Battery module

Abstract

A battery module is disclosed. A battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may comprise: a case having an open front side and provided with an internal space; a plurality of battery cells, wherein the plurality of battery cells are accommodated in the shell; the bus bar frame assembly is electrically connected with the plurality of battery cells and is positioned in front of the plurality of battery cells; an end cap coupled to a front opening of the housing; and an insulating cover located between the bus bar frame assembly and the end cover, and coupled with the bus bar frame assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery module.

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0096978 filed in Korea on Jul. 25, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] As the demand for portable electronic products such as notebook computers, camcorders, and portable phones grows rapidly, and the commercialization of robots, electric vehicles, and the like accelerates, research into high-performance secondary batteries that can be repeatedly charged and discharged is being actively conducted.

[0004] Currently, commercially available secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, lithium secondary batteries, etc. Among these secondary batteries, lithium secondary batteries have very little or no memory effect. Therefore, compared with nickel-based secondary batteries, lithium secondary batteries have attracted more attention due to their advantages such as convenient charging at any time, extremely low self-discharge rate and high energy density.

[0005] Lithium secondary batteries mainly include lithium-based oxides and carbon materials for positive electrode active materials and negative electrode active materials, respectively. Lithium secondary batteries include: an electrode assembly, which includes a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate coated with positive electrode active materials and negative electrode active materials, respectively, with a separator interposed between the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate; and a sealed package or battery case, which is used to contain the electrode assembly and the electrolyte.

[0006] Generally, lithium secondary batteries may be classified into can-type secondary batteries (an electrode assembly is included in a metal can) and pouch-type secondary batteries (an electrode assembly is included in a pouch of an aluminum laminate) according to the shape of a battery case.

[0007] In recent years, secondary batteries are widely used not only in small devices such as portable electronic devices, but also in medium and large devices such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS) for driving and energy storage. Multiple secondary batteries can be electrically connected and stored in a module housing to form a battery module. In addition, multiple battery modules can be connected to each other to form a battery pack.

[0008] However, if multiple secondary batteries (battery cells) or multiple battery modules are squeezed into a small space, they may be susceptible to thermal events. In particular, if an event such as thermal runaway occurs in one battery cell, high-temperature gases, flames, or heat may be generated. If these gases, flames, heat, etc. are transferred to other battery cells included in the same battery module, explosive chain reactions such as heat propagation may occur. Moreover, this chain reaction may not only cause accidents such as fire or explosion in the corresponding battery module, but may also cause fire or explosion in other battery modules.

[0009] Furthermore, in the case of a medium to large battery pack such as an electric vehicle, a large number of battery cells and battery modules are included in order to increase output and / or capacity, so the risk of a thermal chain reaction may be further increased. Furthermore, in the case where the battery pack is installed on an electric vehicle or the like, there may be a user such as a driver nearby. Therefore, if a thermal event occurring in a specific battery module is not properly controlled and a chain reaction occurs, it may cause not only significant property damage but also loss of life.

[0010] Additionally, if a thermal event occurs, it is very important to improve electrical safety by preventing current from leaking when the power of the battery cell shorts to adjacent components. Summary of the invention

[0011] Technical issues

[0012] The present disclosure is directed to addressing these and other issues.

[0013] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a battery module having improved electrical safety in the event of a thermal event.

[0014] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a battery module including a structure that can maintain an electrical insulation state between an end cap and a battery cell when a thermal event occurs.

[0015] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide a battery module that facilitates venting control when a thermal event occurs.

[0016] Technical Solution

[0017] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a battery module is provided, comprising: a shell having an open front side and providing an internal space; a plurality of battery cells accommodated in the shell; a bus bar frame assembly electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells and located on the front side of the plurality of battery cells; an end cover connected to the open front side of the shell; and an insulating cover located between the bus bar frame assembly and the end cover and connected to the bus bar frame assembly.

[0018] Furthermore, the insulating cover may include a mica material.

[0019] Furthermore, an exhaust hole may be provided in the upper surface of the housing.

[0020] In addition, the bus bar frame assembly may include: a frame body configured to cover the front side of the case; and a bus bar disposed on a front surface of the frame body and electrically connected to the battery cell, and the insulation cover may completely cover the front side of the bus bar.

