Battery module, battery pack including the same, and vehicle

Abstract

A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a cell assembly including a plurality of battery cells; a module housing housing the cell assembly within its internal space; and a top plate positioned on at least one side of the module housing, configured to be detachable from the module housing, and configured to discharge exhaust gases.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, which are non-rechargeable, secondary batteries are rechargeable and are used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) powered by electric power sources.

[0003] Currently, widely used 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 single-cell rechargeable batteries (i.e., single-cell batteries) is approximately 2.5 V to 4.6 V. Therefore, if a higher output voltage is required, multiple battery cells are connected in series to form a battery pack. Furthermore, depending on the required charge / discharge capacity of the battery pack, multiple battery cells can be connected in parallel to form a battery pack. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in a battery pack can vary depending on the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0004] When multiple battery cells are connected in series or parallel to form a battery pack, a battery module consisting of at least one battery cell (preferably multiple battery cells) is typically constructed first, and then the battery pack is constructed using at least one battery module and additional components. Here, a battery module refers to a component in which multiple battery cells are connected in series or parallel, and a battery pack refers to a component in which multiple battery modules are connected in series or parallel to increase capacity and output power.

[0005] Conventional battery modules typically have the same exhaust gas venting path. Therefore, in the event of thermal runaway in conventional battery modules and / or battery packs, exhaust gases are vented in the same direction. However, it is necessary to control the exhaust gas venting path based on the arrangement of adjacent battery modules. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical issues

[0007] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a top plate for a module that enhances the degree of freedom in controlling the direction of exhaust gas discharge.

[0008] The technical objectives to be achieved by this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other objectives not mentioned may be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of this disclosure below.

[0009] Technical solution

[0010] To achieve these objectives, a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a cell assembly comprising a plurality of battery cells; a module housing housing the cell assembly within an internal space; and a top plate positioned on at least one side of the module housing, detachably connected to the module housing, and configured to discharge exhaust gases.

[0011] In one aspect of this disclosure, the top plate can be mounted on the upper part of the module housing.

[0012] In another aspect of this disclosure, the top plate can be configured to control the direction of exhaust gas discharge.

[0013] In another aspect of this disclosure, the top plate may include a body covering the upper part of the cell assembly, at least one vent for discharging exhaust gas, and at least one discharge bracket disposed on the vent and configured to guide the exhaust gas discharge direction.

[0014] Preferably, the vent holes may include a mesh.

[0015] In one aspect of this disclosure, the exhaust support may be formed along the periphery of the exhaust port.

[0016] In another aspect of this disclosure, the exhaust support can be formed into the shape of a canopy having a surface curved in one direction.

[0017] In another aspect of this disclosure, the exhaust support can be shaped as a chimney facing one direction.

[0018] In another aspect of this disclosure, the exhaust bracket can seal the vent under normal conditions and open the vent when the internal pressure of the module housing increases.

[0019] In one aspect of this disclosure, the top plate can be configured to discharge exhaust gases in different directions.

[0020] For example, the top plate may include multiple exhaust brackets, and the exhaust brackets may be configured to exhaust gas in different directions.

[0021] In another aspect of this disclosure, the battery module may include a front-end board and a rear-end board, the front-end board being coupled to one side of the module housing in the length direction and covering one end of the cell assembly in the length direction, the rear-end board being coupled to one side of the module housing in the length direction and covering the other end of the cell assembly in the length direction, and a top-end board being configured to be coupled to at least one of the front-end board or the rear-end board.

[0022] In another aspect of this disclosure, the battery module may also include a fire-resistant plate inserted between the module housing and the cell assembly.

[0023] This disclosure provides a battery pack including a battery module according to at least one of the foregoing embodiments.

[0024] Furthermore, this disclosure provides a vehicle that includes at least one battery pack according to the foregoing embodiments.

[0025] The effects of the invention

[0026] According to this disclosure, the degree of freedom in controlling the direction of exhaust gas discharge can be increased in the event of thermal runaway.

