Battery module with improved exhaust structure

Abstract

The present invention provides a battery module comprising: a battery cell laminate in which a plurality of pouch-type battery cells and a metal plate are laminated in the width direction; a U-shaped frame having an open upper portion, a front portion and a rear portion, and accommodating the battery cell stack; a pair of end plates covering a front portion and a rear portion of the U-shaped frame; and a top plate covering an upper portion of the U-shaped frame, in which a structure of the battery module has an improved exhaust passage and prevents heat propagation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0182327, filed on December 22, 2022, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a structure of a battery module including a plurality of pouch-type battery cells having improved thermal runaway delay and exhaust performance. Background Art

[0003] Secondary batteries that provide ease of application according to a product group and have electrical characteristics such as high energy density are widely used not only in portable devices, but also in electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles driven by an electric drive source and power storage devices. These secondary batteries are attracting attention as new energy for improving environmental friendliness and energy efficiency, not only because they have the main advantage of being able to significantly reduce the use of fossil fuels, but also 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- and large-sized devices such as vehicles require high output and large capacity. Therefore, medium- and large-sized battery modules that electrically connect a plurality of battery cells are used.

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

[0006] Figure 1 And Figure 2 respectively show the structure of a pouch-type battery cell and exhaust gas generated in the battery cell. Refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the pouch-type battery cell 11 includes an electrode assembly and a pouch made of a metal material, and the pouch surrounds and seals the electrode assembly. The pouch is sealed by fusion at a first sealing portion 111 provided at both ends in the length direction and a second sealing portion 112 provided at one end in the height direction. The electrode lead 113 extends from the electrode assembly and protrudes out of the pouch through the first sealing portion 111.

[0007] Figure 3 and Figure 4 are an exploded perspective view and a perspective view, respectively, showing the structure of a general battery module. Refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4, the battery module includes: a battery cell laminate 1 in which a plurality of battery cells 11 are laminated; a bus bar frame 2 connected to both ends in the length direction of the battery cell laminate 1; and a housing 3 that houses the battery cell laminate 1. The housing 3 includes a U-shaped frame 31, a pair of end plates 32, and a top plate 33. The U-shaped frame 31 has an open upper end and open front and rear ends. The pair of end plates 32 respectively cover the open front and rear ends of the U-shaped frame 31, and the top plate 33 covers the upper end of the U-shaped frame 31. The U-shaped frame 31, the end plates 32, and the top plate 33 can be assembled by welding.

[0008] The battery cells 11 may catch fire due to short circuit, impact, heat generation, etc. Here, a large amount of gas and heat energy may be discharged from the battery cells 11. When such gas and heat energy diffuse to other adjacent battery cells within the battery module, thermal runaway that may cause chain fires between the battery cells may occur. The gas and heat energy can be discharged through both ends in the length direction and one end in the height direction of the battery cells 11 where a first sealing portion 111 and a second sealing portion 112 are respectively provided.

[0009] A plurality of battery modules can be used together to form a battery pack. Here, the gas and heat energy generated from the battery module can diffuse to adjacent battery modules. Alternatively, the gas and heat energy generated from adjacent battery modules can spread to this battery module. In this case, thermal runaway at the battery pack level may occur. Summary of the Invention

[0010] Technical Problem

[0011] To solve the above problems of the prior art, an object of the present invention is to provide a structure of a battery module that prevents heat transfer between the battery cells included in the battery module and heat transfer between the battery modules included in the battery pack.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a structure of a battery module that allows high-temperature gas and heat energy generated during the ignition of the battery cells to be quickly discharged in a desired direction.

[0013] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a structure of a battery module in which the discharged high-temperature gas and heat energy do not flow back into the battery module.

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

[0015] Technical Solution

[0016] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides a structure of a battery module, which includes: a battery cell laminate including a plurality of pouch-type battery cells and a plurality of metal plates laminated in a width direction; a U-shaped frame having an open upper end, an open front end, and an open rear end, and accommodating the battery cell laminate; a pair of end plates respectively covering the front end and the rear end of the U-shaped frame; and a top plate covering the upper end of the U-shaped frame, wherein the top plate may be provided with a plurality of exhaust holes, the plurality of metal plates may be provided with a plurality of covers respectively corresponding to the plurality of exhaust holes, and the plurality of covers pass through the top plate to protrude in an upward direction and may be bent toward one end in the width direction to respectively cover at least a part of the plurality of exhaust holes.

[0017] The battery cell laminate may include a plurality of unit cell laminates, and each unit cell laminate includes a plurality of battery cells.

[0018] The metal plates may be provided at the other end in the width direction of each of the plurality of battery cells or each of the plurality of unit laminates. Here, the metal plate may be directly laminated on the other end surface in the width direction of the battery cell, or may be laminated with an additional layer interposed therebetween. A laminate including one battery cell and one metal plate or one unit cell laminate and one metal plate may be a unit laminate constituting the battery cell laminate.

