Battery Module

Abstract

The present invention discloses a battery module including: a housing that accommodates a plurality of battery cells and has a vent hole formed therein; a top cover that is movably installed on the housing to open and close the vent hole; an elastic member that is installed to apply an elastic force to the top cover in a direction that causes the top cover to open the vent hole; and a stopper that supports the top cover so that the top cover maintains a state in which the vent hole is closed and that loses its supporting force due to changes in temperature or pressure.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0106032 filed on August 24, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery module that can improve the performance of discharging thermal energy, suppress an increase in internal pressure, and reduce the possibility of fire. [Background technology]

[0003] Typically, a secondary battery includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a separator, and an electrolyte, and generates electrical energy through a chemical reaction. Secondary batteries are increasingly being used due to their rechargeable / dischargeable nature. Among these secondary batteries, lithium secondary batteries have a high energy density per unit weight and are therefore widely used as power sources for electronic communication devices and as driving sources for high-power hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, and the like.

[0004] In terms of the shape of these secondary batteries, there is increasing demand for prismatic and pouch-type secondary batteries, which are thin and can be applied to products such as mobile phones, etc. In terms of secondary battery materials, there is increasing demand for lithium secondary batteries such as lithium-ion batteries and lithium-ion polymer batteries, which have high energy density, stable discharge voltage, and output.

[0005] A battery module for a secondary battery has multiple pouch cells installed inside a housing. The pouch cell is manufactured by placing an electrode stack inside a pouch and sealing it. Electrode leads are connected to the electrode stack and protrude outside the pouch. Multiple bus bars are installed on the front and rear sides of the housing, and two or more electrode leads are welded to each bus bar. The multiple bus bars are arranged in a row on the front and rear sides of the housing.

[0006] A vehicle or large equipment may be equipped with multiple battery modules. Because multiple pouch cells are installed inside the housing of the battery module, if some pouch cells overheat or ignite, other pouch cells inside the housing may also ignite or explode. To delay or prevent the battery module from igniting or exploding, a heat insulating material may be interposed between the pouch cells. Various cooling structures may also be applied to prevent the pouch cells from overheating.

[0007] Conventional battery modules are enclosed in a housing and are nearly sealed. Therefore, if some pouch cells inside the housing overheat or ignite, the thermal energy is difficult to dissipate, which can lead to rapid ignition or explosion of the battery module. Furthermore, the rate at which the internal pressure of the housing increases can be relatively rapid, which can lead to a relatively rapid explosion of the battery module.

[0008] The battery module disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a heat-shrinkable tube that serves as the module housing and a heat sink, improving cooling efficiency. However, because these battery modules also have a structure in which the housing seals the battery module, there may be a limit to how much the pouch cells can delay overheating or ignition inside the housing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] Korean Patent Publication No. 2020-0030964 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] The present invention has been devised to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a battery module that improves the performance of discharging thermal energy.

[0011] An object of the present invention is to provide a battery module that can suppress an increase in internal pressure.

[0012] An object of the present invention is to provide a battery module that can reduce the possibility of fire.

[0013] 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 is clear that the objects and advantages of the present invention can be achieved by the means and combinations thereof set forth in the claims. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention is applicable to a battery module including a housing that houses a plurality of battery cells therein.

[0015] The battery module includes a housing defining an interior space capable of accommodating a plurality of battery cells.

[0016] The housing may include a vent hole, and an inner space and an outer space of the housing may communicate with each other through the vent hole.

[0017] The number of the vent hole portion may be one or more.

[0018] The housing includes a top cover movably mounted on the housing.

[0019] The top cover can be movably disposed between at least a first position and a second position.

[0020] The top cover may be movably installed on the housing to open and close the vent hole portion.

[0021] The top cover can close at least a portion of the vent hole.

[0022] The degree of opening of the vent hole portion when the top cover is in the second position may be greater than the degree of opening of the vent hole portion when the top cover is in the first position.

[0023] As the top cover moves from the first position to the second position, the degree of opening of the vent hole portion can be further increased.

