Battery module

Abstract

A battery module is disclosed. The battery module includes: a module case in which each of a plurality of battery packs accommodates one or more battery cells; and a top plate covering an upper portion of the module case, the top plate being provided with long sides and short sides. The battery module includes: an exhaust slit group including a plurality of exhaust slits arranged in a short-side direction on both sides of a top plate in a long-side direction; and at least one exhaust hole group disposed between the exhaust slit groups and including a plurality of exhaust holes, in which a width in a short side direction of the exhaust slits in the exhaust slit groups is formed narrower than a width in a short side direction of the exhaust holes in the exhaust hole groups.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0136131, filed on October 12, 2023, the entire contents of which are disclosed in the document of that patent application and are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery module that prevents structural collapse in the event of thermal runaway or thermal runaway propagation, and ensures rigidity to withstand vibration or impact while allowing for smooth gas and flame emissions. Background Technology

[0003] Typically, a secondary battery consists of an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte, and uses a chemical reaction to generate electrical energy. Due to its ability to be charged and discharged, the use of secondary batteries is gradually increasing. Because of the high energy density per unit weight of lithium-ion batteries, they are widely used as power sources for electronic communication devices or as drive sources for high-output hybrid and electric vehicles.

[0004] Regarding the shape of these secondary batteries, there is an increasing demand for prismatic and pouch-shaped battery cells suitable for applications such as mobile phones, due to their thinner profile. As for the materials used in the battery cells, there is an increasing demand for lithium-ion battery cells (such as lithium-ion and lithium-ion polymer batteries) with high energy density, discharge voltage, and output stability.

[0005] Currently widely used types of rechargeable batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. The operating voltage of these battery cells can range from approximately 2.5V to 4.2V. When a higher output voltage is required, multiple battery cells are connected in series to form a battery module. Alternatively, multiple battery modules are connected in series to form a battery pack. Furthermore, a battery pack is formed by connecting multiple battery cells in parallel according to the required charging and discharging capacity. The number of battery cells and the electrical connection structure of the battery pack can be selected in various ways depending on the required output voltage or charging and discharging capacity.

[0006] In the battery pack, the terminals of multiple battery modules are mounted on the module frame for exposure, and the terminals of adjacent battery modules are electrically connected through a terminal busbar.

[0007] When the battery module is charged, multiple battery cells expand, and when the battery module is discharged, multiple battery cells contract. The amount of expansion of a battery cell varies depending on its position along its length. That is, the expansion at the center of the battery cell along its length is relatively larger than the expansion at its ends.

[0008] A top plate is installed within the battery module to cover the upper part of the battery housing. Busbar terminals are mounted on the front of the battery housing for protrusion. Multiple vents are provided in the top plate. These vents have the same width. In the event of thermal runaway and its propagation within the battery module, gases and flames are generated, and these gases and flames are expelled from the battery module through the multiple vents.

[0009] When thermal runaway occurs in the battery module, the flow of gas and flame near the center of the long side of the battery module increases relatively compared to the flow near the ends along the two length directions. It can be seen that the amount of gas and flame discharged from the vent at the center of the long side of the top plate is relatively increased.

[0010] However, since almost all the vents in the top plate typically have the same uniform width, the rigidity of the top plate may be relatively reduced. That is, although the amount of gas and flame discharged near the two ends of the top plate in the two longitudinal directions is relatively small, the vents near the two ends are unnecessarily large, which may reduce the rigidity of the top plate relatively.

[0011] Furthermore, in the event of thermal runaway or thermal runaway propagation of the battery module, flames can escape from the module through vents near the two ends of the top plate. In this situation, the likelihood of structural failure of the battery module may increase as the flames emitted to the outside degrade the module.

[0012] When multiple battery modules are installed in a battery pack, flames emitted from the two longitudinal ends of the top plate can move to adjacent battery modules. In this case, battery modules closer to the two longitudinal ends of the top plate may be directly exposed to the flames, which could increase the likelihood of a short circuit.

[0013] The background technology of this invention is disclosed in Korean Patent Application Publication No. 2023-0083823 (published on June 12, 2023), entitled "Flame Blocking Unit and Battery Pack". According to this disclosure, a battery pack has a structure with almost no vents at the two longitudinal ends of the top cover to increase structural rigidity. In such a battery pack, the gas and flame emission performance at the two longitudinal ends can be significantly reduced in the event of thermal runaway. Summary of the Invention

[0014] Technical issues

[0015] To address the aforementioned problems, one object of the present invention is to provide a battery module that can enhance rigidity by increasing the uncut area on both sides of the long side of the top plate.

