Battery module, battery pack including same, and vehicle including battery pack

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery module, the battery module comprising: a cell stack, the cell stack comprising a plurality of battery cells; a module case configured to receive the stack of cells therein; and a top cover disposed on a top of the module housing, where the top cover includes a plurality of exhaust regions configured to exhaust exhaust gases.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] This application is based on and claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0052736, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on April 19, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Technology

[0003] Secondary batteries, with their high applicability due to their product group and electrical characteristics such as high energy density, are commonly used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) powered by electric sources. Because these secondary batteries offer the major advantage of significantly reducing fossil fuel use and produce no byproducts during energy consumption, they are attracting considerable attention as a new energy source that improves both eco-friendliness and energy efficiency.

[0004] Currently widely used rechargeable batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. When a higher output voltage is required, multiple battery cells can be connected in series to form a battery module or battery pack. Furthermore, to increase charging and discharging capacity, multiple battery cells can be connected in parallel to form a battery module or battery pack. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in a battery module or battery pack can be set in various ways according to the required output voltage or charging and discharging capacity.

[0005] Furthermore, because battery cells involve chemical reactions during charging and discharging, their performance may deteriorate when used in environments exceeding their optimal temperature range. There is always a possibility of accidental ignition or explosion if heat is not properly controlled. Additionally, battery modules are constructed to house these battery cells within a module casing. Therefore, if a thermal event occurs in one battery cell, the emitted high-temperature gases and flames can transfer to adjacent battery cells, potentially triggering a chain reaction that could lead to an explosion – a highly dangerous situation.

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

[0007] Technical issues

[0008] This disclosure aims to provide a battery module that can effectively prevent or delay the propagation of thermal runaway between cells by smoothly venting the gas or flame generated inside the battery module to the outside of the battery module when thermal runaway occurs in the battery module.

[0009] Furthermore, this disclosure aims to provide a battery module that has improved safety and reliability by preventing the backflow of gases or flames emitted to the outside of the battery module into the battery module in the event of thermal runaway.

[0010] However, the technical problems to be solved by this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art can clearly understand other problems not mentioned herein through the following description of this disclosure.

[0011] Technical solution

[0012] To address the aforementioned issues, this disclosure provides a battery module comprising: a cell stack including a plurality of battery cells; a module housing configured to house the cell stack; and a top cover disposed on the top of the module housing, wherein the top cover includes a plurality of exhaust regions configured to discharge exhaust gases.

[0013] The plurality of battery cells can be arranged horizontally, and each of the plurality of venting regions can be configured to cover an upward-facing surface of each of the plurality of battery cells.

[0014] The top cover can be configured such that the plurality of exhaust zones are closed under normal conditions, and at least some of the exhaust zones are open when exhaust gas flows from the interior of the module housing into the top cover.

[0015] The plurality of battery cells may include at least one first battery cell and at least one second battery cell disposed adjacent to the at least one first battery cell, and the plurality of venting regions may be formed in a first venting region at a position corresponding to the at least one first battery cell and in a second venting region at a position corresponding to the at least one second battery cell.

[0016] When exhaust gas is discharged from the at least one first battery cell, only the first exhaust area can be configured to be open.

[0017] The plurality of exhaust zones can be configured to be open only in the direction toward the outside of the battery module.

[0018] The plurality of exhaust zones may include a cutting line configured to allow each of the plurality of top cover zones to break.

[0019] The battery module may also include at least one support member disposed on the plurality of exhaust areas.

[0020] The module housing may include a top plate, which forms a surface facing upwards towards the module housing and has at least one vent hole through which exhaust gases from the battery cell are discharged.

[0021] The size of at least one exhaust port may be smaller than the size of one of the plurality of exhaust regions.

[0022] The at least one exhaust port may include a first exhaust port and a second exhaust port arranged side by side with the first exhaust port, and the first exhaust port and the second exhaust port may be formed at positions corresponding to at least a portion of the first exhaust region.

[0023] The top cover can be connected to the top plate.

[0024] Furthermore, this disclosure provides a battery pack including a battery module according to this disclosure.

[0025] Furthermore, this disclosure provides a vehicle that includes a battery pack according to this disclosure.

[0026] Beneficial effects

[0027] According to one aspect of this disclosure, when a battery cell is in an abnormal state, the high-temperature gas or flame generated from the battery cell can be smoothly discharged to the outside of the battery module, thereby effectively preventing or delaying the propagation of thermal runaway between cells.

[0028] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, when the battery cell is in an abnormal state, it can prevent high-temperature gas or flame generated from the battery cell from flowing back into the battery module, thereby ensuring the safety and reliability of the battery module.

[0029] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, events such as fires or explosions caused by thermal runaway in a battery pack comprising multiple battery modules or a device equipped with multiple battery modules can be prevented or delayed.

[0030] Furthermore, this disclosure may have various other effects that will be described in each embodiment, or descriptions of effects that can be readily inferred by those skilled in the art will be omitted. Attached Figure Description

[0031] The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the above disclosure, serve to provide a further understanding of the technical features of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is not to be construed as limited to the drawings.

[0032] Figure 1 This is an overall perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a battery cell stack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing a battery module excluding the top cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 5 This is a plan view showing the top cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing the top cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 8 This is a view used to describe a top cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein at least one venting area is separated in the event of thermal runaway of the battery module.

[0040] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 10 This is a view used to describe a top cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein at least one venting area is separated in the event of thermal runaway of the battery module.

