Battery module, battery pack including the same, and vehicle

Abstract

A battery module according to one aspect of the present invention includes a module frame having an internal space in which a plurality of battery cells are accommodated and an opening communicating with the internal space; an insulating cover having a support base on which terminals electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells are disposed and supported, the insulating cover primarily covering the opening; an end plate having a window exposing the support base to the outside and secondarily covering the opening covered by the insulating cover; and a blocking structure configured to cover the support base exposed through the window and block an electrical short circuit between the terminals disposed on the support base and the end plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0017551 filed on February 9, 2023, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0097768 filed on July 26, 2023, and all of the contents disclosed in the specifications and drawings of the said applications are incorporated into this application.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery module, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle, and more particularly, to a battery module including a plurality of rechargeable battery cells, a battery pack including such a battery module, and a vehicle.

Background Art

[0003] Generally, a secondary battery refers to a battery that can be repeatedly charged and discharged, such as a lithium-ion battery, a lithium polymer battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, or a nickel-zinc battery. A battery cell corresponding to the most basic secondary battery can provide an output voltage of about 2.5V to 4.2V.

[0004] Recently, as such secondary batteries are applied to devices that require a high output voltage and a large charge capacity, such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS), a battery module configured by connecting a plurality of battery cells in series and / or in parallel, and a battery pack configured by connecting a plurality of battery cells or a plurality of battery modules in series and / or in parallel, are widely used.

[0005] In order to increase the energy density of such battery modules and battery packs, a plurality of battery cells are densely packed in the limited space within the battery module or battery pack. Therefore, battery modules and battery packs must be designed to have a high level of durability and electrical safety in consideration of the risk of thermal runaway and thermal propagation of the battery cells.

[0006] However, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, in the conventional technology, since the terminal electrically connected to the battery cell housed in the metal case of the battery module is disposed on the outer surface of the metal case, when high-temperature gas, flame, foreign matter, etc. are discharged from the battery module or another battery module adjacent to the battery module, there is a problem that the insulating structure supporting the terminal melts or collapses, resulting in an electrical short between the terminal and the metal case.

[0007] Such a problem may lead to serious risks such as accelerating the chain thermal runaway and ignition of the battery modules in a battery pack having a layout where the terminals of the battery modules face the terminals of other battery modules, and causing the battery pack to explode.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0008]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0009] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a battery module, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle that can prevent an electrical short circuit between a terminal of a battery module and an end plate even when high-temperature gas, flame, foreign matter, etc. are discharged from inside the battery module or from another battery module adjacent to the battery module.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0010] A battery module according to an aspect of the present invention includes a module frame having an internal space in which a plurality of battery cells are accommodated and an opening communicating with the internal space; an insulating cover having a support base on which terminals electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells are disposed and supported, the insulating cover primarily covering the opening; an end plate having a window exposing the support base to the outside and secondarily covering the opening covered by the insulating cover; and a blocking structure configured to cover the support base exposed through the window and block an electrical short circuit between the terminal disposed on the support base and the end plate.

[0011] In one embodiment, the support base of the insulating cover may include a placement portion having a placement surface on which the terminal is placed, and a partition portion extending from the placement portion to an edge side of the window and isolating the terminal from the edge of the window.

[0012] In one embodiment, the partition portion may include a first partition portion extending downward from a lower end of the placement portion and isolating the terminal from an edge portion of the window located below the placement portion, and a second partition portion extending upward from an edge of the placement portion and isolating the terminal from another edge portion of the window located on a side or above the placement portion.

[0013] In one embodiment, the insulating cover may be made of a material having fire resistance in addition to electrical insulation.

[0014] In one embodiment, the insulating cover may be made of a material containing one or more of polyimide, aromatic polyamide, polyphenylene sulfide, polyether ether ketone, and fluoropolymer.

[0015] In one embodiment, the blocking structure may include a coupling portion coupled to the end plate, and a cover portion supported by the coupling portion and covering the support base.

[0016] In one embodiment, the blocking structure may further include at least one blocking pin configured to block contact between the terminal and the end plate when the insulating cover melts by contacting the terminal and supporting the terminal.

