Battery module cover, battery pack, and vehicle including same

Abstract

Provided are a battery module cover, a battery pack, and a vehicle including the same, the battery module cover including: a cover plate formed by stacking a plurality of layers and having an exhaust portion that exhausts gas or flame of battery cells; and a fastening pin penetrating the cover plate at a position away from the exhaust portion and coupled to the fixing portion to provide a coupling force between the plurality of layers of the cover plate, an end portion of the fastening pin extending toward a side of the battery cap and supporting the battery cap.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a battery module cover, a battery pack, and a vehicle including the battery pack. The battery module cover and the battery pack are capable of effectively handling gases or flames generated when the battery catches fire and preventing the structure of the battery pack or battery module from being damaged by the gases or flames, thereby improving safety. Background Technology

[0002] Recently, there has been active development of carbon reduction technologies to address environmental issues such as abnormal temperatures. To reduce carbon emissions, it is necessary to generate energy in an environmentally friendly way rather than using fossil fuels, store the generated energy in the form of electricity, and use the stored electricity in vehicles, various industrial sites, and homes.

[0003] To reduce carbon emissions through the use of electricity, batteries capable of storing and extracting electrical energy are essential. Therefore, ensuring battery performance is crucial for both efficient energy storage and convenient energy use.

[0004] Batteries primarily utilize the redox reactions of metal ions. High-density metal ions are used to increase battery capacity, charge / discharge performance, and efficiency, and extensive research is underway on materials that constitute electrolytes and solid electrolytes. However, as battery performance improves, a decrease in stability is often encountered.

[0005] Batteries used in vehicles, industry, and homes are manufactured as physical units known as battery packs. Battery packs function by embedding and sealing multiple battery cells inside a battery casing. In the event of an accident such as battery thermal runaway, they prevent the spread of fire to the outside and protect the internal battery cells from degradation caused by external environmental factors or damage caused by physical factors.

[0006] Multiple battery cells are embedded in a battery pack in an intermediate form of modules or assemblies (Cell Module Assembly (CMA)). In the case of battery modules or assemblies, multiple battery cells are assembled into a single module or assembly, and multiple modules are secured inside the battery pack housing to complete the battery pack. When repairing the battery, maintenance is facilitated by allowing maintenance to be performed on a module or assembly basis.

[0007] Each of the multiple unit battery cells that make up a module or assembly consists of a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and an electrolyte. Since battery cells generate heat during charging and discharging, effective heat dissipation is necessary. Furthermore, from the perspective of battery modules, components, and battery packs, efficient heat dissipation design is essential to prevent safety accidents.

[0008] Meanwhile, batteries can deteriorate due to manufacturing errors, overcharging and discharging, and aging. If battery deterioration continues, it can eventually lead to a fire. Therefore, preventative measures must be taken to prevent battery fires. For this purpose, it is important to continuously monitor the battery's condition, identify and respond to problems when they occur, and minimize damage in the event of unexpected problems.

[0009] If a battery deteriorates for any reason, the battery cell heats up rapidly, generating gas or flames, leading to thermal runaway. If thermal runaway occurs in one battery cell, the gas or flames can spread to adjacent battery cells or battery modules in a chain reaction of heat propagation.

[0010] If thermal runaway occurs in a particular battery cell or battery module, there is a risk that the structure of the entire battery module or battery pack may be easily damaged. Therefore, for battery efficiency and safety, efforts are needed to prevent the gas or flame generated during thermal runaway, or to delay thermal runaway as much as possible.

[0011] The above description of the background technology is intended only to enhance the understanding of the background of this disclosure and should not be construed as an admission that it corresponds to prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0012] Technical issues

[0013] One object of this disclosure, made to address these problems, is to provide a battery module cover, a battery pack, and a vehicle including the battery pack, which provides improved battery safety by smoothly venting gases generated in a specific battery cell or battery module during thermal runaway, preventing the spread of flames to adjacent battery cells or battery modules, and simultaneously preventing structural damage to the battery module or battery pack in high-temperature or high-pressure environments caused by thermal runaway.

[0014] The technical objectives to be achieved by this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other technical objectives not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0015] Technical solution

[0016] A battery module cover according to the present disclosure for achieving the aforementioned purpose includes: a cover plate formed by stacking multiple layers and having an exhaust portion for venting gas or flame from the battery cell; and a fastening pin that penetrates the cover plate at a point avoiding the exhaust portion, engages with a fixing portion to provide engagement force between the multiple layers of the cover plate, and has an end extending toward the battery cap to support the battery cap.

[0017] In the battery module cover according to this disclosure, a fireproof cover may be joined to the lower side of the battery pack cap in the direction facing the interior of the battery pack, and the end of the fastening pin that penetrates the cover and is joined to the fixing part may extend toward the fireproof cover side to support the fireproof cover.

