Battery modules and battery packs including battery modules

Abstract

A battery module according to an exemplary embodiment may include a battery cell, a module frame, and a first thermal barrier, wherein the module frame can accommodate the battery cell, the module frame includes a top plate including vent holes, and the first thermal barrier may be disposed between the battery cell and the top plate.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] This application is based on and claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0184661, filed on December 12, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Technology

[0003] Rechargeable batteries can be reused for extended periods through recharging. They are widely used in various applications, including mobility devices, portable electronic devices, and energy storage systems (ESS). In particular, the demand for rechargeable batteries in mobility device applications is increasing to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and carbon emissions. However, concerns regarding the safety of rechargeable batteries used in mobility device applications remain a significant issue that must be addressed.

[0004] The basic unit of secondary batteries used in mobility devices is the battery cell. Mobility devices use multiple battery cells to achieve the required performance in terms of output power and driving range. A battery pack is installed in a mobility device, which consists of multiple battery modules, each of which consists of multiple battery cells. The battery modules that make up the battery pack are adjacent to each other. Therefore, when thermal runaway occurs in one battery module, it can easily spread to other battery modules, potentially causing thermal runaway in those other modules as well. When thermal runaway and heat propagation occur in this way in a cascading reaction, it can lead to a large explosion or fire. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Technical issues

[0006] The problem to be solved by this disclosure is to provide a battery module and battery pack with improved safety.

[0007] Technical solution

[0008] Exemplary implementations of this disclosure that can solve the above problems are as follows: A battery module according to an exemplary embodiment may include: Battery cells; A module frame for accommodating the battery cells, wherein the module frame includes a top plate, the top plate including vent holes; and A first thermal barrier is disposed between the battery cell and the top plate.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment, the top plate includes a first surface facing the battery cell, and the first thermal barrier may be coated on the first surface.

[0010] In an exemplary embodiment, the first thermal barrier may not overlap with the exhaust port in a first direction perpendicular to the top plate.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment, the melting temperature of the first thermal barrier may be higher than the melting temperature of the top plate.

[0012] A battery module according to an exemplary embodiment may include: Battery cells; A module frame for accommodating the battery cells, wherein the module frame includes a top plate, the top plate including vent holes; and A second thermal barrier, spaced apart from the battery cell, wherein the top plate is inserted between the second thermal barrier and the battery cell.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment, the top plate includes a second surface, which is the opposite surface to the surface facing the battery cell, and the second thermal barrier may be coated on the second surface.

[0014] In an exemplary embodiment, the second thermal barrier may not overlap with the exhaust port in a first direction perpendicular to the top plate.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, the melting temperature of the second thermal barrier may be higher than the melting temperature of the top plate.

[0016] A battery module according to an exemplary embodiment may include: Battery cells; A module frame for accommodating the battery cells, wherein the module frame includes a top plate and the top plate includes vent holes; A first thermal barrier is disposed between the battery cell and the top plate; and A second thermal barrier, spaced apart from the battery cell, wherein the top plate is inserted between the second thermal barrier and the battery cell.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, the top plate includes a first surface facing the battery cell and a second surface opposite to the first surface, the first thermal barrier being coated on the first surface, and the second thermal barrier being coated on the second surface.

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment, the first thermal barrier may not overlap with the exhaust port in a first direction perpendicular to the top plate, the second thermal barrier may not overlap with the exhaust port in the first direction, and the first thermal barrier may completely overlap with the second thermal barrier in the first direction.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, the melting temperature of the first thermal barrier is higher than that of the top plate, the melting temperature of the second thermal barrier is higher than that of the top plate, and the melting temperature of the first thermal barrier may be equal to that of the second thermal barrier.

[0020] A battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment may include: Battery pack housing, the battery pack housing including a base plate and sidewalls; and The battery module is disposed on the substrate, wherein... Each of the battery modules can be one of the battery modules described above.

[0021] Beneficial effects

[0022] According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, even in the event of thermal runaway, the top plate can be prevented from melting by a thermal barrier, thereby delaying thermal runaway and heat propagation. Furthermore, venting can continue through vent holes in the top plate.

[0023] The effects of the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other effects not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains based on the following description. In other words, effects not anticipated through the implementation of the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure will also be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the battery module according to the first embodiment.

[0025] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view taken by the cutting line II-II'.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view used to illustrate the second embodiment.

