavior of the multiple battery cells 110.

[0083] Figure 7 This is a perspective view schematically illustrating the internal components of the module housing of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. Furthermore, Figure 8 yes Figure 6 A schematic enlarged view of part B in the middle section.

[0084] Combination Figure 2 and 6 refer to Figure 7 and 8 According to one embodiment of the present invention, the battery module 100 may further include a reinforcing beam 150. The reinforcing beam 150 may be installed within the internal space of the module housing 120. The reinforcing beam 150 may be disposed between at least two battery cell groups G1, G2. For example, as... Figure 7 As shown, the reinforcing beam 150 can be disposed at the center of the internal space of the module housing 120. Furthermore, the reinforcing beam 150 can be located in the gap between the battery cell groups G1 and G2 arranged in the left-right direction.

[0085] Furthermore, the reinforcing beam 150 may be configured to guide gas discharged from the plurality of battery cells 110 to the outlet port 123. The reinforcing beam 150 may include a partition 150a configured to guide gas discharged from the plurality of battery cells 110 to the outlet port 123 and separate at least two battery cell groups G1, G2. For example, as... Figure 7 As shown, the reinforcing beam 150 may include a partition 150a extending upward toward the outlet port 123. The bottom of the reinforcing beam 150 may be connected to the lower housing 121.

[0086] Furthermore, the separator 150a can divide the accommodating space for mounting at least two battery cell groups G1, G2 into two spaces. The separator 150a can be configured to prevent high-temperature gases emitted from any one of the at least two battery cell groups G1, G2 (G2) from moving to the other battery cell group (G1).

[0087] Therefore, according to this configuration of the invention, since the invention also includes a reinforcing beam 150, which includes a partition 150a configured to guide gas discharged from the plurality of battery cells 110 to the outlet port 123 and separate at least two battery cell groups G1, G2, the high-temperature gas generated from at least two battery cell groups G1, G2 can be guided to the outlet port 123. Furthermore, the partition 150a of the reinforcing beam 150 can prevent high-temperature gas A discharged from any one of the at least two battery cell groups G1, G2 (G2) from moving to the other battery cell group (G1), thereby preventing thermal runaway or gas explosion from spreading to the other battery cell group (G1).

[0088] Figure 9 and 10 This is a schematic partial vertical cross-sectional view of the internal components of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] Referring to 9 and 10, with Figure 8 Compared to the reinforcing beam 150 in the first embodiment, the reinforcing beam 150 of the battery module 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a through hole H configured to allow air movement, and may also include an opening / closing member 151. The remaining components may be... Figure 1 The components of the battery module 100 shown are the same.

[0090] Specifically, Figure 9 The reinforcing beam 150 may have through holes H configured to allow air to move into at least two battery cell groups G1, G2. The through holes H may be openings in the reinforcing beam 150. Alternatively, as... Figure 9 As shown, the through hole H can have a groove shape formed by the lower insertion portion at the top of the reinforcing beam 150.

[0091] Furthermore, the reinforcing beam 150 may also include an opening / closing member 151, which is configured to open / close when gas flows from... Figure 10 The through-hole H is closed when the multiple battery cells 110 are discharged. The opening / closing member 151 can be a thermally expanding material whose volume expands when the temperature is above a predetermined temperature. The thermally expanding material of the opening / closing member 151 can be, for example, Saint-Gobain FS1000. Alternatively, the thermally expanding material can include a graphite sheet whose volume expands at a predetermined temperature. The opening / closing member 151 can be located within the through-hole H. The opening / closing member 151 can be configured to close the through-hole H as the temperature of the thermally expanding material increases when high-temperature gas is discharged from the battery cell 110.

[0092] Therefore, according to this configuration of the invention, because the invention includes a reinforcing beam 150 with a through-hole H configured to allow air to move between at least two battery cell groups G1, G2, and also includes an opening / closing member configured to close the through-hole H when gas is discharged from the plurality of battery cells 110, air can move smoothly between at least two battery cell groups G1, G2 during normal operation of the battery module 100, thereby achieving thermal equilibrium between the at least two battery cell groups G1, G2. Furthermore, when a gas explosion occurs in any of the at least two battery cell groups G1, G2, the through-hole H of the reinforcing beam 150 can be closed by the opening / closing member 151, thus preventing high-temperature gas from moving to the normally operating battery cell group G1 opposite. Therefore, the invention can prevent a gas explosion in any battery cell 110 from spreading to a secondary gas explosion in battery cell group G1, thereby minimizing damage.

