Battery module with improved venting structure

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery module having negative and positive terminals provided at an upper portion thereof, in which the negative and positive leads of each battery cell included in the battery module both protrude toward one side in the width direction of the battery cell, and a battery cell stack formed by stacking a plurality of the battery cells is connected to the terminals via a plate-shaped bus bar frame provided above the battery cell stack.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0084550, filed July 8, 2022, and the contents of the Korean patent application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery module with an improved venting structure, specifically to a battery module with an improved structure that generates venting upward to prevent flames and heat from spreading to adjacent battery modules in the front-rear or left-right direction in the event of a fire. [Background technology]

[0003] Secondary batteries, which are easily applicable to various products and have electrical properties such as high energy density, are widely used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles powered by electrical sources, power storage devices, etc. These secondary batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source not only because they can dramatically reduce the use of fossil fuels, but also because they are environmentally friendly and produce no by-products from energy use, thereby improving energy efficiency.

[0004] While small mobile devices use one or two or three battery cells per device, medium to large devices such as automobiles require high output and large capacity, so medium to large battery modules, which electrically connect multiple battery cells, are used.

[0005] Since it is preferable that medium- to large-sized battery modules be manufactured with as small a size and weight as possible, prismatic batteries, pouch-type batteries, etc., which can be stacked with a high degree of integration and have a small weight relative to their capacity, are mainly used as battery cells for medium- to large-sized battery modules.

[0006] 1 and 2 are a perspective view and an exploded perspective view of a typical battery module, and Fig. 3 is a perspective view of one unit of pouch-type battery cells that make up a typical battery cell stack. Referring to these drawings, a battery module 1 may generally include a housing 4, a battery cell stack 2, a bus bar frame 3, and terminals 5 that include a positive terminal 5a and a negative terminal 5b.

[0007] The housing 4 may be composed of a U-frame 41 that is open at the front, rear, and top, a pair of end plates 42 that cover the front and rear, respectively, and a top plate 43 that covers the top. The components of the housing 4 can then be joined together by a method such as welding to form the housing 4.

[0008] The battery cell stack 2 is formed by stacking a plurality of pouch-type battery cells 21, and the battery cells 21 may include a pouch 212 and an electrode assembly. The pouch 212 is folded in half with electrode leads 211 protruding from both sides in the length direction (X2) and fusion-sealed at seal portions 213 on three sides excluding the folded side, to accommodate the electrode assembly. The electrode lead 211 may include a positive electrode lead 211a and a negative electrode lead 211b.

[0009] The bus bar frame 3 may be electrically connected to the electrode lead 211 and further electrically connected to the terminal 5. The terminal 5 may be exposed to the outside through a terminal exposure portion 51 provided on the end plate 42 and electrically connected to the outside.

[0010] However, there is a risk that the battery cells 21 may overheat and ignite due to a short circuit or other cause. If the battery cells 21 ignite, heat, flame, and vent gas generated by vaporization of the electrolyte filled in the battery cells 21 may be emitted from the battery cells 21. In the battery cells 21, the heat, flame, and vent gas are mainly emitted through the portions of the sealed portions 213 of the pouches 212 where the electrode leads 211 protrude. In the battery module 1, the heat, flame, and vent gas are mainly emitted through the terminal exposure portions 51 provided on the end plates 42 where the terminals 5 are exposed, the end plates 42, the top plate 43, and the joints between the U-frame.

[0011] 4 and 5 are schematic diagrams illustrating the transfer of thermal energy and flame between battery modules. Referring to these diagrams, if the heat, flame, and vent gas are discharged from both ends of the battery module 1 in the longitudinal direction (X1), the thermal energy may be transferred to adjacent battery modules 1 in the longitudinal direction (X1), potentially resulting in a chain reaction of fire. Such a chain reaction of fire is particularly likely to occur during an electric vehicle accident, and therefore must be prevented. However, the risk of such a chain reaction of fire is even greater in the battery module 1, in which the electrode leads 211 protrude in the longitudinal direction (X2) of the battery cells 21, thereby exposing the terminals 5 at the end plates 42. Furthermore, this risk is exacerbated if the end plates 42 fall off the housing 4 due to an increase in the internal pressure of the housing 4. Therefore, there is a need to improve the battery module structure to prevent the venting of heat, flame, and vent gas from reaching adjacent battery modules 1. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0012] The present invention was devised in light of the background of the prior art described above, and aims to provide a battery module with an improved structure in which heat, flames, and vent gases generated in the event of a battery cell fire are vented upward.

