Battery module

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a battery module. The battery module includes: a plurality of battery cells each including an openable ventilation portion on a first surface; the bus bar assembly is electrically connected with the plurality of battery units; a cover portion covering the plurality of battery cells and including a through hole in a region corresponding to the openable ventilation portion of a battery cell of the plurality of battery cells; and a cap portion covering the through hole and detachably coupled to the cover portion.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0152482 filed on November 7, 2023 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to battery modules and more particularly to battery modules having improved performance and stability. Background Art

[0003] A secondary battery is a battery that converts electrical energy into chemical energy and stores it so that it can be reused multiple times through charging and discharging. Secondary batteries have been widely used in various industries due to their economic and environmental characteristics. Specifically, among secondary batteries, lithium secondary batteries are widely used in industries including portable devices that require high-density energy.

[0004] The working principle of lithium secondary batteries is electrochemical redox reaction. In other words, the principle is to generate electricity through the movement of lithium ions and charge in the reverse process. In the case of lithium secondary batteries, the phenomenon that lithium ions in the anode escape from it and move to the cathode through the electrolyte and separator is called discharge. In addition, the reverse process of this phenomenon is called charging.

[0005] Gas may be generated inside a secondary battery during the charging and discharging process. When the gas is not discharged, it may cause an explosion of the secondary battery. Therefore, a battery structure that can efficiently discharge the gas is being actively studied. Summary of the invention

[0006] The problem that the present disclosure aims to solve is to provide a battery module with improved stability and performance.

[0007] Furthermore, another problem that the present disclosure aims to solve is to provide a battery module capable of efficiently exhausting gas.

[0008] Furthermore, the present disclosure can be widely applied in the fields of electric vehicles, battery charging stations, and green technologies such as solar power generation and wind power generation using batteries.

[0009] In addition, the battery cell of the present disclosure may be used in environmentally friendly electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and the like to prevent climate change by suppressing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

[0010] A battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a plurality of battery cells, each of which includes an openable ventilation portion on a first surface; a bus bar assembly that electrically connects the plurality of battery cells; a cover portion that covers the plurality of battery cells and includes through holes in areas corresponding to the openable ventilation portions of the battery cells among the plurality of battery cells; and a cap portion that covers the through holes and is detachably connected to the cover portion.

[0011] The plurality of battery cells may each include a body portion storing and supplying electric energy; and a tab portion protruding from the body portion, and the tab portion may protrude from a second surface different from the first surface.

[0012] The plurality of battery cells may be stacked in a first direction such that body portions of two adjacent battery cells among the plurality of battery cells face each other, and the first surface and the second surface may be perpendicular to the first direction in which the plurality of battery cells are stacked.

[0013] The cap portion may be detachably coupled to the cover portion by snap-fitting.

[0014] The cap portion may include a bottom portion covering the through hole and a support portion extending obliquely from the edge of the bottom, the cover portion may include a connecting portion formed by extending at least a portion of the edge of the through hole toward the cap portion, and the support portion may be connected to the connecting portion by the snap fit.

[0015] One of the coupling portion and the supporting portion may include an engaging portion including a hook shape. The other of the coupling portion and the supporting portion may include an accommodating portion including a concave groove or a through hole, and the engaging portion and the accommodating portion may be coupled to each other.

[0016] The coupling portion may include an engaging portion formed on an outer surface of the cover portion. The support portion may include an accommodating portion formed in a region corresponding to the engaging portion, and the engaging portion and the accommodating portion may be coupled to each other.

[0017] The receiving portion may include a penetration through one surface of the supporting portion.

[0018] At least one of the cap portion and the cover portion may include an elastomer.

[0019] The through hole may be a first through hole among a plurality of through holes, and the plurality of through holes may be formed in the same number as the plurality of battery cells.

[0020] The cap portion and the cover portion may be configured to be separated based on pressure of a space between the cover portion and the plurality of battery cells.

[0021] The cover may be detachably coupled to the bus bar assembly.

[0022] The cover may be coupled to the bus bar assembly by a snap fit.

[0023] The bus bar assembly may further include: a bus bar electrically connecting the plurality of battery cells, and a bus bar panel connected to the bus bar, and the cover may be coupled to an edge of the bus bar panel.

[0024] The busbar panel may include a fastening portion including a hook shape, at least a portion of which protrudes from an edge in a direction in which the plurality of battery cells are positioned. The cover may include an extension portion extending from an edge in a direction in which the busbar assembly is positioned, and the fastening portion may be coupled to the extension portion by the snap fit.

