Battery module, battery pack, and vehicle including same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery module, the battery module comprising: a battery cell stack, the battery cell stack comprising a plurality of battery cells; a module case configured to accommodate the cell stack and having, on one side thereof, at least one vent hole through which exhaust gas discharged from the battery cells is discharged; a top cover coupled to one side of the module housing and having at least one cover hole corresponding to the exhaust hole; and an exhaust sheet configured to cover each of the exhaust hole and the cover hole.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery module, and a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery module.

[0002] This application claims priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0091291 filed in Korea on Jul. 13, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] Secondary batteries are easily applicable across product groups and offer electrical characteristics such as high energy density. They are commonly used in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) powered by electric drive sources, as well as portable devices. These batteries offer the primary advantage of significantly reducing fossil fuel use and the additional advantage of not producing any byproducts associated with energy use. Consequently, they are attracting attention as a new energy source that can improve eco-friendliness and energy efficiency.

[0004] Currently, widely used secondary batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium-polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. If a higher output voltage is required, a battery module or battery pack can be configured by connecting multiple battery cells in series. Furthermore, a battery module or battery pack can be configured by connecting multiple battery cells in parallel to increase the charge / discharge capacity. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in a battery module or battery pack can be set in various ways depending on the desired output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0005] At the same time, because battery cells involve chemical reactions during charging and discharging, performance may degrade if used in a temperature environment higher than the appropriate temperature. If the heat is not controlled to the appropriate temperature, there is always the possibility of accidental ignition or explosion. Furthermore, battery modules have a structure in which battery cells are densely packed inside the module housing. Therefore, if a thermal event occurs in one battery cell, it is extremely dangerous because the emitted high-temperature gases and flames can be transferred to adjacent battery cells, resulting in a series of battery cell explosions.

[0006] Therefore, when thermal runaway occurs in a battery module, it is necessary to develop a structure that can prevent heat accumulation inside the battery module by discharging high-temperature gas or flame generated inside the battery module to the outside, and also prevent the discharged gas or flame from flowing back into the battery module.

[0007] Furthermore, even if a thermal event occurs in certain battery cells within a battery module, a structure that can suppress and delay heat propagation needs to be developed to prevent gas or flames from transferring to other battery cells within the battery module and causing thermal runaway by safely compartmentalizing and isolating the battery cells. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Technical issues

[0009] Therefore, the present disclosure is directed to providing a battery module that can effectively prevent or delay the propagation of thermal runaway between battery cells by smoothly discharging gas or flame generated inside the battery module to the outside of the battery module when thermal runaway occurs in the battery module.

[0010] The present disclosure also aims to provide a battery module having improved safety and reliability by preventing gas or flame discharged to the outside of the battery module from flowing back into the battery module when thermal runaway occurs in the battery module.

[0011] Furthermore, the present disclosure is also directed to providing a battery module that can effectively prevent or delay the propagation of thermal runaway between battery cells by clearly partitioning and separating the battery cells.

[0012] In addition, the present disclosure is also intended to provide a battery pack and a vehicle including the above-mentioned battery module.

[0013] However, the technical problems that the present disclosure seeks to solve are not limited to the above problems, and other problems not mentioned above will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the present invention described below.

[0014] Technical Solution

[0015] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a battery module is provided, comprising: a cell stack comprising a plurality of battery cells; a module housing configured to accommodate the cell stack and having at least one exhaust hole, the at least one exhaust hole being arranged on one side so that exhaust gas discharged from the battery cell is discharged through the at least one exhaust hole; a top cover connected to one side of the module housing to form at least one cover hole corresponding to the exhaust hole; and an exhaust sheet configured to cover the exhaust hole and the cover hole, respectively.

[0016] The exhaust sheet may have a cut line configured to be opened by pressure of the exhaust gas.

[0017] The exhaust sheet may be provided in plural and may be prepared separately for each exhaust hole, and when exhausting the battery cell, only the cutting line of the exhaust sheet provided above the battery cell to be exhausted may be opened.

[0018] The exhaust flap may be opened in only one direction to prevent backflow of the exhaust gas.

[0019] The module case may include: a case body having an open upper surface and configured to accommodate the battery cell stack; and a top plate configured to cover the open upper surface of the case body and having the exhaust hole, and the top cover may be coupled to the top plate.

[0020] The top plate may include a seating portion configured to protrude upward from the exhaust hole so that the exhaust sheet is seated on the seating portion.

[0021] The seating portion may be provided to protrude to an inner side of the exhaust hole.

[0022] The exhaust sheet may be provided to be adhered to the seating portion.

[0023] The cell stack may include at least one barrier member configured to separate the plurality of battery cells, and the top plate may further include a fixing portion configured to protrude downward from a lower surface of the top plate such that one end of the barrier member is inserted into the fixing portion.

[0024] The blocking member may be provided in plural in one direction, and the exhaust hole may be located between the blocking members adjacent to each other.

[0025] At least one battery cell may be located between the adjacent blocking members, and the blocking member may extend beyond the battery cell and be inserted into the fixing portion, so that an airtight space may be formed by the adjacent blocking members and the fixing portion.

[0026] The fixing portion may include a first fixing portion and a second fixing portion disposed to face each other, and one end of the blocking member may be inserted between the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion.

