Battery module

Abstract

A battery module includes a plurality of battery cells arranged in a horizontal direction. Each of the plurality of battery cells includes a cell exhaust portion, a positive electrode terminal, and a negative electrode terminal. And the battery module also comprises a heat-resistant part poured on the plurality of battery monomers. The heat-resistant portion includes a heat-resistant exhaust portion provided in a region corresponding to the cell exhaust portion, and a heat-resistant support portion provided outside the heat-resistant exhaust portion. The battery module also includes a bus bar bracket on the heat resistant portion. The bus bar bracket includes a bracket vent hole in a region corresponding to the heat resistant vent portion and a bus bar hole in a region corresponding to the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal. The battery module further includes a bus bar on the heat resistant portion and connected to the positive electrode terminals and the negative electrode terminals of the plurality of battery cells.

Description

[0001] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0170556, filed on November 30, 2023, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a battery module. BACKGROUND

[0004] Unlike primary batteries that are not designed to be (re)charged, secondary (or rechargeable) batteries are batteries designed to be discharged and recharged. Low-capacity secondary batteries are used in portable small electronic devices such as smartphones, feature phones, notebook computers, digital cameras, and camcorders, while high-capacity secondary batteries are widely used as power sources for driving electric motors in hybrid and electric vehicles and for storing electric power (e.g., home and / or utility-scale power storage). A secondary battery generally includes an electrode assembly composed of a positive electrode and a negative electrode, a case that accommodates the electrode assembly, and electrode terminals connected to the electrode assembly.

[0005] The above information disclosed in this Background section is for enhancement of understanding of the background of the present disclosure, and therefore, it can contain information not constituting the related (or prior) art. SUMMARY

[0006] The present disclosure provides a battery module capable of preventing heat propagation and thermal runaway.

[0007] These and other aspects and features of the present disclosure will be described in or be apparent from the following description of embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0008] A battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure to solve the technical problem can include: a plurality of battery cells arranged in a horizontal direction, each of the plurality of battery cells including a cell exhaust portion, a positive electrode terminal, and a negative electrode terminal; a heat-resistant portion injected on the plurality of battery cells, the heat-resistant portion including a heat-resistant exhaust portion provided in an area corresponding to the cell exhaust portion and a heat-resistant support portion provided outside the heat-resistant exhaust portion; a busbar bracket provided on the heat-resistant portion, the busbar bracket including a bracket exhaust hole provided in an area corresponding to the heat-resistant exhaust portion and a busbar hole provided in an area corresponding to the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal; and a plurality of busbars provided on the heat-resistant portion and connected to the positive electrode terminals and the negative electrode terminals of the plurality of battery cells.

[0009] In some embodiments, the heat-resistant exhaust portion can include a notch.

[0010] In some embodiments, the depth of the notch can be about 1 / 3 to about 2 / 3 of the thickness of the heat-resistant exhaust portion.

[0011] In some embodiments, the planar shape of the notch can include a cross shape.

[0012] In some embodiments, the heat-resistant exhaust portion can contact the cell exhaust portion.

[0013] In some embodiments, the thickness of the heat-resistant exhaust portion can be greater than the thickness of the heat-resistant support portion.

[0014] In some embodiments, the heat-resistant exhaust portion can protrude downward from the heat-resistant support portion.

[0015] In some embodiments, the cell exhaust portion can be coupled to a lower portion of a cell exhaust hole of the battery cell, and the heat-resistant exhaust portion can be coupled to the cell exhaust hole.

[0016] In some embodiments, the heat-resistant portion can be formed of an epoxy or a silicone material.

[0017] In some embodiments, an upper surface of the heat-resistant exhaust portion and an upper surface of the heat-resistant support portion can be coplanar.

[0018] In some embodiments, the heat-resistant exhaust portion can protrude upward from the heat-resistant support portion.

[0019] In some embodiments, the heat-resistant exhaust portion can be coupled to a bracket exhaust hole.

[0020] In some embodiments, an upper surface of the heat-resistant exhaust portion can be coplanar with an upper surface of the busbar bracket.

[0021] A method for manufacturing a battery module according to an embodiment of the disclosure to solve the technical problem can include: providing a plurality of battery cells arranged in a horizontal direction, each of the plurality of battery cells including a cell exhaust portion, a positive electrode terminal, and a negative electrode terminal; pouring a heat-resistant portion on the plurality of battery cells, the heat-resistant portion including a heat-resistant exhaust portion provided in an area corresponding to the cell exhaust portion and a heat-resistant support portion provided outside the heat-resistant exhaust portion; providing a busbar bracket disposed on the heat-resistant portion, the busbar bracket including a bracket exhaust hole provided in an area corresponding to the heat-resistant exhaust portion and a busbar hole provided in an area corresponding to the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal; and providing a plurality of busbars disposed on the heat-resistant portion and connecting the positive electrode terminals and the negative electrode terminals of the plurality of battery cells.

[0022] A method for manufacturing a battery module according to an embodiment of the disclosure to solve the technical problem can include: providing a plurality of battery cells arranged in a horizontal direction, each of the plurality of battery cells including a cell exhaust portion, a positive electrode terminal, and a negative electrode terminal; providing a bus bar support disposed on the plurality of battery cells, the bus bar support including a support exhaust hole provided in an area corresponding to the cell exhaust portion and a bus bar hole provided in an area corresponding to the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal; injecting a heat-resistant portion between the plurality of battery cells and the bus bar support, the heat-resistant portion including a heat-resistant exhaust portion provided in an area corresponding to the cell exhaust portion and a heat-resistant support portion provided outside the heat-resistant exhaust portion; and providing a plurality of bus bars disposed on the heat-resistant portion and connecting the positive electrode terminals and the negative electrode terminals of the plurality of battery cells.

[0023] As described above, according to the present disclosure, a battery module capable of preventing heat propagation and thermal runaway is provided.

[0024] However, aspects and features of the disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other aspects and features not explicitly described herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of example embodiments of the disclosure described below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0025] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a prismatic battery according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view taken along line 1b-1b in FIG. 1A

[0027] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B is a perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B shows an example of a vehicle body and a vehicle to which one or more embodiments of the disclosure can be applied.

