Battery module with improved exhaust structure

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery module in which a negative terminal and a positive terminal are provided on the top of the battery module. A battery cell included in the battery module is configured such that both a negative electrode lead and a positive electrode lead protrude toward one side of the battery cell in the width direction. And a battery cell stack formed by stacking a plurality of battery cells is connected to the negative terminal and the positive terminal through a single plate-shaped bus bar frame provided above the battery cell stack. At this time, an end plate covering the front and rear surfaces of a case of the battery module is integrally formed with a top plate covering the top or a U-shaped frame covering the bottom and side surfaces. Accordingly, even in the case of ignition, the end plate of the battery module according to the present invention does not fall off, so that flame does not spread to other battery modules positioned adjacent to the front and back thereof, and the negative and positive lead wires and the negative and positive terminals are provided on the top to cause upward exhaust.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0084568 filed on Jul. 8, 2022, and all contents disclosed in that patent application document are expressly incorporated herein.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery module with an improved exhaust structure. Specifically, the present invention relates to a battery module with an improved structure capable of exhausting in an upward direction to prevent flames and heat from spreading to other adjacent battery modules in a front-to-rear direction or a left-to-right direction when ignited. Background Art

[0003] Secondary batteries, which are easy to apply according to product groups and have electrical characteristics such as high energy density, are widely used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles driven by electric drive sources and power storage devices. These secondary batteries are attracting attention as new energy sources for improving eco-friendliness and energy efficiency, not only because they have the main advantage of being able to significantly reduce the use of fossil fuels, but also because they do not produce any byproducts due to energy use.

[0004] Although small mobile devices use one, two or three battery cells per device, medium to large devices such as vehicles require high output and large capacity. Therefore, medium to large battery modules in which a plurality of battery cells are electrically connected are used.

[0005] Since medium to large battery modules need to be manufactured to be as small in size and weight as possible, rectangular batteries or pouch-type batteries that can be stacked with high integration and have a small weight capacity are mainly used as battery cells for medium to large battery modules.

[0006] Figure 1 and Figure 2 are a perspective view and an exploded perspective view showing a general battery module, respectively, and Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a single unit of a pouch-type battery cell constituting a general battery cell laminate. Figures 1 to 3 The battery module 1 may generally include: a housing 4, a battery cell laminate 2, a busbar frame 3 and a terminal 5, wherein the terminal 5 includes a positive terminal 5a and a negative terminal 5b.

[0007] The housing 4 may include: a U-shaped frame 41 having an open front end, an open rear end, and an open top; a pair of end plates 42, which cover the open front end and the open rear end, respectively; and a top plate 43, which covers the open top. The components of the housing 4 may then be joined to each other by a method such as welding to form the housing 4.

[0008] The battery cell laminate 2 may be formed by stacking a plurality of pouch-type battery cells 21, and each of the battery cells 21 may include a pouch 212 and an electrode assembly. The pouch 212 is a pouch sheet folded in half while accommodating the electrode assembly therein, wherein the electrode lead 211 protrudes outward from both sides thereof in the length direction X2 and has a melt-sealed sealing portion 213 provided at three sides except for the folded side. The electrode lead 211 may include a positive electrode lead 211a and a negative electrode lead 211b.

[0009] The bus bar frame 3 may be electrically connected to the electrode lead 211 and also electrically connected to the terminal 5. The terminal 5 may be exposed to the outside through a terminal exposure portion 51 provided at the end plate 42 and electrically connected to the outside.

[0010] In addition, there is a risk that the battery cell 21 may overheat and ignite due to a short circuit. When the battery cell 21 ignites, heat, flames, and exhaust gases generated by vaporization of the electrolyte charged in the battery cell 21 may be discharged from the battery cell 21. In the battery cell 21, the heat, flames, and exhaust gases are mainly discharged through the portion where the electrode lead 211 of the sealing portion 213 of the bag 212 protrudes therefrom, and in the battery module 1, the heat, flames, and exhaust gases are mainly discharged through the terminal exposure portion 51 that is provided at the end plate 42 and exposes the terminal 5, and the joint area between the end plate 42, the top plate 43, and the U-shaped frame.