[0017] In one embodiment, at least one of the blocking pins may protrude from the cover portion toward the support base and be configured to contact the terminal disposed on the support base.

[0018] In one embodiment, the support base may include at least one coupling groove into which at least one of the blocking pins is inserted and coupled.

[0019] In one embodiment, it may further include at least one fixing screw for fixing the coupling portion to the end plate.

[0020] In one embodiment, the blocking structure may be made of a material having fire resistance in addition to electrical insulation.

[0021] In one embodiment, the blocking structure may be made of a material containing silicon or ceramic.

[0022] In one embodiment, the cutoff structure may be made of a material having a melting point higher than that of the insulating cover.

[0023] A battery pack according to another aspect of the present invention includes a battery module according to any of the above embodiments.

[0024] A vehicle according to still another aspect of the present invention includes a battery module according to any of the above embodiments.

Advantages of the Invention

[0025] According to the present invention, the support base of the insulating cover on which the terminals of the battery module are arranged is exposed through the window of the end plate, and the cutoff structure covers the support base exposed through the window, thereby cutting off an electrical short circuit between the terminal arranged on the support base and the end plate. Even when high-temperature gas, flame, foreign matter, etc. are discharged from the battery module or another battery module adjacent to the battery module, an electrical short circuit between the terminal and the end plate can be prevented. As a result, thermal runaway of the battery module and chain-like thermal runaway between battery modules can be suppressed.

[0026] In addition, the support base of the insulating cover is configured to isolate the terminal from the end plate and cut off the contact between the terminal and the end plate, thereby ensuring the electrical safety of the battery module.

[0027] Furthermore, since the insulating cover is made of a fire-resistant material, damage or collapse of the insulating cover due to high-temperature gas or flame can be prevented or at least delayed, and the electrical safety of the battery module can be further improved.

[0028] Furthermore, since the cutoff structure is configured to directly contact and support the terminal disposed on the support base, even when the insulating cover melts or collapses due to high-temperature gas or flames, an electrical short circuit between the terminal and the end plate can be prevented.

[0029] In addition to these, since the cutoff structure is configured to be coupled and fixed to the end plate generally made of a metal material, the problem of the cutoff structure coming off from the battery module due to high-pressure gas discharged from the inside of the battery module can be prevented.

[0030] Furthermore, it should be clearly understood from the following description that those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can solve various technical problems not mentioned above by various embodiments according to the present invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0031]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0032] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in order to clarify the solution corresponding to the technical problems of the present invention. However, when explaining the present invention, if it is recognized that the explanation of the known technology related to the present invention may rather obscure the gist of the present invention, the explanation thereof may be omitted. In addition, the terms used in this specification are terms defined in consideration of the functions in the present invention, and these may vary depending on the intentions or conventions of designers, manufacturers, etc. Therefore, it can be said that the definitions of the terms described below are appropriately defined based on the contents throughout this specification.

[0033] In FIG. 1, a battery module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in a perspective view.

[0034] In FIG. 2, a partial exploded view of the battery module 100 shown in FIG. 1 is shown.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a battery module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a module frame 120, an insulating cover 130, an end plate 140, and a cutoff structure 150.

[0036] The module frame 120 is configured to accommodate a plurality of battery cells. For this purpose, the module frame 120 may have an internal space in which a plurality of battery cells are accommodated and an opening 122 communicating with this internal space. For example, the module frame 120 may accommodate a battery cell assembly 110 including a plurality of battery cells in the internal space.

[0037] The insulating cover 130 is configured to primarily cover the opening 122 of the module frame 120. Such an insulating cover 130 may include a support base 132 on which terminals electrically connected to a plurality of battery cells accommodated in the module frame 120 are disposed and supported.

[0038] The end plate 140 is configured to secondarily cover the opening 122 covered by the insulating cover 130. Such an end plate 140 may include a window W1 that exposes the support base 132 of the insulating cover 130 to the outside.

[0039] The blocking structure 150 is configured to cover the support base 132 of the insulating cover 130 exposed through the window W1 of the end plate 140 and block an electrical short circuit between the terminal 118 disposed on the support base 132 and the end plate 140. For this purpose, at least a part of the blocking structure 150 may be configured to be located between the edge of the window W1 and the terminal 118.