[0027] In other words, according to this disclosure, in a battery pack comprising multiple battery modules, the exhaust gas discharge path can be controlled for each battery module.

[0028] The effects achieved by this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the description of this disclosure below that other effects not mentioned will also be apparent. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the specification, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded 3D diagram.

[0032] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the top plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the top plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the top plate according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing a top plate according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing a top plate according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the gas discharge direction of a plurality of battery modules according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 10 It shows including Figure 1 A diagram of the battery module and battery pack.

[0040] Figure 11 It shows including Figure 10 A picture of a vehicle with a battery pack. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The advantages and features of this disclosure, as well as the methods for implementing these advantages and features, will become clear from the embodiments described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but can be implemented in various different forms, and these embodiments are provided only to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of this disclosure, which is defined solely by the scope of the claims. Therefore, in some embodiments, well-known process steps, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not specifically described to avoid ambiguity in the interpretation of this disclosure. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals denote the same elements.

[0042] In the accompanying drawings, thicknesses may be enlarged to clearly show various layers and regions. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals are used for similar parts. When a part (such as a layer, film, region, or plate) is referred to as being "on" another part, this includes not only the case where it is "directly" on the other part, but also the case where another part exists between them. Conversely, when a part is referred to as being "directly" on another part, this indicates that there are no other parts between them. Furthermore, when a part (such as a layer, film, region, or plate) is referred to as being "below" another part, this includes not only the case where it is "directly" below the other part, but also the case where other parts exist between them. Conversely, when a part is referred to as being "directly" below another part, this indicates that there are no other parts between them.

[0043] The statement that two comparison objects are identical means "substantially the same." Therefore, "substantially the same" can include deviations that are considered low in the art, such as deviations within 5%. Furthermore, the uniformity of parameters over a given region can represent uniformity from an average perspective.

[0044] Throughout this instruction manual, unless otherwise stated, each component may be in the singular or plural.

[0045] The phrase "any component is placed on (or below) another component" can mean not only that the component is placed in contact with the upper (or lower) surface of the other component, but also that a component can be located between the other component and a component placed on (or below) the other component.

[0046] Furthermore, when a component is described as being “connected” or “linked” to another component, it should be understood that the components can be directly connected or linked to each other, but another component can also be “inserted” between the components, or the components can be “connected” or “linked” through another component.

[0047] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise stated, “A and / or B” means A, B, or A and B, and unless otherwise stated, “C to D” means C or greater and D or less.

[0048] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating a battery module 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded 3D diagram.

[0049] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 According to this disclosure, the battery module 10 includes a cell assembly 100, a module housing 200, and a top plate 300. Furthermore, the battery module 10 may also include a front plate 410, a rear plate 430, and / or a fire-resistant plate 500.

[0050] The battery cell assembly 100 may include a plurality of battery cells 110. The plurality of battery cells 110 may be stacked in at least one direction. More specifically, the plurality of battery cells 110 may be arranged at least horizontally. The plurality of battery cells 110 may be arranged side-by-side in a horizontal direction while standing vertically. For example, refer to… Figure 2 Multiple battery cells 110 can be arranged side by side in the X-axis direction while standing vertically upright.

[0051] Each of the multiple battery cells 110 will be described in more detail below.

[0052] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing a battery cell 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] refer to Figure 3 The battery cell 110 can be a secondary battery, such as a pouch cell 110. However, the type of battery cell 110 is not limited, and the battery module 10 of this disclosure can also use other battery cell types, such as cylindrical cells or prismatic cells.

[0054] The following will describe as follows: Figure 3 The battery cell 110 shown is an example of a pouch cell. (See reference) Figure 3 The battery cell 110 may include an electrode assembly 111, a receiving portion 113 for receiving the electrode assembly 111, a sealing portion 115 formed around the receiving portion 113, and a pair of electrode leads 117 connected to the electrode assembly 111 and extending outward from the sealing portion 115.

[0055] The electrode lead 117 can be connected to an electrode tab (not shown) provided on the electrode assembly 111, and can extend outward from the sealing portion 115 through the sealing portion 115. The electrode lead 117 can extend along the length of the battery cell 110. The electrode lead 117 can extend in the same direction or in opposite directions.