[0019] One exhaust hole or a plurality of exhaust holes may be provided above each of the plurality of battery cells or each of the plurality of unit laminates. When a plurality of exhaust holes are provided above each of the plurality of battery cells or each of the plurality of unit laminates, the plurality of exhaust holes may be spaced apart and arranged in a length direction. As a result, the top plate has a grid shape, thereby ensuring necessary stiffness in the length direction and the width direction.

[0020] The plurality of covers may respectively correspond to the plurality of exhaust holes. That is, the positions of the plurality of covers may respectively correspond to the positions of the plurality of exhaust holes, and the number of the plurality of covers may be equal to the number of the plurality of exhaust holes.

[0021] The battery cell laminate may further include a heat insulating pad laminated with the plurality of pouch-type battery cells and the plurality of metal plates. The heat insulating pad may include a heat insulating material and may be laminated with the battery cells and the metal plates at any position as long as heat transfer between the battery cells or between the battery module and other adjacent battery modules can be prevented. For example, the heat insulating pad may be laminated at one end or the other end in the width direction of each of the plurality of metal plates, or may be inserted between two adjacent battery cells in the width direction. Even when the plurality of battery cells form unit cell laminates, the heat insulating pad may be inserted between each battery cell in the unit cell laminate and laminated together.

[0022] The thermal insulation pad may include a compressible material. In this case, the thermal insulation pad can prevent heat transfer and at the same time absorb deformation caused by the width direction tolerance and expansion of the metal plate and the battery cell.

[0023] The battery module may further include a heat-resistant filler that fills at least a part of the space between the battery cell laminate and the end plate. Here, each of the plurality of battery cells may be provided with a first sealing portion at both ends in its length direction, and the heat-resistant filler may cover the first sealing portion. Therefore, when the battery cell catches fire, it prevents gas and heat energy from being discharged in the length direction. The heat-resistant filler may include heat-resistant silicone resin. However, the material of the heat-resistant filler is not limited thereto, and any material may be used as long as the material has heat resistance and can be filled.

[0024] Each of the plurality of covers may be bent toward one end in the width direction, and a part of it may be welded to the top plate. By welding the cover to the top plate, the structural stability between the battery cell laminate and the top plate can be improved.

[0025] The plurality of covers may include a first cover that passes through the top plate through a first exhaust hole and covers a second exhaust hole adjacent to the first exhaust hole in the width direction.

[0026] The plurality of covers may include a second cover that passes through the top plate through a slit provided in the top plate and covers an exhaust hole adjacent to the slit in the width direction. The slit may be provided adjacent to the other end in the width direction of the top plate, and the cover protruding from the metal plate at the outermost edge at the other end in the width direction of the battery cell laminate is the second cover.

[0027] The first cover may contact the top plate at one end in the width direction of the first exhaust hole, and the second cover may contact the top plate at one end in the width direction of the slit.

[0028] The thickness of the metal plate may be selected to an appropriate value such that the metal plate bends when a bending moment exceeding a predetermined value is applied, and the metal plate does not deform when a bending moment less than the predetermined value is applied. For example, each of the plurality of metal plates may have a thickness in the range from 1 mm to 2 mm. Preferably, each of the plurality of metal plates may have a thickness in the range from 1.4 mm to 1.6 mm.

[0029] Each of the plurality of battery cells may be provided with a second sealing portion at one end in the height direction, and the battery cell laminate may be arranged such that the second sealing portion faces upward when housed in the U-shaped frame. Here, the second sealing portion may be provided along the length direction of the battery cell.

[0030] When a battery cell fire occurs in a battery module according to the present invention, gas and heat are discharged upward. Due to the upward discharge of gas and heat, the cover can be tilted outward to open the vents, allowing the gas and heat to quickly exit the battery module. Because the vents above other battery cells that have not caught fire are covered by the cover, gas and heat are prevented from flowing back into the battery module.

[0031] Beneficial effects

[0032] The present invention can provide a structure of a battery module in which heat propagation caused by conduction between battery cells is prevented by thermally insulating and blocking battery cells and / or unit cell laminates.

[0033] According to the present invention, there is provided a structure of a battery module, in which, when a battery cell catches fire, high-temperature gas and heat energy are directed to be discharged in an upward direction, and at the same time, the high-temperature gas and heat energy are discharged independently for each battery cell and / or unit cell laminate.

[0034] Another advantage of the battery module according to the present invention is that the inflow and re-inflow of high-temperature gas and heat energy exhausted from other battery cells and / or unit cell laminates and other battery modules is prevented, thereby preventing heat propagation between battery cells and between battery modules.

