Battery module and battery pack comprising a battery module

Abstract

A battery module includes a plurality of battery cells, a module frame accommodating the plurality of battery cells, end plates respectively located at front and rear sides of the plurality of battery cells, and a cover frame covering a top surface and both side surfaces of the module frame. Two or more folding portions are formed on each corner portion of the cover frame.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application is based on and claims priority to Korean Patent Application Nos. 10-2024-0157511, 10-2025-0087144 and 10-2025-0125502, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on November 7, 2024, June 30, 2025 and September 4, 2025, respectively, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0002] This disclosure relates to a battery module and a battery pack including the battery module. Background Technology

[0003] With the development of alternative energy sources in recent years due to air pollution and energy depletion caused by the use of fossil fuels, the demand for secondary batteries that can store the generated electrical energy is increasing.

[0004] As rechargeable batteries are used as an indispensable energy source for various electronic devices in modern society, the required capacity of rechargeable batteries is increasing due to the use and increasing complexity of mobile devices and the development of electric vehicles. To meet user needs, multiple battery cells are combined for use in small devices, while battery modules with multiple electrically connected battery cells or battery packs including these multiple battery modules are used in vehicles, etc. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Technical issues

[0006] This disclosure provides a battery module and a battery pack including the battery module, the battery module including a cover frame with improved adhesion, wherein separation and detachment of the cover frame from the module frame can be prevented or suppressed in the event of internal venting and thermal runaway.

[0007] Technical solution

[0008] The battery module according to this disclosure includes: a plurality of battery cells; a module frame that houses the plurality of battery cells; end plates located on the front and rear sides of the plurality of battery cells respectively; and a cover frame that covers the top surface and two sides of the module frame, wherein two or more folds are formed at each corner of the cover frame.

[0009] In the battery module according to the present disclosure, a plurality of first through holes with a predetermined area are formed on the top surface of the module frame.

[0010] In the battery module according to this disclosure, a plurality of second through holes with a predetermined area are formed on the top surface of the cover frame.

[0011] In the battery module according to this disclosure, the cover frame 400 is made of a material that is heat-resistant and flame-retardant.

[0012] In the battery module according to this disclosure, the material includes one or more of mica and glass fiber reinforced plastic (FRP).

[0013] In the battery module according to this disclosure, multiple openings are formed by cutting through a portion of the fold along the length direction (Y-axis direction).

[0014] In the battery module according to this disclosure, the opening has a slit or hole shape.

[0015] In the battery module according to this disclosure, the openings are formed with different areas.

[0016] In the battery module according to this disclosure, three or more of the folds are formed, the opening in the uppermost fold and the opening in the lowermost fold have the same area, and the opening formed in the fold between the uppermost fold and the lowermost fold has a wider area than the opening in the uppermost fold.

[0017] In the battery module according to this disclosure, the corners of the cover frame and the folded portion are formed to have a thickness that is thinner than the thickness of the top surface and the side surface of the cover frame.

[0018] In the battery module according to this disclosure, one or more fold lines extending along the length direction (Y-axis direction) are formed on the top surface of the cover frame to allow bending at a predetermined angle.

[0019] In the battery module according to this disclosure, the folded portion has a serrated vertical cross-section.

[0020] The battery pack according to this disclosure includes the battery module described above.

[0021] The battery module housing according to this disclosure includes: a module frame designed to accommodate a plurality of battery cells; end plates located on the front and rear sides of the plurality of battery cells respectively when the plurality of battery cells are accommodated in the module frame; and a cover frame covering the top surface and two sides of the module frame, wherein two or more folds are formed at each corner of the cover frame, the two or more folds being designed to have a weaker elastic strength than the other parts of the cover frame.

[0022] In the battery module housing according to this disclosure, a plurality of through holes with a predetermined area are formed on the top surface of the cover frame.

[0023] In the battery module housing according to this disclosure, the cover frame is made of a material that is heat-resistant and flame-retardant.

[0024] In the battery module housing according to this disclosure, the material includes one or more of mica and glass fiber reinforced plastic.

[0025] In the battery module housing according to this disclosure, a plurality of openings are formed by cutting through a portion of the fold along the length direction.

