Battery module and battery pack and vehicle including same

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a battery module comprising: a battery cell assembly comprising a plurality of battery cells; a module terminal electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells and disposed on at least one of the six side surfaces of the battery cell assembly; and a module frame configured to accommodate the battery cell assembly and including a first frame configured to cover a portion of a side surface of the battery cell assembly including the side surface of the battery cell assembly provided with the module terminal; and a second frame configured to cover a remaining portion of the side surfaces of the battery cell assembly.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] This application is based on and claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0033429, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on March 8, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Technology

[0003] Secondary batteries, based on their ease of application and electrical characteristics such as high energy density, are commonly used in electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) powered by electric drive sources, as well as portable devices. These secondary batteries are attracting attention as a novel energy source for improving eco-friendliness and energy efficiency due to their primary advantage of significantly reducing fossil fuel use and other advantages such as not producing byproducts resulting from energy use.

[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. Alternatively, multiple battery cells can be connected in parallel to form a battery module or battery pack to increase charge and discharge capacity.

[0005] The common method for constructing a battery pack by connecting multiple battery cells in series or parallel is to first construct a battery module that includes at least one battery cell, and then add other components to the at least one battery module to form a battery pack or battery rack.

[0006] In conventional battery modules, the module frame consists of various components, such as a frame body with front and rear openings, a top plate, and end plates that are attached to the front and rear openings of the frame body. As mentioned above, when the module frame is configured as multiple components, multiple plates must be manufactured separately, and multiple welding processes must be performed to connect the multiple plates, which reduces productivity.

[0007] In addition, since the welded joints are formed in multiple locations, if an event such as thermal runaway occurs in a single battery cell, the internal pressure of the module frame will rise due to high-temperature exhaust or flames, which may damage the module frame.

[0008] Furthermore, if the weld breaks, external oxygen may flow into the module frame, increasing the risk of fire inside the battery module. This could also lead to a fire or explosion of the battery module or battery pack. Such a fire or explosion can cause property damage and personal injury. For example, a fire or explosion occurring in the battery pack of an electric vehicle could threaten the safety of the user, such as the driver. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Technical issues This disclosure aims to address the problems of the related technology, and therefore aims to provide a battery module that can improve productivity by minimizing the components of the module frame of the battery module and ensure safety by stably maintaining the combined state of the module frame, as well as a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery module.

[0010] However, the technical problems that this disclosure seeks to solve are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand other problems not mentioned above based on the description of this disclosure below.

[0011] Technical solution In one aspect of this disclosure, a battery module is provided, comprising: a battery cell assembly including a plurality of battery cells; a module terminal electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells and disposed on at least one of six sides of the battery cell assembly; a module frame configured to accommodate the battery cell assembly and including a first frame configured to cover a portion of the sides of the battery cell assembly, including the side of the battery cell assembly on which the module terminal is disposed; and a second frame configured to cover the remaining portion of the sides of the battery cell assembly.

[0012] The first frame can be configured to cover the front, rear, and bottom sides of the battery cell module, and the second frame can be configured to cover the top, left, and right sides of the battery cell module.

[0013] The first frame can be configured as an integral form covering the front, rear, and bottom sides of the battery cell assembly.

[0014] The second frame can be configured as an integral form covering the upper, left, and right sides of the battery cell module.

[0015] At least one of the first frame and the second frame can be configured to be bent to cover different sides of the battery cell assembly.

[0016] At least one of the first frame and the second frame can be configured as a U-shape with three open sides.

[0017] The second frame may have an exhaust port configured to discharge exhaust gas generated in the battery cell to the outside.

[0018] The discharge port can be located on the upper part of the battery cell assembly.

[0019] The battery module may further include a frame cover configured to at least partially cover the module frame.

[0020] A covered hole can be formed in the frame cover at a position corresponding to the discharge hole.

[0021] The frame cover may include a cover member configured to cover the cover opening and be able to open and close the cover opening by venting gas.

[0022] The first frame can be configured such that at least a portion of the first frame is open on the side where the module terminal is located.

[0023] The first frame may include a protrusion configured such that at least a portion of it protrudes upward from the side where the module terminal is located to contact the second frame.

[0024] The first frame can be configured to be rotationally symmetrical on the front and rear sides.

[0025] The first frame can be configured such that at least a portion of it is open on the opposite side of the side where the module terminal is located.

[0026] Welded portions may be formed at the open ends of the first and second frames that are opposite each other.

[0027] In another aspect of this disclosure, a battery pack including a battery module according to this disclosure is provided.

[0028] In another aspect of this disclosure, a vehicle including a battery module according to this disclosure is provided.

[0029] Beneficial effects According to one aspect of this disclosure, the cost and time of manufacturing battery modules can be reduced by minimizing the number of components in the module frame and covering all sides of the battery cell assembly. Therefore, productivity can be improved and management convenience can be enhanced.

[0030] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, even if an impact or vibration occurs within the battery module, the module frame can be stably maintained without being damaged or destroyed. Therefore, the structural stability of the battery module can be ensured.

[0031] Therefore, according to the above aspects of this disclosure, even if a thermal event such as venting or flame occurs in the battery module, the venting or flame can be minimized from being released to the outside through damaged or broken parts of the module frame, thereby effectively preventing the propagation of thermal runaway between battery modules.

