Battery module and method for manufacturing a battery module

Abstract

The present invention provides a battery module including: a housing 100 having an empty space (S) inside; a plurality of busbars 200 installed at one end and the other end of the empty space (S) in a first direction; a plurality of battery cells 300 arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction and the vertical direction and contacting the busbars 200; and one or more partition walls 400 extending in the first direction and the vertical direction, installed between a pair of battery cells 300 arranged adjacent to each other in the second direction, partitioning the empty space (S) in the second direction, and extending to one end or the other end of the housing 100 in the first direction to partition one end or the other end of the empty space (S) in the first direction in the second direction. The busbars 200 installed on one side and the other side of the partition wall 400 in the second direction via the partition wall 400 are physically separated in the second direction by the partition wall 400.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0072093 filed on June 14, 2022, and the contents disclosed in the documents of the Korean patent application are all included as part of this specification.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery module and a method for manufacturing the battery module, and more particularly, to a battery module and a method for manufacturing the battery module in which heat transfer between battery cells is delayed or prevented and manufacturing costs are reduced.

Background Art

[0003] A secondary battery means a battery that can be charged and discharged, unlike a primary battery that cannot be charged. Secondary batteries are used not only as power sources for small and advanced electronic devices such as mobile phones, PDAs, and notebook computers, but also as power sources for energy storage systems (ESS), electric vehicles (EV), or hybrid electric vehicles (HEV).

[0004] A battery module means a device in which a large number of secondary batteries (hereinafter, battery cells) are connected in series or in parallel. When problems such as a short circuit occur in some battery cells inside the battery module and the temperature of the battery cell exceeds the critical temperature, a thermal runaway phenomenon may occur.

[0005] Heat, flames, etc. generated by the thermal runaway phenomenon of some battery cells inside the battery module increase the temperature of other battery cells, and thus the thermal runaway phenomenon may spread to other battery cells. When the thermal runaway phenomenon rapidly spreads to other battery cells, the possibility of the battery module catching fire or exploding increases. For this reason, it is necessary to delay the heat transfer (propagation) between battery cells. Regarding this, refer to FIG. 1.

[0006] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a conventional battery module.

[0007] Referring to FIG. 1, the conventional battery module 1 may include a housing 2, a bus bar 3, and battery cells 4. A plurality of battery cells 4 may be electrically connected to the bus bar 3.

[0008] For example, when a thermal runaway phenomenon occurs in a battery cell 4 disposed at the upper end (one end in the second direction) of the drawing, heat, flames, etc. may transfer / propagate, and the thermal runaway phenomenon may spread to the battery cell 4 adjacent to the upper-end battery cell 4. Further, for example, as indicated by the dashed-dotted arrow (A), heat, flames, etc. may transfer / propagate through the bus bar 3 or the space where the bus bar 3 is installed, and the thermal runaway phenomenon may also spread to battery cells 4 not adjacent to the upper-end battery cell 4 on the drawing.

[0009] At this time, when a plurality of battery cells 4 in FIG. 1 are connected in series with each other, the thermal runaway phenomenon may spread more rapidly to non-adjacent battery cells 300, and the possibility of the battery module catching fire and exploding becomes even greater. When a plurality of battery cells 4 are connected in series with each other, a pair of battery cells 4 not adjacent to each other have a larger potential difference than a pair of adjacent battery cells 4, and problems such as short circuits and short circuits are more likely to occur in the battery cells 4. Therefore, the thermal runaway phenomenon may spread more rapidly to non-adjacent battery cells 300 with a large potential difference.

[0010] Therefore, in order to reduce the possibility of the battery module catching fire and exploding, not only the heat transfer between adjacent battery cells 4 but also the heat transfer between non-adjacent battery cells 4 must be delayed. The prior art regarding the delay of heat transfer between battery cells is as follows.

[0011] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2022-0014117 relates to a battery module including a heat-absorbing fireproof wall capable of controlling the heat transfer phenomenon due to a battery fire, and a heat-absorbing fireproof wall is interposed between a plurality of secondary battery cells accommodated in the battery module.

[0012] However, the above prior art does not provide a method for delaying heat transfer between battery cells 4 that are not adjacent to each other.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0013]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0014] The present invention has been devised to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide a battery module that delays or prevents heat transfer between battery cells.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery module that can reduce the possibility of ignition and explosion of the battery module 10.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery module that delays or prevents heat transfer between battery cells and is electrically connected between the battery cells.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery module that is lightweight, reduces manufacturing costs and maintenance costs, and shortens manufacturing time.

[0018] The technical problems of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned objects, and other objects and advantages of the present invention not mentioned can be understood from the following description, and can be more clearly understood from the embodiments of the present invention. Also, it is easy to understand that the objects and advantages of the present invention can be realized by the means shown in the claims and combinations thereof.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0019] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides a battery module including a housing 100, a plurality of bus bars 200, a plurality of battery cells 300, and one or more partition walls 400.

[0020] The housing 100 can have an empty space (S) inside.

[0021] The plurality of bus bars 200 can be installed at one end and the other end of the empty space (S) in the first direction.

[0022] The plurality of battery cells 300 are arranged in the empty space (S), and may be arranged side by side in a second direction intersecting the first direction and the vertical direction.

[0023] The plurality of battery cells 300 may each include a body 310 and a pair of electrodes 320, 330.

[0024] The body 310 may be arranged at the central portion of the empty space (S) in the first direction.

[0025] The pair of electrodes 320, 330 may protrude from the body 310 to one side and the other side in the first direction.

[0026] The pair of electrodes 320, 330 may be in contact with the bus bar 200.

[0027] The one or more partition walls 400 may extend in the first direction and the vertical direction.

[0028] The one or more partition walls 400 are installed between the bodies 310 of a pair of the battery cells 300 arranged adjacent to each other in the second direction, and can partition the central portion of the empty space (S) in the first direction in the second direction.

[0029] The one or more partition walls 400 can extend to one end or the other end of the housing 100 in the first direction to partition one end or the other end of the empty space (S) in the first direction in the second direction.

[0030] The bus bars 200 respectively installed on one side and the other side of the partition wall 400 in the second direction via the partition wall 400 can be physically separated in the second direction by the partition wall 400.

[0031] In one embodiment, the housing 100 may include a base 110 and a first side wall 120 or a second side wall 130.

[0032] The base 110 may extend in the first direction and the second direction.

[0033] The first side wall 120 may extend upward from one end of the base 110 in the first direction.

[0034] The second side wall 130 may extend upward from the other end of the base 110 in the first direction.

[0035] The one or more partition walls 400 each extend to one side or the other side in the first direction, contact the first side wall 120 or the second side wall 130, and thereby can partition one end or the other end of the empty space (S) in the first direction in the second direction.