[0025] The battery module may further include a sensing portion for obtaining information about at least one battery cell among the plurality of battery cells, wherein the sensing portion is electrically connected to the busbar assembly and at least a portion of the sensing portion is positioned between the plurality of battery cells and the cover portion.

[0026] The sensing portion may include a first contact portion contacting the busbar assembly and a second contact portion contacting the busbar assembly, wherein the plurality of battery cells are interposed between the first contact portion and the second contact portion. The sensing portion may also include a connecting portion connecting the first contact portion and the second contact portion. The connecting portion may be positioned between the plurality of battery cells and the cover portion.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a battery cell may include a main body portion, a tongue portion, and an openable ventilation portion, wherein the main body portion is used to store and supply electrical energy, the tongue portion protrudes from the main body portion, the tongue portion is configured to be connected to a busbar assembly and protrude from a first surface of the main body portion, and the openable ventilation portion is located on a second surface of the main body portion, wherein the openable ventilation portion is configured to discharge gas generated in the battery cell.

[0028] The openable vent may comprise a lesser thickness than adjacent regions or a different material than adjacent regions.

[0029] The battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a battery module housing, a cover, and a plurality of caps, wherein the battery module housing is configured to accommodate a plurality of battery cells, the cover is configured to cover a space corresponding to the plurality of battery cells and includes a plurality of through holes, the plurality of caps cover the plurality of through holes and are detachably coupled to the cover. The plurality of caps and the cover may be configured to be separated based on the pressure of the space corresponding to the plurality of battery cells. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically illustrated.

[0031] Figure 3 A battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0032] Figure 4 A sensing portion and a bus bar assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are schematically shown.

[0033] Figure 5 and Figure 6 A cover portion and a cap portion according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are schematically shown.

[0034] Figure 7 and Figure 8 A cap portion according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0035] Fig. 9 and Fig.10 A cap portion according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0036] Fig.11 A bus bar assembly and a cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are schematically illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. This is merely illustrative, and the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described in an illustrative manner.

[0038] Specific terms used in this specification are only for convenience of explanation and are not intended to limit the described embodiments.

[0039] For example, expressions such as “same” and “are the same” and the like indicate not only a state of being strictly equal but also a state of being different in tolerance or degree of obtaining the same function.

[0040] For example, expressions indicating relative or absolute arrangement, such as "in a direction", "along a direction", "side by side", "vertically", "centering", "concentric" or "coaxial", etc., not only strictly indicate the arrangement but also indicate a state of relative displacement with tolerance or an angle or distance for obtaining the same function.

[0041] To illustrate the present disclosure, the following description may be based on a spatial orthogonal coordinate system in which the X, Y, and Z axes are orthogonal to each other. Each axis direction (X axis direction, Y axis direction, Z axis direction) refers to two directions in which each axis extends.

[0042] The X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction mentioned below are for explanation purposes so that the present disclosure can be clearly understood. Directions may be defined differently depending on where reference is placed.

[0043] The terms such as "first, second and third" etc. used before the components mentioned below are only to avoid confusion of the components they refer to, and are not related to the order, importance, master-slave relationship, etc. between the components. For example, an embodiment including only the second component but not the first component can also be implemented.

[0044] As used in this specification, a singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0045] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A battery module 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown, and Figure 3 A battery cell 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0046] The battery cell 100 described in this specification refers to a secondary battery that can be repeatedly used by charging and discharging electric energy. For example, it may refer to a lithium secondary battery or a lithium ion battery, but it is not limited thereto. As another example, it may refer to an all-solid-state battery.

[0047] The battery cell 100 may be classified into a pouch type secondary battery, a prismatic type secondary battery, or a cylindrical secondary battery according to the shape. Figure 3 In this specification, for convenience of explanation, a prismatic secondary battery is shown as an example, but the embodiments described herein are not limited thereto.

[0048] Meanwhile, the battery module 10 described in this specification refers to a battery assembly in which one or more batteries 100 are grouped and placed in a housing to protect the battery cells from external impact, heat, vibration, etc. and have high output and high capacity characteristics.

[0049] Reference Figure 1The battery module 10 according to the present disclosure includes: a plurality of battery cells 100, each battery cell including an openable ventilation portion 130 ( Figure 3 ); a busbar assembly 200 that electrically connects the plurality of battery cells 100; a cover portion 300 that covers the plurality of battery cells 100 and includes a through hole 310 formed by opening at least one area corresponding to the ventilation portion 130; and a cap portion 400 that covers the through hole 310 and is detachably coupled to the cover portion 300.

