Battery Module

Abstract

A battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a frame providing an internal space, battery cells housed in the frame and including a body and electrode leads protruding forward from the body, a bus bar frame assembly located in front of the battery cells and electrically connected to the electrode leads, and a fire-resistant coating layer provided on at least a portion of the battery cells and having fire resistance.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module.

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0166949 filed on December 2, 2022, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0042346 filed on March 30, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety in the specification and drawings. [Background technology]

[0003] With the rapid increase in demand for portable electronic products such as laptops, video cameras, and mobile phones, and the full-scale commercialization of robots and electric vehicles, active research is being conducted on high-performance secondary batteries that can be repeatedly charged and discharged.

[0004] Secondary batteries currently in commercial use include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and lithium secondary batteries. Of these, lithium secondary batteries are attracting attention due to the advantages they have over nickel-based secondary batteries, such as almost no memory effect, which allows them to be charged and discharged freely, a very low self-discharge rate, and a high energy density.

[0005] Such lithium secondary batteries mainly use lithium-based oxides and carbon materials as positive and negative active materials, respectively, and include an electrode assembly in which a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate coated with the positive and negative active materials are arranged with a separator sandwiched therebetween, and an exterior material, i.e., a battery case, that seals and houses the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte.

[0006] In general, lithium secondary batteries are classified according to the shape of their exterior material into can-type secondary batteries in which an electrode assembly is housed in a metal can and pouch-type secondary batteries in which an electrode assembly is housed in a pouch made of an aluminum laminate sheet.

[0007] Recently, secondary batteries are widely used for driving and energy storage not only in small devices such as portable electronic devices but also in medium- to large-sized devices such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS). A battery module can be configured by electrically connecting multiple secondary batteries and storing them together inside a module case. A battery pack can also be configured by connecting multiple battery modules.

[0008] However, when multiple secondary batteries (battery cells) or multiple battery modules are densely packed in a small space, they may be vulnerable to thermal events. In particular, if an event such as thermal runaway occurs in any battery cell, high-temperature gas, flames, heat, etc. may be generated. If such gas, flames, heat, etc. are transmitted to other battery cells included in the same battery module, an explosive chain reaction situation such as thermal propagation may occur. Furthermore, such a chain reaction may not only cause accidents such as fire or explosion in the battery module, but may also cause fire or explosion in other battery modules.

[0009] Furthermore, in the case of medium to large battery packs such as electric vehicles, the risk of thermal chain reactions may be further increased since a large number of battery cells and battery modules are included to increase the output and / or capacity. In addition, in the case of battery packs mounted on electric vehicles, users such as drivers may be present in the vicinity. Therefore, if a thermal event occurring in a particular battery module cannot be appropriately controlled and a chain reaction occurs, it may cause not only serious property damage but also loss of human life. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] The present invention is directed to solving the above-referenced problems and other problems.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery module capable of suppressing heat propagation.

[0012] It is still another object of the present invention to provide a battery module that can maintain safety even when exposed to flames or vent gases. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] A battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a frame providing an internal space, a battery cell housed inside the frame and including a body and an electrode lead protruding forward of the body, a bus bar frame assembly located in front of the battery cell and electrically connected to the electrode lead, and a fire-resistant coating layer provided on at least a portion of the battery cell and having fire resistance.

[0014] The battery cell may further include a front terrace portion extending forward from the body and surrounding the electrode lead, and the coating layer may include a first coating layer covering the front terrace portion and the electrode lead.

[0015] The fire-resistant coating layer may also include a second coating layer covering at least a portion of a rear surface of the busbar frame assembly.

[0016] The bus bar frame assembly may also include a slit, the electrode lead may pass through the slit, and the second coating layer may extend to cover between the slit and the electrode lead.

[0017] Also, the coating layer may further include a third coating layer extending from the second coating layer and covering a front surface of the bus bar frame assembly.

[0018] In addition, the frame may be open forward, and the battery module may further include an end plate located in front of the bus bar frame assembly and coupled to a front side of the frame.

[0019] The battery cell may further include an upper seal portion extending upward from the body, and the coating layer may include a fourth coating layer covering at least a portion of the upper seal portion.