[0036] In one embodiment, the one or more partition walls 400 may include a first partition wall 400a or a second partition wall 400b.

[0037] The first partition wall 400a extends to one side in the first direction and contacts the first side wall 120, and thereby can partition one end of the empty space (S) in the first direction in the second direction.

[0038] The first partition wall 400a may be at least partially separated from the second side wall 130.

[0039] The second partition wall 400b extends to the other side in the first direction and contacts the second side wall 130, whereby the other side end portion of the empty space (S) in the first direction can be partitioned in the second direction.

[0040] The second partition wall 400b may be at least partially separated from the first side wall 120.

[0041] The plurality of bus bars 200 may include a one-side bus bar 200a and an other-side bus bar 200b.

[0042] The one-side bus bar 200a and the other-side bus bar 200b are adjacent to the first partition wall 400a via the first partition wall 400a and are respectively installed on one side and the other side in the second direction on one side in the first direction of the first partition wall 400a, but may be physically separated from each other and installed, or are adjacent to the second partition wall 400b via the second partition wall 400b and are respectively installed on one side and the other side in the second direction on the other side in the first direction of the second partition wall 400b, but may be physically separated from each other and installed.

[0043] The plurality of battery cells 300 may include a one-side battery cell 300a and an other-side battery cell 300b.

[0044] The one-side battery cell 300a and the other-side battery cell 300b may be adjacent to the first partition wall 400a and respectively arranged on one side and the other side in the second direction of the first partition wall 400a, or may be adjacent to the second partition wall 400b and respectively arranged on one side and the other side in the second direction of the second partition wall 400b.

[0045] The pair of electrodes 320, 330 of the one-side battery cell 300a can contact a bus bar 200 installed between the first partition wall 400a and the second side wall 130 or between the second partition wall 400b and the first side wall 120 among the one-side bus bar 200a and the plurality of bus bars 200.

[0046] The pair of electrodes 320 and 330 of the other-side battery cell 300b can be in contact with the other-side bus bar 200b and a bus bar 200 installed between the first partition wall 400a and the second side wall 130 or between the second partition wall 400b and the first side wall 120 among the plurality of bus bars 200.

[0047] Thereby, the one-side battery cell 300a and the other-side battery cell 300b may be connected in series with each other.

[0048] In one embodiment, a plurality of the partition walls 400 can be provided.

[0049] The plurality of partition walls 400 may include one or more first partition walls 400a and one or more second partition walls 400b.

[0050] The one or more first partition walls 400a can extend to one-side end of the housing 100 in the first direction and partition one-side end of the empty space (S) in the first direction in the second direction.

[0051] The one or more second partition walls 400b can extend to the other-side end of the housing 100 in the first direction and partition the other-side end of the empty space (S) in the first direction in the second direction.

[0052] The first partition wall 400a and the second partition wall 400b may be alternately arranged along the second direction.

[0053] The bus bars 200 installed on one side and the other side in the second direction on one side in the first direction of each of the first partition walls 400a can be physically separated from each other via the first partition wall 400a.

[0054] The bus bars 200 installed on one side and the other side in the second direction on the other side in the first direction of each of the second partition walls 400b can be physically separated from each other via the second partition wall 400b.

[0055] In one embodiment, a plurality of the partition walls 400 may be provided.

[0056] The plurality of partition walls 400 may include one or more first partition walls 400a and one or more second partition walls 400b.

[0057] The one or more first partition walls 400a may extend to one end portion of the housing 100 in the first direction to partition one end portion of the empty space (S) in the first direction in the second direction.

[0058] The one or more second partition walls 400b may extend to the other end portion of the housing 100 in the first direction to partition the other end portion of the empty space (S) in the first direction in the second direction.

[0059] The one or more first partition walls 400a may not partition the other end portion of the empty space (S) in the first direction in the second direction.

[0060] The one or more second partition walls 400b may not partition the one end portion of the empty space (S) in the first direction in the second direction.

[0061] The first partition wall 400a and the second partition wall 400b may be alternately arranged along the second direction.

[0062] In one embodiment, at least a part of the plurality of busbars 200 may be installed on the other side of the first partition wall 400a in the first direction or on one side of the second partition wall 400b in the first direction.

[0063] In one embodiment, the housing 100 may include a cover 160 that covers the upper portion of the empty space (S).

[0064] One or more exhaust holes 162 may be formed in the cover 160.

[0065] The one or more exhaust holes 162 can penetrate through the cover 160.

[0066] The one or more exhaust holes 162 can discharge the flame, heat, or gas generated by the battery cell 300 installed in the empty space (S) to the outside of the housing 100.

[0067] In one embodiment, a plurality of the partition walls 400 can be provided.

[0068] The plurality of partition walls 400 may include one or more first partition walls 400a and one or more second partition walls 400b.

[0069] The one or more first partition walls 400a can extend to one side end of the housing 100 in the first direction and partition one side end of the empty space (S) in the first direction in the second direction.

[0070] The one or more second partition walls 400b can extend to the other side end of the housing 100 in the first direction and partition the other side end of the empty space (S) in the first direction in the second direction.

[0071] The one or more first partition walls 400a may not partition the other side end of the empty space (S) in the first direction in the second direction.

[0072] The one or more second partition walls 400b may not partition the one side end of the empty space (S) in the first direction in the second direction.

[0073] The first partition wall 400a and the second partition wall 400b may be alternately arranged along the second direction.

[0074] At least one of the exhaust holes 162 may be formed at the upper part on the other side in the first direction of the first partition wall 400a or at the upper part on the one side in the first direction of the second partition wall 400b.

[0075] In addition, to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides a method (S500) for manufacturing a battery module including a housing manufacturing step (S510) of manufacturing the housing 100.

[0076] In the housing manufacturing step (S510), at least a part of the housing 100 and at least a part of the partition wall 400 can be integrally extrusion-molded.

[0077] In one embodiment, the housing 100 may include a base 110, a third side wall 140, and a fourth side wall 150.

[0078] The base 110 may extend in a first direction and a second direction.

[0079] The third side wall 140 may extend upward from one end portion of the base 110 in the second direction.

[0080] The fourth side wall 150 may extend upward from the other end portion of the base 110 in the second direction.

[0081] At least a part of the at least a part of the partition wall 400 can be coupled to an upper surface of at least a part of the base 110.

[0082] In the housing manufacturing step (S510), at least a part of the base 110, the third side wall 140, and the fourth side wall 150, and at least a part of the at least a part of the partition wall 400 can be integrally extrusion-molded.