[0032] In particular, according to the above aspects of this disclosure, even if a thermal event such as venting or flame occurs in the battery module and one of the multiple module frame members separates from the battery cell assembly, the other members can remain in a state covering a portion of the side of the battery cell assembly (in particular, the side where the module terminals are located). Therefore, the safety and reliability of the battery module can be guaranteed.

[0033] Furthermore, according to the above aspects of this disclosure, the spread of fire caused by oxygen or other substances introduced through damaged or broken parts of the module frame in the battery module can be effectively prevented.

[0034] In addition, this disclosure may have various other effects, and these effects will be described in various embodiments, or descriptions of effects that can be readily inferred by those skilled in the art will be omitted. Attached Figure Description

[0035] The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the foregoing 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.

[0036] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which may be along... Figure 1 The sectional view taken by line I-I' in the middle.

[0039] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of the module frame of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating a frame cover applied to a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 6 This is a partial exploded perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view of the lower part of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 8 This is a front view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 9 This is a schematic perspective view of the first frame of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 10 This is a rear view of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 11 This is a schematic perspective view of the first frame of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figure 12 This is a front view of a battery module according to another embodiment.

[0048] Figure 13 This is a rear perspective view of the battery module of the application frame cover according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] Figure 14 This is a diagram showing a state in which a portion of the frame cover is open when a thermal event occurs in the battery module, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] Figure 15 This is a diagram showing the welded portion of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] Figure 16 This is a diagram illustrating a separate module frame in a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] Figure 17 This is a cross-sectional view showing the junction of the module frame and the battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] Figure 18 This is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] Figure 19 This is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0055] 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 or dictionary meaning, but rather is interpreted based on the meaning and concepts corresponding to the technical aspects of the present disclosure, on the principle of allowing the inventors to appropriately define the terminology for the best interpretation.

[0056] Therefore, the description presented herein is merely a preferred example for illustrative purposes and does not represent the full scope of this disclosure. It should be understood that other equivalent substitutions and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0057] Furthermore, this disclosure may include various embodiments. Redundant descriptions of substantially the same or similar configurations will be omitted from the various embodiments, and descriptions will be based on the differences between them.

[0058] On the other hand, although terms indicating direction, such as up, down, left, right, front, and back, are used in this specification, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains that these terms are merely for ease of explanation with reference to the accompanying drawings and may vary depending on the position of the target object or the observer's position.

[0059] 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, that is, the height direction of the battery cell.

[0060] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which may be along... Figure 1 The sectional view taken by line I-I' in the diagram. Additionally, Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of the module frame of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0061] Reference Figures 1 to 4 According to this disclosure, the battery module 10 includes a battery cell assembly 100, a module terminal 200, and a module frame 300.

[0062] The battery cell assembly 100 may include one or more battery cells 110, specifically multiple battery cells 110. Here, each battery cell 110 may represent a secondary battery, or it may represent a group of multiple secondary batteries. In this specification, the description will be based on a battery cell 110 representing a secondary battery.

[0063] Multiple battery cells 110 may include electrode assemblies, battery cell housings 111 for storing electrode assemblies, and electrode leads 112 connected to the electrode assemblies and extending to the outside of the battery cell housings 111 to serve as electrode terminals.

[0064] In this case, the battery cell housing 111 can be configured in various shapes, and the battery cell 110 can be classified as a pouch battery cell, a cylindrical battery cell, and a prismatic battery cell according to the shape of the battery cell housing 111. Since the types of battery cells 110 are well known at the time of this disclosure, their detailed description will be omitted. Although the accompanying drawings of this specification show a pouch battery cell, this disclosure applies to all types of secondary batteries known at the time of this disclosure, and is not limited to any particular type of secondary battery.

[0065] In the battery cell assembly 100, multiple battery cells 110 can be configured to be stacked in one direction. For example, multiple battery cells 110 can be stacked side by side in the left-right direction (±X-axis direction). The battery cell assembly 100 can include six sides. That is, the battery cell assembly 100 can be configured in a cuboid shape.

[0066] Additionally, multiple battery cells 110 disposed in the battery cell assembly 100 can be electrically connected in series and / or in parallel with each other via a busbar 520, which will be described later.

[0067] Module terminal 200 can be configured to be electrically connected to the electrode leads 112 of the battery cell 110. Module terminal 200 may include a positive terminal and a negative terminal. In addition, module terminal 200 can be configured to be electrically or communicatively connected to a control device such as a BMS.

[0068] The module terminal 200 may be disposed on at least one of the six sides of the battery cell assembly 100. For example, the module terminal 200 may be disposed on the side where the electrode lead 112 of the battery cell 110 extends outward. For example, the electrode lead 112 of the battery cell 110 may extend outward in the front-rear direction, and the module terminal 200 may be disposed on the front side of the battery cell assembly 100.

[0069] The module frame 300 can be configured to store the battery cell assembly 100. Specifically, the module frame 300 can be configured to form storage spaces therein, and the battery cell assembly 100 can be stored in the storage spaces. For example, the module frame 300 can be configured as a cuboid shape formed by combining several components. Therefore, the module frame 300 can be configured to cover six sides of the battery cell assembly 100. The module frame 300 can be at least partially configured to be made of metal and / or plastic material.

