Battery module

Abstract

A battery module is disclosed. A battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may comprise: a frame providing a space therein and having a vent hole on an upper surface thereof; a plurality of battery cells located inside the frame; and an exhaust cover covering an upper surface of the frame and having partially different thicknesses.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to battery modules.

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0099479, filed in Korea on July 26, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] With the surge in demand for portable electronic products such as smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches, and the increasing popularity of electric vehicles, research is actively underway on batteries installed in portable electronic products, especially rechargeable batteries.

[0004] Currently, commercially available rechargeable batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and lithium rechargeable batteries. Among these rechargeable batteries, lithium rechargeable batteries have almost no memory effect or no memory effect at all. Therefore, lithium rechargeable batteries have received more attention than nickel-based rechargeable batteries due to their advantages of being able to be recharged at any time, having a very low self-discharge rate, and high energy density.

[0005] Lithium-ion secondary batteries mainly consist of lithium-based oxides and carbon materials used as positive and negative electrode active materials, respectively. A lithium-ion secondary battery includes electrode assemblies and a sealed package or battery casing containing the electrode assemblies and electrolyte solution. The electrode assembly includes a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate coated with positive and negative electrode active materials, respectively, and a separator is inserted between the positive and negative electrode plates.

[0006] Generally, based on the shape of the battery casing, lithium secondary batteries can be classified into can-type secondary batteries that include the electrode assembly in a metal can and bag-type secondary batteries that include the electrode assembly in a bag of aluminum laminates.

[0007] Recently, rechargeable batteries have been widely used in medium to large-sized devices such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS), as well as in smaller devices such as portable electronic devices, for powering and storing energy. Multiple rechargeable batteries can be electrically connected and stored inside a module housing to form a battery module. Each rechargeable battery included in a battery module can then be referred to as a battery cell. Furthermore, multiple battery modules can be connected to each other to form a battery pack.

[0008] However, if a battery pack includes multiple battery modules, and each battery module includes multiple battery cells, as described above, the battery pack may be susceptible to thermal chain reactions between battery modules or battery cells. For example, if an event such as thermal runaway occurs within one battery module, it is necessary to prevent the thermal runaway from propagating to other battery modules or other battery cells. If the propagation of thermal runaway between battery modules or battery cells is not properly prevented, an event occurring in a particular battery module or battery cell may lead to a chain thermal reaction in other battery modules or other battery cells, which could result in an explosion or fire or escalate its scale.

[0009] Specifically, if an event such as thermal runaway occurs within a battery module, gases or flames may be randomly released to the outside. If the release of these gases or flames is not properly controlled, they may be directed towards other battery modules, potentially leading to a thermal chain reaction within those modules. In particular, module terminals and components such as module busbars for electrical connection to other battery modules or battery packs may be located at the front of the battery module. Therefore, if a flame is released to the front of the battery module, the module terminals inside the battery pack may be damaged, resulting in a short circuit. Furthermore, since other battery modules may be located at the front of the battery module, if a flame is released to the front of a particular battery module, the released flame may be directed to other battery modules, potentially leading to the spread of a fire between battery modules.

[0010] If heat transfer between battery modules or battery cells is not properly controlled, a voltage drop in the battery module or battery pack can occur rapidly. This can cause a device equipped with a battery module or battery pack to shut down suddenly, resulting in unexpected damage. For example, if a sudden voltage drop in the battery pack occurs while an electric vehicle is running, it may not be possible to ensure sufficient time to move the electric vehicle to a safe location.

[0011] Furthermore, if a fire or explosion suddenly occurs due to the failure to properly control heat transfer between battery modules or cells, it could potentially cause injury or death to users. For example, in the event of thermal runaway in an electric vehicle, if sufficient time is not allowed before it develops into a full-blown fire, occupants may not be able to escape safely. Summary of the Invention

[0012] Technical issues

[0013] This disclosure is designed to address the problems of the prior art, and therefore, this disclosure aims to provide a battery module with an improved structure to properly control the emission of flames, etc., generated inside the battery module, as well as a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery module.

