Battery module

Abstract

A battery module is disclosed. A battery module according to one aspect of the present invention may comprise: a frame providing an internal space and having an open front side and a top plate in which a vent hole is formed; a plurality of battery cells accommodated in the internal space and arranged in a left-right direction; an end cap coupled to a front side of the frame; and a filling member which is filled between the plurality of battery cells and the end cap.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] This application is based on and claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0119905, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on September 8, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Art

[0003] With the rapid growth in the demand for portable electronic products (such as laptop computers, video cameras, and mobile phones) and the continuous expansion of the commercial scale of robots and electric vehicles, active research is being conducted on high-performance secondary batteries that can be repeatedly charged and discharged.

[0004] Currently, commercially available secondary batteries include, for example, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and lithium secondary batteries. Among them, lithium secondary batteries have attracted much attention due to their advantages over nickel-based secondary batteries. For example, the memory effect rarely occurs, they can be freely charged and discharged, the self-discharge rate is extremely low, and the energy density is high.

[0005] As lithium secondary batteries are attracting attention as an energy source for various electronic products, robots, and electric vehicles, extensive research is being carried out to improve the safety of these lithium secondary batteries. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical Problem

[0007] The present disclosure provides a battery module having improved electrical safety when a thermal event occurs in the battery module.

[0008] In addition, the present disclosure provides a battery module capable of discharging exhaust gas, combustible particles, and flames to the upper side of the battery module when a thermal event occurs in the battery module.

[0009] In addition, the present disclosure can provide a battery module including a structure capable of maintaining an electrically insulated state between an end cap and a battery cell when a thermal event occurs in the battery module.

[0010] In addition, the present disclosure provides a battery module having controllable exhaust when a thermal event occurs therein.

[0011] Technical Solution

[0012] In view of the foregoing, a battery module according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include: a frame including an internal space, an open front side, and a top plate in which exhaust holes are formed; a plurality of battery cells accommodated in the internal space and arranged in a left-right direction; an end cap coupled to the front side of the frame; and a filling material filled between the plurality of battery cells and the end cap.

[0013] The frame may further include a monitoring hole that exposes the filling material to the outside so that the filling material can be monitored from the outside.

[0014] The exhaust holes may expose the top surfaces of the plurality of battery cells.

[0015] Each of the plurality of battery cells may include a main body and a front stepped portion protruding forward from the main body, and the filling material may be filled to surround the front stepped portion.

[0016] Each of the plurality of battery cells may include a main body and an electrode lead protruding forward from the main body, and the filling material may be filled to surround the electrode lead.

[0017] The filling material may extend to at least partially cover the top surfaces of the plurality of battery cells.

[0018] The internal space may further include: a partition wall that divides the internal space and extends in a front-rear direction.

[0019] The partition wall and the frame may be integrally formed.

[0020] The frame may further include a bottom plate facing the top plate, and the partition wall interconnects the top plate and the bottom plate.

[0021] A plurality of exhaust holes may be provided, and each of the plurality of exhaust holes may be located in the space separated by the partition wall.

[0022] Each of the plurality of battery cells may include a main body and an electrode lead protruding forward from the main body, and the partition wall may protrude further forward than the main bodies of the plurality of battery cells.

[0023] The filling material may be filled to surround the front side of the partition wall.

[0024] The frame may include a front wall protruding inward from the top plate.

[0025] A battery pack according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the battery module according to the present disclosure.

[0026] A vehicle according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a battery module according to the present disclosure.

[0027] Beneficial effects

[0028] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the electrical safety of the battery module can be improved relative to a conventional battery module.

[0029] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the exhaust control of the battery module can be facilitated. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0030] The following drawings illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the detailed description to be described later, are used to further understand the technical idea of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure should not be construed as being limited to the content shown in the drawings.

[0031] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing Figure 1 the configuration of the battery module, with a part of the configuration disassembled.

[0033] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a frame of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 4 is Figure 3 a cross-sectional view of the frame.

[0035] Figure 5 is Figure 1 an enlarged perspective view of the battery module.