[0070] More specifically, refer to Figures 1 to 4The module frame 300 may include a first frame 310 and a second frame 320. The first frame 310 and the second frame 320 may be combined with each other to form the housing of the module frame 300, and the battery cell assembly 100 may be stored therein. In this case, the first frame 310 and the second frame 320 may be combined by various fastening methods such as welding, joining, bolting and hooking.

[0071] The first frame 310 and the second frame 320 can be configured to cover six sides of the battery cell assembly 100, respectively. When the first frame 310 and the second frame 320 are joined together, the first frame 310 can be configured to cover a portion of the six sides of the battery cell assembly 100, and the second frame 320 can be configured to cover the other portions of the battery cell assembly 100 while being joined to the first frame 310.

[0072] Specifically, the first frame 310 can be configured to cover the side of the battery cell assembly 100 where the module terminals 200 are located. For example, if the module terminals 200 are located on the front side of the battery cell assembly 100, the first frame 310 can be configured to cover the front side of the battery cell assembly 100.

[0073] For example, such as Figures 1 to 4 As disclosed in the embodiments shown, the first frame 310 may be configured to cover three sides of the battery cell assembly 100, including the front side of the battery cell assembly 100, and the second frame 320 may be configured to cover the remaining three sides of the battery cell assembly 100.

[0074] In other words, the battery module 10 according to the embodiments of this disclosure can be configured to cover only the six sides of the battery cell assembly 100 with the first frame 310 and the second frame 320.

[0075] According to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, the module frame 300 can be configured with only two parts, namely, a first frame 310 and a second frame 320, to cover all sides of the battery cell assembly 100. Therefore, the number of components in the module frame 300 can be minimized, thereby reducing the cost and time required to manufacture the battery module 10. This improves productivity and enhances ease of management.

[0076] Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, since the joint area of ​​the various parts of the module frame 300 can be minimized, damage or destruction of the module frame 300 can be prevented even if impact or vibration is applied to the battery module 10. Therefore, the structural stability of the battery module 10 can be ensured.

[0077] Specifically, according to the above-described embodiments of this disclosure, even if a thermal event such as venting or flame occurs in the battery module 10, the module frame 300 can be stably maintained in its joined state. Therefore, separation of the module frame 300 and release of venting or flame to the outside can be prevented. Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiments of this disclosure, oxygen can be effectively prevented from flowing into the module frame 300 through damaged or broken portions, thus preventing flame propagation. Therefore, the safety of the battery module can be ensured.

[0078] As a more specific example, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 4 The first frame 310 can be configured to cover the front, rear, and bottom sides of the battery cell module 100. Additionally, the second frame 320 can be configured to cover the top, left, and right sides of the battery cell module 100.

[0079] According to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, the front and rear sides of the battery cell assembly 100 can be completely covered by the first frame 310. Therefore, when a thermal event occurs in the battery module 10, the propagation of exhaust gas or flames through the front and rear sides of the module frame 300 toward adjacent battery modules 10 can be minimized.

[0080] Specifically, according to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, since the first frame 310 covers the front side of the battery cell assembly 100 where the module terminals 200 are located, damage to the module terminals 200 caused by heat from exhaust or flames during a thermal event in another battery module 10 can be minimized. Therefore, according to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, the safety of the battery module 10 can be more effectively ensured.

[0081] In this configuration, the first frame 310 can be integrated to cover the front, rear, and bottom sides of the battery cell module 100. Additionally, the second frame 320 can be integrated to cover the top, left, and right sides of the battery cell module 100.

[0082] That is, at least one of the first frame 310 and the second frame 320 can be configured in a bent form to cover different sides of the battery cell assembly 100. The first frame 310 can be configured in a bent form to cover the front, rear, and bottom sides of the battery cell assembly 100. In this case, the bent portion of the first frame 310 can be arranged along the front-rear direction. Additionally, the second frame 320 can be configured in a bent form to cover the upper, left, and right sides of the battery cell assembly 100. In this case, the bent portion of the second frame 320 can be arranged along the left-right direction.

[0083] As a more specific example, in Figure 4 In some embodiments, at least one of the first frame 310 and the second frame 320 can be configured as a U-shape with three open sides. The first frame 310 and the second frame 320 can be configured to have three edges on each of the two open sides. For example, the first frame 310 located at the bottom can be configured to be generally U-shaped when viewed from the left and right sides. Similarly, the second frame 320 can be configured to be generally n-shaped when viewed from the front and rear sides.

[0084] In this configuration, the first frame 310 and the second frame 320 can be configured to engage with each other in the vertical direction (±Z-axis direction). Therefore, when the first frame 310 and the second frame 320 are engaged, their open-side ends can be configured to contact and engage with each other. That is, the three edges on the left and right sides of the first frame 310 and the three edges on the front and rear sides of the second frame 320 can be configured to contact each other. Therefore, the module frame 300 can be configured in a cuboid shape.

[0085] According to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, the connection between the first frame 310 and the second frame 320 can be achieved simply by the shapes of the first frame 310 and the second frame 320. Therefore, the assembly efficiency between the first frame 310 and the second frame 320 can be improved.

[0086] Specifically, the second frame 320 can be configured with a symmetrical shape in both the left-right and up-down directions. According to this embodiment, the modular frame 300 can be formed by rotating the second frame 320 in any direction and then combining it with the first frame 310. Therefore, productivity can be further improved when manufacturing the modular frame 300.