[0024] The top cover may be one or more.

[0025] The first top cover can close a first region of the vent hole portion, and the second top cover can close a second region of the vent hole portion.

[0026] The first and second regions may not overlap each other. Optionally, a portion of the first and second regions may overlap each other.

[0027] The movement of the top cover may include at least one of a rotational movement and a translational movement.

[0028] The rotational and translational movements may be performed separately or simultaneously.

[0029] The central axis of rotational movement can remain in place or can move.

[0030] The battery module includes an elastic member that applies an elastic force to the top cover so that the top cover moves from the first position to the second position.

[0031] The elastic member may apply an elastic force to the top cover in a direction in which the top cover opens the vent hole portion.

[0032] The elastic force applied by the elastic member to the top cover can be further reduced as the top cover moves from the first position to the second position.

[0033] For example, the elastic member may be a solid spring such as a coil spring, a torsion spring, a leaf spring, or a disc spring, or may be a gas spring such as a gas spring.

[0034] The battery module includes a stopper that prevents the top cover from moving from the first position to the second position.

[0035] The stopper can support the top cover or the elastic member.

[0036] The stopper may support the top cover so that the top cover maintains a state in which the vent hole portion is closed.

[0037] The stopper may lose or lose its support for the top cover due to changes in temperature or pressure.

[0038] As the temperature of the stopper increases, the support strength of the stopper may weaken.

[0039] The stopper may lose its supporting force when it exceeds a certain temperature.

[0040] The stopper may lose its supporting force as the internal pressure of the housing increases.

[0041] The stopper may lose its supporting force when a certain pressure is exceeded.

[0042] The vent hole may be formed on the top or side of the housing.

[0043] The top cover may be slidably installed on the top or side of the housing.

[0044] The stopper may be made of a material that is thermally decomposed at a predetermined temperature or higher and loses rigidity.

[0045] The stopper may be made of a material that melts at a predetermined temperature or higher and loses rigidity.

[0046] The elastic force applied by the elastic member to the top cover may be reduced as the top cover is opened.

[0047] The elastic member may be installed in a stretched state on the top cover and the housing, and the stopper may support the top cover to prevent the elastic member from contracting.

[0048] The top cover may be provided in pair so as to slide in opposite directions along the length of the housing.

[0049] The elastic members may be provided in pairs so as to apply elastic forces to the pair of top covers, respectively.

[0050] The top cover may be independently installed so as to be movable along the length of the housing, and the elastic member may be arranged in line with the length of the housing.

[0051] The top cover may be installed to be movable along a width direction of the housing, and the elastic members may be arranged in parallel along the width direction of the housing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0052] According to the present invention, when the internal temperature of the housing reaches or exceeds a set temperature or pressure, the contraction force of the elastic member becomes greater than the rigidity of the stopper, causing the stopper to lose its supporting force on the top cover, allowing the elastic member to move the top cover and open the vent hole.

[0053] According to the present invention, the top cover is moved to open the vent hole portion by the elastic force of the elastic member, so that an increase in temperature or pressure caused by overheating or ignition of the battery cell can be delayed.

[0054] According to the present invention, when a battery cell catches fire, the vent hole is opened, so that heat energy and flames inside the housing can be quickly discharged to the outside.

[0055] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress a sudden increase in the temperature and pressure inside the housing, and to delay the explosion of the battery module.

[0056] The above-mentioned effects and specific effects of the present invention will be described in conjunction with the following description of the preferred embodiment of the invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0057] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a first embodiment of a battery module according to the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the battery module of FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a state in which the top cover of the battery module of FIG. 1 has been moved to open a vent hole portion. FIG. [Figure 4] 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state in which the top cover of the battery module of FIG. 1 has been moved to open a vent hole portion. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a second embodiment of a battery module according to the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a third embodiment of a battery module according to the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a third embodiment of the battery module of FIG. 6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0058] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0059] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but may be embodied in various different forms and may be modified in various ways. However, these embodiments are provided to complete the disclosure of the present invention and to fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives within the technical spirit and scope of the present invention, as well as the substitution or addition of the configuration of any embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment.