[0027] The first fixing portion and the second fixing portion may be provided in plural numbers, and may be provided separately for each exhaust hole.

[0028] The seating portion and the fixing portion may be integrally formed and connected to the top plate.

[0029] In addition, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a battery pack including the battery module according to the present disclosure.

[0030] In addition, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a vehicle including the battery pack according to the present disclosure.

[0031] Beneficial effects

[0032] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, when an abnormality occurs in a battery cell, high-temperature gas or flames generated within the battery cell can be smoothly discharged outside the battery module, effectively preventing or delaying the propagation of thermal runaway between cells. Thus, the safety and reliability of the battery module can be ensured.

[0033] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, when an abnormal situation occurs in a battery cell, high-temperature gas or flame generated from the battery cell may be prevented from flowing back into the battery module.

[0034] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, since the battery cells within a battery module are safely separated and isolated, even if a thermal event occurs in certain battery cells within the battery module, the transfer of gas or flame to other battery cells within the battery module can be effectively prevented or delayed.

[0035] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent or delay an event such as a fire or explosion due to thermal runaway of a battery pack including a plurality of battery modules or a device in which the battery pack is mounted.

[0036] Furthermore, the present disclosure may have various other effects, and these effects will be described in the respective embodiments, or descriptions of effects that can be easily inferred by those skilled in the art will be omitted. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

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

[0039] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 3 is a plan view showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating main components of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 6 It shows Figure 5 Magnified view of portion A.

[0044] Figure 7 is a diagram for explaining a portion of a vent fin that is opened when thermal runaway occurs in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 8 is a perspective view illustrating a lower surface of a top plate included in a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figure 10 It is along Figure 9 A cross-sectional view taken along line Ⅰ-Ⅰ'.

[0048] Figure 11 It shows Figure 9 Magnified view of portion B.

[0049] Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view illustrating main components of a battery module according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] Figure 13 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a battery pack including a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] Figure 14 is a perspective view showing a vehicle including a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before the description, it should be understood that the terms used in the specification and the appended claims should not be interpreted as being limited to the general and dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted according to the meanings and concepts corresponding to the technical aspects of the present disclosure based on the principle of allowing the inventor to appropriately define the terms for the best interpretation.

[0053] Therefore, the descriptions presented herein are merely preferred examples for illustrative purposes, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, and it should be understood that other equivalents and modifications may be employed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0054] In addition, the present disclosure includes many different embodiments. For these embodiments, repeated descriptions will be omitted with respect to substantially the same or similar components, and different features will be described in detail.

[0055] At the same time, although terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, forward, and backward are used in this specification, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that these terms are merely for convenience of explanation and may vary depending on the position of the target object or the position of the observer.

[0056] For example, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the X-axis direction shown in the figure may indicate the front / rear direction, the Y-axis direction may indicate the left / right direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction on a plane (XY plane), and the Z-axis direction may indicate the up / down direction (vertical direction) perpendicular to both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

[0057] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 3 is a plan view showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating main components of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] Reference Figures 1 to 4 , a battery module 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a battery cell stack 100 , a module case 200 , a top cover 300 , and an exhaust sheet 400 .

[0059] The cell stack 100 may include a battery cell 110. A plurality of battery cells 110 may be provided.

[0060] The plurality of battery cells 110 may be, for example, pouch-type secondary batteries. Each of the plurality of battery cells 110 may have an electrode lead 112. Specifically, the plurality of battery cells 110 may include: an electrode assembly; a cell housing 111 that houses the electrode assembly; and electrode leads 112 that are connected to the electrode assembly and extend outside the cell housing 111 to serve as electrode terminals. The cell housing 111 may house the electrode assembly in a housing, and the perimeter of the housing may be heat-sealed to form a sealed portion.

[0061] A pair of electrode leads 112 may be provided, and the pair of electrode leads 112 may extend from both ends of the battery cell 110, i.e., in the longitudinal direction (±Y axis direction). In this case, the pair of electrode leads 112 may be a positive electrode lead and a negative electrode lead. If desired, the battery cell 110 may have two electrode leads 112 provided only at one end thereof (e.g., the +Y axis direction) along the Y axis.

[0062] like Figure 2As shown in FIG, a plurality of battery cells 110 may be arranged side by side in the left / right direction (X-axis direction) while standing upright in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). In this case, the sealing portion of each battery cell 110 may point in the front / rear direction (Y-axis direction) and the up / down direction (Z-axis direction), and the receiving portion may point in the left / right direction (X-axis direction).

[0063] The present disclosure is not limited to a specific type or form of battery cells 110, and various battery cells 110 known at the time of filing this application can be applied to form the disclosed battery cell stack 100. Although this embodiment will be described based on a pouch-type secondary battery as shown in the figure, which has high energy density and is easy to stack, cylindrical or square secondary batteries can also be applied to the battery cells 110.

[0064] The battery cell stack 100 may further include a barrier member 120. The barrier member 120 may be disposed between the battery cells 110. In particular, a plurality of barrier members 120 may be included in a battery cell stack 100. The barrier member 120 may be made of a material having excellent heat resistance and / or fire resistance, such as mica. In this embodiment, a plurality of barrier members 120 may be provided such that a barrier member 120 is arranged for every two or more battery cells 110. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery cells 110 may be separated or isolated to prevent gas or flames from passing through and propagating to other barrier members 120 adjacent to the barrier member 120.