Advantages of the Invention

[0083] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the battery module 10 includes a housing 100 having an empty space (S) inside; a plurality of bus bars 200 installed at one end and the other end of the empty space (S) in the first direction; a body 310 disposed in the empty space (S), arranged side by side in a second direction intersecting the first direction and the vertical direction, and disposed at the central portion of the empty space (S) in the first direction; and a plurality of battery cells 300 each including a pair of electrodes 320 and 330 protruding from the body 310 to one side and the other side in the first direction and contacting the bus bar 200; and one or more partition walls 400 extending in the first direction and the vertical direction, installed between the bodies 310 of a pair of the battery cells 300 disposed adjacent to each other in the second direction, partitioning the central portion of the empty space (S) in the first direction in the second direction, and extending to one end or the other end of the housing 100 in the first direction to partition one end or the other end of the empty space (S) in the first direction in the second direction. Thus, heat transfer between the central portion of the housing 100 inside in the first direction and the battery cells 300 at one end or the other end can be delayed or prevented.

[0084] As a result, even if a problem such as a short occurs in some of the battery cells 300 and a thermal runaway phenomenon occurs, the thermal runaway phenomenon does not rapidly spread to other battery cells 300, so the possibility of ignition or explosion of the battery module 10 can be reduced.

[0085] In particular, the bus bar 200 connecting the plurality of battery cells 300 is installed, and the one end or the other end of the housing 100 inside in the first direction where heat transfer between the battery cells 300 can only occur can be partitioned by the partition wall 400. Therefore, heat transfer between the battery cells 300 can be effectively delayed or prevented.

[0086] In addition, since it is partitioned by the partition wall 400, it is not adjacent to each other in the second direction at one end or the other end in the first direction inside the housing 100, and heat transfer between battery cells 300 with a large potential difference can be prevented from occurring rapidly. Therefore, the possibility of ignition or explosion of the battery module 10 can be reduced.

[0087] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the housing 100 may include a base 110 extending in the first direction and the second direction, a first side wall 120 extending upward from one end in the first direction of the base 110, or a second side wall 130 extending upward from the other end in the first direction of the base 110. One or more partition walls 400 each extend to one side or the other side in the first direction and are in contact with the first side wall 120 or the second side wall 130, whereby one end or the other end in the first direction of the empty space (S) can be partitioned in the second direction.

[0088] As a result, the housing 100 and the partition wall 400 can be easily configured with a simple structure and at a low cost.

[0089] According to an embodiment of the present invention, one or more partition walls 400 extend to one side in a first direction and are in contact with a first sidewall 120, thereby partitioning one side end of the empty space (S) in the first direction in a second direction and at least partially separating from a second sidewall 130. The first partition wall 400a may include a first partition wall 400a that extends to the other side in the first direction and is in contact with the second sidewall 130, thereby partitioning the other side end of the empty space (S) in the first direction in the second direction and at least partially separating from the first sidewall 120. The plurality of busbars 200 may include a one-side busbar 200a and an other-side busbar 200b. The one-side busbar 200a and the other-side busbar 200b are adjacent to the first partition wall 400a via the first partition wall 400a, and are respectively installed on one side and the other side in the second direction on one side in the first direction of the first partition wall 400a, but are physically separated from each other, or are adjacent to the second partition wall 400b via the second partition wall 400b, and are respectively installed on one side and the other side in the second direction on the other side in the first direction of the second partition wall 400b, but can be physically separated from each other. The plurality of battery cells 300 may include a one-side battery cell 300a and an other-side battery cell 300b. The one-side battery cell 300a and the other-side battery cell 300b may be respectively arranged on one side and the other side in the second direction adjacent to the first partition wall 400a, or may be respectively arranged on one side and the other side in the second direction adjacent to the second partition wall 400b. A pair of electrodes 320, 330 of the one-side battery cell 300a can be in contact with a busbar 200 installed between the first partition wall 400a and the second sidewall 130 or between the second partition wall 400b and the first sidewall 120 among the one-side busbar 200a and the plurality of busbars 200. A pair of electrodes 320, 330 of the other-side battery cell 300b can be in contact with a busbar 200 installed between the first partition wall 400a and the second sidewall 130 or between the second partition wall 400b and the first sidewall 120 among the other-side busbar 200b and the plurality of busbars 200. Therefore, the one-side battery cell 300a and the other-side battery cell 300b can be connected in series with each other.

[0090] As a result, since the one-side bus bar 200a and the other-side bus bar 200b are physically separated from each other via the first partition wall 400a or the second partition wall 400b, one-side end or the other-side end in the first direction inside the housing 100 can be surely partitioned by the first partition wall 400a or the second partition wall 400b. Therefore, heat transfer between the battery cells 300 can be effectively delayed or prevented.

[0091] Further, since the one-side bus bar 200a and the other-side bus bar 200b are physically separated from each other, even if either one of the electrodes 320 or 330 in the first direction of the one-side battery cell 300a and the other-side battery cell 300b are not connected to each other, the other electrode 330 or 320 in the first direction of the one-side battery cell 300a and the other-side battery cell 300b can be electrically (in series) connected to each other. That is, one-side end or the other-side end in the first direction inside the housing 100 is surely partitioned by the first partition wall 400a or the second partition wall 400b, and the one-side battery cell 300a and the other-side battery cell 300b can be electrically connected.

[0092] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of partition walls 400 can be provided. The plurality of partition walls 400 may include one or more first partition walls 400a extending to one-side end in the first direction of the housing 100 to partition one-side end in the first direction of the empty space (S) in the second direction, and one or more second partition walls 400b extending to the other-side end in the first direction of the housing 100 to partition the other-side end in the first direction of the empty space (S) in the second direction. The first partition wall 400a and the second partition wall 400b may be alternately arranged along the second direction. The bus bars 200 installed on one-side and the other-side in the second direction on one-side in the first direction of each first partition wall 400a can be physically separated from each other via the first partition wall 400a. The bus bars 200 installed on one-side and the other-side in the second direction on the other-side in the first direction of each second partition wall 400b can be physically separated from each other via the second partition wall 400b.

[0093] As a result, the bus bar 200 is physically separated from each other via the first partition wall 400a and the second partition wall 400b, so that one end and the other end in the first direction inside the housing 100 can be surely partitioned by the first partition wall 400a and the second partition wall 400b. Therefore, the heat transfer between the battery cells 300 can be effectively delayed or prevented.

[0094] Also, since the bus bar 200 is physically separated from each other via the first partition wall 400a and the second partition wall 400b, even if one of the electrodes in the first direction of the battery cells 300 arranged on one side and the other side in the second direction of the first partition wall 400a and the second partition wall 400b are not electrically connected to each other, the other electrode in the first direction can be electrically (in series) connected to each other via the bus bar 200c installed on the other side in the first direction of the first partition wall 400a or the bus bar 200c installed on one side in the first direction of the second partition wall 400b. That is, one end and the other end in the first direction inside the housing 100 are surely partitioned by the first partition wall 400a and the second partition wall 400b, and the battery cells 300 can be electrically connected to each other.