[0036] Figure 6 is a view of the battery module observed from the bottom side Figure 1 thereof.

[0037] Figure 7 is a view showing Figure 1 a part of the cross-sectional configuration taken along the cutting line A-A' in

[0038] Figure 8 is a view showing Figure 1 a part of the cross-sectional configuration taken along the cutting line B-B' in

[0039] Figure 9 and Figure 10 is a view showing Figure 1 a part of the cross-sectional configuration taken along the cutting line C-C' in

[0040] Figure 11 is a view showing a part of a cross-sectional configuration taken along a cutting line D-D' in Figure 1 .

[0041] Figure 12 is a diagram showing Figure 11 a modified example of an embodiment of

[0042] Figure 13 is a perspective view showing a frame of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 14 is a view showing a part of a configuration of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] In some of the drawings, the same reference numerals are given to corresponding components. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the drawings illustrate the elements simply and clearly and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, in order to assist in understanding the various embodiments, the sizes of some of the elements shown in the drawings may be exaggerated compared to other elements. In addition, in order not to impede the understanding of the spirit of the various embodiments of the present disclosure, elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially viable embodiment but are known in the art are generally not described. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Prior to this, terms or words used in the specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted as having meanings and concepts that conform to the technical idea of the present disclosure based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the terms in order to appropriately explain his invention.

[0046] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are only embodiments of the present disclosure and do not fully represent the technical idea of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalent examples and modified examples that can replace the embodiments and configurations may exist when this application is filed.

[0047] Lithium secondary batteries mainly use lithium-based oxides and carbon materials as the positive and negative active materials, respectively. A lithium secondary battery includes an electrode assembly and an external material (such as a battery case). In the electrode assembly, a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate are respectively coated with a positive electrode active material and a negative electrode active material, and a separator is disposed between the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate. The battery case seals and houses the electrode assembly and an electrolyte.

[0048] Generally, lithium secondary batteries can be classified into can-type secondary batteries and pouch-type secondary batteries according to the shape of the outer packaging material. In can-type secondary batteries, the electrode assembly is built into a metal can, and in pouch-type secondary batteries, the electrode assembly is built into a pouch of an aluminum laminate.

[0049] Recently, secondary batteries have been widely used for driving other devices and energy storage, not only in small devices such as portable electronic devices, but also in medium and large devices such as electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems (ESSs). These secondary batteries can be accommodated together in a module housing in a large number of electrically connected states to form a single battery module. In addition, multiple battery modules can be connected to form a single battery pack.

[0050] When multiple secondary batteries (battery cells) or multiple battery modules are packaged in a relatively narrow space, they may be vulnerable to thermal events. For example, when a thermal event such as thermal runaway occurs in one of the battery cells, high-temperature gases, flames (e.g., fire), and heat may be generated. When these gases, flames, and heat are transferred to other battery cells within the same battery module, an explosion chain reaction such as thermal propagation may occur. In addition, such a chain reaction may lead to accidents such as fire or explosion in the above-mentioned battery module and other battery modules.

[0051] In addition, for medium and large-sized battery packs (such as those used in electric vehicles), since a large number of battery cells and battery modules are included to increase output and / or capacity, the risk of thermal chain reaction may be further increased. In addition, when the battery pack is installed in, for example, an electric vehicle, there may be users (such as drivers) of the electric vehicle nearby. Therefore, when a thermal event occurring in a specific battery cell or module is not properly controlled and a chain reaction occurs, it may not only cause serious property damage, but also lead to casualties.

[0052] In a conventional battery module, an insulating cover is sometimes positioned at the portion where the electrode leads of each battery cell are located to ensure insulation between the electrode leads and the module housing. At this time, the insulating cover is usually a product formed by plastic injection molding, which has the problem of being intolerant to flames. Therefore, when the flame or exhaust gas emitted from a specific battery cell is directed to the insulating cover, the insulating cover may melt and cannot properly protect the welded portion between adjacent electrode leads.