[0014] This disclosure also aims to provide a structure that can smoothly discharge exhaust gases generated inside the battery module.

[0015] This disclosure also aims to provide a structure that can prevent externally generated exhaust gases from flowing into the battery module.

[0016] However, the technical problems sought to be solved by this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the following disclosure other problems not mentioned herein.

[0017] Technical solution

[0018] In one aspect of this disclosure, a battery module is provided, comprising: a frame that provides space inside the frame and has vent holes in a top surface of the frame; a plurality of battery cells located within the frame; and a vent cover configured to cover the top surface of the frame and having partially different thicknesses.

[0019] Additionally, the exhaust cover may have grooves facing the exhaust port.

[0020] Additionally, the scoring lines can extend along the perimeter of the vent.

[0021] Additionally, the scoring lines can extend along a section around the vent.

[0022] In addition, the exhaust cover can be configured to have a thickness that gradually increases toward the center.

[0023] Additionally, the vent cover may include: a first portion; a second portion adjacent to the first portion; and a third portion located between the first and second portions, and the third portion may have a greater thickness than the first portion and the second portion.

[0024] In addition, multiple vent holes can be provided, and the first part, the second part and the third part can each have serration lines facing some of the multiple vent holes.

[0025] In addition, the serrations in the first part can open the first part in the direction from the second part toward the first part.

[0026] Additionally, the serrations in the second part allow the second part to open in the direction from the first part toward the second part.

[0027] Additionally, the third part may include: a first scribing line that opens the third part in a direction from the second part toward the first part; and a second scribing line that opens the third part in a direction from the first part toward the second part.

[0028] Additionally, the exhaust cover can be attached to the upper surface of the frame.

[0029] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the battery pack includes a battery module according to this disclosure.

[0030] A vehicle according to another aspect of this disclosure includes a battery module according to this disclosure.

[0031] Beneficial effects

[0032] According to at least one embodiment of this disclosure, when gas or flame is generated inside the battery module, the emission of such gas or flame can be appropriately controlled.

[0033] According to at least one embodiment of this disclosure, the electrical safety of the battery module can be improved.

[0034] According to at least one embodiment of this disclosure, heat propagation can be suppressed.

[0035] According to at least one embodiment of this disclosure, the exhaust direction control of the battery module can be facilitated. Attached Figure Description

[0036] 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.

[0037] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 An exploded view of a portion of the battery pack.

[0039] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 2 An exploded view of a portion of the battery pack.

[0040] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 3 A diagram of the battery module.

[0041] Figure 5 It is shown Figure 4 An exploded view of a portion of the battery module.

[0042] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 3 A diagram of the exhaust cover.

[0043] Figure 7 It is along Figure 6 The cross-sectional view taken by line B-B'.

[0044] Figure 8This is a diagram showing the connection between the battery module and the vent cover.

[0045] Figure 9 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken from line A-A'.

[0046] Figure 10 This shows what happens when a thermal event occurs. Figure 9 A graph showing the changes.

[0047] Figure 11 This shows what happens when a thermal event occurs. Figure 10 A graph showing the changes.

[0048] Figure 12 This shows what happens when a thermal event occurs. Figure 11 A graph showing the changes.

[0049] Figure 13 It is a diagram showing the movement of emitted gases when a thermal event occurs. Detailed Implementation

[0050] 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 according to the meaning and concept corresponding to the technical aspects of the present disclosure, based on the principle of allowing the inventors to appropriately define the terminology for the best interpretation.

[0051] Therefore, the description presented herein is merely a preferred example for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. It should be understood that other equivalents and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0052] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 An exploded view of a portion of the battery pack. Figure 3 It is shown Figure 2 An exploded view of a portion of the battery pack.

[0053] Reference Figures 1 to 3 The battery pack according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a housing 100. The housing 100 may form the appearance of the battery pack. The housing 100 may have a cuboid shape. The housing 100 may provide space therein. The housing 100 may include a battery pack cover 150. The battery pack cover 150 may have a square plate shape.