[0021] Furthermore, the bus bar frame assembly may include a hook protruding forward, and the insulation cover may be coupled to the hook.

[0022] Furthermore, the insulation cover may include an insulation plate having a flat plate shape, and a hook groove formed inwardly from one edge of the insulation plate, and the hook may pass through the hook groove and be caught on a front surface of the insulation plate.

[0023] Furthermore, a receiving portion may be formed on a rear surface of the end cover, and at least a portion of the hook may be received in the receiving portion.

[0024] In addition, the battery module may further include a fastening member configured to couple the insulation cover to the bus bar frame assembly.

[0025] Furthermore, the end cap may be configured to support the insulating cover.

[0026] In addition, the end cover may include a first support portion protruding rearward, and the first support portion may cover one side of the insulation cover.

[0027] Furthermore, the insulation cover may include: an insulation plate having a flat plate shape; and a second support portion configured to protrude rearward from an edge of the insulation plate, and the first support portion may be configured to face the second support portion.

[0028] In addition, the battery module may further include an adhesive member disposed between the end cover and the insulating cover.

[0029] A battery pack according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include the battery module of the present disclosure.

[0030] A vehicle according to another aspect of the present disclosure may include the battery module of the present disclosure.

[0031] Beneficial Effects

[0032] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, electrical safety of a battery module may be improved.

[0033] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, exhaust control of a battery module may be facilitated. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, and together with the foregoing disclosure are used to provide a further understanding of the technical features of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure should not be interpreted as being limited to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 2 is an exploded view showing some components of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing an insulation cover of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 4 It shows the observation from different directions Figure 3 Figure 2.2 shows the insulating cover in Figure 2.

[0039] Figure 5 is an exploded view illustrating an insulation cover of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 6 is a diagram showing an insulating cover of a battery module after assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing an end cover of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 8 It shows the observation from different directions Figure 7 Figure 2. End caps in Figure 2.

[0043] Fig. 9 is an exploded view showing an end cover of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Fig.10 is a diagram showing an end cover of an assembled battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Fig.11 is schematically shown along Fig.10 FIG. 1 is a diagram of a portion of a cross-sectional structure taken along the cutting line AA′.

[0046] Fig.12 is schematically shown along Fig.10 FIG. 1 is a diagram of a portion of a cross-sectional structure taken along the cutting line BB′.

[0047] Fig.13 is schematically shown along Fig.10 FIG. 1 is a diagram of a portion of a cross-sectional structure taken along the cutting line CC'.

[0048] Fig.14 is schematically shown along Fig.10 FIG. 1 is a diagram of a portion of a cross-sectional structure taken along the cutting line DD′.

[0049] Fig.15 It is shown Fig.14 A graph of the changes during a thermal event.

[0050] Fig.16 is a diagram showing some components of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] Fig.17 is an exploded view showing some components of a battery module according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] Fig.18 It is shown Fig.14 FIG. 1 is a diagram of a modified example of . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] Hereinafter, the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before the description, it should be understood that the terms used in the specification and the appended claims should not be interpreted as limited to the general and dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted according to the meanings and concepts corresponding to the technical aspects of the present disclosure based on the principle that the inventor is allowed to appropriately define the terms for the best interpretation.

[0054] Therefore, the descriptions presented herein are only preferred examples for illustrative purposes, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, and it should be appreciated that other equivalents and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0055] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is an exploded view showing some components of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 and Figure 2 , a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a case 100 , a plurality of battery cells 200 , a bus bar frame assembly 300 , and an end cover 500 or an insulation cover 400 .

[0056] The housing 100 may include an upper housing 120 and a lower housing 110. The upper housing 120 and the lower housing 110 may be fastened, coupled, fixed or attached. The housing 100 may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The housing 100 may have a shape with a front side and a rear side open. The housing 100 may provide an internal space. In addition, the housing 100 may be integrally formed. The housing 100 may include a metal material.

[0057] A plurality of battery cells 200 may be accommodated in the housing 100. At this time, the battery cell 200 may refer to a secondary battery. The battery cell 200 may be a pouch-type secondary battery. A plurality of battery cells 200 may be stacked in the left-right direction. The battery cell 200 may include a main body 210 and an electrode lead 220 protruding from the main body 210 in the front-rear direction. The electrode lead 220 may be disposed at the front and rear sides of the main body 210, respectively.

