Battery module attached with flame-retardant cover

Abstract

The present invention provides a structure of a battery module, comprising: a battery cell stack formed by stacking a plurality of pouch-type battery cells; a frame, which has an open front end and an open rear end, and which accommodates the battery cell stack; and a pair of end plates covering the front end and the rear end of the frame; the structure includes a flame retardant cover attached to a predetermined area on a surface of the frame, where the predetermined area is divided into a plurality of divided areas, and the flame retardant cover includes a plurality of divided covers attached to cover each divided area.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0156382, filed on November 21, 2022, and the entire contents disclosed in the document of the patent application are incorporated as part of this specification.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery module including a plurality of pouch-type battery cells capable of delaying or preventing heat propagation. Background Art

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

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

[0005] Since it is desired to manufacture medium to large-sized battery modules with the smallest possible size and weight, rectangular batteries and pouch-type batteries that can be stacked in a highly integrated manner and have a small weight-to-capacity ratio of the battery are mainly used as battery cells of medium to large-sized battery modules.

[0006] Figure 1 And Figure 2 are an exploded perspective view and a perspective view respectively illustrating the structure of a general battery module. Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , a general battery module includes a battery cell laminate 1 formed by stacking a plurality of pouch-type battery cells, a frame 2 having open front and rear ends and accommodating the battery cell laminate 1, and a pair of end plates 3 respectively covering the front and rear ends of the frame 2. The frame 2 may include a U-shaped frame 21 having an open upper end, an open front end, and an open rear end, and a top plate 22 covering the upper end of the U-shaped frame 21.

[0007] In addition, due to short circuit or impact, the battery cells have a risk of catching fire or thermal runaway. In the case of thermal runaway, heat energy and gas are generated from the battery cells. The heat energy and gas can increase the internal pressure of the frame 2 and cause series ignition of adjacent battery cells, resulting in an explosion of the battery module M.

[0008] In addition, multiple battery modules can be connected in series or parallel with each other to form a battery pack. Heat energy and gas are discharged from one battery module, and the heat energy spreads to adjacent battery modules, resulting in a series fire and a larger explosion.

[0009] In order to prevent heat propagation caused by the above-mentioned thermal runaway, a flame retardant cover can be attached to the frame 2. Figure 3 is a perspective view illustrating the structure of a battery module to which a flame retardant cover is attached. Refer to Figure 3 , the flame retardant cover 4 can be attached to the surface of the frame 2. The flame retardant cover 4 prevents heat energy from adjacent battery modules from flowing into the battery module M, and thus has the effect of delaying thermal runaway and heat propagation. However, the flame retardant cover has the problem of being easily deformed or detached due to an increase in the internal pressure of the battery module. For example, when the pressure around a part of the flame retardant cover suddenly increases, the entire flame retardant cover may be deformed and collapsed by lifting from the frame, thereby losing its function. In addition, since it is difficult to discharge the gas generated inside the frame, the flame retardant cover has the disadvantage of increasing the risk of explosion of the battery module due to an increase in internal pressure. Summary of the Invention

[0010] Technical Problem

[0011] In order to solve the above problems of the prior art, an object of the present invention is to provide a structure of a battery module in which heat energy, gas, and flame generated during a fire of the battery module are effectively discharged, while preventing the inflow of heat energy, gas, and flame.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a structure of a battery module to which a flame retardant cover is attached, but the flame retardant cover is not easily deformed or detached.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a structure of a battery module that can suppress deformation or damage of the structure of the battery module itself (e.g., the frame) during a fire.

[0014] The technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the above objects, and other objects and advantages not described in the present invention can be understood through the following description, and can be more clearly understood through examples of the present invention. In addition, it is obvious that the objects and advantages of the present invention can be achieved by the means and combinations shown in the claims.

[0015] Technical Solution

[0016] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides a structure of a battery module, the battery module comprising: a battery cell laminate formed by stacking a plurality of pouch-type battery cells; a frame having an open front end and an open rear end, and the frame accommodating the battery cell laminate; a pair of end plates covering the front end and the rear end of the frame; and a flame retardant cover attached to a predetermined area on the surface of the frame, wherein the predetermined area is divided into a plurality of areas, and the flame retardant cover includes a plurality of divided covers attached to respectively cover the plurality of areas.

