Battery module and battery pack, which contains the same

Abstract

Battery module (200), including: a cell assembly (101) containing a plurality of battery cells (100); a busbar assembly (220) including an internal busbar (221) electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells (100) and a terminal busbar (223) electrically connected to the internal busbar (221); and a module housing (210) containing a module cover (211, 300) covering the cell assembly (101), wherein the module cover (300) contains: a first edge (301); a second edge (302), at least a portion of which is perpendicular to the first edge (301); a terminal receiving hole (310) receiving the terminal bus bar (223); a connector receiving hole (320) spaced from the terminal receiving hole (310); and a vent line portion (303) arranged to be oblique with respect to the first edge (301) and the second edge (302), and at least a portion of which faces the terminal receiving hole (310) or the connector receiving hole (320).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The disclosure and implementations disclosed in this patent document generally relate to a battery module and a battery pack incorporating the same. BACKGROUND

[0002] Unlike a primary battery, a secondary battery can be charged and discharged with electricity and can thus be used for devices within a variety of fields, such as a digital camera, a mobile phone, a laptop computer, a hybrid vehicle, an electric vehicle, an energy storage system (ESS), or the like. The secondary battery can be a lithium-ion battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, or a nickel-hydrogen battery.

[0003] The secondary battery can be manufactured as a pouch-type battery cell, which has flexibility, or a square or cylindrical can-type battery cell, which has rigidity. A cell assembly containing a plurality of battery cells can be arranged in a module housing to form a battery module. SUMMARY

[0004] A battery module may contain a plurality of battery cells. When flames, gases, and / or conductive particles generated by the battery cells are transferred to a conductive connection section (e.g., a terminal busbar), heat transfer within the battery module may increase.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a battery module and a battery pack capable of delaying heat transfer may be provided.

[0006] A battery module and a battery pack of the present disclosure can be widely applied to green technology fields such as an electric vehicle, a battery charging station, solar power generation, and wind power generation using batteries or the like. Additionally, a battery module and a battery pack of the present disclosure can be used in electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, or the like, which can be environmentally friendly, to improve the effects of climate change by suppressing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

[0007] A battery module of the present disclosure may include a cell assembly including a plurality of battery cells; a bus bar assembly including an internal bus bar electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells and a terminal bus bar electrically connected to the internal bus bar; and a module housing including a module cover covering the cell assembly. The module cover may include a first edge; a second edge, at least a portion of which is perpendicular to the first edge; a terminal receiving hole receiving the terminal bus bar; a connector receiving hole spaced from the terminal receiving hole; and a vent line portion arranged to be oblique with respect to the first edge and the second edge, and at least a portion of which faces the terminal receiving hole or the connector receiving hole.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the vent line portion may include a first vent line portion, at least a portion of which is disposed between the terminal receiving hole and the connector receiving hole, and a second vent line portion intersecting the first vent line portion.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the first vent line section may include a plurality of first vent line sections arranged to be parallel to each other, and the second vent line section may include a plurality of second vent line sections arranged to be parallel to each other.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the terminal receiving hole may include a first terminal receiving hole and a second terminal receiving hole spaced apart from the first terminal receiving hole. The first vent line portion may face the second terminal receiving hole. The second vent line portion may face the first terminal receiving hole.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the vent line portion may have a notched shape or a semi-cut shape configured to burst due to pressure in the battery module.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the battery module may further include a sensor assembly including a flexible circuit board electrically connected to a detection terminal configured to detect information of the internal bus bar, and a connector electrically connected to the flexible circuit board and received in the connector receiving hole.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the terminal receiving hole may be closer to the first edge than to the second edge. The connector receiving hole may be closer to the second edge than to the first edge.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the battery module may further include a heat-resistant plate covering the cell assembly.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the heat-resistant plate may include a first heat-resistant plate and a second heat-resistant plate spaced apart from the first heat-resistant plate. The battery module may further include a vent space located between the first heat-resistant plate and the second heat-resistant plate. The vent line portion may be located in an upper portion of the vent space.

[0016] According to one embodiment, each of the plurality of battery cells may include an electrode assembly, a pouch that receives the electrode assembly, and an electrode tab connected to the electrode assembly.

[0017] A battery module of the present disclosure may include a cell assembly including a plurality of battery cells; a bus bar assembly including an internal bus bar electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells and a terminal bus bar electrically connected to the internal bus bar; a module case including a module cover covering the cell assembly and a receiving portion receiving the cell assembly; and a heat-resistant plate located between the cell assembly and the module cover. The module cover may include a first edge and a second edge, at least a portion of which is perpendicular to the first edge.The heat-resistant plate may include a first heat-resistant plate and a second heat-resistant plate spaced apart from each other, with a vent space interposed therebetween and arranged to be oblique with respect to the first edge and the second edge.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the first heat-resistant plate may include a first outer side surface parallel to the first edge, a second outer side surface extending from the first outer side surface and parallel to the second edge, and a first inner side surface slanted with respect to the first outer side surface and the second outer side surface. The second heat-resistant plate may include a third outer side surface parallel to the first edge, a fourth outer side surface extending from the third outer side surface and parallel to the second edge, and a second inner side surface slanted with respect to the third outer side surface and the fourth outer side surface. At least a portion of the vent space may be surrounded by the first inner side surface and the second inner side surface.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the battery module may further include a sensor assembly comprising a flexible circuit board electrically connected to a sensing terminal configured to receive information from the internal busbar, and a connector electrically connected to the flexible circuit board. The heat-resistant plate may be located between at least a portion of the cell assembly and the sensor assembly.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the module cover may include a vent line portion arranged to be slanted relative to the first edge and the second edge. The vent line portion may be located in an upper portion of the vent space.