[0087] The module frame 300 may have a vent VH formed on at least one side. The vent VH may be configured to discharge exhaust gas generated in the battery cell 110 to the outside of the module frame 300.

[0088] For example, the vent VH can be formed as an opening that allows the interior and exterior of the module frame 300 to communicate with each other. However, the vent VH may not be fully open, but can be configured to be closed under normal conditions and open according to changes in pressure or temperature.

[0089] Multiple discharge ports VH can be provided. These discharge ports VH can be arranged in multiple columns and rows. Furthermore, the discharge ports VH can be configured to extend in one direction. For example, the discharge ports VH can be formed to extend along the length of the battery cell 110.

[0090] According to this embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery module 10 can be prevented from exploding due to an increase in internal pressure through the vent VH. Additionally, in this configuration, the direction of vent discharge can be guided.

[0091] Specifically, the vent VH can be formed in the second frame 320. For example, the vent VH can be formed on the upper side of the module frame 300. That is, the vent VH can be located on the upper part of the battery cell assembly 100. Therefore, the exhaust gas inside the battery module 10 can be guided upwards and discharged.

[0092] According to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, the second frame 320 with the discharge port VH and the first frame 310 covering the side of the battery cell assembly 100 where the module terminals 200 are located can be configured as separate components. Therefore, even if the second frame 320 separates due to the upward force exerted by the pressure of exhaust gas or flame discharged through the discharge port VH, the first frame 310 can remain in a state covering the side where the module terminals 200 are located. Therefore, according to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, the safety of the battery module 10 can be ensured.

[0093] Specifically, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 When the battery cell 110 is configured as a pouch cell, the battery cell housing 111 may have a receiving portion 111a and a sealing portion 111b. The receiving portion 111a may be configured to receive an electrode assembly, and the sealing portion 111b may be configured to seal the electrode assembly by heat-sealing the edges of the receiving portion 111a. For example, a battery cell housing 111 may be folded in the middle to store an electrode assembly therein, and may include a receiving portion 111a for receiving the electrode assembly and a sealing portion 111b obtained by sealing the three edges of the receiving portion 111a.

[0094] The electrode leads 112 can be configured as a pair, and the pair of electrode leads 112 can extend outward from both ends of the battery cell 110 along its length. In this case, the pair of electrode leads 112 can be a positive electrode lead and a negative electrode lead. The battery cell 110 can be configured such that the two electrode leads 112 are located at only one end along its length, for example, at the end in the +Y axis direction if necessary.

[0095] In this case, the sealing portion 111b may include a portion from which the electrode lead 112 extends to the outside and a portion from which the electrode lead 112 does not extend to the outside. For example, as Figure 3In the embodiments shown, the outwardly extending portions of the electrode leads 112 in the sealing portion 111a can be disposed on both sides of the battery cell housing 111 along the front-rear direction, while the non-outwardly extending portions of the electrode leads 112 can be disposed on the upper side. That is, multiple battery cells 110 can be stacked face-to-face, such that the electrode leads 112 extend outwardly in the front-rear direction, and the portions of the sealing portion 111a where the electrode leads 112 do not extend to the outside face upwards.

[0096] In this configuration, the vent gas generated in the battery cell 110 can be discharged to the outside through the portion of the electrode lead 112 that does not extend to the outside of the sealing portion 111a. Therefore, the vent gas can be guided upwards. According to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, vent gas and the like discharged upwards from the battery cell 110 can be discharged to the outside of the battery module 10 through the discharge port VH provided at the top.

[0097] According to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, the venting of the battery cell 110 can be guided upward more effectively. Therefore, when the first frame 310 and the second frame 320 are assembled in the front-rear direction, even if a thermal event such as venting or flame occurs in the battery module 10, the separation of the first frame 310 and the second frame 320 due to the pressure of the venting or flame can be minimized. Therefore, the structural stability of the battery module 10 can be further ensured.

[0098] Additionally, refer to Figure 2 The battery module 10 of this disclosure may further include a busbar frame assembly 500. The busbar frame assembly 500 may be disposed inside the module frame 300 and configured to cover at least one side of the plurality of battery cells 110. The busbar frame assembly 500 may be located on the outwardly extending side of the electrode leads 112 of the battery cells 110. For example, the busbar frame assembly 500 may be coupled to the front and rear sides of the plurality of battery cells 110.

[0099] The busbar frame assembly 500 may include a busbar frame 510 and a plurality of busbars 520. The busbar frame 510 may be configured to be generally coupled to the front and rear sides of a plurality of battery cells 110. The busbar frame 510 may have slits through which the electrode leads of the battery cells 110 can pass in the front-to-back direction.

[0100] Additionally, the busbar frame 510 may be formed of an electrically insulating material (e.g., a plastic material) and configured such that the busbar 520 can be attached to an outer surface.

[0101] Multiple busbars 520, serving as units for connecting battery cells 110 in series and / or in parallel, can be formed of metallic materials such as copper, aluminum, nickel, etc., and can be configured in a rod shape.

[0102] The electrode lead 112 of the battery cell 110 can pass through the slit of the busbar frame 510 and extend to the outside of the busbar frame 510, and the extended portion can be attached to the surface of the busbar 520 by welding or the like.

[0103] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating a frame cover applied to a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 This is a partial exploded perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0104] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 The battery module 10 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may further include a frame cover 400. The frame cover 400 may be configured to at least partially cover the module frame 300. The frame cover 400 may be disposed on the outer side of the module frame 300.