[0026] In the battery module housing according to this disclosure, the opening has a slit or hole shape.

[0027] In the battery module housing according to this disclosure, one or more fold lines extending along the length direction are formed on the top surface of the cover frame to allow bending at a predetermined angle.

[0028] Beneficial effects

[0029] In the battery module according to this disclosure, since folds are formed at each corner of the cover frame, the cover frame is easier to fold and makes close contact with the sides of the module frame.

[0030] Furthermore, in the battery module according to this disclosure, openings are formed by cutting through a portion of the fold. These facilitate folding of the fold and can alleviate stress that may occur within the fold. Attached Figure Description

[0031] The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and are intended to further illustrate the technical concepts of the disclosure in conjunction with the detailed description of the disclosure that follows. Therefore, this disclosure should not be construed as limited to the contents shown in the drawings.

[0032] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view of a battery module based on conventional technology.

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

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

[0035] Figure 4 This is a front view of a battery module according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 6 This is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view showing a battery module according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 8 This is an exploded perspective view showing a battery module according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 9 This is a vertical cross-sectional view of the corner portion of the cover frame in the battery module according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 10 This is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 11 This is a vertical cross-sectional view of the cover frame in a battery module according to the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 12 This is an exploded perspective view showing a battery module according to an eighth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 13 This is a vertical cross-sectional view of the corner portion of the cover frame in the battery module according to the eighth embodiment of this disclosure.

[0045] Throughout the various views of the accompanying drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate the corresponding parts. For simplicity and clarity, the presented drawings are shown and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to aid in understanding the various embodiments. Furthermore, to facilitate a clearer observation of these various embodiments, common but easily understood elements that are useful or necessary in commercially viable embodiments are generally not shown. Detailed Implementation

[0046] The embodiments of this disclosure, which are readily implemented by those skilled in the art, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, in describing the operational principles of the embodiments of this disclosure, descriptions of known functions or configurations will be omitted where such detailed descriptions may unnecessarily obscure the essential points of the disclosure.

[0047] Furthermore, the same reference numerals are used in all the drawings for parts having similar functions and actions. Throughout the specification, when a part is referred to as being connected to another part, this includes not only cases where the parts are directly connected, but also cases where the parts are indirectly connected with other elements inserted between them. Moreover, including a component does not exclude other components, but means that further components may be included, unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0048] As described above, the battery module has a structure that includes a module frame that accommodates multiple battery cells and a covering member that covers the top surface and two sides of the module frame.

[0049] Meanwhile, the modular frame is formed through extrusion and injection molding, and shrinkage may occur during processing. This can result in sagging or partial inward indentation on the top and bottom surfaces of the modular frame.

[0050] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view showing a battery module according to conventional technology. (Reference) Figure 1 According to conventional technology, the battery module is constructed including multiple battery cells 12, a module housing 11 that houses the multiple battery cells 12, and a fireproof cover 60 that covers the top surface and two sides of the module housing 11.

[0051] In a battery module with the above structure, during processing, a drooping shape may appear on the top and bottom surfaces of the module housing 11 due to shrinkage.

[0052] When the fireproof covers 60 covering the top surface and two sides of the module housing 11 are in close contact with the module housing 11, gaps may form between the module housing 11 and the fireproof covers 60 due to the drooping shape on the top and bottom surfaces of the module housing 11. This can cause problems because the fireproof covers 60 may detach in the event of gas and thermal runaway within the module housing 11.

[0053] In view of these issues, this disclosure provides a battery module designed to allow the cover frame to more easily make close contact with the top and sides of the module frame.

[0054] In the following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, a battery module including a cover frame with improved adhesion and a battery pack including the battery module according to the present disclosure will be described.

[0055] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing a battery module according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view showing a battery module according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 4 This is a front view of a battery module according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from the front.

[0056] Reference Figures 2 to 4 In the description, the battery module 10 according to this disclosure includes a battery cell 100, a module frame 200, an end plate 300, and a cover frame 400.

[0057] According to an embodiment, the battery cell 100 may be a pouch-type battery cell. The battery cell 100 includes an electrode assembly, a pouch housing the electrode assembly, electrode leads protruding to the outside of the pouch housing, and an insulating film located between the pouch housing and the electrode leads.