[0011] Figure 4 and Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the transfer of heat energy and flame between battery modules. Figure 4 and Figure 5 , when heat, flames and exhaust gases are discharged from both ends of the battery module 1 in the length direction X1, there is a risk that a series ignition may occur due to the transmission caused by the transfer of heat energy to other adjacent battery modules 1 in the front-to-back direction X1. Since such a series ignition may occur particularly during an accident involving an electric vehicle, it is necessary to prevent such a series ignition. However, in a battery module 1 having a structure in which the electrode lead 211 protrudes along the length direction X2 of the battery cell 21 and the terminal 5 is therefore exposed at the end plate 42, the risk of such a chain ignition is greater. In addition, when the end plate 42 falls off from the housing 4 due to the increase in the internal pressure of the housing 4, the risk is exacerbated. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the structure of the battery module so that the discharge of heat, flames and exhaust gases is not directed to other adjacent battery modules. Summary of the invention

[0012] Technical issues

[0013] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, an object of the present invention is to provide a battery module having an improved structure in which heat, flames, and exhaust gas generated during ignition of battery cells are discharged toward an upward direction.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery module having a case having a structure in which an end plate does not fall off the case despite an increase in the internal pressure of the case due to ignition of a battery cell.

[0015] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a structure of a battery module in which space utilization is improved and the occupied volume is small compared to the capacity.

[0016] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery pack, the battery pack including the battery module having the above-mentioned improved structure.

[0017] The aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to the above description, and other aspects and advantages not mentioned above can be clearly understood from the following description, and can be more clearly understood from the embodiments described herein. In addition, the aspects and advantages of the present disclosure can be realized via the means described in the attached claims and their combinations.

[0018] Technical Solution

[0019] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a battery module structure in which a terminal protrudes in an upward direction.

[0020] The battery module may include a case, a battery cell laminate, a bus bar frame, and terminals.

[0021] The housing may include a U-shaped frame having an open top, an open front end, and an open rear end, a pair of end plates covering the open front end and the open rear end, and a top plate covering the open top.

[0022] The U-shaped frame can be made of metal material. However, the U-shaped frame can be made of any other material.

[0023] The U-shaped frame can be manufactured by subjecting a single metal plate to plastic deformation by a press. Alternatively, the U-shaped frame can be manufactured by joining side walls and a bottom plate.

[0024] The end plate may be integrally formed with the U-shaped frame as a box frame having an open top. Alternatively, the end plate and the top plate are integrally formed as a second U-shaped frame having an open bottom, an open front end, and an open rear end. As a result, the end plate may be prevented from falling off due to an increase in the internal pressure of the housing caused by ignition of the battery module. Here, the second U-shaped frame may be manufactured by subjecting a single metal plate to plastic deformation by a press.

[0025] The parts constituting the housing can be joined to each other to form a single housing. The joining can be achieved by welding or by various methods such as friction fit.

[0026] The battery cell laminate may be housed in a casing.

[0027] The battery cell laminate may be produced by stacking a plurality of battery cells in the height direction Z2.

[0028] The battery cell may include an electrode assembly, an electrode lead protruding from the electrode assembly, and a bag accommodating the electrode assembly therein and made of a bag sheet folded in half, wherein the electrode lead 211 protrudes outward and has a melt-sealed sealing portion 213 provided at three sides except the folded side.

[0029] The electrode leads may include a positive electrode lead and a negative electrode lead.

[0030] The electrode leads may protrude from both sides of the battery cell in the length direction X2, or may protrude from one side of the battery cell in the width direction Y2. Preferably, both the positive and negative electrode leads may protrude from one side of the battery cell in the width direction.

[0031] The battery cell laminate may be housed in a housing with one side of the battery cell in the width direction facing upward. Therefore, when the battery cell ignites, heat, flames, and exhaust gas may be directed to be discharged in an upward direction toward the electrode lead protruding with a relatively weak seal.

[0032] The electrode leads may be electrically connected to the bus bar frame. Electrode leads having the same polarity may be connected to the bus bar frame, or electrode leads having different polarities may be connected to the bus bar frame.

[0033] When the electrode leads protrude from both sides of the battery cell in the length direction, the bus bar frame may have a plate shape interposed between the battery cell laminate and a pair of end plates. Alternatively, when the electrode leads protrude from one side of the battery cell in the width direction, the bus bar frame may have a plate shape interposed between the battery cell laminate and the top plate.

