Battery pack

Abstract

A battery module is disclosed. A battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a case having a space therein and a first vent hole formed on an upper surface thereof; a plurality of battery cells disposed inside the housing; a first cover configured to cover an upper surface of the housing and having a second exhaust hole facing the first exhaust hole; and a second cover configured to cover the first cover and having a scribe line facing the second vent hole.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0051028, filed on April 18, 2023, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0026771, filed on February 23, 2024, in Korea, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] As the demand for portable electronic products such as smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches has increased significantly, and as electric vehicles have become common, research on batteries (especially secondary batteries capable of repeated charging and discharging) installed in them is underway.

[0004] Currently commercialized secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, lithium secondary batteries, etc. Among them, compared with nickel-based secondary batteries, lithium secondary batteries have attracted attention because of their advantages such as free charging and discharging due to almost no memory effect, very low self-discharge rate, and high energy density.

[0005] Lithium secondary batteries use lithium-based oxides and carbon materials as the positive electrode active material and the negative electrode active material, respectively. A lithium secondary battery includes: an electrode assembly in which a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate coated with the positive electrode active material and the negative electrode active material, respectively, are provided, and a separator is interposed between the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate; and an outer case (i.e., a battery case) that seals and stores the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte.

[0006] Generally, lithium secondary batteries can be classified into can-type secondary batteries in which the electrode assembly is stored in a metal can and pouch-type secondary batteries in which the electrode assembly is stored in a pouch of an aluminum laminate sheet according to the shape of the outer case.

[0007] Recently, secondary batteries are widely used in medium-sized and large-sized devices such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS) for driving and storing energy, and small-sized devices such as portable electronic devices. A plurality of secondary batteries can be electrically connected and stored inside a module case to form a battery module. In this case, each secondary battery included in the battery module can be referred to as a battery cell. In addition, a plurality of battery modules can be connected to each other to form a battery pack.

[0008] However, in the case where a battery pack includes a plurality of battery modules and each battery module includes a plurality of battery cells, it may be vulnerable to a chain thermal reaction between the battery modules or between the battery cells. For example, if an event such as thermal runaway occurs inside one battery module, it is necessary to prevent the thermal runaway from spreading to other battery modules or other battery cells. If the spread of thermal runaway between battery modules or battery cells cannot be appropriately suppressed, an event occurring in a specific battery module or battery cell may cause a chain thermal reaction in other battery modules or other battery cells, leading to an explosion or fire and expanding its scale.

[0009] In particular, if an event such as thermal runaway occurs in any one of the battery modules, gas or flame may be randomly discharged to the outside. In this case, if the discharge of the gas or flame is not appropriately controlled, the gas or flame will be discharged to other battery modules, causing a chain thermal reaction in the other battery modules. In particular, module terminals can be provided on the front side of the battery module. For example, configurations such as module busbars that are electrically connected to another battery module or the battery pack can be provided thereon. Therefore, if the flame is discharged toward the front of the battery module, the module terminals may be damaged in the battery pack, resulting in an electrical short circuit. In addition, there may be other battery modules in front of the battery module, so if the flame is discharged toward the front of a specific battery module, the discharged flame may be guided to another battery module, making it easy for the flame to spread between the battery modules.

[0010] If the heat transfer between battery modules or battery cells cannot be appropriately controlled, the voltage of the battery module or the battery pack may rapidly drop. In addition, this may cause a sudden interruption of the device equipped with the battery module or the battery pack, resulting in unexpected damage. For example, if the voltage suddenly drops in the battery pack during the driving of an electric vehicle, sufficient time cannot be ensured to move the electric vehicle to a safe position.

[0011] In addition, if a fire or explosion suddenly occurs due to the inability to appropriately control the heat transfer between battery modules or battery cells, the user is more likely to be injured. For example, when thermal runaway occurs in an electric vehicle, if sufficient time cannot be ensured until a large fire develops, the passengers may not be able to escape safely. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0013] The present disclosure is designed to solve the problems of the related art, and thus the present disclosure aims to provide a battery module with an improved structure that can appropriately control the discharge of flames and the like generated inside the battery module, and a vehicle including the battery module.

[0014] However, the technical problems to be solved by the present disclosure are not limited to the above problems, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand other problems not presented above based on the description of the present disclosure described below.

