Battery module, battery pack including said battery module, and automobile

Abstract

One embodiment of the present invention relates to a battery module comprising a cell assembly including a plurality of battery cells, a first frame configured to house the cell assembly and to cover a portion of the cell assembly, and a module frame comprising a second frame and a third frame coupled to the first frame and configured to divide and cover other portions of the cell assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module, a battery pack including the battery module, and an automobile.

[0002] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0033431 filed on March 8, 2024, and all the contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the application are incorporated into this application.

Background Art

[0003] Secondary batteries with high applicability for each product group and electrical characteristics such as high energy density are generally applied not only to portable devices but also to electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) driven by an electric drive source. Such secondary batteries not only have the primary advantage of dramatically reducing the use of fossil fuels, but are also environmentally friendly in that they do not generate any by-products from the use of energy, and are attracting attention as a new energy source for improving energy efficiency.

[0004] Currently, secondary batteries such as lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel cadmium batteries, nickel metal hydride batteries, and nickel zinc batteries are widely used. When a high output voltage is required, a plurality of battery cells are connected in series to form a battery module or a battery pack. Also, in order to increase the charge / discharge capacity, a plurality of battery cells may be connected in parallel to form a battery module or a battery pack.

[0005] When a plurality of battery cells are connected in series / parallel to form a battery pack, first, a battery module including at least one battery cell is formed, and other components are added to such at least one battery module to form a battery pack or a battery rack, which is a common method.

[0006] Conventional battery modules consist of a modular frame made up of various parts, including a frame body with open front and rear ends, a top plate, and end plates that connect to the front and rear of the frame body. When a modular frame is made up of various parts in this way, it is necessary to manufacture multiple plates separately and perform welding processes multiple times to connect the multiple plates, which leads to a problem of reduced productivity.

[0007] Furthermore, if welds are formed in multiple locations, and an event such as thermal runaway occurs in any of the battery cells, the internal pressure of the module frame may increase due to the high-temperature vent gas and flames, potentially causing the module frame to break.

[0008] Furthermore, if the weld breaks, external oxygen can flow into the module frame, potentially intensifying the flames inside the battery module. This could lead to a fire or explosion of the battery module or battery pack. Such fires or explosions of battery modules or battery packs can cause not only property damage but also loss of life. For example, a fire or explosion in an electric vehicle battery pack could endanger the safety of the user, such as the driver. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] Therefore, the present invention was devised to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a battery module, a battery pack including the battery module, and an automobile, which can improve productivity by minimizing the components of the module frame of the battery module and ensure safety by stably maintaining the coupling state of the module frame.

[0010] However, the problems that this invention aims to solve are not limited to those described above, and other problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following explanation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] To solve the above-mentioned problems, a battery module according to one aspect of the present invention includes a cell assembly comprising a plurality of battery cells, a first frame configured to house the cell assembly and to cover a portion of the cell assembly, and a module frame comprising a second frame and a third frame coupled to the first frame and configured to divide and cover other portions of the cell assembly.

[0012] The first frame may further include module terminals that are electrically connected to a plurality of the battery cells and are located on at least one of the six faces of the cell assembly, and the first frame may be configured to cover a portion of the faces of the cell assembly, including the face of the cell assembly on which the module terminals are located.

[0013] The first frame may be configured to cover the front, rear, and bottom surfaces of the cell assembly.

[0014] The second frame and the third frame may be connected to each other to cover the top, left, and right sides of the cell assembly.

[0015] The second frame and the third frame can be configured to be joined together in a symmetrical manner.

[0016] At least one of the first frame, the second frame, and the third frame may be configured in a U-shape with three open sides.

[0017] The plurality of battery cells are configured to be stacked in a first direction, and the second frame and the third frame may be configured to be coupled to each other along a second direction which is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0018] A welded joint may be formed at the open ends where the first frame, the second frame, and the third frame face each other.

[0019] The direction in which the second frame and the third frame are joined may be configured to be perpendicular to the direction in which the vent gas generated in the battery cell is discharged to the outside.

[0020] The second frame and the third frame may each have an opening in which the upper surface is at least partially cut off.

[0021] The system may further include a frame cover configured to cover at least partially the module frame.

[0022] The frame cover may have cover holes formed at positions corresponding to the openings.

[0023] The frame cover may include a cover member configured to cover the cover hole and to allow the cover hole to be opened and closed by vent gas.

[0024] Another aspect of the present invention provides a battery pack including a battery module according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0025] Furthermore, yet another aspect of the present invention provides an automobile including a battery module according to one aspect of the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0026] According to one aspect of the present invention, by minimizing the number of parts of the module frame and covering all surfaces of the cell assembly, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost and manufacturing time of the battery module, etc. Thereby, productivity can be improved and the convenience of management can be enhanced.

[0027] Also, according to one aspect of the present invention, even when swelling occurs in the battery cell, the connection state of the module frame can be stably maintained.

[0028] Also, according to one aspect of the present invention, even when impact, vibration, etc. occur in the battery module, the connection state can be stably maintained without the module frame being damaged or broken. Thereby, the structural stability of the battery module can be ensured.

[0029] e Thereby, according to one aspect of the present invention, even when a thermal event such as vent gas or flame occurs in the battery module, by minimizing the leakage of vent gas, flame, etc. to the outside from the damaged or broken part of the module frame, the propagation of thermal runaway between battery modules can be effectively prevented.

[0030] In particular, according to one aspect of the present invention, even when a thermal event such as vent gas or flame occurs in the battery module, the state of covering the surface where the module terminals are provided can be maintained. Thereby, the safety and reliability of the battery module can be ensured.

[0031] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, in the battery module, it is possible to effectively prevent oxygen, etc. from flowing through the damaged or broken part of the module frame and the spread of fire.

[0032] In addition, the present invention can exhibit various other effects. This will be described in each embodiment, but the description of effects that can be easily inferred by those skilled in the art will be omitted.

