Battery module with enhanced safety

Abstract

The present disclosure is directed to providing a battery module with enhanced safety by improving the structure to appropriately control the discharge of flame generated in the battery module.SOLUTION: A battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a cell assembly including a plurality of battery cells stacked side by side in a left-and-right direction in a state of being erected in an up-and-down direction and having a taping member attached to at least a portion of an upper end sealing portion thereof, a module terminal electrically connected to the cell assembly, and a module case configured such that the module terminal is mounted at an outer side thereof, the cell assembly is accommodated in an inner space thereof, a top hole communicating with the inner space is formed at an upper surface thereof, and at least a portion of a non-attached section of the taping member at an upper portion of the cell assembly is located at a perforated portion of the top hole.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0047032 filed on April 15, 2022, Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0048357 filed on April 12, 2023, Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0049002 filed on April 13, 2023, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0049009 filed on April 13, 2023, and the contents disclosed in the specifications and drawings of those applications are incorporated herein in their entirety.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery, and more particularly to a battery module with enhanced safety, a battery pack including the battery module, and an automobile. [Background technology]

[0003] As demand for portable electronic products such as smartphones, laptops, and smartwatches has grown rapidly and electric vehicles have become more widespread, active research is being conducted on the batteries used in these products, especially 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. Of 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 mainly use lithium-based oxides and carbon materials as positive and negative electrode active materials, respectively, and include an electrode assembly in which positive and negative electrode plates coated with the positive and negative electrode active materials are arranged with a separator interposed therebetween, and an exterior material, such as a battery case, that hermetically houses the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte.

[0006] Generally, 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] Recently, 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- to large-sized devices such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS). A battery module is formed by electrically connecting a plurality of secondary batteries and housing them together inside a module case. Each secondary battery included in a battery module may be referred to as a battery cell. A plurality of such battery modules are connected to form a battery pack.

[0008] However, when a battery pack includes multiple battery modules, each of which 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 battery cells. If the propagation of thermal runaway between battery modules or battery cells is not prevented, an event occurring in a particular battery module or battery cell may trigger a chain reaction of thermal reactions in other battery modules or battery cells, which may result in or exacerbate an explosion or fire.

[0009] In particular, if an event such as thermal runaway occurs in a battery module, 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, a battery module may have module terminals and structures, such as module bus bars, for electrical connection with other battery modules or battery packs at the front. Therefore, if a flame is emitted in front of such a battery module, it may damage the module terminals within the battery pack, causing a short circuit. Furthermore, since other battery modules may be present in front of a battery module, if a flame is emitted in front of a specific battery module, the emitted flame may head toward other battery modules, potentially leading to the spread of the fire between battery modules.

[0010] If the thermal conduction between battery modules or battery cells is not adequately controlled, the voltage of the battery module or battery pack may drop suddenly, which may cause a sudden shutdown of the device to which the battery module or battery pack is attached, resulting in unexpected damage. For example, if the voltage of the battery pack suddenly drops while an electric vehicle is in operation, it may be difficult to ensure sufficient time for the electric vehicle to be driven to a safe location.

[0011] Furthermore, if the thermal conductivity between battery modules or cells cannot be adequately controlled and a fire or explosion occurs suddenly, there is a high possibility of loss of life. For example, if a thermal runaway occurs in an electric vehicle, it will be difficult for passengers to escape safely unless a certain amount of time is secured before the event develops into a full-scale fire. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0012] 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 discharge of flames generated inside the battery module, a battery pack including the battery module, and a vehicle.

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

[0014] To achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, a battery module includes: a cell assembly having a plurality of battery cells stacked side by side in a vertically upright state, with a taping member partially attached to at least an upper end sealing portion; a module terminal electrically connected to the cell assembly; and a module case having the module terminal attached to an outer side, accommodating the cell assembly in an internal space, the module case having a top hole formed on an upper surface thereof that communicates with the internal space, and at least a portion of an unattached section of the taping member located at an upper portion of the cell assembly in a drilled portion of the top hole.

[0015] The module terminals may be located at the front of the module case.

[0016] In addition, a plurality of the taping members may be attached to the upper sealing portion of one battery cell at intervals in the front-rear direction.

[0017] Furthermore, at least a portion of the top hole may be configured to expose to the outside a portion between the plurality of taping members spaced apart in the front-rear direction.

[0018] The top hole may be configured such that a portion of the upper portion of the cell assembly to which the taping member is not attached is more exposed than a portion to which the taping member is attached.

[0019] Also, the module case may be configured such that the top holes are located above all of the battery cells included in the cell assembly.

[0020] The battery module according to an aspect of the present invention may also include a thermistor configured to measure an ambient temperature and disposed on the upper side of the taping member.

[0021] Furthermore, the battery module according to one aspect of the present invention may include a top cover made of an electrically insulating material, interposed between an upper portion of the cell assembly and the module case, and having a cover hole formed in a portion opposite the drilled portion of the top hole.

[0022] The cover hole may be smaller than the top hole, and a plurality of cover holes may be arranged to correspond to one top hole.

[0023] The cover hole may also be formed in a honeycomb structure.

[0024] Furthermore, the battery module according to one aspect of the present invention may further include a printed circuit board interposed between the cell assembly and the top cover and configured to transmit electrical signals to the cell assembly, and the top cover may be configured such that the cover hole is not formed above the printed circuit board.

[0025] The module case may also be configured such that the top hole is formed on the upper side of the printed circuit board.

[0026] Furthermore, the battery module according to an aspect of the present invention may include a blocking cover positioned outside the module case and configured to open and close the top hole in response to an internal pressure of the module case.

[0027] The battery module according to an aspect of the present invention may also include a spacer disposed on the upper portion of the blocking cover.

[0028] To achieve the above object, a battery pack according to another aspect of the present invention includes a battery module according to the aspect of the present invention.

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

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

[0031] In particular, according to one aspect of the present invention, a flame of a cell that has ignited inside a battery module can be guided to face in a direction other than the direction in which the electrode lead or module terminal is located.

[0032] Therefore, according to this aspect of the present invention, the propagation of thermal runaway between battery modules is prevented, and the spread of fire is prevented or suppressed.

[0033] Furthermore, according to this aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent a short circuit from occurring inside the battery pack.

[0034] According to one aspect of the present invention, when a battery cell catches fire, it is possible to minimize exposure of the flame to the outside of the battery pack.

[0035] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, the problem of thermal runaway propagation between battery cells or battery modules can be more effectively prevented or suppressed.

[0036] In particular, according to one aspect of the present invention, even if gas or flame occurs in a particular battery cell, the influence of the gas or flame on other adjacent battery cells can be prevented or minimized.

[0037] Therefore, according to this aspect of the present invention, even if thermal runaway occurs in a specific battery cell or a specific battery module, it is possible to prevent or slow down thermal propagation between cells or modules, thereby securing time to take appropriate measures such as evacuating passengers or putting out a fire.

[0038] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a battery module and an application device thereof with improved safety. In particular, when the battery module according to one aspect of the present invention is applied to a vehicle, the safety of passengers can be more effectively ensured.

[0039] The present invention has many other advantages, which will be described in each embodiment, but explanations of advantages that can be easily inferred by those skilled in the art will be omitted.

[0040] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention, serve to further understand the technical concepts of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to only the matters described in the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0041] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 1. [Figure 3]2 is a view schematically illustrating a configuration of a battery cell and a taping member included in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] 1 is a top view schematically illustrating a configuration of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5] 1 is a top view schematically illustrating a configuration of a battery pack including a plurality of battery modules according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of part A3 in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 2 is an enlarged view of a portion of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing a partial configuration of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a top view illustrating a coupling configuration of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view showing a partial configuration of the battery module of FIG. [Figure 12] 2 is an enlarged view of a portion of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 13] 2 is an enlarged view of a portion of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 14] 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a shielding cover according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] 15 is a diagram schematically illustrating a cross-sectional configuration of a battery module to which the blocking cover of FIG. 14 is applied. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of a portion A9 in FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a partial configuration of a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18]10 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a partial configuration of a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] 10 is a view schematically illustrating a configuration of a battery cell and a taping member included in a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 20] 10 is a view schematically illustrating a configuration of a battery cell and a taping member included in a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a front side of the interior of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 22] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a front side configuration of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 23] 23 is a diagram showing one form in which the expansion member is expanded in the configuration of FIG. 22. FIG. [Figure 24] 1 is an exploded and enlarged perspective view illustrating a partial configuration of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 25] 2 is an enlarged view showing a partial configuration of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 26] 1A and 1B are diagrammatic illustrations of an example expansion configuration of an expansion member according to one embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of an expansion member according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 28] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the configuration of an expansion member according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 29] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the configuration of an expansion member according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 30] 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a portion of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 31] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the rear side of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 32] FIG. 32 is an isolated view showing a part of the configuration of FIG. 31. [Figure 33]10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a state in which flames or the like are emitted from a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 34] 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a portion of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 35] 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a rear side configuration of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 36] FIG. 36 is an enlarged view of part C3 in FIG. 35. [Figure 37] 1 is a perspective view illustrating a front side configuration of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 38] FIG. 38 is an exploded perspective view showing a partial configuration of FIG. 37. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0042] 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 and 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 explain the invention.

[0043] 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.

[0044] Meanwhile, although terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and rear are used in this specification, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that these terms are used for the convenience of explanation and may vary depending on the position of the object of interest, the position of the observer, etc.

[0045] Furthermore, in this specification, terms indicating directions such as inside or outside may be used, but unless otherwise specified, inside means the direction toward the central part of the battery module, and outside means the opposite direction.

[0046] Furthermore, although this specification includes various embodiments, when the description of other embodiments is applicable to the same or similar parts, detailed description will be omitted and differences will be mainly described.

[0047] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of FIG.

[0048] 1 and 2, a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a cell assembly 100, a module terminal 200, and / or a module case 300.

[0049] The cell assembly 100 may include a plurality of battery cells 110. Here, each battery cell 110 may represent a secondary battery. The secondary battery may include an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, and a battery case. In particular, the battery cell 110 may be a pouch-type secondary battery. The configuration of such a pouch-type battery will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 3.

[0050] FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of a battery cell 110 and a taping member 120 included in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] 3, the battery cell 110 may be a pouch-type battery, and the case may be made of a pouch outer casing material. In particular, the pouch-type battery may include a receiving portion and a sealing portion.

[0052] Here, the receiving portion may be a portion formed by receiving an electrode assembly inside a pouch outer casing and protruding outward, as shown by the portion S1 in FIG. 3 . The sealing portion may be a portion formed by fusing two pouch outer casings around the periphery of the receiving portion S1, as shown by the portion S2 in FIG. 3 . In particular, when the pouch battery is formed in a substantially rectangular shape, the sealing portion S2 may be located on three or four edges of the periphery of the pouch battery. In this case, a pouch battery with the sealing portion S2 located on four edges may be referred to as a four-side sealed cell, and a pouch battery with the sealing portion S2 located on three edges may be referred to as a three-side sealed cell. For example, the battery cell 110 shown in FIG. 3 may be a three-side sealed cell with the top, front, and rear edges sealed.

[0053] The plurality of battery cells 110 may be stacked side by side in at least one direction. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the plurality of battery cells 110 may be stacked side by side in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction). In this case, each battery cell 110 may be configured in a state in which it is erected in the up-down direction (Z-axis direction). For example, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the plurality of battery cells 110 provided in the cell assembly 100 may be arranged side by side in the left-right direction in a state in which it is erected so that the accommodating portion S1 faces the left-right direction and the sealing portion S2 faces the front-rear direction and upward. The battery cells 110 may be stacked in a state in which the accommodating portions S1 face each other.

[0054] Here, the battery cells 110 may be bonded to each other to more stably maintain the stacked state of the cell assembly 100. For example, as shown by the portion DT in Fig. 2, a cell adhesive member may be interposed between the battery cells 110. In this case, the cell adhesive member DT may be configured in the form of a double-sided adhesive tape in which adhesive is applied to both sides of a substrate portion.

[0055] In the pouch-type cell, the electrode leads 111 may be arranged to protrude in the front-rear direction. For example, as shown in the embodiment of Fig. 3, the electrode leads 111 may be provided at the front (+X-axis direction) end and the rear (-X-axis direction) end of the pouch-type cell.

[0056] Meanwhile, in this specification, unless otherwise specified, the direction in which the battery cells 110 are stacked is referred to as the left-right direction, and the direction in which the electrode leads 111 are located in each battery cell 110 is referred to as the front-rear direction. Therefore, in each drawing, the X-axis direction will be described as the front-rear direction, and the Y-axis direction will be described as the left-right direction.

[0057] In the cell assembly 100, a taping member 120 may be attached to each of the plurality of battery cells 110. That is, in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, the cell assembly 100 may include the battery cells 110 and the taping member 120.

[0058] The taping member 120 may have an adhesive on at least one surface thereof and may be attached to the battery cell 110. Furthermore, the taping member 120 may be attached to a sealing portion of the battery cell 110. In particular, when each battery cell 110 is arranged in an upright position as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the taping member 120 may be attached to at least the upper sealing portion of the battery cell 110.

[0059] 3, the sealing portions of the battery cell 110 may include a front sealing portion S2F, a rear sealing portion S2R, and an upper sealing portion S2U, and the taping member 120 may be attached to the upper sealing portion S2U, which is located at the top of the sealing portions.

[0060] The taping member 120 may be attached not only to the upper sealing portion S2U but also to the receiving portion S1. Furthermore, when viewed from the front of the battery cell 110, the receiving portion S1 may be disposed to protrude to the left and / or right around the upper sealing portion S2U. In this case, the center portion of the taping member 120 may be attached to the upper sealing portion S2U, and the left and right ends may be attached to the receiving portions S1 disposed in the left and right directions, respectively.

[0061] Meanwhile, to reduce the space occupied by the battery cells 110 inside the battery module, at least one sealing portion S2 may be folded. For example, referring to the configuration shown in FIG. 3, the upper sealing portion S2U where the electrode leads 111 are not located may be folded. This folding of the sealing portion S2 may be referred to as side folding or wing folding. In addition, the manufacturing process in which the sealing portion S2 is folded twice, or the portion where this process is performed, may also be referred to as double side folding (DSF). The configuration shown in FIG. 3 can be said to be a double side folding form of the upper sealing portion S2U.

[0062] In this embodiment in which the upper sealing portion S2U is folded, the taping member 120 may be configured to maintain the folded shape. For example, the taping member 120 may be attached to the battery cell 110 in a manner that fixes the upper sealing portion S2U and the receiving portions S1 on both sides in a state in which the upper sealing portion S2U is folded twice.

[0063] In particular, the taping member 120 may be partially attached to the upper sealing portion S2U of the battery cell 110. That is, the taping member 120 may be attached only to a certain portion, rather than to the entirety, of a particular sealing portion of the battery cell 110. Therefore, in the particular sealing portion of the battery cell 110, there are both sections where the taping member 120 (tape) is attached and sections where it is not attached.

[0064] For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 3, the taping member 120 is partially attached to the upper sealing portion S2U of the battery cell 110, so there may be an untaped section where the taping member 120 is not attached, such as the portion indicated by A1.

[0065] The taping member 120 fixes the folding structure of the sealing portion to reduce the space occupied by the cell assembly 100. In addition, the taping member 120 can suppress swelling in the Z-axis direction of the cell assembly 100. That is, when the battery cell 110 is in use, gas may accumulate inside the cell, causing swelling of the cell, but the taping member 120 can suppress the cell from expanding upward.

[0066] The module terminal 200 may be electrically connected to the cell assembly 100. In particular, the cell assembly 100 includes a plurality of battery cells 110, which may be electrically connected to each other in series and / or parallel. The plurality of battery cells 110 electrically connected in this manner may be connected to other components outside the battery module, such as other battery modules or pack terminals. For example, the module terminal 200 may be connected to an inter-module bus bar to be connected to other battery modules.