[0050] A plurality of battery cells 100 may be stacked in one direction. Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the battery cells 100 may be stacked along the Y direction. By doing so, the energy density of the battery module 10 may be improved by including a maximum number of battery cells 100 within a certain volume of the battery module 10 .

[0051] The plurality of battery cells 100 may each include a main body portion 110 for storing and supplying electric energy; and a tab portion 120 protruding from the main body portion 110. The main body portion may include a cathode and an anode. The cathode may include a cathode active material into which lithium ions may be inserted and extracted. The anode may include an anode active material into which lithium ions may be inserted and extracted. The battery cell 100 may also include a separator to prevent an electrical short circuit between the cathode and the anode and to generate an ion flow.

[0052] In an embodiment, the cathode, anode and separator may be stacked to form an electrode assembly. Depending on how the cathode, anode and separator are stacked, the electrode assembly may be classified into a stacking type, a winding type, a stacked folding type and a Z stacking type. The battery cell 100 of the present disclosure is not limited to any one stacking method and may include electrode assemblies stacked in various ways.

[0053] The cathode and the anode may include a current collector. The cathode may include a cathode current collector, and the anode may include an anode current collector. The current collector may include a known conductive material, limited to not causing a chemical reaction within the lithium secondary battery. For example, the current collector may include any one of stainless steel, nickel (Ni), aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), and alloys thereof, and may be provided in various forms including films, sheets, foils, etc.

[0054] The cathode and the anode may include active materials. The cathode may include a cathode active material, and the anode may include an anode active material. The cathode active material and the anode active material may each be a material into which lithium ions can be inserted and from which lithium ions can be extracted. For example, the cathode active material may be a lithium metal oxide, and the anode active material may be any one of a carbon-based material such as crystalline carbon, amorphous carbon, a carbon composite material, and carbon fiber, a lithium alloy, silicon (Si), and tin (Sn).

[0055] Additionally, the cathode and anode may also include binders and conductive materials to improve mechanical stability and electronic conductivity, respectively. The separator can be configured to prevent an electrical short circuit between the cathode and the anode and generate an ion flow. The type of separator is not specifically limited, but can include a porous polymer membrane. For example, the separator can include a porous polymer membrane or a porous nonwoven fabric.

[0056] The electrolyte may include an electrolyte solution. The electrolyte solution may be a non-aqueous electrolyte solution. The electrolyte solution may include a lithium salt and an organic solvent. The electrolyte solution may also include an additive. The additive may form a film on the cathode or anode through a chemical reaction inside the battery. For example, a cathode interface film may be formed on the cathode, and an anode interface film may be formed on the anode.

[0057] The tab portion 120 may be formed to protrude from the body portion 110. The tab portion 120 may electrically connect the body portion 110 to the outside. The tab portion 120 may include a cathode tab 120 connected to a cathode and an anode tab 120 connected to an anode.

[0058] The cathode tab 120 and the anode tab 120 may be provided on two opposite surfaces of the body portion 110, respectively. Figure 3 , the cathode tab 120 may be provided on one surface of the body portion 110 , and the anode tab 120 may be provided on another surface opposite to the one surface.

[0059] The battery cell 100 may include an openable vent 130 on one surface. The vent 130 may discharge gas inside the battery cell 100 to the outside. The vent 130 may be formed in one area of ​​the battery cell 100, and the inside of the battery cell 100 and the outside of the battery cell 100 may communicate with each other through the vent 130. In other words, gas may be discharged to the outside of the battery cell 100 through the vent 130.

[0060] When the gas is not discharged from the battery cell 100 and remains inside the battery cell 100, the internal pressure of the battery cell 100 increases, which may cause explosion or fire of the battery cell 100. Therefore, the vent 130 needs to be formed on one surface of the battery cell 100 to efficiently discharge the gas.

[0061] In an embodiment, the vent 130 may be opened when the internal pressure of the battery cell 100 increases. In other words, the battery cell 100 may have a closed vent 130 after being manufactured. The battery cell 100 may be repeatedly used when being charged and discharged, and the internal pressure of the battery cell 100 may increase due to the gas generated in the process. When the internal pressure reaches a critical point that the vent 130 cannot withstand, the vent 130 may be opened and the gas may be discharged.

[0062] In order to open the vent 130, the vent 130 may be formed to have a relatively weak rigidity compared to the adjacent area. For example, the thickness of the vent 130 may be thinner than the thickness of the adjacent area, or the vent 130 and the adjacent area may be made of different materials. Alternatively, a groove may be formed on the vent 130. Due to the groove, the vent can be more easily opened than the adjacent area by sensitively responding to the pressure. The vent 130 may not be limited to the above, and may be formed by a known method or have a known configuration.