[0020] Also, the battery cell may further include an adhesive member that folds and fixes the upper seal portion, and the fourth coating layer may extend to cover the adhesive member.

[0021] In addition, the battery module may further include a barrier covering side surfaces of the battery cells and in close contact with a rear surface of the bus bar frame assembly, and the coating layer may further include a fifth coating layer covering the rear surface of the bus bar frame assembly and a side surface of the barrier adjacent to the rear surface.

[0022] In addition, the bus bar frame assembly may have holes formed to have an elongated shape in a vertical direction, the battery module may further include a barrier covering side surfaces of the battery cells and penetrating the holes of the bus bar frame assembly, and the coating layer may further include a sixth coating layer covering a rear surface of the bus bar frame assembly and a side surface of the barrier adjacent to the rear surface.

[0023] A battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention includes the battery module of the present invention.

[0024] An automobile according to one embodiment of the present invention includes the battery module of the present invention. Effect of the Invention

[0025] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, a battery module capable of suppressing heat propagation can be provided.

[0026] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, a battery module capable of suppressing heat propagation can be provided.

[0027] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, a battery module can be provided that includes a fire-resistant coating layer that can protect the bus bar frame assembly from flames and vent gases.

[0028] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, a battery module including a fire-resistant coating layer capable of maintaining a function of a barrier capable of suppressing heat propagation can be provided.

[0029] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, a battery module can be provided that includes a fire-resistant coating layer that seals gaps of slits through which electrode leads of battery cells pass.

[0030] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, a battery module including battery cells that can maintain safety even when exposed to flames or vent gases can be provided.

[0031] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, a battery module may be provided that includes a fire-resistant coating layer for vent control.

[0032] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention, serve to further understand the technical ideas of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited only to the matters described in the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0033] [Figure 1]1 is a perspective view showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is an exploded view illustrating a partial configuration of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 1 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a bus bar frame assembly of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] 2 is a diagram showing a battery cell of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is a diagram showing a part of a cross-sectional configuration taken along line AA' in FIG. 1. [Figure 7] 2 is a diagram showing a modified embodiment of the cross-sectional configuration taken along line AA' in FIG. 1. [Figure 8] 2 is a diagram showing a modified embodiment of the cross-sectional configuration taken along line AA' in FIG. 1. [Figure 9] 2 is a diagram showing a modified embodiment of the cross-sectional configuration taken along line AA' in FIG. 1. [Figure 10] 2 is a diagram showing a modified embodiment of the cross-sectional configuration taken along line AA' in FIG. 1. [Figure 11] 2 is a diagram showing a battery cell of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 12] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating modified embodiments of a battery cell of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating vents in a battery cell of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] 2 is a diagram showing a part of a cross-sectional configuration taken along line AA' in FIG. 1. [Figure 15] 2 is a diagram showing a modified embodiment of the cross-sectional configuration taken along line AA' in FIG. 1. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a bus bar frame assembly of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17]2 is a diagram showing a modified embodiment of the cross-sectional configuration taken along line AA' in FIG. 1. [Figure 18] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating a barrier and a battery cell of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating a combination of a barrier and a battery cell of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] 13 is a front view showing a combination of a barrier and a battery cell of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention; FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0034] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, the terms and words used in the present specification and claims are not to be construed as being limited to their ordinary and dictionary meanings, but are to be construed as having meanings and concepts according to the technical ideas of the present invention, in accordance with the principle that the inventors themselves can appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best describe the invention.

[0035] Therefore, it should be understood that the configurations shown in the embodiments described in this specification are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical idea of ​​the present invention, and therefore there may be various equivalents and modifications that can be substituted therefor at the time of this application.

[0036] FIG 1 is a perspective view showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG 2 is an exploded view showing a partial configuration of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG 3 is a view showing a partial configuration of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG 4 is a view showing a bus bar frame assembly 300 of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG 1 to FIG 4, a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include a frame 400, a battery cell 100, a bus bar frame assembly 300, and a fire-resistant coating layer 900.

