Battery module with flame-retardant cover

Abstract

The present invention provides a battery module structure including a battery cell stack formed by stacking a plurality of pouch-type battery cells, a frame that is open at the front and rear and that houses the battery cell stack, and a pair of end plates that cover the front and rear of the frame, and further includes a flame-retardant cover attached to a predetermined area on the surface of the frame, the predetermined area being divided into a plurality of divided areas, and the flame-retardant cover including a plurality of divided covers attached to cover each of the divided areas.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0156382 filed on November 21, 2022, and all contents disclosed in the documents of this Korean patent application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery module that houses a plurality of pouch-type battery cells, and that retards or prevents heat transfer. [Background technology]

[0003] Secondary batteries, which are easily applicable to a wide range of products and have electrical properties such as high energy density, are commonly 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 because they not only have the primary advantage of dramatically reducing the use of fossil fuels, but also because they are environmentally friendly and improve energy efficiency by not producing any by-products from energy use.

[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 small size and weight if possible, prismatic batteries, pouch-shaped batteries, etc., which can be stacked with high density and have low weight relative to capacity, are mainly used as battery cells for medium- to large-sized battery modules.

[0006] 1 and 2 are exploded and perspective views, respectively, showing the structure of a typical battery module. Referring to these drawings, a typical battery module may include a battery cell stack 1 formed by stacking a plurality of pouch-shaped battery cells, a frame 2 that is open at the front and rear and that houses the battery cell stack 1, and a pair of end plates 3 that cover the front and rear of the frame 2. The frame 2 may include a U-frame 21 that is open at the top, front, and rear, and a top plate 22 that covers the top of the U-frame 21.

[0007] Meanwhile, the battery cells may ignite or experience thermal runaway if they are short-circuited or subjected to an impact. Thermal runaway may cause the battery cells to generate heat energy and gas. The heat energy and gas may increase the internal pressure of the frame 2, causing a chain reaction of fires in other adjacent battery cells and resulting in the explosion of the battery module (M).

[0008] Furthermore, a plurality of the battery modules may be connected in series or parallel to form a battery pack. The thermal energy and gases emitted from one battery module may propagate to other adjacent battery modules, causing a chain reaction of fires and resulting in a larger explosion.

[0009] To prevent heat propagation due to the above-mentioned thermal runaway, a flame-retardant cover may be attached to the frame 2. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the structure of a battery module with a flame-retardant cover. Referring to FIG. 3, a flame-retardant cover 4 may be attached to the surface of the frame 2. The flame-retardant cover 4 prevents thermal energy from flowing into the battery module (M) from adjacent battery modules, thereby delaying thermal runaway and heat propagation. However, these flame-retardant covers have the disadvantage of being easily deformed or becoming unattached due to an increase in the internal pressure of the battery module. For example, if pressure in any part of the flame-retardant cover increases suddenly, the entire flame-retardant cover may lift off the frame, become wrinkled, or otherwise deform, losing its function. Furthermore, the flame-retardant cover has the disadvantage of making it difficult for gas generated inside the frame to escape, increasing the risk of the battery module exploding due to an increase in internal pressure. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] The present invention was conceived in light of the background of the prior art described above, and its object is to provide a battery module structure that effectively discharges heat energy, gas, and flames generated when a battery module ignites, without allowing them to re-enter.

[0011] It is still another technical object of the present invention to provide a battery module structure with a flame-retardant cover, in which the flame-retardant cover is difficult to deform or to come off.

[0012] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a battery module structure that can prevent structural deformation or destruction of the battery module itself, such as the frame, in the event of a 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 can be easily understood 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 problems, the present invention provides a battery module structure including a battery cell stack formed by stacking a plurality of pouch-type battery cells, a frame that is open at the front and rear and that houses the battery cell stack, and a pair of end plates that cover the front and rear of the frame, and further includes a flame-retardant cover attached to a predetermined area on the surface of the frame, the predetermined area being divided into a plurality of section areas, and the flame-retardant cover attached to cover each of the section areas, and including a plurality of section covers.

[0015] The flame-retardant cover may be made of a material having flame retardancy and heat insulation properties, and attached to the surface of the frame to prevent heat transfer between the battery modules and to prevent the inflow of flames and gases from one battery module to another.