[0063] In an embodiment, the vent portion 130 may be positioned in the body portion 110. The vent portion 130 may be formed on an outer surface of the body portion 110. The vent portion 130 may be positioned on a surface of the body portion 110 different from one surface where the tab portion 120 is positioned.

[0064] The plurality of battery cells 100 may be stacked in a direction such that the body portions 110 of two adjacent battery cells 100 face each other. The vent portion 130 and the tab portion 120 may each be positioned on one surface of the plurality of battery cells 100 formed perpendicular to the direction in which the plurality of battery cells 100 are stacked.

[0065] In other words, the vent 130 and the tab 120 may be formed on different surfaces of the battery cell 100. In addition, the surface on which the vent 130 is formed and the surface on which the tab 120 is formed may be formed to be perpendicular to each other. Preferably, the battery cells 100 may be stacked so that the vent 130 included in each of the plurality of battery cells 100 faces upward.

[0066] For example, refer to Figures 1 to 3The battery cells 100 may be stacked in the Y direction so that the main bodies 110 face each other. At this time, the vent 130 and the tab 120 may be formed on one surface of the main body 110 facing the X and Z directions respectively perpendicular to the stacking direction.

[0067] Finally, when a plurality of battery cells 100 are stacked, the tab portions 120 formed on the plurality of battery cells 100 may face the +X direction and the −X direction, and the vent portions 130 may face the +Z direction.

[0068] The battery module 10 of the present disclosure may further include a module case 20 accommodating the plurality of battery cells 100. The module case 20 may protect the plurality of battery cells 100 from external impact, heat or pressure. To this end, the module case 20 may include a material having high rigidity.

[0069] The module case 20 may include a support body 21. The support body 21 may support the plurality of battery cells 100. The support body 21 may provide an accommodation space for supporting the plurality of battery cells 100. In an embodiment, an accommodation space may be formed on the support body 21, and the plurality of battery cells 100 may be positioned in the accommodation space.

[0070] Two opposite edges of the support body 21 may be curved. The support body 21 may support lower surfaces of the plurality of battery cells 100 to cover the lower surfaces and both side surfaces of the plurality of battery cells 100, and may be curved in a direction in which the plurality of battery cells 100 are positioned.

[0071] Finally, the support body 21 may have an opening 25 opened upward due to its bent shape, and the plurality of battery cells 100 may be inserted into the opening 25 and accommodated in the support body 21 .

[0072] The module case 20 may further include a cover 22. The cover 22 may cover the plurality of battery cells 100. The cover 22 may be coupled with the support 21 to form one side surface of the accommodation space. The support 21 and the cover 22 may be coupled to form a hexahedral shape having an open front surface and a rear surface. Figure 1 The module case 20 may be formed in a hexahedral shape having open surfaces facing the +X direction and the −X direction, and it may accommodate the plurality of battery cells 100 therein.

[0073] The module case 20 may further include an end cap 23. The end cap 23 may close the front and rear surfaces of the module case 20. In other words, the module case 20 may be coupled with the support body 21, the cover body 22, and the end cap 23, thereby stably accommodating the plurality of battery cells 100 therein and protecting them from the outside.

[0074] In another embodiment, the module case 20 may include only the support bodies 21 positioned on both sides of the plurality of battery cells 100 along the direction (e.g., the Y direction) in which the battery cells 100 are stacked. In other words, the support bodies 21 may extend along the direction (e.g., the X direction) in which each tab portion protrudes, and may be positioned on both sides of the plurality of battery cells, respectively.

[0075] When the outer material of the battery cell is made of a material having high rigidity, the battery cell may be protected from external impact or pressure, and thus the energy density of the battery module may be improved by minimizing the module case.

[0076] The module case 20 is not limited to the above description, and may be manufactured by a known method, or a known configuration may be applied thereto.

[0077] Meanwhile, the battery module may further include an insulating cover 27. The insulating cover may be made of an insulating material to prevent accidental electrical connection between the battery cell and the outside. More specifically, the insulating cover 27 may cover each tab portion 120 of the plurality of battery cells. In an embodiment, the insulating cover 27 may be positioned on the surface where the tab portion of the battery cell is positioned. The insulating cover 27 may be positioned outside the busbar assembly.

[0078] The bus bar assembly 200 may electrically connect the plurality of battery cells 100. The plurality of battery cells 100 may be electrically connected to each other in series and / or in parallel. To this end, the bus bar assembly 200 may contact the tab portion 120 of each of the plurality of battery cells 100.