[0015] Technical solution

[0016] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a battery module, including: a housing having a space inside and a first exhaust hole formed on its upper surface; a plurality of battery cells disposed inside the housing; a first cover configured to cover the upper surface of the housing and having a second exhaust hole facing the first exhaust hole; and a second cover configured to cover the first cover and having a score line facing the second exhaust hole.

[0017] In addition, the score line can be configured to break when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell.

[0018] In addition, the score line can extend along the periphery of the second exhaust hole.

[0019] In addition, the first cover can include a bridge portion configured to separate the second exhaust hole.

[0020] In addition, the bridge portion can support the second cover.

[0021] In addition, the second exhaust hole can be configured as a plurality of holes.

[0022] In addition, the second cover can be thicker than the first cover.

[0023] In addition, the score line can form a separation area.

[0024] In addition, the second exhaust hole can be formed to be smaller than the separation area.

[0025] In addition, the separation area can be formed to be larger than the first exhaust hole.

[0026] In addition, a plurality of first exhaust holes can be provided.

[0027] In addition, the first exhaust hole can face at least a part of the plurality of battery cells.

[0028] In addition, the first cover can contain mica material.

[0029] In addition, the second cover can contain mica material.

[0030] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a battery pack including the battery module according to the present disclosure.

[0031] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a vehicle including the battery module according to the present disclosure.

[0032] Beneficial effects

[0033] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, when gas or flame is generated inside the battery module, the discharge of the gas or flame can be appropriately controlled.

[0034] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the electrical safety of the battery pack can be improved.

[0035] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, heat propagation can be suppressed.

[0036] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the propagation of a thermal event caused by flame or gas outside the battery module can be suppressed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] The drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the detailed description of the present disclosure, are used to provide a further understanding of the technical concept of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is not to be construed as being limited to the drawings.

[0038] Figure 1 is a diagram showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 2 is a diagram showing Figure 1 a battery module in which some of the components are disassembled.

[0040] Figure 3 is a diagram showing Figure 2 a battery assembly in which some of the components are disassembled.

[0041] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' in Figure 1 the [relevant part].

[0042] Figure 5 is a diagram showing the configuration when a thermal event occurs inside the battery module Figure 4 [of the battery module].

[0043] Figure 6 is a diagram showing the configuration when a thermal event occurs outside the battery module Figure 4 [of the battery module].

[0044] Figure 7 is a diagram showing Figure 4 a variant embodiment [of the relevant part].

[0045] Figure 8 is a diagram showing Figure 2 a variant embodiment of the first cover in

[0046] Figure 9 is a diagram showing Figure 2 another variant embodiment of the first cover in

[0047] Figure 10 is a view showing Figure 2 another variant embodiment of the first lid in

[0048] Figure 11 is a view showing Figure 2 another variant embodiment of the first lid in Detailed Description of the Invention

[0049] Hereinafter, 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 construed as being limited to the general and dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted based on the meanings and concepts corresponding to the technical aspects of the present disclosure on the basis of the principle that the inventor allows appropriate limitation of the terms for the best interpretation.

[0050] Therefore, the configurations presented in the embodiments and the drawings of this specification only represent the most preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and do not represent all the technical concepts of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalent replacements and modifications can be made thereto when submitting this application.

[0051] Figure 1 is a view showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a view showing Figure 1 a battery module in which some of the components are disassembled in Figure 3 is a view showing Figure 2 a battery assembly in which some of the components are disassembled in

[0052] Referring to Figures 1 to 3 , a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a housing 110, a plurality of battery cells 120, a first lid 200, and a second lid 300.

[0053] The housing 110 may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The housing 110 may also be referred to as the frame 110. The housing 110 may provide a space inside it. The housing 110 may have an upper surface, a lower surface, and a pair of side surfaces. In addition, the housing 110 may have a front side and an open end side. The housing 110 may have a first exhaust hole 111 on the upper surface. The first exhaust hole 111 may connect the inside of the housing 110 to the outside.

[0054] The plurality of battery cells 120 may be stacked in the left - right direction or the Y - axis direction. In this case, the battery cells 120 may represent secondary batteries. The secondary battery may be equipped with an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, electrode leads 121, and a battery case. In particular, the battery cells 120 may be pouch - type secondary batteries. Each battery cell 120 may extend in the front - rear direction or the X - axis direction. The electrode leads 121 may protrude forward and backward from each of the battery cells 120.