[0016] The flame-retardant cover may be made of a flexible material. Preferably, the flame-retardant cover may be formed in the form of a sheet or film. For example, the flame-retardant cover may be a flexible sheet material having flame retardancy and heat insulation properties, and may be attached to the surface of the frame by having an adhesive surface on one side of the sheet material adhere to the surface of the frame. Alternatively, the flame-retardant cover may be attached to the surface of the frame by interposing an adhesive or adhesive tape between the flame-retardant cover and the surface of the frame.

[0017] The predetermined area may be any portion of the surface of the frame that needs to be protected from heat transfer from other battery modules. For example, the predetermined area may include the top surface and both side surfaces of the frame. Because thermal energy and gas generated from the battery modules tend to gather primarily at the top of the battery pack, covering the top surface of the frame with the flame-retardant cover can slow heat transfer. Furthermore, because the battery modules in the battery pack are arranged side-to-side, it may be useful to cover the side surfaces of the frame to block heat transfer between the battery modules.

[0018] Two or more split covers may be attached to each of the top and both side surfaces of the frame. For example, according to Example 1 of the present invention, the split regions may be provided on each of the three sides of the frame, dividing each of the top and both side surfaces into three equal parts along the length, and a total of nine split covers may be attached to each of the split regions. The frame may be damaged or deformed by high heat and flames generated when the battery module ignites. If the frame is damaged, gas and thermal energy inside the frame may be released through the damaged portion. In this case, if the flame-retardant cover is attached as a single unit, the entire flame-retardant cover may lift up or become detached. However, in the battery module according to the present invention, even if some of the split covers lift up or become detached due to damage or deformation in the split regions, the split covers may remain attached to the other split regions.

[0019] According to a second embodiment of the present invention, the frame may include a U-shaped frame that is open at the front, rear, and top, and a top plate that covers the top of the U-shaped frame. In this case, the top plate and the U-shaped frame may be joined to each other at both widthwise ends. If the battery module catches fire and the internal pressure of the frame increases, the joint between the top plate and the U-shaped frame is vulnerable to deformation and may be at risk of separation. If the top plate and the U-shaped frame are separated from each other, external heat energy and gas may easily flow into the frame, creating a dangerous situation.

[0020] According to a second embodiment of the present invention, the dividing region may include an edge dividing region extending over a portion of the surface of the U-frame and a portion of the surface of the top plate, and the dividing cover may include an edge dividing cover attached to the edge dividing region. The edge dividing cover may cover a portion of the joint between the top plate and the U-frame and be attached to the top plate and the U-frame simultaneously, thereby reducing the likelihood of deformation and disengagement between the top plate and the U-frame and reducing the risk of thermal energy or gas inflow between the disengaged top plate and the U-frame. In particular, it is preferable that the edge dividing cover cover the entire length of both widthwise boundaries between the U-frame and the top plate.

[0021] The frame may include a vent hole penetrating the frame from the inside to the outside. The vent hole may be formed in the top plate so as to penetrate the top plate from top to bottom, or a plurality of vent holes may be formed. Gases caused by ignition of the battery module may be discharged to the outside of the frame through the vent hole. However, external heat energy and gases may flow into the battery module through the vent hole.

[0022] Therefore, in Example 3 of the present invention, the predetermined region may include a region in which the vent hole is provided. In this case, the divided region may include hole dividing regions in which the vent hole is provided, and each of the vent holes may be provided in one of the hole dividing regions, and the dividing cover may include a hole dividing cover attached to the hole dividing region. In this case, it is preferable that each of the vent holes be provided in a different hole dividing region. By attaching the hole dividing cover to each of the hole dividing regions, the hole dividing cover closest to the location where a fire may occur among the vent holes may be lifted or detached from the surface of the frame to allow gas to be discharged, and the other hole dividing covers may remain attached to prevent external heat energy and gas from entering through the vent hole.

[0023] The present invention also provides a battery pack incorporating the battery module and a vehicle structure including the battery pack. A plurality of the battery modules can be integrated and housed in a pack frame to form a battery pack, and the battery pack can be housed in the vehicle and serve as a power source. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] The present invention can provide a battery module structure that includes a flame-retardant cover to prevent the inflow of thermal energy, gas, and flames from adjacent battery cells through the top and side surfaces of the frame.