[0034] The busbar frame may be electrically connected to the terminal. Here, the terminal may include a positive terminal and a negative terminal, and accordingly, a portion of the busbar frame may be connected to the positive terminal, and another portion thereof may be connected to the negative terminal.

[0035] A portion of the busbar frame connected to the electrode lead and the terminal may be made of metal, and the remaining portion may be made of synthetic resin. The synthetic resin may include a flame retardant synthetic resin.

[0036] The terminal can be exposed to the outside of the housing through a terminal exposure portion provided at the top plate of the housing and opened in an upward direction. Since the terminal exposure portion is directed upward, heat, flames and exhaust gas can be directed to be discharged in an upward direction in the event of ignition of the battery module.

[0037] The above technical solution may also be applied to a battery pack including the battery module and a vehicle including the battery pack.

[0038] Beneficial Effects

[0039] The present invention can provide a battery module having an improved structure in which heat, flame, and exhaust gas generated in the event of ignition of a battery cell are exhausted toward the upward direction through terminals and terminal exposure portions facing the upward direction.

[0040] In another aspect, the present invention may provide a battery module having an improved structure in which exhaust occurs in an upward direction through electrode leads protruding in the upward direction.

[0041] According to another effect of the present invention, a battery module is provided, which includes a shell with an improved structure, wherein the end plate is prevented from falling off from the shell even though the internal pressure of the shell increases due to ignition of the battery cell by forming the end plate integrally with the top plate or the U-shaped frame.

[0042] According to still another effect of the present invention, there is provided a structure of a battery module in which space utilization is improved and the occupied volume is small compared to the capacity by electrode leads, busbar plates, and terminals facing upward rather than in the length direction.

[0043] In another aspect, the present invention may provide a battery pack including the above-mentioned battery module having an improved structure, and a vehicle including the battery pack.

[0044] In addition to the above-described effects, various other effects may be produced according to the present disclosure, and the description of the effects is provided with reference to each embodiment or the description of the effects that are easily predicted by a person of ordinary skill in the art is omitted, etc. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a general battery module.

[0046] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a general battery module.

[0047] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a single unit of a pouch-type battery cell constituting a general battery cell laminate.

[0048] Figure 4is a schematic diagram showing the transfer of heat energy and flame between battery modules.

[0049] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the transfer of heat energy and flame between battery modules.

[0050] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a battery module in which a negative electrode terminal and a positive electrode terminal protrude above an upper surface of a case according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing a single unit of a pouch-type battery cell constituting a battery cell laminate included in a battery module in which a negative electrode lead and a positive electrode lead face in an upward direction according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view showing a battery module in which a negative electrode lead and a positive electrode lead face in an upward direction and a plate-shaped bus bar frame is interposed between a battery cell laminate and a top plate according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a battery module in which an end plate and a first U-shaped frame are integrally manufactured as a box frame according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Fig.10 is an exploded perspective view showing a battery module in which an end plate and a top plate are integrally manufactured as a second U-shaped frame according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Fig.11 is a schematic diagram showing a battery pack including a battery module according to the present invention.

[0056] Fig.12 It is shown that Fig.11 Schematic diagram of a vehicle with a battery pack. [Description of Reference Numerals]

[0057] 1: Battery module

[0058] 2: Battery cell laminates

[0059] 21: Battery cells

[0060] 211: Electrode lead

[0061] 211a: Positive lead

[0062] 211b: Negative lead

[0063] 212: bag

[0064] 213: Sealing part

[0065] 214: Electrode assembly

[0066] 3: Busbar frame

[0067] 4: Shell

[0068] 41: (First) U-shaped frame

[0069] 411: Bottom plate

[0070] 412: Sidewall

[0071] 42: End plate

[0072] 43: Top plate

[0073] 44: Box Frame

[0074] 45: Second U-shaped frame

[0075] 5: Terminal

[0076] 5a: Negative terminal

[0077] 5b: Positive terminal

[0078] 51: Terminal exposed part

[0079] P: Battery pack

[0080] V: Vehicle DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0081] The above aspects, features and advantages are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that a person skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs can easily embody the technical spirit of the present disclosure. In the present disclosure, if it is considered that the detailed description of the known technology about the subject matter of the present disclosure makes the gist of the present disclosure unnecessarily obscure, the detailed description is omitted. In the following, the preferred embodiments according to the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals may represent the same or similar parts.