[0067] The module terminal 200 can be said to be a gateway of an electrical path through which charging and discharging currents for the cell assemblies 100 flow and which is provided to connect the charging and discharging currents to other components located outside the battery module. The module terminal 200 may have two terminals, i.e., a positive terminal and a negative terminal.

[0068] The module terminals 200 may be attached to the outside of the module case 300. That is, the module terminals 200 may be configured to be exposed to the outside of the battery module to facilitate connection with external components. In particular, the module terminals 200 may be located on the upper surface of the battery module to improve connection convenience.

[0069] The module case 300 may be formed with an empty space therein and configured to accommodate the cell assembly 100 therein. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the module case 300 may include a main body frame 310 formed in a tubular shape with both ends open, and end frames 320 covering both end openings of the main body frame 310. The main body frame 310 may be open at the front and rear and include a left plate, a right plate, an upper plate, and a lower plate. The left plate, the right plate, the upper plate, and the lower plate may be formed in an integrated form, and such a main body frame 310 may also be referred to as a mono frame. The end frames 320 located at the front and rear of the main body frame 310 may also be referred to as a front frame (front plate) and a rear frame (rear plate), respectively.

[0070] In such an embodiment, the module case 300 defines an internal space by the main frame 310 and the end frames 320, and many components including the cell assembly 100 can be housed in the defined internal space.

[0071] Furthermore, the modular case 300 may be formed in various other shapes. For example, the modular case 300 may be configured with a left side panel, a right side panel, and a bottom panel integrated into one unit. In this case, the integrated case portion may also be referred to as a U-frame. Alternatively, the modular case 300 may include a box-shaped lower case in which the left side panel, the right side panel, the front panel (front frame), and the rear panel (rear frame) are integrated, and an upper cover that closes the upper open end of the lower case.

[0072] The components of the module case 300, for example, the main frame 310 and the end frames 320, may be connected to each other by various methods such as welding, insertion, adhesive, hooks, etc. The module case 300 may be made of various materials such as metal and plastic. In particular, the main frame 310 and the end frames 320 may be made of aluminum. This provides excellent weldability, is advantageous for weight reduction, and can also improve cooling performance.

[0073] The module case 300 may have a top hole formed on at least one side, as indicated by HV in Fig. 2. The top hole HV may be provided to penetrate the module case 300 from the inside to the outside and communicate with the interior space of the module case 300. In particular, the top hole HV may be formed on the top surface of the module case 300. For example, if the module case 300 is configured in a monoframe form including an upper plate, a lower plate, a left plate, and a right plate as shown in Fig. 2, the top hole HV may be formed in the upper plate.

[0074] Furthermore, a plurality of top holes HV may be formed in the upper plate of the module case 300. For example, a plurality of top holes HV may be arranged on the upper surface side of the main body frame 310 in the horizontal direction, i.e., in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) and / or the left-right direction (Y-axis direction).

[0075] When the top hole HV is formed on the upper surface of the module case 300 in this manner, the top of the cell assembly 100 may be disposed to face the top hole HV of the module case 300. In this case, the module case 300 may be configured such that at least a portion of the unattached section of the taping member 120 at the top of the cell assembly 100 is located in the drilled portion of the top hole HV.

[0076] For example, referring to FIG. 3 , the taping member 120 may be partially, rather than entirely, attached to the upper sealing portion S2U of the plurality of battery cells 110 included in the cell assembly 100. Therefore, the upper sealing portion S2U of the battery cell 110 may have an unattached section, such as the section indicated by A1, where the taping member 120 is not attached. The top hole HV of the module case 300 may be formed to be located at a position where at least a portion of the unattached section of the taping member 120 is located. More specifically, in the embodiment of FIG. 3 , the top hole HV may be formed in the module case 300 such that at least a portion of the top hole HV is located on the upper side of the unattached section indicated by A1 in the Z-axis direction. This configuration will be described in more detail with further reference to the embodiment of FIG. 4 .

[0077] FIG. 4 is a top view schematically illustrating the configuration of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] 4, the top surface of the cell assembly 100 accommodated in the internal space of the module case 300 may be exposed through a top hole HV formed in the upper plate of the module case 300. At least a portion of the top hole HV may be formed to expose at least a portion of an unattached section of the upper portion of the cell assembly 100 to which the taping member 120 is not attached. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 4, the section indicated by A2 in the X-axis direction (front-rear direction) may be the section of the upper portion of the cell assembly 100 to which the taping member 120 is not attached. At this time, the top hole HV may be formed in the main frame 310 to expose at least a portion of this unattached section to the outside.

[0079] According to this embodiment of the present invention, when vent gas or flames are generated inside the battery module due to an event such as thermal runaway, the gas or flames are smoothly discharged to the outside of the module case 300. Therefore, in an emergency, the internal pressure of the module case 300 can be quickly reduced, thereby preventing the explosion of the battery module.

[0080] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the direction of exhaust of gas, flame, etc. can be appropriately controlled, thereby minimizing the occurrence of heat propagation or flame propagation between battery modules due to the exhaust of gas, flame, etc.

[0081] In particular, according to this embodiment, the taping member 120 attached to the upper sealing portion S2U (e.g., the DSF portion) appropriately controls or suppresses swelling in the Z-axis direction of the battery cell 110 during high-temperature storage or when internal gas is generated, while also guiding the emission of vent gas or flame toward the upper sealing portion S2U in an emergency such as thermal runaway. That is, in this embodiment, the taping member 120 is only partially attached to the upper sealing portion S2U of the battery cell 110, thereby weakening the fixing force compared to when the taping member 120 is attached to the entire upper sealing portion S2U. Therefore, when gas or flame is emitted from the inside of the battery cell 110 to the outside, the emission can be guided toward the upper sealing portion S2U. In addition, the top hole HV is formed on the upper side of the cell assembly 100 in the module case 300, allowing the gas, flame, etc. to be quickly and smoothly exhausted to the outside of the module case 300.

[0082] In particular, the fixing strength of the unattached section of the taping member 120 at the upper sealing portion S2U of the battery cell 110 is weakest. Therefore, gas, flame, etc. are likely to be released first through this unattached section. Therefore, when the top hole HV is formed at a position directly corresponding to the unattached section of the taping member 120 as in this embodiment, gas, flame, etc. released from the cell assembly 100 can be more easily released to the outside.

[0083] The taping member 120 may be attached separately to each battery cell 110 or may be attached commonly to several battery cells 110 .

[0084] In particular, when the cell assembly 100 includes a plurality of battery cells 110, a separate taping member 120 may be attached to each battery cell 110. That is, the taping member 120 may be attached independently to each individual battery cell 110. For example, when 20 battery cells 110 are arranged in the left-right direction in the cell assembly 100, a separate taping member 120 may be attached to the upper sealing portion S2U for each of the 20 battery cells 110.

[0085] In this case, even if the taping member 120 of a specific battery cell 110 is detached due to the emission of gas or flame, the taping members 120 of the other battery cells 110 remain intact. Therefore, the function of the taping members 120 of the other battery cells 110 can be maintained.

[0086] Furthermore, when a problem such as thermal runaway occurs in a particular battery cell 110, a temperature rise may occur before gas or flames are emitted. This temperature rise weakens the adhesive strength of the taping member 120 attached to the battery cell 110. Therefore, even if the taping member 120 is attached to the upper end sealing part S2U, the adhesive strength is weak, which can facilitate the gas from being emitted toward the upper end sealing part S2U.

[0087] The module terminal 200 may be located at the front of the module case 300. For example, referring to the embodiment of FIG. 2 , the electrode leads 111 of each battery cell 110 may be provided to protrude from the front and rear of the cell assembly 100, and the module terminal 200 may be electrically connected to the electrode leads 111. Here, the module terminal 200 includes a positive terminal and a negative terminal, and both the positive terminal and the negative terminal may be attached to the front of the module case 300.

[0088] In particular, a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a busbar assembly 400. The busbar assembly 400 may be coupled to the electrode leads 111 of the battery cells 110. Furthermore, the electrode leads 111 of the battery cells 110 may be located at both the front and rear ends of the cell assembly 100, as shown in Fig. 3 . In this case, the busbar assemblies 400 may be disposed at the front and rear of the cell assembly 100, respectively.

[0089] More specifically, the busbar assembly 400 may include a busbar terminal 410 and a busbar housing 420. In this case, the busbar terminal 410 is made of a conductive metal material such as copper and may be in direct contact with the electrode lead 111. The busbar housing 420 is made of an electrically insulating material such as plastic and may have the busbar terminal 410 attached thereto to fix the position of the busbar terminal 410. Therefore, the busbar housing 420 may be provided with a space or structure in which the busbar terminal 410 is attached.

[0090] The busbar assembly 400 may include one or more unit busbars depending on the series or parallel connection state between the plurality of battery cells 110 included in the cell assembly 100. For example, as shown in Fig. 2, a plurality of busbar terminals 410 (unit busbars) may be attached to one busbar housing 420. In this case, the busbar housing 420 can prevent contact between different unit busbars.

[0091] The module terminal 200 may be connected to the bus bar terminal 410 of the bus bar assembly 400. For example, the module terminal 200 may be connected to an upper portion of the bus bar terminal 410. In particular, the module terminal 200 may be integrated with at least a portion of the bus bar terminal 410. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 2, the module terminal 200 may be integrated with the bus bar terminal 410 located at the outermost position in the left-right direction. As a more specific example, the leftmost bus bar terminal 410 among the plurality of bus bar terminals 410 may be integrated with a positive terminal of a battery module at its upper end. Furthermore, the rightmost bus bar terminal 410 may be integrated with a negative terminal of a battery module.

[0092] The module terminals 200 are connected to the bus bar assembly 400 located inside the module case 300 and need to be exposed to the outside of the module case 300 for connection to external components. Therefore, holes may be formed in the module case 300 to expose the module terminals 200 to the outside. Furthermore, since the module terminals 200 are located in the front of the module case 300, they may be formed in a front frame located in the front of the module case 300. As a more specific example, referring to FIG. 2, a terminal hole may be formed in the upper end of the front frame, as shown by HT. The module terminals 200 connected to the bus bar terminals 410 may be exposed to the outside of the module case 300 through the terminal hole HT.

[0093] When the module terminal 200 is located at the front of the module case 300 as in this embodiment, it can be easily connected to the bus bar terminal 410 located at the front of the cell assembly 100. In particular, according to this embodiment, the top hole HV is formed on the top surface of the module case 300, and an unattached section of the taping member 120 exists opposite the top hole HV on the top surface.

[0094] Therefore, when high-temperature gas or flames are emitted from the battery cells 110, they tend to be discharged toward the upper surface where the electrode leads 111 are not located. That is, according to this embodiment, it is possible to suppress or delay the discharge of flames in the direction where the module terminals 200 are located. Furthermore, the module case 300 may be formed with terminal holes HT so that the module terminals 200 are exposed to the outside. According to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent or suppress the discharge of flames through such terminal holes HT. This is more effective in suppressing heat transfer between battery modules or preventing a voltage drop in the battery pack. This will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0095] Fig. 5 is a top view schematically illustrating the configuration of a battery pack including a plurality of battery modules according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5 can also be considered a view illustrating the configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6 is an enlarged view of a portion A3 of Fig. 5.

[0096] 5 and 6, a plurality of battery modules according to an embodiment of the present invention may be accommodated in the internal space of the pack housing PH. As an example, the battery pack may include eight battery modules, as indicated by M1 to M8 in FIG. 5. In this case, each battery module may be arranged with its module terminal 200 facing the other battery modules. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 6, the module terminal 200 of the first module M1 may be located at an end in the -X-axis direction, and the module terminal 200 of the second module M2 may be located at an end in the +X-axis direction.

[0097] Furthermore, in the case of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, the module terminal 200 may be arranged to be located at the front, but as shown in the embodiments of Figures 5 and 6, two battery modules may be arranged inside the pack housing PH with their fronts facing each other. In this manner, when each battery module is arranged so that the module terminal 200 is located on the side closest to the other battery module, connection between the battery modules using a module bus bar or the like may be facilitated.

[0098] In such an arrangement of multiple battery modules, if a flame or high-temperature gas is discharged toward the module terminal 200, the fire may spread to other battery modules, or thermal runaway may occur. However, in the case of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, the discharge of a flame or gas in the direction of the module terminal 200 is suppressed, so that the fire may spread or heat may propagate between modules more effectively.

[0099] Furthermore, the front or rear of the module case 300 where the electrode leads 111 are located may have a relatively larger space than other portions. If flames or the like are not properly vented to the outside of the module case 300, the flames may concentrate on the electrode leads 111 side, causing a sudden drop in the voltage of the battery module. However, as in the present embodiment, if the flames or the like are vented to the upper surface and not toward the electrode leads 111, short circuits between cells can be suppressed and the voltage drop time of the battery module can be maximized. Furthermore, in this case, the time it takes for the voltage of the battery module to drop to 0V can be maintained at a certain level or longer, for example, 5 minutes or longer. Furthermore, by preventing flames from moving toward the electrode leads 111, thermal runaway and flame propagation between battery cells 110 included in one battery module can also be suppressed.

[0100] Therefore, when such a battery module is installed in an electric vehicle, even if a fire or the like occurs in a specific battery cell 110 due to thermal runaway or the like, the vehicle can still be operated for a certain period of time, thereby ensuring time for passengers to move the electric vehicle to a safe place or escape.

[0101] A plurality of the taping members 120 may be attached to one battery cell 110. In particular, the plurality of taping members 120 may be attached to the upper sealing portion S2U of one battery cell 110 at intervals in the front-rear direction.

[0102] For example, referring to FIG. 3, a plurality of taping members 120 may be attached to the upper DSF of one battery cell 110, and the plurality of taping members 120 may be spaced apart by a predetermined distance in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction).

[0103] In this embodiment, an unattached section as indicated by A1 may be formed in the space between the taping members 120 spaced apart in the front-rear direction. When the unattached section of the taping member 120 is formed in this manner, the upper sealing portion S2U may burst when the internal pressure of the battery cell 110 increases.

[0104] According to this embodiment, swelling and venting of the battery cell 110 are appropriately controlled depending on the situation. That is, the taping member 120 controls swelling of the battery cell 110 in the Z-axis direction when the internal pressure of the battery cell 110 is below a certain level, and ruptures the upper end portion of the battery cell 110 when the internal pressure of the battery cell 110 exceeds the certain level. Therefore, gas, flame, etc. are directed toward the upper side of the battery module, which is more effective in controlling smooth venting and suppressing heat transfer between modules.

[0105] 2 and 3, three taping members 120 may be attached in the front-rear direction to one battery cell 110. In this case, two of the taping members 120 may be arranged to be positioned as far outward as possible in the front-rear direction of the upper sealing portion S2U(DSF) of the battery cell 110. And the remaining taping member 120 may be arranged in the center in the front-rear direction of the upper sealing portion S2U(DSF) of the battery cell 110.

[0106] According to this embodiment, swelling in the Z-axis direction is appropriately suppressed through the taping member 120, and excessive fastening force of the taping member 120 to the upper sealing portion S2U is prevented, thereby enabling the upper sealing portion S2U to burst at an appropriate time. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the taping members 120 are appropriately spaced apart in the front-to-rear direction, and a sufficient number or width of top holes HV can be formed corresponding to the unattached section. Therefore, vent gas or flames can be smoothly discharged through the top holes HV.

[0107] At least a portion of the top hole HV may be configured to expose to the outside a portion between the plurality of taping members 120 spaced apart in the front-rear direction. That is, in the upper sealing unit S2U of the battery cell 110, a space between the taping members 120 spaced apart in the front-rear direction may exist as an untaped section, as shown by A1 in FIG. 3 . The top hole HV may be disposed to correspond to at least a portion of the untaped section of the battery cell 110.