[0056] refer to Figure 3 The battery cell 110 can be configured to vent exhaust gases through an upper sealing portion 115. The sealing portion 115 may include a venting region formed to prevent an increase in internal pressure due to gases generated within the battery cell 110. The venting region is formed in a portion of the sealing portion 115 and is structurally weaker than the surrounding area, such that the venting region can easily rupture when internal pressure is applied. The venting region may, for example, be a region with a weaker seal than the surrounding area. In this case, the venting region may be formed on one of the two edges of the sealing portion 115. Specifically, the venting region may be formed on the upper edge of the two edges of the sealing portion 115.

[0057] Using this structure, gases generated within the battery cell 110 can be exhausted to the outside of the battery cell 110 through an exhaust region formed at the upper edge of the battery cell 110. Therefore, gases can be exhausted to the outside of the battery module 10 via a top plate 300 located at the upper end of the battery cell 110. In other words, according to this structure, high-temperature gases and flames within the module can be smoothly exhausted.

[0058] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The module housing 200 has an internal empty space, and the cell assembly 100 can be accommodated therein. The module housing 200 can be configured to accommodate the cell assembly 100. The module housing 200 can have a shape that is open on one side and opposite sides in the longitudinal direction.

[0059] The module housing 200 may include a horizontally extending base plate and side plates extending upward from the base plate. The base plate may have a generally horizontally extending plate shape. The side plates may have a generally vertically extending plate shape. The base plate and the side plates may be perpendicular to each other. That is, the module housing 200 may be configured as a U-shaped frame.

[0060] The side panel can be arranged in the width direction of the battery module 10. That is, the module housing 200 can have a side panel arranged in the width direction and open on one side and the opposite side in the length direction.

[0061] In another aspect of this disclosure, the substrate and the side panel can be configured as an integral part. Alternatively, the substrate and the side panel can be configured to be detachable.

[0062] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the top plate 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0063] refer to Figure 4 The top plate 300 can be positioned on at least one side of the module housing 200. Preferably, the top plate 300 can be mounted on the module housing 200. Since the battery cell 110 has a venting area formed on the upper edge of the sealing portion 115, the exhaust gas released through the upper sealing portion 115 can easily pass through the top plate 300 and be discharged to the outside.

[0064] In one aspect of this disclosure, the top plate 300 can be configured to be detachably attached to the module housing 200. For example, the top plate 300 can be coupled to and / or detached from the front plate 410 and / or the rear plate 430, which will be described later. This will be described in detail below.

[0065] In another aspect of this disclosure, the top plate 300 can be configured to discharge exhaust gas. Preferably, the top plate 300 can be configured to control the direction of exhaust gas discharge.

[0066] Return to reference Figure 4 The top plate 300 may include a body 310, a vent 330, and a discharge bracket 350. In this case, the top plate 300 may include at least one vent 330. Furthermore, the top plate 300 may include at least one discharge bracket 350.

[0067] The body 310 can be configured to cover the upper part of the cell assembly 100. For example, the body 310 can have a generally horizontally extending plate shape.

[0068] The vent 330 can be configured to discharge exhaust gases. That is, the vent 330 can have a hole shape that penetrates the body 310 in the vertical direction. The vent 330 can be arranged in an elongated shape along the sealing portion 115 of the battery cell 110. This structure allows high-temperature gases and flames within the module to escape smoothly.

[0069] Multiple vent holes 330 may be formed on the module housing 200. For example, multiple vent holes 330 may be provided along the sealing portion 115 of the battery cell 110.

[0070] According to this structure, even if a large amount of gas is generated inside the battery module 10, the gas can be smoothly discharged to the outside of the battery module 10 through multiple vents 330. In other words, the time that the emitted gas remains inside the module housing 200 can be minimized.

[0071] In another aspect of this disclosure, the vent 330 may include a mesh.