[0030] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5D illustrates a method for charging a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating an example battery module according to the disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 7 is FIG. 6 is a magnified view of a partial area of is a magnified view of a partial area of

[0033] FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken from a portion of FIG. 6 .

[0034] FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken from a portion of FIG. 6 .

[0035] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing an exemplary battery module according to the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing an exemplary battery module according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] In this document, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms or words used in the present specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to generally used meanings or dictionary meanings, and should be interpreted based on the concept of a term in consideration of the technical idea of the present disclosure that the inventor can invent for his / her own dictionary definer in the best way. Accordingly, the meaning and concept of the terms should be interpreted as the meaning and concept consistent with the technical idea of the present disclosure.

[0038] The embodiments described in the present specification and the configurations shown in the accompanying drawings are only some of the embodiments of the present disclosure, and do not represent all technical ideas, aspects, and features of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that, at the time of filing the present application, various equivalents and modifications that can substitute or modify the embodiments described herein can exist.

[0039] It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on" another element or layer, "connected to" or "coupled to" another element or layer, it can be directly on the other element or layer, directly connected to or coupled to the other element or layer, or one or more intervening elements or layers can also be present. When an element or layer is referred to as being "directly on" another element or layer, "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. For example, when a first element is described as being "coupled" or "connected" to a second element, the first element can be directly coupled or connected to the second element, or the first element can be indirectly coupled or connected to the second element via one or more intervening elements.

[0040] In the diagrams, the size of various elements, layers, etc., can be exaggerated for clarity. The same reference numbers can be used in different drawings to indicate the same or similar elements. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. In addition, usage of “can,” “may,” “might,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “might,” “will,” and the like, throughout this disclosure, are used to describe optional one or more embodiments. The phrase “at least one of” followed by a list of two or more items, such as “at least one of A and B,” is intended to cover the respective items in the list individually, as well as in any combination. For example, “at least one of A and B” is intended to cover: A alone, B alone, as well as any combination of A and B. The phrase “one or more of’ followed by a list of two or more items, such as “one or more of A, B, and C,” is intended to cover the respective items in the list individually, as well as in any combination. For example, “one or more of A, B, and C” is intended to cover: A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B in combination, A and C in combination, B and C in combination, as well as A and B and C in combination. As used herein, the term “use” can be considered synonymous with the term “utilize.” As used herein, the terms “substantially,” “approximately,” and like terms are used as terms of approximation and not as terms of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent variations in a measurement or calculation that would be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0041] It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc. can be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another element, component, region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

[0042] Spatially relative terms (such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like) can be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature’s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientations depicted in the figures. For example, if a device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” or “over” the other elements or features. Thus, the term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device can be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. Well-known function modules can have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the description of the example embodiments.

[0043] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments of the present disclosure and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0044] Further, any numerical ranges herein are intended to include all sub-ranges of the same numerical precision, i.e. 1.0 to 10.0 is intended to include 2.4 to 7.6, etc. Any maximum numerical limitation

[0045] Referring to two compared elements, features, etc. as "the same" can mean that they are "substantially the same." Thus, the phrase "substantially the same" can include cases where there is a deviation that is considered low in the art (e.g., a deviation of 5% or less). Additionally, when a parameter is said to be uniform in a given region, it can mean that it is uniform in terms of average value.

[0046] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise indicated, each element can be singular or plural.

[0047] When any element is referred to as being "on" or "above" or "positioned on" a component, it can mean that the element is placed in contact with the upper surface (or lower surface) of the component, or it can mean that another component can be interposed between the component and any element that is "on" or "below" the component.

[0048] Additionally, it will be understood that, when a component is referred to as being "coupled," "linked," or "connected" to another component, it can be directly coupled, linked, or connected to the other component or intervening components can be present between them such that the component can be "coupled," "linked," or "connected" to the other component via the intervening component. Additionally, when a part is referred to as being "electrically coupled" to another part, the part can be directly connected to the other part or intervening parts can be present between them such that the part and the other part are indirectly connected to each other.

[0049] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise indicated, when it is stated that "A and / or B," it means A, B, or A and B. That is, "and / or" includes any one or all combinations of the listed items. Unless otherwise stated, when it is stated that "C ~ D," it means C or more and D or less.

[0050] A battery pack according to one or more embodiments includes at least one battery module and a pack case having an accommodation space in which the at least one battery module is accommodated.

[0051] The battery module can include a plurality of battery cells and a module case. The battery cells can be accommodated inside the module case in a stacked form (or stacked arrangement or configuration). Each battery cell can have a positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal, and can be cylindrical, prismatic, or pouch-shaped according to the shape of the battery. In the present specification, the battery cell can also be referred to as a secondary battery, a battery, or a cell.

[0052] In the battery pack, one cell stack can constitute one module in place of a battery module stack. The cell stack can be accommodated in the accommodation space of the pack case, or can be accommodated in an accommodation space partitioned by a frame, a partition wall, or the like.

[0053] The battery cells can generate a large amount of heat during charging / discharging. The generated heat can accumulate in the battery cells, thereby accelerating deterioration of the battery cells. Accordingly, the battery pack can further include a cooling member to remove the generated heat, thereby inhibiting deterioration of the battery cells. The cooling member can be provided at a bottom of the accommodation space in which the battery cells are provided, but is not limited thereto, and can be provided at a top or a side depending on the battery pack.

[0054] The battery cells can be configured such that exhaust gas generated inside the battery cells under an abnormal operating condition (also referred to as thermal runaway or a thermal event) is discharged to the outside of the battery cells. The battery pack or the battery module can include an exhaust port for discharging the exhaust gas to prevent or reduce damage of the battery pack or the battery module by the exhaust gas.

[0055] A battery pack can include a battery and a battery management system (BMS) for managing the battery. The battery management system can include a detection device, an equalization device, and a control device. A battery module can include a plurality of cells connected in series and / or in parallel to each other. The battery modules can be connected in series and / or in parallel to each other.