[0033] The following drawings accompanying this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and are intended to facilitate a better understanding of the technical concept of the invention, along with the detailed description of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is not to be construed as being limited solely to what is shown in the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0034] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing an overall battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of a disassembled battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. For example, Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I' in Figure 1. [Figure 4] This is an exploded perspective view of the module frame of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This diagram shows a welded joint of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This figure shows a welded portion of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a diagram illustrating the connection between a second frame and a third frame in a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a diagram illustrating the connection between a first frame, a second frame, and a third frame in a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a diagram illustrating the connection between a first frame, a second frame, and a third frame in a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This is a schematic perspective view showing the module frame of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This diagram shows a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention with a frame cover applied, illustrating that a portion of the frame cover opens when a thermal event occurs. [Figure 13] This is a disassembled perspective view of the lower side of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] This is a front view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] This is a schematic perspective view showing the first frame of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] This is a rear view of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] This is a schematic perspective view showing a first frame of a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] This is a front view of a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] This is a rear view of a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] This is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] This is a schematic perspective view of an automobile according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0035] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and in the claims shall not be interpreted in a manner limited to their general and dictionary meanings, but in accordance with the principle that inventors themselves may appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best describe their invention, and shall be interpreted in a manner and concept corresponding to the technical idea of ​​the present invention.

[0036] Therefore, the embodiments and illustrated configurations described herein represent only one of the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical concept of the invention. It should be understood that there are various equivalents and modifications that can substitute for them at the time of filing this application.

[0037] Furthermore, the present invention includes a variety of embodiments. In each embodiment, redundant explanations of substantially identical or similar configurations will be omitted, and the explanation will focus on the differences.

[0038] On the other hand, while terms such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are used in this specification to indicate direction, these terms are used for convenience of explanation, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that they can change depending on the position of the object being examined, the position of the observer, etc.

[0039] For example, in the embodiment of the present invention, the illustrated X-axis direction may mean the left-right direction, i.e., the first direction; the Y-axis direction may mean the front-back direction that is orthogonal to the X-axis direction on the horizontal plane (XY plane), i.e., the second direction; and the Z-axis direction may mean the up-down direction (vertical direction) that is orthogonal to both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, i.e., the height direction of the battery cell.

[0040] Figure 1 is an overall perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. For example, Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view along line I-I' in Figure 1.

[0041] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the battery module 10 according to the present invention includes a cell assembly 100 and a module frame 200.

[0042] The cell assembly 100 may comprise at least one battery cell 110, and more particularly, multiple battery cells 110. Here, each battery cell 110 may mean a single rechargeable battery itself, or a group of multiple rechargeable batteries. In this specification, the description will be based on the assumption that each battery cell 110 is a single rechargeable battery.

[0043] Multiple battery cells 110 may include an electrode assembly, a cell case 111 housing the electrode assembly, and electrode leads 112 connected to the electrode assembly and extending outwards from the cell case 111 to function as electrode terminals.

[0044] In this case, the shape of the cell case 111 can be diverse, and depending on the shape of the cell case 111, the battery cell 110 can be classified into pouch-type cells, cylindrical cells, prismatic cells, etc. Since such types of battery cells 110 are well known at the time of filing of the present invention, a detailed explanation will be omitted. Although the drawings in this specification show a pouch-type battery cell, the present invention is applicable to all diverse forms of secondary batteries known at the time of filing of the present invention and is not limited to any particular type of secondary battery.

[0045] In the cell assembly 100, the multiple battery cells 110 may be configured in a stacked manner in a first direction. For example, the multiple battery cells 110 may be stacked in a manner arranged side by side in the left-right direction (±X axis direction), as shown by arrow D1 in Figure 2. Such a cell assembly 100 may include six faces. That is, the cell assembly 100 may be configured in a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0046] Furthermore, the multiple battery cells 110 provided in the cell assembly 100 can be electrically connected to each other in series and / or parallel via a bus bar 520 or the like, which will be described later.

[0047] On the other hand, the module frame 200 may be configured to accommodate the cell assembly 100. Specifically, the module frame 200 may have a housing space formed therein, and the cell assembly 100 may be housed in the housing space. For example, the module frame 200 may be configured such that a plurality of parts are joined together to form a rectangular parallelepiped. In this way, the module frame 200 may be configured to cover six sides of the cell assembly 100. The module frame 200 may be made of metal and / or plastic material, at least in part.

[0048] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the module frame 200 may comprise a first frame 210, a second frame 220, and a third frame 230. The first frame 210, the second frame 220, and the third frame 230 are interconnected to form the exterior of the module frame 200, which can house the cell assembly 100. Various fastening methods such as welding, bonding, bolting, and hooks can be used to connect and fix the first frame 210, the second frame 220, and the third frame 230.

[0049] The first frame 210, the second frame 220, and the third frame 230 may be configured to divide and cover the six faces of the cell assembly 100. More specifically, when the first frame 210, the second frame 220, and the third frame 230 are joined together, the first frame 210 may be configured to cover a portion of the six faces of the cell assembly 100. The second frame 220 and the third frame 230 may also be configured to divide and cover the other portions of the six faces of the cell assembly 100. That is, the second frame 220 and the third frame 230 may be configured to divide and cover the faces of the cell assembly 100 that are not covered by the first frame 210.

[0050] For example, as shown in the embodiments in Figures 1 to 3, the first frame 210 may be configured to cover three sides of the cell assembly 100, while the second frame 220 and the third frame 230 may be configured to divide and cover the remaining three sides of the cell assembly 100.

[0051] In other words, the battery module 10 according to this embodiment can be configured such that the six sides of the cell assembly 100 are covered by the first frame 210, the second frame 220, and the third frame 230 alone.

[0052] According to this embodiment, the module frame 200 can be constructed using only two components, the first frame 210 and the second frame 220, to cover all surfaces of the cell assembly 100. This minimizes the number of components in the module frame 200, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and time for the battery module 10. Consequently, productivity can be improved and management convenience can be enhanced.

[0053] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, by minimizing the bonding areas between components of the module frame 200, damage or breakage of the module frame 200 can be prevented even if shocks or vibrations occur in the battery module 10. This ensures the structural stability of the battery module 10.

[0054] In particular, according to this embodiment, even if a thermal event such as vent gas or flame occurs in the battery module 10, the coupling state of the module frame 200 can be stably maintained. This prevents the module frame 200 from separating and leaking vent gas or flame to the outside. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to effectively prevent oxygen or other substances from flowing into the interior through damaged or broken parts of the module frame 200 and spreading a fire. This ensures the safety of the battery module.