[0055] A compression pad 150 can be provided between multiple battery cells 120. The compression pad 150 can be provided between at least some of the battery cells 120 and / or outside the battery stack. For example, the compression pad 150 can be provided between every four battery cells 120 stacked in the left - right direction.

[0056] The compression pad 150 can be made of an elastic material to absorb the expansion of the battery cells 120. For example, the compression pad 150 can be made of a foam material such as polyurethane. Alternatively, the compression pad 150 can be made of a material capable of blocking heat or fire. For example, the compression pad 150 can be made of a heat - resistant material or a flame - retardant material such as silicon or mica.

[0057] The bus bar frame assemblies 130 can be respectively provided in front of and behind the multiple battery cells 120. The bus bar frame assemblies 130 can be electrically connected to the electrode leads 121 of the multiple battery cells 120.

[0058] A pair of end caps 140 can be respectively coupled to the front side and the rear side of the housing 210. The pair of end caps 140 can cover the front side and the rear side of the housing 210. The end cap 140 can have a square shape.

[0059] The first cover 200 can cover the upper surface of the housing 110. Additionally, the first cover 200 can have a second exhaust hole 211 facing the first exhaust hole 111. The first exhaust hole 111 and the second exhaust hole 211 can face each other. Additionally, the first exhaust hole 111 and the second exhaust hole 211 can have very similar dimensions. The first cover 200 can be attached, fixed, coupled, or fastened to the upper surface of the housing 110. Additionally, the first cover 200 can include a first top 210 and a pair of first side portions 220. The first top 210 and the pair of first side portions 220 can each have a plate shape. Additionally, the first top 210 and the pair of first side portions 220 can be integrally formed. The first top 210 can be attached, fixed, coupled, or fastened to the upper surface of the housing 110. The pair of first side portions 220 can be respectively attached, fixed, coupled, or fastened to a pair of side surfaces of the housing 110.

[0060] The second cover 300 can cover the first cover 200. Additionally, the second cover 300 can have a score line 311 facing the second exhaust hole 211. The second cover 300 can include a second top 310 and a pair of second side portions 320. The second top 310 and the pair of second side portions 320 can each have a plate shape. Additionally, the second top 310 and the pair of second side portions 320 can be integrally formed. The second top 310 can be attached, fixed, coupled, or fastened to the upper surface of the first top 210. The pair of second side portions 320 can be respectively attached, fixed, coupled, or fastened to the pair of first side portions 220.

[0061] The score line 311 can be used as a term encompassing or representing a perforation line 311, a score line 311, a cutting line 311, a shredding line 311, a tearing line 311, or a dividing line 311. The score line 311 can be configured to be easily broken by pressure applied to the second cover 300.

[0062] With this configuration according to the present disclosure, the thermal safety of the battery module can be improved. When a thermal event occurs inside the battery module, the exhaust gas can pressurize the second cover 300 by passing through the first exhaust hole 111 and the second exhaust hole 211. The exhaust gas can push the score line 311 to separate at least a part of the second cover 300 or form a hole. Thus, the inside and the outside of the battery module can communicate with each other, enabling the exhaust gas to be discharged to the outside of the battery module.

[0063] In addition, with this configuration according to the present disclosure, the second cover 300 can prevent or block high-temperature gas or combustible particles generated outside the battery module from flowing into the housing 110. Thus, the propagation of the thermal event to the battery cells 120 inside the housing 110 can be blocked.

[0064] Referring to Figures 1 to 3 , the score line 311 of the battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be configured to break and separate when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell 120.

[0065] With this configuration according to the present disclosure, the thermal safety of the battery module can be improved.

[0066] Referring to Figures 1 to 3 , the score line 311 of the battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can extend along the periphery of the second exhaust hole 211. Alternatively, the score line 311 can be formed in the area facing the second exhaust hole 211.

[0067] With this configuration according to the present disclosure, the thermal safety of the battery module can be improved. When a thermal event occurs inside the battery module, the score line 311 can be easily broken. Thus, the exhaust gas can be easily discharged.

[0068] Referring to Figures 1 to 3 , the score line 311 of the battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can form a separation area 312. The separation area 312 can be an area surrounded by the score line 311.

[0069] With this configuration according to the present disclosure, the thermal safety of the battery module can be improved. When a thermal event occurs inside the battery module, the separation area 312 formed by the score line 311 can be completely separated from the second cover 300. Thus, the exhaust gas can be easily discharged.