[0095] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of partition walls 400 may be provided. The plurality of partition walls 400 may include one or more first partition walls 400a extending to one end in the first direction of the housing 100 and partitioning one end in the first direction of the empty space (S) in the second direction, and one or more second partition walls 400b extending to the other end in the first direction of the housing 100 and partitioning the other end in the first direction of the empty space (S) in the second direction. The one or more first partition walls 400a may not partition the other end in the first direction of the empty space (S) in the second direction. The one or more second partition walls 400b may not partition one end in the first direction of the empty space (S) in the second direction. The first partition wall 400a and the second partition wall 400b may be alternately arranged along the second direction.

[0096] As a result, the flame, heat, or gas generated in the battery cell 300 can be transferred / propagated / diffused through one end or the other end of the housing 100 in the first direction, which is not partitioned in the second direction by the first partition wall 400a and the second partition wall 400b. Therefore, the possibility of ignition and explosion of the battery module 10 can be reduced.

[0097] In addition, the flame, heat, or gas generated in the battery cell 300 can reach other battery cells 300 only by repeatedly reciprocating between both ends of the housing 100 in the first direction. Therefore, the transfer of flame, heat, or gas between the battery cells 300 can be delayed. Therefore, the possibility of ignition and explosion of the battery module 10 can be reduced.

[0098] In addition, the flame or heat generated in the battery cell 300 sequentially propagates to the battery cells 300 adjacent to each other in the second direction and having a small potential difference. Therefore, the possibility of ignition and explosion of the battery module 10 is reduced. Even if ignition or explosion occurs, the damage can be minimized.

[0099] In addition, since the lengths of the first partition wall 400a and the second partition wall 400b in the first direction are reduced, the battery module 10 can be lightened.

[0100] In addition, a space can be provided on the other side of the first partition wall 400a in the first direction and on one side of the second partition wall 400b in the first direction where the bus bar 200 can be installed. Therefore, in order to insert and install or penetrate and install the bus bar 200 on the other side of the first partition wall 400a in the first direction and on one side of the second partition wall 400b in the first direction, it is not necessary to process the first partition wall 400a and the second partition wall 400b. For this reason, the manufacturing cost of the battery module 10 can be reduced, and the manufacturing time can be shortened.

[0101] According to an embodiment of the present invention, at least a part of the plurality of bus bars 200 may be installed on the other side of the first partition wall 400a in the first direction or on one side of the second partition wall 400b in the first direction.

[0102] As a result, the bus bar 200 can be easily installed and replaced, so that the manufacturing cost and maintenance cost of the battery module 10 can be reduced.

[0103] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the housing 100 may include a cover 160 that covers the upper part of the empty space (S). One or more exhaust holes 162 may be formed in the cover 160 to penetrate the cover 160 and discharge the flame, heat, or gas generated by the battery cell 300 installed in the empty space (S) to the outside of the housing 100.

[0104] As a result, it is possible to prevent heat from accumulating or concentrating inside the housing 100, reduce the amount of heat transferred, and delay heat transfer. Therefore, the possibility of ignition or explosion of the battery module 10 can be reduced.

[0105] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of partition walls 400 may be provided. The plurality of partition walls 400 may include one or more first partition walls 400a that extend to one end of the housing 100 in the first direction and partition one end of the empty space (S) in the first direction in the second direction, and one or more second partition walls 400b that extend to the other end of the housing 100 in the first direction and partition the other end of the empty space (S) in the first direction in the second direction. One or more of the first partition walls 400a may not partition the other end of the empty space (S) in the first direction in the second direction. One or more of the second partition walls 400b may not partition one end of the empty space (S) in the first direction in the second direction. The first partition wall 400a and the second partition wall 400b may be alternately arranged along the second direction. At least one exhaust hole 162 may be formed in the upper part on the other side in the first direction of the first partition wall 400a or in the upper part on one side in the first direction of the second partition wall 400b.

[0106] As a result, since the exhaust hole 162 is formed at a portion where the direction of transfer (propagation) of the flame, heat, or gas suddenly changes, it is possible to prevent the flame, heat, or gas from accumulating or concentrating. Even if the number or size of the exhaust holes 162 is small, the flame, heat, or gas can be effectively discharged to the outside of the housing 100. Therefore, the possibility of ignition or explosion of the battery module 10 can be reduced.

[0107] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the method for manufacturing a battery module may include a housing manufacturing step of manufacturing the housing 100. In the housing manufacturing step, at least a part of the housing 100 and at least a part of the partition wall 400 can be integrally extruded.

[0108] As a result, the manufacturing cost of the battery module 10 can be reduced, and the manufacturing time can be shortened.

[0109] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the housing 100 may include a base 110 extending in a first direction and a second direction, a third side wall 140 extending upward from one end portion of the base 110 in the second direction, and a fourth side wall 150 extending upward from the other end portion of the base 110 in the second direction. At least a part of the partition wall 400 may be coupled to the upper surface of at least a part of the base 110. In the housing 100 manufacturing step, at least a part of the base 110, the third side wall 140, and the fourth side wall 150, and at least a part of the partition wall 400 can be integrally extruded.

[0110] As a result, the manufacturing cost of the battery module 10 can be reduced, and the manufacturing time can be shortened.

[0111] The effects described above and the specific effects of the present invention will be described and described while explaining the embodiments for carrying out the following invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0112]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0113] The above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, whereby those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can easily implement the technical idea of the present invention. In the description of the present invention, when it is determined that a specific description of a known technique related to the present invention will obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings are used to indicate the same or similar components.

[0114] Although the first, second, etc. are used to describe various components, it goes without saying that these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are merely used to distinguish one component from another, and of course, the first component may be the second component unless otherwise stated.

[0115] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise stated, each component may be singular or plural.

[0116] Hereinafter, when any configuration is arranged "above (or below)" a component or "on (or under)" a component, it means that not only is any configuration arranged in contact with the upper surface (or lower surface) of the above-mentioned component, but other configurations may also be interposed between the above-mentioned component and any configuration arranged on (or under) the above-mentioned component.

[0117] Also, when it is described that a certain component is "connected", "coupled", or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the above-mentioned components may be directly connected or connected to each other, but other components may "intervene" between the components, or each component may be "connected", "coupled", or "connected" through other components.

[0118] As used in this specification, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Terms such as "configured" or "including" in this application should not necessarily be construed as including all of the multiple components or multiple steps described in the specification. Some of the components or some of the steps may not be included, or may include additional components or steps.