[0018] In the battery module cover according to this disclosure, the fixing part may be located on the outside of the cover plate and engage with the fastening pin that penetrates the cover plate, such that the cover plate is in close contact between the fixing part and the fastening pin.

[0019] In the battery module cover according to this disclosure, a plurality of fastening pins may be configured to be spaced apart from each other at a point avoiding the vent, and the end of each fastening pin may contact the interior of the battery cap to support the battery cap.

[0020] In the battery module cover according to this disclosure, one end of the fastening pin, when inserted into the interior of the cover plate, can protrude to a location between the cover plate and the battery cell, and can be covered by an insulating adhesive.

[0021] In the battery module cover according to this disclosure, the fastening pin can be a bolt, and the fixing part can be a nut.

[0022] In the battery module cover according to this disclosure, a plurality of fixing parts may be provided on both sides based on the cover plate, and the fastening pin penetrating the cover plate may be engaged with the plurality of fixing parts.

[0023] In the battery module cover according to this disclosure, the fixing part can be engaged with the end of the fastening pin that passes through the cover plate to support the battery pack cap.

[0024] In the battery module cover according to this disclosure, a plurality of vents may be formed to be spaced apart from each other in the cover plate, and fastening pins may be located between the plurality of vents.

[0025] In the battery module cover according to the present disclosure, the outermost vent of the plurality of vents formed in the cover plate can be formed to be adjacent to the edge of the cover plate, and a plurality of fastening pins can be provided at a location outside the outermost vent.

[0026] In the battery module cover according to this disclosure, the fixing part can be located between the cover plate and the battery cell, and engage with a fastening pin that penetrates the cover plate from the outside, thereby providing a bonding force between multiple layers of the cover plate.

[0027] In the battery module cover according to this disclosure, a fastening pin penetrating the cover plate can be engaged with a fixing part on the inside of the cover plate, and the fastening pin and the fixing part can be covered with an insulating adhesive.

[0028] In the battery module cover according to this disclosure, the fixing part can be provided on the inside of the cover plate and covered by insulating adhesive in a state of being engaged with the end of the fastening pin penetrating the cover plate.

[0029] In the battery module cover according to this disclosure, the cover plate can be formed by sequentially stacking a fireproof layer, a base layer, a flame-retardant layer and a support layer from the inside facing the battery cell toward the outside of the cover plate.

[0030] In the battery module cover according to the present disclosure, the vent may include a first hole formed in the fireproof layer, a second hole formed in the base layer at a position corresponding to the first hole, a temporary cutting line formed in the flame-retardant layer at a position corresponding to the second hole, and a third hole formed in the support layer at a position corresponding to the temporary cutting line.

[0031] In the battery module cover according to this disclosure, the size of the third hole in the support layer may be larger than the size of the temporary cutting line in the flame-retardant layer.

[0032] In the battery module cover according to this disclosure, the size of the temporary cut line of the flame-retardant layer can be larger than the size of the second hole in the base layer.

[0033] In the battery module cover according to this disclosure, the temporary cutting line of the flame-retardant layer can be cut open to form an exhaust vent when gas or flame is generated inside the battery module.

[0034] In the battery module cover according to this disclosure, the first hole, the second hole, the third hole, and the temporary cutting line constituting the vent can be formed in the same shape.

[0035] A battery pack according to this disclosure includes the aforementioned battery module cover.

[0036] One vehicle according to this disclosure includes the aforementioned battery pack.

[0037] Invention Effects

[0038] According to the battery module cover, battery pack, and vehicle including the battery pack disclosed herein, when a fire occurs in a specific battery cell or battery module, the gas caused by the fire can be smoothly discharged, and the flame can be prevented from spreading to adjacent battery cells or battery modules, and the structural damage to the battery module or battery pack caused by high temperature or high pressure can be prevented, thereby improving the internal safety of the battery pack.

[0039] The effects obtained from this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0040] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of a battery module cover according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 2 It is connected to the battery module. Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the battery module cover.

[0042] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An enlarged view of part A shown.

[0043] Figure 4 and Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of a battery module cover according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the cover plate of the battery module.

[0045] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 1 A view showing the relationship between the battery module cover and the battery pack cap.

[0046] Figure 8 It is shown Figure 1 The view shown shows the state of the battery module cover being connected to the battery module.