[0072] According to this structure, the mesh can prevent sparks generated in the cell assembly 100 from spreading to the outside of the cell assembly 100. In addition, the mesh can prevent the fire from spreading to other battery modules 10 adjacent to the battery module 10 that has already experienced a thermal event.

[0073] In one aspect of this disclosure, the battery module 10 may include at least one discharge bracket 350.

[0074] Reference Figure 4 The exhaust bracket 350 can be disposed on the exhaust port 330. The exhaust bracket 350 can be configured to guide the exhaust gas in the exhaust direction. The exhaust bracket 350 can be integrally formed with the main body 310.

[0075] In the case of a conventional battery module 10, the exhaust gas discharge path is the same for each module during thermal runaway; therefore, it is necessary to control the exhaust gas discharge according to the arrangement of adjacent battery modules 10. On the other hand, according to this disclosure, the structure of the exhaust bracket 350 of the top plate 300 can increase the degree of freedom in controlling the exhaust gas discharge direction. For example, by applying exhaust brackets 350 of various shapes according to the location of the exhaust device and / or the arrangement of adjacent battery modules 10, the exhaust gas discharge path can be smoothly controlled.

[0076] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the top plate 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0077] The discharge bracket 350 can be formed along the periphery of the vent 330. That is, the vent 330 has a hole shape that vertically penetrates the body 310. In this case, the discharge bracket 350 can be formed along the edge of the vent 330. For example, refer to... Figure 5 The exhaust bracket 350 can be formed into a canopy shape with a surface that is curved in one direction.

[0078] If the exhaust bracket 350 is formed in this way as a canopy shape with a surface curved in one direction, the exhaust gas generated within the module can be guided along the curved surface and directed to the left, such as... Figure 5 As shown. In other words, according to the above configuration, the exhaust gas generated in the cell assembly 100 can be guided in a specific direction. That is, according to the above configuration, the movement direction of the exhaust gas generated within the battery module 10 can be controlled to a desired direction.

[0079] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the top plate 300 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0080] refer to Figure 6The exhaust support 350 can be configured in a chimney shape facing one direction. The exhaust support 350 can also be configured, for example, to have a tubular shape. In this case, the tube can be bent in one direction. Figure 6 In the middle, the tubular discharge bracket 350 bends to the left. Here, the bending angle of the discharge bracket 350 can be adjusted by considering the distance between the top plate 300 of the battery module 10 and the top cover of the battery pack housing.

[0081] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing a top plate 300 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0082] refer to Figure 7 The exhaust bracket 350 can be configured to seal the exhaust port 330 under normal conditions and open the exhaust port 330 when the internal pressure of the module housing 200 increases.

[0083] More specifically, the vent 330 remains sealed under normal conditions. For example, as Figure 7 As shown, a preliminary cut line can be formed around the vent 330. The preliminary cut line can be thinner or have a lower density than the surrounding area of ​​the body 310, and therefore can be more prone to breakage than the surrounding area. Thus, the preliminary cut line of the body 310 can be formed to surround the module housing 200 without breaking under normal conditions.

[0084] According to this structure, since the top plate 300 covers the upper part of the module housing 200, even if a thermal event occurs in an adjacent battery module 10, it can prevent high-temperature gases and flames generated in the adjacent battery module 10 from penetrating into the interior of the battery module 10. Therefore, a thermal runaway chain reaction can be effectively blocked. Thus, the safety of the battery module 10 and the battery pack 3 can be ensured.

[0085] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing a top plate 300 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0086] refer to Figure 8 The top plate 300 can be configured to discharge exhaust gas in different directions. For example, the top plate 300 may include a plurality of discharge brackets 350. In this case, the plurality of discharge brackets 350 can be configured to discharge gas in different directions.

[0087] refer to Figure 8 In one embodiment of this disclosure, the top plate 300 may include eight rows of vent holes 330 and vent brackets 350 based on the X-axis. The top plate 300 may also include five rows of vent holes 330 and vent brackets 350 based on the Y-axis. However, the number of vent holes 330 and vent brackets 350 is not limited thereto.