[0053] In addition, when internal emissions generated during the ignition of the battery cell (such as residues generated when, for example, the battery cell or bus bar housing melts) are directed to the electrode lead guide, it may cause an internal short circuit. In addition, in the case where the electrode lead moves while the exhaust gas is discharged, the electrode lead may come into contact with another non-connected electrode lead, potentially causing an internal short circuit. In addition, since the portion where the electrode leads are located (e.g., the portion where the step of the battery cell is located) is relatively wide, the flame or exhaust gas (e.g., the gas to be discharged) is likely to become concentrated and flow into the portion where the step of the battery cell is located. Therefore, the flame or gas may cause thermal runaway in other battery cells.

[0054] In addition, module terminals or connector terminals are generally located in a portion of the module where electrode leads are located, and exhaust gas or a flame can be discharged to the outside of the battery module through gaps or voids formed in these module terminals or connector terminals. In this case, the possibility of thermal runaway propagation between battery modules may increase.

[0055] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a battery module that improves electrical safety and facilitates exhaust control.

[0056] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a battery module 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 shows Figure 1 a perspective view of the configuration of the battery module 10, in which a part of the configuration is disassembled. Referring Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the battery module 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a frame 100, end caps 200, battery cells 300, and a filling material 400.

[0057] According to an embodiment, the frame 100 may form the exterior of the battery module 10 and may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape. Additionally, the frame 100 may have an open shape at the front and rear sides and may provide a space for accommodating, for example, the battery cells 300 therein. The frame 100 may include a top plate 110 forming the top surface, and the top plate 110 may have exhaust holes 102. In this case, a plurality of exhaust holes 102 may be provided and configured in a circular or elliptical shape. The frame 100 may further include a bottom plate 120 forming the bottom surface.

[0058] According to an embodiment, the battery cells 300 may refer to secondary batteries having a pouch shape, and a plurality of battery cells may be provided. In an embodiment, the battery cells 300 may extend in the front - rear direction or the X - axis direction and may be stacked, arranged, or aligned in the left - right direction or the Y - axis direction. The plurality of battery cells 300 may be accommodated in the internal space of the frame 100.

[0059] A pair of end caps 200 may be provided, and the pair of end caps may be coupled to openings, for example, at the front and rear sides of the frame 100, respectively.

[0060] According to an embodiment, the filling material 400 may be filled between the plurality of battery cells 300 and the end caps 200. At this time, the filling material 400 may include a resin. For example, the filling material 400 may include, for example, polyurethane - based materials and silicone - based materials, and may additionally include, for example, fillers considering, for example, heat - resistance / fire - resistance properties. Further, depending on the position and purpose of use of the filling material, in addition to heat - resistance / fire - resistance, electrical insulation properties and chemical resistance may also be required.

[0061] With the configuration of the present disclosure, when a thermal event occurs, due to the filling material 400 filled between the plurality of battery cells 300 and the end cap 200, the exhaust gas, combustible particles or flame can be inhibited from discharging in the front-rear direction or the X-axis direction. Therefore, the exhaust gas, combustible particles or flame can be discharged to the upper side of the battery cell 300 and can be discharged to the outside of the battery module 10 through, for example, the exhaust holes 102 in the top plate 110. Therefore, the filling material 400 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can facilitate the exhaust control of the battery module 10.

[0062] Continuing to refer Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the battery module 10 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include a bus bar frame assembly 500 and an insulating cover 600. The bus bar frame assembly 500 may be electrically and physically connected to the plurality of battery cells 300. According to an embodiment, the insulating cover 600 may be located between the end cap 200 and the bus bar frame assembly 500 to prevent the end cap 200 and the bus bar frame assembly 500 from being in electrical contact or short-circuiting with each other.

[0063] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the frame 100 of the battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 is a front view of the Figure 3 frame 100 viewed in the X-axis direction. Refer Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the frame 100 of the battery module 10 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a partition wall 130. The partition wall 130 may partition the internal space provided by the frame 100 and may extend in the front-rear direction or the X-axis direction. A plurality of partition walls 130 may be provided, and the plurality of partition walls 130 may be arranged or aligned in the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. The plurality of battery cells 300 may be accommodated in the internal space partitioned by the partition wall 130. For example, the plurality of battery cells 300 may be divided into a plurality of groups by the partition wall 130, and each group is separately accommodated.