[0065] Alternatively, the barrier member 120 may be provided in the form of a compression pad using a material such as silicone or aerogel. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when expansion occurs in the battery cell 110, the barrier member 120 may compress the battery cell 110 to improve the structural rigidity of the battery cell 110.

[0066] At the same time, refer to Figure 2 The battery module 10 of the present disclosure may further include a busbar frame assembly 500. The busbar frame assembly 500 may be disposed inside the module housing 200 and configured to cover at least one side of the battery cell stack 100. Figure 2 As shown, the bus bar frame assembly 500 may be coupled to both the front and rear sides of the battery cell stack 100 .

[0067] The busbar frame assembly 500 may include a busbar frame 510 and a plurality of busbars 520. The busbar frame 510 may be configured to be substantially coupled to the front and rear sides of the battery cell stack 100. The busbar frame 510 may be provided with slits through which the electrode leads 112 of the battery cells 110 may extend in the +Y-axis or -Y-axis direction. Furthermore, the busbar frame 510 may be made of, for example, a plastic material having electrical insulating properties and may be configured such that the busbars 520 may be attached to its outer surface.

[0068] In addition, the bus bar frame 510 may be press-fitted to the front end or the rear end of the battery cell stack 100 .

[0069] In addition, the plurality of bus bars 520 are devices for connecting the battery cells 110 in series and / or in parallel, and can be made of metal materials such as copper, aluminum, nickel, etc., and can be configured in the form of bars. The electrode leads 112 of the battery cells 110 can extend to the outside of the bus bar frame 510 by passing through the slits of the bus bar frame 510, and the extended portions can be attached to the surface of the bus bars 520 by welding or other methods. When the electrode leads 112 of the battery cells 110 and the bus bars 520 are welded in a predetermined pattern at the front and rear ends of the battery cell stack 100, the battery cells 110 can be connected in series and / or in parallel.

[0070] In addition, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The battery module 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a module housing 200. The module housing 200 may be configured to accommodate the battery cell stack 100. Specifically, an internal space is formed in the module housing 200, and the module housing 200 may be configured to accommodate the battery cell stack 100 and the bus bar frame assembly 500 in the internal space.

[0071] In addition, refer to Figure 2 , the module housing 200 may include a housing body 210. For example, the housing body 210 may be configured as a U-shaped frame. When the housing body 210 is configured as a U-shaped frame, it may be configured to cover both side surfaces and the lower surface of the battery cell stack 100. The housing body 210 may include a left plate and a right plate covering both side surfaces of the battery cell stack 100, and a lower plate covering the lower surface of the battery cell stack 100. In addition, the left plate, the right plate, and the bottom plate may be configured to be integrated with each other. At this time, the top surface and the front and rear surfaces of the housing body 210 may be open. The housing body 210 may be made of a metal material having rigidity and heat resistance so as to physically or chemically protect the battery cells 110 housed therein.

[0072] The module housing 200 may further include a top plate 220. The top plate 220 may be configured to form the upper surface of the module housing 200. When the housing body 210 is configured as a U-shaped frame, the top plate 220 may be coupled to the open upper surface of the housing body 210. The top plate 220 may be coupled to the housing body 210 by welding. In this case, the coupled top plate 220 and housing body 210 may form a rectangular tube with open front and rear sides.

[0073] Furthermore, the housing body 210 may be configured so that the battery cells 110 can be inserted into the housing body 210 in one direction. For example, the battery cells 110 can be inserted into the housing body 210 in the front / rear direction (Y-axis direction). In other words, the housing body 210 may be configured so that the battery cells 110 can be inserted into the housing body 210 in a sliding manner.

[0074] Furthermore, the module housing 200 may include end plates 230 disposed on both the front and rear sides of the open portion of the housing body 210. The end plates 230 may be coupled to the housing body 210 by welding. Meanwhile, although not shown for convenience, the end plates 230 may be made of, for example, an insulating material on the inside and a metallic material on the outside. Furthermore, the end plates 230 may partially have holes or slits to expose components that need to be exposed to the outside, such as the positive and negative terminals or connectors of the battery module 10.

[0075] Furthermore, the module housing 200 can be formed in various other forms. For example, the module housing 200 can include a box-shaped lower housing with an open top end and an upper cover that closes the open top end of the lower housing. In this case, the lower housing can be configured so that the left and right plates covering the two side surfaces of the battery cell stack 100 and the front and rear plates covering the front and rear of the battery cell stack 100 are integrated with each other.

[0076] Alternatively, the module housing 200 can be provided as a single frame. For example, the housing body 210 can be configured in the form of a rectangular tube including an upper surface, a lower surface, a left side, and a right side, the front and rear sides of which are open. According to the module housing 200 including a single frame, the battery module 10 can be assembled by assembling the battery cell stack 100 and the busbar frame assembly 500, inserting the assembly into the single frame in a press-fit manner, and connecting the end plate 230 to the two open parts of the single frame. At this time, in order to press-fit, there is almost no gap between the lower surface and the top plate 220 of the housing body 210 and the battery cell 110, and there is also almost no gap between the two sides of the housing body 210 and the two sides of the battery cell 110.