[0108] 4, a plurality of top holes HV may be formed on the upper surface of the module case 300. Furthermore, a plurality of top holes HV may be arranged in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) of the battery module. In this case, at least some of the plurality of top holes HV may be formed in a position and / or shape that exposes the non-taped section to the outside.

[0109] For example, the plurality of top holes HV may be arranged in five rows in the front-rear direction from the first vent row HV1 to the fifth vent row HV5. In this case, the second vent row HV2 and the fourth vent row HV4 may be formed by penetrating the module case 300 so that the untaped sections of the upper end sealing portion S2U of the plurality of battery cells 110 included in the cell assembly 100 are exposed to the outside.

[0110] According to this embodiment of the present invention, vent gas, flames, etc. are quickly discharged to the outside through the top holes HV arranged opposite the unattached sections of the taping member 120. This prevents stagnation of vent gas, flames, etc. inside the module case 300, suppresses heat transfer between the battery cells 110, and quickly reduces the internal pressure of the module case 300, thereby preventing explosion of the battery module.

[0111] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent flames or the like from heading toward the module terminal 200 located at the front of the module case 300. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively prevent heat propagation between battery modules.

[0112] Furthermore, the top holes HV may be configured to expose a larger portion of the unattached portion of the taping member 120 on the top surface of the cell assembly 100 than the attached portion of the taping member 120. In particular, a plurality of top holes HV may be formed in the top plate of one module case 300 to open the inside of the module case 300 to the outside. Here, only the unattached section of the taping member 120 in the upper end sealing portion S2U of the module case 300 may be exposed through the plurality of top holes HV. Alternatively, both the unattached section of the taping member 120 and the attached section of the taping member 120 may be exposed to the outside through the plurality of top holes HV. In this case, the top holes HV may be configured to expose a larger portion of the unattached section of the taping member 120 than the attached section of the taping member 120.

[0113] 4, among the plurality of top holes HV, the second vent row HV2 and the fourth vent row HV4 may be configured to expose only the unattached sections of the taping member 120, but not the attached sections of the taping member 120. The first vent row HV1, the third vent row HV3, and the fifth vent row HV5 may be configured to expose both the unattached sections and the attached sections of the taping member 120 to the outside. In this case, the first vent row HV1, the third vent row HV3, and the fifth vent row HV5 may be configured such that, when viewed from above, the exposed area of ​​the unattached sections of the taping member 120 is larger than the exposed area of ​​the attached sections of the taping member 120.

[0114] In such an embodiment, the top hole HV may be configured so that the open area of ​​the unattached section of the taping member 120 is 1.5 times or more, often 2 times or more, and even more often 3 times or more, the open area of ​​the attached section of the taping member 120.

[0115] According to this embodiment of the present invention, the portion where the taping member 120 is not attached is exposed to the top hole HV more, which allows flames, gases, etc. to be discharged more quickly and smoothly through the top hole HV, thereby more reliably preventing flames, etc. from being discharged in the direction of the module terminal 200, for example, in front of the battery module.

[0116] The module case 300 may be configured so that the top holes HV are located at the upper ends of all the battery cells 110 included in the cell assembly 100. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of battery cells 110 may be arranged side by side in an upright state in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction). In this case, the module case 300 may be installed such that all the upper end sealing portions S2U of the plurality of battery cells 110 stacked in the left-right direction directly face the top holes HV. That is, the upper ends of all the battery cells 110 may be exposed to the outside through the top holes HV.

[0117] 4, a plurality of top holes HV may be arranged in the Y-axis direction, and the upper ends of all the battery cells 110 may be exposed to the outside through the plurality of top holes HV. In particular, the untaped sections of all the battery cells 110 may be configured to directly face the top holes HV.

[0118] For example, some of the battery cells 110 included in the cell assembly 100 may have untaped sections of the upper sealing portion S2U exposed to the outside through the second vent row HV2 and / or the fourth vent row HV4. The remaining battery cells 110, whose untaped sections of the upper sealing portion S2U are not exposed to the outside through the second vent row HV2 or the fourth vent row HV4, may have their upper sealing portions S2U exposed to the outside through the first vent row HV1, the third vent row HV3, and / or the fifth vent row HV5. Furthermore, the second vent row HV2 and / or the fourth vent row HV4 are formed as close as possible to the left and right ends of the top plate of the module case 300, so that the top holes HV may be disposed corresponding to the top ends of even the outermost battery cells 110 among the battery cells 110 stacked in the horizontal direction.

[0119] In this embodiment of the present invention, all of the upper sealing portions S2U of the plurality of battery cells 110 included in the cell assembly 100 may be exposed to the outside through the plurality of top holes HV. In particular, the unattached sections of the taping member 120 of all of the battery cells 110 may be directly exposed to the outside through the top holes HV. That is, in this embodiment, among the plurality of battery cells 110 included in the cell assembly 100, there is no battery cell 110 whose upper sealing portion S2U is not exposed through the top hole HV.

[0120] According to this embodiment, the area of ​​the top hole HV can be maximized. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, even if gas or flame is emitted from any of the battery cells 110 included in the cell assembly 100, a top hole HV directly corresponding to the top end of each battery cell 110 is provided. Therefore, venting can be performed quickly and smoothly for all battery cells 110. In addition, by directing flame or gas emitted from a specific battery cell 110 immediately upward and preventing it from flowing horizontally, the influence of the flame or gas on other battery cells 110 can be minimized. Therefore, this is more effective in quickly responding to thermal runaway in some battery cells 110 and preventing the propagation of thermal runaway between cells.

[0121] The top holes HV may be arranged to cross each other in the front-to-rear direction in the module case 300. For example, the first vent row HV1, the third vent row HV3, and / or the fifth vent row HV5 may be arranged to be located at a different position in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) from the second vent row HV2 and / or the fourth vent row HV4 arranged adjacent to these vent rows.

[0122] According to this embodiment of the present invention, even when multiple top holes HV are formed in the module case 300, it is possible to ensure that the rigidity of the module case 300 due to the top holes HV is at or above a certain level. In other words, when multiple top holes HV are formed in the front-to-rear direction of the module case 300, by varying the left-to-right arrangement of each top hole HV, it is possible to prevent the rigidity of the module case 300 from being excessively reduced in specific left-to-right portions. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, by arranging the top holes HV in a zigzag pattern, it is possible to ensure that the spacing between the top holes HV is at or above a certain level, which facilitates manufacturing, such as pressing, for forming the top holes HV, and also makes it easy to realize a configuration in which all cells are exposed to the top holes HV.

[0123] Furthermore, when there are multiple rows of top holes HV in the front-to-rear direction, the number of top holes HV may be configured to differ between adjacent vent rows. For example, the first vent row HV1 to the fifth vent row HV5 may be configured to have a different number of top holes HV from adjacent vent rows.

[0124] As a more specific example, the first vent row HV1, the third vent row HV3, and / or the fifth vent row HV5 may be configured to have three top holes HV in the left-right direction, and the second vent row HV2 and / or the fourth vent row HV4, which are arranged adjacent to such a vent row, may be configured to have four top holes HV in the left-right direction.

[0125] In particular, the module case 300 may be configured such that, among the multiple vent rows, the number of top holes HV included in a vent row in which only untaped sections are exposed is greater than the number of top holes HV included in a vent row in which both untaped sections and tarp sections are exposed. For example, in the case of the second vent row HV2 in which only untaped sections are exposed, four top holes HV may be formed, which may result in a greater number of top holes HV than the three top holes HV included in the first vent row HV1 or the third vent row HV3 in which both untaped sections and tarp sections are exposed.

[0126] According to this embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to expose as much of the untaped section as possible in the cell assembly 100. Therefore, when flames or vent gases are emitted from the untaped section of the battery cell 110, they are discharged to the outside of the module case 300 as quickly and smoothly as possible.

[0127] In addition, the number of vent rows in which both the untaped and taped sections of the taping member 120 are exposed may be greater than the number of vent rows in which only the untaped sections of the taping member 120 are exposed. For example, in the embodiment of Fig. 4, the number of vent rows in which both the untaped and taped sections are exposed may be three in the front-to-back direction (HV1, HV3, HV5), while the number of vent rows in which only the untaped sections are exposed may be two in the front-to-back direction (HV2, HV4).

[0128] According to this embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to achieve uniform venting performance for each of the plurality of battery cells 110 included in the cell assembly 100. That is, the cell assembly 100 may include battery cells 110 in which both untaped sections and tarpaulin sections are exposed, as well as battery cells 110 in which only untaped sections are exposed. In this case, according to this embodiment, battery cells 110 in which not only untaped sections but also tarpaulin sections are exposed from the top holes HV may be exposed to the outside through more top holes HV. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a decrease in venting performance, such as flame venting, compared to battery cells 110 in which only untaped sections are exposed.

[0129] 7 is an enlarged view of a portion of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, for example, FIG. 7 may be an enlarged view of portion A4 in FIG.

[0130] 2 and 4, etc., a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a thermistor, as indicated by TH.

[0131] The thermistor TH may be a component configured to measure the ambient temperature. The thermistor TH may be located on at least one side of the cell assembly 100 to measure the temperature inside the battery module, for example, the temperature of the cell assembly 100. Furthermore, the thermistor TH may be located on the top side of the cell assembly 100.

[0132] Furthermore, a plurality of thermistors TH may be included in one cell assembly 100. For example, two thermistors TH may be included. In this case, the two thermistors TH may be disposed on the front and rear sides of the upper surface of the cell assembly 100, respectively, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4.

[0133] In particular, the thermistor TH may be disposed above the taping member 120, as shown in Figures 2 and 7. That is, since the taping member 120 may be partially attached to the upper portion of the cell assembly 100, there may be both attached and unattached sections of the taping member 120. In this configuration, the thermistor TH may be disposed above the portion of the upper portion of the cell assembly 100 to which the taping member 120 is attached. Furthermore, if three taping members 120 are attached to the cell assembly 100 at intervals in the front-rear direction, the thermistors TH may be disposed above the frontmost taping member 120 and the rearmost taping member 120, respectively.

[0134] This embodiment of the present invention can help prevent damage to the thermistor TH and the battery cells 110. For example, when vibration or impact occurs to the battery module, if a large or repeated force is applied between the thermistor TH and the battery cells 110, the thermistor TH and the pouch outer casing of the battery cells 110 may be damaged. However, the taping member 120 can prevent such damage. Furthermore, the taping member 120 may include an adhesive layer and a base layer, and the adhesive layer or base layer may be made of an elastic material. In this case, the effect of preventing damage to the thermistor TH and the battery cells 110 due to vibration or impact can be further improved.

[0135] The taping member 120 may be made of an electrically insulating material. In this case, the measurement accuracy of the thermistor TH can be further improved by preventing the thermistor TH from coming into contact with an aluminum layer included in the pouch exterior material of the battery cell 110. Furthermore, even if a crack occurs in the pouch exterior material and the aluminum layer is exposed to the outside, it is possible to prevent a situation in which current affects the thermistor TH.

[0136] Furthermore, the battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a protective member, such as the portion indicated by PT in FIG.

[0137] The protective member PT is configured to surround the thermistor TH and can prevent or reduce pressure, impact, etc. from being applied to the thermistor TH. In particular, the protective member PT may be configured to surround the thermistor TH in the horizontal direction.

[0138] The protective member PT may be configured to be higher than the thermistor TH in order to prevent pressure or impact applied in the vertical direction from being applied to the thermistor TH. The protective member PT may also be made of an elastic material that can effectively absorb pressure and impact, such as polyurethane, silicone, or other foam material.

[0139] According to this embodiment, when swelling occurs in the Z-axis direction of the battery cell 110 or pressure or impact is applied to the module case 300 from above the module case 300, damage or cracking of the thermistor TH due to the pressure or impact can be prevented.

[0140] Meanwhile, the thermistor TH may be located inside the module case 300, but may be located at a position exposed to the outside through a top hole HV formed in the module case 300. For example, as shown in Fig. 4, the front thermistor TH may be installed so as to be exposed upward through one top hole HV in the first vent row HV1, and the rear thermistor TH may be installed so as to be exposed upward through one top hole HV in the fifth vent row HV5.

[0141] In this case, the mechanical stability of the thermistor TH is improved. In particular, even when swelling in the Z-axis direction occurs in the cell assembly 100, the thermistor TH is prevented from being pressed by the module case 300, causing cracks or damage. In addition, in this case, when a failure or other condition occurs in the thermistor TH, the thermistor TH can be easily replaced or repaired.

[0142] Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing a partial configuration of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 9 is a top view showing a coupling configuration of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0143] 8 and 9, the battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a top cover 600.

[0144] The top cover 600 may be made of an electrically insulating material. For example, the top cover 600 may be made of a plastic material. The top cover 600 may be located inside the module case 300. The top cover 600 may be disposed on the upper side of the cell assembly 100. In particular, the top cover 600 may be interposed between the upper part of the cell assembly 100 and the module case 300.

[0145] The top cover 600 may be formed in a plate shape. The top cover 600 covers the upper surface of the cell assembly 100 inside the module case 300, preventing the upper surface of the cell assembly 100 from directly contacting the upper plate of the module case 300. In particular, the module case 300 may be made of a metal material such as aluminum or SUS. In this case, the top cover 600 made of an electrically insulating material can ensure electrical insulation between the cell assembly 100 and the module case 300.

[0146] In particular, the top cover 600 may have a cover hole formed therein, as indicated by HC in FIG. 8. The cover hole HC may penetrate the top cover 600 in the thickness direction. In particular, the cover hole HC may be located opposite the top hole HV. That is, the position at which the cover hole HC is located in the top cover 600 may correspond to the position at which the top hole HV is located in the module case 300. For example, referring to FIG. 9, the cover hole HC may be located at a position that is exposed to the outside, i.e., the upper side, through the top hole HV when the top cover 600 is inserted into the module case 300.

[0147] According to this embodiment, the top cover 600 stably ensures electrical insulation between the module case 300 and the cell assembly 100, and does not prevent the top cover 600 from obstructing the discharge of vent gases and the like through the top holes HV in an emergency. For example, if a thermal runaway or other condition occurs in some of the battery cells 110 included in the cell assembly 100, the vent gases are discharged first. At this time, the vent gases are quickly and smoothly discharged to the outside of the module case 300 through the cover holes HC and the top holes HV. Therefore, both electrical insulation and stable venting performance can be achieved by the top cover 600.

[0148] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the top cover 600 can downwardly restrain the upper end sealing portion S2U of the cell assembly 100. In particular, when swelling occurs in the Z-axis direction of each battery cell 110, the top cover 600 can press each battery cell 110 downward, thereby reducing the amount of swelling that occurs in the Z-axis direction of the battery cell 110.

[0149] As shown in Fig. 8, a plurality of the cover holes HC may be formed in one top cover 600. Furthermore, the plurality of cover holes HC may be grouped into several groups and disposed in a dispersed manner. In particular, each cover hole HC may be formed smaller than the top hole HV formed in the module case 300. Furthermore, when the top cover 600 is inserted into the module case 300, a plurality of cover holes HC may be disposed corresponding to one top hole HV.

[0150] 9, for example, a plurality of top holes HV may be formed in the module case 300, and a cover hole HC that is much smaller than the top hole HV may be positioned in communication with each top hole HV. As a more specific example, six or twelve cover holes HC may be arranged corresponding to one top hole HV.

[0151] Each cover hole HC may be configured to have a size of 1 cm or less, or 0.8 cm or less, and particularly 0.6 cm or less, but these sizes are merely examples, and each cover hole HC formed in the top cover 600 may be formed in various sizes and shapes.