[0064] With the configuration of the present disclosure, the thermal safety of the battery module 10 can be ensured. For example, since the thermal event is controlled in units of the spaces partitioned by the partition wall 130, the propagation of the thermal event can be suppressed.

[0065] For example, even when a thermal event occurs in the space partitioned by the partition wall 130, the propagation of the thermal event to another adjacent space can be suppressed.

[0066] In addition, since the frame 100 includes the exhaust holes 102 on its upper side, exhaust gas, combustible particles or flames can be discharged to the outside of the battery module without spreading to another adjacent space. Therefore, the damage range of the thermal event can be limited to the space accommodating the battery cell 300 where the thermal event occurs.

[0067] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 An enlarged stereoscopic view of a battery module 10 is shown. Figure 6 Observed from the inside Figure 1 A partially exploded perspective view of the battery module 10. Figures 3 to 6 , the battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a monitoring hole 101 .

[0068] In addition, the frame 100 may include a hole different from the exhaust hole 102. In this case, a plurality of holes may be provided, some of which may be injection holes 104 for injecting the filling material 400, and the remaining holes may be monitoring holes 101. The injection hole 104 or the monitoring hole 101 may be formed on at least one of the top surface, the bottom surface, and the side surface of the frame 100.

[0069] The monitoring hole 101 can expose the filling material 400 to the outside, so that the filling material 400 can be monitored from the outside. The filling material 400 can exhibit fluidity at high temperatures and can be cured at room temperature. The filling material 400 can be filled into the interior of the battery module 10 with the help of the injection hole 104 in a fluid state. In addition, with the help of the monitoring hole 101, it can be confirmed (determined) whether the filling material 400 is sufficiently injected. When the filling material 400 is sufficiently injected, the filling material 400 can be exposed to the outside with the help of the monitoring hole 101. With the configuration of the present disclosure, it is relatively easy to confirm whether the filling material 400 is properly filled with the help of the monitoring hole 101. Therefore, the productivity and safety of the battery module 10 can be improved.

[0070] Figure 7 is shown along Figure 1 A view of a portion of a cross-sectional configuration cut along the cutting line A-A' in FIG. Figure 7 , each of the plurality of battery cells 300 of the battery module 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a body 310 and a step 320. The step 320 is a portion where the terminals of the electrodes within the battery cell 300 are put together and grouped according to their polarities, and the terminals put together in this manner become electrode leads to form an electrical connection. The step 320 also serves as a space for absorbing exhaust gas generated inside the battery cell 300. Therefore, in some cases, the filling material 400 may have specifications that allow some deformation even after hardening, such as those having a silicone matrix.

[0071] The main body 310 may include an electrode assembly and a cover surrounding the electrode assembly. The main body 310 may extend in the front-rear direction or the X-axis direction. The stepped platform 320 may protrude from the main body 310 in the front-rear direction or the X-axis direction. The stepped platform 320 may include a front stepped platform 320 and a rear stepped platform 320. The filling material 400 may be filled to surround the front stepped platform 320 or the rear stepped platform 320.

[0072] With the configuration of the present disclosure, the exhaust control of the battery module can be facilitated. For example, when a thermal event occurs, since the filling material 400 surrounds the front stepped platform 320 or the rear stepped platform 320, the emission of exhaust gas, combustible particles or flame via the front stepped platform 320 or the rear stepped platform 320 can be suppressed. Therefore, the exhaust gas, combustible particles or flame can be discharged to the upper side of the battery cell 300 through, for example, the exhaust hole 102.

[0073] Reference Figure 7 , each of the plurality of battery cells 300 of the battery module 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include an electrode lead 330.

[0074] The electrode lead 330 may protrude from the main body 310 in the front-rear direction or in the X-axis direction. The stepped platform 320 may include a front-side electrode lead 330 and a rear-side electrode lead 330, and the filling material 400 may be filled to surround the electrode lead 330.