[0025] The present invention also provides a battery module structure in which the flame-retardant cover includes multiple split covers, so that even if one split cover becomes detached or deformed, the other split covers can remain normally attached, allowing gas and heat energy to be discharged through the deformed or detached parts of the split covers, while still preventing the inflow of external heat energy in the parts where the split covers remain normally attached.

[0026] Another advantage of the present invention is that the edge split cover maintains a stronger bond between the top plate and the U-frame, preventing unintentional venting, and the hole split cover allows only the split cover at the location where venting occurs to be opened, while the other split covers remain attached.

[0027] In addition to the above, the present invention can achieve 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]

[0028] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of a typical battery module. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the structure of a typical battery module. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the structure of a battery module with a flame-retardant cover. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram showing a battery module and divided regions according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5] 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of a battery module with divided covers according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is a perspective view showing the structure of a battery module with divided covers according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing how gas is discharged from the battery module according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a battery module and an edge divided region according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of a battery module with an edge divided cover according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the structure of a battery module with an edge divided cover according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11]FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing how gas is discharged from a battery module according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the structure of a battery module provided with a vent hole. [Figure 13] 13 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing how gas flows out of and into the battery module of FIG. 12. FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a battery module and hole dividing regions according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of a battery module with a hole-dividing cover according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the structure of a battery module with a hole-dividing cover according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing how gas is discharged from a battery module according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] 1 is a perspective view showing the structure of a battery pack incorporating a battery module according to the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing the structure of an automobile incorporating the battery pack of FIG. 18. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] 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.

[0030] For example, although terms such as "first" and "second" are used to indicate 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, the first component may also be the second component.

[0031] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specified, each element may be singular or plural.

[0032] Hereinafter, when an arbitrary structure is arranged "on (or below)" 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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 components or steps described in the specification, but should be interpreted as meaning that some of the components or steps may not be included, or that additional components or steps may be included.

[0035] In the entire specification, "A and / or B" means A, B or A and B unless otherwise specified, and "C to D" means C or more and D or less unless otherwise specified.

[0036] First, the structure of a normal battery module will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0037] 1 and 2 are exploded and perspective views, respectively, showing the structure of a typical battery module. Referring to these drawings, a typical battery module may include a battery cell stack 1 formed by stacking a plurality of pouch-shaped battery cells, a frame 2 that is open at the front and rear and that houses the battery cell stack 1, and a pair of end plates 3 that cover the front and rear of the frame 2. The frame 2 may include a U-frame 21 that is open at the top, front, and rear, and a top plate 22 that covers the top of the U-frame 21. However, the frame 2 does not necessarily have to include the U-frame 21 and the top plate 22; it may have any shape as long as it is open at the front and rear.

[0038] The present invention provides a battery module structure, wherein the battery module includes a flame-retardant cover attached to a predetermined area on the surface of the frame, the predetermined area being divided into a plurality of divided areas, and the flame-retardant cover includes a plurality of divided covers attached to cover each of the divided areas.

[0039] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] [Example 1] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a battery module and dividing regions according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 4, the surface of the frame 2 of the battery module may include a predetermined region to which a flame-retardant cover is attached. The predetermined region may be a portion of either the top surface or both side surfaces of the frame 2. Preferably, the predetermined region may include the top surface and both side surfaces of the frame 2. Because thermal energy and gas generated from the battery module are primarily concentrated at the top of the battery pack, covering the top surface of the frame 2 with the flame-retardant cover can slow heat transfer. In addition, because the battery modules in the battery pack are arranged side-to-side, it may be useful to cover the side surfaces of the frame 2 to block heat conduction between the battery modules. The predetermined region may be divided into a plurality of dividing regions 25.

[0041] In this embodiment, the predetermined area may include a total of nine divided areas 25 formed by dividing each of the three surfaces of the frame, namely the top surface and both side surfaces, into three equal parts along the length direction.

[0042] 5 and 6 are exploded and perspective views, respectively, showing the structure of a battery module with a divided cover according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Referring to these drawings, a flame-retardant cover may be attached to the predetermined region, and the flame-retardant cover may include a plurality of divided covers 41 attached to cover each of the divided regions 25.