[0040] For example, the module frame 120 has an opening 122 at at least one of both ends in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the battery module 100, and may accommodate a battery cell assembly 110 including a plurality of battery cells in an internal space communicating with the opening 122.

[0041] In this case, the module frame 120 can be formed in a tubular shape having openings at both ends in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction). Further, the module frame 120 can be made of a metal material having a high level of rigidity and heat resistance. Such a module frame 120 can be integrally manufactured by a sheet metal and welding process or an injection process.

[0042] In one embodiment, the module frame 120 can be composed of a clad metal to which dissimilar metals are joined. That is, the module frame 120 can be composed of a metal plate having a multi-layer structure in which a second metal plate is joined to a first metal plate.

[0043] In this case, the first metal plate forming the outer surface of the module frame 120 is made of a material having relatively higher thermal conductivity than the second metal plate forming the inner surface of the module frame 120, and the second metal plate can be made of a material having higher heat resistance and fire resistance than the first metal plate. For example, the first metal plate can be made of a material containing aluminum (Al), and the second metal plate can be made of a material containing stainless steel. For reference, the melting point of aluminum is about 660°C, and the melting point of stainless steel is about 2750°C.

[0044] As described above, the insulating cover 130 has a support base 132 on which the terminal 118 is disposed and supported, and can be configured to primarily cover the opening 122 of the module frame 120.

[0045] In this case, the insulating cover 130 may include a guide hole H1 for guiding the terminal 118 to the support base 132 side. Further, the insulating cover 130 may include a first connector hole H2 for exposing to the outside a connector that transmits an electrical signal of the battery cell included in the battery cell assembly 110.

[0046] As described below, the support base 132 may include a placement portion having a placement surface on which the terminal 118 is placed, and a partition portion that extends from this placement portion to the edge side of the window W1 provided in the end plate 140 and separates the terminal 118 from the edge of the window W1.

[0047] Such an insulating cover 130 may be made of a polymer synthetic resin having electrical insulation properties. In particular, the insulating cover 130 may be made of a material having high fire resistance in addition to electrical insulation properties.

[0048] The end plate 140 may have a window W1 that exposes the support base 132 of the insulating cover 130 to the outside, and may be configured to secondarily cover the opening 122 of the module frame 120 covered by the insulating cover 130. Further, the end plate 140 may be provided at a position corresponding to the first connector hole H2 of the insulating cover 130 and may include a second connector hole H3 that exposes the connector to the outside.

[0049] Such an end plate 140 may be made of a metal material having a high level of rigidity and heat resistance.

[0050] FIG. 3 shows a battery cell assembly 110 of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 3, the battery cell assembly 110 may include a plurality of battery cells 112, a bus bar 114, and a bus bar frame 116.

[0052] The plurality of battery cells 112 may be densely arranged in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the battery module. Each battery cell 112 can be realized in various forms as the most basic rechargeable secondary battery.

[0053] For example, the battery cell 112 can be realized as a pouch-type secondary battery. In this case, the battery cell 112 can be manufactured by a method of accommodating an electrode assembly and an electrolyte inside a pouch-shaped case and sealing the case. In this case, the pouch-shaped case can be composed of one or two pouch sheets.

[0054] Such a battery cell 112 can include a pair of electrode leads. Each electrode lead can be configured such that one end thereof is electrically connected to the electrode assembly housed inside the case, and the other end extends outside the case and is exposed to the outside.

[0055] In another embodiment, the plurality of battery cells 102 can also be realized as cylindrical secondary batteries or square secondary batteries, respectively.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 3, such a plurality of battery cells 102 can be stacked on each other in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction) in a state where each stands in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction).

[0057] The bus bar 114 can be configured to be electrically connected to the electrode lead of the battery cell 112 or the terminal 118. For this reason, the bus bar 114 can be composed of a conductive material such as metal.

[0058] The bus bar frame 116 can be configured to support one or two or more bus bars 114. Such a bus bar frame 116 can be composed of an electrical insulating material. Furthermore, as will be described later, the bus bar frame 116 can be composed of a material having high fire resistance in addition to electrical insulation.