[0021] A battery pack of the present disclosure may include a plurality of battery modules; and a pack frame that accommodates the plurality of battery modules, wherein each of the plurality of battery modules includes: a cell assembly that includes a plurality of battery cells; a bus bar assembly that includes an internal bus bar electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells, a bus bar frame that supports the internal bus bar, and a terminal bus bar electrically connected to the internal bus bar; and a module case that includes a module cover that covers the cell assembly and a receiving portion that accommodates the cell assembly.The module cover may include a first edge; a second edge, at least a portion of which is perpendicular to the first edge; a terminal receiving hole that receives the terminal bus bar; a connector receiving hole spaced from the terminal receiving hole; and a vent line portion arranged to be oblique with respect to the first edge and the second edge, and at least a portion of which faces the terminal receiving hole or the connector receiving hole. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Certain aspects, features and advantages of the present disclosure may be illustrated by the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a battery cell according to one embodiment. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment. Fig. 3 is a perspective exploded view of a battery module according to an embodiment. Fig. 4 is a plan view of a module cover according to one embodiment. Fig. 5 is a perspective exploded view of a battery module according to another embodiment. Fig. 6 is a top view of the battery module of Fig. 5. Fig. 7 is a perspective exploded view of a battery pack according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a battery cell according to one embodiment.

[0024] With reference to Fig. 1, a battery cell 100 may include an electrode assembly 120, a pouch 110 that houses the electrode assembly 120, and an electrode tab 130 connected to the electrode assembly 120. The battery cell 100 may be a secondary battery. For example, the battery cell 100 may be, but is not limited to, a lithium-ion battery. For example, the battery cell 100 may be a nickel-cadmium battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, or a nickel-hydrogen battery capable of being charged and discharged with electricity.

[0025] The bag 110 may form at least a portion of an exterior of the battery cell 100. The bag 110 may include an electrode receiving portion 111 that receives the electrode assembly 120 and a sealing portion 115 that seals at least a portion of a periphery of the electrode receiving portion 111. The electrode receiving portion 111 may provide a space in which the electrode assembly 120 and an electrolyte are received.

[0026] The sealing portion 115 may be formed by joining at least a portion of a periphery of the pouch 110. The sealing portion 115 may be formed in a flange shape extending outward from the electrode receiving portion 111 formed in a container shape, and may be arranged along at least a portion of an outer periphery of the electrode receiving portion 111. In one embodiment, the sealing portion 115 may include a first sealing portion 115a in which the electrode tab 130 is arranged, and a second sealing portion 115b in which the electrode tab 130 is not arranged. A portion of the electrode tab 130 may be drawn out or exposed to an outside of the pouch 110.

[0027] In one embodiment, the battery cell 100 may include an insulating film 140. In a position where the electrode tab 130 is pulled out, the electrode tab 130 may be covered by the insulating film 140 to increase the degree of sealing of the first sealing portion 115a while ensuring a state of electrical insulation. The insulating film 140 may be formed from a film material that is thinner than the electrode tab 130 and may be attached to both surfaces of the electrode tab 130.

[0028] In one embodiment, the electrode tabs 130 may be arranged on both sides of the battery cell 100 in a longitudinal direction thereof in opposite directions. For example, the electrode tab 130 may include a cathode tab 130a having a first polarity (e.g., cathode) facing one side of the longitudinal direction of the battery cell 100 and an anode tab 130b having a second polarity (e.g., anode) facing the other side of the longitudinal direction of the battery cell 100. In the Fig. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the sealing portion 115 may include two first sealing portions 115a in which the electrode tabs 130 are arranged, and a second sealing portion 115b in which the electrode tabs 130 are not arranged. The electrode tabs 130 may be referred to as electrode leads.

[0029] A direction in which the electrode tabs 130 are arranged can be optionally determined. In one embodiment, the electrode tabs 130 may include a cathode tab 130a and an anode tab 130b arranged in an opposite direction from the cathode tab 130a with respect to the electrode assembly 120. Although Fig. 1 illustrates that the electrode tabs 130 are arranged on both sides of the longitudinal direction of the battery cell 100 in opposite directions, a structure of the electrode tabs 130 is not limited to this. For example, two electrode tabs 130 may be arranged substantially parallel in the longitudinal direction of the battery cell 100. The bag 110 is not limited to a structure in which a single layer of an outer material is folded to form, as shown in Fig. 1, to form the sealing portion 115 on three surfaces.

[0030] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least a portion of the sealing portion 115 may be configured to be folded at least once. To improve the connection reliability of the sealing portion 115 and minimize the area of ​​the sealing portion 115, at least a portion of the sealing portion 115 may be folded.

[0031] The electrode assembly 120 may include a cathode plate, an anode plate, and a separator. The separator may prevent contact between the cathode plate and the anode plate. One skilled in the art will understand that the electrode assembly 120 is manufactured using various methods. According to exemplary embodiments, the cathode plate, the anode plate, and the separator may be repeatedly arranged to form the electrode assembly. In some embodiments, the electrode assembly may be a wrap-around type, a stack-type, a Z-fold type, or a stack-fold type.

[0032] The structure of the Fig. 1 is illustrative. For example, in Fig. 1, although the battery cell 100 is illustrated as a pouch-type battery cell, a structure of the battery cell 100 is not limited thereto. For example, the battery cell 100 may be a cylindrical battery cell or a square battery cell.

[0033] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment. Fig. 3 is a perspective exploded view of a battery module according to an embodiment.

[0034] With reference to Fig. 2 and / or Fig. 3, a battery module 200 may include a cell assembly 101 comprising a plurality of battery cells (e.g., battery cells 100 of Fig. 1) may include a module housing 210, a busbar assembly 220 and / or a sensor assembly 230.

[0035] The module housing 210 may form at least a portion of an exterior of the battery module 200. The module housing 210 may accommodate components of the battery module 200 (e.g., a cell assembly 101 and the busbar assembly 220).

[0036] The module housing 210 may include a module cover 211. The module cover 211 may cover the cell assembly 101. The module cover 211 may be disposed on one side of the cell assembly 101. The module cover 211 may form at least a portion of the exterior of the battery module 200.