[0047] Figure 9 It shows that it has been applied. Figure 1 The battery module cover shows a view of the battery pack and the vehicle. Detailed Implementation

[0048] In the following description, detailed descriptions of known functions and configurations incorporated herein will be omitted where such descriptions might obscure the subject matter of this disclosure. The same reference numerals will be used in the drawings to denote the same or similar components. Furthermore, the drawings are intended only to facilitate easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein, and the technical concepts disclosed herein are not limited to the drawings and should be understood to include all variations, equivalents, or substitutions included within the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0049] Although terms such as "first" and "second" can be used to describe various components, these terms are only used to distinguish identical or similar components from one another. The terms mentioned above are only used to distinguish one component from another.

[0050] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, elements described in the singular are intended to include multiple elements.

[0051] In this specification, the terms “comprising” or “including” are intended to specify the presence of the described features, quantities, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof, but should be understood not to preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, quantities, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0052] The suffixes “module” and “unit” used for elements in the following description are for ease of description and are therefore used interchangeably without any distinguishing meaning or function.

[0053] When a component is "connected" or "attached" to another component, it should be understood that although the component can be directly connected or attached to the other component, a third component may exist between the two components. When a component is "directly connected" or "directly attached" to another component, it should be understood that there are no elements between the two components.

[0054] In the following description, the embodiments disclosed herein will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Regardless of the reference numerals used, the same or similar components will be assigned the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0055] The battery consists of several battery cells 900 forming a single battery module 700, and multiple battery modules 700 are assembled into a battery pack BP installed in a vehicle V. The battery cell 900, as the basic unit of the battery, deteriorates due to various reasons (e.g., design flaws, overcharging or discharging, and external shocks). If this deterioration persists, the battery cell 900 may ignite and release gases, or thermal runaway may occur. If thermal runaway occurs, a heat propagation chain reaction of flames spreading to adjacent battery cells 900 or battery modules 700 may occur, potentially leading to a fire in the entire battery.

[0056] Meanwhile, when the battery pack cap 500 is closed on the open side of the battery pack BP, the fire shield 520 is attached to the lower side facing the battery pack BP to cope with gases or flames generated in the event of thermal runaway in a specific battery cell 900 or battery module 700. In the case of the battery pack BP, when thermal runaway occurs, the battery pack cap 500 expands due to gases or flames, but the fire shield 520 attached to the battery pack cap 500 does not expand together. Therefore, in the abnormal environment generated during thermal runaway, the fire shield 520 may separate from the battery pack cap 500, resulting in structural damage to the battery pack BP, battery module 700, or battery pack cap 500.

[0057] Therefore, it is necessary to prevent structural damage to the battery pack BP, battery module 700, or battery pack cap 500 by means such as supporting the fireproof cover 520 attached to the bottom of the battery pack cap 500, so that the fireproof cover 520 attached to the bottom of the battery pack cap 500 will not separate from the battery pack cap 500 due to high-pressure gas or high-temperature flame generated during thermal runaway.

[0058] Therefore, in the battery cap 500 mentioned in this disclosure, the fire shield 520 is engaged to the bottom of the battery cap 500 in the direction toward the interior of the battery pack BP, and is supported by the fastening pin 300 supporting the battery cap 500. As a result, the fact that the battery cap 500 is supported by the fastening pin 300 in this disclosure should be interpreted as indicating that even in the event of thermal runaway, the fire shield 520 is prevented from separating from the battery cap 500, thereby preventing structural damage to the battery cap 500.

[0059] Furthermore, in this disclosure, various types of battery caps 500 (e.g., battery caps 500 without a fire shield 520, battery caps 500 including components that can be separated from the battery caps 500 that expand during thermal runaway, and battery caps 500 with a fire shield 520 attached) can be used as battery caps 500 supported by fastening pins 300, as long as they can prevent structural damage to the battery pack BP, battery module 700, or battery cap 500.

[0060] Simultaneously, in the event of thermal runaway in a specific battery cell 900, it is important to smoothly release the gas and prevent the flame from spreading to adjacent battery cells 900 or battery modules 700. Furthermore, it is necessary to prevent damage to the structure of the battery pack cap 500 or battery module cover that constitutes the battery in the high-temperature or high-pressure environment generated by thermal runaway.

[0061] The battery module 700 mentioned in this disclosure refers to a unit assembly containing a plurality of battery cells 900, and includes all unit assemblies of the plurality of battery cells 900, which includes not only the module 700 in which the battery cells 900 are assembled in the form of a housing or casing, but also the assembly in which the battery cells 900 are assembled in the form of a strip or frame.

[0062] Typically, the fireproof cover 520, located inside the battery cap 500, is bonded to the battery cap 500 by adhesive. Therefore, in the high-temperature or high-pressure environment generated by thermal runaway occurring in a specific battery cell 900 or battery module 700, the adhesive can easily melt, causing the fireproof cover 520 to separate from the battery cap 500 and sag or collapse. If the battery cap 500 suffers structural damage in this way, the gases generated by thermal runaway cannot be smoothly discharged, and the spread of flames to adjacent battery modules 700 or battery cells 900 cannot be prevented. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent structural damage to the battery cap 500.