[0037] The frame 400 may include an upper frame 420 and a lower frame 410. The lower frame may include a bottom plate and a pair of side plates extending from the bottom plate. The lower frame may form an internal space. The upper frame 420 and the lower frame 410 may be joined by welding. The upper frame 420 may be joined to a pair of side plates of the lower frame 410. Alternatively, the frame 400 may be integrally formed. The frame 400 may be configured in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The frame 400 may provide a space inside. The frame 400 may form the exterior of a battery module. The frame 400 may extend to have an elongated shape in the front-rear direction or the X-axis direction. The frame 400 may be configured in a shape that is open in the front-rear direction or the X-axis direction.

[0038] The plurality of battery cells 100 may be configured to be accommodated in an internal space provided by the frame 400. Here, each battery cell 100 may refer to a secondary battery. Each battery cell 100 may include a body 110 and an electrode lead 120 protruding in the front-rear direction or the X-axis direction and the -X-axis direction of the body 110. The battery cell 100 may include an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, and a battery case. In addition, the electrode assembly, the electrolyte, and the battery case may constitute the body 110. The battery cell 100 may be a pouch-type secondary battery. The plurality of battery cells 100 may generate heat during charging or discharging. The plurality of battery cells 100 may function as a heat source. The plurality of battery cells 100 may constitute a battery module. The battery module may include one or more battery cells 100 and may be configured to store and release energy. The plurality of battery cells 100 may be arranged or stacked in the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction.

[0039] The bus bar frame assembly 300 may be located in front of the battery cells 100. The electrode leads 120 of each of the battery cells 100 may be electrically connected to the bus bar frame assembly 300. The bus bar frame assembly 300 may be configured to include a frame body 310, a bus bar 320, and a module terminal 330. The frame body 310 may be configured to cover the front side of the battery cells 100. The bus bar 320 may be provided, coupled, or fastened to a front surface of the frame body 310. A plurality of bus bars 320 may be configured. The module terminal 330 may be electrically connected to the bus bar 320. The module terminal 330 may function as an input / output terminal of the battery module. The frame body 310 may include a slit 311 formed to have an elongated shape in the up-down direction or the Z-axis direction. The slit 311 may be configured to penetrate the frame body 310 in the front-rear direction or the X-axis direction. A plurality of slits 311 may be formed and positioned along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. The electrode leads 120 of each of the plurality of battery cells 100 may pass through the slits 311. The electrode leads 120 may pass through the slits 311 and be electrically connected to a bus bar 320 provided on a front surface of the frame body 310. The bus bar frame assembly 300 may be formed in a pair. The bus bar frame assembly 300 may be provided on the front side and the rear side of the plurality of battery cells 100, respectively.

[0040] The fire-resistant coating layer 900 may be provided on each of the plurality of battery cells 100. The fire-resistant coating layer 900 may be provided on at least a portion of each battery cell 100 and may have fire resistance. For example, the fire-resistant coating layer 900 may be made of a material such as epoxy, non-flammable PCM, FPC 5060, Locitite EA9400, or ceramic. The fire-resistant coating layer 900 may be formed by being sprayed onto the battery cell 100 in a liquid form. At this time, the fire-resistant coating layer 900 may be configured to have a thickness of about 0.05 mm to 2.2 mm.

[0041] According to such a configuration of the present invention, the battery cell 100 can be safely protected even when exposed to a flame or vent gas g. Referring to FIG. 3, when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell 100, the flame or vent gas g may be transmitted to an adjacent battery cell 100. In this case, the fire-resistant coating layer 900 can protect the battery cell 100 from the flame or vent gas g. Therefore, even if a thermal event occurs in the battery cell 100, the heat propagation to other battery cells 100 can be effectively suppressed, delayed or prevented. This can improve the thermal safety of the battery module.

[0042] 1 to 4, a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include a barrier 200, an end plate 600, an insulating sheet 700, or a resin 800.