[0035] In addition, the present invention may have various other effects, and description thereof will be given in each embodiment, or description of effects that can be easily inferred by those skilled in the art will be omitted. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The structure of a pouch-type battery cell and the degassing occurring in the battery cell are shown respectively.

[0037] Figure 3 and Figure 4 1 and 2 are an exploded perspective view and a perspective view respectively showing the structure of a general battery module.

[0038] Figure 5 A stacked structure of a unit cell laminate according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0039] Figure 6 A stacked structure of a battery cell, a metal plate, and a thermal insulation mat according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0040] Figure 7 Shown Figure 6 Cross-section of a battery cell laminate.

[0041] Figure 8 and Figure 9are, respectively, an exploded perspective view and a perspective view of a battery module before assembling a top plate according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 10 show Figure 9 a cross-section of the battery module and the arrangement of the heat-resistant filler.

[0043] Figure 11 and Figure 12 show, respectively, the situations before and after the top plate is assembled to the battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 13 show Figure 12 a cross-section of the battery module.

[0045] Figure 14 show a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 15 show Figure 14 a cross-section of the battery module.

[0047] Figure 16 is Figure 15 a partial enlarged view of the main part of

[0048] Figure 17 show the exhaust gas generated in the battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 18 show a battery pack incorporating a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 19 show incorporating Figure 18 a vehicle with the battery pack of

[0051] [Description of Reference Numerals]

[0052] 1: Battery cell laminate

[0053] 11: Battery cell

[0054] 111: First sealing part

[0055] 112: Second sealing part

[0056] 113: Electrode lead

[0057] 12: Metal plate

[0058] 121: Cover

[0059] 121a: First cover

[0060] 121b: Second cover

[0061] 13: Thermal insulation pad

[0062] 2: Bus bar frame

[0063] 21: Slit

[0064] 22: Bus bar

[0065] 3: Housing

[0066] 31: U-shaped frame

[0067] 311: Insulating film

[0068] 32: End plate

[0069] 33: Top plate

[0070] 331: Exhaust hole

[0071] 331a: First exhaust hole

[0072] 331b: Second exhaust hole

[0073] 332: Slit

[0074] 333: Welding part

[0075] 4: Heat-resistant filler (silicone resin)

[0076] M: Battery module

[0077] P: Battery pack

[0078] V: Vehicle

[0079] X: Length direction

[0080] Y: Width direction

[0081] Z: Height direction Detailed implementation manners

[0082] In the following, the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art will be able to implement the technical concept 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, its detailed description will be omitted. In the following, the preferred embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar components.

[0083] Although various elements are described using "first", "second", etc., 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.

[0084] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specified, each element may be singular or plural.

[0085] Hereinafter, "arranging an element at the upper (or lower) part of an element" or "arranging an element at the top (or bottom) of an element" not only means "arranging the element in contact with the upper surface (or lower surface)", but also means "arranging the element above the upper surface (or lower surface) with another element interposed between the element and the upper surface (or lower surface)".

[0086] In addition, when an element is described as "connected to" another element, "coupled with" another element or "in contact with" another element, it should be understood that the element may be "directly connected to" another element, "directly coupled with" another element or "directly in contact with" another element, or the element may be "connected to" another element, "coupled with" another element or "in contact with" another element and yet another element is interposed between them or "connected to" another element, "coupled with" another element or "in contact with" another element via yet another element.

[0087] Unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the singular forms of expressions used herein include the plural forms. Terms such as "consisting of" or "including" used herein should not be construed as necessarily including all of the elements or steps described in the specification, but should be construed as excluding some of the elements or steps, or including additional elements or steps.

[0088] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specifically stated, "A and / or B" means A, B, or A and B, and unless otherwise specifically stated, "C to D" means from equal to or higher than C to equal to or lower than D. [[ID=~]]

[0089] The battery module according to the present invention includes: a battery cell laminate including a plurality of pouch-type battery cells and a plurality of metal plates laminated in a width direction; a U-shaped frame having an open upper end and open front and rear ends and accommodating the battery cell laminate; a pair of end plates respectively covering the front and rear ends of the U-shaped frame; and a top plate covering the upper end of the U-shaped frame, thereby having an improved exhaust path and being able to prevent heat propagation.

[0090] The technical solution of the present invention can be applied to a battery module and a battery pack in which a plurality of battery cells having a thickness are laminated with each other in a single housing.

[0091] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0092] Figure 1 and Figure 2The structure of a pouch-type battery cell and venting occurring in the battery cell are shown respectively. Refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the battery cell 11 can be formed by accommodating an electrode assembly in a pouch and sealing the pouch made of a sheet.

[0093] The electrode assembly can be formed by alternately laminating a plurality of negative electrodes and positive electrodes with a separator interposed between the negative electrode and the positive electrode. The electrode lead 113 can extend from the electrode assembly and protrude outside the pouch.

