Battery module

Abstract

Disclosed in an example embodiment is a battery module comprising: a plurality of battery cells arranged in a first direction; and an insulating sheet formed of an insulating material and including an intermediate portion covering the first surfaces of the plurality of battery cells, the intermediate portion being formed with at least one cut line extending in the second direction. According to the present invention, even in the case of an abnormal phenomenon such as high-temperature heat generation, gas generation, volume expansion, and spark generation in some of the plurality of battery cells included in the battery module, it is possible to suppress the propagation of the abnormal phenomenon to other battery cells in the vicinity by means of the insulating sheet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a battery module. Background Art

[0002] In general, with the rapid growth in demand for portable electronic products such as notebook computers, camcorders, and mobile phones, and the commercialization of robots and electric vehicles, research is actively being conducted to develop high-performance secondary batteries that can be repeatedly charged / discharged.

[0003] Secondary batteries are widely used for power generation and energy storage in small devices such as portable electronic products and medium and large devices such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS). In particular, in medium or large devices, multiple battery cells are electrically connected to each other to form a battery module in order to enhance the output and / or capacity of the battery.

[0004] During the charging and discharging of the battery module or due to external impact on the battery module, some battery cells in the battery module may experience rapid temperature rise, expansion and ignition. Due to the dense structure of many battery cells, the high temperature, gas and sparks generated from some battery cells will quickly spread to other nearby battery cells and may easily cause serious fire accidents. Summary of the invention

[0005] An aspect of the present invention is to provide a battery module capable of suppressing abnormal phenomena such as high temperature, gas, and sparks generated in some battery cells from spreading to other nearby battery cells.

[0006] These and other aspects and features of the present invention will be described in or will be apparent from the following description of embodiments of the present invention.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a battery module includes: a plurality of battery cells arranged in a first direction; and an insulating sheet formed of an insulating material and including a middle portion covering a first surface of the plurality of battery cells, the middle portion being formed with at least one cutting line extending in a second direction.

[0008] The cutting line may include a plurality of through holes formed through the middle portion in a thickness direction of the middle portion and spaced apart from each other along a straight line extending in the second direction.

[0009] The cutting line may be disposed to overlap a boundary line between an adjacent pair of battery cells among the plurality of battery cells.

[0010] Each of the battery cells may include a terminal formed on a first surface of the battery cell, and a terminal hole may be formed through the middle portion in a thickness direction of the middle portion to expose each of the terminals through the middle portion.

[0011] Each battery cell may form a vent on a first surface of the battery cell through which gas generated inside the battery cell is released, and a vent hole may be formed through the middle portion in a thickness direction of the middle portion to expose the vent through the middle portion.

[0012] The battery module may further include a bracket covering the middle portion to prevent the middle portion from being lifted to the first side.

[0013] The opposite ends of the bracket in the second direction may be in close contact with the middle portion.

[0014] The insulating sheet may further include a pair of side walls formed of an insulating material and extending downward from opposite ends of the middle portion in the second direction to cover a pair of second surfaces of the plurality of battery cells in the second direction.

[0015] The pair of side walls may be fixed to the pair of second surfaces of the battery cell, respectively.

[0016] Each of the pair of side walls may be formed with at least one separation slit formed through the side wall in a thickness direction of the side wall and extending in the third direction.

[0017] The separation slit may be disposed to overlap a boundary line between an adjacent pair of battery cells among the plurality of battery cells.

[0018] The cutting line and the separating slit may be connected to each other at opposite ends of the middle portion.

[0019] The separation slit may be open to the lower end of the side wall.

[0020] The separation slit may extend from each of the opposite ends of the middle portion to the lower end of the side wall.

[0021] The battery module may further include: a pair of side plates facing the pair of side walls so as to cover the pair of side walls; and a bracket covering the middle portion and coupled to the pair of side plates at opposite ends thereof in the second direction.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present invention, even in the case of abnormal phenomena (such as high temperature heating, gas generation, volume expansion, and spark generation) in some of the plurality of battery cells included in the battery module, the abnormal phenomena can be suppressed from spreading to other nearby battery cells by the insulating sheet. As a result, the propagation and spread of fire and explosion can be delayed, thereby reducing damage to human life and property.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in the case of an abnormality in some of the plurality of battery cells included in the battery module, only a portion of the insulating sheet covering the battery cell subject to the abnormality can be separated from the other portions of the insulating sheet along a cutting line, and the portions of the insulating sheet covering the other battery cells not subject to the abnormality can remain covering the battery cells. Therefore, the abnormality can be more effectively suppressed from spreading to other nearby battery cells.