[0063] This disclosure proposes a battery module cover, which includes, as follows: Figure 1 and Figure 2 The illustrated combination of cover plate 100, fastening pin 300, and fixing part 320, wherein the inner side of the battery pack cap 500 is supported by the fastening pin 300 and fixing part 320, thereby preventing the fireproof cover 520 of the battery pack cap 500 from separating or sagging even in the event of thermal runaway, and preventing structural damage to the battery pack cap 500. Furthermore, this disclosure proposes a battery module cover in which gases generated due to thermal runaway are smoothly discharged through an exhaust portion 110 formed in the cover plate 100, and a fireproof layer 120 is included in the plurality of layers 120, 140, 160, and 180 constituting the cover plate 100, thereby preventing or minimizing the spread of flames even in the event of thermal runaway in adjacent battery cells 900 or battery modules 700.

[0064] Specifically, this disclosure includes, as follows Figure 1 and Figure 2 The cover plate 100 and fastening pin 300 are shown. The cover plate 100 is formed by stacking multiple layers 120, 140, 160 and 180, and an exhaust portion 110 is formed in the cover plate 100 to discharge gases or flames generated during thermal runaway in the battery cell 900. The fastening pin 300 penetrates the cover plate 100 at a point avoiding the exhaust portion 110 of the cover plate 100 and engages with a fixing portion 320 to provide engagement force between the layers 120, 140, 160 and 180 of the cover plate 100, and the end 340 of the fastening pin 300 extends toward the battery cap 500 to support the battery cap 500.

[0065] like Figure 1 or Figure 8 As shown, in the case of the battery module cover of this disclosure, gases generated during thermal runaway can be effectively discharged through the vent 110 of the cover plate 100, and the cover plate 100 is composed of multiple layers 120, 140, 160 and 180, thereby possessing fire resistance and preventing flame spread. Furthermore, the fastening pin 300 and the fixing portion 320 enhance the bonding strength of the cover plate 100, and simultaneously, the end 340 of the fastening pin 300 contacts the interior of the battery pack cap 500 to support the battery pack cap 500, thereby preventing structural damage to the battery pack cap 500 and allowing gases or flames to be smoothly discharged.

[0066] Fastening pin 300 can be made by having sufficient penetration through such Figure 3The cover plate 100, consisting of multiple layers 120, 140, 160, and 180, is formed of a rigid material, and the fastening pin 300 increases the engagement force between the multiple layers 120, 140, 160, and 180 by engaging with the fixing part 320 while penetrating the cover plate 100. The fastening pin 300 may be a bolt, and the fixing part 320 may be a nut.

[0067] In this disclosure and the accompanying drawings, the fastening pin 300 may be described as a bolt and the fixing part 320 may be described as a nut, but this is only an example to aid understanding, and the fastening pin 300 and the fixing part 320 are not limited to bolts and nuts if the fastening pin 300 can penetrate the cover plate 100 to increase the engagement force between the multiple layers 120, 140, 160 and 180, and the end 340 of the fastening pin 300 supports one side of the battery pack cap 500 to prevent structural damage.

[0068] like Figure 1 or Figure 8 As shown, the cover plate 100 comprises multiple layers 120, 140, 160, and 180, and an exhaust vent 110 is formed in layers 120, 140, 160, and 180. The exhaust vent 110 is an assembly for discharging gases or flames generated in a specific battery cell 900 or battery module 700 during thermal runaway. Normally, the exhaust vent 110 is closed to prevent flames from adjacent battery cells 900 or battery modules 700, but in the event of thermal runaway in a battery cell 900 or battery module 700, the exhaust vent 110 is opened to form an exhaust port.

[0069] In order to ensure that the exhaust section 110 smoothly forms an exhaust port in the event of thermal runaway, such as Figure 8 As shown, a fastening pin 300 needs to be installed at a point that avoids the vent 110 of the cover plate 100. Furthermore, if the fastening pin 300 is a conductor such as a bolt and the fixing part 320 is a conductor such as a nut, the fastening pin 300 or the fixing part 320 may be located between the cover plate 100 and the battery cell 900, which may cause damage such as a short circuit.