[0037] The module housing 210 may include a receiving portion 212 that receives the cell assembly 101. The receiving portion 212 may surround a bottom surface and a side surface of the cell assembly 101. In one embodiment, the receiving portion 212 may include a main plate covering the bottom surface of the cell assembly and a plurality of sidewall elements covering at least a portion of the side surface of the cell assembly 101. In one embodiment, the main plate and the sidewall elements may be integrally formed.

[0038] The module housing 210 may include an end plate 215 covering a portion of the side surface of the cell assembly 101. In one embodiment, the end plate 215 may be connected to an end portion of the receiving portion 212.

[0039] In one embodiment, the module housing 210 may be formed from a material with high thermal conductivity, such as a metal. For example, the module housing 210 may be formed from aluminum and / or stainless steel. The material of the module housing 210 is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the module housing 210 may be formed from a polymer. In one embodiment, the module housing 210 may be referred to as a module container. One form of the module housing 210 of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0040] The busbar assembly 220 may include an internal busbar 221. The internal busbar 221 may be electrically connected to a plurality of battery cells 100. For example, each of the plurality of battery cells 100 may include an electrode assembly (e.g., the electrode assembly 120 of Fig. 1), a bag (e.g. bag 110 of Fig. 1) which receives the electrode assembly 120, and an electrode tab (e.g., the electrode tab 130 of Fig. 1) connected to the electrode assembly 120. The electrode tab 130 may be welded to the internal busbar 221 while inserted into a slot (not shown) of the internal busbar 221.

[0041] The bus bar assembly 220 may include a bus bar frame 222 that supports the internal bus bar 221. The bus bar frame 222 may be referred to as a support plate or a support frame. The bus bar frame 222 may be formed from an electrically insulating material (e.g., a polymer). At least a portion of the bus bar frame 222 may be disposed between the cell assembly 101 and the internal bus bar 221 to support the internal bus bar 221. In one embodiment, the internal bus bar 221 may be referred to as a bus bar. In one embodiment, the bus bar assembly 220 may include a first bus bar assembly 220a located on one side of the cell assembly 101 and a second bus bar assembly 220b located on the other side of the cell assembly 101.

[0042] The bus bar assembly 220 may include at least one terminal bus bar 223 for electrically connecting to the exterior of the battery module 200. The electrode tab 130 of the battery cell 100 may be electrically connected to the exterior of the battery module 200 through the internal bus bar 221 and the terminal bus bar 223. For example, the terminal bus bar 223 may be electrically connected to the internal bus bar 221, and a current of the battery cell 100 may be transmitted to the exterior of the battery module 200 through the internal bus bar 221 and the terminal bus bar 223. At least a portion of the terminal bus bar 223 may be exposed to an exterior of the module housing 210 (e.g., the module cover 211).

[0043] In one embodiment, the terminal bus bar 223 may be provided in a variety of parts. For example, the terminal bus bar 223 may include a first terminal bus bar 223a having a first polarity (e.g., cathode) and a second terminal bus bar 223b having a second polarity (e.g., anode) that differs from the first polarity. The first terminal bus bar 223a may be spaced apart from the second terminal bus bar 223b.

[0044] The battery module 200 may include a sensor assembly 230. The sensor assembly 230 may detect information (e.g., temperature and / or voltage) of the battery cell 100.

[0045] The sensor assembly 230 may include a flexible circuit board 231 electrically connected to a sensing terminal configured to sense information from the internal busbar 221. The flexible circuit board 231 may cover a portion of the busbar frame 222. The flexible circuit board 231 may provide a path for transmitting a signal. The sensing terminal may be configured to contact the internal busbar 221 and sense information from the internal busbar 221. In one embodiment, the sensing terminal may be a voltage sensor that measures a voltage of the battery cell 100. In one embodiment, the sensing terminal may be a temperature sensor that measures a temperature of the battery cell 100.

[0046] In one embodiment, the sensor assembly 230 may include an insulation portion 233. The insulation portion 233 may prevent contact between the cell assembly 101 and the flexible circuit board 231 and / or a connection portion 234. The insulation portion 233 may be located between the cell assembly 101 and the connection portion 234 of the flexible circuit board 231.

[0047] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the flexible circuit board 231 may be replaced by a printed circuit board. In one embodiment, the flexible circuit board 231 may be arranged on the busbar frame 222 of the first busbar assembly 220a or the busbar frame 222 of the second busbar assembly 220b.

[0048] A signal tapped in the sensing terminal may be transmitted through the flexible circuit board 231 to the exterior of the battery module 200. The sensor assembly 230 may include a connector 235 electrically connected to the flexible circuit board 231. At least a portion of the sensor assembly 230 may be exposed to the exterior of the battery module 200. For example, the sensor assembly 230 may be mounted in a connector receiving hole (e.g., the connector receiving hole 320 of Fig. 4) the module cover 211. For example, the sensor assembly 230 may include a connecting portion 234 connected to the flexible circuit board 231 disposed on the first busbar assembly 220a and the flexible circuit board 231 disposed on the second busbar assembly 220b. Electrical signals sensed in the first busbar assembly 220a and the second busbar assembly 220b may be transmitted to the connector 235 through the connecting portion 234.

[0049] In one embodiment, the busbar assembly 220 may be assembled with the sensor assembly 230 to be provided as a single component.

[0050] The battery module 200 may include an insulating cover 250 covering at least a portion of the busbar assembly 220. The insulating cover 250 may prevent damage to the busbar assembly 220 and / or the sensor assembly 230 due to external impact. The insulating cover 250 may prevent inadvertent electrical connection of the busbar assembly 220 and / or the sensor assembly 230.