[0017] The flame retardant cover may include a material having flame retardancy and heat insulation properties. The flame retardant cover is attached to the surface of the frame to prevent heat transfer between battery modules and to prevent flames and gases from flowing from one battery module to another.

[0018] The flame retardant cover may include a flexible body. Preferably, the flame retardant cover may include a sheet or a film. For example, the flame retardant cover may include a flexible sheet material having flame retardancy and heat insulation properties, and an adhesive surface provided on one side surface thereof may be attached to the surface of the frame. Alternatively, the flame retardant cover may be attached to the frame surface by an adhesive or an adhesive tape interposed between the flame retardant cover and the frame surface.

[0019] The predetermined area may include any area on the surface of the frame where heat transfer from other battery modules should be prevented. For example, the predetermined area may include the upper surface and two side surfaces of the frame. Since the heat energy and gases generated from the battery module mainly accumulate in the upper part of the battery pack, heat transfer can be delayed by covering the upper surface of the frame with a flame retardant cover. Additionally, in the battery pack, since the battery modules are arranged side by side and adjacent to each other, covering the side surfaces of the frame to block heat conduction between the battery modules would be useful.

[0020] Two or more divided covers may be attached to the upper surface and two side surfaces of the frame respectively. For example, according to a first embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of areas may also be obtained by dividing each of the three sides including the upper surface and two side surfaces of the frame into three equal parts along the length direction, and a total of nine divided covers may be respectively attached to a total of nine areas. Due to the high-temperature heat and flames generated when the battery module catches fire, the frame may be damaged or deformed. When the frame is damaged, the gases and heat energy inside the frame may be discharged through the damaged part. Here, when a single flame retardant cover is attached to cover the entire frame, the entire flame retardant cover may be lifted or detached. However, in the battery module according to the present invention, when a divided cover in one of the plurality of areas is lifted or detached due to damage or deformation, the other divided covers remain attached to the plurality of areas except for one of the plurality of areas.

[0021] According to a second embodiment of the present invention, the frame may include a U-shaped frame having a front end with an opening, a rear end with an opening, and an upper end with an opening, and a top plate covering the upper end of the U-shaped frame. Here, the top plate and the U-shaped frame may be joined to each other at two end portions in their width direction. When the battery module catches fire and the internal pressure of the frame increases, the joining area between the top plate and the U-shaped frame may be prone to deformation and there is a risk of detachment. When the top plate and the U-shaped frame are detached from each other, this is dangerous because external heat energy, flames, and gases may flow into the frame.

[0022] Here, according to a second embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of regions may each include a plurality of divided edge regions provided on portions of the surface of the U-shaped frame and portions of the surface of the top plate. The plurality of divided covers may include a plurality of divided edge covers respectively attached to the plurality of edge regions. Each of the plurality of divided edge covers covers a portion of the joining area between the top plate and the U-shaped frame and may be attached to both the top plate and the U-shaped frame simultaneously. Thereby, the possibility of deformation and detachment of the top plate and the U-shaped frame can be reduced, and even in the case where the top plate and the U-shaped frame are detached, the possibility of heat energy and gases flowing into them can be reduced. In particular, it is preferable that the two widthwise boundaries between the U-shaped frame and the top plate are covered by the plurality of divided edge covers over their entire length.

[0023] The frame may include exhaust holes connecting the inside and the outside of the frame. The exhaust holes may be provided in the top plate, vertically penetrate the top plate, and may be provided in plurality. The gases generated during the fire of the battery module may be discharged to the outside of the frame through the exhaust holes. However, external heat energy and gases may flow into the battery module through the exhaust holes.

[0024] Therefore, according to a third embodiment of the present invention, the predetermined region may include the region where the exhaust holes are provided. Here, the plurality of divided regions include a plurality of divided hole regions respectively provided with the exhaust holes. The exhaust holes may be provided at any one of the plurality of divided hole regions, and the plurality of divided covers may include a plurality of divided hole covers respectively attached to the plurality of divided hole regions. Here, it is preferable that the exhaust holes are also provided in different divided hole regions. Even when the divided hole cover closest to an exhaust hole where the fire occurs may lift or detach from the surface of the frame to discharge the gas, the divided hole covers remaining attached to the divided hole regions can prevent external heat energy and gases from flowing through the exhaust holes.