[0077] Furthermore, a vent hole H1 may be formed in the module case 200. The vent hole H1 may be configured to discharge exhaust gas generated in the battery cells 110 to the outside of the module case 200. The vent hole H1 may be formed on one side of the module case 200 and may perform directional exhaust in one direction.

[0078] For example, Figure 4 As shown, the exhaust hole H1 may be formed in the upper portion of the module housing 200, that is, in the top plate 220, and directional exhaust may be performed toward the upper portion of the battery module 10 through the exhaust hole H1. A plurality of exhaust holes H1 may be provided, and the plurality of exhaust holes H1 may be arranged at regular intervals in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction, Y-axis direction).

[0079] The plurality of exhaust holes H1 may be located between adjacent blocking members 120 among the plurality of blocking members 120 arranged in one direction.

[0080] In other words, the vent hole H1 may be provided at an upper portion of at least one battery cell 110 disposed between adjacent blocking members 120. Figure 2 As shown, in the battery module 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a blocking member 120 is arranged between every two battery cells 110, and a plurality of exhaust holes H1 can be formed in a row along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the battery cells 110 on the upper portions of the battery cells 110 arranged between the blocking members 120.

[0081] In this manner, the vent holes H1 provided in the top plate 220 may be provided to discharge gas or flame generated inside the battery module 10 to the outside of the battery module 10 when thermal runaway occurs in the battery module 10. Except for the vent holes H1, the rest of the module case 200 is sealed, and the gas or flame may be discharged directly toward the vent holes H1.

[0082] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, even if a thermal event occurs at any position of the battery cell 110, gas or flame generated from the battery cell 110 is discharged to the outside of the battery module 10 through a specific exhaust hole H1 provided at an upper portion of the battery cell 110, so exhaust can be carried out smoothly.

[0083] Meanwhile, the battery module 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a top cover 300 .

[0084] The top cover 300 can be made of a material having excellent heat resistance and / or fire resistance, for example, a pad coupled with mica or FRB (fire resistant barrier) and silicon. FRB can contain an inorganic material that is easily converted and can be made of a material having very high flame retardancy and excellent flame resistance. Therefore, when a pad coupled with FRB and silicon is provided, the shape can be kept stable without shrinking even when high-temperature heat is generated, thereby stably blocking high-temperature gas or flame generated from the battery cell 110. In addition, by providing the top cover 300, even if a thermal event occurs inside the battery module 10, the heat of the high-temperature gas or flame can be prevented from being conducted to the outside.

[0085] A cover hole H2 may be formed in the top cover 300. The cover hole H2 may be provided in plural and may be prepared to correspond to the exhaust hole H1. That is, the cover hole H2 may be provided in the same shape and size as the exhaust hole H1 at the position where the exhaust hole H1 is formed.

[0086] The top cover 300 may be coupled to one side of the module housing 200. For example, the top cover 300 may be configured to be attached to the upper portion of the module housing 200. Specifically, the top cover 300 may be coupled to the top plate 220. That is, the top cover 300 may be coupled to the rest of the top plate 220, excluding the portion where the cover hole H2 is formed. The top cover 300 may be attached to the top plate 220 via an adhesive member. The adhesive member may include an adhesive, tape, or the like.

[0087] The battery module 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be manufactured by accommodating the cell stack 100 in the case body 210, welding the top plate 220 and the end plates 230 to the case body 210 to complete the appearance of the battery module 10, then applying an adhesive member to the top cover 300, and assembling the top cover 300 on the top plate 220. In this case, all portions of the top cover 300 except the cover hole H2 can be attached to the top plate 220 by the adhesive member.

[0088] The battery module 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include an exhaust sheet 400. The exhaust sheet 400 may be configured to cover each exhaust hole H1. At the same time, the exhaust sheet 400 may be configured to cover each cover hole H2. In other words, the exhaust sheet 400 may be configured to cover the exhaust hole H1, and the top cover 300 may be configured to cover the rest of the top plate 220 except the exhaust hole H1. The exhaust sheet 400 may be made of a material having flame retardant properties. For example, the exhaust sheet 400 may be made of a rigid material having a high melting point such as SUS, or a rigid material having fire resistance and insulation properties. Therefore, even if an external force is applied to the exhaust sheet 400, the exhaust sheet 400 is not easily deformed, thereby reducing the risk of accidental exposure of the exhaust hole H1.

[0089] When thermal runaway occurs within the battery module 10, the adhesive member may melt due to the pressure of the gas discharged from the battery cells 110 and / or high-temperature heat such as dust or flames, thereby reducing the adhesive strength between the module housing 200 and the top cover 300. If the top cover 300 and the vent sheet 400 are not separated into two parts, and the top cover 300 is configured as a single component to even cover the vent hole H1, unlike the present disclosure, the exhaust gas discharge pressure may be applied between the module housing 200 and the top cover 300 with a weakened adhesive force, so that the top cover 300 may be pushed in the exhaust gas discharge direction and separated from the module housing 200. At this time, if the top cover 300 is left without being separated from the module housing 200 in a state where the adhesive strength of the adhesive member is weakened, the exhaust gas or flame may be blocked from being discharged, and there may also be a risk that the exhaust gas or flame may flow back into the battery module 10 through the excited interface between the top cover 300 and the module housing 200.