[0013] A further technical object of the present invention is to provide a battery module having a housing structured so that the end plates do not fall off the housing despite an increase in internal pressure in the event of a battery cell ignition.

[0014] It is still another technical object of the present invention to provide a battery module structure that achieves the above object and improves space utilization, thereby occupying a small volume relative to the capacity.

[0015] It is still another object of the present invention to provide a battery pack including a battery module with the above-mentioned improved structure, and a vehicle including the battery pack.

[0016] The technical object of the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned objects, and other unmentioned objects and advantages of the present invention can be understood from the following description and can be more clearly understood from the examples of the present invention. Furthermore, it can be seen that the objects and advantages of the present invention can be realized by the means and combinations thereof set forth in the claims. [Means for solving the problem]

[0017] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a battery module structure in which terminals protrude upward.

[0018] The battery module may include a housing, a battery cell stack, a bus bar frame, and terminals.

[0019] The housing may include a U-frame that is open at the front, rear, and top, a pair of end plates that cover the front and rear, respectively, and a top plate that covers the top.

[0020] The U-frame may be made of a metal material, but may be made of any material.

[0021] The U-frame may be manufactured by plastically deforming a single plate material through a press, or may be manufactured by joining each side wall and a bottom surface together.

[0022] The end plates may be integrated with the U frame to form a single box frame with an open top. Alternatively, the end plates may be integrated with the top plate to form a second U frame with an open front, rear, and bottom. This prevents the end plates from falling off due to an increase in internal pressure in the housing caused by ignition of the battery module. In this case, the second U frame may be manufactured by plastically deforming a single plate material using a press.

[0023] The components that make up the housing can be joined together to form a single housing, and the joining can be done by welding, friction fitting, or any other method.

[0024] The housing can house the battery cell stack.

[0025] The battery cell stack may be formed by stacking a plurality of battery cells in the height direction (Z2).

[0026] The battery cell may include an electrode assembly, electrode leads protruding from the electrode assembly, and a pouch that is folded in half with the electrode leads protruding and fusion-sealed at sealing portions 213 on three sides excluding the folded side to accommodate the electrode assembly.

[0027] The electrode leads may include a positive electrode lead and a negative electrode lead.

[0028] The electrode leads may protrude from both sides of the battery cell in the length direction (X2) or from one side of the battery cell in the width direction (Y2). Preferably, both the positive electrode lead and the negative electrode lead may protrude from one side of the battery cell in the width direction.

[0029] The seal portion may be made up of a first seal portion and a second seal portion having a stronger seal strength than the first seal portion.

[0030] The first and second seal portions may have a difference in seal strength from each other in various ways. For example, the fusion-sealed area of the first seal portion may be smaller than that of the second seal portion. This can be achieved, for example, by using a sealing tool that applies pressure and heat to the seal portion such that the area of the portion corresponding to the first seal portion is smaller than the area of the portion corresponding to the second seal portion.

[0031] Alternatively, the number of times the first seal is fused and sealed may be less than that of the second seal, for example, by having only one seal in the first seal and two seals of the same or different areas in the second seal.

[0032] Alternatively, for example, the second sealed portion may be folded and taped, and the first sealed portion may not be subjected to any processing. In this case, the folding may be a double-side folding method in which the second sealed portion is folded so as to be wound up two or more times.

[0033] The first sealing portion may be formed at one widthwise end of the battery cell, and the second sealing portion may be formed at both lengthwise end of the battery cell. Alternatively, the first sealing portion may be formed at a center portion, both ends, or a portion from which the electrode lead protrudes at one widthwise end of the battery cell, and the second sealing portion may be formed at a portion other than these.