[0059] Further, the battery cell assembly 110 may further include a terminal 118 that is electrically connected to the battery cell via a bus bar 114 and provides the output voltage of the battery module 100, a connector 119 that transmits an electrical signal related to the battery cell, and the like. In this case, the terminal 118 and the connector 119 may be supported by the bus bar frame 116.

[0060] FIG. 4 shows the bus bar frame 116 of the battery cell assembly 110 shown in FIG. 3.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 4, the bus bar frame 116 is disposed in the internal space of the module frame 120, but is disposed between a plurality of battery cells accommodated in the module frame 120 and an insulating cover 130 that covers the opening of the module frame 120, and may be configured to support at least one bus bar 114. In this case, each bus bar 114 may be electrically connected to the electrode lead 112a of the battery cell 112 or the terminal 118 of the battery module 100.

[0062] The terminal 118 that is electrically connected to the battery cell via the bus bar 114 and the connector 119 that transmits an electrical signal related to the battery cell may be supported by the bus bar frame 116.

[0063] Such a bus bar frame 116 may be made of a material having high fire resistance in addition to electrical insulation. For example, the bus bar frame 116 may be made of a material containing one or more of polyimide, aromatic polyamide, polyphenylene sulfide, polyether ether ketone, fluoropolymer, and ceramic.

[0064] As described above, the bus bar frame 116 that is disposed between the plurality of battery cells 112 included in the battery module and the insulating cover 130 and supports the bus bar is made of a material having high fire resistance in addition to insulation properties. Thus, even if high-temperature gas or flames are generated inside the battery module, deformation of the structure of the bus bar frame can be suppressed, and as a result, an electrical short circuit due to contact between the bus bars can be prevented.

[0065] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the insulating cover 130 of the battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 5, the insulating cover 130 may have a support base 132 and may be configured to primarily cover the opening 122 of the module frame 120. The terminal 118 electrically connected to the battery cells of the battery cell assembly 110 is disposed and supported on the support base 132. For this purpose, the insulating cover 130 may include a guide hole H1 that guides the terminal 118 to the support base 132.

[0067] According to an embodiment, the insulating cover 130 may include a first connector hole H2 that exposes an external connector that transmits an electrical signal of the battery cells included in the battery cell assembly 110.

[0068] Further, the support base 132 may include a mounting portion 134 having a mounting surface on which the terminal 118 is placed, and partition walls 136a and 136b that extend from such a mounting portion 134 to the edge side of the window W1 provided in the end plate 140 described above and isolate the terminal 118 from the edge of the window W1.

[0069] In this case, the partition walls 136a and 136b may include a first partition wall 136a and a second partition wall 136b.

[0070] The first partition wall 136a may extend downward from the lower end of the placement portion 134 and be configured to isolate the terminal 118 from the edge of the window W1 located below the placement portion 134.

[0071] The second partition wall 136b extends upward from the edge of the placement portion 134 and may be configured to isolate the terminal 118 from the other edge of the window (W1 located on the side or above the placement portion 134.

[0072] In this way, although the terminal 118 of the battery module 100 is located within the window W1 of the end plate 140, the support base 132 of the insulating cover 130 is configured to isolate the terminal 118 from the edge of the window (W1 and block the contact between the terminal 118 and the end plate 140. Thus, even when high-temperature gas or flame occurs in the battery module 100 or another battery module adjacent to the battery module 100, it is possible to prevent an electrical short circuit between the terminal 118 and the end plate 140 due to damage or collapse of the insulation structure, and suppress thermal runaway of the battery module or chain-like thermal runaway between battery modules.

[0073] As will be described again below, the support base 132 of the insulating cover 130 may further include at least one coupling groove 138 into which at least a part of a blocking structure configured to support the terminal 118 is inserted and coupled.

[0074] Such an insulating cover 130 may be made of a polymer synthetic resin having electrical insulation properties. In particular, the insulating cover 130 may be made of a material having high fire resistance in addition to electrical insulation properties.

[0075] For example, the insulating cover 130 may be made of a material containing one or more of polyimide, aromatic polyamide, polyphenylene sulfide, polyether ether ketone, fluoropolymer, and ceramic.