[0152] This embodiment is advantageous in improving the safety of the battery module. In particular, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a top hole HV may be formed on at least one side, and even on the top surface, of the module case 300. In this case, a small cover hole HC may be formed below the top hole HV to prevent the fingers of workers or users from entering the battery module. In this case, the cover hole HC may be smaller than the finger of a typical user. Furthermore, this embodiment can prevent external foreign objects from entering through the top hole HV and causing damage or breakage to the battery module.

[0153] The cover holes HC may be formed in a honeycomb structure. For example, a plurality of cover holes HC may be formed in the top cover 600, and at least some of the cover holes HC may be formed in a hexagonal shape. The edges of each cover hole HC may be parallel to the edges of the adjacent cover holes HC.

[0154] As a more specific example, a plurality of cover holes HC may be arranged in one or two rows in the front-to-rear direction corresponding to one top hole HV. Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 9, six cover holes HC may be arranged in the front-to-rear direction in communication with each other in a honeycomb structure corresponding to each top hole HV.

[0155] According to this embodiment of the present invention, not only can it be prevented that fingers or foreign objects, etc., get in through the top hole HV, but it can also ensure a large overall area for the cover hole HC in the top cover 600. Therefore, the vent gas can be quickly and smoothly discharged to the outside through the cover hole HC.

[0156] A battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a printed circuit board 700, as shown in FIG.

[0157] The printed circuit board 700 may be interposed between the cell assembly 100 and the top cover 600. The printed circuit board 700 may be configured to transmit electrical signals to the cell assembly 100. For example, bus bar assemblies 400 may be disposed in front and behind the cell assembly 100, and the voltage of each battery cell 110 included in the cell assembly 100 may be measured by the bus bar assemblies 400. The measured voltages may be transmitted to the inside or outside of the battery module through the printed circuit board 700.

[0158] The printed circuit board 700 may also provide a path for transmitting the temperature measurement value measured by the thermistor TH. Furthermore, the printed circuit board 700 may be configured to have the thermistor TH attached thereto. For example, the printed circuit board 700 may have a thermistor attachment portion, such as the portions indicated by A5 and A5' in FIG. 8. The thermistor TH may then be attached to one surface of the printed circuit board 700 at such thermistor attachment portion.

[0159] In particular, the thermistor mounting portion may be formed with a downward recess, as shown by the portions A5 and A5'. The thermistor TH may then be mounted on the upper surface of the printed circuit board 700 in such a recessed portion. In this case, the thermistor TH may be positioned as close as possible to the cell assembly 100. Here, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 7, when the protective member PT surrounds the periphery of the thermistor TH, both the thermistor TH and the protective member PT may be mounted on the upper surface of the thermistor mounting portion of the printed circuit board 700.

[0160] Furthermore, the printed circuit board 700 may be configured such that the thermistor mounting portions A5, A5' are located above the taping member 120. According to this embodiment, the thermistor mounting portions formed in a concave shape downward can be prevented from directly contacting the battery cells 110. Therefore, electrical insulation can be ensured between the printed circuit board 700 or the thermistor TH and the pouch exterior material of the battery cells 110. Therefore, noise or errors can be prevented or reduced in the electrical signals transmitted through the printed circuit board 700 or the measurement results of the thermistor TH. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the printed circuit board 700 and the battery cells 110 can be prevented from being damaged or broken due to vibration, impact, friction, etc.

[0161] The printed circuit board 700 may be configured in the form of a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB), i.e., a flexible printed circuit board 700. The printed circuit board 700 may be formed in a form that extends elongated in the front-to-rear direction where the electrode leads 111 of each battery cell 110 are located in the cell assembly 100. The printed circuit board 700 may be configured in a form that connects the bus bar assembly 400 located in the front of the cell assembly 100 to the bus bar assembly 400 located in the rear of the cell assembly 100.

[0162] A battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a module connector, as indicated by MC in Figures 8 and 9. The module connector MC may be a terminal for transmitting and receiving electrical signals for the battery module to and from the outside. In particular, the printed circuit board 700 may transmit information about the battery module to various control devices, such as external components, for example, a battery management system (BMS) or an energy control unit (ECU), through the module connector MC.

[0163] In an embodiment in which the battery module includes the printed circuit board 700, the top cover 600 may be configured such that no cover hole HC is formed on the upper side of the printed circuit board 700.

[0164] 8, the top cover 600 may be configured such that the cover hole HC is not formed in the center portion in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction), as shown by A6, because the printed circuit board 700 is positioned in the center portion of the lower portion of the top cover 600 and extends longitudinally in the front-rear direction.

[0165] In this case, most of the cell assembly 100 arranged under the top cover 600 may be exposed upward from the cover hole HC, but the printed circuit board 700 arranged under the top cover 600 will not be exposed upward from the cover hole HC.

[0166] According to this embodiment of the present invention, the printed circuit board 700 is not exposed to the outside of the battery module through the cover hole HC. Therefore, it is possible to fundamentally prevent foreign matter from entering the printed circuit board 700, which is susceptible to particles and moisture, or the components attached thereto, such as the thermistor TH. Therefore, in this case, it is possible to more effectively prevent damage to or malfunction of the printed circuit board 700 and the components attached thereto.

[0167] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, it is also possible to more easily mount the printed circuit board 700 on the top cover 600. For example, the printed circuit board 700 is attached to the bottom of the top cover 600 using double-sided adhesive tape, and in this embodiment, the double-sided adhesive tape can be attached to a portion where the cover hole HC is not formed. Therefore, in this case, sufficient space can be secured in the top cover 600 for attaching the double-sided adhesive tape, so that the printed circuit board 700 can be more stably fixed inside the module case 300.

[0168] The module case 300 may be configured such that a top hole HV is formed on the upper side of the printed circuit board 700 as well.

[0169] For example, referring to the configuration of Figure 9, most of the top holes HV arranged in a zigzag pattern are directly connected to multiple cover holes HC, but some top holes HV have no cover holes HC at all. In particular, of the five vent rows formed in the front-to-rear direction (X-axis direction), the top holes HV located in the center of the left-to-right direction (Y-axis direction) in the first, third, and fifth vent rows (HV1, HV3, HV5) have no cover holes HC at all. Also, the two top holes HV located in the center of the second and fourth vent rows (HV2, HV4) have only one cover hole HC, which is biased toward the outer edge of the left-to-right direction. Here, in the case of top holes HVs that have no cover holes HC or are partially connected to each other, it can be said that the printed circuit board 700 is located below them.

[0170] That is, in this embodiment, the top hole HV formed in the portion below which the printed circuit board 700 is located is configured so that the cover hole HC is not formed at all or is formed only partially, whereas the top hole HV formed in the portion below which the printed circuit board 700 is not located may be configured so that the cover hole HC is disposed in sufficient communication.

[0171] According to this embodiment, flames generated in the cell assembly 100 can be smoothly and sufficiently discharged upward. In particular, if thermal runaway of the cell assembly 100 becomes severe beyond a certain level, a flame may occur. Such flames may melt or burn the printed circuit board 700, top cover 600, etc. due to high heat or pressure. Therefore, even though the top hole HV does not directly expose the cell assembly 100 due to the printed circuit board 700 and top cover 600 under normal conditions, it can serve to discharge the flames if the printed circuit board 700 and top cover 600 are burned by the flame. Therefore, by allowing the flames to be sufficiently and quickly discharged through the top hole HV of the module case 300, the flames can be prevented from moving forward toward the module terminal 200.

[0172] Fig. 10 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 11 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a partial configuration of the battery module of Fig. 10. Figs. 12 and 13 are enlarged views of a portion of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, Figs. 12 and 13 are enlarged views illustrating the configuration of portion A7 of Fig. 10 before and after the top hole HV is opened.

[0173] 10 to 13, a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a blocking cover 800.

[0174] The blocking cover 800 may be located outside the module case 300. In particular, the blocking cover 800 may be located on the upper side of the module case 300. Furthermore, a top hole HV may be located on the upper side of the module case 300, and the blocking cover 800 may be attached to the outside of the module case 300 at least in the portion where the top hole HV is formed. Also, as in the above-described embodiment, a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a top cover 600. In this case, the top cover 600 may be located inside the module case 300, and the blocking cover 800 may be located outside the module case 300.

[0175] In addition, the shielding cover 800 may be positioned not only on the side where the top hole HV is formed but also on the side where the top hole HV is not formed. For example, the shielding cover 800 may be formed in a substantially n-shape and attached to the outside of not only the top plate of the module case 300 where the top hole HV is formed but also the left and right plates of the module case 300 where the top hole HV is not formed.

[0176] The shielding cover 800 may include a heat-resistant material that can withstand high temperatures. For example, the shielding cover 800 may include a ceramic material such as mica. Furthermore, the shielding cover 800 may include a mica sheet. In this case, the shielding cover 800 can more reliably prevent the movement or spread of flames or the like to the inside or outside of the battery module.

[0177] The shielding cover 800 may be configured to open and close the top hole HV of the module case 300. Furthermore, the shielding cover 800 may be configured to open or close the top hole HV in response to the internal pressure of the module case 300. In particular, the shielding cover 800 may include an opening / closing portion configured to open and close the top hole HV in response to the internal pressure of the module case 300, as shown by the portion OC in FIGS. 10 to 13 . Here, the opening / closing portion OC may be formed at a position corresponding to the top hole HV of the module case 300 when the shielding cover 800 is attached to the outside of the module case 300. Furthermore, the opening / closing portion OC of the shielding cover 800 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the top hole HV of the module case 300. For example, if the top hole HV of the module case 300 is formed in a substantially elliptical shape, the opening / closing portion OC of the shielding cover 800 may also be formed in a substantially elliptical shape with a similar size and shape.

[0178] More specifically, the opening / closing portion OC of the blocking cover 800 may be configured to close all of the top holes HV in a normal state where the internal pressure of the module case 300 is below a certain level. For example, as shown in Fig. 11, top holes HV may be formed in the module case 300. However, as shown in Figs. 10 and 12, when the blocking cover 800 covers the top of the module case 300, the top holes HV of the module case 300 are covered by the opening / closing portion OC of the blocking cover 800 and are not exposed to the outside, particularly the upper side.

[0179] However, if the internal pressure of the module case 300 increases above a certain level, the isolation cover 800 may be configured to open at least some of the top holes HV. For example, if thermal runaway occurs in the cell assembly 100, generating gas or flames, the internal pressure of the module case 300 increases. If this internal pressure increases above a certain level, the opening / closing portion OC of the isolation cover 800 opens, opening the top holes HV located below it. Therefore, the gas or flames inside the module case 300 are released to the outside of the module case 300, particularly to the top side, as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 13.

[0180] According to this embodiment of the present invention, when the battery module is in a normal state, the top hole HV is closed by the blocking cover 800, thereby preventing external foreign matter, such as moisture or dust, from entering the interior of the module case 300 through the top hole HV.

[0181] According to this embodiment of the present invention, when vent gas or a fire occurs inside the module case 300 due to thermal runaway or the like, the opening / closing part OC of the blocking cover 800 is opened, and the vent gas or the fire is quickly discharged to the outside, particularly to the top side where the top hole HV is formed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the fire from affecting other battery cells 110 inside the battery module or other battery modules located on the side of the battery module.

[0182] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, even if vent gas or flames are emitted from another battery module due to thermal runaway or the like, the top holes HV of the other normal battery modules are maintained in a closed state. This prevents the vent gas or flames from entering the other normal battery modules through the top holes HV. This makes it possible to more effectively block the spread of thermal runaway or flames between battery modules.

[0183] The opening / closing portion OC of the shielding cover 800 may be configured by forming a notch line in a sheet constituting the shielding cover 800. For example, referring to the embodiment of FIG. 12, the opening / closing portion OC may be provided by forming a notch line, as indicated by OCL, in a mica sheet provided in the shielding cover 800. In this case, the notch line OCL may be provided by completely or partially cutting the shielding cover 800 in the thickness direction to form a notch or groove. In addition, the opening / closing portion OC may be configured in various other ways. For example, the opening / closing portion OC may be configured by covering a hole with a stopper, or by providing a door in a hole, etc.

[0184] Meanwhile, a plurality of top holes HV may be provided in the module case 300, and a plurality of corresponding opening / closing parts OC may also be provided in the shielding cover 800. In this case, the opening / closing parts OC provided in one battery module may be opened and closed independently. For example, even if some of the opening / closing parts OC are opened, the other opening / closing parts OC may remain closed.

[0185] 10 and 11, an event may occur in some of the battery cells 110 included in the cell assembly 100, causing vent gas or flames to be emitted. At this time, the vent gas or flames will first head toward the top hole HV corresponding to or adjacent to the battery cell 110 where the event occurred (event cell). Then, the opening / closing portion OC corresponding to the top hole HV corresponding to or adjacent to the event cell will open first, allowing the vent gas or flames to be emitted. At this time, the other top holes HV may remain closed for at least a certain period of time.

[0186] According to this embodiment, even if vent gas or flame is emitted from an event cell in which thermal runaway or the like occurs within one battery module, the vent gas or flame is prevented from entering other normal battery cells 110. Therefore, the propagation of thermal runaway or flame between battery cells 110 within the battery module is blocked or delayed. Furthermore, according to this embodiment of the present invention, it is also advantageous in delaying the rate at which the voltage of the battery module drops.

[0187] The blocking cover 800 may be configured in the form of a sheet having multiple layers, which will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS.

[0188] Fig. 14 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of a shielding cover 800 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 15 is a diagram schematically illustrating the cross-sectional configuration of a battery module to which the shielding cover 800 of Fig. 14 is applied. For example, Fig. 15 may be a cross-sectional view taken along line A8-A8' in Fig. 10. Fig. 16 is an enlarged view of portion A9 in Fig. 15.

[0189] 14 to 16, the blocking cover 800 may include a first seat cover 810, a second seat cover 820, and / or a third seat cover 830. The first seat cover 810, the second seat cover 820, and the third seat cover 830 may be stacked in order from top to bottom.

[0190] The first sheet cover 810 may be located at the outermost position, particularly the upper position, of the shielding cover 800. The first sheet cover 810 may be made of a flame-resistant material such as mica. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 , the first sheet cover 810 may have a shielding hole OCH formed in a position and shape corresponding to the top hole HV when the shielding cover 800 is attached to the module case 300. The shielding hole OCH may be pre-formed to penetrate the first sheet cover 810 in the thickness direction. That is, the shielding hole OCH may be configured to have an open shape formed by cutting out a portion of the first sheet cover 810.

[0191] Furthermore, the blocking hole OCH may be larger than the top hole HV. For example, as shown in Fig. 16, the horizontal length of the blocking hole OCH may be longer than the horizontal length of the top hole HV. In this case, the vent gas discharged from the top hole HV is smoothly released to the outside of the battery module through the blocking hole OCH.

[0192] The second seat cover 820 may be disposed in contact with the underside of the first seat cover 810. For example, the second seat cover 820 may be bonded to the first seat cover 810. Furthermore, the second seat cover 820 may have the above-described notch line OCL formed at a position corresponding to the blocking hole OCH of the first seat cover 810. Therefore, in a normal state, the top hole HV of the module case 300 may be closed by the second seat cover 820 without communicating with the blocking hole OCH of the first seat cover 810. If the internal pressure increases and gas or fire is applied through the top hole HV of the module case 300, the notch line OCL may burst or split, and the top hole HV may be opened and communicate with the blocking hole OCH of the first seat cover 810.

[0193] The second seat cover 820 may be made of a flame-resistant material, similar to the first seat cover 810. For example, the second seat cover 820 may be made of a mica material.

[0194] The third seat cover 830 may be disposed in contact with the underside of the second seat cover 820. The third seat cover 830 may be attached in direct contact with the outside of the module case 300. The third seat cover 830 may be made of an electrically insulating material such as plastic. For example, the third seat cover 830 may be made of a polyurethane material. The third seat cover 830 may be adhered to the module case 300 and / or the second seat cover 820. Furthermore, adhesive may be applied to both sides of the third seat cover 830 to bond the module case 300 and the second seat cover 820. The third seat cover 830 may also have a waterproof or dustproof function that prevents moisture, dust, etc. from entering the top hole HV from outside the module case 300.