[0027] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view used to illustrate the third embodiment.

[0028] Figure 5 This is a plan view of the battery pack according to the fourth embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The terms and words used herein should not be construed as limited to their common or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in accordance with the spirit of the disclosure based on the inventor’s ability to appropriately define the meanings of the terms and words to best describe the principles of the disclosure.

[0030] In this disclosure, terms such as “comprising” or “having” are intended to specify the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, elements, or combinations thereof described in this disclosure, and should be understood as not precluding the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, elements, or combinations thereof. Furthermore, when a component such as a layer, membrane, region, or plate is described as being “on” another component, this includes not only the case where the component is directly on the other component, but also the case where another component is inserted therebetween. Conversely, when a component such as a layer, membrane, region, or plate is described as being “below” another component, this includes not only the case where the component is directly below the other component, but also the case where another component is inserted therebetween.

[0031] It should be understood that the embodiments and drawings are merely examples of this disclosure and do not represent the full technical spirit of this disclosure, and various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist.

[0032] In describing this disclosure, detailed descriptions of known configurations or functions will be omitted when it is considered that such detailed descriptions obscure the essential points of this disclosure.

[0033] The accompanying drawings are provided to illustrate this disclosure more fully to those skilled in the art. Therefore, for clarity, the shape, size, and other aspects of the components shown in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or illustrated schematically. The shape, size, scale, and number of the various components in the drawings do not necessarily reflect the actual shape, size, scale, and number of the components.

[0034] In this disclosure, for ease of illustration, a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system is used to describe the position, shape, and relationships between components. The X, Y, and Z axes are... Figures 1 to 5 As shown in the diagram. In this disclosure, "X direction" refers to the direction parallel to the X-axis. In this disclosure, "Y direction" refers to the direction parallel to the Y-axis. In this disclosure, "Z direction" refers to the direction parallel to the Z-axis.

[0035] In this disclosure, "+X direction" refers to the direction relative to... Figures 1 to 4 The arrow pointing to the X-axis is in the same direction as the arrow pointing to the X-axis. In this disclosure, "-X direction" refers to the direction that is opposite to the direction indicated by the arrow pointing to the X-axis. Figures 1 to 4 The arrow pointing to the X-axis is in the opposite direction. In this disclosure, "+Y direction" refers to the direction opposite to the direction of the arrow pointing to the X-axis. Figures 1 to 4 The arrow pointing to the Y-axis is in the same direction as the arrow pointing to the Y-axis. In this disclosure, "-Y direction" refers to the direction that is opposite to the direction indicated by the arrow pointing to the Y-axis. Figures 1 to 4 The arrow pointing to the Y-axis is in the opposite direction. In this disclosure, "+Z direction" refers to the direction opposite to the direction indicated by the arrow pointing to the Z-axis. Figures 1 to 4 The arrow pointing to the Z-axis is in the same direction as the arrow pointing to the Z-axis. In this disclosure, "-Z direction" refers to the direction that is opposite to the direction indicated by the arrow pointing to the Z-axis. Figures 1 to 4The arrows on the Z-axis are pointing in opposite directions.

[0036] Figure 5 The direction of the arrow on the X-axis shown is unrelated to the "+X direction" and "-X direction" of this disclosure. Figure 5 The direction of the arrow on the Y-axis shown is unrelated to the "+Y direction" and "-Y direction" of this disclosure. Figure 5 The direction of the arrow on the Z-axis shown is unrelated to the "+Z direction" and "-Z direction" of this disclosure.

[0037] In the following, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038] (First Implementation)

[0039] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the battery module according to the first embodiment.

[0040] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view taken by the cutting line II-II'.

[0041] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The battery module 1100 may include a battery cell 1110, a module frame 1120, a first busbar assembly, a second busbar assembly, a first insulating cover, a second insulating cover, a first end plate 1131, a second end plate 1132, and a first thermal barrier 1141.