[0054] Battery modules 200, 200a, 200b, and 200c may be located inside housing 100. Battery modules 200, 200a, 200b, and 200c may have a top plate 210a facing the battery pack cover 150. Battery modules 200, 200a, 200b, and 200c may have a cuboid shape. Multiple battery modules 200, 200a, 200b, and 200c may be provided. Multiple battery modules 200, 200a, 200b, and 200c may have substantially the same structure or configuration. Multiple battery modules 200, 200a, 200b, and 200c may have very similar structures or configurations.

[0055] The housing 100 may include a base plate 110. The base plate 110 may have a square shape. The base plate 110 may have a flat shape. The base plate 110 may form the exterior of the battery pack. The base plate 110 may provide the internal space of the battery pack.

[0056] The housing 100 may include sidewalls 120. Sidewalls 120 may be mounted, fastened, coupled, secured, or attached to the upper surface of the base plate 110. Sidewalls 120 may be configured as four components. Sidewalls 120 may be arranged along the perimeter of the base plate 110. Sidewalls 120 may form the appearance of the battery pack. Sidewalls 120 may provide internal space.

[0057] The battery pack cover 150 can be installed, fastened, connected, secured, or attached to the side wall 120. The battery pack cover 150 can cover the internal space of the battery pack.

[0058] The battery pack according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include an exhaust device 500. The exhaust device 500 may be mounted on a side wall 120. For example, the exhaust device 500 may be mounted on the front side wall 120. For example, the exhaust device 500 may be mounted on the rear side wall 120. For example, the exhaust device 500 may be a valve. When the pressure inside the housing 100 increases, the exhaust device 500 may open to release gas. Additionally, the exhaust device 500 may prevent external air from flowing into the housing 100. Multiple exhaust devices 500 may be provided.

[0059] When a thermal event occurs from battery modules 200, 200a, 200b, and 200c, exhaust gas G can flow between battery modules 200, 200a, 200b, and 200c and the battery pack cover 150. The space between battery modules 200, 200a, 200b, and 200c and the battery pack cover 150 can be referred to as the exhaust space VS. Additionally, the exhaust gas G can be discharged to the outside of the battery pack via the exhaust device 500.

[0060] The partition wall 300 may include a first partition wall 310 and a second partition wall 320. Multiple partition walls 300 may be provided. The partition wall 300 may be mounted, fastened, fixed, connected, or attached to the upper surface of the base plate 110. The partition wall 300 may divide the internal space of the battery pack. Battery modules 200, 200a, 200b, and 200c may be located within the spaces divided by the partition walls 300.

[0061] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 3 A diagram of the 200a battery module. Figure 5 It is shown Figure 4 An exploded view of a portion of the battery module 200a.

[0062] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 The battery module 200a may include a frame 210. The frame 210 may include a top plate 210a and a lower frame 210b. The frame 210 may provide space therein. The lower frame 210b may have a base plate and a pair of side plates. The top plate 210a may be mounted, fastened, connected, fixed, or attached to the pair of side plates. For example, the top plate 210a may be welded to the lower frame 210b. The frame 210 may have an open front and rear side. The top plate 210a may have a vent 211. The vent 211 allows communication between the interior and exterior of the frame 210.

[0063] If a thermal event occurs from battery module 200a, the exhaust gas G and combustible particles can be discharged to the outside of frame 210 through exhaust port 211.

[0064] Battery module 200a may include battery cells 220. Battery cell 220 may refer to a rechargeable battery. In particular, battery cell 220 may be a pouch-type rechargeable battery. However, the shape of battery cell 220 is not limited to pouch shape, and battery cell 220 may have various shapes such as cylindrical or cuboid shapes. Multiple battery cells 220 may be provided. Battery cells 220 may be housed inside frame 210. Multiple battery cells 220 may be stacked in the front-back direction or the X-axis direction. Battery cell 220 may include a receiving portion 221 for accommodating electrode assemblies, first sealing portions 222 protruding to the left and right sides of receiving portion 221, and a second sealing portion 223 protruding to the top of receiving portion 221. In addition, battery cell 220 may include electrode leads 224 protruding to the left and right sides of the first sealing portion 222, respectively. Each battery cell 220 may extend in the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. Electrode leads 224 may protrude to the left and right sides of receiving portion 221, respectively.