[0056] The detection device can detect a state (e.g., voltage, current, temperature, etc.) of the battery to output state information indicating the state of the battery. The detection device can detect a voltage of each cell or each battery module constituting the battery. The detection device can detect a current flowing through each battery module constituting the battery module or the battery pack. The detection device can also detect a temperature of the cell and / or the module at at least one point of the battery and / or an ambient temperature.

[0057] The equalization device can perform an equalization operation of the battery module and / or the cell constituting the battery module. The control device can receive state information (e.g., voltage, current, temperature, etc.) of the battery module from the detection device. The control device can monitor and calculate a state (e.g., voltage, current, temperature, state of charge (SOC), life (state of health (SOH), etc.) of the battery module based on the state information received from the detection device. In addition, based on the monitored state information, the control device can perform a control function (e.g., temperature control, equalization control, charge / discharge control, etc.) and a protection function (e.g., over-discharge, over-charge, over-current protection, short circuit, fire extinguishing function, etc.). In addition, the control device can perform a wired or wireless communication function with an external device (e.g., a higher-level controller or a vehicle, a charger, a power conversion system, etc.) of the battery pack.

[0058] The control device can control a charge / discharge operation and a protection operation of the battery. To this end, the control device can include a charge / discharge control unit, an equalization control unit, and / or a protection unit.

[0059] The battery management system is a system that monitors a state of the battery and performs a diagnosis as well as a control, communication, and protection function, and can calculate a charge / discharge state, calculate a battery life or a state of health (SOH), cut off a battery power source (e.g., relay control) if necessary, control a thermal management (e.g., cooling, heating, etc.), perform a high voltage interlock function, and / or can detect and / or calculate an insulation and a short circuit condition.

[0060] The relay can be a mechanical contactor turned on and off by a magnetic force of a coil, or a semiconductor switch such as a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET).

[0061] The relay control has a function of cutting off the power supply of the battery if (or when) a problem occurs in the vehicle and the battery system, and can include one or more relays and pre-charge relays at the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal, respectively.

[0062] In the pre-charge control, there is a risk of a surge current occurring in the high-voltage capacitor at the input side of the inverter when the battery load is connected. Therefore, in order to prevent a surge current when starting the vehicle, the pre-charge relay can be operated before the main relay is connected, and a pre-charge resistor can be connected.

[0063] The high-voltage interlock is a circuit that uses a small signal to detect whether all high-voltage components of the entire vehicle system have been connected, and can have a function of forcibly opening the relay if (or when) an open circuit occurs at even one location on the entire loop.

[0064] FIG. 1A is a perspective view illustrating a secondary battery according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view taken along line 1b-1b in FIG. 1A .

[0065] Referring to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B , a secondary battery 100 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure can include at least one electrode assembly 110 having a separator 113 as an insulator wound between a positive electrode 111 and a negative electrode 112, a case 120 in which the electrode assembly 110 is received (or housed), and a cap assembly 130 coupled to an opening of the case 120.

[0066] The secondary battery 100 according to one or more embodiments illustrated in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B will now be described as an example of a prismatic lithium ion secondary battery. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and suitable aspects, features, and principles described herein can be applied to various other types of batteries such as lithium polymer batteries and / or cylindrical batteries.

[0067] Each of the positive electrode 111 and the negative electrode 112 can include a current collector made of a thin metal foil, have a coated portion coated with an active material, and an uncoated portion 111a, 112a, respectively, which is not coated with the active material.

[0068] The positive electrode 111 and the negative electrode 112 can be wound after positioning the separator 113, which is an insulator, therebetween. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the electrode assembly 110 can have a structure in which the positive electrode 111 and the negative electrode 112, each of which is made of a plurality of sheets, are alternately stacked with the separator positioned therebetween.

[0069] The case 120 can form the overall appearance of the secondary battery 100, and can be made of an electrically conductive metal such as aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or nickel-plated steel. In addition, the case 120 can provide an internal space in which the electrode assembly 110 is accommodated.

[0070] The cover assembly 130 can include a cover plate 131 covering an opening in the case 120, and the case 120 and the cover plate 131 can be made of an electrically conductive material. The positive electrode terminal 121 and the negative electrode terminal 122 electrically connected to the positive electrode 111 and the negative electrode 112, respectively, can penetrate (or extend through) the cover plate 131 and protrude outwardly therefrom.

[0071] In addition, the outer peripheral surface (e.g., the circumferential surface) of the upper column of the positive electrode terminal 121 and the negative electrode terminal 122 protruding outwardly from the cover plate 131 can be threaded, and can be fixed to the cover plate 131 with a nut.

[0072] However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the positive electrode terminal 121 and the negative electrode terminal 122 can have a rivet structure, and can be riveted or welded to the cover plate 131.

[0073] In addition, the cover plate 131 can be made of a thin plate, and can be coupled to the opening in the case 120, and the electrolyte injection port 132 in which the sealing plug 133 can be installed can be located (e.g., formed) in the cover plate 131, and the single body exhaust portion 134 having the notch 134a can be provided in the cover plate 131.

[0074] The positive electrode terminal 121 and the negative electrode terminal 122 can be electrically connected to the positive electrode uncoated portion 111a and the negative electrode uncoated portion 112a by being bonded or coupled (e.g., by welding) to the current collectors including the first current collector 140 and the second current collector 150 (hereinafter referred to as positive electrode current collectors and negative electrode current collectors, respectively).

[0075] In one or more embodiments, the positive electrode terminal 121 and the negative electrode terminal 122 can be coupled to the positive electrode current collector 140 and the negative electrode current collector 150, respectively, by welding. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the positive electrode terminal 121 and the negative electrode terminal 122 and the positive electrode current collector 140 and the negative electrode current collector 150 can be integrally formed in one or more embodiments, or coupled in any other suitable manner.

[0076] In addition, the insulating members can be between the electrode assembly 110 and the cover plate 131. The insulating members can include a first lower insulating member 160 and a second lower insulating member 170, and each of the first lower insulating member 160 and the second lower insulating member 170 can also have a portion located between the electrode assembly 110 and the case 120.