[0076] In this way, since the insulating cover 130 is made of a material having high fire resistance, damage or disintegration of the insulating cover due to high-temperature gas or flame can be prevented or delayed, and as a result, the electrical safety of the battery module can be further improved.

[0077] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of an end plate 140 of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 6, the end plate 140 may have a window W1 that exposes the support base 132 of the insulating cover 130 to the outside, and may be configured to secondarily cover the opening 122 of the module frame 120 covered by the insulating cover 130.

[0079] Further, the end plate 140 may be provided at a position corresponding to the first connector hole H2 of the insulating cover 130, and may include a second connector hole H3 that exposes the connector 119 inserted into the first connector hole H2 to the outside.

[0080] As will be described again below, the end plate 140 may include coupling portions 142 and 144 to which a blocking structure 150 configured to support the terminal 118 is coupled. Further, the end plate 140 may further include a support portion 146 that contacts a part of the blocking structure 150 and supports the blocking structure 150.

[0081] Such an end plate 140 can be made of a metal material having a high level of rigidity and heat resistance. Further, the end plate 140 can be coupled to the module frame 120 by laser welding to cover the opening 122 of the module frame 120 described above.

[0082] On the other hand, when openings are provided at both ends of the module frame 120, the battery module 100 may further include another end plate that covers the other end opening of the module frame 120, separate from the end plate 140 that covers one end opening of the module frame 120. In this case, the configuration corresponding to the window W1, the second connector hole H3, the coupling portions 142 and 144, and the support portion 146 of the end plate 140 can be omitted from the other end plate.

[0083] FIG. 7 shows a front perspective view of a cutoff structure 150 of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0084] FIG. 8 shows a rear perspective view of the cutoff structure 150 shown in FIG. 7.

[0085] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the cutoff structure 150 can be configured to cover the support base 132 of the insulating cover 130 exposed through the window W1 of the end plate 140 and to block an electrical short circuit between the terminal 118 disposed on the support base 132 and the end plate 140. Such a cutoff structure 150 can be configured to be coupled and fixed to an end plate 140 generally made of a metal material.

[0086] For this purpose, the cutoff structure 150 may include coupling portions 152 and 154 that are coupled to the end plate 140, and a cover portion 156 that is supported by such coupling portions 152 and 154 and covers the support base 132 of the insulating cover 130.

[0087] In this case, the coupling portions 152 and 154 can be coupled to the end plate 140 in various ways. For example, the coupling portions 152 and 154 can be coupled to the end plate 140 by a screwing method, an interference fit method, an adhesive method, or a combination of two or more of these.

[0088] In one embodiment, the coupling portions 152 and 154 may include a first coupling portion 152 that couples to a portion (142 in FIG. 6) of the end plate 140 and a second coupling portion 154 that couples to another portion (144 in FIG. 6) of the end plate 140.

[0089] In one embodiment, the blocking structure 150 may include an alignment groove 152a configured such that the second partition wall 136b of the support base 132 is inserted therein. When the second partition wall 136b of the support base 132 is accurately inserted into the alignment groove 152a of such a blocking structure 150, other portions of the blocking structure 150 can be arranged in a fixed position.

[0090] The cover portion 156 may be configured to cover the support base 132 exposed through the window W1 of the end plate 140. In some embodiments, the cover portion 156 may be configured to cover at least a portion of the terminal 118 disposed on the support base 132.

[0091] Such a cover portion 156 can be integrally formed with the coupling portions 152 and 154.

[0092] Also, in one embodiment, the blocking structure 150 may include at least one blocking pin 158. In this case, at least one of the blocking pins 158 is positioned between the edge of the window W1 and the terminal 118 and contacts the terminal 118 disposed on the support base 132 of the insulating cover 130 to support the terminal 118, so as to block the contact between the terminal 118 and the end plate even when the insulating cover 130 melts.

[0093] In this case, each cutoff pin 158 may protrude from the cover portion 156 toward the support base 132 of the insulating cover 130 and be configured to contact the terminal 118 disposed on the support base 132. For this purpose, the support base 132 of the insulating cover 130 may have at least one coupling groove (which may include 158 in FIG. 5) into which at least one of the cutoff pins 158 is inserted and coupled.

[0094] Such at least one cutoff pin 158 may be integrally formed with the cover portion 156.