[0058] The electrode assembly has the following structure: positive and negative electrodes are alternately and repeatedly stacked multiple times, with a diaphragm between the positive and negative electrodes. A pair of electrode leads, including a positive lead and a negative lead, are electrically connected to the positive and negative electrode tabs and are exposed outside the bag shell.

[0059] The positive electrode is manufactured by applying a positive electrode mixture containing a positive electrode active material to a positive electrode current collector and then drying the positive electrode mixture. Optionally, the positive electrode mixture may also include a binder, a conductive agent, a filler, etc., if necessary.

[0060] The positive electrode current collector can typically have a thickness ranging from approximately 3 μm to 500 μm. There are no particular limitations on the positive electrode current collector, as long as it possesses high conductivity without causing chemical changes in the corresponding battery. For example, stainless steel, aluminum, nickel, titanium, baked carbon or aluminum, or stainless steel with a surface treatment of carbon, nickel, titanium, silver, etc., can be used. Furthermore, the adhesion of the positive electrode active material can be increased by forming fine irregularities on the surface of the positive electrode current collector, and various forms are possible, including films, sheets, foils, meshes, porous bodies, foams, and nonwoven fabrics.

[0061] Examples of positive electrode active materials may include: layered compounds, such as lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) and lithium nickel oxide (LiNiO2), or compounds substituted with one or more transition metals; lithium manganese oxides, such as those with the chemical formula Li 1+ x Mn 2-x O4 (where x is 0 to 0.33), LiMnO3, LiMn2O3 and LiMnO2; lithium copper oxide (Li2CuO2); vanadium oxides, such as LiV3O8, V2O5 and Cu2V2O7; and LiNi 1-x M x Ni-type lithium nickel oxides represented by O2 (where M = Co, Mn, Al, Cu, Fe, Mg, B or Ga, and x = 0.01 to 0.3); and those represented by the chemical formula LiMn 2-x M xLithium manganese complex oxides represented by O2 (where M = Co, Ni, Fe, Cr, Zn or Ta, and x = 0.01 to 0.1) or Li2Mn3MO8 (where M = Fe, Co, Ni, Cu or Zn); LiMn2O4, wherein a portion of the Li in the chemical formula is replaced by an alkaline earth metal ion; disulfide compounds; and Fe2(MoO4)3, but not limited to these.

[0062] A negative electrode is manufactured by applying a negative electrode mixture containing a negative electrode active material to a negative electrode current collector and then drying the negative electrode mixture. If necessary, the negative electrode mixture may include components such as conductive agents, binders, and fillers.

[0063] Negative electrode current collectors are typically manufactured with a thickness ranging from approximately 3 μm to 500 μm. There are no particular limitations on the type of negative electrode current collector, as long as it possesses high conductivity without causing chemical changes in the corresponding battery. For example, copper, stainless steel, aluminum, nickel, titanium, baked carbon, copper or stainless steel surface-treated with carbon, nickel, titanium, silver, etc., and aluminum-cadmium alloys can be used. Furthermore, as in positive electrode current collectors, the bonding strength of the negative electrode active material can be enhanced by forming fine irregularities on the surface, and it can be used in various forms such as films, sheets, foils, meshes, porous bodies, foams, and nonwoven fabrics.

[0064] The separator prevents short circuits between the negative and positive electrodes and allows only lithium ions to move. It uses an insulating film with high ion permeability and mechanical strength. The pore size of the separator is typically from about 0.01 μm to 10 μm, and the thickness is typically from about 5 μm to 300 μm. The separator material can be any of, but is not limited to, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene / polypropylene bilayer, polyethylene / polypropylene / polypropylene trilayer, polypropylene / polypropylene / polypropylene trilayer, and organic fiber filter paper.

[0065] Simultaneously, each of the negative and positive current collectors consists of a portion to which a slurry mixed with the active material is applied and an uncoated portion to which no slurry is applied. Electrode tabs are formed by cutting the uncoated portion or by connecting individual conductive components to the uncoated portion via ultrasonic welding or similar methods. These electrode tabs are assembled to form a tab bundle.