[0077] In addition, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, one end of the separation member 180 or 190 can face one side of the electrode assembly 110, and can be between one of the insulating members 160 and 170 and a corresponding one of the positive electrode terminal 121 and the negative electrode terminal 122.

[0078] In one or more embodiments, the separation member can include a first separation member 180 and a second separation member 190.

[0079] In one or more embodiments, the first end of the first separation member 180 and the second separation member 190, which faces one side of the electrode assembly 110, can be installed between one of the first lower insulating member 160 and the second lower insulating member 170 and a corresponding one of the positive electrode terminal 121 and the negative electrode terminal 122.

[0080] Accordingly, the positive electrode terminal 121 and the negative electrode terminal 122, which can be respectively coupled to the positive electrode current collector 140 and the negative electrode current collector 150 by welding, can be respectively coupled to the first lower insulating member 160 and the second lower insulating member 170 and respectively coupled to the first end of the first separation member 180 and the first end of the second separation member 190.

[0081] FIG. 2 A perspective view of a battery module according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0082] Reference FIG. 2 A battery module 200 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure includes electrode terminals 121 and 122, a plurality of battery cells 100 (including battery cells 100a, 100b, etc.) arranged in one direction, a plurality of connection tabs 220 each connecting the battery cell 100a to an adjacent battery cell 100b, and a protection circuit module 230 connected to the connection tabs 220. The protection circuit module 230 can include a battery management system (BMS). In one or more embodiments, each connection tab 220 can include a body portion in contact with the electrode terminals 121 and 122 of the adjacent battery cells 100a and 100b, and an extension portion extending from the body portion and connected to the protection circuit module 230. The connection tab 220 can be, for example, a bus bar.

[0083] Each battery cell 100 can include a battery case, an electrode assembly received (or housed) in the battery case, and an electrolyte. The electrode assembly and the electrolyte undergo an electrochemical reaction to store and release (e.g., generate) energy. An electrode terminal 121 and 122 electrically connected to the connection tab 220 and a cell gas exhaust portion 134 configured to form a discharge passage for gas generated inside the battery case can be provided at one side (e.g., an upper side) of the battery cell 100. The electrode terminals 121 and 122 of the battery cell 100 can be a positive electrode terminal 121 and a negative electrode terminal 122 having different polarities from each other, and the electrode terminals 121 and 122 of adjacent battery cells 100a and 100b can be electrically connected to each other in series or in parallel through the connection tab 220, which will be described in more detail below. Although a series connection has been described as an embodiment, the connection structure is not limited thereto, and various connection structures can be employed in other embodiments. In addition, the number and arrangement of battery cells are not limited to FIG. 2 the structure shown in FIG. 1, and can be changed as desired or needed.

[0084] The plurality of battery cells 100 can be arranged (e.g., can be stacked) in one direction such that the wide surfaces of the battery cells 100 face each other, and the plurality of battery cells 100 can be fixed by the cases 261, 262, 263, and 264. The cases 261, 262, 263, and 264 can include a pair of end plates 261 and 262 facing the wide surfaces of the battery cells 100, a pair of side plates 263 facing the narrow surfaces of the battery cells 100, and a bottom plate 264 connecting the pair of end plates 261 and 262 to each other. The side plates 263 can support the side surfaces (i.e., narrow surfaces) of the battery cells 100, and the bottom plate 264 can support the bottom surface of the battery cells 100. In addition, the pair of end plates 261 and 262, the side plates 263, and the bottom plate 264 can be connected by bolts 265 and / or any other suitable fastening members and / or methods known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0085] The protection circuit module 230 can have electronic components and protection circuits mounted thereon and can be electrically connected to the connection tabs 220, which will be described later in more detail. The protection circuit module 230 includes a first protection circuit module 230a and a second protection circuit module 230b extending in a direction along which the plurality of battery cells 100 are arranged (e.g., extending in the Y direction) at different positions. The first protection circuit module 230a and the second protection circuit module 230b can be spaced apart from each other at a suitable interval (e.g., a predetermined interval) (e.g., in the X direction) and arranged in parallel (or substantially parallel) to each other to be electrically connected to different groups of the connection tabs 220. In one or more embodiments, the first protection circuit module 230a extends in the direction (e.g., the Y direction) along which the plurality of battery cells 100 are arranged on one side of an upper portion of the plurality of battery cells 100, and the second protection circuit module 230b extends in the direction along which the plurality of battery cells 100 are arranged on the other side of the upper portion of the plurality of battery cells 100. The second protection circuit module 230b can be spaced apart from the first protection circuit module 230a at a suitable interval (e.g., a predetermined interval) with the cell vent portion 134 between the first protection circuit module 230a and the second protection circuit module 230b. The cell vent portion 134 can be parallel to the first protection circuit module 230a and the second protection circuit module 230b. Thereby, the two protection circuit modules 230a, 230b are spaced apart from each other side by side in a direction (e.g., the X direction) intersecting the direction (e.g., the Y direction) along which the plurality of battery cells 100 are arranged, thereby reducing or minimizing the area of a printed circuit board (PCB) constituting the protection circuit module. By separately configuring the protection circuit module as the two protection circuit modules 230a, 230b, it is possible to reduce or minimize unnecessary PCB area. In addition, the first protection circuit module 230a and the second protection circuit module 230b can be connected to each other by a conductive connection member 250. One side of the conductive connection member 250 is connected to the first protection circuit module 230a, and the other side of the conductive connection member 250 is connected to the second protection circuit module 230b, so that the two protection circuit modules 230a and 230b can be electrically connected to each other.

[0086] The connection can be performed by soldering, resistance welding, laser welding, projection welding, and / or any other suitable connection method known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0087] In one or more embodiments, the connection member 250 can be, for example, an electric wire. Also, the connection member 250 can be made of a material having elasticity or flexibility. The connection member 250 is capable of checking and / or managing whether the voltage, temperature, and / or current of the plurality of battery cells 100 are normal. In one or more embodiments, information (such as voltage, current, and / or temperature) received by the first protection circuit module 230a from the connection tab 220 adjacent to the first protection circuit module 230a and information (such as voltage, current, and / or temperature) received by the second protection circuit module 230b from the connection tab 220 adjacent to the second protection circuit module 230b can be integrated and managed by the protection circuit module 230 through the connection member 250.