[0043] The flame-retardant cover may be made of a material having flame-retardant and heat-insulating properties. For example, the flame-retardant cover may be made of a synthetic resin material having flame-retardant and heat-insulating properties. By attaching the flame-retardant cover to the surface of the frame 2, in the event of a fire in the battery module, it is possible to delay or prevent heat transfer to other adjacent battery modules, and in the event of a fire in another battery module adjacent to the battery module, it is possible to prevent thermal energy gas and flames emitted from the other battery module from flowing into the battery module.

[0044] The flame-retardant cover may be made of a flexible material. Preferably, the flame-retardant cover may be made of a flexible sheet material. The flame-retardant cover may be attached to the surface of the frame 2 using adhesive tape and / or glue. However, as long as the flame-retardant cover can be attached to the surface of the frame 2, the method of attachment is not important. Preferably, the flame-retardant cover may be formed in the form of a sheet or film. For example, the flame-retardant cover may be a flexible sheet material having flame retardancy and heat insulation properties, and may be attached to the surface of the frame 2 by attaching an adhesive surface provided on one side of the sheet to the surface of the frame 2. Alternatively, the flame-retardant cover may be attached to the surface of the frame 2 by interposing an adhesive or adhesive tape between the flame-retardant cover and the surface of the frame 2.

[0045] In this embodiment, the flame-retardant cover may be made of a sheet material of a synthetic resin material having flame retardancy and heat insulation properties, and may be attached to the surface of the frame 2 by interposing an adhesive tape between the flame-retardant cover and the surface of the frame 2. In this case, the flame-retardant cover may include a plurality of divided covers 41 attached to each of the divided regions 25, a plurality of which are provided on each of the top surface and both side surfaces of the frame 2.

[0046] FIG. 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing gas discharge from a battery module according to Example 1 of the present invention. Referring to this diagram, the battery cell stack 1 may ignite due to various causes, such as a short circuit or impact. If the battery cell stack 1 ignites, the inside of the frame 2 may become hot and high-pressure, causing the frame 2 to deform and / or break. The flame-retardant cover may deform or become detached from the surface of the frame 2 due to the deformation of the frame 2 or the discharge of high-temperature and high-pressure gas through a broken portion 23 of the frame 2. In this case, the flame-retardant cover may not be able to effectively retard heat propagation and prevent the inflow of gas and flames.

[0047] Since the flame-retardant cover is made up of a plurality of divided covers 41, even if a fire occurs and a divided cover 41 attached to the divided area where deformation and / or damage of the frame 2 occurs is deformed or detached, the other divided covers 41 can still maintain a normally attached state and perform their intended function.

[0048] At this time, high-temperature gases within the frame 2 can be discharged through the damaged divided region 25, thereby reducing the temperature and pressure within the frame 2 and delaying or preventing the explosion of the battery module or a chain reaction of fires within the battery module.

[0049] In this embodiment, the split cover 41 is made of a flexible sheet material, so that even if the frame 2 is deformed and / or damaged, only a minimum portion of the split cover 41 will lift up or become detached, while the remaining portion will remain attached. This maximizes the heat propagation retardation function of the split cover 41. Another advantage of this embodiment is that the split cover 41 becomes more easily attached after gas exhaust is completed, thereby preventing further heat propagation.

[0050] [Example 2] 1 , the frame 2 according to this embodiment may include the U-frame 21 and the top plate 22. In this case, the top plate 22 and the U-frame 21 may be joined to each other at both widthwise ends. If the battery module catches fire and the internal pressure of the frame 2 increases, the joint between the top plate 22 and the U-frame 21 is weak against deformation and may become separated. If the top plate 22 and the U-frame 21 become separated from each other, external heat energy, flames, and gases may flow in through the open top of the frame 2, creating a dangerous situation.

[0051] Therefore, this embodiment provides a battery module structure including an edge split cover that covers the joint between the top plate 22 and the U-frame 21. Hereinafter, the parts of this embodiment that are not separately described are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0052] 8 shows a battery module and an edge divided region according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Referring to this figure, the divided region 25 may include an edge divided region 25E provided over a portion of each surface of the U-frame 21 and the top plate 22.

[0053] According to this embodiment, the divided region 25 may include six edge divided regions 25E obtained by dividing the surface of the frame 2 into thirds along the length direction and into two equal parts along the width direction. That is, the edge divided region 25E according to this embodiment may be a continuous region provided across any two of the rectangular regions obtained by dividing the top surface of the frame 2 into thirds along the length direction and into two equal parts along the width direction, and the rectangular regions obtained by dividing any one of the side surfaces of the frame 2 into thirds along the length direction, and that are adjacent to each other in the width direction.