[0075] With the configuration of the present disclosure, the exhaust control of the battery module 10 can be facilitated. For example, when a thermal event occurs, since the filling material 400 surrounds the electrode lead 330, the emission of exhaust gas, combustible particles or flame via the electrode lead 330 can be suppressed. Therefore, the exhaust gas, combustible particles or flame can be discharged to the upper side of the battery cell 300 through, for example, the exhaust hole 102.

[0076] Reference Figure 7 , the partition wall 130 of the battery module 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured to protrude further forward in the X-axis direction than the main body 310 of the plurality of battery cells 300.

[0077] With the configuration of the present disclosure, the thermal safety of the battery module 10 can be ensured. For example, since the partition wall 130 protrudes further forward than the main body 310 of the battery cell 300, the separation in the space can be more definite. Therefore, even when a thermal event occurs, the propagation of the thermal event to adjacent separated spaces can be suppressed.

[0078] Reference Figure 7, the filling material 400 of the battery module 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be filled to surround the front side of the partition wall 130. Additionally, the filling material 400 may fill the space between the partition wall 130 and the front step 320, and may also fill the space between the partition wall 130 and the electrode lead 330.

[0079] With the configuration of the present disclosure, the exhaust control of the battery module 10 can be facilitated. For example, when a thermal event occurs, since the filling material 400 is filled to surround the partition wall 130, the emission of exhaust gas, combustible particles, or flame through the partition wall 130 can be suppressed. Thus, the exhaust gas, combustible particles, or flame can be discharged to the upper side of the battery cell 300.

[0080] Additionally, according to the configuration of the present disclosure, the filling material 400 can prevent the partition wall 130 and the electrode lead 330 from being in electrical contact or short - circuited. Furthermore, the filling material 400 can prevent the partition wall 130 and the front step 320 from being in electrical contact or short - circuited. Therefore, the electrical safety of the battery module can be improved.

[0081] Figure 8 is a view showing a part of the cross - sectional configuration taken along Figure 1 the cutting line B - B' in Figure 8 , the filling material 400 of the battery module 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be filled to the height of the main body 310. According to an embodiment, the filling material 400 can be filled to entirely surround the front step 320 or the rear step 320 of the battery cell 300.

[0082] With the configuration of the present disclosure, the exhaust control of the battery module can be facilitated. For example, when a thermal event occurs, since the filling material 400 completely surrounds the front step 320 or the rear step 320, the emission of exhaust gas, combustible particles, or flame through the front step 320 or the rear step 320 can be suppressed. Thus, the exhaust gas, combustible particles, or flame can be discharged to the upper side of the battery cell 300.

[0083] Figure 9 and Figure 10 is a view showing a part of the cross - sectional configuration taken along Figure 1 the cutting line C - C' in Figure 9 and Figure 10 , the exhaust hole 102 of the battery module 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can expose the top surfaces of a plurality of battery cells 300.

[0084] With the configuration of the present disclosure, the exhaust control of the battery module 10 can be facilitated. For example, when a thermal event occurs, the exhaust gas, combustible particles, or flame can be discharged from the upper step 340 or the top surface of the plurality of battery cells 300. Additionally, the exhaust gas, combustible particles, or flame can be discharged to the outside of the battery module through the exhaust holes 102. Accordingly, the propagation of the thermal event to the battery cells 300 in adjacent partition spaces can be suppressed.

[0085] Reference Figure 9 and Figure 10 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the partition wall 130 of the battery module 10 can be integrally formed with the frame 100. For example, the frame 100 and the partition wall 130 can be manufactured by an extrusion method. Additionally, according to an embodiment, the frame 100 and the partition wall 130 can include a metallic material.

[0086] With the configuration of the present disclosure, the partition wall 130 can divide the interior space of the frame 100 into partition spaces, and the partition spaces can stably maintain their shapes under the expansion pressure. For example, even when a thermal event or bulging occurs in one of the partition spaces, the partition wall 130 can withstand the thermal event or bulging with high rigidity and can prevent damage to the battery cells 300 in adjacent partition spaces from being transmitted. Accordingly, the battery module 10 can exhibit improved thermal safety.