[0055] On the other hand, the battery module 10 according to this embodiment may further include module terminals 300. The module terminals 300 may be configured to be electrically connected to the electrode leads 112 of the battery cell 110. The module terminals 300 may include a positive terminal and a negative terminal. Furthermore, the module terminals 300 may be configured to be electrically or communicatively connected to a control device such as a battery management system (BMS).

[0056] The module terminal 300 may be located on at least one of the six faces of the cell assembly 100. For example, the module terminal 300 may be located on the side from which the electrode leads 112 of the battery cell 110 are drawn out. As an example, the electrode leads 112 of the battery cell 110 are drawn out in the front-rear direction, and the module terminal 300 may be located on the front side of the cell assembly 100.

[0057] In particular, the first frame 210 may be configured to cover the surface of the cell assembly 100 on which the module terminals 300 are located. For example, if the module terminals 300 are located on the front side of the cell assembly 100, the first frame 210 may be configured to cover the front surface of the cell assembly 100.

[0058] As a more specific example, referring mainly to Figures 1 and 3, the first frame 210 may be configured to cover the front, rear, and bottom surfaces of the cell assembly 100. Furthermore, the second frame 220 and the third frame 230 may be connected to each other to cover the top, left, and right sides of the cell assembly 100.

[0059] According to this embodiment, the front and rear surfaces of the cell assembly 100 can be completely covered by the first frame 210. This minimizes the spread of vent gases, flames, etc., through the front and rear surfaces of the module frame 200 to adjacent battery modules 10 when a thermal event occurs in the battery module 10.

[0060] In particular, according to this embodiment, the first frame 210 covers the front of the cell assembly 100 on which the module terminals 300 are provided, thereby minimizing damage to the module terminals 300 from heat such as vent gas or flames when a thermal event occurs in another battery module 10. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the safety of the battery module 10 can be more effectively ensured.

[0061] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the module frame of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] On the other hand, referring to Figure 4, the second frame 220 and the third frame 230 can be configured to be joined in a symmetrical manner. That is, the second frame 220 and the third frame 230 can have the same structure, differing only in their orientation. Specifically, when manufacturing the module frame 200, multiple second frames 220 can be manufactured, and then two of the second frames 220 can be joined together to form the appearance of the module frame 200. Such second frames 220 and third frames 230 can be assembled together to house the cell assembly 100 inside.

[0063] In particular, the second frame 220 and the third frame 230 can be configured in a rotationally symmetrical manner and connected to each other. That is, when the second frame 220 and the third frame 230 are connected, the second frame 220 and the third frame 230 can be configured to be symmetrical in the horizontal and / or vertical directions. The third frame 230 can be configured by rotating the second frame 220 in the horizontal and / or vertical directions.

[0064] According to this embodiment, the second frame 220 and the third frame 230 can be configured to be joined in a form that is point-symmetrical to one another. That is, when the battery module 10 is viewed from above with the second frame 220 and the third frame 230 joined together, the second frame 220 and the third frame 230 can be configured in a form that is point-symmetrical with respect to the center of the joining portion between the second frame 220 and the third frame 230.

[0065] In other configurations, the third frame 230 may be composed of the second frame 220 rotated 180° horizontally. Alternatively, the third frame 230 may be composed of the second frame 220 inverted in the front-to-back direction.

[0066] According to this embodiment, the number of parts in the module frame 200 can be minimized, and the appearance of the module frame 200 can be formed using only one part of the same structure. This reduces the manufacturing cost and time of the battery module 10. Therefore, productivity can be improved and ease of management can be enhanced.

[0067] In such a case, the first frame 210 may be configured in a form that is integrated to cover the front, rear, and bottom surfaces of the cell assembly 100. The second frame 220 may be configured in a form that is integrated to cover a portion of the top, left, and right sides of the cell assembly 100 on one side. The third frame 230 may be configured in a form that is integrated to cover the remaining portions of the top, left, and right sides of the cell assembly 100 from the other side.

[0068] In other words, at least one of the first frame 210, the second frame 220, and the third frame 230 may be configured in a folded form that covers different faces of the cell assembly 100. The first frame 210 may be configured in a folded form that covers the front, rear, and bottom faces of the cell assembly 100. In this case, the folded portion of the first frame 210 may be positioned in the front-rear direction. The second frame 220 and the third frame 230 may be configured in a folded form that divides and covers the top, left, and right faces of the cell assembly 100. In this case, the folded portions of the second frame 220 and the third frame 230 may be positioned on the left and right sides.

[0069] As a more specific example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 4, at least one of the first frame 210, the second frame 220, and the third frame 230 may be configured in a U-shape with three open sides. The first frame 210, the second frame 220, and the third frame 230 may each be configured to have three edges at their open ends. For example, the first frame 210 located at the bottom may be configured in a substantially U-shape when viewed from the left and right sides. Similarly, the second frame 220 and the third frame 230 may be configured in a substantially n-shape when viewed from the front and rear.

[0070] According to this embodiment, the modular frame 200 can be assembled using only the simple shapes of the first frame 210, the second frame 220, and the third frame 230. This improves the ease of assembly between the first frame 210, the second frame 220, and the third frame 230.

[0071] On the other hand, in such a case, the second frame 220 and the third frame 230 may be configured to be coupled to each other along a second direction which is perpendicular to the first direction which is the stacking direction of the multiple battery cells 110. For example, the third frame 230 may be coupled to the second frame 220 by moving from the rear to the front. That is, the second frame 220 and the third frame 230 may be coupled to each other along the front-to-back direction (±Y axis direction), as shown by arrow D2 in Figures 2 and 4.

[0072] According to this embodiment, the second frame 220 and the third frame 230 are coupled in a direction perpendicular to the swelling direction (first direction) of the battery cell 110, so that the coupling state of the module frame 200 can be stably maintained even when swelling occurs in the battery cell 110.

[0073] The first frame 210, the second frame 220, and the third frame 230 may be configured to be interconnected along the vertical direction (±Z axis direction) or the front-to-back direction (±Y axis direction, second direction). That is, the second frame 220 and the third frame 230 may be connected to the first frame 210 by moving along the front-to-back direction or the up-and-down direction.