[0088] For ease of explanation, the X-axis direction will be referred to as the left-right direction, and the Y-axis direction will be referred to as the front-back direction.

[0089] The discharge brackets 350 located in the first to third rows on the left side in the X-axis direction can have a shape that is bent and / or folded to the left. Therefore, the exhaust gases and / or flames discharged from the battery cells 110 located in the first to third rows on the left side in the X-axis direction can be discharged to the left.

[0090] The discharge bracket 350 located in the center row in the X-axis direction can have a shape that is bent and / or folded towards the rear. More specifically, the discharge brackets 350 of the fourth and fifth rows from the left in the X-axis direction can have a shape that is bent and / or folded towards the rear. Therefore, exhaust gases and / or flames discharged from the battery cell 110 located in the center in the X-axis direction can be discharged towards the rear.

[0091] The discharge brackets 350 in the sixth to eighth rows from the left in the X-axis direction can have a shape that bends and / or bends to the right. Therefore, the exhaust gases and / or flames discharged from the battery cells 110 located in the sixth to eighth rows from the left in the X-axis direction can be discharged to the right.

[0092] According to the above structure, the exhaust gas discharged from a single battery module 10 can be discharged in different directions instead of in a single fixed direction.

[0093] However, the number, arrangement, and / or bending direction of the vent holes 330 and the discharge brackets 350 are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and embodiments with various numbers and / or bending directions are also within the scope of this disclosure.

[0094] Return to reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The battery module 10 may also include a front-end board 410 and / or a rear-end board 430.

[0095] The front-end board 410 can be connected to one side of the module housing 200 in the longitudinal direction to cover one end of the cell assembly 100 in the longitudinal direction. The rear-end board 430 can be connected to the other side of the module housing 200 in the longitudinal direction to cover the other end of the cell assembly 100 in the longitudinal direction.

[0096] The top plate 300 can be configured to be connected to at least one of the front plate 410 and the rear plate 430.

[0097] For example, refer to Figure 2The front end plate 410 may include a first engagement region 415. The first engagement region 415 has a structure that allows engagement with the top end plate 300. Here, the top end plate 300 and the front end plate 410 can be structurally engaged by an additional engagement portion P. Alternatively, the engagement portion P may be provided on the top end plate 300. In this case, the engagement portion P provided on the top end plate 300 can be structurally engaged with the first engagement region 415 of the front end plate 410. For example, the first engagement region 415 may correspond to a nut, and the engagement portion P may correspond to a bolt. However, the engagement method of the top end plate 300 is not limited to this.

[0098] Similarly, the rear end plate 430 may include a second engagement region 435. The second engagement region 435 has a structure that allows it to engage with the top end plate 300. In this case, the top end plate 300 and the rear end plate 430 can be structurally engaged by an additional engagement portion P. Alternatively, the engagement portion P may be provided on the top end plate 300. In this case, the engagement portion P provided on the top end plate 300 can structurally engage with the second engagement region 435 of the rear end plate 430. For example, the second engagement region 435 may correspond to a nut, and the engagement portion P may correspond to a bolt. However, the engagement method of the top end plate 300 is not limited to this.

[0099] In one aspect of the invention, the top plate 300 may be configured to be detachably connected to the module housing 200. For example, the top plate 300 may be coupled to and / or detached from the front plate 410 and / or the rear plate 430, as will be described later. Alternatively, the top plate 300 may be configured to be detachably connected to the module housing 200.

[0100] For example, the top plate 300 may include a plurality of discharge brackets 350 arranged in one direction, or may include a plurality of discharge brackets 350 arranged in different directions.

[0101] In this configuration, the top plate 300 of various structures can be configured to be detachably connected to the module housing 200, the front plate 410 and / or the rear plate 430, thereby controlling the exhaust gas direction in response to various arrangements of the battery module 10.

[0102] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the gas discharge direction of a plurality of battery modules 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0103] The battery pack 3 according to this disclosure may include at least one battery module 10 according to the above disclosure. In this case, the battery pack 3 may include multiple battery modules 10. For example, Figure 9 The structure of a battery pack 3, comprising six battery modules 10, is shown.