[0105] Specifically, the frame cover 400 can be configured to cover at least one of the six sides of the module frame 300. The frame cover 400 can be configured to at least cover the second frame 320. The frame cover 400 can be configured to have the same shape as the second frame 320. For example, as... Figure 5 As disclosed in the embodiments shown, the frame cover 400 can be configured in a U-shape.

[0106] The frame cover 400 can be configured to suppress the spread of exhaust gas or flames emitted during a thermal event inside the battery module 10 to another battery module 10. For this purpose, the frame cover 400 can be made of a material with excellent heat resistance and / or fire resistance, such as mica sheets or silicone composite materials.

[0107] Therefore, even when high temperatures are generated, the frame cover 400 can maintain its shape stability without deformation, thereby stably blocking high-temperature gases or flames generated from the battery cell 110.

[0108] According to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, since the frame cover 400 is configured to be made of a hard and heat-resistant material, deformation caused by high-temperature gases or flames can be minimized.

[0109] The frame cover 400 may have a cover hole CH formed therein. The cover hole CH may be configured to discharge exhaust gas released through the vent hole VH to the outside of the battery module 10.

[0110] Multiple cover holes CH can be provided at regular intervals along the horizontal direction (X-axis and Y-axis). Specifically, the cover holes CH can be formed at positions corresponding to the exhaust holes VH. The cover holes CH can be formed on the upper side of the frame cover 400. According to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, exhaust gas or flames can be rapidly discharged along a specific direction through the exhaust holes VH and the cover holes CH.

[0111] The frame cover 400 may include a cover member 410. The cover member 410 may be configured to cover the cover hole CH. The cover member 410 may be configured to cover the cover hole CH separately. The cover member 410 may be configured to be inserted into the cover hole CH, such as... Figure 5 As disclosed in the embodiment shown. In this case, the frame cover 400 may have a cut or slit in the portion corresponding to the vent VH.

[0112] Alternatively, unlike the embodiments described above, the cover member 410 may be disposed between the discharge port VH and the cover port CH. In this case, the cover member 410 may be configured as a sheet to be mounted on the module frame 300. The cover member 410 may be configured to cover all of the plurality of cover ports CH. The cover member 410 may be attached to the inside of the frame cover 400, or it may be attached to the module frame 300.

[0113] This cover member 410 can be configured to open and close the cover opening CH by venting or flame, such as Figure 6 As disclosed in the embodiments shown. Specifically, at least a portion of the cover member 410 may be configured to rupture by the pressure or heat of exhaust gas traveling toward the vent hole VH. Alternatively, the cover member 410 may be configured to be detached from the body of the frame cover 400.

[0114] According to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, when a thermal event occurs in a particular battery cell 110, the cover member 410 disposed on one side of the particular battery cell 110 can rupture to open at least one of a plurality of vent holes VH. Therefore, exhaust gases and the like can be discharged to the outside of the module frame 300 through the open vent holes VH.

[0115] Additionally, the cover member 410 can prevent gas or flame streams discharged to the outside of the module frame 300 from returning to the battery module 10. That is, the vent hole VH provided on the side of the battery cell 110 where a thermal event does not occur can be kept closed.

[0116] Therefore, exhaust gas or flame flow that is discharged to the outside through the open vent VH can be effectively prevented from returning to the battery module 10. In addition, the remaining unbroken cover members 410 can block high-temperature gases, flames, and heat generated from the battery cell 110.

[0117] According to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, when thermal runaway occurs in the battery module 10, not only can the exhaust gas or flame generated inside the battery module 10 be smoothly discharged to the outside of the battery module 10, but the discharged exhaust gas or flame can also be prevented from flowing back into the battery module 10. Therefore, the propagation of thermal runaway can be effectively prevented or delayed by minimizing the heat propagation to adjacent battery cells 110 or the battery module 10.

[0118] Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view of the lower part of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 This is a front view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0119] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 The first frame 310 can be configured to have an opening on at least a portion of the side where the module terminal 200 is located. Additionally, the side of the first frame 310 opposite to the side where the module terminal 200 is located can be configured to be completely closed.

[0120] As a more specific example, the first frame 310 may have a protrusion P and a first opening O1. The protrusion P and the first opening O1 may be located on the side where the module terminal 200 is located. In addition, the protrusion P may be configured to project upwards such that at least a portion of it contacts the second frame 320.

[0121] Specifically, the front side of the first frame 310 may cover the lower part of the front side of the battery cell assembly 100, and the upper part of the first frame 310 may be at least partially open to form a first opening O1.

[0122] Therefore, when the first frame 310 and the second frame 320 are joined together, the left and right edges of the front side of the first frame 310 and the protrusion P can contact the second frame 320. In this case, the length D1 of the left and right edges of the front side of the first frame 310 that contact the second frame 320 can be configured to be less than the height of the second frame 320 or the height of the battery cell assembly 100.

[0123] In this configuration, multiple first openings O1 can be provided. Furthermore, the multiple first openings O1 can be configured to be spaced apart from each other along the left-right direction via the protrusion P. The first openings O1 can be configured by cutting away a portion of the first frame 310. For example, the first openings O1 can be configured such that the left and right corners are cut away from the front side of the first frame 310.