[0094] The pouch can include a metallic material. The pouch can be coated with a synthetic resin layer for insulation on the inside and outside. The sheet can be folded in half to accommodate the electrode assembly, and the sheet can be sealed by fusing the inner insulating layer to form the pouch. However, the pouch can have any material or structure different from the above, and can be sealed in any manner different from the above.

[0095] The pouch can be sealed at a first sealing portion 111 provided at both ends in the length direction and a second sealing portion 112 provided at one end in the height direction. The electrode lead 113 can protrude outside the pouch through the first sealing portion 111. The second sealing portion 112 can be provided along the length direction of the battery cell 11. A tape can be attached to the second sealing portion 112 for resealing.

[0096] The battery cell 11 may catch fire due to short circuit, impact, heat generation, etc. Here, a large amount of gas and heat energy may be discharged from the battery cell 11. Such gas and heat energy can be discharged through both ends in the length direction and one end in the height direction of the battery cell 11 where the first sealing portion 111 and the second sealing portion 112 are respectively provided.

[0097] Figure 6 The laminated structure of a battery cell, a metal plate, and a heat insulating pad according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Refer to Figure 6 , the metal plate 12 can be laminated on the other end in the width direction of the battery cell 11. Here, the metal plate 12 can be laminated on the other end in the width direction of the battery cell 11 with an additional layer interposed therebetween.

[0098] Alternatively, a plurality of laminated battery cells 11 can constitute a unit cell laminate, and the metal plate 12 can be laminated on the other end in the width direction of the unit cell laminate. Here, the plurality of battery cells 11 and the metal plate 12 can also be laminated with an additional layer interposed therebetween.

[0099] The metal plate 12 can include a lid 121 protruding upward from one end in its height direction. A plurality of lids 121 can be provided. The plurality of lids 121 can be arranged along the length direction, and specifically, can be arranged to be spaced apart in the length direction.

[0100] The battery cell 11 and the metal plate 12 can be stacked together with a heat insulating pad 13 made of a heat insulating material. The heat insulating pad 13 can be inserted between one battery cell 11 and an adjacent another battery cell 11, or stacked at one end or the other end in the width direction of the battery cell 11 or the metal plate 12. Since the bag of the metal plate 12 and the battery cell 11 is made of a metal material and has a high heat conductivity, the heat transfer rate between the battery cells 11 can be reduced by providing the heat insulating pad 13.

[0101] The heat insulating pad 13 can include a compressible material. In this case, when deformation due to expansion occurs in the battery cell 11 or there are tolerances in the stacked structure of the battery cells 11, the heat insulating pad 13 absorbs the expansion and the tolerances.

[0102] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the heat insulating pad 13 can be stacked on the other end surface in the width direction of each battery cell 11. A plurality of metal plates 12 having a plurality of covers 121 arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the length direction can be stacked on the other end surface in the width direction of the heat insulating pad 13. That is, a unit laminate can be formed by sequentially stacking a heat insulating pad 13 and a metal plate 12 at the other end in the width direction of each battery cell 11.

[0103] In a modified example, a plurality of battery cells can be stacked together with heat insulating pads inserted therebetween to form a unit cell laminate. A heat insulating pad can be stacked on the other end surface in the width direction of each unit cell laminate. On the other end surface in the width direction of the heat insulating pad, a metal plate having covers arranged to be spaced apart in the length direction can be stacked. That is, a unit laminate can be formed by sequentially stacking a heat insulating pad and a metal plate at the other end in the width direction of each unit cell laminate.

[0104] Hereinafter, although each unit laminate including one battery cell 11 is illustrated according to an embodiment, it is obvious that the technical solution of the present invention can be applied to a unit laminate including a plurality of battery cells 11.

[0105] Figure 6 A stacked structure of a battery cell, a metal plate, and a heat insulating pad according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 7 is shown Figure 6 of a cross section of a battery cell laminate. Referring to Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the battery cell laminate 1 can be formed by stacking a plurality of battery cells 11, a plurality of metal plates 12, and / or a plurality of heat insulating pads 13 in the width direction. The battery cell laminate 1 can be formed by repeatedly stacking a plurality of unit laminates.

[0106] A pair of bus bar frames 2 may be connected to both longitudinal ends of the battery cell laminate 1.

[0107] The battery cell laminate 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be formed by repeatedly laminating unit laminates, and a pair of bus bar frames 2 may be connected to both longitudinal ends of the battery cell laminate 1. In the unit laminate, one battery cell 11, one heat insulating pad 13, and one metal plate 12 are sequentially laminated at the other end in the width direction.

[0108] In a modified example, the battery cell laminate 1 may include additional heat insulating pads 13 laminated on the outermost sides at one end and / or the other end in the width direction.