[0043] The barrier 200 may be configured in a rectangular shape. The barrier 200 may extend in the front-rear direction or the X-axis direction. A plurality of barriers 200 may be provided. Each barrier 200 may be disposed between a plurality of battery cells 100. The barriers 200 may be disposed or stacked in the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. The front side and the rear side of the barrier 200 may contact, be coupled, fastened, inserted or attached to the bus bar frame assembly 300, respectively. The barrier 200 may be configured of one part or multiple parts. When the barrier 200 is configured of multiple parts, it may be called a barrier assembly 200. The barrier 200 may suppress, delay or prevent the flame or vent gas g from propagating in the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. The barrier 200 may be made of a material that is not easily damaged even when exposed to the flame or vent gas g.

[0044] The end plates 600 may be formed in a pair. The end plates 600 may be provided on the front and rear sides of the plurality of battery cells 100, respectively. The end plates 600 may be fastened, coupled, or welded to the front or rear side of the frame 400, respectively. Alternatively, the end plates 600 may be fastened, coupled, or welded to the open ends of the frame 400, respectively. The frame 400 may seal the inside by being fastened, coupled, or welded to the end plates 600.

[0045] The insulating sheet 700 may be configured to be positioned between the end plate 600 and the bus bar frame assembly 300. The insulating sheet 700 can electrically isolate the end plate 600 and the bus bar frame assembly 300. The insulating sheet 700 may be configured in a pair. The insulating sheet 700 may be provided between the front end plate 600 and the front bus bar frame assembly 300, and between the rear end plate 600 and the rear bus bar frame assembly 300, respectively.

[0046] The resin 800 may be configured to be formed inside the frame 400. The resin 800 may be configured to be positioned between the plurality of battery cells 100 and the lower frame 410. Also, the resin 800 may be configured to be positioned between the plurality of battery cells 100 and the upper frame 420. Also, the resin 800 may be configured to be positioned between the plurality of barriers 200 and the lower frame 410. Also, the resin 800 may be configured to be positioned between the plurality of barriers 200 and the upper frame 420. The resin 800 may fix the position of the plurality of battery cells 100 or the plurality of barriers 200. Also, the resin 800 may transfer heat generated from the plurality of battery cells 100 to the frame 400, thereby cooling the plurality of battery cells 100. The resin 800 may be injected into the frame 400 through the holes 411 and 421 of the upper frame 420 and the lower frame 410. In addition, the flame or vent gas g generated inside the battery module can be discharged to the outside through the holes 411 and 421.

[0047] The cushioning pad 500 may be disposed between the outermost barrier 200 and the lower frame 410. Alternatively, the cushioning pad 500 may be disposed between the outermost battery cell 100 and the lower frame 410. The cushioning pad 500 may be configured in pairs. When swelling occurs from the multiple battery cells 100, the cushioning pad 500 is elastically deformed to stably support the multiple battery cells 100. For example, the cushioning pad 500 may be made of a silicone material.

[0048] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a battery cell 100 of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a part of a cross-sectional configuration taken along the line A-A' in Fig. 1. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a modified embodiment of the cross-sectional configuration taken along the line A-A' in Fig. 1. Referring to Figs. 5 to 7, the battery cell 100 of the battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a front terrace portion 130 extending forward from the body 110 and surrounding the electrode lead 120, and the coating layer 900 may be configured to include a first coating layer 901 covering the front terrace portion 130 and the electrode lead 120.

[0049] Each battery cell 100 may include a seal portion 140 extending from the body 110. The seal portion may be formed along the circumference of the body 110. In particular, the seal portion protruding forward from the body 110 may be referred to as a front terrace portion 130. Also, the seal portion protruding upward from the body 110 may be referred to as an upper seal portion 140. Also, the seal portion protruding rearward from the body 110 may be referred to as a rear terrace portion 130. The upper seal portion 140 may be configured to be folded and fixed to the body by an adhesive member 150. The front terrace portion 130 and the rear terrace portion 130 may each be configured to surround the electrode lead 120.

[0050] The first coating layer 901 may be configured to surround the terrace portion 130. Alternatively, the first coating layer 901 may be configured to surround both sides of the terrace portion 130. Also, the first coating layer 901 may be configured to extend to surround a portion of the electrode lead 120 adjacent to the terrace portion 130.