[0124] The first opening O1 can be configured to expose the control device or electrical or communication connection device (e.g., module terminal 200 or connector) of the battery module 10 to the outside. That is, the module terminal 200 can be configured such that at least a portion of it passes through the first opening O1.

[0125] According to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, by exposing the module terminal 200 to the outside from the front side of the first frame 310 via the first opening O1 and providing the protrusion P, the exposure of the internal components of the module frame 300 to the front side can be minimized.

[0126] Reference Figure 7 The battery module 10 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may further include an insulating cover 600. The insulating cover 600 may be configured to electrically insulate the module frame 300, made of a metallic material, from the busbar 520 or the electrode leads 112. The insulating cover 600 may be made of a plastic material.

[0127] The insulating cover 600 can be disposed inside the module frame 300, and more particularly, inside the first frame 310. The insulating cover 600 can be disposed between the module frame 300 and the battery cell assembly 100 and the busbar frame assembly 500.

[0128] As disclosed in the above-described embodiments of this disclosure, since the insulating cover 600 is inserted between the module frame 300 and the battery cell assembly 100 and the busbar frame assembly 500, the assembly efficiency can be improved compared to conventional battery modules in which the end plates forming the front and rear sides of the module frame have insulating covers on their inner sides, allowing the insulating covers and end plates to be welded to the battery cell assembly.

[0129] In addition, according to the above-described embodiment of the present disclosure, when the internal pressure of the battery module 10 increases, the front and rear sides of the first frame 310 can support the insulating cover 600, thereby minimizing the possibility of the insulating cover 600 separating, thus ensuring electrical insulation and structural stability.

[0130] Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, separation of the battery cell assembly 100 and the insulating cover 600 due to exhaust or flame can be suppressed, thus preventing exhaust or flame from escaping towards the front of the battery module 10. Therefore, thermal runaway propagation between the battery modules 10 can be prevented.

[0131] The insulating cover 600 may include a first insulating cover 600A disposed on the side (i.e., the front side) where the module terminal 200 of the battery cell assembly 100 is located, and a second insulating cover 600B disposed on the side (i.e., the rear side) opposite to the side where the module terminal 200 of the battery cell assembly 100 is located.

[0132] The first insulating cover 600A can be configured to electrically insulate the module frame 300 from the module terminal 200. The first insulating cover 600A can be configured to surround the outer side of the module terminal 200 that is exposed to the outside.

[0133] Additionally, refer to Figure 8 The first insulating cover 600A may have a through hole 610. The through hole 610 may be configured to allow the module terminal 200 to pass through it. The through hole 610 may be located at a position corresponding to the first opening O1. Therefore, the module terminal 200 may be configured to be at least partially exposed to the outside through the first opening O1 and the through hole 610.

[0134] Figure 9 This is a schematic perspective view of the first frame of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 10 This is a rear view of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0135] According to another embodiment of this disclosure, the first frame 310 can be configured such that the front and rear sides are rotationally symmetrical. For example, as Figure 9 As disclosed in the embodiments shown, the rear side of the first frame 310 can be configured to obtain a form by rotating the front side of the first frame 310 180 degrees in the horizontal direction. That is, when the first frame 310 is viewed from the front and rear, the front and rear sides of the first frame 310 can be configured to have the same form.

[0136] According to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, when manufacturing the battery module 10, it is not necessary to position the first opening O1 of the first frame 310 facing the module terminal 200 to expose a portion of the module terminal 200 to the outside of the first frame 310. That is, the first frame 310 can be attached to the second frame 320 regardless of the position or orientation of the first opening O1. Therefore, according to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, the module frame 300 can be more easily assembled during manufacturing, thereby improving productivity.

[0137] According to the above embodiment, the first frame 310 can be configured such that at least a portion of it is open on the side opposite to the side where the module terminal 200 is located. That is, the second opening O2 can be formed on the rear side of the first frame 310.

[0138] More specifically, Figure 8 In the configuration shown, the first opening O1 can be formed on the front side of the first frame 310, and the second opening O2 can be formed on the rear side of the first frame 310 because it has the same structure as the front side of the first frame 310. (Refer to...) Figure 10 The second opening O2 can be formed at a position that is reversed from the position of the first opening O1.

[0139] The second opening O2 can be configured to allow exhaust gas discharged from the battery cell 110 to flow out. That is, the second opening O2 can be configured to discharge heat to the outside together with the exhaust port VH when a thermal event occurs in the internal space of the battery module 10.

[0140] According to this embodiment of the present disclosure, the exhaust gas released from the battery module 10 can be discharged upwards and backwards in a distributed manner. Therefore, a concentrated temperature rise in specific portions outside the battery module 10 can be prevented. Thus, the battery module 10 can be prevented from exploding due to increased internal pressure. Additionally, in this case, the exhaust gas discharge location may be restricted.

[0141] Specifically, the battery cell assembly 100 inside the battery module 10 can be stacked in the left-right direction while remaining vertically upright, such as... Figure 2 As shown. In this case, exhaust gas discharged from one or more battery cells 110 included in the battery cell assembly 100 may accumulate on the front or rear side of the battery module 10 where the electrode leads 112 are located. In this case, as disclosed in the embodiments above, since the second opening O2 is located at the rear of the battery module 10, exhaust gas can be discharged more quickly and smoothly through the second opening O2. In addition, in this case, the movement of exhaust gas or heat (e.g., flame) toward the front side of the battery module 10 where the module terminals 200 are provided can be suppressed or prevented.