[0074] In this configuration, the second frame 220 and the third frame 230 can be separately coupled to the first frame 210. According to this embodiment, workability can be improved during the assembly of the module frame 200. Furthermore, damage to the cell assembly 100 can be minimized during the manufacturing process of the battery module 10.

[0075] Figure 5 shows a welded joint of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] When the first frame 210, the second frame 220, and the third frame 230 are joined together, they can be configured so that the open ends of the first frame 210, the second frame 220, and the third frame 230 interlock and connect. That is, the three edges on the left and right sides of the first frame 210 and the three edges on the front and rear of the second frame 220 and the third frame 230 can be configured to face each other. This allows the module frame 200 to take on a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0077] Referring to Figure 5, a welded joint W can be formed at the open ends where the first frame 210, the second frame 220, and the third frame 230 face each other. That is, the welded joint W can be formed by welding the contact portions of the first frame 210, the second frame 220, and the third frame 230.

[0078] The welded joint W may be linear in shape. For example, the welded joint W may be a long linear extension along the opposing edges of the first frame 210, the second frame 220, and the third frame 230.

[0079] According to this embodiment, the length of the weld W can be increased. Therefore, the bonding strength of the weld W is further improved, and the first frame 210, the second frame 220, and the third frame 230 are joined more stably. In this case, the sealing performance of the weld W is further improved, and it is possible to more effectively prevent leakage of vent gas, flames, etc., from between the first frame 210, the second frame 220, and the third frame 230.

[0080] In particular, in this embodiment, since the welded portion W is formed to be long in both the horizontal and vertical directions, the tensile stress on the fastening portion between the first frame 210, the second frame 220, and the third frame 230 can be improved.

[0081] Figure 6 shows a welded portion of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] The welded portion W can be formed in a variety of forms other than those described above. For example, the welded portion W may be composed of a linear shape that is at least partially bent. In particular, the welded portion W may be formed in a zigzag shape. That is, as in the embodiment of Figure 6, on one surface (top surface) of the battery module 10, the welded portion W may be formed in a zigzag shape that protrudes forward and backward from the central portion (inside) of the battery module 10.

[0083] Referring to Figure 6, as a more specific embodiment, the opposing portions of the first frame 210 and the second frame 220 and third frame 230 are configured in a straight line, and the open ends where the second frame 220 and the third frame 230 face each other may be configured in an uneven shape. For example, at least one first projection P1 projecting outward (rearward) may be formed at the open end of the second frame 220. Similarly, since the third frame 230 is the second frame 220 rotated 180° horizontally, a second projection P2 may be provided at the front end of the third frame 230. In this case, the first projection P1 and the second projection P2 may be arranged alternately along the vertical direction.

[0084] Multiple first protrusions P1 may be provided, and all of them may be located on the two edges that are inside the second frame 220.

[0085] According to this embodiment, the length of the weld W can be increased. Specifically, referring to the embodiment in Figure 6, the length of the weld W can be formed to be longer than the vertical height of the module frame 200. Therefore, the bonding strength of the weld W is further improved, and the bonding strength between the second frame 220 and the third frame 230 is increased.

[0086] In particular, in this embodiment, since the welded portion W is formed to be longer on the side of the battery cell 110 in the sweeping direction, the sweeping of the battery cell 110 can be further suppressed.

[0087] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, a fitted configuration is achieved between the second frame 220 and the third frame 230, further improving the fixing force between them. In addition, the sealing performance of the welded joint W can be further improved.

[0088] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the connection between the second frame and the third frame in a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] On the other hand, the second frame 220 and the third frame 230 may be configured such that one component supports the other component from the outside. For example, one of the second frame 220 and the third frame 230 may be configured to be inserted into or placed on the other component. That is, when the cross-section of the module frame 200 is viewed from above, the inner open ends of the second frame 220 and the inner open ends of the third frame 230 may be configured to alternate along the horizontal direction.

[0090] As a more specific example, referring to Figure 7, recesses G may be provided on both sides of the second frame 220 located on the inside. The recesses G may be configured in a form that is recessed inward from the rear end of the second frame 220. For example, the recesses G of the second frame 220 may be configured in a form that is recessed to the right. Also, since the third frame 230 is the second frame 220 rotated 180° horizontally, recesses G may be formed in the same positions on both sides of the third frame 230 located on the inside.

[0091] These recesses G in the second frame 220 and the third frame 230 allow the second frame 220 and the third frame 230 to be joined together with their inner edges overlapping at least partially.

[0092] According to this embodiment, an insertion fastening configuration between the second frame 220 and the third frame 230 can be realized. Therefore, the mechanical bonding force or ease of assembly between the second frame 220 and the third frame 230 can be improved. Furthermore, in this case, even when swelling occurs in the battery cell 110, the bonded state of the module frame 200 can be stably maintained.

[0093] In this case, the welded portion W may be formed at the portion where the second frame 220 and the third frame 230 support each other in the front-rear direction. That is, the welded portion W may be formed at the point where the recess G of the second frame 220 and the recess G of the third frame 230 come into contact.

[0094] With this configuration of the present invention, one component of the module frame 200 (e.g., the second frame 220) supports the remaining component (e.g., the third frame 230) in the left-right direction, so that the contact state between the second frame 220 and the third frame 230 can be stably maintained during the welding process. Therefore, weldability can be improved.

[0095] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the provision of the recess G prevents damage to the battery cells 110 and other components housed inside the module frame 200 during the welding process.

[0096] Figures 8 and 9 illustrate the connection between the first frame, the second frame, and the third frame in a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0097] Referring to Figures 8 and 9, bent portions B may be provided at the outer open ends of the second frame 220 and the third frame 230. That is, bent portions B may be formed in the portions where the second frame 220 and the third frame 230 are joined to the front and rear surfaces of the first frame 210.

[0098] The bent portion B may be formed by folding the end portion of the second frame 220 inward. The bent portion B may be provided on at least a portion of the outer open edge of the second frame 220. The bent portion B may be configured to extend along at least a portion of the open edge of the second frame 220. The height of the bent portion B may be configured to correspond to the height of the front and / or rear surface of the first frame 210.