[0034] The battery cell stack may be accommodated in the housing such that one widthwise side of the battery cells faces upward, thereby guiding heat, flames, and vent gases in the event of a fire in the battery cells to be discharged upward from the protruding electrode leads, which are relatively weak in sealing.

[0035] In this case, as described above, the first seal is provided on at least a portion of one widthwise end of the battery cell facing upward, thereby guiding the heat, flame, and vent gas to be discharged upward. That is, when the battery cell ignites, the first seal, which has a relatively weak seal, opens due to an increase in the internal pressure of the battery cell, thereby guiding the heat, flame, and vent gas to be discharged upward.

[0036] The electrode leads may be electrically connected to the bus bar frame. The electrode leads may be connected to the bus bar frame so that the same poles of the electrode leads are connected to each other, or so that opposite poles of the electrode leads are connected to each other.

[0037] The bus bar frame may be provided as a pair of plates interposed between the battery cell stack and the pair of end plates when the electrode leads protrude from both longitudinal sides of the battery cells, or as a single plate interposed between the battery cell stack and the top plate when the electrode leads protrude from one widthwise side of the battery cells.

[0038] The bus bar frame may be electrically connected to the terminal, and the terminal may include a positive terminal and a negative terminal, such that a portion of the bus bar frame is connected to the positive terminal and another portion is connected to the negative terminal.

[0039] The bus bar frame may have a portion connected to the electrode lead and the terminal made of a metal material, and other portions made of a synthetic resin material, which may be a flame-retardant synthetic resin.

[0040] The terminals may be exposed to the outside of the housing through terminal exposure portions that are open upward on the top plate of the housing, and the upward facing terminal exposure portions may guide heat, flames, and vent gases to be discharged upward in the event of a fire in the battery module.

[0041] The means for solving the above problems can be similarly applied to a battery pack including the battery module and a vehicle including the battery pack. [Effects of the Invention]

[0042] The present invention can provide a battery module with an improved structure in which the terminals and terminal exposure portions are arranged facing upward, thereby venting the heat, flames, and vent gases generated in the event of a battery cell ignition upward.

[0043] In yet another aspect, the present invention can provide a battery module with an improved structure in which electrode leads are provided to protrude upward, thereby venting upward.

[0044] In yet another aspect, the present invention can provide a battery module with an improved structure in which a first seal portion having a relatively weak seal strength is provided in the seal portion, and the first seal portion is oriented upward, thereby causing venting to occur upward.

[0045] Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a battery module with a housing having an improved structure in which the end plates are formed integrally with the top plate or U-frame, so that the end plates will not fall off the housing even if the internal pressure of the housing increases due to the ignition of a battery cell.

[0046] Another advantage of the present invention is that the electrode leads, bus bar plates, and terminals are arranged upward rather than longitudinally, thereby improving space utilization and providing a battery module structure that occupies a small volume relative to its capacity.

[0047] In still another aspect, the present invention can provide a battery pack including a battery module with the improved structure as described above, and a vehicle including the battery pack.

[0048] In addition, the present invention can have various other effects, which will be explained in each embodiment, or explanations of effects that can be easily inferred by ordinary engineers will be omitted. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0049] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a general battery module. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a general battery module. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing one unit of a pouch-type battery cell that constitutes a typical battery cell stack. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram showing how thermal energy and flames are transferred between battery modules. FIG. [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic diagram showing how thermal energy and flames are transferred between battery modules. FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a perspective view showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which the negative and positive terminals protrude above the top surface of the housing. [Figure 7]1 is a perspective view showing a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention, in which the negative electrode lead and the positive electrode lead face upward and the fused area of the first seal is smaller than the fused area of the second seal. FIG. [Figure 8] 8 is an exploded perspective view showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, including the battery cell of FIG. 7, in which a flat bus bar frame is interposed between a battery cell stack and a top plate. FIG. [Figure 9] 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which an end plate and a first U frame are integrated to form a box frame. [Figure 10] 10 is an exploded perspective view showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which an end plate and a top plate are integrated to form a second U frame. FIG. [Figure 11] 1 is a perspective view showing a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention, in which the number of times the first seal is fused and sealed is less than the number of times the second seal is fused and sealed. FIG. [Figure 12] 12 is a schematic diagram showing the first seal portion and the second seal portion of FIG. 11. FIG. [Figure 13] 10 is a schematic diagram showing a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention in which folding and tape attachment are performed only on the second sealing portion. [Figure 14] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a battery pack including a battery module according to the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle including the battery pack of FIG. 14. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0050] The above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the technical concept of the present invention. In describing the present invention, if a detailed description of known technologies relating to the present invention is deemed to obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of 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.