[0058] The battery module may additionally include a barrier 600. The barrier 600 may be disposed between the plurality of battery cells 200. In addition, the barrier 600 may separate the plurality of battery cells 200. When a thermal event occurs, the barrier 600 may delay or prevent the spread of flames, heat, gas, sparks, etc.

[0059] The bus bar frame assembly 300 may be electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells 200. The bus bar frame assembly 300 may be provided in pairs. The bus bar frame assembly 300 may be provided at the front and rear sides of the plurality of battery cells 200, respectively. The paired bus bar frame assemblies 300 may be electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells 200, respectively.

[0060] The end caps 500 may be provided in pairs. The end caps 500 may be coupled, fastened or fixed to the open front side of the housing 100. In addition, the end caps 500 may be coupled, fastened or fixed to the open rear side of the housing 100. At this time, the end caps 500 and the housing 100 may be coupled by welding. The end caps 500 may include a metal material.

[0061] The insulation covers 400 may be provided in pairs. The insulation covers 400 may be located between the bus bar frame assembly 300 and the end cover 500. The insulation covers 400 in pairs may be coupled, fastened, attached or fixed to the bus bar frame assembly 300, respectively.

[0062] According to such a configuration of the present disclosure, the insulating cover 400 may be coupled with the bus bars 320 , 330 to electrically insulate the end cap 500 and the bus bar frame assembly 300 .

[0063] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the insulating cover 400 of the battery module according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include a mica material. At this time, the insulating cover 400 may be formed by processing a mica sheet at high temperature or high pressure. In addition, the insulating cover 400 may be formed by overlapping a plurality of mica sheets and then processing them at high temperature or high pressure. The insulating cover 400 may be configured to have high rigidity.

[0064] According to such a configuration of the present disclosure, even if a thermal event occurs, the insulating cover 400 can maintain its shape without melting or being damaged. Therefore, the insulating cover 400 can stably maintain the electrical insulation state of the bus bar frame assembly 300 and the end cover 500.

[0065] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the upper surface of the case 100 of the battery module according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may be provided with a vent hole 121. The vent hole 121 may be provided in the upper case 120. The vent hole 121 may be provided in plurality.

[0066] According to this configuration of the present disclosure, even if a thermal event occurs, the insulating cover 400 can prevent or block the exhaust gas or combustible particles from being ejected in the front-rear direction of the battery module. Therefore, the exhaust gas or combustible particles can be discharged upward through the exhaust hole 121. Therefore, the insulating cover 400 can contribute to exhaust control.

[0067] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing an insulation cover 400 of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 It shows the observation from different directions Figure 3 FIG. 4 is a diagram of an insulating cover 400. Figure 5 is an exploded view illustrating an insulation cover 400 of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 4 is a diagram showing an insulation cover 400 of a battery module after assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 3 to 6 , a bus bar frame assembly 300 of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a frame body 310 and bus bars 320 , 330 .

[0068] The frame body 310 may be located at the front side or rear side of the plurality of battery cells 200. In addition, the frame body 310 may cover the front side or rear side of the plurality of battery cells 200. The frame body 310 may be made of an electrically insulating material. For example, the frame body 310 may include a plastic material.

[0069] The bus bars 320 and 330 may be disposed on the frame body 310. The bus bars 320 and 330 may be placed, fixed, fastened, coupled or attached to the frame body 310. The bus bars 320 and 330 may be disposed on the front surface of the front frame body 310. In addition, the bus bars 320 and 330 may be disposed on the rear surface of the rear frame body 310. The bus bars 320 and 330 may be electrically or physically connected to the plurality of battery cells 200. The bus bars 320 and 330 may be coupled, fastened, attached or welded to the electrode leads 220 of the plurality of battery cells 200. At this time, the bus bars 320 and 330 may be used to collectively refer to the internal bus bars 320 and the terminal bus bars 330. The terminal bus bars 330 may output power from the battery module and receive external power. The terminal bus bars 330 may be electrically or physically connected to an external device. The terminal bus bars 330 may be disposed in pairs. The internal bus bar 320 may be located between the paired terminal bus bars 330. The internal bus bar 320 may be provided in plural.