[0099] Referring to Figure 9, when the second frame 220 and the third frame 230 are joined to the first frame 210, the bent portion B may be provided on the outside of the front and rear surfaces of the first frame 210. This allows the bent portion B to be configured to support the front and rear surfaces of the first frame 210 in the front-rear direction.

[0100] With this configuration of the present invention, the contact state between the first frame 210, the second frame 220, and the third frame 230 can be stably maintained during the welding process. Therefore, the mechanical bonding strength or weldability can be improved.

[0101] Furthermore, as shown in the embodiment in Figure 8, when the second frame 220 and the third frame 230 are joined to the first frame 210 along the front-rear direction, the bent portion B can act as a stopper to guide the joining position. This improves ease of assembly.

[0102] Figure 10 is a schematic perspective view showing the module frame of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0103] The direction in which the second frame 220 and the third frame 230 are joined may be configured to be perpendicular to the direction in which the vent gas generated in the battery cell 110 is discharged to the outside. For example, the second frame 220 and the third frame 230 may be assembled by moving inward along the front-rear direction, with the vent direction being upward.

[0104] According to this embodiment, the coupling region between the second frame 220 and the third frame 230 in the venting direction can be minimized. That is, the exhaust direction of vent gas or flame does not coincide with the assembly direction of the second frame 220 and the third frame 230, so that the separation of the second frame 220 and the third frame 230 due to pressure from vent gas or flame can be minimized. Therefore, according to this embodiment, even if a thermal event such as vent gas or flame occurs in the battery module 10, the coupling state of the module frame 200 can be stably maintained, and the structural stability of the battery module 10 can be ensured.

[0105] On the other hand, referring to Figure 10, the module frame 200 may have a vent hole VH formed on at least one side. Such a vent hole VH may be configured to discharge vent gas generated in the battery cell 110 to the outside of the module frame 200.

[0106] For example, the vent hole VH may be formed in a completely open form so as to penetrate both the inside and outside of the module frame 200. However, the vent hole VH may not be completely open, but rather be configured to be closed under normal conditions and then open in response to changes in pressure, temperature, etc.

[0107] Multiple vent holes VH may be provided. Multiple vent holes VH may be arranged in multiple columns and rows. In addition, the vent holes VH may be formed in a form that extends long in one direction. For example, the vent holes VH may be formed in a form that extends long in the longitudinal direction of the battery cell 110.

[0108] According to this embodiment, the vent hole VH prevents the internal pressure of the battery module 10 from increasing and causing it to explode. In addition, in this case, the direction of the vent gas discharge can be guided.

[0109] In particular, the vent holes VH may be formed in the second frame 220 and / or the third frame 230. For example, the vent holes VH may be formed on the upper surface of the module frame 200. That is, the vent holes VH may be located above the cell assembly 100. This allows for the upward discharge of vent gases and other substances from inside the battery module 10.

[0110] According to this embodiment, the second frame 220 and / or third frame 230, in which the vent holes VH are formed, and the first frame 210, which covers the surface of the cell assembly 100 on which the module terminals 300 are provided, can be composed of separate parts. Therefore, even if the second frame 220 and / or third frame 230 are separated by an upward force applied by the pressure of vent gas or flames discharged from the vent holes VH, the state in which the first frame 210 covers the side of the module terminals 300 is maintained. As a result, according to this embodiment, the safety of the battery module 10 can be ensured.

[0111] In particular, referring to Figures 2 and 3, if the battery cell 110 is a pouch-type battery cell, the cell case 111 may include a storage section 111a and a sealing section 111b. The storage section 111a may be configured to house the electrode assembly, and the sealing section 111b may be configured such that the outer edge of the storage section 111a is heat-sealed. For example, one cell case 111 may include a storage section 111a that houses the electrode assembly by folding the central portion and sandwiching the electrode assembly between the folds, and a sealing section 111b in which three sides of the outer casing of the storage section 111a are sealed.

[0112] On the other hand, the electrode leads 112 are provided in pairs, and the pair of electrode leads 112 can be drawn out from both ends of the battery cell 110, i.e., in the longitudinal direction (second direction). In this case, the pair of electrode leads 112 may be a positive electrode lead and a negative electrode lead. If necessary, the battery cell 110 may be configured such that the two electrode leads 112 are located only at one end in the second direction, for example, at the end in the +Y axis direction.

[0113] In this case, the sealing portion 111b may include a portion from which the electrode leads 112 are drawn out and a portion from which the electrode leads 112 are not drawn out. For example, as in the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the portion of the sealing portion 111a from which the electrode leads 112 are drawn out may be provided on both sides along the second direction (front-to-back direction) of the cell case 111, and the portion from which the electrode leads 112 are not drawn out may be provided at the top. That is, multiple battery cells 110 can be stacked face to face so that the electrode leads 112 are drawn out in the front-to-back direction and the sealing portion 111a from which the electrode leads 112 are not drawn out faces upward.

[0114] At this time, the vent gas generated in the battery cell 110 can be discharged to the outside through the sealing portion 111a from which the electrode leads 112 are not extended. This can guide the vent gas to be discharged upward. According to this embodiment, the vent gas discharged upward from the battery cell 110 can be discharged to the outside of the battery module 10 through the vent hole VH provided at the top.

[0115] According to this embodiment, the venting direction of the battery cell 110 can be more effectively guided upward. As a result, when the second frame 220 and the third frame 230 are assembled in the front-to-back direction, even if a thermal event such as vent gas or flame occurs in the battery module 10, the separation of the second frame 220 and the third frame 230 due to the pressure of vent gas or flame is minimized. Therefore, the structural stability of the battery module 10 can be further ensured.

[0116] Referring to Figure 2, the battery module 10 of the present invention may further include a busbar frame assembly 500. The busbar frame assembly 500 is provided inside the module frame 200 and may be configured to cover at least one side of the plurality of battery cells 110. The busbar frame assembly 500 may be located on the side from which the electrode leads 112 of the battery cells 110 are drawn. For example, the busbar frame assembly 500 may be coupled to the front and rear of the plurality of battery cells 110.