[0051] The insulating cover 250 can prevent contact between the internal busbar 221 of the busbar assembly 220 and a conductive component (e.g., the module housing 210) and between the flexible circuit board 231 of the sensor assembly 230 and a conductive component (e.g., the module housing 210). The insulating cover 250 can be located between the receiving portion 212 of the module housing 210 and the busbar assembly 220.

[0052] The insulating cover 250 may be formed from an insulating material. For example, the insulating cover 250 may contain a flame-retardant polymer. In one embodiment, the insulating cover 250 may contain a flame-retardant polypropylene.

[0053] To simplify the explanation, some components are omitted or exaggerated in this document. For example, the number of battery cells 100, a shape of the module housing 210, and / or a shape of the busbar assembly 220 can be optionally determined.

[0054] Fig. 4 is a plan view of a module cover according to one embodiment.

[0055] With reference to Fig. 4, a module cover 300 may include a terminal receiving hole 310, a connector receiving hole 320, and a vent line portion 303. A description of the module cover 211 of Fig. 2 and / or Fig. 3 can be applied to the module cover 300 of Fig. 4 may be applied.

[0056] At least a portion of the module cover 300 may be formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. For example, the module cover 300 may include a first edge 301 and a second edge 302, at least a portion of which is perpendicular to the first edge 301. The module cover 300 may include a top surface 300a having a substantially planar shape. The first edge 301 and the second edge 302 may be edges of the top surface 300a. The first edge 301 may extend in a first direction (X-axis direction), and the second edge 302 may extend in a second direction (Y-axis direction) perpendicular to the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0057] The terminal receiving hole 310 may receive a terminal bus bar (e.g., the terminal bus bar 223 of Fig. 3). For example, the terminal receiving hole 310 may be a through-hole that defines a thickness direction of the module cover 300 (e.g., a Z-axis direction of Fig. 3). At least a portion of the terminal bus bar 223 can be guided through the terminal receiving hole 310 to the exterior of the battery module 200 of Fig. 3 exposed.

[0058] The terminal receiving hole 310 may be provided in multiple locations. For example, the terminal receiving hole 310 may include a first terminal receiving hole 311 and a second terminal receiving hole 312 spaced apart from the first terminal receiving hole 311. The first terminal receiving hole 311 may receive a first terminal bus bar (e.g., the first terminal bus bar 223a of Fig. 3) and the second terminal receiving hole 312 can receive a second terminal bus bar (e.g., the second terminal bus bar 223b of Fig. 3) record.

[0059] The connector receiving hole 320 may receive a connector (e.g., the connector 235 of Fig. 3). For example, the connector receiving hole 320 may be a through hole that penetrates the module cover 300 in the thickness direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction of Fig. 3). At least a portion of the connector 235 can pass through the connector receiving hole 320 to the exterior of the battery module 200 of Fig. 3 exposed.

[0060] The terminal receiving hole 310 may be formed adjacent to the first edge 301. For example, the terminal receiving hole 310 may be formed adjacent to the first edge 301 rather than the second edge 302. The connector receiving hole 320 may be formed adjacent to the second edge 302. For example, the connector receiving hole 320 may be formed adjacent to the second edge 302 rather than the first edge 301. In one embodiment, the connector receiving hole 320 may be formed in the form of a groove in the second edge 302. The module cover 300 may include a terminal receiving hole 310 and a connector receiving hole 320 formed adjacent to the different edges 301 and 302, respectively.Since the vent line portion 303 can be arranged diagonally with respect to the first edge 301 and the second edge 302, amounts of discharged materials transferred to the terminal receiving hole 310 and the connector receiving hole 320 can be reduced, and heat transfer of the battery module 200 can be delayed.

[0061] In one embodiment, the terminal receiving hole 310 and / or the connector receiving hole 320 may provide a path for flames, gases, and / or conductive particles generated within the battery module 200 to be expelled to the exterior of the battery module 200. For example, a gap between the terminal bus bar 223 inserted into the terminal receiving hole 310 and the module cover 300 and / or a gap between the connector 235 inserted into the connector receiving hole 320 and the module cover 300 may provide a path for flames, gases, and / or conductive particles to flow within the battery module 200.

[0062] A voltage of the terminal bus bar 223 disposed in the terminal receiving hole 310 may be higher than a voltage of the connector 235 disposed in the connector receiving hole 320. When flames, gases, and / or conductive particles generated in the battery module 200 are expelled through the terminal receiving hole 310 to the exterior of the battery module 200, the flames, gases, and / or conductive particles may be transferred to the terminal bus bar 223, causing an early voltage drop phenomenon of the battery module 200. For example, heat transferred through the terminal receiving hole 310 to the terminal bus bar 223 may increase heat transfer between the battery modules 200 and / or the battery cells 100, and thermal runaway of the battery module 200 may occur.

[0063] The vent line section 303 may provide a path for the battery module 200 (e.g., a battery cell 100 of Fig. 1) generated flames, gases, and / or conductive particles are expelled to the exterior of the battery module 200. When flames, gases, and / or conductive particles are expelled through the vent conduit section 303 to the exterior of the battery module 200, a pressure increase in the battery module 200 can be reduced, and heat transfer between the battery cells 100 can be delayed. For example, the vent conduit section 303 can move at least a portion of flames, gases, and / or conductive particles along a designated path, thereby reducing amounts of flames, gases, and / or conductive particles transferred to the terminal bus bar 223.

[0064] The vent line section 303 may form a passage that vents an interior of a module housing (e.g., module housing 210 of Fig. 3) and an external space of the module housing 210. For example, the vent line portion 303 may be a path for expelling gases generated in a receiving space formed by the module housing 210 to the external space of the module housing 210. Through the vent line portion 303, amounts of gases, flames, and / or conductive particles in the battery module 200 can be reduced, and the amounts of gases, flames, and / or conductive particles transmitted to the terminal receiving hole 310 can be reduced. In one embodiment, the vent line portion 303 may be referred to as a vent portion.