[0088] Also, when the battery cell 100 swells, an impact can be absorbed due to the elasticity or flexibility of the connection member 250, thereby preventing the first protection circuit module 230a and the second protection circuit module 230b from being damaged.

[0089] Also, the shape and structure of the connection member 250 are not limited to FIG. 2 the shapes and structures illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11B.

[0090] As described above, because the protection circuit module 230 is provided as the first protection circuit module 230a and the second protection circuit module 230b, the area of the PCB of the protection circuit module 230 can be reduced or minimized, and the space inside the battery module 200 can be accessible, which improves work efficiency by facilitating the connection of the connection tab 220 and the protection circuit module 230 and facilitating the performance of repair work when an abnormality is detected in the battery module 200.

[0091] FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B A battery pack according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure is illustrated.

[0092] The battery pack 300 can include a plurality of battery modules 200 and a housing 310 for accommodating the plurality of battery modules 200. In one or more embodiments, the housing 310 can include a first housing 311 and a second housing 312 coupled in opposite directions (for example, an upward direction and a downward direction) around the plurality of battery modules 200. The plurality of battery modules 200 can be electrically connected to each other by using bus bars 251 (illustrated in FIG. 11B), and the plurality of battery modules 200 can be electrically connected to each other in series, in parallel, or in a combination of series and parallel (that is, a series-parallel hybrid method), thereby obtaining a desired (for example, required) electrical output. FIG. 3B

[0093] FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B A vehicle body and a vehicle having a battery pack according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure are illustrated.​

[0094] In FIG. 4A , the battery pack 300 can include a battery pack cover 311' that is a part of the vehicle floor 410 and a pack frame 312' under the vehicle floor 410. The pack frame 312' and the battery pack cover 311' can be integrated with a vehicle floor 420 of the vehicle.

[0095] The vehicle floor 410 separates the inside and outside of the vehicle, and the pack frame 312' can be outside of the vehicle.

[0096] FIG. 4B is a schematic side view of a vehicle according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0097] The vehicle 500 can be formed by combining additional parts, such as a hood 510 in front of the vehicle and bumpers 520 in front of and behind the vehicle, respectively, to the body 400.

[0098] The vehicle 500 can further include a vehicle floor 420 that is one of the body parts including the battery pack 300, the battery pack 300 including the pack frame 312' and the battery pack cover 311'.

[0099] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5D A method for charging a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. The secondary battery can be charged and discharged, for example, in the following manner:

[0100] <<CCCV (Constant Current - Constant Voltage) charging>>

[0101] CCCV charging is a charging method that performs constant current (CC) charging until a voltage reaches a suitable voltage or a reference voltage (e.g., a predetermined voltage) and then performs constant voltage (CV) charging until an amount of current flowing is reduced until a final current value is achieved.

[0102] During CC charging, as shown in FIG. 5A , a switch of a constant current power source is turned on and a switch of a constant voltage power source is turned off, so that a constant (or substantially constant) current I flows through the secondary battery. During CC charging, since the current I is constant, a voltage VR applied to an internal resistor R is also constant according to Ohm's law (V R = R x I). In addition, a voltage V C applied to a secondary battery capacitor C increases over time. Accordingly, a secondary battery voltage V B may increase over time.

[0103] When the secondary battery voltage V B reaches a suitable voltage or a reference voltage (e.g., a predetermined voltage) (e.g., about (approximately) 4.3 V) (or if the secondary battery voltage VB Once a suitable voltage or reference voltage (e.g., a predetermined voltage) is reached (e.g., approximately 4.3V), CC charging switches to CV charging. During CV charging, as... FIG. 5B As shown, the constant voltage power supply is switched on and the constant current power supply is switched off, causing the secondary battery voltage V to... B Constant (or substantially constant). The voltage V applied to the secondary battery capacitor C. C Increases over time. Because V B =V R +V C Therefore, the voltage V applied to the internal resistor R R It decreases with time. As the voltage VR applied to the internal resistor R decreases, according to Ohm's law (V... R =R×I), the current I flowing through the secondary battery can also be reduced.

[0104] Charging terminates when the current I flowing through the secondary battery reaches a suitable current or reference current (e.g., a predetermined current) (e.g., approximately 0.01C) (or if the current I flowing through the secondary battery reaches a suitable current or reference current (e.g., a predetermined current) (e.g., approximately 0.01C)). When CCCV charging is complete (or if CCCV charging is complete), all switches are open, and the current I becomes 0, as... FIG. 5C As shown. Therefore, the voltage VR applied to the internal resistor R becomes 0V (or approximately 0V). Accordingly, even when preventing the voltage drop across the internal resistor R, the secondary battery voltage V B Basically, it doesn't decrease (e.g., the secondary battery voltage V). B (essentially constant).

[0105] FIG. 5D This shows the secondary battery voltage V during CCCV charging and after CCCV charging is terminated. B A graph showing the charging current. (e.g.) FIG. 5D As shown, after CCCV charging is terminated, the secondary battery voltage V B Essentially, it does not decrease (e.g., the secondary battery voltage V after CCCV charging is terminated). B (essentially constant).

[0106] FIG. 6 This is a perspective view showing a battery module 200A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 yes FIG. 6 Enlarged view of a portion of the area. FIG. 8 From FIG. 6 A magnified sectional perspective view of a portion of the section, and FIG. 9 From FIG. 7 An enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the cut.

[0107] As shown, the battery module 200A according to one embodiment of the disclosure can include a plurality of battery cells 100, a heat-resistant portion 270, a busbar bracket 280, and a busbar 220. FIG. 6 to FIG. 9

[0108] The plurality of battery cells 100 can be arranged in a horizontal direction (e.g., along the Y-axis direction).