[0016] One object of the present invention is to provide a battery module that can suppress the exhaust of flames through both sides of the long side of the top plate.

[0017] One object of the present invention is to provide a battery module that can prevent structural collapse of the battery module due to flame emission to the outside.

[0018] One object of the present invention is to provide a battery module that can improve the emission performance of exhaust substances such as gases and flames.

[0019] The technical problem to be solved by this invention is not limited to the above-described objectives, and other objectives and advantages of the invention not described herein will be understood through the following description, and will become more clearly understood through embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, it is apparent that the objectives and advantages of the invention can be embodied by the apparatus and combinations thereof specified in the claims.

[0020] Technical solution

[0021] The battery module includes: a module housing, wherein the module housing is provided with multiple battery packs, each of which houses one or more battery cells; and a top plate, wherein the top plate has a long side and a short side and covers the upper part of the module housing.

[0022] The battery module further includes: a pair of exhaust slits, the pair of exhaust slits being arranged on both sides of the long side of the top plate; and at least one exhaust hole group, the at least one exhaust hole group being arranged between the pair of exhaust slits along the long side.

[0023] Each of the pair of exhaust slit groups includes a plurality of exhaust slits arranged along the short side.

[0024] Each of the at least one group of exhaust ports includes a plurality of exhaust ports.

[0025] To address the aforementioned problem, the width of each of the plurality of exhaust slits in the pair of exhaust slit groups is narrower in the short side direction than the width of each of the exhaust holes in the at least one exhaust hole group.

[0026] The plurality of exhaust slits in the pair of exhaust slit groups and the plurality of exhaust holes in the at least one exhaust hole group can be arranged in series along the long side of the top plate.

[0027] In some embodiments, within the pair of exhaust slits, the length of the long side of the outermost exhaust slit in the short side direction of the top plate may be longer than the length of the long side of at least one exhaust slit arranged between the outermost exhaust slits.

[0028] In some embodiments, within the pair of exhaust slits, the length of the long side of the outermost exhaust slit in the short side direction of the top plate may be longer than the length of the long side of the exhaust slits arranged between the outermost exhaust slits.

[0029] In some embodiments, within the at least one group of vents, the length of the long side of the outermost vent in the short side direction of the top plate may be longer than the length of the long side of at least one vent arranged between the outermost vents.

[0030] In some embodiments, within the at least one group of vents, the length of the long side of the outermost vent in the short side direction of the top plate may be longer than the length of the long side of the vents arranged between the outermost vents.

[0031] The outermost interval is defined as the interval extending along the long side between the outermost vent slits and the outermost vent holes arranged on both sides of the short side of the top plate. The inner interval is defined as the interval extending along the long side between the outermost vent slits and the outermost vent holes. The outermost interval and the inner interval may not overlap in the long side direction.

[0032] The plurality of exhaust slits in the pair of exhaust slit groups arranged along the long side of the top plate and the plurality of exhaust holes in the at least one exhaust hole group can define a plurality of series exhaust sections, which can be arranged along the short side of the top plate.

[0033] In some implementations, a series exhaust section corresponds to a battery pack.

[0034] In some implementations, two or more series exhaust outlets correspond to a battery pack.

[0035] Beneficial effects

[0036] According to the present invention, since the exhaust slits are arranged on both sides of the long side of the top plate, the rigidity of the top plate can be increased as the width of the plurality of exhaust slits narrows. That is, the rigidity can be enhanced by increasing the uncut area on both sides of the long side of the top plate.

[0037] According to the present invention, since the exhaust slit assembly is arranged on both sides of the long side of the top plate, the flame can be suppressed from being discharged through both sides of the long side of the top plate.

[0038] According to the present invention, since the flame is suppressed from being emitted on both sides of the long side of the top plate, structural collapse of the battery module due to flames emitted to the outside can be prevented.

[0039] According to the present invention, since the exhaust slits and exhaust holes are arranged in series above the battery pack between adjacent thermal barriers, the emission performance of exhaust substances such as gases and flames can be improved.

[0040] In addition to the aforementioned beneficial effects, the specific effects of the present invention will be further described while describing the specific details of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0041] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of a battery module according to the present invention.