[0042] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 12 This is a view used to describe a top cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein at least one venting area is separated in the event of thermal runaway of the battery module.

[0044] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of a battery module including a support member, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 14 This is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack including a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 15This is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0047] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before the description, it should be understood that the terminology used in the specification and appended claims should not be construed as limited to its general and dictionary meaning, but should be interpreted according to the meaning and concept corresponding to the technical aspects of the present disclosure, based on the principle that inventors are allowed to appropriately define the terminology for the best interpretation.

[0048] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the accompanying drawings are only a part of the most preferred embodiments of this disclosure and are not intended to fully represent the technical aspects of this disclosure. It should be understood that various equivalents and modifications can be made thereto when this application is filed.

[0049] Furthermore, this disclosure includes various embodiments. For each embodiment, repeated descriptions of substantially the same or similar configurations will be omitted, and the differences will be primarily described.

[0050] At the same time, terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back may be used in this disclosure, but these terms are only for ease of description and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these terms may vary depending on the position of the reference object or the observer.

[0051] For example, in the embodiments of this disclosure, the X-axis direction shown in the figure can represent the left-right direction, the Y-axis direction can represent the front-back direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction on the horizontal plane (XY plane), and the Z-axis direction can represent the up-down direction (vertical direction) perpendicular to both the X-axis and Y-axis directions.

[0052] Figure 1 This is an overall perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the battery module 10 may include a cell stack 100, a module housing 200, and a top cover 300.

[0054] The cell stack 100 may include battery cells 110. There may be multiple battery cells 110.

[0055] The multiple battery cells 110 may be, for example, pouch-type secondary batteries. Each of the multiple battery cells 110 may be provided with an electrode lead 112. Specifically, the multiple battery cells 110 may include an electrode assembly, a cell housing 111 housing the electrode assembly, and electrode leads 112 connected to the electrode assembly and extending outward from the cell housing 111 to serve as electrode terminals. The cell housing 111 can accommodate the electrode assembly in a receiving portion, and the edges around the receiving portion can be thermally fused to form a sealing portion.

[0056] Electrode leads 112 can be arranged in pairs, and a pair of electrode leads 112 can be led out from both ends of the battery cell 110, that is, along the length direction (e.g., Figure 2 The leads are drawn out along the Y-axis direction. In this case, the pair of electrode leads 112 can be a positive lead and a negative lead. If necessary, the battery cell 110 can be configured such that the two electrode leads 112 are only located in the length direction (e.g., along the Y-axis). Figure 2 At one end in the Y-axis direction (e.g., only at the end in the +Y-axis direction).

[0057] like Figure 2 As shown, multiple battery cells 110 can be arranged in parallel along the horizontal direction, for example, along the left-right direction (e.g., Figure 2 The X-axis direction is set parallel to the x-axis direction, while the vertical direction (e.g., ...) is also set parallel to the x-axis direction. Figure 2 The cells are upright (in the Z-axis direction). At this time, each battery cell 110 can have a front-to-back orientation (e.g., ...). Figure 2 The Y-axis direction and the up and down directions (e.g., Figure 2 The sealing part (in the Z-axis direction) and the sealing part facing the left and right directions (e.g., Figure 2 The storage section (in the X-axis direction).

[0058] This disclosure is not limited to the specific type or shape of the battery cell 110, and various battery cells 110 known at the time of filing of this disclosure can be used to form the cell stack 100 of this disclosure. In this embodiment, as shown in the figures, the objective is a pouch-type secondary battery with high energy density and easy stacking; however, it is obvious that cylindrical or prismatic secondary batteries can be used as battery cells 110.

[0059] The cell stack 100 may further include a blocking member 120. The blocking member 120 may be disposed between a plurality of battery cells 110. Specifically, a cell stack 100 may include a plurality of blocking members 120. The blocking member 120 may be configured for at least one battery cell 110. In this embodiment, the blocking member 120 may be provided for every two battery cells constituting the plurality of battery cells 110. According to the above embodiments of this disclosure, the plurality of battery cells 110 may be separated or divided to prevent gas or flame from transferring to other blocking members 120 adjacent to the blocking member 120.

[0060] The blocking member 120 can be made of a material with excellent heat resistance and / or fire resistance, such as silicone or aerogel. According to the above embodiments of the present disclosure, in the event of expansion of the battery cell 110, the blocking member 120 can improve the structural rigidity of the battery cell 110 by compressing the battery cell 110.

[0061] At the same time, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The module housing 200 can be configured to accommodate the battery cell stack 100. Specifically, the module housing 200 can be configured to have an internal space formed therein, and to accommodate the battery cell stack 100 within the internal space.

[0062] At the same time, refer to Figure 2 The module housing 200 may include a housing body 210. The housing body 210 may be made of a rigid and heat-resistant metallic material to physically or chemically protect the housed battery cells 110. According to an embodiment, 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 cell stack 100. For example, the housing body 210 may include a left-facing section covering the cell stack 100 (e.g., Figure 2 A surface in the -X axis direction and facing to the right (e.g., Figure 2 The left and right plates of one surface (in the +X axis direction), and the downward-facing surface covering the cell stack 100 (e.g., Figure 2 The lower plate is a surface of the housing body 210 in the Z-axis direction. Furthermore, the left, right, and lower plates can be configured as an integrated unit. In this case, the upper direction of the housing body 210 (e.g., Figure 2 (in the +Z axis direction) and forward / backward directions (e.g., Figure 2 The Y-axis direction (in the above embodiment) can be open. However, the shape and / or structure of the housing body 210 is not limited to the above embodiments and can be designed in various ways.