[0093] Figure 11 This is a schematic partial vertical cross-sectional view of the internal components of the gas passage of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0094] Combination Figure 8 Reference Figure 11 The gas passage 131 may have a plurality of protrusions K arranged at predetermined intervals to interfere with high-temperature gases, sparks, and flames. The plurality of protrusions K may protrude inward from the inner surface of the narrow passage 137. Furthermore, the plurality of protrusions K may be inclined in the direction of gas A movement. That is, the plurality of protrusions K may reduce the movement speed of gas A while allowing gas A to move in the intended direction of movement. In addition, the plurality of protrusions K may prevent gas from moving in the opposite direction (opposite to the intended direction) and flowing back into the module housing 120.

[0095] Therefore, according to this configuration of the present invention, because the battery module 100 of the present invention has a plurality of protrusions K arranged at predetermined intervals to interfere with the gas A moving in the gas channel 131 of the gas discharge member 130, the moving speed and gas pressure of the gas A moving in the gas channel 131 can be effectively reduced. Furthermore, the plurality of protrusions K can prevent the gas A from moving in the opposite direction (backflow) instead of the expected moving direction of the gas A in the gas channel 131, thereby preventing the gas A moving in the gas channel 131 from flowing back into the module housing 120. Therefore, the battery module 100 of the present invention can prevent the temperature rise of the plurality of battery modules 110 caused by the backflow of high-temperature gas A into the module housing 120.

[0096] Figure 12 This is a perspective view schematically illustrating components of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0097] Combination Figure 1 ReferenceFigure 12 According to another embodiment of the present invention, a battery pack 1000 may include at least one battery module 100 and a housing 200 for accommodating a plurality of battery modules 100. The housing 200 is a component for accommodating the battery modules 100 and may include a left frame 230, a right frame 240, a bottom plate 210 coupled to the bottom of each of the left frame 230 and the right frame 240, a top plate 220 coupled to the top of each of the left frame 230 and the right frame 240, a front cover 250 forming the front wall of the housing 200, and a rear cover 260 forming the rear wall.

[0098] Furthermore, although not shown, multiple battery modules 100 may be arranged in a front-to-back direction. Additionally, the battery pack 1000 may have an outlet port O on its front side that communicates with the gas outlet 133 of the exhaust member 130 of the battery modules 100. For example, the exhaust member 130 may communicate with each gas outlet channel (not shown) in the left frame 230 and the right frame 240. Furthermore, the ends of the gas outlet channels may be connected to the outlet port O. For example, the gas outlet channel may be a gas channel extending along the extension direction of the left frame 230.

[0099] Figure 13 This is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating a portion of the battery module and a portion of the side frame of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. Furthermore, Figure 14 This is a schematic partial cross-sectional view illustrating the internal components of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0100] Combination Figure 1 Reference Figure 13 and 14 The right frame 240 may include a vertical frame 241 extending in the height direction of the battery module 100 and a module connection frame 242 extending horizontally (to the left) from the vertical frame 241 and connecting to the exhaust member 130. The module connection frame 242 has a hollow structure and contains a gas movement channel FP inside.

[0101] Furthermore, when the battery pack 1000 includes multiple battery modules 100, the module connection frame 242 may include multiple inlet ports 244 arranged at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) and an outlet port O located at the end on the side of the front cover 250. For example, as Figure 14 As shown, each inlet port 244 can be configured to contact the gas outlet 133b of the exhaust member 130 of each battery module 100. A gasket can be applied to the contact interface between each inlet port 244 and the gas outlet 133b for sealing and anti-slip purposes. Additionally, a metal mesh can be applied to each inlet port 244 to prevent leakage of high-temperature sparks or flames.

[0102] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the module connection frame 242 of the right frame 240 is located on the exhaust member 130. In other words, the module connection frame 242 is connected to the exhaust member 130, with one end located on the right edge of the upper surface of the gas passage 131, and the inlet port 244 vertically matched with the second gas outlet 133b.

[0103] That is, the gas generated by the battery cell group G2 can be discharged through the second outlet port ( Figure 2 Gas 123b) enters the exhaust component 130, moves horizontally to the right along the gas passage 131b, moves upward from the second gas outlet 133b, and enters the right frame 240 through the inlet port 244. Furthermore, the moving gas can move along the gas movement path FP of the right frame 240 to the front cover 250 of the housing 200, and can exit the housing 200 through the outlet port O of the module connection frame 242.