[0025] The present invention also provides a structure of a battery pack including the battery module and a vehicle including the battery pack. A plurality of battery modules may be integrated and constructed into a single battery pack frame to form a battery pack, and the battery pack may be constructed into a vehicle V and supply power to the vehicle V as a power source.

[0026] Advantageous Effects

[0027] The present invention can provide a structure of a battery module that can prevent heat energy, gas, and flame from flowing through the upper surface side surface of the frame from adjacent battery cells through a flame-retardant cover.

[0028] The present invention also provides a structure of a battery module having a flame-retardant cover including a plurality of divided covers, wherein even when one of the divided covers detaches or deforms, the other divided covers remain attached, and when gas and heat energy are discharged through a portion where the detached or deformed divided cover is attached, it prevents external gas and heat energy from entering through a portion where the divided cover remains attached.

[0029] The advantages of the present invention are that a plurality of divided edge covers allow for a more secure bonding between the top plate and the U-shaped frame and prevent unintentional exhaust, and a plurality of divided hole covers allow the divided covers in areas other than the area where exhaust occurs to remain attached.

[0030] In addition, the present invention may also have various other effects, which will be described in each embodiment, or the description of effects that can be easily inferred by those skilled in the art may be omitted. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 And Figure 2 are an exploded perspective view and a perspective view respectively illustrating the structure of a general battery module.

[0032] Figure 3 is a perspective view illustrating the structure of a battery module to which a flame-retardant cover is attached.

[0033] Figure 4 Illustrates a battery module and a divided area according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 5 And Figure 6 are an exploded perspective view and a perspective view respectively illustrating the structure of a battery module with a plurality of divided covers attached according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 7 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating gas discharge from a battery module according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 8 Illustrates a battery module and a divided edge area according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 9 And Figure 10 are an exploded perspective view and a perspective view respectively illustrating the structure of a battery module with a divided edge cover attached according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 11 It is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating the gas discharged from the battery module according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 12 It is a perspective view showing the structure of the battery module provided with the exhaust hole.

[0040] Figure 13 It is an illustration of the gas discharged from Figure 12 the battery module and the gas flowing into Figure 12 the battery module, which is a longitudinal sectional view.

[0041] Figure 14 It illustrates the battery module and the divided hole regions according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 15 and Figure 16 are respectively an exploded perspective view and a perspective view showing the structure of the battery module with a plurality of divided hole covers attached thereto according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 17 It is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating the gas discharged from the battery module according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 18 It is a perspective view showing the structure of the battery pack including the battery module according to the present invention, and Figure 19 is a perspective view showing the structure of the vehicle including Figure 18 the battery pack.

[0045] [Description of Reference Numerals]

[0046] M: Battery module

[0047] 1: Battery cell laminate

[0048] 2: Frame

[0049] 21: U-shaped frame

[0050] 22: Top plate

[0051] 23: Damaged part

[0052] 24: Exhaust hole

[0053] 25: Divided region

[0054] 25E: Divided edge region

[0055] 25H: Divided hole region

[0056] 3: End plate

[0057] 4: Flame retardant cover

[0058] 41: Divided cover

[0059] 41E: Divided edge cover

[0060] 41H: Divided hole cover

[0061] P: Battery pack

[0062] V: Vehicle

[0063] X: Length direction

[0064] Y: Width direction

[0065] Z: Height direction Detailed implementation manners

[0066] The above objects, features and advantages will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings, so that those skilled in the art will be able to implement the technical idea of the present invention. When determining that the detailed description of the prior art related to the present invention unnecessarily obscures the gist of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. Hereinafter, the preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar components.

[0067] Although "first", "second", etc. are used to describe various elements, these elements are of course not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another, and unless otherwise specifically stated, the first element may also be the second element.

[0068] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0069] Hereinafter, "arranging one element on the upper part (or lower part) of one element" or "arranging one element on the top (or bottom) of one element" not only means "arranging one element in contact with the upper surface (or lower surface)", but also means "arranging the element above (or below) the upper surface (or lower surface) with another element interposed therebetween".

[0070] In addition, when an element is described as "connected", "coupled" or "contacted" with another element, it should be understood that the element can "directly connect", "directly couple" or "directly contact" the other element, or the element can "connect", "couple" or "contact" the other element with yet another element interposed therebetween or "connect", "couple" or "contact" via yet another element.