[0042] Each battery cell 1110 can be a lithium secondary battery. Each battery cell 1110 can include an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, and a cell housing. The electrode assembly can include a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator. The positive electrode can include a positive electrode active material layer, a positive electrode current collector, and a positive electrode tab. The negative electrode can include a negative electrode active material layer, a negative electrode current collector, and a negative electrode tab. The electrode assembly can be a wound-core type or a stacked type. The wound-core type can have a structure in which the positive electrode, negative electrode, and separator are wound together. The stacked type can have a structure in which a first electrode unit including a first positive electrode, a first negative electrode, and a first separator and a second electrode unit including a second positive electrode, a second negative electrode, and a second separator are stacked with a third separator inserted between the first electrode unit and the second electrode unit. The electrolyte can be liquid or gel type. The cell housing can be cylindrical, square, or pouch-shaped. When the cell housing is cylindrical or square, the positive and negative electrode tabs can be welded to the cell housing. When the cell casing is pouch-shaped, each battery cell 1110 may include a positive lead and a negative lead. The positive lead may be electrically connected to one or more positive tabs, and the negative lead may be electrically connected to one or more negative tabs. The positive and negative leads may protrude toward one side of the pouch-shaped cell casing. The positive and negative leads may protrude in the same direction or in opposite directions.

[0043] This disclosure describes only an embodiment in which each battery cell 1110 is a pouch-shaped cell in which the positive and negative leads protrude in opposite directions. Those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains will be able to readily implement embodiments in which each battery cell 1110 is a pouch-shaped cell, cylindrical cell, or prismatic cell in which the positive and negative leads protrude in the same direction.

[0044] Some of the battery cells 1110 may include a positive electrode lead protruding along the +X direction and a negative electrode lead protruding along the -X direction. Some of the battery cells 1110 may include a positive electrode lead protruding along the -X direction and a negative electrode lead protruding along the +X direction. The battery cells may be arranged along the Y direction.

[0045] The battery cells 1110 can be grouped together. Each group may include battery cells 1110 connected in parallel with each other. Groups may also be connected in series with each other. These groups may include a first group, an intermediate group, and a last group.

[0046] When each group includes m battery cells 1110 and the number of groups included in the battery module 1100 is n, the connection configuration of the battery cells 1110 can be referred to as m parallel and n series (mP-nS). The number of battery cells 1110 included in each battery module 1100 and the connection configuration of the battery cells 1110 can be determined according to the current, voltage and size required by each battery module 1100.

[0047] The module frame 1120 can accommodate the pouch-type battery cell 1110. The module frame 1120 may have an opening in the X direction. The module frame 1120 may include a top plate 1121, which includes a vent 1121VH. The module frame 1120 can be formed by welding or similarly connecting a U-shaped frame and the top plate 1121. The module frame 1120 can be a monolithic frame (or an integrated frame), and the top plate 1121 may be part of the monolithic frame. The module frame 1120 may have a generally hollow rectangular prism shape.

[0048] The top plate 1121 may be substantially perpendicular to the Z-direction. The top plate 1121 may include a first surface 1121BS facing the battery cell 1110 and a second surface 1121TS that is the opposing surface to the first surface 1121BS. The first surface 1121BS of the top plate 1121 may be referred to as the lower surface of the top plate 1121. The second surface 1121TS of the top plate 1121 may be referred to as the upper surface of the top plate 1121.

[0049] The melting temperature of the top plate 1121 may be lower than the melting temperature of the first thermal barrier 1141. As a non-limiting example, the melting temperature of the top plate 1121 may be approximately 300°C to 1500°C. As a non-limiting example, the top plate 1121 may comprise one or more of aluminum, aluminum alloy, steel, and stainless steel.

[0050] The first busbar assembly may include a first busbar frame, a positive busbar, a negative busbar, and a first intermediate busbar. The first busbar assembly may cover the opening in the +X direction of the module frame 1120.

[0051] The first busbar frame may include first slits. Each first slit may extend along the Z direction. A positive or negative lead corresponding to a battery cell 1110 may pass through its respective first slit. The positive or negative lead that has passed through its respective first slit may be bent in the Y direction and joined to a corresponding one of the positive busbar, negative busbar, and first intermediate busbar by welding or the like. The first busbar frame may include a material with high electrical insulation and fire resistance.

[0052] The positive busbar, negative busbar, and first intermediate busbar can be fixed to the first busbar frame. The first intermediate busbar can be located between the positive and negative busbars. The positive busbar may include a portion extending along the Z direction and a portion bending along the +X direction. The negative busbar may include a portion extending along the Z direction and a portion bending along the +X direction. Each first intermediate busbar may have an approximately O-shape. The positive leads of the first group can be connected to the positive busbar by welding or the like. The negative leads of the last group can be connected to the negative busbar by welding or the like. The electrical connection between the battery module 1100 and the external system can be established through the positive and negative busbars. The positive or negative leads corresponding to an intermediate group can be connected to each first intermediate busbar by welding or the like. The first group, intermediate group, and last group can be connected in series with each other through the first intermediate busbars.

