Battery Module

Abstract

A battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a case having an internal space and a first vent hole on an upper surface thereof, a plurality of battery cells disposed inside the case, a first cover covering the upper surface of the case and having a second vent hole opposite the first vent hole, and a second cover covering the first cover and having a score line opposite the second vent hole.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0051028 filed on April 18, 2023, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0026771 filed on February 23, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety in their specifications and drawings. [Background technology]

[0003] As demand for portable electronic products such as smartphones, tablet PCs, and smartwatches has increased significantly, and electric vehicles have become increasingly popular, there has been a surge in research into the batteries used in these products, particularly secondary batteries that can be repeatedly charged and discharged.

[0004] Currently, commercially available secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and lithium secondary batteries. Among these, lithium secondary batteries are attracting attention due to their advantages of being able to be freely charged and discharged since they have almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based secondary batteries, as well as their extremely low self-discharge rate and high energy density.

[0005] Such lithium secondary batteries primarily use lithium-based oxides and carbon materials as the positive and negative electrode active materials, respectively, and include an electrode assembly in which a separator is sandwiched between positive and negative electrode plates coated with the positive and negative electrode active materials, and an exterior material, such as a battery case, that encloses the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte.

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

[0007] In recent years, secondary batteries have been widely used for driving and storing energy not only in small devices such as portable electronic devices but also in medium- and large-sized devices such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS). A battery module can be formed by electrically connecting a plurality of such secondary batteries and housing them together inside a module case. In this case, each secondary battery included in a battery module can be referred to as a battery cell. Furthermore, a battery pack can be formed by connecting a plurality of such battery modules.

[0008] However, when a battery pack includes multiple battery modules and each battery module includes multiple battery cells, the battery pack may be vulnerable to thermal chain reactions between the battery modules or battery cells. For example, if an event such as thermal runaway occurs within one battery module, it is necessary to prevent the propagation of such thermal runaway to other battery modules or other battery cells. If the propagation of thermal runaway between battery modules or battery cells is not properly prevented, an event occurring in a specific battery module or battery cell may trigger a chain reaction of thermal reactions in other battery modules and other battery cells, potentially causing or escalating an explosion or fire.

[0009] In particular, if an event such as thermal runaway occurs in a single battery module, there is a concern that gases, flames, etc. may be randomly emitted to the outside. If the emission of gases, flames, etc. is not properly controlled, the gases, flames, etc. may be emitted toward other battery modules, causing a thermal chain reaction in the other battery modules. In particular, because module terminals are present on the front side of a battery module, there is a possibility that a structure for electrically connecting to other battery modules or battery packs, such as a module bus bar, may be present. Therefore, if flames are emitted toward the front side of such a battery module, the module terminals within the battery pack may be damaged, causing an electrical short. Furthermore, because there may be other battery modules in front of a battery module, if flames are emitted toward the front side of a specific battery module, the emitted flames may be directed toward other battery modules, making it easier for the fire to spread between battery modules.

[0010] If heat transfer between battery modules or battery cells is not properly controlled, the voltage of the battery module or battery pack may drop suddenly. As a result, the device to which the battery module or battery pack is attached may suddenly shut down, causing unexpected damage. For example, if the voltage of the battery pack suddenly drops while an electric vehicle is running, there may not be enough time to move the electric vehicle to a safe place.

[0011] In addition, if a sudden fire or explosion occurs due to insufficient control of thermal propagation between battery modules or battery cells, there is a high possibility of causing personal injury to users. For example, if thermal runaway occurs in an electric vehicle, occupants may not be able to escape safely unless a certain amount of time is secured before the incident develops into a full-scale fire. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0012] Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and aims to provide a battery module having an improved structure that can appropriately control the emission of flames and the like generated inside the battery module, a battery pack including the same, an automobile, etc.

[0013] However, the technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention given below. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] To achieve the above object, a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a case having an interior space and a first vent hole formed on an upper surface thereof, a plurality of battery cells disposed inside the case, a first cover covering the upper surface of the case and having a second vent hole facing the first vent hole, and a second cover covering the first cover and having a score line facing the second vent hole.