[0082] The terms "first", "second", etc. are used herein only to distinguish one component from another component. Therefore, the components should not be limited by the terms. Of course, the first component can be the second component unless otherwise specified.

[0083] Throughout the present disclosure, unless explicitly stated otherwise, each component may be provided as a single component or as a plurality of components.

[0084] When any component is described as being “on (or below)” or “over (or under)” another component, any component may be directly on (or under) the other component, but additional components may be interposed between any component and the other component on (or under) the any component.

[0085] When any component is described as being “connected,” “coupled” or “linked” to another component, any component may be directly connected or coupled to the other component, but an additional component may be “interposed” between the two components, or the two components may be “connected,” “coupled” or “linked” through the additional component.

[0086] Unless expressly stated otherwise, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well. It should be understood that the terms "include" or "comprises" and the like as set forth herein are not to be interpreted as necessarily including all of the components or steps described, but may be interpreted as excluding some of the components or steps described, or may be interpreted as including additional components or steps.

[0087] Unless expressly stated otherwise, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well. It should be understood that the terms "include" or "comprises" and the like as set forth herein are not to be interpreted as necessarily including all of the components or steps described, but may be interpreted as excluding some of the components or steps described, or may be interpreted as including additional components or steps.

[0088] Throughout this disclosure, unless stated otherwise, as used herein, the phrase "A and / or B" may mean A, B, or A and B, and the phrase "C to D" may mean C or more and D or less.

[0089] For ease of description, in the following, with respect to the battery module, the direction passing through two end plates of the battery module and parallel to the bottom surface of the frame is referred to as the front-to-back direction or length direction X1, the direction perpendicular to the plane formed by each battery cell included in the battery cell laminate and parallel to the bottom surface of the frame is referred to as the left-right direction or width direction Y1, and the direction perpendicular to the bottom surface of the frame is referred to as the vertical direction or height direction Z1.

[0090] In addition, hereinafter, with respect to the battery cell, the direction penetrating the two electrode leads and parallel to the battery cell is referred to as the length direction X2, and the direction perpendicular to the length direction and parallel to the battery cell is referred to as the width direction Y2. The direction perpendicular to the battery cell is referred to as the normal direction or the height direction Z2.

[0091] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0092] Figure 1 and Figure 2 They are a perspective view and an exploded perspective view showing a general battery module. Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the battery module 1 may include: a housing 4 ; a battery cell laminate 2 ; a busbar frame 3 ; and a terminal 5 .

[0093] The housing 4 may include: a U-shaped frame 41 having an open front end, an open rear end, and an open top; a pair of end plates 42 covering the open front end and the open rear end, respectively; and a top plate 43 covering the open top.

[0094] The U-shaped frame 41 may be made of a metal material. However, the U-shaped frame 41 may be made of any material.

[0095] The U-shaped frame 41 can be manufactured by subjecting a single metal plate to plastic deformation by a press. Alternatively, the U-shaped frame 41 can be manufactured by joining the side wall 412 and the bottom plate 411 to each other. The joining can be achieved in various ways, such as welding, friction fit or bolt connection.

[0096] The end plates 42 and / or the top plate 43 may be made of a metal material. However, the end plates 42 and / or the top plate 43 may be made of any material.

[0097] The U-shaped frame 41, the end plates 42 and the top plate 43 may be joined to each other to form the housing 4. The joining may be achieved in various ways, such as welding, friction fit or bolting.

[0098] The battery cell laminate 2 may be formed by stacking a plurality of battery cells in the height direction Z2.

[0099] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a single unit of a pouch-type battery cell constituting a general battery cell laminate. Figure 3 The battery cell 21 may include an electrode assembly 214 , an electrode lead 211 protruding from the electrode assembly 214 , and a pouch 212 accommodating the electrode assembly 214 .

[0100] The bag 212 may be a bag sheet made of metal, which is folded into two halves along the axis in the length direction X2 and the electrode assembly 214 is inserted therebetween, wherein the electrode lead 211 protrudes outward and has a molten-sealed sealing portion 213 arranged on one side other than the folded side in the width direction and on both sides in the length direction.