[0060] The accompanying drawings are intended to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and should not be construed as limiting the technical ideas disclosed in this specification, but should be understood to include any modifications, equivalents, or alternatives that fall within the ideas and technical scope of the present invention. The components in the drawings may be exaggerated in size or thickness for ease of understanding, but this should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0061] The terms used in this specification are merely used to describe particular embodiments or examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, singular terms include plural terms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Terms such as "comprises," "constitutes," and the like in the specification are intended to specify the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification. In other words, terms such as "comprises," "constitutes," and the like in the specification should not be understood to preclude the presence or possibility of adding one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0062] Although terms including ordinal numbers such as first, second, etc. may be used to describe various components, the components are not limited by the terms and are used only to distinguish one component from another.

[0063] When a component is referred to as being "coupled" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the component may be directly coupled or connected to the other component, but that there may be other components between them. On the other hand, when a component is referred to as being "directly coupled" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components between them.

[0064] When a component is referred to as being "on top of" or "under" another component, it should be understood that there may be other components between them, not just directly on top of them.

[0065] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms commonly used and similar to dictionary definitions should be interpreted to have a meaning consistent with the meaning they have in the context of the relevant art, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense in this application unless expressly defined.

[0066] A first embodiment of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

[0067] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a first embodiment of a battery module according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the battery module of FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically showing a state in which the top cover of the battery module of FIG. 1 has been moved to open the vent hole portion, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state in which the top cover of the battery module of FIG. 1 has been moved to open the vent hole portion.

[0068] 1 to 4, a battery module 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes a housing 120, a top cover 130, an elastic member 140, and a stopper 150. As shown in FIG.

[0069] A plurality of battery cells 110 are accommodated inside the housing 120. The housing 120 has a vent hole 123 that connects the interior space of the housing 120 to the exterior space. The housing 120 may be made of a non-conductive synthetic resin material. The housing 120 may be formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the battery module 100 cut in the length direction.

[0070] The housing 120 may include a metal material or a composite material.

[0071] The vent hole portion 123 may be formed in various shapes such as a rectangle, an elongated hole, a rounded shape, etc. The size of the vent hole portion 123 may be changed depending on the size of the housing 120, the capacity of the battery module 100, etc. Although the vent hole portion 123 is shown as one large hole in the drawings for ease of understanding, the vent hole portion 123 may be formed as a plurality of holes spaced apart in a lattice or matrix arrangement.

[0072] The battery cell 110 may have a structure in which an electrode stack (not shown) is housed inside a pouch (not shown). For example, the electrode stack may be formed by sequentially stacking a negative electrode, a separator, a positive electrode, and a separator. An electrolyte is housed inside the battery cell 110. Electrode leads 112 protrude from both sides of the battery cells 110, and the electrode leads 112 are connected to a bus bar (not shown). Of course, the arrangement of the electrode leads 112 and the bus bar is not limited thereto. For example, both of the pair of electrode leads 112 may protrude from one side of the battery cell 110, and a bus bar may be provided on one side of the battery module 100 accordingly.

[0073] The plurality of battery cells 110 may be arranged in a row with some space between them.

[0074] Elastic panels (not shown) may be interposed between the plurality of battery cells 110. Thus, even if swelling of the battery cells 110 occurs, the elastic panels can compensate for this and absorb the expansion of the battery cells 110 due to the swelling.

[0075] Heat insulating panels (not shown) may be interposed between multiple battery cells 110. The heat insulating panels serve to block heat transfer to adjacent battery cells 110 and delay the time for ignition. One or more battery cells 110 may be arranged between adjacent heat insulating panels to form one bank.

[0076] A heat insulating cover (not shown) can be installed to surround the outer surface 122 of the battery cell 110. The heat insulating panel or cover can be made of polyimide film. The heat insulating cover can be installed to surround each battery cell 110, or to surround each bank, or to surround all of the stacked battery cells 110.