[0063] According to an embodiment, the housing body 210 can be configured to allow multiple battery cells 110 to be inserted into the housing body 210 along one direction. For example, the multiple battery cells 110 can be inserted along a front-back direction (e.g., Figure 2 The battery cells 110 are inserted into the housing body 210 in the Y-axis direction. That is, the housing body 210 can be configured such that multiple battery cells 110 can be slidably inserted into the housing body 210.

[0064] According to an embodiment, the module housing 200 may further include a top plate 220. The top plate 220 may be configured to form an upward direction facing the module housing 200 (e.g., Figure 2 A surface in the +Z axis direction. When the housing body 210 is configured as a U-shaped frame, the top plate 220 can be positioned along the open upper direction of the housing body 210 (e.g., Figure 2 The top plate 220 can be connected to the housing body 210 by welding. In this case, the connection shape between the top plate 220 and the housing body 210 can be in the front-rear direction (e.g., [missing information]). Figure 2 A rectangular tubular shape open in the Y-axis direction. However, the top plate 220 can be omitted if needed. For example, the module housing 200 can be configured to be open in the upper direction (e.g., Figure 2 It is in an open state in the +Z axis direction.

[0065] Meanwhile, the module housing 200 may include an open front-rear orientation provided in the housing body 210 (e.g., Figure 2 End plate 230 (in the Y-axis direction). End plate 230 can be welded to housing body 210. Although not shown for convenience, end plate 230 can be made of, for example, insulating material on the inside and metal material on the outside. Furthermore, end plate 230 may be partially provided with holes or slits for exposing components that need to be exposed to the outside, such as the positive and negative terminals or connectors of battery module 10.

[0066] Furthermore, the module housing 200 can be formed in various other shapes. For example, at least one component of the module housing 200 (e.g., top plate 220) can be omitted, or one or more other components can be added. For example, the module housing 200 can be provided with a box-shaped lower housing having an upper open end and a top cover that closes the upper open end of the lower housing. In this case, the lower housing can be provided in a form in which, for example, the left and right plates covering the two side surfaces of the cell stack 100, as well as the front and back plates covering the front and rear surfaces of the cell stack 100, are all integrally formed.

[0067] Alternatively, the module housing 200 can be configured as a single frame. For example, the housing body 210 can be configured as a rectangular tube shape having an upper surface, a lower surface, a left surface, and a right surface, and having an open front surface and a rear surface. According to the module housing 200 including this single frame, the battery module 10 can be assembled by combining the cell stack 100 and the busbar frame assembly 400 along its length (e.g., ...). Figure 2 (In the Y-axis direction) they are inserted into the single frame, and then the end plates 230 are attached to the open portions on both sides of the single frame for assembly. At this time, in order to prevent the cell stack 100 from moving within the module housing 200, there can be almost no gap between the lower surface of the housing body 210 and the top plate 220 and the multiple battery cells 110, and there can also be almost no gap between the two side surfaces of the housing body 210 and the two sides of the multiple battery cells 110.

[0068] At the same time, refer to Figure 2 The battery module 10 of this disclosure may further include a busbar frame assembly 400. The busbar frame assembly 400 may be disposed inside the module housing 200 and configured to cover at least one side of the cell stack 100. In this embodiment, as... Figure 2 As shown, the busbar frame assembly 400 can be connected to the cell stack 100 in the forward and / or backward directions (e.g., Figure 2 (The -Y axis direction and / or +Y axis direction in the text).

[0069] The busbar frame assembly 400 may include a busbar frame 401 and a plurality of busbars 402. The busbar frame 401 may be configured to be generally coupled to the front and / or rear directions of the cell stack 100 (e.g., Figure 2 (in the -Y-axis direction and / or +Y-axis direction). The busbar frame 401 may have slits through which the electrode leads 112 of the battery cell 110 can pass in the forward and / or backward directions (e.g., Figure 2 (The -Y axis direction and / or +Y axis direction) are led out. In addition, the busbar frame 401 can be made of an electrically insulating material such as plastic material, and can be configured to attach the busbar 402 to its outer surface.

[0070] Furthermore, when the electrode lead 112 is connected to the busbar 402 described below, the busbar frame 401 can be connected to the cell stack 100.

[0071] Furthermore, the multiple busbars 402 are devices for connecting multiple battery cells 110 in series and / or in parallel, and can be made of metal materials such as copper, aluminum, and nickel, and can be arranged in the form of bars. The electrode leads 112 of the multiple battery cells 110 can pass through the slits of the busbar frame 401 to extend outward from the busbar frame 401, and the portions extended in this way can be attached to the surface of the busbar 402 by welding or the like. When the electrode leads 112 of the battery cells 110 and the busbars 402 are welded in a predetermined pattern at the front and rear of the cell stack 100, the multiple battery cells 110 can be connected in series and / or in parallel.

[0072] In this embodiment, refer to Figure 2 The module housing 200 may have an internal space to accommodate the cell stack 100 and the busbar frame assembly 400, and to protect the cell stack 100 from external influences.

[0073] The battery module 10 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may further include a top cover 300. The top cover 300 may be configured to guide gases and / or emissions generated from the battery cells 110 to the outside of the battery module 10 and protect the cell stack 100 from external gases and / or emissions.