[0015] Additionally, the score line can be configured to break in the event of a thermal event at the battery cell.

[0016] Additionally, the score line may extend along the periphery of the second vent hole.

[0017] Additionally, the first cover may include a bridge configured to define the second vent hole.

[0018] Additionally, the bridge may be configured to support the second cover.

[0019] Additionally, the second vent hole may be configured as a plurality of holes.

[0020] Additionally, the second cover may be thicker than the first cover.

[0021] Additionally, the score lines may be configured to form a score area.

[0022] In addition, the size of the second vent hole can be formed smaller than the size of the score area.

[0023] In addition, the score area may be formed to be larger than the size of the first vent hole.

[0024] In addition, a plurality of first vent holes may be provided.

[0025] Additionally, the first vent hole may be configured to face at least a portion of the plurality of battery cells.

[0026] Additionally, the first cover may include a mica material.

[0027] Additionally, the second cover may include a mica material.

[0028] In addition, a battery pack according to another aspect of the present invention for achieving the above object includes a battery module according to the present invention.

[0029] In addition, in order to achieve the above object, a vehicle according to yet another aspect of the present invention includes a battery module according to the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0030] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, when gas or flame occurs inside a battery module, the discharge of such gas or flame can be appropriately controlled.

[0031] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the electrical safety of a battery module can be improved.

[0032] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, heat transfer can be suppressed.

[0033] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the propagation of thermal events caused by flames or gases from outside the battery module.

[0034] The drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and serve to further understand the technical concepts of the present invention as well as the content of the invention, and therefore the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to only the matters depicted in the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0035] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded view showing a partial configuration of the battery module of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 3 is a view showing a partial configuration of the battery assembly of FIG. 2 in an separated state. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration taken along the line AA' in FIG. [Figure 5] 5 illustrates the configuration of FIG. 4 when a thermal event occurs inside the battery module. [Figure 6] 5 illustrates the configuration of FIG. 4 when a thermal event occurs external to the battery module. [Figure 7] FIG. 5 shows a modified embodiment of FIG. 4. [Figure 8] 3 is a diagram showing a modified embodiment of the first cover of FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 9] 3 is a diagram showing another modified embodiment of the first cover of FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is a diagram showing still another modified embodiment of the first cover of FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 11] 10 is a diagram showing still another modified embodiment of the first cover of FIG. 2. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Prior to this, the terms and words used in the specification and claims should not be construed as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be construed as having meanings and concepts corresponding to the technical ideas of the present invention, in accordance with the principle that the inventors themselves can appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best describe the invention.

[0037] Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical idea of ​​the present invention, and that there may be various equivalents and modifications that can be substituted therefor at the time of this application.

[0038] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of the battery module in Fig. 1 in an isolated state, and Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of the battery assembly in Fig. 2 in an isolated state.

[0039] 1 to 3, a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a case 110, a plurality of battery cells 120, a first cover 200, and a second cover 300.

[0040] The case 110 may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The case 110 may also be referred to as a frame 110. The case 110 may have an interior space. The case 110 may have a top surface, a bottom surface, and a pair of side surfaces. In addition, the case 110 may have a shape in which the front and rear surfaces are open. The case 110 may have a first vent hole 111 on the top surface. The first vent hole 111 may allow communication between the inside and outside of the case 110.

[0041] The plurality of battery cells 120 may be stacked in the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. In this case, the battery cells 120 may refer to secondary batteries. The secondary battery may include an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, electrode leads 121, and a battery case. In particular, the battery cells 120 may be pouch-type secondary batteries. Each battery cell 120 may extend along the front-rear direction or the X-axis direction. The electrode leads 121 may protrude from the front and rear of each battery cell 120.

[0042] The compression pads 150 may be disposed between the plurality of battery cells 120. The compression pads 150 may be disposed between at least some of the battery cells 120 and / or on the outer periphery of the stack. For example, the compression pads 150 may be configured to be disposed between every four battery cells 120 stacked in the left-right direction.