[0065] In one embodiment, the vent line portion 303 may be configured to burst due to pressure within the battery module 200. The vent line portion 303 may be a burst portion formed in the module cover 300. For example, the vent line portion 303 may be configured to deform (e.g., burst) when a pressure and / or temperature within the battery module 200 is higher than a specified value. The vent line portion 303 may have a notched shape, a slit shape, or a semi-cut shape configured to burst due to pressure within the battery module 200. For example, the vent line portion 303 may be formed by punching or semi-piercing a portion of the module cover 300. In another embodiment, the vent line portion 303 may be a through hole formed in the module cover 300.

[0066] The vent line portion 303 may be arranged to be slanted with respect to the first edge 301 and the second edge 302. The vent line portion 303 may be a notch or a slot formed in the module cover 300 in a direction slanted with respect to the first direction (e.g., X-axis direction) and the second direction (e.g., Y-axis direction).

[0067] The vent line section 303 may be arranged to be oblique with respect to the first edge 301 and the second edge 302 to facilitate heat transfer between a plurality of battery cells (e.g., the battery cell 100 of Fig. 3) to delay. For example, the vent line portion 303 can be arranged to be oblique with respect to the first edge 301 and the second edge 302. The amounts of gases, flames, and / or conductive particles transmitted to the terminal receiving hole 310 can be reduced, and a sudden voltage drop can be prevented. For example, the amounts of gases, flames, and / or conductive particles transmitted to the terminal receiving hole 310 can be reduced by an empty space formed by the vent line portion 303.

[0068] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the vent line portion 303 may be arranged to face the terminal receiving hole 310 or the connector receiving hole 320. Because the vent line portion 303 faces the terminal receiving hole 310 or the connector receiving hole 320, gases, flames, and / or conductive particles may be expelled to the exterior of the battery module 200 along the vent line portion 303 adjacent to the terminal receiving hole 310 or the connector receiving hole 320. Because the amounts of gases, flames, and / or conductive particles transmitted to the terminal receiving hole 310 can be reduced, the amounts of gases, flames, and / or conductive particles transmitted to the terminal bus bar 223 received in the terminal receiving hole 310 and / or the connector 235 received in the connector receiving hole 320 can be reduced.

[0069] The vent line section 303 may include a plurality of vent line sections 330 and 340 that intersect each other. For example, the vent line section 303 may include a first vent line section 330 and a second vent line section 340 that intersects the first vent line section 330. At least a portion of the first vent line section 330 may be located between the terminal receiving hole 310 and the connector receiving hole 320. The first vent line section 330 and the second vent line section 330 may intersect to reduce amounts of gases, flames, and / or conductive particles transmitted to the terminal receiving hole 310.The first vent line portion 330 may include a first end portion 330a facing the terminal receiving hole 310 and a second end portion 330b opposite the first end portion 330a and facing the connector receiving hole 320. In one embodiment, the first vent line portion 330 may include a plurality of notches, a plurality of slots, or a plurality of half-cuts located between the first end portion 330a and the second end portion 330b and spaced apart from each other. A description of the first vent line portion 330 may be applied to the second vent line portion 340.

[0070] The plurality of vent line portions 330 and 340 may face the terminal receiving hole 310. For example, the first vent line portion 330 may face the second terminal receiving hole 312. The second vent line portion 340 may face the first terminal receiving hole 311.

[0071] The vent line sections 330 and 340 may each be provided in multiples. For example, the first vent line section 330 may include a plurality of first vent line sections 331 and 332 arranged parallel to each other. The second vent line section 340 may include a plurality of second vent line sections 341 and 342 arranged parallel to each other. The number of first vent line sections 330 and the number of second guide sections 340 may be optionally determined. For example, in Fig. 4, the first vent line section 330 and the second vent line section 340 are shown as having two structures, but they are for illustrative purposes.

[0072] Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to another embodiment. Fig. 6 is a top view of the battery module of Fig. 5. To simplify the explanation, Fig. 6 is a plan view of a battery module 200 with a module cover 211 omitted.

[0073] With reference to Fig. 5 and / or Fig. 6, a battery module 200 may include a cell assembly 101 comprising a plurality of battery cells (e.g., the battery cells 100 of Fig. 1), a module housing 210, a busbar assembly 220, a sensor assembly 230, and a heat-resistant plate 260. At least some of the descriptions of the cell assembly 101, the battery module 200, the module housing 210, the busbar assembly 220, and the sensor assembly 230 of Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 can be applied to the cell assembly 101, the battery module 200, the module housing 210, the busbar assembly 220 and the sensor assembly 230 of Fig. 5 and / or Fig. 6 can be applied.

[0074] A module cover 211 may be formed to expose components of the battery module 200 to an exterior of the battery module 200. For example, the module cover 211 may have terminal receiving holes 211a and 211b (e.g., the terminal receiving holes 310 of Fig. 4) that accommodate connection busbars 223. The module cover 211 may include a connector receiving hole 211c (e.g., the connector receiving hole 320 of Fig. 4) which accommodates a connector 235.

[0075] The heat-resistant plate 260 may retard heat transfer. For example, the heat-resistant plate 260 may contain a heat-resistant material and / or a fire-resistant material (e.g., mica and / or silica wool).

[0076] The heat-resistant plate 260 may cover the cell assembly 101. For example, the heat-resistant plate 260 may be located between the cell assembly 101 and the sensor assembly 230 (e.g., an insulating portion 233).

[0077] The heat-resistant plate 260 may have a movement path of in the battery module 200 (e.g., the battery cell 100 of Fig. 1) generated flames, gases, and / or conductive particles. For example, the heat-resistant plate 260 may form a vent space 270. The vent space 270 may be a path through which expelled materials G (e.g., flames, gases, and / or conductive particles) generated by the cell assembly 101 travel.