[0074] According to an embodiment, the top cover 300 may be disposed on the top of the module housing 200. According to an embodiment, the top cover 300 may be attached to the upper part of the module housing 200. For example, the top cover 300 may be welded and attached to the upper part of the module housing 200. For example, the top cover 300 may be configured to be joined to the upper part of the module housing 200 by an adhesive member. For example, the adhesive member may include adhesive, tape, etc. For example, the top cover 300 may be attached to the top plate 220. For example, the top cover 300 may be welded and attached to the top plate 220. For example, the top cover 300 may be attached to the top plate 220 by an adhesive member. For example, when one surface of the module housing 200 in the upward direction is open, the top cover 300 may be directly attached to the housing body 210 of the module housing 200. The top cover 300 may be attached to the housing body 210 by an adhesive member. Meanwhile, reference will be made below. Figures 3 to 6 The construction and structure of the top cover 300 according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail.

[0075] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a battery cell stack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing a battery module excluding the top cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 This is a plan view showing the top cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing the top cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0076] Reference Figures 3 to 6 According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the battery module 10 may include a cell stack 100, a module housing 200, and a top cover 300. Figures 3 to 6 The structure of the cell stack 100, module housing 200, and top cover 300 can be consistent with... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The cell stack 100, module housing 200 and top cover 300 have all or part of the same structure. Figures 3 to 6 The implementation method can be with Figure 1 and Figure 2 The implementation methods are partially combined.

[0077] like Figure 3 As shown, multiple battery cells 110 can be arranged in parallel along the horizontal direction, for example, along the left-right direction (e.g., Figure 3 The X-axis direction is set parallel to the x-axis direction, while the vertical direction (e.g., ...) is also set parallel to the x-axis direction. Figure 3 (In the Z-axis direction) vertically.

[0078] According to an embodiment, the plurality of battery cells 110 may include at least one first battery cell 110a and at least one second battery cell 110b disposed adjacent to the at least one first battery cell 110a. The at least one first battery cell 110a and the at least one second battery cell 110b may be defined as one battery cell 110 or multiple battery cells 110.

[0079] At least one first battery cell 110a and / or at least one second battery cell 110b are in the front-rear direction (e.g., Figure 3 The length in the Y-axis direction (as shown in the image) can be a first length w1. At least one first battery cell 110a and / or at least one second battery cell 110b in the left-right direction (e.g., ... Figure 3 The height along the X-axis (in the X-axis direction) can be the first height h1.

[0080] like Figure 4 As shown, at least one vent 221 can be formed in the top plate 220. The at least one vent 221 can be configured to discharge exhaust gases generated from the battery cell 110 to the outside of the module housing 200. For example, as... Figure 4 As shown, at least one vent 221 can be formed in the top plate 220, and the battery module 10 can be guided upward through the at least one vent 221 (e.g., Figure 4 Directional exhaust in the +Z axis direction.

[0081] According to the above embodiments of this disclosure, when thermal runaway occurs in one of the plurality of battery cells 110, generating gas or the like, the gas or the like can be rapidly guided along a specific direction of the module housing 200 by directional venting. For example, when thermal runaway occurs in one battery cell 110, generating gas or the like, the gas or the like can be guided upward in the direction of the top plate 220, which is provided with at least one vent hole 221 (e.g., Figure 4 The exhaust is guided in the +Z axis direction.

[0082] Therefore, at least one vent 221 provided in the top plate 220 can be configured to discharge gas or flame generated inside the battery module 10 to the outside of the battery module 10 in the event of thermal runaway. The rest of the module housing 200, except for the at least one vent 221, is closed, and gas or flame can be discharged in a straight line toward the at least one vent 221.

[0083] According to the implementation, at least one exhaust port 221 can be provided as multiple ports, and can be in the horizontal direction (e.g., Figure 2 They are arranged at regular intervals along the X-axis and / or Y-axis directions. According to an embodiment, at least one vent 221 may include a first vent 221a and a second vent 221b arranged side-by-side with the first vent 221. For example, see... Figure 4 At least one vent 221 may include a first vent 221a, configured to be in the length direction (e.g., Figure 4 The second exhaust port 221b, which is spaced apart from the first exhaust port 221a in the Y-axis direction, and the second exhaust port 221b, which is set in the length direction (e.g., in the Y-axis direction), are located in the length direction. Figure 4 A third vent 221c, spaced apart from the second vent 221b in the Y-axis direction (e.g., in the left-right direction). For example, at least one vent 221 may also include a third vent 221c positioned in the left-right direction (e.g., in the Y-axis direction). Figure 4 The fourth exhaust port 221d, spaced apart from the third exhaust port 221c in the X-axis direction, is configured to be in the length direction (e.g., Figure 4 A fifth exhaust port 221e, spaced apart from the fourth exhaust port 221d in the Y-axis direction, and a fifth exhaust port 221e, configured to be in the length direction (e.g., Figure 4 The sixth exhaust port 221f is spaced apart from the fifth exhaust port 221e on the Y-axis direction.