[0142] In the above-described embodiment, the insulating cover 600 (i.e., the second insulating cover 600B) can be configured to cover the second opening O2 from the inside. According to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, moisture or foreign matter can be prevented from flowing into the battery module 10 through the second opening O2.

[0143] Additionally, at least a portion of the insulating cover 600 can be configured to open via venting when a thermal event, such as venting, occurs inside the battery module 10. For example, the second insulating cover 600B can be partially melted and opened by heat from, for example, venting or a flame.

[0144] According to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, the second insulating cover 600B can maintain the insulation between the module frame 300 and the electrode lead 112 under normal conditions of the battery module 10, and when a thermal event occurs, a portion of the second insulating cover 600B can be opened to allow exhaust or flames to be quickly discharged to the outside.

[0145] Figure 11 This is a schematic perspective view of the first frame of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 12 This is a front view of a battery module according to another embodiment.

[0146] According to another embodiment of this disclosure, the first frame 310 can be configured such that portions of the front and rear sides are completely removed. More specifically, the first opening O1 and the second opening O2 can be configured to extend in a straight line along the left-right direction. One first opening O1 and one second opening O2 can be provided.

[0147] Therefore, when the first frame 310 and the second frame 320 are joined together, the left and right edges of the front and rear sides of the first frame 310 can respectively contact the second frame 320. In this case, the length D2 of the left and right edges of the first frame 310 that contact the second frame 320 can be configured to be less than the height of the second frame 320 or the height of the battery cell assembly 100.

[0148] According to the embodiments of this disclosure, the module frame 300 can be manufactured by folding a single plate without a separate cutting process, thus achieving a simple manufacturing process. Furthermore, according to the embodiments of this disclosure, since the openings O2 and O3 are set to a large size, they can be applied to any structure regardless of the location of the parts exposed to the outside of the module frame 300 (e.g., module terminals 200 or connectors). Therefore, since costs and time can be reduced when manufacturing the battery module 10, productivity can be increased.

[0149] Figure 13 This is a rear perspective view of the battery module of the application frame cover according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 14 This is a diagram showing a state in which a portion of the frame cover is open when a thermal event occurs in the battery module, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0150] like Figure 9 and Figure 11 As disclosed in the embodiments shown, when the second opening O2 is formed on the rear side of the first frame 310, exhaust gas or flame may flow in through the second opening O2 when a thermal event occurs in the adjacent battery module 10.

[0151] Therefore, according to another embodiment of this disclosure, the frame cover 400 can be configured to cover the rear side of the first frame 310 and the second frame 320. That is, the frame cover 400 can be configured to cover the second opening O2 from the outside.

[0152] Because according to Figure 13 and Figure 14 The frame cover 400 and according to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The frame cover 400 is the same, so except for the configuration covering the rear side of the first frame 310, the extra description will be omitted.

[0153] The frame cover 400 may have not only a first cover hole CH1 formed at a position corresponding to the discharge hole VH, but also a second cover hole CH2 formed at a position corresponding to the second opening O2. In addition, the cover member 410 may include a first cover member 411 configured to cover the first cover hole CH1 and a second cover member 412 configured to cover the second cover hole CH2.

[0154] According to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, when thermal runaway occurs in the battery module 10, such as Figure 14 As indicated by the thick arrows, the first cover member 411 and the second cover member 412 can be opened to allow exhaust or flames generated inside the battery module 10 to be discharged upwards and backwards.

[0155] Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, exhaust gas or flame streams discharged to the outside through the open second opening O2 can be substantially prevented from returning to the battery module 10. Therefore, heat propagation to adjacent battery cells 110 or the battery module 10 can be minimized, thereby effectively preventing or delaying the propagation of thermal runaway.

[0156] Figure 15 This is a diagram showing the welded portion of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0157] Reference Figure 15 A welded portion W can be formed at the open-side ends of the first frame 310 and the second frame 320 that are opposite to each other. That is, the first frame 310 and the second frame 320 can be configured such that their open-side ends are in contact with each other. In addition, the contact portions of the first frame 310 and the second frame 320 can be welded to form the welded portion W.

[0158] The welded portion W can be formed on at least 6 of the 12 edges of the module frame 300. For example, as Figure 15 As disclosed in the embodiments shown, the welded portion W may be formed on the upper, left, and right sides of the inner open side ends of the first frame 310 and the second frame 320, in contact with each other in front of and behind the battery module 10.

[0159] The welded portion W can be configured as a line. For example, the first frame 310 and the second frame 320 can be configured as a line extending along the contact edge therebetween.

[0160] According to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, the first frame 310 and the second frame 320 can be combined more stably. Furthermore, in this configuration, leakage of exhaust gas or flame between the first frame 310 and the second frame 320 can be prevented more effectively.

[0161] According to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, the length of the welded portion W can be made relatively long. Therefore, the joint strength of the welded portion W can be further improved, thereby also increasing the joint strength between the first frame 310 and the second frame 320. Furthermore, the sealing performance of the welded portion W can be further improved.

[0162] In particular, in the above-described embodiment, since the welded portion W is formed to be relatively long in both the horizontal and vertical directions, the tensile stress of the fastening portion between the first frame 310 and the second frame 320 can be increased.