[0042] Figure 2 This is a schematic exploded perspective view of a battery module according to the present invention.

[0043] Figure 3 This is a schematic plan view illustrating the internal structure of a battery module according to the present invention.

[0044] Figure 4 This is a schematic plan view of the top plate of the battery module according to the present invention.

[0045] Figure 5 This is a schematic plan view illustrating the structure of a battery module according to the present invention, having two series exhaust sections corresponding to a battery pack.

[0046] Figure 6 This is a schematic plan view showing a structure having a series exhaust section corresponding to a battery pack in a battery module according to the invention.

[0047] Figure 7 This is a schematic plan view showing a structure having three series exhaust sections corresponding to a battery pack in a battery module according to the invention.

[0048] [Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures]

[0049] 100: Battery Module

[0050] 111: Battery Cell

[0051] 112: Lead wire

[0052] 113: Thermal Barrier

[0053] 115: Battery Pack

[0054] 120: Module housing

[0055] 121: Module Framework

[0056] 122: Front end board

[0057] 123: Backend board

[0058] 124: Thermal pad

[0059] 125: Busbar

[0060] 126: Busbar Frame

[0061] 127: Busbar Terminal

[0062] 130: Top plate

[0063] 131: Exhaust Slit Assembly

[0064] 131a: Outermost exhaust slit

[0065] 131b: Inner exhaust slit

[0066] 133: Exhaust port assembly

[0067] 133a: Outermost exhaust port

[0068] 133b: Inner exhaust port

[0069] 135: Series exhaust section

[0070] 137: Outermost interval

[0071] 138: Inner interval Detailed Implementation

[0072] Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0073] This invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, and various modifications and different forms can be applied. The embodiments provided herein are merely for the purpose of completing the disclosure of this invention and fully informing those skilled in the art of its scope. Therefore, this invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, and it should be understood that this invention includes all modifications and equivalents contained within the technical spirit and scope of this invention, as well as replacing or adding the configuration of one embodiment to the configuration of another embodiment.

[0074] The accompanying drawings are provided only to aid in understanding the embodiments disclosed herein, and it should be understood that the technical concepts disclosed herein are not limited to the drawings and include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions to the spirit and scope of the invention. In the drawings, although the dimensions or thicknesses of components may be exaggerated for ease of understanding, this should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0075] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments or implementations only and is not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Throughout this document, terms such as “comprising” and “consisting of” are intended to indicate the presence of the features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification. That is, it should be understood that terms such as “comprising” and “consisting of” as used herein should not preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, quantities, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0076] While terms including ordinal numbers such as “first” and “second” can be used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0077] It should be understood that when a component is referred to as "connected" to another component, the component can be directly connected to the other component, or there can be an intervening component in between. On the other hand, when a component is referred to as "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there is no intervening component in between.

[0078] When an element is referred to as "above another element" or "below another element," it should be understood that an inserted element may exist in the middle as well as directly above or below another element.

[0079] Unless otherwise specified, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and unless expressly stated herein, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should not be interpreted as having an ideal or overly formal meaning.

[0080] In the following text, a battery module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0081] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of a battery module according to the present invention. Figure 2 This is a schematic exploded perspective view of a battery module according to the present invention. Figure 3 This is a schematic plan view illustrating the internal structure of the battery module according to the present invention, and Figure 4 This is a schematic plan view of the top plate of the battery module according to the present invention.

[0082] See Figures 1 to 4 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the battery module 100 includes a module housing 120 and a top plate 130.

[0083] Multiple battery cells 111 are stacked in the receiving space of the module housing 120. For example, multiple battery cells 111 parallel to the long side of the module housing 120 can be stacked in the direction of the short side of the module housing 120.

[0084] Battery cell 111 can be a pouch-type battery cell that houses an electrode laminate (not shown) internally. Alternatively, battery cell 111 can be a prismatic battery cell that houses an electrode laminate internally. Furthermore, battery cell 111 can be a type that houses a cylindrical secondary battery internally. When battery cell 111 is a cylindrical cell, it can be arranged along both the long and short sides of the module housing 120.

[0085] When the battery cell 111 is a pouch cell, one pouch cell can constitute one battery cell 111. Furthermore, when the battery cell 111 is a prismatic cell, a row of prismatic cells can constitute one battery cell 111. Additionally, even when the battery cell 111 is a cylindrical cell, a row of cylindrical cells can constitute one battery cell 111.