[0084] According to the embodiment, the size of at least one vent 221 can be substantially constant. At least one vent 221 is located in the longitudinal direction (e.g., Figure 4 The length of the vent 221 in the Y-axis direction can be a second length w2. At least one vent 221 is located in the left-right direction (e.g., Figure 4The height in the X-axis direction (in the X-axis direction) can be a second height h2. According to an embodiment, the vent 221 corresponding to at least one battery cell 110 can be configured as a plurality of vents. The second length w2 of at least one vent 221 can be shorter than the first length w1 of at least one first battery cell 110a. For example, the vent 221 facing at least one first battery cell 110a can be a first vent 221a, a second vent 221b, and a third vent 221c. According to an embodiment of this disclosure, the top plate 220 can be configured such that in the length direction (e.g., ... Figure 4 Multiple vent holes 221 are formed on the Y-axis direction, and a rigid surface of the top plate 220 can be provided between the multiple vent holes 221 to maintain rigidity for housing and / or protecting the battery cell 110.

[0085] like Figure 5 As shown, the top cover 300 may include a plurality of venting regions 310. The plurality of venting regions 310 formed in the top cover 300 may be configured to vent exhaust gases generated from the battery cell 110 to the outside of the module housing 200. For example, as Figure 5 As shown, a plurality of venting regions 310 are formed in the top cover 300, and the battery module 10 can be guided in the upward direction (e.g., through the plurality of venting regions 310) Figure 5 Directional exhaust in the +Z axis direction.

[0086] According to the above embodiments of this disclosure, when thermal runaway occurs in one of the plurality of battery cells 110 to generate gas or the like, the plurality of exhaust regions 310 can allow the emitted gas or the like to be rapidly discharged to the outside of the battery module 10.

[0087] According to the embodiment, the plurality of exhaust regions 310 can be arranged along one direction (i.e., the direction in which the battery cells 110 are stacked (e.g., ...). Figure 5 The X-axis direction in the image is set side by side. For example... Figure 3 , Figure 5 As shown, the plurality of exhaust regions 310 may include a first exhaust region 310a formed at a position corresponding to at least one first battery cell 110a, and a second exhaust region 310b formed at a position corresponding to at least one second battery cell 110b.

[0088] According to an embodiment, each of the plurality of venting regions 310 can be configured to cover an upward-facing surface of each of the plurality of battery cells 110. For example, the size and / or position of each venting region 310 can substantially correspond to the size and / or position of each battery cell 110. According to an embodiment, the venting regions 310 are located in the length direction (e.g., Figure 5The length of the exhaust region 310 in the Y-axis direction can be a third length w3. The exhaust region 310 in the left-right direction (e.g., Figure 5 The height in the X-axis direction (in the image) can be a third height h3. For example, the third length w3 of the exhaust region 310 can be substantially the same as or similar to the first length w1 of at least one first battery cell 110a. For example, the third height h3 of the exhaust region 310 can be substantially the same as or similar to the first height h1 of at least one first battery cell 110a.

[0089] According to the embodiment, the size of the exhaust region 310 formed in the top cover 300 corresponds to the size of at least one battery cell 110, such that when gas and / or emission substances are emitted from a particular battery cell 110, the exhaust region 310 covering the corresponding battery cell 110 can be open to quickly and smoothly exhaust gas or flame.

[0090] According to the implementation method, such as Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, multiple exhaust holes 221 can be configured corresponding to one exhaust region 310. In other words, the size of one exhaust region 310 can be larger than the size of at least one exhaust hole 221. For example, the third length w3 of one exhaust region 310 can be longer than the second length w2 of at least one exhaust hole 221. For example, the exhaust holes 221 facing the first exhaust region 310a can be a first exhaust hole 221a, a second exhaust hole 221b, and a third exhaust hole 221c. For example, the exhaust holes 221 facing the second exhaust region 310b can be a fourth exhaust hole 221d, a fifth exhaust hole 221e, and a sixth exhaust hole 221f. That is, the first exhaust region 310a can be formed at positions corresponding to the first exhaust hole 221a, the second exhaust hole 221b, and the third exhaust hole 221c, and the second exhaust region 310b can be formed at positions corresponding to the fourth exhaust hole 221d, the fifth exhaust hole 221e, and the sixth exhaust hole 221f.

[0091] According to an embodiment, the top cover 300 is configured such that the third length w3 of the exhaust region 310 is formed to be longer than the second length w2 of at least one exhaust hole 221, so that when gas and / or emission substances are emitted from the battery cell 110, battery gas or flame can be emitted more quickly and smoothly.

[0092] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 This is a view used to describe a top cover 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein at least one venting area 310 is separated in the event of thermal runaway of the battery module.

[0093] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the battery module 10 may include a cell stack 100, a module housing 200, and a top cover 300. Figure 7 and Figure 8 The structure of the cell stack 100, module housing 200, and top cover 300 can be consistent with... Figures 3 to 6 The cell stack 100, module housing 200 and top cover 300 have all or part of the same structure. Figure 7 and Figure 8 The implementation method can be with Figures 3 to 6 The implementation methods are partially combined.

[0094] According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the top cover 300 that separates from the module housing 200 during a thermal event can be provided in a pre-planned local portion, such as a hole shape, preferably at a position corresponding to the upper part of at least one vent hole 221. That is, at least one venting region 310 corresponding to the upper part of at least one vent hole 221 of the top cover 300 can be configured to separate from the module housing 200 by exhaust gas or flame emitted from the battery cell 110. For example, when thermal runaway occurs within the battery module 10, at least a portion of the top cover 300 can be separated from the top cover 300 by the pressure of the gas emitted from the battery cell 110 and / or high heat such as dust or flame. For example, when thermal runaway occurs inside the battery module 10, the adhesive members between the module housing 200 and the top cover 300 may melt due to the pressure of the gas emitted from the battery cell 110 and / or high heat such as dust or flame, thereby reducing the adhesive strength between the module housing 200 and the top cover 300. The discharge pressure of the exhaust gas discharged linearly through at least one vent 221 can act on the top cover 300 to push a portion of the top cover 300 in the discharge direction of the exhaust gas, thereby separating it from another portion of the top cover 300.