[0054] 9 and 10 are exploded and perspective views, respectively, illustrating the structure of a battery module with an edge split cover according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Referring to these drawings, the split cover may include a plurality of edge split covers 41E attached to cover each of the edge split regions 25E. Each edge split cover 41E covers a portion of the joint between the top plate 22 and the U frame 21 and may be attached to the top plate 22 and the U frame 21 simultaneously. This reduces the likelihood of deformation and separation between the top plate 22 and the U frame 21. Even if the top plate 22 and the U frame 21 do separate, the possibility of inflow of heat energy, gas, and flame between them may be reduced. Preferably, both widthwise boundaries between the U frame 21 and the top plate 22 are covered by the edge split covers 41E along their entire lengths.

[0055] According to this embodiment, the six edge division regions 25E may each be covered by one edge division cover 41E, thereby reducing the possibility of the top plate 22 and the U frame 21 becoming disconnected from each other and the possibility of thermal energy, gas and flames flowing between the disconnected top plate 22 and the U frame 21.

[0056] 11 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing gas discharge from a battery module according to Example 2 of the present invention. According to this example, even if the battery cell stack 1 catches fire and the frame 2 is deformed or damaged, the edge divided cover 41E is made of a flexible sheet material. Therefore, only a portion of the frame 2 corresponding to the damaged portion 23 is released, and gas discharged through the damaged portion 23 of the frame 2 can be discharged to the outside through the released portion of the edge divided cover 41E. Since the edge divided region 25E still covers the joint, the risk of the top plate 22 and the U-frame 21 being separated from each other is reduced. Even if the top plate 22 and the U-frame 21 are separated from each other, heat energy, gas, and flames are unlikely to enter from the outside through the joint.

[0057] [Example 3] 12 is a perspective view showing the structure of a battery module provided with a vent hole. Referring to this figure, the frame 2 may be provided with a vent hole 24 penetrating the frame 2 from the inside to the outside. A plurality of the vent holes 24 may be provided.

[0058] 13 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing how gas flows in and out of the battery module of FIG. 12. Gas generated when the battery cell stack 1 ignites can be released through the vent holes 24. This reduces the internal pressure and temperature of the frame 2. However, if the vent holes 24 are exposed to the outside, gas, flames, and heat energy released from other battery modules may flow into the battery module through the vent holes.

[0059] Therefore, this embodiment provides a battery module structure having a hole dividing cover for covering the vent hole. Hereinafter, the parts of this embodiment that are not separately described are the same as those of the above-mentioned embodiments 1 and 2.

[0060] 14 shows a battery module and hole dividing regions according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Referring to this figure, the dividing region 25 may include hole dividing regions 25H in which the vent holes 24 are provided. Each of the vent holes 24 may be provided in one of the hole dividing regions 25H. In this case, it is preferable that each of the vent holes 24 is provided in a different hole dividing region 25H.

[0061] In this embodiment, a plurality of the vent holes 24 may be provided in the top plate 22, and the vent holes 24 may be arranged in a lattice pattern on the top plate 22. In this case, each of the vent holes 24 may be included in one of the hole dividing regions 25H.

[0062] 15 and 16 are exploded and perspective views showing the structure of a battery module with a hole dividing cover according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Referring to these drawings, the dividing cover 41 may include a plurality of hole dividing covers 41H attached to cover each of the hole dividing regions 25H. The hole dividing covers 41H may also serve as the edge dividing covers. In this case, it is preferable that all of the vent holes 24 are covered by the hole dividing covers 41H.

[0063] 17 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing gas discharge from a battery module according to Example 3 of the present invention. Referring to this, if the battery cell stack 1 catches fire and high-temperature gas is generated inside the frame 2, a portion of one of the hole dividing covers 41H may become detached from the frame 2, and the gas may be discharged to the outside through the vent hole 24 and the portion of the hole dividing cover 41H that has become detached. In this case, the other hole dividing covers 41H, excluding the detached hole dividing cover 41H, remain attached, reducing the risk of external heat energy, gas, and flames entering through the other vent holes 24.