[0024] In the battery module according to one embodiment in which the insulating sheet includes the side walls, the spread of heat and flames through the side surfaces of the battery cells is suppressed by the side walls, whereby the propagation and spread of fire and explosion can be further delayed.

[0025] However, aspects and features of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and other aspects and features not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the detailed description described below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The accompanying drawings attached to this specification illustrate embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the present invention, further describe aspects and features of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to the accompanying drawings:

[0027] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a battery module according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 3 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line III-III;

[0030] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 An enlarged view of part IV;

[0031] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 An enlarged view of part V;

[0032] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 A perspective view of a plurality of battery modules;

[0033] Figure 7 yes Figure 2 A perspective view of an insulating sheet of FIG. 1 , wherein a portion of the insulating sheet is separated and lifted along a cutting line;

[0034] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a battery module according to a second embodiment of the present invention, showing a bracket disassembled upward to be spaced apart from a front frame, a rear frame, and a pair of side plates;

[0035] Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Fig.10 It is along Figure 8 A cross-sectional view taken along line XX of , showing a bracket coupled to the front frame, the rear frame and a pair of side panels;

[0037] Fig.11 yes Fig.10 An enlarged view of part XI;

[0038] Fig.12 yes Fig.10 an enlarged view of portion XII of ; and

[0039] Fig.13 yes Fig. 9 A perspective view of an insulation sheet in which a portion of the insulation sheet is separated and lifted along a cutting line. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as limited to the usual meaning or dictionary meaning, but should be interpreted as meanings and concepts consistent with the technical idea of ​​the present invention based on the following principle, that is, the inventor can be his / her own lexicon compiler to appropriately define the concept of the term, so as to explain his / her invention in the best way.

[0041] The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are only some embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all technical ideas, aspects and features of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modifications that can replace or modify the embodiments described herein when submitting this application.

[0042] It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected to," or "bonded to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, directly connected to, or directly bonded to the other element or layer, or there may be one or more intervening elements or layers. When an element or layer is referred to as being "directly on," "directly connected to," or "directly bonded to" another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers. For example, when a first element is described as being "bonded to" or "connected to" a second element, the first element may be directly bonded or connected to the second element, or the first element may be indirectly bonded or connected to the second element via one or more intervening elements.

[0043] In the accompanying drawings, for the clarity of the description, the sizes of various elements, layers, etc. may be exaggerated. The same reference numerals represent the same elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more related listed items. In addition, when describing the embodiments of the present invention, the use of "may" relates to "one or more embodiments of the present invention". When the expressions such as "at least one of" and "any one of" are after the element list, the entire element list is modified without modifying the individual elements of the list. When phrases such as "at least one of A, B and C", "at least one of A, B or C", "at least one of the groups selected from A, B and C" or "at least one selected from A, B and C" are used to specify the list of elements A, B and C, the phrase may refer to any and all suitable combinations or subsets of A, B and C, such as A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C or A and B and C. As used herein, the terms "use", "use of ..." and "used" may be considered as synonymous with the terms "utilize", "utilize ..." and "utilize", respectively. As used herein, the terms "substantially," "about," and similar terms are used as terms of approximation rather than terms of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent variations in measurements or calculations that those of ordinary skill in the art would recognize.

[0044] It will be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc. can be used to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts herein, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish an element, component, region, layer or part from another element, component, region, layer or part. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer or part discussed below can be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer or part without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0045] For ease of description, spatial relationship terms such as "under", "below", "below", "above", "on", etc. may be used herein to describe the relationship of an element or feature to another element or feature as shown in the figure. It will be understood that in addition to the orientations depicted in the figures, the spatial relationship terms are also intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the figure is turned over, the element described as "under" or "under" other elements or features will be oriented to be "above" or "on" the other elements or features. Therefore, the term "under" can cover both above and below orientations. The device can be oriented otherwise (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relationship descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0046] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention. As used herein, the singular form "one" is also intended to include the plural form, unless the context clearly states otherwise. It will also be understood that the terms "include", "includes ... ", "includes" and / or "includes ... " when used in this specification, indicate the existence of stated features, wholes, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or their groups.