[0095] In other words, under normal conditions, the top cover 300 can close and / or shield at least one vent 221 of the top plate 220 of the module housing 200 to protect the cell stack 100 inside the module housing 200. However, during thermal events in which exhaust gases or flames are generated in some of the battery cells 110, at least some of the exhaust regions 310 of the top cover 300 are separated from and / or left open, so that exhaust gases or flames emitted in a straight line through at least one vent 221 of the top plate 220 can be smoothly discharged to the outside of the battery module 10 without interfering with its path.

[0096] According to the above embodiments of the present disclosure, some of the exhaust regions 310 of the top cover 300 can be completely separated from the top cover 300. Therefore, when at least one exhaust port 221 of the top plate 220 is exposed to the outside of the battery module 10, since at least one exhaust port 221 is not shielded, gas, flame, etc. can be completely discharged to the outside of the battery module 10.

[0097] According to an embodiment, during a thermal event in which exhaust gas or flame is generated in a particular battery cell 110, the exhaust region 310 of the plurality of exhaust regions 310 of the top cover 300 corresponding to the particular battery cell 110 may be separated from and / or left open. For example, when exhaust gas is emitted from at least one first battery cell 110a, the first exhaust region 310a may be configured to be open. For example, when exhaust gas is emitted from at least one first battery cell 110a, the second exhaust region 310b may not be open and may remain closed.

[0098] Furthermore, the top cover 300 prevents gases or flames emitted to the outside from flowing back into the battery module 10. If the exhaust region 310, which corresponds to the battery cell 110 from which the exhaust gas is emitted, remains attached to the top cover 300 while the adhesive strength of the adhesive members weakens, not only will the emission of exhaust gas or flame be interrupted, but there is also a risk that the exhaust gas or flame will penetrate into the raised interface between the top cover 300 and the module housing 200 and flow back into the battery module 10. However, according to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, the portion of the top cover 300 with weakened adhesive strength separates from the top cover 300 and has no effect on the exhaust gas or flame, thus fundamentally preventing the backflow of gases or flames emitted to the outside into the battery module 10.

[0099] The multiple venting zones 310, which remain inseparable from the top cover 300, not only block heat but also block high-temperature gases, flames, and emissions generated from the battery cell 110. For this purpose, the top cover 300 can be provided with a material possessing excellent heat resistance and / or fire resistance, such as a pad combining mica or fire-resistant barrier (FRB) and silicon. The FRB can comprise easily convertible inorganic materials and can be made of materials with very high flame retardancy and ignition resistance. Therefore, when a pad combining FRB and silicon is provided, the top cover 300 will not shrink even when high-temperature heat is generated and will maintain its morphological stability, thereby stably blocking high-temperature gases or flames generated from the battery cell 110.

[0100] Therefore, according to the above embodiments of this disclosure, in the event of thermal runaway in the battery module 10, the gas or flame generated inside the battery module 10 can be smoothly discharged to the outside of the battery module 10, and the discharged gas or flame can be prevented from flowing back into the battery module 10. Thus, by minimizing heat propagation to adjacent battery modules 10, the propagation of thermal runaway can be effectively prevented or delayed, thereby ensuring the safety and reliability of the battery module 10.

[0101] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 Multiple venting regions 310 can be configured to separate from the top plate 220 by the pressure of the vent gas discharged from the battery cell 110. Specifically, when gas is discharged from at least one vent hole 221 corresponding to the multiple venting regions 310, the venting regions 310 located only on the upper part of the venting battery cell 110 can be configured to rupture in the top cover 300. For this purpose, cutting grooves can be formed along the shape of the venting regions 310.

[0102] Furthermore, the battery module 10 according to this disclosure can be constructed in the following order: housing the cell stack 100 within the housing body 210, welding the top plate 220 and end plates 230 to the housing body 210 to complete the appearance of the battery module 10, applying adhesive members to the top plate 220, and assembling the top cover 300 on the top plate 220. In this case, all portions of the top cover 300 except for at least one vent 221 can be attached to the top plate 220 by adhesive members. Specifically, since the multiple venting regions 310 are not joined to the top plate 220 by adhesive members or have relatively weak adhesive strength, the venting regions 310 can be configured to be easily ruptured by the pressure of the discharged gas.

[0103] Therefore, according to the above embodiments of this disclosure, when a thermal event occurs, the gas or flame generated inside the battery module 10 can be discharged to the outside of the module housing 200 through the separate exhaust region 310. Furthermore, the remaining exhaust region 310 remains connected to the top plate 220, which prevents the discharged gas from flowing back into the module housing 200.

[0104] According to one embodiment, the top cover 300 may include a cutting line 311. The cutting line 311 may be provided along a plurality of venting regions 310. Because the cutting line 311 is thinner or less dense than the surrounding area of ​​the top cover 300, the cutting line 311 may be configured to break more easily than the surrounding area. By forming grooves along the plurality of venting regions 310 of the top cover 300, the cutting line 311 may be configured as a dashed or solid line. The cutting line 311 may be configured such that it is weaker than the adjacent area, and may break easily when the adhesive strength between the top cover 300 and the top plate 220 weakens. Because the cutting line 311 is provided, the plurality of venting regions 310 may each be destroyed by gases or flames emitted from any of the battery cells 110.