[0119] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the battery module of FIG. 2, showing the state where the cover is removed. FIG. 4 is a drawing showing the state where the battery cells in FIG. 3 are removed. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the battery module of FIG. 2. FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of the component (C) of FIG. 2. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0120] [Battery Module] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 6, a battery module 10 according to an embodiment may include a housing 100, a plurality of busbars 200, a plurality of battery cells 300, and one or more partition walls 400. Each configuration will be discussed below.

[0121] [Housing] The housing 100 can have an empty space (S) inside.

[0122] The housing 100 may include a base 110 and a first side wall 120 or a second side wall 130. Also, the housing 100 may include a third side wall 140 and a fourth side wall 150. Also, the housing 100 may include a cover 160.

[0123] The base 110 may extend in a first direction (e.g., the left - right direction) and a second direction (e.g., the front - back direction). The base 110 may be plate - shaped.

[0124] The first side wall 120 may extend upward from one end (e.g., the left end) of the base 110 in the first direction. The first side wall 120 may be plate - shaped.

[0125] The second side wall 130 may extend upward from the other end (e.g., the right end) of the base 110 in the first direction. The second side wall 130 may be plate - shaped.

[0126] The third side wall 140 may extend upward from one end of the base 110 in the second direction. The third side wall 140 may be plate - shaped.

[0127] The fourth side wall 150 may extend upward from the other end of the base 110 in the second direction. The fourth side wall 150 may be plate - shaped.

[0128] The cover 160 may cover the upper part of the empty space (S) of the housing 100.

[0129] One or more exhaust holes 162 may be formed in the cover 160.

[0130] The exhaust hole 162 can penetrate through the cover 160. The exhaust hole 162 can discharge the flame, heat or gas generated by the battery cell 300 installed in the empty space (S) of the housing 100 to the outside of the housing 100.

[0131] This can prevent heat from accumulating or concentrating inside the housing 100, reduce the amount of heat transferred, and delay heat transfer. Therefore, the possibility of ignition and explosion of the battery module 10 can be reduced.

[0132] [Bus bar] A plurality of bus bars 200 can be provided. The plurality of bus bars 200 can be installed at one end and the other end in the first direction of the empty space (S) of the housing 100.

[0133] Holes through which the electrodes 320 and 330 of the battery cell 300 penetrate can be formed in the bus bar 200.

[0134] The plurality of bus bars 200 may include a one-side bus bar 200a and an other-side bus bar 200b (FIG. 3). This will be described later.

[0135] [Battery cell] A plurality of battery cells 300 can be provided.

[0136] The battery cell 300 may include a body 310 and a pair of electrodes 320 and 330.

[0137] The body 310 may be disposed at the central portion in the first direction of the empty space (S) of the housing 100. When the battery cell 300 is a pouch-type battery cell, the body 310 may be a portion that surrounds the laminate in which the electrodes and the separator are laminated with a pouch.

[0138] The pair of electrodes 320 and 330 may protrude from the body 310 to one side and the other side in the first direction. When the battery cell 300 is a pouch-type battery cell, the pair of electrodes 320 and 330 may be electrode tabs or electrode leads protruding outside the pouch.

[0139] The pair of electrodes 320 and 330 can be in contact with the bus bar 200. For example, the electrodes 320 and 330 can penetrate through the holes formed in the bus bar 200 and then be bent and fused or welded to the bus bar 200. However, it is not limited to such a configuration.

[0140] The plurality of battery cells 300 may be arranged in the empty space (S) of the housing 100. The plurality of battery cells 300 may be arranged side by side in a second direction intersecting the first direction and the vertical direction.

[0141] The plurality of battery cells 300 may be connected to each other in series or in parallel.

[0142] For example, as shown in the drawing, eight banks in which two battery cells 300 are connected in parallel can be connected in series. However, it is not limited to such a configuration.

[0143] The electrodes 320 and 330 of the plurality of battery cells 300 in the bank connected in parallel can be installed so that the same polarities face each other and are arranged side by side in the second direction. Between a pair of banks connected in series, the electrodes 320 and 330 of the battery cells 300 can be installed so that opposite polarities face each other and are arranged side by side in the second direction.

[0144] The plurality of battery cells 300 may include a one-side battery cell 300a and an other-side battery cell 300b (FIG. 3). The one-side battery cell 300a and the other-side battery cell 300b may respectively belong to a pair of adjacent banks, be arranged adjacent to each other, and be battery cells 300 connected in series. This will be described later.

[0145] [Cut-off wall] The partition wall 400 can include one or more. The partition wall 400 may extend in the first direction and the vertical direction.

[0146] The lower end of the partition wall 400 can be coupled to the upper surface of at least a part of the base 110 of the housing 100 (FIGS. 2 and 6). The partition wall 400 may be integrally formed with at least a part of the housing 100 or may be formed separately. This will be described later.

[0147] Also, the partition wall 400 may be in contact with the first side wall 120, the second side wall 130, and the cover 160 of the housing 100.

[0148] For example, the partition wall 400 can be made of a material with excellent heat insulation properties, including aerogel, mica, Superwool, or glass fiber, etc. However, it is not limited to such a configuration. In other examples, the partition wall 400 may be a heat-absorbing sheet made of a substance that rapidly absorbs heat by a dehydration reaction or the like.

[0149] The partition wall 400 is installed between the bodies 310 of a pair of battery cells 300 arranged adjacent to each other in the second direction, and can partition the central portion of the empty space (S) of the housing 100 in the first direction in the second direction.

[0150] Also, the partition wall 400 can extend to one side end or the other side end of the housing 100 in the first direction, and can partition one side end or the other side end of the empty space (S) of the housing 100 in the first direction in the second direction.

[0151] Therefore, heat transfer (propagation) between the central portion of the housing 100 inside in the first direction and the battery cells 300 at one side end or the other side end of the housing 100 inside in the first direction can be delayed or prevented.

[0152] Thus, even if problems such as a short circuit occur in some of the battery cells 300 and a thermal runaway phenomenon occurs, the thermal runaway phenomenon will not rapidly spread to other battery cells 300, so the possibility of ignition and explosion of the battery module 10 can be reduced.

[0153] In particular, a bus bar 200 for connecting a plurality of battery cells 300 is installed, and one end or the other end in the first direction inside the housing 100 where heat transfer between the battery cells 300 can only occur can be partitioned by a partition wall 400. Therefore, heat transfer between the battery cells 300 can be effectively delayed or prevented.

[0154] Also, because it is partitioned by the partition wall 400, the battery cells 300 are not adjacent to each other in the second direction at one end or the other end in the first direction inside the housing 100, and heat transfer between battery cells 300 with a large potential difference can be prevented from occurring rapidly. Therefore, the possibility of ignition and explosion of the battery module 10 can be reduced. Specifically considering this, it is as follows.