[0047] In addition, any numerical range disclosed and / or listed herein is intended to include all sub-ranges of the same numerical precision included in the listed range. For example, the range "1.0 to 10.0" is intended to include all sub-ranges between the listed minimum value 1.0 and the listed maximum value 10.0 (and including the listed minimum value 1.0 and the listed maximum value 10.0), that is, all sub-ranges with a minimum value equal to or greater than 1.0 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10.0, such as, for example, 2.4 to 7.6. Any maximum numerical limit listed herein is intended to include all lower numerical limits included therein, and any minimum numerical limit listed in this specification is intended to include all higher numerical limits included therein. Therefore, the applicant reserves the right to modify this specification (including claims) to explicitly list any sub-ranges included in the scope explicitly listed herein.

[0048] Referring to two compared elements, features, etc. as "the same" may mean that they are "substantially the same." Thus, the phrase "substantially the same" may include situations with deviations that are considered low in the art (e.g., 5% or less). In addition, when a parameter is referred to as being uniform in a given area, it may mean that it is uniform in terms of average value.

[0049] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specified, each element may be in the singular or in the plural.

[0050] When any element is referred to as being disposed (or placed or positioned) “on (or below)” or “on (or below)” a component, it may mean that the arbitrary element is placed in contact with the upper (or lower) surface of the component, and may also mean that another component may be interposed between the component and any element disposed (or placed or positioned) on (or below) the component.

[0051] Furthermore, it will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "coupled," "linked," or "connected" to another element, the elements may be directly "coupled," "linked," or "connected" to each other, or there may be an intervening element therebetween through which the element may be "coupled," "linked," or "connected" to another element. Furthermore, when a part is referred to as being "electrically coupled" to another part, the part may be directly connected to the other part, or there may be an intervening part therebetween such that the part and the other part are indirectly connected to each other.

[0052] Throughout the specification, when "A and / or B" is stated, it means A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise specified. That is, "and / or" includes any or all combinations of the listed multiple items. When "C to D" is stated, it means C or more and D or less, unless otherwise specified.

[0053] A battery pack according to one or more embodiments includes at least one battery module and a pack case having an accommodation space in which the at least one battery module is accommodated.

[0054] The battery module may include a plurality of battery cells and a module housing. The battery cells may be housed in a module housing in a stacked form (or a stacked arrangement or configuration). Each battery cell may have a positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal, and may be circular, prismatic, or pouch-shaped depending on the shape of the battery. In this specification, a battery cell may also be referred to as a secondary battery, a battery, or a cell.

[0055] In a battery pack, a single cell stack may constitute a stacked module instead of a battery module. The single cell stack may be accommodated in an accommodation space of a pack case, or may be accommodated in an accommodation space partitioned by a frame, a partition wall, or the like.

[0056] The battery cell may generate a large amount of heat during charging / discharging. The generated heat may accumulate in the battery cell, thereby accelerating the degradation of the battery cell. Therefore, the battery pack may further include a cooling member to remove the generated heat, thereby suppressing the degradation of the battery cell. The cooling member may be provided at the bottom of the accommodation space where the battery cell is provided, but is not limited thereto, and may be provided at the top or side depending on the battery pack.

[0057] The battery cell can be configured so that the exhaust gas generated inside the battery cell under abnormal operating conditions (also known as thermal runaway or thermal events) is discharged to the outside of the battery cell. The battery pack or battery module can include an exhaust port for discharging the exhaust gas to prevent or reduce damage to the battery pack or module by the exhaust gas.

[0058] The battery pack may include a battery and a battery management system (BMS) for managing the battery. The battery management system may include a detection device, a balancing device, and a control device. The battery module may include a plurality of cells connected in series and / or in parallel to each other. The battery modules may be connected in series and / or in parallel to each other.

[0059] The detection device can detect the state of the battery (e.g., voltage, current, temperature, etc.) to output state information indicating the state of the battery. The detection device can detect the voltage of each cell or each battery module constituting the battery. The detection device can detect the current flowing through each battery module constituting the battery module or battery pack. The detection device can also detect the temperature of the cell and / or module at at least one point of the battery and / or the ambient temperature.