[0043] Such compression pad 150 may include an elastic material to absorb swelling of the battery cell 120. For example, compression pad 150 may be made of a foam material such as polyurethane. Alternatively, compression pad 150 may include a material that can block heat, flames, etc. For example, compression pad 150 may include a heat insulating material or a fire retardant material such as silicone or mica.

[0044] The bus bar frame assemblies 130 may be provided in front of and behind the plurality of battery cells 120. The bus bar frame assemblies 130 may be electrically connected to the electrode leads 121 of the plurality of battery cells 120.

[0045] The pair of end covers 140 may be respectively coupled to the front and rear of the case 110. The pair of end covers 140 may cover the front and rear surfaces of the case 110. The end covers 140 may have a rectangular shape.

[0046] The first cover 200 may cover the top surface of the case 110. Additionally, the first cover 200 may include a second vent hole 211 facing the first vent hole 111. The first vent hole 111 and the second vent hole 211 may face each other. Additionally, the first vent hole 111 and the second vent hole 211 may have very similar sizes. The first cover 200 may be attached, fixed, coupled, or fastened to the top surface of the case 110. Additionally, the first cover 200 may include a first top portion 210 and a pair of first side portions 220. The first top portion 210 and the pair of first side portions 220 may each have a plate shape. Additionally, the first top portion 210 and the pair of first side portions 220 may be integrally formed. The first top portion 210 may be attached, fixed, coupled, or fastened to the top surface of the case 110. The pair of first side portions 220 may be attached, fixed, coupled, or fastened to a pair of side surfaces of the case 110, respectively.

[0047] The second cover 300 may cover the first cover 200. Additionally, the second cover 300 may have a score line 311 facing the second vent hole 211. The second cover 300 may include a second top portion 310 and a pair of second side portions 320. The second top portion 310 and the pair of second side portions 320 may each have a plate shape. Additionally, the second top portion 310 and the pair of second side portions 320 may be integrally formed. The second top portion 310 may be attached, fixed, coupled, or fastened to the upper surface of the first top portion 210. The pair of second side portions 320 may be attached, fixed, coupled, or fastened to the pair of first side portions 220, respectively.

[0048] The score line 311 may include a perforated line 311, a notching line 311, a cutting line 311, a shredding line 311, a tear line 311, or a separation line 311. The score line 311 may be configured to be easily broken by pressure applied to the second cover 300.

[0049] This configuration of the present invention can improve the thermal safety of the battery module. When a thermal event occurs inside the battery module, vent gas may pass through the first vent hole 111 and the second vent hole 211 and press against the second cover 300. The vent gas may push out the score line 311, separating at least a portion of the second cover 300 or forming a hole. This allows the inside and outside of the battery module to communicate with each other, allowing the vent gas to be discharged to the outside of the battery module.

[0050] In addition, according to this configuration of the present invention, the second cover 300 can prevent or block high-temperature gas or ignitable particles generated from outside the battery module from flowing into the inside of the case 110. This can block the propagation of a thermal event to the battery cells 120 inside the case 110.

[0051] 1 to 3, the score lines 311 of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may be configured to be rupturable in the event of a thermal event from the battery cells 120.

[0052] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery module can be improved.

[0053] 1 to 3 , the score line 311 of the battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may extend along the periphery of the second vent hole 211. Alternatively, the score line 311 may be formed inside the area facing the second vent hole 211.

[0054] This configuration of the present invention can improve the thermal safety of the battery module. When a thermal event occurs inside the battery module, the score line 311 can be easily broken, allowing vent gas to be smoothly discharged.

[0055] 1 to 3, the score lines 311 of the battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may form a score area 312. The score area 312 may be an area surrounded by the score lines 311.

[0056] This configuration of the present invention can improve the thermal safety of the battery module. When a thermal event occurs inside the battery module, the score area 312 formed by the score line 311 can be completely separated from the second cover 300. This allows for smooth release of vent gas.