[0071] Unless otherwise clearly specified in the context, the singular expressions used in this text include the plural expressions. Terms such as "consisting of" or "including" used in this text should not be construed as necessarily including all the elements or steps described in this specification, but should be construed as possibly not including some elements or steps, or including additional elements or steps.

[0072] In addition, unless otherwise clearly specified in the context, the singular expressions used in this text include the plural expressions. Terms such as "consisting of" or "including" used in this text should not be construed as necessarily including all the elements or steps described herein, but should be construed as possibly not including some elements or steps, or including additional elements or steps.

[0073] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specifically stated, "A and / or B" means A, B, or A and B, and "C to D" means from above C to below D, unless otherwise specifically stated.

[0074] First, the structure of a general battery module will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0075] Figure 1 and Figure 2 are respectively an exploded perspective view and a perspective view illustrating the structure of a general battery module. Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , a general battery module includes a battery cell laminate 1 formed by stacking a plurality of pouch-type battery cells, a frame 2 having an open front end and a rear end and accommodating the battery cell laminate 1, and a pair of end plates 3 respectively covering the front end and the rear end of the frame 2. The frame 2 may include a U-shaped frame 21 having an open upper end, an open front end, and an open rear end, and a top plate 22 covering the upper end of the U-shaped frame 21. However, the frame 2 does not necessarily have to include the U-shaped frame 21 and the top plate 22, and can be of any shape as long as it has an open front end and an open rear end.

[0076] The present invention provides a structure of a battery module, which includes a flame retardant cover attached to a predetermined area on the surface of the frame, wherein the predetermined area is divided into a plurality of areas, and the flame retardant cover includes a plurality of divided covers respectively attached to and covering the plurality of areas.

[0077] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0078] [First Embodiment]

[0079] Figure 4 Shows a battery module and divided areas according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 4, the surface of the frame 2 of the battery module may include a predetermined area to which a flame retardant cover is attached. The predetermined area may include at least a portion of the upper surface and at least a portion of the two side surfaces of the frame 2. Preferably, the predetermined area may include the entire upper surface and the entire two side surfaces of the frame 2. Since the heat energy and gas generated from the battery module mainly accumulate in the upper part of the battery pack, heat propagation can be delayed by covering the upper surface of the frame 2 with a flame retardant cover. In addition, in the battery pack, since the battery modules are arranged side by side and adjacent to each other, it would be useful to cover the side surfaces of the frame 2 to block the conduction of heat between the battery modules. The predetermined area may also be divided into a plurality of areas 25.

[0080] In the first embodiment, the predetermined area may be divided into a total of nine areas 25, which are formed by dividing each of the three sides of the frame including the upper surface and the two side surfaces along the length direction.

[0081] Figure 5 and Figure 6 are respectively an exploded perspective view and a perspective view illustrating the structure of a battery module to which a plurality of divided covers are attached according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the flame retardant cover may be attached to the predetermined area, and the flame retardant cover may include a plurality of divided covers 41 attached to respectively cover the plurality of divided areas 25.

[0082] The flame retardant cover may include a material having flame retardancy and heat insulation properties. For example, the flame retardant cover may be made of a synthetic resin material having flame retardancy and heat insulation properties. By attaching the flame retardant cover to the surface of the frame 2, when the battery module catches fire, heat propagation to adjacent battery modules can be delayed or prevented, and other battery modules adjacent to the battery module can be prevented from catching fire. Therefore, the heat energy, gas, and flame discharged from other battery modules can be prevented from flowing into the battery module.

[0083] The flame retardant cover may include a flexible body. Preferably, the flame retardant cover may include a flexible sheet. The flame retardant cover may be attached to the surface of the frame 2 using tape and / or an adhesive. However, how the flame retardant cover is attached is not important as long as the flame retardant cover is attached to the surface of the frame 2. Preferably, the flame retardant cover may include a sheet or a film. For example, the flame retardant cover may include a flexible sheet having flame retardancy and heat insulation properties, which has an adhesive surface attached to the surface of the frame 2. Alternatively, the flame retardant cover may also be attached to the surface of the frame 2 through an adhesive or an adhesive tape therebetween.

[0084] In the first embodiment, the flame retardant cover may include a sheet of synthetic resin material having flame retardancy and heat insulation properties, and is attached to the surface of the frame 2 through an adhesive tape therebetween. Here, the flame retardant cover may include a plurality of divided covers 41, and the plurality of divided covers 41 are respectively attached to a plurality of regions 25 provided on the upper surface and two side surfaces of the frame 2.