[0060] The balancing device can perform balancing operations on the battery module and / or the monomers constituting the battery module. The control device can receive status information (e.g., voltage, current, temperature, etc.) of the battery module from the detection device. The control device can monitor and calculate the status of the battery module (e.g., voltage, current, temperature, state of charge (SOC), life (state of health (SOH)), etc.) based on the status information received from the detection device. In addition, based on the monitored status information, the control device can perform control functions (e.g., temperature control, balancing control, charge / discharge control, etc.) and protection functions (e.g., over-discharge, over-charging, over-current protection, short circuit, fire extinguishing function, etc.). In addition, the control device can perform wired or wireless communication functions with external devices of the battery pack (e.g., a higher-level controller or vehicle, charger, power conversion system, etc.).

[0061] The control device can control the charging / discharging operation and the protection operation of the battery. To this end, the control device can include a charging / discharging control unit, a balancing control unit and / or a protection unit.

[0062] A battery management system is a system that monitors the battery status and performs diagnostic and control functions, communication functions, and protection functions, and can calculate the charge / discharge status, calculate the battery life or state of health (SOH), cut off battery power when necessary (e.g., relay control), control thermal management (e.g., cooling, heating, etc.), perform high-voltage interlock functions, and / or can detect and / or calculate insulation and short circuit conditions.

[0063] The relay may be a mechanical contactor or a semiconductor switch such as a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) that is opened and closed by the magnetic force of a coil.

[0064] The relay control has a function of cutting off the power supply from the battery if a problem occurs in the vehicle and the battery system, and may include one or more relays and pre-charge relays at the positive terminal and the negative terminal, respectively.

[0065] In pre-charge control, there is a risk of inrush current in the high-voltage capacitor on the inverter input side when the battery load is connected. Therefore, in order to prevent inrush current when starting the vehicle, the pre-charge relay can be operated before the main relay is connected, and the pre-charge resistor can be connected.

[0066] The high voltage interlock is a circuit that uses a small signal to detect whether all high voltage parts of the entire vehicle system are connected, and can have the function of forcibly disconnecting the relay if an open circuit occurs at even one position on the entire circuit (or when an open circuit occurs at even one position on the entire circuit).

[0067] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a battery module according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line III-III; Figure 4 yes Figure 3 An enlarged view of part IV; Figure 5 yes Figure 3 An enlarged view of part V; Figure 6 yes Figure 2 A perspective view of a plurality of battery modules; Figure 7 yes Figure 2 A perspective view of an insulation sheet in which a portion of the insulation sheet is separated and lifted along a cutting line.

[0068] Reference Figures 1 to 7 , the battery module 100A according to the first embodiment includes a plurality of battery cells 101 and an insulating sheet 160A. The battery cells 101 serve as a unit structure that supplies and stores power in the battery module 100A.

[0069] Although not shown in the drawings, the battery cell 101 may be exemplified as a prismatic secondary battery in which an electrode assembly (not shown) is provided to charge and discharge a preset amount of electricity, in which the positive electrode plate (not shown) and the negative electrode plate (not shown) are disposed on opposite sides of a separator (not shown).

[0070] The battery cell 101 may include a cell body 102, a pair of terminals 107, and a vent 106. The cell body 102 may have a parallelepiped shape having a thickness in the first direction that is smaller than a height in the third direction and a width in the second direction. A plurality of battery cells 101 may be arranged in a row parallel to the thickness direction thereof (ie, in the first direction).

[0071] In the following embodiments, for example, the first direction will be described as the front-rear direction, the second direction will be described as the left-right direction, and the third direction will be described as the up-down direction. However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications are possible.

[0072] One of the pair of terminals 107 may be a positive electrode and the other may be a negative electrode. The pair of terminals 107 may protrude from the first surface 103 of the monomer body 102. In the following embodiment, by way of example, the first surface is described as the upper surface of the monomer body 102. However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited thereto and various modifications are possible.

[0073] The pair of terminals 107 may be spaced apart from each other and respectively disposed at opposite ends of the cell body 102 in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction and the third direction.