[0087] Reference Figure 9 and Figure 10 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the frame 100 of the battery module can include a top plate 110 and a bottom plate 120 configured to face each other. Additionally, a plurality of partition walls 130 can each interconnect the top plate 110 and the bottom plate 120.

[0088] With the configuration of the present disclosure, the thermal safety of the battery module can be further improved.

[0089] Reference Figure 9 and Figure 10 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery module 10 can be provided with a plurality of exhaust holes 102. Additionally, a plurality of partition walls 130 can divide the interior space of the frame 100 into a plurality of spaces. Each of the plurality of partition spaces can have at least one exhaust hole 102.

[0090] With the configuration of the present disclosure, the battery module exhibits improved thermal safety. For example, even when a thermal event occurs in one of the spaces separated by the plurality of partition walls 130, the exhaust gas, combustible particles, or flame does not transfer to the adjacent partition space but can be discharged to the outside through the exhaust hole 102 of the corresponding partition space.

[0091] Figure 11 is a view showing along Figure 1View of a part of a cross-sectional configuration taken along a cutting line D-D' in Figure 11 , when a thermal event occurs in the battery module 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the filling material 400 can prevent exhaust gas, combustible particles, or flame from being discharged forward or backward, and the exhaust gas, combustible particles, or flame can be discharged through the top surface or the upper stepped portion 340 of the battery cells 300. With the configuration of the present disclosure, the exhaust control of the battery module 10 can be facilitated.

[0092] Figure 12 is a view showing Figure 11 a variant of an embodiment of Figure 12 , the filling material 400 of the battery module 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can extend to at least partially cover the top surfaces of the plurality of battery cells 300. Alternatively, the filling material 400 can extend to at least partially cover the upper stepped portions 340 of the plurality of battery cells 300. In this case, the filling material 400 can be filled in front of the frontmost exhaust hole 102 among the plurality of exhaust holes 102. Alternatively, the filling material 400 can be filled behind the rearmost exhaust hole 102 among the plurality of exhaust holes 102.

[0093] With the configuration of the present disclosure, the filling material 400 can more strongly inhibit the forward or backward discharge of exhaust gas, combustible particles, or flame, and can induce the inhibited exhaust gas, combustible particles, or flame to be discharged upward, so that the exhaust control of the battery module 10 can be facilitated.

[0094] Figure 13 is a view showing the frame 100 of the battery module 10 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 14 is a view showing a part of the configuration of the battery module 10 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Refer to Figure 13 and Figure 14 , the frame 100 of the battery module 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can include a front wall 140 protruding inward from the top plate 110.

[0095] The front wall 140 can protrude from the bottom surface of the top plate 110 and can extend in the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. The front wall 140 can at least partially cover, for example, the partition wall 130, or can cover the front end of the partition wall 130. In addition, the front wall 140 can be connected to the plurality of partition walls 130 and can protrude to contact or be in close contact with or be adjacent to the top surfaces or the upper stepped portions 340 of the plurality of battery cells 300.

[0096] With the configuration of the present disclosure, the front wall 140 can limit the filling position of the filling material 400. For example, the front wall 140 can control the filling of the filling material by preventing the flowable filling material 400 from filling or flowing backward beyond the front wall 140.

[0097] The battery pack according to the present disclosure may include the battery module 10 according to the present disclosure described above. In addition, in addition to the battery module according to the present disclosure, the battery pack according to the present disclosure may further include various other components, for example, components of a battery pack known at the time of filing the present disclosure, such as a battery management system (BMS), a bus bar, a battery pack housing, a relay, and a current sensor.

[0098] At the same time, the battery module 10 and the battery pack may not be strictly distinguishable terms, and in some cases, the battery module 10 and the battery pack may be used interchangeably in meaning. For example, a battery pack that does not include a BMS may refer to a battery module, and when considering an embodiment in which the battery module is used as a battery pack, the battery module may be referred to as a battery pack.