[0085] Figure 7 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating the discharge of gas from the battery module according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 7 , the battery cell laminate 1 may catch fire due to various reasons such as short circuit or impact. When the battery cell laminate 1 catches fire, the internal temperature and internal pressure of the frame 2 become high, and the frame 2 may be deformed and / or damaged due to such high temperature and high pressure. Due to the deformation of the frame 2 or the discharge of high temperature and high pressure gas through the damaged portion 23 of the frame 2, the flame retardant cover may be deformed or detached from the surface of the frame 2. In this case, the flame retardant cover cannot properly perform the functions of delaying heat propagation and preventing the inflow of gas and flame.

[0086] Since the flame retardant cover is divided into a plurality of covers 41, even if one of the plurality of divided covers 41 attached to the region where the frame 2 is deformed and / or damaged due to fire is deformed or detached, the other divided covers 41 can still remain attached and perform their functions.

[0087] In addition, at the same time, the high temperature gas in the frame 2 can be discharged through the damaged region 25, thereby reducing the internal temperature and pressure of the frame 2, thereby delaying or preventing the explosion of the battery module or the series ignition inside the battery module.

[0088] In the first embodiment, each of the plurality of divided covers 41 includes a flexible sheet such that even when the frame 2 is deformed and / or damaged, only a minimum portion is lifted or detached, and the other portions remain attached. Thereby, the function of delaying heat propagation provided by the plurality of divided covers 41 can be maximized. In addition, the advantage of the present invention according to the first embodiment is that the divided cover 41 can be easily reattached after the gas discharge is completed, thereby preventing additional heat propagation.

[0089] [Second Embodiment]

[0090] Referring again to Figure 1 , the frame 2 according to the second embodiment may include a U-shaped frame 21 and a top plate 22. Here, the top plate 22 and the U-shaped frame 21 may be joined to each other at both ends in their width direction. When the battery module catches fire and the internal pressure of the frame 2 increases, the joining region of the top plate 22 and the U-shaped frame 21 may be easily deformed and there is a risk of detachment. When the top plate 22 and the U-shaped frame 21 are detached from each other, this is dangerous because external heat energy, flame and gas may flow in through the upper end opening of the frame 2.

[0091] Accordingly, the present invention according to the second embodiment provides a structure of a battery module, the battery module including a plurality of divided edge covers covering a combined area of a top plate 22 and a U-shaped frame 21. Hereinafter, components not separately described in the second embodiment are the same as those in the above-described first embodiment.

[0092] Figure 8 The battery module and the divided edge area according to the second embodiment of the present invention are illustrated. Referring to Figure 8 , each of the plurality of areas 25 may include a plurality of divided edge areas 25E, and the plurality of divided edge areas 25E are respectively provided on portions of the surfaces of the U-shaped frame 21 and the top plate 22.

[0093] According to the second embodiment, the plurality of areas 25 may include six divided edge areas 25E obtained by dividing the surface of the frame 2 into three equal parts in the length direction and into two equal parts in the width direction. That is, each of the plurality of divided edge areas 25E according to the second embodiment extends over two adjacent continuous rectangular areas: one rectangular area is one of the rectangular areas obtained by dividing the upper surface of the frame 2 into three equal parts in the length direction and into two equal parts in the width direction; the other rectangular area is one of the rectangular areas obtained by dividing one of the two side surfaces of the frame 2 into three equal parts in the length direction.

[0094] Figure 9 and Figure 10 are respectively an exploded perspective view and a perspective view illustrating the structure of the battery module to which the divided edge cover of the second embodiment of the present invention is attached. Referring to Figure 9 and Figure 10 , the plurality of divided covers may respectively include a plurality of divided edge covers 41E attached to the plurality of divided edge areas 25E. Each of the plurality of divided edge covers 41E covers a part of the combined area of the top plate 22 and the U-shaped frame 21 and may be attached to the top plate 22 and the U-shaped frame 21 at the same time. Thereby, the possibility of deformation and detachment of the top plate 22 and the U-shaped frame 21 can be reduced, and even in the case where the top plate 22 and the U-shaped frame 21 are detached, the possibility of heat energy, gas, and flame flowing into them can be reduced. Here, the two widthwise boundaries between the U-shaped frame 21 and the top plate 22 are preferably covered by the plurality of divided edge covers 41E over their entire lengths.