[0104] For ease of explanation, the X-axis direction will be referred to as the left-right direction, and the Y-axis direction will be referred to as the front-back direction.

[0105] The discharge bracket 350 of the battery module 10 in the leftmost row in the X-axis direction can be bent and / or folded to the left. Therefore, the exhaust gas and / or flame discharged from the battery module 10 located in the leftmost position in the X-axis direction can be discharged to the left.

[0106] The discharge bracket 350 of the battery module 10, which is centrally positioned in the X-axis direction and forward-positioned in the Y-axis direction, can be bent and / or folded towards the front. Therefore, exhaust gases and / or flames discharged from the battery module 10 located at the center in the X-axis direction can be discharged towards the front.

[0107] The discharge bracket 350 of the battery module 10, which is centrally located in the X-axis direction and rearwardly positioned in the Y-axis direction, can be bent and / or folded towards the rear. Therefore, exhaust gases and / or flames discharged from the battery module 10 located at the center in the X-axis direction can be discharged towards the rear.

[0108] The discharge bracket 350 of the battery module 10 located in the rightmost row in the X-axis direction can have a shape that is bent and / or folded to the right. Therefore, the exhaust gas and / or flame discharged from the battery module 10 in the rightmost row in the X-axis direction can be discharged to the right.

[0109] According to the above structure, the exhaust gas discharged from the battery module 10 can be discharged in different directions instead of in a single fixed direction.

[0110] If the top plate 300 is integrated with the module housing 200 as in a conventional configuration, the degree of freedom in the exhaust gas discharge path may be reduced. On the other hand, according to the configuration of this disclosure, the exhaust gas discharge path can be freely controlled by attaching or removing top plates 300 of various shapes depending on the position of the exhaust device within the battery pack 3 and / or the arrangement of adjacent battery modules 10.

[0111] Therefore, by controlling the direction of the exhaust gas, the start time of heat transfer to the adjacent battery module 10 can be delayed. Furthermore, by controlling the direction of the exhaust gas, the degree of freedom in positioning the exhaust device can be increased.

[0112] Return to reference Figure 2 The battery module 10 may also include a fire-resistant plate 500.

[0113] Fire-resistant board 500 can be made of refractory materials capable of withstanding high temperatures and flames. Fire-resistant board 500 can be made of, for example, mica materials, or can partially include such materials.

[0114] The fire-resistant plate 500 can be inserted between the module housing 200 and the cell assembly 100. Specifically, the fire-resistant plate 500 can be positioned within the interior space of the module housing 200 to cover at least one side of the cell assembly 100 housed within the interior space of the module housing 200. In particular, the fire-resistant plate 500 can be configured to cover at least the upper side of the cell assembly 100.

[0115] In one aspect of the invention, the fire-resistant plate 500 may include an exhaust portion at a location corresponding to the exhaust port 330. The exhaust portion may be configured to allow free flow of gas. The exhaust portion may match the exhaust port 330 of the module housing 200 in the fire-resistant plate 500. For example, the exhaust portion may have a position, size, shape, etc., corresponding to the exhaust port 330 of the module housing 200.

[0116] According to this structure, the gas discharged through the upper sealing portion 115 of the battery cell 110 can be discharged to the outside of the battery module 10 through the exhaust portion formed on the upper side of the fire-resistant plate 500. In other words, this structure allows for the smooth discharge of high-temperature gases and flames inside the module.

[0117] In another aspect of the invention, reference is made to Figure 2 The fire-resistant plate 500 can be disposed on the inner side of the portion of the module housing 200 that forms the vent 330. Therefore, the fire-resistant plate 500 can be configured to surround the outer side of the portion of the cell assembly 100 facing the vent 330.

[0118] Figure 10 It shows including Figure 1 The diagram shows the battery module 10 and the battery pack 3.