[0155] A plurality of battery cells 300 arranged side by side in the second direction are connected in parallel to each other in groups of n (n is a natural number, 2 in the drawing) to form a bank, and when a plurality of (8 in the drawing) banks are sequentially connected in series to each other, for a pair of battery cells 300 that are not adjacent to each other in the second direction, the potential difference can increase as the number of battery cells 300 or banks connected and arranged between the pair of battery cells 300 increases. When the potential difference increases, the possibility of problems such as a short circuit or a short circuit occurring in the battery cell 300 increases, so the thermal runaway phenomenon can rapidly spread to the battery cell 300 with a large potential difference, and the possibility of ignition and explosion of the battery module 10 can increase significantly. Therefore, partitioning one end or the other end in the first direction inside the housing 100 with a partition wall 400 to prevent heat transfer between battery cells 300 that are not adjacent to each other in the second direction can reduce the possibility of ignition and explosion of the battery module 10.

[0156] For example, one or more partition walls 400 may each extend to one side or the other side in the first direction and be in contact with the first side wall 120 or the second side wall 130 of the housing 100. Therefore, one or more partition walls 400 can partition one end or the other end in the first direction of the empty space (S) of the housing 100 in the second direction.

[0157] Thereby, the housing 100 and the partition wall 400 can be easily configured with a simple structure and at a low cost.

[0158] One or more partition walls 400 may include a first partition wall 400a and a second partition wall 400b.

[0159] The first partition wall 400a may extend to one side in the first direction and be in contact with the first side wall 120 of the housing 100. Thereby, the first partition wall 400a can partition one end in the first direction of the empty space (S) of the housing 100 in the second direction.

[0160] The first partition wall 400a may be at least partially separated from the second side wall 130.

[0161] The second partition wall 400b may extend to the other side in the first direction and be in contact with the second side wall 130 of the housing 100. Thereby, the second partition wall 400b can partition the other end in the first direction of the empty space (S) of the housing 100 in the second direction.

[0162] The second partition wall 400b may be at least partially separated from the first side wall 120.

[0163] At this time, the aforementioned one-side bus bar 200a and the other-side bus bar 200b are installed adjacent to the first partition wall 400a via the first partition wall 400a, on one side and the other side in the second direction on one side in the first direction of the first partition wall 400a, respectively, but can be installed physically separated from each other, or adjacent to the second partition wall 400b via the second partition wall 400b, on one side and the other side in the second direction on the other side in the first direction of the second partition wall 400b, respectively, but can be installed physically separated from each other.

[0164] Also, at this time, the aforementioned one-side battery cell 300a and the other-side battery cell 300b may be arranged adjacent to the first partition wall 400a, on one side and the other side in the second direction of the first partition wall 400a, respectively, or adjacent to the second partition wall 400b, on one side and the other side in the second direction of the second partition wall 400b, respectively.

[0165] A pair of electrodes 320, 330 of the one-side battery cell 300a can contact a bus bar 200c installed between the first partition wall 400a and the second side wall 130 or between the second partition wall 400b and the first side wall 120 among the one-side bus bar 200a and the plurality of bus bars 200.

[0166] A pair of electrodes 320, 330 of the other-side battery cell 300b can contact a bus bar 200c installed between the first partition wall 400a and the second side wall 130 or between the second partition wall 400b and the first side wall 120 among the other-side bus bar 200b and the plurality of bus bars 200.

[0167] Here, the space between the first partition wall 400a and the second side wall 130 can be defined by a space in which the first partition wall 400a is at least partially separated from the second side wall 130. Also, the space between the second partition wall 400b and the first side wall 120 can be defined by a space in which the second partition wall 400b is at least partially separated from the first side wall 120.

[0168] Therefore, the one-side battery cell 300a and the other-side battery cell 300b can be connected in series with each other.

[0169] As a result, the one-side bus bar 200a and the other-side bus bar 200b are physically separated from each other via the first partition wall 400a or the second partition wall 400b, so that one-side end or the other-side end in the first direction inside the housing 100 can be reliably partitioned by the first partition wall 400a or the second partition wall 400b. Therefore, the heat transfer between the battery cells 300 can be effectively delayed or prevented.

[0170] Also, since the one-side bus bar 200a and the other-side bus bar 200b are physically separated from each other, even if one of the electrodes 320 or 330 in the first direction of the one-side battery cell 300a and the other-side battery cell 300b is not connected to each other, the other electrode 330 or 320 in the first direction of the one-side battery cell 300a and the other-side battery cell 300b can be electrically (in series) connected to each other. That is, one-side end or the other-side end in the first direction inside the housing 100 is reliably partitioned by the first partition wall 400a or the second partition wall 400b, and the one-side battery cell 300a and the other-side battery cell 300b may be electrically connected.

[0171] On the other hand, different from the drawings, the one-side bus bar 200a and the other-side bus bar 200b may not be physically separated. For example, the one-side bus bar 200a and the other-side bus bar 200b may be connected to each other while penetrating through the first partition wall 400a or the second partition wall 400b.

[0172] The partition wall 400 can include a plurality of them.

[0173] The plurality of partition walls 400 may include one or more first partition walls 400a and one or more second partition walls 400b.

[0174] One or more first partition walls 400a can extend to one-side end in the first direction of the housing 100 to partition one-side end in the first direction of the empty space (S) of the housing 100 in the second direction.

[0175] One or more second partition walls 400b can extend to the other end of the housing 100 in the first direction to partition the other end of the empty space (S) of the housing 100 in the first direction in the second direction.

[0176] The first partition wall 400a and the second partition wall 400b may be alternately arranged along the second direction.

[0177] The bus bars 200 installed on one side and the other side in the second direction on one side in the first direction of each first partition wall 400a can be physically separated from each other through the first partition wall 400a. For example, as described above, the one - side bus bar 200a and the other - side bus bar 200b installed on one side and the other side in the second direction on one side in the first direction of the first partition wall 400a adjacent to the first partition wall 400a through the first partition wall 400a can be physically separated from each other.

[0178] Also, the bus bars 200 installed on one side and the other side in the second direction on the other side in the first direction of each second partition wall 400b can be physically separated from each other through the second partition wall 400b. For example, as described above, the one - side bus bar 200a and the other - side bus bar 200b installed on one side and the other side in the second direction on the other side in the first direction of the second partition wall 400b adjacent to the second partition wall 400b through the second partition wall 400b can be physically separated from each other.

[0179] Thus, since the bus bars 200 are physically separated from each other through the first partition wall 400a and the second partition wall 400b, the one - side end and the other - side end in the first direction inside the housing 100 can be reliably partitioned by the first partition wall 400a and the second partition wall 400b. Therefore, the heat transfer between the battery cells 300 can be effectively delayed or prevented.