[0095] Also, the cutoff structure 150 may be made of a material having fire resistance in addition to electrical insulation. In this case, such a cutoff structure 150 may be made of a fire-resistant material having a melting point higher than that of the insulating cover 130. For example, the cutoff structure 150 may be made of a material including silicon or ceramic.

[0096] In this way, the cutoff structure 150 made of a fire-resistant material having a melting point higher than that of the insulating cover 130 is coupled to the support base 132 of the insulating cover 130 and supports the terminal 118 placed on the support base 132, so that even when the insulating cover 130 is melted or collapsed by high-temperature gas or flame, an electrical short circuit between the terminal 118 and the end plate 140 can be prevented.

[0097] Furthermore, by coupling and fixing the cutoff structure 150 to the end plate 140 made of a metal material, even when the insulating cover 130 is melted or collapsed, the terminal 118 can be safely supported.

[0098] FIG. 9 shows a battery module 100A according to a modified embodiment of the present invention.

[0099] FIG. 10 shows a partially exploded view of the battery module 100A shown in FIG. 9.

[0100] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the battery module 100A according to one modified embodiment may further include a fixing screw 160.

[0101] The fixing screw 160 may be configured to fix the coupling portions 152 and 154 of the blocking structure 150 to the end plate 140. In this case, the blocking structure 150 may include a through hole 150a through which the body of the fixing screw 160 passes. Also, the end plate 140 may include a screw groove 148 into which the fixing screw 160 is tightened.

[0102] In this way, by fixing the blocking structure 150 to the end plate 140 with the fixing screw 160, it is possible to prevent the problem that the blocking structure is detached from the battery module due to high-pressure gas discharged from the inside of the battery module.

[0103] FIG. 11 shows a battery pack 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 11, the battery pack 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include the battery modules 100 and 100A according to the various embodiments described above. Also, the battery pack 10 may further include a pack tray 12 and a pack case 14 that house one or two or more of the battery modules 100 and 100A.

[0105] The pack tray 12 and the pack case 14 may include a pack tray having an accommodation space for accommodating a plurality of battery modules, and a pack lid that covers the upper end opening of the pack tray 12.

[0106] Further, the battery pack 10 may further include various electrical components (not shown) that control the charging and discharging operations of the battery cells included in the battery modules 100, 100A or the battery modules 100, 100A accommodated in the pack tray 12 and the pack case 14, and monitor the state of charge (SOC), state of health (SOH, also referred to as the degradation state), etc. These electrical components may be accommodated in the pack tray 12 and the pack case 14 together with the battery module 100.

[0107] FIG. 12 shows a vehicle 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0108] As shown in FIG. 12, the vehicle 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include the battery modules 100, 100A according to the various embodiments described above. For example, the vehicle 2 may include a battery pack 10 incorporating one or more of the battery modules 100, 100A. In this case, the battery modules 100, 100A or the battery pack 10 including them can provide the electrical energy required for various operations of the vehicle 2.

[0109] In this case, the vehicle 2 may further include an electric motor that moves the vehicle 2 using the electrical energy supplied from the battery modules 100, 100A or the battery pack 10 including them.

[0110] For reference, the battery modules 100, 100A according to the present invention can be applied not only to vehicles but also to various electrical devices and electrical systems that use electrical energy, and of course, to energy storage systems (ESS).

[0111] As described above, according to the present invention, the support base of the insulating cover where the terminals of the battery module are arranged is exposed through the window of the end plate, and the blocking structure covers the support base exposed through the window, and blocks the electrical short circuit between the terminal arranged on the support base and the end plate, so that in the case where high-temperature gas, flame, foreign matter, etc. are discharged in the battery module or another battery module adjacent to the battery module, an electrical short circuit between the terminal and the end plate can be prevented. As a result, thermal runaway of the battery module and chain thermal runaway between battery modules can be suppressed.

[0112] In addition, the support base of the insulating cover is configured to isolate the terminal from the end plate and block the contact between the terminal and the end plate, so that the electrical safety of the battery module can be ensured.

[0113] Furthermore, since the insulating cover is made of a fire-resistant material, damage or collapse of the insulating cover due to high-temperature gas or flame can be prevented or at least delayed, and the electrical safety of the battery module can be further improved.