[0074] The exhaust port 106 may be formed on the first surface 103 of the cell body 102 to be disposed between the pair of terminals 107. Gas generated inside the battery cell 101 (i.e., inside the cell body 102) may be released to the outside through the exhaust port 106. Although not shown in the drawings, the battery cell 101 may further include an electrode assembly received in the cell body 102 and a cap plate closing the first surface 103 to prevent substances such as electrolytes from leaking from the battery cell.

[0075] The insulating sheet 160A is a plate-shaped member formed of an insulating material. The insulating sheet 160A includes a middle portion 162 covering the first surfaces 103 of the plurality of battery cells 101 arranged in the first direction. The middle portion 162 may be formed with a plurality of cutting lines 170 extending in the second direction.

[0076] Each of the plurality of cutting lines 170 may be disposed to overlap a boundary line 112 between a pair of adjacent battery cells 101 among the plurality of battery cells 101. Each boundary line between adjacent pairs of battery cells 101 may be identified as a first surface boundary line 112 visible from the top of the plurality of battery cells 101, a second surface boundary line 113 visible from one side of the plurality of battery cells 101, and a third surface boundary line (not shown) visible from the bottom of the plurality of battery cells 101.

[0077] In the following embodiments, for example, the second surface will be described as the left or right side of the single body 102, and the third surface will be described as the lower surface of the single body 102. However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications are possible.

[0078] Specifically, among the first surface boundary line 112, the second surface boundary line 113, and the third surface boundary line, the cutting line 170 formed in the middle portion 162 may be disposed to overlap the first surface boundary line 112 in the up / down direction. The number of the cutting lines 170 formed in the middle portion 162 may be one less than the number of the plurality of battery cells 101 arranged in the first direction.

[0079] Each cutting line 170 may include a plurality of through holes 172 formed through the middle portion 162 in the thickness direction of the middle portion 162 and spaced apart from each other along a straight line extending in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction and the third direction. The length of each through hole 172 in the second direction may be greater than the distance between an adjacent pair of through holes 172.

[0080] The insulating sheet 160A may be formed with a plurality of terminal holes 165 and a plurality of vent holes 167. The plurality of terminal holes 165 may be formed through the middle portion 162 in the thickness direction to align one-to-one with the plurality of terminals 107 in the third direction, thereby exposing the plurality of terminals 107 of the plurality of battery cells 101 therethrough.

[0081] A plurality of vent holes 167 may be formed through the middle portion 162 in a thickness direction thereof to be aligned one-to-one with the plurality of vent ports 106 in the third direction, thereby exposing the plurality of vent ports 106 of the plurality of battery cells 101 therethrough.

[0082] The battery module 100A may further include a front frame 120, a rear frame 125, a pair of side plates 130, a bottom plate 137, and a bracket 140. The front frame 120 may be disposed in front of the plurality of battery cells 101 to shield the front side of the battery cell positioned most forward among the plurality of battery cells 101 arranged in the first direction.

[0083] The rear frame 125 may be disposed behind the plurality of battery cells 101 to shield a rear side of the battery cell 101 positioned rearwardly among the plurality of battery cells 101 arranged in the first direction.

[0084] The pair of side plates 130 may be disposed to face opposite sides (i.e., second surfaces 104) of the plurality of battery cells 101 in the second direction while respectively shielding the second surfaces 104 of the plurality of battery cells 101. The pair of side plates 130 may be respectively coupled at front ends 132 thereof to opposite sides 122 of the front frame 120 in the second direction by, for example, welding, deposition of an adhesive, or the like.

[0085] The pair of side plates 130 may be coupled at rear ends 133 thereof to opposite sides 127 of the rear frame 125 in the second direction by, for example, welding, deposition of an adhesive, or the like.

[0086] The bottom plate 137 may shield the third surfaces of the plurality of battery cells 101 while supporting the third surfaces of the plurality of battery cells 101. The pair of side plates 130 may be coupled at their lower ends 134 to opposite ends of the bottom plate 137 in the second direction by, for example, welding, deposition of an adhesive, or the like.

[0087] The plurality of battery cells 101 included in the battery module 100A may be received in an inner space defined by the front frame 120 , the rear frame 125 , the bottom plate 137 , and the pair of side plates 130 .