[0086] The pouch-type battery cell comprises a metal film layer, an outer resin layer laminated on the outer surface of the metal film layer, and an insulating layer laminated on the inner surface of the metal film layer. The metal film layer may include aluminum foil or copper film, etc. The outer resin layer may be made of nylon or polyethylene terephthalate, possessing excellent mechanical strength to protect it from external influences. The insulating layer has thermal bonding properties and is used as an adhesive. The insulating layer may be made of polypropylene, polyolefins, C-PP (cast polypropylene), methacrylate, etc.

[0087] The battery cell 111 is formed by sequentially stacking a cathode, a separator, and an anode. Furthermore, the battery cell 111 contains an electrolyte. Multiple leads 112 protrude from both sides of the battery cell 111 and are connected to a busbar 125 (not shown). Clearly, leads 112 of different polarities can be connected to protrude from one side of the battery cell 111 along its length.

[0088] A thermal barrier 113 may be inserted between one or more battery cells 111. The thermal barrier 113 prevents flames from moving toward adjacent battery cells 111. When a flame is generated in the battery module 100, the thermal barrier 113 can delay thermal runaway.

[0089] The battery pack 115 is configured such that one or more battery cells 111 are mounted between adjacent thermal barriers 113. The battery pack 115 can be defined as a space for mounting the battery cells 111. The battery pack 115, parallel to the long side of the module housing, is arranged along the short side of the module housing.

[0090] For example, when the battery cell 111 is a pouch cell, one or more pouch cells can be arranged in each battery pack 115. Furthermore, when the battery cell 111 is a prismatic cell, multiple prismatic cells can be arranged in a single row or multiple columns in each battery pack 115. Additionally, when the battery cell 111 is a cylindrical cell, each battery pack 115 can have multiple cylindrical cells arranged in a single row or multiple columns. In this way, according to the present invention, the battery pack 115 is a space for arranging battery cells, and the structure, shape, or number of battery cells arranged in the battery pack 115 can be varied.

[0091] Thermal barrier 113 may include at least one of silicone resin, polyurethane and aerogel.

[0092] Polyurethane foam is a porous polymer composite material formed through a gelation reaction and a foaming reaction with carbon dioxide gas. Because polyurethane foam is formed from carbon dioxide and has a porous structure, it can significantly reduce the load on the thermal barrier 113 while improving insulation efficiency. Furthermore, the physical properties of polyurethane foam are almost unaffected by the heat generated from the battery cell 111.

[0093] Aerogels are porous nanostructures obtained by replacing the liquid in a gel structure with air while maintaining the gel structure. Aerogels consist of nanoparticles with sizes ranging from 1 to 50 nm. Furthermore, because aerogels are composed of approximately 99.8% air and 1 / 10,000 nm of silica (SiO2), they are very lightweight and possess excellent insulating properties. This aerogel thermal barrier 113 can significantly reduce the load while improving insulation efficiency. Moreover, since aerogels are composed of air and silica, changes in physical properties or deformation caused by heat generated from the battery cell 111 can be minimized.

[0094] The module housing 120 includes a module frame 121 having an open upper portion, a front end, and a rear end. The module frame 121 is made of a thermally conductive material such as aluminum. The module frame 121 is also referred to as a U-shaped frame. A front end plate 122 is attached to the front end portion of the module frame 121. A rear end plate 123 is attached to the rear end portion of the module frame 121. The front end plate 122 and the rear end plate 123 may have a rectangular plate shape.

[0095] A thermal pad 124 is mounted on the bottom surface of the module frame 121. The thermal pad 124 supports the lower part of multiple battery cells 111. The thermal pad 124 is made of a thermally conductive material. The thermal pad 124 dissipates heat generated from the multiple battery cells 111 through the bottom surface of the module housing 120. The module frame 121 has a long side and a short side.

[0096] Busbar frame 126 is mounted on the inner surfaces of front end plate 122 and rear end plate 123. Multiple busbars 125, made of conductive material, are mounted on busbar frame 126. The multiple busbars 125 may have a rectangular frame shape. Leads 112 of some battery cells 111 are soldered to the busbars 125. Above the front end plate, a pair of busbar terminals 127 electrically connected to the busbars 125 are mounted. The pair of busbar terminals 127 are mounted in an exposed manner.