[0051] Although terms such as "first" and "second" are used to describe various components, it is understood that these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another, and unless otherwise specified, a first component may also be a second component.

[0052] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise specified, each element may be singular or plural.

[0053] Hereinafter, when an arbitrary structure is arranged "on top (or bottom)" of a component or "above (or below)" a component, it means that the arbitrary structure is not only arranged in contact with the upper surface (or lower surface) of the component, but also that other structures may be interposed between the component and the arbitrary structure arranged above (or below) the component.

[0054] Furthermore, when a component is described as being "coupled," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the components may be directly coupled or connected to each other, but that other components may be "intervening" between the components, or that each component may be "coupled," "coupled," or "connected" via other components.

[0055] As used herein, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Terms such as "comprise" or "include" in this application should not be interpreted as including all of the multiple components or multiple steps described in the specification, but should be interpreted as meaning that some of the components or some of the steps may not be included, or that additional components or steps may be included.

[0056] Throughout this specification, "A and / or B" means A, B or A and B unless otherwise specified, and "C to D" means greater than or equal to C and less than or equal to D unless otherwise specified.

[0057] For ease of explanation, in this specification, with respect to a battery module, the direction that penetrates both end plates of the battery module and is parallel to the bottom surface of the frame is referred to as the front-to-rear direction or length direction (X1), the direction that is normal to the plane formed by each battery cell included in the battery cell stack and is parallel to the bottom surface of the frame is referred to as the left-to-right direction or width direction (Y1), and the direction that is normal to the bottom surface of the frame is referred to as the up-down direction or height direction (Z1).

[0058] In addition, in this specification, with respect to a battery cell, the direction that penetrates the electrode leads on both sides and is parallel to the battery cell is referred to as the length direction (X2), the direction perpendicular to the length direction and parallel to the battery cell is referred to as the width direction (Y2), and the direction that corresponds to the normal direction of the battery cell is referred to as the normal direction or height direction (Z2).

[0059] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0060] 1 and 2 are perspective and exploded perspective views of a typical battery module. Referring to these drawings, the battery module 1 may include a housing 4, a battery cell stack 2, a bus bar frame 3, and terminals 5.

[0061] The housing 4 may include a U-frame 41 that is open at the front, rear, and top, a pair of end plates 42 that cover the front and rear, respectively, and a top plate 43 that covers the top.

[0062] The U-frame 41 may be made of a metal material, but may be made of any material.

[0063] The U-frame 41 may be manufactured by plastically deforming a single plate material through a press, or may be manufactured by joining the side walls 412 and the bottom surface 411 together. The joining may be performed by various methods such as welding, friction fitting, or bolt fastening.

[0064] The end plate 42 and / or the top plate 43 may be made of a metal material, but the end plate 42 and / or the top plate 43 may be made of any material.

[0065] The U-frame 41, the end plates 42, and the top plate 43 may be joined together to form the housing 4. The joining may be performed in various ways, such as by welding, friction fitting, or bolting.

[0066] The battery cell stack 2 may be formed by stacking a plurality of battery cells in the height direction (Z2).

[0067] 3 is a perspective view showing one unit of a pouch-type battery cell that constitutes a typical battery cell stack. Referring to this figure, the battery cell 21 may include an electrode assembly 214, an electrode lead 211 protruding from the electrode assembly 214, and a pouch 212 that houses the electrode assembly 214.

[0068] The pouch 212 may be formed by folding a metallic pouch sheet in half around its longitudinal direction (X2) with the electrode assembly 214 interposed therebetween, with the electrode leads 211 protruding to the outside, and fusion-sealing the pouch 212 with sealing portions 213 provided on one side in the width direction and both sides in the length direction, excluding the folded surface.