[0104] Therefore, in the event of a high-temperature spark or flame generated by the battery cell group G2, the present invention can change the direction of the movement path through the vertical connection structure between the second outlet port 123b and the second gas inlet 132b, disperse the spark or flame through multiple narrow passage structures in the gas channel 131, and change the movement direction of the spark or flame through the vertical connection structure between the second gas outlet 133b and the inlet port 244. Thus, through numerous changes in movement direction and the dissipation of the high-temperature spark or flame, the high-temperature spark or flame can be extinguished, thereby preventing the spark and flame from moving out of the battery pack housing 200. Ultimately, the battery pack 1000 of the present invention can significantly reduce the fire risk outside the battery pack 1000.

[0105] Furthermore, although not shown, similar to the right frame 240, the left frame 230 may have an inlet port communicating with the first gas outlet 133a of the exhaust member 130. The left frame 230 may include a vertical frame extending in the height direction of the battery module 100 and a module connection frame extending horizontally (to the right) from the vertical frame and connected to the exhaust member 130. The module connection frame has a hollow structure with an internal gas movement passage. Additionally, the module connection frame 242 has an outlet port O at one end on the front cover 250 side. The inlet port of the left frame 230 may be configured to contact the gas outlet 133 of the exhaust member 130 of each battery module 100.

[0106] Figure 15 This is a perspective view schematically illustrating a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0107] Combination Figure 1 Reference Figure 15According to one embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle 10 may include at least one battery module (not shown). The vehicle may include, for example, a vehicle body having a housing space accommodating a battery pack 1000 including at least one battery module. For example, the vehicle may be an electric car, an electric scooter, an electric wheelchair, or an electric bicycle.

[0108] At the same time, the directional terms used herein, such as up, down, left, right, front, and back, are used for convenience of description only, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that such terms may vary depending on the position of the element or the observer.

[0109] While the present invention has been described above with respect to a limited number of embodiments and accompanying drawings, the invention is not limited thereto, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and alterations can be made to the invention within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1.A battery module comprising: a plurality of battery cells having electrode leads on at least one side of the plurality of battery cells; a module case having an accommodation space in which the plurality of battery cells are accommodated, the module case including an outlet port on the at least one side having the electrode leads of the plurality of battery cells through which gas discharged from the plurality of battery cells is discharged; an exhaust member configured to cover at least one side of the module case, the exhaust member having a passage along which the gas discharged from the outlet port moves, wherein the plurality of battery cells are stacked in a direction to form a battery cell group, wherein, the exhaust member includes: a gas inlet through which the gas discharged from the outlet port enters; a gas passage having a plurality of passages along which the gas entering the gas inlet moves; a gas outlet communicating with the gas passage and formed at a terminal end of a direction in which the gas moves in the gas passage, the gas outlet being open to allow gas to be discharged, wherein the outlet port is located on the at least one side on which the electrode leads of the battery cell group are disposed, wherein the exhaust member includes at least two of the gas passages, wherein the at least two gas passages are designed to allow the gas entering the gas passages to move in different directions, and wherein at least one of the at least two gas passages extends from a space between at least two of the battery cell groups in a direction away from the space between the at least two battery cell groups, and at least another gas passage extends from a side away from the space between the at least two battery cell groups to the space between the at least two battery cell groups. 2.The battery module of claim 1, wherein the exhaust member includes at least two of the gas outlets, wherein one of the at least two gas outlets is located at an end of the exhaust member in a direction away from the space between the at least two battery cell groups, and another gas outlet is located at a position facing the space between the at least two battery cell groups. 3.The battery module of claim 1, further comprising: a reinforcement beam installed in an inner space of the module case and disposed between at least two of the battery cell groups, the reinforcement beam including being configured to guide the gas discharged from the plurality of battery cells to move to the outlet port and to separate the at least two battery cell groups. 4.The battery module of claim 3, wherein the reinforcement beam has a through hole to allow air to move to the at least two battery cell groups, wherein the reinforcement beam further includes an open / close member configured to close the through hole when the gas is discharged from the plurality of battery cells. 5.The battery module of claim 1, wherein the gas passage has a plurality of protrusions arranged at a predetermined interval to cause interference to the gas moving in the gas passage. 6.A battery pack including at least one battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 5. 7.A vehicle including at least one battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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