[0195] The third sheet cover 830 may be made of a material with a lower melting point than the first sheet cover 810 and the second sheet cover 820. Therefore, if a flame or the like occurs at the top hole HV of the module case 300, it can be melted or burned away and removed. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 14, even if a separate hole is not formed in the third sheet cover 830, the flame or the like can be ejected from the top hole HV toward the blocking hole OCH.

[0196] According to this embodiment, in the area where the top hole HV is not formed, the first sheet cover 810 and the second sheet cover 820tp function as a composite layer to block fire. Therefore, the fire blocking performance is improved in the area other than the top hole HV. Therefore, it is possible to prevent or suppress the battery cells 110 inside the battery module from being affected by flames emitted from other battery modules or other parts of the battery module.

[0197] In addition, in the present embodiment, the notch lines OCL are formed in the relatively thin second sheet cover 820, which makes it easy to form the notch lines OCL in a sheet member such as mica. Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, when the internal pressure of the module case 300 increases, the thin second sheet cover 820 quickly ruptures, allowing flames and gases to be quickly and smoothly exhausted through the top holes HV.

[0198] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first sheet cover 810 and the second sheet cover 820 are included in the blocking cover 800 in the form of a composite layer, so that the thickness of the second sheet cover 820 can be reduced while still maintaining a certain level of overall thickness of the blocking cover 800. Therefore, a stable blocking configuration for external flames and a quick opening configuration when internal pressure increases can be easily achieved.

[0199] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the second seat cover 820 having the notch line OCL formed therein is disposed below the first seat cover 810. In this case, even if flames or gases emitted from other battery modules or the like flow along the outer surface of the first seat cover 810, the second seat cover 820 located inside it is unlikely to rupture. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively prevent flames or gases from a battery module in which a thermal event has occurred from rupturing or damaging the second seat covers 820 of other battery modules and from entering the interiors of other battery modules.

[0200] As shown in FIG. 14, the first seat cover 810, the second seat cover 820 and / or the third seat cover 830 may be folded so as to enclose the top surface and the left and right side surfaces of the module case 300.

[0201] A battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a spacer, such as the portion indicated by FR in FIGS.

[0202] The spacer FR may be disposed on the upper part of the blocking cover 800. For example, the spacer FR may be attached to the upper surface of the first seat cover 810. Furthermore, the spacer FR may be configured to protrude upward from the blocking cover 800.

[0203] A plurality of spacers FR may be provided and arranged spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction on the upper portion of the shielding cover 800. The spacers FR may be located on the surface of the shielding cover 800 in the spaces between the opening / closing portions OC.

[0204] The spacer FR may be made of an elastic material such as foam, for example, a silicone material.

[0205] According to this embodiment, when a flame or gas is generated and released from the top hole HV, the shielding cover 800 can be prevented from moving toward the pack housing PH. For example, when a battery module such as that shown in FIG. 15 is housed in the pack housing PH, the upper cover of the pack housing PH may be positioned above the battery module. When a flame or gas is discharged from the battery module through the top hole HV and the shielding hole OCH, the discharge pressure may push the shielding cover 800 upward. If the shielding cover 800 is pushed upward excessively, the flame or gas may flow into the space between the shielding cover 800 and the module case 300, and may stagnate in the space between the shielding cover 800 and the module case 300 instead of being able to escape to the outside of the shielding cover 800. However, in this embodiment, the spacer FR prevents the shielding cover 800 from being pushed upward toward the pack housing PH beyond a certain level, thereby preventing this problem. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to ensure sufficient and stable discharge performance of vent gas, flames, etc. through the top hole HV and the shutoff hole OCH.

[0206] 17 and 18 are a perspective view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, schematically illustrating a partial configuration of a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. For example, Fig. 17 is an enlarged view of a portion of shielding cover 800 where one opening / closing portion OC is formed, which is a modified version of portion A7 in Fig. 10. Also, Fig. 18 is a view showing the cross-sectional structure of the upper side of a battery module to which the embodiment of Fig. 17 is applied, which is a modified version of portion A9 in Fig. 15.

[0207] 17 and 18, in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, the blocking cover 800 may have a blocking protrusion configured to protrude upward, as indicated by OCW. The blocking protrusion OCW may be formed around the opening / closing part OC. For example, if the opening / closing part OC is formed in a substantially elliptical shape, the blocking protrusion OCW may be formed in a ring shape along the outer periphery of the ellipse.

[0208] According to this embodiment, it is possible to more reliably prevent the opening / closing portion OC of the shielding cover 800 from being opened by an external flame, vent gas, or the like. For example, referring to the embodiment of FIG. 18 , flame, vent gas, or the like discharged from another battery module or another opening / closing portion OC may flow along the outer surface of the shielding cover 800, particularly the first sheet cover 810. In this case, the flame, or the like flowing along the outer surface of the shielding cover 800, may collide with the shielding protrusion OCW as indicated by the arrow and be redirected upward. In particular, this redirection can prevent the flame, or the like, from moving toward the opening / closing portion OC of the shielding cover 800, particularly the notch line OCL of the second sheet cover 820. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the opening / closing portion OC of the shielding cover 800 from being opened by an external flame, or the like, and effectively prevent the spread of the flame, or the like, between cells or modules.

[0209] The blocking protrusion OCW may be formed on the upper surface of the first seat cover 810. In this case, the blocking protrusion OCW may be provided during the process of forming the blocking hole OCH in the first seat cover 810. For example, in order to form the blocking hole OCH in the first seat cover 810, a piercing press may be penetrated from below to above, thereby forming the blocking hole OCH and intentionally forming a burr on the outer periphery of the blocking hole OCH. The burr may then be formed to protrude upward from the outer periphery of the blocking hole OCH, thereby functioning as a blocking protrusion.

[0210] 2 and 3, a plurality of taping members 120 are attached to the upper sealing portion S2U of each battery cell 110 included in the cell assembly 100, spaced apart in the front-rear direction. The plurality of taping members 120 are attached with the same adhesive strength. However, the plurality of taping members 120 attached to one battery cell 110 may be attached with different adhesive strengths. This will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 19.

[0211] FIG. 19 is a view schematically illustrating a configuration of a battery cell 110 and a taping member 120 included in a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0212] 19, the plurality of taping members 120 attached to the upper sealing portion S2U of the battery cell 110 may be configured to have at least some different adhesive strengths. For example, as shown in FIG. 19, a first tape T1, a second tape T2, and a third tape T3 may be attached in the front-to-rear direction to the upper sealing portion S2U of the battery cell 110. Here, the first tape T1 and the third tape T3 are the taping members 120 located at the front and rear ends of the upper sealing portion S2U of the battery cell 110 and may be disposed near the front and rear sealing portions. The second tape T2 may be located between the first tape T1 and the third tape T3.

[0213] In this case, the adhesive strength of the first tape T1 and the third tape T3 located at the outer periphery may be configured to be different from the adhesive strength of the other taping member 120, i.e., the second tape T2. In particular, the adhesive strength of the first tape T1 and the third tape T3 located at the outer periphery may be configured to be stronger than the adhesive strength of the second tape T2, which is the other taping member 120. In other words, the adhesive strength of the second tape T2 located in the center may be configured to be weaker than the first tape T1 and the third tape T3.

[0214] Here, varying the adhesive strength between the plurality of taping members 120 can be achieved by varying the size of the taping members 120. For example, as shown in FIG. 19, the first tape T1 and the third tape T3 may have a larger adhesive area than the second tape T2. In this case, the plurality of taping members 120 may be formed with the same material and properties, and the adhesive strength may be varied simply by adjusting the size. As another example, varying the adhesive strength between the plurality of taping members 120 can be achieved by varying the amount or type of adhesive used in the taping members 120. For example, the first tape T1 and the third tape T3 may be attached to the upper sealing portion S2U of the battery cell 110 using an adhesive with stronger adhesive strength than the second tape T2.

[0215] According to this embodiment of the present invention, when gas or flame is emitted from inside the battery cell 110, the direction of the emission can be guided to a specific portion of the upper sealing portion S2U. In particular, when the adhesive strength of the second tape T2 located in the center is weaker than the adhesive strength of the first tape T1 and the third tape T3 located on the periphery, as in the embodiment of FIG. 19 , when flame is emitted from inside the battery cell 110, it is likely to be emitted from the center portion of the upper sealing portion S2U of the battery cell 110 rather than from a portion close to the electrode lead 111. Furthermore, when the internal pressure of the battery cell 110 increases, flame is likely to be emitted first from the untaped section between the taping members 120 in the upper sealing portion S2U of the battery cell 110. Furthermore, if the amount of flame or gas emitted increases, the tarp-attached section may also be opened, allowing flame to be emitted. In this case, the second tape T2 located in the center is likely to burst or separate from the pouch exterior material first, rather than the first tape T1 or the third tape T3. Therefore, flames and the like are likely to be directed toward the top hole HV provided at the top of the battery cell 110, and are prevented from being directed toward the side of the battery module where the electrode lead 111 is located, particularly toward the front where the module terminal 200 is located.

[0216] FIG. 20 is a view schematically illustrating a configuration of a battery cell 110 and a taping member 120 included in a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0217] 20, the taping member 120 may have inclined ends. For example, in the embodiment of Fig. 20, the first tape T1 and the third tape T3 may have inclined lower ends of the portions attached to the pouch exterior material of the battery cell 110, such as the portions indicated by A10 and A10', that are inclined in a manner such that they are higher in a specific direction.

[0218] In particular, the taping member 120 may be configured such that its attachment length gradually decreases toward the center. For example, the first tape T1 disposed at the front may be configured such that its vertical length decreases toward the rear (-X-axis direction) toward the center, as shown by the portion A10. The third tape T3 disposed at the rear may be configured such that its vertical length decreases toward the front (+X-axis direction) toward the center, as shown by the portion A10'.

[0219] According to this embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to control which part of a single taping member 120 is damaged or separated first. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 20, the adhesive strength of the rear portion of the first tape T1 is weak, so the rear portion may be separated from the outer surface of the battery cell 110 first. Therefore, when a fire or gas is emitted from inside the battery cell 110, the central portion of the upper sealing portion S2U of the battery cell 110 may be opened first rather than the front corner where the electrode leads 111 are located. Similarly, in the case of the third tape T3, the central portion of the upper sealing portion S2U of the battery cell 110 may be opened first rather than the rear corner where the electrode leads 111 are located. Therefore, in this case, the fire or gas is guided to erupt upward from the central portion of the upper sealing portion S2U of the battery cell 110, and eruptions toward the front or rear where the electrode leads 111 are located can be minimized.

[0220] Furthermore, the battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a compression pad, such as the portion indicated by CP in FIG.

[0221] The compression pads CP may be disposed between at least some of the battery cells 110 and / or on the outer periphery of the stack in the cell assembly 100. For example, the compression pads CP may be configured in a form in which they are disposed every four battery cells 110 in the plurality of battery cells 110 stacked in the left-right direction.

[0222] Such a compression pad CP may include an elastic material so as to absorb swelling of the battery cell 110. For example, the compression pad CP may be made of a foam material such as polyurethane. Alternatively, the compression pad CP may include a material capable of blocking heat, flames, etc. For example, the compression pad CP may include a heat insulating material or a fire-retarding material such as silicon mica.

[0223] Other battery modules of the present invention may include an expansion member 500.

[0224] The expansion member 500 may be disposed in front of the cell assembly 100 within the internal space of the module case 300. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the expansion member 500 may be disposed in the internal space defined by the monoframe and the end frame 320, and may be located in the +X-axis direction, which is in front of the cell assembly 100.

[0225] The expansion member 500 can be configured to expand in volume due to heat and fill at least a portion of the internal space of the module case 300. This will be described in more detail with further reference to FIGS.

[0226] Fig. 21 is a diagram schematically illustrating the internal front side configuration of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 22 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the front side configuration of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 23 is a diagram illustrating one form in which the expansion member 500 in the configuration of Fig. 22 is expanded.

[0227] 21 to 23, the expansion member 500 may be disposed in front of the cell assembly 100 and configured to cover at least a portion of the front surface of the cell assembly 100. For example, as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the front of the cell assembly 100 may be covered by the expansion member 500 in the interior space of the module case 300. The expansion member 500 disposed in front of the cell assembly 100 may be configured to expand in response to heat. For example, when thermal runaway occurs inside the cell assembly 100, heat may be transferred from the cell assembly 100 to the expansion member 500. At this time, the expansion member 500 expands in volume due to the transferred heat, thereby filling at least a portion of the empty space located in front of the cell assembly 100, as shown in FIG. 23. Furthermore, the expansion member 500 may be configured to fill the empty space between the front frame 320F and the cell assembly 100. For example, the expansion member 500 may expand to fill at least a portion of the area indicated by B1 in FIG. 22.

[0228] According to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent or reduce exposure of flames, heat, electrode waste, etc. to the front of the battery module where the module terminal 200 is located due to the expansion of the expansion member 500.

[0229] Furthermore, in this embodiment, by preventing electrode waste from being discharged toward the module terminal 200, it is possible to prevent the electrode waste from adhering to the module terminal 200 or the bus bars between modules, thereby preventing an internal short circuit in the battery module or battery pack. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, by preventing flames, heat, and the like from being directed toward the front frame 320F when the expansion member 500 expands, it is possible to prevent the front frame 320F and the like from being melted by flames, etc. Therefore, even when a flame breaks out inside the battery module, structural collapse of the module case 300 can be minimized.

[0230] The expansion member 500 may include a material that foams upon heating. For example, the expansion member 500 may include a material that begins to foam at temperatures above 200°C. Furthermore, the expansion member 500 may be configured to foam upon exposure to a flame or hot gases that provide such temperature conditions. As a specific example, the expansion member 500 may include a carbon-based material and be configured to foam upon heating.

[0231] According to this embodiment, when a flame or high-temperature gas is generated due to thermal runaway or the like on the cell assembly 100 side, the space in front of the cell assembly 100 can be quickly filled. Therefore, the exposure of the flame or the like in front of the cell assembly 100 can be quickly blocked or suppressed.

[0232] The expansion member 500 may be positioned a predetermined distance away from the electrode lead 111 of the cell assembly 100 .

[0233] For example, the expansion member 500 may be spaced apart from the electrode lead 111 by a certain distance, as shown by B1 in Fig. 22. That is, the expansion member 500 may be disposed in the internal space of the module case 300 so as not to come into direct contact with the electrode lead 111.

[0234] According to this embodiment, an electrically conductive material may be used for the expansion member 500. That is, even if the expansion member 500 includes an electrically conductive substance, the electrode lead 111 and the expansion member 500 are not in direct contact with each other, and therefore problems such as short circuits due to direct contact between them can be prevented.

[0235] The expansion member 500 may also be at least partially insulatively coated. In particular, at least a portion of the expansion member 500 facing the cell assembly 100 may be coated with an electrically insulating material.

[0236] For example, referring to the embodiment of Figure 22, the expansion member 500 may be coated with a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) material on the surface facing the cell assembly 100, i.e., the rear surface. However, the insulating coating layer may also include a variety of other materials.

[0237] This embodiment is advantageous in ensuring electrical insulation for the expansion member 500. For example, in this case, it is possible to prevent electrical problems such as short circuits caused by direct contact between the expansion member 500 and the electrode lead 111 or other electrical components. In particular, a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may be installed in a vehicle that is exposed to vibrations and impacts during use. In this case, this embodiment can prevent problems such as short circuits from occurring even when the expansion member 500 temporarily comes into contact with the electrode lead 111 due to vibrations or impacts.

[0238] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 22, the battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include an insulating cover 900, particularly a front insulating cover 900F.