[0069] Referring further to FIG. 3, the electrode lead 211 may include a positive electrode lead 211a and a negative electrode lead 211b.

[0070] The electrode leads 211 may protrude from both sides of the battery cell 21 in the length direction (X2).

[0071] The battery cell stack 2 may be accommodated in the housing 4 such that one widthwise side of the battery cells 21 faces upward.

[0072] The electrode leads 211 may be electrically connected to the bus bar frame 3. In this case, the electrode leads 211 may be connected to each other with the same poles, or may be connected to each other with different poles.

[0073] The bus bar frame 3 may be electrically connected to the terminal 5 .

[0074] The terminals 5 may include a positive terminal 5a and a negative terminal 5b, so that a portion of the bus bar frame 3 may be connected to the positive terminal 5a and another portion may be connected to the negative terminal 5b.

[0075] The portions of the bus bar frame 3 connected to the electrode leads 211 and the terminals 5 may be made of an electrically conductive material such as metal, and the other portions may be made of a non-electrically conductive material such as synthetic resin. For example, the other portions may be made of a flame-retardant synthetic resin material.

[0076] The terminals 5 may be exposed to the outside through terminal exposure portions 51 that are provided in a part of the housing 4 and open to the outside. In this case, the battery module 1 may be connected to another adjacent battery module through the terminals 5.

[0077] 4 and 5 are schematic diagrams showing the transfer of thermal energy and flame between battery modules. Referring to these diagrams, the battery module 1 may be disposed with the end plates 42 of the battery module 1 facing each other. If the battery cell 21 ignites, heat, flame, and vent gas are emitted toward the adjacent battery module, and the thermal energy of the battery module 1 is transferred to the adjacent battery module, which may result in a chain reaction of fires. In particular, if the electrode lead 211 protrudes in the length direction (X2) of the battery cell 21 and the terminal 5 and the terminal exposed portion 51 are located at the end of the battery module 1 in the length direction (X1), the risk of such a chain reaction of fires is even greater.

[0078] For this reason, the present invention provides a battery module structure characterized in that the terminals and terminal exposed portions face upward, the sealing portion consists of a first sealing portion and a second sealing portion having stronger sealing strength than the first sealing portion, and the first sealing portion is arranged to face upward when the battery cell stack is accommodated in a housing.

[0079] [Example 1] 6 is a perspective view showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention in which the negative and positive terminals protrude above the top surface of the housing. Referring to this figure, the terminals 5 may be exposed upward through the terminal exposing portion 51 provided on the top plate 43 of the housing 4. The terminal exposing portion 51 and the terminals 5 may be aligned in the width direction (Y1) of the top plate 43 at one end of the top plate 43 in the length direction (X1).

[0080] As a result, in the battery module according to this embodiment, there is no opening in the end plate 42, and the terminal exposure portion 51 faces upward, so that when the battery module 1 ignites, the heat, flame, and vent gas can be directed upward toward the terminal 5 and the terminal exposure portion 51, rather than toward the end plate 42. By discharging the heat, flame, and vent gas upward rather than forward or backward, the risk of thermal energy being transferred to other adjacent battery modules, which can cause a chain reaction of fires, can be reduced.

[0081] 7 is a perspective view showing a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which the fused area of the first seal is smaller than the fused area of the second seal, and the seal 213 may include a first seal 213a and a second seal 213b having a stronger sealing strength than the first seal 213a.

[0082] The first seal portion 213a and the second seal portion 213b may have different seal strengths in various ways. By providing the first seal portion 213a and the second seal portion 213b, when the battery cell 21 ignites, the first seal portion 213a, which has a relatively weaker seal strength, opens earlier than the second seal portion 213b due to an increase in internal pressure of the battery cell 21, thereby allowing heat, flames, and vent gases caused by the ignition to be discharged through the open portion of the first seal portion 213a.