[0095] According to the second embodiment, each of the six divided edge areas 25E may be covered by six divided edge covers 41E respectively, whereby the possibility of detachment between the top plate 22 and the U-shaped frame 21 and the possibility of heat energy, gas, and flame flowing into the space between the top plate 22 and the U-shaped frame 21 can be reduced.

[0096] Figure 11 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the gas discharged from the battery module according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 11 , according to the second embodiment, even when the battery cell laminate 1 catches fire and the frame 2 is deformed or damaged, due to the flexibility of the sheet of the divided edge cover 41E, only the portion of the divided edge cover 41E corresponding to the damaged portion 23 of the frame 2 detaches, so that the gas inside the frame 2 is discharged to the outside through the damaged portion 23 of the frame 2 and the detached portion of the divided edge cover 41E. Here, since the plurality of divided edge covers 41E still cover the joint area, the risk of the top plate 22 and the U-shaped frame 21 detaching from each other is reduced. Even when the top plate 22 and the U-shaped frame 21 are detached from each other, it is difficult for heat energy, gas, and flame to flow in from the outside through the joint area.

[0097] [Third Embodiment]

[0098] Figure 12 is a perspective view showing the structure of a battery module provided with exhaust holes. Referring to Figure 12 , the frame 2 may be provided with exhaust holes 24 connecting the inside and outside of the frame. A plurality of exhaust holes 24 may be provided.

[0099] Figure 13 is an illustration of the gas discharged from Figure 12 the battery module and flowing into Figure 12 the battery module. Referring to Figure 13 , the gas generated due to the fire of the battery cell laminate 1 can be discharged through the exhaust holes 24. As a result, the internal pressure and internal temperature of the frame 2 are reduced. However, when the exhaust holes 24 are exposed to the outside, the gas, flame, and heat energy discharged from other battery modules may flow into the battery module through the exhaust holes.

[0100] Therefore, the present invention according to the third embodiment provides a structure of a battery module including a plurality of divided hole covers covering the exhaust holes. Hereinafter, the components not separately described in the third embodiment are the same as those in the first and second embodiments described above.

[0101] Figure 14 Illustrates a battery module and a divided hole area according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 14 , the plurality of areas 25 may include a plurality of divided hole areas 25H provided with exhaust holes 24. Each exhaust hole 24 may be provided in any one of the divided hole areas 25H, and the exhaust hole 24 may also be further provided in different divided hole areas 25H.

[0102] In the third embodiment, the top plate 22 may be provided with a plurality of exhaust holes 24, and the plurality of exhaust holes 24 may be arranged in a grid pattern on the top plate 22. Here, one exhaust hole 24 may also be provided at each divided hole area 25H.

[0103] Figure 15 And Figure 16 are respectively an exploded perspective view and a perspective view showing the structure of a battery module to which a plurality of divided hole covers are attached according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Refer to Figure 15 and Figure 16 , the plurality of divided covers 41 may each include a plurality of divided hole covers 41H attached to cover the divided hole areas 25H. The plurality of divided hole covers 41H may also respectively correspond to the plurality of divided edge covers. Here, preferably, each of the plurality of exhaust holes 24 is covered by the plurality of divided hole covers 41H respectively.

[0104] Figure 17 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the gas discharged from the battery module according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Refer to Figure 17 , when the battery cell laminate 1 catches fire and high-temperature gas is generated inside the frame 2, a part of the divided hole cover 41H detaches from the frame 2, and the gas can be discharged to the outside through the exhaust hole 24 and the part where the divided hole cover 41H detaches. Here, since the divided hole covers 41H other than the detached divided hole cover 41H remain attached, the risk of external heat energy, gas, and flame flowing in from the exhaust hole 24 is low.

[0105] The present invention provides a structure of a battery pack including a battery module and a vehicle having the battery pack built therein.

[0106] Figure 18 is a perspective view showing the structure of a battery pack including the battery module according to the present invention, Figure 19 is an example showing Figure 18 a perspective view of the structure of a vehicle having the battery pack. Refer to Figure 18 and Figure 19 , a plurality of battery modules M may be integrated and built into a single battery pack frame to form a battery pack P, and the battery pack P may be built into a vehicle V and used as a power source to supply power to the vehicle V. Since the specific structures of the battery pack and the vehicle are known to those skilled in the art, they will not be described in detail here.