[0090] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the top cover 300 and the exhaust fin 400 are divided into two parts, so that the exhaust hole H1 is covered by the exhaust fin 400, and the portion other than the exhaust hole H1 is covered by the top cover 300. Therefore, when a thermal event occurs, the top cover 300 can be fundamentally prevented from being lifted from the module housing 200 due to high-temperature gas or flames. In other words, because the top cover 300 and the exhaust fin 400 are divided into separate parts, the area of ​​the top cover 300 adjacent to the exhaust hole H1 can be prevented from being lifted, thereby preventing gas or flames from flowing into the adjacent exhaust hole H1. By providing a separate exhaust fin 400, the area of ​​the top cover 300 adjacent to the exhaust hole H1 is prevented from being lifted. Therefore, gas or flames discharged to the outside can be prevented from flowing back into the battery module 10. Therefore, the safety and reliability of the battery module 10 can be guaranteed.

[0091] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 6 It shows Figure 5 Magnified view of portion A.

[0092] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 as well as Figure 4, the top plate 220 may include a seating portion 221. The seating portion 221 may be configured so that the exhaust sheet 400 can be seated on the seating portion. The seating portion 221 may be arranged to protrude upward from the exhaust hole H1. Specifically, the seating portion 221 may be arranged to protrude upward along the outer circumference of the exhaust hole H1. At this time, the length of the exhaust sheet 400 in the left / right direction may be greater than the diameter of the exhaust hole H1 in the left / right direction, and the length of the exhaust sheet 400 in the left / right direction may be set to be equal to the diameter of the seating portion 221 in the left / right direction. Therefore, the exhaust sheet 400 can be seated on the seating portion 221 and completely cover the exhaust hole H1.

[0093] In addition, the seating portion 221 may be provided to protrude to the inside of the exhaust hole H1. Therefore, the area where the exhaust sheet 400 contacts the seating portion 221 becomes wider, so that the exhaust sheet 400 can be more stably seated on the seating portion 221 and cover the exhaust hole H1.

[0094] The exhaust sheet 400 may be provided to be attached to the seating portion 221. For example, the exhaust sheet 400 may be attached to the seating portion 221 using an adhesive member such as a double-sided tape. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the exhaust sheet 400 may be adhered and fixed to the seating portion 221, thereby stably covering the exhaust hole H1.

[0095] Figure 7 is a diagram for explaining a portion of a vent fin that is opened when thermal runaway occurs in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0096] Reference Figure 7 When a thermal event occurs, the vent tab 400 may be configured to open by the pressure of exhaust gas or flames discharged from the battery cells 110. The thickness of the vent tab 400 may be thin enough to open by the pressure of the exhaust gas or flames.

[0097] Specifically, refer to Figure 4 and Figure 7 , the exhaust sheet 400 may have a cutting line L. When the gas is discharged from any exhaust hole H1, the cutting line L of the exhaust sheet 400 covering the exhaust hole H1 may be broken so that the gas can be discharged to the outside (the gas can be discharged along Figure 7 (discharged in the direction of the dotted arrow).

[0098] The cutting line L may be broken by the pressure of the exhaust gas or flame and open in the direction in which the exhaust gas or flame is discharged. The cutting line L may be set as a dotted line or a solid line by forming a groove or a cut in a portion of the exhaust sheet 400. For example, Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the cutting line L can be set in a fishbone shape. That is, the cutting line L can be formed as a substantially straight line along the extension direction of the exhaust sheet 400, so that the end in the extension direction branches. For example, the cutting line L may include a central cutting line elongated along the front / rear direction (Y-axis direction), that is, the longitudinal direction of the exhaust sheet 400, and branch cutting lines branching out from both ends of the central cutting line. More specifically, the branch cutting line may include two front cutting lines formed at the front end of the central cutting line in the form of branches at a predetermined angle to the central cutting line. In addition, the branch cutting line may include two rear cutting lines formed at the rear end of the central cutting line in the form of branches at a predetermined angle to the central cutting line. Specifically, the front cutting line or the rear cutting line can be formed at a right angle or an obtuse angle to the central cutting line. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the exhaust sheet 400 can be reliably unfolded along the cutting line L to open the exhaust hole H1.

[0099] Alternatively, the cut line L can be designed to be weaker than adjacent areas so that it can be easily broken by the pressure of the exhaust gas or flame. Alternatively, the cut line L can be formed by cutting a portion of the exhaust fin 400 with a sharp object such as a knife. For example, the cut line L can be formed so that the knife cuts linearly through the exhaust fin 400. The cut line L can be replaced by a term such as a slit. In this case, since the cut line L is opened by the pressure of the exhaust gas, the cut line L does not need to be broken, and the exhaust gas or flame can be easily discharged through the opened portion.

[0100] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when a thermal event occurs, the exhaust sheet 400 can be opened, so that the exhaust hole H1 can be exposed to the outside of the battery module 10. As a result, the exhaust sheet 40 does not block the exhaust hole H1. Therefore, gas or flames can be completely discharged to the outside of the battery module 10.