[0101] The electrode lead 211 may include a positive electrode lead 211 a and a negative electrode lead 211 b .

[0102] The electrode leads 211 may protrude from both sides of the battery cell 21 in the length direction X2.

[0103] The battery cell laminate 2 may be housed in the case 4 with one side surface of the battery cells 21 in the width direction facing upward.

[0104] The electrode leads 211 may be electrically connected to the bus bar frame 3. Here, the electrode leads 211 having the same polarity may be connected to each other, or electrode leads having different polarities may be connected to each other.

[0105] The bus bar frame 3 may be electrically connected to the terminal 5 .

[0106] The terminal 5 may include a positive terminal 5a and a negative terminal 5b. Therefore, a portion of the busbar frame 3 may be connected to the positive terminal 5a, and another portion thereof may be connected to the negative terminal 5b.

[0107] The portion of the busbar frame 3 connected to the electrode lead 211 and the terminal 5 may be made of a conductive material such as metal, and the rest thereof may be made of a non-conductive material such as synthetic resin. For example, the rest of the busbar frame may be made of a flame-retardant synthetic resin.

[0108] The terminal 5 may be exposed to the outside through a terminal exposure portion 51 provided at a portion of the case 4 that opens to the outside. Here, the battery module 1 may be connected with other adjacent battery modules through the terminal 5.

[0109] Figure 4 and Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the transfer of heat energy and flame between battery modules. Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the battery module 1 may be arranged in such a manner that the end plate 42 of the battery module 1 and other battery modules disposed in front of or behind the battery module 1 face each other. When the battery cell 21 ignites, heat, flames, and exhaust gases are discharged, and as the heat, flames, and exhaust gases move toward other adjacent battery modules, the thermal energy of the battery module 1 is transferred to other adjacent battery modules, and series ignition may occur. In particular, when the electrode lead 211 protrudes in the length direction X2 of the battery cell 21, and the terminal 5 and the terminal exposure portion 51 are at the end of the battery module 1 in the length direction X1, there is a greater risk of series ignition as described above.

[0110] Accordingly, the present invention provides a structure of a battery module in which terminals and terminal exposed portions face in an upward direction.

[0111] [First embodiment]

[0112] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a battery module in which a negative electrode terminal and a positive electrode terminal protrude above an upper surface of a case according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6, the terminal 5 may be exposed in an upward direction through a terminal exposure portion 51 provided at the top plate 43 of the housing 4. The terminal exposure portion 51 and the terminal 5 may be provided at one end of the top plate 43 in the length direction and arranged in an aligned manner along the width direction of the housing.

[0113] Therefore, in the battery module according to the embodiment, when the battery module 1 is ignited, since the end plate 42 has no opening and the terminal exposure portion 51 faces the upward direction, when the battery module 1 is ignited, heat, flames, and exhaust gas can be directed toward the upward direction in which the terminal 5 and the terminal exposure portion 51 are provided, rather than being directed toward the end plate 42. Therefore, since the heat, flames, and exhaust gas are discharged in the upward direction rather than the front-rear direction, the risk of series ignition occurring by transferring heat energy to other adjacent battery modules can be reduced.

[0114] [Second embodiment]

[0115] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing a single unit of a pouch-type battery cell constituting a battery cell laminate included in a battery module in which a negative electrode lead and a positive electrode lead face in an upward direction according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 , both the positive electrode lead 211 a and the negative electrode lead 211 b of the electrode lead 211 may protrude from one side of the battery cell 21 in the width direction.

[0116] Therefore, in the battery cell according to the embodiment, in the sealing portion 213, when the internal pressure of the battery cell 21 increases due to the heat, flame and exhaust gas generated when the battery cell is ignited, the portion of the battery cell 21 at one side in the width direction where the electrode lead 211 protrudes is more easily released than other portions, so that the heat, flame and exhaust gas can be guided to be discharged from the inside of the battery cell toward one side of the battery cell 21 in the width direction.

[0117] Figure 8 The embodiment according to the present invention includes Figure 7 An exploded perspective view of a battery module having a battery cell and a plate-shaped bus bar frame interposed between a battery cell laminate and a top plate. Figure 8 The battery cell laminate 2 having the battery cells 21 stacked therein may be housed in the housing 4 with one side of the battery cells 21 in the width direction facing the upward direction. Therefore, the positive electrode lead 211a and the negative electrode lead 211b may be arranged in an aligned manner over the upper surface of the battery cell laminate 2 along the width direction Y1 of the battery module 1.