[0079] The bus bar assembly 200 may further include a bus bar 220 electrically connecting the plurality of battery cells 100 to a bus bar panel 210 connected to, and supporting the bus bar 220. The bus bar panel 210 may extend in a direction in which the plurality of battery cells 100 are stacked. The bus bar panel 210 may be formed of an insulating material.

[0080] The busbar 220 may be coupled to the busbar panel 210. There may be a plurality of busbars 220. The plurality of busbars 220 may each be connected to a battery cell 100 assembly in which a plurality of battery cells 100 are grouped in a preset number. In this way, a plurality of battery cells 100 may be electrically connected in series and / or in parallel.

[0081] In addition, the plurality of bus bars 220 may be spaced apart at regular intervals so as not to contact each other, and may be each coupled to the bus bar panel 210. Finally, referring to Figure 1 , the busbar panel 210 may extend along the Y direction, and the plurality of busbars 220 may be respectively coupled to the busbar panel 210 along the Y direction.

[0082] One surface of the bus bar panel 210 may face the plurality of battery cells 100 , and the plurality of bus bars 220 may be coupled to the other surface opposite to the one surface.

[0083] Figure 4 A sensing part 500 and a bus bar assembly 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are schematically shown.

[0084] The battery module 10 of the present disclosure may further include a sensing part 500. The sensing part 500 may obtain information about at least one battery cell 100 among the plurality of battery cells 100. The information about the battery cell 100 may mean electrical information about the battery cell 100. For example, the information about the battery cell 100 may be a voltage, a current, and a state of charge of the battery cell 100.

[0085] The battery module 10 of the present disclosure may further include a control unit (not shown). The control unit may control the battery cells 100 based on information about the battery cells 100. The control unit may control the battery cells 100 to maximize the performance of the battery module 10 and utilize it efficiently. For example, the control unit may control the charging and discharging of the battery cells 100, or adjust the voltage difference between the battery cells 100 through battery balancing.

[0086] In an embodiment, the control part may control the battery module 10 based on information obtained from the sensing part 500. The control part may be a battery management system.

[0087] Meanwhile, the sensing part 500 may be electrically connected to the bus bar assembly 200 to obtain information about the battery cell 100. In an embodiment, the sensing part 500 may be connected to each of the plurality of battery cells 100. To this end, the sensing part 500 may include a plurality of sensors 511 disposed along a direction in which the bus bar panel 210 extends.

[0088] In addition, at least a portion of the sensing part 500 may be positioned between the plurality of battery cells 100 and the cover part 300. By doing so, the sensing part 500 contacting each of the anode tab 120 and the cathode tab 120 may be connected to each other.

[0089] More specifically, refer to Figure 1 The sensing portion 500 may include two contact portions 510 and a connecting portion, wherein the two contact portions 510 are interposed between the plurality of battery cells 100 and contact the bus bar assembly 200 , and the connecting portion connects the two contact portions 510 .

[0090] Two bus bar assemblies 200 may be provided in contact with each of the cathode tabs 120 and the anode tabs 120 of the plurality of battery cells 100. Likewise, two contact portions 510 may be provided in contact with each of the two bus bar assemblies 200. Each contact portion 510 may extend in the Y direction.

[0091] Reference Figure 4 , the contact portion 510 may extend in the Y direction and be positioned on the top of the busbar panel 210. The contact portion 510 may further include a sensor 511 connected to the busbar 220. A plurality of sensors 511 may be provided to be connected to a plurality of busbars 220.

[0092] The connection portion 520 may connect the two contact portions 510. The connection portion 520 may be positioned between the plurality of battery cells 100 and the cover portion 300. The connection portion 520 may be a flexible plastic circuit board. The connection portion 520 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the battery cell 100. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The connection portion 520 may cover the upper surfaces of the plurality of battery cells 100 and may extend along the X direction.

[0093] One end of the connection portion 520 may be connected to one of the two contacts 510, and the other end may be connected to one of the remaining contacts 510. In this specification, the connection portion 520 and the two contacts 510 are described as different components, but the connection portion 520 and the two contacts 510 may be one integrated component.

[0094] The connection part 520 may be connected to the control part. In an embodiment, the control part may be mounted on the connection part 520, and a connector (not shown) for connecting to the control part may be mounted. In this way, information about the plurality of battery cells 100 may be transmitted to the control part, and the control unit may control the plurality of battery cells 100.

[0095] Figure 5 and Figure 6 The cover portion 300 and the cap portion 400 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are schematically illustrated.