[0051] According to such a configuration of the present invention, it is possible to protect the terrace portion 130, which is easily damaged by flames and vent gases g, thereby effectively suppressing, delaying or preventing the propagation of a thermal event.

[0052] Furthermore, according to this configuration of the present invention, the first coating layer 901 extends to the portion of the electrode lead 120 adjacent to the terrace portion 130, thereby preventing flames and vent gas g from penetrating between the terrace portion 130 and the electrode lead 120. This can further improve the thermal safety of the battery module.

[0053] In addition, according to the above-described configuration of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the flame or vent gas g generated inside the battery cell 100 from being discharged to the front or rear.

[0054] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a modified embodiment of the cross-sectional configuration taken along the line A-A' in Fig. 1. Referring to Fig. 8, a fire-resistant coating layer 900 of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include a second coating layer 902 covering at least a portion of a rear surface of the bus bar frame assembly 300. The first coating layer 901 and the second coating layer 902 may be configured separately or continuously.

[0055] According to this configuration of the present invention, the bus bar frame assembly 300 can be protected from flames and vent gases g. For example, the frame body 310 can be made of a plastic material. Thus, if the frame body 310 is exposed to flames and vent gases g, the frame body 310 may be damaged. The second coating layer 902 covers the rear surface of the frame body 310, thereby improving the fire resistance of the frame body 310.

[0056] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a modified embodiment of the cross-sectional configuration taken along the line A-A' in Fig. 1. Referring to Fig. 9, the bus bar frame assembly 300 of the battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a slit 311, the electrode lead 120 passes through the slit 311, and the second coating layer 902 may be configured to extend to cover between the slit 311 and the electrode lead 120.

[0057] The slit 311 may be formed in the up-down direction or the Z-axis direction. The slit 311 may penetrate the frame body 310. The second coating layer 902 may cover between the slit 311 and the electrode lead 120 and may be configured to extend around the electrode lead 120.

[0058] According to such a configuration of the present invention, when a thermal event occurs, it is possible to prevent flames and vent gases g from being ejected through the slits 311. This makes it possible to effectively suppress, block, delay or reduce heat propagation.

[0059] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing a modified embodiment of the cross-sectional configuration taken along the line A-A' in Fig. 1. Referring to Fig. 10, the coating layer 900 of the battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may be configured to further include a third coating layer 903 extending from the second coating layer 902 and covering a front surface of the bus bar frame assembly 300.

[0060] The third coating layer 903 may be configured to cover the front surface of the frame body 310. Also, the third coating layer 903 may be configured to cover the portion of the electrode lead 120 that passes through the slit 311. Also, the third coating layer 903 may be configured to cover the bus bar 320 electrically connected to the electrode lead 120.

[0061] According to such a configuration of the present invention, when a thermal event occurs, it is possible to more reliably prevent flames and vent gases g from being ejected through the slits 311. This makes it possible to effectively suppress, block, delay, or reduce heat propagation.

[0062] 6 to 10, the frame 400 of the battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may be configured to be open forward. Also, the battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an end plate 600 located in front of the bus bar frame assembly 300 and coupled to a front side or open end of the frame 400. The end plate 600 and the insulating sheet 700 may be located to cover the frame body 310 or the slits 311.

[0063] Such a configuration of the present invention can prevent flames or vent gases g from being ejected through the slits 311 in the event of a thermal event, and can suppress, block, delay or reduce damage caused by flames or vent gases g to the insulating sheet 700 or end plate 600.

[0064] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a battery cell 100 of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an alternative embodiment of the battery cell 100 of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a vent of the battery cell 100 of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 11 to FIG. 13, the battery cell 100 of the battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include an upper seal portion 140 extending upward from the body 110. In addition, the coating layer 900 may be configured to include a fourth coating layer 904 covering at least a portion of the upper seal portion 140.

[0065] The fourth coating layer 904 can be configured to be separate or continuous from the first coating layer 901. For example, the fourth coating layer 904 can be configured to extend from the first coating layer 901 and be formed on a forward side of the upper seal portion 140.