[0118] The busbar frame 3 may be interposed between the battery cell laminate 2 and the top plate 43. The portion of the busbar frame 3 electrically connected to the electrode lead 211 and the terminal 5 may be made of a conductive material such as a metal, and the rest thereof may have a plate shape and be made of a non-conductive material such as a synthetic resin. The synthetic resin may include a flame-retardant synthetic resin. Thus, the busbar frame 3 may be connected downward to the electrode lead 211 and upward to the terminal 5.

[0119] The terminal 5 may be exposed in an upward direction through a terminal exposure portion 51 provided at the top plate 43 of the housing 4. The terminal exposure portion 51 and the terminal 5 may be arranged, for example, at one end of the top plate 43 in the length direction and aligned in the width direction Y1.

[0120] Therefore, in the battery module according to the embodiment, since the relatively weak seal of the portion adjacent to the lead 211 among the seal portions 213 of the battery cells 21 is released, the heat, flame, and exhaust gas generated during the ignition of the battery cells 21 are guided and discharged in the upward direction protruding toward the electrode lead 211. In addition, the terminal 5 and the terminal exposure portion 51 are provided at the top plate 43 to face the upward direction, so that the heat, flame, and exhaust gas from the battery cells 21 are guided and discharged through the terminal exposure portion 51 in the upward direction of the battery module 1. When the heat, flame, and exhaust gas are discharged upward rather than forward and backward, the risk of series ignition caused by the transfer of heat energy to other adjacent battery modules can be reduced.

[0121] In addition, since the electrode lead 211 faces the upward direction, the two sides of the battery cell laminate 2 in the length direction are not provided with the electrode lead 211 and the busbar frame 3, and can be flat. Therefore, the space utilization of the battery module 1 can be maximized, and a battery module with a larger capacity relative to the volume can be provided.

[0122] [Third Embodiment]

[0123] Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing a battery module in which an end plate and a first U-shaped frame are integrally manufactured as a box frame according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 9 , in addition to the second embodiment, the end plate 42 and the U-shaped frame 41 may be integrally formed into a box frame 44 having an open top.

[0124] This structure is advantageous for application because the electrode lead 211, the busbar frame 3, and the terminal 5 are provided at the top plate 43 instead of the end plate 42. When the electrode lead 211, the busbar frame 3, and the terminal 5 are provided at the end plate 42 integrally formed with the U-shaped frame 41, it is difficult to assemble the battery cell laminate 2 having protrusions at both sides in the length direction thereof, the busbar frame 3, and the terminal 5 in the box frame 44 having only the top open. However, according to an embodiment, the battery cell laminate 2 has no protrusions at both sides in the length direction and the width direction thereof, and the busbar frame 3 and the terminal 5 can be accommodated in the box frame 44 as long as they are inserted downward into the box frame 44 having only the top open.

[0125] In the battery module according to the embodiment, this structure can reduce the risk of the end plate 42 falling off from the housing 4 at the time of ignition of the battery module 1, and also greatly reduce the risk of separation of the end plate 42 and the U-shaped frame 41 at the three sides thereof that are mutually engaged on both sides in the length direction due to the increase in the internal pressure of the housing 4. Therefore, the risk of series ignition caused by the heat, flame, and exhaust gas generated at the time of ignition of the battery module 1 being discharged to the end plate 42 can be reduced, and the heat, flame, and exhaust gas can be further guided to be discharged in the upward direction.

[0126] [Fourth Embodiment]

[0127] Fig.10 is an exploded perspective view showing a battery module in which an end plate and a top plate are integrally manufactured as a second U-shaped frame according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig.10 In addition to the second embodiment, the end plate 42 and the top plate 43 can be integrally formed into a U-shaped frame having an open front end, an open rear end, and an open bottom. Hereinafter, the U-shaped frame 41 is referred to as a first U-shaped frame 41, and the U-shaped frame integrally formed by the end plate 42 and the top plate 43 is referred to as a second U-shaped frame 45.