[0180] In addition, since the bus bar 200 is physically separated from each other via the first partition wall 400a and the second partition wall 400b, even if one of the electrodes in the first direction of the battery cells 300 arranged on one side and the other side in the second direction of the first partition wall 400a and the second partition wall 400b are not electrically connected to each other, the other electrode in the first direction can be electrically (in series) connected to each other via the bus bar 200c installed on the other side in the first direction of the first partition wall 400a or the bus bar 200c installed on one side in the first direction of the second partition wall 400b. That is, the one side end portion and the other side end portion in the first direction inside the housing 100 are surely partitioned by the first partition wall 400a and the second partition wall 400b, and the battery cells 300 may be electrically connected to each other.

[0181] On the other hand, unlike the drawings, the bus bar 200 may not be physically separated from each other via the first partition wall 400a or the second partition wall 400b. For example, the bus bar 200 may be connected while passing through the first partition wall 400a or the second partition wall 400b.

[0182] One or more first partition walls 400a may not partition the other side end portion in the first direction of the empty space (S) of the housing 100 in the second direction. Also, one or more second partition walls 400b may not partition the one side end portion in the first direction of the empty space (S) of the housing 100 in the second direction.

[0183] Therefore, for example, when a flame, heat, or gas is generated in the battery cell 300 arranged at one side end in the second direction, the flame, heat, or gas can reach other battery cells 300 by repeatedly reciprocating both ends in the first direction of the housing 100 as shown by the dotted arrow (A) in FIG. 4.

[0184] As a result, the flame, heat, or gas generated in the battery cell 300 can be transferred / propagated / diffused through the other side end portion or the one side end portion in the first direction of the housing 100 that is not partitioned in the second direction by the first partition wall 400a and the second partition wall 400b. Therefore, the possibility of ignition and explosion of the battery module 10 can be reduced.

[0185] In addition, the flame, heat, or gas generated in the battery cell 300 can reach other battery cells 300 only by repeatedly reciprocating between both ends of the housing 100 in the first direction. Therefore, the transfer of the flame, heat, or gas between the battery cells 300 can be delayed. Thus, the possibility of ignition and explosion of the battery module 10 can be reduced.

[0186] In addition, the flame or heat generated in the battery cell 300 propagates sequentially to the battery cells 300 adjacent to each other in the second direction and having a small potential difference. Therefore, the possibility of ignition and explosion of the battery module 10 is reduced, and even if ignition and explosion occur, the damage can be reduced.

[0187] In addition, since the lengths of the first partition wall 400a and the second partition wall 400b in the first direction are reduced, the battery module 10 can be lightened.

[0188] In addition, a free space where the bus bar 200 can be installed can be provided on the other side of the first partition wall 400a in the first direction and on one side of the second partition wall 400b in the first direction. Thus, it is not necessary to process the first partition wall 400a and the second partition wall 400b in order to insert and install or penetrate and install the bus bar 200 on the other side of the first partition wall 400a in the first direction and on one side of the second partition wall 400b in the first direction. For this reason, the manufacturing cost of the battery module 10 can be saved, and the manufacturing time can be shortened.

[0189] At this time, at least a part of the plurality of bus bars 200 may be installed on the other side of the first partition wall 400a in the first direction or on one side of the second partition wall 400b in the first direction.

[0190] Thereby, since the bus bar 200 can be easily installed and replaced, the manufacturing cost and maintenance cost of the battery module 10 can be saved.

[0191] At this time, at least one exhaust hole 162 can be formed in the upper part on the other side in the first direction of the first partition wall 400a or in the upper part on one side in the first direction of the second partition wall 400b (FIG. 5). Here, the other side in the first direction of the first partition wall 400a and one side in the first direction of the second partition wall 400b may be portions where the transfer (propagation) direction of the flame, heat, or gas changes suddenly, as indicated by the dotted arrow (A) in FIG. 4.

[0192] As a result, since the exhaust hole 162 is formed in a portion where the transfer (propagation) direction of the flame, heat, or gas changes suddenly, it is possible to prevent the flame, heat, or gas from accumulating or concentrating. Even if the number or size of the exhaust holes 162 is small, the flame, heat, or gas can be effectively discharged to the outside of the housing 100. Therefore, the possibility of ignition or explosion of the battery module 10 can be reduced.

[0193] On the other hand, different from the drawings, the first partition wall 400a can extend to the other side end portion in the first direction of the housing 100 to partition the other side end portion in the first direction of the empty space (S) of the housing 100 in the second direction. At this time, the bus bar 200 can be installed through the other side in the first direction of the first partition wall 400a.

[0194] Also, different from the drawings, the second partition wall 400b can extend to the one side end portion in the first direction of the housing 100 to partition the one side end portion in the first direction of the empty space (S) of the housing 100 in the second direction. At this time, the bus bar 200 can be installed through the one side in the first direction of the second partition wall 400b.

[0195] [Method for manufacturing a battery module] Referring to FIG. 7, a method (S500) for manufacturing a battery module according to an embodiment may include a housing manufacturing step (S510) and an assembly step (S520).

[0196] In the housing manufacturing step (S510), the housing 100 can be manufactured. The housing 100 cannot be formed by a pressing method and can be extrusion-molded.

[0197] At this time, at least a part of the one or more partition walls 400 can be integrally extrusion-molded with at least a part of the housing 100.

[0198] Thereby, the manufacturing cost of the battery module 10 can be reduced, and the manufacturing time can be shortened.

[0199] Specifically, at least a part 110a, 140a, 150b of the base 110, the third side wall 140, and the fourth side wall 150 of the housing 100 and at least a part of the partition wall 400 can be integrally extrusion-molded (parts (C) in FIG. 2 and FIG. 6).

[0200] Thereby, the manufacturing cost of the battery module 10 can be reduced, and the manufacturing time can be shortened.

[0201] After integrally extrusion-molding at least a part of the housing 100 and at least a part of the partition wall 400, by cutting both ends in the first direction, as in the part (C) of FIG. 2, a plurality of partition walls 400 can be configured to alternately protrude in both directions of the first direction.

[0202] However, it is not limited to such a configuration. That is, in the housing manufacturing stage (S510), the partition wall 400 does not have to be integrally manufactured with at least a part of the housing 100.

[0203] In the assembly stage (S520), the bus bar 200 can be installed inside the housing 100, and the battery cells 300 can be arranged. The electrodes 320, 330 of the battery cells 300 and the bus bar 200 can be coupled in advance.

[0204] On the other hand, when the partition wall 400 is not integrally manufactured with at least a part of the housing 100, the partition wall 400 manufactured separately from the housing 100 can be attached to the housing 100 before installing the bus bar 200 and arranging the battery cells 300 in the assembly stage (S520).

[0205] The above-described embodiments should all be understood as illustrative and not restrictive in any way. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims described below, rather than by the foregoing detailed description. And, of course, any changes and deformable forms that can be conceived from the equivalent concepts of the meaning and scope of the claims described below must be construed as being included within the scope of the present invention.