[0057] 1 to 3 , the first cover 200 of the battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a bridge 212. The bridge 212 may divide the second vent hole 211 into a plurality of holes 211a. The bridge 212 may be formed integrally with the first cover 200. In addition, the bridge 212 may be located between the plurality of holes 211a that constitute the second vent hole 211. The bridge 212 may face the first vent hole 111. In addition, the bridge 212 may contact the second cover 300.

[0058] According to this configuration of the present invention, the bridge 212 can improve the rigidity of the first cover 200. In addition, the bridge 212 can stably support the second cover 300. As a result, the bridge 212 can prevent the score line 311 of the second cover 300 from being easily broken by high-temperature gas or ignitable particles from outside the battery module. Meanwhile, the score line 311 can prevent the score line 311 of the second cover 300 from being easily broken when a thermal event occurs inside the battery module.

[0059] 1 to 3, a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may have a plurality of first vent holes 111. In addition, a plurality of second vent holes 211 may be provided, and positioned in one-to-one correspondence with the first vent holes 111. Also, a plurality of score lines 311 may be provided, and positioned in one-to-one correspondence with the second vent holes 211.

[0060] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery module can be improved, and vent gas generated inside the battery module can be smoothly discharged to the outside.

[0061] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line A-A' in Fig. 1. Referring to Fig. 4, the first vent hole 111 according to an embodiment of the present invention may face at least a portion of the plurality of battery cells 120. Alternatively, the first vent hole 111 may face at least a portion of the upper surfaces of the plurality of battery cells 120.

[0062] In addition, the second vent hole 211 may face at least a portion of the plurality of battery cells 120. Alternatively, the second vent hole 211 may face at least a portion of the upper surfaces of the plurality of battery cells 120.

[0063] In addition, the second cover 300 or the score area 312 may face at least a portion of the plurality of battery cells 120. Alternatively, the second cover 300 or the score area 312 may face at least a portion of the upper surfaces of the plurality of battery cells 120.

[0064] This configuration of the present invention can improve the thermal safety of the battery module. When a thermal event occurs, vent gas can be discharged from the upper side or upper surface of the battery cell 120. The vent gas can then be discharged to the outside of the battery module through the first vent hole 111, the second vent hole 211, and the score area 312.

[0065] 1 to 4, the first cover 200 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a heat-resistant material. For example, the first cover 200 may include a ceramic material such as mica.

[0066] This configuration of the present invention can improve the thermal safety of the battery module. The first cover 200 can stably maintain its shape even when exposed to high-temperature gas due to the occurrence of a thermal event.

[0067] 1 to 4, the second cover 300 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a heat-resistant material. For example, the second cover 300 may include a ceramic material such as mica.

[0068] This configuration of the present invention can improve the thermal safety of the battery module. The second cover 300 can stably maintain its shape even when exposed to high-temperature gas due to the occurrence of a thermal event.

[0069] 1 to 4, the second cover 300 of the battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may be thicker than the first cover 200. In addition, the second cover 300 may have a higher hardness than the first cover 200.

[0070] According to this configuration of the present invention, the second cover 300 is thicker, so that the battery module can have higher thermal resistance against external flames or high-temperature gases.

[0071] If the hardness of the second cover 300 is low, the bond between the second cover 300 and the first cover 200 or the case 110 may not be maintained when vent gas is discharged from inside the battery module. This may cause a gap to form between the second cover 300 and the first cover 200 or between the second cover 300 and the case 110. Then, high-temperature gas may be trapped in the gap, which may reduce the thermal stability of the battery module.

[0072] Meanwhile, according to this configuration of the present invention, the second cover 300 has high hardness, so that it can remain stably attached to the first cover 200 or the case 110 even when vent gas is discharged from inside the battery module.

[0073] 1 to 4 , an adhesive member may be disposed between the first cover 200 and the case 110 of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. In addition, an adhesive member may be disposed between the first cover 200 and the second cover 300. In addition, an insulating film may be disposed between the first cover 200 and the case 110. The insulating film may be made of an electrically insulating material such as plastic. For example, the insulating film may be made of a polyurethane material. The insulating film may be adhered to the case 110 and / or the first cover 200. Furthermore, the insulating film may have adhesive applied to both sides to adhere between the case 110 and the first cover 200.