[0101] At the same time, refer to Figure 4 , the exhaust sheet 400 can be provided in plurality. The exhaust sheet 400 can be prepared separately for each of the multiple exhaust holes H1. The exhaust sheet 400 can be configured to cover each of the multiple exhaust holes H1 under normal conditions. However, when a thermal event occurs inside the battery module 10, only some of the multiple exhaust sheets 400 can be configured to be open. When the battery cell 110 is exhausted, only the cutting line L of the exhaust sheet 400 set above the exhaust battery cell 110 can be configured to be open. Specifically, when gas is discharged from the exhaust hole H1 corresponding to the exhaust battery cell 110, the cutting line L set on the exhaust sheet 400 covering only the exhaust hole H1 may be broken. In addition, except for the opened exhaust sheet 400, the remaining exhaust sheets 400 can be configured to keep covering the exhaust hole H1.

[0102] At this time, the vent sheet 400 can be configured to open in only one direction. As a result, the vent sheet 400 can prevent gas or flames exhausted to the outside from flowing back into the battery module 10. In addition, the vent sheet 400, which is not opened and covers the vent hole H1, can not only block heat but also block high-temperature gas, flames, and emissions generated from the battery cells 110.

[0103] In other words, under normal conditions, the vent sheet 400 can protect the battery cell stack 100 within the module housing 200 by shielding all of the vent holes H1. However, during a thermal event in which exhaust gas or flames are generated in some of the battery cells 110, the vent sheet 400 disposed above the venting battery cells 110 can be opened in one direction so as not to obstruct the path of the gas or flames discharged in a straight line through the vent holes H1, thereby allowing the gas or flames to be discharged smoothly to the outside of the battery module 10.

[0104] According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, not only can the gas or flame existing inside the module housing 200 be effectively exhausted through the opened vent fin 400, but the vent fin 400, which still covers the vent hole H1, can also prevent the gas or flame exhausted through the opened vent fin 400 from flowing back into the module housing 200. Therefore, by minimizing the heat propagation to the adjacent battery module 10, the propagation of thermal runaway can be effectively prevented or delayed, thereby ensuring the safety and reliability of the battery module 10.

[0105] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing a lower surface of a top plate included in a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 10 It is along Figure 9 A cross-sectional view taken along line Ⅰ-Ⅰ', and Figure 11 It shows Figure 9 Magnified view of portion B.

[0106] Furthermore, to facilitate assembly or maintain assembly tolerances, a predetermined gap may be spaced between one side of the module housing 200 and the barrier member 120. In this case, if a thermal event occurs in one battery cell 110, there is a risk that exhaust gas or flames may be transferred to other adjacent battery cells 110 through the specific gap formed between the barrier member 120 and the module housing 200. Even if there is no gap between the barrier member 120 and one surface of the module housing 200, without a separate device to secure the barrier member 120, the barrier member 120 may bend and deform due to the pressure of the exhaust gas or flames, potentially causing it to move left or right. Consequently, a gap forms between the barrier member 120 and the module housing 200, potentially transferring exhaust gas and the like to other adjacent battery cells 110 through this gap.

[0107] Therefore, refer to Figures 8 to 11 The battery module 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a fixing portion 222. The fixing portion 222 may be provided in the module housing 200 and configured to fix the blocking member 120. The fixing portion 222 may be made of a material having excellent heat resistance and / or fire resistance, thereby maintaining an airtight structure even under high temperature and high pressure. For example, the fixing portion 222 may be made of a fire-resistant plastic material.

[0108] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery cells 110 can be safely separated and isolated by minimizing the space between the module housing 200 and the blocking member 120. As a result, when a thermal event occurs in a battery cell 110, exhaust gas or flame is prevented from being transmitted to adjacent battery cells 110, thereby ensuring the safety and reliability of the battery module 10.

[0109] Furthermore, according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, since the blocking member 120 is fixed to the module housing 200 via the fixing portion 222, bending deformation in the blocking member 120 can be suppressed. Even if a thermal event occurs, the resulting high-temperature, high-pressure exhaust gas or flame can push out the blocking member 120, thereby reducing the possibility of the exhaust gas or flame being transferred to other battery cells 110. As a result, when thermal runaway propagation occurs in the battery module 10, the propagation of thermal runaway between the battery cells 110 can be effectively prevented or delayed.

[0110] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 9 The fixing portion 222 may be provided on the lower surface of the top plate 220 to fix the upper end of the blocking member 120. The fixing portion 222 is located inside the battery module 10, does not increase the height of the battery module 10, and does not cause a change in the appearance of the battery module 10. In addition, the fixing portion 222 can be located in an empty space within the battery module 10, thereby not affecting the energy density of the battery module 10.

[0111] The fixing portion 222 can be configured so that one end of the blocking member 120 is inserted into the fixing portion. The number of fixing portions 222 can correspond to the number of blocking members 120. In this case, the blocking member 120 can be arranged to extend further in the vertical direction than the battery cells 110. In other words, the vertical height of the blocking member 120 can be longer than the vertical height of the battery cells 110. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the blocking member 120 can be inserted into the fixing portion 222 and supported on both sides, thereby preventing one end of the blocking member 120 from moving in the left / right direction. As a result, multiple battery cells 110 can be more safely separated and isolated.