[0206] As described above, the present invention has been described with reference to the exemplary drawings. However, the present invention is not limited by the embodiments and drawings disclosed herein, and it is obvious that various modifications can be made by those of ordinary skill in the art within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. Furthermore, even if the effects of the present invention by the configuration are not explicitly described while describing the embodiments of the present invention, it is natural that the effects predictable by the configuration should also be recognized.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0207] 10 Battery module 100 Housing 110 Base 120 First side wall 130 Second side wall 140 Third side wall 150 Fourth side wall 160 Cover 162 Exhaust hole 200 Bus bar 300 Battery cell 310 Body 320, 330 Electrodes 400 Partition wall

Claims

1. A housing having an empty space (S) inside; A plurality of busbars installed at one end and the other end of the empty space (S) in the first direction; A plurality of battery cells each including a body arranged side by side in a second direction intersecting the first direction and the vertical direction and arranged at the central portion of the empty space (S) in the first direction, and a pair of electrodes protruding from the body to one side and the other side in the first direction and contacting the busbar; and One or more partition walls installed between the bodies of a pair of the battery cells extending in the first direction and the vertical direction and arranged adjacent to each other in the second direction, partitioning the central portion of the empty space (S) in the first direction in the second direction, extending to one end or the other end of the housing in the first direction, and partitioning one end or the other end of the empty space (S) in the first direction in the second direction, a battery module comprising: The battery module, wherein the busbars respectively installed on one side and the other side of the partition wall in the second direction via the partition wall are physically separated in the second direction by the partition wall.

2. The housing includes a base extending in the first direction and the second direction, and a first side wall extending upward from one end of the base in the first direction, or a second side wall extending upward from the other end of the base in the first direction. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein one or more of the partition walls extend to one side or the other side in the first direction and contact the first side wall or the second side wall, thereby partitioning one end or the other end of the empty space (S) in the first direction in the second direction.

3. One or more of the partition walls include a first partition wall extending to one side in the first direction and contacting the first side wall, thereby partitioning one end of the empty space (S) in the first direction in the second direction and being at least partially separated from the second side wall, or a second partition wall extending to the other side in the first direction and contacting the second side wall, thereby partitioning the other end of the empty space (S) in the first direction in the second direction and being at least partially separated from the first side wall. The plurality of busbars include a one-side busbar and a the other-side busbar. The plurality of busbars include a one-side busbar and a the other-side busbar. The one-side bus bar and the other-side bus bar are installed adjacent to the first partition wall via the first partition wall, respectively on one side and the other side in the second direction on one side in the first direction of the first partition wall, but are physically installed separately from each other, or are installed adjacent to the second partition wall via the second partition wall, respectively on one side and the other side in the second direction on the other side in the first direction of the second partition wall, but are physically installed separately from each other. The plurality of battery cells include one-side battery cells and the other-side battery cells. The one-side battery cells and the other-side battery cells are arranged adjacent to the first partition wall, respectively on one side and the other side in the second direction of the first partition wall, or are arranged adjacent to the second partition wall, respectively on one side and the other side in the second direction of the second partition wall. The pair of electrodes of the one-side battery cells contact a bus bar installed between the first partition wall and the second side wall or between the second partition wall and the first side wall among the one-side bus bar and the plurality of bus bars. The pair of electrodes of the other-side battery cells contact a bus bar installed between the first partition wall and the second side wall or between the second partition wall and the first side wall among the other-side bus bar and the plurality of bus bars. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein the one-side battery cells and the other-side battery cells are connected in series with each other.

4. The partition wall includes a plurality. The plurality of partition walls include one or more first partition walls extending to one end portion in the first direction of the housing and partitioning one end portion in the first direction of the empty space (S) in the second direction, and one or more second partition walls extending to the other end portion in the first direction of the housing and partitioning the other end portion in the first direction of the empty space (S) in the second direction. The first partition wall and the second partition wall are alternately arranged along the second direction. The bus bars installed on one side and the other side in the second direction on one side in the first direction of each first partition wall are physically separated from each other via the first partition wall. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the bus bars installed on one side and the other side in the second direction on the other side in the first direction of each second partition wall are physically separated from each other via the second partition wall.

5. The partition wall includes a plurality. The plurality of the partition walls includes one or more first partition walls that extend to one end portion of the housing in the first direction and partition one end portion of the empty space (S) in the first direction in the second direction, and one or more second partition walls that extend to the other end portion of the housing in the first direction and partition the other end portion of the empty space (S) in the first direction in the second direction. One or more of the first partition walls do not partition the other end portion of the empty space (S) in the first direction in the second direction. One or more of the second partition walls do not partition one end portion of the empty space (S) in the first direction in the second direction. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the first partition walls and the second partition walls are alternately arranged along the second direction.

6. The battery module according to claim 5, wherein at least a part of the plurality of bus bars is installed on the other side of the first partition wall in the first direction or on one side of the second partition wall in the first direction.

7. The housing includes a cover that covers the upper part of the empty space (S). One or more exhaust holes are formed in the cover to penetrate the cover and discharge flames, heat or gas generated by the battery cells installed in the empty space (S) to the outside of the housing. The battery module according to claim 1.

8. The partition walls include a plurality. The plurality of the partition walls includes one or more first partition walls that extend to one end portion of the housing in the first direction and partition one end portion of the empty space (S) in the first direction in the second direction, and one or more second partition walls that extend to the other end portion of the housing in the first direction and partition the other end portion of the empty space (S) in the first direction in the second direction. One or more of the first partition walls do not partition the other end portion of the empty space (S) in the first direction in the second direction. One or more of the second partition walls do not partition one end portion of the empty space (S) in the first direction in the second direction. The first partition walls and the second partition walls are alternately arranged along the second direction. The battery module according to claim 7, wherein at least one of the exhaust holes is formed in the upper part on the other side of the first partition wall in the first direction or in the upper part on one side of the second partition wall in the first direction.

9. In the method for manufacturing a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 8, a housing manufacturing step (S510) of manufacturing the housing is included. In the housing manufacturing step (S510), a method for manufacturing a battery module, in which at least a part of the housing and at least a part of the partition wall are integrally extrusion-molded.

10. The housing includes a base extending in a first direction and a second direction, a third side wall extending upward from one end portion of the base in the second direction, and a fourth side wall extending upward from the other end portion of the base in the second direction. At least a part of the partition wall is coupled to an upper surface of at least a part of the base. In the housing manufacturing step (S510), the method for manufacturing a battery module according to claim 9, in which at least a part of the base, the third side wall, and the fourth side wall and at least a part of the partition wall are integrally extrusion-molded.

Images