[0070] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the first cover 200 of the battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a bridge portion 212. The bridge portion 212 may divide the second exhaust hole 211 into a plurality of holes 211a. The bridge portion 212 may be integrally formed with the first cover 200. Additionally, the bridge portion 212 may be located between the plurality of holes 211a that constitute the second exhaust hole 211. The bridge portion 212 may face the first exhaust hole 111. Additionally, the bridge portion 212 may contact the second cover 300.

[0071] According to this configuration of the present disclosure, the bridge portion 212 may improve the rigidity of the first cover 200. Additionally, the bridge portion 212 may stably support the second cover 300. Thus, the bridge portion 212 may prevent the score line 311 of the second cover 300 from being easily damaged due to high-temperature gas or combustible particles generated outside the battery module. On the other hand, the score line 311 may not hinder the score line 311 of the second cover 300 from being easily broken when a thermal event occurs inside the battery module.

[0072] Referring to Figures 1 to 3 , in the battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of first exhaust holes 111 may be provided. Additionally, a plurality of second exhaust holes 211 may be provided, and the plurality of second exhaust holes 211 are provided in one-to-one correspondence with the first exhaust holes 111. Additionally, a plurality of score lines 311 may be provided, and the plurality of score lines 311 are provided in one-to-one correspondence with the second exhaust holes 211.

[0073] According to this configuration of the present disclosure, the thermal safety of the battery module may be improved. The exhaust gas generated inside the battery module may be effectively discharged to the outside.

[0074] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' in Figure 1 . Referring to Figure 4 , the first exhaust hole 111 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may face at least a part of the plurality of battery cells 120. Alternatively, the first exhaust hole 111 may face at least a part of the upper surface of the plurality of battery cells 120.

[0075] Additionally, the second exhaust hole 211 may face at least a part of the plurality of battery cells 120. Alternatively, the second exhaust hole 211 may face at least a part of the upper surface of the plurality of battery cells 120.

[0076] Additionally, the second cover 300 or the separation region 312 may face at least a part of the plurality of battery cells 120. Alternatively, the second cover 300 or the separation region 312 may face at least a part of the upper surface of the plurality of battery cells 120.

[0077] With this configuration according to the present disclosure, the thermal safety of the battery module can be improved. When a thermal event occurs, the exhaust gas can be discharged through the upper side or the upper surface of the battery cell 120. Additionally, the exhaust gas can be discharged to the outside of the battery module through the first exhaust hole 111, the second exhaust hole 211, and the separation region 312.

[0078] Referring to Figures 1 to 4 , the first cover 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a heat-resistant material. For example, the first cover 200 may include a ceramic material such as mica.

[0079] With this configuration according to the present disclosure, the thermal safety of the battery module can be improved. The first cover 200 can stably maintain its shape even when exposed to high-temperature gas caused by a thermal event.

[0080] Referring to Figures 1 to 4 , the second cover 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a heat-resistant material. For example, the second cover 300 may include a ceramic material such as mica.

[0081] With this configuration according to the present disclosure, the thermal safety of the battery module can be improved. The second cover 300 can stably maintain its shape even when exposed to high-temperature gas due to a thermal event.

[0082] Referring to Figures 1 to 4 , the second cover 300 of the battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be thicker than the first cover 200. Additionally, the second cover 300 may have a higher hardness than the first cover 200.

[0083] With this configuration according to the present disclosure, since the second cover 300 is thicker, the battery module can have a higher thermal resistance to flames or high-temperature gas generated from the outside.

[0084] If the second cover 300 has a low hardness, when the exhaust gas is discharged from the inside of the battery module, the bonding state between the second cover 300 and the first cover 200 or the housing 110 may not be maintained. Therefore, a gap may be generated between the second cover 300 and the first cover 200 or between the second cover 300 and the housing 110. Additionally, high-temperature gas may be trapped in the gap, which may reduce the thermal stability of the battery module.

[0085] On the other hand, with this configuration according to the present disclosure, since the second cover 300 has a high hardness, the bonding state of the first cover 200 or the housing 110 can be stably maintained when the exhaust gas is discharged from the inside of the battery module.

[0086] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, an adhesive member may be disposed between the first cover 200 and the housing 110 of the battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Additionally, an adhesive member may be disposed between the first cover 200 and the second cover 300. Additionally, an insulating film may be disposed between the first cover 200 and the housing 110. The insulating film may be made of an electrically insulating material such as plastic. For example, the insulating film may be made of a polyurethane material. The insulating film may be joined to the housing 110 and / or the first cover 200. Further, the insulating film may have adhesives coated on both sides to join the housing 110 and the first cover 200 to each other.