[0112] At this time, refer to Figure 9 , one surface of the module housing 200, namely the top plate 220, and the blocking member 120 may be arranged to contact each other. The blocking member 120 may be arranged to extend further upward than the battery cells 110, and the upper end of the blocking member 120 may be arranged to be inserted into the fixing portion 222. According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, since the gap between the blocking member 120 and the top plate 220 is minimized, the space through which exhaust gas can flow is reduced, thereby preventing thermal runaway from propagating to other adjacent battery cells 110.

[0113] At this time, the fixing portion 222 may be provided in plural in one direction. One direction may be defined as a direction in which the blocking member 120 and the battery cells 110 are stacked, that is, a left / right direction (X-axis direction).

[0114] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, gas or flame ejected from the battery cells 110 accommodated between adjacent barrier members 120 may be discharged to the outside of the module case 200 only through the exhaust holes H1 positioned between the adjacent barrier members 120 by the fixing portion 222 .

[0115] In addition, refer to Figure 8 and Figure 10 The fixing portion 222 may be provided in plurality and provided for each exhaust hole H1. Therefore, the fixing portion 222 may be configured to be spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the blocking member 120. The length of the fixing portion 222 may correspond to the length of the exhaust hole H1.

[0116] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an airtight space S may be formed by adjacent barrier members 120 and the fixing portion 222 among a plurality of barrier members 120. Here, airtightness has the concept of restricting the movement of exhaust gas between battery cells 110 adjacent to each other in the left / right direction (X-axis direction) with one barrier member 120 as the center. That is, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, gas generated from any battery cell 110 may be guided to flow in the longitudinal direction (along the longitudinal direction) of the barrier member 120 within the airtight space S containing the battery cell 110. Figure 10 Move as shown in the figure.

[0117] In addition, the airtight space S is provided to communicate with the exhaust hole H1, so that the gas generated in the battery cell 110 does not move toward other battery cells 110, but is guided only toward the exhaust hole H1 and discharged. As a result, the exhaust gas and the like can be discharged in a target direction, for example, in the direction in which the exhaust hole H1 is formed ( Figure 9 In other words, since the outer circumference of the exhaust hole H1 is blocked, the gas can be more effectively guided to be discharged upward.

[0118] If the gas generated inside the battery module 10 is discharged in various directions, the time for the exhaust gas to be discharged may be prolonged, which may significantly reduce the safety of the battery module 10. According to this embodiment, the exhaust gas is quickly guided to the exhaust hole H1, thereby preventing the exhaust gas from spreading in various directions within the module housing 200.

[0119] Will refer to Figure 11 The structure of the fixing portion 222 is described in detail. The fixing portion 222 may include a first fixing portion 222a and a second fixing portion 222b disposed to face each other. Each of the first fixing portion 222a and the second fixing portion 222b may be disposed to protrude from one side of the module housing 200. For example, Figure 10 As shown, the first fixing portion 222a and the second fixing portion 222b may be provided to protrude downward from the lower surface of the top plate 220. The protruding length of the first fixing portion 222a and the protruding length of the second fixing portion 222b may be the same.

[0120] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first fixing portion 222a and the second fixing portion 222b may not be formed integrally, but a gap w1 of a predetermined size may be provided between the first fixing portion 222a and the second fixing portion 222b in an area close to the top plate 220, so that even if the first fixing portion 222a and the second fixing portion 222b are deformed, the entire structure will not be deformed and the deformation stress is absorbed to maintain structural strength.

[0121] One end of the blocking member 120 may be inserted between the first fixing portion 222a and the second fixing portion 222b. At this time, the gap w1 between the first fixing portion 222a and the second fixing portion 222b may be smaller than the thickness w2 of the blocking member 120 (w1<w2).

[0122] Therefore, one end of the blocking member 120 can be configured to be compressed between the first fixing portion 222a and the second fixing portion 222b. According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the movement of the blocking member 120 in the left / right direction is further suppressed, so that the arrangement state of the battery cells 110 and the blocking member 120 can be stably maintained.

[0123] Reference Figure 11 , the gap w1 between the first fixing portion 222a and the second fixing portion 222b can be configured to increase in the direction of protrusion from the module housing 200. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, one end of the blocking member 120 can be fixed to the lower side of the first fixing portion 222a and the second fixing portion 222b. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the gap w1 between the first fixing portion 222a and the second fixing portion 222b can increase in the direction of protrusion from the module housing 200, so that the blocking member 120 is stably pressed into the increased gap.

[0124] The first fixing portion 222a and the second fixing portion 222b can be prepared by processing two block structures. Figure 11 As shown, the edges of the block surfaces of the first fixing portion 222a and the second fixing portion 222b facing each other may be rounded. Alternatively, the edges of the block surfaces of the first fixing portion 222a and the second fixing portion 222b facing each other may be chamfered.

[0125] The first fixing portion 222 a and the second fixing portion 222 b may be manufactured as a structure separate from the top plate 220 , and may be adhered, assembled, or bolted to the top plate 220 .

[0126] Alternatively, the first fixing portion 222a and the second fixing portion 222b may be formed integrally with the top plate 220. For example, the fixing portion 222 may be integrally provided on the lower surface of the top plate 220.

[0127] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, since the fixing portion 222 is integrally provided with the top plate 220 , a process of coupling the fixing portion 222 to the top plate 220 is omitted, and defects in a coupling portion of the fixing portion 222 and the top plate 220 can be minimized.