[0109] Figure 8 and Figure 9 are respectively an exploded perspective view and a perspective view of a battery module before assembling a top plate according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 8 and Figure 9 the battery cell laminate 1 may be accommodated in the housing 3 to form a battery module.

[0110] The battery cell laminate 1 may be accommodated in the housing 3 with the second sealing portion 112 facing upward. When the second sealing portion 112 faces upward, the main discharge direction of the gas and heat energy discharged from the battery cell 11 may be upward. At this time, the second sealing portion 112 may be positioned to be offset to one side in the width direction with respect to the center in the width direction of the battery cell 11.

[0111] The housing 3 may include a U-shaped frame 31 having an open upper end and open front and rear ends, and a pair of end plates 32 respectively covering the front and rear ends of the U-shaped frame 31.

[0112] The U-shaped frame and the end plates 32 may be joined to each other to form a housing. Each of the U-shaped frame 31 and the end plates 32 may include a metallic material. Here, the U-shaped frame 31 and the end plates 32 may be welded to each other. However, the materials and joining methods of the U-shaped frame 31 and the end plates 32 are not limited thereto, and they may be made of materials other than metallic materials and may be joined to each other by methods other than welding.

[0113] The battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a housing 3 and a battery cell laminate 1, the housing 3 includes a U-shaped frame 31 and a pair of end plates 32, and the battery cell laminate 1 is accommodated in the housing 3 with the second sealing portion 112 facing upward. Here, the direction in which the second sealing portion 112 faces and the direction in which the lid 121 protrudes may be the same as each other in the upward direction.

[0114] Figure 10 Shows Figure 9Cross-section of the battery module and arrangement of the heat-resistant filler. Refer to Figure 10 , the bus bar frame 2 may include slits 21 and bus bars 22. A plurality of electrode leads 113 may pass through the slits 21 and be welded to the bus bars 22. The bus bars 22 may connect the plurality of electrode leads 113 in series or in parallel with each other.

[0115] An empty space may be formed between the battery cell laminate 1 and the end plate. At least a part of the empty space may be filled with the heat-resistant filler 4. That is, the heat-resistant filler 4 may fill at least a part of the empty space between the battery cell laminate 1 and the bus bar frame 2 and between the bus bar frame 2 and the end plate.

[0116] The heat-resistant filler 4 may cover the first sealing part 111 where the electrode lead 113 protrudes. Therefore, when the battery cell 11 catches fire, gas and heat energy can be prevented from being discharged through the first sealing part 111.

[0117] Here, preferably, when the battery cell 11 catches fire, the discharge direction of gas and heat energy may be restricted to the height direction, particularly the upward direction. That is, in this case, both ends in the width direction of the pouch-type battery cell 11 and one end in the height direction opposite to the second sealing part are surrounded and sealed by the tape, and both ends in the length direction of the battery cell 11 are sealed at the first sealing part 111 covered by the heat-resistant filler 4, so that when the battery cell 11 catches fire, gas and heat energy can be discharged upward only through the second sealing part 112. Here, the gas discharge path (exhaust path) is provided independently for each battery cell 11 in the housing 3, so that each of all the battery cells 11 has its own exhaust path that is not shared with other battery cells.

[0118] The heat-resistant filler 4 may include heat-resistant silicone resin. However, the heat-resistant filler 4 may include any material as long as it provides heat-resistant performance and covers the first sealing part 111 by filling the empty space.

[0119] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the heat-resistant filler 4 may include a heat-resistant silicone resin material and may fill the space between the battery cell laminate 1 and the bus bar frame 2 and the space between the bus bar frame 2 and the end plate to completely cover the first sealing part 111.

[0120] Figure 11 and Figure 12 show the situations before and after the top plate is assembled to the battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, respectively. Figure 13 Shows Figure 12 Cross-section of the battery module. Refer to Figures 11 to 13, the housing 3 may include a top plate 33 covering the upper end of the opening of the U-shaped frame 31. The top plate 33 may include a metallic material. The top plate 33 may be welded to the U-shaped frame 31. However, the material of the top plate 33 and the joining method to the U-shaped frame 31 are not limited thereto, and the top plate 33 may be made of a material other than a metallic material and may be joined to the U-shaped frame 31 by a method other than welding.

[0121] The top plate 33 may be provided with exhaust holes 331 vertically passing through the top plate 33. A plurality of exhaust holes 331 may be provided.

[0122] One exhaust hole 331 or a plurality of exhaust holes 331 may be provided above each battery cell 11. When a plurality of exhaust holes 331 are provided above each battery cell 11, the plurality of exhaust holes 331 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the length direction. In this case, the top plate 33 may have a grille shape having the plurality of exhaust holes 331 therein. As a result, although there are a plurality of exhaust holes 331, the top plate 33 may ensure appropriate stiffness in the width direction and the length direction.