[0064] The present invention also provides a battery pack incorporating the battery module and a vehicle structure incorporating the battery pack.

[0065] Fig. 18 is a perspective view showing the structure of a battery pack incorporating a battery module according to the present invention, and Fig. 19 is a perspective view showing the structure of a vehicle incorporating the battery pack of Fig. 18. Referring to these drawings, a plurality of the battery modules (M) can be integrated and incorporated into a single pack frame to form a battery pack (P), which can be incorporated into the vehicle (V) to function as a power source. The specific structures of these battery packs and vehicles are already known to those of ordinary skill in the art, and will not be described in detail herein.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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 various modifications may 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 in the above description of 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]

[0068] M Battery Module 1 Battery cell stack 2 frames 21 U-frame 22 Top Plate 23 Damaged part 24 vent holes 25 divided area 25E Edge division area 25H Hole division area 3 End Plate 4. Flame-retardant cover 41 Split cover 41E Edge Split Cover 41H hole division cover P Battery pack V: Automobile X Length direction / total length direction Y width direction Z height direction

Claims

1. a battery cell stack formed by stacking a plurality of pouch-shaped battery cells; a frame that is open at its front and rear and that houses the battery cell stack; a pair of end plates covering the front and rear of the frame, a flame-retardant cover attached to a predetermined area on the surface of the frame; The predetermined area is divided into a plurality of divided areas, the flame-retardant cover includes a plurality of divided covers attached to cover the divided regions, Two or more of the split covers are attached to the top surface and both side surfaces of the frame, respectively. Battery module.

2. The flame-retardant cover is made of a material having flame retardancy and heat insulation properties. The battery module according to claim 1 .

3. The flame-retardant cover is formed of a flexible material. The battery module according to claim 1 .

4. The frame is a front, rear and upper open U-frame; a top plate that covers the upper part of the U-frame, The battery module according to claim 1 .

5. the dividing region includes an edge dividing region provided across a part of a surface of the U-frame and a part of a surface of the top plate, The divided cover includes an edge divided cover attached to the edge divided region. The battery module according to claim 4 .

6. The widthwise boundaries between the U-frame and the top plate are covered by the edge split covers over their entire lengths. The battery module according to claim 5 .

7. the frame includes a vent hole penetrating the frame from the inside to the outside, The predetermined area includes an area where the vent hole is provided. The battery module according to claim 1 .

8. the divided region includes a hole divided region in which the vent hole is provided, Each of the vent holes is provided in one of the hole dividing regions, The dividing cover includes a hole dividing cover attached to the hole dividing region. The battery module according to claim 7 .

9. Each of the vent holes is provided in a different hole divided region. The battery module according to claim 8 .

10. a battery cell stack formed by stacking a plurality of pouch-shaped battery cells; a frame that is open at its front and rear and that houses the battery cell stack; a pair of end plates covering the front and rear of the frame, a flame-retardant cover attached to a predetermined area on the surface of the frame; The predetermined area is divided into a plurality of divided areas, the flame-retardant cover includes a plurality of divided covers attached to cover the divided regions, the frame includes a vent hole penetrating the frame from the inside to the outside, the divided region includes a hole divided region in which the vent hole is provided, The vent holes are provided in different hole dividing regions, The dividing cover includes a hole dividing cover attached to the hole dividing region. Battery module.

11. The flame-retardant cover is made of a material having flame retardancy and heat insulation properties. The battery module according to claim 10.

12. The flame-retardant cover is formed of a flexible material. The battery module according to claim 10.

13. The predetermined area is a part of an area included in the top surface and both side surfaces of the frame. The battery module according to claim 10.

14. Two or more of the split covers are attached to the top surface and both side surfaces of the frame, respectively. The battery module according to claim 13.

15. The frame is a front, rear and upper open U-frame; a top plate that covers the upper part of the U-frame, The battery module according to claim 13.

16. the dividing region includes an edge dividing region provided across a part of a surface of the U-frame and a part of a surface of the top plate, The divided cover includes an edge divided cover attached to the edge divided region. The battery module according to claim 15.

17. The widthwise boundaries between the U-frame and the top plate are covered by the edge split covers over their entire lengths. The battery module according to claim 16.

18. A battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 17 is installed inside the battery module. Battery pack.

19. The battery pack according to claim 18 is housed inside the battery pack. car.

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