[0087] Figure 5 is a diagram showing when a thermal event occurs inside the battery module Figure 4 of the configuration. Refer to Figure 5 , when a thermal event occurs, the separation area 312 of the battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be separated from the second cover 300. The separation area 312 may be separated along the scribe line 311. When the separation area 312 is separated, a third exhaust hole 313 may be formed in the second cover 300. The third exhaust hole 313 may face the first exhaust hole 111 and the second exhaust hole 211. Additionally, the third exhaust hole 313 may be connected to the first exhaust hole 111 and the second exhaust hole 211. The exhaust gas g may sequentially pass through the first exhaust hole 111, the second exhaust hole 211, and the third exhaust hole 313 and may be discharged to the outside of the battery module.

[0088] Figure 6 is a diagram showing when a thermal event occurs outside the battery module Figure 4 of the configuration. Refer to Figure 6 , the bridge portion 212 of the battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may support the second cover 300. Alternatively, the bridge portion 212 may support the separation area 312. The separation area 312 may be pressurized by a flame, combustible particles, or the exhaust gas g generated outside the battery module. In this case, the bridge portion 212 may contact or support the lower surface of the separation area 312 to prevent the separation area 312 from being separated from the second cover 300.

[0089] According to this configuration of the present disclosure, the thermal safety of the battery module can be improved. The second cover 300 may prevent a flame or exhaust gas from flowing into the housing 110 from the outside. Therefore, heat propagation into the battery module can be blocked.

[0090] Figure 7 is a diagram showing Figure 4 a variant embodiment of Figure 7, the size of the second exhaust hole 211 of the battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured to be smaller than the size of the separation region 312. For example, the diameter D1 of the second exhaust hole 211 may be configured to be smaller than the diameter D2 of the separation region 312. Additionally, the diameter D1 of the first exhaust hole 111 may be configured to be smaller than the diameter D2 of the separation region 312. The diameters D1 of the first exhaust hole 111 and the second exhaust hole 211 may be configured to be substantially the same.

[0091] Alternatively, the separation region 312 may be formed to be larger than the first exhaust hole 111. Additionally, the separation region 312 may be formed to be larger than the second exhaust hole 211.

[0092] According to this configuration of the present disclosure, the first cover 200 may support the outer periphery of the separation region 312. Accordingly, the thermal safety of the battery module may be improved. The second cover 300 may prevent flames or exhaust gas from flowing into the housing 110 from the outside. Accordingly, heat propagation to the inside of the battery module may be blocked.

[0093] Figure 8 is a diagram showing Figure 2 a modified embodiment of the first cover 200 in Figure 8 , a plurality of second exhaust holes 211 may be provided in the battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Additionally, each second exhaust hole 211 may be configured as a plurality of holes 211b. A plurality of bridge portions 212a may be provided to partition the second exhaust holes 211. For example, the bridge portion 212a may be configured to span the holes. Accordingly, the second exhaust hole 211 may be divided into four holes 211b.

[0094] According to this configuration of the present disclosure, the area of the bridge portion 212a that supports the second cover 300 may be increased. Accordingly, the bridge portion 212a may support the second cover 300 more stably.

[0095] Figure 9 is a diagram showing Figure 2 another modified embodiment of the first cover 200 in Figure 9 , a plurality of second exhaust holes 211 may be provided in the battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Additionally, each second exhaust hole 211 may be configured as a plurality of holes 211c. A plurality of bridge portions 212b may be provided to partition the second exhaust holes 211. For example, a pair of bridge portions 212b may be provided to face each other. Accordingly, the second exhaust hole 211 may be partitioned into three holes 211c.

[0096] According to this configuration of the present disclosure, the area of the bridge portion 212b that supports the second cover 300 may be increased. Accordingly, the bridge portion 212b may support the second cover 300 more stably.

[0097] Figure 10 is a diagram showing Figure 2A diagram of another variant embodiment of the first cover 200 in []. Refer to Figure 10 , in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of second exhaust holes 211 may be provided. Additionally, each second exhaust hole 211 may be configured as a plurality of holes 211d. The plurality of holes 211d constituting the second exhaust hole 211 may be located within the relative region 213. The relative region 213 may be a region facing the separation region 312. The relative region 213 and the separation region 312 may have substantially the same size and substantially the same shape. The portion that divides the second exhaust hole 211 into a plurality of holes 211d may be referred to as the bridge portion 212c. For example, the bridge portion 212c may divide the second exhaust hole 211 into six holes 211d.