[0088] The bracket 140 may be placed on the insulation sheet 160A to cover the middle portion 162 of the insulation sheet 160A. When the middle portion 162 is pressed in a lifted direction due to an abnormality in the plurality of battery cells 101, the bracket 140 may prevent the middle portion 162 from being lifted to the first side.

[0089] The bracket 140 may include a bracket frame 141 and a top plate 150. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the first side is shown as an upper side by way of example. However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications are possible.

[0090] The support frame 141 may extend along a rectangular path like a window frame. The support frame 141 may include a lower plate 142, an upper plate 143, and a connecting wall 145. The lower plate 142 and the upper plate 143 may extend in a first direction. The upper plate 143 may be disposed above the lower plate 142 to be spaced apart from the lower plate 142. The connecting wall 145 connects the inner ends of the lower plate 142 and the upper plate 143 to each other and may extend in the first direction.

[0091] The lower plate 142, the upper plate 143 and the connecting wall 145 may define an elongated groove 146 in the bracket 140, and the elongated groove 146 is open on the opposite side thereof along the second direction and extends in the first direction. The top plate 150 may shield the terminal 107 and the insulating sheet 160A from being exposed. The outer periphery 151 of the top plate 150 may be bonded to the upper plate 143 by, for example, depositing an adhesive, so that the top plate 150 may be coupled to the bracket frame 141.

[0092] The support frame 141 may be provided with a front frame coupler 147 at a front end thereof and a rear frame coupler 148 at a rear end thereof. The front frame coupler 147 may be coupled to the front frame 120, and the rear frame coupler 148 may be coupled to the rear frame 125. Therefore, the support frame 140 may be fixedly coupled to the front frame 120 and the rear frame 125 at the front and rear ends thereof.

[0093] Each side plate 130 may include a bent upper end 135 that is bent and extends toward the inside of the battery cell 101. The bent upper end 135 may be inserted into the elongated groove 146 of the bracket frame 141 and may be in close contact with the upper surface of the lower plate 142. Therefore, the bracket 140 may be coupled to the pair of side plates 130 at the opposite sides thereof in the second direction so as not to be separated from the pair of side plates 130.

[0094] The opposite end of the bracket 140 in the second direction may be in close contact with the middle portion 162. Specifically, the lower surface of the lower plate 142 may be in close contact with the opposite side of the middle portion 162 of the insulating sheet 160A in the second direction. The other part of the middle portion 162 except its opposite end in the second direction may be spaced apart from the bracket 140.

[0095] For the above-mentioned battery module 100A, even if abnormal phenomena such as high temperature heating, gas generation, volume expansion, and spark generation occur in some of the multiple battery cells 101, the abnormal phenomenon can be suppressed from spreading to other nearby battery cells 101 by covering the insulating sheet 160A on the first surface 103 of the battery cell 101.

[0096] Because the bracket 140 including the bracket frame 141 in close contact with the opposite ends of the middle portion 162 in the second direction prevents the middle portion 162 from being lifted, the propagation and spread of fire and explosion in the battery module 100A can be delayed, thereby reducing damage to human life and property.

[0097] When an abnormality occurs in some battery cells 101 in the battery module 100A, only a portion 163 of the middle portion 162 is separated from the other portion of the insulating sheet 160A along the cutting line 170, and the portion 163 covers the battery cell 101 that has suffered the abnormality, and the other portion of the insulating sheet 160A that covers the other battery cells 101 that have not suffered the abnormality can keep covering the other battery cells 101. Therefore, the abnormality can be more effectively suppressed from spreading to other nearby battery cells 101.

[0098] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a battery module according to a second embodiment of the present invention, showing a bracket disassembled upward to be spaced apart from a front frame, a rear frame, and a pair of side plates; Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Fig.10 It is along Figure 8 A cross-sectional view taken along line XX of , showing a bracket coupled to the front frame, the rear frame and a pair of side panels; Fig.11 yes Fig.10 An enlarged view of part XI; Fig.12 yes Fig.10an enlarged view of part XII; Fig.13 yes Fig. 9 A perspective view of an insulation sheet in which a portion of the insulation sheet is separated and lifted along a cutting line.