[0099] The vehicle according to the present disclosure may include the battery module 10 according to the present disclosure described above. The battery module 10 according to the present disclosure may be applied to vehicles such as electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles, and in addition to the battery module 10, the vehicle according to the present disclosure may further include various other components included in the vehicle, such as a vehicle body, a motor, or a control device, such as an electronic control unit (ECU).

[0100] In this specification, directional terms such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are used, but it is obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art that these terms are only for convenience of description and may be changed according to, for example, the position of the object thing or the position of the observer.

[0101] As described above, although the present disclosure has been described with limited embodiments and drawings, the present disclosure is not limited to the above, and it is obvious that those of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present disclosure pertains can make various modifications within the technical spirit and equivalent scope of the claims described below.

Claims

1. A battery module, comprising: a frame including an interior space, an open front side, and a top plate having exhaust holes formed therein; a plurality of battery cells, the plurality of battery cells being accommodated in the internal space and arranged in a left-right direction; an end cap coupled to the front side of the frame; as well as A filling material is filled between the plurality of battery cells and the end cover.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The frame further includes a monitoring hole configured to expose the filling material to the outside so that the filling material can be monitored from the outside.

3. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The vent holes are configured to expose top surfaces of the plurality of battery cells.

4. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the plurality of battery cells includes a main body and a front step protruding forwardly from the main body, and The filling material is filled to surround the front step.

5. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the plurality of battery cells includes a body and an electrode lead protruding forward from the body, and The filling material is filled to surround the electrode lead.

6. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The fill material extends to at least partially cover top surfaces of the plurality of battery cells.

7. The battery module according to claim 1, further comprising: A partition wall partitions the internal space and extends in a front-rear direction.

8. The battery module according to claim 7, wherein: The partition wall and the frame are integrally formed.

9. The battery module according to claim 7, wherein: The frame further includes a bottom plate facing the top plate, and Wherein, the partition wall interconnects the top plate and the bottom plate.

10. The battery module according to claim 7, wherein: A plurality of exhaust holes are provided, and each of the plurality of exhaust holes is located in a space partitioned by the partition wall.

11. The battery module according to claim 7, wherein: Each of the plurality of battery cells includes a body and an electrode lead protruding forward from the body, and The partition wall protrudes further forward than the main bodies of the plurality of battery cells.

12. The battery module according to claim 11, wherein: The filling material is filled to surround the front side of the partition wall.

13. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The frame includes a front wall that protrudes inwardly from the top plate. 14 . A battery pack comprising the battery module according to claim 1 . 15 . A vehicle comprising the battery module according to claim 1 .

16. A battery module, comprising: a main frame including an interior space, an open front side, a top plate having an exhaust hole formed therein, and a bottom plate opposite to the top plate; a partition wall that partitions the interior space and extends in a length direction of the frame, wherein the partition wall is configured to interconnect the top plate and the bottom plate; a plurality of battery cells, the plurality of battery cells being accommodated in the internal space and arranged in a left-right direction; an end cap coupled to the open front side of the frame; as well as a filling material configured to suppress exhaust gas, combustible particles, or flames between the plurality of battery cells and the end cap with reference to the position at which the plurality of battery cells are accommodated in the internal space, Each of the plurality of battery cells comprises a main body and an electrode lead protruding forward from the main body, and The filling material is filled to surround the electrode lead of each battery cell in the plurality of battery cells.

17. The battery module according to claim 16, wherein: The filling material is made of polyurethane series materials or silicone series materials.

18. A battery module frame, comprising: a main frame including an interior space, an open front side, a top plate having exhaust holes formed therein, and a bottom plate opposite the top plate, the interior space being designed to accommodate a plurality of battery cells; a partition wall that partitions the interior space and extends in a length direction of the frame, wherein the partition wall is configured to interconnect the top plate and the bottom plate; an end cap coupled to the open front side of the frame; as well as A filling material is configured to suppress exhaust gas, combustible particles, or flames between the plurality of battery cells and the end cap with reference to positions where the plurality of battery cells are accommodated in the interior space.

19. The battery module frame according to claim 18, wherein: The filling material is made of polyurethane series materials or silicone series materials.

Images