[0128] At this time, the fixing portion 222 can be set as a groove formed by recessing at least a portion of the top plate 220. The blocking member 120 can be inserted into the groove. In this case, the upper end of the blocking member 120 can be set to be in close contact with the groove without any gap.

[0129] According to this embodiment of the present disclosure, since the end of the blocking member 120 is inserted into the groove of the top plate 220, the fixing force of the blocking member 120 can be further improved. In particular, when exhaust gas is generated from a specific battery cell 110, the pressure of the exhaust gas can suppress the movement of the blocking member 120 in the left / right direction.

[0130] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a sealing force can be stably secured between the end portion of the barrier member 120 and the fixing portion 222 of the top plate 220. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the performance of preventing heat diffusion between the battery cells by the barrier member 120 can be further improved, and the arrangement state of the battery cells 110 and the barrier member 120 can be stably maintained.

[0131] Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view illustrating main components of a battery module according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0132] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 12 As shown, the placement portion 221 and the fixing portion 222 can be formed integrally and connected to the top plate 220. For example, the placement portion 221 and the fixing portion 222 can be formed by plastic injection molding and assembled into the exhaust hole H1 of the top plate 220. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, since the placement portion 221 and the fixing portion 222 are manufactured at the same time and connected to the top plate 220 at one time, the process of separately manufacturing the placement portion 221 and the fixing portion 222 and connecting them to the top plate 220 can be omitted. In addition, when manufacturing the top plate 220, a separate process for forming the placement portion 221 and the fixing portion 222 can be omitted. Therefore, the time and cost of manufacturing the battery module 10 can be reduced, thereby improving productivity.

[0133] Figure 13 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a battery pack including a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0134] Reference Figure 13 The battery pack 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include one or more battery modules 10 according to the above-mentioned embodiments of the present disclosure. The battery pack 1 according to the present disclosure may further include a BMS (battery management system), a current sensor, a fuse, etc. for integrated control of charging and discharging of the one or more battery modules 10, and a battery pack housing 20 for accommodating the above-mentioned components.

[0135] Figure 14 is a perspective view showing a vehicle including a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0136] Reference Figure 14 The vehicle 3 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include one or more battery packs 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure or one or more battery modules 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The vehicle 3 according to the present disclosure may be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The vehicle 3 includes four-wheeled vehicles and two-wheeled vehicles. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the vehicle 3 travels by receiving power from the battery pack 1 or the battery module 10.

[0137] The present disclosure has been described in detail. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, are given by way of illustration only, as various modifications and variations within the scope of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

Claims

1. A battery module, comprising: A battery cell stack, the battery cell stack comprising a plurality of battery cells; a module housing configured to accommodate the battery cell stack and having at least one vent hole provided on one side so that exhaust gas exhausted from the battery cells is exhausted through the at least one vent hole; a top cover coupled to one side of the module housing to form at least one cover hole corresponding to the exhaust hole; as well as An exhaust sheet is configured to cover the exhaust hole and the cover hole respectively.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, in, The exhaust sheet has a cut line configured to be opened by pressure of the exhaust gas.

3. The battery module according to claim 2, in, The exhaust sheet is provided in plural and is prepared separately for each exhaust hole, and Wherein, when the battery cell is exhausted, only the cutting line of the exhaust sheet provided above the battery cell to be exhausted is opened.

4. The battery module according to claim 3, in, The exhaust fins open in only one direction to prevent the exhaust gas from flowing back.

5. The battery module according to claim 1, in, The module housing comprises: a case body having an open upper surface and configured to accommodate the battery cell stack; and a top plate configured to cover the open upper surface of the housing body and having the exhaust hole, Wherein, the top cover is connected to the top plate.

6. The battery module according to claim 5, in, The top plate includes a seating portion configured to protrude upward from the exhaust hole so that the exhaust sheet is seated on the seating portion.

7. The battery module according to claim 6, in, The seating portion is provided to protrude to an inner side of the exhaust hole.

8. The battery module according to claim 6, in, The exhaust sheet is provided so as to be adhered to the seating portion.

9. The battery module according to claim 6, in, The cell stack includes at least one barrier member configured to separate the plurality of battery cells, and The top plate further includes a fixing portion configured to protrude downward from a lower surface of the top plate so that one end of the blocking member is inserted into the fixing portion.

10. The battery module according to claim 9, in, The blocking member is provided in plural along one direction, and Wherein, the exhaust hole is located between the blocking members adjacent to each other.

11. The battery module according to claim 10, in, At least one battery cell is located between the barrier members adjacent to each other, and wherein the blocking member extends beyond the battery cell and is inserted into the fixing portion, An airtight space is formed by the blocking member and the fixing portion adjacent to each other.

12. The battery module according to claim 9, in, The fixing portion includes a first fixing portion and a second fixing portion disposed to face each other, and One end of the blocking member is inserted between the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion.

13. The battery module according to claim 12, in, The first fixing portion and the second fixing portion are respectively provided in plurality and are individually provided for each exhaust hole.

14. The battery module according to claim 9, in, The seating portion and the fixing portion are integrally formed and connected to the top plate. 15 . A battery pack comprising the battery module according to claim 1 .

16. A vehicle comprising the battery pack according to claim 15.

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