[0099] Reference Figures 8 to 13 The battery module 100B according to the second embodiment includes a plurality of battery cells 101 and an insulating sheet 160B. Figures 1 to 7 The battery cells 101 in the illustrated battery module 100A of the first embodiment are identical and are denoted by the same reference numerals as the battery cells 101 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, repeated description of identical components will be omitted.

[0100] The insulating sheet 160B is a plate-shaped member formed of an insulating material and may include a middle portion 162 and a pair of side walls 180 .

[0101] The middle portion 162 may be formed of an insulating material. The middle portion 162 covers the first surfaces 103 of the plurality of battery cells 101 arranged in the first direction. The middle portion 162 may be formed with a plurality of cutting lines 170 extending in the second direction.

[0102] Each of the plurality of cutting lines 170 may be disposed to overlap a boundary line 112 (specifically, a first surface boundary line 112) between a pair of battery cells 101 adjacent to each other among the plurality of battery cells 101. The number of cutting lines 170 formed in the middle portion 162 may be one less than the number of the plurality of battery cells 101 arranged in the first direction.

[0103] Each cutting line 170 may include a plurality of through holes 172 formed through the middle portion 162 in the thickness direction of the middle portion 162 and spaced apart from each other along a straight line extending in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction and the third direction. The length of each through hole 172 in the second direction may be greater than the distance between an adjacent pair of through holes 172.

[0104] The insulating sheet 160B may be formed with a plurality of terminal holes 165 and a plurality of vent holes 167. The plurality of terminal holes 165 may be formed through the middle portion 162 in the thickness direction to align one-to-one with the plurality of terminals 107 in the third direction, thereby exposing the plurality of terminals 107 of the plurality of battery cells 101 therethrough.

[0105] A plurality of vent holes 167 may be formed through the middle portion 162 in a thickness direction thereof to be aligned one-to-one with the plurality of vent ports 106 in the third direction, thereby exposing the plurality of vent ports 106 of the plurality of battery cells 101 therethrough.

[0106] A pair of side walls 180 may extend downward from opposite ends of the middle portion 162 to cover a pair of second surfaces 104 of a plurality of battery cells 101 arranged in the first direction, wherein the pair of second surfaces 104 are provided in the second direction. The pair of side walls 180 may be formed of the same insulating material as the middle portion 162. The middle portion 162 and the pair of side walls 180 may be integrally molded or manufactured.

[0107] Each of the pair of side walls 180 may be formed with a plurality of separation slits 183 formed through the corresponding side wall 180 in a thickness direction of the side wall 180 and extending in a third direction orthogonal to the first and second directions.

[0108] Each of the separation slits 183 may be disposed to overlap a boundary line 113 (specifically, a second surface boundary line 113 ) between a pair of battery cells 101 adjacent to each other among the plurality of battery cells 101 in the second direction.

[0109] The cutting line 170 may be connected to the separation slit 183 at the opposite end of the middle portion 162 in the second direction. The separation slit 183 may be open to the lower end of the side wall 180. The number of separation slits 183 in each side wall 180 may be one less than the number of battery cells 101 arranged in the first direction.

[0110] Through this configuration, each side wall 180 may be divided into a plurality of side wall pieces 181, the number of which is equal to the number of the plurality of battery cells 101. The plurality of side wall pieces 181 belonging to one side wall 180 may be arranged in the first direction.

[0111] The pair of side walls 180 may be fixed to a pair of second surfaces 104 of the plurality of battery cells 101, wherein the second surfaces 104 are provided in the second direction. Specifically, the pair of second surfaces 104 of the plurality of battery cells 101 may be provided at their lower ends 105 (see Fig. 9 ) are bonded to the inner surfaces of the plurality of side wall members 181 by, for example, deposition of an adhesive.

[0112] The battery module 100B may further include a front frame 120, a rear frame 125, a pair of side plates 130, a bottom plate 137, and a bracket 140. The front frame 120, the rear frame 125, the pair of side plates 130, the bottom plate 137, and the bracket 140 are connected according to the embodiment of the present invention. Figures 1 to 7 Those of the battery module 100A of the first embodiment shown are the same and are denoted by the same reference numerals, and therefore, duplicate descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0113] However, in this embodiment, the pair of side plates 130 may be disposed to face the pair of side walls 180 so as to cover the pair of side walls 180 instead of directly facing the pair of second surfaces 104 of the plurality of battery cells 101 .