[0097] The top plate 130 covers the upper part of the module frame 121. The top plate 130 can be a rectangle with a long side and a short side. On the two long sides of the top plate 130, downwardly curved flanges are provided along the direction of the long side of the top plate 130. The top plate 130 can be made of the same material as the module frame 121.

[0098] The top plate 130 includes an exhaust slit assembly 131 and an exhaust port assembly 133.

[0099] The exhaust slit assembly 131 includes a plurality of exhaust slits 131a and 131b arranged along the short side on both sides of the long side of the top plate 130. The plurality of exhaust slits 131a and 131b have a narrow width that allows gas to pass through while inhibiting flame exhaust.

[0100] An exhaust port assembly 133 is arranged along the long side of the top plate 130 between a pair of exhaust slit assemblies 131, and includes a plurality of exhaust ports 133a and 133b. At least one exhaust port assembly 133 is arranged between the pair of exhaust slit assemblies 131. The exhaust port assembly 133 is arranged to be spaced apart from the exhaust slit assemblies 131 towards the center. The plurality of exhaust ports 133a and 133b are arranged along the short side of the top plate 130. The plurality of exhaust ports 133a and 133b discharge gas and flame.

[0101] The width of the exhaust slits 131a and 131b in the short side direction of the exhaust slit assembly 131 is narrower than the width of the exhaust holes 133a and 133b in the short side direction of the exhaust hole assembly 133. The exhaust slits 131a and 131b can have a width that allows gas to pass through while almost completely shielding the flame. This pair of exhaust slit slits 131 is arranged on both sides of the long side direction of the top plate 130, where the emission efficiency of the substances (gas and flame) discharged is low. Furthermore, this pair of exhaust slit slits 131 suppresses flame emission through both sides (front and rear ends) of the long side direction of the top plate 130. That is, as the overall opening area of ​​the top plate 130 decreases, flame emission through the front and rear portions of the top plate 130 can be suppressed, resulting in low emission efficiency of the discharged substances. Additionally, the top plate 130 guides flame emission towards the center of the long side direction to discharge gas and flame in an upward direction.

[0102] Preferably, the widths of the vent slits 131a and 131b can be 0.1 times or greater than the widths of the vent holes 133a and 133b, and can be 0.5 times or less than the widths of the vent holes 133a and 133b. When the width of the vent slit is less than 0.1 times the width of the vent hole, the gas discharge efficiency may decrease, while when the width is greater than 0.5 times, there is a risk that flames may escape through the vent slit and the strength of the top plate in the relevant area may decrease.

[0103] Therefore, structural collapse of the battery module 100 due to heating by the flame discharged to the outside can be prevented. Furthermore, flame emission at both sides along the long side of the battery module 100 can be suppressed. Therefore, when the battery module 100 according to the invention is installed in a battery pack, short circuits between adjacent battery modules 100 due to flames can be prevented.

[0104] Furthermore, since the exhaust slit group 131 is arranged on both sides of the long side of the top plate 130, the rigidity of the top plate 130 can be increased when the width of the multiple exhaust slits 131a and 131b becomes narrower.

[0105] The exhaust slits 131a and 131b of the exhaust slit group 131 and the exhaust holes 133a and 133b of the exhaust hole group 133 can be arranged in series along the long side of the top plate 130. Therefore, since the exhaust slits 131a and 131b and the exhaust holes 133a and 133b are arranged in series above the battery pack 115, which serves as the space between adjacent thermal barriers 113, the emission performance of the discharged substances can be improved.

[0106] The exhaust slits 131a and 131b of the exhaust slit group 131 and the exhaust ports 133a and 133b of the exhaust port group 133, as described above, are configured to discharge exhaust material generated from one or more respective battery packs 115 into the battery module 100. Therefore, according to the present invention, the structure, shape, and number of battery cells 111 housed in the battery pack 115 are not limited thereto.

[0107] Within the pair of exhaust slit groups 131, the length of the outermost exhaust slit 131a in the short-side direction of the top plate 130 can be longer than the length of the long-side direction of at least one exhaust slit 131b arranged between the outermost exhaust slits 131a. Since the outermost exhaust slit 131a is relatively longer in the long-side direction, the opening area at the periphery on both sides of the long-side direction of the top plate 130 can be reduced. Therefore, the rigidity of the top plate 130 can be increased. Furthermore, since the outermost exhaust slit 131a is located at the periphery of the top plate 130, the flame emission blocking area at the periphery of the top plate 130 can be expanded.