[0077] The top cover 130 is movably installed on the housing 120 to open and close the vent hole portion 123. The top cover 130 is formed larger than the vent hole portion 123 so as to cover the entire vent hole portion 123. The top cover 130 may be formed in a rectangular plate shape that covers part of the upper surface 121 and outer surface 122 of the housing 120. The top cover 130 may be formed from a non-conductive synthetic resin material. These top covers 130 may be formed in various shapes as long as they cover the vent hole portion 123.

[0078] A separate seal member (not shown) may be installed between the top cover 130 and the housing 120 to seal the inside of the housing 120 .

[0079] The elastic member 140 is installed to apply an elastic force to the top cover 130 in a direction in which the top cover 130 opens the vent hole portion 123. As a result, the direction of the elastic member 140 can change along the direction in which the top cover 130 is opened.

[0080] A coil spring that is expandable in the length direction can be used as the elastic member 140. However, it is obvious that the elastic member 140 does not necessarily have to be a coil spring.

[0081] The stopper 150 supports the top cover 130 so that the top cover 130 keeps the vent hole portion 123 closed, and loses its supporting force for the top cover 130 due to changes in temperature or pressure.

[0082] For example, when the stopper 150 exceeds a critical temperature, its rigidity may decrease or it may begin to melt, causing it to lose its supporting force for the top cover 130. The critical temperature may be, for example, 150 to 300 degrees Celsius.

[0083] For example, if the internal pressure of the housing 120 exceeds a critical pressure, the stopper 150 may deform and lose its supporting force against the top cover 130. Therefore, the stopper 150 may have sufficient rigidity in the supporting direction against the top cover 130, but may be relatively easily deformed by pressure, and may have a thin and wide structure. For example, as the internal pressure of the housing 120 increases, the stopper 150 may deform, which may reduce the buckling resistance of the stopper 150 against the elastic force of the elastic member 140. The critical temperature may be, for example, 2 atmospheres.

[0084] One end of the stopper 150 is fixed to the top cover 130, and the other end of the stopper 150 is fixed to the housing 120. The stopper 150 of the embodiment has a rigidity greater than the elastic force of the elastic member 140 below a predetermined temperature and below a predetermined pressure. On the other hand, the stopper 150 deforms and becomes less rigid than the elastic force of the elastic member 140 above a predetermined temperature and above a predetermined pressure. The temperature and pressure at which the stopper 150 loses its supporting force on the top cover 130 can be varied depending on the material, thickness, and shape of the stopper 150.

[0085] The elastic modulus of the elastic member 140 can be set based on the temperature or pressure at which the stopper 150 loses its supporting force.

[0086] A portion of the stopper 150 is supported by a supporter part 125 that constitutes a part of the housing 120. The supporter part 125 supports the lower surface of the stopper 150 to prevent the stopper 150 from sagging. In addition, the supporter part 125 can minimize vibration of the elastic member 140 caused by an external force when the vehicle is in operation.

[0087] As described above, when the internal temperature of the housing 120 exceeds a set temperature or a set pressure, the contraction force of the elastic member 140 becomes greater than the rigidity of the stopper 150. At this time, the top cover 130 is moved to open the vent hole portion 123 by the elastic force of the elastic member 140. Therefore, when the battery cells 110 inside the housing 120 overheat or ignite, causing an increase in temperature or pressure, the vent hole portion 123 opens, allowing the heat energy or flames inside the housing 120 to be quickly released to the outside. In addition, a sudden increase in the internal temperature or pressure of the housing 120 can be suppressed, thereby delaying the explosion time of the battery module 100.