[0065] The pad 250 may be located between a plurality of battery cells 220. The pad 250 may be located between at least some of the battery cells 220 and / or at the periphery of the stack. For example, the pad 250 may be configured to be located between every four battery cells 220 stacked in a left-right direction.

[0066] The liner 250 may contain an elastic material to allow for the absorption of expansion of the battery cell 220. For example, the liner 250 may be made of a foam material such as polyurethane. Alternatively, the liner 250 may contain a material capable of blocking heat or flame. For example, the liner 250 may contain a heat-insulating or flame-retardant material, such as silicone or mica.

[0067] The busbar frame assembly 230 can be respectively disposed on the left and right sides of the multiple battery cells 220. The busbar frame assembly 230 can be electrically connected to the electrode leads 224 of the multiple battery cells 220.

[0068] A pair of end caps 240 can be attached to the left and right sides of the frame 210, respectively. The pair of end caps 240 can cover the left and right sides of the frame 210. The end caps 240 can have a square shape. The end caps 240 can be equipped with power terminals 231.

[0069] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 3 The image shows the exhaust cover 400. Figure 7 It is along Figure 6 The cross-sectional view taken by line B-B'. Figure 8 This diagram shows the connection between battery modules 200, 200a, 200b, 200c and exhaust cover 400.

[0070] Reference Figures 6 to 8 The battery modules 200, 200a, 200b, and 200c according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a frame 210. The frame 210 may provide space therein. The frame 210 may have a vent 211 in its upper surface. The top plate 210a may have a vent 211. The vent 211 may extend through the top plate 210a.

[0071] Multiple battery cells 220 can be located inside the frame 210.

[0072] The vent cover 400 can cover the upper surface of the frame 210. The vent cover 400 can cover the upper surface of the top plate 210a. The vent cover 400 can cover the vent hole 211. The vent cover 400 can have slightly different thicknesses.

[0073] If a thermal event occurs at battery cell 220, exhaust gas G or combustible particles can be discharged to the outside of frame 210 through vent 211. At this time, the exhaust gas G or combustible particles may cause the vent cap 400 to rupture and be discharged. Since the vent cap 400 has partially varying thicknesses, the pressure required to open it can vary. For example, the relatively thinner portion of the vent cap 400 can be opened with a relatively lower pressure. Conversely, the relatively thicker portion of the vent cap 400 can be opened with a relatively higher pressure. The exhaust gas G or combustible particles may first cause the thinner portion of the vent cap 400 to rupture and be discharged.

[0074] Reference Figures 6 to 8 The vent cover 400 may include a top 470 and a side 460. The top 470 may be coupled, fastened, attached, or secured to the upper surface of the frame 210. The top 470 may be coupled, fastened, attached, or secured to the upper surface of the top plate 210a. The side 460 may extend from the top 470. The side 460 may be respectively disposed on the front and rear sides of the top 470. The side 460 may be coupled, fastened, attached, or secured to the front side of the frame 210. The side 460 may be coupled, fastened, attached, or secured to the rear side of the frame 210. The top 470 and the side 460 may be integrally formed.

[0075] The adhesive component can be arranged between the vent cover 400 and the frame 210.

[0076] The vent cover 400 may contain refractory material. The vent cover 400 may contain heat-resistant material. For example, the vent cover 400 may contain mica material.

[0077] Reference Figures 6 to 8 The exhaust cap 400 may have score lines 401, 431, and 432. Score lines 401, 431, and 432 can be used as terms including and collectively referred to as perforated lines 401, 431, and 432; slit lines 401, 431, and 432; cutting lines 401, 431, and 432; shredding lines 401, 431, and 432; tear lines 401, 431, and 432; or separation lines 401, 431, and 432. Score lines 401, 431, and 432 may be configured to be easily separated by pressure applied to the exhaust cap 400.