[0078] In one embodiment, the heat-resistant plate 260 may be provided in multiples. For example, the heat-resistant plate 260 may include a first heat-resistant plate 261 and a second heat-resistant plate 262 spaced apart from the first heat-resistant plate 261. The vent space 270 may be located between the first heat-resistant plate 261 and the second heat-resistant plate 262. For example, the vent space 270 may be an empty space located between the first heat-resistant plate 261 and the second heat-resistant plate 262, at least a portion of which is on the same plane (e.g., an XY plane) as the heat-resistant plate 260.

[0079] The heat-resistant plate 260 may be formed in a shape to reduce the amount of flames, gases, and / or conductive particles transmitted to the terminal receiving hole 211a and 211b. For example, the vent space 270 may be arranged with respect to a first edge (e.g., the first edge 301 of Fig. 4) and a second edge (e.g. the second edge 302 of Fig. 4) the module cover 211 is inclined. The first heat-resistant plate 261 and the second heat-resistant plate 262 may be spaced apart with the vent space 270 therebetween.

[0080] The first heat-resistant plate 261 may have a first outer side surface 261a that is substantially parallel to the first edge (e.g., the first edge 301 of Fig. 4), a second outer side surface 261b extending from the first outer side surface 261a and parallel to the second edge (e.g., the second edge 302 of Fig. 4) and a first inner side surface 261c that is inclined with respect to the first outer side surface 261a and the second outer side surface 261b. The second heat-resistant plate 262 may have a third outer side surface 262a that is substantially parallel to the first edge (e.g., the first edge 301 of Fig. 4), a fourth outer side surface 262b extending from the third outer side surface 262a and parallel to the second edge (e.g., the second edge 302 of Fig. 4) and a second inner side surface 262c that is inclined with respect to the third outer side surface 262a and the fourth outer side surface 262b. The vent space 270 may be defined by the first inner side surface 261c and the second inner side surface 262c. For example, at least a portion of the vent space 270 may be surrounded by the first inner side surface 261c and the second inner side surface 262c. In one embodiment, the first outer side surface 261a of the first heat-resistant plate 261 may face a terminal bus bar 223 (e.g., a first terminal bus bar 223a and a second terminal bus bar 223b). One side of the vent space 270 may face the connector 235.

[0081] Through the vent space 270, at least a portion of flames, gases, and / or conductive particles generated in the battery module 200 can be transmitted to the connector receiving hole 211c, which receives the connector 235. Through the vent space 270, the amounts of flames, gases, and / or conductive particles transmitted to the terminal receiving holes 211a and 211b can be reduced.

[0082] In one embodiment (not shown), the heat-resistant plate 260 may have a through-hole forming the vent space 270. For example, the first heat-resistant plate 261 and the second heat-resistant plate 262 may be joined together in a mold with an empty space therebetween.

[0083] In one embodiment, the battery module 200 including the heat-resistant plate 260 may include a module cover 211 in which the vent line portion 303 of Fig. 4 is not educated.

[0084] In one embodiment, the module cover 300 may be Fig. 4 for the module cover 211 of Fig. 5. For example, in one embodiment, the battery module 200 including the heat-resistant plate 260, the module cover 300 including the vent line portion 303 of Fig. 4. In one embodiment, the vent line portion 303 may be located in an upper portion (e.g., in the Z-axis direction) of the vent space 270. For example, at least a portion of the vent line portion 303 may overlap the vent space 270. The expelled materials G passing through the vent space 270 may be transferred to the vent line portion 303.

[0085] Fig. 7 is a perspective exploded view of a battery pack according to one embodiment.

[0086] With reference to Fig. 7, a battery pack 400 may include a plurality of battery modules 200 and a pack frame 410 that accommodates the plurality of battery modules 200. The description of the previously described battery module 200 may be applied to a battery module 200 of Fig. 7. For example, the battery module 200 of Fig. 7 in one embodiment, the module cover 300 of Fig. 4. In one embodiment, the battery module 200 may be Fig. 7 a heat-resistant plate 260 and a venting space 270.

[0087] The pack frame 410 can accommodate a component of the battery pack 400 (e.g., a battery module 200). The pack frame 410 can include a bottom member 411 supporting the battery module 200, a pack cover 412 covering the battery module 200, and a pack sidewall 413 surrounding at least a portion of the bottom member 411 and the pack cover 412. The bottom member 411 can support the battery module 200.

[0088] The packing frame 410 may include a partition wall 420 that crosses at least a portion of the plurality of battery modules 200. For example, a receiving space of the packing frame 410 may be divided into a plurality of spaces by the partition wall 420. The partition wall 420 may be installed to cross the receiving space to enhance rigidity of the packing frame 410. In one embodiment, the partition wall 420 may include a first partition wall 420a that crosses a plurality of battery cells 100 and a plurality of second partition walls 420b that are substantially perpendicular to the first partition wall 420a.

[0089] In one embodiment, the battery pack 400 may include a channel element 430. The channel element 430 may include an exhaust space to provide a path for gases and / or flames emitted from the battery module 200. The channel element 430 may be disposed in the pack frame 410. The channel element 430 may surround at least a portion of the battery module 200. For example, a battery cell of the battery module 200 (e.g., the battery cell 100 of Fig. 1) generated gases and / or flames are transmitted through the exhaust space of the duct member 430 to an exterior of the battery pack 400. In the present disclosure, the duct member 430 may be referred to as an exhaust duct or an exhaust member.

[0090] The battery pack 400 may include a battery control unit 490 that controls the battery module 200. The battery control unit 490 may be arranged in the pack frame 410. The battery control unit 490 may include a battery management system (BMS). Since a configuration of the battery control unit 490 is known in various forms, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. In one embodiment, the battery control unit 490 may be referred to as a processor.

[0091] A structure of the battery pack 400 of Fig. 7 is illustrative. For example, the number of battery modules 200 included in the battery pack 400, a structure of the pack frame 410, and / or a structure of the channel member 430 may be selectively determined.

[0092] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, heat transfer of a battery module may be delayed.