[0070] To prevent risks such as short circuits, it is important to insulate the exposed portion of the fastening pin 300. Specifically, in this disclosure, the fastening pin 300 is inserted from the direction toward the battery cell 900 toward the outside of the cover plate 100 to penetrate the cover plate 100, and the fixing portion 320 engages with the fastening pin 300 on the outside of the cover plate 100, such that the cover plate 100 is in close contact between the fixing portion 320 and the fastening pin 300. In this case, because the fastening pin 300... Figure 3As shown, the fastening pin 300 is located between the battery cell 900 and the cover plate 100, so one end of the fastening pin 300 protrudes to the location between the cover plate 100 and the battery cell 900 when it is inserted into the interior of the cover plate 100. Since the fastening pin 300 can be a conductor such as a bolt, it is important to ensure electrical insulation to prevent short circuits by covering the protruding end of the fastening pin 300 with an insulating adhesive 360 ​​such as an insulating adhesive.

[0071] Figures 3 to 5 The insulating adhesive 360 ​​shown may be in the form of an adhesive (e.g., an adhesive covering the fastening pin 300 or fixing portion 320 as a conductor) and needs to be formed of a material that will not lose its adhesive strength even under the high temperature or high pressure environment generated during thermal runaway. Besides adhesives such as adhesives, various methods can be used to prevent electrical short circuits in the fastening pin 300 or fixing portion 320, as long as the electrical insulation of the fastening pin 300 or fixing portion 320 as a conductor can be ensured and that the insulation is not lost even in the gases or flames generated during thermal runaway.

[0072] like Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the end 340 of the fastening pin 300, which penetrates the cover plate 100 and engages with the fixing part 320, is supported on the interior of the battery pack cap 500. A fireproof cover 520 is disposed inside the battery pack cap 500 and is formed of mica material, thus providing insulation. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide insulating adhesive 360 ​​on the end 340 of the fastening pin 300 supporting the interior of the battery pack cap 500. However, depending on the circumstances (e.g., when the material composition inside the battery pack cap 500 is different), the end 340 of the fastening pin 300 supporting the battery pack cap 500 may also require electrical insulation by using insulating adhesive 360.

[0073] To smoothly discharge gases or flames generated during thermal runaway in a specific battery cell 900 or battery module 700, such as Figure 8 As shown, multiple vents 110 are formed at intervals in the battery module cover, and the fastening pins 300 need to be formed at points that avoid the vents 110 so as not to interfere with the function of the vents 110.

[0074] In this disclosure, to prevent structural damage to the battery cap 500 in the event of thermal runaway, it can be as follows: Figure 8 The diagram shows a plurality of fastening pins 300 supporting the battery cap 500, and even when multiple fastening pins 300 are formed, they need to be spaced apart from each other at points avoiding the vent 110. Furthermore, the end 340 of each fastening pin 300 needs to contact the interior of the battery cap 500 to support the battery cap 500, so that the battery cap 500 will not collapse or melt due to thermal runaway even under high temperature or high pressure conditions.

[0075] The fastening pin 300 can increase the engagement force between the multiple layers 120, 140, 160, and 180 of the cover plate 100 by engaging with the fixing part 320. The fastening pin 300 can be used as follows: Figure 5 As shown, the fastening pin 300 engages with the multiple fixing parts 320, and when the multiple fixing parts 320 are provided on both sides of the cover plate 100, the fastening pin 300 can engage with the fixing parts 320 on both sides of the cover plate 100. By providing multiple fixing parts 320 and engaging the multiple fixing parts 320 with the fastening pin 300, the cover plate 100 composed of multiple layers 120, 140, 160 and 180 can be more firmly joined and fixed, thereby increasing the durability of the battery module cover. In addition, since the fastening pin 300 is engaged with the multiple fixing parts 320, the fastening pin 300 can effectively support the battery pack cap 500 without being disturbed by physical impact.

[0076] Furthermore, although Figure 3 As shown, the battery cap 500 can be supported by the end 340 of the fastening pin 300 that engages with the fixing part 320. However, when the fastening pin 300 is short, the fixing part 320 can be as follows: Figure 4 or Figure 5 The end 340 of the fastening pin 300 is shown engaging with the fastening pin 300. In this case, the battery cap 500 can be supported by the fastening part 320 while the fastening pin 300 and the fixing part 320 are engaged with each other. Even if the fixing part 320 is a nut made of metal, the fixing part 320 is supported by contact with the insulating fireproof cover 520 provided inside the battery cap 500, so it is not necessary to attach a separate insulating adhesive 360 ​​to it. However, in some cases, the fixing part 320 in contact with the battery cap 500 may need to be provided with electrical insulation.

[0077] To effectively vent gases or flames generated during thermal runaway in a specific battery cell 900 or battery module 700, an exhaust vent 110 is provided in the cover plate 100, and multiple exhaust vents 110 can be arranged as follows: Figure 1 or Figure 8 The structures shown are spaced apart from each other in the cover plate 100. In this case, the fastening pins 300 need to be designed so that they are positioned between the multiple exhaust vents 110 without interfering with the exhaust vents 110 used to discharge gases or flames generated during thermal runaway.