[0128] The second U-shaped frame 45 may be made of a metal material. However, the U-shaped frame 41 may be made of any material.

[0129] The second U-shaped frame 45 can be manufactured by subjecting a single metal plate to plastic deformation by a press. Alternatively, the second U-shaped frame 45 can be manufactured by joining the end plates 42 and the top plate 43. The joining can be completed by various methods, such as welding, friction fit or bolt connection.

[0130] In the battery module according to the embodiment, the above structure reduces the risk of the end plate 42 falling off from the housing 4 in the event of ignition of the battery module 1, and also significantly reduces the risk of separation of the joining area between the end plate 42 and the top plate 43 due to the increase in the internal pressure of the housing 4. Therefore, the risk of heat, flame, and exhaust gas generated in the event of discharge of the battery module 1 toward the end plate 42 causing series ignition in other adjacent battery modules is also reduced, and the heat, flame, and exhaust gas can be directed further toward the upward direction relative to the battery module 1.

[0131] Furthermore, when each of the first U-shaped frame 41 and the second U-shaped frame 45 is manufactured by subjecting a single metal plate to plastic deformation by a press, all components of the housing 4 can be provided by only two stamping processes, resulting in a manufacturing advantage.

[0132] Fig.11 and Fig.12 Schematic diagrams showing a battery pack including a battery module and a vehicle including the battery pack, respectively. Fig.11 and Fig.12 The present invention may provide a battery pack P including the battery module 1 and a vehicle V having the battery pack P mounted thereon. Since manufacturing methods of the battery pack P and the vehicle V such as those described above are known to those skilled in the art, description thereof is omitted herein.

[0133] It should be understood that the described embodiments are illustrative and not restrictive in all aspects, and the scope of the present invention will be indicated by the appended claims rather than the detailed description described. The meaning and scope of the claims to be described later and all changes and modifications derived from equivalent concepts should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the present invention.

[0134] The above describes the embodiments with reference to a plurality of illustrative embodiments. However, the embodiments are not limited to the embodiments and drawings set forth herein, and those skilled in the art may draw many other modifications and embodiments within the technical scope of the present disclosure. In addition, although not explicitly described in the description of the embodiments, the effects and predictable effects based on the configurations in the present disclosure will be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A battery module housed in a battery pack, wherein: A plurality of battery modules are connected to each other and arranged in parallel in a front-to-rear direction or a left-to-right direction, and the battery modules include: case; a battery cell laminate contained within the housing, the battery cell comprising stacked battery cells; a bus bar frame provided to an electrode lead in each of the stacked battery cells constituting the battery cell laminate; and A positive terminal and a negative terminal are electrically connected to the bus bar frame, each of the positive terminal and the negative terminal protruding above an upper surface of the case.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal are disposed in an aligned manner with each other in a width direction of the case along one end portion of the upper surface of the case in a length direction.

3. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the electrode leads includes a positive electrode lead and a negative electrode lead, The positive electrode lead and the negative electrode lead protrude from the battery cell toward one side in the width direction of the battery cell, and The battery cell laminate is accommodated in the case so that one side of the battery cell in the width direction faces in an upward direction.

4. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The bus bar frame has a plate shape and is interposed between the battery cell laminate and the upper surface of the case.

5. The battery module according to claim 4, wherein: The bus bar frame includes a flame retardant synthetic resin.

6. The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The housing comprises: a first U-shaped frame having a U-shape with an open top, an open front end, and an open rear end; a pair of end plates, the pair of end plates respectively covering the open front end and the open rear end of the first U-shaped frame; and A top plate covers the open top of the first U-shaped frame.

7. The battery module according to claim 6, wherein: The pair of end plates and the first U-shaped frame are integrally manufactured as a box frame having an open top.

8. The battery module according to claim 6, wherein: The pair of end plates and the top plate are integrally manufactured as a second U-shaped frame having an open bottom, an open front end, and an open rear end.

9. The battery module according to claim 8, wherein: Each of the first U-shaped frame and the second U-shaped frame is manufactured by subjecting a single metal plate to plastic deformation by a press.

10. The battery module according to claim 8, wherein: The first U-shaped frame and the second U-shaped frame are joined to each other by welding. 11 . A battery pack comprising the battery module according to claim 1 .

12. A vehicle comprising the battery pack according to claim 11.

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