[0117] The busbar frame assembly 500 may include a busbar frame 510 and a plurality of busbars 520. The busbar frame 510 may be configured to be coupled to the front and rear of a plurality of battery cells 110. The busbar frame 510 may have slits that allow the electrode leads of the battery cells 110 to be drawn out in the front-rear direction.

[0118] Furthermore, the busbar frame 510 may be formed from, for example, a plastic material that has electrical insulating properties, and may be configured so that the busbar 520 can be attached to its outer surface.

[0119] On the other hand, the multiple busbars 520 are means for connecting multiple battery cells 110 in series and / or parallel, and are made of a metallic material such as copper, aluminum, or nickel, and may be rod-shaped.

[0120] The electrode leads 112 of multiple battery cells 110 are drawn out through slits in the busbar frame 510 to the outside of the busbar frame 510, and the drawn-out portions can be attached to the surface of the busbar 520 by welding or other means.

[0121] Furthermore, as shown in the embodiment in Figure 10, the module frame 200 may include a first opening O1. The first opening O1 may be formed on the upper surface of the module frame 200. For example, the first opening O1 may be formed in a manner in which the second frame 220 and the third frame 230 are at least partially cut out. The first opening O1 may be formed on the side where the second frame 220 and the third frame 230 are joined. As an example, the first opening O1 may be formed in the form of a hole in the central portion of the module frame 200. The first opening O1 may be provided between vent holes VH.

[0122] According to this embodiment, by providing not only the vent hole VH but also the first opening O1, heat generated inside the battery module 10 can be discharged to the outside more smoothly. As a result, the internal pressure of the battery module 10 is reduced, and heat transfer between the battery cells 110 can be minimized.

[0123] Furthermore, the first opening O1 can be formed simply by assembling the second frame 220 and the third frame 230, without the need to separately process a hole. According to this embodiment, the manufacturing cost and time of the battery module 10 can be reduced. This improves productivity.

[0124] Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of a part of the battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 is a diagram showing a frame cover applied to the battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, illustrating that a part of the frame cover opens when a thermal event occurs.

[0125] Referring to Figures 11 and 12, the battery module 10 according to this embodiment may further include a frame cover 400. The frame cover 400 may be configured to at least partially cover the module frame 200. The frame cover 400 may be provided on the outside of the module frame 200.

[0126] Specifically, the frame cover 400 may be configured to cover at least one of the six surfaces of the module frame 200. The frame cover 400 may be configured to cover at least the second frame 220 and the third frame 230. The frame cover 400 may be configured in the same shape as the combined shape of the second frame 220 and the third frame 230. For example, as in the embodiment shown in Figure 11, the frame cover 400 may be configured in a U-shape.

[0127] The frame cover 400 may be configured to suppress the diffusion of vent gases, flames, etc., emitted when a thermal event occurs within the battery module 10 to other battery modules 10. For this reason, the frame cover 400 may be made of a material with excellent heat resistance and / or fire resistance, such as a mica sheet or a silicone composite material.

[0128] As a result, the frame cover 400 can maintain its morphological stability without deforming even when high temperatures are generated, and can reliably block high-temperature gases and flames generated in the battery cell 110.

[0129] According to this embodiment, the frame cover 400 is made of a rigid and heat-resistant material, thereby minimizing deformation caused by high-temperature gases, flames, and the like.

[0130] On the other hand, a cover hole CH may be formed in the frame cover 400. The cover hole CH may be configured to discharge vent gas, which is discharged through the vent hole VH and / or the first opening O1, to the outside of the battery module 10.

[0131] Multiple cover holes CH may be provided, spaced at regular intervals from each other in the horizontal direction (X-axis and Y-axis direction). In particular, the cover holes CH may be formed in positions corresponding to the vent holes VH and / or the first opening O1. The cover holes CH may be formed on the upper surface of the frame cover 400. As a result, according to this embodiment, vent gas, flames, etc., can be quickly directionally vented in a specific direction through the vent holes VH and / or the first opening O1 and the cover holes CH.

[0132] On the other hand, the frame cover 400 may include a cover member 410. The cover member 410 may be configured to cover the cover hole CH. The cover member 410 may be configured to individually cover the cover hole CH. The cover member 410 may be configured to be inserted into the cover hole CH, as in the embodiment shown in Figure 11. In this case, the frame cover 400 may have notches or cut lines in the portion corresponding to the vent hole VH and / or the first opening O1.

[0133] Alternatively, unlike this embodiment, the cover member 410 may be provided between the vent hole VH and / or the first opening O1 and the cover hole CH. In this case, the cover member 410 may be in sheet form and placed on the module frame 200. The cover member 410 may be configured to cover multiple cover holes CH at once. The cover member 410 may be attached to the inside of the frame cover 400 or attached to the module frame 200.

[0134] Such a cover member 410 may be configured to open and close the cover hole CH by vent gas or a flame, as in the embodiment shown in Figure 12. Specifically, at least a portion of the cover member 410 may be configured to rupture due to the pressure and heat of the vent gas directed toward the vent hole VH and / or the first opening O1. Alternatively, the cover member 410 may be configured to be separated from the main body of the frame cover 400.

[0135] According to this embodiment, when a thermal event occurs in a specific battery cell 110, a cover member 410 provided on one side of the specific battery cell 110 ruptures, opening at least one of the multiple vent holes VH and / or the first opening O1. This allows vent gas and the like to be discharged to the outside of the module frame 200 through the opened vent holes VH and / or the first opening O1.

[0136] Furthermore, the cover member 410 can prevent gases and flames discharged to the outside of the module frame 200 from flowing back into the battery module 10. In other words, the vent holes VH and / or the first opening O1 provided on the battery cell 110 side where no thermal events are occurring can remain closed without opening.

[0137] This fundamentally prevents vent gases, flames, and other substances discharged to the outside through the opened vent holes VH and / or the first opening O1 from flowing back into the battery module 10. Furthermore, the remaining portion of the cover member 410 that has not ruptured can block not only heat, but also high-temperature gases, flames, and discharges generated in the battery cell 110.

[0138] According to this embodiment, when thermal runaway occurs in the battery module 10, not only are the vent gases and flames generated inside the battery module 10 smoothly discharged to the outside of the battery module 10, but it is also prevented from the discharged vent gases and flames flowing back into the battery module 10. Therefore, heat propagation to adjacent battery cells 110 and the battery module 10 is minimized, effectively preventing or delaying the propagation of thermal runaway.