[0098] According to this configuration of the present disclosure, the area of the bridge portion 212c that supports the second cover 300 can be increased. Therefore, the bridge portion 212c can support the second cover 300 more stably.

[0099] Figure 11 is a diagram showing Figure 2 another variant embodiment of the first cover in []. Refer to Figure 11 , in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of second exhaust holes 211 may be provided. Additionally, each second exhaust hole 211 may be configured as a plurality of holes 211e. The plurality of holes 211e constituting the second exhaust hole 211 may be located within the relative region 213. The relative region 213 may be a region facing the separation region 312. The relative region 213 and the separation region 312 may have substantially the same size and substantially the same shape. The portion that divides the second exhaust hole 211 into a plurality of holes 211e may be referred to as the bridge portion 212d. For example, the bridge portion 212d may divide the second exhaust hole 211 into six holes 211e. Additionally, the plurality of holes 211e may form a honeycomb structure.

[0100] According to this configuration of the present disclosure, the area of the bridge portion 212d that supports the second cover 300 can be increased. Therefore, the bridge portion 212d can support the second cover 300 more stably.

[0101] A battery pack according to the present disclosure may include one or more battery modules according to the present disclosure above. For example, a battery pack according to the present disclosure may be configured to include a battery pack housing and a plurality of battery modules according to the present disclosure therein. In this case, if the battery modules according to the present disclosure are stored, an excellent effect of preventing heat from spreading between the battery modules can be obtained, and sufficient time for users to react or escape in an emergency such as thermal runaway can be ensured.

[0102] Additionally, in addition to the battery module, a battery pack according to the present disclosure may further include various components known at the time of filing the present disclosure, such as a BMS, a bus bar, a relay, a current sensor, etc.

[0103] On the other hand, components such as a BMS, a bus bar, a relay, a current sensor, etc. may be included as components in the battery module according to the present disclosure. In this case, components such as a BMS, a bus bar, a relay, a current sensor, etc. may be provided inside the housing 110. In this case, the battery module may be referred to as a battery pack, and the housing 110 may be referred to as a battery pack housing. Further, in this case, the battery module according to the present disclosure may be a cell-to-pack-type battery pack in which the battery cells 120 are directly mounted in the battery pack housing.

[0104] The battery module according to the present disclosure may be applied to vehicles such as electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles. That is, the vehicle according to the present disclosure may include the battery module or the battery pack according to the present disclosure. In addition, in addition to the battery module or the battery pack, the vehicle according to the present disclosure may further include various other components included in the vehicle. For example, in addition to the battery module according to the present disclosure, the vehicle according to the present disclosure may further include a vehicle body, an electric motor, a control device such as an ECU (electronic control unit), etc.

[0105] As described above, although the present disclosure has been described with reference to limited embodiments and the drawings, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains may make various modifications and changes within the equivalent scope of the technical concept of the present disclosure and the claims to be described below.

Claims

1. A battery module, comprising: a housing having a space inside and a first exhaust hole formed on an upper surface of the housing; A plurality of battery cells, wherein the plurality of battery cells are arranged inside the housing; a first cover configured to cover the upper surface of the housing and having a second exhaust hole facing the first exhaust hole; as well as A second cover is configured to cover the first cover and has a score line facing the second exhaust hole.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The score line is configured to rupture when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell.

3. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The score line is configured to extend along a periphery of the second exhaust hole.

4. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The first cover includes a bridge portion configured to partition the second exhaust hole.

5. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The bridge portion is configured to support the second cover.

6. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The second exhaust hole is configured as a plurality of holes.

7. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The second cover is thicker than the first cover.

8. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The scribe lines are configured to form separation regions.

9. The battery module according to claim 8, wherein: The second exhaust hole is formed to be smaller than the separation area.

10. The battery module according to claim 8, wherein: The separation area is formed to be larger than the first exhaust hole.

11. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: A plurality of the first exhaust holes are provided.

12. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The first exhaust hole is configured to face at least a portion of the plurality of battery cells.

13. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The first cover comprises a mica material.

14. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The second cover comprises a mica material. 15 . A battery pack comprising the battery module according to claim 1 .

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

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