[0070] The insulating cover 400 may cover the front side of the bus bars 320, 330 of the front bus bar frame assembly 300. Therefore, the bus bars 320, 330 of the front bus bar frame assembly 300 are not exposed to the outside. In addition, the insulating cover 400 may completely cover the rear side of the bus bars 320, 330 of the rear bus bar frame assembly 300. Therefore, the bus bars 320, 330 of the rear bus bar frame assembly 300 are not exposed to the outside.

[0071] According to such a configuration of the present disclosure, the insulating cover 400 can stably maintain electrical insulation of the bus bars 320 , 330 and the end cover 500 .

[0072] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described based on the front bus bar frame assembly 300, the insulation cover 400, and the end cover 500. Figures 3 to 6 , the bus bar frame assembly 300 of the battery module according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include a hook 211 protruding forward. The hook 211 may protrude from the frame body 310. The hook 211 may be made of the same material as the frame body 310. In addition, the hook 211 may be provided in plurality. The insulating cover 400 may be coupled, fastened or fixed to the hook 211. The insulating cover 400 may be coupled, fastened or fixed to a plurality of hooks 211.

[0073] According to this configuration of the present disclosure, the insulating cover 400 can be stably fixed in place. The insulating cover 400 may include a mica material having high rigidity, and the molding process of the insulating cover 400 may be very limited. For example, forming a hook on the insulating cover 400 may be very limited. In addition, if the end cover 500 is made of a metal material, the shape processing may also be very limited. For example, forming a hook on the end cover 500 may be very limited. Therefore, it may be desirable to form a hook 211 on the frame body 310 made of a material that is easy to mold. By forming the hook 211 on the frame body 310, the production efficiency and assembly performance of the battery module can be improved.

[0074] Reference Figures 3 to 6 , the insulating cover 400 of the battery module according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include an insulating plate 410 and a hook groove 411. The insulating plate 410 may have a flat plate shape. In addition, the insulating plate 410 may have a rectangular shape as a whole. The hook groove 411 may be formed inward from one edge of the insulating plate 410. The hook groove 411 may be formed to penetrate the insulating plate 410. The hook 211 may pass through the hook groove 411 and be stuck on the front surface of the insulating plate 410. The hook groove 411 may be provided in plurality. The hook groove 411 may be provided to correspond one to one with the hook 211. For example, four hook grooves 411 and four hooks 211 may be provided, and the hooks 211 may be provided on the upper side, lower side, left side, and right side of the frame body 310, respectively. The bus bars 320, 330 may be located between the respective hooks 211.

[0075] According to such a configuration of the present disclosure, the insulation cover 400 and the bus bar frame assembly 300 may be stably coupled.

[0076] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing an end cover 500 of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 It shows the observation from different directions Figure 7 FIG. 5A and 5B are diagrams of end cap 500. Fig. 9 is an exploded view showing an end cover 500 of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.10 is a diagram showing an end cap 500 of a battery module after assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 7 to 10 , the end cover 500 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include an end plate 510 having a flat plate shape.

[0077] The end cap 500 may include a first support portion 520 protruding from the rear surface of the end plate 510. In addition, the end cap 500 may include a receiving portion 511 formed on the rear surface. The receiving portion 511 may be formed inside the first support portion 520. The receiving portion 511 may be a groove. The receiving portion 511 may not penetrate the end cap 500. The receiving portion 511 may be provided in plurality. A plurality of receiving portions 511 may be provided in one-to-one correspondence with the hook 211. In addition, a plurality of receiving portions 511 may be positioned to correspond to the hook 211. When the end cap 500 and the housing 100 are coupled, at least a portion of the hook 211 may be accommodated or inserted into the receiving portion 511.

[0078] According to such a configuration of the present disclosure, the gap between the insulating cover 400 and the end cover 500 can be reduced. Alternatively, the insulating cover 400 and the end cover 500 can be in close contact. Therefore, the energy density of the battery module can be improved.

[0079] Conventionally, a through hole is formed in the end cover 500 and the insulating cover 400 is fixed to the through hole. Therefore, when a thermal event occurs, there is a risk that exhaust gas or combustible particles may be ejected through the through hole of the end cover 500.