[0114] According to the second embodiment, since the spread of heat and flames through a pair of second surfaces 104 of the plurality of battery cells 101 is suppressed by the side wall 180 of the insulating sheet, the battery module 100B can further suppress the spread of abnormal phenomena, while further delaying the propagation and spread of fire and explosion compared to the battery module 100A according to the first embodiment.

[0115] When the side walls 180 of the insulating sheet 160B are fixed to the pair of second surfaces 104 of the plurality of battery cells 101, the insulating sheet 160B is fixed to the battery cells 101 with a stronger force than the insulating sheet 160A according to the first embodiment, and therefore, even in the case of an abnormal phenomenon in some of the plurality of battery cells 101, it is possible to more efficiently suppress the insulating sheet 160B from being lifted upward from the battery cells 101. Therefore, the propagation and spread of fire and explosion in the battery module 100B can be further delayed.

[0116] However, if an abnormality occurs in some of the battery cells 101 in the battery module 100B, only a portion 163 of the middle portion 162 is separated from the other portions of the insulating sheet 160A along the cutting line 170, and the portion 163 covers the battery cells 101 that have suffered the abnormality, and the other portions of the insulating sheet 160A that cover the other battery cells 101 that have not suffered the abnormality can continue to cover the other battery cells 101.

[0117] The portion 161 of the insulating sheet 160B separated along the cutting line 170 may include a section 163 in the middle portion 162 and a pair of sidewall members 181 extending from opposite ends of the section 163. Therefore, the spread of abnormal phenomena to other battery cells 101 may be more effectively suppressed.

[0118] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments and drawings showing aspects of the present invention, the present invention is not limited thereto. A person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains may make various modifications and variations within the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A battery module, comprising: A plurality of battery cells arranged in a first direction; as well as An insulating sheet is formed of an insulating material and includes a middle portion covering the first surface of the plurality of battery cells, the middle portion being formed with at least one cutting line extending in a second direction. 2 . The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the cutting line comprises a plurality of through holes formed through the middle portion in a thickness direction of the middle portion and spaced apart from each other along a straight line extending in the second direction. 3 . The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the cutting line is disposed to overlap a boundary line between a pair of adjacent battery cells among the plurality of battery cells. 4 . The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein each of the battery cells includes a terminal formed on the first surface of the battery cell, and a terminal hole is formed through the middle portion in a thickness direction of the middle portion to expose each of the terminals through the middle portion.

5. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein each of the battery cells is formed with an exhaust port on the first surface of the battery cell, the gas generated inside the battery cell is released through the exhaust port, and the exhaust hole is formed through the middle part in the thickness direction of the middle part to expose the exhaust port through the middle part.

6. The battery module according to claim 1, further comprising: A bracket covers the middle portion to prevent the middle portion from being lifted to the first side. 7 . The battery module according to claim 6 , wherein opposite ends of the bracket in the second direction are in close contact with the middle portion.

8. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the insulating sheet further comprises a pair of side walls formed of an insulating material and extending downward from opposite ends of the middle portion in the second direction to cover a pair of second surfaces of the plurality of battery cells in the second direction. 9 . The battery module according to claim 8 , wherein the pair of side walls are respectively fixed to the pair of second surfaces of the battery cell. 10 . The battery module according to claim 8 , wherein each of the pair of side walls is formed with at least one separation slit formed through the side wall in a thickness direction of the side wall and extending in a third direction. 11 . The battery module according to claim 10 , wherein the separation slit is disposed to overlap a boundary line between a pair of adjacent battery cells among the plurality of battery cells. 12 . The battery module according to claim 11 , wherein the cutting line and the separation slit are connected to each other at the opposite ends of the middle portion. 13 . The battery module according to claim 11 , wherein the separation slit is open to a lower end of the side wall. 14 . The battery module according to claim 11 , wherein the separation slit extends from each of the opposite ends of the middle portion to a lower end of the side wall.

15. The battery module according to claim 8, further comprising: a pair of side panels facing the pair of side walls so as to cover the pair of side walls; as well as A bracket covers the middle portion and is coupled to the pair of side plates at opposite ends thereof in the second direction.

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