[0066] For the bag shell, a bag portion capable of accommodating the electrode assembly and a corner portion extending to a predetermined length on the outer periphery of one side of the bag portion can be formed by using a laminate. The laminate includes an inner coating, a metal layer, and an outer coating.

[0067] The inner coating layer is in direct contact with the electrode assembly, therefore it must be insulating and electrolytically resistant, and it should also be airtight to ensure hermeticity to the outside. In other words, the sealing portion formed by the thermal bonding of the inner layers can have excellent thermal bonding strength.

[0068] The material for the inner coating can be selected from polyolefin resins, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene acrylic, polybutene, polyurethane resin, polyimide resin, etc., which have excellent chemical resistance and good sealing performance, but are not limited to these. Polypropylene, which has excellent mechanical properties (e.g., tensile strength, rigidity, surface hardness, and impact strength) and chemical resistance, can be used.

[0069] The metal layer in contact with the inner coating acts as a barrier layer to prevent moisture or various gases from seeping into the battery from the outside. For the material of the metal layer, a lightweight aluminum film with excellent moldability can be used.

[0070] An outer coating is disposed on the opposite side of the metal layer. For the outer coating, a heat-resistant polymer with excellent tensile strength, moisture permeability, and air permeability can be used to protect the electrode assembly and ensure heat and chemical resistance. As an example, nylon or polyethylene terephthalate can be used, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0071] Then, typically, a pair of electrode leads, including a positive lead and a negative lead, are connected to the aforementioned electrode tab bundle by a method such as soldering, for example, to the positive electrode tab bundle and the negative electrode tab bundle, and protrude to the outside of the bag shell.

[0072] An insulating film is located on the top and bottom surfaces of the electrode leads, and the electrode leads overlap with the heat-sealed portion of the bag housing. This configuration prevents electricity generated from the electrode assembly from flowing through the electrode leads to the bag housing, and also maintains the bag housing's seal.

[0073] For the insulating film, a non-conductive material that does not conduct electricity well can be used. Typically, an insulating tape that is easy to attach to the electrode leads and has a relatively thin thickness can be used.

[0074] According to an embodiment, the insulating film may be any one or two or more types of materials selected from polyimide (PI), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PV), high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and epoxy resin, and is heat-sealed and bonded to the resin layer inside the bag shell by heat and pressure.

[0075] The specification and accompanying drawings only show a battery cell 100 with electrode leads protruding in two directions on one side and the other side. However, in another embodiment of this disclosure, a unidirectional pouch-type battery cell with electrode leads protruding together in one direction can also be used.

[0076] In this configuration, multiple battery cells 100 can be present, and the battery cells 100 are stacked along one direction to facilitate electrical connection between them. Then, a battery cell stack is formed. For example, as... Figure 3 As shown, the battery cells 100 can be stacked along one direction in the X direction.

[0077] The module frame 200 accommodates multiple battery cells 100 and can be a metal frame with an open structure on both sides.

[0078] According to an embodiment, based on the battery cell stack formed by stacking battery cells 100, the module frame 200 can be open in two directions where the electrode leads protrude. However, Figure 3 The structure of the module frame 200 shown is an example, and its shape is not particularly limited, as long as it can accommodate the battery cell stack.

[0079] also, Figure 3 The modular frame 200 is shown as a single frame in the form of a metal plate, wherein the top, bottom and two sides are integrated together, but other forms may be adopted, such as a form in which the top cover is connected to a U-shaped frame with an open top and a form in which the U-shaped frame and the inverted U-shaped frame are combined with each other.

[0080] One or more first through holes 210 are formed on the top surface of the module frame 200.

[0081] The first through-hole 210 is designed to discharge exhaust gas to the outside when exhaust gas is generated from the battery cell 100 housed within the module frame 200. Therefore, it is possible to prevent or suppress the internal pressure rise of the module frame 200 and the explosion caused by the exhaust gas.

[0082] The end plates 300 are located on the two open sides of the module frame 200, thus sealing the interior of the module frame 200. This protects the housed battery cells 100 from external influences.