[0083] At this time, the first sealing portion 213a may be provided to face upward when the battery cell stack 2 is accommodated in the housing 4. As a result, in the battery module according to this embodiment, heat, flames, and vent gases generated when the battery cells 21 ignite can be guided to be discharged above the battery cell stack 2 where the first sealing portion 213a is provided, and above the battery module 1 where the terminal 5 and the terminal exposure portion 51 are provided.

[0084] In addition, the fusion-sealed area of the first seal portion 213a may be smaller than the fusion-sealed area of the second seal portion 213b, which can be achieved, for example, by making the area of the portion corresponding to the first seal portion 213a smaller than the area of the portion corresponding to the second seal portion 213b in a sealing tool that pressurizes and heats the seal portion 213.

[0085] [Example 2] 7, in addition to the first embodiment, the electrode lead 211 may have both the positive electrode lead 211a and the negative electrode lead 211b protruding toward one side of the battery cell 21 in the width direction (Y2).

[0086] In this case, the first sealing portion 213a may be formed at one end of the battery cell 21 in the width direction (Y2), and the second sealing portion 213b may be formed at both end portions of the battery cell 21 in the length direction (X2). Alternatively, the first sealing portion 213a may be formed at the center, both end portions, or a portion from which the electrode lead 211 protrudes, among the end portions of one side of the battery cell 21 in the width direction, and the second sealing portion 213b may be formed at a portion other than these.

[0087] As a result, in the battery cell according to this embodiment, when the internal pressure of the battery cell 21 increases due to the heat, flame, and vent gas generated when the battery cell 21 ignites, the seal of the portion of the seal portion 213 on one side of the width direction of the battery cell 21 from which the electrode lead 211 protrudes and the first seal portion 213a are released more efficiently than other portions, so that the heat, flame, and vent gas can be induced to vent from the inside of the battery cell 21 toward one side of the width direction of the battery cell 21.

[0088] 8 is an exploded perspective view showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, including the battery cell of FIG. 7, in which a plate-shaped bus bar frame is interposed between the battery cell stack and a top plate. Referring to this figure, the battery cell stack 2 in which the battery cells 21 are stacked may be housed in the housing 4 such that one widthwise side of the battery cells 21 faces upward. Accordingly, the positive electrode lead 211a and the negative electrode lead 211b may be aligned along the widthwise direction (Y1) of the battery module 1 on the upper surface of the battery cell stack 2.

[0089] A bus bar frame 3 may be interposed between the battery cell stack 2 and the top plate 43. The bus bar frame 3 may be formed as a single plate, with the portions electrically connected to the electrode leads 211 and the terminals 5 made of an electrically conductive material such as metal, and the remaining portions made of a non-electrically conductive material such as synthetic resin. The synthetic resin may be a flame-retardant synthetic resin. This may allow the bus bar frame 3 to be connected to the electrode leads 211 at a lower portion and to the terminals 5 at an upper portion.

[0090] The terminals 5 may be exposed upward through the terminal exposing portion 51 provided on the top plate 43 of the housing 4. The terminal exposing portion 51 and the terminals 5 may be provided, for example, at one end of the top plate 43 in the length direction (X1) and aligned in the width direction (Y1) thereof.

[0091] As a result, in the battery module according to this embodiment, heat, flame, and vent gas generated when the battery cell 21 ignites can be guided to be discharged upward from the protruding electrode lead 211 by releasing the seal of the electrode lead 211 portion and the first seal portion 213a, which are relatively weak seals among the seal portions 213 of the battery cell 21. In addition, the terminal 5 and the terminal exposure portion 51 are provided on the top plate 43 facing upward, so that heat, flame, and vent gas discharged from the battery cell 21 can be guided to be discharged upward from the battery module 1 through the terminal exposure portion 51. By discharging the heat, flame, and vent gas upward rather than forward or backward, the risk of thermal energy being transferred to adjacent battery modules and causing a chain reaction of fires can be reduced.

[0092] In addition, since the electrode leads 211 face upward, both longitudinal sides of the battery cell stack 2 can be formed flat without the electrode leads 211 and the bus bar frames 3. This maximizes the space utilization of the battery module 1 and provides a battery module with a larger capacity relative to its volume.