[0114] Moreover, the blocking structure is configured to directly contact the terminal arranged on the support base and support the terminal, so that even when the insulating cover is melted or collapsed by high-temperature gas or flame, an electrical short circuit between the terminal and the end plate can be prevented.

[0115] In addition to these, the blocking structure is configured to be coupled and fixed to the end plate generally made of a metal material, so that the problem of the blocking structure coming off from the battery module due to high-pressure gas discharged from the inside of the battery module can be prevented.

[0116] Furthermore, it goes without saying that the embodiments according to the present invention can solve various other technical problems in the technical fields related to the present invention as well as in the technical field itself, except for the content mentioned in this specification.

[0117] So far, the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will clearly understand that various modified embodiments can be realized within the technical scope of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed above should be considered from an explanatory perspective rather than a limiting perspective. That is, the true technical idea scope of the present invention is shown in the claims, and any differences within the equivalent scope thereof should be construed as being included in the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0118] 2 Vehicle 10 Battery Pack 12 Pack Tray 14 Pack Case 100 Battery Module 100A Battery Module 102 Battery Cell 110 Battery Cell Assembly 112 Battery Cell 112a Electrode Lead 114 Busbar 116 Busbar Frame 118 Terminal 119 Connector 120 Module Frame 122 Opening 130 Insulation Cover 132 Support Base 134 Mounting Portion 136a Partition Portion 136a First Partition 136b Partition Portion 136b Second Partition 138 Coupling Groove 140 End Plate 142 Joint 144 Joint 146 Support part 148 Thread groove 150 Blocking structure 150a Through hole 152 Joint (first joint) 152a Alignment groove 154 Joint (second joint) 156 Cover part 158 Blocking pin 160 Fixing screw H1 Guide hole H2 First connector hole H3 Second connector hole k Partition part W1 Window

Claims

1. A module frame having an internal space in which a plurality of battery cells are accommodated and an opening communicating with the internal space, A support base on which terminals electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells are disposed and supported, and an insulating cover that primarily covers the opening, An end plate having a window that exposes the support base to the outside and secondarily covers the opening covered by the insulating cover, A blocking structure configured to cover the support base exposed through the window and block an electrical short circuit between the terminal disposed on the support base and the end plate, A battery module including the above.

2. The support base of the insulating cover has A mounting portion having a mounting surface on which the terminal is mounted, A partition portion that extends from the mounting portion to the edge side of the window and isolates the terminal from the edge of the window, The battery module according to claim 1, including the above.

3. The partition portion has A first partition that extends downward from the lower end of the mounting portion and isolates the terminal from the edge of the window located below the mounting portion, A second partition that extends upward from the edge of the mounting portion and isolates the terminal from the other edge of the window located on the side or above the mounting portion, The battery module according to claim 2, including the above.

4. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the insulating cover is made of a material having fire resistance in addition to electrical insulation.

5. The insulating cover is made of a material containing one or more of polyimide, aromatic polyamide, polyphenylene sulfide, polyether ether ketone, and fluoropolymer, the battery module according to claim 4.

6. The cutoff structure is a connecting portion connected to the end plate, a cover portion supported by the connecting portion and covering the support base, The battery module according to claim 1, comprising

7. The cutoff structure is further includes at least one cutoff pin configured to block contact between the terminal and the end plate when the insulating cover melts by contacting the terminal and supporting the terminal, the battery module according to claim 6.

8. At least one of the cutoff pins protrudes from the cover portion toward the support base and is configured to contact the terminal disposed on the support base, the battery module according to claim 7.

9. The support base is equipped with at least one coupling groove into which at least one of the cutoff pins is inserted and coupled, the battery module according to claim 7.

10. The battery module according to claim 6, further comprising at least one fixing screw for fixing the connecting portion to the end plate.

11. The cutoff structure is made of a material having fire resistance in addition to electrical insulation, the battery module according to claim 1.

12. The battery module according to claim 11, wherein the blocking structure is made of a material containing silicon or ceramic.

13. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the blocking structure is made of a material having a melting point higher than that of the insulating cover.

14. A battery pack including the battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A vehicle including the battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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