[0083] Furthermore, an opening can be formed in the end plate 300, with a certain area being cut off. This opening allows the battery cell 100 housed within the module frame 200 to pass through a terminal portion (not shown) that is electrically connected to an external device.

[0084] The cover frame 400 protects the module frame 200 from external influences. According to an embodiment, the cover frame 400 may be formed in a shape that covers the top surface and two sides of the module frame 200.

[0085] According to an embodiment, the module housing 500 is formed by a module frame 200, an end plate 300, and a cover frame 400, excluding the battery cell 100.

[0086] The cover frame 400 is made of a material that is heat-resistant and flame-retardant, and the material may include one or more of, for example, mica and glass fiber reinforced plastic (FRP).

[0087] Two or more folds 410 are formed in a folded shape at the corners of the cover frame 400. However, the number of folds 410 may be one if needed.

[0088] The folding portion 410 is configured to have a lower elastic strength than the other portions of the cover frame 400. The cover frame 400 can fold more flexibly when both sides of the cover frame 400 are folded and in close contact / fit with the sides of the module frame 200. Therefore, the two sides of the cover frame 400 can make closer contact / fit with the two sides of the module frame 200.

[0089] One or more second through holes 420 are formed on the top surface of the cover frame 400, which serve as channels for exhaust gas generated within the exhaust module frame 200.

[0090] When the exhaust gas is discharged to the outside through the second through-hole 420, high-temperature byproducts can also be discharged. Then, since the cover frame 400 is provided on a part of the outer surface of the module frame 200, the reflow of byproducts and damage to the module frame 200 can be prevented or suppressed.

[0091] Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0092] Reference Figure 5 The battery module 20 according to the second embodiment and the battery module 20 according to the second embodiment Figures 2 to 4 The battery module of the first embodiment described is substantially the same, except that multiple openings 430 are formed in each fold 410. Therefore, the description of the same configuration will be omitted.

[0093] In the battery module 20 according to the second embodiment, a plurality of openings 430 are formed by cutting through a portion of each fold 410 along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction).

[0094] According to an embodiment, the opening 430 may have a slit shape, and then the cross-section perpendicular to the depth direction (e.g., the cross-section in the horizontal direction) may be formed into a rectangular shape.

[0095] The opening 430 reduces stress at the corners of the cover frame 400 and improves the flexibility of the fold 410 when folded. This further improves the adhesion between the two sides of the cover frame 400 and the two sides of the module frame 200.

[0096] Figure 6 This is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0097] Reference Figure 6The battery module 30 according to the third embodiment and the battery module 30 according to the third embodiment Figures 2 to 4 The battery module of the first embodiment described is substantially the same, except that multiple openings 430 are formed in each fold 410. Therefore, the description of the same configuration will be omitted.

[0098] In the battery module 30 according to the third embodiment, an opening 430 is formed by cutting through a portion of each fold 410 along its length.

[0099] According to an embodiment, the opening 430 may have a hole shape, and then the cross-section perpendicular to the depth direction (e.g., the cross-section in the horizontal direction) may be formed into a circular shape.

[0100] The opening 430 reduces stress at the corners of the cover frame 400 and improves the flexibility of the fold 410 when folded. This further improves the adhesion between the two sides of the cover frame 400 and the two sides of the module frame 200.

[0101] Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0102] Reference Figure 7 The battery module 40 according to the fourth embodiment and the battery module 40 according to the fourth embodiment Figures 2 to 4 The battery module of the first embodiment described is substantially the same, except that multiple openings 430 are formed in each fold 410. Therefore, the description of the same configuration will be omitted.

[0103] In the battery module 40 according to the fourth embodiment, an opening 430 is formed by cutting through a portion of each fold 410 along the length direction (Y-axis direction).

[0104] Here, the opening 430 can have a hole shape, and the cross-section perpendicular to the depth direction (e.g., the cross-section in the horizontal direction) can be formed as an ellipse.

[0105] The opening 430 reduces stress at the corners of the cover frame 400 and improves the flexibility of the fold 410 when folded. This further improves the adhesion between the two sides of the cover frame 400 and the two sides of the module frame 200.