[0096] The cover 300 covers the plurality of battery cells 100 and includes a through hole 310 formed by opening at least one of the regions corresponding to the vent 130. The cover 300 may cover the upper surfaces of the plurality of battery cells 100. The cover 300 may cover one surface of the battery cell 100 where the vent 130 is located. The cover 300 may be formed of an insulating material.

[0097] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6, the region of the cover 300 corresponding to the ventilation portion 130 may be penetrated. For example, the region of the cover 300 corresponding to the ventilation portion 130 may be penetrated along the Z direction.

[0098] The cover 300 may include a through hole 310 formed through an area. The through hole 310 may be formed in a circular, elliptical, polygonal shape, or a combination thereof. The gas discharged from the vent 130 may move through the through hole 310. The through hole 310 may prevent the accidental opening of the vent 130. When the through hole 310 is not present, the gas discharged from the vent 130 may be reflected by the cover 300 and pressurize the adjacent vents. However, the battery module 10 of the present disclosure is provided with a through hole 310 in the cover 300 to prevent the accidental opening of the vent.

[0099] The cover portion 300 may have a plurality of through holes 310. Preferably, the through holes 310 may be formed in the same number as the number of the battery cells 100. By doing so, the gas discharged from each battery cell 100 may be effectively discharged through the through holes 310 of the cover portion 300.

[0100] The cap part 400 may cover the through hole 310 and may be detachably coupled with the cap part 300. The through hole 310 may be covered by the cap part 400. The cap part 400 may prevent damage to the ventilation part 130 due to external impact or pressure.

[0101] The cap portion 400 and the cover portion 300 may be separated based on the pressure of the space between the cover portion 300 and the plurality of battery cells 100. After the vent portion 130 is opened, gas may remain in the space between the cover portion 300 and the plurality of battery cells 100. When the amount of retained gas increases, the pressure in the space may gradually increase, and when a critical pressure for opening the cap portion 400 is exceeded, the cap portion 400 may be separated from the cover portion 300.

[0102] In an embodiment, the cap portion 400 may be coupled with the cover portion 300 by snap-fitting. In this way, the cap portion 400 and the cover portion 300 may be repeatedly coupled and separated without being damaged.

[0103] The cover part 300 may include a coupling part 320 formed by extending at least a portion of an edge of the through hole 310 toward the cap part 400. Preferably, the coupling part 320 may be formed along the entire edge of the through hole 310.

[0104] The cap portion 400 may include a bottom portion 410 and a support portion 420, the bottom portion 410 covering the through hole 310, the support portion 420 extending obliquely from the edge of the bottom portion 410 to the bottom portion 410. The support portion 420 and the bottom portion 410 may be vertically connected. Although the support portion 420 and the bottom portion 410 are described as separate components, they may be manufactured as an integrated component by an injection molding method.

[0105] At least one of the cap part 400 and the cover part 300 may include an elastic body. The cap part 400 and the cover part 300 may be deformed within an elastic limit where damage such as breakage or cutting occurs. In this way, the cap part 400 and the cover part 300 may be detachably coupled without damage.

[0106] The support portion 420 may be coupled with the coupling portion 320 by snap-fitting. The cap portion 400 may move in a direction to cover the through hole 310 , and the support portion 420 may cover the outer surface 3201 of the coupling portion 320 .

[0107] In an embodiment, one of the coupling portion 320 and the supporting portion 420 may include a hook-shaped engaging portion 330 formed on one surface, and the other may include a hook-shaped engaging portion 330 and may include a receiving portion 430, at least a portion of one surface of the receiving portion 430 being formed as a groove or a through hole to fasten the engaging portion 330. The engaging portion 330 and the receiving portion 430 may be coupled and connected to each other.

[0108] The receiving portion 430 may be provided at a position corresponding to the engaging portion 330. When the cap portion 400 and the cover portion 300 are coupled, the engaging portion 330 and the receiving portion 430 need to be formed at positions facing each other so that the cap portion 400 and the cover portion 300 can be connected.

[0109] In other words, the hook-shaped engaging portion 330 may be formed on at least one of the coupling portion 320 and the supporting portion 420 to couple them to each other. The engaging portion 330 formed on each of the supporting portion 420 or the coupling portion 320 may protrude toward each other, and the receiving portion 430 may be recessed inwardly. By doing so, the hook-shaped engaging portion 330 may be coupled to the receiving portion 430.

[0110] In an embodiment, the coupling portion 320 may include a hook-shaped engaging portion 330 formed on the outer surface 3201, and the supporting portion 420 may include a receiving portion 430 formed corresponding to the engaging portion 330. At this time, the engaging portion 330 and the receiving portion 430 may be coupled to each other.