[0109] As described above, the plurality of battery cells 100 can be on the cooling member 273. Also, as described above, the plurality of battery cells 100 can be fixed by the housings 261, 262, and 263 (see FIG. 2 ) In one or more embodiments, the side housing 263 can include an opening, and thus some side portions of the battery cell 100 can be exposed to the outside through the opening.

[0110] As described above, each of the plurality of battery cells 100 can include a cell exhaust portion 134 (or an exhaust portion), a positive electrode terminal 121, and a negative electrode terminal 122 (see FIG. 1A , FIG. 1B and FIG. 2 ) In one or more embodiments, for each battery cell 100, the positive electrode terminal 121 and the negative electrode terminal 122 can be on opposite sides of the cell exhaust portion 134.

[0111] The heat-resistant portion 270 can be cast on the plurality of battery cells 100. The heat-resistant portion 270 can include a plurality of heat-resistant exhaust portions 271 and a heat-resistant support portion 272 (see FIG. 9 ). The heat-resistant exhaust portions 271 can be provided in one or more regions corresponding to the cell exhaust portions 134 of the battery cells 100 (e.g., the heat-resistant exhaust portions 271 can be aligned or substantially aligned with the cell exhaust portions 134). Each heat-resistant exhaust portion 271 can include a substantially flat upper surface 2711 and a substantially flat lower surface 2712 opposite the upper surface 2711. The heat-resistant support portion 272 can be outside the heat-resistant exhaust portions 271. The heat-resistant support portion 272 can include a substantially flat upper surface 2721 and a substantially flat lower surface 2722 opposite the upper surface 2721. In one or more embodiments, the heat-resistant support portion 272 can be between the plurality of battery cells 100 and the busbar bracket 280. In one or more embodiments, the heat-resistant support portion 272 can be on (e.g., directly on) the cover plate 131 of the battery cell 100.

[0112] ​Each heat-resistant vent portion 271 can include a notch 2713 having a depth. In one or more embodiments, the notch 2713 can extend downward from the upper surface 2711 of the heat-resistant vent portion 271 toward the lower surface 2712. In one or more embodiments, the notch 2713 can taper in width from the upper surface 2711 of the heat-resistant vent portion 271 to the lower surface 2712 of the heat-resistant vent portion 271.

[0113] In one or more embodiments, the depth of the notch 2713 can be approximately 1 / 3 to approximately 2 / 3 of the total thickness of the heat-resistant vent portion 271. If the depth of the notch 2713 is less than approximately 1 / 3 of the total thickness of the heat-resistant vent portion 271, the heat-resistant vent portion 271 can not break when an event (e.g., flame emission) occurs in any of the battery cells 100, and thus the internal flame of the battery cell 100 can not be discharged to the outside. If the depth of the notch 2713 is greater than approximately 2 / 3 of the total thickness of the heat-resistant vent portion 271 (deeper than that), the heat-resistant vent portion 271 can break too easily when a relatively small external impact is applied to the battery module 200A or the battery cell 100.

[0114] In one or more embodiments, the planar shape of the notch 2713 can include a single straight line, a plurality of parallel straight lines, or a cross shape. Due to the shape of the notch 2713, the heat-resistant vent portion 271 can easily break when an event occurs in the battery cell 100, and the internal flame of the battery cell 100 can be discharged to the outside.

[0115] In one or more embodiments, each heat-resistant vent portion 271 can be in close proximity to (e.g., directly contact) and / or adhered to one of the cell vent portions 134 of the battery cell 100. Thus, when the cell vent portion 134 of the battery cell 100 breaks, the corresponding heat-resistant vent portion 271 can also easily break.

[0116] In one or more embodiments, the thickness of the heat-resistant vent portion 271 (or at least the thickness of the heat-resistant vent portion 271 at the notch 2713) can be less than the thickness of the heat-resistant support portion 272. In one or more embodiments, the upper surface 2711 of the heat-resistant vent portion 271 can be higher than the upper surface 2721 of the heat-resistant support portion 272. In one or more embodiments, the heat-resistant vent portion 271 can protrude upward from the heat-resistant support portion 272. In one or more embodiments, the upper surface 2711 of the heat-resistant vent portion 271 can be coplanar (or substantially coplanar) with the upper surface 2721 of the heat-resistant support portion 272. In one or more embodiments, the lower surface 2712 of the heat-resistant vent portion 271 can be lower than the lower surface 2722 of the heat-resistant support portion 272. In one or more embodiments, the heat-resistant vent portion 271 can protrude downward from the heat-resistant support portion 272.

[0117] In one or more embodiments, the cell exhaust portion 134 can be coupled to the cell exhaust hole 1311 of the battery cell 100, and the corresponding heat-resistant exhaust portion 271 can be coupled to or inserted into the cell exhaust hole 1311. In one or more embodiments, the cell exhaust portion 134 can be coupled to a substantially central region of the cell exhaust hole 1311 in a height direction (e.g., a Z-axis direction), and the heat-resistant exhaust portion 271 connected to the cell exhaust hole 1311 can extend to the substantially central region. In one or more embodiments, the cell exhaust portion 134 can be coupled to a substantially lower region (e.g., a lower portion) of the cell exhaust hole 1311 in a height direction (e.g., a Z-axis direction), and the heat-resistant exhaust portion 271 can extend to the substantially lower region of the cell exhaust hole 1311.

[0118] In one or more embodiments, the heat-resistant portion 270 can include an epoxy material or a silicone material. In one or more embodiments, the epoxy material can include an epoxy resin, a curing agent, and an inorganic filler. In one or more embodiments, the silicone material can include a silicone resin, a curing agent, and an inorganic filler. The weight ratio of the inorganic filler with respect to the heat-resistant portion 270 can be substantially 5 wt% to substantially 95 wt%. If the weight ratio of the inorganic filler is less than substantially 5 wt%, processability is excellent due to low viscosity, but heat resistance can be reduced. If the weight ratio of the inorganic filler is greater than substantially 95 wt%, heat resistance is excellent, but processability can be reduced due to high viscosity. The inorganic filler can include nano- or micro-sized silica, alumina, glass fiber, magnesium oxide, etc.