[0074] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of FIG. 4 when a thermal event occurs inside the battery module. Referring to FIG. 5, the score area 312 of the battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may be separated from the second cover 300 when a thermal event occurs. The score area 312 may be separated along the score line 311. When the score area 312 is separated, a third vent hole 313 may be formed in the second cover 300. The third vent hole 313 may face the first vent hole 111 and the second vent hole 211. In addition, the third vent hole 313 may be in communication with the first vent hole 111 and the second vent hole 211. The vent gas g may be discharged to the outside of the battery module by sequentially passing through the first vent hole 111, the second vent hole 211, and the third vent hole 313.

[0075] 6 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of FIG. 4 when a thermal event occurs outside the battery module. Referring to FIG. 6, the bridge 212 of the battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may support the second cover 300. Alternatively, the bridge 212 may support the score area 312. The score area 312 may be subjected to pressure due to flames, ignitable particles, or vent gas g from outside the battery module. In this case, the bridge 212 may contact or support the underside of the score area 312, thereby preventing the score area 312 from being separated from the second cover 300.

[0076] This configuration of the present invention can improve the thermal safety of the battery module. The second cover 300 can prevent flames or vent gas from entering the inside of the case 110 from the outside, thereby blocking the transfer of heat to the inside of the battery module.

[0077] Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating a modified embodiment of Fig. 4. Referring to Fig. 7, the size of the second vent hole 211 of the battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may be formed smaller than the size of the score area 312. For example, the diameter D1 of the second vent hole 211 may be formed smaller than the diameter D2 of the score area 312. Furthermore, the diameter D1 of the first vent hole 111 may be formed smaller than the diameter D2 of the score area 312. The diameters D1 of the first vent hole 111 and the second vent hole 211 may be formed to be substantially the same.

[0078] Alternatively, the score area 312 may be formed larger than the size of the first vent hole 111. Also, the score area 312 may be formed larger than the size of the second vent hole 211.

[0079] According to this configuration of the present invention, the first cover 200 can support the periphery of the score area 312, thereby improving the thermal safety of the battery module. The second cover 300 can prevent flames or vent gases from entering the inside of the case 110 from the outside, thereby blocking the transfer of heat to the inside of the battery module.

[0080] 8 is a diagram illustrating a modified embodiment of the first cover 200 of FIG. 2. Referring to FIG. 8, a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may have a plurality of second vent holes 211. Each second vent hole 211 may be configured as a plurality of holes 211b. A plurality of bridges 212a may be provided to separate the second vent holes 211. For example, the bridges 212a may be configured in a cross shape. As a result, the second vent hole 211 may be separated into four holes 211b.

[0081] According to this configuration of the present invention, it is possible to increase the area over which the bridges 212a support the second cover 300. This allows the bridges 212a to support the second cover 300 more stably.

[0082] 9 is a diagram showing another modified embodiment of the first cover 200 of FIG. 2. Referring to FIG. 9, a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may have a plurality of second vent holes 211. Each second vent hole 211 may be composed of a plurality of holes 211c. A plurality of bridges 212b defining the second vent hole 211 may be provided. For example, the bridges 212b may be configured as a pair facing each other. As a result, the second vent hole 211 may be defined into three holes 211c.

[0083] According to this configuration of the present invention, it is possible to increase the area over which the bridges 212b support the second cover 300. This allows the bridges 212b to support the second cover 300 more stably.

[0084] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating yet another modified embodiment of the first cover 200 of FIG. 2. Referring to FIG. 10, a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may have a plurality of second vent holes 211. Each second vent hole 211 may be composed of a plurality of holes 211d. The plurality of holes 211d constituting the second vent hole 211 may be located within an opposing region 213. The opposing region 213 may be an area facing the score region 312. The opposing region 213 and the score region 312 may have substantially the same size and shape. A portion dividing the second vent hole 211 into the plurality of holes 211d may be referred to as a bridge 212c. For example, the bridge 212c may divide the second vent hole 211 into six holes 211d.