[0088] The vent hole portion 123 is formed on the upper surface 121 or the outer surface 122 of the housing 120, and the top cover 130 is slidably installed on the upper surface 121 or the outer surface 122 of the housing 120. Of course, the vent hole portion 123 and the top cover 130 can also be arranged on the lower surface of the housing 120. The positions of the vent hole portion 123 and the top cover 130 can be changed as needed, taking into consideration the possibility of injury to the driver when heat energy or flames are discharged. Of course, the positions of the vent hole portion 123 and the top cover 130 can also be designed as needed, taking into consideration the possibility of damage to the vehicle, the installation position of the battery module 100, etc.

[0089] The stopper 150 may be formed of a material that undergoes thermal decomposition above a predetermined temperature, resulting in a loss of rigidity. For example, a lithium polymer battery module 100 typically explodes at approximately 170°C, while a lithium ion battery module 100 typically explodes at approximately 187°C. Polyvinyl resin, polypropylene resin, and polyethylene resin undergo thermal changes at temperatures significantly lower than the explosion temperatures. Therefore, polyvinyl resin, polypropylene resin, polyethylene resin, etc. may be used as the material for the stopper 150. In addition, the elastic modulus of the elastic member 140 may be set based on the loss of rigidity at the thermal decomposition temperature of the stopper 150.

[0090] Furthermore, the stopper 150 may be made of a material that melts above a predetermined temperature and loses rigidity. Even if the stopper 150 melts above a predetermined temperature, the elastic member 140 can still move the top cover 130. Therefore, the material of the stopper 150 only needs to melt above a predetermined temperature, and does not have to be a synthetic resin material.

[0091] The elastic force that the elastic member 140 applies to the top cover 130 decreases as the top cover 130 is opened. That is, when the top cover 130 closes the vent hole portion 123, the elastic member 140 is elongated to the greatest extent, and therefore the elastic force of the elastic member 140 is at its maximum. On the other hand, as the top cover 130 is opened, the length of the elastic member 140 gradually shortens, and therefore the elastic force of the elastic member 140 gradually decreases.

[0092] When the temperature or pressure inside the housing 120 is lower than a predetermined value, the elastic member 140 is installed in a stretched state between the top cover 130 and the housing 120, and the stopper 150 supports the top cover 130 to prevent contraction of the elastic member 140. However, when the temperature or pressure inside the housing 120 exceeds a predetermined value, the stopper 150 contracts or deforms, causing the elastic member 140 to contract and move the top cover 130.

[0093] The top covers 130 are installed in pairs so as to slide in opposite directions along the length of the housing 120. At this time, the elastic members 140 are installed in pairs so as to apply elastic force to each of the pair of top covers 130. Also, at this time, the elastic members 140 are installed between each top cover 130 and the stopper 150 so as to support the top cover 130. This allows the vent hole portion 123 formed in the housing 120 to be made larger. Also, this structure can be applied as the size of the battery module 100 increases.

[0094] In the drawings, the size of the top cover 130 is slightly exaggerated for ease of understanding. In the drawings, the top cover 130 is shown in a state in which it protrudes further outward laterally than the battery module 100 when it is open, but this may vary depending on the installation environment of the battery module 100. For example, it is clear that the top cover 130 may not protrude further outward laterally than the battery module 100 when it is open.

[0095] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a second embodiment of a battery module according to the present invention.

[0096] The second embodiment is substantially the same as the first embodiment except for the configuration in which the top cover is installed separately, so the same components are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0097] Referring to FIG. 5, the top cover 130 is installed independently so as to be movable along the length of the housing 120, and the elastic member 140 can be arranged in line with the length of the housing 120.

[0098] The elastic member 140 is disposed between the top cover 130 and the stopper 150 so as to support the top cover 130 .

[0099] The battery module 100 having such a structure can be applied to a structure in which a surrounding structure of the battery module 100 separates one side of the housing 120 in the length direction, or a structure in which the top cover 130 can be opened in only one direction.

[0100] The battery module 100 can be applied to a configuration in which the size of the vent hole portion 123 is small.

[0101] FIG. 6 is a perspective view that schematically shows a third embodiment of a battery module according to the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view that schematically shows the third embodiment of the battery module of FIG.

[0102] The third embodiment is substantially the same as the first embodiment except for the configuration in which the top cover moves in the width direction of the housing, so the same components will be given the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted.