[0078] Reference Figure 8The outermost vent 112 of the plurality of vents 110 formed in the cover plate 100 can be configured to be adjacent to a corner point of the cover plate 100, and the plurality of fastening pins 300 can be disposed at an external point closer to the corner point than the outermost vent 112. In the event of thermal runaway in a particular battery cell 900 or battery module 700, damage caused by gas or flame may primarily occur at the center of the battery module cover, while relatively less damage may occur at the outer edge of the battery module cover. Therefore, by arranging the fastening pins 300 outside the outermost vent 112, which is relatively unlikely to be damaged in the event of thermal runaway, the fastening pins 300 can stably support the battery cap 500 even in the event of thermal runaway, thereby preventing or minimizing structural damage to the battery cap 500.

[0079] like Figure 8 As shown, by additionally providing a fastening pin 300 at the center of the battery module cover, the bonding strength of the battery module cover can be increased, and damage to the battery cap 500 in the event of thermal runaway can be more effectively prevented. In this case, the fastening pin 300 needs to be positioned at a point that avoids the multiple vents 110 formed in the cover plate 100 of the battery module cover, so that gases or flames generated due to thermal runaway can be smoothly discharged through the space between the battery cap 500 and the battery module cover supported by the fastening pin 300.

[0080] When the fastening pin 300 penetrates the cover plate 100 and contacts the interior of the battery pack cap 500 to support the battery pack cap 500, it is desirable that the fastening pin 300... Figure 2 or Figure 7 The fastening pins 300 shown are of the same length. If the fastening pins 300 are not of the same length, the battery cap 500 may lift or tilt during thermal runaway, thereby reducing the assembly stability between the battery cap 500 and the battery housing. Therefore, it is advantageous for the fastening pins 300 constituting the battery module cover of this disclosure to have the same length in terms of durability and assembly stability. However, in cases where this disclosure can be applied to battery caps 500 of various shapes, fastening pins 300 of various lengths can be provided and applied to individual battery housings as appropriate.

[0081] like Figure 4As shown, the fixing portion 320 of this disclosure can be located between the cover plate 100 and the battery cell 900 inside the cover plate 100. In this case, the fixing portion 320 engages with a fastening pin 300 extending through the cover plate 100 from the outside, thereby providing engagement force between the multiple layers 120, 140, 160, and 180 of the cover plate 100. If the fixing portion 320 is a conductor such as a nut, damage such as a short circuit may occur at the location between the battery cell 900 and the cover plate 100. Therefore, it is preferable to cover the fixing portion 320 and the fastening pin 300 located inside the cover plate 100 with an insulating adhesive 360 ​​to ensure electrical insulation.

[0082] Even when the fixed part 320 is as Figure 4 When the fastening pin 300 is positioned inside the cover plate 100, if the fastening pin 300 is short, the fixing portion 320 can also engage with the end 340 of the fastening pin 300. In this case, if the fastening pin 300 and the fixing portion 320 are conductors such as bolts and nuts, electrical insulation is required. However, since the end 340 of the fastening pin 300 engages with the fixing portion 320 inside the fixing portion 320, damage such as short circuits can be prevented by covering the fixing portion 320 located between the battery cell 900 and the cover plate 100 with insulating adhesive 360.

[0083] If the fixing part 320 is located inside the cover plate 100, and the fastening pin 300 extends into the cover plate 100 even after being engaged with the fixing part 320, the fastening pin 300 may be exposed between the cover plate 100 and the battery cell 900 while engaged with the fixing part 320. This can be... Figure 4 In the case of a fastening pin 300 extending toward the battery cell 900 beyond the fixing portion 320, electrical insulation is required at the exposed end of the fastening pin 300 after engagement with the fixing portion 320. Therefore, it is preferable to cover the exposed end with insulating adhesive 360 ​​along with the fixing portion 320. Furthermore, the other end 340 of the fastening pin 300, located outside the cover plate 100, needs to contact the interior of the battery cap 500 to support the battery cap 500 and prevent it from melting or being damaged due to thermal runaway. In this case, since the insulating fireproof cover 520 is joined to the interior of the battery cap 500, separate insulation for the other end 340 of the fastening pin 300 is not necessary, but electrical insulation using insulating adhesive 360 ​​or the like may be required depending on the circumstances.

[0084] The cover plate 100 constituting the battery module cover of this disclosure is made of, for example, Figure 1The multiple layers 120, 140, 160 and 180 shown are formed by stacking the fireproof layer 120, the base layer 140, the flame retardant layer 160 and the support layer 180 sequentially from the inside facing the battery cell 900 toward the outside of the cover plate 100.