[0119] The busbar support 280 can be on (e.g., directly on) the heat-resistant portion 270. The busbar support 280 can include a substantially flat upper surface 2801 and a substantially flat lower surface 2802 opposite the upper surface 2801. In one or more embodiments, the lower surface 2802 of the busbar support 280 can be in close proximity to (e.g., contact or directly contact) the upper surface 2721 of the heat-resistant support portion 272. In one or more embodiments, the upper surface 2801 of the busbar support 280 can be exposed to the outside. In one or more embodiments, the busbar support 280 can include support vent holes 281 in regions corresponding to locations of the heat-resistant vent portions 271 and busbar holes 282 in regions corresponding to locations of the positive electrode terminals 121 and the negative electrode terminals 122 of each battery cell 100. The busbar support 280 can be or include an insulating member or an insulating plate. The busbar support 280 can include polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The busbar support 280 supports a plurality of busbars 220, which will be described later, and prevents the battery cells 100 from directly electrically or mechanically contacting various electrical components located outside the battery module 200A.

[0120] In one or more embodiments, each heat-resistant vent portion 271 can protrude upward from the heat-resistant support portion 272. In one or more embodiments, the heat-resistant vent portion 271 can be coupled to or inserted into the support vent hole 281 of the busbar support 280. In one or more embodiments, the lower surface 2712 of the heat-resistant vent portion 271 can be lower than the lower surface 2722 of the heat-resistant support portion 272. In one or more embodiments, the heat-resistant vent portion 271 can protrude downward from the heat-resistant support portion 272.

[0121] In one or more embodiments, the upper surface 2711 of each heat-resistant vent portion 271 can be higher than the upper surface 2801 of the busbar support 280. In one or more embodiments, the upper surface 2711 of the heat-resistant vent portion 271 can be coplanar (or substantially coplanar) with the upper surface 2801 of the busbar support 280. In one or more embodiments, the upper surface 2711 of each heat-resistant vent portion 271 and the upper surface 2721 of the heat-resistant support portion 272 can be coplanar (or substantially coplanar) with each other. In one or more embodiments, the upper surface 2711 of each heat-resistant vent portion 271 can be coplanar (or substantially coplanar) with the lower surface 2802 of the busbar support 280. In one or more embodiments, the upper surface 2711 of each heat-resistant vent portion 271 can be located below the support vent hole 281.

[0122] The plurality of busbars 220 can be on the heat-resistant portion 270 and electrically connected to the positive electrode terminals 121 and the negative electrode terminals 122 of the plurality of battery cells 100. In one or more embodiments, one busbar 220 can electrically connect the positive electrode terminal 121 of the battery cell 100a (see FIG. 2 ) on one side and the negative electrode terminal 122 of the battery cell 100b (see FIG. 2 ) on the other side, such that the battery cells 100 are connected in series. In one or more embodiments, one busbar 220 can electrically connect the positive electrode terminal 121 (or the negative electrode terminal 122) of the battery cell 100a on one side and the positive electrode terminal 121 (or the negative electrode terminal 122) of the battery cell 100b on the other side, such that the battery cells 100 are connected in parallel. In one or more embodiments, each busbar 220 can be located in one of the busbar holes 282 of the busbar holder 280.

[0123] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing the battery module 200A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 6 to FIG. 10 , the method for manufacturing the exemplary battery module 200A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can include the following steps: (S11) providing a plurality of battery cells 100; (S12) pouring a heat-resistant portion 270; (S13) providing a busbar holder 280; and (S14) providing a plurality of busbars 220.

[0124] In the step (S11) of providing a plurality of battery cells 100, a plurality of battery cells 100 arranged in a horizontal direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction) can be provided. In one or more embodiments, each of the plurality of battery cells 100 can include a cell exhaust portion 134, a positive electrode terminal 121, and a negative electrode terminal 122.

[0125] In the step (S12) of pouring the heat-resistant portion 270, the heat-resistant portion 270 can be poured on the plurality of battery cells 100. In one or more embodiments, the liquid heat-resistant epoxy material or silicone material can be poured through a dispenser and then cured. In one or more embodiments, the heat-resistant material can be naturally cured for approximately 5 minutes to approximately 20 minutes. In one or more embodiments, heat and / or light can be additionally provided to rapidly cure the heat-resistant material. After the curing process, the heat-resistant portion 270 is substantially flat on the plurality of battery cells 100. The heat-resistant portion 270 can include the heat-resistant vent portions 271 provided in regions corresponding to the locations of the cell vent portions 134 of the battery cells 100 and the heat-resistant support portions 272 provided on the cover plates 131 of the battery cells 100 outside the heat-resistant vent portions 271. In one or more embodiments, straight or cross-shaped notches 2713 can be formed on or in the heat-resistant vent portions 271 before the heat-resistant portion 270 is cured. In one or more embodiments, a grooving tool can be pressed onto the heat-resistant vent portions 271 before the heat-resistant portion 270 is cured, thereby providing notches 2713 having a depth in each of the heat-resistant vent portions 271. In one or more embodiments, the heat-resistant portion 270 can not be provided in regions corresponding to the positive electrode terminals 121 and the negative electrode terminals 122 of each of the battery cells 100. In one or more embodiments, the heat-resistant portion 270 can be poured and cured around the positive electrode terminals 121 and the negative electrode terminals 122 of each of the battery cells 100, and thus the heat-resistant portion 270 can be exposed to the outside. In one or more embodiments, a fence or a boundary member can be installed around the upper surfaces of the battery cells 100 when the heat-resistant material is poured, to prevent the heat-resistant material from flowing into an unnecessary region.

[0126] In the step (S13) of providing the busbar holder 280, the busbar holder 280 can be provided on the heat-resistant portion 270. In one or more embodiments, the busbar holder 280 can be provided before the heat-resistant portion 270 is cured. In one or more embodiments, the busbar holder 280 can be provided after the heat-resistant portion 270 is cured. In one or more embodiments, the busbar holder 280 can include the holder vent holes 281 in regions corresponding to the heat-resistant vent portions 271 and the busbar holes 282 in regions corresponding to the positive electrode terminals 121 and the negative electrode terminals 122 of each of the battery cells 100.