[0239] The front insulating cover 900F may include an electrically insulating material. For example, the front insulating cover 900F may include a polymer material such as plastic. As a more specific example, the front insulating cover 900F may include a modified polyphenylene oxide (MPPO) material.

[0240] The front insulating cover 900F may be interposed between the front of the cell assembly 100 and the module case 300. That is, the front insulating cover 900F may be interposed between the cell assembly 100 and the front frame 320F. Therefore, electrical insulation between the cell assembly 100 and the front frame 320F can be ensured. In particular, electrical components such as the electrode lead 111 may be located in front of the cell assembly 100. The front frame 320F may be made of an electrically conductive material such as aluminum. In this case, the front insulating cover 900F made of an electrically insulating material is interposed between the electrode lead 111 of the cell assembly 100 and the front frame 320F, thereby providing electrical insulation therebetween.

[0241] The expansion member 500 may be attached to the inner surface of the front insulating cover 900F. That is, the expansion member 500 may be attached to the rear surface of the front insulating cover 900F using double-sided tape or the like. In this case, the front insulating cover 900F may be configured to provide a space in which the expansion member 500 is attached. For example, the rear surface of the front insulating cover 900F may have a flat portion to which the expansion member 500 can be attached. In this case, the expansion member 500 may be stably positioned inside the module case 300. In particular, it is preferable that the expansion member 500 be spaced a certain distance from the electrode leads 111 of the cell assembly 100, and in this embodiment, the distance between the expansion member 500 and the electrode leads 111 can be stably secured.

[0242] Meanwhile, the front insulating cover 900F may be made of a polymer material, which may melt or burn away in a high-temperature flame. However, in one embodiment of the present invention, even if the front insulating cover 900F melts or burns away in front of the cell assembly 100, the expansion member 500 can foam or expand to block the front of the cell assembly 100. Furthermore, when the expansion member 500 expands, it can prevent flames from moving toward the front insulating cover 900F, thereby minimizing melting or burning of the front insulating cover 900F.

[0243] The front insulating cover 900F can be fastened to the module case 300 by a protrusion structure, which will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.

[0244] 24 is an exploded and enlarged perspective view of a portion of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, particularly showing the front frame 320F and the front insulating cover 900F separated from each other.

[0245] 24, the module case 300, particularly the front frame 320F, may have front fastening holes formed therein, as indicated by HLF. The front insulating cover 900F may have front fastening protrusions formed therein, as indicated by PLF. Here, the front fastening protrusions PLF may be inserted into the front fastening holes HLF when assembling the battery module. A plurality of front fastening protrusions PLF may be formed on the front insulating cover 900F. A plurality of front fastening holes HLF may also be formed on the front frame 320F to correspond to the plurality of front fastening protrusions PLF.

[0246] Furthermore, the front fastening protrusions PLF may be inserted in a manner that penetrates the front frame 320F from the inside to the outside. The outer ends of the front fastening protrusions PLF, exposed to the outside of the front frame 320F, may be thicker than the penetrating portions. That is, the outer ends of the front fastening protrusions PLF may be formed larger than the front fastening holes HLF. In this case, the thickened portions of the outer ends may be formed by applying heat and pressure together after the front fastening protrusions PLF are inserted into the front fastening holes HLF.

[0247] According to this embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to ensure a stable joining force between the front frame 320F and the front insulating cover 900F, and in this case, it is possible to prevent the front insulating cover 900F and the expansion member 500 attached thereto from moving toward the electrode lead 111 and coming into contact with the electrode lead 111, etc.

[0248] The expansion member 500 may be configured to close the front fastening holes HLF when inflated. First, the expansion member 500 may be located at a position that allows it to close the front fastening holes HLF when inflated. The expansion member 500 may be located at a position that covers the front fastening holes HLF on the YZ plane when inflated. Furthermore, the expansion member 500 may have a shape or structure that allows it to close the front fastening holes HLF when inflated. In particular, the expansion member 500 may have a position and shape that covers the front fastening holes HLF on the YZ plane even before inflation.

[0249] As a more specific example, when a plurality of front fastening holes HLF are formed in the front frame 320F, the expansion member 500 may be configured to close all of the plurality of front fastening holes HLF in the expanded state.

[0250] According to this embodiment of the present invention, even if at least a portion of the front insulating cover 900F melts or burns, it is possible to prevent flames, high-temperature gases, electrode waste, and the like from being ejected to the front of the battery module through the front fastening holes HLF. In particular, in a normal state, the front fastening holes HLF are blocked by the front fastening protrusions PLF of the front insulating cover 900F. However, if the front insulating cover 900F melts or burns due to high heat caused by a flame or the like, the front fastening holes HLF may open. However, the expansion member 500 prevents the front fastening holes HLF from opening, thereby reliably limiting the external exposure of flames and the like through the front fastening holes HLF.

[0251] The expansion member 500 may be configured to block flames and gases from flowing toward the module terminal 200. This will be described in more detail with further reference to FIG.

[0252] 25 is an enlarged view showing a partial configuration of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, for example, FIG. 25 is an enlarged view showing the upper configuration of FIG.

[0253] 25 along with FIGS. 22 and 23, the expansion member 500 may expand when flames or gases are emitted from the cell assembly 100. In particular, the module terminal 200 is located at the upper front side, and an empty space may exist below the module terminal 200, as shown by B2 in FIG. 25. However, if thermal runaway occurs in the cell assembly 100 and the expansion member 500 expands, at least a portion of the empty space B2 below the module terminal 200 may be filled by the expansion member 500.

[0254] In this case, even if a flame or the like moves from the cell assembly 100 toward the module terminal 200, as shown by arrow B3 in Figure 25, the already expanded expandable member 500 can prevent the movement of such a flame. In particular, although a terminal hole HT may be present on the module terminal 200 side, the expandable member 500 in its expanded state can prevent flame, gas, electrode emissions, and the like from being discharged to the outside toward the terminal hole HT. Therefore, according to this embodiment, heat or flame propagation between modules and short-circuiting of the electrical connection structure between modules can be more effectively prevented.

[0255] The expansion member 500 may be configured to expand in all directions upon heating, as will be more particularly described with further reference to FIG.

[0256] FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating an example expansion configuration of an expansion member 500 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0257] Referring to FIG. 26, the expansion member 500 may be in the form of a sheet that is erected with its two wide surfaces facing the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction). In this case, the expansion member 500 may include a material that expands not only in the front-to-back direction (i.e., thickness direction), but also in all directions, including up, down, left, and right. For example, as indicated by six arrows in FIG. 26, the expansion member 500 may expand in all directions, including the +X direction, -X direction, +Y direction, -Y direction, +Z direction, and -Z direction. That is, the sheet-like expansion member 500 may be configured to be expandable in all directions, including directions parallel to the surface (directions parallel to the YZ plane) and directions perpendicular to the surface (±X-axis direction). Furthermore, when the expansion member 500 is expanded using a thermal foaming method, it may be made of a material that expands in all directions.

[0258] According to this embodiment, the empty space inside the module case 300 can be filled when the expansion member 500 expands, without requiring a special shape or structure for the expansion member 500 in the normal state. Therefore, the expansion member 500 and the internal space of the module case 300 equipped with such an expansion member 500 can be easily manufactured. In addition, the flame blocking effect of the expansion member 500 can be stably secured.

[0259] The expansion member 500 may be formed in the form of a sheet of a single material. However, the present invention is not limited to this form, and the expansion member 500 may be formed in various other forms. In particular, the expansion member 500 may be formed in the form of a composite sheet made of different materials. This will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 27.

[0260] FIG. 27 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of an expansion member 500 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0261] 27, the expansion member 500 may include two sheets, namely, a first expansion sheet 510 and a second expansion sheet 520. Here, the first expansion sheet 510 and the second expansion sheet 520 may be made of different materials. Furthermore, the first expansion sheet 510 may be configured to specialize in expansion, and the second expansion sheet 520 may be configured to specialize in fire protection. In this case, the second expansion sheet 520 may be made of a material with a higher melting point than the first expansion sheet 510. Furthermore, the first expansion sheet 510 and the second expansion sheet 520 may be made of materials with different electrical conductivities. Furthermore, the first expansion sheet 510 may be made of an electrically conductive material, and the second expansion sheet 520 may be made of an electrically insulating material.

[0262] As a representative example, the first expansion sheet 510 may be made of a material that expands when heated, such as a graphite-based expansion material, and the second expansion sheet may be made of a mica material.

[0263] The first and second inflatable sheets 510, 520 may have different thicknesses. For example, the first inflatable sheet 510 may have a thickness of 3 mm, and the second inflatable sheet 520 may have a thickness of 1 mm.

[0264] The first expansion sheet 510 and the second expansion sheet 520 may be stacked together in the thickness direction. In particular, the second expansion sheet 520 may be located inside the first expansion sheet 510. In particular, when the expansion member 500 is located in front of the cell assembly 100, the second expansion sheet 520 may be stacked behind the first expansion sheet 510. In this case, the second expansion sheet 520 directly faces the electrode lead 111 side of the cell assembly 100, and the first expansion sheet 510 does not directly face the electrode lead 111 side.

[0265] According to this embodiment, even if the first expansion sheet 510 is made of a graphite-based material and is configured to have electrical conductivity, the second expansion sheet 520, which has electrical insulation, can prevent the first expansion sheet 510 from coming into direct contact with the electrode lead 111, etc. Therefore, electrical insulation between the first expansion sheet 510 and the electrode lead 111 can be stably ensured.

[0266] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, even if flames or high-temperature gases are ejected forward from the cell assembly 100, the second inflatable sheet 520 can primarily block the flames from moving toward the first inflatable sheet 510. Therefore, the first inflatable sheet 510 is not immediately burned by the flames, and stable foaming or expansion is possible.

[0267] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the overall thickness of the expansion member 500 can be reduced. For example, according to this embodiment, the expansion space of the first expansion sheet 510 is reduced by the space occupied by the second expansion sheet 520, so the space in front of the cell assembly 100 can be filled more quickly and reliably without increasing the thickness of the first expansion sheet 510. Therefore, even if the expansion member 500 is thin-walled, the performance of the expansion member 500 in sealing the space in front of the cell assembly 100 and blocking forward flame discharge can be more effectively ensured.

[0268] Fig. 28 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of an expansion member 500 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. In particular, Fig. 28(a) is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the expansion member 500 before expansion, and Fig. 28(b) is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the expansion member 500 after expansion.

[0269] Referring to Fig. 28, the expansion member 500 may be made of different materials in the vertical direction. For example, while two sheet members are stacked in the thickness direction in the embodiment of Fig. 27 described above, two sheet members may be stacked in the planar direction in the embodiment of Fig. 28. In particular, the two sheet members, i.e., the first expansion sheet 510 and the second expansion sheet 520, may be stacked in the vertical direction with their edges abutting. In this case, the first expansion sheet 510 may be stacked above the second expansion sheet 520. Therefore, the first expansion sheet 510 may also be referred to as the upper expansion sheet, and the second expansion sheet 520 may also be referred to as the lower expansion sheet.

[0270] The first and second inflatable sheets 510, 520 may be made of different materials. In particular, the first and second inflatable sheets 510, 520 may have different coefficients of thermal expansion. Furthermore, the first inflatable sheet 510 may have a greater coefficient of thermal expansion than the second inflatable sheet 520.

[0271] For example, as shown in Figure 28(a), the first inflatable sheet 510 and the second inflatable sheet 520 may have the same or similar thickness before expansion. However, the first inflatable sheet 510 and the second inflatable sheet 520 may have different thicknesses after expansion, as shown in Figure 28(b). In particular, the first inflatable sheet 510 may be configured to have a greater coefficient of thermal expansion than the second inflatable sheet 520.

[0272] That is, as shown by the dotted arrow in Figure 28(a), when heat is applied from the cell assembly 100 side, the first inflatable sheet 510 may expand in the thickness direction as shown by arrow B4 in Figure 28(b). Then, the second inflatable sheet 520 may expand in the thickness direction as shown by arrow B4' in Figure 28(b). At this time, the expansion rate of the first inflatable sheet 510 in the thickness direction may be greater than the expansion rate of the second inflatable sheet 520 in the thickness direction. That is, the first inflatable sheet 510 after expansion may be thicker than the second inflatable sheet 520.

[0273] According to this embodiment, the expansion rate of the expansion member 500 is configured to vary in parts, thereby suppressing or guiding the movement of flames and the like to specific parts. For example, as shown in Fig. 28, if the first expansion sheet 510 stacked on the upper layer expands more thickly, as shown by arrow B5 in (b), when flames and electrode emissions traveling from the inside to the outside (+X-axis direction) hit the expansion member 500 and are reflected upward, the reflection angle may be less than 90°. That is, in this embodiment, the flames and electrode emissions are reflected in a bent state toward the rear (-X-axis direction), further suppressing the forward emission of flames and the like.

[0274] 28, the two expansion sheets stacked vertically have the same initial thickness and are made of materials with different expansion rates, but the expansion member 500 may have different thicknesses after expansion in other ways, as will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.

[0275] Fig. 29 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of an expansion member 500 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. In particular, Fig. 29(a) is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the expansion member 500 before expansion, and Fig. 29(b) is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the expansion member 500 after expansion.

[0276] 29(a), the first inflatable sheet 510 and the second inflatable sheet 520 may be configured to have different thicknesses before expansion. That is, the thickness of the first inflatable sheet 510 located at the upper level is indicated by B6, and the thickness of the second inflatable sheet 520 located at the lower level is indicated by B6'. In this case, B6 and B6' may be different values, and the relationship B6>B6' may be satisfied.

[0277] As indicated by the dotted arrows, when heat is applied from the cell assembly 100 side, the first and second inflatable sheets 510 and 520 may expand in the thickness direction. At this time, as shown in FIG. 29(b), the first and second inflatable sheets 510 and 520 may have different thicknesses after expansion. That is, the first inflatable sheet 510 may have a thickness B7, and the second inflatable sheet 520 may have a thickness B7', so that they have different thicknesses. In particular, B7 and B7' have a relationship of B7 > B7', and the thickness of the first inflatable sheet 510 after expansion may be thicker than the thickness of the second inflatable sheet 520 after expansion.

[0278] Even with this configuration, as in the embodiment of FIG. 28 described above, it is possible to suppress or guide the movement of flames, particles, etc. in a specific direction. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first inflatable sheet 510 and the second inflatable sheet 520 do not need to have different expansion coefficients, and therefore can be made of the same material. In addition, the first inflatable sheet 510 and the second inflatable sheet 520 can be manufactured in an integrated form, eliminating the need for a process of manufacturing and joining them separately. Therefore, in this case, manufacturing of the inflatable member 500 becomes easier, and structural stability can be ensured.

[0279] On the other hand, in the embodiment of Figures 28 and 29, the configuration in which the expansion member 500 expands in the thickness direction has been described, but as described above, the expansion member 500 may also expand in a planar direction (YZ plane).

[0280] Furthermore, when the battery module includes a bus bar assembly 400, the expansion member 500 may be located at a predetermined distance from the front bus bar assembly 400. For example, the expansion member 500 may be located at a predetermined distance forward from the bus bar terminal 410 or the bus bar housing 420, as shown by B1 in FIG. 22 . That is, in a normal state where no thermal runaway occurs, a space may be formed between the expansion member 500 and the bus bar assembly 400. When thermal runaway occurs and the expansion member 500 expands, the space may be filled by the expansion member 500. For example, the expansion member 500 may be configured to foam due to heat and fill the space between the bus bar assembly 400 and the insulating cover 900.

[0281] According to this embodiment, even if the expansion member 500 includes an electrically conductive material, it is possible to ensure electrical insulation between the expansion member 500 and the bus bar terminal 410. In addition, in this case, even if an external impact or vibration is applied, it is possible to prevent the expansion member 500 from coming into contact with the bus bar assembly 400, thereby preventing damage to the bus bar assembly 400.