[0139] Figure 13 is an exploded perspective view of the lower side of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 14 is a front view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0140] Referring to Figures 13 and 14, the first frame 210 may be configured in a way that at least a portion of the surface on which the module terminals 300 are located is open. That is, the first frame 210 may have a second open portion O2.

[0141] Specifically, the second opening O2 may be provided on the surface where the module terminals 300 are located. For example, the front surface of the first frame 210 may cover a portion of the lower front surface of the cell assembly 100, while the remaining upper portion is at least partially open to form the second opening O2. That is, as shown in Figure 13, the length D1 of the front edge of the first frame 210 may be smaller than the height of the second frame 220 or the height of the cell assembly 100.

[0142] Such a second opening O2 may be configured to expose control devices and electrical or communication connection devices of the battery module 10, such as module terminals 300 and connectors, to the outside. That is, the module terminals 300 may be configured so that at least a portion of them passes through the second opening O2.

[0143] In particular, the second opening O2 may be configured in a form in which a portion is cut off from the front surface of the first frame 210. More specifically, the second opening O2 may be configured in a form that extends linearly along the left-right direction.

[0144] Furthermore, the side of the first frame 210 opposite to the side where the module terminals 300 are located may be configured in a completely closed form. That is, as shown in Figure 13, the length D2 of the rear side edge of the first frame 210 may be configured to correspond to the height of the third frame 230 or the height of the cell assembly 100.

[0145] On the other hand, referring to Figure 13, the battery module 10 according to this embodiment may further include an insulating cover 600. The insulating cover 600 may be configured to electrically insulate the module frame 200, which is made of a metal material, from the busbars 520 and electrode leads 112. The insulating cover 600 may be made of a plastic material.

[0146] The insulating cover 600 may be provided inside the module frame 200, particularly the first frame 210. The insulating cover 600 may be provided between the module frame 200 and the cell assembly 100 and the busbar frame assembly 500.

[0147] As in this embodiment, by sandwiching the insulating cover 600 between the module frame 200, the cell assembly 100, and the busbar frame assembly 500, assembly can be improved compared to the conventional configuration in which the insulating cover is provided on the inside of the end plates that form the front and rear surfaces of the module frame in the battery module, and the insulating cover and end plates are welded to the cell assembly.

[0148] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the internal pressure of the battery module 10 increases, the front and rear surfaces of the first frame 210 support the insulating cover 600, thereby minimizing the possibility of separation of the insulating cover 600 and ensuring electrical insulation or structural stability.

[0149] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, separation of the cell assembly 100 and the insulating cover 600 due to vent gas or flames is suppressed, and vent gas or flames are prevented from being discharged towards the front of the battery module 10. This prevents the propagation of thermal runaway between the battery modules 10.

[0150] Such an insulating cover 600 may include a first insulating cover 600A provided on the side of the cell assembly 100 where the module terminals 300 are located, i.e., the front side, and a second insulating cover 600B provided on the opposite side of the side of the cell assembly 100 where the module terminals 300 are located, i.e., the rear side.

[0151] The first insulating cover 600A may be configured to electrically insulate the module frame 200 from the module terminals 300. The first insulating cover 600A may be configured to surround the outer edge of the portion of the module terminals 300 that is exposed to the outside.

[0152] Referring also to Figure 13, the first insulating cover 600A may be provided with a through-hole 610. The through-hole 610 may be configured to allow the module terminal 300 to pass through to the outside. The through-hole 610 may be located in a position corresponding to the second opening O2. This may configure the module terminal 300 to be at least partially exposed to the outside through the second opening O2 and the through-hole 610.

[0153] Figure 15 is a schematic perspective view showing the first frame of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 16 is a rear view of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0154] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the first frame 210 may be configured in a manner in which the front and rear surfaces are rotationally symmetrical. For example, as shown in the embodiment in Figure 15, the rear surface of the first frame 210 may be configured in a manner in which the front surface of the first frame 210 is rotated 180° horizontally. That is, when the first frame 210 is viewed from the front and the rear, the front and rear surfaces of the first frame 210 may be configured in the same manner.

[0155] According to this embodiment, when manufacturing the battery module 10, it is not necessary to always orient the second opening O2 of the first frame 210 toward the module terminals 300 in order to expose a portion of the module terminals 300 to the outside of the first frame 210. In other words, the first frame 210 can be coupled with the second frame 220 regardless of the position or orientation of the second opening O2. As a result, according to this embodiment, the assembly of the module frame 200 during manufacturing is simplified, and productivity can be improved.

[0156] The first frame 210 may be configured such that at least a portion of it is open on the side opposite to the side where the module terminals 300 are located. More specifically, a second opening O2 in the embodiment shown in Figure 14 may be formed on the front of the first frame 210, and a third opening O3 may be formed on the rear of the first frame 210 by having the same structure as the front of the first frame 210. That is, a third opening O3 may be formed on the rear of the first frame 210.

[0157] In particular, the front and rear surfaces of the first frame 210 may be configured in a form in which a portion is cut off. More specifically, the second opening O2 and the third opening O3 may be configured in a form that extends linearly along the left-right direction. One second opening O2 and one third opening O3 may be provided.

[0158] As a result, when the first frame 210 and the second frame 220 are joined together, the left and right edges of the front and rear surfaces of the first frame 210 can come into contact with the second frame 220 and the third frame 230, respectively. In this case, the lengths D3 of the left and right edges of the first frame 210 that come into contact with the second frame 220 and the third frame 230 can be set to be smaller than the height of the second frame 220 and / or the third frame 230 or the height of the cell assembly 100.

[0159] According to this embodiment, the module frame 200 can be manufactured by folding a single plate without a separate cutting process, thus simplifying the manufacturing process. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the openings (second opening O2, third opening O3) are made large, making it applicable to any structure regardless of the position of components exposed to the outside of the module frame 200, such as module terminals 300 and connectors. This reduces the manufacturing cost and time of the battery module 10, thereby improving productivity.

[0160] On the other hand, the third opening O3 may be configured to allow vent gas discharged from the battery cell 110 to flow out. That is, the third opening O3 may be configured to discharge heat to the outside together with the vent hole VH and / or the first opening O1 when a thermal event occurs in the internal space of the battery module 10.