[0066] According to this configuration of the present invention, when a flame or vent gas g occurs in the battery cell 100, it is possible to suppress the flame or vent gas g from being ejected toward the first coating layer 901 and the fourth coating layer 904. As a result, the flame or vent gas g can be induced to be ejected toward the upper direction near the center of the battery cell 100. As a result, it is possible to easily control the vent and improve the thermal safety of the battery module.

[0067] 11 to 13, the battery cell 100 of the battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention further includes an adhesive member 150 that folds and fixes the upper seal portion 140, and the fourth coating layer 904 may be configured to extend and cover at least a portion of the adhesive member 150.

[0068] The upper seal portion 140 may be configured to be folded and fixed to the body 110 by the adhesive member 150. For example, the battery cell 100 may be configured to include two adhesive members 150. One adhesive member 150 may be disposed adjacent to a front edge of the body 110, and the other adhesive member 150 may be disposed adjacent to a rear edge. For example, the fourth coating layer 904 may be configured to extend from the first coating layer 901 to a portion that can cover the adhesive member 150. The adhesive member 150 may not be disposed in a central portion of the body 110.

[0069] According to this configuration of the present invention, the fourth coating layer 904 extends further to the central portion of the body 110, so that the ejection of flame or vent gas g in an upward direction can be more strongly induced near the center of the battery cell 100. This makes it easier to control the vent, and improves the thermal safety of the battery module.

[0070] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a part of a cross-sectional configuration taken along the line A-A' in FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 14, the battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may be configured to further include a barrier 200 that covers a side surface of the battery cell 100 and is in close contact with a rear surface of the bus bar frame assembly 300. In addition, the coating layer 900 may be configured to further include a fifth coating layer 905 that covers a rear surface of the bus bar frame assembly 300 and a side surface of the barrier 200 adjacent to the rear surface of the bus bar frame assembly 300. The fifth coating layer 905 may cover an exposed front edge of the barrier 200. The fifth coating layer 905 may be configured to be separated from or continuous with the second coating layer 902. The fifth coating layer 905 may be configured to extend in the up-down direction or the Z-axis direction.

[0071] According to this configuration of the present invention, the gap between the barrier 200 and the frame body 310 can be sealed, thereby suppressing, blocking, delaying or reducing the propagation of flames and vent gases g.

[0072] Furthermore, with such a configuration of the present invention, the front edge of the barrier 200 is not exposed to flames or vent gas g. This allows the heat resistance or fire resistance of the barrier 200 to be stably maintained.

[0073] 15 is a diagram showing a modified embodiment of the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line A-A' in FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 15, a frame body 310 of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a slot 312 protruding rearward. The slot 312 may extend to have an elongated shape along the up-down direction or the Z-axis direction. The barrier 200 may be fitted or inserted into the slot 312. In addition, a fifth coating layer 905 may coat between the slot 312 and a side surface of the barrier 200. The fifth coating layer 905 may be configured to extend along the slot 312 in the up-down direction or the Z-axis direction.

[0074] Such a configuration of the present invention can seal the gap between the slot 312 and the barrier 200, thereby inhibiting, blocking, slowing or reducing the propagation of flame and vent gases g.

[0075] Furthermore, with such a configuration of the present invention, the front edge of the barrier 200 is not exposed to flames or vent gas g. This allows the heat resistance or fire resistance of the barrier 200 to be stably maintained.

[0076] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a bus bar frame assembly 300 of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a modified embodiment of a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line A-A' of FIG. 1. Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, the bus bar frame assembly 300 of the battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may be configured to have holes 313 formed to have an elongated shape in the up-down direction. In addition, the battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may be configured to further include a barrier 200 covering a side surface of the battery cell 100 and penetrating the hole 313 of the bus bar frame assembly 300. In addition, the coating layer 900 may be configured to further include a sixth coating layer 906 covering a rear surface of the bus bar frame assembly 300 and a side surface of the barrier 200 adjacent to the rear surface of the bus bar frame assembly 300.