[0053] The second busbar assembly may include a second busbar frame and a second intermediate busbar. The second busbar assembly may cover the opening in the -X direction of the module frame 1120.

[0054] The second busbar frame may include second slits. Each second slit may extend along the Z direction. The positive or negative lead corresponding to a battery cell 1110 may pass through its respective second slit. The positive or negative lead that has passed through its respective second slit may be bent in the Y direction and connected to a corresponding one of the second intermediate busbars by welding or the like. The second busbar frame may include a material with high electrical insulation and fire resistance.

[0055] The second intermediate busbar can be fixed to the second busbar frame. Each second intermediate busbar can have an approximate O-shape. The positive or negative lead corresponding to an intermediate group can be connected to its respective second intermediate busbar by welding or other means. The first group, intermediate group, and last group can be connected in series with each other through the second intermediate busbar.

[0056] A first insulating cover may cover the first busbar assembly in the +X direction. The first insulating cover may include inner holes. Through one of the inner holes, a portion of the positive busbar bent in the +X direction may be exposed to the outside of the battery module 1100, and through the other inner hole, a portion of the negative busbar bent in the +X direction may be exposed to the outside of the battery module 1100. The first insulating cover may include a material with high electrical insulation and fire resistance. A second insulating cover may cover the second busbar assembly in the -X direction. The second insulating cover may include a material with high electrical insulation and fire resistance.

[0057] A first end plate 1131 may cover a first insulating cover in the +X direction. The first end plate 1131 may include external holes. Each external hole of the first end plate 1131 may connect to a corresponding internal hole of the first insulating cover. Through one of the external holes, a portion of the positive busbar bent in the +X direction may be exposed to the outside of the battery module 1100, and through the other external hole, a portion of the negative busbar bent in the +X direction may be exposed to the outside of the battery module 1100. The first end plate 1131 may include a material with high rigidity and heat resistance. A second end plate 1132 may cover a second insulating cover in the -X direction. The second end plate 1132 may include a material with high rigidity and heat resistance.

[0058] Even if thermal runaway occurs in battery module 1100 and the temperature of battery module 1100 rises rapidly, the first thermal barrier 1141 can prevent the temperature of top plate 1121 from rising above its melting point, thereby preventing top plate 1121 from melting. Therefore, thermal runaway in battery module 1100 can be delayed, heat propagation to adjacent battery modules can be delayed, and venting can continue through the vent 1121VH of top plate 1121. Ultimately, the safety of battery module 1100 and battery pack 1000 can be improved.

[0059] A first thermal barrier 1141 may be disposed between the battery cell 1110 and the top plate 1121. The first thermal barrier 1141 may prevent or delay the rise in temperature of the top plate 1121 caused by heat generated inside the battery module 1100. The first thermal barrier 1141 may be coated on the first surface 1121BS of the top plate 1121.

[0060] The first thermal barrier 1141 can be designed not to overlap with the vent 1121VH of the top plate 1121 in the Z direction. In other words, the vent 1121VH can remain open.

[0061] The melting temperature of the first thermal barrier 1141 may be higher than that of the top plate 1121. As a non-limiting example, the melting temperature of the first thermal barrier 1141 may be approximately 1000°C or higher. As a non-limiting example, the melting temperature of the first thermal barrier 1141 may be approximately 1500°C or higher. As a non-limiting example, the melting temperature of the first thermal barrier 1141 may be approximately 2000°C or higher. As a non-limiting example, the first thermal barrier 1141 may comprise one or more of calcium silicate, magnesium calcium silicate, glass fiber, carbon fiber, alumina, silicon dioxide, magnesium oxide, boron nitride, and titanium dioxide.

[0062] (Second Implementation)

[0063] Except that the battery module 1100' includes a second thermal barrier 1142 instead of a first thermal barrier 1141, the second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment. Therefore, the description of the parts that are the same as those in the first exemplary embodiment will be omitted.

[0064] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view used to illustrate the second embodiment.