[0085] like Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the fire-resistant layer 120 is formed on the innermost side of the cover plate 100 closest to the battery cell 900, thereby preventing the structure of the cover plate 100 from easily melting or being damaged by flames generated during thermal runaway in the battery cell 900. Therefore, the fire-resistant layer 120 can be formed of a heat-resistant and fire-resistant material, and mica is preferably used to form the fire-resistant layer 120, as mica has insulating properties, is easy to form, and has excellent fire-resistant properties among fire-resistant materials.

[0086] How is the 140 at the grassroots level? Figures 3 to 5 The components shown are formed on the outside of the fireproof layer 120 to form the basic framework of the cover 100, and can be formed of a strong metallic material to withstand conditions such as internal and external impacts to the battery. The base layer can be formed of aluminum, which has excellent durability and is easy to form among metals.

[0087] Reference Figures 3 to 5 The flame-retardant layer 160 is bonded to the outer side of the base layer 140. The flame-retardant layer 160 is formed by bonding a heat-resistant material and silicon, and is bonded to the outer side of the base layer 140 to effectively prevent heat propagation from adjacent battery cells 900 or battery modules 700. Furthermore, because a heat-resistant material is added to the flame-retardant layer 160, damage to the battery module cover due to flames generated during thermal runaway occurring in the internal battery cells 900 can be minimized.

[0088] like Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the cover plate 100 is formed by bonding a support layer 180 to the outermost side. The support layer 180 is bonded to the outside of the flame-retardant layer 160 to prevent charring caused by flames, thereby preventing or delaying the melting of the base layer 140, made of aluminum material, due to flames caused by thermal runaway. In other words, the support layer 180 prevents damage to the basic framework of the cover plate 100 and prevents the cover plate 100 from lifting in the high-temperature or high-pressure environment generated during thermal runaway, thereby increasing the bonding strength of the cover plate 100. Therefore, the support layer 180 can be formed of durable, heat-resistant, and corrosion-resistant stainless steel (SUS).

[0089] In the cover plate 100, the exhaust section 110 is as follows: Figure 1 or Figure 8The arrangement shown allows gases or flames generated during thermal runaway to be smoothly discharged to the outside. Therefore, in the cover plate 100 comprising multiple layers 120, 140, 160, and 180 according to this disclosure, the exhaust portion 110 is as follows: Figure 1 As shown, it is formed in each of layers 120, 140, 160 and 180. The vent 110 includes a first hole 122 formed in the fireproof layer 120, a second hole 142 formed in the base layer 140 at a position corresponding to the first hole 122, a temporary cutting line 162 formed in the fireproof layer 160 at a position corresponding to the second hole 142, and a third hole 182 formed in the support layer 180 at a position corresponding to the cutting line 162.

[0090] and Figure 1 Unlike the other layers 120, 140, and 180 shown, the flame-retardant layer 160 has an exhaust portion 110 formed as a temporary cut line 162 rather than an opening. Since the exhaust portion 110 of the cover plate 100 is normally closed to prevent backpropagation of flames from adjacent battery cells 900 or battery modules 700 to the battery module 700, and only opens to release gases or flames generated in the battery cell 900 in the event of thermal runaway, the exhaust portion 110 of the flame-retardant layer 160 is formed as a temporary cut line 162 to normally prevent heat propagation, and only cuts and opens the temporary cut line 162 in the event of thermal runaway in the battery cell 900, allowing gases or flames to be released smoothly.

[0091] In addition, such as Figures 3 to 5 As shown, in order to minimize the backflow of gas or flame into the interior during thermal runaway of adjacent battery cells 900 or battery modules 700, and to facilitate the discharge of gas or flame generated during thermal runaway of battery cell 900, the exhaust portions 110 provided in layers 120, 140, 160, and 180 can be formed with different sizes. That is, the third hole 182 of the support layer 180 can be formed larger than the temporary cut line 162 of the flame-retardant layer 160, the temporary cut line 162 of the flame-retardant layer 160 can be formed larger than the second hole 142 of the base layer 140, and the second hole 142 of the base layer 140 can be formed larger than the first hole 122 of the fireproof layer 120. Therefore, the gas or flame generated inside can be effectively discharged, and the phenomenon of gas or flame being introduced back from the outside can be minimized, thereby stably handling thermal runaway occurring inside the battery pack BP.