[0161] According to this embodiment, the vent gas discharged from the battery module 10 can be dispersed and discharged upwards and backwards. This prevents a concentrated increase in temperature in a specific part outside the battery module 10. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the internal pressure of the battery module 10 from increasing and causing it to explode. In addition, in this case, the location of vent gas discharge can be restricted.

[0162] In particular, within the battery module 10, the cell assemblies 100 can be stacked horizontally while being vertically positioned, as shown in Figure 2. In this case, the vent gas discharged from at least one battery cell 110 contained in the cell assembly 100 tends to accumulate in the front or rear of the battery module 10, which is the space where the electrode leads 112 are located. In this case, as in this embodiment, by positioning the third opening O3 on the rear side of the battery module 10, the vent gas can be discharged more quickly and smoothly through the third opening O3. In addition, in this case, it is possible to suppress or block heat such as vent gas and flames from moving toward the front side of the battery module 10 where the module terminals 300 are provided.

[0163] On the other hand, in this embodiment, the insulating cover 600, i.e., the second insulating cover 600B, may be configured to cover the third opening O3 from the inside. According to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent moisture, foreign matter, etc. from flowing into the inside of the battery module 10 through the third opening O3.

[0164] Furthermore, at least a portion of the insulating cover 600 may be configured to open when a thermal event such as vent gas occurs inside the battery module 10. For example, the second insulating cover 600B may be partially melted and opened by heat such as vent gas or a flame.

[0165] According to this embodiment, in the normal state of the battery module 10, the second insulating cover 600B maintains insulation between the module frame 200 and the electrode leads 112, and in the event of a thermal event, a part of the second insulating cover 600B opens to quickly discharge vent gas, flames, etc. to the outside.

[0166] Figure 17 is a schematic perspective view showing the first frame of a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, Figure 18 is a front view of a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 19 is a rear view of a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0167] Referring to Figures 17 and 18, the first frame 210 may include a cover portion C. The cover portion C may be configured to protrude upward so that at least a portion of the front and / or rear surface of the first frame 210 contacts the second frame 220 and / or the third frame 230.

[0168] In this case, multiple second openings O2 may be provided. Furthermore, multiple second openings O2 may be arranged to be separated from each other in the left-right direction by the cover portion C. The second openings O2 may be formed by cutting out a portion of the first frame 210. For example, the second openings O2 may be formed by cutting out the left and right corners from the front surface of the first frame 210.

[0169] As a result, when the first frame 210 and the second frame 220 are joined together, the left edge, right edge, and cover portion C of the front surface of the first frame 210 may come into contact with the second frame 220. At this time, the lengths D3 of the left and right edges of the front surface of the first frame 210 that come into contact with the second frame 220 may be set to be smaller than the height of the second frame 220 or the height of the cell assembly 100.

[0170] According to this embodiment, the module terminals 300 are exposed to the outside on the front side of the first frame 210 through the second opening O2, and at the same time, the exposure of the internal components of the module frame 200 on the front side is minimized by providing a cover portion C.

[0171] On the other hand, referring to Figure 19, the rear surface of the first frame 210 can be configured with the same structure as the front surface of the first frame 210, thereby forming the cover portion C and the third opening portion O3. In this case, the shape and position of the cover portion C on the rear surface of the first frame 210 are the same as when the first frame 210 is viewed from the front, so a description is omitted.

[0172] Figure 20 is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0173] Referring to Figure 20, a battery pack 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include at least one battery module 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention as described above. The battery pack 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a pack case 2. The pack case 2 may be configured to house a plurality of battery modules 10. The pack case 2 may be formed in the shape of a rectangular box.

[0174] Although not shown in the diagram, the pack case 2 may also be configured to house components such as a battery management system (BMS) for integrated control of the charging and discharging of at least one battery cell 110, a current sensor, and a fuse.

[0175] Figure 21 is a schematic perspective view of an automobile according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0176] Referring to Figure 21, an automobile 3 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include at least one battery pack 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The automobile 3 according to the present invention may be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The automobile 3 may include four-wheeled vehicles and two-wheeled vehicles. The automobile 3 can operate by receiving power from the battery pack 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0177] As described above, the present invention has been explained with limited embodiments and drawings, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited thereto, and that various modifications and variations are possible within the equivalent scope of the technical idea and claims of the present invention by persons with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs.

Claims

1. A cell assembly containing multiple battery cells, A battery module comprising: a first frame configured to house the cell assembly and to cover a portion of the cell assembly; and a module frame comprising a second frame and a third frame coupled to the first frame and configured to divide and cover other portions of the cell assembly.

2. The module further includes a plurality of battery cells that are electrically connected to each other and located on at least one of the six faces of the cell assembly, The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the first frame is configured to cover a portion of the surface of the cell assembly, including the surface of the cell assembly on which the module terminals are arranged.

3. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the first frame is configured to cover the front, rear, and bottom surfaces of the cell assembly.

4. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the second frame and the third frame are connected to each other and configured to cover the top, left, and right sides of the cell assembly.

5. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the second frame and the third frame are configured to be joined together in a symmetrical manner.

6. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first frame, the second frame, and the third frame is configured in a U-shape with three open sides.

7. Multiple battery cells are configured to be stacked in a first direction, The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the second frame and the third frame are configured to be coupled to each other along a second direction which is perpendicular to the first direction.

8. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein welded portions are formed at the open ends where the first frame, the second frame, and the third frame face each other.

9. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the direction in which the second frame and the third frame are joined is configured to be perpendicular to the direction in which the vent gas generated in the battery cell is discharged to the outside.

10. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the second frame and the third frame each have an open portion configured such that their upper surfaces are at least partially cut off.

11. The battery module according to claim 10, further comprising a frame cover configured to at least partially cover the module frame.

12. The battery module according to claim 11, wherein the frame cover has a cover hole formed at a position corresponding to the opening.

13. The aforementioned frame cover is The battery module according to claim 12, further comprising a cover member configured to cover the cover hole and to allow the cover hole to be opened and closed by vent gas.

14. A battery pack comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. An automobile comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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