[0103] 6 and 7, the top cover 130 is installed to be movable in the width direction of the housing 120, and the elastic members 140 are arranged in parallel in the width direction of the housing 120. In this case, two or one top cover 130 may be installed to be movable in the width direction of the housing. A battery module 100 having such a structure may be applied to a structure in which a surrounding structure of the battery module 100 separates one side of the width direction of the housing 120, or the top cover 130 can be opened in only one direction. In addition, the battery module 100 may be applied to a form in which the size of the vent hole portion 123 is small.

[0104] 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]

[0105] 100 Battery Module 110 battery cells 112 Electrode Lead 120 Housing 121 Top surface 122 External surface 123 Vent hole section 125 Supporters Section 130 Top cover 132 Fixed part 140 Elastic member 150 Stopper

Claims

1. a housing that accommodates a plurality of battery cells therein and has a vent hole portion formed therein; a top cover movably mounted on the housing to open and close the vent hole; an elastic member installed to apply an elastic force to the top cover in a direction that opens the vent hole portion; and a stopper that supports the top cover so that the top cover maintains a state in which the vent hole portion is closed, The stopper's supporting ability with respect to the top cover decreases at a predetermined temperature or a predetermined pressure or higher. Battery module.

2. The vent hole portion is formed on an upper surface or a side surface of the housing, The top cover is slidably installed on the top surface or side surface of the housing. The battery module according to claim 1 .

3. The stopper is formed of a material that is thermally decomposed at a predetermined temperature or higher and loses rigidity. The battery module according to claim 1 .

4. The stopper is formed of a material that melts at a predetermined temperature or higher and loses rigidity. The battery module according to claim 1 .

5. The elastic force applied by the elastic member to the top cover is reduced as the top cover is opened. The battery module according to claim 1 .

6. the elastic member is installed in a stretched state between the top cover and the housing, The stopper supports the top cover so as to prevent the elastic member from contracting. The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The top covers are provided in pairs so as to slide in opposite directions along the length of the housing. The battery module according to claim 1 .

8. The elastic members are installed in pairs so as to apply elastic forces to the pair of top covers, respectively. The battery module according to claim 7 .

9. the top cover is independently installed so as to be movable along the length direction of the housing; The elastic member is arranged in line with the length of the housing. The battery module according to claim 1 .

10. the top cover is installed to be movable along a width direction of the housing, The elastic members are arranged in parallel in the width direction of the housing. The battery module according to claim 1 .

11. a housing that accommodates a plurality of battery cells therein and has a vent hole portion formed therein; a top cover movably mounted on the housing; an elastic member that applies an elastic force to the top cover; and a stopper that resists the elastic force so that the top cover does not move due to the elastic force, The stopper has a reduced resistance to the elastic force at a predetermined temperature or a predetermined pressure or higher. Battery module.

12. The top cover is movably disposed between at least a first position and a second position; The degree of opening of the vent hole portion when the top cover is in the second position is greater than the degree of opening of the vent hole portion when the top cover is in the first position. The battery module according to claim 11.

13. When the top cover moves from the first position to the second position, the degree of opening of the vent hole portion becomes greater. The battery module according to claim 12.

14. the top cover includes a first top cover and a second top cover; the first top cover closes a first region of the vent hole portion when in the first position, and the second top cover closes a second region of the vent hole portion when in the first position; The battery module according to claim 12.

15. The first region and the second region do not overlap each other. The battery module according to claim 14.

16. a portion of the first region and a portion of the second region overlap each other; The battery module according to claim 14.

17. The movement of the top cover includes at least one of a rotational movement and a translational movement. The battery module according to claim 11.

18. The rotational and translational movements may be performed separately or simultaneously. The battery module of claim 17.

19. The movement of the top cover includes a sliding movement along the length of the housing. The battery module according to claim 11.

20. The movement of the top cover includes a sliding movement along the width direction of the housing. The battery module according to claim 11.

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