[0108] Preferably, within the pair of exhaust slit groups 131, the length of the long side of the outermost exhaust slit 131a in the short side direction of the top plate 130 can be longer than the length of the long side of the plurality of exhaust slits 131b arranged between the outermost exhaust slits 131a. That is, the length of the long side of the outermost exhaust slit 131a can be the longest.

[0109] In the pair of vent holes, the length of the long side of the outermost vent hole 133a in the short side direction of the top plate 130 can be longer than the length of the long side of at least one vent hole arranged between the outermost vent holes 133a. Therefore, although the emission performance of the discharged material decreases as the length of the outermost vent slit 131a at the periphery of the top plate 130 increases, the emission performance of the discharged material can be compensated for by maximizing the length of the outermost vent hole 133a.

[0110] Preferably, in a pair of vent hole groups 133, the length of the long side of the outermost vent hole 133a in the short side direction of the top plate 130 can be longer than the length of the long side of the plurality of vent holes arranged between the outermost vent holes 133a. That is, the length of the long side of the outermost vent hole 133a can be the longest.

[0111] The portion extending along the long side direction between the outermost vent slits 131a and the outermost vent holes 133a on both sides of the top plate 130 in the short side direction is defined as the outermost spacing interval 137. The portion extending along the long side direction between the vent holes 133b arranged between the outermost vent slits 131a in the short side direction is defined as the inner spacing interval 138. According to the illustrated embodiment, two outermost spacing intervals 137 and four inner spacing intervals 138 are provided along the long side direction. The portion occupied by the outermost spacing intervals 137 along the long side direction is arranged so as not to overlap with the portion occupied by the inner spacing intervals 138 along the long side direction. That is, the outermost spacing intervals 137 and the inner spacing intervals 138 are arranged in a manner that they do not overlap in the long side direction of the top plate 130. Since the outermost spacing intervals 137 and the inner spacing intervals 138 do not overlap in the long side direction of the top plate 130, the low-stiffness portion of the top plate 130 can be dispersed.

[0112] When the outermost interval 137 and the innermost interval 138 overlap along the long side of the top plate 130, the stiffness deviation between the overlapping portion and the portion of the top plate 130 provided with multiple vent holes 133b can increase significantly. When the stiffness deviation along the long side of the top plate 130 increases, the likelihood of damage to the top plate 130 may increase. However, according to the present invention, the stiffness deviation along the long side of the top plate 130 can be reduced by dispersing the portions with low stiffness.

[0113] The length of the outermost vent slit 131a can be 1.3 times or more and 1.6 times or less than the length of the vent slit 131b. The length of the inner gap 138 between the vent slit 131b and the vent hole 133b can be 0.2 times or more and 0.3 times or less than the length of the vent slit 131b. Therefore, while ensuring the width of the non-cut area of ​​the top plate 130, the inner gap 138 between the vent slit 131b and the vent hole 133b is arranged so that it does not overlap with the outermost gap 137 in the long side direction, to ensure the rigidity of the top plate 130 and to ensure the area of ​​the vent slits 131a and 131b and the vent holes 133a and 133b, so as to fully utilize the venting function.

[0114] The length of the outermost interval 137 can be set to be longer than the length of the inner interval 138. Therefore, the rigidity of the two long sides of the top plate 130 can be further ensured.

[0115] In the long direction, the number of vent holes 133b can be greater than the number of outermost vent holes 133a. Preferably, the number of vent holes 133b can be one or two more than the number of outermost vent holes 133a. Furthermore, the length of the outermost vent hole 133a can be 0.5 to 0.8 times greater than the sum of the lengths of the vent holes 133b arranged in the long direction. Therefore, the inner spacing interval 138 and the outermost spacing interval 137 between the vent holes 133b can be arranged in a non-overlapping position in the long direction to ensure the rigidity of the top plate 130 and to ensure that the area provided with the vent holes 133a and 133b is sufficient to fully utilize the venting function.

[0116] A series exhaust section 135 is constructed by arranging the exhaust slits 131b of the exhaust slit assembly 131 and the exhaust holes 133b of the exhaust hole assembly 133 in series along the long side direction of the top plate 130. Multiple series exhaust sections 135 are arranged along the short side direction of the top plate 130. Therefore, multiple series exhaust sections 135 can be arranged in series above the battery pack 115, which is partially defined by adjacent thermal barriers 113. Gases and flames generated from each battery pack 115 can be discharged through the corresponding series exhaust section 135.