[0107] It should be understood that the described embodiments are exemplary in all aspects and not restrictive, and the scope of the present invention will be indicated by the appended claims rather than the detailed description. And the meaning and scope of the claims described subsequently, as well as all changes and modifications derived from the equivalent concept, should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the present invention.

[0108] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the exemplary drawings, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and drawings disclosed herein, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. In addition, although the operating effects of the configuration according to the present invention are not explicitly described when describing the embodiments of the present invention, it should be understood that predictable effects will also be recognized by the configuration.

Claims

1. A battery module, the battery module comprising: A battery cell laminate formed by stacking a plurality of pouch-type battery cells; A frame having an open front end and an open rear end, and the frame accommodating the battery cell laminate; A pair of end plates covering the front end and the rear end of the frame; And A flame retardant cover attached to a predetermined area on the surface of the frame, wherein the predetermined area is divided into a plurality of areas, the flame retardant cover includes a plurality of divided covers attached to respectively cover the plurality of areas, and the frame includes: an upper surface having two or more divided covers attached thereto; and two side surfaces respectively having two or more divided covers attached thereto.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The flame retardant cover includes a material having flame retardancy and heat insulation.

3. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein The flame retardant cover includes a flexible body.

4. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The frame includes: A U-shaped frame having an open front end, an open rear end, and an open upper end; and A top plate covering the upper end of the U-shaped frame.

5. The battery module according to claim 4, wherein, Each of the plurality of areas respectively includes a plurality of divided edge areas provided on a part of the surface of the U-shaped frame and a part of the surface of the top plate, and the plurality of divided covers include a plurality of divided edge covers respectively attached to the plurality of divided edge areas.

6. The battery module according to claim 5, wherein, The two widthwise boundaries between the U-shaped frame and the top plate are covered by the plurality of divided edge covers over their entire lengths.

7. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The frame includes vent holes connecting the inside and the outside of the frame, and the predetermined area includes an area where the vent holes are provided.

8. The battery module according to claim 7, wherein, The plurality of areas respectively include a plurality of divided hole areas, the vent holes are provided at one of the plurality of divided hole areas, and the plurality of divided covers include a plurality of divided hole covers respectively attached to the plurality of divided hole areas.

9. The battery module according to claim 8, wherein, The vent holes are also provided in different divided hole areas.

10. A battery module, the battery module comprising: A battery cell laminate formed by stacking a plurality of pouch-type battery cells; A frame having an open front end and an open rear end, and the frame accommodating the battery cell laminate; A pair of end plates covering the front end and the rear end of the frame; And A flame retardant cover attached to a predetermined area on the surface of the frame, wherein the predetermined area is divided into a plurality of areas, the flame retardant cover includes a plurality of divided covers attached to respectively cover the plurality of areas, the frame includes vent holes connecting the inside and the outside of the frame, the plurality of areas respectively include a plurality of divided hole areas, the vent holes are provided in different ones of the divided hole areas, and the plurality of divided covers include a plurality of divided hole covers respectively attached to the plurality of divided hole areas.

11. The battery module according to claim 10, wherein, The flame retardant cover includes a material having flame retardancy and heat insulation.

12. The battery module according to claim 10, wherein, The flame retardant cover includes a flexible body.

13. The battery module according to claim 10, wherein The predetermined area includes a part of the upper surface and two side surfaces of the frame.

14. The battery module according to claim 13, wherein, Two or more divided covers are respectively attached to the upper surface and two side surfaces of the frame.

15. The battery module according to claim 13, wherein, The frame includes: a U-shaped frame having a front end of the opening, a rear end of the opening, and an upper end of the opening; and a top plate covering the upper end of the U-shaped frame.

16. The battery module according to claim 15, wherein, Each of the plurality of areas respectively includes a plurality of divided edge areas provided on a part of the surface of the U-shaped frame and a part of the surface of the top plate, and the plurality of divided covers include a plurality of divided edge covers respectively attached to the plurality of divided edge areas.

17. The battery module according to claim 16, wherein, Two widthwise boundaries between the U-shaped frame and the top plate are covered by the plurality of divided edge covers over their entire lengths.

18. A battery pack, the battery pack including the battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

19. A vehicle, the vehicle including the battery pack according to claim 18.

Images