[0163] Figure 16 This is a diagram illustrating a separate module frame in a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 17 This is a cross-sectional view showing the junction of the module frame and the battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0164] The first frame 310 and the second frame 320 can be configured such that one of them supports the other in an outward direction. For example, one of the first frame 310 and the second frame 320 can be configured to be inserted into or placed on the other.

[0165] As a more specific example, refer to Figure 16 and Figure 17 A bend B may be provided at the open side end of the first frame 310. The bend B may be configured to bend the end of the first frame 310 inward. The bend B may be provided on at least a portion of the open side edge of the first frame 310. The bend B may be configured to extend along the open side edge of the first frame 310.

[0166] Additionally, the recess G can be configured to be at least partially recessed inward from the open side end of the second frame 320. The recess G can be configured such that the bent portion B is inserted therein. The recess G can be configured to correspond to the position, shape, and size of the bent portion B. Therefore, the first frame 310 and the second frame 320 can be configured such that they are inserted and joined.

[0167] According to this configuration of the present disclosure, since one component of the module frame 300 supports the other components in the upward (outward) direction, the contact state between the first frame 310 and the second frame 320 can be stably maintained during welding. Therefore, welding performance can be improved.

[0168] In addition, such as Figure 16As disclosed in the embodiments shown, this support configuration of the first frame 310 and the second frame 320 can be formed on the entire edge of the first frame 310 or the second frame 320, for example, the upper, lower, left, and right sides. In this case, since the bent portion B is inserted into the interior of the second frame 320 (recess G), the insertion fastening between the first frame 310 and the second frame 320 can be achieved integrally on the module frame 300. Therefore, the mechanical joint strength and assembly performance between the first frame 310 and the second frame 320 can be further improved.

[0169] In this implementation structure, such as Figure 17 In the embodiment shown, the weld portion W formed on the upper side of the module frame 300 can be formed at the outermost part of the recess G of the second frame 320 and at the bent portion B of the first frame 310. Therefore, the weld portion W can be positioned further inward than the outermost edge of the module frame 300. This allows for a more stable connection between the first frame 310 and the second frame 320.

[0170] Figure 18 This is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0171] Reference Figure 18 The battery pack 1 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include one or more battery modules 10 as described in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Additionally, the battery pack 1 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may also include a battery pack housing 2. The battery pack housing 2 may be configured to store a plurality of battery modules 10. The battery pack housing 2 may be formed in a cuboid box shape.

[0172] Additionally, although not shown in the figure, the battery pack housing 2 may be configured to store components such as a BMS (Battery Management System), current sensors, and fuses for the integrated control of the charging and discharging of one or more battery cells 110.

[0173] Figure 19 This is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0174] Reference Figure 19 The vehicle 3 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include one or more battery packs 1 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the vehicle 3 according to the present disclosure may be an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The vehicle 3 may include a four-wheeled vehicle and a two-wheeled vehicle. The vehicle 3 can be operated by electricity supplied from the battery packs 1 according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0175] As described above, although this disclosure has been described with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and various modifications and variations can be made by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains without departing from the technical concept of this disclosure and within the equivalent scope of the claims described below.

Claims

1. A battery module, comprising: A battery cell assembly, wherein the battery cell assembly comprises a plurality of battery cells; Module terminals, which are electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells and are disposed on at least one of the six sides of the battery cell assembly; as well as A module frame configured to accommodate the battery cell assembly and including a first frame configured to cover a portion of the sides of the battery cell assembly, including the side of the battery cell assembly with the module terminals disposed thereon; and a second frame configured to cover the remaining portion of the sides of the battery cell assembly.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, in, The first frame is configured to cover the front, rear, and bottom sides of the battery cell assembly, and The second frame is configured to cover the upper side, left side and right side of the battery cell assembly.

3. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein, The first frame is configured as an integral form covering the front, rear and bottom sides of the battery cell assembly.

4. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein, The second frame is configured to cover the upper, left and right sides of the battery cell assembly in an integral form.

5. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the first frame and the second frame is configured to be bent to cover different sides of the battery cell assembly.

6. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the first frame and the second frame is configured as a U-shape with three open sides.

7. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The second frame has an exhaust port configured to discharge exhaust gas generated in the battery cell to the outside.

8. The battery module according to claim 7, wherein, The discharge port is located on the upper part of the battery cell assembly.

9. The battery module of claim 7, further comprising a frame cover configured to at least partially cover the module frame.

10. The battery module according to claim 9, wherein, A cover hole is formed in the frame cover at a position corresponding to the discharge hole.

11. The battery module according to claim 10, wherein, The frame cover includes a cover member configured to cover the cover opening and capable of opening and closing the cover opening by venting.

12. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The first frame is configured such that at least a portion of the first frame is open on the side where the module terminal is located.

13. The battery module according to claim 12, wherein, The first frame includes a protrusion configured such that at least a portion of the protrusion projects upward from the side where the module terminal is located to contact the second frame.

14. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The first frame is configured to be rotationally symmetrical on the front and rear sides.

15. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The first frame is configured to be open on the opposite side of the side where the module terminal is located, with at least a portion of it open.

16. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, Welded portions are formed at the open ends of the first frame and the second frame that are opposite each other.

17. A battery pack comprising the battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

18. A vehicle comprising the battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

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