[0080] At the same time, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, the end cover 500 has no through holes, so that even if a thermal event occurs, exhaust gas or combustible particles can be prevented from being ejected through the end cover 500. Therefore, the exhaust gas or combustible particles can be discharged upward through the exhaust hole 121. Therefore, the end cover 500 can contribute to exhaust control.

[0081] Fig.11 is schematically shown along Fig.10 FIG. 1 is a diagram of a portion of a cross-sectional structure taken along the cutting line AA′. Fig.12 is schematically shown along Fig.10 FIG. 1 is a diagram of a portion of a cross-sectional structure taken along the cutting line BB′. Fig.13 is schematically shown along Fig.10 FIG. 1 is a diagram of a portion of a cross-sectional structure taken along the cutting line CC'. Fig.14 is schematically shown along Fig.10 FIG. 1 is a diagram of a portion of a cross-sectional structure taken along the cutting line DD′. Fig.15 It is shown Fig.14 A graph of the changes during a thermal event.

[0082] Reference Figures 10 to 15 , the end cover 500 of the battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured to support the insulation cover 400. The end cover 500 may be in close contact with the insulation cover 400 or positioned close to the insulation cover 400.

[0083] According to this configuration of the present disclosure, when a thermal event occurs, the fastening, fixing, coupling and attachment structure of the insulating cover 400 and the busbar frame assembly 300 may be damaged. By supporting the insulating cover 400, the end cover 500 can support the position of the insulating cover 400 so that it does not deform. Therefore, the electrical and thermal safety of the battery module can be improved.

[0084] Reference Figures 10 to 15 , the end cover 500 of the battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first support portion 520 protruding backward. The first support portion 520 may extend along the periphery of the end cover 500. The first support portion 520 may cover the periphery, side or edge of the insulating cover 400. In addition, at least a portion of the hook 211 may be inserted into the receiving portion 511. The receiving portion 511 may be located on the inner side of the first support portion 520. Moreover, the hook 211 may be located on the inner side of the first support portion 520.

[0085] Reference Fig.15 When a thermal event occurs, the fastening, fixing, coupling and attachment structures of the insulating cover 400 and the busbar frame assembly 300 may be damaged due to the ejected exhaust gas (g) and combustible particles (f). In addition, when a thermal event occurs, the busbars 320, 330 may be separated from the frame body 310, and the busbars 320, 330 may move toward the end cover 500.

[0086] According to this configuration of the present disclosure, the first support portion 520 of the end plate 510 supports the insulation cover 400 so that the position of the insulation cover 400 is not deformed. Therefore, the insulation cover 400 can prevent the end cover 500 and the bus bars 320, 330 from contacting each other.

[0087] Reference Figures 10 to 15 The insulation cover 400 of the battery module according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include an insulation plate 410 having a flat plate shape and a second support portion 420 protruding backward from an edge of the insulation plate 410. The second support portion 420 may extend along the periphery of the insulation cover 400. The first support portion 520 of the end cover 500 may face the second support portion 420.

[0088] According to this configuration of the present disclosure, the portion of the end cap 500 supporting the insulation cover 400 may be enlarged. Alternatively, the contact area of ​​the end cap 500 with the insulation cover 400 may be enlarged. Therefore, the insulation cover 400 may be supported by the end cap 500 more stably.

[0089] Fig.16 is a diagram showing some components of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.16, the battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a fastening member b coupling the insulating cover 400 to the busbar frame assembly 300. The fastening member b may penetrate the insulating plate 410 of the insulating cover 400. In addition, the fastening member b may be fixed to the frame body 310. The fastening member b may include an electrically insulating material. Moreover, the fastening member b may be provided in plurality. The fastening member b may be provided on the upper side, the lower side, the left side, and the right side.

[0090] According to this configuration of the present disclosure, the insulating cover 400 can be stably coupled, fastened or fixed to the frame body 310. In addition, since the fastening member b has electrical insulation, even if the fastening member b is separated and moved due to a thermal event, electrical safety can be maintained.