[0078] Multiple vent holes 211 can be provided. Multiple scribing lines 401, 431, and 432 can be provided. Multiple scribing lines 401, 431, and 432 can be configured to correspond one-to-one with multiple vent holes 211. Each scribing line 401, 431, and 432 can face each vent hole 211.

[0079] In the event of a thermal event, the exhaust gas G or combustible particles can pressurize the scribing lines 401, 431, and 432 through the vent 211. By separating the scribing lines 401, 431, and 432, the vent 211 can be opened, and the exhaust gas G or combustible particles can be discharged to the outside of the battery modules 200, 200a, 200b, and 200c.

[0080] Reference Figures 6 to 8 The scribing lines 401, 431, and 432 can extend along the periphery of the vent 211. For example, when the vent 211 has a circular shape, the scribing lines 401, 431, and 432 can have a circular trajectory. For example, when the vent 211 has an elliptical shape, the scribing lines 401, 431, and 432 can have an elliptical trajectory. Because the scribing lines 401, 431, and 432 extend along the periphery of the vent 211, the vent 211 can be easily opened by venting gas G or combustible particles.

[0081] The scribing lines 401, 431, and 432 may extend along a portion of the periphery of the vent 211. For example, if the vent 211 has a circular shape, the scribing lines 401, 431, and 432 may have a circular partial trajectory. For example, if the vent 211 has an elliptical shape, the scribing lines 401, 431, and 432 may have an elliptical partial trajectory. In the event of a thermal event, a portion of the vent cap 400 may separate along the scribing lines 401, 431, and 432, but the remaining portion may remain connected to the vent cap 400. In the event of a thermal event, the vent 211 may be partially opened. In the event of a thermal event, the separated portion of the vent cap 400 may guide the direction of the exhaust gas G or combustible particles to be discharged.

[0082] Reference Figures 6 to 8 The top 470 of the exhaust cap 400 can be configured to have a thickness that increases towards the center. The central portion of the top 470 can be opened by a relatively high pressure. In the event of a thermal event, the outer portion of the top 470 can be opened first. In the event of a thermal event, the top 470 can be opened sequentially from the outer portion to the central portion. By opening the top 470 sequentially, the flow direction of the exhaust gas G or combustible particles can be uniformly formed. By opening the top 470 sequentially, the flow of the exhaust gas G or combustible particles into the battery module 200a can be prevented.

[0083] Reference Figures 6 to 8The top 470 of the exhaust cap 400 may include a first portion 410 and a second portion 420 adjacent to the first portion 410. The first portion 410 may extend in a left-right direction or a Y-axis direction. The second portion 420 may extend in a left-right direction or a Y-axis direction. The top 470 may include a third portion 430. The third portion 430 may be located between the first portion 410 and the second portion 420. The third portion 430 may be located at the center of the top 470. The third portion 430 may extend in a left-right direction or a Y-axis direction.

[0084] The third section 430 may have a greater thickness than the first section 410. In the event of a thermal event, the third section 430 may open later than the first section 410.

[0085] The third section 430 may have a greater thickness than the second section 420. In the event of a thermal event, the third section 430 may open later than the second section 420.

[0086] The first part 410 and the second part 420 can be configured to have approximately the same thickness.

[0087] Reference Figures 6 to 8 The top 470 of the vent cover 400 may include a fourth portion 440. The fourth portion 440 may extend from the first portion 410. The fourth portion 440 may be connected to the side portion 460. The fourth portion 440 may extend in a left-right direction or a Y-axis direction. The fourth portion 440 may have a thinner thickness than the first portion 410. In the event of a thermal event, the fourth portion 440 may open before the first portion 410.