[0077] The holes 313 may be configured to penetrate the frame body 310. The holes 313 may extend in the up-down direction or in the Z-axis direction. The holes 313 may be formed to be larger than the slits 311. The holes 313 may also be formed to be longer than the slits 311. A plurality of holes 313 may be configured, and a plurality of holes 313 and a plurality of slits 311 may be arranged alternately.

[0078] The barrier 200 may be positioned to be inserted into or pass through the hole 313. The sixth coating layer 906 may be configured to be separate from or continuous with the second coating layer 902. The sixth coating layer 906 may be configured to extend in the up-down direction or in the Z-axis direction. The sixth coating layer 906 may also be configured to extend along the periphery of the hole 313 or the barrier 200.

[0079] Such a configuration of the present invention can seal the gap between the barrier 200 and the hole 313, thereby inhibiting, blocking, slowing or reducing the propagation of flame and vent gases g.

[0080] Furthermore, with such a configuration of the present invention, the front edge of the barrier 200 is not exposed to flames or vent gas g. This allows the heat resistance or fire resistance of the barrier 200 to be stably maintained.

[0081] Furthermore, with such a configuration of the present invention, when a thermal event occurs, it is possible to prevent flames and vent gases g from being ejected through the holes 313. This makes it possible to effectively suppress, block, delay or reduce heat propagation.

[0082] 16 and 17 , the sixth coating layer 906 of the battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may be configured to extend to cover between the hole 313 and the barrier 200. The sixth coating layer 906 may cover between the hole 313 and the barrier 200, and may be configured to extend along around the hole 313 or the barrier 200.

[0083] Furthermore, the coating layer 900 of the battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may be configured to further include a seventh coating layer 907 extending from the sixth coating layer 906 and covering the front surface of the bus bar frame assembly 300. The seventh coating layer 907 may be configured to be separate from or continuous with the third coating layer 903. The seventh coating layer 907 may be configured to extend in the up-down direction or the Z-axis direction. Furthermore, the seventh coating layer 907 may be configured to extend along the periphery of the hole 313.

[0084] The seventh coating layer 907 may be configured to cover the front surface of the frame body 310. The seventh coating layer 907 may also be configured to cover the portion of the barrier 200 that passes through the hole 313. The seventh coating layer 907 may also be configured to cover the bus bar 320 that is electrically connected to the electrode lead 120.

[0085] According to such a configuration of the present invention, when a thermal event occurs, it is possible to more reliably prevent flames and vent gases g from being ejected through the holes 313. This makes it possible to effectively suppress, block, delay or reduce heat propagation.

[0086] Fig. 18 is a diagram showing a barrier 200a and a battery cell 100 of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 19 is a diagram showing a combination of a barrier 200a and a battery cell 100 of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 20 is a front view showing a combination of a barrier 200a and a battery cell 100 of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figs. 18 to 20, a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a barrier 200a made of a single material.

[0087] The barrier 200a may be configured to have a corrugated shape, a corrugated structure, or a corrugated structure. The barrier 200a may be made of fire-resistant paper. The barrier 200a may be configured to include a pair of paper sheets and a corrugated paper sheet bonded between the pair of paper sheets. The barrier 200a may be formed in a corrugated structure having peaks and valleys. The plurality of battery cells 100 may be arranged to be located at the peaks and valleys, respectively. The plurality of battery cells 100 and the barrier 200a may be configured to be in close contact with each other.

[0088] In this case, the length of the barrier 200a in the front-rear direction or the X-axis direction may be configured to be longer than the length of the body 110 of the battery cell 100 in the front-rear direction or the X-axis direction. Thus, the barrier 200a may be configured to cover the entire side surface of the battery cell 100 and to cover at least a portion of the electrode lead 120. A front edge or a rear edge of the barrier 200a may be in close contact with, contacted to, coupled to, fastened to, or inserted into the bus bar frame assembly 300.

[0089] According to such a configuration of the present invention, the barrier 200a has a corrugated board structure and can be configured to be deformable in the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. As a result, when swelling occurs in the battery cell 100, the barrier 200a is compressed in the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction, thereby stably supporting the battery cell 100.

[0090] A battery pack according to the present invention may include two or more of the above-described battery modules according to the present invention.