[0065] refer to Figure 3 Battery module 1100' may include a second thermal barrier 1142. Even if thermal runaway occurs in another battery module adjacent to battery module 1100' and heat propagates to battery module 1100', causing a rapid rise in the temperature of battery module 1100', the second thermal barrier 1142 can prevent the temperature of top plate 1121 from rising above its melting point, thereby preventing top plate 1121 from melting. Therefore, thermal runaway in battery module 1100' can be prevented or delayed, heat propagation to another adjacent battery module can be delayed, and venting can continue through the vent 1121VH of top plate 1121. Ultimately, the safety of battery module 1100' and battery pack 1000 can be improved.

[0066] The second thermal barrier 1142 may be spaced apart from the battery cell 1110 in the Z direction, wherein the top plate 1121 is inserted between the second thermal barrier 1142 and the battery cell 1110. The second thermal barrier 1142 may prevent or delay heat from outside the battery module 1100' from raising the temperature of the top plate 1121. The second thermal barrier 1142 may be coated on the second surface 1121TS of the top plate 1121.

[0067] The second thermal barrier 1142 can be designed not to overlap with the exhaust port 1121VH of the top plate 1121 in the Z direction. In other words, the exhaust port 1121VH can remain open.

[0068] The melting temperature of the second thermal barrier 1142 may be higher than that of the top plate 1121. As a non-limiting example, the melting temperature of the second thermal barrier 1142 may be approximately 1000°C or higher. As a non-limiting example, the melting temperature of the second thermal barrier 1142 may be approximately 1500°C or higher. As a non-limiting example, the melting temperature of the second thermal barrier 1142 may be approximately 2000°C or higher. As a non-limiting example, the second thermal barrier 1142 may comprise one or more of calcium silicate, magnesium calcium silicate, glass fiber, carbon fiber, alumina, silicon dioxide, magnesium oxide, boron nitride, and titanium dioxide.

[0069] (Third implementation method)

[0070] Except that the battery module 1100” also includes a second thermal barrier 1142, the third embodiment is the same as the first embodiment; therefore, descriptions of parts identical to those in the first exemplary embodiment will be omitted. Except that the battery module 1100” also includes a first thermal barrier 1141, the third embodiment is the same as the second embodiment; therefore, descriptions of parts identical to those in the second embodiment will be omitted.

[0071] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view used to illustrate the third embodiment.

[0072] refer to Figure 4 The battery module 1100 may include a first thermal barrier 1141 and a second thermal barrier 1142. The first thermal barrier 1141 and the second thermal barrier 1142 may completely overlap each other in the Z direction. The melting temperature of the first thermal barrier 1141 and the melting temperature of the second thermal barrier 1142 may be substantially equal to each other.

[0073] (Fourth Implementation)

[0074] Figure 5 This is a plan view of the battery pack according to the fourth embodiment.

[0075] refer to Figure 5 The battery pack 1000 may include battery modules 1100, 1100', or 1100"; a battery pack housing 1200; electronic components; and a battery pack cover. The battery pack 1000 may be the final form of a battery system installed in a mobility device. The individual battery modules 1100, 1100', or 1100" are the same as those described in the first to third embodiments.

[0076] The layout of battery modules 1100, 1100', or 1100" can be A rows × B columns (where A is an integer of 1 or greater, B is an integer of 1 or greater, and neither A nor B is 1). The number and layout of battery modules 1100, 1100', or 1100" can be determined based on the required current, voltage, and size of the battery pack 1000. In this disclosure, only an implementation where the layout of battery modules 1100, 1100', or 1100" is 2 rows × 3 columns is described. Based on this disclosure, those skilled in the art will be able to readily implement implementations where the layout of battery modules 1100, 1100', or 1100" is not 2 rows × 3 columns.

[0077] The first end plate 1131 of each of the battery modules 1100, 1100', or 1100" may be closer to the center beam 1250 than the second end plate 1132.

[0078] The battery pack housing 1200 can protect the battery modules 1100, 1100', or 1100" and electronic components from external factors such as shock, vibration, dust, and moisture. The battery pack housing 1200 may include a base plate 1210, side walls 1221, 1222, 1223, 1224, a first crossbeam 1230, a second crossbeam 1240, and a center beam 1250.

[0079] The substrate 1210 can support the battery module 1100, 1100', or 1100"; the first crossbeam 1230; the second crossbeam 1240; the central beam 1250; and electronic components. The substrate 1210 can have a flat shape. The substrate 1210 can be substantially perpendicular to the Z-direction. The substrate 1210 can include metal. The substrate 1210 can include one or more of aluminum, aluminum alloy, steel, and stainless steel.