[0088] The top 470 of the vent cover 400 may include a fifth portion 450. The fifth portion 450 may extend from the second portion 420. The fifth portion 450 may be connected to the side 460. The fifth portion 450 may extend in a left-right direction or a Y-axis direction. The fifth portion 450 may have a thinner thickness than the second portion 420. In the event of a thermal event, the fifth portion 450 may open before the second portion 420. The fourth portion 440 and the fifth portion 450 may be configured to have approximately the same thickness.

[0089] The top 470 can be positioned along the +X axis in the order of fifth part 450, second part 420, third part 430, first part 410, and second part 420. The top 470 can be positioned along the -X axis in the order of fourth part 440, first part 410, third part 430, second part 420, and fifth part 450.

[0090] Part 410 to Part 450 can be formed integrally. Part 410 to Part 450 can also be formed by connecting multiple layers.

[0091] Reference Figures 6 to 8 Multiple vent holes 211 can be arranged throughout the top plate 210a. Multiple scribing lines 401, 431, and 432 can be arranged throughout the top plate 470. The first section 410 to the fifth section 450 can each cover multiple vent holes 211. The first section 410, the second section 420, the fourth section 440, or the fifth section 450 can each have multiple scribing lines 401.

[0092] Reference Figures 6 to 8 The scribing line 401 of the fourth part 440 can extend along the periphery of the vent 211, except for its rear portion or the -X-axis portion. The scribing line 401 of the first part 410 can extend along the periphery of the vent 211, except for its rear portion or the -X-axis portion. The scribing line 401 of the second part 420 can extend along the periphery of the vent 211, except for its front portion or the +X-axis portion. The scribing line 401 of the fifth part 450 can extend along the periphery of the vent 211, except for its front portion or the +X-axis portion. Among the multiple scribing lines 431, 432 provided in the third part 430, the first scribing line 431 can extend along the periphery of the vent 211, except for its rear portion or the -X-axis portion. Among the multiple scribe lines 431 and 432 provided in the third part 430, the second scribe line 432 can extend along the periphery of the vent 211, excluding its front portion or the +X axis portion. The first scribe line 431 can be positioned adjacent to the first part 410. The second scribe line 432 can be positioned adjacent to the second part 420. The scribe lines 431 and 432 of the third part 430 can be positioned along the +X axis direction in the order of the second scribe line 432 and the first scribe line 431. The scribe lines 431 and 432 of the third part 430 can be positioned along the -X axis direction in the order of the first scribe line 431 and the second scribe line 432.

[0093] Figure 9 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken from line A-A'. Figure 10 This shows what happens when a thermal event occurs. Figure 9 A graph showing the changes.

[0094] Reference Figure 9 and Figure 10In the event of a thermal event, either section 440 or section 450 can be opened. Exhaust gas G or combustible particles can then be discharged into the exhaust space VS through section 440 or section 450. At this time, sections 410, 420, and 430 can remain closed. This prevents exhaust gas G or combustible particles discharged through section 440 or section 450 from flowing into battery module 200a through sections 410, 420, and 430.

[0095] The scribing line 401 of the fourth section 440 can open forward or in the +X axis direction. The rear side of the scribing line 401 of the fourth section 440 can remain connected to the fourth section 440 without separation. The rear side of the scribing line 401 of the fourth section 440 can be folded without separation. Exhaust gas G or combustible particles can be discharged forward or in the +X axis direction through the fourth section 440.

[0096] The slit line 401 of the fifth section 450 can open rearward or in the -X-axis direction. The front side of the slit line 401 of the fifth section 450 can remain connected to the fifth section 450 without separation. The front side of the slit line 401 of the fifth section 450 can be folded without separation. Exhaust gas G or combustible particles can be discharged rearward or in the -X-axis direction through the fifth section 450.

[0097] As the exhaust gas G or combustible particles disperse and exit forward and backward, damage to battery modules 200b and 200c adjacent to battery module 200a, which has already experienced a thermal event, can be dispersed. Similarly, as the exhaust gas G or combustible particles disperse and exit in the +X-axis and -X-axis directions, damage to battery modules 200b and 200c adjacent to battery module 200a, which has already experienced a thermal event, can be dispersed.