[0282] The busbar housing 420 of the front busbar assembly 400 may include a front housing protrusion, which is described more particularly with further reference to FIG.

[0283] 30 is a diagram schematically illustrating a partial configuration of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which the front frame 320F and the front insulating cover 900F are removed from the front of the battery module, and the expansion member 500 is moved further forward of the bus bar assembly 400.

[0284] 30 , the front bus bar assembly 400 may include a bus bar terminal 410 and a bus bar housing 420. In this case, the bus bar housing 420 may have a front housing protrusion indicated as PHF. The front housing protrusion PHF may protrude toward the expansion member 500 located in front. In particular, the bus bar terminal 410 may be attached to the bus bar housing 420, and the electrode lead 111 may be in contact with and coupled to the bus bar terminal 410 in a bent state. In this case, the front housing protrusion PHF may protrude further forward than the bus bar terminal 410 and the electrode lead 111 in contact therewith.

[0285] According to this embodiment of the present invention, in a normal state, direct contact between the expansion member 500 and the bus bar terminals 410 and the electrode leads 111, which are components for electrical connection, can be more reliably prevented. In particular, even if the expansion member 500 is made of an electrically conductive material, the front housing protrusion PHF can stably ensure the separation distance between the expansion member 500 and the bus bar terminals 410 and the electrode leads 111.

[0286] 22 , the front housing protrusion PHF may be configured to protrude toward the expansion member 500 in a space between the bus bar terminal 410 or the electrode lead 111 and the expansion member 500, as shown by the portion B1. In this case, the front end of the front housing protrusion PHF may be positioned a predetermined distance away from the inner surface of the expansion member 500 without directly contacting the inner surface of the expansion member 500. In this case, the tolerance between the expansion member 500 and the bus bar assembly 400 can be stably ensured.

[0287] As another example, the front end of the front housing protrusion PHF may directly contact the inner surface of the expansion member 500. In this case, the expansion member 500 can more stably maintain its position inside the module case 300 even when subjected to external vibrations or impacts.

[0288] In addition, the front housing protrusion portion PHF may be elongated in the vertical direction. In particular, since the bus bar terminals 410 attached to the bus bar housing 420 are elongated in the vertical direction, the front housing protrusion portion PHF may be elongated in the vertical direction, similar to the bus bar terminals 410.

[0289] In addition, a plurality of bus bar terminals 410 may be arranged in the bus bar housing 420 at a distance from one another in the left-right direction. In this case, the front housing protrusion portions PHF may be interposed between adjacent bus bar terminals 410, as shown in FIG. 30 . Furthermore, a plurality of front housing protrusion portions PHF may be arranged in the horizontal direction in the bus bar housing 420. In this case, a stable separation distance can be maintained between the entire bus bar terminals 410 and the expansion member 500. In addition, in this case, a stable physical separation state between adjacent bus bar terminals 410 can be ensured.

[0290] The expansion member 500 may be configured such that a lower end thereof is positioned higher than a lower end of the bus bar terminal 410 .

[0291] 22, the lower end of the expansion member 500 in its normal, unexpanded state may be positioned higher than the lower end of the bus bar terminal 410 by an amount indicated by B8. In other words, the lower end of the bus bar terminal 410 may be positioned lower than the lower end of the expansion member 500.

[0292] According to this embodiment, it is possible to improve the electrical insulation between the expansion member 500 and the bus bar terminal 410. In particular, if electrolyte leaks from the cell assembly 100 or moisture enters the interior of the module case 300, the electrolyte or moisture may accumulate at the bottom of the module case 300. In this case, if the height of the lower end of the expansion member 500 is configured to be higher than the lower end of the bus bar terminal 410, it is possible to prevent electrical conduction between the bus bar terminal 410 and the expansion member 500 even if electrolyte accumulates to a predetermined height. Therefore, it is possible to improve the electrical safety of the battery module even in the event of leakage of electrolyte or inflow of moisture.

[0293] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, if the expansion member 500 is provided in front of the cell assembly 100, flames and gases can be discharged to the upper surface side through the top hole HV without heading toward the expansion member 500. In this case, only heat is first transferred to the expansion member 500, allowing the expansion member 500 to expand sufficiently. Furthermore, gas or flames can be ejected first to the expansion member 500 before the expansion member 500 expands, preventing the expansion member 500 from being separated by the gas or flames or the flames from leaking into the empty space before expansion.

[0294] Furthermore, a rear hole may be formed in the module case 300. This will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS.

[0295] Fig. 31 is a perspective view showing the rear side of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 32 is a view showing a part of the configuration of Fig. 31 in an exploded manner.

[0296] 31 and 32, a rear hole may be formed in the module case 300, as shown in the portion indicated by HR on the opposite side of the portion where the module terminal 200 is provided, i.e., rearward. Similar to the top hole HV, this rear hole HR may be provided so as to communicate with the internal space of the module case 300.

[0297] According to this embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to control the direction of a flame or the like emanating from inside the battery module, which will be described in more detail with further reference to FIG.

[0298] FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a flame or the like is ejected from a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0299] 33, if a situation such as thermal runaway occurs in the cell assembly 100 housed inside the module case 300, flames, high-temperature vent gas, electrode emissions, etc. may be generated. If the flames, etc., reach a certain level, they may be discharged to the outside of the module case 300. In this case, in the case of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, the top hole HV is formed on the upper surface side and the rear hole HR is formed on the rear side, so that the flames can be guided upward and backward. That is, the flames, etc. may be discharged upward through the top hole HV as indicated by the solid arrow in FIG. 33, or may be discharged backward through the rear hole HR as indicated by the dotted arrow in FIG. 33.

[0300] Therefore, according to this embodiment of the present invention, the egress of flames forward of where module terminal 200 is located is suppressed or delayed.

[0301] Furthermore, in the present invention, the top holes HV and the rear holes HR can discharge flames and the like in different directions other than forward. More specifically, the top holes HV can discharge flames and the like vertically (upward), and the rear holes HR can discharge flames and the like horizontally (rearward). Therefore, by simultaneously discharging flames and the like upward and rearward, it is possible to disperse and discharge the flames to spaces other than the forward direction while minimizing forward discharge.

[0302] Furthermore, according to this embodiment of the present invention, when vent gas or flames are generated inside the battery module due to an event such as thermal runaway, the gas or flames can be smoothly discharged to the outside of the module case 300. Therefore, in an emergency, the internal pressure of the module case 300 can be quickly reduced to prevent the battery module from exploding, thereby improving the safety of the battery module.

[0303] Meanwhile, the end frame 320 may include a front frame 320F and a rear frame 320R.

[0304] Here, the front frame 320F may be configured to cover the front opening of the main body frame 310. The module terminals 200 may be attached to the front frame 320F. For example, the front frame 320F may provide a space or structure, such as a terminal hole, where the module terminals 200 are attached or exposed. The rear frame 320R may be configured to cover the rear opening of the main body frame 310. A rear hole HR may be formed in the rear frame 320R.

[0305] In this embodiment, flames, electrode exhaust, and the like inside the module case 300 can be exhausted upward and rearward through the top holes HV of the main body frame 310 and the rear holes HR of the rear frame 320R. No holes for exhausting flames, etc. are formed in the front frame 320F. In this case, flames, electrode exhaust, and the like are directed upward and rearward, not forward.

[0306] A plurality of rear holes HR may be formed in the rear frame 320R. For example, as shown in Fig. 31, a plurality of rear holes HR may be formed in the rear frame 320R in the horizontal and / or vertical directions. Furthermore, the plurality of rear holes HR may be formed in a substantially circular shape without any vertices. Furthermore, the plurality of rear holes HR may be arranged at predetermined distances from each other on the rear frame 320R.

[0307] According to this embodiment, the rearward flame exhaust through the multiple rear holes HR is performed more smoothly and quickly, and this embodiment also makes it possible to prevent damage to the rear holes HR or the rear frame 320R due to the exhaust pressure of the flame, gas, etc.

[0308] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 32, the battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a rear insulating cover 900R as the insulating cover 900.

[0309] The rear insulating cover 900R may include an electrically insulating material. For example, the rear insulating cover 900R may include a polymer material such as plastic. The rear insulating cover 900R may be interposed between the cell assembly 100 and the rear frame 320R. This ensures electrical insulation between the cell assembly 100 and the rear frame 320R. In particular, electrical components such as the electrode leads 111 may be located on the rear side of the cell assembly 100. The rear frame 320R may be made of an electrically conductive material such as aluminum. In this case, the rear insulating cover 900R made of an electrically insulating material is interposed between the electrode leads 111 of the cell assembly 100 and the rear frame 320R to provide electrical insulation therebetween.

[0310] The rear insulating cover 900R may be configured to close the rear hole HR of the module case 300. That is, one or more rear holes HR may be formed in the rear frame 320R, and the internal space of the module case 300 may be exposed to the outside. However, the rear insulating cover 900R can prevent the internal space of the module case 300 from being exposed to the outside. The rear insulating cover 900R is provided on the inside (front side) of the rear frame 320R and may close the rear hole HR from the inside.

[0311] 31, the rear insulating cover 900R can close the rear hole HR when the battery module is in a normal state, for example, when no flame or vent gas is generated inside the module case 300. In this case, it is possible to prevent components housed inside the module case 300, for example, the cell assemblies 100, from being exposed to the outside through the rear hole HR.

[0312] According to this embodiment, when the battery module is in a normal state, it is possible to prevent external foreign matter, such as dust or moisture, from penetrating into the internal space of the module case 300 through the rear hole HR. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent conductors, fingers, etc. from entering through the rear hole HR, thereby ensuring safety.

[0313] The rear insulating cover 900R may be in close contact with the inner surface of the rear frame 320R, thereby ensuring a larger accommodation space and venting space inside the module case 300. In addition, this further improves the effect of preventing the penetration of foreign matter.

[0314] The rear insulating cover 900R may be configured to at least partially expose the rear hole HR when discharging heat from the cell assembly 100. For example, if a fire occurs due to thermal runaway in some of the battery cells 110 included in the cell assembly 100, at least a portion of the rear hole HR may be opened.

[0315] When the rear insulating cover 900R opens the rear hole HR, the interior space of the module case 300 may be exposed to the outside through the rear hole HR. Therefore, the cell assembly 100 housed inside the module case 300 may be exposed to the outside through the rear hole HR.

[0316] In this embodiment, the rear insulating cover 900R opens the rear hole HR due to heat, which can be achieved by deforming or changing the shape or state of at least a portion of the rear insulating cover 900R due to heat. In particular, the rear insulating cover 900R can melt and / or burn away due to the heat and pressure of the flame generated during thermal runaway. Such melting or burning can cause the rear insulating cover 900R to no longer be able to completely close the rear hole HR and to separate from the rear hole HR, thereby opening the rear hole HR.

[0317] Therefore, the rear insulating cover 900R may include a plastic material that melts at a certain temperature or higher. In particular, the rear insulating cover 900R may be made of a heat-sensitive plastic material that melts when exposed to flames. For example, the rear insulating cover 900R may be made of polycarbonate (PC) material.

[0318] According to this embodiment, in the normal state of the battery module, the rear hole HR is completely closed, thereby stably ensuring waterproof and dustproof effects, electrical safety, etc. Furthermore, in an abnormal state in which a fire or the like occurs inside the battery module, the rear hole HR is opened, allowing the fire or the like generated inside the battery module to be smoothly discharged rearward. Therefore, the internal pressure of the battery module is quickly reduced to prevent the battery module from exploding, and the flame can be effectively prevented from escaping toward the front of the battery module where the module terminals 200 and the like are located.

[0319] The rear frame 320R may have rear fastening holes formed therein, as indicated by HLR in FIG. 32 . The rear insulating cover 900R may have rear fastening protrusions formed therein, as indicated by PLR. Here, the rear fastening protrusions PLR may be inserted into the rear fastening holes HLR when assembling the battery module. A plurality of rear fastening protrusions PLR may be formed on the rear insulating cover 900R. A plurality of rear fastening holes HLR may also be formed on the rear frame 320R to correspond to the plurality of rear fastening protrusions PLR.

[0320] Meanwhile, one or more rear holes HR may be formed in the rear frame 320R. In this case, the rear fastening holes HLR may be formed at positions different from the rear holes HR on the rear frame 320R. In particular, the rear fastening holes HLR may be formed at a distance from the rear holes HR on the rear frame 320R.

[0321] The rear fastening protrusions PLR may be inserted in a manner that penetrates the rear frame 320R from the inside to the outside. The outer ends of the rear fastening protrusions PLR that are exposed to the outside of the rear frame 320R may be thicker than the penetrating portions. That is, the outer ends of the rear fastening protrusions PLR may be formed larger than the rear fastening holes HLR. In this case, the thickened portions of the outer ends may be formed by applying heat and pressure together after the rear fastening protrusions PLR are inserted into the rear fastening holes HLR.

[0322] According to this embodiment of the present invention, the coupling force between the rear frame 320R and the rear insulating cover 900R can be stably secured. In addition, in this case, the rear insulating cover 900R can be prevented from moving toward the electrode lead 111 and coming into contact with the electrode lead 111, etc. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the rear insulating cover 900R or the electrode lead 111, etc. from being damaged or deformed, causing a short circuit, etc.

[0323] Meanwhile, as shown in Figures 31 and 32, the rear frame 320R may have an outer surface formed with a concave shape at the portion where the rear fastening hole HLR is formed. In this case, a space for receiving the thick end of the rear fastening protrusion PLR may be provided in the rear frame 320R. Therefore, it is possible to prevent or minimize the rear protrusion of the battery module caused by the rear fastening protrusion PLR.

[0324] The bus bar assembly 400 may be disposed in front of the cell assembly 100 and connected to the front electrode lead 111, as shown in Fig. 2. Alternatively, the bus bar assembly 400 may be disposed in the rear of the cell assembly 100 and connected to the rear electrode lead 111, as shown in Fig. 32.

[0325] In an embodiment in which the bus bar assembly 400 is provided at the rear of the cell assembly 100, the rear insulating cover 900R may include a material with a lower melting point than the bus bar housing 420 of the rear bus bar assembly 400. For example, the bus bar housing 420 of the rear bus bar assembly 400 and the rear insulating cover 900R are both made of a plastic material, but the melting point of the plastic material making up the rear insulating cover 900R may be lower than the melting point of the plastic material making up the rear bus bar housing 420. As a more specific example, when the rear insulating cover 900R is made of a PC material, the bus bar housing 420 may be made of a material with a higher melting point than the PC material, such as an MPPO material.

[0326] According to this embodiment of the present invention, when thermal runaway occurs inside the battery module, the rear insulating cover 900R can melt or burn away earlier than the rear bus bar housing 420. Therefore, the rear insulating cover 900R melts first before the rear bus bar housing 420 melts, opening the rear hole HR, allowing flames inside the battery module to be quickly and smoothly exhausted to the outside. This can prevent or delay the collapse of the structure of the rear bus bar housing 420 due to flames or the like stagnating in the interior space of the module case 300, particularly at the rear side of the interior.

[0327] The busbar housing 420 of the rear busbar assembly 400 may include a rear housing protrusion, which is more particularly described with further reference to FIG.

[0328] Fig. 34 is a diagram schematically illustrating a partial configuration of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, particularly illustrating a state in which a rear frame 320R and a rear insulating cover 900R have been removed from the rear of the battery module.

[0329] 34, the rear bus bar assembly 400 may include a bus bar terminal 410 and a bus bar housing 420. In this case, the bus bar housing 420 may have a rear housing protrusion indicated as PHR. The rear housing protrusion PHR may protrude toward the rear insulating cover 900R located at the rear. In particular, the bus bar terminal 410 may be attached to the bus bar housing 420, and the electrode lead 111 may be bent and connected to the bus bar terminal 410. In this case, the rear housing protrusion PHR may protrude further rearward than the bus bar terminal 410 and the electrode lead 111 in contact therewith.