[0123] Alternatively, one exhaust hole 331 or a plurality of exhaust holes 331 may be provided above each unit cell laminate. When a plurality of exhaust holes 331 are provided above each unit cell laminate, the plurality of exhaust holes 331 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the length direction or in the width direction. In this case, the top plate 33 may have a grille shape having the plurality of exhaust holes 331 therein. As a result, although there are a plurality of exhaust holes 331, the top plate 33 may ensure appropriate stiffness in the width direction and the length direction.

[0124] Here, the positions of the exhaust holes 331 may respectively correspond to the positions of the covers 121, and the number of the exhaust holes 331 may be equal to the number of the covers 121. However, the number of the exhaust holes 331 may be greater than the number of the covers 121 such that only one cover 121 may be provided for a plurality of exhaust holes 331, or the number of the covers 121 may be greater than the number of the exhaust holes 331 such that one exhaust hole 331 may be provided for a plurality of covers 121.

[0125] The cover 121 may pass through the top plate 33 to protrude in the upward direction. The top plate 33 may be provided with a slit 332 for the cover 121 to pass through. The slit 332 may be provided by separate perforation or may be provided in a case where the joining area of the top plate 33 and the U-shaped frame 31 is not joined. The cover 121 may pass through the top plate 33 through the exhaust hole 331 or may pass through the top plate 33 through the slit 332.

[0126] A battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a top plate 33, and the top plate 33 may be made of a metallic material and welded to a U-shaped frame 31. The top plate 33 may include vent holes 331 and slits 332. The vent holes 331 are spaced apart from each other in the length direction, and the positions and numbers of the vent holes 331 correspond to the positions and numbers of the covers 121 above the battery cells 11. The slits 332 are adjacent to the other end in the width direction of the top plate 33 and are spaced apart from each other in the length direction. Here, each cover 121 may pass through the top plate 33 through one of the slits 332 and the vent holes 331 to protrude upward.

[0127] Figure 14 A battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, Figure 15 is shown Figure 14 a cross-section of the battery module of. Referring to Figure 14 and Figure 15 , the cover 121 may protrude upward through the top plate 33 and then bend toward one end in the width direction.

[0128] The cover 121 is bent to cover at least a part of the vent hole 331. Thus, all the vent holes 331 may be covered by at least one of the covers 121. Here, it is not necessary for one vent hole 331 to be covered by one cover 121. Additionally, preferably, the vent holes 331 have a predetermined area not covered by the covers 121 and are open in the upward direction. This is to prevent a rapid increase in the internal pressure of the housing 3 by allowing a small amount of gas generated from the battery cells 11 to escape before full thermal runaway or the start of a fire.

[0129] According to an embodiment of the present invention, each cover 121 protrudes upward through the top plate 33 and bends in the width direction to cover a part of the vent hole 331. Here, the vent holes 331 may have a predetermined area that is open in the upward direction and not covered by the covers 121.

[0130] Figure 16 is Figure 15 a partial enlarged view of the main part of.

[0131] [[ID=XX]]The cover 121 may include a first cover 121a that passes through the top plate 33 through the vent hole 331. The first cover 121a may pass through a predetermined first vent hole 331a and cover a second vent hole 331b adjacent to the first vent hole 331a in the width direction. Here, the first vent hole 331a may be determined differently for each first cover 121a, and thus, the second vent hole 331b may also be determined differently for each first cover 121a. For example, a certain vent hole may be the first vent hole for one first cover and may be the second vent hole for another first cover.

[0132] It should be noted that in the original text, there is an unclear "XX" in the content of [[ID=XX]]. I have translated it as best as possible according to the context. If there is a more accurate expression, please adjust it according to the actual situation.Here, the first cover 121a can contact the top plate 33 at one end in the width direction of the first exhaust hole. That is to say, the first cover 121a can bend toward one end in the width direction of the battery module while taking one end in the width direction of the first exhaust hole 331a through which the first cover 121a passes as a boundary. When a roller is used to bend the first cover 121a, a reaction force corresponding to the force applied by the roller to the side of the first cover 121a toward the width direction can be applied at one end in the width direction of the first exhaust hole 331a, so that the first cover 121a can bend toward one end in the width direction of the battery module. Here, for structural stability, preferably, the first cover 121a contacts both the inner surface adjacent to one end in the width direction of the first exhaust hole 331a of the first exhaust hole 331a and the upper surface of the top plate 33 at the same time.

[0133] The cover can include a second cover 121b passing through the top plate 33 through a slit 332. The second cover 121b can pass through the slit 332 and cover the exhaust hole 331 adjacent to the slit 332 in the width direction.