[0093] [Example 3] 9 is an exploded perspective view showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which an end plate and a first U frame are integrated to form a box frame. Referring to this figure, in addition to the second embodiment, the end plate 42 and the U frame 41 can be integrated to form a single box frame 44 that is open at the top.

[0094] This structure is easier to apply because the electrode leads 211, busbar frame 3, and terminals 5 are provided on the top plate 43 side, not on the end plate 42 side. If the electrode leads 211, busbar frame 3, and terminals 5 were provided on the end plate 42 side and the end plate 42 were integrally formed with the U-frame 41, assembly would be difficult when inserting the battery cell stack 2, busbar frame 3, and terminals 5, which have protrusions on both sides in the length direction, into the box frame 44, which is open only at the top. In contrast, the battery cell stack 2, busbar frame 3, and terminals 5 of this embodiment, which do not have protrusions in the length direction or width direction, can be inserted into the box frame 44 by simply inserting them downward into the box frame 44, which is open at the top.

[0095] With this structure, in the battery module according to this embodiment, the risk of the end plate 42 falling off the housing 4 when the battery module 1 catches fire is reduced, and the risk of the joints on each of the three sides where the end plate 42 and the U-frame 41 are joined to each other on both sides in the longitudinal direction being separated due to an increase in internal pressure of the housing 4 is also significantly reduced. Therefore, the risk of the heat, flame, and vent gas generated when the battery module 1 catches fire being discharged toward the end plate 42 and causing a chain reaction of fire to other adjacent battery modules is reduced, and the heat, flame, and vent gas can be further guided to be discharged upwards of the battery module 1.

[0096] [Example 4] 10 is an exploded perspective view showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which an end plate and a top plate are integrated to form a second U-frame. Referring to this figure, in addition to the second embodiment, the end plate 42 and the top plate 43 may be integrated to form a U-shaped frame that is open at the front, rear, and bottom. Hereinafter, the U-frame 41 will be referred to as a first U-frame 41, and the U-shaped frame formed by the end plate 42 and the top plate 43 being integrated will be referred to as a second U-frame 45.

[0097] The second U frame 45 may be made of a metal material, but may be made of any material.

[0098] The second U frame 45 may be manufactured by plastically deforming a single plate material through a press, or may be manufactured by joining the end plates 42 and the top plate 43 together. The joining may be performed by various methods such as welding, friction fitting, or bolt fastening.

[0099] With this structure, in the battery module according to this embodiment, the risk of the end plate 42 falling off the housing 4 when the battery module 1 catches fire is reduced, and the risk of the joint between the end plate 42 and the top plate 43 coming loose due to an increase in internal pressure in the housing 4 is also significantly reduced. Therefore, the heat, flame, and vent gas generated when the battery module 1 catches fire are discharged toward the end plate 42, reducing the risk of a chain reaction of fires to other adjacent battery modules, and the heat, flame, and vent gas can be further guided to be discharged above the battery module 1.

[0100] In addition, if the first U frame 41 and the second U frame 45 are each manufactured from a metal plate that is plastically deformed through a press, all components of the housing 4 can be provided in two press processes, which also offers manufacturing advantages.

[0101] [Example 5] 11 and 12 are a perspective view and a schematic diagram, respectively, showing a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention in which the number of fusion seals of the first seal portion is less than the number of fusion seals of the second seal portion. Referring to these figures, in Examples 1 to 4, the number of fusion seals of the first seal portion 213a may be less than that of the second seal portion 213b. This can be achieved, for example, by forming only one seal (S) in the first seal portion 213a and two seals (S1 and S2) of the same or different areas in the second seal portion 213b.

[0102] [Example 6] 13 is a schematic diagram showing a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention in which folding and tape attachment are performed only on the second sealed portion. Referring to this, in the above-described Examples 1 to 4, the second sealed portion 213b may be folded and tape attachment performed, and the first sealed portion 213a may be unprocessed. Accordingly, the second sealed portion 213b may include a folding portion 213F and tape 213T. In this case, the folding may be a double-side folding method in which the second sealed portion 213b is folded so as to be wound up two or more times.