[0098] Figure 11 This indicates when a thermal event occurs. Figure 10 A graph showing the changes. (Refer to...) Figures 9 to 11 Either the first section 410 or the second section 420 can be opened separately. Exhaust gas G or combustible particles can be discharged into the exhaust space VS through the fourth section 440, the fifth section 450, the first section 410, or the second section 420. At this time, the third section 430 can remain closed. This prevents exhaust gas G or combustible particles discharged through the fourth section 440, the fifth section 450, the first section 410, or the second section 420 from flowing into the battery module 200a through the third section 430.

[0099] The scribing line 401 of the first part 410 can open forward or in the +X axis direction. The scribing line 401 of the first part 410 allows the first part 410 to open in a direction from the second part 420 toward the first part 410. The rear side of the scribing line 401 of the first part 410 can remain connected to the first part 410 without separation. The rear side of the scribing line 401 of the first part 410 can be folded without separation. Exhaust gas G or combustible particles can be discharged forward or in the +X axis direction through the first part 410.

[0100] The fourth section 440 can be opened before the first section 410. The fourth section 440 can be opened after the first section 410. By opening the fourth section 440 and the first section 410 in sequence, the flow direction of the exhaust gas G or combustible particles can be stably shaped to be forward or in the +X axis direction.

[0101] The scribing line 401 of the second part 420 can open rearward or in the -X-axis direction. The scribing line 401 of the second part 420 allows the second part 420 to open in a direction from the first part 410 toward the second part 420. The front side of the scribing line 401 of the second part 420 can remain connected to the second part 420 without separation. The front side of the scribing line 401 of the second part 420 can be folded without separation. Exhaust gas G or combustible particles can be discharged rearward or in the -X-axis direction through the second part 420.

[0102] The second section 420 can be opened before the fifth section 450. The fifth section 450 can be opened after the second section 420. By opening the fifth section 450 and the second section 420 in sequence, the flow direction of the exhaust gas G or combustible particles can be stably shaped to be backward or in the -X axis direction.

[0103] When the exhaust gas G or combustible particles disperse and are discharged towards the front and rear, damage to battery modules 200b and 200c adjacent to battery module 200a, which has already experienced a thermal event, can be dispersed. When the exhaust gas G or combustible particles disperse and are discharged in the +X-axis and -X-axis directions, damage to battery modules 200b and 200c adjacent to battery module 200a, which has already experienced a thermal event, can be dispersed.

[0104] Figure 12 This shows what happens when a thermal event occurs. Figure 11 A graph showing the changes. (Refer to...) Figures 9 to 12 Section 430 can be opened separately. Exhaust gas G or combustible particles can be discharged into the exhaust space VS through section 440, section 450, section 410, section 420 or section 430.

[0105] The first notch 431 of the third section 430 can open forward or in the +X axis direction. The first notch 431 of the third section 430 can open the third section 430 in a direction from the second section 420 toward the first section 410. The rear side of the first notch 431 of the third section 430 can remain connected to the third section 430 without separation. The rear side of the first notch 431 of the third section 430 can be folded without separation. Exhaust gas G or combustible particles can be discharged forward or in the +X axis direction through the third section 430.

[0106] The first section 410 can be opened before the third section 430. The third section 430 can be opened after the first section 410. By opening the first section 410 and the third section 430 in sequence, the flow direction of the exhaust gas G or combustible particles can be stably shaped to be forward or in the +X axis direction.

[0107] The second notch 432 of the third section 430 can open rearward or in the -X-axis direction. The second notch 432 of the third section 430 can open the third section 430 in a direction from the first section 410 toward the second section 420. The front side of the second notch 432 of the third section 430 can remain connected to the third section 430 without separation. The front side of the second notch 432 of the third section 430 can be folded without separation. Exhaust gas G or combustible particles can be discharged rearward or in the -X-axis direction through the third section 430.