[0091] In addition, the battery pack according to the present invention may further include various other components, for example, components of a battery pack known at the time of filing of the present invention, such as a BMS, a bus bar, a pack case, a relay, a current sensor, etc., in addition to the battery sub-module.

[0092] The automobile according to the present invention may include two or more of the above-described battery modules according to the present invention. The battery module according to the present invention may be applied to automobiles such as electric automobiles and hybrid automobiles. That is, the automobile according to the present invention may include the battery module according to the present invention or the battery pack according to the present invention. The automobile according to the present invention may further include various other components included in the automobile, in addition to the battery module or battery pack. For example, the automobile according to the present invention may further include a vehicle body, a motor, a control device such as an ECU (electronic control unit), etc., in addition to the battery module according to the present invention.

[0093] Meanwhile, although terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are used in this specification, these terms are used for convenience of explanation, and it will be obvious to those skilled in the art of the present invention that they may change depending on the position of the target object, the position of the observer, etc.

[0094] As described above, the present invention has been described using limited embodiments and drawings. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it goes without saying that a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can make various modifications and variations within the technical spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the following claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 100 Battery Cells 110 Body 120 Electrode Lead 130 Terrace 140 Seal part 150 Adhesive material 200, 200a Barrier 300 Busbar Frame Assembly 310 Frame Body 311 Slit 312 Slots 313 holes 320 Busbar 330 Module Terminal 400 frames 410 Lower Frame 411 hole 420 Upper Frame 421 hole 500 Cushioning Pad 600 End Plate 700 Insulation Sheet 800 Resin 900 Fireproof Coating Layer 901 1st coating layer 902 2nd coating layer 903 3rd coating layer 904 4th coating layer 905 5th coating layer 906 6th coating layer 907 7th coating layer g Vent gas

Claims

1. A frame that provides internal space; a battery cell accommodated in the frame and including a body and an electrode lead protruding forward from the body; a bus bar frame assembly located in front of the battery cell and electrically connected to the electrode lead; a fire-resistant coating layer provided on at least a portion of the battery cell and having fire resistance.

2. The battery cell includes: a front terrace extending forward from the body and surrounding the electrode lead; The fire-resistant coating layer is The battery module according to claim 1 , further comprising a first coating layer covering the front terrace and the electrode lead.

3. The fire-resistant coating layer is The battery module according to claim 1 , further comprising a second coating layer covering at least a portion of a rear surface of the bus bar frame assembly.

4. The bus bar frame assembly includes: Equipped with slits, The electrode lead is Passing through the slit, The second coating layer is The battery module according to claim 3 , wherein the insulating layer extends to cover a space between the slit and the electrode lead.

5. The fire-resistant coating layer is The battery module according to claim 3 , further comprising a third coating layer extending from the second coating layer and covering a front surface of the bus bar frame assembly.

6. The frame is open forward, The battery module includes: The battery module according to claim 1 , further comprising an end plate located in front of the bus bar frame assembly and coupled to a front side of the frame.

7. The battery cell includes: further including an upper seal portion extending upwardly from the body; The fire-resistant coating layer is The battery module according to claim 1 , further comprising a fourth coating layer covering at least a portion of the upper seal portion.

8. The battery cell includes: The adhesive member further includes an adhesive member for folding and fixing the upper seal portion, The fourth coating layer is The battery module according to claim 7 , extending to cover the adhesive member.

9. a barrier covering a side surface of the battery cell and closely contacting a rear surface of the bus bar frame assembly, The fire-resistant coating layer is The battery module according to claim 1 , further comprising a fifth coating layer covering a rear surface of the bus bar frame assembly and a side of the barrier adjacent to the rear surface.

10. The bus bar frame assembly includes: A hole is formed to have an elongated shape in the vertical direction, The battery module includes: a barrier covering a side surface of the battery cell and penetrating a hole of the bus bar frame assembly; The fire-resistant coating layer is The battery module according to claim 1 , further comprising a sixth coating layer covering a rear surface of the bus bar frame assembly and a side of the barrier adjacent to the rear surface.

11. A battery pack comprising the battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A motor vehicle comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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