[0103] 14 and 15 are schematic diagrams showing a battery pack including a battery module according to the present invention and a vehicle including the battery pack, respectively. Referring to these drawings, the present invention can provide a battery pack (P) including the battery module 1 and a vehicle (V) equipped with the battery pack (P). Methods for manufacturing the battery pack (P) and vehicle (V) described above are well known to those skilled in the art, and therefore will not be described further herein.

[0104] It should be understood that the above-described embodiments are illustrative in all respects and are not limiting, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the following claims rather than the above detailed description. All modifications and variations within the meaning and scope of the following claims, as well as equivalent concepts, should be construed as being included within the scope of the present invention.

[0105] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to illustrative drawings, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and drawings disclosed in this specification, and it is obvious that various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. Furthermore, even if the effects of the configuration of the present invention are not explicitly described and explained while describing the embodiments of the present invention, it is natural that the effects that can be predicted by the configuration should also be recognized. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 1 Battery Module 2 Battery cell stack 21 Battery Cells 211 Electrode Lead 211a Positive lead 211b Negative lead 212 pouches 213 Seal part 213a First seal part 213b Second seal part 213F Folding section 213T Tape 214 Electrode assembly 3 Busbar Frame 4. Housing 41 1st U Frame 411 bottom 412 Side wall 42 End plate 43 Top Plate 44 Box Frame 45 2nd U Frame Terminal 5 5a positive terminal 5b Negative terminal 51 Exposed terminal P Battery pack V Automobile

Claims

1. In a battery pack, a plurality of battery modules are arranged side by side and connected in the front-rear or left-right direction, Housing and a battery cell stack formed by stacking a plurality of battery cells and housed in the housing; a bus bar frame that electrically connects electrode leads provided on each battery cell that constitutes the battery cell stack; a positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal electrically connected to the bus bar frame and protruding above an upper surface of the housing, The battery cell is an electrode assembly; an electrode lead; a pouch that is fusion-sealed along a sealing portion with the electrode leads protruding therefrom and that contains the electrode assembly; the seal portion includes a first seal portion and a second seal portion having a stronger seal strength than the first seal portion, the first seal portion is provided so as to face upward when the battery cell stack is accommodated in the housing. Battery module.

2. The positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal are aligned with each other in a width direction along one longitudinal end of the upper surface of the housing. The battery module according to claim 1 .

3. the electrode leads include a positive electrode lead and a negative electrode lead, the positive electrode lead and the negative electrode lead protrude from the battery cell toward one side in a width direction of the battery cell, the first sealing portion is provided on at least a portion of one side end of the battery cell in the width direction; The battery cell stack is accommodated in the housing such that one widthwise side of each battery cell faces upward. The battery module according to claim 1 .

4. The fused area of the first seal portion is relatively smaller than the fused area of the second seal portion. The battery module according to claim 1 .

5. the number of times the first seal portion is fused and sealed is relatively less than the number of times the second seal portion is fused and sealed; The battery module according to claim 1 .

6. The second sealing portion is subjected to folding and tape attachment after fusion sealing, The first seal portion is not subjected to the folding and tape attachment. The battery module according to claim 1 .

7. the bus bar frame is a plate-like frame interposed between the battery cell stack and the upper surface of the housing; The battery module according to claim 1 .

8. The bus bar frame is made of a flame-retardant synthetic resin. The battery module according to claim 7 .

9. The housing includes: a first U-frame having a U-shape with an open top and front and rear sides; a pair of end plates respectively covering the front and rear of the first U frame; a top plate that covers an upper portion of the first U frame, The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The pair of end plates and the first U-frame are integrally formed to form a box frame with an open top. The battery module according to claim 9 .

11. the pair of end plates and the top plate are integrally formed to form a second U-frame that is open downward and at the front and rear. The battery module according to claim 9 .

12. The first U-frame and the second U-frame are each made of a single metal plate material that has been plastically deformed through a press. The battery module according to claim 11 .

13. The first U-frame and the second U-frame are welded together. The battery module according to claim 11 .

14. A battery module comprising the battery module of claim 1. Battery pack.

15. A battery pack comprising the battery pack of claim 14. car.

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