[0111] Figure 7 and Figure 8 A cap portion according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, and Fig. 9 and Fig.10A cap portion according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0112] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 , when at least a portion of one surface of the support portion 420 is recessed, the receiving portion 430 may be formed. In an embodiment, the support portion 420 may include an inner surface 4201 disposed to face the cover portion 300, and a portion of the inner surface may be recessed. A portion of the inner surface 4201 may be recessed and disposed in the form of a groove, or may be disposed in the form of a step.

[0113] More specifically, Figure 7 The cap portion 400 is shown viewed from the bottom, and Figure 8 The cap portion 400 is shown viewed from the top. Figure 7 and Figure 8 , the inner surface 4201 of the support portion 420 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be recessed to form a groove shape. A plurality of grooves may be provided. The groove may be recessed to a certain depth or greater so that the hook-shaped engaging portion 330 may be fixed. Preferably, the grooves may be provided on both surfaces of the inner surface 4201 to face each other.

[0114] at the same time, Fig. 9 FIG. 4 shows a cap portion 400a viewed from the bottom according to another embodiment, and Fig.10 The cap portion 400a is shown viewed from the top. Fig. 9 and Fig.10 , the accommodation portion 430a may be formed by penetrating one surface of the support portion 420a. The support portion 420a may extend from the edge of the bottom portion 410a toward the coupling portion 320. The accommodation portion 430a may be formed to penetrate the inner surface 4201a and the outer surface of the support portion 420a.

[0115] The hook-shaped engaging portion 330 may penetrate the receiving portion 430 a so that the supporting portion 420 a and the coupling portion 320 are stably connected.

[0116] The method of coupling the cover 300 and the cap 400 is not limited to the snap-fit ​​method, and they may be coupled by a known method that allows disassembly without damage. In addition, the cover 300 and the cap 400 may be formed in a known detachable configuration.

[0117] Fig.11 A bus bar assembly 200 and a cover 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are schematically illustrated.

[0118] The cover 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be detachably coupled to the bus bar assembly 200. Figure 1 and Fig.11, the bus bar assembly 200 may be positioned on both side surfaces of the plurality of battery cells 100 in the longitudinal direction, and the cover 300 may cover the upper portion of the plurality of battery cells 100. Both edges of the cover 300 may be connected to the bus bar assembly 200, respectively. In other words, the cover 300 may be coupled to one edge of the bus bar panel 210.

[0119] The cover 300 and the busbar assembly 200 can be detachably coupled so that they can be easily and quickly separated from each other without damage. Operations such as welding and adhesive application can be omitted, thereby improving manufacturing efficiency. Even when components are replaced after the battery module 10 is completed, they can be easily separated.

[0120] In an embodiment, the cover 300 may be coupled with the bus bar assembly 200 by snap fit. The bus bar panel 210 may include a hook-shaped fastening portion 211, at least a portion of which protrudes from one edge in a direction in which the plurality of battery cells 100 are positioned. The cover 300 may include an extension portion 340 extending from the edge in a direction in which the bus bar assembly 200 is positioned. The fastening portion 211 may be coupled with the extension portion 340 by snap fit, so that the cover 300 and the bus bar assembly 200 are connected.

[0121] Reference Fig.11 A hook-shaped fastening portion 211 may be formed on the upper portion of the busbar assembly 200. The fastening portion 211 may be formed in plurality. The plurality of fastening portions 211 may be arranged at preset intervals along the direction in which the busbar panel 210 extends. By doing so, the stability of the coupling of the cover 300 to the busbar panel 210 may be improved.

[0122] The extension portion 340 may extend along the length of the cover portion 300 from two opposite edges along the length of the cover portion 300. More specifically, the cover portion 300 may further include a body portion 350. The body portion 350 may be a region covering a plurality of battery cells 100, and as described above, a through hole may be formed in the body portion 350, and a coupling portion may be formed. The extension portion 340 may be a region extending from an edge of the body portion 350 to connect to the fastening portion 211.

[0123] The body portion 350 may be provided in a flat plate shape. The extension portion 340 may be formed to have a thickness thinner than the body portion 350. This is for insertion into the hook-shaped engagement portion 330. In this specification, the body portion 350 and the extension portion 340 are described as having different and separate structures, but in other embodiments, the body portion 350 and the extension portion 340 may be formed as an integrated component.