[0093] Aspect 1) A battery module comprising: a cell assembly including a plurality of battery cells; a bus bar assembly including an internal bus bar electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells and a terminal bus bar electrically connected to the internal bus bar; and a module case including a module cover covering the cell assembly, the module cover including: a first edge; a second edge, at least a portion of which is perpendicular to the first edge; a terminal receiving hole receiving the terminal bus bar; a connector receiving hole spaced from the terminal receiving hole; and a vent line portion arranged to be oblique with respect to the first edge and the second edge, and at least a portion of which faces one of the terminal receiving hole and the connector receiving hole.

[0094] Aspect 2) The battery module according to aspect 1, wherein the vent line portion includes: a first vent line portion, at least a portion of which is disposed between the terminal receiving hole and the connector receiving hole, and a second vent line portion crossing the first vent line portion.

[0095] Aspect 3) The battery module according to aspect 2, wherein the first vent line portion includes a plurality of first vent line portions arranged to be parallel to each other, and the second vent line portion includes a plurality of second vent line portions arranged to be parallel to each other.

[0096] Aspect 4) The battery module according to aspect 2 or 3, wherein the terminal receiving hole includes a first terminal receiving hole and a second terminal receiving hole spaced from the first terminal receiving hole, the first vent line portion faces the second terminal receiving hole, and the second vent line portion faces the first terminal receiving hole.

[0097] Aspect 5) The battery module according to any one of aspects 1 to 4, wherein the vent line portion has a notched shape or a semi-cut shape configured to burst due to pressure in the battery module.

[0098] Aspect 6) The battery module according to any one of aspects 1 to 5, further comprising: a sensor assembly including a flexible circuit board electrically connected to a detection terminal configured to detect information of the internal bus bar, and a connector electrically connected to the flexible circuit board and received in the connector receiving hole.

[0099] Aspect 7) The battery module according to any one of aspects 1 to 6, wherein the terminal receiving hole is closer to the first edge than to the second edge and the connector receiving hole is closer to the second edge than to the first edge.

[0100] Aspect 8) The battery module according to any one of aspects 1 to 7, further comprising a heat-resistant plate covering the cell assembly.

[0101] Aspect 9) The battery module according to aspect 8, wherein the heat-resistant plate includes a first heat-resistant plate and a second heat-resistant plate spaced from the first heat-resistant plate, the battery module further includes a vent space located between the first heat-resistant plate and the second heat-resistant plate, and the vent line portion is located in an upper portion of the vent space.

[0102] Aspect 10) The battery module of any one of aspects 1 to 9, wherein each of the plurality of battery cells includes an electrode assembly, a pouch that houses the electrode assembly, and an electrode tab connected to the electrode assembly.

[0103] Aspect 11) A battery module comprising: a cell assembly including a plurality of battery cells; a bus bar assembly including an internal bus bar electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells and a terminal bus bar electrically connected to the internal bus bar; a module housing including a module cover covering the cell assembly and a receiving portion receiving the cell assembly;and a heat-resistant plate located between the cell assembly and the module cover, the module cover including a first edge and a second edge, at least a portion of which is perpendicular to the first edge, and the heat-resistant plate including a first heat-resistant plate and a second heat-resistant plate spaced apart from each other, with a vent space interposed therebetween and arranged to be oblique with respect to the first edge and the second edge.

[0104] Aspect 12) The battery module according to aspect 11, wherein the first heat-resistant plate includes a first outer side surface parallel to the first edge, a second outer side surface extending from the first outer side surface and parallel to the second edge, and a first inner side surface slanted with respect to the first outer side surface and the second outer side surface, the second heat-resistant plate includes a third outer side surface parallel to the first edge, a fourth outer side surface extending from the third outer side surface and parallel to the second edge, and a second inner side surface slanted with respect to the third outer side surface and the fourth outer side surface, and at least a portion of the vent space is surrounded by the first inner side surface and the second inner side surface.

[0105] Aspect 13) The battery module of aspect 12, further comprising a sensor assembly including a flexible circuit board electrically connected to a sensing terminal configured to sense information from the internal bus bar, and a connector electrically connected to the flexible circuit board, and wherein the heat-resistant plate is located between at least a portion of the cell assembly and the sensor assembly.

[0106] Aspect 14) The battery module according to aspect 12 or 13, wherein the module cover includes a vent line portion arranged to be oblique with respect to the first edge and the second edge, and the vent line portion is located in an upper portion of the vent space.

[0107] Aspect 15) A battery pack comprising: a plurality of battery modules; and a pack frame accommodating the plurality of battery modules, wherein each of the plurality of battery modules includes: a cell assembly including a plurality of battery cells; a bus bar assembly including an internal bus bar electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells, a bus bar frame supporting the internal bus bar, and a terminal bus bar electrically connected to the internal bus bar; and a module case including a module cover covering the cell assembly and a receiving portion accommodating the cell assembly, and wherein the module cover includes: a first edge; a second edge, at least a portion of which is perpendicular to the first edge; a terminal receiving hole accommodating the terminal bus bar;a connector receiving hole spaced from the terminal receiving hole; and a vent line portion arranged to be oblique with respect to the first edge and the second edge, and at least a portion of which faces the terminal receiving hole or the connector receiving hole.

[0108] A battery module is provided. According to one embodiment, the battery module includes a cell assembly including a plurality of battery cells; a bus bar assembly including an internal bus bar electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells and a terminal bus bar electrically connected to the internal bus bar; and a module housing including a module cover covering the cell assembly.The module cover may include a first edge; a second edge, at least a portion of which is perpendicular to the first edge; a terminal receiving hole that receives the terminal bus bar; a connector receiving hole spaced from the terminal receiving hole; and a vent line portion arranged to be oblique with respect to the first edge and the second edge, and at least a portion of which faces the terminal receiving hole or the connector receiving hole.