[0119] refer to Figure 10 The battery pack 3 according to this disclosure may include at least one battery module 10 according to the present disclosure. Furthermore, the battery pack 3 according to this disclosure may include a battery pack housing 50 capable of accommodating at least one battery module 10. In addition, the battery pack 3 may also include various components other than the battery module 10, such as components of the battery pack 3 known when applying this disclosure, such as a BMS, battery pack housing, relays, and current sensors.

[0120] Figure 11 It shows including Figure 10 The image shows the battery pack 3 of vehicle 5.

[0121] refer to Figure 11 The vehicle 5 according to this disclosure may include at least one battery pack 3 according to this disclosure.

[0122] The battery module 10 according to this disclosure is suitable for a vehicle 5, such as an electric vehicle 5 or a hybrid electric vehicle 5. That is, the vehicle 5 according to this disclosure may include the battery module 10 according to this disclosure or the battery pack 3 according to this disclosure. Furthermore, the vehicle 5 according to this disclosure may also include various other components included in the vehicle 5 besides the battery module 10 or the battery pack 3. For example, in addition to the battery module 10 according to this disclosure, the vehicle 5 according to this disclosure may also include a body, a motor, control devices such as an electronic control unit (ECU), etc.

[0123] Although directional terms such as “up” and “down” are used throughout the specification, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that these terms are merely for ease of interpretation and may vary depending on the position of the object being described or the position of the observer.

[0124] Although this disclosure has been described above with reference to limited embodiments and accompanying drawings, it is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art will readily understand that various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the technical spirit of this disclosure and the equivalents of the further set forth claims.

[0125] Industrial applicability

[0126] This disclosure may provide a battery module and battery pack that can increase the degree of freedom in controlling the direction of exhaust gas discharge in the event of thermal runaway.

Claims

1. A battery module, the battery module comprising: The battery cell assembly includes a plurality of battery cells; A module housing that houses the battery cell assembly within an internal space; as well as A top plate, positioned on at least one side of the module housing, detachably connected to the module housing, and configured to discharge exhaust gases.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The top plate is mounted on the upper part of the module housing.

3. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The top plate is configured to control the direction of exhaust gas discharge.

4. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The top plate includes: The main body covers the upper part of the battery cell assembly; At least one vent, the at least one vent for discharging the exhaust gas; and At least one exhaust bracket is disposed on the exhaust port and configured to guide the exhaust gas in the direction of discharge.

5. The battery module according to claim 4, wherein, The vent includes a mesh.

6. The battery module according to claim 4, wherein, The discharge bracket is formed along the periphery of the vent.

7. The battery module according to claim 4, wherein, The discharge support is shaped like a canopy with a surface that is curved in one direction.

8. The battery module according to claim 4, wherein, The exhaust support is shaped like a chimney facing one direction.

9. The battery module according to claim 4, wherein, The exhaust bracket seals the exhaust port under normal conditions and opens the exhaust port when the internal pressure of the module housing increases.

10. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The top plate is configured to discharge exhaust gases in different directions.

11. The battery module according to claim 4, wherein, The top plate includes multiple discharge brackets. The discharge bracket is configured to discharge exhaust gas in different directions.

12. The battery module according to claim 1, further comprising: A front-end board, which is connected to one side of the module housing in the longitudinal direction and covers one end of the cell assembly in the longitudinal direction; as well as A rear end plate, which is connected to one side of the module housing in the longitudinal direction and covers the other end of the cell assembly in the longitudinal direction. The top plate is configured to be connected to at least one of the front plate or the rear plate.

13. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the battery module further comprises a fire-resistant plate inserted between the module housing and the cell assembly.

14. A battery module, the battery module comprising: The battery cell assembly includes a plurality of battery cells; A module housing that houses the battery cell assembly within an internal space; as well as A top plate, positioned on at least one side of the module housing and configured to discharge exhaust gases. The top plate includes: The main body covers the upper part of the battery cell assembly; At least one vent, the at least one vent for discharging the exhaust gas; and At least one discharge bracket is disposed on the exhaust port and configured to guide the discharge direction of the exhaust gas.

15. A battery pack comprising at least one battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

16. A vehicle comprising at least one battery pack according to claim 15.

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