[0330] According to this embodiment of the present invention, direct contact between the bus bar assembly 400 or the electrode lead 111 and the rear insulating cover 900R can be more reliably prevented in a normal state. Therefore, even if external vibrations or impacts are applied, the rear insulating cover 900R can prevent damage to the bus bar assembly 400 or the electrode lead 111.

[0331] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, sufficient space is secured between the bus bar assembly 400 and the rear insulating cover 900R in the event of thermal runaway, allowing vent gas, flames, and the like to be smoothly discharged into the space. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, a certain level of space can also be secured between the bus bar assembly 400 and the rear frame 320R when the rear insulating cover 900R is melted. Therefore, flames and the like can be discharged more quickly and smoothly through the rear hole HR.

[0332] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the physical distance between the rear frame 320R and the electrode lead 111 is maintained at a certain level or more, making it possible to ensure a stable electrical insulation distance.

[0333] The rear housing protrusion portion PHR may be elongated in the vertical direction. In particular, since the bus bar terminals 410 attached to the bus bar housing 420 are elongated in the vertical direction, the rear housing protrusion portion PHR may be elongated in the vertical direction, similar to the bus bar terminals 410.

[0334] Furthermore, a plurality of bus bar terminals 410 may be arranged in the bus bar housing 420 at a distance from one another in the left-right direction. In this case, the rear housing protrusions PHR may be interposed between adjacent bus bar terminals 410, as shown in FIG. 34 . Furthermore, a plurality of rear housing protrusions PHR may be arranged in the horizontal direction in the bus bar housing 420. In this case, it is possible to stably ensure the separation distance between the bus bar assembly 400 and the rear insulating cover 900R over the entire horizontal portion behind the cell assembly 100. Also, in this case, it is possible to stably maintain the physical separation between adjacent bus bar terminals 410.

[0335] On the other hand, in an embodiment in which the battery module is provided with both the rear insulating cover 900R and the front insulating cover 900F, the front insulating cover 900F may include a material having a higher melting point than the rear insulating cover 900R. In particular, both the front insulating cover 900F and the rear insulating cover 900R may be made of a plastic material, but the front insulating cover 900F may be made of a plastic material with a higher melting point than the rear insulating cover 900R.

[0336] According to this embodiment of the present invention, if a situation such as thermal runaway occurs inside the battery module, the rear insulating cover 900R melts faster than the front insulating cover 900F. Therefore, the rear hole HR can be opened first before the front insulating cover 900F melts or burns away. Therefore, flames and high-temperature vent gases generated inside the module case 300 can be quickly discharged to the outside through the rear hole HR, preventing the flames from moving forward.

[0337] The module case 300 may be configured so that the rear hole HR can communicate with the internal space above the cell assembly 100. This will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS.

[0338] Fig. 35 is a cross-sectional view showing the rear side configuration of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 36 is an enlarged view of part C3 in Fig. 35.

[0339] 35, a space may be formed between the cell assembly 100 and the rear insulating cover 900R or the rear frame 320R, as shown by C1. In particular, this rear space C1 may extend from the upper inner portion of the rear frame 320R to the portion where the rear hole HR is formed.

[0340] The empty space C1 at the rear may be configured to be connected to the space above the cell assembly 100, such as the portion indicated by C2 inside the module case 300. Therefore, when the rear insulating cover 900R is removed, the rear hole HR formed in the rear frame 320R may communicate with the space above the cell assembly 100. Furthermore, the rear frame 320R may be configured to be continuously spaced apart from the cell assembly 100 or the bus bar assembly 400 from its upper end to the rear hole HR.

[0341] According to this embodiment of the present invention, flames ejected from above can be smoothly guided and discharged toward the rear hole HR. For example, as indicated by the dotted arrows in Fig. 35, flames, electrode exhaust, vent gas, etc. discharged into the upper space C2 of the cell assembly 100 can be discharged not only through the top hole HV of the module case 300 but also through the rear hole HR. Therefore, by smoothly discharging flames and gases upward and rearward, the internal pressure of the battery module can be quickly reduced and the forward movement of flames can be more effectively prevented.

[0342] The module case 300 may have an inclined portion. This inclined portion may be configured so that the distance from the cell assembly 100 increases toward the rear hole HR. Furthermore, this inclined portion may be provided on the inner surface of the module case 300.

[0343] 36, the rear frame 320R may have a sloped portion as indicated by C4. The sloped portion C4 may be provided in a direction that increases in distance from the cell assembly 100 as it goes downward, in other words, toward the rear (-X axis direction). The sloped portion may be realized by rounding (chamfering) the corners on the inner surface of the rear frame 320R.

[0344] According to this embodiment of the present invention, flames and the like can be more smoothly exhausted toward the rear hole HR side of the module case 300. In particular, as shown by C5 in Figure 36, the sloping portion C4 can expand the space between the cell assembly 100 and the rear frame 320R. Therefore, a wider venting path can be secured behind the cell assembly 100.

[0345] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when a flame or the like is discharged from the upper side of cell assembly 100 toward rear hole HR, the flame or the like can move more smoothly along the inclined surface as shown by the dotted arrow in Fig. 36. In particular, in the space behind cell assembly 100, inclined portion C4 can form the flame discharge path at a gentle obtuse angle rather than a right angle.

[0346] Fig. 37 is a perspective view showing the front side configuration of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 38 is an exploded perspective view showing a portion of the configuration shown in Fig. 37. In particular, Fig. 38 shows a state in which the front frame, which is a component located on the outer side of the battery module, has been removed and some of the components located on the inner side have been moved outward.

[0347] 37 and 38, as described above, the module case 300, particularly the front frame 320F, may have terminal holes HT formed therein through which the module terminals 200 can pass. The module terminals 200 may be exposed to the outside through the terminal holes HT.

[0348] Furthermore, a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a terminal sealing member ST. The terminal sealing member ST may be configured to seal the space between the terminal hole HT and the module terminal 200. For example, referring to Fig. 38, the terminal hole HT of the front frame 320F is formed larger than the module terminal 200, so there may be a space between the module terminal 200 and the front frame 320F. In this case, the terminal sealing member ST can seal at least a portion of the space between the front frame 320F and the module terminal 200 at the terminal hole HT.

[0349] As described above, a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a front insulating cover 900F. The front insulating cover 900F may electrically insulate the front frame 320F from the module terminal 200 at the portion where the terminal hole HT of the front frame 320F is formed. In this case, the front insulating cover 900F may be interposed in the space between the front frame 320F and the module terminal 200, as shown in FIG. 37 . The front insulating cover 900F may have an insulating hole, as shown by HI, to expose the module terminal 200 to the outside. In particular, the insulating hole HI for exposing the module terminal 200 is indicated by HI1 and may be referred to as the first insulating hole to distinguish it from the insulating hole HI for exposing the module connector MC, which will be described later. Here, the insulating hole HI of the front insulating cover 900F may communicate with the terminal hole HT of the front frame 320F. However, since the insulating hole HI is smaller than the terminal hole HT, it can be interposed in the space between the module terminal 200 and the end frame 320 to electrically insulate them.

[0350] In this embodiment, the terminal sealing member ST may be interposed between the first insulating hole HI1 of the front insulating cover 900F and the module terminal 200. Thus, the space between the module terminal 200 and the terminal hole HT may be sealed by the front insulating cover 900F and the terminal sealing member ST.

[0351] The terminal sealing member ST may be made of an elastic material to ensure sealing force. The terminal sealing member ST may also be made of a heat-resistant material to withstand heat, flames, etc. In particular, the terminal sealing member ST may be made of a heat-resistant rubber material. For example, the terminal sealing member ST may be made of or include a fluororubber material.

[0352] According to this embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to prevent or suppress the spread of flames and the like from the exposed portion of the module terminal 200. In particular, according to this embodiment, it is possible to minimize the spread of flames and the like along the periphery of the module terminal 200. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively suppress the propagation of thermal runaway between modules or a drop in pack voltage, which may occur if a flame erupts toward another battery module located in front of the battery module in which the module terminal 200 is located or toward a separate inter-module bus bar connecting the modules.

[0353] Furthermore, the battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a module connector MC as described above. The module connector MC is a connection structure for transmitting and receiving various information to and from the outside of the battery module, and may transmit and receive electrical signals.

[0354] The module case 300 may also be formed with a connector hole into which the module connector MC is inserted. Such a connector hole may be formed in a form penetrating the module case 300 in an inward / outward direction, as shown by the portion indicated by HN in FIG. 38. In particular, the module connector MC may be provided on the front side of the battery module, similar to the module terminal 200. Therefore, the connector hole HN may also be formed in the front frame 320F together with the terminal hole HT. Furthermore, when a front insulating cover 900F is interposed between the cell assembly 100 and the front frame 320F, a second insulating hole HI2 may also be formed in the front insulating cover 900F, as shown in FIG. 38, through which the module connector MC can be exposed or passed.

[0355] In an embodiment including the module connector MC, the battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a connector sealing member SC, as shown in Figures 37 and 38. The connector sealing member SC may be configured to seal the space between the module case 300 and the module connector MC at the connector hole HN of the module case 300.

[0356] The connector sealing member SC may be made of an elastic material to ensure a sealing force. The connector sealing member SC may also be made of a heat-resistant material to withstand heat, flames, etc. In particular, the connector sealing member SC may be made of a heat-resistant rubber material. For example, the connector sealing member SC may be made of or include a fluororubber material.

[0357] According to this embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to prevent or suppress the spread of flames and the like from the exposed portion of the module connector MC. In particular, according to this embodiment, it is possible to minimize the spread of flames and the like along the periphery of the module connector MC. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively prevent the spread of flames to another battery module located in front of the battery module where the module connector MC is located or to a separate inter-module bus bar connecting the modules, which could lead to the propagation of thermal runaway between modules or a drop in pack voltage.

[0358] Furthermore, in the case of an embodiment including a terminal sealing member ST and / or a connector sealing member SC, when combined with the various other embodiments described above, it is more effective in suppressing forward discharge of flames, etc. In particular, when combined with the above-described embodiment in which the top hole HV is provided on the upper surface side, the embodiment in which the expansion member 500 is disposed at the front, and / or the embodiment in which the rear hole HR is provided at the rear, etc., it is possible to induce upward and / or rear discharge of flames, etc., and to significantly improve the effect of suppressing forward discharge.

[0359] A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention includes one or more battery modules according to an embodiment of the present invention described above. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include a pack housing PH and include a plurality of battery modules according to an embodiment of the present invention therein. In particular, two or more battery modules may be arranged inside the pack housing PH with their front sides facing each other so that their module terminals 200 are adjacent to each other. In this case, if a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention is housed in the pack housing PH, even in such an arrangement where the module terminals 200 face each other, it is possible to effectively prevent or delay the spread of a fire or the like to other battery modules. In addition, in this case, it is possible to prevent a short circuit between the module terminals 200. Therefore, in an emergency such as thermal runaway, it is possible to effectively prevent heat propagation between modules, thereby ensuring sufficient time for users to respond or escape.

[0360] In addition, the battery pack according to the present invention may further include various other components in addition to the battery module, for example, various battery pack components known at the time of filing of the present invention, such as a BMS, bus bars, relays, current sensors, etc.

[0361] Meanwhile, components such as a BMS, bus bars, relays, and current sensors may be included as components of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this case, the components such as a BMS, bus bars, relays, and current sensors may be provided inside a module case 300. In this case, the battery module may also be referred to as a battery pack, and the module case 300 may also be referred to as a pack housing PH. Furthermore, in this case, the battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may be a cell-to-pack type battery pack in which the battery cells 110 are directly housed in the pack housing PH.

[0362] The battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may be applied to automobiles such as electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles. That is, the automobile according to the present invention may include the battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention or the battery pack according to the present invention. The automobile according to the present invention may further include various other components included in the automobile in addition to the battery module or the 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 energy control unit (ECU), etc., in addition to the battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0363] Although the present invention has been described above using limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited to these, and it goes without saying that various modifications and variations can be made by a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains within the technical spirit of the present invention and the scope of equivalents of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0364] 100: Cell assembly 110: Battery cell 111: Electrode lead 120: Taping material 200: Module terminal 300: Module case 310: Main frame, 320: End frame 320F: Front frame, 320R: Rear frame 400: Busbar assembly 410: Busbar terminal, 420: Busbar housing 500: Expansion member 510: First inflatable sheet, 520: Second inflatable sheet 600: Top cover 700: Printed circuit board 800:Blocking cover 810: First seat cover, 820: Second seat cover, 830: Third seat cover 900: Insulation cover 900F: Front insulation cover, 900R: Rear insulation cover S1: Storage section, S2: Sealing section S2U: Upper sealing part, S2F: Front sealing part, S2R: Rear sealing part DT: Cell adhesive material HT:Terminal hole HI: Insulation hole HI1: First insulating hole, HI2: Second insulating hole HV: Top hole HC: Cover hole HR: Rear hole HN: Connector hole PH: Pack housing M1 to M8: Battery modules (1st module to 8th module) MC: Module connector OC: Opening and closing section OCL: Notch line, OCH: Cut-off hole, OCW: Cut-off protrusion TH: Thermistor PT: Protective material FR: Spacer T1 to T3: Taping member (first tape or third tape) CP: Compression pad HLF: Front fastening hole, HLR: Rear fastening hole PLF: Front fastening protrusion, PLR: Rear fastening protrusion PHF: Front housing protrusion, PHR: Rear housing protrusion ST: Terminal sealing material SC: Connector sealing material

Claims

1. a cell assembly including a plurality of battery cells stacked side by side in the left-right direction while being vertically erected, and having a taping member partially attached to at least an upper end sealing portion; a module terminal electrically connected to the cell assembly; a module case having the module terminal attached to an outer surface thereof, the module case accommodating the cell assembly in an internal space thereof, the module case having a top hole formed on an upper surface thereof that communicates with the internal space, and the module case being configured such that at least a portion of the unattached section of the taping member above the cell assembly is positioned in the drilled portion of the top hole; Including a battery module.

2. The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the module terminal is located at the front of the module case.

3. The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the taping member is attached to the upper end sealing portion of one battery cell at a distance in the front-rear direction.

4. The battery module according to claim 3 , wherein at least a portion of the top hole exposes to the outside a portion between the plurality of taping members spaced apart in the front-rear direction.

5. 2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the top hole is configured so that a portion of the upper portion of the cell assembly to which the taping member is not attached is exposed to a greater extent than a portion to which the taping member is attached.

6. The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the module case is configured so that the top holes are positioned above all of the battery cells included in the cell assembly.

7. The battery module according to claim 1 , further comprising a thermistor configured to measure an ambient temperature and disposed on the upper side of the taping member.

8. 2. The battery module according to claim 1, further comprising a top cover made of an electrically insulating material, interposed between an upper portion of the cell assembly and the module case, the top cover having a cover hole formed in a portion opposite the drilled portion of the top hole.

9. The battery module according to claim 8 , wherein the cover hole is smaller than the top hole, and a plurality of cover holes are arranged corresponding to one top hole.

10. The battery module according to claim 9 , wherein the cover hole is formed in a honeycomb structure.

11. a printed circuit board interposed between the cell assembly and the top cover and configured to transmit electrical signals to the cell assembly; The battery module of claim 8 , wherein the top cover is configured so that the cover hole is not formed above the printed circuit board.

12. The battery module of claim 11 , wherein the module case is configured so that the top hole is also formed on an upper side of the printed circuit board.

13. The battery module according to claim 1 , further comprising a blocking cover positioned outside the module case and configured to open and close the top hole in response to an internal pressure of the module case.

14. The battery module of claim 13 , further comprising a spacer disposed on an upper portion of the blocking cover.

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.

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