[0108] The second section 420 can be opened before the third section 430. The third section 430 can be opened after the second section 420. By opening the second section 420 and the third section 430 in sequence, the flow direction of the exhaust gas G or combustible particles can be stably shaped to be backward or in the -X axis direction.

[0109] When the exhaust gas G or combustible particles disperse and are discharged towards the front and rear, damage to battery modules 200b and 200c adjacent to battery module 200a, which has already experienced a thermal event, can be dispersed. When the exhaust gas G or combustible particles disperse and are discharged in the +X-axis and -X-axis directions, damage to battery modules 200b and 200c adjacent to battery module 200a, which has already experienced a thermal event, can be dispersed.

[0110] Figure 13 This is a graph showing the movement of the emitted gas G when a thermal event occurs. (See reference...) Figure 3 and Figure 13 The exhaust gas G or combustible particles discharged from the battery module 200a forward or in the +X axis direction can be discharged to the outside of the battery pack through the exhaust device 500a installed on the front side wall 120.

[0111] Exhaust gas G or combustible particles discharged from battery module 200a to the rear or in the -X axis direction can be discharged to the outside of the battery pack through exhaust device 500b installed on the rear side wall 120.

[0112] In addition to battery modules 200, 200a, 200b, and 200c, the battery pack according to this disclosure may also include various components, such as various battery pack components known at the time of filing of this application, such as BMS, busbars, relays, current sensors, etc.

[0113] Furthermore, components such as BMS, busbars, relays, and current sensors can be included as components of the battery modules 200, 200a, 200b, and 200c according to this disclosure. In this case, components such as BMS, busbars, relays, and current sensors can be disposed inside the housing 100. In this case, the battery module can also be referred to as a battery pack.

[0114] The battery modules 200, 200a, 200b, and 200c according to this disclosure can be applied to vehicles such as electric vehicles or hybrid electric vehicles. That is, a vehicle according to this disclosure may include the battery modules 200, 200a, 200b, and 200c according to this disclosure or the battery pack according to this disclosure. In addition to battery modules or battery packs, a vehicle according to this disclosure may also include various other components included in the vehicle. For example, in addition to the battery module 200 according to this disclosure, a vehicle according to this disclosure may also include a vehicle body, a motor, and control devices such as an ECU (electronic control unit).

[0115] This disclosure has been described in detail. However, it should be understood that while the detailed description and specific examples indicate preferred embodiments of this disclosure, they are given by way of illustration only, as various variations and modifications within the scope of this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art based on the detailed description.

Claims

1. A battery module, the battery module comprising: A frame that provides space inside the frame and has vent holes in the upper surface of the frame; Multiple battery cells are located within the frame; as well as An exhaust cover, configured to cover the upper surface of the frame and having a partially different thickness.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, in, The exhaust cover has a grooved line facing the exhaust port.

3. The battery module according to claim 2, in, The grooves extend along the periphery of the vent.

4. The battery module according to claim 3, in, The groove line extends along a portion of the periphery of the vent.

5. The battery module according to claim 1, in, The exhaust cap is configured to have a thickness that gradually increases toward the center.

6. The battery module according to claim 1, in, The exhaust cover includes: Part One; The second part, which is adjacent to the first part; and The third part is located between the first part and the second part. The third part has a thickness greater than that of the first part and the second part.

7. The battery module according to claim 6, in, The exhaust port is provided with multiple vents, and The first part, the second part, and the third part each have etched lines facing some of the multiple exhaust holes.

8. The battery module according to claim 7, in, The serrations in the first part open the first part in a direction from the second part toward the first part.

9. The battery module according to claim 7, in, The serrations in the second part open the second part in a direction from the first part toward the second part.

10. The battery module according to claim 7, in, The third part includes: A first notch line, the first notch line opening the third portion in the direction from the second portion toward the first portion; and A second scribing line opens the third portion in a direction from the first portion toward the second portion.

11. The battery module according to claim 1, in, The exhaust cap is attached to the upper surface of the frame.

12. A battery pack comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. A vehicle comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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