[0105] Specifically, refer to Figure 8 When any battery cell 110 vents, only the venting region 310 located on the upper part of the venting battery cell 110 can be separated from the top plate 220. Furthermore, the remaining portions of the plurality of venting regions 310, excluding the separated venting regions 310, can be configured to remain connected to the top plate 220. For example, as... Figure 8 As shown, when a flame is generated in at least one first battery cell 110a, the adhesive member of the first venting region 310a disposed on the upper part of the at least one first battery cell 110a which is vented by the high heat of the flame melts, thereby weakening the adhesive strength between the first venting region 310a and the top plate 220. Therefore, only the first venting region 310a located on the upper part of the at least one first battery cell 110a can be separated.

[0106] According to the above embodiments of this disclosure, the flame present inside the module housing 200 can be efficiently vented through the separated partial venting region 310. Furthermore, according to the above embodiments of this disclosure, by separating only a portion of the venting region 310 while still maintaining the portion connected to the top plate 220, it is possible to prevent the gas or flame emitted through the separated venting region 310 from flowing back into the module housing 200.

[0107] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 10 This is a view used to describe a top cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein at least one venting area is separated in the event of thermal runaway of the battery module.

[0108] Reference Figure 9 and Figure 10 According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the battery module 10 may include a cell stack 100, a module housing 200, and a top cover 300. Figure 9 and Figure 10 The structure of the multiple exhaust zones 410 can be combined with Figure 7 and Figure 8 All or part of the multiple exhaust zones 310 have the same structure. Figure 9 and Figure 10 The implementation method can be with Figure 7 and Figure 8 The implementation methods are partially combined.

[0109] According to an embodiment, during a thermal event, at least one exhaust region 410 of the top cover 300 corresponding to the upper part of at least one exhaust port 221 can be configured to be separated from the top cover 300 by exhaust gas or flame emitted from the battery cell 110.

[0110] According to embodiments, the material of the plurality of venting regions 410 of the top cover 300 may differ from the material of the remaining regions of the top cover 300 other than the plurality of venting regions 410. For example, the plurality of venting regions 410 may include a material having a relatively weak adhesive strength to the top plate, and the remaining regions other than the plurality of venting regions 410 may include a material having a relatively strong adhesive strength to the top plate. For example, the plurality of venting regions 410 may include a material that melts under a certain level or higher of heat and pressure, and the remaining regions other than the plurality of venting regions 410 may include a material that does not melt even under a certain level or higher of heat and pressure. For example, when thermal runaway occurs within the battery module 10, at least some of the plurality of venting regions 410 may melt due to the pressure of gases emitted from the battery cell 110 and / or high heat such as dust or flames, thereby rapidly venting the emitted gases or flames.

[0111] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 12 This is a view used to describe a top cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein at least one venting area is separated in the event of thermal runaway of the battery module.

[0112] Reference Figure 11 and Figure 12 According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the battery module 10 may include a cell stack 100, a module housing 200, and a top cover 300. Figure 11 and Figure 12 The structure of the multiple exhaust zones 510 can be combined with Figure 9 and Figure 10 All or part of the multiple exhaust zones 410 have the same structure. Figure 11 and Figure 12 The implementation method can be with Figure 9 and Figure 10 The implementation methods are partially combined.

[0113] According to the embodiment, when exhaust gases flow from the interior of the module housing 200 into the exhaust region 510 of the top cover 300 during a thermal event, the exhaust region 510 can be opened. Therefore, gases emitted through the upper exhaust port 221 of the battery cell 110 can be discharged to the outside of the battery module 10 through the open exhaust region 510 formed on the upper side of the corresponding exhaust port 221. That is, according to this structure, high-temperature gases and flames inside the module can be smoothly discharged.

[0114] According to an embodiment, the plurality of venting regions 510 of the top cover 300 may include a curved portion 512 extending from a portion of the top cover 300, and a cut portion 511 extending from the curved portion 512 and separated from the top cover 300. Since the cut portion 511 is thinner or less dense than the surrounding area of ​​the top cover 300, the cut portion 511 can be configured to break more easily than the surrounding area. The cut portion 511 can be configured as a dashed or solid line by forming grooves along the plurality of venting regions 510 of the top cover 300. The cut portion 511 is configured to be weaker than the adjacent area, so that the cut portion 511 may easily break when the adhesive strength between the top cover 300 and the top plate 220 weakens.

[0115] Reference Figure 12 Multiple venting areas 510 are normally closed, but can be opened by the internal pressure of the battery module 10 when a thermal event occurs inside the battery module 10 to generate gas. At this time, as... Figure 12 As shown, the exhaust region 510 can open in a direction toward the outside of the battery module 10. For example, when the pressure inside the battery module 10 increases due to gas generated inside the battery module 10, Figure 12 The cut portion 511 of the exhaust region 510 shown may be broken to allow the exhaust region 510 to be opened to the outside.

[0116] According to this structure, even if a thermal event occurs inside the battery module 10 to generate gas, the gas can be effectively discharged to the outside of the battery module 10.