[0127] In the step (S14) of providing the busbar 220, the positive electrode terminals 121 and the negative electrode terminals 122 of each of the plurality of battery cells 100 can be connected to the busbar 220 on the heat-resistant portion 270. In one or more embodiments, the positive electrode terminals 121 of the battery cells 100a (see FIG. 2 ) on one side and the negative electrode terminals 122 of the battery cells 100b (see FIG. 2The negative electrode terminals 122 of the battery cells 100 can be connected to the bus bars 220 so that the battery cells 100 are connected in series. In one or more embodiments, the positive electrode terminals 121 of the battery cells 100a on one side and the positive electrode terminals 121 of the battery cells 100b on the other side can be connected to the bus bars 220 so that the battery cells 100 are connected in parallel.

[0128] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing the battery module 200A according to one embodiment of the disclosure. Referring to FIG. 6 to FIG. 9 and FIG. 11 , the method for manufacturing the battery module 200A according to one embodiment of the disclosure can include the steps of (S21) providing a plurality of battery cells 100; (S22) providing a bus bar holder 280; (S23) injecting a heat-resistant portion 270; and (S24) providing a plurality of bus bars 220. Except for the order of the step of providing the bus bar holder 280 and the step of injecting the heat-resistant portion 270, the method for manufacturing the battery module 200A according to one embodiment of the disclosure is the same as or similar to the method for manufacturing the battery module 200A illustrated in FIG. 11 FIG. 10 The manufacturing method illustrated in is the same as or similar to the manufacturing method illustrated in. Therefore, only the differences will be explained.

[0129] In the step of providing the bus bar holder 280 (S22), the bus bar holder 280 can be provided on the plurality of battery cells 100. In one or more embodiments, the bus bar holder 280 can include a plurality of holder exhaust holes 281 provided in a region corresponding to the cell exhaust portion 134 of the battery cell 100 and a plurality of bus bar holes 282 provided in a region corresponding to the positive electrode terminal 121 and the negative electrode terminal 122 of the battery cell 100.

[0130] ​In a step of pouring the heat-resistant portion 270 (S23), the heat-resistant portion 270 can be poured in a space between the plurality of battery cells 100 and the busbar bracket 280. In one or more embodiments, a liquid heat-resistant epoxy material or a silicone material can be poured into the space between the plurality of battery cells 100 and the busbar bracket 280 through a dispenser and then cured. After the curing process, the heat-resistant portion 270 can be substantially flat and can be provided between the plurality of battery cells 100 and the busbar bracket 280. The heat-resistant portion 270 can include a plurality of heat-resistant vent portions 271, and each heat-resistant vent portion 271 can be provided in an area corresponding to one of the cell vent portions 134 of one of the battery cells 100 and a corresponding bracket vent hole 281 of the busbar bracket 280. The heat-resistant portion 270 can also include a heat-resistant support portion 272 provided between one of the battery cells 100 and the busbar bracket 280 outside the corresponding heat-resistant vent portion 271. In one or more embodiments, straight or cross-shaped notches 2713 can be provided on the heat-resistant vent portions 271 before the heat-resistant portion 270 is cured. In one or more embodiments, a slotting tool can be pressed onto the heat-resistant vent portions 271 before the heat-resistant portion 270 is cured, thereby providing notches 2713 having a depth. In one or more embodiments, a fence or a boundary member can be installed around the battery cells 100 and the busbar bracket 280 when pouring the heat-resistant material, to prevent the heat-resistant material from flowing into an unwanted area.

[0131] Although the present disclosure has been described through limited embodiments and drawings, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. However, those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains can make various modifications and changes within the scope of equivalents of the technical idea of the present disclosure and within the scope of the utility model as set forth in the claims.

Claims

1. A battery module, characterized by, The battery module includes: a plurality of battery cells arranged in a horizontal direction, each of the plurality of battery cells including a cell exhaust portion, a positive electrode terminal, and a negative electrode terminal; a heat-resistant portion cast on the plurality of battery cells, the heat-resistant portion including a heat-resistant exhaust portion in a region corresponding to the cell exhaust portion of each of the plurality of battery cells and a heat-resistant support portion outside the heat-resistant exhaust portion; a bus bar support on the heat-resistant portion, the bus bar support including a support exhaust hole in a region corresponding to the heat-resistant exhaust portion and bus bar holes in regions corresponding to the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal of each of the plurality of battery cells; and a plurality of bus bars on the heat-resistant portion and connected to the positive electrode terminals and the negative electrode terminals of the plurality of battery cells.

2. The battery module of claim 1, wherein, The heat-resistant exhaust portion includes a notch.

3. The battery module of claim 2, wherein, A depth of the notch is 1 / 3 to 2 / 3 of a thickness of the heat-resistant exhaust portion.

4. The battery module of claim 2, wherein, A planar shape of the notch includes a cross shape.

5. The battery module of claim 1, wherein, The heat-resistant exhaust portion contacts the cell exhaust portion.

6. The battery module of claim 1, wherein, A thickness of the heat-resistant exhaust portion is greater than a thickness of the heat-resistant support portion.

7. The battery module of claim 1, wherein, The heat-resistant exhaust portion protrudes downward from the heat-resistant support portion.

8. The battery module of claim 1, wherein, The cell exhaust portion is coupled to a lower portion of a cell exhaust hole of each of the plurality of battery cells, and wherein the heat-resistant exhaust portion is coupled to the cell exhaust hole.

9. The battery module of claim 1, wherein, The heat-resistant portion is formed of an epoxy material or a silicone material.

10. The battery module of claim 1, wherein, An upper surface of the heat-resistant exhaust portion and an upper surface of the heat-resistant support portion are coplanar.

11. The battery module of claim 1, wherein, The heat-resistant exhaust portion protrudes upward from the heat-resistant support portion.

12. The battery module of claim 1, wherein, The heat-resistant exhaust portion is coupled to the support exhaust hole.

13. The battery module of claim 1, wherein, An upper surface of the heat-resistant exhaust portion is coplanar with an upper surface of the bus bar support.

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