[0106] Figure 8 This is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0107] Reference Figure 8 The battery module 50 according to the fifth embodiment and the battery module 50 according to the fifth embodiment Figures 2 to 4The battery module of the first embodiment described is substantially the same, except that multiple openings 430 are formed in each fold 410. Therefore, the description of the same configuration will be omitted.

[0108] In the battery module 50 according to the fifth embodiment, three or more folds 410 may be formed. An opening 430 is formed by cutting through a portion of each fold 410 along the length direction (Y-axis direction).

[0109] Here, the area of ​​the opening 430 in the uppermost fold 410 of the fold 410 is the same as the area of ​​the opening 430 in the lowermost fold 410.

[0110] Meanwhile, according to the embodiment, the area of ​​the opening 430 formed in the fold 410 at the center between the uppermost fold 410 and the lowermost fold 410 is wider than the area of ​​the opening 430 formed in the uppermost fold 410.

[0111] For example, the area of ​​the opening 430 formed in the central fold 410 can be made wider, so that the fold 410 can be formed into a shape with a different area.

[0112] When the two sides of the cover frame 400 are folded, the above structure can alleviate the stress that occurs more strongly at the center than at the ends of the corner portions.

[0113] Figure 9 This is a vertical cross-sectional view of the corner portion of the cover frame in the battery module according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0114] refer to Figure 9 Apart from the different thicknesses at different locations of the covering frame 400, the battery module 60 according to the sixth embodiment and the battery module 60 according to the sixth embodiment... Figures 2 to 4 The battery module of the first embodiment described is essentially the same. Therefore, descriptions of identical configurations will be omitted.

[0115] The cover frame 400 formed in the battery module 60 according to the sixth embodiment has a thinner thickness at the corners and where the folds 410 are formed than at the top surface and the two sides.

[0116] In the cover frame 400 having the above structure, flexibility is provided at the corners and folds 410, and thus there is the advantage of further improved adhesion when the two sides are folded and in close contact with the sides of the module frame 200.

[0117] In the modified example, the corners and folds 410 of the cover frame 400 may be made of a material with improved flexibility and elasticity compared to the material of the top surface and two sides of the cover frame 400.

[0118] This disclosure may be a battery pack including the above-described battery module, and may be a device including a battery module or a battery pack.

[0119] Figure 10 This is an exploded perspective view showing a battery module 70 according to a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 11 This is a vertical cross-sectional view of the cover frame in the battery module 70 according to the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0120] refer to Figure 10 and Figure 11 In addition to the fold lines 440 formed on the cover frame 400, the battery module 70 and according to Figures 2 to 4 The battery module of the first embodiment described is essentially the same. Therefore, descriptions of identical configurations will be omitted.

[0121] In the battery module 70 according to the seventh embodiment, one or more fold lines 440 extending along the length direction (Y-axis direction) are formed on the top surface of the cover frame 400.

[0122] The fold line 440 allows the top surface of the cover frame 400 to bend in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction), so that when the cover frame 400 is mounted on the module frame 200, the top surface of the cover frame 400 is in closer contact with the top surface of the module frame 200.

[0123] The fold line 440 prevents or suppresses gaps between the cover frame 400 and the module frame 200 caused by the downward sag of the top surface of the module frame 200. This phenomenon is caused by shrinkage during the extrusion process.

[0124] Furthermore, since the gap between the cover frame 400 and the module frame 200 is suppressed by the fold line 440, the following advantages exist: the cover frame 400 can be prevented or suppressed from detaching from the module frame 200 when thermal runaway or the like occurs in the battery module, thus preventing the fire backflow prevention function from being performed.

[0125] Figure 12 This is an exploded perspective view showing a battery module 80 according to an eighth embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 13 This is a vertical cross-sectional view of the corner portion of the cover frame in the battery module 80 according to the eighth embodiment of this disclosure.

[0126] Reference Figure 12 and Figure 13 Apart from the shape of the folded portion 410, the battery module 80 according to the eighth embodiment and the battery module 80 according to the eighth embodiment are similar in shape to those according to the eighth embodiment. Figures 2 to 4 The battery module of the first embodiment described is essentially the same. Therefore, descriptions of identical configurations will be omitted.