Claims

[1] Battery module (200), including: a cell assembly (101) containing a plurality of battery cells (100); a busbar assembly (220) including an internal busbar (221) electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells (100) and a terminal busbar (223) electrically connected to the internal busbar (221); and a module housing (210) containing a module cover (211, 300) covering the cell assembly (101), wherein the module cover (300) contains: a first edge (301); a second edge (302), at least a portion of which is perpendicular to the first edge (301); a terminal receiving hole (310) receiving the terminal bus bar (223); a connector receiving hole (320) spaced from the terminal receiving hole (310); and a vent line portion (303) arranged to be oblique with respect to the first edge (301) and the second edge (302), and at least a portion of which faces the terminal receiving hole (310) or the connector receiving hole (320). [2] Battery module (200) according to claim 1, wherein the vent line section (303) includes: a first vent line section (330), at least a portion of which is located between the terminal receiving hole (310) and the connector receiving hole (320), and a second vent line section (340) intersecting the first vent line section (330). [3] The battery module (200) according to claim 2, wherein the first vent line portion (330) includes a plurality of first vent line portions (331, 332) arranged to be parallel to each other, and the second vent line portion (340) includes a plurality of second vent line portions (341, 342) arranged to be parallel to each other. [4] Battery module (200) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the terminal receiving hole (310) includes a first terminal receiving hole (311) and a second terminal receiving hole (312) spaced from the first terminal receiving hole (311), the first vent line section (330) faces the second terminal receiving hole (312) and the second vent line section (340) faces the first terminal receiving hole (311). [5] The battery module (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the vent line portion (303) has a notched shape or a semi-cut shape configured to burst due to pressure in the battery module (200). [6] Battery module (200) according to one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: a sensor assembly (230) including a flexible circuit board (231) electrically connected to a sensing terminal configured to acquire information from the internal bus bar (221), and a connector (235) electrically connected to the flexible circuit board (231) and received in the connector receiving hole (320). [7] The battery module (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the terminal receiving hole (310) is closer to the first edge (301) than to the second edge (302) and the connector receiving hole (320) is closer to the second edge (302) than to the first edge (301). [8] The battery module (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a heat-resistant plate (260) covering the cell assembly (101). [9] The battery module (200) according to claim 8, wherein the heat-resistant plate (260) includes a first heat-resistant plate (261) and a second heat-resistant plate (262) spaced from the first heat-resistant plate (261), the battery module (200) further includes a vent space (270) located between the first heat-resistant plate (261) and the second heat-resistant plate (262), and the vent line section (303) is located in an upper section of the vent space (270). [10] The battery module (200) of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein each of the plurality of battery cells (100) includes an electrode assembly (120), a pouch (110) receiving the electrode assembly (120), and an electrode tab (130) connected to the electrode assembly (120). [11] Battery module (200), including: a cell assembly (101) containing a plurality of battery cells (100); a busbar assembly (220) including an internal busbar (221) electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells (100) and a terminal busbar (223) electrically connected to the internal busbar (221); a module housing (210) including a module cover (211, 300) covering the cell assembly (101) and a receiving portion (212) receiving the cell assembly (101); and a heat-resistant plate (260) located between the cell assembly (101) and the module cover (211, 300), wherein the module cover (211, 300) includes a first edge (301) and a second edge (302), at least a portion of which is perpendicular to the first edge (301), and wherein the heat-resistant plate (260) includes a first heat-resistant plate (261) and a second heat-resistant plate (262) spaced apart from each other, with a vent space (270) interposed therebetween and arranged to be oblique with respect to the first edge (301) and the second edge (302). [12] The battery module (200) according to claim 11, wherein the first heat-resistant plate (261) includes a first outer side surface (261a) parallel to the first edge (301), a second outer side surface (261b) extending from the first outer side surface (261a) and parallel to the second edge (302), and a first inner side surface (261c) slanted with respect to the first outer side surface (261a) and the second outer side surface (261b), the second heat-resistant plate (262) includes a third outer side surface (262a) parallel to the first edge (301), a fourth outer side surface (262b) extending from the third outer side surface (262a) and parallel to the second edge (302), and a second inner side surface (262c) slanted with respect to the third outer side surface (262a) and the fourth outer side surface (262b), and at least a portion of the venting space (270) is surrounded by the first inner side surface (261c) and the second inner side surface (262c). [13] The battery module (200) of claim 12, further including a sensor assembly (230) including a flexible circuit board (231) electrically connected to a sensing terminal configured to acquire information from the internal bus bar (221), and a connector (235) electrically connected to the flexible circuit board (231), and wherein the heat-resistant plate (260) is located between at least a portion of the cell assembly (101) and the sensor assembly (230). [14] The battery module (200) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the module cover (211, 300) includes a vent line portion (303) arranged to be oblique with respect to the first edge (301) and the second edge (302), and the vent line portion (303) is located in an upper portion of the vent space (270). [15] Battery pack (400), including: a plurality of battery modules (200); and a packing frame (410) which accommodates the plurality of battery modules (200), wherein each of the plurality of battery modules (200) includes: a cell assembly (101) containing a plurality of battery cells (100); a busbar assembly (220, 220a, 220b) including an internal busbar (221) electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells (100), a busbar frame (222) supporting the internal busbar (221), and a terminal busbar (223) electrically connected to the internal busbar (221); and a module housing (210) containing a module cover (211, 300) covering the cell assembly (101) and a receiving portion (212) receiving the cell assembly (101), and wherein the module cover (211, 300) contains: a first edge (301); a second edge (302), at least a portion of which is perpendicular to the first edge (301); a terminal receiving hole (310) receiving the terminal bus bar (223); a connector receiving hole (320) spaced from the terminal receiving hole (310); and a vent line portion (303) arranged to be oblique with respect to the first edge (301) and the second edge (302), and at least a portion of which faces the terminal receiving hole (310) or the connector receiving hole (320).

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