[0080] Sidewalls 1221, 1222, 1223, and 1224 can be positioned around the periphery of substrate 1210. Each sidewall 1221, 1222, 1223, and 1224 can be fixed to substrate 1210 by bolting, welding, or other means. Each sidewall 1221, 1222, 1223, and 1224 can be integrated with substrate 1210. Some of sidewalls 1221, 1222, 1223, and 1224 can contact the upper surface of substrate 1210. Some of sidewalls 1221, 1222, 1223, and 1224 can contact the side surface of substrate 1210.

[0081] Sidewalls 1221, 1222, 1223, and 1224 may surround battery modules 1100, 1100', or 1100"; first crossbeam 1230; second crossbeam 1240; central beam 1250; and electronic components. Each sidewall 1221, 1223 may be substantially perpendicular to the Y-direction. Each sidewall 1222, 1224 may be substantially perpendicular to the X-direction. Each sidewall 1221, 1222, 1223, and 1224 may comprise metal. Each sidewall 1221, 1222, 1223, and 1224 may comprise one or more of aluminum, aluminum alloy, steel, and stainless steel.

[0082] One or more venting devices may be installed on one or more sidewalls 1221, 1222, 1223, and 1224. One or more venting devices may be installed on sidewall 1221. The venting devices may be configured to provide a path for high-temperature gases generated inside the battery pack 1000 to be discharged to the outside of the battery pack 1000 in the event of an accident such as a thermal runaway event occurring inside the battery pack 1000. The venting devices may be configured to prevent dust, moisture, water, etc., from entering the interior of the battery pack 1000.

[0083] The first crossbeam 1230 may be disposed on the substrate 1210. The first crossbeam 1230 may be fixed to the substrate 1210 by bolting, welding, or other means. The first crossbeam 1230 may isolate the electronic components from the battery modules 1100, 1100', or 1100" in the Y direction. The first crossbeam 1230 may be positioned between the electronic components and the battery modules 1100, 1100', or 1100" in the Y direction. The first crossbeam 1230 may be substantially perpendicular to the Y direction. The first crossbeam 1230 may extend in the X direction between sidewalls 1222 and 1224. The first crossbeam 1230 may comprise metal. The first crossbeam 1230 may comprise one or more of aluminum, aluminum alloy, steel, and stainless steel.

[0084] Each second crossbeam 1240 may be disposed on the substrate 1210. Each second crossbeam 1240 may be fixed to the substrate 1210 by bolting, welding, or the like. Each second crossbeam 1240 may isolate battery modules 1100, 1100', or 1100" in the Y direction. Each second crossbeam 1240 may be positioned between two corresponding battery modules 1100, 1100', or 1100" and may be substantially perpendicular to the Y direction. Some of the second crossbeams 1240 may extend in the X direction between the sidewall 1222 and the central beam 1250, and other second crossbeams 1240 may extend in the X direction between the sidewall 1224 and the central beam 1250. When the battery assembly 120 is arranged in C rows × D columns (where C is an integer of 1 or greater and D is an integer of 2 or greater), each column may be demarcated by the respective second crossbeams 1240. Each second crossbeam 1240 may include metal. Each second crossbeam 1240 may include one or more of aluminum, aluminum alloy, steel, and stainless steel.

[0085] A central beam 1250 may be disposed on a substrate 1210. The central beam 1250 may be fixed to the substrate 1210 by bolts, welding, or other means. The central beam 1250 may isolate battery modules 1100, 1100', or 1100" in the X direction. The central beam 1250 may be positioned between some battery modules 1100, 1100', or 1100" and other battery modules 1100, 1100', or 1100" in the Y direction. The central beam 1250 may be substantially perpendicular to the X direction. The central beam 1250 may extend in the Y direction between the first crossbeam 1230 and the sidewall 1221. When the battery modules 1100, 1100', or 1100"' are arranged in an E-row × F-column configuration (where E is a 2 or greater integer and F is a 1 or greater integer), each row may be demarcated by the central beam 1250. The central beam 1250 may comprise metal. The central beam 1250 may comprise one or more of aluminum, aluminum alloy, steel, and stainless steel.