[0117] Figure 5 This is a schematic plan view illustrating the structure of a battery module according to the present invention, having two series-connected exhaust sections corresponding to a battery pack. Figure 6 This is a schematic plan view illustrating the structure of a battery module according to the present invention, having a series exhaust section corresponding to a battery pack. Figure 7 This is a schematic plan view illustrating the structure of a battery module according to the present invention, having three series exhaust sections corresponding to a battery pack.

[0118] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 7 Two or more series-connected exhaust vents 135 can be arranged to correspond to the battery pack 115. For example, when the battery pack 115 is wide enough in the short side direction to accommodate 3 to 4 battery cells 111, two series-connected exhaust vents 135 can correspond to one battery pack 115, such as... Figure 5 As shown. Additionally, when the battery pack 115 is larger than in the short side direction... Figure 5 When the battery pack shown is wide, the three series exhaust sections 135 can correspond to one battery pack 115, as shown. Figure 7 As shown in the image.

[0119] refer to Figure 6 A series vent 135 can correspond to a battery pack 115. For example, when one or two battery cells 111 are installed in a battery pack 115, a series vent 135 can correspond to that battery pack.

[0120] Taking into account the number and size of the battery cells 111 installed in the battery pack 115, the number of series exhaust sections 135 can be appropriately changed.

[0121] Although the invention has been described with reference to exemplary accompanying drawings, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments and drawings disclosed in this specification, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Furthermore, although the operational effects of the configuration according to the invention are not explicitly described while describing embodiments of the invention, it should be understood that predictable effects can be recognized through this configuration.

Claims

1. A battery module, the battery module comprising a module housing and a top plate, the module housing being provided with a plurality of battery packs, each accommodating one or more battery cells, and the top plate having a long side and a short side and covering the upper part of the module housing, the battery module further comprising: A pair of exhaust slit groups, the pair of exhaust slit groups being respectively arranged on both sides of the long side of the top plate, each of the pair of exhaust slit groups including a plurality of exhaust slits arranged along the short side. as well as At least one set of exhaust ports, arranged along the long side between the pair of exhaust slits, each of the at least one set of exhaust ports including a plurality of exhaust ports. Wherein, the width of each of the plurality of exhaust slits in the pair of exhaust slit groups is narrower in the short side direction than the width of each of the exhaust holes in the at least one exhaust hole group.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of exhaust slits in the pair of exhaust slit groups and the plurality of exhaust holes in the at least one exhaust hole group are arranged in series along the long side of the top plate.

3. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, Within the pair of exhaust slits, the length of the outermost exhaust slit in the short side direction of the top plate is longer than the length of the long side direction of at least one exhaust slit arranged between the outermost exhaust slits.

4. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, Within the pair of exhaust slit groups, the length of the long side of the outermost exhaust slit in the short side direction of the top plate is longer than the length of the long side of the plurality of exhaust slits arranged between the outermost exhaust slits.

5. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, Within the at least one group of exhaust holes, the length of the long side of the outermost exhaust hole in the short side direction of the top plate is longer than the length of the long side of at least one exhaust hole arranged between the outermost exhaust holes.

6. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, Within the at least one group of exhaust holes, the length of the long side of the outermost exhaust hole in the short side direction of the top plate is longer than the length of the long side of the plurality of exhaust holes arranged between the outermost exhaust holes.

7. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The outermost interval defined by the spacer extending along the long side between the outermost vent slits and the outermost vent holes arranged on both sides of the short side of the top plate and the inner interval defined by the spacer extending along the long side between the vent slits and the vent holes arranged on both sides of the short side of the top plate do not overlap with each other in the long side direction.

8. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, A plurality of series exhaust sections are arranged along the short side of the top plate, including the plurality of exhaust slits in the pair of exhaust slit groups and the plurality of exhaust holes in the at least one exhaust hole group. The plurality of series exhaust sections are arranged in series along the long side of the top plate.

9. The battery module according to claim 8, wherein, One series exhaust section corresponds to one battery pack.

10. The battery module according to claim 8, wherein, Two or more series exhaust outlets correspond to one battery pack.

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