[0134] Here, the second cover 121b can contact the top plate 33 at one end in the width direction of the slit. That is to say, the second cover 121b can bend toward one end in the width direction of the battery module while taking one end in the width direction of the slit 332 through which the second cover 121b passes as a boundary. When a roller is used to bend the second cover 121b, a reaction force corresponding to the force applied by the roller to the side of the second cover 121b toward the width direction can be applied at one end in the width direction of the slit 332, so that the second cover 121b can bend toward one end in the width direction of the battery module. Here, for structural stability, preferably, the second cover 121b contacts both the inner side adjacent to one end in the width direction of the slit 332 of the slit 332 and the upper surface of the top plate 33 at the same time.

[0135] After the cover 121 is bent, a part of it can be joined to the top plate 33. For example, a part of the cover 121 adjacent to the front end and / or the base end from the bending part can be welded to the inner side surface of the exhaust hole 331 or the slit 332 through which the cover 121 passes and / or the upper surface of the top plate 33. The joining can be achieved by welding. By joining the cover 121 to the top plate 33, the stability of the arrangement relationship between the cover 121 and the top plate 33 can be improved.

[0136] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the cover 121 may include: a second cover 121b that protrudes from the outermost end of the metal plate 12 provided at the other end in the width direction and passes through the top plate 33 in the upward direction through the slit 332; and a first cover 121a other than the second cover 121b that passes through the top plate 33 through the exhaust hole 331. Here, the first cover 121a and the second cover 121b are respectively in contact with one end in the width direction of the exhaust hole 331 and the slit 332, and a part of them may be welded to the top plate 33.

[0137] Figure 17 Exhaust occurring in the battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Refer to Figure 17 , when one of the battery cells 11 catches fire, a large amount of gas and heat energy can be discharged from the burning battery cell 11 in the upward direction. Here, the gas and heat energy can be discharged through the second sealing portion 112 located above the battery cell 11 along the long width direction side of the battery cell 11.

[0138] Here, an independent exhaust space surrounded by the metal plate 12 and the heat-resistant filler may be provided for each battery cell 11 or each unit cell laminate.

[0139] When the internal pressure of the exhaust space increases due to gas and heat energy, the cover 121 bends outward, thereby opening the exhaust hole 331 in the upward direction. Here, a part of the cover 121 is welded to the top plate 33 so that only the cover 121 opens without the metal plate 12 moving or falling off. When the cover 121 opens, the high-temperature gas and heat energy in the housing 3 can be discharged to the outside, thereby preventing the temperature of the battery cell 11 from further rising and delaying the progress of the fire.

[0140] Here, the exhaust holes provided above the battery cells other than the burning battery cell 11 can still be covered by the cover. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the gas and heat energy discharged from the burning battery cell 11 from flowing back into the housing through the exhaust hole 331 and heating other battery cells. In addition, the battery cells 11 may have heat insulating pads 13 interposed therebetween, so that heat transfer caused by heat conduction between the battery cells 11 can also be prevented.

[0141] When the metal plate 12 is too thin, the cover 121 is sometimes easily damaged and the inflow of gas cannot be sufficiently prevented. When the metal plate 12 is too thick, bending and welding are difficult, and even though the internal pressure increases due to a fire, the exhaust space may not be opened. Therefore, the metal plate 12 may preferably have an appropriate thickness so as to have a bending stiffness that facilitates bending when a force exceeding a predetermined level is applied, while preventing deformation when a force lower than the predetermined level is applied. For example, the metal plate 12 may have a thickness in the range from 1 mm to 2 mm. Preferably, the metal plate 12 may have a thickness in the range from 1.4 mm to 1.6 mm. When the metal plate 12 has the appropriate thickness as described above, the functions of discharging gas and heat energy and preventing the inflow of gas and heat energy can be achieved simultaneously.

[0142] In a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, each of the battery cells 11 has an independent exhaust space that is thermally insulated from each other by a heat insulating pad 13. When one of the battery cells 11 catches fire, the cover 121 above the burning battery cell 11 opens the exhaust hole 331 to discharge the high-temperature gas and heat energy in the exhaust space to the outside of the housing 3, while the cover provided at the exhaust hole above the non-burning battery cell can prevent the discharged gas and heat energy from flowing back into other exhaust spaces. The heat insulating pad 13 can prevent heat transfer caused by conduction between the battery cells 11. As a result, in the structure of the battery module according to the embodiment, heat dissipation is rapid and selective, thereby preventing heat inflow and preventing continuous fire and thermal runaway caused by heat transfer.

[0143] The present invention also provides a battery pack incorporating the battery module and a vehicle having the battery pack.