[0127] In the battery module 80 according to the eighth embodiment, the fold 410 of the cover frame 400 is formed with a serrated vertical cross section (XZ axis plane).

[0128] The serrated shape of the folding portion 410 facilitates folding, making it easier for the sides of the cover frame 400 to come into close contact with the sides of the module frame 200. Therefore, the advantage is that it can prevent or suppress the cover frame 400 from detaching from the module frame 200 in the event of thermal runaway or other similar occurrences.

[0129] Furthermore, the serrated fold 410 reduces the stress applied to the fold 410 when the cover frame 400 is folded from the side. Therefore, it has the advantage of preventing or suppressing damage to the fold 410.

[0130] Meanwhile, the vertical cross-section of the folding portion 410 can be formed as an uneven portion or a wavy shape. This disclosure is not limited to this, as long as the shape can reduce the stress applied to the folding portion 410 when the side of the cover frame 400 is folded.

[0131] While embodiments of this disclosure have been described, those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments of this disclosure can be changed or modified in various ways without departing from the technical scope of the various embodiments of this disclosure as defined in the appended claims. Therefore, the technical scope of the various embodiments of this disclosure is not limited to the technical scope described in the foregoing detailed description section, but may be defined by the claims.

[0132] (Description of reference numerals in the attached image)

[0133] 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80: Battery modules

[0134] 100: Battery cell

[0135] 200: Module Framework

[0136] 210: First through hole

[0137] 300: End plate

[0138] 400: Coverage Framework

[0139] 410: Folding section

[0140] 420: Second through hole

[0141] 430: Opening

[0142] 440: Folded line

Claims

1. A battery module, the battery module comprising: Multiple battery cells; A module frame configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells; End plates, which are respectively located on the front and rear sides of the plurality of battery cells; as well as A cover frame, configured to cover the top surface and two sides of the module frame. Two or more folds are formed at each corner of the covering frame.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, A plurality of first through holes with a predetermined area are formed on the top surface of the module frame.

3. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein, A plurality of second through holes with a predetermined area are formed on the top surface of the cover frame.

4. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The cover frame is made of a heat-resistant and flame-retardant material.

5. The battery module according to claim 4, wherein, The material includes one or more of mica and glass fiber reinforced plastics.

6. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, Multiple openings are formed by cutting through a portion of the fold along its length.

7. The battery module according to claim 6, wherein, The opening has a slit or hole shape.

8. The battery module according to claim 6, wherein, The openings have different areas.

9. The battery module according to claim 8, wherein, It forms three or more of the aforementioned folds. The opening in the uppermost fold and the opening in the lowermost fold have the same area, and The opening formed in the fold between the uppermost fold and the lowermost fold has a wider area than the opening in the uppermost fold.

10. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein, The thickness of the folded portion is made thinner than the thickness of the top surface and the side surface of the covering frame.

11. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, One or more fold lines extending along the length direction are formed on the top surface of the cover frame to allow bending at a predetermined angle.

12. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The folded portion has a serrated vertical cross-section.

13. A battery pack comprising the battery module according to claim 1.

14. A battery module housing, the battery module housing comprising: A modular frame configured to accommodate multiple battery cells; End plates, when the plurality of battery cells are housed in the module frame, are located on the front and rear sides of the plurality of battery cells respectively; as well as A cover frame that covers the top surface and two sides of the module frame. Two or more folds are formed at each corner of the cover frame, and the two or more folds are designed to have a weaker elastic strength than the other parts of the cover frame.

15. The battery module housing according to claim 14, wherein, Multiple through holes with a predetermined area are formed on the top surface of the cover frame.

16. The battery module housing according to claim 14, wherein, The cover frame is made of a heat-resistant and flame-retardant material.

17. The battery module housing according to claim 16, wherein, The material includes one or more of mica and glass fiber reinforced plastics.

18. The battery module housing according to claim 14, wherein, Multiple openings are formed by cutting through a portion of the fold along its length.

19. The battery module housing according to claim 18, wherein, The opening has a slit or hole shape.

20. The battery module housing according to claim 14, wherein, One or more fold lines extending along the length direction are formed on the top surface of the cover frame to allow bending at a predetermined angle.

Images