[0092] Meanwhile, the exhaust portion 110 formed in layers 120, 140, 160 and 180 of the cover plate 100 can be as follows: Figure 1The exhaust vents have the same shape. If the exhaust vents 110 have different shapes, it may hinder the smooth discharge of gases or flames generated during thermal runaway. Therefore, by forming the exhaust vents with the same shape but different dimensions, it is possible to prevent gases or flames from flowing back into adjacent battery cells 900 or battery modules 700, while ensuring the smooth discharge of gases or flames emitted from battery cells 900 or battery modules 700. The exhaust vents 110 can be formed as an oval shape with a greater length in the longitudinal direction of the cover plate 100, as shown in the figure. However, if it is possible to effectively discharge gases or flames by forming exhaust vents 110 of the same shape in layers 120, 140, 160 and 180, the exhaust vents 110 can also be formed in various shapes such as circles, squares and rectangles in addition to oval shapes.

[0093] Meanwhile, the battery module cover according to this disclosure can be as follows: Figure 9 The battery pack BP shown is applicable to various vehicles V (e.g., internal combustion engine vehicles, electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and fuel cell vehicles), and in addition to vehicles V, it can also be applied to various fields (e.g., industrial energy storage systems (ESS), residential ESS, and small battery packs).

[0094] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and alterations can be made to the present disclosure without departing from the concept and scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A battery module cover, the battery module cover comprising: A cover plate, which is formed by stacking multiple layers and has an exhaust section for discharging gas or flame from the battery cell; as well as A fastening pin, which penetrates the cover plate at a point avoiding the vent, engages with a fixing portion to provide engagement force between the plurality of layers of the cover plate, and has an end extending toward the battery pack cap to support the battery pack cap.

2. The battery module cover according to claim 1, wherein, The battery pack cap has a fireproof cover attached to its lower side facing inwards towards the battery pack, and the end of the fastening pin, which penetrates the cover and engages with the fixing part, extends toward the fireproof cover to support it. The plurality of fastening pins are arranged to be spaced apart from each other at points avoiding the vent, and the end of each fastening pin contacts the inside of the battery pack cap to support the battery pack cap.

3. The battery module cover according to claim 1, wherein, The fixing part is located on the outside of the cover plate and engages with the fastening pin that passes through the cover plate, so that the cover plate is in close contact between the fixing part and the fastening pin.

4. The battery module cover according to claim 1, wherein, One end of the fastening pin protrudes between the cover plate and the battery cell when it is inserted into the interior of the cover plate and is covered with insulating adhesive.

5. The battery module cover according to claim 1, wherein, The fastening pin is a bolt, and the fixing part is a nut.

6. The battery module cover according to claim 1, wherein, Based on the cover plate, a plurality of fixing parts are provided on both sides, and the fastening pin that penetrates the cover plate is engaged with the plurality of fixing parts.

7. The battery module cover according to claim 1, wherein, The fixing part engages with the end of the fastening pin that passes through the cover plate to support the battery pack cap.

8. The battery module cover according to claim 1, wherein, Multiple vents are formed in the cover plate and spaced apart from each other, with the fastening pin located between the multiple vents. The outermost vent portion of the plurality of vent portions formed in the cover plate is formed to be adjacent to the edge of the cover plate, and a plurality of fastening pins are provided at a location outside the outermost vent portion.

9. The battery module cover according to claim 1, wherein, The fixing part is located between the cover plate and the battery cell, and engages with the fastening pin that extends through the cover plate from the outside, thereby providing a bonding force between the plurality of layers of the cover plate.

10. The battery module cover according to claim 1, wherein, The fastening pin, which penetrates the cover plate, engages with the fixing part on the inside of the cover plate, and the fastening pin and the fixing part are covered with insulating adhesive.

11. The battery module cover according to claim 1, wherein, The fixing part is located on the inside of the cover plate and is covered with insulating adhesive when engaged with the end of the fastening pin that passes through the cover plate.

12. The battery module cover according to claim 1, wherein, The cover plate is formed by sequentially stacking a fireproof layer, a base layer, a flame-retardant layer, and a support layer from the inside facing the battery cell towards the outside of the cover plate. The exhaust section includes a first hole formed in the fireproof layer, a second hole formed in the base layer at a position corresponding to the first hole, a temporary cutting line formed in the flame-retardant layer at a position corresponding to the second hole, and a third hole formed in the support layer at a position corresponding to the temporary cutting line.

13. The battery module cover according to claim 12, wherein, The size of the third hole in the support layer is larger than the size of the temporary cut line in the flame-retardant layer. The size of the temporary cut line in the flame-retardant layer is larger than the size of the second hole in the base layer. The temporary cut line of the flame-retardant layer is cut open to form an exhaust vent when gas or flame is generated inside the battery module. The first hole, the second hole, the third hole, and the temporary cutting line constituting the exhaust section are formed with the same shape.

14. A battery pack, the battery pack comprising the battery module cover according to claim 1.

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

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