[0144] Figure 18 and Figure 19 show a battery pack incorporating the battery module and a vehicle incorporating the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 18 and Figure 19 , a plurality of battery modules M may be incorporated in a single battery pack frame to form a battery pack P for high voltage and / or high capacity. The plurality of battery modules M are connected in parallel or in series with each other through battery pack bus bars included in the battery pack P to achieve high voltage and high capacity as a whole. The battery pack P may be incorporated in an electric vehicle V that uses a secondary battery as a power source. The battery pack P may supply power to the vehicle V through a motor incorporated in the vehicle V. Since the detailed structures of such a battery pack and a vehicle are known to those skilled in the art, their detailed descriptions are not given herein.

[0145] It should be understood that the described embodiments are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive, and the scope of the present invention will be indicated by the appended claims rather than the detailed description. Also, the meaning and scope of the appended claims, as well as all changes and modifications derived from equivalent concepts, should be construed as being included within the scope of the present invention.

[0146] 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 in this specification, 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 operational 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 through this configuration.

Claims

1. A battery module, the battery module comprising: a battery cell laminate, the battery cell laminate including a plurality of pouch-type battery cells and a plurality of metal plates laminated in a width direction; a U-shaped frame, the U-shaped frame having an open upper end and open front and rear ends, and accommodating the battery cell laminate; a pair of end plates, the pair of end plates respectively covering the front end and the rear end of the U-shaped frame; and a top plate, the top plate covering the upper end of the U-shaped frame, wherein the top plate is provided with a plurality of exhaust holes, the plurality of metal plates are provided with a plurality of covers respectively corresponding to the plurality of exhaust holes, and each cover passes through the top plate to protrude in an upward direction and is bent toward one end in the width direction to respectively cover at least a part of the area of the exhaust hole.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The metal plates are laminated at the other end in the width direction of each of the battery cells, and one exhaust hole is provided above each of the battery cells.

3. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The metal plates are laminated at the other end in the width direction of each of the battery cells, and a plurality of exhaust holes are provided above each of the battery cells.

4. The battery module according to claim 3, wherein, A plurality of exhaust holes are provided above each of the battery cells, being spaced apart from each other in a length direction and arranged.

5. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The battery cell laminate includes a plurality of unit cell laminates, the plurality of unit cell laminates including a plurality of battery cells, the metal plates are laminated at the other end in the width direction of each of the unit cell laminates, and one exhaust hole is provided above each of the unit cell laminates.

6. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The battery cell laminate includes a plurality of unit cell laminates, the plurality of unit cell laminates including a plurality of battery cells, the metal plates are laminated at the other end in the width direction of each of the unit cell laminates, and a plurality of exhaust holes are provided above each of the unit cell laminates.

7. The battery module according to claim 6, wherein, A plurality of exhaust holes are provided above each of the unit cell laminates, being spaced apart from each other in a length direction and arranged.

8. The battery module according to claim 6, wherein, A plurality of exhaust holes are provided above each of the unit cell laminates, being spaced apart from each other in the width direction and arranged.

9. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The battery cell laminate further includes a heat insulating pad, the heat insulating pad being laminated together with the battery cells and the metal plates.

10. The battery module according to claim 9, wherein, The heat insulating pad is laminated at one end or the other end in the width direction of each of the metal plates.

11. The battery module according to claim 9, wherein, The heat insulating pad is inserted between any two adjacent battery cells in the width direction.

12. The battery module according to claim 9, wherein, The heat insulating pad includes a compressible material.

13. The battery module according to claim 1, the battery module further including a heat-resistant filler, the heat-resistant filler filling at least a part of the space between the battery cell laminate and the end plate.

14. The battery module according to claim 13, wherein, The battery cells are provided with first sealing portions at both ends in their length directions, and the heat-resistant filler covers the first sealing portions.

15. The battery module according to claim 13, wherein, The heat-resistant filler includes heat-resistant silicone resin.

16. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, After each of the covers is bent toward one end in the width direction, a part of each cover is welded to the top plate.

17. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of covers includes a first cover which passes through the top plate through a predetermined first exhaust hole and covers a second exhaust hole adjacent to the first exhaust hole in the width direction.

18. The battery module according to claim 17, wherein, The first cover contacts the top plate at one end in the width direction of the first exhaust hole.

19. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of covers includes a second cover which passes through the top plate through a slit provided in the top plate and covers an exhaust hole adjacent to the slit in the width direction.

20. The battery module according to claim 19, wherein, The second cover contacts the top plate at one end in the width direction of the slit.

21. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein The metal plate has a thickness in the range from 1 mm to 2 mm.

22. The battery module according to claim 21, wherein, The metal plate has a thickness in the range from 1.4 mm to 1.6 mm.

23. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The battery cell is provided with a second sealing portion at one end in its height direction, and the battery cell laminate is arranged with the second sealing portion facing upward.

24. The battery module according to claim 23, wherein, The second sealing portion is arranged along the length direction of the battery cell.

25. A battery pack, the battery pack comprising the battery module according to claims 1 to 24.

26. A vehicle, the vehicle comprising the battery pack according to claim 25.

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