[0091] Fig.17 is an exploded view showing some components of a battery module according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.18 It is shown Fig.14 Refer to the figure of the modified example. Fig.14 , Fig.17 and Fig.18 , the battery module according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure may further include an adhesive member 700 disposed between the end cover 500 and the insulating cover 400. The adhesive member 700 may fix the insulating cover 400 to the end cover 500. The adhesive member 700 may be disposed on the front surface of the insulating plate 410. Alternatively, the adhesive member 700 may be disposed on the rear surface of the end plate 510.

[0092] According to this configuration of the present disclosure, the portion of the end cap 500 supporting the insulating cover 400 may be enlarged. Alternatively, the bonding strength between the end cap 500 and the insulating cover 400 may be enhanced. Therefore, the insulating cover 400 may be more stably supported by the end cap 500.

[0093] The battery pack according to the present disclosure may include the battery module according to the present disclosure. In addition, the battery pack according to the present disclosure may include various other components in addition to the battery module according to the present disclosure, such as components of the battery pack known at the time of filing this application (such as BMS, bus bar, battery pack housing, relay, current sensor, etc.).

[0094] Meanwhile, a battery module and a battery pack may not be strictly distinguished terms, and in some cases, a battery module and a battery pack may have the same meaning. For example, a battery pack excluding a BMS may refer to a battery module. Moreover, considering the implementation of the battery module, when a battery module functions as a battery pack, the battery module may refer to a battery pack.

[0095] The vehicle according to the present disclosure may include the battery module according to the present disclosure described above. The battery module according to the present disclosure may be applied to vehicles such as electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles. In addition, the vehicle according to the present disclosure may include various other components included in the vehicle (such as a vehicle body, a motor, and a control device such as an ECU (electronic control unit)) in addition to the battery module.

[0096] Terms indicating directions, such as up, down, left, right, front, and rear, are used for convenience of description, but it is obvious to those skilled in the art that these terms may vary according to the positions of the elements described or the position of an observer.

[0097] The present disclosure has been described in detail. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, are given for illustrative purposes only, because those skilled in the art will clearly understand various changes and modifications within the scope of the present disclosure from the detailed description.

Claims

1. A battery module, comprising: a housing having an open front side and providing an interior space; a plurality of battery cells, the plurality of battery cells being accommodated in the housing; a bus bar frame assembly electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells and located at a front side of the plurality of battery cells; an end cap coupled to the open front side of the housing; as well as An insulating cover is located between the busbar frame assembly and the end cover and is coupled to the busbar frame assembly.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, in, The insulating cover includes a mica material.

3. The battery module according to claim 1, in, The housing has an exhaust hole provided in an upper surface thereof.

4. The battery module according to claim 1, in, The busbar frame assembly comprises: a frame body configured to cover a front side of the housing; and a bus bar disposed on a front surface of the frame body and electrically connected to the battery cell, Wherein, the insulation cover completely covers the front side of the busbar.

5. The battery module according to claim 1, in, The busbar frame assembly includes a hook protruding forward, and Wherein, the insulating cover is coupled to the hook.

6. The battery module according to claim 5, in, The insulating cover comprises: an insulating plate having a flat plate shape; and a hook groove formed inwardly from one edge of the insulating plate, The hook passes through the hook slot and is clamped on the front surface of the insulating plate.

7. The battery module according to claim 5, in, A receiving portion is formed on the rear surface of the end cover, and Wherein, at least a portion of the hook is accommodated in the accommodation portion.

8. The battery module according to claim 1, further comprising: A fastening member is configured to couple the insulation cover to the bus bar frame assembly.

9. The battery module according to claim 1, in, The end cap is configured to support the insulating cover.

10. The battery module according to claim 1, in, The end cover includes a first support portion protruding rearwardly, and Wherein, the first supporting portion covers one side of the insulating cover.

11. The battery module according to claim 10, in, The insulating cover comprises: an insulating plate having a flat plate shape; and a second support portion, the second support portion being configured to protrude rearward from an edge of the insulating plate, Wherein, the first supporting portion is configured to face the second supporting portion.

12. The battery module according to claim 1, further comprising: An adhesive member is disposed between the end cover and the insulating cover. 13 . A battery pack comprising the battery module according to claim 1 .

14. A vehicle comprising the battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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