[0117] The exhaust area 510 may not be open in the direction facing the interior of the battery module 10. (See reference...) Figure 12 When a thermal event occurs outside the battery module 10 to generate gas, the top cover 300 can receive external pressure in the direction toward the interior of the battery module 10. Even in this case, the venting region 510 of this disclosure may not be open in the direction toward the interior of the battery module 10. That is, the venting region 510 can be configured to be open only in the direction toward the exterior of the battery module 10.

[0118] Therefore, according to this structure, even if a thermal event occurs in a battery module 10 adjacent to the battery module 10, the high-temperature gas and flame generated in the adjacent battery module 10 can be prevented from penetrating into the battery module 10. That is, according to this structure, the battery module 10 can be protected from the effects of high-temperature, high-pressure gas and flame generated from the battery module 10 where the thermal event occurs. Therefore, the occurrence of a series of thermal runaway events between modules can be suppressed. As a result, by protecting the battery module 10 via the top cover 300, chain reaction events can be controlled, and the safety of the battery pack 1 can be ensured.

[0119] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of a battery module that further includes a support member 320 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0120] Reference Figure 13 According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the battery module 10 may include a cell stack 100, a module housing 200, and a top cover 300. Figure 13 The structure of the cell stack 100, module housing 200, and top cover 300 can be consistent with... Figures 1 to 12 The cell stack 100, module housing 200 and top cover 300 have all or part of the same structure. Figure 13 The implementation method can be with Figures 1 to 12 The implementation methods are partially combined.

[0121] According to an embodiment, the battery module 10 may further include a support member 320 located on the top cover 300 to supplement the rigidity of the top cover 300. When the top cover 300 is made of a flexible material, the support member 320, which has relatively high rigidity, can be attached to the plurality of venting regions 310, thereby preventing the plurality of venting regions 310 from being bent or partially opened instead of being opened all at once.

[0122] Reference Figure 13 The support member 320 may be, for example, in the form of a rod extending longitudinally along a plurality of exhaust regions 310. For example, the support member 320 in the longitudinal direction (e.g., Figure 13 The length of the support member 320 in the Y-axis direction can be a fourth length w4. For example, the length of the support member 320 in the left-right direction (e.g., Figure 13 The height in the X-axis direction can be a fourth height h4. The fourth length w4 and / or the fourth height h4 of the support member 320 can be substantially the same as, or less than, the third length w3 and / or the third height h3 of the multiple exhaust regions 310.

[0123] According to the embodiment, by attaching the support member 320 to the top cover 300, the entire area of ​​the multiple exhaust zones 310 can be opened at once when gas and / or emission substances are emitted from the battery cell 110, so that battery gas or flame can be emitted more quickly and smoothly.

[0124] Figure 14 This is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack including a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0125] Reference Figure 14 The battery pack 1 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include one or more battery modules 10 as described above according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The battery pack 1 according to the present disclosure may also include a battery management system (BMS) for integrating and controlling the charging and discharging of one or more battery modules, current sensors, fuses, etc., and a battery pack housing 2 for accommodating the above components.

[0126] Figure 15 This is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0127] Reference Figure 15 The vehicle 3 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include one or more battery packs 1 or one or more battery modules 10 according to embodiments 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 embodiments of the present disclosure, the vehicle 3 operates by receiving electricity from the battery packs 1 or battery modules 10.

[0128] The present disclosure has been described above with reference to a limited number of embodiments and accompanying drawings, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the present disclosure within the scope of the technical aspects of the present disclosure and the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A battery module, the battery module comprising: A battery cell stack, wherein the battery cell stack includes a plurality of battery cells; A module housing configured to house the battery cell stack; as well as A top cover, which is disposed on the top of the module housing. The top cover includes multiple exhaust zones configured to discharge exhaust gases.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, in, The plurality of battery cells are arranged horizontally, and Each of the plurality of exhaust regions is configured to cover an upward-facing surface of each of the plurality of battery cells.

3. The battery module according to claim 1, in, The top cover is configured such that the plurality of exhaust zones are closed under normal conditions, and at least some of the exhaust zones are open when exhaust gas flows from the interior of the module housing into the top cover.

4. The battery module according to claim 1, in, The plurality of battery cells includes at least one first battery cell and at least one second battery cell disposed adjacent to the at least one first battery cell, and The plurality of venting regions include a first venting region formed at a position corresponding to the at least one first battery cell and a second venting region formed at a position corresponding to the at least one second battery cell.

5. The battery module according to claim 4, in, When exhaust gas is discharged from the at least one first battery cell, only the first exhaust area is configured to be open.

6. The battery module according to claim 1, in, The plurality of venting areas are configured to be open only in the direction toward the outside of the battery module.

7. The battery module according to claim 1, in, The plurality of exhaust zones include a cutting line configured to allow each of the plurality of top cover zones to break.

8. The battery module according to claim 1, further comprising: At least one support member is disposed on the plurality of exhaust zones.

9. The battery module according to claim 4, in, The module housing includes a top plate, which forms an upward surface facing the module housing and has at least one vent hole through which exhaust gases from the battery cell are discharged.

10. The battery module according to claim 9, in, The size of at least one exhaust port is smaller than the size of one of the plurality of exhaust regions.

11. The battery module according to claim 9, in, The at least one vent includes a first vent and a second vent arranged side-by-side with the first vent, and The first exhaust port and the second exhaust port are formed at positions corresponding to at least a portion of the first exhaust region.

12. The battery module according to claim 9, in, The top cover is connected to the top plate.

13. A battery pack comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A vehicle comprising the battery pack according to claim 13.

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