[0124] The present disclosure can be modified and implemented in various forms, and its scope is not limited to the embodiments described above. The above-mentioned contents are only examples of applying the principles of the present disclosure, and other features may be further included without departing from the scope of the embodiments according to the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A battery module, comprising: a plurality of battery cells, each battery cell comprising an openable vent on a first surface; a bus bar assembly, the bus bar assembly electrically connecting the plurality of battery cells; a cover portion covering the plurality of battery cells and including through holes in regions corresponding to openable vents of battery cells among the plurality of battery cells; and A cap portion covers the through hole and is detachably coupled to the cover portion.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the plurality of battery cells includes a main body portion storing and supplying electric energy and a tab portion protruding from the main body portion; and The tab portion protrudes from a second surface different from the first surface.

3. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein: The plurality of battery cells are stacked along a first direction so that main bodies of two adjacent battery cells among the plurality of battery cells face each other; and The first surface and the second surface are perpendicular to the first direction in which the plurality of battery cells are stacked.

4. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The cap portion is detachably coupled to the cover portion by snap-fitting.

5. The battery module according to claim 4, wherein: The cap portion includes a bottom portion covering the through hole and a support portion extending obliquely from an edge of the bottom portion; The cover portion includes a coupling portion formed by extending at least a portion of an edge of the through hole toward the cap portion; and The supporting portion is coupled to the coupling portion through the snap-fit.

6. The battery module according to claim 5, wherein: One of the coupling portion and the supporting portion includes an engaging portion, the engaging portion including a hook shape; The other of the coupling portion and the supporting portion includes a receiving portion including a concave groove or a through hole; and The engaging portion and the receiving portion are coupled to each other.

7. The battery module according to claim 6, wherein: The coupling portion includes the engaging portion, and the engaging portion is formed on an outer surface of the cover portion; The supporting portion includes the accommodating portion, and the accommodating portion is formed in a region corresponding to the engaging portion; and The engaging portion and the receiving portion are coupled to each other.

8. The battery module according to claim 7, wherein: The receiving portion includes a penetration through one surface of the support portion.

9. The battery module according to claim 5, wherein: At least one of the cap portion and the cover portion includes an elastic body.

10. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The through hole is a first through hole among a plurality of through holes, and the plurality of through holes are formed in the same number as the number of the plurality of battery cells.

11. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The cap portion and the cover portion are configured to be separated based on pressure of a space between the cover portion and the plurality of battery cells.

12. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The cover is detachably coupled to the bus bar assembly.

13. The battery module according to claim 12, wherein: The cover is detachably coupled to the bus bar assembly by snap-fitting.

14. The battery module according to claim 12, wherein: The busbar assembly further includes a busbar and a busbar panel, the busbar electrically connecting the plurality of battery cells, the busbar panel connected to the busbar and supporting the busbar; and The cover is coupled to an edge of the busbar panel.

15. The battery module according to claim 14, wherein: The busbar panel includes a fastening portion, the fastening portion includes a hook shape, at least a portion of the fastening portion protrudes from one edge in a direction in which the plurality of battery cells are positioned, The cover portion includes an extension portion extending from an edge in a direction in which the busbar assembly is positioned, and The fastening portion is coupled with the extending portion by the snap fit.

16. The battery module according to claim 1, further comprising a sensing unit configured to obtain information about at least one battery cell among the plurality of battery cells. in, The sensing portion is electrically connected to the bus bar assembly, and at least a portion of the sensing portion is positioned between the plurality of battery cells and the cover portion.

17. The battery module according to claim 16, wherein: The sensing unit comprises: a first contact portion contacting the bus bar assembly and a second contact portion contacting the bus bar assembly, wherein the plurality of battery cells are interposed between the first contact portion and the second contact portion; and A connecting portion connects the first contact portion and the second contact portion and is positioned between the plurality of battery cells and the cover portion.

18. A battery cell, comprising: A main body, the main body being used to store and supply electric energy; a tongue portion configured to be connected to the bus bar assembly and protruding from the first surface of the body portion; as well as An openable vent is located on the second surface of the main body, wherein the openable vent is configured to discharge gas generated in the battery cell.

19. The battery cell according to claim 18, wherein: The openable vent comprises a smaller thickness than adjacent regions or a different material than adjacent regions.

20. A battery module, comprising: a battery module housing configured to accommodate a plurality of battery cells; a cover portion configured to cover spaces corresponding to the plurality of battery cells and including a plurality of through holes; as well as a plurality of cap portions covering the plurality of through holes and detachably coupled to the cover portion, The plurality of cap portions and the cover portion are configured to be separated based on a pressure of the space corresponding to the plurality of battery cells.

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