[0086] Electronic components may be located between the first crossbeam 1230 and the sidewall 1221. These electronic components may include a battery management system (BMS), a power relay assembly (PRA), etc. The BMS may be configured to monitor the state of the battery cells 1110, such as voltage, current, and temperature, to uniformly balance the voltage and capacity among the battery cells 1110, and to control the charging and discharging of the battery cells 1110. The PRA may be configured to connect or disconnect high-voltage circuits based on signals from the BMS to supply or disconnect high-voltage current from battery modules 1100, 1100', or 1100" to external loads such as motors and inverters. The PRA may be configured to mitigate voltage surges to prevent damage to external loads such as motors and inverters.

[0087] The battery pack cover can be fastened to the side walls 1221, 1222, 1223, and 1224 using fasteners. The battery pack cover can cover the battery modules 1100, 1100', or 1100”, the first crossbeam 1230, the second crossbeam 1240, the center beam 1250, and the electronic components. The battery pack cover can protect the battery modules 1100, 1100', or 1100” and the electronic components from external factors such as shock, vibration, dust, and moisture. Gaskets can be inserted between the battery pack cover and the side walls 1221, 1222, 1223, and 1224. The gaskets can fill any gaps that may form between the battery pack cover and the side walls 1221, 1222, 1223, and 1224.

[0088] The above description is for illustrative purposes only. The scope of this disclosure should be interpreted according to the claims, and all technical ideas within the same or equivalent scope should be construed as being included within the scope of this disclosure.

[0089] [Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures]

[0090] 1000: Battery pack

[0091] 1100: Battery Module

[0092] 1110: Battery Cell

[0093] 1120: Module Framework

[0094] 1121: Top Slab

[0095] 1121VH: Exhaust port

[0096] 1121BS: First Surface

[0097] 1121TS: Second Surface

[0098] 1131: First end plate

[0099] 1132: Second end plate

[0100] 1141: First Thermal Barrier

[0101] 1142: The Second Thermal Barrier

Claims

1. A battery module, the battery module comprising: Battery cells; A module frame for accommodating the battery cells, wherein the module frame includes a top plate and the top plate includes vent holes; as well as A first thermal barrier is disposed between the battery cell and the top plate.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The top plate includes a first surface facing the battery cell, and The first thermal barrier is coated on the first surface.

3. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The first thermal barrier does not overlap with the exhaust port in a first direction perpendicular to the top plate.

4. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The melting temperature of the first thermal barrier is higher than that of the top plate.

5. A battery module, the battery module comprising: Battery cells; A module frame for accommodating the battery cells, wherein the module frame includes a top plate and the top plate includes vent holes; as well as A second thermal barrier, spaced apart from the battery cell, wherein the top plate is inserted between the second thermal barrier and the battery cell.

6. The battery module according to claim 5, wherein, The top plate includes a second surface, which is a surface opposite to the surface facing the battery cell, and The second thermal barrier is coated on the second surface.

7. The battery module according to claim 5, wherein, The second thermal barrier does not overlap with the exhaust port in a first direction perpendicular to the top plate.

8. The battery module according to claim 5, wherein, The melting temperature of the second thermal barrier is higher than that of the top plate.

9. A battery module, the battery module comprising: Battery cells; A module frame for accommodating the battery cells, wherein the module frame includes a top plate and the top plate includes vent holes; A first thermal barrier is disposed between the battery cell and the top plate; and A second thermal barrier, spaced apart from the battery cell, wherein the top plate is inserted between the second thermal barrier and the battery cell.

10. The battery module according to claim 9, wherein, The top plate includes a first surface facing the battery cell and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface. The first thermal barrier is coated on the first surface, and The second thermal barrier is coated on the second surface.

11. The battery module according to claim 9, wherein, The first thermal barrier does not overlap with the exhaust port in a first direction perpendicular to the top plate. The second thermal barrier does not overlap with the exhaust port in the first direction, and The first thermal barrier completely overlaps with the second thermal barrier in the first direction.

12. The battery module according to claim 9, wherein, The melting temperature of the first thermal barrier is higher than that of the top plate. The melting temperature of the second thermal barrier is higher than that of the top plate, and The melting temperature of the first thermal barrier is equal to the melting temperature of the second thermal barrier.

13. A battery pack, the battery pack comprising: A battery pack housing, the battery pack housing comprising a base plate and sidewalls; as well as The battery module is disposed on the substrate, wherein... Each of the battery modules is one of the battery modules according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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