[0085] According to this configuration of the present invention, it is possible to increase the area over which the bridges 212c support the second cover 300. This allows the bridges 212c to support the second cover 300 more stably.

[0086] FIG. 11 illustrates yet another modified embodiment of the first cover 200 of FIG. 2. Referring to FIG. 11, a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may have a plurality of second vent holes 211. Each second vent hole 211 may be composed of a plurality of holes 211e. The plurality of holes 211e constituting the second vent hole 211 may be located within an opposing region 213. The opposing region 213 may be an area facing the score region 312. The opposing region 213 and the score region 312 may have substantially the same size and shape. A portion dividing the second vent hole 211 into the plurality of holes 211e may be referred to as a bridge 212d. For example, the bridge 212d may divide the second vent hole 211 into six holes 211e. The plurality of holes 211e may form a honeycomb structure.

[0087] According to this configuration of the present invention, it is possible to increase the area over which the bridges 212d support the second cover 300. This allows the bridges 212d to support the second cover 300 more stably.

[0088] The battery pack according to the present invention may include one or more battery modules according to the present invention. For example, the battery pack according to the present invention may be configured to include a pack housing containing a plurality of battery modules according to the present invention. In this case, when an emergency such as thermal runaway occurs with the battery modules according to the present invention housed inside, the battery pack can effectively prevent heat transfer between the battery modules, thereby ensuring sufficient time for users to respond or escape.

[0089] In addition to the battery module, the battery pack according to the present invention may further include various other components, such as a battery management system (BMS), bus bars, relays, current sensors, and other components of various battery packs that are publicly known at the time of filing of the present invention.

[0090] Meanwhile, components such as a Battery Management System (BMS), bus bars, relays, and current sensors may be included as components of the battery module according to the present invention. In this case, the components such as the BMS, bus bars, relays, and current sensors may be provided inside the case 110. In this case, the battery module may be referred to as a battery pack, and the case 110 may be referred to as a pack housing. Furthermore, in this case, the battery module according to the present invention may be a cell-to-pack type battery pack in which the battery cells 120 are directly mounted in the pack housing.

[0091] The battery module according to the present invention can be applied to automobiles such as electric automobiles and hybrid automobiles. That is, the automobile according to the present invention may include the battery module according to the present invention or the battery pack according to the present invention. Furthermore, the automobile according to the present invention may further include various other components included in the automobile in addition to the battery module or battery pack. For example, the automobile according to the present invention may further include a vehicle body, a motor, a control device such as an electronic control unit (ECU), etc. in addition to the battery module according to the present invention.

[0092] Although the present invention has been described above using limited embodiments and drawings, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited thereby and that those skilled in the art can implement the present invention by making various modifications and variations within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention and the equivalent scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. a case having an internal space and a first vent hole formed on an upper surface thereof; a plurality of battery cells disposed inside the case; a first cover that covers an upper surface of the case and has a second vent hole that faces the first vent hole; a second cover covering the first cover and having a score line facing the second vent hole; Including a battery module.

2. The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the score line is configured to break when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell.

3. The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the score line extends along a periphery of the second vent hole.

4. The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the first cover includes a bridge configured to define the second vent hole.

5. The battery module according to claim 4 , wherein the bridge is configured to support the second cover.

6. The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the second vent hole is configured as a plurality of holes.

7. The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the second cover is thicker than the first cover.

8. The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the score lines are configured to form a score area.

9. The battery module according to claim 8 , wherein the second vent hole is smaller in size than the score area.

10. The score region is The battery module according to claim 8 , wherein the size of the first vent hole is larger than the size of the second vent hole.

11. The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein a plurality of the first vent holes are provided.

12. The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the first vent hole is configured to face at least some of the plurality of battery cells.

13. The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the first cover comprises a mica material.

14. The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the second cover comprises a mica material.

15. A battery pack comprising the battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. A motor vehicle comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

Images